Hair styling device

A hair styling device for use with an end styling attachment. The hair styling device comprises a housing, and the housing comprises a motor, a fan, a heating element, and an air concentrator. A styling attachment is configured to be removably attached to an end of the air concentrator and the styling attachment comprises a comb and an air diffuser. The comb of the styling attachment may comprise three paired rows of teeth having differing lengths and shapes, and the styling attachment may further comprise temperature and/or proximity sensors therein.

BACKGROUND

The use of hand-held blow dryers for drying and styling hair is well-known, as is the utilization of various styling attachments to provide additional functionality to the device, such as combs, picks, and diffusers. However, such styling attachments are often difficult to use and are prone to damage and failure, particularly when employed by a person having dense, curly, afro-textured hair. That is, the tines of an attachment comb or pick may bend or break as the user draws the comb or pick through their hair. Unfortunately, those with dense, curly, afro-textured hair are also generally those with the greatest need for such attachments, as their hair is often more difficult to dry and/or naturally style or straighten.

Additionally, while styling attachments such as combs, picks, and diffusers are known, they are generally single-purpose attachments. That is, the user is required to have multiple attachments at their disposal if, for example, they desired to use both a comb and a diffuser. In such an instance, the user would need to attach the comb, detach the comb, and then attach the separate diffuser.

Another disadvantage to known hand-held blow dryers using styling attachments is that the styling attachment predictably causes the user to hold the blow dryer in much closer proximity to their hair than if it were being used without a styling attachment. As high heat often leads to faster and more effective drying, straightening, and/or styling, many users naturally default to using the highest heat setting on the blow dryer. However, utilization of a styling attachment with a high-heat setting may lead to burnt or heat-damaged hair, as the styling attachment requires physical contact with the user's hair.

Accordingly, this document describes devices that are intended to address the issues discussed above and/or other issues.

SUMMARY

In at least one aspect, the document describes a styling attachment for a hair styling device. The styling attachment includes an air diffuser and a comb. The comb includes an outer row of a first set of teeth, wherein each tooth in the first set of teeth has a first wide surface and second wide surface opposite the first wide surface and first and second narrow surfaces disposed between the first and second wide surfaces, and the teeth of the first set of teeth are positioned in a row so that the elongated sides of the teeth in the first set of teeth face outward from the styling attachment. The comb also includes an inner row of a second set of teeth that are each smaller than the teeth of the first set of teeth, as well as a middle row of a third set of teeth positioned between the outer row and the inner row, wherein each tooth in the third set of teeth is smaller than the teeth of the first row and larger than the teeth of the second row, each tooth in the third set of teeth has a first wide surface and a second wide surface, opposite the first wide surface and first and second narrow surfaces disposed between the first and second wide surfaces, and the teeth in the third set of teeth are positioned in a row so that the first narrow sides of the teeth of the middle row of teeth face the outer row.

In another aspect, the document describes a hair styling system including a blow dryer comprising a housing, wherein the housing encloses a motor and a fan, an air concentrator extending from the housing and a heating element disposed in the air concentrator. The hair styling system also includes a styling attachment comprising a body having a proximal end that is removably attached to an end of the air concentrator, and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the body defining a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends, wherein the styling attachment includes an air diffuser and a comb. The comb includes an outer row of a first set of teeth, wherein each tooth in the first set of teeth has a first wide surface and a second wide surface opposite the first wide surface, and first and second narrow surfaces disposed between the first and second wide surfaces, and the teeth of the first set of teeth are positioned in a row so that the second wide surface faces outward from the styling attachment. The comb also includes an inner row of a second set of teeth that are each smaller than the teeth of the first set of teeth, and a middle row of a third set of teeth positioned between the outer row and the inner row, wherein each tooth in the third set of teeth is smaller than the teeth of the first row and larger than the teeth of the second row.

