US20080061456A1 - Appliances having built-in water dispenser - Google Patents
Appliances having built-in water dispenser Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080061456A1 US20080061456A1 US11/983,294 US98329407A US2008061456A1 US 20080061456 A1 US20080061456 A1 US 20080061456A1 US 98329407 A US98329407 A US 98329407A US 2008061456 A1 US2008061456 A1 US 2008061456A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- water
- assembly
- water tank
- housing
- nozzles
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
- A61M11/04—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised
- A61M11/041—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised using heaters
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D20/00—Hair drying devices; Accessories therefor
- A45D20/04—Hot-air producers
- A45D20/08—Hot-air producers heated electrically
- A45D20/10—Hand-held drying devices, e.g. air douches
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
- A46B11/001—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs
- A46B11/002—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs pressurised at moment of use manually or by powered means
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
- A46B11/001—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs
- A46B11/0062—Brushes where the reservoir is specifically intended for being refilled when empty
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F6/00—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification
- F24F6/02—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification by evaporation of water in the air
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D1/00—Curling-tongs, i.e. tongs for use when hot; Curling-irons, i.e. irons for use when hot; Accessories therefor
- A45D2001/008—Curling-tongs, i.e. tongs for use when hot; Curling-irons, i.e. irons for use when hot; Accessories therefor with vapor generation, e.g. steam
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
- A46B2200/104—Hair brush
Definitions
- the present invention relates to various appliances, and in particular, to appliances having a built-in water dispenser that dispenses water to enhance the use of the appliance.
- Fans and heaters are provided to improve comfort and the living environment inside homes.
- Hair dryers and brushes are provided to help individuals style their hair.
- the present invention provides an appliance that has a water dispenser.
- a fan or heater assembly has a base portion, a blower portion that blows air into the environment, a water tank that contains water, and water outlets fluidly coupled to the water tank for dispensing water into the environment.
- a hair dryer assembly has a handle portion, a blower portion that blows air into the environment, a water tank, a plurality of nozzles fluidly coupled to the water tank, and a pump system that delivers water from the water tank to the nozzles for dispensing water into the environment.
- a brush assembly has a handle portion, and a water spray portion secured to the handle portion, the water spray portion having a tube with nozzles provided about the body.
- the brush assembly also has a water tank that is fluidly coupled to the nozzles, a pump system that delivers water from the water tank to the nozzles for dispensing water into the environment, and a brush portion that is coupled to the tube.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the heater assembly of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the humidifier portion of the heater assembly of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hair dryer assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the hair dryer assembly of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the hair dryer assembly of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a brush assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 8 and 9 are two different exploded perspective view of the brush assembly of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 10 illustrates the brush assembly of FIG. 7 in use with a different brush head.
- FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one embodiment of a heater assembly 20 according to the present invention.
- the heater assembly 20 has a base portion 22 , a blower portion 24 and a humidifier portion 26 .
- the base portion 22 houses the circuit board, power system, and other electronics for the heater assembly 20 .
- the circuit board, power system and electronics can be the same as for any of the conventional heater assemblies that are currently available in the marketplace, and will not be described in further detail.
- a power cord 28 extends from the base portion 22 to provide power from an external power source.
- a control panel 29 can be provided on a side wall 34 of the blower portion 24 for controlling the operation of the assembly 20 .
- the blower portion 24 has a heater 30 that is housed inside a housing that is made up of two side walls 32 , 34 and a front wall 36 that are attached together to form a hollow interior space that receives and holds the heater 30 .
- Air inlets 38 are provided in the side walls 32 , 34 through which air can be drawn for use by the heater 30 .
- Air outlets 40 are provided in the front wall 36 through which heated air can be ejected.
- water outlets 44 are provided in the front wall 36 through which water can be ejected.
- the humidifier portion 26 can be any conventional humidifier that is provided at the top of the walls 32 , 34 , 36 .
- the humidifier portion 26 includes the components of a conventional humidifier, including a housing 261 that houses a filter 262 , a water tank 263 , a motor (not shown) and a blower or fan 264 .
