IDENTIFICATION OF HAIR CARE APPLIANCE ATTACHMENTS

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.

Different attachments achieve optimal results for hair with different settings of the hair care appliance. However, it is difficult for even sophisticated, experienced users of hair care appliances to always choose the most effective settings for a given attachment attached to a hair care appliance. Consulting a manual or other documentation before choosing settings and using the hair care appliance with attachment attached thereto takes time and, consequently, degrades user experience. A user may forget to select a particular setting or accidentally select an unintended setting, thereby not allowing for optimal performance of the hair care appliance with the attachment attached thereto. Additionally, an amount of time a particular attachment should be used for optimal results may not be known by a user, so hair may not be optimally dried or styled and/or a user may become frustrated at needing to guess when to stop use of the hair care appliance with attachment attached thereto.

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 a hair care appliance and an accessory. The hair care appliance includes a motor, a heater, a fan, and a processor. The motor is configured to drive the fan, the fan is configured to draw air in through an air inlet and to expel air from an air outlet, the heater is configured to heat air flow from the fan, and the processor is configured to control the motor and the heater. The accessory is configured to removably mate to the hair care appliance so that the accessory is communicable with the air outlet and is in electrical communication with the hair care appliance. With the accessory removably mated to the hair care appliance, the processor is configured to receive a return signal from the accessory and is configured to modify at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance based on the received return signal.

The hair care assembly can have any number of variations. For example, the hair care appliance can include a mating assembly, the accessory can include a coupling configured to removably mate to the hair care appliance so that the accessory is removably mated to the hair care appliance, and the mating of the coupling and the mating assembly can be configured to mechanically mate and electrically mate the accessory to the hair care appliance.

For another example, the removable mating of the accessory to the hair care appliance can be configured to complete an electrical path from the hair care appliance to the accessory and returning to the hair care accessory. Further, the electrical path can include a resistor disposed in the accessory, and a resistance value of the resistor can define how the processor modifies the at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance.

For yet another example, the processor can be configured to identify the accessory based on the return signal, and the modification of the at least one operating parameter can be based on the identification of the accessory. Further, the hair care assembly can also include an additional accessory configured to removably mate to the hair care appliance, only one of the accessory and the additional accessory can be mateable at a time to the hair care appliance, and, with the additional accessory removably mated to the hair care appliance, the processor can be configured to receive a signal from the additional accessory, can be configured to identify the accessory based on the signal from the additional accessory, and can be configured to modify at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance based on the identification of the additional accessory.

For still another example, the hair care appliance can include first and second electrical connectors, the accessory can include third and fourth electrical connectors, the removable mating of the accessory to the hair care appliance can be configured to electrically mate the first and third electrical connectors and electrically mate the second and fourth electrical connectors, and the hair care appliance can be configured to transmit a source signal to the accessory via the first electrical connector mated to the third electrical connector such that the source signal passes through the third electrical connector and thereafter the fourth electrical connector before returning to the hair care appliance via the second electrical connector. In some embodiments, a resistor can be disposed between the third and fourth electrical connectors such that the source signal passes through the third electrical connector and thereafter the resistor and thereafter the fourth electrical connector; and/or the first and second electrical connectors can not be in electrical communication with each other until the accessory is removably mated to the hair care appliance. Further, the hair care assembly can also include an additional accessory configured to removably mate to the hair care appliance, only one of the accessory and the additional accessory can be mateable at a time to the hair care appliance, the additional accessory can include fifth and sixth electrical connectors with a second resistor disposed between the fifth and sixth electrical connectors, the second resistor can have a resistance value that is different than a resistance value of the resistor of the accessory, the removable mating of the additional accessory to the hair care appliance can be configured to electrically mate the first and fifth electrical connectors and electrically mate the second and sixth electrical connectors, the hair care appliance can be configured to transmit a source signal to the additional accessory via the first electrical connector mated to the fifth electrical connector such that the source signal passes through the fifth electrical connector and thereafter the second resistor and thereafter the sixth electrical connector before returning to the hair care appliance via the second electrical connector such that the processor is configured to modify at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance based on the signal returned via the second and sixth electrical connectors. In some embodiments, the first and second electrical connectors can not be in electrical communication with each other until the accessory is removably mated to the hair care appliance; and/or the hair care appliance can include a fifth electrical connector, the hair care assembly can also include an additional accessory configured to removably mate to the hair care appliance, only one of the accessory and the additional accessory can be mateable at a time to the hair care appliance, the additional accessory can include sixth and seventh electrical connectors, the removable mating of the additional accessory to the hair care appliance can be configured to electrically mate the first and sixth electrical connectors and electrically mate the fifth and seventh electrical connectors, and, with the additional accessory removably mated to the hair care appliance, the processor can be configured to receive a signal from the additional accessory and is configured to modify at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance based on the signal received from the additional accessory.

For another example, the at least one operating parameter can include at least one of a temperature of the heater and a speed of the fan.

For still another example, the accessory can include at least one sensor, and the signal can include data from the at least one sensor on the accessory body, and the processor is configured to modify at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance based on the received data.

For another example, the accessory can be one of a brush attachment, a curling attachment, and a concentrator attachment. Further, the hair care assembly can also include an additional accessory configured to removably mate to the hair care appliance, only one of the accessory and the additional accessory can be mateable at a time to the hair care appliance, and, with the additional accessory removably mated to the hair care appliance, the processor can be configured to receive a signal from the additional accessory and can be configured to modify at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance based on the received signal. Further, the additional accessory can be a different one of the brush attachment, the curling attachment, and the concentrator attachment.

In another aspect, a hair care system is provided that in one embodiment includes a hair care appliance including a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations that include, in response to releasable coupling of an accessory to the hair care appliance such that the accessory and the hair care appliance are mechanically and electrically coupled together, automatically identifying the accessory, and automatically setting at least one operational parameter of the hair care appliance based on the identification of the accessory.

The hair care system can vary in any number of ways. For example, the operations can also include, in response to the releasable coupling of the accessory to the hair care appliance such that the accessory and the hair care appliance are mechanically and electrically coupled together, and before automatically identifying the accessory: causing a source signal to be transmitted from the hair care appliance to the accessory, and the identification of the accessory can be based on a signal returned from the accessory to the hair care appliance. Further, the hair care appliance can be configured to releasably couple to an additional accessory of a type different than the accessory; the hair care appliance can be configured to releasably couple to only one of the accessory and the additional accessory at a time; the operations can also include, in response to releasable coupling of the additional accessory to the hair care appliance such that the additional accessory and the hair care appliance are mechanically and electrically coupled together, automatically identifying the additional accessory, and automatically setting the at least one operational parameter of the hair care appliance based on the identification of the additional accessory; and the identification of the additional accessory can be based on a signal returned from the additional accessory to the hair care appliance.

For another example, the accessory can be one of a brush attachment, a curling attachment, and a concentrator attachment.

For yet another example, the hair care system can also include the accessory, and the accessory can be one of a brush attachment, a curling attachment, and a concentrator attachment.

In another aspect, a computer-implemented method is provided that in one embodiment includes, in response to releasable coupling of an accessory to a hair care appliance such that the accessory and the hair care appliance are mechanically and electrically coupled together, automatically identifying the accessory. The method also includes automatically setting at least one operational parameter of the hair care appliance based on the identification of the accessory. The accessory is one of a brush attachment, a curling attachment, and a concentrator attachment.

The method can have any number of variations. For example, the method can also include, in response to the releasable coupling of the accessory to the hair care appliance such that the accessory and the hair care appliance are mechanically and electrically coupled together, and before automatically identifying the accessory: causing a source signal to be transmitted from the hair care appliance to the accessory.

