KR20240019253A - hair care device - Google Patents

Abstract

Hair care devices are provided. The hair care device includes a handle and a body coupled to the handle via a rotatable hinge joint. The body may be moveable via the rotary hinge joint between a linear configuration in which the body is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the handle and a bent configuration in which the body extends along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The fluid flow path extends between an inlet in the handle and an outlet in the body. The hair care device can operate with minimal loss of fluid flow in either a linear configuration or a bending configuration. The hair care appliance includes a heater assembly within the body and a fan assembly within the handle, positioned to create a balanced center of mass of the hair care appliance when operated by a user.

Description

hair care device

Cross-reference to related applications

This application is filed on May 5, 2022 and entitled “Hair Care Apparatus,” U.S. application Ser. No. 17/737,518, filed on May 5, 2022, and entitled “Hair Care Apparatus.” No. 17/737,565, filed May 5, 2022, claims priority to U.S. Application No. 17/737,596, entitled “Hair Care Apparatus,” each of which is filed on November 12, 2021 Priority is claimed on U.S. Application No. 63/279,041, entitled “Hair Care Device,” each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Hair care devices are devices used for drying and styling hair. A hair care device may include a variety of components operable to provide fluid flow to a fluid flow path extending through the device. The fluid flow path receives ambient air, and a motor and fan assembly directs the ambient air through the hair care appliance. A fluid flow path is directed across the heating assembly to generate heated air at the outlet of the hair care device. Air is exhausted from the hair care device in a fluid flow path to allow the user to dry or style the hair. One or more attachments are often used with hair care devices depending on the user's hair styling or treatment needs.

Generally, hair care devices and accessories are provided for use in drying and/or styling hair. In one embodiment, a hair care device is provided, which may include a handle and a body movably coupled to each other at a joint, such that the body is configured in a linear configuration (the body may be longitudinally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the handle) ) and bending configurations (where the body can extend along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle). The handle and body can have a fluid flow path extending therefrom from an inlet within the handle to an outlet within the body, and a first distributor disposed within the body and configured to partition fluid within the fluid flow path in both linear and bending configurations.

In other embodiments, the distributor may extend in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body. In another implementation, the hair care device can include a second dispenser within the handle. The second distributor may distribute the fluid flow in a uniform radial manner at the handle. In other implementations, at least a portion of the joint can extend into the fluid flow path such that fluid flow is non-linear through the joint. In another implementation, the joint may include a rotary joint rotatable about a plane extending at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle. In example implementations, the angle may range from about 30 to 50 degrees. In another embodiment, the hair care device can include a heater positioned between the dispenser and the outlet. In another embodiment, the hair care device can include a heater positioned between a first distributor and an outlet, wherein the first distributor is configured to direct fluid flow in a radially uniform manner through the heater. The first distributor may be configured to equally distribute the fluid flow through the heater and outlet into the upper and lower portions. In another implementation, the first distributor can include rounded edges to reduce turbulence in fluid flow across the distributor. In other implementations, the fluid flow path can be sealed within the handle and body.

In another aspect, a hair care appliance is provided, which can include a housing comprising a handle having an inlet, a body coupled to the handle and having an outlet, and a fluid flow path therethrough between the inlet and the outlet. . The body may be movable between a linear configuration, in which the body extends along a longitudinal axis of the handle, and a bent configuration, in which the body extends along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The hair care device may also include a fan assembly disposed within the housing and configured to generate a flow of fluid at a flow rate from an inlet to an outlet along a fluid flow path. The flow rate in a bent configuration can be up to 11% less than the flow rate in a linear configuration.

In other implementations, the body may extend at an angle relative to the handle in a bent configuration. In other implementations, the handle may have a length greater than the length of the body. In other embodiments, the flow rate in a bending configuration can range from about 18.0 m/s to 31.5 m/s, and the flow rate in a linear configuration can range from about 18.5 m/s to 35.5 m/s. The ratio of maximum flow rate to minimum flow rate can be used to demonstrate consistency of flow rate provided by a hair care device in bending and linear configurations. For example, in one implementation, the maximum:minimum ratio of the flow rate in a bending configuration may be about 1.7, and the maximum:minimum ratio of the flow rate in a linear configuration may be about 1.6. In another implementation, the fan assembly may be positioned within the handle adjacent a pivot joint formed between the handle and the body.

In another aspect, a hair care device is provided, which can include a handle and a body movably coupled to each other at a joint. The handle and body can have a fluid flow path extending between and through an inlet in the handle and an outlet in the body. The handle may have a printed circuit board (PCB), a central shaft, a fan assembly having a plurality of vanes extending radially outward from the central shaft, and a hub disposed between the PCB and the fan assembly. The hub may include a central dome configured to direct fluid flowing around the PCB radially outward toward the plurality of vanes.

Generally, hair care devices and accessories are provided for use in drying and/or styling hair. In one embodiment, a hair care device is provided, which can include a handle and a body coupled to the handle at a joint such that the body can be configured in a linear configuration (the body can be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the handle) and a bent configuration. (The body may extend along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle). The handle and body may have a center of mass located below the longitudinal axis of the body and in front of the longitudinal axis of the handle in a bent configuration.

In another embodiment, the handle can include a first end defining an inlet and a second end at a joint, and the body can include a first end at the joint and a second end defining an outlet. . In another implementation, the printed circuit board can be located within the handle and located closer to the first end of the handle than to the second end. In another implementation, the motor and fan can be located within the handle and located closer to the second end of the handle than to the first end. In another implementation, the heater may be located within the body and located closer to the second end of the body than to the first end. In another implementation, the hair care device may include a heater assembly located within a body and may have a center point radially offset from a longitudinal axis extending through the handle when the body is in a bent configuration. In other implementations, the handle and body can have a center of gravity that can be radially offset from the longitudinal axis of the handle and body in bent and linear configurations. In a bent configuration the center of gravity may be radially offset by a distance greater than the distance of the center of gravity from the longitudinal axis in a linear configuration.

In another aspect, a hair care device is provided, which can include a handle and a body coupled to the handle at a joint, such that the body can be aligned in a linear configuration (the body can be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the handle) and a bent configuration (the body can be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the handle). may extend along an axis that may be transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle), wherein the handle and the body have a total length in the linear configuration, the handle being about 2/2 of the total length. 3 in length, the body having a length that is approximately 1/3 of the total length.

In another embodiment, in the linear configuration, the joint may be configured to release the body from the handle to initiate rotation of the joint in response to a force ranging from about 3.1 N to 3.6 N. In another embodiment, in the bending configuration, the joint can be configured to release the body from the handle to initiate rotation of the joint in response to a force ranging from about 5.1 N to 5.3 N. In another embodiment, where the joint can be in a position between the linear configuration and the fully bent configuration, the joint can be configured to rotate in response to a force ranging from about 3.6 N to 4.0 N. In other embodiments, the joint may be configured to rotate in response to a torque ranging from about 0.1 N to 0.7 N.

In another aspect, a hair care device is provided, comprising a handle and coupled to the handle, both in a linear configuration (where the body may be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the handle) and in a bent configuration (where the body extends along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle). may include a housing including a body movable therebetween. The hair care device can include a fan assembly disposed within the housing and configured to direct fluid from a fluid inlet within the housing to a fluid outlet within the housing along a fluid flow path. The hair care device can include a heater assembly disposed within the housing and configured to heat fluid flowing through the fluid flow path. The body may be cylindrical with a constant outer diameter, and the handle may be cylindrical with a tapered outer diameter.

In another implementation, the hair care appliance may include a rotary joint rotatable to move the body relative to the handle in response to actuation of an actuation mechanism within the handle. In another implementation, a rotatable hinge joint can include a snap hinge assembly including a retainer and a gasket positioned on the retainer. In another embodiment, the snap hinge assembly may be positioned between the body hinge plate and the handle hinge plate separated by a gap formed between the handle hinge plate and the body hinge plate. In another embodiment, the handle hinge plate can include a first plurality of snap fit features configured to couple the handle hinge plate to the handle frame, and the body hinge plate can include a second plurality of snap fit features configured to couple the body hinge plate to the body frame. A snap fit feature may be included.

In another aspect, a hair care device is provided and can include a housing having a handle and a body. The housing can have a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid flow path extending therethrough and between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The hair care device can include a heater assembly disposed in the housing along the fluid flow path and configured to heat fluid flowing through the fluid flow path. The heater assembly can include an internal support structure that includes a central shaft and a plurality of planar segments extending along the central shaft and radially outward from the central shaft. Each of the planar segments among the plurality of planar segments may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The heater assembly may also include at least one wire element extending circumferentially around the internal support structure such that the internal support structure supports the at least one wire element. Each of the plurality of planar segments can include a cutout formed therein and configured to allow fluid flow therethrough.

In another embodiment, the heater assembly may also include a thermistor having first and second connecting wires, the wires being mounted on at least one of the plurality of planar segments to suspend the thermistor within the fluid flow path at the fluid outlet. You can. The first and second wires may together form a u-shaped configuration. In another implementation, the thermistor may be suspended between two adjacent planar segments of the plurality of segments via first and second wires. The heater assembly may also include a fuse coupled to one of the two adjacent planar segments.

In another implementation, the hair care device may include a rotatable hinge joint between the handle and the body. Wiring that supplies power to the heater assembly may be routed along the perimeter of the rotatable hinge joint and along the interior surfaces of the handle and body. In another embodiment, the cutout formed in each of the plurality of planar segments can have a shape selected from the group consisting of a rectangular shape, a square shape, a circular shape, a geometric shape, and an ellipsoid shape. In another embodiment, the heater assembly also includes an ionizer coupled to at least one planar segment of the plurality of planar segments. In another embodiment, the heater assembly also includes a cylindrical housing surrounding an internal support structure and at least one wire element.

In another aspect, a hair care appliance may be provided and include a housing, the housing having a handle having a first end and a second end having a fluid inlet formed therein, and the first end coupled to the second end of the handle. and a body having a second end having a fluid outlet formed therein. The hair care device can include a fluid path extending through the housing between a fluid inlet in the handle and a fluid outlet in the body. The hair care device may also include a fan assembly, disposed within the housing along the fluid path to direct fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The hair care device may also include a heater assembly, disposed within the housing along the fluid path to heat fluid flowing through the fluid path. The hair care appliance can further include a user interface surface extending along a portion of the handle and including at least one button for controlling at least one of the fan assembly and the heater assembly. The user interface surface can extend from the first end of the handle toward the second end.

In another implementation, the fluid inlet can extend at least partially around the circumference of the handle at the first end of the handle, and the user interface surface intersects the fluid inlet. In other implementations, the at least one button may be coplanar or slightly coplanar with respect to the user interface surface. In another implementation, the user interface surface can include an elongated region with opposing edges extending longitudinally along the handle to facilitate gripping the handle. In another embodiment, the fluid inlet may comprise a substantially C-shaped cylindrical porous outer housing and a filter disposed therein. In another implementation, the user interface may intersect a filter and a substantially C-shaped cylindrical porous outer housing. In another implementation, the user interface may be located in the sectored portion of the handle. In another implementation, the user interface may include at least one button or at least one lighting element that illuminates the surface of the user interface. In another implementation, the hair care device may also include a blower button that shuts off the heater assembly, allowing unheated fluid to flow through the fluid path. In another implementation, at least one button controlling the fan assembly can be repeatedly engaged to select at least one speed setting of the fan assembly. In another implementation, at least one button controlling the heater assembly can be repeatedly engaged to select at least one temperature setting of the heater assembly.

