U.S. patent application number 13/689952 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-30 for hair dryer.
The applicant listed for this patent is David M. Hadden. Invention is credited to David M. Hadden.
Application Number | 20130133218 13/689952 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48465503 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130133218 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hadden; David M. |
May 30, 2013 |
HAIR DRYER
Abstract
A hair dryer including a main body having a handle and a
housing. The hair dryer includes a first module and a second
module, both selectably coupleable and thereby functionally
coupleable to the main body. The first module and the second module
each include a hair dryer component selected from the group of hair
dryer components consisting of a heater module and a blower module.
The first module is a blower module including a motor. The second
module is a heater module including a heating element. The first
module includes an identification device configured to identify a
characteristic of the first module and wherein the housing includes
a communication module configured to read an identification device
and communicate a read characteristic to a control module. The hair
dryer includes a plurality of interchangeable first modules that
include varying operational characteristics.
Inventors: |
Hadden; David M.; (Los
Altos, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hadden; David M. |
Los Altos |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48465503 |
Appl. No.: |
13/689952 |
Filed: |
November 30, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61564979 |
Nov 30, 2011 |
|
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|
61621841 |
Apr 9, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
34/97 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 20/12 20130101;
A45D 20/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
34/97 |
International
Class: |
A45D 20/10 20060101
A45D020/10 |
Claims
1. A hair dryer, comprising: a) a main body including: a1) a
handle; a2) a housing coupled to the handle; and a3) a first module
interface structure coupled to the housing; and b) a first module
selectably coupleable and thereby functionally coupleable to the
first module interface structure of the main body and including a
hair dryer component selected from the group of hair dryer
components consisting of heater module and blower module.
2. The hair dryer of claim 1, further comprising: a) a second
module interface structure coupled to the housing and disposed
opposite the first module interface structure; and b) a second
module selectably coupleable and thereby functionally coupleable to
the second module interface structure of the main body and
including a hair dryer component selected from the group of hair
dryer components consisting of heater module and blower module.
3. The hair dryer of claim 1, wherein the first module interface
structure includes a reusable power coupling with mating
contacts.
4. The hair dryer of claim 1, wherein the first module is a blower
module including a motor.
5. The hair dryer of claim 1, wherein the first module interface
structure includes a data connection configured to communicate data
between the main body and the first module.
6. The hair dryer of claim 1, wherein the first module is a heater
module including a heating element.
7. The hair dryer of claim 1, wherein the first module includes a
heater module and a blower module.
8. The hair dryer of claim 1, wherein the first module includes a
fan.
9. The hair dryer of claim 1, wherein the first module interface
structure includes a first alignment structure that mates with a
second alignment structure disposed on the first module and wherein
mating of the first and second alignment structures results in
functional alignment of the first module with the housing.
10. The hair dryer of claim 1, wherein the first module includes an
identification device configured to identify a characteristic of
the first module and wherein the housing includes a communication
module configured to read an identification device and communicate
a read characteristic to a control module.
11. The hair dryer of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
interchangeable first modules including varying operational
characteristics.
12. A hair dryer comprising a selectably removable motor having a
reusable power coupling module with mating power contacts.
13. The hair dryer of claim 12, wherein the selectably removable
motor includes an identification device configured to identify a
characteristic of the selectably removable motor and wherein the
hair dryer includes a communication module configured to read an
identification device and communicate a read characteristic to a
control module.
14. The hair dryer of claim 13, further comprising a selectably
removable heater having a reusable power coupling with mating power
contacts.
15. The hair dryer of claim 14, further comprising an alignment
structure included with at least one of the selectably removable
motor and the selectably removable heater, wherein the alignment
structure facilitates alignment during coupling.
16. The hair dryer of claim 15, further comprising a data
connection between the heater and a housing of the hair dryer and a
communication module within the hair dryer in communication with
the data connection.
17. The hair dryer of claim 16, wherein the selectably removable
heater includes an identification device configured to identify a
characteristic of the selectably removable heater.
18. The hair dryer of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of
interchangeable selectably removable motors and a plurality of
interchangeable selectably removable heaters.
19. The hair dryer of claim 18, wherein the plurality of selectably
interchangeable removable motors and heaters include varying
operational characteristics.
20. A hair dryer kit, comprising: a) a main body including: a1) a
handle; a2) a housing coupled to the handle; a3) a first module
interface structure coupled to the housing; and a4) a second module
interface structure coupled to the housing and disposed opposite
the first module interface structure; b) a plurality of
interchangeable heater modules including heating elements
selectably coupleable and thereby functionally coupleable to the
first module interface structure of the main body; and c) a
plurality of interchangeable blower modules including motors
selectably coupleable and thereby functionally coupleable to the
second module interface structure of the main body.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This invention claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120,
to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/564,979 to David
M. Hadden filed on Nov. 30, 2011, which is incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety. This invention claims priority,
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120, to the U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/621,841 to David M. Hadden filed on Apr. 9,
2012, which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to hair dryers, specifically a
modular hair dryer.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A hair dryer or a blow dryer is an electromechanical device
designed to blow cool or hot air over wet or damp hair, in order to
accelerate the evaporation of water particles and dry the hair.
