HAIR CARE APPLIANCE WITH POWERED ATTACHMENT

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to hair care appliances and accessories for use with hair care appliances.

BACKGROUND

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

SUMMARY

In general, attachments for hair care appliances and methods of using attachments for hair care appliances are provided.

In one aspect, a hair care assembly is provided that in one embodiment includes hair dryer and an accessory. The hair dryer includes a fan and a plurality of pins. The fan is configured to draw air in through an air inlet of the hair dryer and to expel air from an air outlet of the hair dryer. The plurality of pins are positioned around a perimeter of the air outlet. The accessory includes a collar configured to removably couple to the hair dryer such that the air expelled from the air outlet of the hair dryer is received within the body. The collar includes a socket positioned on a bottom surface of the collar and configured to receive an electrical signal from the plurality of pins with the collar removably coupled to the hair dryer.

The hair dryer assembly can vary in any number of ways. For example, the hair dryer can further include a lock movable between a first position, in which the lock engages the collar to retain the accessory on the hair dryer, and a second position, in which the lock is disengaged from the collar to allow removal of the accessory from the hair dryer. In some implementations, the lock can include a latch and a button that are each electrically coupled to a microswitch. Further, the microswitch can be configured to selectively provide an electrical signal to the plurality of pins, the button can be positioned on a distal end of the hair dryer and can be movable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, and/or the latch can be configured to move from a first position to a second position. Further, with the collar removably coupled to the hair dryer, the microswitch can be configured to inhibit the electrical signal provided to the plurality of pins with the button in the retracted configuration and can be configured to allow the electrical signal to be provided to the plurality of pins with the button in the extended configuration, and/or the microswitch can be configured to inhibit the electrical signal provided to the plurality of pins with the latch in the second position and can be configured to allow the electrical signal to be provided to the plurality of pins with the latch in the first position. In some implementations, the lock can include a rotatable ring that is movable between a first position in which the rotatable ring engages the attachment coupling to retain the accessory on the hair dryer, and a second position in which the rotatable ring disengages from the attachment coupling to allow removal of the accessory from the hair dryer. Further, the rotatable ring can be biased to the first position, the accessory can be configured to cause rotation of the rotatable ring from the first position to the second position during linear advancement of the accessory into engagement with the hair dryer, the accessory can include a plurality of projections at the first end that extend into a plurality of slots formed in the hair dryer, and/or the rotatable ring can be configured to be rotated relative to the hair dryer by a user to allow the accessory body to be removed from the hair dryer. Further, the rotatable ring can engage the projections in the second position to retain the projections within the slots.

As a further example, the accessory can have an elongate cylindrical shape and can include a plurality of elongate slots formed therein and configured to allow airflow therethrough.

As yet another example, the hair care assembly can further include at least one moisture sensor configured to detect a moisture of hair positioned around the accessory. Further, the hair care assembly can further include a data connection between the accessory and the hair dryer configured to receive data from the moisture sensor and to deliver data to a processor in the hair dryer.

In another aspect, a hair care accessory is provided that in one embodiment includes a body including a portion configured to be removably mounted on a hair dryer. The body can have an air inlet configured to receive airflow from the hair dryer, at least one air outlet for allowing the airflow to exit the body, and at least one electrical socket at a bottom portion of the body to form an electrical connection with at least one electrical pin on the hair dryer. The electrical connection allows at least one of a power signal and a data signal to be provided between the body and the hair dryer.

The hair care accessory can vary in any number of ways. For example, the body can further include at least one heating element configured to receive power signals provided through the electrical connection and to deliver heat to hair placed in contact with the body.

As another example, the hair care accessory can further include a sensor and configured to sense a condition of hair placed in contact with the body and to transmit data signals corresponding to the condition of the hair through the electrical connection.

As still another example, the hair care accessory can include a user interface configured to receive power signals provided through the electrical connection.

As yet another example, the at least one electrical pin can include a first set of pins configured to provide power signals from the hair dryer to the body, and a second set of pins configured to provide data signals between the hair dryer and the body.

In another embodiment, a hair care accessory includes an elongate body including a heater frame with a plurality of heater plates therearound and extending longitudinally therealong, and a heater extending through the heater frame. The elongate body also includes a mating portion with a collar configured to removably mount the elongate body onto a hair dryer. The collar includes an electrical socket configured to electrically couple the heater frame to the hair dryer to allow power to be provided from the hair dryer through the electrical connection to the heater.

The hair care accessory can vary in any number of ways. For example, the elongate body can include an air inlet at a first end configured to receive air from a hair dryer, and a plurality of lumens extending therethrough for receiving air from the air inlet. Further, the hair care accessory can include an elongate slot between each heater plate, and the elongate slots can be configured to direct airflow along and radially around an outer surface of the heater plates.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of one exemplary embodiment of a hair care appliance shown in a straight configuration;

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the hair care appliance of FIG. 1 shown in an angled or bent configuration;

FIG. 3 is a perspective end view of a handle of the hair care appliance of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the handle of FIG. 1 shown with the inlet housing removed;

FIG. 5 is a perspective end view of a user interface of the hair care appliance of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a hair care appliance and a powered attachment as described herein;

FIG. 7 is an perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an attachment mating assembly of the hair care appliance of FIG. 6 and an attachment coupling configured for use with the powered attachment of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a first side of the attachment coupling of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a second side of the attachment coupling of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the attachment mating assembly and the attachment coupling of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the attachment mating assembly of FIG. 7 coupled with the attachment coupling of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a curling attachment configured for use with the attachment coupling of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is side view of the curling attachment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the curling attachment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a heater frame of the curling attachment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a cross-sectional portion of the curling attachment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a concentrator attachment configured for use with the attachment coupling of FIG. 7;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a brush attachment configured for use with the attachment coupling of FIG. 7;

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a power and data architecture of the hair care appliance of FIG. 6 used in a manual mode of operation;

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a power and data architecture of the hair care appliance of FIG. 6 used in a semi-automated mode of operation;

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a power and data architecture of the hair care appliance of FIG. 6 used in a fully-automated mode of operation; and

FIG. 21 is a plot illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a sequence of predetermined cycles of operation performed by the hair care appliance of FIG. 6.

FIG. 22A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an attachment mating assembly of a hair care appliance and an attachment coupling;

FIG. 22B is a top perspective view of the attachment mating assembly of FIG. 22A; and

FIG. 22C is a cross-sectional view of the attachment mating assembly of FIG. 22A.

It is noted that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Various exemplary hair care appliances and accessories for use with a hair care appliance are provided herein. In general, a hair care appliance in an exemplary embodiment is in the form of a hair dryer that has an air inlet and at least one air outlet, and various internal components that facilitate use and operation of the hair care appliance, such as a fan, motor, and heater. Various accessories (also referred to herein as “attachments”) are also provided for use with a hair care appliance, such as a hair dryer or with any other hair care appliance known in the art. The configuration of the appliance is varied based on the type of accessory mated to the hair care appliance.

The hair care appliance and attachments described herein are configured to couple so that the hair care appliance and an attachment coupled to the hair care appliance are in electrical communication. Power can be conveyed between the hair care appliance and an attachment coupled to the hair care appliance. In some embodiments, data signals can be conveyed between the hair care appliance and an attachment coupled to the hair care appliance. Conventional hair care appliances and their attachments may not include the ability to transmit power to an attachment coupled to the hair care appliance or to exchange data signals between the hair care appliance and the attachment. As a result, users may perform certain styling methods poorly and the resulting hair styling may be undesirable or unintended, causing a negative user experience. In contrast, the hair care appliances and attachments described herein can provide a more robust styling experience by conveying power and/or data signals between the hair care appliance and the attachment coupled thereto, such as by virtue of sensors, user interfaces, and programmable styling routines as described herein. The hair care appliances and attachments described herein can enhance the overall styling experience, regardless of user skill, and provide a modular styling device that can adapt to a variety of styling needs via a broad selection of attachments configured for use with the hair care appliance.