These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:
1 is a side cross-sectional view of one exemplary implementation of a hair care device shown in a linear configuration.
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the hair care device of Figure 1 shown in an angled or bent configuration;
Figure 3 is a perspective end view of the handle of the hair care appliance of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the handle of Figure 1 with the inlet housing removed.
Figure 5 is a side perspective view of the hair care device of Figure 1 with the inlet housing and filter removed.
Figure 6 is another side perspective view of the hair care device of Figure 1 with the inlet housing and filter removed.
Figure 7 is a top side perspective view of the hair care device of Figure 1, with the outer housing removed to reveal the internal components of the device.
Figure 8 is a lower side perspective view of the hair care device shown in Figure 7;
Figure 9 is a side perspective view of the hair care device shown in Figure 7, showing a rotatable hinge joint.
FIG. 10 is an enlarged side perspective view of the hinge portion, retainer, and gasket included in the rotatable hinge joint of FIG. 9.
Figure 11 is a side perspective view of a partially assembled configuration of the rotatable hinge joint of Figure 10;
Figure 12 is a side perspective view of a partially assembled configuration of the rotatable hinge joint of Figure 11, further including a mated handle hinge plate;
Figure 13 is a side perspective view of a partially assembled configuration of the rotatable hinge joint of Figure 12, further including a body hinge plate mated thereto.
Figure 14 is a side perspective view of a partially assembled configuration of the rotatable hinge joint of Figure 13, further including a first body frame mated thereto.
Figure 15 is a side perspective view of a partially assembled configuration of the rotatable hinge joint of Figure 14, further including a heater assembly and mating wiring.
Figure 16 is a side perspective view of a partially assembled configuration of the rotatable hinge joint of Figure 15, further including a second body frame mounted thereto.
Figure 17 is a side perspective view of the outlet in a partially assembled configuration of the rotatable hinge joint of Figure 16, further comprising a mating O-ring.
Fig. 18 is a side view of the hair care device of Fig. 1, showing the ratio of the handle to body dimensions;
Figure 19 is a side view of the hair care device of Figure 1, showing the center of mass and tapered handle shape of the hair care device.
Figure 20 is a perspective end view of the user interface of the hair care device of Figure 1;
Figure 21 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the hair care device of Figure 1 with the handle housing removed to show internal electrical components.
Figure 22 is a side perspective view of the bottom of the electrical component shown in Figure 21;
Figure 23 is another side perspective view of the electrical component of Figure 21;
Figure 24 is a side perspective view of the hair care appliance of Figure 1 with the handle and body housing removed to reveal the internal fan assembly.
Figure 25 is a side cross-sectional view of the hair care device of Figure 24.
Figure 26 is a side perspective view of a portion of the hair care device of Figure 1 with the outer housing removed to reveal the internal heater assembly.
Figure 27 is a side cross-sectional view of the hair care device shown in Figure 26.
Figure 28 is a perspective end view of the heater assembly of Figure 26;
Figure 29 is a side perspective view of the hair care device of Figure 1 with the outer housing removed and showing the flow path in a linear configuration;
Figure 30 is a side perspective view of the hair care device of Figure 1 with the outer housing removed and showing the flow path;
FIG. 31 is a plot illustrating flow path test data for the hair care device of FIG. 1 in a linear configuration.
FIG. 32 is a plot illustrating flow path test data for the hair care device of FIG. 1 in each type configuration.
Figure 33 is a side perspective view of the hair care device of Figure 1, showing a mating attachment on its end.
Figure 34 is another side perspective view showing the matching mechanism of Figure 33.
Figure 35A is an end perspective view of the attachment mating assembly of Figure 33.
Figure 35B is an end perspective view of another embodiment of an attachment mating assembly for a hair care device.
Figure 36 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the attachment mating assembly of Figure 35;
Figure 37 is a cross-sectional side view of the attachment mating assembly of Figure 35;
Figure 38 is a perspective view of an example implementation of a round brush attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance.
Figure 39 is a cross-sectional view of the round brush attachment of Figure 38.
Figure 40 is a cross-sectional view of the attachment mating assembly of the round brush attachment of Figure 38.
Figure 41 is a top perspective view of the locking and unlocking mechanism of the round brush attachment of Figure 38;
Figure 42 is a bottom perspective view of the fastening feature of the round brush attachment of Figure 38.
Figure 43 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a curling attachment configured for use with a hair appliance.
Figure 44 is a cross-sectional view of fluid flow through the curling attachment of Figure 43.
Figure 45 is a perspective view of another example embodiment of a curling attachment configured for use with a hair care device.
Figure 46 is a perspective view of another example embodiment of a curling attachment configured for use with a hair care device.
Figure 47 is a top view of the curling attachment of Figure 46.
Figure 48 is a side view of the curling attachment of Figure 46.
Figure 49 is a perspective view of the curling attachment of Figure 46 in operation.
Figure 50 is a perspective view of an example implementation of a barrel curling attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance.
Figure 51 is a cross-sectional end view of the scroll assembly of the barrel curling attachment of Figure 50 in operation.
Figure 52 is another cross-sectional end view of the scroll assembly of the barrel curling attachment of Figure 50 in operation.
Figure 53 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a wrapping barrel curling attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance.
Figure 54 is a side view of the wrapping barrel curling attachment of Figure 53;
Figure 55 is a perspective view of another example embodiment of a round brush attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance.
Figure 56A is a cross-sectional view of the round brush attachment of Figure 55 in a neutral configuration.
Figure 56B is a cross-sectional view of the round brush attachment of Figure 55 when used in a first orientation.
Figure 56C is a cross-sectional view of the round brush attachment of Figure 55 when used in a second orientation.
Figure 57 is a top perspective view of the alignment feature of the round brush attachment of Figure 55.
Figure 58 is a side perspective view of an example implementation of a diffuser attachment configured for use with a hair care device.
Figure 59 is a bottom perspective view of the diffuser attachment of Figure 58.
Figure 60 is a cross-sectional view of the diffuser attachment of Figure 58, showing the disk therein.
Figure 61 is a cross-sectional view of the diffuser attachment of Figure 58, showing the fluid flow path therethrough.
Figure 62 is a side view of an example implementation of a concentrator attachment configured for use with a hair care device.
Figure 63 is a stationary side perspective view of another example implementation of a concentrator attachment configured for use with a hair care device.
Figure 64 is a bottom side perspective view of the diffuser attachment of Figure 63.
Figure 65 is a side perspective view of another example embodiment of a concentrator attachment configured for use with a hair care device.
Figure 66 is a perspective view of another example embodiment of a curling attachment configured for use with a hair care device.
Figure 67 is a side perspective view of an example implementation of a paddle brush attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance.
Figure 68 is a perspective view of an electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) enclosure configured for use with the hair care appliance described herein.
Figure 69 is a front perspective view of the contents of the EMC enclosure of Figure 68;
Figure 70 is a rear perspective view of the contents of the EMC enclosure of Figure 68;
Figure 71 is a perspective view of an ionizer arranged in a heater assembly of a hair care device described herein.
Figure 72 is a side perspective view of another example implementation of an attachment mating assembly for a hair care device.
Figure 73 is a perspective view of the attachment registration color of the attachment registration assembly of Figure 72;
Figure 74 is a side perspective view of the attachment registration collar and attachment actuator assembly of the attachment registration assembly of Figure 72;
Figure 75 is a side perspective view of the attachment actuator assembly of the attachment mating assembly of Figure 72;
FIG. 76A is a cross-sectional view of the attachment actuator assembly combined with the attachment registration collar of FIG. 73.
FIG. 76B is a cutaway cross-sectional view of the attachment actuator assembly combined with the attachment registration collar of FIG. 73.
Figure 77 is an end perspective view of the outlet grill of the attachment mating assembly of Figure 72;
Figure 78 is a top perspective view of another example implementation of a diffuser attachment configured for use with the attachment mating assembly of Figure 72.
Figure 79 is a bottom perspective view of the diffuser attachment of Figure 78.
Figure 80 is a top cross-sectional perspective view of the diffuser attachment of Figure 78;
Figure 81 is a cross-sectional view of the diffuser attachment of Figure 78.
FIG. 82A is a side view of another example embodiment of a concentrator attachment configured for use with a hair care device, including the attachment mating assembly of FIG. 72 .
Figure 82B is a bottom view of the concentrator attachment of Figure 82A.
Figure 82C is a side perspective view of the concentrator attachment of Figure 82A.
Figure 83A is a perspective view of another example embodiment of a curling attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance, including the attachment mating assembly of Figure 72.
Figure 83B is a cross-sectional view of the curling attachment of Figure 83A.
Figure 84A is a perspective view of another example embodiment of a round brush attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance, including the attachment mating assembly of Figure 72.
Figure 84B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the round brush attachment of Figure 84A.
Figure 85A is a perspective view of another example implementation of a paddle brush attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance, including the attachment mating assembly of Figure 72.
Figure 85B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the paddle brush attachment of Figure 84A.
Figure 86 is a perspective view of an example implementation of the air partition structure of the paddle brush of Figure 85A.
Figure 87A is a side view of a hair care device, showing an experimental approach for determining the center of gravity of a hair care device described herein in a linear configuration.
Figure 87B is a side view of the hair care device of Figure 87A, showing the location of the center of gravity of the hair care device described herein in a linear configuration.
Figure 88A is a side view of a hair care device, showing an experimental approach for determining the center of gravity of a hair care device described herein in a bent configuration.
Figure 88B is a side view of the hair care device of Figure 88A, showing the location of the center of gravity of the hair care device described herein in a bent configuration.
Figure 89A is a cross-sectional view of a hair care device showing the location of the hair care device's printed circuit board in a linear configuration.
Figure 89B is a cross-sectional view of the hair care appliance, showing the position of the motors of the hair care appliance in a linear configuration.
Figure 89C is a cross-sectional view of the hair care appliance, showing the position of the heater of the hair care appliance in a linear configuration.
Figure 90 is a partial transparency of the hair care device, showing the position of the heater of the hair care device in a bent configuration.
Please note that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein and therefore should not be considered limiting the scope of the disclosure.

Certain example embodiments will now be described to provide a general understanding of the principles of structure, function, manufacture, and use of the methods and devices disclosed herein. Examples of one or more of these implementations are shown in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting examples of implementations and that the scope of the invention is defined solely by the claims. Features illustrated or described with respect to one example implementation may be combined with features of another implementation. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Various exemplary hair care devices and accessories are provided herein for use with the hair care devices. Typically, hair care devices are in the form of hair dryers, which have an elongated, roughly cylindrical configuration with a handle and a body movably coupled to each other. The handle is configured to move relative to the body to transition the device from a linear configuration to a bending configuration, allowing the user to select the desired configuration based on the intended use. Hair care devices also include various internal components that facilitate use and operation of the hair care device. A variety of accessories are also provided for use with the hair care device, and the configuration of the device may vary depending on the type of accessory combined with the hair care device. In certain implementations, accessories may limit the configuration of the hair care device. For example, at least one accessory is provided that is coupled to a hair dryer in a linear configuration and prevents movement of the hair care device in a bent configuration. Meanwhile, other accessories can be matched in a way to enable use of the hair dryer in the selected configuration. In some implementations, the accessory can be attached to the hair care appliance in a permanently fixed location. In another aspect, a hair care device lacking a rotatable hinge joint is provided. In this embodiment, one hair care device may be provided with a linear configuration and a second hair care device may be provided with an angular configuration. The accessories described herein can be used with any of the hair care devices described above or any other hair care devices known in the art.

1 and 2 show one exemplary implementation of hair care device 100 shown in a linear configuration and a bent configuration, respectively. As shown, hair care device 100 generally includes a handle 110 movably coupled to body 120 by a rotatable hinge joint 300 . In the linear configuration shown in Figure 1, device 100 has a generally elongated cylindrical shape. The handle 110 has an inlet 112 at a first end of the device 100 and the body has an outlet 122 at a second end of the device. A fluid flow path P indicated by a broken line is formed between the inlet 112 and the outlet 122. The rotatable hinge joint 300 formed between the handle 110 and the body 120 can be bent like a joint through user operation, thereby changing the configuration of the hair care device 100 and the fluid flow path P from a linear configuration to a bending configuration. Alternatively, it can be changed to an angular configuration. As shown in Figure 2, handle 110 and body 120 are angled relative to each other as a result of articulation of rotatable hinge joint 300. As a result, the fluid flow path P indicated by the dashed line forms an angle between the handle 110 and the body 120.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that while the rotatable hinge joint 300 is not latched, and/or the rotatable hinge joint 300 can be moved to any position between the positions of the rotatable hinge joint 300 in the linear and angular configurations. It will be appreciated that the hair care device 100 may be operated while rotating. In another aspect, the hair care device 100 and the rotatable hinge joint 300 may be configured to prevent excessive rotation of the rotatable hinge joint 300 beyond its position in an angular configuration. Hair care device 100 may be configured in a fully linear configuration, as shown in Figure 1, where a rotatable hinge joint locks the body into longitudinal alignment with the handle. Hair care appliance 100 may be configured in a fully bent configuration, as shown in Figure 2, where a rotatable hinge joint locks the body at an angle relative to the handle. Hair care appliance 100 may also be configured in a rotatable configuration, where a rotatable hinge joint positions the body relative to the handle in various angular positions between a fully linear configuration and a fully bent configuration.

Handle 110 may include various internal electrical components 400 for operating the device. Generally, the handle may include electrical components 400 capable of controlling the operation of a fan assembly 500 disposed within the handle 110 and a heater assembly 600 disposed within the body 120. . In an exemplary embodiment, as shown, the fan assembly 500 may be disposed proximate to the heater assembly 600, which is disposed downstream of the rotatable hinge joint 300 and upstream of the rotatable hinge joint 300. You can. This may help improve fluid flow within hair care device 100. The fan assembly 500 generates a fluid flow along the fluid flow path P such that air is drawn into the inlet 112, passes through the handle 110, and into the body 120 to be exhausted through the outlet 122. Allow to be aspirated. As air passes through body 120, the air may be heated through heater assembly 600.

Electrical component 400 may be configured to couple to power supply 410 . 3 shows a power supply cord 130 extending from the base of the handle 110. Power supply cord 130 may have a terminal end (not shown) configured to couple to a power source, for example, the terminal end may be configured to plug into an electrical outlet. Power supply cord 130 may include internal electrical wiring to deliver power to electronic components within handle 110. Power supply cord 130 may be connected to an electronics housing containing at least one controller or PCB. As further shown in FIG. 3 , handle 110 may include a sectored portion 403 in which user interface 401 may be located.

As further shown in FIG. 3 , the end of handle 110 may include a filter assembly 200 for filtering air drawn through inlet 112 . In the depicted implementation, the filter extends around the proximal end of handle 110, but is not formed on the end wall of handle 110. Accordingly, fluid D is drawn circumferentially around the side wall of the handle 110. The illustrated filter assembly 200 includes an inlet housing 220 that is generally C-shaped and is flexible so that the inlet housing 220 can be removed for cleaning. User interface 401 may intersect inlet housing 220 . Inlet housing 220 has a plurality of holes through which fluid can flow into the fluid flow path. The holes can have any configuration and can be arranged in any pattern. Inlet housing 220 may cover filter 230 located behind the inlet housing, as shown in FIG. 4 where inlet housing 220 is removed. Filter 230 may be a porous element configured to block debris and hair that may have entered the inlet housing 220 and prevent debris from entering the fluid flow path P. As further shown in FIG. 4 , the electrical component 400 may be located immediately downstream of the filter, but upstream of the fan assembly 500 so that the fluid flow path P is It flows towards the fan assembly 500 and over and around the electrical components 400 as it is drawn into the fan assembly. This can help cool the electrical components 400.

device housing

The remainder of the handle 110 is formed of a first handle housing 114a and a second handle housing 114b that fit together in a clam-shell-like configuration to enclose the internal components. In some implementations, handle 110 may include a single handle housing, such as a sleeve. The first and second handle housings 114a, 114b may be snap fit together, although other attachment mechanisms are also envisioned. The inlet housing 220 may be snap-fitted with the first housing handle 114a and the second handle housing 114b. Hair care device 100 also includes a body housing 124 . In some implementations, body 120 may be formed of multiple housings that fit together.

The handle housings 114a, 114b and the body housing 124 allow the user to grip the hair care device 100 and/or rotate the rotatable hinge joint 300 to form a linear configuration of the hair care device 100. and a surface treatment configured to assist in changing from a bending configuration to a bending configuration or vice versa. In some implementations, as shown in Figure 5, the surface treatment may include fluting, such as helical fluting, on body housing 124. In some implementations, surface treatment may include painted or similarly applied surface treatment.

The device may also include multiple internal housings or frames. As shown in FIG. 7 with the outer housings 114a, 114b, 124 removed, the hair care appliance 100 includes a first handle frame 116a and a second handle frame 116b configured within the handle 110. . The first and second handle frames 116a, 116b may be mated to each other via snap fits or similar attachment methods or mechanisms, such as friction fits, screws, or rivets. Hair care device 100 may also include a first body frame 126a and a second body frame 126b disposed within body 120 . The first and second body frames 126a, 126b may be mated to each other via snap fits or similar attachment methods or mechanisms, such as friction fits, screws, or rivets.

