U.S. patent application number 12/087332 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-01 for hairdryer device.
Invention is credited to Leopoldo Matteo Bazzicalupo, Raffaella Mangiarotti.
Application Number | 20090000143 12/087332 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37944406 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090000143 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bazzicalupo; Leopoldo Matteo ;
et al. |
January 1, 2009 |
Hairdryer Device
Abstract
Hairdryer device (10) of the type equipped with at least one
handle (2), with at least one dispensing barrel (3), with at least
one electric motor (4) and with at least one inlet fan (5)
functionally connected to the motor (4) to take in air from the
outside and dispense it through an outlet mouth. The device also
has a first outlet mouth (12) arranged on the front of barrel (3),
at least one second outlet mouth (13), arranged on the side of
barrel (3) to dispense an airflow substantially perpendicular to
the first outlet mouth (12) and selection means (14) to alternate
the dispensing of the flow between the first and second mouth
according to the user's requirements.
Inventors: |
Bazzicalupo; Leopoldo Matteo;
(Brescia, IT) ; Mangiarotti; Raffaella; (Milano,
IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HEDMAN & COSTIGAN P.C.
1185 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
10036
US
|
Family ID: |
37944406 |
Appl. No.: |
12/087332 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
December 29, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2006/012657 |
371 Date: |
September 10, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
34/97 ;
34/96 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 20/12 20130101;
A45D 20/122 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
34/97 ;
34/96 |
International
Class: |
A45D 20/12 20060101
A45D020/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 4, 2006 |
IT |
MI2006A000011 |
Claims
1. Hairdryer device (10) of the type equipped with at least one
handle (2), at least one dispensing barrel (3), with at least one
electric motor (4) and with at least one inlet fan (5) functionally
connected to said motor (4) to take in air from the outside and
dispense it through at least one outlet mouth characterised in that
it comprises a first outlet mouth (12), arranged on the front of
said barrel (3), at least one second outlet mouth (13), arranged on
the side of said barrel (3) to dispense an airflow, substantially
perpendicular to said first mouth (12) and selection means (14) to
alternate the dispensing of the airflow between the first (12) and
the second mouth (13) according to the user's requirements.
2. Hairdryer device (10) according to claim 1, characterised in
that said second air inlet mouth (13) comprises a projecting
portion (15) with section converging radially towards the outside,
with respect to said barrel (3), and a substantially blade-shaped
opening (11) arranged on the distal end of said projecting portion
(15) with respect to said barrel (3).
3. Hairdryer device (10) according to claim 1, characterised in
that said second air inlet mouth (13) comprises at least one air
inlet hole (17) to take in air from the outside by Venturi effect
and at least one deflecting fin (32), arranged perpendicular to
said blade-shaped opening (11), to direct the airflow coming in
through said hole (17).
4. Hairdryer device (10) according to claim 1, characterised in
that it comprises control means (16) to activate said selection
means (14) of the airflow.
5. Hairdryer device (10) according to claim 1, characterised in
that said selection means (14) of the airflow comprise at least one
curtain element (20) able to slide in at least one guide (21), made
in said barrel (3) to open or close said first mouth (12).
6. Hairdryer device (10) according to claim 1, characterised in
that said control means (16) comprise a mechanical connection
member (22) acting on a slider (23) arranged on said handle (2) to
make said curtain (20) slide.
7. Hairdryer device (10) according to claim 4, characterised in
that said means (14) for selecting the airflow comprise at least
one diaphragm (31) arranged at the first outlet mouth (12) suitable
for rotating between a closed position and an open position to open
or close the first outlet mouth (12).
8. Hairdryer device (10) according to claim 7, characterised in
that said control means (16) comprise elastic means (33) for
holding said diaphragm (31) in open position and locking means
suitable for locking said diaphragm (31) on the mouth (12)
counteracting said elastic means (33).
9. Hairdryer device (10) according to claim 7, characterised in
that the diaphragm (31) is hinged at two of its opposite ends to
said barrel (3) so as to define a rotation axis.
10. Hairdryer device (10) according to claim 4, characterised in
that said selection means (14) of the airflow comprise at least one
butterfly valve comprising two semi-circular sections hinged to
said barrel (3) suitable for opening or closing to open or close
said first mouth (12).
