This application claims the priority of United Kingdom Application Nos. 1404982.9, and 1404985.2, both filed Mar. 20, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
This invention relates to an attachment for a hand held appliance, in particular a hair care appliance such as a hot styling brush.
In a conventional hot styling brush, air is sucked into an inlet by a fan unit and directed towards the hair by an attachment or head. Depending on the style desired, the air may or may not be heated. The head or attachment often includes bristles onto which hair is wrapped and held for styling. The air is generally blown out of the head or attachment normal to the surface of the head.
The present invention provides an attachment for a hand held appliance comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the outlet comprises at least one slot extending from near an inlet end of the attachment towards a distal end of the attachment and wherein the outlet is at least partially defined by an external surface of the attachment wherein fluid emitted from the outlet is blown along the external surface.
Preferably, the slot extends substantially along the length of the attachment.
It is preferred that the outlet comprises a plurality of slots radially spaced around the attachment.
Preferably, fluid emitted from the outlet flows around the external surface of the attachment. It is preferred that the fluid emitted from the outlet is tangential to the external surface of the attachment. Preferably, the fluid emitted from the outlet is attracted to the surface of the attachment.
By having the fluid exiting the fluid outlet travelling around the outer surface of the head hair is attracted to the surface and easily wraps around to create the style.
It is preferred that the attachment is generally cylindrical.
Preferably, the outlet comprises two slots.
It is preferred that the attachment has a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the distal end and the at least one slot is parallel to the longitudinal axis.
Alternatively, the attachment has a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the distal end and the at least one slot is non-parallel to the longitudinal axis. It is preferred that the at least one slot is helical with respect to the longitudinal axis.
A curved slot changes the direction that fluid flows out from the fluid outlet tending to give a flow that is more normal to the surface of the attachment and this improves the hold of the hair around the attachment.
Preferably, the attachment further comprises a flow directing element between the inlet and the outlet. The flow directing element also changes the direction that fluid flows out from the fluid outlet tending to give a flow that is more normal to the surface of the attachment and this improves the hold of the hair around the attachment. In addition, the flow directing element reduces the velocity of the fluid within the attachment which in turn reduces the noise produced by the attachment.
It is preferred that the flow directing element comprises a perforated layer. Preferably, the perforated layer is formed from a mesh or weave of an elongate material. It is preferred that the elongate material is a wire. Preferably, the flow directing element extends substantially along the length of the at least one slot. It is preferred that the flow directing element extends substantially around an inner circumference of the attachment.
According to a second aspect, the invention provides a hand held appliance comprising a handle having a fluid flow path from an inlet to an outlet and a fan unit for drawing fluid into the fluid inlet and an attachment for attaching to the handle, the attachment comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the outlet comprises at least one slot extending from near an inlet end of the attachment towards a distal end of the attachment and wherein the outlet is at least partially defined by an external surface of the attachment and fluid emitted from the outlet is blown along the external surface.
According to a third embodiment, the invention provides an attachment for a hand held appliance comprising a first part and a second part, the first part comprising a first end of the attachment and at least one plate extending from the first end, the second part comprising a second end of the attachment and at least one further plate extending from the second end wherein when the first part and the second part are connected at least two slots are formed between the at least one plate and the at least one further plate, the at least two slots defining a fluid outlet for the attachment.
Preferably, the first end of the attachment comprises a fluid inlet into the attachment.
It is preferred that the first end of the attachment includes a supporting ring for supporting the at least one plate.
Preferably, the supporting ring comprises at least one recess for housing an end of the at least one further plate.
It is preferred that the supporting ring is additionally a collar for attaching the attachment to the appliance.
Preferably, the first part of the attachment includes a supporting scaffold located at or near a distal end to the first end of the first part of the attachment.
It is preferred that the supporting scaffold is attached to the at least one plate.
Preferably, the supporting scaffold includes a part of a fixture for fixing the first part and the second part together.
It is preferred that the second end of the attachment includes at least one further recess for housing an end of the at least one plate.
Preferably, the second end of the attachment includes another part of a fixture for fixing the first and the second part together.
It is preferred that one or more of the at least one plate and the at least one further plate are arcuate.