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. 22 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a distal portion of a hair care appliance and one exemplary embodiment of an attachment coupling configured to couple to the hair care appliance;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the hair care appliance and attachment coupling of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is another cross-sectional perspective view of the hair care appliance and attachment coupling of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is yet another cross-sectional perspective view of the hair care appliance and attachment coupling of FIG. 22;

FIG. 26 is a schematic view of a conductive path of the attachment coupling of FIG. 22 engaged with electrical connectors of the hair care appliance of FIG. 22;

FIG. 27 is a schematic view of a conductive path of another exemplary embodiment of an attachment coupling engaged with electrical connectors of the hair care appliance of FIG. 22;

FIG. 28 is a circuit diagram representing a closed circuit formed with the attachment coupling of FIG. 22 coupled with the hair care appliance of FIG. 22;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a partial distal portion of a hair care appliance and another exemplary embodiment of an attachment coupling configured to couple to the hair care appliance;

FIG. 30 is a side cross-sectional perspective view of the hair care appliance of FIG. 29 releasably coupled with the attachment coupling of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a schematic view of a conductive path of the attachment coupling of FIG. 29 engaged with electrical connectors of the hair care appliance of FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is a schematic view of a conductive path of another exemplary embodiment of an attachment coupling engaged with electrical connectors of the hair care appliance of FIG. 29; and

FIG. 33 is a flowchart of a method of identifying an attachment releasably coupled to a hair care appliance.

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 ease 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.

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. 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, ease 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.

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, or other hair care appliance) and an attachment mating assembly (e.g., the attachment mating assembly 202 of FIG. 7, 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, 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 ease 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, or other hair care appliance) and an attachment mating assembly (e.g., the attachment mating assembly 202 of FIG. 7, 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, 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, or other hair care appliance) and an attachment mating assembly (e.g., the attachment mating assembly 202 of FIG. 7, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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.

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 700 of FIG. 19, the hair care appliance 800 of FIG. 20, or other hair care appliance) is configured to identify an attachment (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) that is releasably coupled to the hair care appliance. The identification of the attachment is configured to allow the hair care appliance to automatically set at least one setting (e.g., timing, temperature, fan speed, etc.) of the hair care appliance for optimal results with the particular attachment that is currently coupled to the hair care appliance. In an exemplary embodiment, the identification occurs automatically in response to the attachment being coupled with the hair care appliance. The hair care appliance's settings can thus be automatically set in response to the attachment being attached to the hair care appliance such that when a user begins use of the attachment with hair, the hair care appliance will perform optimally in accordance with setting(s) customized for that particular attachment.

In general, a memory of the hair care appliance is configured to store a plurality of sets of predetermined settings therein. Each of the plurality of sets is associated with at least one attachment. Each attachment is configured to be associated with only one of the plurality of sets. In this way, when the hair care appliance identifies a particular attachment that has been releasably coupled to the hair care appliance, only one of the plurality of sets is associated with that particular attachment so as to identify only one set of predetermined settings. The hair care appliance, e.g., a processor or software control thereof, can then set control parameters in accordance with that one set of predetermined settings.

The particular predetermined settings for an attachment vary based on the hair care appliance's configuration, e.g., a capability of the hair care appliance's motor, a number of and a maximum heating capability of the hair care appliance's heating element(s), etc. Thus, different hair care appliances may have different predetermined settings for the same attachment. Similarly, a same type of attachment may have different predetermined settings stored on different hair care appliances depending on a configuration of the hair care appliances. In one example, a brush attachment may have predetermined settings in which air flow is less than for other types of attachments and in which a heat amount and/or maximum temperature is greater than for other types of attachments, such as a concentrator attachment and a curling attachment, in which heating is prioritizing over air flow. In another example, a curling attachment may have predetermined settings in which a heat amount and/or maximum temperature is greater than for other types of attachments, such as a concentrator attachment, in which air flow is prioritizing over heating.

In an exemplary embodiment, an attachment mating assembly of a hair care appliance includes an electrical connector, and an attachment coupling of an attachment includes an electrical connector configured to electrically mate with the electrical connector of the attachment mating assembly when the attachment coupling is coupled to the attachment mating assembly. The electrical mating of the electrical connectors is configured to allow the hair care appliance (e.g., a processor or software control thereof) to identify the attachment. The electrical connectors are configured to automatically electrically mate when the attachment coupling is coupled to the attachment mating assembly. The predetermined settings for the identified attachment can thus be set automatically.

