Patent Description:
<CIT> and <CIT> teach hair care appliances having a body or accessory rotatably connected to a handle.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a hair care appliance as defined in claim <NUM>. The dependent claims define optional features.

In general, hair care devices and accessories are provided for use in drying and/or styling hair. In one embodiment, a hair care appliance is provided and includes a handle and a body movably coupled to one another at a joint such that the body can be movable between a straight configuration in which the body can be longitudinally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the handle and a bent configuration in which the body can extend along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The handle and the body have a fluid flow path extending there through from an inlet in the handle to an outlet in the body, and a first diverter disposed in the body and configured to partition fluid in the fluid flow path in both the straight and bent configurations.

The diverter can extend in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body. The hair care appliance can include a second diverter in the handle. The second diverter can distribute the fluid flow in a uniformly radial manner in the handle. At least a portion of the joint can extend into the fluid flow path such that fluid flow is non-linear through the joint. The joint can include a rotation joint rotatable about a plane extending at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The angle can have a range of about <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The hair care appliance can include a heater positioned between the diverter and the outlet. The hair care appliance can include a heater positioned between the first diverter and the outlet, the first diverter being configured to direct the fluid flow in a radially uniform manner through the heater. The first diverter can be configured to distribute the fluid flow equally into an upper portion and a lower portion through the heater and the outlet. The first diverter can include rounded edges reducing turbulence of the fluid flow over the diverter. The fluid flow path can be sealed within the handle and the body.

In another aspect a hair care appliance is provided and includes a housing including a handle having an inlet, a body coupled to the handle and having an outlet, and a fluid flow path through the housing between the inlet and the outlet. The body is movable between a straight configuration in which the body extends along a longitudinal axis of the handle, and a bent configuration in which the body extends along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The hair care appliance also includes a fan assembly disposed within the housing and configured to generate a flow of fluid at a flow rate from the inlet along the fluid flow path to the outlet. The flow rate in the bent configuration can be less than the flow rate in the straight configuration by no more than <NUM>%.

The body can extend obliquely to the handle in the bent configuration. The handle can have a length that is greater than a length of the body. The flow rate in the bent configuration can be in a range of about <NUM>/s to <NUM>/s, and the flow rate in the straight configuration can be in a range of about <NUM>/s to <NUM>/s. A ratio of a maximum flow rate to a minimum flow rate can be used to demonstrate the consistency of flow rate provided by the hair care appliance in the bent and straight configurations. For example, a max:min ratio of the flow rate in the bent configuration can be about <NUM>, and a max:min ratio of the flow rate in the straight configuration can be about <NUM>. The fan assembly is disposed within the handle adjacent to a pivot joint formed between the handle and the body.

In another aspect a hair care appliance is provided and includes a handle and a body movably coupled to one another at a joint. The handle and the body have a fluid flow path extending there through between an inlet in the handle and an outlet in the body. The handle can have a printed circuit board (PCB), a fan assembly having a central shaft and a plurality of vanes extending radially outward from the central shaft, and a hub disposed between the PCB and the fan assembly. The hub can include a central dome configured to direct fluid flowing around the PCB radially outward toward the plurality of vanes.

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, the hair care appliance is in the form of a hair dryer that has an elongate generally cylindrical configuration with a handle and a body that are movably coupled to one another. The handle is configured to move relative to the body to transition the appliance from a straight configuration to a bent configuration, thus allowing a user to select a desired configured based on an intended use. The hair care appliance also includes various internal components that facilitate use and operation of the hair care appliance. Various accessories are also provided for use with the hair care appliance, and the configuration of the appliance can be varied based on the type of accessory mated to the hair care appliance. In certain embodiments, the accessory can limit a configuration of the hair care appliance. For example, at least one accessory is provided that mates to the hair dryer in the straight configuration, and prevents movement of the hair care appliance to the bent configuration. Other accessories, on the other hand, can mate in a manner that enables use of the hair dryer in a selected configuration. In some embodiments, the accessories can be attached the hair care appliance in permanently fixed positions. The accessories described herein can be used with any of the aforementioned hair care appliances, or with any other hair care appliance known in the art.

<FIG> illustrate one exemplary embodiment of a hair care appliance <NUM> shown in a straight configuration and a bent configuration, respectively. As shown, the hair care appliance <NUM> generally includes a handle <NUM> movably coupled to a body <NUM> by a rotational hinge joint <NUM>. In the straight configuration, shown in <FIG>, the appliance <NUM> has a generally elongate cylindrical shape. The handle <NUM> has an inlet <NUM> at a first end of the appliance <NUM> and the body has an outlet <NUM> at a second end of the appliance. A fluid flow path P shown as a dashed line is formed between the inlet <NUM> and the outlet <NUM>. The rotational hinge joint <NUM> formed between the handle <NUM> and the body <NUM> can articulate via user operation to alter the configuration of the hair care appliance <NUM> and the fluid flow path P from the straight configuration to the bent or angled configuration. As shown in <FIG>, the handle <NUM> and the body <NUM> are angled relative to one another as a result of articulation of the rotational hinge joint <NUM>. As a result, the fluid flow path P shown by a dashed line is angled between the handle <NUM> and the body <NUM>.

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the hair care appliance <NUM> can be operated while the rotational hinge joint <NUM> is unlatched, and/or while the rotational hinge joint <NUM> is rotated to any position that is between the position of the rotational hinge joint <NUM> in the straight configuration and the angled configuration. In other aspects, the hair care appliance <NUM> and the rotational hinge j oint <NUM> can be configured to prevent over-rotation of the rotational hinge joint <NUM> beyond its position in the angled configuration. The hair care appliance <NUM> can be configured in a fully straight configuration, as shown in <FIG>, in which the rotational hinge joint locks the body so as to be longitudinally aligned with the handle. The hair care appliance <NUM> can be configured in a fully bent configuration, as shown in <FIG>, in which the rotational hinge joint locks the body at an angle relative to the handle. The hair care appliance <NUM> can also be configured in a rotated configuration in which the rotational hinge joint positions the body relative to the handle in a range of angled positions that are in between those of the fully straight configuration and the fully bent configuration.

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

The electrical components <NUM> can be configured to couple to a power supply <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a power supply cord <NUM> extending from a base of the handle <NUM>. The power supply cord <NUM> can have 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 <NUM> can include internal electrical wiring for delivering power to the electronics in the handle <NUM>. The power supply cord <NUM> may be connected to an electronics housing containing at least one controller or PCB. As further shown in <FIG>, the handle <NUM> can include a scalloped portion <NUM> where the user interface <NUM> can be located.

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

The remainder of the handle <NUM> is formed from a first handle housing 114a and a second handle housing 114b which mate together in a clam-shell type configuration to enclose the internal components. In some embodiments, the handle <NUM> can include a single handle housing such as a sleeve. The first and second handle housings 114a, 114b can be snap fit together, although other attachment mechanisms are envisioned. The inlet housing <NUM> can be snap fit with the first housing handle 114a and the second handle housing 114b. The hair care appliance <NUM> also includes a body housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the body <NUM> can be formed from multiple housings that mate to one another.

The handle housings 114a, 114b and the body housing <NUM> can include a surface treatment configured to aid a user in gripping the hair care appliance <NUM> and/or rotating the rotational hinge joint <NUM> to change the configuration of the hair care appliance <NUM> from the straight configuration to the bent configuration, or vice versa. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the surface treatment can include fluting, such as spiral-shaped fluting, on the body housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the surface treatment can include a painted or similarly applied surface treatment.

The appliance can also include a number of internal housings or frames. As shown in <FIG>, in which the external housings 114a, 114b, <NUM> are removed, the hair care appliance <NUM> includes a first handle frame 116a and a second handle frame 116b configured within the handle <NUM>. The first and second handle frames 116a, 116b can be mated to another via snap-fit or similar attachment methods or mechanisms such as friction fitting, screws, or rivets. The hair care appliance <NUM> can also include a first body frame 126a and a second body frame 126b disposed within the body <NUM>. The first and second body frames 126a, 126b can be mated to another via snap-fit or similar attachment methods or mechanisms such as friction fitting, screws, or rivets.

A fan assembly cover <NUM> can be arranged within the handle <NUM> and can be mounted to the second handle frame 116b. In some embodiments, the first handle frame 116a can extend to form a fan assembly cover, rather than having a separate cover. The electrical components <NUM> can be arranged between the first handle frame 116a and the second handle frame 116b. The electrical components <NUM> can be coupled to either of the first handle frame 116a, the second handle frame 116b, of both of the first and second handle frames 116a, 116b. As shown in <FIG>, the second handle frame 116b can be arranged along the bottom of the hair care appliance <NUM>.

As indicated above, the body <NUM> and handle <NUM> are mated to one another at the rotational hinge joint <NUM>. The rotational hinge joint <NUM> can have a variety of configurations, but in the illustrated embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, it includes a handle hinge plate <NUM> configured with respect to the handle <NUM> and a body hinge plate <NUM> configured with respect to the body <NUM>. The handle and body hinge plates <NUM>, <NUM> can be separated by a gap so that the handle <NUM> and body <NUM> can rotate with respect to one another in a smooth, unimpeded manner. In some embodiments, the handle and body hinge plates <NUM>, <NUM> can include a surface finish or applied material. In some embodiments, the rotational hinge joint <NUM> can be configured at an angle between <NUM> to <NUM> degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The rotational hinge joint <NUM> can be rotated to the angled configuration in a first direction and rotated in a second direction to return to the straight configuration.

The rotational hinge joint <NUM> is shown in more detail in <FIG>. As shown, the hinge joint <NUM> is formed between the second handle frame 116b of the handle, shown in part in <FIG>, and the first body frame 126a. In other embodiments, the rotational hinge joint <NUM> can be a separately formed element that can be coupled to the second handle frame 116b and the first body frame 126a. The second handle frame 116b can provide a structural mating surface for mating to a first body frame 126a, which when coupled together can form the rotational hinge joint described herein.

As further shown in <FIG>, the rotational hinge joint can include a snap hinge assembly <NUM>. The snap hinge assembly <NUM> can include a retainer <NUM> and a gasket <NUM> fitted on to and around the retainer <NUM>. The retainer <NUM> can be snap fit or friction fit into the second handle frame 116b by seating the retainer within the opening <NUM> forming the fluid flow path in the rotational hinge joint <NUM> between the handle <NUM> and the body <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The retainer <NUM> can be formed from a high friction material such as nylon, Teflon, or a similar plastic material to enable rotation of the handle <NUM> and body <NUM> with minimal effort. As further shown in <FIG>, the gasket <NUM> can be secured onto the retainer <NUM>. The second handle frame 116b can include a plurality of snap fit features <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the handle hinge plate <NUM> can be coupled to the second handle frame 116b via the snap fit features <NUM>. The handle hinge plate <NUM> can include corresponding snap fit features on a surface opposing the snap fit features <NUM> to secure the handle hinge plate <NUM> to the second handle frame 116b.

As shown in <FIG>, the body hinge plate <NUM> can be configured to couple to the first and/or second body frames <NUM>, <NUM>. The body hinge plate <NUM> can be formed of similar materials as the handle hinge plate <NUM>. The body hinge plate <NUM> can include a plurality of snap fit features <NUM> configured to couple with one or more body frames.