With an attachment coupled to the hair care appliance, a user can receive indications of feedback from a user interface of the attachment indicating at least one setting (e.g., timing, temperature, etc.) required to achieve optimal styling results. In some embodiments, powered sensors provided in the attachments can further enable automated operation of the hair care appliance to ensure the user is employing the device in a manner that will generate the best results possible for a desired styling method.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one exemplary embodiment of a hair care appliance 100. The illustrated hair care appliance 100 has straight and bent configurations, as respectively shown, however the hair care appliance 100 can have various other configurations. As in this illustrated embodiment, the hair care appliance 100 can generally include a handle 110 movably coupled to a body 120 by a rotational hinge joint 124. In the straight configuration, shown in FIG. 1, the appliance 100 has a generally elongate cylindrical shape. The handle 110 has an inlet 112 at a first end of the appliance 100, and the body 120 has an outlet 122 at a second end of the appliance 100. A fluid flow path P (shown as a dashed line) is formed between the inlet 112 and the outlet 122. The rotational hinge joint 124 formed between the handle 110 and the body 120 is configured to articulate via user operation to alter the configuration of the hair care appliance 100 and the fluid flow path P from the straight configuration to the bent configuration (also referred to herein an as “angled configuration”). As shown in FIG. 2, in the angled configuration, the handle 110 and the body 120 are angled relative to one another as a result of articulation of the rotational hinge joint 124. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, the fluid flow path P shown by a dashed line is angled between the handle 110 and the body 120. In FIG. 1, the fluid flow path P is substantially straight from the inlet 112 to the outlet 122.

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the hair care appliance 100 can be operated while the rotational hinge joint 124 is unlatched, and/or while the rotational hinge joint 124 is rotated to any position that is between the position of the rotational hinge joint 124 in the straight configuration and the angled configuration. In other aspects, the hair care appliance 100 and the rotational hinge joint 124 can be configured to prevent over-rotation of the rotational hinge joint 124 beyond its position in the angled configuration. The hair care appliance 100 can be configured in a fully straight configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, in which the rotational hinge joint locks the body 120 so as to be substantially longitudinally aligned with the handle 110. The hair care appliance 100 can be configured in a fully bent configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, in which the rotational hinge joint 124 locks the body 120 at an angle relative to the handle 110. The hair care appliance 100 can also be configured in a rotated configuration in which the rotational hinge joint 124 positions the body 120 relative to the handle 110 in a range of angled positions that are in between those of the straight configuration and the bent configuration. A fully angled configuration of the hair care appliance 100 is illustrated in FIG. 2. At any angled configuration, the fluid flow path P will be angled between the handle 110 and the body 120 and thus from the inlet 112 to the outlet 122.

The hair care appliance 100 includes various internal electrical components 126 configured for operating the appliance 100. In general, as in this illustrated embodiment, the handle 110 can include the electrical components 126 that are configured to control operation of a fan assembly 128 disposed within the handle 110 and a heater assembly 132 disposed in the body 120. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown, the fan assembly 128 is placed downstream of the rotational hinge joint 124 and in proximity of the heater assembly 132, which is disposed upstream of the rotational hinge joint 124. This can help improve fluid flow within the hair care appliance 100. The fan assembly 128 is configured to generate a fluid flow along the fluid flow path P such that air is drawn into the inlet 112, passes through the handle 110, and into the body 120 to be exhausted via the outlet 122. As the air passes through the body 120, the air is heated via the heater assembly 132.

The electrical components 126 are configured to couple to a power supply. FIG. 3 illustrates a power supply cord 130 extending from a proximal base of the handle 110. The power supply cord 130 has a terminal end (not shown) configured to couple to a power source, e.g., the terminal end can be configured to plug into an electrical outlet. The power supply cord 130 includes internal electrical wiring configured to deliver power to the electrical components 126 in the handle 110. The power supply cord 130 may be connected to an electronics housing containing the electrical components 126, which as in this illustrated embodiment can include at least one controller or printed circuit board (PCB) as shown in FIG. 4.

As further shown in FIG. 3, the proximal base of the handle 110 includes a filter assembly 116 configured to filter air drawn in through the inlet 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the filter assembly 116 extends around a proximal end portion of the handle 110, but is not formed in the end wall of the handle 110. Thus, fluid F is configured to drawn in circumferentially around the sidewalls of the handle 110. The illustrated filter assembly 116 includes an inlet housing 140 that is generally C-shaped and that is flexible for allowing the inlet housing 140 to be removed for cleaning. A user interface 138 intersects the inlet housing 140 in this illustrated embodiment. The inlet housing 140 has a plurality of holes through which the fluid F is configured to flow into the fluid flow path P. The holes can have any configuration and can be arranged in any pattern. The inlet housing 140 is configured to cover a filter 142 positioned behind the inlet housing 140, as shown in FIG. 4 in which the inlet housing 140 is removed. The filter 142 can be a porous element, as shown, configured to block debris and hair that may have entered the inlet housing 140, thus preventing debris from entering the fluid flow path P. As further shown in FIG. 4, the electrical components 126 are positioned just downstream of the filter 142, but upstream of the fan assembly 128, thus the fluid flow path P flows over and around the electrical components 126 as the fluid F is drawn toward and into the fan assembly 128 in operation. This can aid in cooling the electrical components 126.

The handle 110 also includes the user interface 138 configured to enable the user to provide inputs for operating the appliance 100, as shown in FIG. 5. In particular, as in this illustrated embodiment, the user interface 138 can include one or more actuators (e.g., buttons, switches, etc.) for powering the hair care appliance 100 on and off, adjusting a temperature setting of the heater assembly 132 (and thus adjusting a temperature of the fluid F heated by the heater assembly 132), and adjusting a fan speed of the fan assembly 128 (and thus adjusting a velocity of the fluid F expelled via the outlet 122). The user interface 138 also includes one or more actuators for powering or otherwise controlling an accessory attached to the hair care appliance 100, as will be discussed in more detail below. The user interface 138 also includes an actuator for disengaging the heating assembly 132 thus providing a cool, non-heated fluid from the outlet 122. In some embodiments, the user interface 138 can include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), and/or other type of light, configured to provide a visual indication of an operating mode of the hair care appliance 100. In some embodiments, the user interface 138 can include one or more speakers configured to provide an audible indication of an operating mode of the hair care appliance 100. In some embodiments, the user interface 138 can include one or more haptic feedback mechanisms configured to provide a tactile indication, such as a vibration, of an operating mode of the hair care appliance 100.

While the user interface 138 can be positioned at various locations, in an exemplary embodiment, the user interface 138 extends longitudinally along at least a portion of the handle 110. As shown in FIG. 5, the user interface 138 in this illustrated embodiment extends along the base of the handle 110, intersects the filter assembly 116 as shown, and extends toward the rotational hinge joint 124, terminating a small distance from the rotational hinge joint 124. The user interface 138 is provided on a scalloped portion 136 of the handle 110 in this illustrated embodiment. The scalloped portion 136 includes raised edges along opposed lateral sides of the user interface 138 configured to facilitate gripping of the handle 110 by a user. The user interface 138 extends between a first handle housing 114a of the handle 110 and a second handle housing 114b of the handle 110 in this illustrated embodiment. In another embodiment, the user interface 138 can intersect the filter 142.

The wiring coupling the user interface 138 to the electrical components 126 is routed to the sides of the user interface 138, and not directly under the user interface 138, to ensure that the fluid flow path P is not restricted or has limited fluid flow.

As indicated above, the user interface 138 can include one or more actuators configured to control operation of the hair care appliance 100 based on user inputs. For example, the user interface 138 can include a blow-out feature 144, which is shown as a button in this illustrated embodiment. Actuation of the blow-out feature 144 is configured to cause the heater assembly 132 to shut off so that only non-heated air is exhausted through the outlet 122. In some embodiments, the blow-out feature 144 can be located remotely from the user interface 138 or within the user interface 138 but remotely from other features of the user interface 138.

The user interface 138 can also include a fan setting feature 146, which is shown as a button in this illustrated embodiment. Actuation of the fan setting feature 146 is configured to control a speed of the fan assembly 128. The fan setting feature 146 is configured to be repeatedly selectable to generate high, medium, and low velocity fluid flow by the fan assembly 128.

The user interface 138 also includes a temperature setting feature 148, which is shown as a button in this illustrated embodiment. Actuation of the temperature setting feature 148 is configured to control a temperature of the heater assembly 132 and thus the fluid flow exiting the outlet 122 of the hair care appliance 100. The temperature setting feature 148 is configured to be repeatedly selectable to heat the fluid flow to very high, high, medium, or low temperatures. In some embodiments, the high temperature setting can cause the heater assembly 132 to heat the fluid flow to 100 degrees C.