Hair dryers allow to better control the shape and style of hair, by
accelerating and controlling the formation of temporary hydrogen
bonds inside each strand. These hydrogen bonds are very powerful
(allowing for stronger hair shaping than even the sulfur bonds
formed by permanent waving products), but are temporary and
extremely vulnerable to humidity. They disappear with a single
washing of the hair.
[0006] Hairstyles using hair dryers usually have volume and
discipline, which can be further improved by the use of styling
products and hairbrushes during drying to add tension, hold and
lift. Hair dryers are used both in the beauty salon by professional
stylists, and in the average household by consumers.
[0007] Most models use coils of wire that have a high electric
resistivity and heat rapidly with an electric current. A fan
usually blows ambient air past the hot coils resulting in heated
air effective for drying. The heating element in most hairdryers is
a bare, coiled nichrome wire that is wrapped around insulating mica
heating boards. Nichrome wire is used in heating elements, because
of two important properties: it is a poor conductor of electricity
and it does not oxidize when heated.
[0008] Hair dryers are available with different attachments, such
as diffusers, airflow concentrators, and comb nozzle attachments. A
diffuser is an attachment that is used on hair that is fine,
colored, permed or naturally curly. It works by diffusing the heat
so that the hair dries more slowly at a cooler temperature. This
makes it so that the hair is less likely to frizz and it gives the
hair more volume. An airflow concentrator does the exact opposite
of a diffuser. It makes the end of the hair dryer more narrow and
thus helps to concentrate the heat into one spot in order to make
it dry rapidly. The comb nozzle attachment is the same as the
airflow concentrator, but it ends with comb-like teeth so that the
user can dry the hair using just the dryer without a brush or
comb.
[0009] Some improvements have been made in the field. Examples of
references related to the present invention are described below in
their own words, and the supporting teachings of each reference are
incorporated by reference herein:
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 7,926,198, issued to Merritt, discloses a
handheld dryer having low power consumption is provided. A fan
operates to cause air to be drawn into the housing of the dryer,
creating an airstream of substantial velocity that is forced
through a heater assembly. The heater assembly includes two Peltier
thermoelectric modules in thermal communication with a plurality of
heat sinks. The airstream generated by the fan passes through the
heat sinks to remove the heat therefrom, and is, in turn, heated.
The passage of the airstream through the dryer housing results in
each thermoelectric module operating at essentially a zero
temperature differential between its hot and cold face.
Resultantly, hot air is discharged from the handheld dryer, which
can be used to dry hair or other objects.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 7,296,580, issued to Sbardella, discloses an
apparatus 10 discloses a plurality of hair curlers 40 having means
for engaging a hair curling appliance comprising a handle assembly
12 having curler engaging and disengaging means, a circuit for
producing a volume of heated air, control means for energizing and
de-energizing the circuit, an actuator for engaging a temperature
burst and means for tapping a power source. The housing
incorporates a handle assembly 12 containing a heating element for
electrically heating the air in use, an on/off switch 24, quick
release ring 26 and temperature burst button 20. At one distal end
of the curling wand 12 is a curler attachment port 30 that allows
the user to insert a curler 14 and release the curler by a quick
release ring 26. The assembly 12 allows for the use of a variety of
different size and style curlers 14. A storage case 38 is
provided.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,021, issued to Talavera, discloses a
hand held hair trimming device which when pulled through the hair
trims only a determined portion of the ends of hair strands while
leaving adjacent hairs uncut. The device will cut a predetermined
length off only the distal ends of the hair shafts each time it has
the hair drawn through one or a plurality of serpentine pathways
formed by retainer cavities and an engageable retainer. The cutting
head portion of the device may be removed and replaced and optional
hair dryer or vacuum may be attached to an aperture on the rear of
the cutting head to dry hair, vacate cut ends, or encourage distal
ends of hairs toward the cutting blade.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,775,922, issued to Langley et al., discloses
a hair dryer attachment system provides a dryer and a plurality of
attachments. A fastening mechanism is provided so that multiple
attachments are each securable to the generally circular or ovate
dryer barrel using the same fastening technology. Each of the
attachments forms part of the barrel, and when used with the
preferred present shortened barrel, a so-called "standard-length"
drier is provided which provides the additional benefits of the
respective attachments, without being overly long so as to be
cumbersome during use. Each attachment features an apron which is
supported by the barrel and, with engagement formations on the
barrel and complementary formations on the apron, the attachment is
releasably secured to the barrel. Aeration barrel and finger/comb
attachments are also provided.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,724, issued to Depoyian, discloses a
hair drying assembly has a hair dryer that is particularly suited
for using one of a plurality of interchangeable brush heads. The
hair dryer has an ellipsoid shaped housing with a cylindrical
outlet section at one end and a pivotal grip section at the other
end. The handle is pivotally and removably attached to the housing.