As shown in <FIG>, a first body frame 126a can be coupled to the body hinge plate <NUM> via the one or more snap fit features <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, wiring W can be routed through the second handle frame 116b and through the opening <NUM> to couple with the heater assembly <NUM> arranged within the body of the hair care appliance. The wiring W can advantageously be routed peripherally of the fluid flow path traversing through the second handle frame 116b, the opening <NUM>, and the first body frame 126a (as well as the second body frame 126b). In this way, obstruction of the fluid flow within the fluid flow path can be minimized or reduced. The wiring W can be located directly on or in immediate proximity of the second handle frame 116b and the first body frame 126a (or a second body frame 126b).

As shown in <FIG>, the second body frame 126b can be coupled to the first body frame 126a via a plurality of snap fit features <NUM>. In this way, the first and second body frames 126a, 126b can form the outlet <NUM> at a distal end of the body (and the hair care appliance <NUM>). As shown in <FIG>, an O-ring <NUM> or similar ring-shaped flexible element can be applied to the terminal end of the coupled first and second body frames 126a, 126b to secure their engagement with one another. The O-ring <NUM> can also provide a flexible interface for an outlet frame structure configured to couple to the first and second body frames 126a, 126b at the outlet end of the hair care appliance <NUM>.

The appliance can also have a shape that facilitates grasping. As shown in <FIG>, the body <NUM> of the appliance is cylindrical, however the handle <NUM> can have a tapered cylindrical shape along the entire handle length Lh. In particular, the profile or the diameter of the handle <NUM> can change from a first location T<NUM>, a distance from the hinge joint <NUM>, to a second location T<NUM> at the terminal end of the handle <NUM>, such that the second location T<NUM> has a smaller diameter than the first location T<NUM>. This can allow a user to more easily grasp the appliance, while providing a larger profile or diameter at the joint <NUM> and in the body for internal components, such as the heater assembly.

In use, the rotational hinge joint allows a user to easily transform the hair care appliance from a straight configuration to an angled configuration with minimal to no reduction in flow velocity or pressure. This can be advantageous when performing different styling treatments in rapidly in sequence or when using attachments of the hair care appliance. In order to facilitate movement between the straight and angled or bent configurations, the hair care appliance <NUM> can include an actuation mechanism <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation mechanism <NUM> is in the form of slidable button that is disposed against a spring of the actuation mechanism, such that retracting the actuation mechanism <NUM> loads the spring and releases latching mechanisms of the rotational hinge joint <NUM> so that the rotational hinge joint can rotate between the straight and bent configurations, as will be discussed in more detail below. Once the user has rotated the rotational hinge joint <NUM> to the second configuration, the user can release the actuation mechanism <NUM> and the latching mechanism of the rotational hinge joint <NUM> can re-engage to secure the rotational hinge joint <NUM> in the second configuration.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the amount of force required to release the hair care appliance <NUM> from the straight configuration and to allow rotation to the angled configuration can vary. For example, the amount of force for releasing the body <NUM> from the handle <NUM> in the straight configuration to initiate rotation of the hinge joint <NUM> into an angled configuration can be <NUM> N - <NUM> N. The amount of force required for rotating the body <NUM> relative to the handle <NUM> in angled configurations can be <NUM> N - <NUM> N. The rotational hinge joint <NUM> of the hair care appliance <NUM> can also be configured to require a certain amount of force to release the appliance from the angled configuration to allow rotation into the straight configuration. The amount of force for releasing the body <NUM> from the handle <NUM> in the angled configuration to initiate rotation of the hinge joint <NUM> into a straight configuration can be <NUM> N - <NUM> N. The rotational hinge joint <NUM> can also be configured to require a certain amount of force to move the appliance into the straight configuration or the angled configuration from rotated positions. For example, the amount of force for moving the body <NUM> into a straight configuration with the handle <NUM> can be <NUM> N - <NUM> N. The amount of force for moving the body <NUM> into an angled configuration with the handle <NUM> can be <NUM> N - <NUM> N. The torque necessary to rotate the rotational hinge joint <NUM> can vary, but in an exemplary embodiment it can be between about <NUM> and <NUM> N. In other aspects, the rotational hinge joint <NUM> can be configured to release, rotate, and move the body <NUM> relative to the handle <NUM> to provide consistent tactile feedback when adjusting the body <NUM> into the straight or the angled configuration.

As previously indicated, with the appliance fully assembled, the appliance <NUM> can have a generally elongate cylindrical configuration. While the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the handle <NUM> and body <NUM> can vary, in an exemplary embodiment the handle <NUM> is longer than the body <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, with the hair care appliance <NUM> in a straight configuration, the appliance can have a total length Lt. The rotational hinge j oint axis A can separate the device <NUM> into a handle length Lh and a body length Lb. In an exemplary embodiment, the handle length Lh is about <NUM>/<NUM> of the total length Lt, and the body length Lb is about <NUM>/<NUM> of the total length Lt. However, the ratio of the handle length Lh and the body length Lt can vary. In some embodiments, the total length Lt of the appliance <NUM> in the straight configuration is in the range of about <NUM> to <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the total length Lt of the appliance <NUM> in the straight configuration is <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, in the bent or angled configuration, the handle length Lh is in the range of about <NUM> to <NUM>, and the body length Lb is in the range of about <NUM> to <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the handle length Lh is <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the body length Lb is <NUM>.

The appliance <NUM> can also be configured to have a center of mass that properly balances the appliance in a user's hand in the bent configuration. The center of mass of the appliance <NUM> can be the location at which the distribution of mass is equal in all directions and does not depend on the gravitational field. In an exemplary embodiment, shown in <FIG>, the hair care appliance <NUM> has a center of mass M that is in front of the handle <NUM> and below the body <NUM>. The arrangement of the components in the handle <NUM> and the body <NUM> can cause the center of mass M to be advantageously arranged as shown to provide an enhanced user experience holding and operating the hair care appliance <NUM> while exerting minimal effort by a user to secure the hair care appliance in their hand. In particular, the center of mass can be located forward of the handle and below the body to ensure neutral anatomical handling and reduced user fatigue when holding the hair care appliance in a user's hand. The motor <NUM> can be aligned with the heater assembly <NUM> to balance the center of mass M.

<FIG> illustrate an exemplary method for determining the center of gravity. The center of gravity (CG) of the appliance <NUM> depends on the gravitational field and is the location at which the distribution of mass is equal in all directions. As shown in <FIG>, the hair care appliance <NUM> can be separated into an appliance portion 100A and a power supply portion 100B. The CG can be determined in the appliance portion 100A by measuring the mass and the location of the components included in the handle <NUM> and the body <NUM>. The CG was determined using computer-aided design software configured with a center of gravity function in which component locations are defined based on design parameters and component masses are assigned based on component material types.

In the illustrated embodiment, the location of the CG of the appliance portion 100A is shown in <FIG> with the appliance <NUM> in the straight configuration. The illustrated CG is located <NUM> from the base of the handle <NUM> (e.g., where the inlet <NUM> is located) as measured along Axis A extending through the center of the appliance portion 100A. The CG is shifted radially outward from Axis A by <NUM> and thus is positioned on Axis B extending through the CG.

In <FIG>, the hair care appliance <NUM> is shown in the angled configuration. In <FIG>, the CG of the appliance portion 100A is located <NUM> from the base of the handle <NUM> (e.g., where the inlet <NUM> is located) as measured along Axis A extending through the center of the appliance portion 100A. The CG is shifted radially outward from Axis A and is located <NUM> from Axis A as shown by Axis C extending through the CG.

In <FIG>, the locations of the PCB <NUM>, the motor <NUM>, and the heating assembly <NUM> are shown measured from the base of the handle <NUM> (e.g., where the inlet <NUM> is located) of the appliance portion 100A in the straight configuration. As shown in <FIG>, the center of the PCB <NUM> is located <NUM> from the base of the handle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the center of the motor <NUM> is <NUM> from the base of the handle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the center of the heating assembly <NUM> is <NUM> from the base of the handle <NUM>. In <FIG>, the location of a center of the heating assembly <NUM> is shown for the appliance portion 100A in the angled configuration. The location of the heating assembly <NUM> can be measured from Axis A extending from the base of the handle <NUM> (e.g., where the inlet <NUM> configured) through the center of the handle <NUM> and body <NUM>. In the angled configuration, the heater assembly can be <NUM> from Axis A and <NUM> from Axis D corresponding to the base of the handle <NUM>. The location of the PCB <NUM> and the motor <NUM> in the angled configuration can be the same as described in relation to <FIG> corresponding to their location in the straight configuration of the appliance portion 100A.

The handle can also include a user interface <NUM> for enabling the user to provide inputs for operating the appliance, as shown in <FIG>. In particular, the user interface can include one or more buttons or switches for powering the hair care appliance on and off, adjusting a temperature setting of the heater assembly (and thus adjusting the temperature of the fluid heated by the heater assembly), and adjusting a fan speed of the fan assembly (and thus, adjusting the velocity of the fluid expelled via the outlet). The user interface can also provide a button or switch for disengaging the heating assembly thus providing a cool, non-heated fluid from the outlet.

While the user interface can be positioned at various locations, in an exemplary embodiment, the user interface <NUM> extends longitudinally along at least a portion of the handle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, it extends from base of the handle, i.e., the terminal most end, and it intersects the filter assembly <NUM> as shown, and can extend toward the rotational hinge <NUM> joint, terminating a small distance from the rotational hinge joint <NUM>. The user interface <NUM> can be provided on a scalloped portion of the handle having raised edges along opposed sides of the user interface <NUM> to facilitate gripping of the handle <NUM> by a user. The user interface <NUM> can extend between first handle housing 114a and the second handle housing 114b. In another embodiment, the user interface <NUM> can intersect the filter <NUM>.

The wiring coupling the user interface to the electrical components (e.g., the printed circuit boards) can be routed to the sides of the user interface, and not directly under the user interface, to ensure the fluid flow path is not restricted or limits fluid flow.

As indicated above, the user interface <NUM> can include one or more buttons or engagement features configured to control operation of the hair care appliance based on user inputs. For example, the user interface <NUM> can include a blow-out feature <NUM>. The blow-out feature <NUM> can cause the heater assembly <NUM> to shut off so that only non-heated air is exhausted through the outlet. In some embodiments, the blow-out feature <NUM> can be located remotely from the user interface <NUM> or within the user interface <NUM> but remotely from other features of the user interface.

The user interface <NUM> can also include a fan setting feature <NUM>. The fan setting feature <NUM> can be configured to control a speed of the fan assembly <NUM>. The fan setting feature <NUM> can be repeatedly selectable to generate high, medium, and low velocity fluid flow by the fan assembly <NUM>.

The user interface <NUM> can also include a temperature setting feature <NUM>. The temperature setting feature <NUM> can be configured to control a temperature of the heater assembly <NUM> and thus the fluid flow exiting the outlet <NUM> of the hair care appliance <NUM>. The temperature setting feature <NUM> can 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 to heat the fluid flow to <NUM> degrees C.

As further shown in <FIG>, the user interface <NUM> can include a power feature <NUM>. The power feature <NUM> can be configured to control provision of power from the power supply to the electrical components of the hair care appliance. The user interface <NUM> can include one or more tactile features <NUM>, as indicated above. The tactile features <NUM> can be raised edges or gripping features configured to improve the users grip and manual dexterity when holding or operating the hair care appliance.