Preferably, one or more of the at least one plate and the at least one further plate extend orthogonally from a respective end.
Alternatively, the at least one plate and the at least one further plate curve round a longitudinal axis of the attachment.
Preferably, the at least one plate and the at least one further plate are helical.
It is preferred that the at least one plate and the at least one further plate are helical in a clockwise direction from the first end.
A curved slot changes the direction that fluid flows out from the fluid outlet tending to give a flow that is more normal to the surface of the attachment and this improves the hold of the hair around the attachment.
Preferably, a gap formed between the at least one plate and the at least one further plate is defined by a spacer.
It is preferred that a pair of spacers is provided longitudinally spaced along the at least one plate and the at least one further plate.
Any spacers maintain the gap between the two parts forming the slot or thickness of the slot. It is advantageous for these to all be substantially equal is this creates an even flow around the attachment.
Preferably, at least one of the at least one plate and the at least one further plate is lined with a material.
It is preferred that every plate is lined with material.
Preferably, the material absorbs sounds and/or vibrations.
It is preferred that the material is Kevlar or wool.
Preferably, the attachment further comprises a flow directing element between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The flow directing element also changes the direction that fluid flows out from the fluid outlet tending to give a flow that is more normal to the surface of the attachment and this improves the hold of the hair around the attachment. In addition, the flow directing element reduces the velocity of the fluid within the attachment which in turn reduces the noise produced by the attachment.
It is preferred that the flow directing element comprises a perforated layer.
Preferably, the perforated layer is formed from a mesh or weave of an elongate material.
It is preferred that the elongate material is a wire.
Preferably, the flow directing element extends substantially along the length of the at least one slot.
It is preferred that the flow directing element extends substantially around an inner circumference of the attachment.
According to a fourth aspect, the invention provides a hand held appliance comprising a handle having a fluid flow path from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet and a fan unit for drawing fluid into the fluid inlet and an attachment for attaching to the handle, the attachment comprising a first part and a second part, the first part comprising a first end of the attachment and at least one plate extending from the first end, the second part comprising a second end of the attachment and at least one further plate extending from the second end wherein when the first part and the second part are connected at least two slots are formed between the at least one plate and the at least one further plate, the at least two slots defining a fluid outlet for the attachment.
In one embodiment the appliance is a hair care appliance.
In another embodiment the appliance is a hot styling appliance such as a hot styling appliance such as a hot styling brush.
The invention will now be described by example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
a,
11
b and 11c show a side view and a side view cross sections through the further attachment;
The handle 20 has an outer wall 26 which is generally tubular and includes the fluid inlet 40 at and adjacent one end 24. The fluid inlet 40 comprises a first set of apertures 44 which extend radially around the handle 20 and along the outer wall 26 of the handle from the handle end 24. The handle end 24 is covered by an end wall 42 which is also perforated with a second set of apertures 46 that extend through the end wall 42 of the handle. Thus, the fluid inlet 40 extends around, along and across the handle 20. The end wall 42 is orthogonal to the outer wall 26 and an inner wall 60 of the handle.
The handle 20 also includes a fan unit 70 which comprises a fan and a motor which drives the fan and in use, draws fluid in through the fluid inlet 40, along a fluid flow path 50 which extends through the length of the handle 20. The fluid is optionally heated by a heater 80 before entering an inner cavity 38 of the head 30. A nozzle 23 may be included at distal end 22 of handle 20 to shape fluid flow as it enters the head 30.
The head 30 includes a fluid outlet 100 which in this example comprises parallel slots 102 each extending towards a second end 36 of the head and radially around the head 30. This arrangement enables fluid to exit the head all the way around the head and for the majority of the length of the head 30 maximising a hair styling region of the product.
In use, hair is wrapped around the head 30 whilst air or fluid exits through the slots 102 drying the hair and/or styling the hair into curls or waves. The hair wraps automatically due to the flow of air around the surface of the head 30. The air or fluid can be heated but this is not essential.