FIGS. 22-25 illustrate one exemplary embodiment of a hair care appliance 900 configured to identify an attachment (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) that is releasably coupled to the hair care appliance 900. The hair care appliance 900 is generally configured similar to the hair care appliance 100 of FIG. 1 but can have a variety of configurations, as described herein. The hair care appliance 900 in this illustrated embodiment includes a rotational hinge joint 902 and is configured to move between a straight configuration and a bent configuration, similar to that discussed above. FIGS. 22-25 show the hair care appliance 900 in the bent configuration with a body 904 of the hair care appliance 900 angled relative to a handle 906 of the hair care appliance 900. The handle 906 is only partially shown in FIGS. 22-25, with a proximal portion of the handle 906 not being shown.

The hair care appliance 900 includes an attachment mating assembly 908 that is at a distal end of the hair care appliance 900 and that surrounds an outlet 910 of the hair care appliance 900. The attachment mating assembly 908 is configured to releasably couple to an attachment coupling 912 of an attachment. The attachment is not shown in FIGS. 22-25 but can be any of a variety of attachments, e.g., the curling attachment 204 of FIG. 6, the curling attachment 300 of FIG. 11, the concentrator attachment 400 of FIG. 16, the brush attachment 500 of FIG. 17, the curling attachment 602 of FIG. 18, the curling attachment 702 of FIG. 19, or other attachment).

The attachment mating assembly 908 is configured to mechanically couple to the attachment coupling 912 to mechanically and releasably mate the hair care appliance 900 to the attachment, similar to that discussed above and as discussed further below. The attachment mating assembly 908 is also configured to electrically couple to the attachment coupling 912 to electrically couple the hair care appliance 900 to the attachment such that power can be conveyed between the hair care appliance 900 and the attachment coupled to the hair care appliance 900. Power being conveyed between the hair care appliance 900 and the attachment coupled to the hair care appliance 900 is configured to allow the hair care appliance 900 to identify the attachment, as discussed further below.

The attachment mating assembly 908 includes a plurality of electrical connectors 914a, 914b. Each of the appliance's electrical connectors 914a, 914b is in the form of a conductive ring extending circumferentially around the outlet 910. The first electrical connector 914a is disposed distal to the second electrical connector 916b. Wiring (obscured in FIGS. 22-25) extends from the electrical connectors 914a, 914b to electrically couple the electrical connectors 914a, 914b with a processor (e.g., on a PCB, etc.) in the handle 906. Power is configured to be communicated from a power source to the electrical connectors 914a, 914b via the wiring. The hair care appliance 900, e.g., the processor thereof, is configured to identify the attachment based on an electrical signal communicated via the electrical connectors 914a, 914b, as discussed further below.

The attachment coupling 912 includes a conductive path 916 including a plurality of electrical connectors 918a, 918b with a resistor 920 disposed therebetween. The conductive path 916 has a U-shape with the electrical connectors 918a, 918b defining legs of the U-shape and the resistor 920 defining the connecting portion between the legs. The electrical connectors 918a, 918b each have a different length, e.g., the legs of conductive path's U-shape have different lengths, with the first electrical connector 918a being shorter than the second electrical connector 918b. The different lengths of the electrical connectors 918a, 918b allow the electrical connectors 918a, 918b to each engage only one of the appliance's electrical connectors 914a, 914b. The first electrical connector 918a is configured to engage the appliance's first, distal electrical connector 914a, and the second electrical connector 918b is configured to engage the appliance's second, proximal electrical connector 914b.