In one embodiment the handle is attached with air inlet passages
formed by legs connecting to the housing and additional slots at
the inlet end of the housing. Control buttons for regulating the
motor are on the pivotal handle grip section. Outlet passages are
provided in the outlet section. One form of brush head is hollow
with peripheral openings and bristles extending therethrough and
another brush head is solid with the bristles fixedly attached. In
another embodiment there is a bifurcated handle with spaced arms
that pivotally connect to the housing inwardly of the air inlet
end.
[0015] The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of
disadvantages which include being limited in function, being
limited in use, being limited in adaptabilities, being limited in
interchangeability, being difficult to use, being expensive, being
difficult to replace, being expensive to replace, being limited in
application, being too bulky, being difficult to use, being more
expensive over time, being difficult to upgrade, being single-use
only, failing to perform both primary functions of a hair dryer
(drying and heating), being inefficient, being heavy, having poor
balance during use, requiring expensive repairs, failing to induce
loyalty among consumers, having poor controls, and being
fragile.
[0016] What is needed is a hair dryer that solves one or more of
the problems described herein and/or one or more problems that may
come to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becoming
familiar with this specification.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention has been developed in response to the
present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the
problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved
by currently available hair dryer. Accordingly, the present
invention has been developed to provide a hair dryer with
interchangeable components.
[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a
hair dryer that may have a main body. The main body may include a
handle and a housing that may be coupled to the handle. The main
body may include a first module interface structure that may be
coupled to the housing. The hair dryer may include a first module
that may be selectably coupleable and thereby may be functionally
coupleable to the first module interface structure of the main
body. The first module may include a hair dryer component selected
from the group of hair dryer components consisting of a heater
module and a blower module.
[0019] The hair dryer may include a second module interface
structure that may be coupled to the housing and may be disposed
opposite the first module interface structure. The hair dryer may
include a second module that may be selectably coupleable and
thereby may be functionally coupleable to the second module
interface structure of the main body. The second module may include
a hair dryer component selected from the group of hair dryer
components consisting of a heater module and a blower module.
[0020] The first module interface structure may include a reusable
power coupling with mating contacts. The first module may be a
blower module that may include a motor. The first module interface
structure may include a data connection that may be configured to
communicate data between the main body and the first module. The
first module may be a heater module that may include a heating
element. The first module may include a heater module and a blower
module. The first module may include a fan. The first module
interface structure may include a first alignment structure that
may mate with a second alignment structure that may be disposed on
the first module and wherein mating of the first and second
alignment structures may result in functional alignment of the
first module with the housing. The first module may include an
identification device that may be configured to identify a
characteristic of the first module and wherein the housing may
include a communication module that may be configured to read an
identification device and communicate a read characteristic to a
control module. The hair dryer may include a plurality of
interchangeable first modules that may include varying operational
characteristics.
[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a
hair dryer that may comprise a selectably removable motor that may
have a reusable power coupling module with mating power contacts.
The selectably removable motor may include an identification device
that may be configured to identify a characteristic of the
selectably removable motor and wherein the hair dryer may include a
communication module that may be configured to read an
identification device and communicate a read characteristic to a
control module.
[0022] The hair dryer may comprise a selectably removable heater
that may have a reusable power coupling with mating power contacts.
The hair dryer may comprise an alignment structure included with at
least one of the selectably removable motor and the selectably
removable heater, wherein the alignment structure facilitates
alignment during coupling. The hair dryer may comprise a data
connection between the heater and a housing of the hair dryer and a
communication module within the hair dryer in communication with
the data connection. The selectably removable heater may include an
identification device that may be configured to identify a
characteristic of the selectably removable heater. The hair dryer
may comprise a plurality of interchangeable selectably removable
motors and a plurality of interchangeable selectably removable
heaters. The plurality of selectably interchangeable removable
motors and heaters may include varying operational
characteristics.
[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a
hair dryer kit. The kit may include a main body. The main body may
include a handle and a housing that may be coupled to the handle.
The main body may include a first module interface structure that
may be coupled to the housing. The main body may include a second
module interface structure that may be coupled to the housing and
may be disposed opposite the first module interface structure. The
kit may include a plurality of interchangeable heater modules that
may include heating elements selectably coupleable and thereby may
be functionally coupleable to the first module interface structure
of the main body. The kit may include a plurality of
interchangeable blower modules that may include motors selectably
coupleable and thereby may be functionally coupleable to the second
module interface structure of the main body.
[0024] Reference throughout this specification to features,
advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the
features and advantages that may be realized with the present
invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the
invention. Rather, language referring to the features and
advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,
advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present
invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and
similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not
necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
[0025] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and
characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art
will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or
more of the specific features or advantages of a particular
embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages
may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in
all embodiments of the invention.