Power is provided to the appliance via a power cable 47 which preferably extends from a plug or other power source through the end wall 42 of the handle 20 into the cable mount 45. The handle 20 also houses a PCB 75 which is electrically connected to the cable 48, the fan unit 70 and the heater 80 by internal wiring (not shown). An on/off switch 52 and control buttons 54 are provided and connected to the PCB 75 to allow the user to select one of a range of temperature and flow settings.
The fluid inlet 40 comprises a plurality of apertures extending around, along and across the handle 20. Having an inlet that extends in three dimensions has advantages particularly when used with hair grooming appliances. Firstly, if the appliance is placed on a surface whilst switched on only a small part of the inlet surface area will be blocked or have restricted flow of fluid into the appliance. This protects the fan unit and particularly the motor of the fan unit from running with too low a flow rate as this can cause overheating of the motor and cause damage to the motor.
Secondly, often hair care appliances are used with a styling product such as a mousse, gel or spray. These products are typically either applied by a hand or directly to the hair as a mist. After application by a hand, some of the product will be retained on the skin which is then transferred to the appliance when held. This can block at least some of the apertures 44 that extend around and along the handle 20. However, the apertures 46 that extend under the handle and across the end wall 42 of the handle will be unaffected. When a product is applied as a mist, it can settle on the appliance and again block or restrict at least some of the apertures of the fluid inlet 40. However, by having apertures that extend around, along and across the handle 20 the risk of blocking the fluid inlet 40 is reduced.
The apertures are preferably circular with a diameter of 0.2 to 1.6 mm. The diameter of the apertures can vary along, around and across the handle 20. It is advantageous to space the apertures regularly around, along and across the fluid inlet 40. Not only is this visually pleasing but it also has the technical advantage that there is no weak region of the fluid inlet 40 where blockage of a portion is more likely or would have more impact on the flow into the fluid inlet 40. The inlet is designed so that the flow into the inlet is even at least around the circumference of the handle 20.
A foam block 48 is provided which, in use, is inserted into the second end 24 of the handle 20 and may be positioned within the handle 20 by a foam block mount 49. The foam block 48 is a second means of filtering the fluid that passes through the primary fluid inlet 40 into the primary fluid flow path 50. It is advantageous that the foam block 48 extends beyond or further towards the first end 22 of the handle than the primary fluid inlet 40 as this ensures that fluid that has entered the primary fluid inlet 40 has passed through the foam block 48 so has had two stages of filtration. In other words, the foam block 48 extends from the second end 24 of the handle 20 past the downstream end 44a of the fluid inlet.
The foam block 48 shown is cylindrical and substantially fills the area within the handle 20 at the primary fluid inlet 40. This is to ensure that all fluid that enters the primary fluid inlet through first apertures 44 that extend around and along the handle and fluid that enters through second apertures 46 that extend across and through the end wall 42 of the handle 20 passes through this second stage of filtration. The foam block 48 extends longitudinally from the second end 24 of the handle 20 further than the first apertures 42 of the primary fluid inlet 40.
The first apertures 44 that extend along and around the outer wall 26 are machined, punched or laser cut from the extruded tube or sheet metal that the outer wall 26 is formed from.
The handle 20 has an outer wall 26 and an inner wall 60, the outer wall 26 slides over the inner wall 60 to form the finished product. The inner wall 60 is a duct which surrounds and defines a fluid flow path 50 through the appliance. The outer wall 26 includes a grippable portion and in these examples, includes the fluid inlet 40 into the fluid flow path 50. An insulting layer of material 28 is provided within the inner wall 60. The insulating layer is a foam or a felt and insulates the handle from noise produced by the fan unit 70, heat produced by the operation of the appliance, vibrations caused by the fan unit and noise produced within the appliance by the flow of fluid through the fluid flow path 50. The insulating layer absorbs energy including airborne noise.
The inner wall 60 provides a housing 62 in which a fan unit 70 is disposed. The housing 62 is cylindrical and has an inwardly protruding ledge 64,66 disposed one at each end of the housing 62 which maintain the position of the fan unit 70 within the handle 20. The inner wall 60 is made from two parts a first part 60a and a second part 60b which is moulded separately. This enables easier assembly of the fan unit 70 within the handle 20 than a one piece inner wall. A similar pair of inwardly protruding ledges 68, 72 maintains the position of the heater 80 within the handle 20.