- a mist section 265 is provided above the housing 261 , and has mist outlets 266 through which cool or warm mist can be introduced into the environment.
- the motor can be retained in either the mist section 265 or the housing 261 .
- a control panel 267 can be provided on either the mist section 265 or the housing 261 to allow for control of the humidifier separate from control for the heater 30 .
- a power cord 268 extends from the housing 261 to allow power to be provided separately to the humidifier and the heater 30 .
- wiring (not shown) can extend through the blower portion 24 to couple the circuit board and electronics in the base portion 22 to the motor in the humidifier portion 26 .
- a pump 42 is provided in the housing 261 of the humidifier portion 26 .
- the pump 42 can be embodied in the form of any conventional negative-pressure pump, and functions to deliver water from the water tank 263 to at least one water tube 46 which extends from the humidifier portion 26 into the interior of the blower portion 24 .
- Each water tube 46 is fluidly coupled to a corresponding water conduit 48 that is located at a position that is adjacent to the front wall 36 .
- Water outlets 50 are provided on the conduit(s) 48 at locations adjacent to the water outlets 44 .
- a user can turn on the heater 30 by controlling the control panel 29 , such as by turning on one or more switches.
- the heater 30 emits warm air through the air and water outlets 40 .
- the blower portion 24 rotates in a reciprocal manner about the fixed base portion 22 to disperse the heat.
- the user can turn on the humidifier by controlling the control panel 267 on the mist section 265 .
- the user can additionally (and optionally) actuate the pump 42 (by pressing) to cause water to be pumped from the water tank 50 via the tube(s) 46 and conduit(s) 48 , and ejected through the water outlets 50 and 44 .
- the user can operate the heater 30 and the humidifier portion 26 separately and independently from each other. In other words, the user can operate the humidifier portion 26 alone, the heater 30 alone, or both the heater 30 and the humidifier portion 26 .
- FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a heater assembly 20
- the heater 30 can be a conventional cooling fan, in which case the blower portion 24 would be blowing cool air as opposed to warm air.
- the construction, structure and features of conventional blower portions used for fan assemblies are well-known to those skilled in the art.
- the humidifier portion 26 is illustrated as being provided above the blower portion 24 , it is also possible to position the humidifier portion 26 below the blower portion 24 , or to one side of either of the side walls 32 or 34 .
- FIGS. 4-6 illustrate one embodiment of a hair dryer assembly 100 according to the present invention.
- the hair dryer assembly 100 has a handle portion 102 , a blower portion 104 and a water tank 106 .
- the handle portion 102 houses the electronics 108 for a conventional hair dryer.
- a power cord 110 extends from the handle portion 102 to supply external power to the hair dryer assembly 100 .
- Switches 112 are provided on the handle portion 102 for controlling the hair dryer 100 , including turning the hair dryer 100 on and off.
- the blower portion 104 has a generally cylindrical housing 120 having an open rear end 122 and an open front end 124 .
- a fan system 126 , a heater 136 and a pump system are housed inside the housing 120 .
- the fan system 126 is positioned adjacent the opening in the rear end 122 , and includes a fan 130 carried on a shaft 132 extending from a motor 134 in a conventional manner well-known in the art.
- a heater 136 is positioned in front of the fan 130 .
- the water tank 106 is positioned above the heater 136 through an opening 138 cut out of the housing 120 .
- the water tank 106 has a water inlet 140 through which water can be introduced.
- a cover 128 blocks and secures the inlet 140 .
- the pump system includes a sprayer 142 which is fluidly connected with the interior of the water tank 106 by a first tubing 144 .
- the sprayer 142 is positioned between the heater 136 and the fan 130 adjacent the handle portion 102 , and is coupled to a pump 146 that has a pump button 147 extending through the housing 120 for actuation and control by the user.
- the pump system further includes a spray mount 150 positioned adjacent the front end 124 and in front of the heater 136 .