[0026] These features and advantages of the present invention will
become more fully apparent from the following description and
appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention
as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily
understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly
described above will be rendered by reference to specific
embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawing(s). It is
noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale. The
drawings are mere schematics representations, not intended to
portray specific parameters of the invention. Understanding that
these drawing(s) depict only typical embodiments of the invention
and are not, therefore, to be considered to be limiting its scope,
the invention will be described and explained with additional
specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying
drawing(s), in which:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a side elevational exploded view of a hair dryer,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of a hair dryer main body
exterior, according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a hair dryer main body,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a hair dryer main body
exterior, according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a second module of
a hair dryer, according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a second module of
a hair dryer, according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a first module of a
hair dryer, according to one embodiment of the invention; and
[0035] FIG. 8 is a module diagram of a hair dryer, according to one
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the
exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing(s), and specific
language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be
understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is
thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the
inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional
applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated
herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and
having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within
the scope of the invention.
[0037] Many of the functional units described in this specification
have been labeled as modules, in order to more particularly
emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module
may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI
circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic
chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also
be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field
programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable
logic devices or the like.
[0038] Modules may also be implemented in software for execution by
various types of processors. An identified module of programmable
or executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical
or logical blocks of computer instructions which may, for instance,
be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless,
the executables of an identified module need not be physically
located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in
different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise
the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module.
[0039] Indeed, a module and/or a program of executable code may be
a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be
distributed over several different code segments, among different
programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational
data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and
may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any
suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be
collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over
different locations including over different storage devices, and
may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a
system or network.
[0040] The various system components and/or modules discussed
herein may include one or more of the following: a host server or
other computing systems including a processor for processing
digital data; a memory coupled to said processor for storing
digital data; an input digitizer coupled to the processor for
inputting digital data; an application program stored in said
memory and accessible by said processor for directing processing of
digital data by said processor; a display device coupled to the
processor and memory for displaying information derived from
digital data processed by said processor; and a plurality of
databases. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, any
computers discussed herein may include an operating system (e.g.,
Windows Vista, NT, 95/98/2000, OS2; UNIX; Linux; Solaris; MacOS;
and etc.) as well as various conventional support software and
drivers typically associated with computers. The computers may be
in a home or business environment with access to a network. In an
exemplary embodiment, access is through the Internet through a
commercially-available web-browser software package.
[0041] The present invention may be described herein in terms of
functional block components, screen shots, user interaction,
optional selections, various processing steps, and the like. Each
of such described herein may be one or more modules in exemplary
embodiments of the invention. It should be appreciated that such
functional blocks may be realized by any number of hardware and/or
software components configured to perform the specified functions.
For example, the present invention may employ various integrated
circuit components, e.g., memory elements, processing elements,
logic elements, look-up tables, and the like, which may carry out a
variety of functions under the control of one or more
microprocessors or other control devices. Similarly, the software
elements of the present invention may be implemented with any
programming or scripting language such as C, C++, Java, COBOL,
assembler, PERL, Visual Basic, SQL Stored Procedures, AJAX,
extensible markup language (XML), with the various algorithms being
implemented with any combination of data structures, objects,
processes, routines or other programming elements. Further, it
should be noted that the present invention may employ any number of
conventional techniques for data transmission, signaling, data
processing, network control, and the like. Still further, the
invention may detect or prevent security issues with a client-side
scripting language, such as JavaScript, VBScript or the like.
[0042] Additionally, many of the functional units and/or modules
herein are described as being "in communication" with other
functional units and/or modules. Being "in communication" refers to
any manner and/or way in which functional units and/or modules,
such as, but not limited to, computers, laptop computers, PDAs,
modules, and other types of hardware and/or software, may be in
communication with each other. Some non-limiting examples include
communicating, sending, and/or receiving data and metadata via: a
network, a wireless network, software, instructions, circuitry,
phone lines, internet lines, satellite signals, electric signals,
electrical and magnetic fields and/or pulses, and/or so forth.
[0043] As used herein, the term "network" may include any
electronic communications means which incorporates both hardware
and software components of such. Communication among the parties in
accordance with the present invention may be accomplished through
any suitable communication channels, such as, for example, a
telephone network, an extranet, an intranet, Internet, point of
interaction device (point of sale device, personal digital
assistant, cellular phone, kiosk, etc.), online communications,
off-line communications, wireless communications, transponder
communications, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN),
networked or linked devices and/or the like. Moreover, although the
invention may be implemented with TCP/IP communications protocols,
the invention may also be implemented using IPX, Appletalk, IP-6,
NetBIOS, OSI or any number of existing or future protocols. If the
network is in the nature of a public network, such as the Internet,
it may be advantageous to presume the network to be insecure and
open to eavesdroppers. Specific information related to the
protocols, standards, and application software utilized in
connection with the Internet is generally known to those skilled in
the art and, as such, need not be detailed herein. See, for
example, DILIP NAIK, INTERNET STANDARDS AND PROTOCOLS (1998); JAVA
2 COMPLETE, various authors, (Sybex 1999); DEBORAH RAY AND ERIC
RAY, MASTERING HTML 4.0 (1997); and LOSHIN, TCP/IP CLEARLY
EXPLAINED (1997), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0044] Reference throughout this specification to an "embodiment,"
an "example" or similar language means that a particular feature,
structure, characteristic, or combinations thereof described in
connection with the embodiment is included in at least one
embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the
phrases an "embodiment," an "example," and similar language
throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all
refer to the same embodiment, to different embodiments, or to one
or more of the figures. Additionally, reference to the wording
"embodiment," "example" or the like, for two or more features,
elements, etc. does not mean that the features are necessarily
related, dissimilar, the same, etc.