In some embodiments, the features of the user interface <NUM> can be configured to avoid accidental engagement by the user. For example, the features can be recessed and require explicit engagement to trigger a particular user engagement feature. The low-profile or recessed design of the buttons or switches of the user interface can enable a user to operate the hair care appliance without mistakenly contacting an unintended button or switch. In some embodiments, any of the features of the user interface <NUM> described herein can be configured with lighting or illuminated elements that can illuminate a button, switch, or surface of the user interface <NUM>, such as an inner or under surface of the user interface. The arrangement and styling of the user interface features described herein can be provided in a variety of non-limiting configurations on the handle of the hair care appliance described herein.

As previously indicated, the hair care appliance can include a power supply coupled to the inlet end (e.g., the proximal end) of the handle. The power supply can penetrate the inlet end and can provide power to electrical components configured within the handle and the body. The electrical components can be coupled to the power supply via cables or wiring. The electrical components can include portions of the fan assembly (e.g., the motor), and the heater assembly (e.g., the heating elements), as well as one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs). The PCBs can be arranged in the fluid flow path within the handle, and can be arranged relative to one another so as to provide a gap between the PCBs to allow fluid to flow more readily through the fluid flow path in the handle. For example a first PCB can be arranged above or below a second PCB and a gap can separate the two PCBs. Advantageously, the placement of the PCBs in the fluid flow path can also enable cooling of the components configured on the PCBs.

The PCBs can include components, such as resistors and capacitors that can be arranged on the PCBs. The arrangement of the PCB components can be configured to maximize the fluid flow across the PCB. For example, the PCB components can be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the fluid flow path, rather than aligned transverse to the fluid flow path to provide more efficient fluid flow within the fluid flow path across the PCB.

The electrical components of the hair care appliance can be coupled to one another and to the power supply via one or more connectors. The connectors can join portions of wire and electrically couple the electrical components. The arrangement of the connectors can be provided to ensure fluid flow is maintained through the fluid flow path and that fluid flow is not reduced. For example, connectors can be positioned inferiorly on the PCB as close as possible to the power supply. In some embodiments, the connectors associated with the motor and heater assembly can be arranged at the distal end of a PCB (e.g., an edge of a PCB that is closest to the motor and heater assembly) and can include longitudinally oriented wiring that is parallel to the fluid flow path. The wiring between connectors can also be arranged in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the handle, the body, and the fluid flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet. In some embodiments, the user interface (UI) PCB assembly may be separated from the main PCB assembly to reduce hair ingress from the UI.

<FIG> shows the internal electrical components of the hair care appliance. As shown, the handle <NUM> can receive a power supply that can be electrically coupled to one or more PCBs <NUM>. The PCBs <NUM> can be further electrically coupled to one or more features <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the user interface <NUM> described in relation to <FIG>. The PCBs <NUM> can also be electrically coupled to the fan assembly <NUM> and the heater assembly <NUM> located in the body <NUM> of the hair care appliance <NUM>. The electrical coupling between the PCBs and the power supply <NUM>, the user interface features <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the fan assembly <NUM>, and the heater assembly <NUM> can be achieved via one or more connectors and one or more wires. For example, wiring W can be configured to couple the PCBs <NUM> to the heater assembly <NUM>. The wiring W can be configured peripherally with respect to the opening extending through the rotational hinge joint <NUM> so that the fluid flow passing through the handle <NUM> and the rotational hinge joint <NUM> into the body <NUM> is not obstructed or reduced.

<FIG> shows the fluid flow path P illustrated with dashed lines flowing over and through the electrical components. The arrangement of the PCBs <NUM>, the user interface features <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and the wiring W can be configured to maximize the flow of fluid with minimal reductions in velocity or pressure as the fluid passes along the fluid flow path F. A diverter <NUM> can further aid efficient fluid flow distribution to the fan assembly <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a first PCB 420a and a second PCB 420b can be separated from one another by a gap or space <NUM>. The height or size of the gap or space <NUM> can be configured to maximize fluid flow within the fluid flow path extending through the handle and over/around the PCBs <NUM>. In some embodiments, the gap can be <NUM>-<NUM>. In certain exemplary embodiments, the gap can be <NUM>. The second PCB 420b may be configured to control the user interface and external controls. The second PCB 420b may be positioned such that it limits hair ingress to the first PCB 420A. As further shown in <FIG>, the PCBs <NUM> can include several different electrical elements including but not limited to a connector <NUM>, a capacitor <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, as well as resistors, transistors, diodes, circuits, sensors, or electromechanical elements. A heat sink or shield <NUM> can also be configured with respect to one or more of the PCBs <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electrical components <NUM> can weight <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the PCBs <NUM> can include a metal-oxide varistor (MOV) <NUM>. The PCBs <NUM> can also include a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor <NUM>. The arrangement of the MOV <NUM> and the NTC sensor <NUM> can be provided on the PCBs <NUM> to reduce fluid flow resistance caused by the shape of the MOV <NUM> and the NTC sensor <NUM>. For example, the MOV <NUM> and the NTC sensor <NUM> can be mounted vertically as shown in <FIG> so that a narrower cross-section of each component interfaces with the fluid flow passing through the fluid flow path P.

The electrical components <NUM> can be coupled to a power supply <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the power supply <NUM> can couple to a power supply cord <NUM>. The power supply cord <NUM> can include an EMC enclosure <NUM> configured between a terminal end of the power supply cord <NUM> and the hair care appliance <NUM>. The EMC enclosure <NUM> can include a cover or housing <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> has been removed to illustrate a front view of the electrical components <NUM> that can be arranged on a PCB <NUM> within the EMC enclosure <NUM>. The rear of the PCB <NUM> can be seen <FIG>.

As explained above, the placement of electrical components on the PCBs is optimized to maintain fluid flow along the fluid flow path. Similarly, the PCBs can include a space or gap between two PCBs so that fluid can flow through the gap and around each of the PCBs. In this way, electrical components on the PCBs receive a cooling effect from the fluid flow and the fluid flow path is not obstructed so that fluid flow is maintained with minimal reduction in fluid velocity.

As previously indicated, the fan assembly <NUM> is positioned downstream of the electrical components. The position of the fan assembly <NUM> is designed to be balanced within the handle <NUM> and also to be in proximity of the rotational hinge joint <NUM> to improve fluid flow. The fan assembly generally includes a motor coupled to an impeller or fan having a plurality of blades. Positioning the motor in the handle at the location where the user would grip the hair care appliance can advantageously reduce vibration of the motor during operation. In operation, the motor can cause the fan to rotate to draw fluid into the inlet of the handle and into the fluid flow pathway. The fluid can be drawn toward the fan and expelled over the heater assembly and out of the hair care appliance via the outlet.

As shown in <FIG>, fan assembly <NUM> is located along the fluid flow path P forward of the electrical components <NUM>, and at the distal end of the handle along the fluid flow path immediately upstream of the rotational hinge joint. In this way, the fan assembly can provide an improved fluid flow through the rotational hinge joint, such as in the angled configuration, into the heater assembly and the outlet in the body with minimal reduction in fluid flow. The placement of the fan assembly <NUM> in the handle <NUM> can also advantageously reduce vibration of the fan assembly <NUM> when in operation as a result of the insulative effect of the user's hand. In some embodiments, the fan assembly <NUM> can weigh <NUM>.

As shown, the fan assembly <NUM> has include a housing <NUM> covering the motor and fan blades of the fan assembly <NUM>. In some embodiments, the fan assembly housing <NUM> can be a rubber isolation damper. The fan assembly <NUM> can also include a diverter <NUM>. The diverter <NUM> can be configured in the fluid flow path P extending from the inlet <NUM> to the outlet <NUM>. In particular, the diverter <NUM> can include a dome-shaped portion <NUM> coupled to an annular frame <NUM> by one or more dome supports <NUM>. The dome-shaped portion <NUM> can be configured to distribute the fluid flow radially through the fan assembly housing <NUM> and on to the peripheral edges of the fan blades. In this way, the fan blades of the fan contained within the fan housing <NUM> can receive an even distribution of fluid flow allowing the fan to generate an even fluid flow distribution downstream (e.g., toward the outlet <NUM>) of the fan assembly <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the fan assembly <NUM> can include a motor <NUM> and a fan <NUM>. The fan <NUM> can be coupled to a central shaft extending from the motor <NUM>. The fan <NUM> can include a plurality of fan blades <NUM>. In operation, the motor <NUM> can cause the fan <NUM> to rotate and draw fluid into an inlet of the handle <NUM> and along the fluid flow path toward the diverter <NUM>. The dome-shaped portion <NUM> can distribute the fluid flow to the outer edges of the fan blades <NUM> so that the volume of the fluid and the velocity of the fluid can be efficiently maintained. The fluid flow can pass from the fan blades <NUM> into a motor frame <NUM>. The motor frame <NUM> can include curved vanes that are arranged downstream of the fan to smooth and straighten the fluid flow exiting the fan. The fan assembly <NUM> can direct the fluid flow through the rotational hinge joint <NUM> and toward a diverter <NUM> located upstream (e.g., toward the fan assembly <NUM>) of a heater assembly <NUM> located in the body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the fan assembly can generate a fluid flow at a velocity between <NUM>-<NUM>/s.

As indicated above, the hair care appliance can include a heater assembly in the body <NUM>. The heater assembly can be configured to control a temperature of the fluid flow between <NUM>-<NUM> degrees Celsius. The heater assembly can be spaced apart from the rotational hinge joint to provide a smooth, even fluid flow of the fluid entering the heater assembly. The heater assembly can be positioned in the fluid flow path extending through the body and can heat the fluid as it is provided to the outlet of the body. The heater assembly can include an inner support structure including a central shaft and a plurality of planar segments extending along and radially from the central shaft. The planar segments can have cut-out portions therein to ensure that the fluid flow is maximized as it passes through the heater assembly. One or more heating elements can be arranged on the planar segments and can be coupled to the PCBs in the handle via cables or wiring. The heating assembly wiring can be located immediately adjacent to and along the inner surface of the handle, rotational hinge joint, and body so that the fluid flow path is not obstructed and fluid flow reduced. The heating assembly <NUM> may further contain an ionizer <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The ionizer <NUM> can include an ionizer emitter <NUM> that is in the heated fluid flow path P. In some embodiments, the heater assembly <NUM> can weigh <NUM>.

The heater assembly can also include at least one thermistor and at least one fuse that can each be electrically coupled to the PCBs via wires. The thermistor can be configured to measure temperature data of the fluid flowing through the heater assembly. The fuse can be configured as a safety switch or electrical cut-off, that when faulted will disconnect the electrical current provided to the heating elements to prevent overheating of the heater assembly. The thermistor and the fuse can be located at the outlet end of the body and can be positioned on an upper aspect of the heater assembly to further ensure the fluid flow through the heater assembly is evenly distributed between the upper and lower aspects of the heater assembly and evenly distributed radially within the body. In some embodiments, the thermistor and the fuse can be located on the same planar segment. In other embodiments, the thermistor and the fuse can be located on different planar segments. In some embodiments, the heater assembly can include a thermal cut-off (TCO) configured on a planar segment and electrically coupled to the thermistor and the fuse. The TCO can be a resettable thermal control component that can be programmed to shut-off power to the heating elements when the temperature of the fluid exceeds a pre-determined threshold.