11. Hairdryer device (10) according to claim 7, characterised in
that said control means comprise a mechanical connection member
arranged on the body of the hairdryer and a gripping element that
can be actuated from the outside.
12. Hairdryer device (10) according to claim 4, characterised in
that said selection means (14) of the airflow comprise two
blade-shaped air deflectors suitable for lying on top of one
another or coming together to open or close the outlet of the
airflow through said first mouth (12).
13. Hairdryer device (10) according to claim 4, characterised in
that said selection means (14) of the airflow comprise a plurality
of blade-shaped air deflectors (44) hinged to the barrel 3 so as to
be able to rotate between a position in which said air deflectors
(44) are arranged perpendicular to the airflow, forming a single
shutter (31) that blocks said first outlet mouth (12) and an open
position in which they are all arranged parallel to each other and
to the airflow so as to allow the latter to be dispensed from said
mouth (12).
14. Hairdryer device (10) according to claim 4, characterised in
that said selection means (14) of the airflow comprise a rotatable
sleeve, arranged at the end of said barrel (3), to rotate between a
position in which it opens said opening (11) and a position in
which it closes said opening (11).
15. Hairdryer device (10) according to claim 1, characterised in
that said motor (4) is an electronic motor.
16. Hairdryer device (10) according to claim 15, characterised in
that said electronic motor (4) is a single-phase electronic
motor.
17. Hairdryer device (10) according to claim 15, characterised in
that said electronic motor (4) is a three-phase electronic
motor.
18. Hairdryer device (10) according to claim 15, characterised in
that it comprises electronic means suitable for controlling said
electronic motor to continuously vary the dispensing speed of the
airflow.
19. Hairdryer device (10) according to claim 1, characterised in
that said motor (4) is positioned in said handle (2).
20. Hairdryer device (10) according to claim 1, characterised in
that said first outlet mouth 12 and the second outlet mouth 13 are
positioned on a rotatable sleeve on said barrel (3).
21. Accessory for a hairdryer, such a hairdryer comprising at least
one dispensing barrel (3) to which such an accessory can be fixed
through attachment means characterised in that it comprises a first
outlet mouth (12), arranged on the front of said barrel (3), and at
least one second outlet mouth (13), arranged on the side of said
barrel (3) to dispense an airflow, substantially perpendicular to
said first mouth (12).
22. Accessory according to claim 21, comprising at least one third
air mouth arranged above such a barrel (3).
23. Accessory according to claim 21, in which the attachment means
between the barrel and the accessory allow it to rotate with
respect to such a barrel.
Description
[0001] The present invention refers to a hairdryer device.
[0002] Conventional hairdryer devices are made up of a handle, a
dispensing barrel arranged substantially perpendicular to the
handle, an electric motor, contained in the barrel and an inlet fan
functionally connected to the motor to take in air from the outside
and dispense it, possibly after having passed through an electrical
resistance, from an outlet mouth, arranged on the front of the
barrel.
[0003] From observing the posture and movement of the arms of
hairdressers whilst using conventional hairdryers, like the one
described above, it can be seen that when straightening hair the
hairdresser is forced to lift the arm and twist the wrist to direct
the airflow from above to below.
[0004] Such an operation becomes necessary, during straightening of
hair, to make the hair shiny, since by directing the hot airflow
from the top of the head towards the tips of the hair the squamae
of the hair close up, which makes them shiny.
[0005] In order to be able to carry out this type of drying, in the
current state of the art, it is necessary to add an accessory (air
concentrator) on the end of the hairdryer. This element has a
series of disadvantages in terms of comfort: [0006] on the one hand
it does not solve the ergonomic problems, since the grip and the
arm and wrist movements remain unnatural (lifting of the arm and
twisting of the wrist) and even made more tiring by the extension
of the hairdryer that means that the arm has to be lifted even
higher; [0007] on the other hand, by absorbing the heat from the
air coming out from the end of the hairdryer, the air concentrator
overheats with the risk of burning the fingers when it has to be
held to detach it, and then move on to a different operation.
[0008] These and other factors, above all considered over a
continuous day of work lasting about eight hours lead to needless
tiring that can, over time, cause serious and temporarily
incapacitating pathologies such as tendinitis.