- a second tubing 148 extends below the heater 136 and fluidly connects the sprayer 142 and an internal conduit 152 provided in the spray mount 150 .
- the internal conduit 152 is fluidly connected to a plurality of nozzles 154 through which water can be ejected.
- the pump 146 can be embodied in the form of any conventional negative-pressure pump, and functions to deliver water from the water tank 106 (via the tubings 144 and 148 ) to the spray mount 150 .
- the hair dryer assembly 100 can be used in the following manner.
- a switch 112 can be actuated to turn on the fan system 126 and the heater 136 .
- the fan system 126 draws air through the opened rear end 122 and the fan 130 generates a flow of air that is directed towards the heater 136 and the front end 124 of the housing 120 .
- the heater 136 generates heat to warm up the air that passes through the heater 136 from the fan 130 to the front end 124 .
- the warmed air is blown out through the open front end 124 .
- the user presses on the pump button 147 , which creates negative pressure to draw water from the water tank 106 through the first tubing 144 to the sprayer 142 and pump 146 , where the negative pressure further delivers the water through the second tubing 148 to the nozzles 154 (via the internal conduit 152 in the spray mount 150 ), where the water is ejected and sprayed.
- the water in the water tank 106 can be replenished by removing the cover 128 at the inlet 140 of the water tank 106 .
- FIGS. 7-10 illustrate one embodiment of a brush assembly 200 according to the present invention.
- the brush assembly 200 can be used as a conventional brush.
- the brush assembly 200 has a handle portion 202 , a water tank 204 , a water spray portion 206 , and a brush portion BP 1 .
- the handle portion 202 has an elongated housing 208 which houses the electronics (not shown) to power a heating element 209 .
- a power cord 210 extends from the housing 208 to supply external power to the brush assembly 200 .
- a switch 211 can be provided on the housing 208 for turning the heating element 209 on and off. If the brush assembly 200 is used as a conventional brush without the need for electrical power, the electronics, the heating element 209 , the power cord 210 and the switch 211 can be omitted.
- the housing 208 defines a cut-out region 212 which is adapted to receive the removable water tank 204 .
- the water tank 204 can be fitted into the cut-out region 212 , with the housing 208 , the cut-out region 212 and the water tank 204 configured so that the entire handle portion 202 (with the water tank 204 attached thereto) has an ergonomically and aesthetically pleasing overall configuration.
- Aligned ridges e.g., see 218 , 219
- An opening 214 is provided at a front wall 216 of the housing 208 .
- the water tank 204 has a cover 213 that closes the opening in the water tank 204 through which water is introduced.
- a pump system 215 is provided in the water tank 204 to pump water from the inside of the water tank 204 to the water spray portion 206 .
- a pump button 220 extends from the pump system 215 for the user to actuate the pump system 215 .
- the water spray portion 206 is fixedly secured to the brush portion BP 1 .
- the water spray portion 206 has an elongate tube 230 having a plurality of nozzles 232 provided in spaced-apart manner about the tube 230 .
- a spray conduit 234 extends from one end of the tube 230 and is adapted to be fitted into the opening 214 in the front wall 216 of the housing 208 and through a water outlet 236 at one end of the water tank 204 .
- a locking ring 235 can be provided on the conduit 234 to secure the conduit 234 at the opening 214 .
- the brush portion BP 1 has a board 240 on which a plurality of bristles 242 are provided.
- the brush portion BP 1 can be a brush portion for a conventional brush.
- the board 240 can assume any shape or size, and FIG. 7 illustrates the board 240 as having a generally oval shape.
- a slot 244 is provided along an edge of the board 240 , and is adapted to receive, retain and expose a portion of the tube 230 .
- the tube 230 is fixedly secured to board 240 at the location of the slot 244 .
- the slot 244 also exposes a portion of the tube 230 (as best shown in FIG. 7 ) and some nozzles 232 . Thus, water emitted through the nozzles 232 can exit through the slot 244 .