Each of the attachment's electrical connectors 918a, 918b is in the form of a conductive leaf spring including a protruding portion. The electrical connectors 918a, 918b being leaf springs is configured to help ensure that the attachment's electrical connectors 918a, 918b each electrically couple with the appliance's electrical connectors 914a, 914b when the attachment coupling 910 is coupled with the attachment mating assembly 908. The leaf springs, and thus the protruding portions, are biased inward so will move inward toward the attachment's electrical connectors 918a, 918b. The protruding portion of each electrical connector 918a, 918b is configured to engage the respective appliance electrical connectors 914a, 914b. The protruding portion of each electrical connector 918a, 918b is configured to protrude inwardly through a hole formed in an interior wall 922 of the attachment coupling 912. The interior wall 922 is non-conductive. Each of the attachment's electrical connectors 918a, 918b will thus only contact one of the appliance's electrical connectors 914a, 914b.

The leaf springs 918a, 918b each have a different length, e.g., the legs of conductive path's U-shape have different lengths, with the first leaf spring 918a being shorter than the second leaf spring 918b. The different lengths of the leaf springs 918a, 918b allow the leaf springs 918a, 918b to each engage only one of the appliance's electrical connectors 914a, 914b. The first leaf spring 918a, e.g., protruding portion thereof, is configured to engage the appliance's first, distal electrical connector 914a, and the second leaf spring 918b is configured to engage the appliance's second, proximal electrical connector 914b.

With no attachment coupled to the hair care appliance 900, an electrical signal provided to one of the appliance's electrical connectors 914a, 914b will not return via the other of the appliance's electrical connectors 914a, 914b because there is no electrical path in the hair care appliance 900 between the first and second electrical connectors 914a, 914b. The hair care appliance 900 is thus configured to know that no attachment is releasably coupled to the hair care appliance 900 because no return signal will be received with no attachment releasably coupled to the hair care appliance 900.

With an attachment coupled to the hair care appliance 900 by the attachment mating assembly 908 being coupled to the attachment's attachment coupling 912, an electrical signal provided to one of the appliance's electrical connectors 914a, 914b will return via the other of the appliance's electrical connectors 914a, 914b because there is an electrical path between the first and second electrical connectors 914a, 914b provided by the conductive path 916 of the attachment coupling 912. Accordingly, an electrical signal provided to the appliance's first electrical connector 914a via the wiring is configured to pass through the attachment's first electrical connector 918a, then pass through the resistor 920, then pass through the attachment's second electrical connector 918b, then pass through the appliance's second electrical connector 914b, and then return via the wiring for analysis, e.g., by the appliance's processor, to identify the attachment that is coupled to the hair care appliance 900. An electrical signal can instead be provided to the appliance's second electrical connector 914b and return through the appliance's first electrical connector 914a.

A value of the resistor 920 in the attachment's conductive path 916 is configured to facilitate the hair care appliance's identification of the attachment and its associated set of predetermined settings, as discussed above. The analysis of the returned electrical signal, e.g., by the appliance's processor, includes detecting a current of the returned electrical signal. Different accessories have resistors with different values in their respective conductive paths, e.g., 100Ω resistor 920 for a brush attachment, 10Ω resistor 920 for a curling attachment, 50Ω resistor for a concentrator attachment 920, etc. Thus, the particular current detected for the returned electrical signal is configured to identify the type of attachment that is currently coupled to the hair care appliance 900 since the current will be different for different attachments. The values 10Ω, 50Ω, and 100Ω are examples only, as other resistor values for the resistor 920 (as well as the known resistor discussed below) are possible.

FIG. 26 shows the appliance's first and second electrical connectors 914a, 914b electrically coupled with the attachment's first and second electrical connectors 918a, 918b, respectively. FIG. 27 shows the appliance's first and second electrical connectors 914a, 914b electrically coupled with first and second electrical connectors 918a′, 918b′, respectively, of another attachment having a conductive path 916′ with a differently valued resistor 920′ than the resistor 920 of the conductive path 916 of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 illustrates a circuit diagram representing a closed circuit formed with the attachment coupling 912 coupled with the attachment mating assembly 908. As shown, the closed circuit includes a 5 V power source (V_in) in electrical communication with the resistor 920 of the attachment's conductive path 916, and a resistor 924 of the hair care appliance 900 (e.g., a resistor of known value (R_known) along the wiring electrically coupled to the appliance's first and second electrical connectors 914a, 914b) attached to ground (GND) and an analog input pin of a PCB 926. The 5 V power source can be another voltage value. The electrical signal returning from the attachment's conductive path 916 is received at the PCB 926 via the analog pin to allow for the current of the return electrical signal to be detected, such as by converting raw data received at the analog pin to voltage (V_out) across the known resistor 924. Voltage equals current times resistance (V=IR). Resistance (R_attachment) of the attachment's resistor 920 can thus be calculated as follows:

$R_{attachment} = \frac{V_{in} - V_{out}}{V_{out}} * R_{known}$

As mentioned above, the attachment mating assembly 908 of the hair care appliance 900 is configured to mechanically couple to the attachment coupling 912 of the attachment. While various mating features can be utilized to mate the attachment coupling 912 to the attachment mating assembly 908, in the illustrated embodiment the attachment coupling 912 includes a plurality of projections 928 configured to extend into corresponding slots 930 formed in the attachment mating assembly 908, similar to protrusions and slots discussed above. In this illustrated embodiment, the attachment coupling 912 includes four projections arranged substantially equidistantly around a circumference of the attachment coupling 912, and each of the projections 928 has a teardrop shape. The slots 930 each have an irregular shape with a curved bottom surface configured to seat the wider, rounded portion of the teardrop shape therein in bayonet lock style. The attachment mating assembly can further include a rotatable release mechanism and a lock ring, similar to the release mechanism and lock ring discussed above, configured to facilitate secure coupling of the attachment to and easy release of the attachment from the hair care appliance 900.

The attachment coupling 912 is configured to couple to the attachment mating assembly 908 at any one of four predetermined orientations relative to the hair care appliance 900. A number of the protrusions 928 defines the number of predetermined orientations since each one of the protrusions 928 is seated in one of the slots 930 for proper coupling of the attachment and hair care appliance 900.

In some embodiments, the attachment coupling 912 is configured to couple to the attachment mating assembly 908 at a single predetermined orientation relative to the hair care appliance 900. Having only one orientation at which the attachment coupling 912, and thus the attachment, is configured to couple to the attachment mating assembly 908, and thus to the hair care appliance 900, may help ensure that the attachment's electrical connectors 918a, 918b will align with and electrically couple to the appliance's first and second electrical connectors 914a, 914b. The single predetermined orientation may be possible, for example, by one of the protrusions 928 having a different size and/or shape than a remainder of the protrusions 928, with one of the slots 930 also having a different size and/or shape than a remainder of the slots 930. A user may thus be visually signaled by the one different protrusion 928/slot 930 pair the one orientation at which the attachment should be coupled to the hair care appliance 900. In other embodiments, the attachment coupling 912 can include a single protrusion and the hair care appliance 900 can include a single slot 930 such that the attachment has only one orientation at which the attachment is configured to be coupled to the hair care appliance 900.

FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a hair care appliance 1000 configured to identify an attachment (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) that is releasably coupled to the hair care appliance 1000. The hair care appliance 1000 is generally configured similar to the hair care appliance 100 of FIG. 1 but can have a variety of configurations, as described herein. The hair care appliance 1000 in this illustrated embodiment includes a rotational hinge joint (obscured in FIGS. 29 and 30) and is configured to move between a straight configuration and a bent configuration, similar to that discussed above. FIG. 29 shows the hair care appliance 1000 in the bent configuration with a body 1002 of the hair care appliance 1000 angled relative to a handle 1004 of the hair care appliance 1000. The handle 1004 and the body 1002 are each only partially shown in FIG. 29, and the body 1002 is only partially shown in FIG. 30 (the handle 1004 is not visible in FIG. 30).

The hair care appliance 1000 includes an attachment mating assembly 1006 that is at a distal end of the hair care appliance 1000 and that surrounds an outlet 1008 of the hair care appliance 1000. The attachment mating assembly 1006 is configured to releasably couple to an attachment coupling 1010 of an attachment. The attachment is not shown in FIGS. 22-25 but can be any of a variety of attachments, e.g., the curling attachment 204 of FIG. 6, the curling attachment 300 of FIG. 11, the concentrator attachment 400 of FIG. 16, the brush attachment 500 of FIG. 17, the curling attachment 602 of FIG. 18, the curling attachment 702 of FIG. 19, or other attachment).

The attachment mating assembly 1006 is configured to mechanically couple to the attachment coupling 1010 similar to the attachment mating assembly 908 and the attachment coupling 912 of FIGS. 22-25, e.g., the attachment mating assembly 1006 includes a plurality of slots 1012 configured to each receive therein one of a plurality of protrusions 1014 of the attachment coupling 1010. The attachment mating assembly 1006 includes four irregularly-shaped slots 1014 and the attachment coupling 1010 includes four teardrop-shaped protrusions 1014, but as discussed above, another number of protrusion/slot pairs and/or other shapes are possible.

The attachment mating assembly 1006 is also configured to electrically couple to the attachment coupling 1010 similar to the attachment mating assembly 908 and the attachment coupling 912 of FIGS. 22-25, e.g., the attachment mating assembly 1006 includes a plurality of electrical connectors 1016a, 1016b, 1016c each in the form of a conductive ring extending circumferentially around the outlet 1008 and the attachment coupling 1010 includes a U-shaped conductive path 1018 including a plurality of electrical connectors 1020a, 1020b with a resistor (not shown) disposed therebetween. FIG. 29 also shows wiring 1022 extending from the appliance's electrical connectors 1016a, 1016b, 1016c to electrically couple the electrical connectors 1016a, 1016b, 1016c with a processor (e.g., on a PCB, etc.) in the handle 1004.

In this illustrated embodiment, the attachment mating assembly 1006 includes three electrical connectors 1016a, 1016b, 1016c. One of the electrical connectors 1016c is ground, while a remainder of the electrical connectors 1016a, 1016b are configured to couple with an attachment's electrical connector. However, only one non-ground electrical connector 1016a, 1016b at a time is configured to couple with an attachment's electrical connector. Thus, depending on which one of the non-ground electrical connector 1016a, 1016b is electrically coupled with an attachment via the attachment coupling 1010, the hair care appliance 1000 is configured to identify the attachment. A number of different attachment to which the hair care appliance 1000 is configured to couple is thus defined by a number of the appliance's electrical connectors, which in this illustrated embodiment is three. Conversely, the hair care appliance 900 of FIGS. 22-25 is not so limited, as any number of different attachments can be attached to and identified by the hair care appliance 900 with each of the different attachments having a resistor of a different value in its conductive path.

A length of the first electrical connector 1020a in the attachment's conductive path 1018 is configured to facilitate the hair care appliance's identification of the attachment and its associated set of predetermined settings, as discussed above. Different accessories have first electrical connectors with different lengths, either corresponding to a length to engage the appliance's first electrical connector 1016a or a length to engage the appliance's second electrical connector 1016b. Thus, the particular current detected for the returned electrical signal is configured to identify the type of attachment that is currently coupled to the hair care appliance 1000 since the current will be different for different attachments since the return electrical path will be different, either through the appliance's first electrical connector 1016a having a first known resistor value in its path or through the appliance's second electrical connector 1016b having a second known resistor value in its path.

FIGS. 30 and 31 show the appliance's second and third electrical connectors 1016b, 1016c electrically coupled with the attachment's first and second electrical connectors 1020a, 1020b, respectively. FIG. 32 shows the appliance's first and third electrical connectors 1016a, 1016c electrically coupled with first and second electrical connectors 1020a′, 1020b′, respectively, of another attachment. In other embodiment, an attachment can include first, second, and third electrical connectors each configured to engage a different one of the appliance's first, second, and third electrical connectors 1016a, 1016b, 1016c so as to allow identification of a third type of attachment.