The fan assembly cover 502 may be arranged within the handle 110 and mounted on the second handle frame 116b. In some implementations, first handle frame 116a may be extended to form a fan assembly cover rather than having a separate cover. The electrical component 420 may be arranged between the first handle frame 116a and the second handle frame 116b. The electrical component 400 may be coupled to either the first handle frame 116a or the second handle frame 116b of both the first and second handle frames 116a and 116b. As shown in FIG. 8 , the second handle frame 116b may be arranged along the bottom of the hair care device 100 .

hinge joint

As described above, the body 120 and the handle 110 are mated to each other at a rotatable hinge joint 300. Rotatable hinge joint 300 can have a variety of configurations, but in the depicted embodiment, a handle hinge plate 302 configured relative to handle 110 and a body configured relative to body 120, as shown in FIG. 9 Includes a hinge plate 306. The handle and body hinge plates 302, 306 may be separated by a gap so that the handle 110 and body 120 can rotate relative to each other in a smooth and unobstructed manner. In some implementations, the handle and body hinge plates 302, 306 may include a surface finish or applied material. In some implementations, rotatable hinge joint 300 can be configured at an angle of 30 to 50 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The rotatable hinge joint 300 can rotate into an angular configuration in a first direction and return to a linear configuration in a second direction.

Rotatable hinge joint 300 is shown in greater detail in Figures 10-17. As shown, hinge joint 300 is formed between second handle frame 116b and first body frame 126a of the handle partially shown in Figures 10-17. In another implementation, rotatable hinge joint 300 may be a separate forming element, capable of being coupled to second handle frame 116b and first body frame 126a. The second handle frame 116b can provide a structural mating surface for mating to the first body frame 126a, which when joined together can form a rotatable hinge joint described herein.

As further shown in FIG. 10 , the rotatable hinge joint may include a snap hinge assembly 310 . Snap hinge assembly 310 may include a retainer 312 and a gasket 314 mounted over and about the retainer 312. Retainer 312 provides a second handle by seating the retainer within an opening 320, which defines a fluid flow path within a rotatable hinge joint 300 between handle 110 and body 120, as shown in FIG. It may be a snap fit or friction fit to the frame 116b. Retainer 312 may be formed of a high friction material such as nylon, Teflon, or similar plastic material, allowing rotation of handle 110 and body 120 with minimal effort. As further shown in FIG. 11 , gasket 314 may be secured on retainer 312 . Second handle frame 116b may include a plurality of snap fit features 304.

As shown in FIG. 12 , handle hinge plate 302 may be coupled to second handle frame 116b via snap fit feature 304 . Handle hinge plate 302 may include corresponding snap fit features on a surface opposite snap fit features 304 to secure handle hinge plate 302 to second handle frame 116b. .

As shown in FIG. 13 , body hinge plate 306 may be configured to couple to first and/or second body frames 720 and 725 . Body hinge plate 306 may be formed of a similar material as handle hinge plate 302. Body hinge plate 306 may include a plurality of snap fit features 308 configured to engage one or more body frames.

As shown in FIG. 14 , first body frame 126a may be coupled to body hinge plate 306 via one or more snap fit features 308 . As shown in FIG. 15 , wiring W may be routed through the second handle frame 116b and through the opening 320 to couple with a heater assembly 600 arranged within the body of the hair care device. The wiring W may advantageously be routed around the second handle frame 116b, the opening 320, and the fluid flow path passing through the first body frame 126a (and second body frame 126b). You can. In this way, disruption of fluid flow within the fluid flow path can be minimized or reduced. The wiring W may be located directly above or immediately near the second handle frame 116b and the first body frame 126a (or the second body frame 126b).

As shown in FIG. 16 , second body frame 126b may be coupled to first body frame 126a via a plurality of snap fit features 128 . In this way, the first and second body frames 126a, 126b may form an outlet 122 at the distal end of the body (and hair care device 100). As shown in Figure 17, an O-ring 150 or a similar ring-shaped flexible element can be applied to the terminal ends of the coupled first and second body frames 126a and 126b to secure their fastening to each other. . O-ring 150 may also provide a flexible interface for an outlet frame structure configured to couple to first and second body frames 126a, 126b at the outlet end of hair care device 100.

The device may also have a shape that facilitates gripping. As shown in Figure 19, the body 120 of the device is cylindrical, but the handle 110 may have a cylindrical shape that is tapered along the overall handle length L _h . In particular, the profile or diameter of the handle 110 can vary from a first position T ₁ , a distance from the hinge joint 300 , to a second position T ₂ at the terminal end of the handle 110 , such that the second position T ₂ has a smaller diameter than the first position T ₁ . This allows the user to hold the device more easily while providing a larger profile or diameter for the joint 300 and body for internal components such as the heater assembly.

In use, the rotatable hinge joint allows the user to easily convert the hair care device from a linear configuration to an angular configuration with minimal or no reduction in flow rate or pressure. This can be advantageous when performing different styling treatments in quick succession or when using attachments to hair care appliances. To facilitate movement between linear and angular or bent configurations, hair care appliance 100 may include an actuation mechanism 340 shown in FIG. 6 . In the depicted embodiment, the actuating mechanism 340 is in the form of a slideable button positioned against a spring in the actuating mechanism, such that retracting the actuating mechanism 340 causes the spring to load and release the latching mechanism of the rotary hinge joint 300. This allows the rotatable hinge joint to rotate between linear and bending configurations, as discussed in more detail below. Once the user rotates the rotatable hinge joint 300 to the second configuration, the user can release the actuating mechanism 340 and the latching mechanism of the rotatable hinge joint 300 moves the rotatable hinge joint 300 in the second configuration. Can be refastened to secure (300).

In certain example implementations, the amount of force required to release hair care device 100 from a linear configuration and allow rotation into an angular configuration may vary. For example, the amount of force to release the body 120 from the handle 110 in the linear configuration to initiate rotation of the hinge joint 300 into an angular configuration may be 3.1 N - 3.6 N. . The amount of force required to rotate body 120 relative to handle 110 in the angular configuration may be 3.6 N - 4.0 N. The rotatable hinge joint 300 of the hair care device 100 may also be configured to require an amount of force to release the device from an angular configuration to allow rotation into a linear configuration. The amount of force to release body 120 from handle 110 in an angular configuration to initiate rotation of hinge joint 300 in a linear configuration may be between 5.1 N and 5.3 N. The rotatable hinge joint 300 may also be configured to require an amount of force to move the device in a linear configuration or from a rotational position to an angular configuration. For example, the amount of force to move the body 120 in a linear configuration with the handle 110 may be 4.5 N to 5.3 N. The amount of force for moving the body 120 in an angular configuration with the handle 110 may be 6.2 N to 6.7 N. The torque required to rotate rotatable hinge joint 300 may vary, but may be approximately 0.1 and 0.7 N in exemplary implementations. In another aspect, the rotatable hinge joint 300 releases, rotates, and moves the body 120 relative to the handle 110 to adjust the body 120 into a straight or angular configuration. It can be configured to provide consistent tactile feedback.

As mentioned above, when fully assembled, device 100 may have a generally elongated cylindrical configuration. The cross-sectional shape and dimensions of handle 110 and body 120 may vary, but in example implementations handle 110 is longer than body 120. As shown in Figure 18, if the hair care device 100 is in a linear configuration, the device may have a total length L _t . The rotatable hinge joint axis A allows the device 100 to be separated into a handle length L _h and a body length L _b . In an exemplary embodiment, the handle length L _h is about two-thirds of the total length L _t and the body length L _b is about one-third of the total length L _t . However, the ratio of the handle length L _h and the body length L _t may vary. In some implementations, the total length L _t of device 100 ranges from about 26.0 cm to 31.0 cm in a linear configuration. In an example implementation, the total length L _t of device 100 is 28.5 cm in a linear configuration. As shown in Figure 19, in a bent or angled configuration, the handle length L _h ranges from about 19.5 cm to 24.5 cm and the body length L _b ranges from about 8.5 cm to 13.5 cm. In an exemplary embodiment, the handle length L _h is 22.0 cm. In an exemplary embodiment, the body length L _b is 11.0 cm.

Device 100 may also be configured to have a center of mass that appropriately balances the device in a user's hand in a bent configuration. The center of mass of device 100 may be a location where mass distribution is the same in all directions and does not depend on the gravitational field. In the example implementation shown in FIG. 19 , hair care device 100 has a center of mass (M) in front of handle 110 and below body 120 . The arrangement of the components within the handle 110 and body 120 allows the center of mass M to advantageously maintain the hair care device 100 while holding the hair care device in the hand with minimal effort by the user. It can be arranged as shown to provide operational user experience enhancements. In particular, the center of mass may be located in front of the handle and below the body to ensure anatomically neutral handling and reduced user fatigue when holding the hair care appliance in the user's hand. Motor 520 may be aligned with heater assembly 600 to balance the center of mass (M).

Figures 87A-88B illustrate example methods for determining center of gravity. The center of gravity (CG) of device 100 is a location where the mass distribution is the same in all directions, depending on the gravitational field. As shown in FIG. 87A, the hair care device 100 can be separated into an appliance portion 100A and a power supply portion 100B. CG can be determined in device portion 100A by measuring the mass and position of components included in handle 110 and body 120. CG was determined using computer-aided design software configured as a center-of-gravity function, where component positions were defined based on design parameters and component masses were assigned based on component material type.

In the depicted implementation, the CG location of device portion 100A is shown in FIG. 87B, and device 100 is in a linear configuration. The CG shown is located 150.5 mm from the base of the handle 110 ( e.g. , where the inlet 112 is located) as measured along axis A extending through the center of the instrument portion 100A. CG moves radially outward from axis A by 0.6 mm and is therefore located on axis B extending through CG.

In Figure 88A, hair care device 100 is shown in an angular configuration. 88, the CG of device portion 100A is measured along axis A extending through the center of device portion 100A from the base of handle 110 ( e.g. , where inlet 112 is located). It is located at 137.1 mm. CG moves radially outward from axis A and is located 12.0 mm from axis A, as indicated by axis C extending through CG.

89A-89C, the positions of PCB 420, motor 520, and heating assembly 600 are located at the base of handle 110 of instrument portion 100A ( e.g. , inlet 112) in a linear configuration. ) is shown to be measured from. As shown in FIG. 89A, the center of PCB 420 is located at 82.43 mm from the base of handle 110. As shown in FIG. 89B, the center of motor 520 is 150.63 mm from the base of handle 110. As shown in FIG. 89C, the center of heating assembly 600 is 255.11 mm from the base of handle 110. In Figure 90, the location of the center of heating assembly 600 is shown relative to appliance portion 100A in an angular configuration. The position of the heating assembly 600 may be measured from an axis A extending from the base of the handle 110 ( e.g. , on which the inlet 112 is configured) through the center of the handle 110 and body 120. In an angular configuration, the heater assembly may be 189.22 mm from axis D and 56.29 mm from axis C, corresponding to the base of handle 110. In the angular configuration, the positions of PCB 420 and motor 520 may be the same as described with respect to corresponding figures 89a-89c to their positions in the linear configuration of machine portion 100A.

user interface

The handle may also include a user interface 401 to allow a user to provide input to operate the device, as shown in FIG. 20 . In particular, the user interface is configured to power the hair care appliance, adjust the temperature settings of the heater assembly (and thus adjust the temperature of the fluid heated by the heater assembly), and adjust the fan speed of the fan assembly (thereby adjusting the temperature of the fluid heated by the heater assembly). It may include one or more buttons or switches (for controlling the speed of fluid discharged through the outlet). The user interface may also provide a button or switch to disconnect the heating assembly and provide unheated cooling fluid from the outlet.

Although the user interface may be located in various locations, in the example implementation, user interface 401 extends longitudinally along at least a portion of handle 110 . 20, it extends from the base of the handle, i.e. the terminal extreme end, intersects the filter assembly 200 as shown, and can extend toward a rotatable hinge 300 joint, forming a rotatable hinge joint ( 300) and ends at a small distance from The user interface 401 may be provided on a scalloped portion of the handle with a raised edge along the opposite side of the user interface 401 to facilitate gripping the handle 110 by the user. The user interface 401 may extend between the first handle housing 114a and the second handle housing 114b. In another implementation, user interface 401 may intersect filter 230 .

Wiring coupling the user interface to electrical components ( e.g. , printed circuit boards) may be routed to the sides of the user interface, directly below the user interface, to ensure that the fluid flow path is not restricted or restricts fluid flow. It may not be in .

As previously discussed, user interface 401 may include one or more buttons or engagement features configured to control operation of the hair care appliance based on user input. For example, user interface 401 may include blowing feature 402. The blowing feature 402 may cause the heater assembly 600 to be blocked, allowing only unheated air to exhaust through the outlet. In some implementations, blowing feature 402 may be located remotely from user interface 401 or within user interface 401 but may be located remote from other features of the user interface.

User interface 401 may also include a fan settings feature 404. Fan setting feature 404 may be configured to control the speed of fan assembly 500 . The fan setting feature 404 may be repeatedly selectable to generate high, medium and low speed fluid flows by the fan assembly 500 .

User interface 401 may also include temperature settings feature 406. Temperature setting feature 406 may be configured to control the temperature of heater assembly 600 and thus fluid flow exiting outlet 122 of hair care appliance 100 . Temperature setting feature 406 may be repeatedly selectable to heat the fluid flow to very high, high, medium, or low temperatures. In some implementations, the high temperature setting can cause the heater assembly to heat the fluid stream to 100°C.

As further shown in FIG. 20 , user interface 401 may include power feature 410 . Power feature 410 may be configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to electrical components of the hair care appliance. User interface 401 may include one or more tactile features 408, as described above. Tactile features 408 may be raised edges or grip features configured to improve the user's grip and manual dexterity when holding or operating the hair care appliance.

In some implementations, features of user interface 401 may be configured to avoid accidental engagement by a user. For example, features can be recessed and require explicit fastening to trigger a particular user fastening feature. The low-profile or concave design of the buttons or switches of the user interface allows the user to operate the hair care device without accidentally contacting unintended buttons or switches. In some implementations, any feature of user interface 401 described herein may consist of a light or lighting element capable of illuminating a button, switch, or surface of user interface 401, such as an interior or lower surface of the user interface. You can. Arrangements and variations of the user interface features described herein may be provided in a variety of non-limiting configurations on the handle of the hair care appliance described herein.

electronic device

As previously discussed, the hair care device may include a power supply coupled to the inlet end ( eg , proximal end) of the handle. A power supply may penetrate the inlet end and provide power to electrical components configured within the handle and body. Electrical components may be coupled to the power supply via cables or wiring. Electrical components may include one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) as well as portions of fan assemblies ( e.g. , motors) and heater assemblies ( e.g. , heating elements). The PCBs can be arranged in a fluid flow path within the handle and can be arranged relative to each other to provide a gap between the PCBs so that fluid can more easily flow through the fluid flow path within the handle. For example, a first PCB may be arranged above or below a second PCB, and a gap may separate the two PCBs. Advantageously, placing the PCB within a fluid flow path may also enable cooling of components configured on the PCB.