[0009] Indeed, prolonged and/or repetitive flexing-extension
movements of the wrist cause an increase in pressure inside the
carpal tunnel.
[0010] Moreover, the repeated stretching of the nerves and of the
tendons that run behind the tunnel can cause inflammation that
reduces the size of the carpal tunnel resulting in the compression
of the median nerve.
[0011] In light of the above there is clearly a need to provide a
hairdryer device, like the one according to the present invention,
which allows the problems of the prior art to be solved by
providing a device capable of varying the type and direction of the
airflow being dispensed according to the type of drying and the
degree of shine that one wishes to obtain.
[0012] The purpose of the present invention is, therefore, to avoid
the aforementioned drawbacks and in particular to make a hairdryer
device that allows the hair treatment process (straightening,
smoothing, brushing, etc.) to be carried out allowing the wrist to
remain in the most natural possible position, i.e. the one in which
the muscles are typically relaxed (which occurs in conditions of
microgravity).
[0013] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a
hairdryer device, which eliminates the possibility of burning the
fingers due to the removal of the air concentrator, before it has
cooled down.
[0014] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a
hairdryer device capable of being positioned on a support base
without auxiliary support elements, thus capable of standing
upright.
[0015] Finally, another purpose of the present invention is to
provide a hairdryer device that is particularly simple and
functional at a relatively low cost.
[0016] These and other purposes according to the present invention
are accomplished by a hairdryer device as outlined in claim 1.
[0017] Further characteristics of the device are the object of the
dependent claims.
[0018] The characteristics and advantages of a hairdryer device
according to the present invention shall become clearer from the
following description, given as a non-limiting example, referring
to the attached schematic drawings, in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevation view in section of a
first embodiment of the hairdryer device according to the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view in section of a first
embodiment of the hairdryer device according to the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 2a is a schematic view from below of the blade-shaped
opening of the hairdryer device according to the present invention;
and
[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic side elevation view in section of a
second embodiment of the hairdryer device according to the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a schematic side elevation view in section of a
further embodiment of the hairdryer device according to the present
invention equipped with special selection means of the airflow;
and
[0024] FIGS. 5 and 5a are two front views of a further embodiment
of the hairdryer device according to the present invention equipped
with special selection means of the airflow.
[0025] With reference to the figures, a hairdryer device is shown,
wholly indicated with 10.
[0026] The device 10 comprises at least one handle 2, at least one
dispensing barrel 3 arranged substantially perpendicular to the
handle 2, an electric motor 4 and at least one inlet fan 5,5'
functionally connected to the motor 4 to take in air from the
outside and dispense it through an outlet mouth.
[0027] In order to operate, the hairdryer device 10 has a
connection to an energy source, such as, in a known way, a
connection, not shown, to the mains.
[0028] The device 10 also has, in a per se known way, at least one
electrical resistance 8 arranged downstream of the electric motor 4
to heat, if so desired, the airflow to be dispensed and at least
one filter 9 arranged upstream of the intake fans 5,5'.
[0029] Advantageously, according to the present invention the
device 10 also comprises at least one first outlet mouth 12
arranged on the front of barrel 3, at least one second air inlet
mouth 13 arranged on the side of barrel 3 to dispense an airflow,
substantially perpendicular to the first mouth 12 and selection
means 14 to alternate the dispensing of the flow between the first
12 and the second outlet mouth 13 according to the type of drying
that one wishes to obtain.
[0030] The secondary outlet mouth 13 is arranged on the side of the
barrel 3 and consists of a blade-shaped opening 11, in other words
of a size substantially larger than the rest, as shown in FIG.
2a.
[0031] In particular, the predominant direction is that parallel to
the axis of symmetry of the barrel 3. The special blade-shaped
configuration of the opening 11 allows the closing of the squamae
of the hair during drying to be made easier and to be carried out
to a greater degree, making the straight hair particularly
shiny.
[0032] The second outlet mouth 13 also has a projecting portion 15
with section substantially radially converging going away from the
barrel 3, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0033] The blade-shaped opening 11 is arranged on top of the
projecting portion 15.
[0034] On the inclined sides of the projecting portion 15 a
plurality of holes 17 are foreseen that are also inclined, which by
Venturi effect, during the operation of the device 10, take in cold
air from the outside so as to compact the flow being dispensed from
the second outlet mouth 13.