FIG. 33 illustrates one embodiment of a method 1100 of identifying an attachment releasably coupled to a hair care appliance. The method 1100 is described with respect to the hair care appliance 900 and the attachment coupling 912 of FIGS. 22-25 for ease of explanation but can be similarly performed with respect to other hair care appliances (e.g., the hair care appliance 100 of FIGS. 1-5, the hair care appliance 200 of FIGS. 6-10, the hair care appliance 700 of FIG. 19, the hair care appliance 800 of FIG. 20, or other hair care appliance) and/or other attachment couplings (e.g., the attachment coupling 212 of FIG. 7, the attachment coupling 314 of FIG. 11, the attachment coupling 400 of FIG. 16, the attachment coupling 1010 of FIG. 29, or other attachment coupling).

The method 1100 includes the attachment being releasably coupled 1102 to the hair care appliance 900 by a user coupling the attachment's attachment coupling 912 to the appliance's attachment mating assembly 908. The coupling of the attachment and the hair care appliance 900 typically occurs with the hair care appliance 900 powered off.

With the attachment releasably coupled 1102 to the hair care appliance 900, the hair care appliance 900 is powered on 1104 by the user, e.g., by the user actuating a power feature of the hair care appliance's user interface. Powering on 1104 the hair care appliance 900 automatically causes an electrical signal to be transmitted 1106 from the hair care appliance 900, e.g., from a source voltage at a PCB of the hair care appliance 900, to the attachment. The electrical signal travels along the wiring of the hair care appliance 900 to one of the appliance's electrical connectors 914a, 914b, then through the attachment's conductive path 916, and then returns 1108 to the hair care appliance 900 via the other one of the appliance's electrical connectors 914a, 914b and travels back along the wiring of the hair care appliance 900. The electrical signal can be returned to the PCB of the hair care appliance 900, as discussed above.

After receiving the return electrical signal, the hair care appliance 900, e.g., the processor thereof, automatically identifies 1110 the attachment based on the return electrical signal, e.g., by looking up the detected resistance and/or current of the return signal in a lookup table stored in a memory of the hair care appliance 900 that correlates resistances and/or currents with attachments. Based on the identification 1110 of the attachment, the hair care appliance 900, e.g., the processor thereof, automatically identifies 1112 predetermined settings for that attachment, e.g., by looking up the identified attachment in a lookup table stored in the memory of the hair care appliance 900 that correlates predetermined settings with attachments. The identification 1110 of the attachment and the identification 1112 of the predetermined settings are shown as separate actions in the method 1100 of FIG. 33. In other embodiments, the identification 1110 of the attachment and the identification 1112 of the predetermined settings is a single action, e.g., by looking up the detected resistance and/or current of the return signal in a lookup table stored in the memory of the hair care appliance 900 that correlates predetermined settings with resistances and/or currents.

After identifying 1112 the predetermined settings, the hair care appliance 900, e.g., the processor thereof, automatically sets 1114 settings of the hair care appliance 900 according to the predetermined settings, e.g., by changing control parameter(s) in a control algorithm stored in the memory of the hair care appliance 900 that the processor is configured to execute to control the hair care appliance 900.

Once the user has finished using the attachment, the user can decide to remove 1116 the attachment from the hair care appliance 900. The method 1100 then repeats any number of times with each subsequent coupling of an attachment (either the same attachment as previously coupled to the hair care appliance 900 or a different attachment) to the hair care appliance 900.

The attachment mating mechanisms and attachments of the improved hair care appliances and attachments described herein produce a number of advantages. For example, an attachment can be secured to the hair care appliance using a linear connection technique that enables power and communication circuitry to pass through the attachment mating mechanisms. In this way, attachments can include powered elements such as heating mechanisms, sensors, and user interfaces that can improve styling of hair and an enhanced user experience. The linear connection technique can also eliminate the need for rotational coupling of attachments and thus reduce wear and tear on the appliance and attachments. For another example, a hair care appliance can be configured to releasably coupled to each of one or more curling attachments that include a heating mechanism configured to improve curling of hair and maintain hair in a curled style for longer periods of time. For another example, one or more sensors configured in the attachment can provide smart or intelligent operation of the hair care appliance to which the attachment is coupled and can enable the hair care appliance to be used without manual input of temperature and airflow settings.

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.

IDENTIFICATION OF HAIR CARE APPLIANCE ATTACHMENTS

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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)