A PCB may contain components such as resistors and capacitors that may be arranged on the PCB. The arrangement of PCB components can be configured to maximize fluid flow across the PCB. For example, the PCB components may be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the fluid flow path rather than aligned transversely to the fluid flow path to provide more efficient fluid flow across the PCB and within the fluid flow path.

The electrical components of the hair care device may be coupled to each other and to the power supply via one or more connectors. Connectors can join portions of wires and electrically couple electrical components. An arrangement of the connectors may be provided to ensure that fluid flow is maintained through the fluid flow path and that fluid flow is not reduced. For example, the connector could be located low on the PCB, as close to the power supply as possible. In some implementations, the connectors associated with the motor and heater assembly can be arranged on the distal end of the PCB ( e.g. , the edge of the PCB closest to the motor and heater assembly) and have longitudinally oriented wiring parallel to the fluid flow path. It can be included. The wiring between the connectors may also be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle, the body, and the fluid flow path extending between the inlet and outlet. In some implementations, the user interface (UI) PCB assembly can be separated from the main PCB assembly to reduce hair entry from the UI.

Figure 21 shows the internal electrical components of the hair care device. As shown, handle 110 may receive a power supply that may be electrically coupled to one or more PCBs 420 . PCB 420 may be additionally electrically coupled to one or more features 402, 404, 406, 410 of user interface 401 described with respect to FIG. 20. The PCB 420 may also be electrically coupled to the fan assembly 500 and heater assembly 600 located in the body 120 of the hair care device 100. Electrical coupling between the PCB and power supply 410, user interfaces 402, 404, 406, 410, fan assembly 500, and heater assembly 600 may be achieved through one or more connectors and one or more wires. . For example, the wiring W may be configured to couple the PCB 420 to the heater assembly 600. The wiring W may be configured peripheral to an opening extending through the rotatable hinge joint 300 to allow fluid flow through the handle 110 and the rotatable hinge joint 300 into the body 120. It is not disturbed or diminished.

Figure 21 shows the fluid flow path P flowing through and through the electrical component with the dashed lines shown. The arrangement of the PCB 420, user interfaces 402, 404, 406, 410, and wiring W is such that the fluid flows while minimizing reduction in velocity or pressure as the fluid passes along the fluid flow path F. It can be configured to maximize . Distributor 504 may further assist in efficient fluid flow distribution to fan assembly 500.

As shown in FIG. 22, the first PCB 420a and the second PCB 420b may be separated from each other by a gap or space 430. The height or size of gap or space 430 can be configured to maximize fluid flow within the fluid flow path extending through the handle and over/around PCB 420. In some implementations, the gap can be 1.5-2.0 mm. In certain example implementations, the gap may be 1.84 mm. The second PCB 420b may be configured to control a user interface and external control. The second PCB (420b) may be positioned to limit the inflow of hair into the first PCB (420A). As further shown in Figure 22, PCB 420 includes, but is not limited to, connector 440, capacitor 450, processor 460, as well as resistors, transistors, diodes, circuits, sensors, or electromechanical elements. may contain several different electrical elements. A heat sink or shield 470 may also be configured for one or more of the PCBs 420 . In some implementations, electrical component 400 may have a weight of 46.1 g.

As shown in FIG. 23 , PCB 420 may include a metal oxide varistor (MOV) 480 . PCB 420 may also include a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor 490. An arrangement of MOV 480 and NTC sensors 490 may be provided on PCB 420 to reduce fluid flow resistance caused by the shapes of MOV 480 and NTC sensors 490. For example, MOV 480 and NTC sensor 490 may be mounted vertically as shown in FIG. 23 such that the narrower cross-section of each component interfaces with the fluid flow passing through fluid flow path P. .

Electrical components 400 may be coupled to power supply 410 . As shown in Figure 68, power supply 410 may be coupled to power supply cord 130. The power supply cord 130 may include an EMC enclosure 6800 configured between the terminals of the power supply cord 130 and the hair care appliance 100 . EMC enclosure 6800 may include a cover or housing 6805. As shown in FIG. 69 , housing 6805 has been removed to show a front view of electrical components 6810 that may be arranged on PCB 6815 within EMC enclosure 6800. The rear of PCB 6815 can be seen in Figure 70.

As previously mentioned, the placement of electrical components on the PCB is optimized to maintain fluid flow along the fluid flow path. Similarly, the PCB may include a space or gap between two PCBs to allow fluid to flow through the gap and around each PCB. In this way, the electrical components on the PCB receive the cooling effect from the fluid flow, and the fluid flow path is unobstructed so that the reduction in fluid velocity is kept to a minimum.

fan assembly

As previously mentioned, fan assembly 500 is located downstream of the electrical components. The position of the fan assembly 500 is designed to improve fluid flow by being balanced within the handle 110 and proximate to the rotatable hinge joint 300. A fan assembly typically includes an impeller having multiple blades or a motor coupled to the fan. Positioning the motor within the handle at a position where the user will hold the hair care device can advantageously reduce vibration of the motor during operation. In operation, the motor rotates the fan to draw fluid into the inlet of the handle and into the fluid flow path. Fluid may be drawn toward the fan and discharged over the heater assembly and out of the hair care device through the outlet.

As shown in FIG. 24 , the fan assembly 500 is positioned along the fluid flow path P in front of the electrical component 400 and at the distal end of the handle along the fluid flow path immediately downstream of the rotatable hinge joint. It is located in In this way, the fan assembly can provide improved fluid flow through the rotatable hinge joint, such as in an angular configuration, into the heater assembly and outlet within the body while minimizing reduction in fluid flow. Placing the fan assembly 500 on the handle 110 may also advantageously reduce vibration of the fan assembly 500 during operation as a result of the insulating effect of the user's hands. In some implementations, fan assembly 500 may have a weight of 71.6 g.

As shown, fan assembly 500 includes a housing 506 that covers the motor and fan blades of fan assembly 500. In some implementations, fan assembly housing 506 may be a rubber insulated damper. Fan assembly 500 may also include a distributor 504. Distributor 504 may be configured in a fluid flow path P extending from inlet 112 to outlet 122 . In particular, dispenser 504 may include a dome shape 508 coupled to annular frame 510 by one or more dome supports 512 . The dome shape 508 may be configured to radially distribute fluid flow through the fan assembly housing 506 and onto the peripheral edge of the fan blade. In this manner, the fan blades of the fan contained within the fan housing 506 can flow fluid to the fan, allowing the fan to create a uniform fluid flow distribution downstream of the fan assembly 500 ( e.g. , toward the outlet 122). Uniform distribution of flow can be accommodated.

As shown in FIG. 25, the fan assembly 500 may include a motor 520 and a fan 530. Fan 530 may be coupled to a central shaft extending from motor 520. The fan 530 may include a plurality of fan blades 532. In operation, motor 520 may cause fan 530 to rotate and draw fluid into the inlet of handle 110 and along the fluid flow path toward distributor 504. The dome shape 508 may distribute fluid flow to the outer edge of the fan blade 532 so that the fluid volume and fluid velocity can be efficiently maintained. Fluid flow may pass from fan blades 532 to motor frame 522. Motor frame 522 may include curved vanes arranged downstream of the fan to smooth and straighten fluid flow exiting the fan. The fan assembly 500 directs fluid flow toward the distributor 602 located upstream ( e.g. , toward the fan assembly 500) of the heater assembly 600 located in the body 120 through the rotatable hinge joint 300. You can. In some implementations, the fan assembly can produce fluid flow at a speed of 25-35 m/s.

heater assembly

As described above, the hair care device may include a heater assembly within body 120. The heater assembly may be configured to control the temperature of the fluid flow from 60-100°C. The heater assembly may provide a smooth, uniform fluid flow of fluid entering the heater assembly away from the rotatable hinge joint. The heater assembly can be positioned within a fluid flow path extending through the body and can heat the fluid when presented to an outlet of the body. The heater assembly can include an internal support structure including a central shaft and a plurality of planar segments extending radially along and radially from the central shaft. The planar segment may have cutouts therein to ensure that fluid flow is maximized as it passes through the heater assembly. One or more heating elements may be arranged on a planar segment and coupled to a PCB within the handle via cables or wires. The heating assembly wiring may be located immediately adjacent to and along the handle, rotatable hinge joint, and interior surface of the body so that the fluid flow path is unobstructed and fluid flow is reduced. Heating assembly 600 may further include ionizer 7100 shown in FIG. 71 . Ionizer 7100 may include an ionizer emitter 7105 in the heated fluid flow path (P). In some implementations, heater assembly 600 may have a weight of 29.9 g.

The heater assembly may also include at least one thermistor and at least one fuse, each of which may be electrically coupled to the PCB via a wire. The thermistor may be configured to measure temperature data of fluid flowing through the heater assembly. The fuse may be configured as a safety switch or electrical disconnect and, in the event of a fault, will cut off the current provided to the heating element to prevent overheating of the heater assembly. The thermistor and fuse may be located at the outlet end of the body to further ensure that the fluid flow through the heater assembly is uniformly distributed between the upper and lower aspects of the heater assembly and radially uniformly distributed within the body, It may be located on the upper side of the heater assembly. In some implementations, the thermistor and fuse can be located on the same planar segment. In other implementations, the thermistor and fuse may be located on different planar segments. In some implementations, the heater assembly can include a thermal cutoff (TCO) constructed on planar segments and electrically coupled to a thermistor and a fuse. The TCO may be a resettable thermal control component that can be programmed to cut off power to the heating element if the temperature of the fluid exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Figure 26 shows heater assembly 600 in more detail. As shown, the heater assembly includes a plurality of heating elements 604 configured on one or more planar segments 606 of the internal support structure 608. The wiring W may provide power to the heater assembly 600 by electrically coupling the heater assembly 600 to the electrical components 400 and the power supply unit 410 described with reference to FIG. 21 . The wire W may be routed through the rotatable hinge joint 155 along the inner surface of the body frame forming the periphery of the rotatable hinge joint 300 . In this way, disruption of the fluid flow within the fluid flow path passing through the rotatable hinge joint 300 can be minimized, and the flow rate and pressure can be maintained in a uniformly distributed flow pattern provided in the heater assembly 600. there is.

As shown in FIG. 27 , one or more of the planar segments 606 may include cutouts 606c configured to equalize fluid flow through the heater assembly 600 . Cuts 606c allow fluid flow to be equalized in a uniform manner as it flows through heater assembly 600. Cutouts 606c allow planar segments 606 to support heating elements 604 while also creating space for fluid flow to be equalized and evenly distributed as it flows through heater assembly 600. The incision 606c may have a variety of non-limiting shapes and sizes. For example, cutout 606c may include a rectangular shape, a square shape, a circular shape, a geometric shape, or an elliptical shape. In some implementations, cutout 606c may extend longitudinally along a majority of planar segment 606. In some implementations, cutout 606c may extend radially on planar segment 606. In some implementations, cutouts 606c may extend in a curved pattern on planar segments.

In some implementations, planar segments 606 may be configured in a variety of non-limiting configurations relative to the central portion of internal support structure 608. For example, a plurality of planar segments may be arranged as spokes extending radially outward from the center of the inner support structure 608. In some embodiments, the internal support structure 608 may comprise an additional configuration of planar segments 606 that may not be formed relative to the central portion of the internal support structure 608, such as a helical array of planar segments 606, a planar segment 606 ), or a cylindrical arrangement of planar segments 606. Ionizer 7100 may be coupled to planar segment 606.

As shown in FIG. 28 , a plurality of heating elements 604 may be arranged on and extend around a plurality of planar segments 606 . A variety of non-limiting shapes or arrangements of heating elements 604 may be considered. Heating element 604 may be electrically coupled to wire W such that when electrical power is received, heating element 604 can emit heat that can be transferred to fluid flowing through heater assembly 600. there is. An outer cylindrical housing 610 may surround the heater assembly.

One or more electrical components may be included in heater assembly 600. For example, thermistor 615 may be arranged in the fluid flow path and electrically coupled to wiring W via wires 612 and 614. Wires 612 and 614 may form a U-shaped configuration relative to thermistor 615. Other shaped wiring configurations are considered. The heater assembly 600 may include a fuse 620 that can be electrically coupled to the wiring (W). Fuse 620 may provide a safety mechanism in which the heater assembly (and hair care device) will shut off if the temperature of the heater assembly (and hair care device) exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold. The heater assembly may also include a thermal barrier component electrically coupled to wiring (W). The thermal shield may be a programmable and resettable electrical safety component that can allow for variations in predetermined temperature thresholds.

In use, heater assembly 600 is configured to maintain optimal fluid flow through the heating element and to the outlet. Arrangements of thermistors and fuses may be provided to ensure uniform radial distribution of fluid flow. The planar segments of the internal support structure may have cutouts to ensure maximum fluid flow over and over the heating elements.

fluid flow path

As described above, the hair care device 100 has a fluid flow path P extending between the inlet 120 of the handle 110 and the outlet 125 of the body 120. As described above, the first dispenser 504 is located in the handle 110 and the second dispenser 602 is located in the body 120.

Distributor 602 may be configured as a baffle structure and may split fluid flow exiting fan assembly 500 into separate uniform upper and lower flow paths F _u and F _L entering heater assembly 600. there is. Without distributor 602, fluid flow would tend to accumulate in the upper portion of heater assembly 600, and less fluid flow would pass through the lower portion of heater assembly 600. Distributor 602 can solve this problem by allowing equal volumes of fluid to enter heater assembly 600 so that a uniform heat distribution can be transferred to equal volumes of fluid. Advantageously, distributor 602 may minimize fluid flow reduction for fluid entering heater assembly 600. In an example implementation, distributor 602 includes rounded, non-sharp edges so that there is no turbulence in the fluid flow as the flow passes through distributor 602. Distributor 602 also regulates the flow rate, static flow pressure, and top-to-bottom pressure gradient between the top and bottom of heater assembly 600, in both linear and angular configurations of the hair care appliances described herein. It can be maintained. As shown in FIG. 30, the fan assembly cover was removed from the fan assembly 500 to illustrate the fluid flow path P. In some implementations, fluid flow path P can be a sealed fluid flow path such that loss of fluid flow from the device to the environment is minimized.