[0045] Each statement of an embodiment, or example, is to be
considered independent of any other statement of an embodiment
despite any use of similar or identical language characterizing
each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as
"another embodiment," the identified embodiment is independent of
any other embodiments characterized by the language "another
embodiment." The features, functions, and the like described herein
are considered to be able to be combined in whole or in part one
with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly
or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.
[0046] As used herein, "comprising," "including," "containing,"
"is," "are," "characterized by," and grammatical equivalents
thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude
additional unrecited elements or method steps. "Comprising" is to
be interpreted as including the more restrictive terms "consisting
of" and "consisting essentially of."
[0047] FIG. 1 is a side elevational exploded view of a hair dryer,
according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a hair
dryer 10 including a main body 12 having a handle 14 and a housing
16; the hair dryer 10 also includes a first module 20 and a second
module 30 coupled to the housing 16.
[0048] The illustrated hair dryer 10 is configured to dry wet hair
and assist in styling desired hair styles. The hair dryer 10 is
configured to provide an interchangeable component hair dryer with
interchangeable modules. The hair dryer 10 includes a main body 12
configured to support the modules and components disposed therein.
The main body 12 includes a handle 14 and a housing 16. The housing
16 is coupled to the handle 14 and disposed there above. The handle
14 is configured to extend from a bottom portion of the housing
16.
[0049] The main body 12 includes a first module 20 that is
selectably coupleable and thereby functionally coupleable to the
housing 16 of the main body 12. The first module 20 may include a
hair dryer component selected from the group of hair dryer
components consisting of a heater module and a blower module. The
illustrated first module 20 is a blower module configured to force
air through the housing 16 of the main body 12 of the hair dryer
10.
[0050] The illustrated hair dryer 10 includes a second module 30
that is selectably coupleable and thereby functionally coupleable
to the housing 16 of the main body 12. The second module 30 may
include a hair dryer component selected from the group of hair
dryer components consisting of a heater module and a blower module.
The illustrated second module 30 is a heater module configured to
heat air forced through the housing 16 of the first module 20.
[0051] In one non-limiting embodiment, there is a hair dryer made
up of a plurality of separable but integratable parts, including
but not limited to a heater, electronic controls, nozzles, main
bodies, indicators, handles, blowers, and motors. One or more of
the previous list may be permanently combined with one or more of
the others of the list. One or more of the previous list may be
selectably removable to one or more of the others on the list. One
or more on the list may include mating structures for combining
with one or more of the others on the list. One or more on the list
may include communication structure(s) configured to communicate
instructions, configurations, identification, and/or etc. to one or
more others on the list. There may be one or more mounting points
where one may add/remove various modules/components/items from the
list above. It may be that components may only attach/detach
top/from a main body and not to each other, such that nozzles must
be removed for a different nozzle to be applied, thus keeping the
overall length, balance, weight, etc. of the device
low/small/balanced during use/operation. It may be that components
that tend to be very durable may be housed in the main body, while
components that tend to have a shorter life cycle may be removable,
thus decreasing operational expenses for consumers.
[0052] In operation, a user may attach/detach modules to a main
body as desired from a selection of modules and/or main bodies. The
modules may provide information while attached to the main body and
the main body or other modules may use that information in the
setup and/or operation of the hair dryer. The electronic components
of the hair dryer may change one or more operational
characteristics, including but not limited to power deliver,
function of user buttons, function of indicators, and the like and
combinations thereof and such may be in response to information
provided by one or more modules. The user may then operate the
combined hair dryer in a desired manner. Wherein one or more
modules ceases to function or otherwise is no longer desired, it
may be selectably removed and replaced with another module that may
be a duplicate of the same or may have other characteristics.
[0053] FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of a hair dryer main body
exterior, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is
shown a hair dryer 10 including a main body 12 having a housing 16
and a handle 14. The hair dryer 10 also includes a mating structure
13 configured to permit coupling of a module thereto.