[0035] The cold air coming from the outside mixes, therefore, with
the hot air coming from the barrel 3 compacting the flow being
dispensed and, therefore, resulting in the squamae of the hair
closing to a greater extent, which make them shinier.
[0036] To better direct the flow entering through the holes 17, a
deflecting fin 32 is foreseen, as shown in FIG. 2, arranged
perpendicular to the opening 11.
[0037] The alternation between the dispensing of the two air flows
occurs, as stated earlier, thanks to suitable selection means 14 or
selectors actuated by suitable controls 16.
[0038] According to a first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the
selection means 14 are represented by a curtain element 20 that can
slide in two guides 21 formed inside the barrel 3 to close or open
the first front outlet mouth 12.
[0039] The sliding of the curtain 20 is obtained through control
means 16 represented, in this case, by a mechanical connection
member 22 and by at least one slider 23 arranged on the handle 2
and able to be actuated manually from the outside.
[0040] By making the slider 23 slide in one direction, the curtain
20 slides in the guides 21 to close the front outlet mouth 12,
whereas by making the slider 23 slide in the opposite direction,
the curtain 20 slides back to open the front outlet mouth 12.
[0041] Although in the present description reference is made to two
side guides 21 it is also possible to foresee just one or more than
two of them without departing from the scope of protection of the
present invention.
[0042] According to another embodiment, the selection means 14 are
represented by a diaphragm 31 arranged at the first outlet mouth
12.
[0043] The diaphragm 31 is hinged at an end thereof to the barrel 3
and can rotate between a closed position and an open position to
open or close the first outlet mouth 12.
[0044] For this purpose, the diaphragm has a shape and size such as
to completely block the first outlet mouth 12 in closed
position.
[0045] According to this embodiment, the diaphragm 31 is held in
open position by suitable elastic means 33, and in closed position
by suitable locking means, not shown, suitable for locking said
diaphragm onto the mouth 12 and counteracting said elastic means
33.
[0046] With the locking means unlocked, the diaphragm 31 rotates
under the action of the elastic means to leave the first outlet
mouth 12 free to dispense the airflow at the front.
[0047] Alternatively, the diaphragm 31 can be hinged at two of its
opposite ends to the barrel 3 so as to define a rotation axis that
is substantially vertical, in other words substantially parallel to
the handle 2, or horizontal, in other words perpendicular to the
handle 2.
[0048] The diaphragm 31 can, therefore, rotate between a closed
position, in which it is arranged perpendicular to the airflow and
blocks the first outlet mouth 12 (FIG. 4) and an open position
(represented for example with a broken line in FIG. 4), in which it
is arranged parallel to the airflow so as to allow it to be
dispensed from the mouth 12.
[0049] According to yet another embodiment, not shown, the
selection means 14 of the airflow are represented by at least one
butterfly valve consisting of two semicircular sections hinged at
the straight sides.
[0050] The two semicircular sections open and close thanks to a
mechanical connection member arranged on the body of the hairdryer
and to a manual gripping element actuated from the outside.
[0051] According to yet another embodiment, the selection means 14
of the air are represented by two bladed air deflectors suitable
for lying on top of one another or coming together to open or close
the outlet of the airflow through the first mouth 12.
[0052] In particular, when the deflectors are arranged at
90.degree. to one another air passes, whereas when the blades come
together the passage of air is blocked.
[0053] According to yet another embodiment, the selection means 14
of the air are represented by a plurality of bladed air deflectors
44 hinged to the barrel 3 so as to be able to rotate between a
position in which they are arranged perpendicular to the airflow,
forming a single shutter 31 that blocks the first outlet mouth 12
(FIG. 5) and an open position in which they are all arranged
parallel to each other and to the airflow so as to allow the latter
to be dispensed from the mouth 12 (FIG. 5a).
[0054] Alternatively, the reciprocity between the two flows can
also be obtained by providing a portion of barrel 3 shaped like a
rotatable sleeve.
[0055] In particular, the aforementioned sleeve, arranged at the
end of the barrel 3, can rotate to open or close the opening
11.