In an exemplary embodiment, the hair care device described herein is capable of achieving a maximum:minimum flow rate ratio of 1.7 with a pressure drop of 1700 Pa along the length of the fluid flow path in an angular configuration, wherein the hair care device comprises: In a linear configuration, a maximum:minimum flow ratio of 1.6 can be achieved with a pressure drop of 1900 Pa along the length of the fluid flow path. Therefore, for the angular configuration to the linear configuration, the flow rate ratio at the maximum and minimum flow rates is 94-95%. As such, the fluid flow rate in the angular configuration is only 5-6% less than the fluid flow rate in the linear configuration. The hair care device can advantageously provide and maintain sufficiently the same flow rate in a linear or angular configuration and minimize the reduction in oil cooling in an angular configuration.

As shown in Figure 31, plot S shows data in m/s of fluid flow flowing through the hair care device in a linear configuration. As shown, the velocity of the fluid flow shows minimal change as the fluid flow passes from the handle 110, through the rotatable hinge joint 300, and contacts the dispenser 602. Advantageously, distributor 602 ensures that the heater assembly 600 of body 120 provides approximately equal distribution of upper and lower fluid flow with minimal or no variation in fluid velocity in a linear configuration of the hair care appliance. ) allows it to pass through. Approximately even distribution of fluid flow prevents overheating and consistent heat output within the heater. The resulting flow output at outlet 122 further demonstrates consistent and substantially equal fluid velocities exiting the top and bottom of outlet 122 due to the configuration of distributor 602. In a linear configuration, speed (m/s) was measured at 1" from outlet 122 and 4" from outlet 122 at the high, medium, and low speed settings of fan assembly 500. The results are shown in Table 1.

Velocity at 1" from outlet 122 (m/s) Velocity at 4" from outlet 122 (m/s) height 35.6 27.8 middle 24.8 20.8 lowness 22.7 18.9

As shown in FIG. 32 , plot B shows velocity (m/s) data of fluid flow through the hair care device described herein in an angular configuration. As shown, the velocity of the fluid flow shows minimal change as the fluid flow passes from the handle 110, through the rotatable hinge joint 300, and contacts the dispenser 602. Advantageously, the distributor 602 ensures that the heater assembly 600 of the body 120 has an equal distribution of upper and lower fluid flow with minimal or no change in fluid velocity in the angular configuration of the hair care device. Allow it to pass through. The resulting flow output at outlet 122 further demonstrates consistent and substantially equal fluid velocities exiting the top and bottom of outlet 122 due to the configuration of distributor 602. In the angular configuration, speeds (m/s) were measured at 1" from outlet 122 and 4" from outlet 122 at the high, medium, and low speed settings of fan assembly 500. The results are shown in Table 2.

Velocity at 1" from outlet 122 (m/s) Velocity at 4" from outlet 122 (m/s) height 31.8 25.9 middle 25.5 20.0 lowness 20.9 17.4

Comparing the velocity data associated with a linear configuration and the velocity data associated with an angular configuration, it can be seen that configuring the fluid flow path in an angular configuration results in only a minimal reduction in the velocity of the fluid flow at each velocity setting. For example, in the high-speed setting of the angular configuration, the velocity of fluid flow measured at 1" from outlet 122 is 89% (e.g., 31.8 vs. 35.6) of the fluid flow observed in the linear configuration. At the high speed setting, the velocity of fluid flow measured at 4" from outlet 122 is 93% of the fluid flow in a linear configuration (e.g., 25.9 vs. 27.8). At the intermediate velocity setting of the angular configuration, the velocity of fluid flow measured 1" from outlet 122 is 103% of the fluid flow of the linear configuration (e.g., 25.5 vs. 24.8). At the intermediate velocity setting of the angular configuration, The velocity of fluid flow measured at 4" from outlet 122 is 96% of the fluid flow in a linear configuration (e.g., 20.0 vs. 20.8). In the low speed setting of the angular configuration, the velocity of fluid flow measured at 1" from outlet 122 is 92% of the fluid flow in the linear configuration (e.g., 20.9 vs. 22.7). In the low velocity setting of the angular configuration, the outlet ( 122), the velocity of fluid flow measured at 4" is 92% of the fluid flow in a linear configuration (e.g., 17.4 vs. 18.9). Advantageously, at the intermediate speed setting, the velocity of fluid flow through the hair device is greater than the velocity of fluid flow in a linear configuration, measured at 1" from outlet 122, in an angular configuration ( e.g. , 25.5 m/s) vs. 24.8 m/s).

Accordingly, the configuration of the device and its various internal components allows for a fluid flow path with uniform and consistent fluid flow throughout the diameter of the handle and body between the inlet and outlet in linear configurations and angular configurations. The configuration of the first distributor 504 can provide a uniform, radially distributed fluid flow through the handle to the blades of the fan assembly so that the fan does not accelerate the fluid flow unevenly into the heater assembly of the body. The configuration of the second distributor 602 can provide balanced fluid flow to the upper and lower sides of the heater assembly, such that an even distribution of fluid is provided through the heater assembly and out of the hair care device through the outlet within the body. The heater can operate at higher temperatures due to the evenly spaced airflow which prevents any heat build-up on the sides of the heater during use.

accessory matching

As discussed above, the hair care device may be further configured to mate with one or more accessories for user-selected hair styling or hair treatment. The one or more attachments may have any configuration, such as a concentrator, diffuser, curling iron, curling brush, round brush, flat brush, comb, etc. The attachment may be removably coupled to an outlet within the body of the hair care device and may be secured in place via one or more mating mechanisms configured on the outlet of the body and/or on the mating portion of the individual attachment.

In some embodiments, the hair care device may include an attachment that is not removable and is permanently attached to the hair care device. For example, the brush may be permanently attached and the hair care device may be in a “hot” brush configuration. A “hot” brush configuration may include a non-removable brush secured to the hair care device described herein.

In some embodiments, the attachment can be configured to be sleeved over the body of the hair care device, thereby covering the outlet. The sleeve-like attachment may extend further over the rotatable hinge joint in a linear configuration to prevent rotation of the device. A sleeve over the rotatable hinge joint can provide additional structural support to the hinge during use. A sleeve on a rotatable hinge can further prevent the device from changing configuration during use. For example, a hair care appliance may have a latch or button that allows rotation of the body relative to the handle. In some implementations, the sleeve over the attachment may cover the latch or button so that it cannot be actuated during use of the attachment.

Various features may also be provided to help prevent rotation of the attachment to the body of the device. For example, the sleeve attachment may include features on the interior surface, such as longitudinally oriented ribs on the interior surface, that may engage with one or more protrusions provided on the exterior surface of body housing 124. For example, as shown in FIG. 33 , the body housing 124 of the device 100 includes a recess 350 that seats a first protrusion 352a adjacent the hinge joint 300. . The first protrusion 352a may engage a portion of the inner surface of an attachment that slides over the body housing 124. As shown in FIG. 34 , when body housing 124 is removed, second protrusions 352b may be located on opposite sides of the body and protrude from first body frame 126a. The first protrusion 340a is shown to protrude from the second body frame 126b.

Hair care device 100 may include a plurality of interchangeable attachment mating assemblies. For example, the first attachment registration assembly may include a sleeve design that allows the attachment to be wrapped over the outlet end of the hair care device 100. The second attachment registration assembly can include a faceplate registration design such that the attachment abuts the outlet end of the hair care device. The third attachment mating assembly may include a mating collar comprised of a lug-like protrusion that can be removably engaged and secured within a mating portion of the attachment.

35A shows an enlarged perspective view of an attachment registration assembly 700 configured at the outlet 122 of the hair care device 100. The attachment matching assembly 700 may be coupled to the first and second body frames 126a and 126b. As shown, attachment mating assembly 700 includes mating collar 702 and mating plate 708. Mating collar 702 may include a plurality of recesses 704 arranged around the circumference of mating collar 702. Recess 704 may be configured to receive one or more fastening features of an attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance, as discussed in greater detail below. The attachment may glide over the outlet 122 of the body 120 and the fastening features of the attachment may engage and seat within the recess 704 of the engagement collar 702 to reduce rotation of the attachment relative to the body 120. You can. Rotation may be reduced or limited by protrusions 706 bordering either side of a given recess 704.

Another implementation of attachment mating assembly 6310 may appear in FIG. 35B. Outlet end 6300 within body 6305 of a hair care device similar to device 100 may include an attachment mating assembly 6310. Attachment registration assembly 6310 may include attachment registration plates 6114a and 6114b, each of which may include a plurality of slots 6320. When an attachment having attachment features, such as attachment feature 6225 of concentrator attachment 6200 shown in FIG. 62 , is coupled to outlet end 6300, the user may rotate concentrator attachment 6200 to position slots 6114a and It may engage attachment feature 6225 in 6114b and secure concentrator attachment 6200 to hair care device 100 .

Attachment mating assembly 700 may also include a mating plate 708 arranged downstream ( e.g. , upstream of outlet 125) of mating collar 702. Mating plate 708 may include an upper surface 708u that may be abutted by an attachment surface. Mating plate 708 may also include mating plate shoulder 708s extending from upper surface 708u. The mating plate shoulder 708s may be sized and configured for insertion into a receptacle arranged at the mating end of the attachment.

As shown in FIG. 36 , attachment mating assembly 700 may also include an outlet trim ring 710 coupled to mating collar 702 . Outlet trim ring 710 may include one or more surface finishes or applied materials. Mating plate 708 may be coupled to first and second body frames 126a, 126b via snap fit or friction fit, or using other attachment techniques.

As shown in FIG. 37 , mating collar 702 may include a fastening shelf 712 . Fastening shelf 712 may be positioned circumferentially on mating collar 702 inferior ( e.g. , below) to recess 704 and protrusion 706. Fastening shelf 712 can be sized and configured to receive one or more fastening features of an attachment. For example, the hook-shaped fastening feature of the attachment may engage the fastening shelf 712 to couple the attachment to the attachment mating assembly 700. In some implementations, fastening shelf 712 may be divided into segments with one or more slots separating each segment.

In another implementation, the attachment registration assembly may include a registration collar having a protruding feature, such as a lug, to engage a mating portion of the attachment to secure the attachment to the outlet end of the hair care device 100. The mating portion of the attachment may include a slot in which the lug can be received. The lugs of the mating collar may engage openings in the slots of the mating portion of the attachment, and the attachment may rotate onto the outlet end of the hair care device 100 such that the lugs move fully within the slots of the mating portion of the attachment.

Attaching or detaching an attachment on the outlet of the hair care device may be accomplished using an attachment actuator assembly configured at the outlet end of the hair care device. The attachment actuator assembly may include a user-operated latch configured to secure or release the attachment to the hair care device 100. The user can attach and remove an attachment by retracting the latch, and release the retracted latch to secure the attachment in place. The latch may be coupled to a tab insertable into an opening of at least one slot of a mating portion of the attachment. When the tab is inserted into the slot opening, rotation of the attachment to the outlet end of the hair care device is removed and the attachment is secured to the hair care device.

72 illustrates an example implementation of attachment registration assembly 7200 of hair care device 100. Attachment mating assembly 7200 includes a mating collar 7205 at outlet 122 and an attachment actuator assembly 7215 provided in body housing 124. Mating collar 7205 may include one or more protrusions 7210. In some implementations, protrusions 7210 may be lugs and may protrude from the interior surface of mating collar 7205. As shown in FIG. 73 , protrusion 7210 may protrude from interior surface 7220 of mating collar 7205. In some implementations, protrusion 7210 may have a teardrop shape, although a variety of non-limiting shapes are contemplated. The shape and dimensions of the protrusion 7210 may correspond to the shape and dimensions of a corresponding receptacle or slot that may be configured on the mating portion of the attachment of the hair care device 100. In some implementations, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 protrusions 7210 can be configured on the interior surface 7220 of the mating collar 7205. In some implementations, protrusions 7210 may be spaced apart along interior surface 7225 by an equal distance between adjacent protrusions 7210. In some implementations, protrusions 7210 may be spaced an unequal distance between adjacent protrusions 7210 along the interior surface.

Mating collar 7205 also includes at least one recess 7230 configured to receive a tab or protrusion of attachment actuator assembly 7215. Recess 7230 may have a width 7235 that corresponds to the width of the tab or protrusion of attachment actuator assembly 7215. As the attachment engages mating collar 7205, protrusion 7210 may move into a slot configured on the mating portion of the attachment. Once the movement is complete, the user releases the latch 7220 (e.g., the latch shown in Figure 1) of the attachment actuator assembly 7215 so that the tab portion of the attachment actuator assembly 7215 moves into the recess 7230 and the attachment's The attachment can be locked in place to prevent rotation.

Mating collar 7205 may also include an opening 7240 along the circumference of the bottom of mating collar 7205. Opening 7240 may receive attachment actuator assembly 7215 therein. Opening 7240 can have a width 7245 that corresponds to the width of attachment actuator assembly 7215. Mating collar 7205 may also include one or more shoulder elements 7250 that protrude from a side of mating collar 7205 at one or more locations. Shoulder element 7250 may be configured such that mating collar 7205 has a friction fit or snap fit with an outlet ring, such as outlet ring 7715 shown in FIG. 77 . Mating collar 7205 may also include slots 7255 located at one or more locations around the circumference of outer surface 7260 of mating collar 7215. Slot 7255 may be configured to secure mating collar 7205 to body housing 124 .

Attachment actuator assembly 7215 may include a latch 7220 as shown in FIG. 72 . Latch 7220 may be coupled to base 7260 of attachment actuator assembly 7215 as shown in FIG. 74 . In some implementations, latch 720 may be integrated with base 7260. Base 7260 may be coupled to compression element 7265 of attachment actuator assembly 7215. Depressing latch 7220 causes base 7260 to compress compression element 7265 causing the base to retract away from mating collar 7205. In some implementations, compression element 7265 can be a spring shown in FIG. 74. Base 7260 is movable within body frame 7275 of the hair care device. Body frame 7275 may correspond to first body frame 126a and second body frame 126b as described and shown with respect to FIG. 7 . Base 7260 may also include protrusions or tabs 7280. In some implementations, protrusion 7280 can be coupled to base 7260. Tabs 7280 extend from base 7260 to mating collar 7205 to secure attachments within mating collar 7205. For example, after a user engages an attachment to mating collar 7205, the user can release latch 7220. As a result, compressible element 7265 moves base 7260 toward mating collar 7205 such that tabs 7280 extend into recesses 7230 shown in FIG. 73 and into slots included in the mating portion of the attachment. Can be extended to push. 75, mating collar 7205 has been removed to illustrate tabs 7280 extending from base 7260 of attachment actuator assembly 7215. Retracting latch 7220 causes tab 7280 to move outward and away from mating collar 7205, allowing the attachment to be removed from body housing 124.