According to another aspect, the document describes a hair styling device. The hair styling device includes a housing, wherein the housing includes a motor, a fan, a heating element, an air concentrator, and a controller. The hair styling device further includes a styling attachment that is removably attached to an end of the air concentrator. The styling attachment includes an air diffuser, a comb, and at least one of a temperature sensor and a proximity sensor. The controller is configured to receive signals from at least one of the temperature and proximity sensors and, in response to receiving signals indicating that at least one of (1) the temperature sensor has sensed a temperature that is above a threshold, and (2) the proximity sensor has detected that the styling attachment is within a threshold distance of a human's head, automatically shut off at least one of the heating element and the motor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIG. 1, a hair styling device, and in this embodiment a blow dryer8in accordance with an example aspect of the present disclosure is shown. Blow dryer8is shown as a tubular dryer having a motor/fan housing10, a concentrator12, and a styling attachment20. The blow dryer8may be formed of any appropriate material, such as a heat-resistant, injection molded material. Motor/fan housing10is sized to house the drive motor and fan of blow dryer8, as will be further described below. Accordingly, motor/fan housing10is slightly larger in diameter than concentrator12, which is tapered so as to concentrate air flow from a fan to the distal point of use. The tubular-shaped dryer may be held directly in the user's hand, without the need for a separate handle extending therefrom. Such a configuration enables greater control of the blow dryer8, particularly when used in conjunction with the styling attachment20. The blow dryer8may be, e.g., 11½ inches in length, with a circumference of, e.g., 7 inches at the distal point of use. Other sizes are possible in various embodiments.

FIG. 2illustrates further details of blow dryer8. Blow dryer8may comprise a hand grip11fastened along a length of the concentrator12so as to reduce operator fatigue while using the blow dryer8. Hand grip11may be, e.g., ½ inch in width and 6 inches in length, but may alternatively be any suitable length and may, in fact, be adjustable by the user. Additionally (or alternatively), the blow dryer8may have a coating (e.g., a silicone coating) thereon to improve the user's grip and comfort, and may further have defined finger grip regions within the coating. The motor may be powered by a standard cord and plug, or may alternatively be powered cordlessly (i.e., via a rechargeable or replaceable battery). While not shown, the cord and plug may be configured to be retractable within the blow dryer8so as to reduce the device's footprint when not in use.

Blow dryer8further comprises a power/temperature/speed control interface13, which enables the user to power on/off the blow dryer8and manually control the speed of airflow and/or temperature of the airflow. For example, temperature settings may be “Cool”, “Low Heat”, “Medium Heat”, and “High Heat”, wherein the blow dryer is configured to operate at temperatures between ambient and 320° F. Meanwhile, speed settings may be “Low”, “Medium”, and “High”, with fan speeds between 25-40 miles per hour. However, it is to be understood that more or fewer speed and temperature settings are also possible. The power/temperature/speed control interface13may include any one or more appropriate device(s) for incremental or infinite adjustment, such as a variable knob, a digital interface having adjustment arrows, a toggle switch, etc. Furthermore, the power/temperature/speed control interface13may be located at any location upon blow dryer8.

At a proximal end of blow dryer8is a filter16, which may be any suitable air filter for drawing air into to the motor/fan housing10while simultaneously preventing entry of outside objects (such as the user's hair) therethrough. As shown inFIG. 3, a fan15is disposed within the motor/fan housing10. The fan15, when rotated by the motor (not shown), propels air through the concentrator12toward the distal end of use at varying speeds selected by the user. Referring toFIG. 4, a heating element17is disposed adjacent to fan15. Heating element17may be any heating device, such as a heating coil/ceramic/tourmaline configuration. As air is drawn through filter16, it crosses heating element17to become heated, and is then propelled by fan15through concentrator12. As described above, the user is able to control the heat settings of heating element17such varying temperatures may be chosen dependent upon the application.