- the same handle portion 202 (and the water tank 204 carried thereon) can be used with a different brush portion, such as brush portion BP 2 shown in FIG. 10 .
- the brush portion BP 2 can be a conventional curling brush, and has a tubular body 250 that defines an internal bore.
- the body 250 has at least one elongated slit 252 provided along the length thereof.
- a plurality of the nozzles 232 from the tube 230 are positioned along the slit 252 .
- a plurality of bristles 254 are provided about the body 250 .
- the tube 230 is adapted to be inserted into, and fixedly retained inside, the bore of the body 250 .
- the user grips the handle portion 202 to comb his or her hair, and if the user desires to spray a little water to his or her hair, the user presses the pump button 220 , which causes water from the water tank 204 to be delivered via the outlet 236 and the conduit 234 to the tube 230 and ejected through the nozzles 232 . If a heating element 209 is provided, the user can turn on the switch 211 to turn on the heating element 209 , which will warm up the water retained inside the water tank 204 , so that the ejected water can be warm.
- the user grips the handle portion 202 to comb his or her hair, and if the user desires to spray a little water to his or her hair, the user presses the pump button 220 , which causes water. from the water tank 204 to be delivered via the outlet 236 and the conduit 234 to the tube 230 and ejected through the nozzles 232 and the slit 252 . If a heating element 209 is provided, the user can turn on the switch 211 to turn on the heating element 209 , which will warm up the water retained inside the water tank 204 , so that the ejected water can be warm.
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Abstract
An appliance is provided with a water dispenser. A fan or heater assembly, a hair dryer assembly, and a brush assembly are disclosed. Each of these assemblies includes a water dispenser incorporated therein.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to various appliances, and in particular, to appliances having a built-in water dispenser that dispenses water to enhance the use of the appliance.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Numerous conventional appliances are are readily available in the marketplace. Fans and heaters are provided to improve comfort and the living environment inside homes. Hair dryers and brushes are provided to help individuals style their hair.
- The present invention provides an appliance that has a water dispenser. In one embodiment of the present invention, a fan or heater assembly has a base portion, a blower portion that blows air into the environment, a water tank that contains water, and water outlets fluidly coupled to the water tank for dispensing water into the environment.
- According to another embodiment of the present invention, a hair dryer assembly has a handle portion, a blower portion that blows air into the environment, a water tank, a plurality of nozzles fluidly coupled to the water tank, and a pump system that delivers water from the water tank to the nozzles for dispensing water into the environment.
- According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a brush assembly has a handle portion, and a water spray portion secured to the handle portion, the water spray portion having a tube with nozzles provided about the body. The brush assembly also has a water tank that is fluidly coupled to the nozzles, a pump system that delivers water from the water tank to the nozzles for dispensing water into the environment, and a brush portion that is coupled to the tube.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the heater assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the humidifier portion of the heater assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hair dryer assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the hair dryer assembly ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the hair dryer assembly ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a brush assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 8 and 9 are two different exploded perspective view of the brush assembly ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 10 illustrates the brush assembly ofFIG. 7 in use with a different brush head. - The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
-
FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one embodiment of aheater assembly 20 according to the present invention. Theheater assembly 20 has abase portion 22, ablower portion 24 and ahumidifier portion 26. Thebase portion 22 houses the circuit board, power system, and other electronics for theheater assembly 20. The circuit board, power system and electronics can be the same as for any of the conventional heater assemblies that are currently available in the marketplace, and will not be described in further detail. Apower cord 28 extends from thebase portion 22 to provide power from an external power source. Acontrol panel 29 can be provided on aside wall 34 of theblower portion 24 for controlling the operation of theassembly 20. - The
blower portion 24 has aheater 30 that is housed inside a housing that is made up of twoside walls front wall 36 that are attached together to form a hollow interior space that receives and holds theheater 30.Air inlets 38 are provided in theside walls heater 30.Air outlets 40 are provided in thefront wall 36 through which heated air can be ejected. In addition,water outlets 44 are provided in thefront wall 36 through which water can be ejected. - Referring to
FIGS. 2-3 , thehumidifier portion 26 can be any conventional humidifier that is provided at the top of thewalls humidifier portion 26 includes the components of a conventional humidifier, including ahousing 261 that houses afilter 262, awater tank 263, a motor (not shown) and a blower orfan 264. Amist section 265 is provided above thehousing 261, and has mistoutlets 266 through which cool or warm mist can be introduced into the environment. The motor can be retained in either themist section 265 or thehousing 261. Acontrol panel 267 can be provided on either themist section 265 or thehousing 261 to allow for control of the humidifier separate from control for theheater 30. In addition, apower cord 268 extends from thehousing 261 to allow power to be provided separately to the humidifier and theheater 30. Alternatively, wiring (not shown) can extend through theblower portion 24 to couple the circuit board and electronics in thebase portion 22 to the motor in thehumidifier portion 26. - A
pump 42 is provided in thehousing 261 of thehumidifier portion 26. Thepump 42 can be embodied in the form of any conventional negative-pressure pump, and functions to deliver water from thewater tank 263 to at least onewater tube 46 which extends from thehumidifier portion 26 into the interior of theblower portion 24. Eachwater tube 46 is fluidly coupled to acorresponding water conduit 48 that is located at a position that is adjacent to thefront wall 36.Water outlets 50 are provided on the conduit(s) 48 at locations adjacent to thewater outlets 44. - In use, a user can turn on the
heater 30 by controlling thecontrol panel 29, such as by turning on one or more switches. Theheater 30 emits warm air through the air andwater outlets 40. In one embodiment, theblower portion 24 rotates in a reciprocal manner about thefixed base portion 22 to disperse the heat. If the user desires to provide a less dry (i.e., slightly more humid) environment, the user can turn on the humidifier by controlling thecontrol panel 267 on themist section 265. The user can additionally (and optionally) actuate the pump 42 (by pressing) to cause water to be pumped from thewater tank 50 via the tube(s) 46 and conduit(s) 48, and ejected through thewater outlets heater 30 and thehumidifier portion 26 separately and independently from each other. In other words, the user can operate thehumidifier portion 26 alone, theheater 30 alone, or both theheater 30 and thehumidifier portion 26. - Even though
FIGS. 1-3 illustrate aheater assembly 20, theheater 30 can be a conventional cooling fan, in which case theblower portion 24 would be blowing cool air as opposed to warm air. The construction, structure and features of conventional blower portions used for fan assemblies are well-known to those skilled in the art. - In addition, although the
humidifier portion 26 is illustrated as being provided above theblower portion 24, it is also possible to position thehumidifier portion 26 below theblower portion 24, or to one side of either of theside walls -
FIGS. 4-6 illustrate one embodiment of ahair dryer assembly 100 according to the present invention. Thehair dryer assembly 100 has ahandle portion 102, ablower portion 104 and awater tank 106. - The
handle portion 102 houses theelectronics 108 for a conventional hair dryer. Apower cord 110 extends from thehandle portion 102 to supply external power to thehair dryer assembly 100.Switches 112 are provided on thehandle portion 102 for controlling thehair dryer 100, including turning thehair dryer 100 on and off. - The