Attachment actuator assembly 7215 can be seen in detail in FIG. 76A, which shows attachment actuator assembly 7215 engaged with attachment mating portion 7600 in accordance with embodiments described herein. As shown in FIG. 76A , body housing 124 has been removed for illustration purposes, and the exterior of attachment mating portion 7600 is visible. Attachment matching portion 7600 may include an attachment matching collar 7605. Attachment mating collar 7605 may include one or more slots 7610. Slot 7610 may include an opening in which tab 7280 may be received. When latch 7220 is released, tab 7280 may extend or move into slot 7610 to secure attachment mating portion 7600 to outlet 122 of body 120 of hair care device 100. there is. 76B, a cutaway view of the attachment actuator assembly 7215 engaged with the attachment mating portion 7600 is shown. The cutaway view shows an internal perspective view of the attachment actuator assembly 7215 engaged with the mating collar 7205 as well as the protrusion 7210 engaged with the attachment mating portion 7600. The user rotates attachment mating portion 7600 to contact mating collar 7205, causing protrusion 7210 to move into the receiving end located at the terminal end of slot 7610, as shown in FIG. 76B. Once protrusion 7210 is fully engaged within slot 7610, the user can release latch 7220 to allow tab 7280 to extend or move into slot 7610 to secure attachment mating portion 7600 (and thus attachment). It can be fully secured to the mating collar 7205 of the hair care device 100. Accordingly, rotation of the attachment to the body 120 can be reduced or eliminated.

Hair care device 100 may also include a grill 7700 configured at outlet 122 as shown in FIG. 77 . Grille 7700 may include a plurality of vane elements 7705 extending radially from a central portion 7710 . Although the vane elements 7705 of the grill 7700 are shown in a radial shape pattern, a variety of non-limiting patterns of the vane elements 7705 may be considered, including diagonal shape patterns, mesh shape patterns, or concentric shape patterns. there is. Outlet 122 may also include outlet ring 7715. The outlet ring may be coupled to mating collar 7205 via a snap fit.

accessory

As previously discussed, the hair care device may be configured to mate to a number of different types of attachments or accessories through interchangeable mating assemblies of the hair care device 100. The attachment may be included in an accessory kit provided together with the hair care device 100 or separately. 38-68 illustrate various example implementations of attachments for use with hair care device 100, however, those skilled in the art will recognize that any attachment known in the art may be used with device 100. You will understand.

38 shows a round brush attachment 3800 including an inlet 3805 through which fluid flow may be received from a hair care device described herein. The round brush attachment 3800 may also include a cover 3810 having a plurality of holes 3815 arranged in the cover 3810. In some implementations, holes 3815 can be filled with brush bristles. Round brush attachment 3800 may also include an end cap 3820 and a base 3825. The end cap 3820 includes one or more release mechanisms 3830 configured to release a latching mechanism disposed within the round brush attachment 3800 from engagement with a feature of the attachment mating assembly 700 described with respect to FIGS. 35-37. may include.

As shown in FIG. 39 , round brush attachment 3800 may be sleeved over body 120 of hair care device 100. Brush attachment 3800 (and other attachment embodiments described herein) may be sleeved over body 120 to cover rotatable hinge joint 300. In this way, rotation of the attachment relative to the body 120 can be reduced. Fluid flow provided at the outlet 120 of the body may pass into the end cap 3820 via a fluid flow path P (indicated through a dashed line), an annular shape arranged on the lower surface of the end cap 3820. It can escape through the outlet (3915). The arrangement of fluid flow paths 3910 may advantageously direct a larger volume of fluid below the surface of the round brush attachment 3800 instead of outward away from the surface. Additionally, the arrangement of the fluid flow paths 3910 may be configured to direct fluid flow from a first direction within the round brush attachment 3800 to a second opposite direction outside the round brush attachment ( e.g., down the outer surface of the round brush attachment 3800). ) Try to change the direction. Redirecting the fluid flow path at outlet 3915 in the opposite direction as it enters round brush attachment 3800 can create a fluid curtain effect down the outer surface of round brush attachment 3800. This arrangement of fluid flow paths 3910 does not dislodge hair from the surface and away from the brush attachment during use. In some implementations, a hand guard may be provided on the base 3825 of the round brush attachment 3800. The hand guard may prevent fluid in the fluid flow path 3910 from contacting the user's hands as it moves down the outer surface of the round brush attachment 3800.

As shown in FIG. 40 , attachment mating assembly 4000 may be positioned between end cap 3820 and attachment frame 4005 . Attachment frame 4005 may form the body of round brush attachment 3800 and may be sleeved over the outlet end of the body of the hair care device described herein. Attachment mating assembly 4000 may include one or more release mechanisms 3830 coupled to both sides of mating assembly plate 4015. Release mechanism 3830 may be configured to release latching mechanism 4020 from engagement with attachment mating assembly 700, described in relation to a hair care appliance, as shown in FIGS. 35-37. For example, latching mechanism 4020 may include a hook-shaped feature configured to engage with fastening shelf 712 shown in FIG. 37 .

As shown in Figure 41, the end cap 3820 shown in Figures 38-40 has been removed for clarity. The release mechanism 3830 may be arranged on the upper surface of the mating assembly plate 4015 and the latching mechanism 4020 may be arranged on the lower surface of the mating assembly plate 4015. Actuating the release mechanism 3830 by pushing it toward the center of the round brush attachment 3800 will cause the latching mechanism 4020 to also move toward the center of the round brush attachment. As a result, the hook-shaped fastening feature on the latching mechanism 4020 moves away from the fastening shelf 712 of the attachment mating assembly 700 within the body of the hair care device such that the attachment 3800 can be removed from the body of the hair care device. You will move freely. Although described in relation to a round brush attachment, in some implementations, one or more of the attachment registration assemblies 4000 may be included on any one of the attachments described herein.

As shown in FIG. 42 , round brush attachment 3800 may include a plurality of protrusions 4205 that project downwardly from the top interior surface of attachment frame 4005. In some implementations, protrusion 4205 may be configured on a fastening plate arranged between attachment frame 4005 and mating assembly plate 4015. In some implementations, protrusions may be formed on the mounting assembly plate 4015. The protrusion 4205 is shown in FIGS. 35-37 and can engage with the recess 704 of the attachment mating assembly 700 configured on the body of the hair care device 100 when the attachment is coupled to the hair care device. When engaged within the recess 704 of the attachment registration assembly 700, the protrusion 4205 may advantageously limit rotation of the attachment relative to the body of the hair care device 100.

As further shown in FIG. 42 , round brush attachment 3800 may include a plurality of ribs 4210 extending longitudinally along the interior surface of attachment frame 4005. Ribs 4210 may be configured and spaced apart to engage protrusions 340a, 340b configured on body frames 126a, 126b and protruding through body housing 124, as shown in FIGS. 33-34. . When the round brush attachment 3800 is sleeved over the body housing 124, the ribs 4210 engage with the protrusions 340a, 340b to advantageously form a round brush attachment ( 3800) rotation can be limited.

Although the configuration of protrusions 4205 and ribs 4210 is described with respect to the round brush attachment 3800, any attachment described herein may include configurations of protrusions 4205 and/or ribs 4210, without limitation. You can.

43 shows a curling attachment 4300 that can include an inlet 4305 fluidly coupled to a body 4114a. Inlet 4305 may engage an outlet end of hair care device 100 such that fluid discharged from hair care device 100 through outlet 122 enters curling attachment 4300 at inlet 4305. there is. Spindle 4114b may be configured in body 4114a and may be coupled to one or more wheels 4320. The wheel 4320 allows the user to dry the hair by manually rotating the spindle 4114b. A high-velocity air slot 4325 may be provided on the top of the body 4114a.

As shown in FIG. 44 , fluid flow is depicted by a plurality of flow lines extending between inlet 4305 and outlet 4330. Fluid flowing into inlet 4305 is provided to focusing chamber 4335 before being led through conduit 4345 to curling chamber 4340. The user may place the hair near the high velocity air slot 4325 at the top of the tool. High-velocity air may entrain the hair and cause it to wrap around spindle 4114b. After allowing the hair to heat for 5-10 seconds, the user can help set the style using the blowing feature 402 shown in the user interface 401 described with respect to FIG. 20 . The hair is then pulled out of the curling attachment 4300. Spindle 4114b must be free to rotate to prevent any locking.

Figure 45 shows a different implementation of a curling attachment. Curling attachment 4500, shown in FIG. 45, can include an inlet 4505 that can receive fluid flow from hair care device 100. Inlet 4505 may be fluidly coupled to focusing body 4510. Focusing chamber 4510 may be fluidly coupled to curling chamber 4515. Curling chamber 4515 may include a spindle 4520 and an outlet 4525. In some implementations, spindle 4520 can have a tapered shape. Outlet 4252 may include a plurality of holes for fluid flow to enter inlet 4505 to exhaust from curling attachment 4505. Curling attachment 4500 can also include an opening 4530 through which a user can provide hair that can be curled around spindle 4520.

46 shows another embodiment of a curling attachment 4600 with an inlet 4605 through which fluid flow can be received from the hair care device 100. Fluid flow may enter focusing chamber 4610 and be provided to curling chamber 4615. A curling chamber may be formed in housing 4620 that includes a plurality of openings 4625 to exhaust fluid flow from curling attachment 4600. Curling attachment 4600 can include a spindle 4630 within housing 4620. In some implementations, spindle 4630 can have a tapered shape along its length. Hair may be provided within opening 4635 and curled around spindle 4630.

47, a curling attachment is provided and includes a focusing chamber 4610 and a plate 4640 coupled to an end of the curling chamber 4615. Spindle 4630 can rotate relative to plate 4630. Curling chamber 4615 may include an open end 4645 through which curled hair may be removed from spindle 4630. As shown in Figure 48, spindle 4630 can extend from plate 4640 to curling chamber 4615. As shown in FIG. 49 , uncurled hair 4650 may be provided to opening 4635 as a result of fluid flow provided to inlet 4605 through a hair care device attached to curling attachment 4600. It can be absorbed into the body. As the fluid flow passes through curling attachment 4600, hair 4650 may be drawn into curling chamber 4615 and curled around spindle 4630. Curled hair 4655 is curled at open end 4645. Can be removed from curling chamber 4615.

50 illustrates a barrel curling attachment 5000 that may be configured for use with hair care device 100. Barrel curling attachment 5000 may include an inlet 5005 and a barrel 5010. Barrel 5010 may include a plurality of plates 5015, such as plates 5015A and 5015B. Plate 5015 may be configured to extend away from the central longitudinal axis of barrel 5010. The fluid flow path may be along a central longitudinal axis of barrel 5010. Scroll assembly 5020 may be arranged at outlet end 5025 and inlet end 5030. Scroll assembly 5050 allows plate 5015 to expand radially outward to expand the diameter of barrel 5020. In this way, the hair can be curled into different curl sizes based on the settings of scroll 5020. The scroll assembly 5020 can be individually sized to different sizes such that the barrel tapers from the outlet end 5025 to the inlet end 5030. Barrel curling device 5000 may include a scroll assembly frame 5035 on which a scroll assembly 5020 may be mounted.

As shown in FIG. 51 , scroll assembly 5020 may be in an initial configuration corresponding to an unexpanded arrangement of plates 5015 . Scroll assembly 5020 can include a housing 5040 and one or more attachment tabs 5045 configured to couple housing 5040 to scroll assembly frame 5035. Scroll plate 5050 may be arranged within housing 5040 and may include adjustment tabs 5055 thereon. A user can rotate adjustment tab 5055 to cause plate 5050 to rotate within housing 5040. As the user rotates adjustment tab 5055 (and thus rotates plate 5050), extension element 5060 moves plate 5015 away from the central longitudinal axis of barrel curling attachment 5000. may extend radially outward.

As shown in Figure 52, the user rotated the adjustment tab 5055 to a position opposite to that associated with the initial configuration shown in Figure 51. Accordingly, scroll assembly 5020 in Figure 52 is shown in an expanded configuration. Rotation of adjustment tab 5055 may cause scroll plate 5050 to rotate and drive extension element 5060 radially outward. As a result, plate 5015 also extends radially outward. In this way, the outer diameter of the barrel curling attachment 5000 is user configurable, allowing for styling hair with a variety of curl sizes.

53 shows an implementation of a wrapping barrel curling attachment 5300 that can be configured with a rotation mechanism 5305 within a housing 5310. Wrapping barrel curling attachment 5300 may be configured to wrap hair into coils so that the hair can be curled repeatedly. A fluid flow passage 5315 flows from an inlet 5320 provided in the inlet housing 5340 of the wrapping barrel curling attachment 5300, through a flow passage chamber 5325 of the flow passage housing 5330, and into the housing 5310. It may extend to the exhaust port 5335 configured on the side. Figure 54 is an image showing the wrapping barrel curling attachment 5300 of Figure 53.

55 shows an implementation of a round brush attachment 5500 that can include a plurality of plates 5505 extending between an end cap 5510 and a base 5515. The plurality of plates 5505 may include one or more holes 5520 and one or more slots 5525 configured on each plate 5505. In some implementations, brush bristles may be configured on one or more of the plates 5505. Various hole sizes and arrangements may be considered on plate 5505 without limitation. Round brush attachment 5500 may include a fluid flow path extending from inlet 5530 through the interior volume of round brush attachment 5500 and out through holes 5520 and/or slots 5525.

Plates 5505 may be arranged within end cap 5510 and base 5515 such that each of plates 5505 may be rotationally articulated about the circumference of round brush attachment 5500. For example, when a user pulls brush attachment 5500 through hair in a first direction, plate 5505 may rotate clockwise about a central longitudinal axis extending through round brush attachment 5500. . Plate 5505 may be parallel to the central longitudinal axis of round brush attachment 5500. As the user pulls the brush attachment 5500 through the hair in a second direction opposite the first direction, the plate may rotate counterclockwise about the central longitudinal axis of the round brush attachment 5500. Based on the direction of rotation of the plate, the fluid flow path may exhaust fluid out of the hole 5520 and/or slot 5525.

As shown in Figure 56A, round brush attachment 5500 is shown in a neutral position. In this position, outlets 5535 arranged within the fluid flow path are blocked from providing fluid flow through plate 5505. As shown in FIG. 56B , when round brush attachment 5500 moves in the first direction, plate 5505 rotates clockwise to allow outlet 5535 to open and fluid flow through hole 5520. provided. As shown in FIG. 56C , when the round brush attachment 5500 moves in the second direction, the plate 5505 rotates counterclockwise to allow the outlet 5535 to open and fluid flow through the slot 5525. provided through.