Referring now toFIG. 5,FIG. 6A, andFIG. 6B, a styling attachment20in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated. Styling attachment20is configured to be securely (but removably) attached to the distal tapered end of concentrator12. For instance, styling attachment20may be secured via a clamp to the concentrator12, via corresponding magnets on the styling attachment20and concentrator12, or via suction generated by the fan and motor. It is to be understood that other, alternative means of coupling styling attachment20to concentrator12are also contemplated, such as a threaded or screw-on configuration between styling attachment20and concentrator12, or a simple press-fit configuration.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 6A, styling attachment20comprises six total rows of teeth, with three paired rows each containing sets of teeth having different lengths and/or shapes. Specifically, outer teeth21are the longest of the three rows, with each tooth21having a length of, e.g., 1¾ inches. Each outer tooth21has respective wide surfaces25aand narrow surfaces25b, thereby forming a relatively flat and thick tooth. As shown inFIG. 6A, the wide surfaces25aare preferably positioned so as to face laterally outward relative to styling attachment20, thereby allowing each tooth21to slightly flex laterally outward (or inward). Although these examples show six total rows, versions with just one side of three rows, or versions with more than three rows on each side, are possible.

A pair of rows of middle teeth22are disposed adjacent to outer teeth21, with middle teeth22being shorter (e.g., 1¼ inches), thinner, and more pointed at the distal tip than outer teeth21. Furthermore, each middle tooth22has respective wide surfaces27aand narrow surfaces sides27b, with narrow surfaces27bfacing the adjacent wide surfaces25aof outer teeth21. Thus, middle teeth22are positioned perpendicularly relative to the adjacent outer teeth21. With such a configuration, middle teeth22may resist flexing laterally outward (or inward), opposite of the flexing direction of outer teeth21. Accordingly, middle teeth22may act as a support for outer teeth21, limiting the total amount of lateral flex of outer teeth21, as middle teeth22will resist such lateral flex as the respective teeth are run through the user's hair.

Next, a pair of rows of inner teeth23are disposed adjacent to middle teeth22such that middle teeth22extend between respective rows of inner teeth23and outer teeth21. Inner teeth23are more densely spaced and shorter (e.g., ¾ inch) than both middle teeth22and outer teeth21. Inner teeth23each comprise an wide surfaces28aand narrow surfaces28b. In the example shown inFIG. 6A, the narrow surfaces28bof inner teeth23are also positioned perpendicularly relative to outer teeth21, and thus also resist flexing laterally outward (or inward). In this way, inner teeth23also provide added support to adjacent middle teeth22and outer teeth21. Between rows of inner teeth23lies a concentrator opening24, which allows air from the blow dryer to flow therethrough such that styling attachment20provides both a combing function and a drying function. While not shown, it is also contemplated that a latch can be added to an outer portion of the styling attachment20so as to retain a separate diffuser over the concentrator opening24, thereby diffusing the air expelled through styling attachment20.

Referring toFIG. 6B, another aspect of styling attachment20in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated. Outer teeth21are formed so as to have a hollow cavity therein, and each comprise a plurality of air holes (or ports)26on a wide surface thereof. The hollow cavity of outer teeth21and the air holes26are in fluid communication with the blown air passing through styling attachment20so as to diffuse the air, allowing the teeth21to act both as a comb and a diffuser. While shown facing outwardly on outer teeth21, it is to be understood that air holes26could instead face inwardly, or air holes26could be located on both outward and inward facing surfaces of outer teeth21. Furthermore, while a plurality of air holes26are shown inFIG. 6B, it is further contemplated that each outer tooth21could have a single air hole26therein.

Next, referring toFIGS. 7-9, a styling attachment30in accordance with an alternative aspect of the present disclosure is shown. Similar to styling attachment20described above, styling attachment30comprises six total rows of teeth, with three paired rows each containing sets of teeth having different lengths and/or shapes. Outer teeth31are the longest of the teeth, followed by middle teeth32, and finally inner teeth33, which are the shortest and most closely spaced of the teeth. While middle teeth32and inner teeth33are ideally formed have a solid core, outer teeth31are preferably formed with a hollow cavity therein and to be in fluid communication with the blow dryer. Outer teeth31further comprise a plurality of air holes36formed therein so as to allow blown air from the blow dryer to pass therethrough, which diffuses the blown air.