blower portion 104 has a generallycylindrical housing 120 having an openrear end 122 and an openfront end 124. Afan system 126, aheater 136 and a pump system are housed inside thehousing 120. Thefan system 126 is positioned adjacent the opening in therear end 122, and includes afan 130 carried on ashaft 132 extending from amotor 134 in a conventional manner well-known in the art. Aheater 136 is positioned in front of thefan 130. Thewater tank 106 is positioned above theheater 136 through anopening 138 cut out of thehousing 120. Thewater tank 106 has awater inlet 140 through which water can be introduced. Acover 128 blocks and secures theinlet 140. The pump system includes asprayer 142 which is fluidly connected with the interior of thewater tank 106 by afirst tubing 144. Thesprayer 142 is positioned between theheater 136 and thefan 130 adjacent thehandle portion 102, and is coupled to apump 146 that has apump button 147 extending through thehousing 120 for actuation and control by the user. The pump system further includes aspray mount 150 positioned adjacent thefront end 124 and in front of theheater 136. Asecond tubing 148 extends below theheater 136 and fluidly connects thesprayer 142 and aninternal conduit 152 provided in thespray mount 150. Theinternal conduit 152 is fluidly connected to a plurality ofnozzles 154 through which water can be ejected. Thepump 146 can be embodied in the form of any conventional negative-pressure pump, and functions to deliver water from the water tank 106 (via thetubings 144 and 148) to thespray mount 150. - The
hair dryer assembly 100 can be used in the following manner. First, aswitch 112 can be actuated to turn on thefan system 126 and theheater 136. Thefan system 126 draws air through the openedrear end 122 and thefan 130 generates a flow of air that is directed towards theheater 136 and thefront end 124 of thehousing 120. Theheater 136 generates heat to warm up the air that passes through theheater 136 from thefan 130 to thefront end 124. The warmed air is blown out through the openfront end 124. When the user desires to wet his or her hair, the user presses on thepump button 147, which creates negative pressure to draw water from thewater tank 106 through thefirst tubing 144 to thesprayer 142 and pump 146, where the negative pressure further delivers the water through thesecond tubing 148 to the nozzles 154 (via theinternal conduit 152 in the spray mount 150), where the water is ejected and sprayed. The water in thewater tank 106 can be replenished by removing thecover 128 at theinlet 140 of thewater tank 106. -
FIGS. 7-10 illustrate one embodiment of abrush assembly 200 according to the present invention. Thebrush assembly 200 can be used as a conventional brush. Thebrush assembly 200 has ahandle portion 202, awater tank 204, awater spray portion 206, and a brush portion BP1. - The
handle portion 202 has anelongated housing 208 which houses the electronics (not shown) to power aheating element 209. Apower cord 210 extends from thehousing 208 to supply external power to thebrush assembly 200. Aswitch 211 can be provided on thehousing 208 for turning theheating element 209 on and off. If thebrush assembly 200 is used as a conventional brush without the need for electrical power, the electronics, theheating element 209, thepower cord 210 and theswitch 211 can be omitted. - The
housing 208 defines a cut-outregion 212 which is adapted to receive theremovable water tank 204. Thewater tank 204 can be fitted into the cut-outregion 212, with thehousing 208, the cut-outregion 212 and thewater tank 204 configured so that the entire handle portion 202 (with thewater tank 204 attached thereto) has an ergonomically and aesthetically pleasing overall configuration. Aligned ridges (e.g., see 218, 219) can be provided on thehousing 208 and thewater tank 204 to secure thewater tank 204 in the cut-outregion 212. Anopening 214 is provided at afront wall 216 of thehousing 208. Thewater tank 204 has acover 213 that closes the opening in thewater tank 204 through which water is introduced. - A
pump system 215 is provided in thewater tank 204 to pump water from the inside of thewater tank 204 to thewater spray portion 206. Apump button 220 extends from thepump system 215 for the user to actuate thepump system 215. - The
water spray portion 206 is fixedly secured to the brush portion BP1. Thewater spray portion 206 has anelongate tube 230 having a plurality ofnozzles 232 provided in spaced-apart manner about thetube 230. Aspray conduit 234 extends from one end of thetube 230 and is adapted to be fitted into theopening 214 in thefront wall 216 of thehousing 208 and through awater outlet 236 at one end of thewater tank 204. A lockingring 235 can be provided on theconduit 234 to secure theconduit 234 at theopening 214. - The brush portion BP1 has a