[0054] The illustrated hair dryer 10 is configured to provide
different replaceable heater and motor attachments options. The
hair dryer 10 includes a main body 12 having a handle 14 and a
housing 16. The handle 14 is configured to extend out from a bottom
surface of the housing 16. The hair dryer 10 includes a mating
structure 13 configured to permit a first module 20 that is
selectably coupleable and thereby functionally coupleable to the
housing 16 to couple thereto. The illustrated mating structure 13
includes a circular guide structure with receiving brackets 15 and
17. The illustrated receiving brackets 15 and 17 are configured to
receive complimentary structure from a module to be coupled thereto
and to help align and secure attachment thereto. One of the
illustrated receiving brackets 17 is asymmetrically placed so that
the attached module may be properly aligned when coupled. The
illustrated asymmetrically placed receiving bracket 17 also
includes a communication device configured to mate with an
associated structure on a module to be attached thereto so that the
main body can "read" information from the module when it is so
attached. The communication device may be simply a pair of
electrical contacts shaped and positioned to come in contact with
associated electrical contacts of a module to be attached so that
when so coupled the main body and the module are in electrical
communication. Receiving brackets 15 and/or 17 may also include one
or more reusable power couplings to provide power to the module to
be attached thereto.
[0055] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a hair dryer, according
to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a hair dryer 10
including a main body 12 having a handle 14 and a housing 16 with
various controls and indicators 21.
[0056] The illustrated hair dryer 10 is configured to provide
different interchangeable and replaceable heater and motor
attachments options. The hair dryer 10 includes a main body 12
having a handle 14 and a housing 16. The main body 12 includes a
first module interface structure 18 coupled and disposed within the
housing 16. The hair dryer 10 may include a first module that is
selectably and functionally coupleable to the first module
interface structure 18 of the main body 12.
[0057] The hair dryer 10 includes a second module interface
structure 28 that is coupled and disposed within the housing 16.
The second module interface structure 28 is disposed opposite the
first module interface structure 18. The hair dryer 10 may include
a second module that is selectably and functionally coupleable to
the second module interface structure 28 of the main body 12.
[0058] The illustrated first module interface structure 18 includes
a reusable power coupling with mating contacts 32. The reusable
power coupling with mating contacts 32 is configured to provide
power coupling capabilities to a first module coupled to the first
module interface structure 18. The illustrated first module
interface structure 18 includes a data connection 36 that is
configured to communicate data between the main body 12 and a first
module of the hair dryer 10. The illustrated mating contacts 32 and
data connection 36 may be in addition to the illustrated brackets
15 and 17 of FIG. 2 or may be synonymous with the same. The mating
contacts 32 and data connection 36 are functionally coupled to a
control board 19 that may be a circuit board enclosed within the
housing and may include such circuitry and components needed to
facilitate operation of the mating contacts 32 and data connection
36 in coordination with the controls and indicators 21.
[0059] The illustrated second module interface structure 28 also
includes a reusable power coupling with mating contacts. The
reusable power coupling with mating contacts is configured to
provide power coupling capabilities to a second module coupled to
the second module interface structure 28. The illustrated second
module interface structure 28 includes a data connection that is
configured to communicate data between the main body 12 and a
second module of the hair dryer 10.
[0060] The first module interface structure 18 may include a first
alignment structure that is configured to mate with a second
alignment structure that is disposed on a first module and wherein
mating of the first and second alignment structures result in
functional alignment of a first module with the housing of the main
body. The second module interface structure 28 may include a first
alignment structure that is configured to mate with a second
alignment structure that is disposed on a second module and wherein
mating of the first and second alignment structures result in
functional alignment of a second module with the housing of the
main body. The hair dryer 10 may include a plurality of
interchangeable second modules that may include varying operational
characteristics.
[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a
single dryer 10 with different replaceable heater and motor
attachments options are provided. Since a heater attachment or
motor attachment is much less expensive than a total dryer
replacement, a stylist may purchase a dryer assembly and a backup
heater and motor attachment. Further, different motor and heater
attachment designs may be provided giving the stylist a broader
range of dryer options by simply changing attachments.
[0062] Two basic drying modes are knockout and styling modes for
drying hair. Each requires a different nozzle and heater
configuration for optimum performance. While there may be many
requirements, the two discussed here illustrate the point. There
are also cases where a more powerful motor is required, but the
larger a motor is, the heavier it is and the more expensive it is.
By having a variety of motor attachments, a stylist may choose the
lightest motor required thus keeping weight and noise to a minimum
except when more power is required.
[0063] Another advantage of the modular approach is that the dryer
body controls may be designed to recognize the type of nozzle being
connected to it via a unique resistance value (that may be merely a
resistor with mating contacts positioned to couple to a data
structure of a main body when the module is coupled thereto) that
may be read by control circuitry 19 of the dryer. As discussed
above, typically less temperature is required for styling than for
knockout. This may be accounted for by the dryer body controls.
That is, when the dryer body control recognizes the resistance
value for a styling nozzle, it may automatically re-program all of
the temperature settings to reflect operating condition. Such may
be accomplished according to preprogramed script, batch file,
and/or a table of values stored in memory or the like or
combinations thereof.