Inner teeth33are disposed adjacent to a concentrator opening40, similar to inner teeth23discussed above. However, unlike inner teeth23, inner teeth33are configured to be pivotable inwardly in the direction of concentrator opening40via respective adjustment pins38. As shown inFIG. 8, adjustment pins38are coupled to a lever42or similar device. In a first configuration (i.e., an “open” configuration), adjustment pins38hold inner teeth33in an upwardly extending position. However, when lever42is rotated to a second configuration (i.e., a “closed” configuration), inner teeth33are capable of rotating inwardly about adjustment pins38so as to substantially cover concentrator opening40.FIG. 9further illustrates the “closed” configuration. With inner teeth23rotated to the “closed” configuration, the air blown through styling attachment30is further diffused, as inner teeth23substantially block the free flow of air through concentrator opening40. Accordingly, styling attachment30may act as a combined comb and diffuser, without the need for changing attachments or overlaying separate diffuser components over concentrator opening40.

While the embodiment discussed with respect toFIGS. 7-9utilizes the rotated inner row of teeth33to act as part of a diffuser, other configurations are also contemplated. For instance, the styling attachment may be rotatable about the concentrator such that relative rotation may open or close air channels exiting the diffuser, similar to a rotatable shower head. Thus, in a first, open configuration, the styling attachment may allow air to flow freely therethrough. Rotation of the styling attachment may place the styling attachment in a second, closed configuration, wherein air is diffused as it flows out of the styling attachment.

Referring now toFIG. 10, a schematic representation of a blow dryer assembly in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure is shown.FIG. 10schematically illustrates a motor/fan housing10, a concentrator12, and a styling attachment20,30similar to those discussed inFIGS. 5-9above. Within motor/fan housing10is a motor53and fan54. Concentrator12contains a heating element55, though it is to be understood that heating element55may alternatively be located within motor/fan housing10. Also contained within motor/fan housing10is a controller52, which is in communication with motor53and heating element55. Controller52may be operable to control both motor53and heating element55based upon user-desired settings chosen on a user interface, such as fan speed and heat settings.

While not shown in the schematic illustration of styling attachment20,30, inFIG. 10, it is to be understood that styling attachment20,30, is similar to that shown and described with respect toFIGS. 5-9, and thus includes multiple rows of teeth having different lengths and cross-sectional shapes. Styling attachment20,30, shown inFIG. 10further includes sensors50,51in communication with controller52. Sensor50may be, for example, a temperature sensor, while sensor51may be, for example, a proximity sensor such as an ultrasonic, capacitive, photoelectric, inductive, or magnetic proximity sensor. As discussed previously, the high-heat setting of the blow dryer may cause damage to hair if the hair itself is brought into close contact with heated air. As the user's hair is often in close proximity to the heated air due to the use of styling attachment20,30, the risk of damage is increased. However, sensors50,51may be employed to prevent such damage if certain conditions are met. For example, if controller52determines, via the signal received from temperature sensor50, that the temperature of the air being expelled from the blow dryer is higher than a predetermined threshold for suitable use with the styling attachment20,30(e.g., at or above 300° F.), controller52may shut down motor53, the heating element55, or both. Similarly, if controller52determines, via the signal received from proximity sensor51, that the styling attachment20is being held too close to the user's hair or head for a given threshold temperature, controller52may shut down motor53, the heating element, or both. In this way, the blow dryer may be configured to protect the user's hair (and/or head) from damage due to overheating.

While two sensors50,51are shown inFIG. 10, it is to understood that fewer or more sensors may be employed. For example, only a temperature sensor50or only a proximity sensor51may be used, or an additional sensor or sensors may be used. The sensors50,51may communicate with the controller52through any appropriate means, either wired or wirelessly. Furthermore, sensors50,51may be located at a location on the blow dryer other than the styling attachment20, such as on a distal end of concentrator12.