As shown in FIG. 57 , the base 5515 of the round brush attachment 5500 can include an alignment feature 5540 configured to limit circumferential rotation of the plate 5505. Alignment feature 5540 may include a retention frame 5545 configured to engage an end 5550 of plate 5505 that protrudes through base 5515 and into retention frame 5545.

58 shows one implementation of a diffuser 5800 that may include a body portion 5805 and a mating portion 5810. Body portion 5805 may be the outlet end of diffuser 5800 where fluid flow received through inlet opening 5815 of mating portion 5810 may be provided for styling hair. Body portion 5805 may include a plurality of protrusions 5820 extending away from an interior surface of body portion 5820. One or more of the protrusions may include an aperture 5825 for fluid flow to exit the protrusions 5820.

Mating portion 5810 may include one or more release mechanisms 5830. Release mechanism 5830 may release latching mechanism 5835 from engaging with locking shelf 712 of attachment mating assembly 700 described with respect to FIG. 35 . By pressing the release mechanism 5830 toward the center of the mating portion 5810, the latching mechanism 5835 may be released from the fastening shelf 712. As further shown in FIG. 58 , the mating portion may include a plurality of detents 5840 arranged on the inner collar 5845 of the mating portion 5810. The detent 5840 may be received within and engaged with a recess 704 of the attachment mating assembly 700 described with respect to FIG. 35 . Once engaged, detent 5840 may limit rotation of diffuser 5800 relative to the body of hair care device 100 described herein.

As shown in FIG. 59 , diffuser 5800 may include a flow modifier 5850 configured to vary the fluid flow provided by diffuser attachment 5800. The user can change the fluid flow by adjusting the flow control unit 5850 within the flow control track 5855. The plurality of protrusions 5820 may move relative to the body, thereby increasing or decreasing the length of the plurality of protrusions 5820.

Figure 60 shows a cross-sectional view of diffuser attachment 5800. As shown, disk 5860 may be profiled to have a specific shape configured to distribute air toward the edge of body portion 5805 of diffuser 5800. In some implementations, disk 5860 hangs from a central area of body portion 5805. In this way, fluid flow is not provided directly into the central area of body 5805, but is instead redirected toward the circumference of body 5805, resulting in a more uniform fluid flow through protrusions 5820 and holes 5825. , 5865). Disk 5860 may be coupled to internal frame 5870 via a snap fit or friction fit. The inner frame 5870 may be combined with the body portion 5805, the matching portion 5810, and the body portion cover 5875. Fluid flow path 5880 through diffuser attachment 5800 can be seen in FIG. 61.

62 shows one implementation of a concentrator 6200 that may include a body portion 6205 and a mating portion 6210. A fluid flow path may be provided between an inlet 6215 of the mating portion 6210 and an outlet 6220 of the body portion 6205. Mating portion 6210 can include one or more attachment features 6225, which can protrude radially from mating collar 6230, and can be used in attachment mating assembly 6300 and concentrator 6200 as shown in FIG. 35B. ) can be combined. For example, attachment feature 6225 can be received within and secured within slots 6114a and 6114b. Body portion 6205 can rotate relative to mating portion 6210 so that the outlet location can be set by the user.

63 shows another implementation of concentrator 6300 that may include a body portion 6305 and a mating portion 6310. The fluid flow path may extend from inlet end 6315 to outlet end 6320. Fluid flow may be provided through opening 6325. A variety of non-limiting shapes and dimensions of opening 6325 are contemplated. In this implementation, concentrator attachment 6300 may include a flow modulator 6330 configured to vary the fluid flow provided by concentrator attachment 6300. The user can change the fluid flow by adjusting the flow control unit 6330 within the flow control track 6335. A bottom perspective view of the concentrator attachment 6300 is shown in Figure 64.

As shown in FIG. 65 , concentrator attachment 6500 may include a mating portion 6505 and a body portion 6510. The fluid flow path may extend from inlet end 6515 through concentrator attachment 6500 to outlet end 6520. Fluid flow may be provided through outlet end 6520. A variety of non-limiting shapes and dimensions of outlet end 6520 are contemplated. As further shown in FIG. 65 , concentrator attachment 6500 may include a flow modulator 6525 configured to vary the fluid flow provided by concentrator attachment 6500 . The user can change the fluid flow by adjusting the flow control unit 6525 within the flow control track 6530.

The mating portion 6505 includes one or more release mechanisms configured to release the latching mechanism 6540 from the fastening shelf 712 of the attachment mating assembly 700 included in the hair care appliance described herein and shown in FIGS. 35-37. (6535) may be included. Mating portion 6505 may also include a mating collar 6545 that can be inserted into attachment mating assembly 700. Mating collar 6545 can include one or more tab features 6550 that can engage with fastening shelf 712, and/or slots that can be formed in fastening shelf 712. Mating collar 6545 may also include one or more ribs 6550 configured to engage a slotted portion of fastening shelf 712. Tab features 6545 and ribs 6550 may limit or reduce rotation of concentrator attachment 6500 relative to the body of hair care device 100 described herein.

66 shows one implementation of a curling attachment 6600 that can include a mating portion 6605 and a body portion 6610. An inlet 6615 may be provided in the matching portion 6605. A fluid flow path may be provided between inlet 6615 and outlet 6620. Outlets 6620 may be provided between plates 6625 extending along the central longitudinal axis of curling attachment 6600. Plate 6625 may be secured between end cap 6630 and mating housing 6635. Plates 6625 can be configured to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise about the central longitudinal axis of curling attachment 6600, so that hair can be curled in multiple directions.

As further shown in Figure 66, curling attachment 6600 may include one or more release mechanisms 6640 arranged in mating housing 6635. Release mechanism 6640 may release latching mechanism 6645 from fastening shelf 712 of the attachment mating assembly described with respect to FIGS. 35-37. Pressing the release mechanism 6640 against the mating housing 6635 will release the latching mechanism 6645 from the fastening shelf 712. As further shown in Figure 66, mating portion 6605 can include mating collar 6650. Mating collar 6650 may include a plurality of protrusions or pawls 6655 that can engage with recesses 704 of the attachment mating assembly described with respect to FIGS. 35-37. Engagement of recess 704 and detent 6655 may limit or reduce rotation of curling attachment 6600 relative to the body of hair care device 100 described herein.

67 illustrates one example implementation of a paddle brush attachment 6700 configured for use with hair care device 100. As shown in FIG. 67 , paddle brush attachment 6700 may include a mating portion 6705 and a body portion 6710. A fluid flow path may extend from inlet 6715 through paddle brush attachment 6700 and out of hole 6720 in body portion 6710. In some implementations, one or more of the holes 6720 can include brush bristles. A non-limiting array of holes 6720 and brush bristles are contemplated on body 6710. In some implementations, holes 6720 and brush bristles can be located on a single plane. In another implementation, the holes 6720 and brush bristles can be wrapped around the face of the paddle brush attachment 6700.

As further shown in FIG. 67 , mating portion 6705 may include one or more release mechanisms 6725. Release mechanism 6725 may release latching mechanism 6730 from fastening shelf 712 of the attachment mating assembly described with respect to FIGS. 35-37. Pressing the release mechanism 6725 toward a central longitudinal axis extending through the paddle brush attachment 6700 will release the latching mechanism 6730 from the fastening shelf 712. As further shown in FIG. 67 , mating portion 6705 may include mating collar 6735. Mating collar 6735 may include a plurality of protrusions or pawls 6740 that can engage with recesses 704 of the attachment mating assembly described with respect to FIGS. 35-37. Engaging recess 704 and detent 6740 may limit or reduce rotation of paddle brush attachment 6700 relative to the body of hair care device 100 described herein.

FIG. 78 shows one implementation of a diffuser 7800 configured for use with attachment mating assembly 7200 of FIG. 72 . The illustrated diffuser 7800 includes a body portion 7805 and a matching portion 7820. Mating portion 7280 may correspond to attachment mating portion 7600 described with respect to FIGS. 76A-76B. Body portion 7805 may be an outlet end of diffuser 7800 through which fluid flow received through openings 7825 of mating portion 7820 may be provided for styling hair. Body portion 7805 may include a plurality of protrusions 7810 extending away from an interior surface of body portion 7805. One or more of the protrusions 7810 may include an aperture 7815 for fluid flow to exit the protrusions 7810.

The mating portion 7820 may include a mating collar 7830 comprised of one or more slots 7835. Slot 7835 may correspond to slot 7610 shown in FIGS. 76A-76B and described with respect to attachment mating portion 7600. Slot 7835 may include an opening 7840 and a receiving end 7845. The protrusion 7210 of the attachment mating assembly 7200 can be inserted into the opening 7840 of the slot 7835 and the receiving end ( 7845). Once protrusion 7210 reaches receiving end 7845, the user releases latch 7220, causing tab 7280 to move toward outlet end 122 and into opening 7840 and slot 7835. can do. In this way, tab 7820 may fill a portion of slot 7835, preventing protrusion 7210 from rotating away from or out of receiving end 7845. As a result, the attachment can be secured to the body housing 124 and rotation of the attachment relative to the body housing is significantly reduced or eliminated. Retracting latch 7220 allows tab 7280 to move out of slot 7835 and when the user rotates the attachment to remove it from body housing 124, protrusion 7210 opens from receiving end 7845. The attachment can be separated from the body housing 124 of the hair care device 100 by moving to 7840. Attachment mating portion 7220 may be configured on any one of the attachments described herein and is specifically shown in connection with the attachment embodiment shown in FIGS. 78-84B.

Diffuser 7800 may include a flow modifier 7850 configured to vary the fluid flow provided by diffuser attachment 7800, as shown in FIG. 79. The user can change the fluid flow by adjusting the flow control unit 7850 within the flow control track 7855.

Figure 80 shows a cross-sectional view of diffuser attachment 7800. As shown, baffle 7870 may be configured to distribute air toward the edge of body portion 7805 of diffuser 7800. In some implementations, baffle 7870 can be disk-shaped. In some implementations, baffle 7870 hangs from a central area of body portion 7805. In this way, fluid flow is not provided directly into the central area of body portion 7805, but is instead redirected toward the circumference of body portion 7805, resulting in a more uniform fluid flow through protrusions 7810 and holes 7815. , 7865). Baffle 7870 may be coupled to an elongated element 7875 that protrudes from a lower surface of body surface cover 7865. In this way, baffle 7870 can be suspended from the lower surface of body surface cover 7865. In some implementations, baffle 7870 may include an opening therein as an inlet or outlet for airflow. In some implementations, baffle 7870 may not include any holes therein. The protrusion 7810 may be coupled through a frame 7880 provided within the body portion 7805. Frame 7880 may be formed as a grid or matrix structure with openings 7885 therein to allow fluid flow paths to travel through frame 7880. Fluid flow path 7890 through diffuser attachment 7800 can be seen in FIG. 81.

FIG. 82A illustrates another example implementation of a concentrator attachment configured for use with hair care device 100 and includes attachment mating assembly 7200 of FIG. 72 . The fluid flow path may extend from inlet end 8205 to outlet end 8210. Fluid flow may be provided through opening 8210. A variety of non-limiting shapes and dimensions of opening 8210 are contemplated. In this implementation, concentrator attachment 8200 may include a flow modulator 8220 configured to vary the fluid flow provided by concentrator attachment 8200. The user can change the fluid flow by adjusting the flow control unit 8220 within the flow control track 8225. A bottom perspective view of concentrator attachment 8200 is shown in FIG. 82B. A bottom perspective view of concentrator attachment 8200 is shown in Figure 82C. As shown in Figure 82C, outlet end 8210 may include an opening 8230. A variety of non-limiting shapes and dimensions of opening 8230 are contemplated.

FIG. 83A illustrates another example implementation of a curling attachment 8300 configured for use with hair care appliance 100 and includes an attachment mating assembly 7200 shown and described with respect to FIG. 72 . Curling attachment 8300 may include a matching portion 7820 and a body portion 8305. An inlet 8315 may be provided in the matching portion 7820. A fluid flow path may be provided between inlet 8315 and outlet 8320. Outlets 8320 may be provided between plates 8310 extending along the central longitudinal axis of curling attachment 8300. Plate 8310 may be secured between end cap 8325 and mating portion 7820. Plates 8310 can be configured to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise about the central longitudinal axis of curling attachment 8300, so that hair can be curled in multiple directions.

As shown in FIG. 83B, some of the plates 8310 have been removed to illustrate the internal frame 8330 of the curling attachment 8300. Frame 8330 may include a plurality of outlets 8335 formed between frame elements of frame 8330. A fluid flow path can be received through inlet 8315, pass through the interior of frame 8330, pass through opening 8335, and pass out of curling attachment 8300 through outlet 8320. can do. A variety of non-limiting shapes and dimensions of the frame 8330 and openings 8335 formed by the frame elements are contemplated.

FIG. 84A illustrates another example implementation of a round brush attachment 8400 configured for use with hair care appliance 100 and includes an attachment mating assembly 7200 shown and described with respect to FIG. 72 . Round brush attachment 8400 can receive fluid flow from hair care device 100 through inlet 8405. The round brush attachment 8400 can include a cover 8410 having a plurality of outlets, such as holes 8415 and slots 8420 formed in the cover 8410 through which fluid flow can pass. Round brush attachment 8400 may include bristles 8425 protruding through holes 8415. In some embodiments, one or more bristles 8425 may protrude through apertures 8415. Cover 8410 may be positioned between end cap 8430 and mating portion 7820.

Fluid flow received through inlet 8405 may diffuse through diffuser plate 8435, which includes holes 8440, as shown in FIG. 84B, which shows a cross-sectional perspective view of round brush attachment 8400 in FIG. 84A. A non-limiting variety of shapes, dimensions, and patterns of holes 8440 may be considered. Inner body 8450 may include slots 8455 in a variety of shapes, dimensions, and patterns, without limitation. Fluid flow can advantageously be directed through baffle 8445 to holes 8415 and slots 8420, 8455. Baffle 8445 may be located within inner body 8450 and may be coupled to or integrated with end cap 8430. The inner body 8450 may be coupled to the mating portion 7820 and the end cap 8430. A gap 8455 may be formed between the outer surface of the inner body 8450 and the inner surface of the cover 8410. Gap 8455 may advantageously be dimensioned to provide fluid flow through hole 8415 and slot 8420. In some implementations, baffle 8445 is a hollow structure that does not include an inlet or outlet. In some implementations, baffle 8445 may be a solid structure that does not include an inlet or outlet. In some implementations, baffle 8445 may be a hollow structure or a solid structure and may include at least one inlet and at least one outlet.