[0064] A motor or heater module may have its own unique code so the
controller automatically operates whatever is plugged into it in
one or more preprogrammed modes that may be configured to enhance
the efficiency or other operational characteristics thereof. While
a controller may be designed to recognize any number of heater and
motor modules, there are other methods that may be used for
recognition by the controller such as a series of jumper pins in
the module, which act like programming dip switches and may operate
in a purely physical manner during coupling instead of providing
electrical communication.
[0065] It is also possible to program the dryer body controls for
different hair types and dryer performance by inserting a
micro-Flash drive into a drive reader slot in the body of the
control. The drive may be functionally coupled to the control
circuitry 19 of the hair dryer by a drive reader module coupled
thereto. The drive may include instructions for altering
operational characteristics of the hair dryer that may vary
according to read characteristics of the attached modules. The
micro drives may be sold separately and may be programmed to give a
dryer almost any combination of heat and blow settings. These
settings may be master controls for the lower level controls the
blower and heater modules send to the controller to change the
heating profile between the knockout heater and the styling
heater.
[0066] For example, one could have a micro-Flash drive for fine
hair, course hair, dry hair, etc. Each of these settings would have
a subset of settings depending on which blower and/or heater module
was installed. Microprocessor controls are often used in hair
straightener products because straightener products use much less
electrical power than professional blow-type hair dryers. When
large amounts of electrical power is required by a blow-type hair
dryer, larger, heavy-duty electronic components that often require
special cooling consideration are required. This makes a blow-type
hair dryer too large and heavy to be practical as do the special
cooling requirements of said components.
[0067] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a hair dryer main body
exterior, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is
shown a hair dryer 10 including a main body 12 having a handle 14
and a housing 16. The hair dryer 10 also includes a mating
structure 23 configured to facilitate attachment to a module.
[0068] The illustrated hair dryer 10 is configured to provide
different replaceable heater and motor attachments options. The
hair dryer 10 includes a main body 12 having a handle 14 and a
housing 16. The handle 14 is configured to extend out from a bottom
surface of the housing 16. The hair dryer 10 includes a mating
structure 23 that is configured to couple to a module that may be
selectably coupleable and thereby functionally coupleable to the
housing 16. The illustrated mating structure 23 includes a circular
guide structure with receiving brackets 25 and 27. The illustrated
receiving brackets 25 and 27 are configured to receive
complimentary structure from a module to be coupled thereto and to
help align and secure attachment thereto. Two of the illustrated
receiving brackets 27 are asymmetrically placed so that the
attached module may be properly aligned when coupled. The
illustrated asymmetrically placed receiving brackets 27 also
includes a communication device configured to mate with an
associated structure on a module to be attached thereto so that the
main body can "read" information from the module when it is so
attached. The communication device may be simply a pair of
electrical contacts shaped and positioned to come in contact with
associated electrical contacts of a module to be attached so that
when so coupled the main body and the module are in electrical
communication. Receiving brackets 25 and/or 27 may also include one
or more reusable power couplings to provide power to the module to
be attached thereto.
[0069] FIGS. 5 and 6 are side cross-sectional views of a variety of
second modules of a hair dryer including heating elements and
nozzles, according to one embodiment of the invention. In each,
there is shown second module 30 including a heater module 24 having
a heating element 38 and a nozzle configured to provide a desired
airflow characteristic.
[0070] The illustrated second module 30 that may be selectably
coupleable and thereby functionally coupleable to a second module
interface structure of a main body of a hair dryer. The second
module 30 includes a hair dryer component such as a heater module
24. The heater module 24 includes a heating element 38 configured
to heat air passing therethrough. The illustrated second module 30
includes a pair of alignment structures 70 configured to mate with
a pair of alignment structure coupled to and disposed within a
housing of a main body of a hair dryer. Generally, mating the
alignment structures together results in functional alignment of
the second module with a main body of the hair dryer. The
illustrated second module 30 includes a narrow exit aperture
configured to direct heated air out thereof. The narrow exit
aperture is configured to dry hair at a focal point in front of the
narrow exit aperture.
[0071] The second module 30 includes an identification device 46
configured to identify a characteristic of the second module 30 and
wherein the housing of the main body includes a communication
module configured to read the identification device 46 and
communicate a read characteristic to a control module of the hair
dryer. The illustrated identification device 46 may include one or
more devices/structures configured to communicate information from
the second module 30 to the main body, such as but not limited to
through a data reading structure of the main body such as but not
limited to a receiving bracket, set of contacts, power coupling,
drive reader, data coupling and the like and combinations thereof.
The identification device may include one or more electrical
components (resistor, transistor, coil, battery, etc.), one or more
optical components (polarizer, filter, lens, bar code, QR code,
etc.), one or more electromagnetic components (RFID tag,
transmitter, emitter, transcoder, USB drive, ROM, memory card,
etc.) and/or the like and/or combinations thereof configured to
store and/or communicate information about the second module to the
main body.
[0072] The second module 30 also includes reusable power couplings
47 configured to couple to mating power couplings of a main body in
a manner that permits the second module to draw power therefrom for
heating the heating element 38 disposed therein.