<FIG> illustrates the heater assembly <NUM> in more detail. As shown, the heater assembly includes a plurality of heating elements <NUM> configured on one or more planar segments <NUM> of an inner support structure <NUM>. Wiring W can electrically couple the heater assembly <NUM> to the electrical components <NUM> and the power supply <NUM> described in relation to <FIG> to provide power to the heater assembly <NUM>. The wiring W can be routed through the rotational hinge joint <NUM> along an inner surface of the body frames forming a periphery of the rotational hinge joint <NUM>. In this way, disruption of the fluid flow within the fluid flow path passing through the rotational hinge joint <NUM> can be minimized and flow velocity and pressure can be maintained in an evenly distributed flow pattern provided to the heater assembly <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, one or more of the planar segments <NUM> can include a cut-out portion 606c configured to equalize fluid flow through the heater assembly <NUM>. The cut-out portions 606c can allow the fluid flow to equalize in a uniform manner while flowing through the heater assembly <NUM>. The cut-out portions 606c allow can enable the planar segments <NUM> to support the heating elements <NUM> while also creating a space for the fluid flow to equalize and be evenly distributed as it flows through the heater assembly <NUM>. The cut-out portions 606c can have a variety of non-limiting shapes and sizes. For example, the cut-out portions 606c can include rectangular shapes, square shapes, circular shapes, geometric shapes, or ellipsoid shapes. In some embodiments, the cut-out portions 606c can extend longitudinally along a majority of the planar segments <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cut-out portions 606c can extend radially on the planar segments <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cut-out portions 606c can extend in curved patterns on the planar segments.

In some embodiments, the planar segments <NUM> can be configured in a variety of non-limiting configurations with respect to a central portion of the inner support structure <NUM>. For example, a plurality of planar segments can be arranged as spokes extending radially outward from the central portion of the inner support structure <NUM>. In some embodiments, the inner support structure <NUM> can include additional configurations of the planar segments <NUM> which may not be formed with respect to a central portion of the inner support structure <NUM>, such as a helical-shaped arrangement of planar segments <NUM>, a box-shaped arrangement of planar segments <NUM>, or a cylindrical arrangement of planar segments <NUM>. The ionizer <NUM> can be coupled to a planar segment <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the plurality of heating elements <NUM> can be arranged on and extending around the plurality of planar segments <NUM>. A variety of non-limiting shapes or arrangements of the heating elements <NUM> can be envisioned. The heating elements <NUM> can be electrically coupled to the wiring W, such that when power is received the heating elements <NUM> can radiate heat that can be transferred to the fluid flowing through the heater assembly <NUM>. An outer cylindrical housing <NUM> can surround the heater assembly.

One or more electrical components can also be included in the heater assembly <NUM>. For example, a thermistor <NUM> can be arranged in the fluid flow path and can be electrically coupled to the wiring W via wires <NUM> and <NUM>. The wires <NUM> and <NUM> can form a U-shaped configuration with respect to the thermistor <NUM>. Other shaped wiring configuration is envisioned. The heater assembly <NUM> can also include a fuse <NUM> that can be electrically coupled to the wiring W. The fuse <NUM> can provide a safety mechanism by which the heater assembly (and the hair care appliance) is shut off in the event a temperature of the heater assembly exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold. The heater assembly can also include a thermal cut-off component electrically coupled to the wiring W. The thermal cut-off can be a programmable and resettable electrical safety components that can allow modification of the predetermined temperature threshold.

In use, the heater assembly <NUM> is configured to maintain optimal fluid flow through the heating elements to the outlet. The arrangement of the thermistor and the fuse can be provided to ensure even radial distribution of the fluid flow. The planar segments of the inner support structure can have cut-out portion to ensure maximal fluid flow across and over the heating elements.

As indicated above, the hair care appliance <NUM> has a fluid flow path P extending between the inlet <NUM> of the handle <NUM> and the outlet <NUM> of the body <NUM>. As previously indicated, a first diverter <NUM> is positioned in the handle <NUM>, and a second diverter <NUM> is positioned in the body <NUM>.

The diverter <NUM> can be configured as a baffle structure and can partition the fluid flow exiting the fan assembly <NUM> into separate and uniform upper and lower flow paths Fu, FL entering the heater assembly <NUM>. Without the diverter <NUM>, the fluid flow would tend to accumulate in the upper portions of the heater assembly <NUM> and less fluid flow would pass through the lower portions of the heater assembly <NUM>. The diverter <NUM> can address this problem by causing equal volumes of fluid can enter the heater assembly <NUM> so that a uniform distribution of heat can be transferred to the equal volumes of fluid. Advantageously, the diverter <NUM> can produce a minimal reduction of fluid flow for the fluid entering the heater assembly <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the diverter <NUM> includes rounded, non-sharp edges so that the fluid flow is free of turbulence as the flow passes over and around the diverter <NUM>. Further, the diverter <NUM> can maintain flow velocity, static flow pressure, and top-to-bottom pressure gradients between the upper and lower portions of the heater assembly <NUM> in both the straight configuration and the angled configuration of the hair care appliance described herein. As shown in <FIG>, the fan assembly cover has been removed from the fan assembly <NUM> for illustration of the fluid flow path P. In some embodiments, the fluid flow path P can be a sealed fluid flow path such that loss of fluid flow from the appliance to the environment is minimized.

In an exemplary embodiment, in the angled configuration the hair care appliance described herein can achieve a max:min flow rate ratio of <NUM> with a pressure drop of <NUM> Pa along the length of the fluid flow path, and in the straight configuration, the hair care appliance can achieve a max:min flow rate ratio of <NUM> with a pressure drop of <NUM> Pa along the length of the fluid flow path. Thus, the flow rate ratio at maximal and minimal flow rates for the angled configuration relative to the straight configuration is <NUM>-<NUM>%. As such, the fluid flow rate in the angled configuration is only <NUM>-<NUM>% less than the fluid flow rate in the straight configuration. The hair care appliance can advantageously maintain and provide sufficiently equal flow rates in either the straight configuration or the angled configuration with minimal reduction in flow rate in the angled configuration.

As shown in <FIG>, plot S illustrates velocity (m/s) data of a fluid flow flowing through the hair care appliance in a straight configuration. As shown, the velocity of the fluid flow exhibits minimal changes as the fluid flow passes from the handle <NUM> through the rotational hinge joint <NUM> and into contact with the diverter <NUM>. Advantageously, the diverter <NUM> allows a generally equal distribution of upper and lower portions of the fluid flow to pass into the heater assembly <NUM> of the body <NUM> with minimal to no changes in fluid velocity in the straight configuration of the hair care appliance. The generally equal distribution of the fluid flow prevents overheating within the heater and consistent heat output. The resultant flow output at the outlet <NUM> further illustrates the consistent and substantially equal fluid velocity exiting the upper and lower portions of the outlet <NUM> due to the configuration of the diverter <NUM>. In the straight configuration, the velocity (m/s) was measured at <NUM> (<NUM>") from the outlet <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM>") from the outlet <NUM> at high, medium, and low speed settings of the fan assembly <NUM>. The results are shown in Table <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, plot B illustrates velocity (m/s) data of a fluid flow flowing through the hair care appliance described herein in angled configuration. As shown, the velocity of the fluid flow exhibits minimal changes as the fluid flow passes from the handle <NUM> through the rotational hinge joint <NUM> and into contact with the diverter <NUM>. Advantageously, the diverter <NUM> allows an equal distribution of upper and lower portions of the fluid flow to pass into the heater assembly <NUM> of the body <NUM> with minimal to no changes in fluid velocity in the angled configuration of the hair care appliance. The resultant flow output at the outlet <NUM> further illustrates the consistent and substantially equal fluid velocity exiting the upper and lower portions of the outlet <NUM> due to the configuration of the diverter <NUM>. In the angled configuration, the velocity (m/s) was measured at <NUM> (<NUM>") from the outlet <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM>") from the outlet <NUM> at high, medium, and low speed settings of the fan assembly <NUM>. The results are shown in Table <NUM>.

Comparing the velocity data associated with the straight configuration and the velocity data associated with the angled configuration, angling the fluid flow path causes only a minimal reduction in the velocity of the fluid flow at each speed setting. For example, at the high speed setting in the angled configuration, the velocity of the fluid flow measured <NUM> (<NUM>") from the outlet <NUM> is <NUM>% (e.g., <NUM> vs. <NUM>) of the fluid flow observed in the straight configuration. At the high speed setting in the angled configuration, the velocity of the fluid flow measured <NUM> (<NUM>") from the outlet <NUM> is <NUM>% (e.g., <NUM> vs. <NUM>) of the fluid flow in the straight configuration. At the medium speed setting in the angled configuration, the velocity of the fluid flow measured <NUM> (<NUM>") from the outlet <NUM> is <NUM>% (e.g., <NUM> vs. <NUM>) of the fluid flow in the straight configuration. At the medium speed setting in the angled configuration, the velocity of the fluid flow measured <NUM> (<NUM>") from the outlet <NUM> is <NUM> % (e.g., <NUM> vs. <NUM>) of the fluid flow in the straight configuration. At the low speed setting in the angled configuration, the velocity of the fluid flow measured at <NUM> (<NUM>") from the outlet <NUM> is <NUM>% (e.g., <NUM> vs. <NUM>) of the fluid flow in the straight configuration. At the low speed setting in the angled configuration, the velocity of the fluid flow at <NUM> (<NUM>") from the outlet <NUM> is <NUM>% (e.g., <NUM> vs. <NUM>) of the fluid flow in the straight configuration. Advantageously, at the medium speed setting, the velocity of the fluid flow through the hair appliance in the angled configuration is greater than the velocity of the fluid flow in the straight configuration as measured at <NUM> (<NUM>") from the outlet <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>/s vs. <NUM>/s).

Accordingly, the configuration of the appliance and the various internal components allow for a fluid flow path that has an even, consistent fluid flow throughout the diameter of the handle and the body between the inlet and the outlet in the straight configuration and the angled configuration. The configuration of the first diverter <NUM> can provide a uniformly, radially distributed fluid flow through the handle and to the blades of the fan assembly so that the fan does not accelerate the fluid flow unevenly into the heater assembly of the body. The configuration of the second diverter <NUM> can provide a balanced fluid flow to upper and lower aspects of the heater assembly such that a uniform distribution of fluid is provided through the heater assembly and out of the hair care appliance via the outlet in the body. The heater may operate at a higher temperature due to the evenly spaced airflow preventing any heat buildup on the side of the heater during use.

As previously indicated, the hair care appliance can further be configured to mate to one or more accessories for user-selected hair styling or hair treatment. The one or more attachments can have any configuration, such as a concentrator, a diffuser, a curling iron, a curling brush, a round brush, a flat brush, a comb, etc. The attachments can removably couple to the outlet in the body of the hair care appliance and can be secured in place via one or more mating mechanisms configured at the outlet of the body and/or on a mating portion of an individual attachment.

In some embodiments, the hair care appliance can include an attachment that is not removable and is permanently attached to the hair care appliance. For example a brush can be permanently attached and the hair care appliance can be a "hot" brush configuration. The "hot" brush configuration can include a non-detachable brush that is affixed to the hair care appliance described herein.