board 240 on which a plurality ofbristles 242 are provided. The brush portion BP1 can be a brush portion for a conventional brush. Theboard 240 can assume any shape or size, andFIG. 7 illustrates theboard 240 as having a generally oval shape. Aslot 244 is provided along an edge of theboard 240, and is adapted to receive, retain and expose a portion of thetube 230. In particular, thetube 230 is fixedly secured to board 240 at the location of theslot 244. Theslot 244 also exposes a portion of the tube 230 (as best shown inFIG. 7 ) and somenozzles 232. Thus, water emitted through thenozzles 232 can exit through theslot 244. - The same handle portion 202 (and the
water tank 204 carried thereon) can be used with a different brush portion, such as brush portion BP2 shown inFIG. 10 . The brush portion BP2 can be a conventional curling brush, and has atubular body 250 that defines an internal bore. Thebody 250 has at least oneelongated slit 252 provided along the length thereof. A plurality of thenozzles 232 from thetube 230 are positioned along theslit 252. A plurality ofbristles 254 are provided about thebody 250. Thetube 230 is adapted to be inserted into, and fixedly retained inside, the bore of thebody 250. - To use the
brush assembly 200 with brush portion BP1, the user grips thehandle portion 202 to comb his or her hair, and if the user desires to spray a little water to his or her hair, the user presses thepump button 220, which causes water from thewater tank 204 to be delivered via theoutlet 236 and theconduit 234 to thetube 230 and ejected through thenozzles 232. If aheating element 209 is provided, the user can turn on theswitch 211 to turn on theheating element 209, which will warm up the water retained inside thewater tank 204, so that the ejected water can be warm. - To use the
brush assembly 200 with brush portion BP2, the user grips thehandle portion 202 to comb his or her hair, and if the user desires to spray a little water to his or her hair, the user presses thepump button 220, which causes water. from thewater tank 204 to be delivered via theoutlet 236 and theconduit 234 to thetube 230 and ejected through thenozzles 232 and theslit 252. If aheating element 209 is provided, the user can turn on theswitch 211 to turn on theheating element 209, which will warm up the water retained inside thewater tank 204, so that the ejected water can be warm. - While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof.
Claims (15)
1. A fan or heater assembly, comprising:
a base portion;
a blower portion that blows air into the environment;
a water tank that contains water; and
water outlets fluidly coupled to the water tank for dispensing water into the environment.
2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the blower portion has a housing that houses a motor and a blower, and wherein the water outlets are provided on the housing.
3. The assembly of claim 1 , further including a humidifier portion.
4. A hair dryer assembly, comprising:
a handle portion;
a blower portion that blows air into the environment, the blower portion including a front end, a fan system and a heater;
a water tank that contains water;
a plurality of nozzles fluidly coupled to the water tank;
a pump system that delivers water from the water tank to the nozzles for dispensing water into the environment.
5. The assembly of claim 4 , wherein the blower portion has a housing that houses the fan system, the heater and the pump system, with the nozzles provided at one end of the housing.
6. The assembly of claim 4 , wherein the blower portion has a housing, and the water tank is removably attached to the housing of the blower portion.
7. The assembly of claim 4 , wherein the pump system includes:
a pump;
a first tubing which fluidly connects the water tank and the pump;
a spray mount positioned adjacent the front end of the blower portion, with the plurality of nozzles provided on the spray mount; and
a second tubing that fluidly connects the pump and the nozzles.
8. A brush assembly, comprising:
a handle portion;
a water spray portion secured to the handle portion, the water spray portion having a tube with nozzles provided about the body;
a water tank that contains water, the water tank fluidly coupled to the nozzles;
a pump system that delivers water from the water tank to the nozzles for dispensing water into the environment; and
a brush portion that is coupled to the tube.
9. The assembly of claim 8 , wherein the handle portion has a housing, with the water tank removably attached to the housing.
10. The assembly of claim 8 , wherein the water spray portion has a conduit that fluidly couples the interior of the water tank and the tube.
11. The assembly of claim 8 , wherein the brush portion has a slot that receives the tube, and through which the nozzles are exposed.