Although the outer wall 26 of the handle 20 has been described as being made from an extruded tube or a rolled sheet of metal, alternatives methods of manufacture and materials could be used; these include, but are not limited to, a plastic extrusion/moulded tube or a composite tube such as carbon fibre reinforced plastic.
The fluid outlet 100 of the head 30 will now be described in more detail, referring in particular to
The fluid outlet 100 is formed from a number of parallel slots 102 which extend along the length of the head 30 from the first end 32 to the second end 36. The slots 102 are formed from an overlap 120 (
The fluid 122 exiting the slots 102 is attracted to the curved surface of the head 30 by the Coanda effect. This in turn causes hair that is presented to the head 30 to automatically wrap around the surface and then styled into curls. As air is blown down the length of the hair, wet hair is dried more quickly than conventionally and as the wrapping process occurs without the use of bristles, the hair can slide off the head 30 once it is dry or styled so there is no tangling.
To maintain the size of each slot 102, spacers 108 are provided. In this example, a pair of spacers 108 is provided to maintain each slot 102 size. Each one of the pair of spacers 108 is longitudinally spaced along the slot 102 and the plate 110. The spacers 108 join adjacent plates 110 together.
Advantageously, each plate 110 is lined with a felt like material 308 such as Kevlar or wool (see
The slots 202 for this head extend longitudinally straight from the first end 32 to the second end 236 as was the case for slots 102 in heads 30, 130.
In another embodiment, as shown in
The slots can be curved in a clockwise or and anticlockwise direction from the longitudinal axis A-A of the handle 20. Whilst an angle of 45° has been illustrated, improved wrapping is seen even at an angle of 1°.
In order to retain the first part 150 and the second part 160 of the head 30 in the assembled condition, a protruding screw hole 168 is provided. Near the distal end 154a of the first set of plates 154 a support scaffold 170 is provided and this has two functions. A first function is to support the first set of plates 154 and maintain their relative positions towards the distal end 154a and a second function is to provide part of the fixing mechanism. In this example, the support scaffold 170 has a central aperture 172 through which the protruding screw hole 168 passes on assembly of the head 30a and a screw, for example can be inserted to fix the two parts 150, 160 of the head together.
Internal of the head 400, within the cavity 418 formed within the head 400, an internal sock 420 is provided. This sock 420 is a mesh formed from a metal wire. The sock 420 can be in the knitted form 426 shown in
The sock 420 diffuses the fluid flowing in the cavity 418 within the head 400 and slows down the longitudinal velocity of the flow. This results in more even wrapping of hair around the head 400 as the direction of fluid exiting the head 400 is more normal to the slots 102. The sock 420 extends along the length of the slots 102 within the head 400. The size of the apertures in the mesh is important; if they are too small the flow becomes too restricted and there is an increased chance of them clogging over time. An aperture size of around 1.6 mm has been found to provide the benefit without undue restriction.
The second triangular part 330 has a first end 312 for connection to a handle 20 via a collar 328 and extends longitudinally to a second end 314 The first cylindrical part 310 has an aperture 322 extending from a first end 378 to a second end which is defined by end wall 316. The aperture 322 is defined by a first edge 324 and a second edge 326. An inner cavity 318 is formed within the head 300 when the second triangular part 330 is slid into the first cylindrical part 310. The first end 278 of the first cylindrical part 310 abuts a downstream end of the collar 328 and the second end 314 of the second triangular part 330 abuts the end wall 316 when the attachment is formed.
The second triangular part 330 has a first end 332 and a second end 334 and is formed from a first side 336, a second side 338 and an internal wall 340. The second triangular part 330 fits within the aperture 322 and extends outwardly beyond the first cylindrical part 310.
The second triangular part 330 is movable relative to the first cylindrical part 310. In this example, the second triangular part 330 is fixed with respect to the handle 20 and the first cylindrical part 310 is moveable relative to both the second triangular part 330 and the handle 20. This enables the outlet slot 342 to be partially defined by one or the other of the first edge 324 and the second edge 326.