In some embodiments, the attachment can be configured to sleeve over the body of the hair care appliance, thereby covering the outlet. The sleeved attachment can further extend over the rotational hinge joint in the straight configuration to prevent rotation of the appliance. The sleeve over the rotational hinge joint may provide additional structural support to the hinge during use. The sleeve over the rotational hinge may further prevent the appliance from changing configuration during use. For instance, the hair care appliance may have a latch or button that allows rotation of the body relative to the handle. In some embodiments, the sleeve over attachment might cover the latch or button such that it cannot be actuated during use of the attachment.

Various features can also be provided to aid in preventing rotation of the attachment relative to the body of the appliance. For example, a sleeve attachment can include features on an inner surface, such as longitudinally oriented ribs on the inner surface, that can engage with one or more protrusions provided on an outer surface of the body housing <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the body housing <NUM> of the appliance <NUM> includes a recess <NUM> that seats a first protrusion 352a at a location adjacent to the hinge joint <NUM>. The first protrusion 352a can engage with a portion of an inner surface of an attachment that has been slid over the body housing <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, in which the body housing <NUM> is removed, a second protrusion 352b can be positioned on an opposite side of the body and can protrude from the first body frame 126a. The first protrusion 340a is shown protruding from the second body frame 126b.

The hair care appliance <NUM> can include a plurality of interchangeable attachment mating assemblies. For example, a first attachment mating assembly can include a sleeving design to allow an attachment to be sleeved over an outlet end of the hair care appliance <NUM>. A second attachment mating assembly can include a faceplate mating design such that an attachment abuts the outlet end of the hair care appliance. A third attachment mating assembly can include a mating collar configured with protrusions, such as lugs, which can be removably coupled with and secured within a mating portion of an attachment.

<FIG> shows a close-up perspective view of an attachment mating assembly <NUM> configured at the outlet <NUM> of the hair care appliance <NUM>. The attachment mating assembly <NUM> can be coupled to the first and second body frames 126a, 126b. As shown, the attachment mating assembly <NUM> includes a mating collar <NUM> and a mating plate <NUM>. The mating collar <NUM> can include a plurality of recesses <NUM> arranged around the circumference of the mating collar <NUM>. The recesses <NUM> can be configured to receive one or more engagement features of an attachment configured for use with the hair care appliance, as will be discussed in more detail below. The attachment can slide over the outlet <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the engagement features of the attachment can engage and be seated within the recesses <NUM> of the mating collar <NUM> to reduce rotation of the attachment relative to the body <NUM>. Rotation can be reduced or limited by way of projections <NUM> bounding either side of a given recess <NUM>.

Another embodiment of an attachment mating assembly can <NUM> be seen in <FIG>. The outlet end <NUM> in the body <NUM> of a hair care appliance similar to appliance <NUM> can include an attachment mating assembly <NUM>. The attachment mating assembly <NUM> can include attachment mating plates 6114a and 6114b, each of which can include a plurality of slots <NUM>. When an attachment with attachment features, such as attachment features <NUM> of a concentrator attachment <NUM> shown in <FIG>, is coupled to the outlet end <NUM>, a user can rotate the concentrator attachment <NUM> to engage the attachment features <NUM> within the slots 6114a and 6114b and secure the concentrator attachment <NUM> to the hair care appliance <NUM>.

The attachment mating assembly <NUM> can also include a mating plate <NUM> arranged inferiorly (e.g., upstream of the outlet <NUM>) to the mating collar <NUM>. The mating plate <NUM> can include an upper surface 708u onto which a surface of an attachment can abut. The mating plate <NUM> can also include a mating plate shoulder <NUM> extending from the upper surface 708u. The mating plate shoulder <NUM> can be sized and configured to insert into a receiving portion arranged at a coupling end of an attachment.

As shown in <FIG>, the attachment mating assembly <NUM> can also include an outlet trim ring <NUM> coupled to the mating collar <NUM>. The outlet trim ring <NUM> can include one or more surface finishes or applied materials. The mating plate <NUM> can couple to the first and second body frames 126a, 126b via a snap fit or friction fit or using other attachment technique.

As shown in <FIG>, the mating collar <NUM> can include an engagement shelf <NUM>. The engagement shelf <NUM> can be circumferentially located on the mating collar <NUM> inferior (e.g., below) to the recesses <NUM> and the projections <NUM>. The engagement shelf <NUM> can be sized and configured to receive one or more engagement features of an attachment. For example, a hook-shaped engagement feature of an attachment can engage the engagement shelf <NUM> to couple an attachment to the attachment mating assembly <NUM>. In some embodiments, the engagement shelf <NUM> can be segmented into segments by one or more slots separating respective segments.

In other embodiments, the attachment mating assembly can include a mating collar with protruding features, such as lugs, to engage with a mating portion of an attachment to secure the attachment to the outlet end of the hair care appliance <NUM>. The mating portion of the attachment can include slots in which the lugs can be received. The lugs of the mating collar can be engaged into openings of the slots of the mating portion of the attachment and the attachment can be rotated onto the outlet end of the hair care appliance <NUM> to cause the lugs to travel fully within the slots of the attachment mating portion.

Attaching or detaching an attachment onto the outlet of the hair care appliance can be performed using an attachment actuator assembly configured at the outlet end of the hair care appliance. The attachment actuator assembly can include a user-operable latch configured to secure or release the attachment to the hair care appliance <NUM>. A user can retract the latch to attach and remove an attachment and can release the retracted latch to secure the attachment in place. The latch can be coupled to a tab insertable into an opening of at least one slot of the mating portion of the attachment. When the tab is inserted within the slot opening, rotation of the attachment relative to the outlet end of the hair care appliance is eliminated and the attachment is secured to the hair care appliance.

<FIG> shows an exemplary embodiment of an attachment mating assembly <NUM> of the hair care appliance <NUM>. The attachment mating assembly <NUM> includes a mating collar <NUM> at an the outlet <NUM> and an attachment actuator assembly <NUM> provided on the body housing <NUM>. The mating collar <NUM> can include one or more protrusions <NUM>. In some embodiments, the protrusions <NUM> can be lugs and can protrude from an inner surface of the mating collar <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the protrusions <NUM> can protrude from an inner surface <NUM> of the mating collar <NUM>. In some embodiments, the protrusions <NUM> can have a tear-drop shape, although a variety of non-limiting shaped can be envisioned. The shape and dimensions of the protrusions <NUM> can correspond to a shape and dimension of a corresponding receiving portion or slot that can be configured on a mating portion of an attachment of the hair care appliance <NUM>. In some embodiments, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> protrusions <NUM> can be configured on the inner surface <NUM> of the mating collar <NUM>. In some embodiments, the protrusions <NUM> can be spaced apart along the inner surface <NUM> by an equal distance between adjacent protrusions <NUM>. In some embodiments, the protrusions <NUM> can be spaced apart along the inner surface by an unequal distance between adjacent protrusions <NUM>.

The mating collar <NUM> also includes at least one recession <NUM> configured to receive a tab or protruding portion of the attachment actuator assembly <NUM>. The recession <NUM> can have a width <NUM> corresponding to a width of the tab or protruding portion of the attachment actuator assembly <NUM>. As an attachment is mated with the mating collar <NUM>, the protrusions <NUM> can travel into the slots configured on the mating portion of the attachment. Once travel is complete the user can release the latch <NUM> of the attachment actuator assembly <NUM> (such as the latch shown in <FIG>) so that the tab portion of the attachment actuator assembly <NUM> travels into the recession <NUM> locking the attachment in place to prevent rotation of the attachment.

The mating collar <NUM> can also include an opening <NUM> along the circumference of the bottom portion of the mating collar <NUM>. The opening <NUM> can receive the attachment actuator assembly <NUM> therein. The opening <NUM> can have a width <NUM> corresponding to a width of the attachment actuator assembly <NUM>. The mating collar <NUM> can also include one or more shoulder elements <NUM> protruding from sides of the mating collar <NUM> at one or more locations. The shoulder elements <NUM> can be configured to allow the mating collar <NUM> to friction fit or snap fit with an outlet ring, such as the outlet ring <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The mating collar <NUM> can also include slots <NUM> positioned at one or more locations around the circumference of the outer surface <NUM> of the mating collar <NUM>. The slots <NUM> can be configured to secure the mating collar <NUM> to the body housing <NUM>.

The attachment actuator assembly <NUM> can include a latch <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The latch <NUM> can be coupled to a base <NUM> of the attachment actuator assembly <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the latch <NUM> can be integrated with the base <NUM>. The base <NUM> can be coupled to a compression element <NUM> of the attachment actuator assembly <NUM>. Depressing the latch <NUM> can cause the base <NUM> to compress the compression element <NUM> so that the base is retracted away from the mating collar <NUM>. In some embodiments, the compression element <NUM> can be a spring as shown in <FIG>. The base <NUM> can travel within a body frame <NUM> of the hair care appliance. The body frame <NUM> can correspond to a first body frame 126a or a second body frame 126b as shown and described in relation to <FIG>. The base <NUM> can also include a protruding portion or tab <NUM>. In some embodiments, the protruding portion <NUM> can be coupled to the base <NUM>. The tab <NUM> can extend from the base <NUM> into the mating collar <NUM> so as to secure an attachment within the mating collar <NUM>. For example, after a user has coupled an attachment to the mating collar <NUM>, the user can release the latch <NUM>. As a result, the compressible element <NUM> can extend to push the base <NUM> toward the mating collar <NUM> such that the tab <NUM> extends into the recession <NUM> shown in <FIG> and into the slot included in the mating portion of the attachment. In <FIG>, the mating collar <NUM> has been removed to illustrate the tab <NUM> extending from the base <NUM> of the attachment actuator assembly <NUM>. Retracting the latch <NUM> can cause the tab <NUM> to move away from and out of the mating collar <NUM> so that the attachment can be removed from body housing <NUM>.

The attachment actuator assembly <NUM> can be seen in more detail in <FIG> showing the attachment actuator assembly <NUM> engaged with an attachment mating portion <NUM> of an attachment according to embodiments described herein. As shown in <FIG>, the body housing <NUM> has been removed for illustration and the exterior of the attachment mating portion <NUM> can be viewed. The attachment mating portion <NUM> can include an attachment mating collar <NUM>. The attachment mating collar <NUM> can include one or more slots <NUM>. The slots <NUM> can include an opening at which the tab <NUM> can be received. When the latch <NUM> is released, the tab <NUM> can extend or travel into the slot <NUM> to secure the attachment mating portion <NUM> to the outlet <NUM> of the body <NUM> of the hair care appliance <NUM>. In <FIG>, a cut-away view of the attachment actuator assembly <NUM> engaged with the attachment mating portion <NUM> is shown. The cut-away view shows an internal perspective of the attachment actuator assembly <NUM> engaged with the mating collar <NUM>, as well as the protrusions <NUM> engaged with the attachment mating portion <NUM>. The user has rotated the attachment mating portion <NUM> into contact with the mating collar <NUM> such that the protrusions <NUM> have traveled into a receiving end located at a terminal end of the slot <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Once the protrusions <NUM> are engaged fully within the slot <NUM>, the user can release the latch <NUM> causing the tab <NUM> to extend or travel into the slot <NUM> to fully secure the attachment mating portion <NUM> (and thus, the attachment) to the mating collar <NUM> of the hair care appliance <NUM>. Rotation of the attachment relative to the body <NUM> can thus be reduced or eliminated.