As further shown in FIG. 5, the user interface 138 includes a power feature 150, which is shown as a button in this illustrated embodiment. Actuation of the power feature 150 is configured to control provision of power from the power supply to the electrical components 126 of the hair care appliance 100, and/or to electrical components of an accessory releasably coupled to the hair care appliance 100 as discussed further below. The user interface 138 also includes one or more tactile features 152, as indicated above. The tactile features 152 can, as in this illustrated embodiment, be raised edges or gripping features configured to improve the user's grip and manual dexterity when holding or operating the hair care appliance 100.

In some embodiments, the actuators (e.g., the features 144, 146, 148, 150) of the user interface 138 can be configured to avoid accidental engagement by the user. For example, one or more of the features 144, 146, 148, 150 of the user interface 138 can be recessed and require explicit engagement to trigger a particular user engagement feature. The low-profile or recessed design of the actuators of the user interface 138 is configured to enable a user to operate the hair care appliance 100 without mistakenly contacting an unintended actuator. In some embodiments, any of the actuators of the user interface 138 described herein can be configured with lighting or illuminated elements that can illuminate an actuator or surface of the user interface 138, such as an inner or under surface of the user interface 138. The arrangement and styling of the user interface features described herein can be provided in a variety of non-limiting configurations on the handle 110 of the hair care appliance 100 described herein.

The hair care appliances described herein, such as the hair care appliance 100 of FIGS. 1-5, includes a variety of features configured to improve the case of styling hair, heating hair, and the longevity of hair styles applied using the appliance. For example, in one embodiment, the hair care appliance includes an attachment mating assembly configured to couple the appliance to a selected one of various attachments, also referred to as accessories, which can be powered attachments in some embodiments. The use of powered attachments can advantageously enhance hair styling by positioning heating elements and/or sensors in the attachment and thus closer to the hair being styled than if the heating elements and/or sensors were in the hair care appliance. Powered attachments can also include user interface elements configured to provide a user with visual, audio, and/or haptic feedback about the styling process and/or operation of the hair care appliance to which the powered attachment is releasably coupled. A user's styling experience can be enhanced using powered attachments that can be easily coupled to the hair care appliance via the attachment mating assembly configured to couple with an attachment mating mechanism of a selected powered attachment. Providing power and/or communications circuitry between the hair care appliance and a powered attachment via the attachment mating mechanism can expand the operation and function of the hair care appliance.

FIG. 6 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a hair care appliance 200 having an attachment mating assembly 202 configured to couple an attachment 204 to the hair care appliance 200. In this embodiment, the attachment 204 is a curling attachment configured to curl hair. The curling attachment 204 in this illustrated embodiment has a generally elongate cylindrical configuration with a plurality of heating plates thereon, as discussed further below. The illustrated curling attachment 204 further includes a user interface 206 at a distal end of the attachment 204. In some embodiments, as in this illustrated embodiment, the hair care appliance 200 can also include a user interface 208 at a distal end of the hair care appliance 200. In some embodiments, one or both of the user interfaces 206, 208 can include at least one LED and/or other type of light, at least one speaker, and/or at least one haptic feedback mechanisms. Although FIG. 6 shows a curling attachment 204, a variety of non-limiting attachments can be envisioned that can be configured to couple to the hair care appliance 200 via the attachment mating assembly 202 described herein. Other examples of attachments are discussed herein.

The attachment mating assembly 202 is provided at the distal end of the hair care appliance 200 and surrounds an outlet 210 of the hair care appliance 200. As shown in FIG. 7, the attachment mating assembly 202 is in the form of a ring-shaped body having mating features thereon. An attachment coupling 212 provided on an attachment (such as the curling attachment 204 or another attachment) can be coupled to the attachment mating assembly 202. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 7, the attachment coupling 212 is likewise in the form of a ring-shaped body having mating features 234 thereon configured to mate with the corresponding mating features on the attachment mating assembly 202. The attachment coupling 212 includes an opening 218 through which, with the attachment that includes the attachment coupling 212 coupled to the hair care appliance 200, air flow exiting the outlet 210 of the hair care appliance 200 enters the attachment. The attachment coupling described herein, such as but not limited to the attachment coupling 212, may be referred to as an attachment collar.

While various mating features can be utilized to mate the attachment coupling 212 to the attachment mating assembly 202, in the illustrated embodiment the attachment coupling 212 includes a plurality of projections 236, 238 (see FIG. 8B) configured to extend into corresponding slots 214, 242 (see FIGS. 7 and 9) formed in the attachment mating assembly 202. The attachment that includes the attachment coupling 212 is thus configured to be coupled to the attachment mating assembly 202 by aligning the projections 236, 238 with the slots 214, 242 of the attachment mating assembly 202 and applying a linear force along a longitudinal axis of the attachment and the appliance 200. The attachment mating assembly 202 further includes a rotatable release mechanism 220, such as a rotatable ring as shown (see FIG. 9), configured to engage the projections 236, 238 within the slots 214, 242 to prevent removal thereof. The ring 220 is spring-biased to an engaged position. Thus, during insertion of the projections 236, 238 into the slots 214, 242, the projections 216 are configured to cause the ring 220 to rotate out of the way, e.g., to move out of the engaged position, thus allowing the projections 236, 238 to fully extend into the slots 214, 242. Once fully seated in the slots 214, 242, the spring-bias of the release mechanism 220 is configured to cause the rotatable ring to return to the initial, engaged position, thereby engaging the projections 236, 238 within the slots 214, 242 to retain the projections 236, 238 therein, thus retaining the attachment coupling 212 to the attachment mating assembly 202. The release mechanism 220 is configured to secure the attachment coupling 212 to the attachment mating assembly 202 so that the attachment that includes the attachment coupling 212 is securely fixed and immovable relative to the hair care appliance 200 until the release mechanism 220 is actuated, as discussed herein, to allow release of the attachment from the appliance 200. Accordingly, the release mechanism 220 can be referred to as a lock. The release mechanism 220 is configured to be rotated by a user to disengage the release mechanism 220 from the attachment coupling 212 to allow removal of the attachment from the hair care appliance 200.

As further shown in FIG. 7, the attachment coupling 212 includes a plurality of electrical connectors 222, such as male pins as shown. The male pins are configured to be received within corresponding female sockets of electrical connectors 224 provided in the attachment mating assembly 202. A variety of non-limiting connector types can be used, such as keyed connectors, locking connectors, pogo pins, crown spring connectors, crimp connectors, or blade connectors. Additionally, the arrangement of the electrical connectors 222, 224 can vary. For example, in some embodiments, the attachment coupling 212 can include female connectors and the attachment mating assembly 202 can include male connectors, or vice versa. The location or arrangement of the electrical connectors 222, 224 on the attachment mating assembly 202 (and the corresponding location on the attachment coupling 212) can also vary. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, two sets of adjacent 4-pin connectors are shown in corresponding locations about circumferences of the attachment mating assembly 202 and the attachment coupling 212. In some embodiments, the sets of electrical connectors 222, 224 may be opposite one another or positioned separately from one another around the circumferences of the attachment mating assembly 202 and the attachment coupling 212. In some embodiments, a set of connectors can include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 connectors. The arrangement of the electrical connectors 222, 224 can be configured to provide the appliance 200 with a small diameter body or housing, case of wire routing, and can reduce airflow obstruction through the appliance 200.

The electrical connectors 222 of the appliance 200 and the electrical connectors 224 of the attachment, with the attachment coupled to the appliance 200, are configured to be communicatively coupled via wiring to electrical components of the appliance 200, e.g., a PCB, a fan assembly, a motor, a user interface, a switch, or other components configured in the appliance 200. The electrical connectors 222, and the electrical connectors 224 when connected thereto, are further configured to communicatively coupled via wiring to electrical components of the attachment, e.g., a heating element, a heating assembly, a sensor, or a user interface configured in the attachment. The electrical connectors 222, 224, when connected, are configured to convey power signals and/or data signals between the appliance 200 and the attachment.

For example, in one embodiment, a first set of the electrical connectors 222, 224 are configured to convey power between the appliance 200 and the attachment coupled thereto, or vice versa. The first set can include first and second power pins, first and second neutral pins, and a local earth or ground pin. A second set of the electrical connectors 222, 224 is configured to convey data between the appliance 200 and the attachment coupled thereto, or vice versa. The second set can include first and second user interface control pins, first and second sensor data pins, and a spare pin.

As indicated above, the attachment coupling 212 can be, as in this illustrated embodiment, include a ring-shaped structure having an opening 218 therein for air flow to pass from the outlet 210 of the appliance 200 into the attachment coupled with the appliance 200. The attachment coupling 212 includes a first, distal side, as shown in FIG. 8A, including housings 226 at which the electrical connectors 222 are configured to receive wires from the electrical components of the attachment that includes the attachment coupling 212. The first side also includes a collar 228 extending distally away from the first side. The collar 228 is configured to secure the attachment coupling 212 to the attachment. The opposite, second, proximal side of the attachment coupling 212, shown in FIG. 8B, includes a plurality of pins 230 that extend proximally from the housings 226 on the first side of the attachment coupling 212 and are configured to be received by receiving portions of the electrical connectors 222 configured in the attachment mating assembly 202 of the appliance 200. The second side also includes a second collar 232 extending proximally away from the second side. The second collar 232 includes engagement features 234 configured to align and secure the attachment coupling 212 within the attachment mating assembly 202. For example, as shown, the second collar 232 includes the protrusions 216 and the engagement features 234. The engagement features 234 include a pair of features configured to engage with the release mechanism 220 of the attachment mating assembly 202. A first element 236 of the pair of engagement features 234 can be, as shown, a protrusion extending radially away along their length from the second collar 232. The first element 236 is configured to be received through the slots 242 of attachment mating assembly's lock ring 244 (see FIGS. 7 and 9) and seated within the slots 214 (see FIG. 9) of the housing of the appliance 200. A second element 238 of the pair of engagement features 234 includes angle-faced protrusions co-located on the second collar 232 with the first engagement features 236 immediately adjacent to the second side. The angled faces of the second elements 238 are configured to be received through the slots 242 (see FIGS. 7 and 9) of the lock ring 244 and to engage corresponding angle-faced protrusions 240 on the release mechanism 220.

As indicated above, the attachment mating assembly 202 of the appliance 200 includes a lock ring 244 configured to secure the release mechanism 220 and the electrical connectors 222 in place at the distal end of the appliance 200. The lock ring 244 includes projecting tabs 246 extending proximally toward the appliance 200 that pass through the release mechanism 220 and engage with the slots 214 provided on the inner surface of appliance body or housing 260. The projecting tabs 246 are configured to secure the lock ring 244 to the appliance 200 and to maintain the release mechanism 220 in an operable position for rotation. The projecting tabs 246 also include the slots 242 into which engagement features 234 on the second collar 232 of the attachment coupling 212 are configured to be received as the attachment is mated with the appliance 200. An additional set of protrusions 216 (see FIG. 8B) on the second collar 232 that are co-located with the pins 230 of the attachment coupling 212 are configured to be received within respective slots 248 formed on the surface of the electrical connectors 224 to provide additional stability when the attachment is secured to the appliance 200.

The attachment mating assembly 202 also includes a compression spring 250 (see FIG. 9) or other force generating element provided in a channel 252 formed within the housing 260 of the appliance 200. The compression spring 250 is configured to be compressed within the channel 252 as a user rotates the release mechanism 220 to detach the attachment coupling 212 (and thus the attachment that includes the attachment coupling 212) from the appliance 200. The spring 250 is configured to engage the protrusion 240 of the release mechanism 220 at a first end of the spring 250 and a terminal end of the channel 252 at a second, opposite end of the spring 250. The compression spring 250 is configured to extend against the terminal end of the channel 252 and exert force against the release mechanism protrusion 240 responsive to a user releasing the release mechanism 220, thereby causing the release mechanism 220 to return or reset to a position ready for receiving an attachment, which can be either the same attachment as just released or a different attachment.

When an attachment is secured to the appliance 200, the second features 238 of the pair of engagement features on the second side of the attachment coupling 212 are configured to engage with the protrusions 240 on the release mechanism 220. For example, the angle-faced portions of the second features 238 are oriented in correspondence with the angled faces on the protrusions 240 of the release mechanism 220. The release mechanism 220 is configured to rotate slightly, by way of movement of the compression spring 250, to enable the corresponding angled faces of the second features 238 of the attachment coupling 212 to engage with the protrusions 240 of the release mechanism 220. The first features 236 of the pair of engagement features on the second side of the attachment coupling 212 are configured to engage with a non-angled face of the release mechanism protrusion 240 to prevent rotation of the attachment within the attachment mating assembly 202. In this way, the release mechanism 220 is configured to securely fix the attachment to the appliance 200 by linearly connecting the attachment coupling 212 to the attachment mating assembly 202.

The attachment mating assembly 202 is configured to receive the attachment coupling 212 therein and brings the electrical connectors 224 of the attachment mating assembly 202 into contact with the corresponding electrical connectors 222 of the attachment coupling 212 as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 10. As further shown in FIG. 10, the body 260 of the appliance 200 includes a frame 254 therein. The frame 254 includes a lumen 256 therein extending along a length of the frame 254. A fluid flow path 258 (shown as a dotted line) extends through the lumen 256 of the frame 254.

FIGS. 22A-22C illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a hair care appliance 1000 having an attachment mating assembly 1002 configured to couple an attachment, such as the attachment 204 of FIG. 6, the attachment 300 of FIG. 11, the attachment 400 of FIG. 16, the attachment 500 of FIG. 17, the attachment 602 of FIG. 18, the attachment 702 of FIG. 19, or other attachment, to the hair care appliance 1000. The hair care appliance 1000 is generally configured and used similar to the hair care appliance 200 of FIGS. 6-10, e.g., includes a housing 1060, an air outlet 1008, and elements obscured in FIGS. 22A-22C including an air inlet, a user interface, a motor, a handle, a fan assembly, etc., and is thus not particularly described again.

The attachment mating assembly 1002 is provided at a distal end of a housing 1060 of the hair dryer and surrounds the air outlet 1008 of the hair care appliance 1000. The attachment mating assembly 1002 is in the form of a ring-shaped body having mating features thercon. An attachment coupling 1004 of an attachment (such as the attachment 204 of FIG. 6, the attachment 300 of FIG. 11, the attachment 400 of FIG. 16, the attachment 500 of FIG. 17, the attachment 602 of FIG. 18, the attachment 702 of FIG. 19, or other attachment) is configured to be coupled to the attachment mating assembly 1002.

While various mating features can be utilized to mate the attachment coupling 1004 to the attachment mating assembly 1002, in the illustrated embodiment the attachment mating assembly 1002 includes a plurality of projections 1036 extending distally. The plurality of projections are configured to each extend into one of a corresponding plurality of slots 1006 formed in a proximal end of the attachment coupling 1004. The plurality of projections 1036 extend from a sidewall of a channel 1040 that extends around a perimeter of the attachment mating assembly 1002, which is around a circumference of the substantially circular-shaped attachment mating assembly 1002 in this illustrated embodiment. The attachment that includes the attachment coupling 1004 is configured to be coupled to the attachment mating assembly 1002 by aligning the projections 1036 with the slots 1006 of the attachment coupling 1002 and applying a linear force along a longitudinal axis of the attachment and the hair care appliance 1000. In some implementations, in addition to the linear force, a rotational force can be applied to one or both of the attachment and the hair care appliance 1000 to fully engage the projections 1036 within their corresponding slots 1006.

The projections 1036 are operatively coupled to a lock 1010 of the hair care appliance 1000. The lock 1010 is configured to be actuated by a user to facilitate secure coupling and releasing attachment coupling 1004 to the hair care appliance 1000.

In this illustrated embodiment, the lock 1010 is in the form of a latch that is operatively coupled to the plurality of projections 1036. The actuation of the lock 1010 is configured to move the projections 1036 relative to the housing 1060. The projections 1036 are configured to be moved from an extended configuration to a retracted configuration by moving the latch 1010. In the extended configuration, which is shown in FIGS. 22A and 22C, the projections 1036 extend distally so as to allow the projections 1036 to engage the slots 1006 of the attachment coupling 1004. In the retracted configured, the projections 1036 are retracted proximally from their positions in extended configuration so as to allow the projections 1036 to disengage the slots 1006 of the attachment coupling 1004. Thus, actuating the latch 1010 with the attachment coupled to the hair care appliance 1000, e.g., with the attachment mating assembly 1002 coupled with the attachment coupling 1004, is configured to disengage the projections 1036 from the slots 1006 and thereby allow the attachment to be removed from the hair care appliance 1000.

As shown in FIG. 22B, the attachment mating assembly 1002 includes a plurality of electrical connectors 1024. The electrical connectors 1024 are configured to couple with at least one electrical connector of the attachment coupling 1004. In this illustrated embodiment, the attachment mating assembly's plurality of electrical connectors 1024 include a plurality of male pins, and the attachment coupling's at least one electrical connector includes at least one female socket. The attachment mating assembly's plurality of electrical connectors 1024 are configured to be received in a corresponding one or more of the one or more sockets positioned on a bottom surface of the attachment coupling 1004.

The electrical connectors 1024 of the attachment mating assembly 1002 and the attachment coupling 1004 are generally configured and used similar to the electrical connectors 222, 224 of FIG. 7 discussed above. Similar to the description above with reference to the electrical connectors 222, 224 of FIG. 7, the electrical connectors 1024 of the hair care appliance 1000 and corresponding electrical connectors of the attachment (e.g., a metallic pad or other electrical connector) are configured to be communicatively coupled via wiring to electrical components of the hair care appliance 1000, e.g., a PCB, a fan assembly, a motor, a user interface, a switch, or other components configured in the hair care appliance 1000.

In this illustrated embodiment, each of the attachment mating assembly's electrical connectors 1024 is operatively coupled to a spring (not shown). The springs are configured to allow movement, e.g., retraction, of the electrical connectors 1024 in response to being received in the socket(s) of attachment coupling 1004. The springs bias the electrical connectors 1024 to the extended configuration. Thus, when the attachment is removed from the hair care appliance 1000, the springs are configured to cause the electrical connectors 1024 to move from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration to prepare the attachment mating assembly 1002 for a next coupling with an attachment, either the same attachment or a different attachment.

An electrical path is formed when the electrical connectors 1024 of the attachment mating assembly 1002 are coupled with the electrical connectors of the attachment coupling 1004. In this illustrated embodiment, this coupling includes the electrical connectors 1024 of the attachment mating assembly 1002 being seated in the socket(s) of the attachment coupling 1004. The socket(s) can have a variety of configurations, such as including one or more of a metallic pad, a recess, a groove, a through hole, and an opening. For example, a socket can be configured to receive more than one electrical connector 1024 or a socket can be configured to receive only one electrical connector 1024.

Although pins and sockets are used in the illustrated embodiment, a variety of non-limiting connector types can be used as the electrical connectors 1024 of the attachment mating assembly 1002 and the attachment coupling 1004, such as keyed connectors, spade connectors, locking connectors, slip rings (e.g., pancake slip ring, through bore slip ring, or other slip ring), pogo pins, crown spring connectors, crimp connectors, and/or blade connectors. For example, the attachment mating assembly 1002 can include a male portion of a spade connector and the attachment coupling 1004 can include a female portion of a spade connector, or vice versa. In another example, the attachment mating assembly 1002 can include a male portion of a plug connector and the attachment coupling 1004 can include a female portion of a plug connector, or vice versa. In yet another example, a custom type of connector can be used that is based on one or more electrical characteristics associated with the performance of the hair accessories described herein, such as current, voltage, power, or any other characteristic.

Any of the connectors described herein can include a lock, such as a movable arm, fastener, magnet, or combination thereof to prevent unintentional disengagement of the connectors.

In an exemplary embodiment, as discussed above, the attachment coupling 1004 is configured to be coupled to the attachment mating assembly 1002 by applying a linear force along a longitudinal axis of the attachment and the hair care appliance 1000. The electrical connectors 1024 of the attachment mating assembly 1002 and the attachment coupling 1004 as a plurality of male pins and female socket(s) are thus configured to be coupled by applying the linear force. No rotational force is or needs to be applied to achieve the coupling of the attachment mating assembly 1002 and the attachment coupling 1004, which may help ensure that the coupling occurs since the coupling is not dependent on a user rotating the attachment and/or the hair care appliance 1000 at least by a certain amount. Other connector types are also configured to achieve coupling by applying a linear force without applying a rotational force, such as spade connectors, slip rings, and custom plugs and sockets. In some embodiments, however, the coupling can be achieved by linearly translating and/or rotating one or more components (e.g., a male portion of a connector) in order to couple to one or more separate components (e.g., a female portion of a connector).

The arrangement of the electrical connectors 1024 can vary. For example, as shown in FIG. 22B, a total of seven electrical connectors 1024 are shown positioned about a perimeter of the attachment mating assembly 1002, which is around the circumference of the substantially circular-shaped attachment mating assembly 1002 in this illustrated embodiment. In particular, the electrical connectors 1024 are positioned around a perimeter of the air outlet 1008 and are positioned within the channel 1040. In some embodiments, the electrical connectors 1024 are opposite one another or positioned separately from one another around the perimeter of the attachment mating assembly 1002 and, similarly, around a perimeter of the attachment coupling 1004. In some embodiments, a number of the electrical connectors can be a number between two and twenty connectors. The arrangement of the electrical connectors 1024 of the hair care appliance 1000 can be configured to provide the hair care appliance 1000 with a small diameter body or housing, case of wire routing, and can reduce airflow obstruction through the appliance 1000.

The attachment mating assembly 1002 includes one or more movable actuators. As in this illustrated embodiment, the one or more movable actuators of the attachment mating assembly 1002 can include the latch 1010 and a button 1014. The latch 1010 is received and movable within a latch opening 1012 that is formed through a sidewall of the housing 1060 so as to allow a user to access the latch 1010. The latch 1010 is configured to translate in back and forth within the latch opening 1012. The latch 1010 is shown in FIGS. 22A and 22C positioned in a first position at a first end of the latch opening 1012. The latch 1010 is configured to be moved from the first position to a second position at a second end of the latch opening 1012, opposite the first end of the latch opening 1012. The latch 1010 is also configured to move from the second position to the first position. The latch 1010 is operatively coupled to a spring 1016. The spring 1016 is configured to bias the latch 1010 towards the first position. Thus, when the latch 1010 moves from the first position to the second position, the spring 1016 automatically urges the latch 1010 back to the first position and thus readies the hair care appliance 1000 for attachment to another attachment, either the same attachment or a different attachment.

The button 1014 is configured to translate within the channel 1040. The button 1014 is shown in FIG. 22C positioned in an extended configuration (e.g., the button 1014 protrudes into the channel 1040) and is configured to be moved from the extended configuration to a retracted configuration (e.g., an external surface of the button 1014 is flush with a bottom of the channel 1040).

The latch 1010 and the button 1014 are mechanically connected such that moving the button 1014 from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration (e.g., by depressing the button 1014) is configured to cause the latch 1010 to move from the latch's first position to the latch's second position. The spring 1016 is configured to revert the latch 1010 back to the first position, as discussed above, while the button 1014 stays in the retracted configuration. The button 1014 is configured to contact the attachment coupling 1004 with the attachment coupling 1004 coupled to the attachment mating assembly 1002. Therefore, coupling the attachment coupling 1004 to the attachment mating assembly 1002 includes depressing the button 1014, e.g., by linearly connecting the attachment coupling 1004 to the attachment mating assembly 1002, and thereby also moving the latch 1010 from the first position to the second position. In addition to being configured to move in response to movement of the button 1014, the latch 1010 is configured to be moved by a user. For example, the latch 1010 is configured to be moved by a user from the first position to the second position. The movement of the latch 1010 in response to the user input does not affect the position of the button 1014. That is, the button 1014 will not move between the retracted configuration and extended configuration in response to movement of the latch 1010.

The electrical connection between the hair care appliance 1000 and the attachment is configured to be controlled using the one or more actuators. In this illustrated embodiment, each of the latch 1010 and button 1014 is electrically coupled to a microswitch 1018. The microswitch 1018 is further electrically coupled to the plurality of electrical connectors 1024. The position of the latch 1010 determines the position of the microswitch 1018, which determines whether the microswitch 1018 allows or prevents an electrical signal to the electrical connectors 1024. The position of the microswitch 1018 thus corresponds to the position of the latch 1010. The microswitch 1018 is configured to transmit an electrical signal to the electrical connectors 1024 with the latch 1010 in the first position and cannot transmit an electrical signal to the electrical connectors 1024 with in the latch 1010 in second position. Similarly, the position of the button 1014 determines whether the microswitch 1018 can or cannot provide an electrical signal to the electrical connectors 1024. The microswitch 1018 is configured to transmit an electrical signal to the electrical connectors 1024 with the button 1014 in the retracted position and cannot transmit an electrical signal to the electrical connectors 1024 with the button 1014 in the extended position.

Inhibiting the electrical signal from being transmitted by the microswitch 1018 to the electrical connectors 1036 may avoid risks associated with electrical arcing and/or sparking during usage of the hair accessories described herein. For example, the electrical signal provided by the microswitch 1018 to the electrical connectors 1036 can be stopped prior to coupling the attachment coupling 1004 to the attachment mating assembly 1002 by moving the button 1014. In particular, the attachment coupling 1004 is configured to depress the button 1014, e.g., move the button 1014 from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration, by lincarly connecting the attachment coupling 1004 to the attachment mating assembly 1002. The depression of the button 1014 is configured to cause the latch 1010 to move from the first position to the second position and thus cause the microswitch 1018 to prevent the electrical signal from being provided to the electrical connectors 1036. In a similar fashion, the electrical signal provided by the microswitch 1018 to the electrical connectors 1036 can be stopped prior to decoupling the attachment coupling 1004 from the attachment mating assembly 1002 by a user moving the latch 1010. In particular, the user moving the latch 1010 from the first position to the second position is configured to cause the microswitch 1018 to inhibit the electrical signal from being provided to the electrical connectors 1036. Therefore, the attachment coupling 1004 can be coupled and decoupled from the attachment mating assembly 1002 without any electrical arcing or sparking therebetween.

One exemplary embodiment of an attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance (e.g., the hair care appliance 100 of FIGS. 1-5, the hair care appliance 200 of FIGS. 6-10, the hair care appliance 1000 of FIGS. 22A-22C, or other hair care appliance) and an attachment mating assembly (e.g., the attachment mating assembly 202 of FIG. 7, the attachment mating assembly 1002 of FIGS. 22A-22C, or other attachment mating assembly) described herein includes a curling attachment. One exemplary embodiment of a curling attachment is shown in FIG. 6 and is configured and used similar to another exemplary embodiment of a curling attachment 300 is shown in FIG. 11. The curling attachment 300 includes an elongate body 302 extending between an attachment end 304 and a distal end 306. The attachment end 304 is configured to mate or couple with a hair care appliance (e.g., the hair care appliance 100 of FIGS. 1-5, the hair care appliance 200 of FIGS. 6-10, the hair care appliance 1000 of FIGS. 22A-22C, or other hair care appliance) via an attachment coupling 314 (e.g., the attachment coupling 212 of FIGS. 7-10, or other attachment coupling) as described herein. The distal end 306 includes an end cap 308 having a cylindrical or other-shape protrusion extending away from an end plate 310 of the end cap 308 as shown in FIG. 12. The end plate 310 has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the body 302 to protect a user's fingers from the heated surfaces of the body 302 when grasping the curling attachment 300 at the distal end 306.

As also shown in FIGS. 12-15, the attachment 300 includes wiring 312 configured to mate electrical connectors of the attachment coupling 314 with electrical components of the curling attachment 300, such as LEDs (and/or other types of lights), sensors, haptic feedback mechanisms, etc. The LEDs (and/or other types of lights), sensors, haptic feedback mechanisms, etc. in the attachment 300 are configured to provide user feedback regarding operation of the attachment 300. In some embodiments, the user feedback can be visual, audible, and/or tactile feedback. For example, a haptic feedback mechanism can be configured to generate vibrations which can be sensed by a user with accessibility requirements. In some embodiments, a motor of the hair care appliance to which the attachment 300 is coupled can be configured to generate haptic feedback. In some embodiments, the wiring 312 may be completely enclosed within the curling attachment 300.

The curling attachment 300 includes a plurality of longitudinally arranged plates 316 that are configured to be heated and form a curl in hair when the heated plates 316 are contacted with hair. Air flow is configured to be received from the hair care appliance to which the curling attachment 300 is attached via an inlet 318 of the curling attachment 300 and pass through the body 302 of the curling attachment 300. Air flow is configured to exit the curling attachment 300 via outlets 320 arranged longitudinally along the body 302 in between adjacent plates 316. Air flow exiting tangentially to the surface of the curling attachment 300 is configured to induce a Coanda effect. The Coanda effect allows hair to wrap around the external surface of the curling attachment 300 without a user directly manipulating hair onto the heated curling attachment 300.

The curling attachment 300 also includes a heater 322, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The heater 322 in this illustrated embodiment is in the form of a cylindrical or rod-shaped heater, such as a cartridge heater, arranged within an inner lumen of a heater frame 324. The heater 322 extends along the lumen for the entire length of the body 302 or partially within the lumen at one or more portions of the body 302. The heater frame 324 includes a thermally conductive material, such as metal. In some embodiments the plates 316 can further include a coating on a surface of each plate 316 to aid heat retention and distribution. The end cap 308 is coupled to the heater frame 324. The combination of the airflow and the heater 322 configured within the curling attachment 200 allows a user to obtain the benefits of conductive thermal curling with auto-wrapping hair around a heated appliance.

As shown in FIG. 14, the heater frame 324 includes a plurality of arms 326 that extend radially from a central longitudinal axis of the heater frame 324. As in this illustrated embodiment, a plate 316 can be integrally formed with each arm 326 and can have a curved profile forming a circumference of the curling attachment 300. The number of arms 326 and plates 316 can vary and may not be limited to the number of arms 326 and plates 316 shown in FIG. 14. The heater frame 324 can be formed via extrusion for efficient manufacturing.

The heater frame 324 also includes a plurality of flow path tunnels 328 formed between adjacent arms 326 of the heater frame 324 and bounded circumferentially by the plates 316. The flow path tunnels 328 extend longitudinally along the length of the body 302 and include a flow path lumen 330 therein. A conduit 332 is arranged within the flow path lumen 330 as shown in FIG. 15. The conduit 332 includes a heat resistant material. The conduit 332 is configured to guide air flow from the inlet 318 to the outlets 320 via vanes 334 formed on an inner surface of the conduit 332. The conduit 332 has longitudinal openings at which the outlets 320 of the curling attachment 300 are formed adjacent to longitudinal edges of respective plates 316 of the heater frame 324. For case of manufacture, the conduit 332 can be inserted into the flow path tunnels 328 of the heater frame 324.

The curling attachment 300 also includes a moisture sensor 336 configured to detect an amount of moisture in hair of a user using the attachment 300. One moisture sensor 336 is shown in FIG. 15, but in some embodiments, the curling attachment 300 can include more than one moisture sensor 336. As shown in this illustrated embodiment of FIG. 15, the moisture sensor 336 can be positioned between the conduit 332 and the plate 316. In some embodiments, the moisture sensor 336 can extend the entire length of the body 302 or partially within the body 302. In some embodiments, the moisture sensor 336 can include a capacitive moisture sensor. The moisture sensor 336 is configured to be communicatively coupled, via the attachment coupling 314, to other electrical components of the hair care appliance to which the curling attachment 300 is attached. Sensed data obtained by the moisture sensor 336 is configured to be provided to a microprocessor or controller of the hair care appliance to which the curling attachment 300 is attached and is configured to be used by the microprocessor or controller of the hair care appliance to control operation of the hair care appliance. For example, in some embodiments, the hair care appliance can be configured to perform predetermined heating and/or drying (e.g., air flow) operations based on the amount of moisture determined from the sensor data obtained via the moisture sensor 336.

Another exemplary embodiment of an attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance (e.g., the hair care appliance 100 of FIGS. 1-5, the hair care appliance 200 of FIGS. 6-10, the hair care appliance 1000 of FIGS. 22A-22C, or other hair care appliance) and an attachment mating assembly (e.g., the attachment mating assembly 202 of FIG. 7, the attachment mating assembly 1002 of FIGS. 22A-22C, or other attachment mating assembly) described herein includes a concentrator attachment. One exemplary embodiment of a concentrator attachment 400 is shown in FIG. 16 and includes a heating element 402. The heating element 402 is configured to be communicatively coupled to electrical components of the hair care appliance to which the concentrator attachment 400 is attached via electrical connectors of the concentrator attachment's attachment coupling 404 (e.g., the attachment coupling 212 of FIGS. 7-10, the attachment coupling 1004 of FIG. 22A, or other attachment coupling) described herein. In this way, the heating element 402 is configured to provide additional heat to air flow output at an outlet 406 of the concentrator attachment 400 and in close proximity to the hair for improved styling effects.

In some embodiments, an attachment can include an ionizer therein. The ionizer can be positioned in the attachment to maximize the amount of ions received by the hair. The ionizer is configured to be communicatively coupled to electrical components of the hair care appliance to which the attachment is attached via electrical connectors of the attachment's attachment coupling described herein. As shown in FIG. 16, the illustrated embodiment of the concentrator attachment 400 includes an ionizer 408 positioned within the outlet 406.

In some embodiments, an attachment can include one or more torque sensors therein. The torque sensors can be configured with respect to bristles, such as bristles 504 of a brush attachment 500, as shown in FIG. 17. The brush attachment 500 is another exemplary embodiment of an attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance (e.g., the hair care appliance 100 of FIGS. 1-5, the hair care appliance 200 of FIGS. 6-10, the hair care appliance 1000 of FIGS. 22A-22C, or other hair care appliance) and an attachment mating assembly (e.g., the attachment mating assembly 202 of FIG. 7, the attachment mating assembly 1002 of FIGS. 22A-22C, or other attachment mating assembly) described herein. The torque sensors (e.g., torque sensors 502 of the brush attachment 500, or other torque sensors of another attachment) are configured to be coupled to electrical components of a hair care appliance to which an attachment including the torque sensors is attached via electrical connectors of the attachment's attachment coupling described herein. The torque sensors are configured to generate sensor data associated with an amount of torque applied to at least one bristle or group of bristles as a user uses the attachment, e.g., brushes hair using the brush attachment 500. The amount of torque is associated with a condition of the hair and an operating parameter of the hair care appliance can thus be determined. For example, the torque sensor data can be used to determine whether the user has dry or tangled hair based on elevated torque values indicating more force is required to brush the dry or tangled hair. Lower torque values are associated with wet, oily, or fine hair indicating less force is required to brush the hair. The hair care appliance to which the attachment is attached as described herein can be configured to adjust one or more of a heating temperature or an air flow setting based on the sensed torque data.

Styling hair can require specific skills and hair treatments to achieve a desired style. Some users may lack particular skill necessary to utilize a hair care appliance to achieve their desired style. Thus, it can be desirable for a hair care appliance and/or attachment to provide user feedback and/or automated styling assistance. For example, Coanda curling is a particular method of curling hair that can be difficult to master. A user is required to use a curling attachment, e.g., the curling attachment 204 of FIG. 6, the curling attachment 300 of FIG. 11, or other curling attachment, that automatically wraps hair around a curler by creating an airflow that pulls hair into place around the heated plates of the curling attachment. After the hair is wrapped around a body of a curling attachment, the user then heats the hair for a set period of time, before cooling the hair for a set period of time to implement the curl in the hair. A user may not know where to contact the hair on the attachment, have difficulty performing the styling for the required time periods or lose track of time, or have difficulty performing the styling while looking at their reflection in a mirror.

The hair care appliance and powered attachments described herein can remedy these problems by acquiring data about the user's hair and providing feedback to the user as they style their hair. The feedback can ensure best practices associated with a particular styling technique, are communicated to the user. The feedback can be provided via visual, audio, and/or haptic feedback mechanisms provided in the powered attachments described herein. The electrical coupling enabled between attachments and the hair care appliance herein can provide a robust array of feedback and operation modes to improve a user's experience and produce improved, long-lasting styling effects.

For example, in one embodiment shown in FIG. 18, a user can operate a hair care appliance 600 (e.g., the hair care appliance 100 of FIGS. 1-5, the hair care appliance 200 of FIGS. 6-10, the hair care appliance 1000 of FIGS. 22A-22C, or other hair care appliance) and a powered curling attachment 602 (e.g., the curling attachment 204 of FIG. 6, the curling attachment 300 of FIG. 11, or other curling attachment) as described herein in a manual mode of operation. As shown in FIG. 18, a user can activate a manual actuator 604 (shown as a switch in this illustrated embodiment) of the hair care appliance 600, with the appliance 600 attached to the powered curling attachment 602, to initiate a timed program for curling hair. The switch 604 is configured to be communicatively coupled via electrical connectors of the curling attachment's attachment coupling to the curling attachment 602, which can include user interfaces such as an LED 606 and an audio output 608 as shown in this illustrated embodiment. The switch 604 is further configured to be communicatively coupled to electrical components of the hair care appliance 600, which can include user interfaces (e.g., an LED 610 and an audio output 612) as shown in this illustrated embodiment, heaters 614, a motor 616, a microprocessor and/or controller 618 coupled to a memory storing non-transitory computer-executable instructions associated with one or more operating parameters and/or modes of operation of the hair care appliance 600 (e.g., “software control”).

Activating the manual switch 604 is configured turn on the hair care appliance 600, and a user can wrap their hair around the curling attachment 602 attached to the hair care appliance 600. A user can then manually actuate a timing actuator, e.g., press a timing starter of the hair appliance's user interface, to initiate a sequence of operational modes necessary to perform the curling. The software control is configured to generate control signals provided to various electrical components in the attachment 602 and the hair care appliance 600, such as the user interfaces 606, 608, 610, 612, heaters 614, or motor 616. The control signals are configured to initiate pre-determined timing cycles necessary to curl the hair. The control signals are further configured to cause one or more of the user interfaces 606, 608, 610, 612 to provide feedback to the user indicating a point at which the user should manually switch to the next stage of curling.

In some embodiments, a curling attachment is configured to provide sensor data from a moisture sensor of the curling attachment to control operation of the attachment and a hair care appliance to which the attachment is attached via software control of the hair care appliance. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, a user can turn on a hair care appliance 700 (e.g., the hair care appliance 100 of FIGS. 1-5, the hair care appliance 200 of FIGS. 6-10, the hair care appliance 1000 of FIGS. 22A-22C, or other hair care appliance) and wrap their hair around a curling attachment 702 attached to the hair care appliance 700. Moisture data determined from a moisture sensor 704 of the curling attachment 702 is configured to be used by software control 706 of the appliance 700 to determine requirements for styling the moist hair. Based on detecting the moist hair wrapped around the curling attachment 702, the software control 706 is configured to initiate a timing program cycling through pre-determined timing cycles. The software control 706 is configured to generate control signals provided to various electrical components in the attachment 702 and the hair care appliance 700, such as the user interfaces (e.g., an LED 708 of the attachment 702, an audio output 710 of the attachment 702, an LED 712 of the appliance 700, an audio output 714 of the appliance 700, etc.), sensors (e.g., moisture sensor 704, etc.), heaters 716, or motor 718. The control signals are configured to initiate pre-determined timing cycles necessary to curl the hair based on the moisture data obtained via the moisture sensor 704. The control signals are further configured to cause one or more of the hair care appliance's and/or attachment's user interfaces to provide feedback to the user indicating a point at which the user should manually switch to the next stage of curling.

In some embodiments, a hair care appliance (e.g., the hair care appliance 100 of FIGS. 1-5, the hair care appliance 200 of FIGS. 6-10, the hair care appliance 1000 of FIGS. 22A-22C, or other hair care appliance) and powered attachments (e.g., the attachment 204 of FIG. 6, the attachment 300 of FIG. 11, the attachment 400 of FIG. 16, the attachment 500 of FIG. 17, the attachment 602 of FIG. 18, the attachment 702 of FIG. 19, or other attachment) attachable to the appliance are configured to provide fully automated monitoring and control of operational modes of the hair care appliance and/or attachments. For example, as shown in one embodiment in FIG. 20, a user can turn on a hair care appliance 800 (e.g., the hair care appliance 100 of FIGS. 1-5, the hair care appliance 200 of FIGS. 6-10, the hair care appliance 1000 of FIGS. 22A-22C, or other hair care appliance) and wrap their hair around a curling attachment 802 releasably attached to the appliance 800. Moisture data determined from a moisture sensor 804 of the curling attachment 802 is configured to be used (e.g., by software control 806 of the appliance 800) to determine requirements for styling the moist hair. Based on detecting the moist hair wrapped around the curling attachment 802, the software control 806 is configured to initiate a gradually progressive heating program. When the moisture data indicates a predetermined level of moisture, the software control 806 is configured to generate control signals to cause a heater 808 and a motor 810 of the hair care appliance 800 to generate a short blast of hotter air for a predetermined period. Continuing to sense the moist hair, the software control 806 is configured to cause the heater 808 and the motor 810 to generate cool air for a subsequent predetermined period of time. Responsive to sensing the appropriate moisture level and completion of previous predetermined periods of treatment, the software control 806 is configured to cause the hair care appliance 800 to shut off. FIG. 20 also shows an LED 812 of the attachment 802, an audio output 814 of the attachment 802, an LED 816 of the appliance 800, and an audio output 818 of the appliance 800 configured to provide information to the user, as discussed herein.

In some embodiments, a hair care appliance (e.g., the hair care appliance 100 of FIGS. 1-5, the hair care appliance 200 of FIGS. 6-10, the hair care appliance 1000 of FIGS. 22A-22C, or other hair care appliance) and powered attachments (e.g., the attachment 204 of FIG. 6, the attachment 300 of FIG. 11, the attachment 400 of FIG. 16, the attachment 500 of FIG. 17, the attachment 602 of FIG. 18, the attachment 702 of FIG. 19, or other attachment) described herein is configured to perform pre-determined timing cycles associated a variety of styling methods and/or attachment usage. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, one embodiment of a plot of temperature settings and corresponding timing is provided that can be executed by software control configured in a hair care appliance (e.g., the hair care appliance 100 of FIGS. 1-5, the hair care appliance 200 of FIGS. 6-10, the hair care appliance 1000 of FIGS. 22A-22C, or other hair care appliance) in regard to curling hair via a curling attachment (e.g., the curling attachment 204 of FIG. 6, the curling attachment 300 of FIG. 11, the curling attachment 602 of FIG. 18, the curling attachment 702 of FIG. 19, or other curling attachment). An initial stage 1 can be assumed to correspond to the hair care appliance being shut off. Responsive to a user activating a switch of the hair care appliance, stage 2 “Warm-up” starts and last for about 5 seconds. During stage 2, the temperature of the heating element in the frame of the attachment, which is attached to the hair care appliance, initiates heating to cause heated plates of the attachment to heat to about 100° C. A first feedback indication associated with stage 2 can be provided to the user via a user interface of the attachment and/or the hair care appliance. In some embodiments, the first feedback indication includes a first color (e.g., of a light, etc.), a first sound, or the like.

Following stage 2, the hair care appliance enters stage 3 associated with a “Ready” stage in which the heated plates of the attachment are about 100° C. A second feedback indication can be provided to the user via a user interface of the attachment and/or the hair care appliance. In some embodiments, the second feedback indication can include a second color (e.g., of a light, etc.), a second sound, or the like that is different than the first feedback indication.

Responsive to manual activation or sensed moisture data obtained from hair wrapped around the attachment by a moisture sensor of the attachment at point 4, stage 5 commences for drying hair. During the “hair drying” stage 5, the heater of the attachment causes the heated plates of the attachment to heat to about 140° C. for a period of about 5 seconds to dry the moist hair. Also during this stage, the motor is activated to generate heated air flow via the heating element of the hair care appliance. The generated heated air flow is provided through the outlets of the attachment for drying the hair. A third feedback indication can be provided to the user via a user interface of the attachment and/or the hair care appliance. In some embodiments, the third feedback indication can include a third color (e.g., of a light, etc.), a third sound, or the like that is different than the first feedback indication and the second feedback indication.

Following stage 5, the hair care appliance enters stage 6, associated with provision of a “Hot Shot” volume of heated air for about 5-10 seconds. The heater of the attachment causes the heated plates to heat from about 140° C. to about 185° C., and the motor is activated to increase the velocity of the air heated via a heating element of the hair care appliance. A fourth feedback indication can be provided to the user via a user interface of the attachment and/or the hair care appliance. In some embodiments, the fourth feedback indication can include a fourth color (e.g., of a light, etc.), a fourth sound, or the like that is different than the first feedback indication, the second feedback indication, and the third feedback indication.

After completion of stage 6, a “Cool Shot” stage 7 is started. During stage 7, a volume of lower temperature air is provided for a period of about 10 seconds to set the curl. During this stage, the heater of the attachment is powered off so that the temperature of the heated plates drops from about 185° C. to about 30° C. In addition, the motor is activated to provide a volume of air at a reduced or ambient temperature via the heating element of the hair care appliance. A fifth feedback indication can be provided to the user via a user interface of the attachment and/or the hair care appliance. In some embodiments, the fifth feedback indication can include a fifth color (e.g., of a light, etc.), a fifth sound, or the like that is different than the first feedback indication, the second feedback indication, the third feedback indication, and the fourth feedback indication.

Following stage 7, the hair care appliance is configured to automatically shut down or otherwise enter a stand-by mode awaiting a next usage or input from a user as shown in stage 8 “Auto Shutdown”. A sixth feedback indication can be provided to the user via a user interface of the attachment and/or the hair care appliance. In some embodiments, the sixth feedback indication can include a sixth color (e.g., of a light, etc.), a sixth sound, or the like that is different than the first feedback indication, the second feedback indication, the third feedback indication, the fourth feedback indication, and the fifth feedback indication. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the times and temperatures shown in FIG. 21 are exemplary and the software controls can be configured to implement a variety of temperature and air flow settings for any time periods in various sequences without limit. Thus, a variety of specific styling methods can be performed using the hair care appliance and the powered attachments described herein, which can improve the overall user experience of the appliance and create longer-lasting styling results.

Various embodiments of hair care appliances and attachments configured to be releasably coupled to hair care appliances are also described, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/480,017 entitled “Identification Of Hair Care Appliance Attachments” filed on Oct. 3, 2023, U.S. Pat. App. [ ] entitled “Hair Care Accessories” filed on even date herewith [Attorney Docket No. 057664-590001US], and U.S. Pat. App. [ ] entitled “Hair Care Appliance With Powered Attachment” filed on even date herewith [Attorney Docket No. 057664-670001US], which are each hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

The subject matter described herein can be implemented in analog electronic circuitry, digital electronic circuitry, and/or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structural means disclosed in this specification and structural equivalents thereof, or in combinations of them. The subject matter described herein can be implemented as one or more computer program products, such as one or more computer programs tangibly embodied in an information carrier (e.g., in a machine-readable storage device), or embodied in a propagated signal, for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus (e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers). A computer program (also known as a program, algorithm, software, software application, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data, in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub-programs, or portions of code).

The processes and logic flows described in this specification, including the method steps of the subject matter described herein, can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions of the subject matter described herein by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus of the subject matter described herein can be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processor of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices). The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

The techniques described herein can be implemented using one or more modules. As used herein, the term “module” refers to computing software, firmware, hardware, and/or various combinations thereof. At a minimum, however, modules are not to be interpreted as software that is not implemented on hardware, firmware, or recorded on a non-transitory processor readable recordable storage medium (i.e., modules are not software per se). Indeed “module” is to be interpreted to always include at least some physical, non-transitory hardware such as a part of a processor or computer. Two different modules can share the same physical hardware (e.g., two different modules can use the same processor). The modules described herein can be combined, integrated, separated, and/or duplicated to support various applications. Also, a function described herein as being performed at a particular module can be performed at one or more other modules and/or by one or more other devices instead of or in addition to the function performed at the particular module.

Certain exemplary embodiments have been described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, devices, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components of the embodiments generally have similar features, and thus within a particular embodiment each feature of each like-named component is not necessarily fully elaborated upon.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the present application is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

HAIR CARE APPLIANCE WITH POWERED ATTACHMENT

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