US20240065408A1 - Haircare appliance - Google Patents
Haircare appliance Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20240065408A1 US20240065408A1 US18/268,369 US202118268369A US2024065408A1 US 20240065408 A1 US20240065408 A1 US 20240065408A1 US 202118268369 A US202118268369 A US 202118268369A US 2024065408 A1 US2024065408 A1 US 2024065408A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- air outlet
- attachment
- airflow
- treatment chamber
- hair treatment
- 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.)
- Pending
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- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 claims description 19
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 24
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009792 diffusion process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010183 spectrum analysis Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- A45D20/12—Details thereof or accessories therefor, e.g. nozzles, stands
-
- 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
- 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
- A45D20/12—Details thereof or accessories therefor, e.g. nozzles, stands
- A45D20/122—Diffusers, e.g. for variable air flow
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a haircare appliance, and an attachment for a haircare appliance.
- Haircare appliances are generally used to treat or style hair, and some haircare appliances may treat or style hair using airflow.
- an attachment for a haircare appliance comprising: an air inlet for receiving an airflow; an air outlet for emitting the airflow; and a hair treatment chamber for receiving hair, the hair treatment chamber in fluid communication with the air outlet; wherein the hair treatment chamber comprises a wall, an opening through which hair is insertable into the hair treatment chamber, and an aperture formed in the wall, the air outlet configured to direct airflow away from the opening and toward the aperture in use.
- the hair treatment chamber may hold the user's hair in place during use such that the user's hair is less likely to be disrupted by the flow of air into the hair treatment chamber. As such, relatively high flow rates of air can be used without significantly disrupting the user's hair.
- the flow rate may be at least 6 litres per second, at least 10 litres per second, or at least 13 litres per second.
- airflow may be directed away from the roots of the hair.
- the user may place their hair in the hair treatment chamber and place a periphery of the opening against their head.
- Airflow within the hair treatment chamber is directed away from the opening toward the aperture.
- the airflow may initially be directed away from the head of the user in use. This may reduce an amount of direct heat being applied to the user's head which may increase the comfort of using the haircare appliance, particularly over an extended period of time.
- the opening of the hair treatment chamber may be provided in a plane orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the hair treatment chamber, for example a central longitudinal axis of the hair treatment chamber, and the aperture may be disposed radially from the longitudinal axis.
- airflow may be directed from or proximate the air outlet in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hair treatment chamber.
- the aperture may extend about the longitudinal axis, for example with the longitudinal axis of the hair treatment chamber passing through a centre point of the opening.
- the air outlet may be configured to direct airflow substantially along a surface of the wall in use.
- the wall of the hair treatment chamber may be shaped to further direct the airflow in use.
- the wall may be curved and the airflow may be directed to follow the curve of the wall. This may cause the airflow to remain in contact with the wall and be further directed away from the opening. Airflow may flow from the air outlet into an interior of the hair treatment chamber in use.
- the hair treatment chamber for example the wall of the hair treatment chamber, may be shaped to define a hemi-spherical interior.
- the wall of the hair treatment chamber may comprise a porous material.
- the porous material may define the aperture.
- the porous material may be, for example, a mesh.
- the porous material may be air permeable such that air can flow through the permeable material.
- the porous material may help to retain the hair of a user within the hair treatment chamber while also confining the air in the hair treatment chamber. As such, air in the hair treatment chamber may heat to higher temperatures to increase the efficiency and/or speed of drying the user's hair.
- the wall of the hair treatment chamber may compromise a plurality of apertures. For example, there may be two, four, six, eight, ten, 100, 1000 or 10,000 apertures.
- the plurality of apertures may be spaced about a periphery of the hair treatment chamber. Providing a plurality of apertures may provide more diffuse air flow from the hair treatment chamber in use.
- the air outlet may extend about at least a part of the periphery of the hair treatment chamber.
- the air outlet may extend about the entire periphery of the hair treatment chamber.
- the air outlet may be an annular slot provided about at least a part of the periphery of the hair treatment chamber.
- the hair treatment chamber may comprise a rim which defines the opening and the air outlet may be located on the rim such that airflow is directed away from a periphery of the opening in use.
- the rim may be formed by a projection on the wall of the hair treatment chamber and the air outlet may be formed in the projection.
- a width of the air outlet may vary about the periphery of the hair treatment chamber.
- this may enable the airflow rate to remain consistent about the entire air outlet, irrespective of distance from an airflow generator.
- the width of the air outlet may be largest at the furthest point of the hair treatment chamber from the airflow generator.
- the attachment may comprise a conduit located at a first side of the hair treatment chamber.
- the conduit may provide a flow path from the air inlet to the air outlet.
- the air outlet may have a maximal width at a second side of the hair treatment chamber opposite to the first side.
- the first and second sides may be disposed on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis of the hair treatment chamber.
- the attachment may comprise a sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a property of hair within the hair treatment chamber in use.
- This signal may be indicative of the user's hair being sufficiently dry and, for example, the user may be provided with an indication to stop using a haircare appliance based on the signal.
- the user may be provided with a visual indicator, such as a light, when the signal indicates that their hair is sufficiently dry.
- An airflow generator may be configured to modify the airflow when the signal indicates that the user's hair is sufficiently dry.
- the airflow generator may be configured to reduce the flow rate, or stop the generation of airflow, in response to the signal.
- a heater may be configured to modify the amount of heat provided to the airflow in response to the signal.
- the heater may be configured to reduce the amount of heat provided to the airflow, or stop heating the airflow, in response to the signal. This may help to prevent damage to the user's hair which may be caused by excessive or unnecessary drying and/or heating.
- the sensor may be in located within or adjacent to the hair treatment chamber. Multiple sensors may be provided to provide redundancy in the event of a sensor failing.
- the sensor may comprise any of a humidity sensor, a sensor capable of spectral analysis, an infrared or temperature sensor, a proximity sensor or a sensor capable of capacitive sensing for moisture.
- a portion of the wall spaced from the air outlet may be shaped to direct airflow within the hair treatment chamber toward the opening.
- a portion of the wall may project toward the opening such that the hair treatment chamber comprises a substantially toroidal interior shape. This may enable airflow to be directed toward roots of hair within the hair treatment chamber in use, for example with hot air escaping the air outlet being initially directed away from roots of hair within the hair treatment chamber, before cooling slightly and then being directed toward roots of hair within the hair treatment chamber.
- the attachment may comprise a further air outlet configured to direct airflow in a different direction to airflow directed by the air outlet. This may provide increased flexibility for drying different portions of hair compared to, for example, an attachment only comprising a single air outlet configured to direct airflow in a single direction.
- the further air outlet may be configured to direct airflow in a direction orthogonal to, or opposite to, a direction in which airflow is directed by the air outlet. This may allow direction of airflow away from portions of hair adjacent to the wall within the hair treatment chamber, which may enable targeted drying and increased drying efficiency.
- the further air outlet may be configured to direct airflow in a direction through the aperture and toward the opening. This may allow the aperture to diffuse air from the further air outlet toward the opening.
- the air outlet may be located on the rim such that airflow is directed away from a periphery of the opening into the hair treatment chamber, and the further air outlet may be located on the rim such that airflow is directed away from a periphery of the opening and away from the hair treatment chamber. This may enable drying of portions of hair not located within the hair treatment chamber, for example of roots of hair located within the hair treatment chamber.
- the attachment may comprise a projection extending in a direction away from the opening, and the further air outlet may be located on the projection. This may position the further air outlet at a location spaced from the hair treatment chamber in use, which may enable drying to take place at multiple locations.
- the projection may be fixed relative to the rim, which may enable enhanced styling capability via engagement of the projection with hair in use.
- the projection may be movable relative to the rim, for example movable between an extended position and a retracted position. This may, for example, allow for provision of airflow through the further air outlet in the extended position, but not in the retracted position, and may, for example, allow for selective drying of roots of hair in use.
- the attachment may comprise a plurality of further air outlets spaced about a periphery of the opening, each of the plurality of further air outlets configured to direct airflow in a different direction to airflow directed by the air outlet. This may allow for even distribution of airflow about the periphery of the air outlet, which may enable greater predictability for drying hair.
- the attachment may comprise a first configuration in which airflow through the air outlet is unrestricted and airflow through the further air outlet is restricted and a second configuration in which airflow through the air outlet is restricted and airflow through the further air outlet is unrestricted. This may allow for selective provision of airflow through the air outlet and the further air outlet, which may provide greater flexibility for drying.
- the attachment may comprise a valve for switching between the first and second configurations.
- a valve may provide a simple mechanism for switching airflow from the air outlet to the further air outlet, or vice versa.
- the valve may be user actuated, for example enabling a user to switch the haircare appliance between the first and second configurations.
- the attachment may be switchable between the first configuration and the second configuration by rotating a first part of the attachment relative to a second part of the attachment. This may allow a user to relatively easily switch the attachment between the first and second configurations.
- movement of the projection may move the attachment from the first configuration to the second configuration, and vice versa.
- Movement of the projection may be controlled by any of airflow or a user applied force.
- Movement of the projection may also be controlled by a motor, the operation of which is automated.
- the motor may be operated in response to a signal received from a sensor. For example, the signal from the sensor may be indicative of the proximity of the user's head to the attachment and the motor may operate in response to this signal to move the projections.
- a haircare appliance comprising: the attachment according to the first aspect; and an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet.
- the haircare appliance may comprise a heater for heating hair received in the hair treatment chamber.
- the heater may be for heating the airflow.
- the hair treatment chamber defines a confined space, as hot air passes into the confined space the ambient temperature within the hair treatment chamber rises. This may help to increase the efficiency and/or speed of drying the hair of the user.
- the haircare appliance may comprise a handle unit within which the airflow generator is disposed, and an attachment according to the first aspect may be removably attachable to the handle unit.
- an attachment according to the first aspect may be removably attachable to the handle unit.
- the attachment may communicate with the handle unit to modify operation of the haircare appliance.
- the attachment may communicate with the airflow generator to modify the airflow provided to the attachment.
- the attachment may communicate with the haircare appliance to transfer information indicative of a desired air flow rate.
- the airflow generator may be operated on the basis of the information to provide the desired air flow rate.
- the attachment may comprise an RFID tag which includes information indicative of the air flow rate desired for the attachment. This information may be read from the RFID tag and transmitted to the airflow generator to cause the airflow generator to generate airflow with the desired flow rate.
- the attachment may communicate with the haircare appliance by BluetoothTM or other suitable wireless communication standard, and/or by a wired connection.
- a haircare appliance comprising: an air inlet; an air outlet; an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; and a hair treatment chamber for receiving hair, the hair treatment chamber in fluid communication with the air outlet; wherein the hair treatment chamber comprises a wall, an opening through which hair is insertable into the hair treatment chamber, and an aperture formed in the wall, the air outlet configured to direct airflow away from the opening and toward the aperture in use.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a haircare appliance according to an example
- FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a handle unit of the haircare appliance of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of an attachment of the haircare appliance of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of an attachment of the haircare appliance of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of an attachment of the haircare appliance of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic view of an attachment of the haircare appliance of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment of FIG. 8
- FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of an attachment of the haircare appliance of FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 11 a and 11 b illustrate schematic cross-sectional views of the attachment of FIG. 10 ;
- FIGS. 12 a and 12 b illustrate schematic views of the attachment of FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic view of an attachment of the haircare appliance of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic view of the attachment of FIG. 13 ;
- FIGS. 15 a and 15 b illustrate schematic cross-sectional views of the attachment of FIG. 13 .
- a haircare appliance according to the present invention is shown schematically in FIG. 1 .
- the haircare appliance 10 comprises a handle unit 12 , and an attachment 100 removably attachable to the handle unit 12 .
- the handle unit 12 comprises a housing 14 , an airflow generator 16 , a heater 18 , and a control unit 20 , as can be seen schematically in FIG. 2 .
- the housing 14 is tubular in shape, and comprises an air inlet 22 through which an airflow is drawn into the housing 14 by the airflow generator 16 , and an air outlet 24 through which the airflow is discharged from the housing 14 .
- the airflow generator 16 is housed within the housing 14 , and comprises an impeller 26 driven by an electric motor 28 .
- the heater 18 is also housed within the housing 14 , and comprises heating elements 30 to optionally heat the airflow.
- the control unit 20 comprises electronic circuitry for a user interface 32 , a control module 34 and an RFID reader 24 .
- the user interface 32 is provided on an outer surface of the housing 14 , and is used to power on and off the haircare appliance 10 , to select a flow rate (for example high, medium and low), and to select an airflow temperature (for example hot, medium or cold).
- the user interface comprises a plurality of sliding switches, but other forms of user interface 32 , for example buttons, dials or touchscreens, are also envisaged.
- the RFID reader 24 is to interrogate an RFID tag that forms part of the attachment 100 . Although RFID has been discussed here, other forms of wireless or wired communication may be used.
- the control module 34 is responsible for controlling the airflow generator 16 , and the heater 18 in response to inputs from the user interface 32 .
- the control module 34 may control the power or the speed of the airflow generator 16 in order to adjust the airflow rate of the airflow, and the power of the heater 18 in order to adjust the temperature of the airflow.
- the attachment 100 comprises an air inlet 101 , an air outlet 102 and a hair treatment chamber 103 .
- the hair treatment chamber 103 is for receiving hair and is in fluid communication with the air outlet 102 .
- the hair treatment chamber 103 comprises a wall 104 , an opening 105 through which hair is insertable into the hair treatment chamber 103 , and an aperture 106 formed in the wall 104 .
- the air outlet 102 is configured to direct airflow away from the opening 105 and toward the aperture 106 in use.
- the hair treatment chamber 103 defines a confined space into which the user's hair is placed. As hot air passes into the confined space, the ambient temperature within the hair treatment chamber 103 rises, which can help dry the hair of the user. Moreover, as the hair treatment chamber 103 holds the user's hair in place during use, the user's hair is less likely to be disrupted by the flow of air into the hair treatment chamber 103 . As such, relatively high flow rates of air can be used without significantly disrupting the user's hair, which may increase the efficiency and/or speed of drying the user's hair and may improve the user's final hair style. The flow rate may be at least 6 litres per second, at least 10 litres per second, or at least 13 litres per second.
- the air inlet 101 and the air outlet 102 of the attachment 100 are provided at a first end of the housing 14 .
- the air inlet 101 is therefore disposed in an airflow path between the airflow generator 16 and the air outlet 102 .
- the handle unit 12 also has its own air inlet 22 into the housing 14 .
- the airflow generator 16 is configured to generate an airflow from the air inlet 22 of the handle unit 12 , through the air inlet 101 of the attachment 100 and to the air outlet 102 in use.
- the opening 105 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 is generally circular in shape, however other forms and shapes of opening are envisaged.
- the opening 105 may be substantially oval or semi-circular shaped.
- the hair treatment chamber 103 is shaped to define a hemi-spherical interior.
- the hair treatment chamber 103 is shaped to define any other suitable hollow interior in which hair can be received.
- the hair treatment chamber 103 comprises a rim 116 which defines the opening 105 .
- the air outlet 102 is located on the rim 116 such that airflow is directed away from a periphery 117 of the opening 105 into the hair treatment chamber 103 .
- airflow may be directed away from the roots of the hair that is located within the hair treatment chamber 103 in use.
- the user may place their hair in the hair treatment chamber 103 and place the rim 116 against their head, such that the periphery 117 of the opening 105 is located adjacent to roots of hair contained within the hair treatment chamber 103 .
- airflow within the hair treatment chamber 103 is directed away from the opening 105 toward the aperture 106 , airflow may initially be directed away from the head of the user in use. This may reduce an amount of direct heat being applied to the user's head which may increase the comfort of using the haircare appliance 10 , particularly over an extended period of time.
- the air outlet 102 is configured to direct airflow along a surface 107 of the wall 104 in use, as shown by arrow 114 .
- the wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 is curved.
- the air outlet 102 directs airflow along the curved wall 104 toward the apex of the hair treatment chamber 103 .
- the wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 comprises a plurality of apertures 106 .
- the plurality of apertures 106 are evenly spaced in the wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 .
- the wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 comprises a porous material 119 .
- a porous material 119 is disposed in the aperture 106 such that collectively the wall 104 , which is non-porous, and the porous material 119 , define a boundary wall of the hair treatment chamber 103 .
- the porous material 119 in shown in a single aperture 106 .
- the porous material 119 is disposed in all of the apertures 106 .
- the porous material 119 is disposed in a select number of apertures 106 .
- Pores of the porous material 119 define further apertures in the wall 104 .
- the porous material 119 is a mesh. Alternatively, any other suitably porous material can be used.
- the porous material 119 helps to retain the hair of a user within the hair treatment chamber 103 while also confining the air in the hair treatment chamber 103 . As such, air in the hair treatment chamber 103 may heat to higher temperatures to increase the efficiency and/or speed of drying the user's hair.
- the air outlet 102 extends about an entire periphery 108 of the hair treatment chamber 103 . In other examples, the air outlet 102 extends about a part of the periphery 108 of the hair treatment chamber 103 .
- a width of the air outlet 102 varies about the periphery 108 of the hair treatment chamber 103 . This may enable to airflow rate to remain consistent about the entire air outlet 102 , irrespective of distance from the airflow generator 16 .
- a conduit 109 is located at a first side 110 of the hair treatment chamber 103 .
- the conduit 109 provides a flow path 111 from the air inlet 101 to the air outlet 102 .
- the air outlet 102 has a maximal width at a second side 112 of the hair treatment chamber 103 opposite the first side 110 .
- the air outlet 102 has a uniform width around the entire periphery 108 of the hair treatment chamber 103 .
- the attachment 100 comprises a sensor 113 configured to output a signal indicative of a property of hair within the hair treatment chamber 103 in use.
- the sensor 113 shown in FIG. 4 is a moisture sensor. In other examples, the sensor 113 is a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor.
- the signal output by the sensor 113 is received by the control module 34 which is configured to control the haircare appliance 10 in response to the signal from the sensor 113 .
- the sensor 113 comprises an RFID tag to transmit information via RFID to the RFID reader 24 .
- other forms of communication including, for example BluetoothTM or near-field communication (NFC), may be utilised.
- the handle unit 12 and the attachment 100 may comprise corresponding contacts which, when connected when the attachment 100 is connected to the handle unit 12 , define a communications pathway.
- the signal from the sensor 113 is indicative of the user's hair being sufficiently dry and the user is provided with an indication to stop using the haircare appliance 10 based on the signal.
- the user is provided with a visual indicator, such as a light, when the signal indicates that their hair is sufficiently dry.
- the airflow generator 16 is configured to modify the airflow when the signal indicates that the user's hair is sufficiently dry.
- the airflow generator 16 is configured to reduce the flow rate, or stop the generation of airflow, in response to the signal.
- the heater 18 is configured to modify the amount of heat provided to the airflow in response to the signal.
- the heater 18 may be configured to reduce the amount of heat provided to the airflow, or stop heating the airflow, in response to the signal. This may help to prevent damage to the user's hair which may be caused by excessive or unnecessary drying and/or heating.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another example attachment 200 .
- the attachment 100 of FIG. 5 is substantially the same as the attachment 100 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and like features are indicated with like reference numerals.
- a portion of the wall 104 of the attachment 200 of FIG. 5 is shaped to direct airflow within the hair treatment chamber 103 toward the opening 105 .
- the wall 104 is shaped to have a peak 201 which extends within the interior of the hair treatment chamber 103 toward the opening 105 .
- airflow from the air outlet 102 follows a surface of the wall 104 and is directed toward the opening 105 by the peak 201 of the wall 104 .
- the portion of the wall 104 projects toward the opening 105 such that the hair treatment chamber 103 comprises a substantially toroidal interior shape. This may enable airflow to be directed toward roots of hair within the hair treatment chamber 103 in use, for example with hot air escaping the air outlet 102 being initially directed away from roots of hair within the hair treatment chamber 103 , before cooling slightly and then being directed toward roots of hair within the hair treatment chamber 103 .
- FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a further example of another attachment 300 .
- the attachment 300 comprises a further air outlet 301 configured to direct airflow in a different direction to airflow directed by the air outlet 102 . This may provide increased flexibility for drying different portions of hair compared to, for example, a haircare appliance 20 only comprising a single air outlet 102 configured to direct airflow in a single direction.
- the further air outlet 301 is configured to direct airflow in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which airflow is directed by the air outlet 102 . In other examples, the further air outlet 301 is configured to direct airflow in a direction opposite to the direction in which airflow is directed by the air outlet 102 .
- This may allow direction of airflow away from portions of hair adjacent to the wall 104 within the hair treatment chamber 103 , which may enable targeted drying and increased drying efficiency.
- the further air outlet 301 is located on the rim 116 such that airflow is directed away from the periphery 117 of the opening 105 and away from the hair treatment chamber 103 . This may enable drying of portions of hair not located within the hair treatment chamber 103 , for example of roots of hair
- the attachment 300 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 comprises a projection 302 extending in a direction away from the opening 105 .
- the further air outlet 301 is located on the projection 302 . This may position the further air outlet at a location spaced from the hair treatment chamber 103 in use, which may enable drying to take place at multiple locations.
- the projections 302 are fixed relative to the rim 116 .
- the projections 302 are configured to be moveable such that the projections 302 are able to retract into the rim 116 .
- the attachment 300 comprises a plurality of further air outlets 301 spaced about a periphery of the opening 105 .
- Each of the plurality of further air outlets 301 is configured to direct airflow in a different direction to airflow directed by the air outlet 102 . This may allow for even distribution of airflow about the periphery of the air outlet 102 , which may enable greater predictability for drying hair.
- the attachment 300 of FIGS. 6 and 7 can have a first configuration and a second configuration.
- airflow through the air outlet 102 is unrestricted and airflow through the further air outlet 301 is restricted.
- airflow through the air outlet 102 is restricted and airflow through the further air outlet is unrestricted.
- the air outlet 102 or further air outlet 301 is obstructed in the respective first or second configuration to restrict airflow through the respective one of the air outlet 102 or further air outlet 301 . This may allow for selective provision of airflow through the air outlet 102 and the further air outlet 301 , which may provide greater flexibility for drying.
- the projections 302 are moveable to obstruct the further air outlet 301 in the first configuration.
- a valve is provided in the attachment 300 to direct airflow to one of the air outlet 102 or further outlet 301 in the respective one of the first or second configurations.
- the attachment 300 is configured to operate in one of the first or second configurations upon receipt of an input via the user interface 32 on the handle unit 12 . In other examples, the attachment 300 is configured to operate in one of the first or second configurations in response to a signal from the sensor 113 .
- FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a further example of an attachment 400 for the haircare appliance of FIG. 1 .
- the attachment 400 comprises two apertures 106 provided in the wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 .
- a porous material (not shown), for example a mesh, is disposed in the apertures 106 .
- the wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 comprises an airflow path 120 between the air inlet 101 and the air outlet 102 .
- the attachment 400 comprises a rim 116 which is shaped to direct airflow through the air outlet 102 in a direction towards the air inlet 101 .
- FIG. 10 illustrates a further example of an attachment 500 for the haircare appliance 10 of FIG. 1 .
- the attachment 500 comprises a plurality of manifolds 501 which extend between an air inlet 101 and an air outlet 102 (shown in more detail in FIGS. 11 a and 11 b ).
- three manifolds 501 are shown in FIG. 10 , in other examples, a greater or fewer number of manifolds 501 may be provided.
- two manifolds 501 are provided.
- four, five or six manifolds 501 may be provided.
- a plurality of apertures 106 or holes are formed in the wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 .
- the plurality of apertures 106 may help to increase/improve diffusion of air from the air outlet 102 .
- the wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 in FIG. 10 is integrally formed as part of the attachment 500 . In other examples, the wall 104 may be formed separately such that the wall 104 is removable from the attachment 500 . This may allow for the wall 104 to be removed for cleaning or replacement.
- the air outlet 102 of the attachment of FIG. 10 extends about the entire periphery of the hair treatment chamber 103 .
- air directing members may be provided between the manifolds 501 and the air outlet 102 to direct airflow from the manifolds 501 around the periphery of the hair treatment chamber 103 . This may help to improve the consistency of drying and/or styling the user's hair irrespective of the location of the user's hair in the hair treatment chamber 103 . In other examples, this may be achieved by alternatively or additionally altering the geometry (e.g. the width) of the air outlet 102 around the periphery of the hair treatment chamber 103 .
- FIG. 11 a illustrates a cross-sectional view of the attachment 500 of FIG. 10 in the first configuration.
- airflow from the air inlet 101 flows through a passage 505 in the manifolds 501 towards the air outlet 102 .
- the air outlet 102 is configured to direct airflow away from the opening 105 and toward the apertures 106 .
- FIG. 11 b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the attachment 500 of FIG. 10 in the second configuration.
- the wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 is not shown in FIG.
- airflow is configured to flow from the air inlet 101 through the passage 505 and to a further air outlet 502 .
- the further air outlet 502 is configured to direct airflow in a direction through the apertures 106 and toward the opening 105 of the attachment 500 in the second configuration. This may allow the apertures 106 to diffuse airflow from the further air outlet 502 .
- the attachment 500 is changeable between the first and second configurations by the user. This may allow the user to select whether they want forward flow (e.g. from the further airflow outlet 502 towards the opening 105 ) or reverse flow (e.g. from the airflow outlet 102 towards the apertures 106 ) depending on their requirement (e.g. depending on how the user wishes to style their hair).
- the further air outlet 502 comprises a plurality of elongate air outlets.
- the wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 is spaced from the further air outlet 502 such that the apertures 106 formed in the wall 104 may help to diffuse airflow from the further air outlet 502 . This may help to improve the quality of drying and/or styling the user's hair in use.
- FIGS. 12 a and 12 b illustrate a schematic plan view of the attachment 500 of FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 12 a illustrates the attachment 500 in the first configuration
- FIG. 12 b illustrates the attachment 500 in the second configuration.
- the further air outlet 502 is substantially blocked such that airflow through the further air outlet 502 is restricted.
- airflow through the further air outlet 502 is unrestricted.
- airflow through the air outlet 102 is unrestricted in the second configuration
- airflow through the air outlet 102 is restricted in the second configuration. This may help to ensure that airflow only flows through the air outlet 102 in the first configuration and only through the further air outlet 502 in the second configuration, which may help to improve the drying and/or styling of the user's hair.
- the attachment 500 is changeable between the first configuration and the second configuration through rotation of a first part 503 of the attachment 500 relative to a second part 504 of the attachment 500 .
- the second part 504 is secured to the handle unit 12 , such that the first part 503 is rotatable relative to the handle unit 12 . This may allow the user to more easily hold the second part 504 in place while rotating the first part 503 .
- the second part 504 is not secured to the handle unit 12 and can freely rotate relative to the handle unit 12 .
- the attachment 500 is changeable between the first configuration and the second configuration in any other suitable way.
- the attachment 500 may be changeable through linear movement of the first part 503 of the attachment 500 relative to the second part 504 of the attachment 500 .
- the attachment 500 may be changeable between the first and second configurations through the use of an actuator, for example a linear actuator, controllable by the user.
- the attachment 500 may be changeable from the first configuration to the second configuration movement in response to the user pressing a portion of the attachment 500 , for example the rim 116 , against their head. This may allow the user to easily change the attachment 500 between the first and second configurations during use.
- a protrusion may extend from the rim 116 such that upon force being applied to the protrusion, the attachment 500 is configured to switch between the first and second configurations.
- the rim 116 may be moveable such that a force being applied to the rim 116 causes the attachment 500 to switch between the first and second configurations.
- a sensor e.g. a strain gauge
- the sensor may communicate with an actuator to cause the attachment 500 to switch between the first and the second configurations.
- FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a further example of an attachment 600 for the haircare appliance 10 of FIG. 1 .
- the attachment 600 comprises a plurality of first manifolds 601 (in this example three first manifolds) and a plurality of second manifolds 602 (in this example three second manifolds).
- the first manifolds 601 extend from the air inlet 101 to a rim 116 of the attachment 600 .
- the second manifolds 502 extend from the air inlet 101 toward the rim 116 , but do not extend to the rim 116 .
- each of the second manifolds 602 comprises a further air outlet 603 .
- the second manifolds 502 also extend to the rim 116 of the attachment 600 . In such examples, airflow is prevented from flowing from the second manifolds 502 to the air outlet 102 , for example by sealing the second manifolds 502 from the air outlet 102 .
- FIGS. 15 a and 15 b illustrate a cross-sectional view of the attachment 600 of FIGS. 13 and 14 .
- FIG. 15 a illustrates the attachment 600 in a first configuration
- FIG. 15 b illustrates the attachment 600 in a second configuration.
- airflow is directed from the air inlet 101 , through a passage 606 of the first manifolds 601 and out of the air outlet 102 .
- airflow is directed from the air inlet 101 , through a passage 607 of the second manifolds 602 and out of the further air outlet 603 .
- the attachment 600 is switchable between the first and second configurations through rotation of a first part 604 of the attachment 600 relative to a second part 605 of the attachment.
- first part 604 in the first configuration the first part 604 is rotated such that airflow into the second manifolds 602 is restricted and airflow into the first manifolds 601 (shown by arrow X 3 ) is unrestricted.
- second configuration shown in FIG. 15 b
- the first part 604 is rotated such that airflow into the first manifolds 601 is restricted and airflow into the second manifolds 602 (shown by arrow X 4 ) is unrestricted.
- the first part 604 and the second part 605 may be rotatable or otherwise moveable relative to each another in the same way as described in relation to the attachment 500 of FIGS. 12 a and 12 b .
- the attachment 600 of FIG. 13 may be switchable between the first and second configurations in any of the ways as described in relation to the attachment 500 of FIGS. 12 a and 12 b.
- the haircare appliance 10 is a single-piece unit, for example taking the form of the combined handle unit 12 and attachment 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 , 500 , 600 previously described.
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- Cleaning And Drying Hair (AREA)
- Cosmetics (AREA)
Abstract
Disclosed is an attachment for a haircare appliance, the attachment including: an air inlet for receiving an airflow; an air outlet for emitting the airflow; and a hair treatment chamber for receiving hair, the hair treatment chamber in fluid communication with the air outlet. The hair treatment chamber includes a wall, an opening through which hair is insertable into the hair treatment chamber, and an aperture formed in the wall, the air outlet configured to direct airflow away from the opening and toward the aperture in use.
Description
- The present invention relates to a haircare appliance, and an attachment for a haircare appliance.
- Haircare appliances are generally used to treat or style hair, and some haircare appliances may treat or style hair using airflow.
- According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an attachment for a haircare appliance, the attachment comprising: an air inlet for receiving an airflow; an air outlet for emitting the airflow; and a hair treatment chamber for receiving hair, the hair treatment chamber in fluid communication with the air outlet; wherein the hair treatment chamber comprises a wall, an opening through which hair is insertable into the hair treatment chamber, and an aperture formed in the wall, the air outlet configured to direct airflow away from the opening and toward the aperture in use.
- The hair treatment chamber may hold the user's hair in place during use such that the user's hair is less likely to be disrupted by the flow of air into the hair treatment chamber. As such, relatively high flow rates of air can be used without significantly disrupting the user's hair. The flow rate may be at least 6 litres per second, at least 10 litres per second, or at least 13 litres per second.
- As hair is inserted through the opening, and airflow is directed away from the opening, airflow may be directed away from the roots of the hair. In use, the user may place their hair in the hair treatment chamber and place a periphery of the opening against their head.
- Airflow within the hair treatment chamber is directed away from the opening toward the aperture. As such, the airflow may initially be directed away from the head of the user in use. This may reduce an amount of direct heat being applied to the user's head which may increase the comfort of using the haircare appliance, particularly over an extended period of time.
- The opening of the hair treatment chamber may be provided in a plane orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the hair treatment chamber, for example a central longitudinal axis of the hair treatment chamber, and the aperture may be disposed radially from the longitudinal axis. In use, airflow may be directed from or proximate the air outlet in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hair treatment chamber. The aperture may extend about the longitudinal axis, for example with the longitudinal axis of the hair treatment chamber passing through a centre point of the opening.
- The air outlet may be configured to direct airflow substantially along a surface of the wall in use. The wall of the hair treatment chamber may be shaped to further direct the airflow in use. For example, the wall may be curved and the airflow may be directed to follow the curve of the wall. This may cause the airflow to remain in contact with the wall and be further directed away from the opening. Airflow may flow from the air outlet into an interior of the hair treatment chamber in use.
- The hair treatment chamber, for example the wall of the hair treatment chamber, may be shaped to define a hemi-spherical interior.
- The wall of the hair treatment chamber may comprise a porous material. The porous material may define the aperture. The porous material may be, for example, a mesh. The porous material may be air permeable such that air can flow through the permeable material. The porous material may help to retain the hair of a user within the hair treatment chamber while also confining the air in the hair treatment chamber. As such, air in the hair treatment chamber may heat to higher temperatures to increase the efficiency and/or speed of drying the user's hair.
- The wall of the hair treatment chamber may compromise a plurality of apertures. For example, there may be two, four, six, eight, ten, 100, 1000 or 10,000 apertures. The plurality of apertures may be spaced about a periphery of the hair treatment chamber. Providing a plurality of apertures may provide more diffuse air flow from the hair treatment chamber in use.
- The air outlet may extend about at least a part of the periphery of the hair treatment chamber. The air outlet may extend about the entire periphery of the hair treatment chamber. The air outlet may be an annular slot provided about at least a part of the periphery of the hair treatment chamber. The hair treatment chamber may comprise a rim which defines the opening and the air outlet may be located on the rim such that airflow is directed away from a periphery of the opening in use. The rim may be formed by a projection on the wall of the hair treatment chamber and the air outlet may be formed in the projection.
- A width of the air outlet may vary about the periphery of the hair treatment chamber. Advantageously, this may enable the airflow rate to remain consistent about the entire air outlet, irrespective of distance from an airflow generator. The width of the air outlet may be largest at the furthest point of the hair treatment chamber from the airflow generator.
- The attachment may comprise a conduit located at a first side of the hair treatment chamber. The conduit may provide a flow path from the air inlet to the air outlet. The air outlet may have a maximal width at a second side of the hair treatment chamber opposite to the first side. The first and second sides may be disposed on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis of the hair treatment chamber.
- The attachment may comprise a sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a property of hair within the hair treatment chamber in use. This signal may be indicative of the user's hair being sufficiently dry and, for example, the user may be provided with an indication to stop using a haircare appliance based on the signal. For example, the user may be provided with a visual indicator, such as a light, when the signal indicates that their hair is sufficiently dry. An airflow generator may be configured to modify the airflow when the signal indicates that the user's hair is sufficiently dry. For example, the airflow generator may be configured to reduce the flow rate, or stop the generation of airflow, in response to the signal. Alternatively or additionally, a heater may be configured to modify the amount of heat provided to the airflow in response to the signal.
- For example, the heater may be configured to reduce the amount of heat provided to the airflow, or stop heating the airflow, in response to the signal. This may help to prevent damage to the user's hair which may be caused by excessive or unnecessary drying and/or heating.
- The sensor may be in located within or adjacent to the hair treatment chamber. Multiple sensors may be provided to provide redundancy in the event of a sensor failing.
- The sensor may comprise any of a humidity sensor, a sensor capable of spectral analysis, an infrared or temperature sensor, a proximity sensor or a sensor capable of capacitive sensing for moisture.
- A portion of the wall spaced from the air outlet may be shaped to direct airflow within the hair treatment chamber toward the opening. For example, a portion of the wall may project toward the opening such that the hair treatment chamber comprises a substantially toroidal interior shape. This may enable airflow to be directed toward roots of hair within the hair treatment chamber in use, for example with hot air escaping the air outlet being initially directed away from roots of hair within the hair treatment chamber, before cooling slightly and then being directed toward roots of hair within the hair treatment chamber.
- The attachment may comprise a further air outlet configured to direct airflow in a different direction to airflow directed by the air outlet. This may provide increased flexibility for drying different portions of hair compared to, for example, an attachment only comprising a single air outlet configured to direct airflow in a single direction.
- The further air outlet may be configured to direct airflow in a direction orthogonal to, or opposite to, a direction in which airflow is directed by the air outlet. This may allow direction of airflow away from portions of hair adjacent to the wall within the hair treatment chamber, which may enable targeted drying and increased drying efficiency.
- The further air outlet may be configured to direct airflow in a direction through the aperture and toward the opening. This may allow the aperture to diffuse air from the further air outlet toward the opening.
- Where the hair treatment chamber comprises a rim which defines the opening, the air outlet may be located on the rim such that airflow is directed away from a periphery of the opening into the hair treatment chamber, and the further air outlet may be located on the rim such that airflow is directed away from a periphery of the opening and away from the hair treatment chamber. This may enable drying of portions of hair not located within the hair treatment chamber, for example of roots of hair located within the hair treatment chamber.
- The attachment may comprise a projection extending in a direction away from the opening, and the further air outlet may be located on the projection. This may position the further air outlet at a location spaced from the hair treatment chamber in use, which may enable drying to take place at multiple locations.
- The projection may be fixed relative to the rim, which may enable enhanced styling capability via engagement of the projection with hair in use. The projection may be movable relative to the rim, for example movable between an extended position and a retracted position. This may, for example, allow for provision of airflow through the further air outlet in the extended position, but not in the retracted position, and may, for example, allow for selective drying of roots of hair in use.
- The attachment may comprise a plurality of further air outlets spaced about a periphery of the opening, each of the plurality of further air outlets configured to direct airflow in a different direction to airflow directed by the air outlet. This may allow for even distribution of airflow about the periphery of the air outlet, which may enable greater predictability for drying hair.
- The attachment may comprise a first configuration in which airflow through the air outlet is unrestricted and airflow through the further air outlet is restricted and a second configuration in which airflow through the air outlet is restricted and airflow through the further air outlet is unrestricted. This may allow for selective provision of airflow through the air outlet and the further air outlet, which may provide greater flexibility for drying.
- The attachment may comprise a valve for switching between the first and second configurations. A valve may provide a simple mechanism for switching airflow from the air outlet to the further air outlet, or vice versa. The valve may be user actuated, for example enabling a user to switch the haircare appliance between the first and second configurations.
- The attachment may be switchable between the first configuration and the second configuration by rotating a first part of the attachment relative to a second part of the attachment. This may allow a user to relatively easily switch the attachment between the first and second configurations.
- Where the projection comprises the further air outlet, and the projection is movable relative to the rim, movement of the projection from the retracted position to the extend position may move the attachment from the first configuration to the second configuration, and vice versa. Movement of the projection may be controlled by any of airflow or a user applied force. Movement of the projection may also be controlled by a motor, the operation of which is automated. The motor may be operated in response to a signal received from a sensor. For example, the signal from the sensor may be indicative of the proximity of the user's head to the attachment and the motor may operate in response to this signal to move the projections.
- According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a haircare appliance comprising: the attachment according to the first aspect; and an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet.
- The haircare appliance may comprise a heater for heating hair received in the hair treatment chamber. For example, the heater may be for heating the airflow. Advantageously, as the hair treatment chamber defines a confined space, as hot air passes into the confined space the ambient temperature within the hair treatment chamber rises. This may help to increase the efficiency and/or speed of drying the hair of the user.
- The haircare appliance may comprise a handle unit within which the airflow generator is disposed, and an attachment according to the first aspect may be removably attachable to the handle unit. Providing the air inlet, hair treatment chamber, and air outlet described above as part of a removable attachment may allow the functionality described herein to be selectively provided by a user.
- The attachment may communicate with the handle unit to modify operation of the haircare appliance. For example, the attachment may communicate with the airflow generator to modify the airflow provided to the attachment. The attachment may communicate with the haircare appliance to transfer information indicative of a desired air flow rate. The airflow generator may be operated on the basis of the information to provide the desired air flow rate. The attachment may comprise an RFID tag which includes information indicative of the air flow rate desired for the attachment. This information may be read from the RFID tag and transmitted to the airflow generator to cause the airflow generator to generate airflow with the desired flow rate. Alternatively or additionally, the attachment may communicate with the haircare appliance by Bluetooth™ or other suitable wireless communication standard, and/or by a wired connection.
- According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a haircare appliance comprising: an air inlet; an air outlet; an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; and a hair treatment chamber for receiving hair, the hair treatment chamber in fluid communication with the air outlet; wherein the hair treatment chamber comprises a wall, an opening through which hair is insertable into the hair treatment chamber, and an aperture formed in the wall, the air outlet configured to direct airflow away from the opening and toward the aperture in use.
- Optional features of aspects of the present invention may be equally applied to other aspects of the present invention, where appropriate.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a haircare appliance according to an example; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a handle unit of the haircare appliance ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of an attachment of the haircare appliance ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of an attachment of the haircare appliance ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of an attachment of the haircare appliance ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic view of an attachment of the haircare appliance ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment ofFIG. 8 -
FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of an attachment of the haircare appliance ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 11 a and 11 b illustrate schematic cross-sectional views of the attachment ofFIG. 10 ; -
FIGS. 12 a and 12 b illustrate schematic views of the attachment ofFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic view of an attachment of the haircare appliance ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic view of the attachment ofFIG. 13 ; and -
FIGS. 15 a and 15 b illustrate schematic cross-sectional views of the attachment ofFIG. 13 . - A haircare appliance according to the present invention, generally designated 10, is shown schematically in
FIG. 1 . - The
haircare appliance 10 comprises ahandle unit 12, and anattachment 100 removably attachable to thehandle unit 12. - The
handle unit 12 comprises ahousing 14, anairflow generator 16, aheater 18, and acontrol unit 20, as can be seen schematically inFIG. 2 . - The
housing 14 is tubular in shape, and comprises anair inlet 22 through which an airflow is drawn into thehousing 14 by theairflow generator 16, and anair outlet 24 through which the airflow is discharged from thehousing 14. Theairflow generator 16 is housed within thehousing 14, and comprises animpeller 26 driven by anelectric motor 28. Theheater 18 is also housed within thehousing 14, and comprisesheating elements 30 to optionally heat the airflow. - The
control unit 20 comprises electronic circuitry for auser interface 32, acontrol module 34 and anRFID reader 24. Theuser interface 32 is provided on an outer surface of thehousing 14, and is used to power on and off thehaircare appliance 10, to select a flow rate (for example high, medium and low), and to select an airflow temperature (for example hot, medium or cold). In the example ofFIG. 1 , the user interface comprises a plurality of sliding switches, but other forms ofuser interface 32, for example buttons, dials or touchscreens, are also envisaged. TheRFID reader 24 is to interrogate an RFID tag that forms part of theattachment 100. Although RFID has been discussed here, other forms of wireless or wired communication may be used. - The
control module 34 is responsible for controlling theairflow generator 16, and theheater 18 in response to inputs from theuser interface 32. For example, in response to inputs from theuser interface 32, thecontrol module 34 may control the power or the speed of theairflow generator 16 in order to adjust the airflow rate of the airflow, and the power of theheater 18 in order to adjust the temperature of the airflow. - Examples of the
attachment 100 are shown schematically inFIGS. 3 and 4 . In the example illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4 , theattachment 100 comprises anair inlet 101, anair outlet 102 and ahair treatment chamber 103. Thehair treatment chamber 103 is for receiving hair and is in fluid communication with theair outlet 102. Thehair treatment chamber 103 comprises awall 104, anopening 105 through which hair is insertable into thehair treatment chamber 103, and anaperture 106 formed in thewall 104. Theair outlet 102 is configured to direct airflow away from theopening 105 and toward theaperture 106 in use. - The
hair treatment chamber 103 defines a confined space into which the user's hair is placed. As hot air passes into the confined space, the ambient temperature within thehair treatment chamber 103 rises, which can help dry the hair of the user. Moreover, as thehair treatment chamber 103 holds the user's hair in place during use, the user's hair is less likely to be disrupted by the flow of air into thehair treatment chamber 103. As such, relatively high flow rates of air can be used without significantly disrupting the user's hair, which may increase the efficiency and/or speed of drying the user's hair and may improve the user's final hair style. The flow rate may be at least 6 litres per second, at least 10 litres per second, or at least 13 litres per second. - In the example of
FIGS. 3 and 4 in combination withFIG. 1 , theair inlet 101 and theair outlet 102 of theattachment 100 are provided at a first end of thehousing 14. Theair inlet 101 is therefore disposed in an airflow path between theairflow generator 16 and theair outlet 102. As shown inFIG. 1 , thehandle unit 12 also has itsown air inlet 22 into thehousing 14. Theairflow generator 16 is configured to generate an airflow from theair inlet 22 of thehandle unit 12, through theair inlet 101 of theattachment 100 and to theair outlet 102 in use. - The
opening 105 illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4 is generally circular in shape, however other forms and shapes of opening are envisaged. For example, theopening 105 may be substantially oval or semi-circular shaped. In the example shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 , thehair treatment chamber 103 is shaped to define a hemi-spherical interior. In other examples, thehair treatment chamber 103 is shaped to define any other suitable hollow interior in which hair can be received. - The
hair treatment chamber 103 comprises arim 116 which defines theopening 105. Theair outlet 102 is located on therim 116 such that airflow is directed away from aperiphery 117 of theopening 105 into thehair treatment chamber 103. - As hair is inserted through the
opening 105, and airflow is directed away from theopening 105, airflow may be directed away from the roots of the hair that is located within thehair treatment chamber 103 in use. For example, in use the user may place their hair in thehair treatment chamber 103 and place therim 116 against their head, such that theperiphery 117 of theopening 105 is located adjacent to roots of hair contained within thehair treatment chamber 103. As airflow within thehair treatment chamber 103 is directed away from theopening 105 toward theaperture 106, airflow may initially be directed away from the head of the user in use. This may reduce an amount of direct heat being applied to the user's head which may increase the comfort of using thehaircare appliance 10, particularly over an extended period of time. - The
air outlet 102 is configured to direct airflow along asurface 107 of thewall 104 in use, as shown byarrow 114. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 , thewall 104 of thehair treatment chamber 103 is curved. Theair outlet 102 directs airflow along thecurved wall 104 toward the apex of thehair treatment chamber 103. - As shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thewall 104 of thehair treatment chamber 103 comprises a plurality ofapertures 106. The plurality ofapertures 106 are evenly spaced in thewall 104 of thehair treatment chamber 103. - The
wall 104 of thehair treatment chamber 103 comprises aporous material 119. In the example shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 , aporous material 119 is disposed in theaperture 106 such that collectively thewall 104, which is non-porous, and theporous material 119, define a boundary wall of thehair treatment chamber 103. InFIG. 3 , theporous material 119 in shown in asingle aperture 106. In some examples, theporous material 119 is disposed in all of theapertures 106. Alternatively, theporous material 119 is disposed in a select number ofapertures 106. Pores of theporous material 119 define further apertures in thewall 104. In the example ofFIGS. 3 and 4 , theporous material 119 is a mesh. Alternatively, any other suitably porous material can be used. - The
porous material 119 helps to retain the hair of a user within thehair treatment chamber 103 while also confining the air in thehair treatment chamber 103. As such, air in thehair treatment chamber 103 may heat to higher temperatures to increase the efficiency and/or speed of drying the user's hair. - In the example shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , theair outlet 102 extends about anentire periphery 108 of thehair treatment chamber 103. In other examples, theair outlet 102 extends about a part of theperiphery 108 of thehair treatment chamber 103. - A width of the
air outlet 102 varies about theperiphery 108 of thehair treatment chamber 103. This may enable to airflow rate to remain consistent about theentire air outlet 102, irrespective of distance from theairflow generator 16. Aconduit 109 is located at afirst side 110 of thehair treatment chamber 103. Theconduit 109 provides aflow path 111 from theair inlet 101 to theair outlet 102. Theair outlet 102 has a maximal width at asecond side 112 of thehair treatment chamber 103 opposite thefirst side 110. In some examples, theair outlet 102 has a uniform width around theentire periphery 108 of thehair treatment chamber 103. - The
attachment 100 comprises asensor 113 configured to output a signal indicative of a property of hair within thehair treatment chamber 103 in use. Thesensor 113 shown inFIG. 4 is a moisture sensor. In other examples, thesensor 113 is a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor. The signal output by thesensor 113 is received by thecontrol module 34 which is configured to control thehaircare appliance 10 in response to the signal from thesensor 113. In some examples, thesensor 113 comprises an RFID tag to transmit information via RFID to theRFID reader 24. In some examples, it is envisaged that other forms of communication, including, for example Bluetooth™ or near-field communication (NFC), may be utilised. - Similarly, although thus far wireless methods of communicating between the
sensor 113 and thecontrol module 34 have been discussed, it will be appreciated that examples that utilise physical communications connections are also envisaged. For example, thehandle unit 12 and theattachment 100 may comprise corresponding contacts which, when connected when theattachment 100 is connected to thehandle unit 12, define a communications pathway. - In some examples, the signal from the
sensor 113 is indicative of the user's hair being sufficiently dry and the user is provided with an indication to stop using thehaircare appliance 10 based on the signal. For example, the user is provided with a visual indicator, such as a light, when the signal indicates that their hair is sufficiently dry. In some examples, theairflow generator 16 is configured to modify the airflow when the signal indicates that the user's hair is sufficiently dry. For example, theairflow generator 16 is configured to reduce the flow rate, or stop the generation of airflow, in response to the signal. In some examples, theheater 18 is configured to modify the amount of heat provided to the airflow in response to the signal. For example, theheater 18 may be configured to reduce the amount of heat provided to the airflow, or stop heating the airflow, in response to the signal. This may help to prevent damage to the user's hair which may be caused by excessive or unnecessary drying and/or heating. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of anotherexample attachment 200. Theattachment 100 ofFIG. 5 is substantially the same as theattachment 100 shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 and like features are indicated with like reference numerals. A portion of thewall 104 of theattachment 200 ofFIG. 5 is shaped to direct airflow within thehair treatment chamber 103 toward theopening 105. As shown inFIG. 5 , thewall 104 is shaped to have a peak 201 which extends within the interior of thehair treatment chamber 103 toward theopening 105. As such, airflow from theair outlet 102 follows a surface of thewall 104 and is directed toward theopening 105 by thepeak 201 of thewall 104. - In the example illustrated in
FIG. 5 , the portion of thewall 104 projects toward theopening 105 such that thehair treatment chamber 103 comprises a substantially toroidal interior shape. This may enable airflow to be directed toward roots of hair within thehair treatment chamber 103 in use, for example with hot air escaping theair outlet 102 being initially directed away from roots of hair within thehair treatment chamber 103, before cooling slightly and then being directed toward roots of hair within thehair treatment chamber 103. -
FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a further example of anotherattachment 300. Like features compared to theattachment 100 ofFIGS. 3 and 4 are indicated with like reference numerals. Theattachment 300 comprises afurther air outlet 301 configured to direct airflow in a different direction to airflow directed by theair outlet 102. This may provide increased flexibility for drying different portions of hair compared to, for example, ahaircare appliance 20 only comprising asingle air outlet 102 configured to direct airflow in a single direction. - In the example shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7 , thefurther air outlet 301 is configured to direct airflow in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which airflow is directed by theair outlet 102. In other examples, thefurther air outlet 301 is configured to direct airflow in a direction opposite to the direction in which airflow is directed by theair outlet 102. - This may allow direction of airflow away from portions of hair adjacent to the
wall 104 within thehair treatment chamber 103, which may enable targeted drying and increased drying efficiency. - As shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7 , thefurther air outlet 301 is located on therim 116 such that airflow is directed away from theperiphery 117 of theopening 105 and away from thehair treatment chamber 103. This may enable drying of portions of hair not located within thehair treatment chamber 103, for example of roots of hair - The
attachment 300 shown inFIGS. 6 and 7 comprises aprojection 302 extending in a direction away from theopening 105. Thefurther air outlet 301 is located on theprojection 302. This may position the further air outlet at a location spaced from thehair treatment chamber 103 in use, which may enable drying to take place at multiple locations. In the example ofFIGS. 6 and 7 , theprojections 302 are fixed relative to therim 116. In some examples, theprojections 302 are configured to be moveable such that theprojections 302 are able to retract into therim 116. - The
attachment 300 comprises a plurality offurther air outlets 301 spaced about a periphery of theopening 105. Each of the plurality offurther air outlets 301 is configured to direct airflow in a different direction to airflow directed by theair outlet 102. This may allow for even distribution of airflow about the periphery of theair outlet 102, which may enable greater predictability for drying hair. - The
attachment 300 ofFIGS. 6 and 7 can have a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, airflow through theair outlet 102 is unrestricted and airflow through thefurther air outlet 301 is restricted. In the second configuration, airflow through theair outlet 102 is restricted and airflow through the further air outlet is unrestricted. Theair outlet 102 orfurther air outlet 301 is obstructed in the respective first or second configuration to restrict airflow through the respective one of theair outlet 102 orfurther air outlet 301. This may allow for selective provision of airflow through theair outlet 102 and thefurther air outlet 301, which may provide greater flexibility for drying. - In some examples, the
projections 302 are moveable to obstruct thefurther air outlet 301 in the first configuration. Alternatively or additionally, a valve is provided in theattachment 300 to direct airflow to one of theair outlet 102 orfurther outlet 301 in the respective one of the first or second configurations. In some examples, theattachment 300 is configured to operate in one of the first or second configurations upon receipt of an input via theuser interface 32 on thehandle unit 12. In other examples, theattachment 300 is configured to operate in one of the first or second configurations in response to a signal from thesensor 113. -
FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a further example of anattachment 400 for the haircare appliance ofFIG. 1 . Like features to the attachment illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4 are indicated with like reference numerals. Theattachment 400 comprises twoapertures 106 provided in thewall 104 of thehair treatment chamber 103. In some examples a porous material (not shown), for example a mesh, is disposed in theapertures 106. - In the
attachment 400 illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9 , thewall 104 of thehair treatment chamber 103 comprises anairflow path 120 between theair inlet 101 and theair outlet 102. Theattachment 400 comprises arim 116 which is shaped to direct airflow through theair outlet 102 in a direction towards theair inlet 101. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a further example of anattachment 500 for thehaircare appliance 10 ofFIG. 1 . Like features to the attachment illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4 are indicated with like reference numbers. Theattachment 500 comprises a plurality ofmanifolds 501 which extend between anair inlet 101 and an air outlet 102 (shown in more detail inFIGS. 11 a and 11 b ). Although threemanifolds 501 are shown inFIG. 10 , in other examples, a greater or fewer number ofmanifolds 501 may be provided. For example, in some examples (similar to the example ofFIGS. 8 and 9 ) twomanifolds 501 are provided. In other examples, four, five or sixmanifolds 501 may be provided. - As shown in
FIG. 10 , a plurality ofapertures 106 or holes are formed in thewall 104 of thehair treatment chamber 103. The plurality ofapertures 106 may help to increase/improve diffusion of air from theair outlet 102. Thewall 104 of thehair treatment chamber 103 inFIG. 10 is integrally formed as part of theattachment 500. In other examples, thewall 104 may be formed separately such that thewall 104 is removable from theattachment 500. This may allow for thewall 104 to be removed for cleaning or replacement. - The
air outlet 102 of the attachment ofFIG. 10 extends about the entire periphery of thehair treatment chamber 103. To help to ensure consistent airflow from theair outlet 102 around the entire periphery, air directing members may be provided between themanifolds 501 and theair outlet 102 to direct airflow from themanifolds 501 around the periphery of thehair treatment chamber 103. This may help to improve the consistency of drying and/or styling the user's hair irrespective of the location of the user's hair in thehair treatment chamber 103. In other examples, this may be achieved by alternatively or additionally altering the geometry (e.g. the width) of theair outlet 102 around the periphery of thehair treatment chamber 103. - The
attachment 500 ofFIG. 10 comprises a first configuration and a second configuration. The first and second configurations are described in more detail below in reference toFIGS. 12 a and 12 b .FIG. 11 a illustrates a cross-sectional view of theattachment 500 ofFIG. 10 in the first configuration. As shown by arrow X1, in the first configuration, airflow from theair inlet 101 flows through apassage 505 in themanifolds 501 towards theair outlet 102. Theair outlet 102 is configured to direct airflow away from theopening 105 and toward theapertures 106.FIG. 11 b illustrates a cross-sectional view of theattachment 500 ofFIG. 10 in the second configuration. Thewall 104 of thehair treatment chamber 103 is not shown inFIG. 11 b to aid readability. As shown by arrow X2 inFIG. 11 b , in the second configuration airflow is configured to flow from theair inlet 101 through thepassage 505 and to afurther air outlet 502. In this example, thefurther air outlet 502 is configured to direct airflow in a direction through theapertures 106 and toward theopening 105 of theattachment 500 in the second configuration. This may allow theapertures 106 to diffuse airflow from thefurther air outlet 502. - The
attachment 500 is changeable between the first and second configurations by the user. This may allow the user to select whether they want forward flow (e.g. from thefurther airflow outlet 502 towards the opening 105) or reverse flow (e.g. from theairflow outlet 102 towards the apertures 106) depending on their requirement (e.g. depending on how the user wishes to style their hair). - As shown in
FIG. 11 b , thefurther air outlet 502 comprises a plurality of elongate air outlets. Thewall 104 of thehair treatment chamber 103 is spaced from thefurther air outlet 502 such that theapertures 106 formed in thewall 104 may help to diffuse airflow from thefurther air outlet 502. This may help to improve the quality of drying and/or styling the user's hair in use. -
FIGS. 12 a and 12 b illustrate a schematic plan view of theattachment 500 ofFIG. 10 .FIG. 12 a illustrates theattachment 500 in the first configuration andFIG. 12 b illustrates theattachment 500 in the second configuration. - As shown in
FIG. 12 a , in the first configuration, thefurther air outlet 502 is substantially blocked such that airflow through thefurther air outlet 502 is restricted. In the second configuration, airflow through thefurther air outlet 502 is unrestricted. Although in the example shown inFIG. 12 a , airflow through theair outlet 102 is unrestricted in the second configuration, in other examples airflow through theair outlet 102 is restricted in the second configuration. This may help to ensure that airflow only flows through theair outlet 102 in the first configuration and only through thefurther air outlet 502 in the second configuration, which may help to improve the drying and/or styling of the user's hair. - In this example, the
attachment 500 is changeable between the first configuration and the second configuration through rotation of afirst part 503 of theattachment 500 relative to asecond part 504 of theattachment 500. When part of thehaircare appliance 10 ofFIG. 1 , thesecond part 504 is secured to thehandle unit 12, such that thefirst part 503 is rotatable relative to thehandle unit 12. This may allow the user to more easily hold thesecond part 504 in place while rotating thefirst part 503. In other examples, thesecond part 504 is not secured to thehandle unit 12 and can freely rotate relative to thehandle unit 12. - In other examples, the
attachment 500 is changeable between the first configuration and the second configuration in any other suitable way. For example, theattachment 500 may be changeable through linear movement of thefirst part 503 of theattachment 500 relative to thesecond part 504 of theattachment 500. In other examples, theattachment 500 may be changeable between the first and second configurations through the use of an actuator, for example a linear actuator, controllable by the user. Theattachment 500 may be changeable from the first configuration to the second configuration movement in response to the user pressing a portion of theattachment 500, for example therim 116, against their head. This may allow the user to easily change theattachment 500 between the first and second configurations during use. For example, a protrusion may extend from therim 116 such that upon force being applied to the protrusion, theattachment 500 is configured to switch between the first and second configurations. In other examples, therim 116 may be moveable such that a force being applied to therim 116 causes theattachment 500 to switch between the first and second configurations. In other examples, a sensor (e.g. a strain gauge) may be provided on a part of theattachment 500 and may be configured to detect a force applied to therim 116. In response to detection of a force applied to therim 116, the sensor may communicate with an actuator to cause theattachment 500 to switch between the first and the second configurations. -
FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a further example of anattachment 600 for thehaircare appliance 10 ofFIG. 1 . Like features to the attachment illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4 are indicated with like reference numbers. Theattachment 600 comprises a plurality of first manifolds 601 (in this example three first manifolds) and a plurality of second manifolds 602 (in this example three second manifolds). Thefirst manifolds 601 extend from theair inlet 101 to arim 116 of theattachment 600. Thesecond manifolds 502 extend from theair inlet 101 toward therim 116, but do not extend to therim 116. As shown inFIG. 14 , each of thesecond manifolds 602 comprises afurther air outlet 603. In some examples, thesecond manifolds 502 also extend to therim 116 of theattachment 600. In such examples, airflow is prevented from flowing from thesecond manifolds 502 to theair outlet 102, for example by sealing thesecond manifolds 502 from theair outlet 102. -
FIGS. 15 a and 15 b illustrate a cross-sectional view of theattachment 600 ofFIGS. 13 and 14 .FIG. 15 a illustrates theattachment 600 in a first configuration andFIG. 15 b illustrates theattachment 600 in a second configuration. In the first configuration, airflow is directed from theair inlet 101, through apassage 606 of thefirst manifolds 601 and out of theair outlet 102. In the second configuration, airflow is directed from theair inlet 101, through apassage 607 of thesecond manifolds 602 and out of thefurther air outlet 603. As with the attachment ofFIG. 10 , in the first configuration, airflow through theair outlet 102 is unrestricted and airflow through thefurther air outlet 603 is restricted, and in the second configuration, airflow through thefurther air outlet 603 is unrestricted and airflow through theair outlet 102 is restricted. - As shown in
FIGS. 15 a and 15 b , theattachment 600 is switchable between the first and second configurations through rotation of afirst part 604 of theattachment 600 relative to asecond part 605 of the attachment. As shown inFIG. 15 a , in the first configuration thefirst part 604 is rotated such that airflow into thesecond manifolds 602 is restricted and airflow into the first manifolds 601 (shown by arrow X3) is unrestricted. In the second configuration (shown inFIG. 15 b ), thefirst part 604 is rotated such that airflow into thefirst manifolds 601 is restricted and airflow into the second manifolds 602 (shown by arrow X4) is unrestricted. Thefirst part 604 and thesecond part 605 may be rotatable or otherwise moveable relative to each another in the same way as described in relation to theattachment 500 ofFIGS. 12 a and 12 b . Moreover, theattachment 600 ofFIG. 13 may be switchable between the first and second configurations in any of the ways as described in relation to theattachment 500 ofFIGS. 12 a and 12 b. - Examples are also envisaged where, rather than the
haircare appliance 10 comprising ahandle unit 12 and anattachment haircare appliance 10 is a single-piece unit, for example taking the form of the combinedhandle unit 12 andattachment
Claims (20)
1. An attachment for a haircare appliance, the attachment comprising:
an air inlet for receiving an airflow;
an air outlet for emitting the airflow; and
a hair treatment chamber for receiving hair, the hair treatment chamber in fluid communication with the air outlet; wherein the hair treatment chamber comprises a wall, an opening through which hair is insertable into the hair treatment chamber, and an aperture formed in the wall, the air outlet configured to direct airflow away from the opening and toward the aperture in use.
2. The attachment as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the air outlet is configured to direct airflow along a surface of the wall in use.
3. The attachment as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the wall comprises a porous material.
4. The attachment as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the porous material defines the aperture.
5. The attachment as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the attachment comprises a plurality of apertures formed in the wall.
6. The attachment as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the air outlet extends about at least a part of a periphery of the hair treatment chamber.
7. The attachment as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the air outlet extends about the entire periphery of the hair treatment chamber.
8. The attachment as claimed in claim 6 , wherein a width of the air outlet varies about the periphery of the hair treatment chamber.
9. The attachment as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the attachment comprises a conduit located at a first side of the hair treatment chamber, the conduit providing a flow path from the air inlet to the air outlet, and the air outlet has a maximal width at a second side of the hair treatment chamber opposite to the first side.
10. The attachment as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the attachment comprises a sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a property of hair within the hair treatment chamber in use.
11. The attachment as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a portion of the wall spaced from the air outlet is shaped to direct airflow within the hair treatment chamber toward the opening.
12. The attachment as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the attachment comprises a further air outlet configured to direct airflow in a different direction to airflow directed by the air outlet.
13. The attachment as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the further air outlet is configured to direct airflow in a direction orthogonal to, or opposite to, a direction in which airflow is directed by the air outlet.
14. The attachment as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the hair treatment chamber comprises a rim which defines the opening, the air outlet is located on the rim such that airflow is directed away from a periphery of the opening into the hair treatment chamber, and the further air outlet is located on the rim such that airflow is directed away from the periphery of the opening and away from the hair treatment chamber.
15. The attachment as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the attachment comprises a projection extending in a direction away from the opening, and the further air outlet is located on the projection.
16. The attachment as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the attachment comprises a plurality of further air outlets spaced about a periphery of the opening, each of the plurality of further air outlets configured to direct airflow in a different direction to airflow directed by the air outlet.
17. The attachment as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the attachment comprises a first configuration in which airflow through the air outlet is unrestricted and airflow through the further air outlet is restricted and a second configuration in which airflow through the air outlet is restricted and airflow through the further air outlet is unrestricted.
18. A haircare appliance comprising:
the attachment as claimed in claim 1 ; and
an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet.
19. The haircare appliance as claimed in claim 18 , wherein the haircare appliance comprises a handle unit within which the airflow generator is disposed, and the attachment is removably attachable to the handle unit.
20. A haircare appliance comprising:
an air inlet;
an air outlet;
an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; and
a hair treatment chamber for receiving hair, the hair treatment chamber in fluid communication with the air outlet;
wherein the hair treatment chamber comprises a wall, an opening through which hair is insertable into the hair treatment chamber, and an aperture formed in the wall, the air outlet configured to direct airflow away from the opening and toward the aperture in use.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB2020484.8A GB2602322A (en) | 2020-12-23 | 2020-12-23 | Haircare appliance |
GB2020484.8 | 2020-12-23 | ||
PCT/GB2021/053324 WO2022136837A1 (en) | 2020-12-23 | 2021-12-16 | Haircare appliance |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20240065408A1 true US20240065408A1 (en) | 2024-02-29 |
Family
ID=74221391
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/268,369 Pending US20240065408A1 (en) | 2020-12-23 | 2021-12-16 | Haircare appliance |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20240065408A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4266945A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2024502284A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20230122142A (en) |
CN (1) | CN116648162A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2021406544A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2602322A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2022136837A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD1021238S1 (en) | 2022-06-02 | 2024-04-02 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Hair care appliance |
GB2623576A (en) * | 2022-10-21 | 2024-04-24 | Dyson Technology Ltd | Attachment for a haircare appliance |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB329990A (en) * | 1928-11-30 | 1930-05-30 | Eugene Francois Suter | Improvements relating to hair driers applicable for other purposes |
DE3433246A1 (en) * | 1984-09-11 | 1986-03-13 | Wella Ag, 6100 Darmstadt | HAIR DRY COVER AND METHOD FOR MEASURING AND CONTROLLING THE MOISTURE CONTENT OF THE HAIR |
BRPI1000458A2 (en) * | 2010-02-05 | 2011-09-27 | Da Silva Denivaldo Goncalves | hair dryer with directional jet airflow by coupling an electric hair dryer and directional jet airflow hair dryer |
US9237789B2 (en) * | 2010-03-11 | 2016-01-19 | Barry V Prehodka | Hair dryer systems and methods and attachments for such hair dryer systems |
US8959788B2 (en) * | 2012-04-17 | 2015-02-24 | Joan Hada | Hair dryer and smoother |
GB2525691B (en) * | 2014-10-06 | 2016-05-25 | Hair Flair Ltd | A Hood Hair Dryer Attachment |
US20180140070A1 (en) * | 2016-11-21 | 2018-05-24 | Helen Of Troy Limited | Split Nozzle Hair Dryer |
US10973298B2 (en) * | 2017-09-12 | 2021-04-13 | The Beachwaver Co. | Digitally controlled hairdryer |
KR102200617B1 (en) * | 2020-06-06 | 2021-01-08 | 주식회사 로이테크 | Nozzle device for hair drier |
-
2020
- 2020-12-23 GB GB2020484.8A patent/GB2602322A/en active Pending
-
2021
- 2021-12-16 WO PCT/GB2021/053324 patent/WO2022136837A1/en active Application Filing
- 2021-12-16 JP JP2023538861A patent/JP2024502284A/en active Pending
- 2021-12-16 KR KR1020237025084A patent/KR20230122142A/en unknown
- 2021-12-16 AU AU2021406544A patent/AU2021406544A1/en active Pending
- 2021-12-16 US US18/268,369 patent/US20240065408A1/en active Pending
- 2021-12-16 EP EP21831338.5A patent/EP4266945A1/en active Pending
- 2021-12-16 CN CN202180087278.5A patent/CN116648162A/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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GB2602322A (en) | 2022-06-29 |
AU2021406544A1 (en) | 2023-07-06 |
EP4266945A1 (en) | 2023-11-01 |
KR20230122142A (en) | 2023-08-22 |
WO2022136837A1 (en) | 2022-06-30 |
JP2024502284A (en) | 2024-01-18 |
GB202020484D0 (en) | 2021-02-03 |
CN116648162A (en) | 2023-08-25 |
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