The hair care appliance <NUM> can also include a grill <NUM> configured at the outlet <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The grill <NUM> can include a plurality of vane elements <NUM> extending radially from a center portion <NUM>. Although the vane elements <NUM> of the grill <NUM> are shown in a radial-shaped pattern, a variety of non-limiting patterns can be envisioned including a diagonal-shaped pattern, a mesh-shaped pattern or a concentric-shaped pattern of vane elements <NUM>. The outlet <NUM> can also include an outlet ring <NUM>. The outlet ring can couple to the mating collar <NUM> via snap fitting.

As explained above, the hair care appliance can be configured to mate to a number of different types of attachments or accessories via interchangeable mating assemblies of the hair care appliance <NUM>. The attachments can be included in an accessory kit provided with or separately from the hair care appliance <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate various exemplary embodiments of attachments for use with the hair care appliance <NUM>, however a person skilled in the art will appreciate that any attachment known in the art can be used with the appliance <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a round brush attachment <NUM> having include an inlet <NUM> at which a fluid flow can be received from the hair care appliance described herein. The round brush attachment <NUM> can also include a cover <NUM> with a plurality of holes <NUM> arranged in the cover <NUM>. In some embodiments, the holes <NUM> can be filled with brush bristles. The round brush attachment <NUM> can also include an end cap <NUM> and a base <NUM>. The end cap <NUM> can include one or more release mechanisms <NUM> configured to release latching mechanisms disposed within the round brush attachment <NUM> from engagement with features of the attachment mating assembly <NUM> described in relation to <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the round brush attachment <NUM> can be sleeved over the body <NUM> of the hair care appliance <NUM>. The brush attachment <NUM> (as well as embodiments of other attachments described herein) can be sleeved over the body <NUM> so as to cover the rotational hinge joint <NUM>. In this way, rotation of the attachment relative to the body <NUM> can be reduced. The fluid flow provided at the outlet <NUM> of the body can pass into the end cap <NUM> via the fluid flow path P (shown via dashed lines) and out via an annular shaped outlet <NUM> arranged on an inferior surface of the end cap <NUM>. The arrangement of the fluid flow path <NUM> can advantageously direct a greater volume of fluid down the surface of the round brush attachment <NUM> instead of outward away from the surface. Additionally, the arrangement of the fluid flow path <NUM> is such that the fluid flow changes directions from a first direction within the round brush attachment <NUM> to a second, opposite direction outside of the round brush attachment (e.g., down the exterior surface of the round brush attachment <NUM>). Redirecting the fluid flow path at the outlet <NUM> in an opposite direction as it entered the round brush attachment <NUM> can create an fluid curtain effect down the exterior surface of the round brush attachment <NUM>. This arrangement of the fluid flow path <NUM> does not move hair way from the surface off the brush attachment during use. In some embodiments, a hand guard can be provided at the base <NUM> of the round brush attachment <NUM>. The hand guard can prevent the fluid of the fluid flow path <NUM> from contacting a user's hand as it travels down the exterior surface of the round brush attachment <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the attachment mating assembly <NUM> can be positioned between the end cap <NUM> and an attachment frame <NUM>. The attachment frame <NUM> can form the body of the round brush attachment <NUM> and can be sleeved over the outlet end of the body of the hair care appliance described herein. The attachment mating assembly <NUM> can include one or more release mechanisms <NUM> coupled to either side of a mating assembly plate <NUM>. The release mechanisms <NUM> can be configured to release latching mechanisms <NUM> from engagement with the attachment mating assembly <NUM> described in relation to the hair care appliance as shown in <FIG>. For example, the latching mechanisms <NUM> can include hook-shaped features configured to engage with the engagement shelf <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the end cap <NUM> shown in <FIG> has been removed for clarity. The release mechanisms <NUM> can be arranged on an upper surface of the mating assembly plate <NUM> and the latching mechanisms <NUM> can be arranged on a bottom surface of the mating assembly plate <NUM>. Actuating the release mechanisms <NUM> by pushing them toward the center of the round brush attachment <NUM> will cause the latching mechanisms <NUM> to also move toward the center of the round brush attachment. As a result, the hook-shaped engagement features on the latching mechanisms <NUM> will move free of the engagement shelf <NUM> of the attachment mating assembly <NUM> in the body of the hair care appliance so that the attachment <NUM> can be removed from the body of the hair care appliance. Although described in relation to the round brush attachment, in some embodiments, one or more of the attachment mating assemblies <NUM> can be included on any of the attachments described herein.

As shown in <FIG>, the round brush attachment <NUM> can include a plurality of protrusions <NUM> protruding downward from an upper interior surface of the attachment frame <NUM>. In some embodiments, the protrusions <NUM> can be configured on an engagement plate arranged between the attachment frame <NUM> and the mating assembly plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, the protrusions can be formed on the mounting assembly plate <NUM>. The protrusions <NUM> can engage with the recesses <NUM> of the attachment mating assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> and configured in the body of the hair care appliance <NUM> when the attachment is coupled to the hair care appliance. The protrusions <NUM> when engaged within the recesses <NUM> of the attachment mating assembly <NUM> can advantageously limit rotation of the attachment relative to the body of the hair care appliance <NUM>.

As further shown in <FIG>, the round brush attachment <NUM> can include a plurality of ribs <NUM> extending longitudinally along an inner surface of the attachment frame <NUM>. The ribs <NUM> can be configured and spaced so as to engage with the protrusions 340a, 340b configured on the body frames 126a, 126b and protruding through the body housing <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. When the round brush attachment <NUM> is sleeved over the body housing <NUM> the ribs <NUM> can engage with the protrusions 340a, 340b to advantageously limit rotation of the round brush attachment <NUM> relative to the body of the hair care appliance described herein.

Although the configuration of the protrusions <NUM> and the ribs <NUM> are described in relation to the round brush attachment <NUM>, any attachment described herein can include a configuration of the protrusions <NUM> and/or the ribs <NUM> without limit.

<FIG> illustrates a curling attachment <NUM> that can include an inlet <NUM> fluidically coupled to a body 4114a. The inlet <NUM> can couple with the outlet end of the hair care appliance <NUM> such that fluid expelled from the hair care appliance <NUM> via the outlet <NUM> enters the curling attachment <NUM> at the inlet <NUM>. A spindle 4114b can be configured in the body 4114a and can be coupled to one or more wheels <NUM>. The wheels <NUM> can allow a user to manually rotate the spindle 4114b to curl hair. A high velocity air slot <NUM> can be provided in the top of the body 4114a.

As shown in <FIG>, a fluid flow is illustrated by a plurality of flow lines extending between the inlet <NUM> and the outlet <NUM>. Fluid flowing into the inlet <NUM> is provided to a concentrating chamber <NUM> before being directed to a curling chamber <NUM> via a conduit <NUM>. The user can place their hair near the high velocity air slot <NUM> at the top of the tool. The high velocity air can entrain the hair and cause it to wrap around the spindle 4114b. After leaving the hair to heat for <NUM>-<NUM> seconds, the user can then use the blow out feature <NUM> shown in the user interface <NUM> described in relation to <FIG> to help set the style. The hair is then pulled out of the curling attachment <NUM>. The spindle 4114b should freely rotate to prevent any binding.

<FIG> illustrates a different embodiment of a curling attachment. The curling attachment <NUM> shown in <FIG> can include an inlet <NUM> at which a fluid flow from the hair care appliance <NUM> can be received. The inlet <NUM> can be fluidically coupled to a concentrating body <NUM>. The concentrating chamber <NUM> can fluidically couple to a curling chamber <NUM>. The curling chamber <NUM> can include a spindle <NUM> and an outlet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the spindle <NUM> can have a tapered shape. The outlet <NUM> can include a plurality of holes for the fluid flow entering the inlet <NUM> to exhaust from the curling attachment <NUM>. The curling attachment <NUM> can also include an opening <NUM> into which a user can provide hair to be curled around the spindle <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates another embodiment of a curling attachment <NUM> having an inlet <NUM> at which a fluid flow can be received from the hair care appliance <NUM>. The fluid flow can enter a concentrating chamber <NUM> and be provided to a curling chamber <NUM>. The curling chamber can be formed in a housing <NUM> that includes a plurality of openings <NUM> to exhaust the fluid flow from the curling attachment <NUM>. The curling attachment <NUM> can include a spindle <NUM> within the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the spindle <NUM> can have a tapered shape on its length. Hair can be provided into the opening <NUM> and can be curled around the spindle <NUM>.

In another embodiment, shown in <FIG>, a curling attachment is provided and includes a plate <NUM> coupled to an end of the concentrating chamber <NUM> and the curling chamber <NUM>. The spindle <NUM> can rotate relative to the plate <NUM>. The curling chamber <NUM> can include an open end <NUM> at which curled hair can be removed from the spindle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the spindle <NUM> can extend from the plate <NUM> into the curling chamber <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, uncurled hair <NUM> can be provided into the opening <NUM> and can be drawn into the opening as a result of the fluid flow provided to the inlet <NUM> via the hair care appliance attached to the curling attachment <NUM>. As the fluid flow passes through the curling attachment <NUM>, the hair <NUM> is drawn into the curling chamber <NUM> and wraps around the spindle <NUM> and can be curled. The curled hair <NUM> can be removed from the curling chamber <NUM> at the open end <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a barrel curling attachment <NUM> that can be configured for use with the hair care appliance <NUM>. The barrel curling attachment <NUM> can include an inlet <NUM> and a barrel <NUM>. The barrel <NUM> can include a plurality of plates <NUM>, such as plates 5015A and 5015B. The plates <NUM> can be configured to expand away from a central longitudinal axis of the barrel <NUM>. The fluid flow path can be along the central longitudinal axis of the barrel <NUM>. A scroll assembly <NUM> can be arranged at the outlet end <NUM> and the inlet end <NUM>. The scroll assembly <NUM> can enable the plates <NUM> to expand outward radially in order to expand the diameter of the barrel <NUM>. In this way, hair can be curled to different curl sizes based on a setting of the scroll <NUM>. The scroll assemblies <NUM> can be individually set to different sizes so that the barrel is tapered from the outlet end <NUM> to the inlet end <NUM>. The barrel curling apparatus <NUM> can include a scroll assembly frame <NUM> to which the scroll assembly <NUM> can be mounted.