[0056] In any case, once the front curtain or the alternative
selection means 14 that opens the first outlet mouth 12 is open, it
is not necessary to close the second outlet mouth 13, arranged on
the side of the barrel 3. Indeed, the force of the airflow directed
towards the front outlet is unable to create an airflow from the
underlying second outlet mouth 13. Rather, due to the Venturi
effect, the main flow directed towards the front air outlet or
primary mouth 12 creates a cold airflow that penetrates from the
outlet below 13, determining a suitable mixing of the two
airflows--the hot one, coming from the resistance 8, and the cold
one, coming in from the mouth 13, respectively.
[0057] According to another advantageous aspect of the present
invention, the electric motor 4 is a single-phase or three-phase
electronic motor with electronic control.
[0058] The particular motor 4 is of a particularly small size that
allows the device 10 to be configured with a particularly slim
tube-shaped structure. The hairdryer device 10 according to the
present invention thus consists of a new electronic motor of
reduced diameter that can be controlled through an electronic board
capable of modulating the dispensing speed of the airflow as
desired.
[0059] In other words, with the device 10 according to the present
invention, the airflow is not dispensed at determined speeds, but
in continuous variation according to the user's requirements.
[0060] The small size of the new electronic motor allows it to be
positioned inside a handle, allowing the barycentre to be moved
from the body of the barrel (as in conventional hairdryers) to the
area of the grip or handle.
[0061] The movement of the barycentre, which is now substantially
aligned with the axis of symmetry of the handle, makes it possible
to have a product that is able to be rested on the base of the
handle and to remain stable, upright on a plane, making it easier
to be held more ergonomically at the moment of use.
[0062] Alternatively, it is possible to foresee a conventional
electric motor 4 that must, however, be positioned inside the
handle, allowing the barycentre to be moved from the body of the
barrel (as in conventional hairdryers) to the area of the grip or
handle.
[0063] The hairdryer device according to the present invention, in
a variant that is not shown, foresees that both the first outlet
mouth 12, and the second outlet mouth 13, be positioned on a sleeve
able to rotate by 360.degree. on the barrel 3. In this way, an
airflow is obtained dispensed from the mouth 13 with variable
inclination according to the user's requirements.
[0064] The hairdryer device, in a further variant that is not
shown, also foresees a third outlet mouth of the air arranged in
the top part of the barrel 3.
[0065] At the third outlet mouth 12 a second integrated accessory
intended for the treatment of curly hair is foreseen. The
integrated accessory is represented by a diffuser provided with a
plurality of silicon rubber-ended points suitable for carrying out
a massage and a further curling of the root of the hair. The
integration of this second accessory in the very structure of the
hairdryer device allows the risks of burning hands and fingers
whenever touching the air nozzle and/or the diffuser before the
hairdryer has cooled down to be eliminated.
[0066] From the description that has been made the characteristics
of the device object of the present invention are clear, just as
the relative advantages are also clear, including: [0067]
possibility of carrying out the hair treatment process
(straightening, smoothing, brushing, etc.) allowing the wrist to
remain in the most natural possible position, i.e. the one in which
the muscles are typically relaxed; [0068] possibility of keeping
the device upright on a plane without the help of external support
means; [0069] simplicity of construction and functionality; [0070]
relatively low manufacturing costs. Finally, it is clear that the
device thus conceived can undergo numerous modifications and
variations, all of which are covered by the invention. For example,
although in the present description the outlet mouths 12,13 are
integral with the barrel 3 it is, nevertheless, possible to make
them on a distinct portion able to be fixed through suitable
releasable means to the barrel 3 itself so as to obtain the same
result in functional terms. Moreover, all of the details can be
replaced by technically equivalent elements. In particular, it is
possible within the present invention to make a hairdryer
accessory, such a hairdryer comprising at least one dispensing
barrel 3 to which such an accessory can be fixed through attachment
means. Such an accessory comprises a first outlet mouth 12,
arranged on the front of said barrel 3, and at least one second
outlet mouth 13, arranged on the side of said barrel 3 to dispense
an airflow, substantially perpendicular to said first mouth 12.
Moreover, it is possible to foresee the presence of at least one
third mouth for the air arranged at the top of such a barrel 3.
Moreover, the attachment means between the barrel and the accessory
allow it to rotate with respect to such a barrel. In practice, the
materials used, as well as the sizes, can be whatever according to
the technical requirements.
* * * * *