FIG. 85A illustrates another example implementation of a paddle brush attachment 8500 configured for use with hair care device 100 and includes attachment mating assembly 7200 of FIG. 72 . Paddle brush attachment 8500 may include a mating portion 7820 and an inlet 8505. Cover 8510 may be coupled between mating portion 7820 and end cap 8515. Cover 8510 may include a hole 8520 and slot 8525 configured as an outlet for paddle brush attachment 8500. A variety of non-limiting shapes, dimensions and patterns of holes 8520 and slots 8525 are contemplated. A plurality of bristles 8530 may extend through cover 8510 into holes 8520. A fluid flow path may extend from inlet 8505 through paddle brush attachment 8500 and out of hole 8520 and slot 8525. In some implementations, holes 8520 and brush bristles 8530 can be located on a single plane. In other implementations, holes 8520 and brush bristles 8530 may wrap around the face of paddle brush attachment 8500.

The fluid flow path through the paddle brush attachment 8500 may be directed toward the face and side of the paddle brush attachment by distributor 8540, shown in FIG. 85D, which shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the paddle brush attachment 8500. Dispenser 8540 may be located within the paddle brush attachment between cover 8510 and housing 8535. Distributor 8540 may include a plurality of curved vanes 8545 to direct fluid flow within paddle brush attachment 8500. As shown in FIG. 86 , dispenser 8540 may include a frame 8550 extending between a base 8555 and a head 8560. The base 8555 may include an opening 8565 corresponding to the inlet 8505. The various, non-limiting shapes, numbers, and dimensions of frame 8550 and vanes 8545 may advantageously direct fluid flow received at openings 8555 along frame 8550 to holes 8520 and 8520 in cover 8510. It may be considered to distribute towards slot 8525.

The attachment registration mechanisms and assemblies of the enhanced hair care devices described herein produce numerous advantages. For example, the attachment may be secured to the hair care device using a double registration technique. First, an attachment mating mechanism ( e.g. , a segmented concentric ring of a mating collar or a hook-shaped feature formed as a protrusion) at the outlet of the body housing is provided to engage the attachment and body and reduce its rotation. directionally oriented ridges or slots). The attachment actuator assembly can eliminate rotation of the attachment relative to the body housing by actuating tabs to insert tabs into slots in the mating portion of the attachment. Second, the attachment may be configured to extend over the outlet in a sleeve configuration. Additionally, the sleeve may allow for a more compact design of the hair care device when the attachment is secured to the outlet and may improve the user experience as a result of the compact design.

Certain example implementations will now be described to provide a general understanding of the structure, function, principles of manufacture and use of the system, devices, and methods disclosed herein. Examples of one or more of these implementations are shown in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, devices and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting examples of implementations and that the scope of the invention is defined solely by the claims. Features illustrated or described with respect to one example implementation may be combined with features of another implementation. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Additionally, in this disclosure, like-named components of an implementation generally have similar features, and thus, the respective features of each like-named component within a particular implementation are not necessarily exhaustive.

As used herein throughout the specification and claims, approximation language may be applied to modify any quantitative expression that can be tolerably varied provided that it does not result in a change in the underlying function involved. Accordingly, values modified by term(s) such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially” are not limited to the exact values specified. In at least some cases, an approximation language can correspond to the precision of the instrument for measuring the value. Herein and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, and such ranges will include all subranges identified and subsumed therein, unless the context or language indicates otherwise.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate additional features and advantages of the present invention based on the foregoing embodiments. Accordingly, this application is not to be limited by what is specifically shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims (57)

As a hair care device,
comprising a handle and a body movably coupled to each other at a joint such that the body is movable between a linear configuration in which the body is longitudinally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the handle and a bent configuration in which the body extends along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle. wherein the handle and the body have a fluid flow path extending therefrom from an inlet in the handle to an outlet in the body, and disposed within the body and configured to partition fluid within the fluid flow path in both linear and bending configurations. A hair care appliance comprising a first dispenser. 2. Hair care device according to claim 1, wherein the first distributor extends in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body. 2. The hair care appliance of claim 1, further comprising a second dispenser within the handle. 4. The hair care appliance of claim 3, wherein the second distributor distributes the fluid flow radially uniformly within the handle. The hair care device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the joint extends into the fluid flow path such that fluid flow is non-linear through the joint. The hair care device of claim 1, wherein the joint comprises a rotary joint rotatable about a plane extending at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle, wherein the angle ranges from 30 to 50 degrees. 2. The hair care method of claim 1, further comprising a heater positioned between the first distributor and the outlet, wherein the first distributor is configured to direct the fluid flow in a radially uniform manner through the heater. device. 8. The hair care appliance of claim 7, wherein the first distributor is configured to equally distribute the fluid flow through the heater and the outlet to the top and bottom. 2. The hair care appliance of claim 1, wherein the first distributor includes rounded edges to reduce turbulence in fluid flow over the distributor. 2. The hair care device of claim 1, wherein the fluid flow path is sealed within the handle and the body. As a hair care device,
a housing comprising a handle having an inlet, a body coupled to the handle and having an outlet, and a fluid flow path through the housing between the inlet and the outlet, the body having a length of the handle; movable between a linear configuration extending along a directional axis and a bending configuration in which the body extends along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle); and
a fan assembly disposed within the housing and configured to generate a flow of fluid along the fluid flow path at a flow rate from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the flow rate in the bent configuration is 11% of the flow rate in the linear configuration. Small, hair care device. 12. The hair care appliance of claim 11, wherein the body extends obliquely to the handle in the bent configuration. 12. The hair care device of claim 11, wherein the handle has a length greater than the length of the body. 12. The hair care method of claim 11, wherein the flow rate in the bent configuration ranges from about 18.0 m/s to 31.5 m/s and the flow rate in the linear configuration ranges from about 18.5 m/s to 35.5 m/s. device. 12. The hair care appliance of claim 11, wherein the maximum:minimum ratio of the flow rate in the bending configuration is about 1.7 and the maximum:minimum ratio of the flow rate in the linear configuration is about 1.6. 12. The hair care appliance of claim 11, wherein the fan assembly is disposed within the handle adjacent a pivot joint formed between the handle and the body. As a hair care device,
A handle and a body movably coupled to each other at a joint, wherein the handle and the body have a fluid flow path extending between and through an inlet in the handle and an outlet in the body, the handle having a printed circuit board (PCB). ), a fan assembly having a central shaft and a plurality of vanes extending radially outward from the central shaft, and a hub disposed between the PCB and the fan assembly, wherein the hub moves radially toward the plurality of vanes. A device comprising a central dome configured to direct fluid flowing outward and around the PCB. 18. The hair care appliance of claim 17, wherein the central dome is coupled to the annular frame by one or more dome supports. 18. The hair care appliance of claim 17, wherein the motor frame of the fan assembly includes one or more curved vanes to linearize the fluid flow path exiting the plurality of vanes. As a hair care device,
A handle, and a body coupled to the handle at a joint, the body having a linear configuration (the body aligned with the longitudinal axis of the handle) and a bent configuration (the body having an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle). movable between the handle and the body, wherein the handle and the body have a center of mass located below the longitudinal axis of the body in the bent configuration and located in front of the longitudinal axis of the handle. . 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the handle includes a first end defining an inlet and a second end at the joint, and the body includes a first end at the joint and a second end defining an outlet. Hair care device. 22. The hair care appliance of claim 21, wherein a printed circuit board is located within the handle and located closer to the first end than the second end of the handle. 22. The hair care appliance of claim 21, wherein the motor and fan are located within the handle and located closer to the second end of the handle than to the first end. 22. The hair care device of claim 21, wherein the heater is located within the body and closer to the second end than to the first end of the body. 21. The hair care appliance of claim 20, further comprising a heater assembly positioned within the body and having a center point radially offset from a longitudinal axis extending through the handle when the body is in the bent configuration. 21. The hair care appliance of claim 20, wherein the handle and body have a center of gravity that is radially offset from the longitudinal axis of the handle and body in the bent configuration and the linear configuration. 27. The hair care appliance of claim 26, wherein the center of gravity in the bent configuration is radially offset by a distance greater than the distance of the center of gravity from the longitudinal axis in the linear configuration. As a hair care device,
Comprising a handle and a body coupled to the handle at a joint, wherein the body is aligned in a linear configuration (the body is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the handle) and in a bent configuration (the body is aligned with an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle). extending along), wherein the handle and the body have a total length in the linear configuration, the handle has a length that is about 2/3 of the total length, and the body has a length that is about 1/3 of the total length. A hair care device having a length of 3. 29. The hair care appliance of claim 28, wherein in the linear configuration, the joint is configured to release the body from the handle to initiate rotation of the joint in response to a force ranging from about 3.1 N to 3.6 N. 29. The hair care appliance of claim 28, wherein in the bending configuration, the joint is configured to release the body from the handle to initiate rotation of the joint in response to a force ranging from about 5.1 N to 5.3 N. 29. The hair care appliance of claim 28, wherein when the joint is in a position between the linear configuration and the fully bent configuration, the joint is configured to rotate in response to a force ranging from about 3.6 N to 4.0 N. 29. The hair care appliance of claim 28, wherein the joint is configured to rotate in response to a torque ranging from about 0.1 N to 0.7 N. As a hair care device,
a housing, the housing coupled to the handle and movable between a linear configuration in which the body is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the handle and a bent configuration in which the body extends along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle; (including body);
a fan assembly disposed within the housing and configured to direct fluid from a fluid inlet within the housing to a fluid outlet within the housing along a fluid flow path; and
a heater assembly disposed within the housing and configured to heat fluid flowing through the fluid flow path,
The hair care device, wherein the body is cylindrical with a constant outer diameter, and the handle is cylindrical with a tapered outer diameter. 34. The hair care appliance of claim 33, further comprising a rotary joint rotatable to move the body relative to the handle in response to actuation of an actuation mechanism in the handle. 35. The hair care appliance of claim 34, wherein the rotatable hinge joint includes a snap hinge assembly including a retainer and a gasket positioned on the retainer. 36. The hair care device of claim 35, wherein the snap hinge assembly is positioned between the handle hinge plate and the body hinge plate separated by a gap formed between the handle hinge plate and the body hinge plate. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the handle hinge plate includes a first plurality of snap fit features configured to couple the handle hinge plate to the handle frame, and the body hinge plate is configured to couple the body hinge plate to the body frame. A hair care appliance comprising a second plurality of snap fit features. As a hair care device,
a housing having a handle and a body, the housing having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid flow path extending therethrough and between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet;
a heater assembly disposed within the housing along the fluid flow path and configured to heat fluid flowing through the fluid flow path, the heater assembly comprising:
an internal support structure comprising a central shaft and a plurality of planar segments extending along and radially outward from the central shaft, each of the plurality of planar segments being circumferentially spaced from one another, and
wherein the internal support structure includes at least one wire element extending circumferentially around the internal support structure to support the at least one wire element,
Wherein each of the plurality of planar segments includes a cutout formed therein and configured to allow fluid flow therethrough. 39. The heater assembly of claim 38, wherein the heater assembly further comprises a thermistor having first and second connecting wires, the wires being positioned among the plurality of planar segments to suspend the thermistor within the fluid flow path at the fluid outlet. Equipped with at least one hair care device. 40. The hair care appliance of claim 39, wherein the first and second wires together form a u-shaped configuration. 40. The hair care appliance of claim 39, wherein the thermistor is suspended between two adjacent planar segments of the plurality of segments via the first and second wires. 42. The hair care appliance of claim 41, wherein the heater assembly further comprises a fuse coupled to one of the two adjacent planar segments. 39. The method of claim 38, further comprising a rotatable hinge joint between the handle and the body, wherein wiring supplying power to the heater assembly is located along the periphery of the rotatable hinge joint and between the handle and the body. A hair care device routed along an interior surface. 39. The hair care device of claim 38, wherein the cutout formed in each of the plurality of planar segments has a shape selected from the group consisting of a rectangular shape, a square shape, a circular shape, a geometric shape, and an ellipsoid shape. 39. The hair care appliance of claim 38, wherein the heater assembly further comprises an ionizer coupled to at least one planar segment of the plurality of planar segments. 39. The hair care appliance of claim 38, wherein the heater assembly further comprises a cylindrical housing surrounding the internal support structure and the at least one wire element. As a hair care device,
A housing, the housing having a handle having a first end and a second end having a fluid inlet formed therein, and a body having a first end coupled to the second end of the handle and a second end having a fluid outlet formed therein including );
a fluid path extending through the housing between a fluid inlet in the handle and a fluid outlet in the body;
a fan assembly disposed within the housing along the fluid path to direct fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet;
a heater assembly disposed within the housing along the fluid path to heat fluid flowing through the fluid path; and
A user interface surface extending along a portion of the handle and including at least one button for controlling at least one of the fan assembly and the heater assembly, the user interface surface extending from a first end of the handle toward the second end. Device, including extended). 48. The hair care appliance of claim 47, wherein the fluid inlet extends at least partially around the circumference of the handle at a first end of the handle, and the user interface surface intersects the fluid inlet. 48. The hair care appliance of claim 47, wherein the at least one button is coplanar or slightly coplanar with respect to the user interface surface. 48. The hair care appliance of claim 47, wherein the user interface surface includes an elongated region with opposing edges extending longitudinally along the handle to facilitate gripping of the handle. 48. The hair care device of claim 47, wherein the fluid inlet comprises a substantially C-shaped cylindrical porous outer housing and a filter disposed therein. 52. The hair care appliance of claim 51, wherein the user interface intersects the substantially C-shaped cylindrical porous outer housing and the filter. 48. The hair care device of claim 47, wherein the user interface is located in a scalloped portion of the handle. 48. The hair care appliance of claim 47, wherein the user interface includes at least one lighting element that illuminates the at least one button or a surface of the user interface. 48. The hair care device of claim 47, further comprising a blower button to shut off the heater assembly and allow unheated fluid to flow through the fluid path. 48. The hair care appliance of claim 47, wherein the at least one button controlling the fan assembly can be repeatedly engaged to select at least one speed setting of the fan assembly. 48. The hair care appliance of claim 47, wherein the at least one button controlling the heater assembly can be repeatedly engaged to select at least one temperature setting of the heater assembly.