As shown in <FIG>, the scroll assembly <NUM> can be in an initial configuration corresponding to an unexpanded arrangement of the plates <NUM>. The scroll assembly <NUM> can include a housing <NUM> and one or more attachment tabs <NUM> configured to couple the housing <NUM> to the scroll assembly frame <NUM>. A scroll plate <NUM> can be arranged within the housing <NUM> and can include an adjustment tab <NUM> thereon. A user can rotate the adjustment tab <NUM> to cause the plate <NUM> to rotate within the housing <NUM>. As the user rotates the adjustment tab <NUM> (and thus rotating the plate <NUM>), extension elements <NUM> can radially extend outward to move the plates <NUM> away from the central longitudinal axis of the barrel curling attachment <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the user has rotated the adjustment tab <NUM> to a position opposite the position associated with the initial configuration shown in <FIG>. Thus, the scroll assembly <NUM> of <FIG> is shown in an expanded configuration. Rotation of the adjustment tab <NUM> can cause the scroll plate <NUM> to rotate and drive the extension elements <NUM> radially outward. As a result, the plates <NUM> are also extended radially outward. In this way, the outer diameter of the barrel curling attachment <NUM> can be configurable by a user to allow for styling hair with a variety of curl sizes.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a wrapping barrel curling attachment <NUM> that can be configured with a rotating mechanism <NUM> within a housing <NUM>. The wrapping barrel curling attachment <NUM> can be configured to wrap hair into a coil so that the hair can be curled repeatedly. A fluid flow passage <NUM> can extend from an inlet <NUM> provided in an inlet housing <NUM> of the wrapping barrel curling attachment <NUM> through a flow passage chamber <NUM> of a flow passage housing <NUM> and to an exhaust <NUM> configured on a side of the housing <NUM>. <FIG> is an image showing the wrapping barrel curling attachment <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a round brush attachment <NUM> that can include a plurality of plates <NUM> extending between an end cap <NUM> and a base <NUM>. The plurality of plates <NUM> can include one or more holes <NUM> and one or more slots <NUM> configured on respective plates <NUM>. In some embodiments, brush bristles can be configured on one or more of the plates <NUM>. A variety of hole sizes and arrangements can be envisioned on the plates <NUM> without limit. The round brush attachment <NUM> can include a fluid flow pathway therein extending from an inlet <NUM> through an inner volume of the round brush attachment <NUM> and out via the holes <NUM> and/or the slots <NUM>.

The plates <NUM> can be arranged within the end cap <NUM> and the base <NUM> such that each of the plates <NUM> can articulate in a rotational manner about the circumference of the round brush attachment <NUM>. For example, as a user pulls the brush attachment <NUM> through their hair in a first direction, the plates <NUM> can rotate clockwise with respect to a central longitudinal axis extending through the round brush attachment <NUM>. The plates <NUM> can be parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the round brush attachment <NUM>. When the user pulls the brush attachment <NUM> through their hair in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, the plates can rotate counter-clockwise with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the round brush attachment <NUM>. Based on the direction of rotation of the plates, the fluid flow pathway can exhaust the fluid out of the holes <NUM> and/or the slots <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the round brush attachment <NUM> is shown in a neutral position. In this position, outlets <NUM> arranged within the fluid flow pathway are blocked from providing the fluid flow through the plates <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when the round brush attachment <NUM> is moved in a first direction the plates <NUM> rotate clockwise to allow the outlets <NUM> to open and the fluid flow is provided via the holes <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when the round brush attachment <NUM> is moved in a first second the plates <NUM> rotate counter-clockwise to allow the outlets <NUM> to open and the fluid flow is provided via the slots <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the base <NUM> of the round brush attachment <NUM> can include an alignment feature <NUM> configured to limit circumferential rotation of the plates <NUM>. The alignment feature <NUM> can include a retention frame <NUM> configured to couple with end portions <NUM> of the plate <NUM> protruding through the base <NUM> and into the retention frame <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a diffuser <NUM> that can include a body portion <NUM> and a mating portion <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> can be an outlet end of the diffuser <NUM> at which a fluid flow received via the inlet opening <NUM> of the mating portion <NUM> can be provided for styling of hair. The body portion <NUM> can include a plurality of projections <NUM> extending away from an inner surface of the body portion <NUM>. One or more of the projections can include a hole <NUM> for the fluid flow to exit the projection <NUM>.

The mating portion <NUM> can include one or more release mechanisms <NUM>. The release mechanisms <NUM> can release latching mechanisms <NUM> from engagement with the engagement shelf <NUM> of the attachment mating assembly <NUM> described in relation to <FIG>. Pressing the release mechanisms <NUM> toward the center of the mating portion <NUM> can cause the latching mechanisms <NUM> to release from the engagement shelf <NUM>. As further shown in <FIG>, the mating portion can include a plurality of detents <NUM> arranged on an inner collar <NUM> of the mating portion <NUM>. The detents <NUM> can be received within and engage with the recesses <NUM> of the attachment mating assembly <NUM> described in relation to <FIG>. Once engaged, the detents <NUM> can limit rotation of the diffuser <NUM> relative to the body of the hair care appliance <NUM> described herein.

As shown in <FIG>, the diffuser <NUM> can include a flow adjustment <NUM> configured to vary the fluid flow provided by the diffuser attachment <NUM>. A user can vary the fluid flow by adjusting the flow adjustment <NUM> within the flow adjustment track <NUM>. The plurality of projections <NUM> may move relative to the body portion, thereby increasing or decreasing the length of the plurality of projections <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of the diffuser attachment <NUM>. As shown, a disc <NUM> can be profiled to have a particular shape configured to divert air toward the edges of the body portion <NUM> of the diffuser <NUM>. In some embodiments, the disc <NUM> is suspended from the central region of the body portion <NUM>. In this way, fluid flow is not directly provided into the central region of the body portion <NUM> and is, instead, redirected toward the circumference of the body portion <NUM> so that a more uniform fluid flow is provided via the projections <NUM> and the holes <NUM>, <NUM>. The disc <NUM> can be coupled to an inner frame <NUM> via snap fit or friction fit. The inner frame <NUM> can couple with the body portion <NUM>, the mating portion <NUM>, and a body portion cover <NUM>. The fluid flow path <NUM> through the diffuser attachment <NUM> can be seen in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a concentrator <NUM> that can include a body portion <NUM> and a mating portion <NUM>. A fluid flow path can be provided between an inlet <NUM> of the mating portion <NUM> and an outlet <NUM> of the body portion <NUM>. The mating portion <NUM> can include one or more attachment features <NUM> which can project radially from a mating collar <NUM> and can couple the concentrator <NUM> with the attachment mating assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>. For example, the attachment features <NUM> can be received in and secured within the slots 6114a and 6114b. The body portion <NUM> may rotate relative to the mating portion <NUM> such that the outlet position can be set by a user.

<FIG> illustrates another embodiment of a concentrator <NUM> that can include a mating portion <NUM> and a body portion <NUM>. A fluid flow path can extend from an inlet end <NUM> to an outlet end <NUM>. The fluid flow can be provided via the opening <NUM>. A variety of non-limiting shapes and dimensions of the opening <NUM> can be envisioned. In this embodiment, the concentrator attachment <NUM> can include a flow adjustment <NUM> configured to vary the fluid flow provided by the concentrator attachment <NUM>. A user can vary the fluid flow by adjusting the flow adjustment <NUM> within the flow adjustment track <NUM>. A bottom side perspective view of the concentrator attachment <NUM> is shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the concentrator attachment <NUM> can include a mating portion <NUM> and a body portion <NUM>. A fluid flow path can extend through the concentrator attachment <NUM> from an inlet end <NUM> to an outlet end <NUM>. A fluid flow can be provided via outlet end <NUM>. A variety of non-limiting shapes and dimensions of the outlet end <NUM> can be envisioned. As further shown in <FIG>, the concentrator attachment <NUM> can include a flow adjustment <NUM> configured to vary the fluid flow provided by the concentrator attachment <NUM>. A user can vary the fluid flow by adjusting the flow adjustment <NUM> within the flow adjustment track <NUM>.

The mating portion <NUM> can include one or more release mechanisms <NUM> configured to release latching mechanism <NUM> from the engagement shelf <NUM> of the attachment mating assembly <NUM> included in the hair care appliance described herein and illustrated in <FIG>. The mating portion <NUM> can also include a mating collar <NUM> that can be inserted into the attachment mating assembly <NUM>. The mating collar <NUM> can include one or more tab features <NUM> which can engage with the engagement shelf <NUM> and/or slots that can be configured formed within the engagement shelf <NUM>. The mating collar <NUM> can also include one or more ribs <NUM> configured to engage with slotted portions of the engagement shelf <NUM>. The tab features <NUM> and the ribs <NUM> can limit or reduce rotation of the concentrator attachment <NUM> relative to the body of the hair care appliance <NUM> described herein.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a curling attachment <NUM> that can include a mating portion <NUM> and a body portion <NUM>. An inlet <NUM> can be provided in the mating portion <NUM>. A fluid flow path can be provided between the inlet <NUM> and outlets <NUM>. The outlets <NUM> can be provided between plates <NUM> extending along the central longitudinal axis of the curling attachment <NUM>. The plates <NUM> can be secured between an end cap <NUM> and a mating housing <NUM>. The plates <NUM> can be configured to rotate clockwise and counter-clockwise relative to the central longitudinal axis of the curling attachment <NUM> so that hair can be curled in multiple directions.

As further shown in <FIG>, the curling attachment <NUM> can include one or more release mechanisms <NUM> arranged in the mating housing <NUM>. The release mechanisms <NUM> can release the latching mechanisms <NUM> from the engagement shelf <NUM> of the attachment mating assembly described in relation to <FIG>. Pressing the release mechanisms <NUM> toward the mating housing <NUM> will cause the latching mechanisms <NUM> to release from the engagement shelf <NUM>. As further shown in the <FIG>, the mating portion <NUM> can include a mating collar <NUM>. The mating collar <NUM> can include a plurality of protrusions or detents <NUM> which can engage with the recesses <NUM> of the attachment mating assembly described in relation to <FIG>. The engagement of the detents <NUM> with the recesses <NUM> can limit or reduce rotation of the curling attachment <NUM> relative to the body of the hair care appliance <NUM> described herein.

<FIG> shows one exemplary embodiment of a paddle brush attachment <NUM> configured for use with the hair care appliance <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the paddle brush attachment <NUM> can include a mating portion <NUM> and a body portion <NUM>. A fluid flow path can extend through the paddle brush attachment <NUM> from an inlet <NUM> and out the holes <NUM> in the body portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, one or more of the holes <NUM> can include brush bristles. A non-limiting arrangement of holes <NUM> and brush bristles can be envisioned on the body portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the holes <NUM> and brush bristles can be positioned on a single plane. In other embodiments, the holes <NUM> and brush bristles may wrap around the face of the paddle brush attachment <NUM>.

As further shown in <FIG>, the mating portion <NUM> can include one or more release mechanisms <NUM>. The release mechanisms <NUM> can release the latching mechanisms <NUM> from the engagement shelf <NUM> of the attachment mating assembly described in relation to <FIG>. Pressing the release mechanisms <NUM> toward a central longitudinal axis extending through the paddle brush attachment <NUM> will cause the latching mechanisms <NUM> to release from the engagement shelf <NUM>. As further shown in the <FIG>, the mating portion <NUM> can include a mating collar <NUM>. The mating collar <NUM> can include a plurality of protrusions or detents <NUM> which can engage with the recesses <NUM> of the attachment mating assembly described in relation to <FIG>. The engagement of the detents <NUM> with the recesses <NUM> can limit or reduce rotation of the paddle brush attachment <NUM> relative to the body of the hair care appliance <NUM> described herein.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a diffuser <NUM> configured for use with the attachment mating assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. The illustrated diffuser <NUM> includes a body portion <NUM> and a mating portion <NUM>. The mating portion <NUM> can correspond to the attachment mating portion <NUM> described in relation to <FIG>. The body portion <NUM> can be an outlet end of the diffuser <NUM> at which a fluid flow received through opening <NUM> of the mating portion <NUM> can be provided for hair styling. The body portion <NUM> can include a plurality of projections <NUM> extending away from an inner surface of the body portion <NUM>. One or more of the projections <NUM> can include a hole <NUM> for the fluid flow to exit the projection <NUM>.

The mating portion <NUM> can include a mating collar <NUM> configured with one or more slots <NUM>. The slots <NUM> can correspond to the slots <NUM> described in relation to the attachment mating portion <NUM> shown and described in <FIG>. The slots <NUM> can include an opening <NUM> and a receiving end <NUM>. The protrusions <NUM> of the attachment mating assembly <NUM> can be inserted into the openings <NUM> of the slots <NUM> and can travel to the receiving end <NUM> as the user rotates the attachment onto the outlet end <NUM> of the body housing <NUM>. When the protrusions <NUM> have reached the receiving end <NUM>, the user can release the latch <NUM> causing the tab <NUM> to travel toward the outlet end <NUM> and to become positioned within the opening <NUM> and the slot <NUM>. In this way, the tab <NUM> can fill a portion of the slot <NUM> such that the protrusion <NUM> is blocked from rotating away from or out of the receiving end <NUM>. As a result, the attachment can be secured to the body housing <NUM> and rotation of the attachment relative to the body housing is significantly reduced or eliminated. Retracting the latch <NUM> can cause the tab <NUM> to travel out of the slot <NUM> and as the user rotates the attachment for removal from the body housing <NUM>, the protrusions <NUM> can travel from the receiving end <NUM> to the opening <NUM> uncoupling the attachment from the body housing <NUM> of the hair care appliance <NUM>. The attachment mating portion <NUM> can be configured on any of the attachments described herein and is specifically shown in regard to embodiments of attachments shown in <FIG>.

The diffuser <NUM> can also include a flow adjustment <NUM> configured to vary the fluid flow provided by the diffuser attachment <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. A user can vary the fluid flow by adjusting the flow adjustment <NUM> within the flow adjustment track <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of the diffuser attachment <NUM>. As shown, a baffle <NUM> can be configured to divert air toward the edges of the body portion <NUM> of the diffuser <NUM>. In some embodiments, the baffle <NUM> can be disc shaped. In some embodiments, the baffle <NUM> is suspended from the central region of the body portion <NUM>. In this way, fluid flow is not directly provided into the central region of the body portion <NUM> and is, instead, redirected toward the circumference of the body portion <NUM> so that a more uniform fluid flow is provided via the projections <NUM> and the holes <NUM>, <NUM>. The baffle <NUM> can be coupled to an extension element <NUM> protruding from the lower surface of the body surface cover <NUM>. In this way, the baffle <NUM> can be suspended from the lower surface of the body surface cover <NUM>. In some embodiments, the baffle <NUM> can include holes therein as inlets or outlets for the air flow. In some embodiments, the baffle <NUM> may not include any holes therein. The projections <NUM> can be coupled via a frame <NUM> provided within the body portion <NUM>. The frame <NUM> can be formed as a lattice or matrix structure with openings <NUM> therein for the fluid flow path to travel through the frame <NUM>. The fluid flow path <NUM> through the diffuser attachment <NUM> can be seen in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows another exemplary embodiment of a concentrator attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance <NUM> including the attachment mating assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. A fluid flow path can extend from an inlet end <NUM> to an outlet end <NUM>. The fluid flow can be provided via the opening <NUM>. A variety of non-limiting shapes and dimensions of the opening <NUM> can be envisioned. In this embodiment, the concentrator attachment <NUM> can include a flow adjustment <NUM> configured to vary the fluid flow provided by the concentrator attachment <NUM>. A user can vary the fluid flow by adjusting the flow adjustment <NUM> within the flow adjustment track <NUM>. A bottom perspective view of the concentrator attachment <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. A side perspective view of the concentrator attachment <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the outlet end <NUM> can include an opening <NUM>. A variety of non-limiting shapes and dimensions of the opening <NUM> can be envisioned.

<FIG> shows another exemplary embodiment of a curling attachment <NUM> configured for use with a hair care appliance <NUM> including the attachment mating assembly <NUM> shown and described in relation to <FIG>. The curling attachment <NUM> can include a mating portion <NUM> and a body portion <NUM>. An inlet <NUM> can be provided in the mating portion <NUM>. A fluid flow path can be provided between the inlet <NUM> and outlets <NUM>. The outlets <NUM> can be provided between plates <NUM> extending along the central longitudinal axis of the curling attachment <NUM>. The plates <NUM> can be secured between an end cap <NUM> and the mating portion <NUM>. The plates <NUM> can be configured to rotate clockwise and counter-clockwise relative to the central longitudinal axis of the curling attachment <NUM> so that hair can be curled in multiple directions.

As shown in <FIG>, some of plates <NUM> have been removed to illustrate an internal frame <NUM> of the curling attachment <NUM>. The frame <NUM> can include a plurality of outlets <NUM> formed between frame elements of the frame <NUM>. The fluid flow path can be received via the inlet <NUM>, pass inside of the frame <NUM>, through the openings <NUM> and out of the curling attachment <NUM> via the outlets <NUM>. A variety of non-limiting shapes and dimensions of the frame <NUM> and the openings <NUM> formed by the frame elements can be envisioned.

<FIG> shows another exemplary embodiment of a round brush attachment <NUM> configured for use with a hair care appliance <NUM> including the attachment mating assembly <NUM> shown and described in relation to <FIG>. The round brush attachment <NUM> can receive a fluid flow via the inlet <NUM> from the hair care appliance <NUM>. The round brush attachment <NUM> can include a cover <NUM> with a plurality of outlets, such as holes <NUM> and slots <NUM>, formed in the cover <NUM> through which the fluid flow can pass. The round brush attachment <NUM> can include bristles <NUM> protruding through the holes <NUM>. In some embodiments, one or more bristles <NUM> can protrude through a hole <NUM>. The cover <NUM> can be positioned between an end cap <NUM> and the mating portion <NUM>.

The fluid flow received via the inlet <NUM> can be diffused via a diffuser plate <NUM> in including holes <NUM> as shown in <FIG> illustrating a cross-sectional perspective view of the round brush attachment <NUM> of <FIG>. A non-limiting variety of shapes, dimensions, and patterns of the holes <NUM> can be envisioned. The inner body <NUM> can include slots <NUM> in a non-limiting variety of shapes, dimensions, and patterns. The fluid flow can be advantageously directed to the holes <NUM> and slots <NUM>, <NUM> via a baffle <NUM>. The baffle <NUM> can be positioned within an inner body <NUM> and can be coupled to or integrated with the end cap <NUM>. The inner body <NUM> can be coupled to the mating portion <NUM> and to the end cap <NUM>. A gap <NUM> can be formed between an exterior surface of the inner body <NUM> and an inner surface of the cover <NUM>. The gap <NUM> can be dimensioned to advantageously provide the fluid flow through the holes <NUM> and the slots <NUM>. In some embodiments, the baffle <NUM> is a hollow structure that does not include an inlet or an outlet. In some embodiments, the baffle <NUM> can be a solid structure that does not include an inlet or an outlet. In some embodiments, the baffle <NUM> can be a hollow structure or a solid structure and can include at least one inlet and at least one outlet.

<FIG> shows another exemplary embodiment of a paddle brush attachment <NUM> configured for use with a hair care appliance <NUM> including the attachment mating assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. The paddle brush attachment <NUM> can include the mating portion <NUM> and an inlet <NUM>. A cover <NUM> can be coupled between the mating portion <NUM> and an end cap <NUM>. The cover <NUM> can include holes <NUM> and slots <NUM> configured as outlets of the paddle brush attachment <NUM>. A variety of non-limiting shapes, dimensions, and patterns of holes <NUM> and slots <NUM> can be envisioned. A plurality of bristles <NUM> can extend through the cover <NUM> via the holes <NUM>. A fluid flow path can extend through the paddle brush attachment <NUM> from the inlet <NUM> and out the holes <NUM> and the slots <NUM>. In some embodiments, the holes <NUM> and brush bristles <NUM> can be positioned on a single plane. In other embodiments, the holes <NUM> and brush bristles <NUM> may wrap around the face of the paddle brush attachment <NUM>.

The fluid flow path through the paddle brush attachment <NUM> can be directed toward the face and sides of paddle brush attachment by a diverter <NUM> shown in <FIG> illustrating a cross-sectional perspective view of the paddle brush attachment <NUM>. The diverter <NUM> can be positioned within the paddle brush attachment between the cover <NUM> and a housing <NUM>. The diverter <NUM> can include a plurality of curved vanes <NUM> to direct the fluid flow within the paddle brush attachment <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the diverter <NUM> can include a frame <NUM> extending between a base <NUM> and a head <NUM>. The base <NUM> can include an opening <NUM> in correspondence with the inlet <NUM>. A variety of non-limiting shapes, numbers, and dimensions of the frame <NUM> and the vanes <NUM> can be envisioned to advantageously divert the fluid flow received at the opening <NUM> along the frame <NUM> and toward the holes <NUM> and slots <NUM> in the cover <NUM>.

The attachment mating mechanisms and assemblies of the improved hair care appliance described herein produce a number of advantages. For example, the attachment can be secured to the hair care appliance using a dual-mating technique. Firstly, attachment mating mechanisms at the outlet of the body housing (e.g., the hook-shaped features formed as segmented concentric rings or protrusions of the mating collar) can interface with mating mechanisms of an attachment (e.g., longitudinally oriented ridges or slots) to couple to and reduce rotation of the attachment and the body. An attachment actuator assembly can eliminate rotation of the attachment relative to the body housing by actuating to insert a tab into a slot a slot of the mating portion of the attachment. Secondly, an attachment can be configured to extend over the outlet in a sleeved configuration. Additionally, the sleeve can enable a more compact design of the hair care appliance when an attachment is secured to the outlet and can enhance the user experience as a result of the compact design.

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 nonlimiting 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.

Claim 1:
A hair care appliance, comprising:
a housing (114a, 114b, <NUM>) including a handle (<NUM>) having an inlet (<NUM>), a body (<NUM>) having an outlet (<NUM>), and a fluid flow path (P) through the housing (114a, 114b, <NUM>) between the inlet (<NUM>) and the outlet (<NUM>);
the handle (<NUM>) being movably coupled to the body (<NUM>) by a rotational hinge joint (<NUM>);
the body (<NUM>) being movable between a straight configuration in which the body (<NUM>) extends along a longitudinal axis of the handle (<NUM>), and a bent configuration in which the body (<NUM>) extends along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle (<NUM>); and
a fan assembly (<NUM>) disposed within the housing (114a, 114b) and configured to generate a flow of fluid at a flow rate from the inlet (<NUM>) along the fluid flow path (P) to the outlet (<NUM>);
characterised in that
the fan assembly (<NUM>) is disposed within the handle (<NUM>) adjacent to the rotational hinge joint (<NUM>),
to provide said flow of fluid through the rotational hinge joint (<NUM>) with minimal reduction in fluid flow in the bent configuration,
wherein the flow rate in the bent configuration, if less than the flow rate in the straight configuration, is less than the flow rate in the straight configuration by no more than <NUM> percent.