12. The assembly of claim 8 , wherein the brush portion has a bore that receives the tube.
13. The assembly of claim 12 , wherein the brush portion has a slit through which the nozzles are exposed.
14. The assembly of claim 8 , wherein the brush portion is a hair curler.
15. The assembly of claim 9 , further including a heater housed inside the housing and adjacent the water tank.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/983,294 US20080061456A1 (en) | 2004-12-28 | 2007-11-08 | Appliances having built-in water dispenser |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/023,725 US7293369B2 (en) | 2004-12-28 | 2004-12-28 | Appliances having built-in water dispenser |
US11/983,294 US20080061456A1 (en) | 2004-12-28 | 2007-11-08 | Appliances having built-in water dispenser |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/023,725 Continuation US7293369B2 (en) | 2004-12-28 | 2004-12-28 | Appliances having built-in water dispenser |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080061456A1 true US20080061456A1 (en) | 2008-03-13 |
Family
ID=36609721
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/023,725 Expired - Fee Related US7293369B2 (en) | 2004-12-28 | 2004-12-28 | Appliances having built-in water dispenser |
US11/983,294 Abandoned US20080061456A1 (en) | 2004-12-28 | 2007-11-08 | Appliances having built-in water dispenser |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/023,725 Expired - Fee Related US7293369B2 (en) | 2004-12-28 | 2004-12-28 | Appliances having built-in water dispenser |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (2) | US7293369B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2009065747A1 (en) * | 2007-11-19 | 2009-05-28 | Unilever Plc | Hair grooming device |
DE102009054579A1 (en) * | 2009-12-11 | 2011-06-16 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | hairdryer |
Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1656414A (en) * | 1924-12-17 | 1928-01-17 | Universal Humidifying Company | Humidifying apparatus |
US2026981A (en) * | 1934-02-07 | 1936-01-07 | Kahnt Ellis | Massaging and bathing apparatus |
US2075862A (en) * | 1934-02-19 | 1937-04-06 | James E Myers | Humidifier |
US3306010A (en) * | 1964-06-05 | 1967-02-28 | Donald G Garofalow | Electric humidifier unit and method and means of illumination of the unit |
US4529867A (en) * | 1984-02-09 | 1985-07-16 | Inspiron Corporation | Humidifier and heater |
US4810854A (en) * | 1987-05-26 | 1989-03-07 | Sunbeam Corporation | Compact portable vaporizer |
US6119702A (en) * | 1999-02-26 | 2000-09-19 | Habibi; Masood | Heated hair styling system |
US6220579B1 (en) * | 1998-08-24 | 2001-04-24 | Tsu-Hsiu Chen | Warm mist humidifier |
US7011468B1 (en) * | 2002-08-21 | 2006-03-14 | Clio Designs Incorporated | Fluid dispensing device |
-
2004
- 2004-12-28 US US11/023,725 patent/US7293369B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2007
- 2007-11-08 US US11/983,294 patent/US20080061456A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1656414A (en) * | 1924-12-17 | 1928-01-17 | Universal Humidifying Company | Humidifying apparatus |
US2026981A (en) * | 1934-02-07 | 1936-01-07 | Kahnt Ellis | Massaging and bathing apparatus |
US2075862A (en) * | 1934-02-19 | 1937-04-06 | James E Myers | Humidifier |
US3306010A (en) * | 1964-06-05 | 1967-02-28 | Donald G Garofalow | Electric humidifier unit and method and means of illumination of the unit |
US4529867A (en) * | 1984-02-09 | 1985-07-16 | Inspiron Corporation | Humidifier and heater |
US4810854A (en) * | 1987-05-26 | 1989-03-07 | Sunbeam Corporation | Compact portable vaporizer |
US6220579B1 (en) * | 1998-08-24 | 2001-04-24 | Tsu-Hsiu Chen | Warm mist humidifier |
US6119702A (en) * | 1999-02-26 | 2000-09-19 | Habibi; Masood | Heated hair styling system |
US7011468B1 (en) * | 2002-08-21 | 2006-03-14 | Clio Designs Incorporated | Fluid dispensing device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20060137209A1 (en) | 2006-06-29 |
US7293369B2 (en) | 2007-11-13 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |