Hairdryer Assembly with Interchangeable Styling Cartridges

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of blow-dryers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hairdryer for heating and drying hair on a human head or animal fur while concurrently styling and infusing the hair or fur with nutrients, silicones, oils, powders, herbs, proteins, panthenols, colors, moisturizers, conditioners, fragrances, steam and/or vitamins. This hairdryer is designed such that an interchangeable and/or refillable cartridge or cartridges containing diverse hairstyling and treatment products can simply attach and detach from the hairdryer. These cartridges can connect to the main hairdryer housing at various positions, including but not limited to inside the primary inlet or outlet or annularly around the primary inlet or outlet.

Additionally, instead of a solid housing duct for transferring heat from the fan and heat exchanger to the user's hair for styling, treating and drying, this invention describes the construction of a hairdryer with a main duct with at least one opening to optimize fluid flow, heat transfer and user experience. This invention also describes improvements on handle design for better user experience, dampener components to reduce hairdryer noise and vibration and additional ducts for improved air flow and heating control.

Description of the Related Art

There are several blow-dryers on the market. However, none address the long felt need of being able to dry and style hair quickly while concurrently infusing moisturizing, conditioning, styling and treatment products into the hair, skin, fur and scalp all without tiring one's arms, or burning one's hair or scalp. Additionally, there is a need to have small volumes of styling products when traveling or in lieu of purchasing large and undesired quantities of product that can expire, be difficult to transport or difficult to use while concurrently drying and styling hair. Additionally, there is a need to minimize blow-dryer noise and vibration of the hairdryer and hairdryer components.

Curtin in U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,771 teaches attaching a nozzle to the end of a conventional hairdryer wherein an impregnated pad saturated with a fragrance can be inserted across the cross-section of the nozzle. However Curtin does not teach being able to connect a capsule directly on the main housing of the hairdryer or alternative methods for attaching a capsule such as a friction fit, magnet or snap piece. Further, Curtin does not teach using a liquid or gel containing capsule.

West in U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,800 teaches attaching a nozzle to the barrel end of a hair dryer. West teaches the nozzle contains a substrate which is coated with a solid deodorizing material or solid fragrance wherein air passing over this material or fragrance will cause the material to vaporize and release scent or deodorizer into the air stream. However West does not teach that the substrate can contain a non-solid deodorizing or fragrance material or that the substrate can release conditioners, moisturizers, treatments, vitamins or other hairstyling compounds.

Langley, et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 8,407,913 teach a hairdryer with an interchangeably connectable attachment. Langley teaches a plurality of bosses or lugs for locking the attachment onto the end of the hairdryer barrel. However, Langley does not teach that the attachment could be attached with a friction fit or magnets. Langley also teaches a plurality of perforations along the attachment for mixing ambient air into the attachment but does not teach being able to attach and detach a cartridge containing hairstyling or treating products in and out of these perforations. Langley teaches a conditioner infuser cartridge to be inserted into the attachment which attaches to the barrel of the hairdryer. However the insertion of the infuser cartridge onto the end of an attachment attached to the end of a hairdryer barrel makes the entire length of hairdryer barrel long, off-balance and difficult for a user to use. Additionally, the distance the user must hold the hairdryer from the user's head to dry, style or treat is significantly increased which is what this present invention attempts to solve. Further Langley does not teach having multiple cartridges located at various points along the hairdryer, the ability to press a button to change how and which cartridge is activated and using cartridges that contain solid, gel or liquid materials.

Altamore in U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,537 teaches a hairdryer with multiple inlets near the outlet of the housing. However Altamore teaches that these inlets are for directing air current into the body of the hairdryer, across the motor and back toward the housing inlet for cooling purposes. Altamore does not teach any cartridge attachment that can vaporize, aerate or otherwise expel or disperse a styling or treatment product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following is a non-limiting written description of embodiments illustrating various aspects of this invention. As used herein, the term hairdryer means a device that blows air, product or heat streams onto the hair or fur of a person or animal to remove moisture or wetness from the hair or fur. The term hairdryer is considered synonymous with the terms hair dryer, hair-dryer, hair blower, blow dryer or blow-dryer. As used herein the term cartridge means an enclosed capsule, cartouche, box or container made for ready adhesion, insertion or alternative connection into a machine or device. The term impeller is considered synonymous with the term fan.

This invention relates to a hairdryer containing a removable and/or interchangeable cartridge or multiple cartridges that can spray, mist, infuse, disperse, diffuse or transmit hairstyling products, dyes, nutrients or treatments into the hair, scalp or fur. The cartridge or cartridges contain an amount of hairstyling product, treatment or dye that can be activated for use on the hair by a button on the hairdryer manually by a user, by a remote device, or via a passive continuous dispersion. The cartridge product can be in the form of, but is not limited to a powder, gel, liquid, solid, pressurized liquid or gas. Additionally, in preferred embodiments of this invention, a user can refill a cartridge by removing the cartridge from the hairdryer and opening a resealable flap, aperture or hatch to insert, fill or otherwise add new product. The refilled and/or reused interchangeable and resealable cartridge can then be reinserted or reattached to the hairdryer for use.

The hairdryer can also be used to dry hair. The user has buttons on the hairdryer, manual controls or remote controls that can switch from hairdrying to cartridge product dispersion, or concurrent drying and product dispersion at the user's discretion or automatically.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The cartridge or multiple cartridges can be located anywhere in the hairdryer including, but not limited to, the front of the main body housing primarily inside the primary outlet, primarily outside the primary outlet, or partially inside the primary outlet. In preferred embodiments the cartridge or cartridges may mount, rest or affix at least partially annularly around the outside or at least partially annularly around the inside of the hairdryer housing primary inlet or primary outlet. In alternative embodiments the cartridge or cartridges can be toward the center, through the center, or toward the back portion of the main body housing. In another embodiment the cartridge can be located in the handle of the hairdryer. In another embodiment, the cartridge can be an attachment piece or part of an attachment assembly such as a diffuser on the hairdryer.

The cartridge or cartridges can attach and detach to the hairdryer with the use of magnetic force. The hairdryer body and cartridge can each have a magnetic piece that hold the cartridge in place by magnetic force. The cartridge connected to the hairdryer by magnetic force can be removed from the hairdryer by pressing a button on the hairdryer that changes the polarity of the magnets, causing the cartridge to decouple from the hairdryer. Alternatively, a user can rotate, press, or otherwise activate the cartridge to remove it from the hairdryer. This functionality allows a user to easily change the hairdryer cartridge and switch to a new cartridge or a cartridge with different product.

Alternatively, the cartridge or cartridges can attach and detach from the hairdryer by use of a screw assembly, friction or suction force, keyway, cam lock or snap mechanism.

Each hairdryer described herein has a motor to rotate an impeller. The motor can be, but is not limited to a DC, AC or universal type motor. The DC motor can be brushed or brushless. The brushed DC motor can be shunt wound, separately excited, series wound, compound wound, a permanent magnet, a servomotor or a universal type motor. The AC motor can be, but is not limited to an induction motor, synchronous motor or linear motor type.

The motor can also have a belt drive transmission with a belt to attach to a fan impeller bearing to rotate an impeller. Alternatively a motor can have a direct drive connection to the impeller to rotate it. Alternatively, the motor can have a gear box with gears that mesh with the gears of an impeller bearing to rotate an impeller.

The housing and handle of the hairdryer can be made from, but is not limited to the following materials: plastics, composites, ceramics or metals. In preferred embodiments, the housing and handle are made from thermoset plastics or temperature safe composites.

The impeller or fan, can be, but is not limited to an open, semi-open or enclosed type. The impeller can be made out of any high temperature resistant plastic, ceramic, composite or metal. In preferred embodiments the impeller is made out of a heat resistant thermoplastic or composite. The impeller blades can be uniform or non-uniform in shape. Additionally, the impeller can have one or more blades.

In preferred embodiments, the hairdryer has a motor in the handle of the hairdryer. In an alternative embodiment, the motor can be in the main housing in line with the impeller. In another alternative embodiment, the motor can be in a nacelle at the bottom of the handle.

The motor is surrounded by or mounted on damping and vibration reduction ribs and/or materials to reduce noise and vibration. Additionally, the interior of the hairdryer housing can have a series of ribs, vibration reducing fabrics and sound reducing plates to quiet the noise of the motor, impeller and fluid flow without reducing heat transfer, fan speed or fluid flow. The housing interior can also have ribs or supports to improve airflow, improve structural support, improve heat transfer and reduce noise and/or vibration. Alternatively, there can be support, airflow, heat transfer, sound or vibration ribs separately inside the handle, nacelle or as a standalone component inside the hairdryer housing.

The hairdryer has a power source. In preferred embodiments the power source is a plug or cable connected to the motor through the handle wherein the power cable has a strain relief mechanism. This mechanism can serve doubly as a hook or loop for hanging the hairdryer assembly. In alternative embodiments, the power source can be a 360° power cord.

The refillable and/or interchangeable cartridge can have a valve or single use film puncture with an outlet such that the cartridge product can release into a fluid flow stream. Alternatively, the refillable and/or interchangeable cartridge can have an outlet that connects to a valve in the housing such that the cartridge product flow from the cartridge outlet to the housing's valve for cartridge product to be released into the fluid flow stream.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a back and cutaway side view of Section A-A of a hairdryer with a cartridge primarily inside the primary outlet.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a hairdryer with a cartridge primarily inside the primary outlet.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a front and cutaway side view of Section A-A of a hairdryer with multiple cartridges primarily annularly around the primary outlet with secondary orifices.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a hairdryer with multiple cartridges primarily annularly around the primary outlet with secondary orifices.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a front and cutaway side view of Section A-A of a hairdryer with a primarily annular cartridge around the primary outlet.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a hairdryer with a primarily annular cartridge outside of the primary outlet.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a front and cutaway side view of Section A-A of a hairdryer with a primarily annular cartridge predominately inside the hairdryer body with a direct drive motor.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a hairdryer with a primarily annular cartridge predominately inside the hairdryer body with a direct drive motor.

FIG. 9 shows a front view of a hairdryer with a non-circular main body housing with a motor nacelle.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a hairdryer with a primary inlet slot on the top portion of the non-circular main body housing with a motor nacelle.

FIG. 11 shows a side view of a hairdryer with a primary inlet slot on the top portion of the non-circular main body housing with a motor nacelle.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show a front and detailed cutaway perspective view of Section D-D of a hairdryer with a primary inlet slot on the top portion of the non-circular main body housing with a motor nacelle.

FIG. 14 shows a cutaway top view of Section E-E of FIG. 13 of a hairdryer with a refillable and/or interchangeable cartridge.

FIG. 15 shows a detailed perspective cutaway view of Detail C of FIG. 12 of the outlet of a hairdryer with a refillable and/or interchangeable cartridge.

FIGS. 16 and 18 show a front and cutaway side view of Section A-A of a hairdryer with an interchangeable cartridge primarily inside the central portion of the rear main body housing.

FIG. 17 shows rear perspective view of a hairdryer with an interchangeable cartridge primarily inside the central portion of the rear main body housing.

FIG. 19 shows a detailed cutaway side view of Detail B of FIG. 18 of the flow path of the cartridge product with a cartridge primarily inside the central portion of the rear main body housing.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of the hairdryer with an interchangeable cartridge in the core of the housing.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show a front and cutaway side view of Section A-A of a hairdryer with an interchangeable cartridge primarily inside the central portion of the rear main body housing.

FIG. 23 shows in a detailed cutaway view of Detail B of FIG. 21 of the rear inlet of the hairdryer with an interchangeable cartridge in the core of the housing.

FIGS. 24 and 28 show a side and cutaway top view of Section G-G of a hairdryer with an interchangeable cartridge primarily inside the central portion of the rear main body housing.

FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of a hairdryer with a refillable cartridge in the rear of the housing and entrained air inlets at a primarily central portion of the housing.

FIGS. 26 and 27 show a front and cutaway side view of Section F-F of a hairdryer with an interchangeable cartridge primarily inside the central portion of the rear main body housing.

FIGS. 29 and 30 show a perspective and detailed perspective view of Section D of the outlet portion of a hairdryer with a refillable cartridge in the rear of the housing and entrained air inlets at a primarily central portion of the housing.

FIG. 31 shows a front perspective view of a hairdryer with a refillable and/or interchangeable cartridge in the rear of the main housing.

FIG. 32 shows a rear perspective view of a hairdryer with a refillable and/or interchangeable cartridge in the rear of the main housing.

FIGS. 33A and 33B show a front and cutaway side view of Section C-C of a hairdryer with a refillable and/or interchangeable cartridge in the rear of the main housing.

FIG. 34 shows a detailed cutaway view of Section D of FIG. 33B of the valve assembly of a hairdryer with a refillable and/or interchangeable cartridge in the rear of the main housing.

FIGS. 35A and 35B show a front and cutaway side view of Section A-A of a cartridge connected to a hairdryer with magnets.

FIG. 36 shows a perspective view of a cartridge connected to a hairdryer with magnets.

FIGS. 37A and 37B show a side and cutaway front view of Section B-B of a cartridge connected to a hairdryer with magnets.

FIGS. 38A and 38B show a front and cutaway side view of Section A-A of a cartridge with a diaphragm connected to a hairdryer.

FIG. 39 shows a perspective view of a cartridge with a diaphragm connected to a hairdryer.

FIGS. 40A and 40B show a side and cutaway front view of Section B-B of a cartridge with a diaphragm connected to a hairdryer.

FIGS. 41A and 41B show a front and cutaway side view of Section A-A of a cartridge with a channel for product release within the cartridge.

FIG. 42 shows a perspective view of a cartridge with a channel for product release within the cartridge.

FIGS. 43A and 43B show a front and cutaway side view of Section A-A of a cartridge with a plurality of channels for product release within the hairdryer cartridge socket.

FIG. 44 shows a perspective view of a cartridge with a plurality of channels for product release within the hairdryer cartridge socket.

FIGS. 45A and 45B show a front and cutaway side view of Section A-A of a tapered cartridge for a hairdryer with keyway fittings.

FIG. 46 shows a perspective view of a tapered cartridge for a hairdryer keyway fittings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

This invention is designed such that a hairdryer can have interchangeable cartridges containing various hairstyling and treating products. There are varying configurations for the where and how the interchangeable cartridges can affix to the hairdryer.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, a handheld hairdryer has a main body housing 501 and a handle 502. There is a motor 401 preferably inside of handle 502. The motor 401 is powered by a power source 601. The motor 401 can be activated by a motor switch 605 which rotates an impeller 301 via a motor shaft 402 turning a motor gear 403. The impeller 301 draws in an amount of ambient air via a rear grill 506 which is a plurality of annular openings on the body of housing 501. The speed that the impeller 301 rotates determines the amount of ambient air that can enter the housing 501.

Housing 501 has a solid plate 514 on the back which prevents air, dirt, lint, hair or other objects from entering the interior of housing 501. The ambient air enters the housing 501 via an at least partially annular primary flow path inlet 7a through rear grill 506. The ambient air then flows through the primary fluid flow path 7d of the interior of housing 501. At least partially annular heaters 201 inside housing 501 heat the primary flow path 7d or portion thereof, cartridge 101, and the cartridge contents or portion thereof, as well as a portion of the ambient air entering the housing 501 through the secondary fluid flow path 7c. The heaters 201 are powered via the power source 601 and power and heat to the heaters 201 can be controlled via a heat switch 606.

A cartridge 101 capable of containing liquid, gel, powdered or solid hairstyling or treating product is inserted into cartridge socket 510 at the front of housing 501 and downstream of the impeller 301 within a rotatable cartridge body 517. The rotatable cartridge body 517 has central cartridge socket 510 and a plurality of secondary fluid flow path inlets 7c for ambient air.

The heated air from the primary flow path 7d and/or secondary flow path 7c and product from cartridge 101 can exit the housing 501 at the primary fluid flow outlet 7b. The cartridge 101 can be ejected, rotated and/or activated by pressing the cartridge ejector button 603 on housing 501. Alternatively, the cartridge 101 can be removed manually. The cartridge 101 can also squirt, mist, spray or otherwise dispense the hairstyling or hair treatment product out of primary fluid flow outlets 7b, primary flow path 7d, or secondary fluid flow path inlets 7c by pressing product dispense button 602.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, in an alternative embodiment of a hairdryer with interchangeable hairstyling or treatment product cartridges, there can be a plurality of rotatable and interchangeable cartridges 101 at the front of the hairdryer housing 501. The cartridges 101 are attached to the housing 501 via a rotatable cartridge body 517. Cartridge body 517 is optionally detachable from the housing 501, and can rotate around the exterior of the preferably annular housing 501.

The hairdryer assembly preferably consists of housing 501 and a handle 502 which contains a motor 401. The motor is powered by a power source 601. The motor 401 can be activated by a motor switch 605 which activates an impeller 301 via a motor shaft 402 turning a motor gear 403. Cartridge body 517 can rotate around housing 501 by pressing on cartridge ejector button 603 or can be rotated manually by the user twisting cartridge body 517. Ambient air can enter the cartridge body 517 and mix with the primary flow path 7d via a plurality of fluid flow inlets 7c. Each cartridge 101 can also squirt, mist, spray or otherwise dispense the hairstyling or hair treatment product out of one of the primary fluid flow outlets 7b by pressing product dispense button 602. The primary flow path 7d is heated by at least partially annular heaters 201 located inside of housing 501 and downstream of an impeller 301. The impeller 301 draws in ambient air via primary fluid flow inlet 7a located through a primarily annular rear grill 506 located on housing 501.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6, in another alternative embodiment of a hairdryer with interchangeable hairstyling or treatment product cartridges, there can be a rotatable and interchangeable or refillable cartridge 101 attached over the front outlet of the hairdryer housing 501. Cartridge 101 has a flow outlet 7b wherein the hot air, steam, mist and/or product from cartridge 101 can mix or individually flow out to style, dry and treat hair, skin, scalp or fur. Ambient air can enter the housing 501 via a plurality of secondary airflow inlets 7c and mix with the primary flow path 7d which can be heated by an at least partially annular heater 201 located inside of housing 501. The heater is powered by power source 601 and controlled by heat switch 606, preferably located in handle 502. The heat switch 606 controls the temperature of the heaters 201 and thus the temperature of the primary flow path 7d and/or secondary airflow inlets 7c. Additionally, the heater 201 can activate, melt, disperse or otherwise cause product from the cartridge 101 to exit.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8 refers to another alternate embodiment for a hairdryer with a product cartridge. In FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8, a cartridge 101 capable of containing and releasing hairstyling and treating product is placed preferably entirely inside a cartridge mounting body 517. Cartridge mounting body 517 has a cartridge socket 510 which holds the cartridge 101 entirely in place. The cartridge mounting body 517 can be placed on the front end of hairdryer housing 501. The cartridge mounting body 517 has a plurality of cartridge mounting points 519 that are spaced apart creating orifices for air and cartridge product to exit the hairdryer assembly through fluid flow outlets 7b. The outer annular portion of cartridge mounting body 510 has a plurality of inlets 7c capable of allowing an amount of ambient air into the housing 501 and mix with primary flow path 7d. An at least preferably annular heater 201 can heat a portion of the primary flow path 7d, the cartridge 101 and cartridge's hairstyling, treatment or product contents. The heater is activated by a heating button 606 on the handle 502. Alternatively, the heater can be activated by a remote source or device (not shown).

The cartridge 101 can be manually removed from the cartridge mounting body 510 or a cartridge ejector button 603 preferably located on the housing 501 but can be located on a handle 502 or on a remote device (not shown). The cartridge 101 can also be controlled by a dispensing switch 602 which is capable of rotating cartridge mounting body 517 and controlling an amount of the product released from the cartridge 101. A motor 401 which can be AC, DC or universal is powered by power source 601. In this embodiment, the motor 401 is attached to an impeller 301 by direct drive transmission. The impeller 301 can then rotate by activating an impeller button 605 to turn the direct-drive transmission motor 401 connected to the impeller 301.

FIGS. 9-15 refers to another preferred embodiment of a hairdryer with an interchangeable and/or refillable cartridge. In FIGS. 9-15 a hairdryer has a main body housing 501 and a handle 502. A motor nacelle 512 is on the bottom of the handle 502. The nacelle 512 has a power source 601 that can be restrained by a power cord strain relief 604. There is a hook or loop 511 for hanging the hairdryer attached to the strain relief 604. Alternatively, a hook or loop can be attached to the top of the hairdryer housing 501 or on a handle 502. The housing 501 has an interchangeable cartridge 101 that can be inserted on the top of the housing 501. A primary fluid flow path inlet 7a is partially annular along the top portion of the housing 501. The housing 501 has a front face plate 513 with a front grill 505 and a rear plate 514. The front grill 505 has a plurality of fluid flow path outlets 7b. There is at least one, preferably multiple buttons or switches on the hairdryer that can control the speed of the impeller including a dispense button 602 for allowing a squirt, burst, spray, mist or alternative dispersion of the cartridge product contents to exit out of the fluid flow path outlets 7b and onto the user's hair, skin, scalp or fur. The cartridge contents can also disperse out of the cartridge 101 into the primary flow path 7d in addition or in lieu of directly exiting out of the fluid flow path outlets 7b.

The housing 501 has an inner wall 507 and a cartridge mounting socket 510 to hold the cartridge 101. The housing has a front face 513 with a front grill 505. The inner wall 507 has a preferably primarily annular heater 201 to heat the primary flow path 7d. The housing 501 has an impeller assembly 301 to draw ambient air in through the primarily annular inlet 7a. A motor 401 with a belt drive 404 is connect to the impeller pulley 307. As the motor 401 rotates it spins the belt 404 which in turn rotates the impeller pulley 307 and the impeller blades 304. The housing 501 has a shaft 503 which can support a bearing 302 connect to the impeller assembly 301.

FIGS. 16-18 refers to another preferred embodiment of a hairdryer with an interchangeable and/or refillable cartridge. Referring to FIGS. 16-18, a hairdryer has a main body housing 501, a handle 502, a power source 601 to power a motor 401. The motor 401 has a motor shaft 402 and motor gear 403. The motor 401, motor shaft 402, and motor gear 403 are contained inside a handle noise and vibration reducer 504. An interchangeable cartridge 101 that contains a hairstyling product or treatment can be inserted in a cavity in the rear body housing 509. There is a rear grill 506 that at least partially covers or is planar with a primary fluid flow inlet 7a. The rear grill 506 has a plurality of slots that are large enough to draw in ambient air but can be small enough to prevent dust, hair, lint or other objects from entering the cavity of the housing 501. In this embodiment, an impeller 301 is downstream of the cartridge 101. The impeller 301 has an impeller bearing 302. At least one vane 303 which is part of the housing 501 controls the direction of the fluid flow through the cavity of the housing 501. The impeller 301 also has at least one blade 304 and an impeller gear 305 that can mesh with the motor gear 403. Ambient air drawn into the housing 501 through the inlet 7a along with product exiting from cartridge 101 can be heated by a preferably annular heater 201 located downstream of the impeller 301. The fluid flow path is contained within an inner wall 507 of housing 501. The heated air and cartridge product can then exit the hairdryer via front grill 505 at fluid flow path outlets 7b.

Referring to FIG. 19, Detail B of FIG. 18, a primarily annular inlet 7a is located toward the rear of housing 501. Dust, debris, lint, hair, fingers, or other objects can be prevented from entering the housing 501 by a rear grill 506. Cartridge 101 has an inner wall 103 and an outer wall 104. Product from the cartridge 101 exits via cartridge outlet 102. The product exits from the outlet 102 into a fluid pathway 508. The cartridge product is then dispersed, diffused, dispelled, misted, sprayed or otherwise expelled into the primary flow path 7d of housing 501 from an ejection hole 515 connected to the end of the fluid pathway 508. This connection between outlet 102 and fluid pathway 508 can be, but is not limited to an O-ring, gasket or mechanical seal.

FIGS. 20-23 refers to another preferred embodiment of a hairdryer with an interchangeable and/or refillable cartridge. Referring to FIGS. 20-23, a hairdryer having a main housing 501, handle 502, motor and impeller assembly 406, a dampener and vibration reducer 504 that can be part of the housing 501, handle 502 or a separate component, and an air intake filter 518 in the handle 502. A cartridge 101 filled with hair product or treatment is contained in the core of the housing 501. An at least partially annular heater 201 can heat the cartridge product and primary air that enters through air inlets 7a. A secondary inlet 7c allows ambient air to enter the housing 501.

The cartridge 101 has an outer 104 and inner 103 wall. Hairstyling product or treatment is contained inside the cartridge 101 and can exit via at least one cartridge outlet 102 connected to at least one cartridge valve 106. The cartridge 101 has a cartridge diaphragm 107 on the rear end. The diaphragm 107 is made of a material such that when pressed can activate the cartridge 101 and cause cartridge product to disperse, dispel, or otherwise exit. The cartridge 101 is supported in place by at least one cartridge standoff 109 and at least one cartridge containment ring 521. Cartridge product and air can exit the housing 501 via at least one primary fluid flow outlets 7b. Additionally, the diaphragm 107 can have an opening, such as an overlapping hatch with a slit, wherein a user can refill the product, treatment or hairstyling contents.

The housing 501 has a tertiary fluid flow path 7e that is preferably primarily annular on the rear portion of the housing 501. The primary flow path 7d flows through the interior of the housing 501 from the cavity of the handle 502 via fluid flow path 7f. The entrained air entering via tertiary inlet 7e is heated primarily by an entrained air heater 202.

The housing 501 has a rear face 509. Ambient air enters the housing 501 at the at least partially annular inlet 7c. The cartridge 101, with an inner 103 and outer 104 wall is supported in place by the at least one standoff 109 and the at least one containment ring 521. Air from the inlet 7c can mix with air and product flowing in the primary flow path 7d. Further forward, the primary flow path 7d can mix with the flow from flow path 7e.

Referring to FIG. 23, Detail B of FIG. 21, the hairdryer has a housing 501 with a cartridge 101. The cartridge 101 has an internal valve 106 connected with an outlet 102 where the cartridge's product can exit. The cartridge product's release can be controlled by a cartridge actuator 108. The actuator can be but is not limited to control by a button, solenoid or servo. The cartridge 101 also has a preferably flexible diaphragm 107.

FIGS. 24-30 refer to another alternative embodiment of a hairdryer with an interchangeable and/or refillable cartridge. Referring to FIGS. 24-30, a hairdryer has a main housing 501, handle 502, primary fluid flow path inlet 7a, that is preferably annular around a rear portion of the housing, a rear grill 506 that prevents undesired objects entering at 7a from entering the housing 501, a mounting socket 510, capable of holding a refillable cartridge 101 in place, a front face 513, a secondary fluid flow path that is at least partially annular at an approximate midpoint along the housing 501, and a primary fluid flow path outlet 7b.

A motor 401 is located inside a cavity of handle 502. The motor 401 has a shaft 402 with gears 403 on the end. The motor gears 403 mesh with impeller gears 305 on an impeller shaft 302 that rotate an at least one impeller blade 304.

The cartridge 101 has a valve 106 wherein product can exit the cartridge 101. The product exits via the valve 106 to a product flow pathway 508 in the housing 501. The cartridge product flow pathway 508 traverses a portion of the housing 501 so the cartridge product can be heated by a first heater 201 and a second heater 202 and subsequently exit the housing 501 near the primary fluid flow path outlet 7b, directly into the secondary flow path 7c or straight out of the primary fluid flow path outlet 7b. The pathway 508 has an inner surface and outer surface 516.

Entrained air can enter the hairdryer housing at a preferably partially annular inlets 7c. Cartridge product can exit at orifice 515 can mix with the primary flow path 7d before exiting at the primary fluid flow path outlet 7b. The primary flow path 7d is defined by the inner wall 507 of housing 501.

There can be a button 602 or multiple buttons on the handle 502 to control the motor 401 speed, power to the first heater 201 and second heater 202 and cartridge 101 product release.

The cartridge 101 containing hairstyling and treatment products is located in cartridge socket 510. The cartridge 101 has an internal valve assembly 106 wherein the cartridge product can exit the cartridge 101 via a cartridge flow duct 508. The cartridge flow duct 508 takes cartridge product from the cartridge 101 along the length of the housing 501 and expels the product at a front face 513 of housing 501 via primary fluid flow outlet 7b. Entrained air can enter the housing 501 via the at least partially annular inlet 7a at the rear grill 506. The rear grill 506 has a plurality of punctures for ambient air to enter the interior of the housing 501. The cartridge 101 and flow duct 508 is upstream of the impeller assembly 301. The impeller assembly 301 consists of impeller blades 304, impeller bearing 302, and impeller gear 305 which is connected to motor gear 403. The motor gear 403 is connected to a motor shaft 402 which is connected to a motor 401 contained in a handle 502. Release of product from the cartridge is controlled by dispense switch 602 on handle 502.

At least one partially annular heaters 201 heat the hair in the primary flow path 7d. A second at least partially annular heater 202 heat the entrained air that enters in secondary fluid flow path 7c.

FIGS. 31-34 refer to another alternative embodiment of a hairdryer with a refillable and/or interchangeable cartridge. Referring to FIGS. 31-34, a hairdryer with a refillable and/or interchangeable cartridge 101 in the rear of the main housing has a main housing 501, the housing 501 having an interior wall 507 and a rear bearing shaft 503 having a male and female end. The hairdryer having a handle 502, power cable/source 601 to power a motor 401, a shaft 402 connected to the motor, a gear 403 connected to the shaft 402, a refillable and/or interchangeable cartridge 101, at least one primarily annular heating element 201 connected to the surface of interior wall 507. A primarily annular inlet 7a on the rear of housing 501 allows air to be drawn into the housing 501. The fluid stream flows down primary flow path 7d, mixing with product from the cartridge 101 and eventually exiting the housing 501 at primary fluid flow outlet 7b. A front grill/guard 505 can prevent hair or other objects from entering the fluid flow outlet 7b. The activation and dispense of product from cartridge 101 can be done by pressing button 602 located on the handle 502. Alternatively, activation of the product from cartridge 101 can be manual or by a remote sensor (not shown).

Cartridge 101 has an inner wall 103. The cartridge product is contained within the inner wall 103. In one embodiment, the housing 501 has a cartridge fluid flow pathway 508 that extends into the interior of the cartridge 101 by way of a tubular shaft through hub 301. Product can exit the cartridge 101 by activation of button 602 through pathway 508. The pathway 508 is connected to impeller path 306 through the hub 301 of the impeller such that cartridge product can pass from the cartridge 101 through the pathway 508. The cartridge product exits the hub 301 at product ejection orifice 515 to enter primary flow path 7d.

The impeller hub 301 has a bearing 302 for the cartridge 101 to connect into. The impeller has at least one but preferably a plurality of uniform or non-uniform blades 304.

FIGS. 35A, 35B, 36, 37A, 37B, 38A, 38B, 39, 40A, 40B, 41A, 41B, 42, 43A, 43B, 44, 45A, 45B, and 46 are non-exhaustive embodiments of cartridges that can attach to the hairdryer. This hairdryer is designed such that any style of cartridge or cartridges that can be inserted, attached or otherwise coupled and decoupled from the hairdryer. Any type of cartridge can be used in any embodiment of the hairdryers described herein. For example, the magnet type cartridge referenced in FIGS. 35-37 can be used in any hairdryer regardless of whether the cartridge is attached at the rear, front, through the core, annularly around the primary inlet or outlet, or in the handle.

Referring to FIGS. 35A, 35B, 36, 37A, and 37B, the cartridge 101 can be inserted into a cartridge socket 510. The cartridge socket 510 has a cartridge mounting point 519 that prevents the cartridge 101 from falling out of place in the hairdryer. The cartridge socket 510 has at least one magnet 113 that is capable of connecting and attaching to at least one magnet 113 located in the cartridge shell 101. The cartridge 101 has a valve or orifice 102 wherein product, treatment or nutrients can exit the cartridge 101 and treat, dry or style a user's hair, skin, scalp or fur.

Referring to FIGS. 38A, 38B, 39, 40A, and 40B, the hairdryer cartridge 101 fits into cartridge socket 510. The cartridge socket 510 has a cartridge mounting point 519 that prevents the cartridge 101 from falling out of place in the hairdryer. The cartridge 101 has an outer chamber 112 and an inner chamber 111 with a valve, orifice or outlet 102 that allows product inside the cartridge 101 to exit from the chamber 101 to the user's desired target area. Additionally, the internal structure of the cartridge 101, preferably a taper, helps cartridge product exit easily from the cartridge 101 when the cartridge diaphragm 107 is pressed or otherwise activated. The internal structure of the cartridge 101 can also consist of foam, baffling, a clunk pickup or any similar structures that allow the cartridge product to be oriented toward the exit outlet 102 when the hairdryer is held at any orientation.

Additionally, at least one cartridge mounting point 519 is shaped so as to dictate the orientation in the housing 501. Also, the keyed attachment points 110 dictate an external orientation that aligns with the orientated internal structure.

Referring to FIGS. 41A, 41B, and 42, a hairdryer cartridge 101 fits into cartridge socket 510. The cartridge socket 510 has a cartridge mounting point 519 that prevents the cartridge 101 from falling out of place in the hairdryer. The cartridge 101 has at least one outlet 102 wherein product can exit. There is a prong 520 that can attach to the at least one outlet 102 that opens to allow product to exit the cartridge 101. In this embodiment, the cartridge product travels within the cartridge and exits from the cavity into the flow path outlet 7b.

Referring to FIGS. 43A, 43B, and 44, a hairdryer cartridge 101 fits into cartridge socket 510. The cartridge socket 510 has a cartridge mounting point 519 that prevents the cartridge 101 from falling out of place in the hairdryer. The cartridge 101 has at least one outlet 102 wherein the cartridge's product can exit. There is at least one channel 515 that can attach to the at least one outlet 102 that is part of the cartridge socket 510 that opens to allow product to exit the cartridge 101.

Referring to FIGS. 45A, 45B, and 46, a cartridge 101 that can be filled and refilled with hair styling product or treatment in a hairdryer can have a tapered shape. The cartridge 101 having a flexible diaphragm 107 on the rear end. The diaphragm 107 has a resealable opening wherein a user can insert hair product and/or treatment. The cartridge 101 having an outlet 102 wherein cartridge product can exit the cartridge 101. The cartridge 101 having an inner 111 and outer 112 chamber, and a cartridge attachment point 110 for attachment and detachment at various places in the hairdryer assembly. When the user presses on a cartridge diaphragm 107 the outlet 102 opens allowing cartridge product to flow, spray, mist, diffuse or otherwise disperse out of the cartridge 101 and towards the user's hair, skin, scalp, fur or other preferred location. In this embodiment, the cartridge product travels within the cartridge socket and exits the cartridge socket in the flow path outlet 7b.

Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described herein, it should be understand that the present invention might be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the present examples and embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention may be modified.

Hairdryer Assembly with Interchangeable Styling Cartridges

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