In one position, referring now to
The second triangular part 330 rotates with respect to the first cylindrical part 310 in order to change the position of the outlet slot 342. The first cylindrical part 310 is temporarily retained in a position by the use of a detent mechanism.
The end wall 316 of the first cylindrical part 310 includes a first recess 340 and a second recess 350 each of which adapted to partially accommodate a ball bearing 360. The ball bearing 360 is biased towards the end wall 316 by a spring 362 (see
Referring now to
The first cylindrical part 310 includes bristles 350 arranged in this example in parallel rows 352 on either side of the aperture 322. The rows 352 of bristles 350 extend from near the outlet slot 342 around the head 300 but in this example the bristles 350 do not extend all the way around the head 300, there is a gap in the rows 352 diametrically opposite the outlet slot 320.
Referring now to
The use of a combination of a directed outlet slot 342 and bristles 350 means that the hair is dried and/or styled more quickly than conventionally as the fluid exiting from the outlet slot 342 is blown down the hair 354. The fluid exiting the outlet slot 342 is attracted to the surface of the second triangular part 330 which in turn attracts the hair 354 to the second triangular part 330. The bristles 350 separate and detangle individual strands of the hair 354 and this combination gives fast drying and a smother result.
In use as shown in
In each of the examples given, the head 30, 130, 180, 230, 300 in connected to handle 20 via a collar and a twist lock joint. Referring to
The heads 30, 130, 180 and 230 described with respect to
The invention has been described in detail with respect to a hot styling brush however, it is applicable to any appliance that draws in a fluid and directs the outflow of that fluid from the appliance including a hairdryer.
The appliance can be used with or without a heater; the action of the outflow of fluid at high velocity has a drying effect.
The heads have been described as being manufactured by attaching a first part to the second part using a screw however, as the skilled person will be aware, a number of different fixing methods can be used such as, but not limited to gluing or using ultrasonic welding.
The fluid that flows through the appliance is generally air, but may be a different combination of gases or gas and can include additives to improve performance of the appliance or the impact the appliance has on an object the output is directed at for example, hair and the styling of that hair. Such additives include but are not limited to hairspray and serums for example.
The heads 30, 130, 230 are all generally cylindrical in shape, however as the skilled person would realise, alternative shapes could be used such as ovals.
The invention is not limited to the detailed description given above. Variations will be apparent to the person skilled in the art.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
1404982 | Mar 2014 | GB | national |
1404985 | Mar 2014 | GB | national |
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
1504988 | Speetjens | Aug 1924 | A |
2476002 | Stalker | Jul 1949 | A |
3107675 | Embiricos | Oct 1963 | A |
3224454 | Quinio et al. | Dec 1965 | A |
3696818 | Weber | Oct 1972 | A |
3814898 | Levine | Jun 1974 | A |
3835869 | Newman et al. | Sep 1974 | A |
3837581 | Orsoff | Sep 1974 | A |
3857016 | Meyer et al. | Dec 1974 | A |
3890984 | Lesetar | Jun 1975 | A |
3939850 | Wahl | Feb 1976 | A |
3981313 | Burke et al. | Sep 1976 | A |
3990460 | Shalvoy | Nov 1976 | A |
4197448 | Harigai | Apr 1980 | A |
4214597 | Glassman | Jul 1980 | A |
4250902 | Ihara | Feb 1981 | A |
4295283 | Tomaro | Oct 1981 | A |
4422464 | Josefsson | Dec 1983 | A |
4430808 | Toyomi et al. | Feb 1984 | A |
4456020 | van Deursen | Jun 1984 | A |
4471791 | DeRoche | Sep 1984 | A |
4602146 | Barns et al. | Jul 1986 | A |
4827105 | Brown, Jr. | May 1989 | A |
4856542 | Hollenberg | Aug 1989 | A |
5091630 | Djuric | Feb 1992 | A |
5157757 | McDougall | Oct 1992 | A |
5212366 | McDougall | May 1993 | A |
5513665 | Chan | May 1996 | A |
5515874 | Denebeim | May 1996 | A |
5546674 | Lange et al. | Aug 1996 | A |
5626156 | Vicory, Sr. | May 1997 | A |
5660191 | Bontoux et al. | Aug 1997 | A |
5661910 | Schepisi | Sep 1997 | A |
5740820 | Stern | Apr 1998 | A |
5765575 | Denebeim | Jun 1998 | A |
5842286 | Cantor | Dec 1998 | A |
5868148 | Lindsey | Feb 1999 | A |
5894849 | Ehlhardt et al. | Apr 1999 | A |
5966833 | Andis et al. | Oct 1999 | A |
6038782 | Schepisi | Mar 2000 | A |
6377749 | Ohmura | Apr 2002 | B2 |
6662811 | Mugge et al. | Dec 2003 | B2 |
6668840 | Mugge et al. | Dec 2003 | B1 |
6739071 | Andis et al. | May 2004 | B2 |
7124763 | Hafemann | Oct 2006 | B2 |
7631646 | Ragosta et al. | Dec 2009 | B2 |
8092166 | Nicolas et al. | Jan 2012 | B2 |
8122896 | Obermann | Feb 2012 | B2 |
8353303 | Kim | Jan 2013 | B2 |
8407913 | Langley et al. | Apr 2013 | B2 |
9526310 | Courtney et al. | Dec 2016 | B2 |
9752789 | Staniforth et al. | Sep 2017 | B2 |
9982677 | Beavis et al. | May 2018 | B2 |
10094392 | Poulton et al. | Oct 2018 | B2 |
20020092196 | Tobin et al. | Jul 2002 | A1 |
20030079366 | Chang | May 2003 | A1 |
20030177657 | Andis et al. | Sep 2003 | A1 |
20040129289 | Hafemann | Jul 2004 | A1 |
20070119069 | Shim | May 2007 | A1 |
20070137060 | Woodson | Jun 2007 | A1 |
20080041406 | Le | Feb 2008 | A1 |
20090145002 | Brewer et al. | Jun 2009 | A1 |
20090293901 | Chan | Dec 2009 | A1 |
20100226797 | Fitton et al. | Sep 2010 | A1 |
20110198421 | Yoe | Aug 2011 | A1 |
20130008043 | Correll, Jr. et al. | Jan 2013 | A1 |
20130104415 | Han et al. | May 2013 | A1 |
20130111777 | Jeong | May 2013 | A1 |
20130133682 | Yoe et al. | May 2013 | A1 |
20130160316 | Hadden | Jun 2013 | A1 |
20130269205 | Hada | Oct 2013 | A1 |
20140007448 | Courtney | Jan 2014 | A1 |
20140083446 | Julemont et al. | Mar 2014 | A1 |
20140144037 | Hadden | May 2014 | A1 |
20140366910 | Habibi | Dec 2014 | A1 |
20150265022 | MacLaine | Sep 2015 | A1 |
20150265023 | MacLaine et al. | Sep 2015 | A1 |
20160000201 | Doran | Jan 2016 | A1 |
20160356287 | Khalitov et al. | Dec 2016 | A1 |
20170273421 | Heffer et al. | Sep 2017 | A1 |
20170273422 | Heffer et al. | Sep 2017 | A1 |
20170273423 | Mason et al. | Sep 2017 | A1 |
20170273425 | Stephens et al. | Sep 2017 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
1205617 | Jan 1999 | CN |
101662969 | Mar 2010 | CN |
201691269 | Jan 2011 | CN |
201986906 | Sep 2011 | CN |
203106087 | Aug 2013 | CN |
204838408 | Dec 2015 | CN |
568043 | Jan 1933 | DE |
6928170 | Jul 1969 | DE |
26 18 819 | Nov 1977 | DE |
79 25 952 | Jan 1980 | DE |
0 482 906 | Apr 1992 | EP |
2 823 726 | Jan 2015 | EP |
725095 | Mar 1955 | GB |
1 295 924 | Nov 1972 | GB |
1 407 403 | Sep 1975 | GB |
1 465 855 | Mar 1977 | GB |
2 100 981 | Jan 1983 | GB |
2515812 | Jan 2015 | GB |
2524304 | Sep 2015 | GB |
2526049 | Nov 2015 | GB |
2527834 | Jan 2016 | GB |
57-196907 | Dec 1982 | JP |
60-100902 | Jun 1985 | JP |
60-134402 | Sep 1985 | JP |
61-145248 | Sep 1986 | JP |
62-41606 | Feb 1987 | JP |
64-29208 | Jan 1989 | JP |
6-7217 | Jan 1994 | JP |
10-42932 | Feb 1998 | JP |
10-71019 | Mar 1998 | JP |
10-179238 | Jul 1998 | JP |
2000-516483 | Dec 2000 | JP |
3233749 | Nov 2001 | JP |
2004-222745 | Aug 2004 | JP |
2004-225705 | Aug 2004 | JP |
2005-177155 | Jul 2005 | JP |
2007-105144 | Apr 2007 | JP |
2010-201067 | Sep 2010 | JP |
2013-59580 | Apr 2013 | JP |
2016-16328 | Feb 2016 | JP |
20-0388514 | Jun 2005 | KR |
10-2008-0030428 | Apr 2008 | KR |
10-2012-0095206 | Aug 2012 | KR |
2417719 | May 2011 | RU |
1340734 | Sep 1987 | SU |
WO-7900374 | Jun 1979 | WO |
WO-9214378 | Sep 1992 | WO |
WO-9723147 | Jul 1997 | WO |
WO-9827842 | Jul 1998 | WO |
WO-2007077040 | Jul 2007 | WO |
WO-2015140506 | Sep 2015 | WO |
2015190217 | Dec 2015 | WO |
Entry |
---|
International Search Report and Written Opinion dated May 8, 2015, directed to International Application No. PCT/GB2015/050659; 12 pages. |
Search Report dated Sep. 12, 2014, directed to GB Application No. 1404982.9; 1 page. |
Search Report dated Sep. 16, 2014, directed to GB Application No. 1404985.2; 1 page. |
MacLaine et al., U.S. Office Action dated Feb. 10, 2017, directed to U.S. Appl. No. 14/656,432; 18 pages. |
MacLaine, Office Action dated Jan. 6, 2017, directed to U.S. Appl. No. 14/656,375; 7 pages. |
MacLaine, Office Action dated May 22, 2017, directed to U.S. Appl. No. 14/656,375; 8 pages. |
MacLaine et al., U.S. Office Action dated Aug. 16, 2017, directed to U.S. Appl. No. 14/656,432; 14 pages. |
MacLaine, Office Action dated Dec. 8, 2017, directed to U.S. Appl. No. 14/656,375; 7 pages. |
MacLaine et al., U.S. Office Action dated Jan. 12, 2018, directed to U.S. Appl. No. 14/656,432; 11 pages. |
MacLaine et al., U.S. Office Action dated Jun. 29, 2018, directed to U.S. Appl. No. 14/656,432; 14 pages. |
MacLaine et al., U.S. Office Action dated Dec. 14, 2018, directed to U.S. Appl. No. 14/656,432; 14 pages. |
Heffer et al, U.S. Office Action dated May 14, 2019, directed to U.S. Appl. No. 15/468,487; 13 pages. |
Heffer et al., U.S. Office Action dated May 15, 2019, directed to U.S. Appl. No. 15/468,500; 20 pages. |
Mason et al., U.S. Office Action dated May 23, 2019, directed to U.S. Appl. No. 15/468,502; 22 pages. |
Heffer et al., U.S. Office Action dated Dec. 27, 2019, directed to U.S. Appl. No. 15/468,500; 19 pages. |
MacLaine et al., U.S. Office Action dated Sep. 9, 2019, directed to U.S. Appl. No. 14/656,432; 12 pages. |
Mason et al., U.S. Office Action dated Feb. 28, 2020, directed to U.S. Appl. No. 15/468,502; 17 pages. |
Heffer et al., U.S. Office Action dated Jul. 2, 2020, directed to U.S. Appl. No. 15/468,500; 22 pages. |
Maclaine et al., U.S. Office Action dated Apr. 15, 2020, directed to U.S. Appl. No. 15/656,432; 12 pages. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20150265024 A1 | Sep 2015 | US |