[0073] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a hair dryer, according
to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a first module
20 including a blower module 26 having a motor 34 and a fan 40.
[0074] The illustrated first module 20 may be selectably coupleable
and thereby functionally coupleable to a first module interface
structure of a main body of a hair dryer. The first module 20 is
configured to be coupled about a rear portion of the housing of the
main body of the hair dryer. The first module 20 includes a hair
dryer component, such as a blower module 26. The blower module 26
includes a motor 34 and a fan 40. The motor 34 is configured to
provide mechanical movement to the fan 40 of the blower module
26.
[0075] The illustrated first module 20 includes a pair of alignment
structures 72 configured to mate with a pair of alignment
structures coupled to and disposed within a housing of a main body
of a hair dryer. The mating of the alignment structures results in
functional alignment of the first module with the housing of the
hair dryer.
[0076] The first module 20 includes an identification device 46
configured to identify a characteristic of the second module and
wherein the housing of the main body includes a communication
module configured to read the identification device 46 and
communicate a read characteristic to a control module of the hair
dryer. The illustrated identification device 46 may include one or
more devices/structures configured to communicate information from
the first module 20 to the main body, such as but not limited to
through a data reading structure of the main body such as but not
limited to a receiving bracket, set of contacts, power coupling,
drive reader, data coupling and the like and combinations thereof.
The identification device may include one or more electrical
components (resistor, transistor, coil, battery, etc.), one or more
optical components (polarizer, filter, lens, bar code, QR code,
etc.), one or more electromagnetic components (RFID tag,
transmitter, emitter, transcoder, USB drive, ROM, memory card,
etc.) and/or the like and/or combinations thereof configured to
store and/or communicate information about the second module to the
main body.
[0077] The first module 20 also includes reusable power couplings
47 configured to couple to mating power couplings of a main body in
a manner that permits the second module to draw power therefrom for
operation of the motor 34 disposed therein.
[0078] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a
blower module configured to force air from the blower module
through a housing of the main body and to the heater module and out
an aperture thereof. The blower module includes a motor 34
functionally coupled to a fan 40 (impeller, or etc.) and configured
to cause the operation thereof. A motor may include any one or more
of the plethoric motor types, including but not limited to brushed
motors, brushless motors, rotary motors, electric motors,
non-electric motors, DC motors, AC motors, coreless motors, pancake
motors, universal motors, and the like and combinations
thereof.
[0079] A system that pressurizes and moves a mass of air, such as a
motor and blower in a hair dryer, generates mechanical waves that
are oscillations of pressure caused by the mechanical means to
generate said pressurized flow of an air mass. The magnitude and
frequencies generated are a function of the type of design of the
blower and motor and also the size of the motor and blower. For
example a centrifugal blower with four blades of a certain diameter
will generated different frequencies and magnitudes of oscillation
than will the same blower with, say, six blades and a different
diameter even though both designs may deliver the same air pressure
and volume per unit time.
[0080] Generally speaking the larger the blowing mechanism can be
to deliver a given flow and pressure the lower and smaller the
oscillations of air pressure are. Generally speaking, lower
frequencies are more tolerable than high frequencies and portray a
sense of power.
[0081] The blower module may include a centrifugal blower assembly
and a remote electronics device configured to receive commands from
the hand module to provide controls for the speed of the
centrifugal blower assembly and the amount of electrical power
delivered to the heating module in the hand module. The blower
module may also include a plurality of connectors that are
configured to mate with the hose member and with the electrical
wiring thereof.
[0082] FIG. 8 is a module diagram of a hair dryer, according to one
embodiment of the invention. There is shown a hair dryer 10
including a blower module 26, a housing module 16, and a heater
module 24.
[0083] The illustrated hair dryer 10 is configured to provide
different replaceable heater and motor attachments options. The
hair dryer 10 includes a blower module 26 functionally coupled to a
housing module 16. The hair dryer 10 also includes a heater module
24 functionally coupled to the housing module 16. The housing
module 16 includes a coupling structure 18 configured to couple to
a coupling structure of a blower module 26. The housing module 16
also includes a second coupling structure 28 configured to couple
to a coupling structure of the heater module 24.
[0084] According to one embodiment of the invention, the housing
module 16 includes a first alignment structure 18, 28 configured to
mate with a second alignment structure 21, 25 respectively,
disposed within each of the blower module 26 and the heater module
24; wherein mating of the first and second alignment structures
results in functional alignment of the blower module and the
housing module and the heater module and the housing module. As
illustrated in FIG. 8, the alignment structures are the coupling
structures.
[0085] The illustrated housing module 16 includes a reusable power
coupling module with mating contacts 32 configured to functionally
couple to a power coupling module to each of the blower module 26
and the heater module 24. The housing module 16 includes a data
coupling module 36 configured to communicate data between the
housing module 16 and each of the blower module 26 and the heater
module 24.
[0086] The blower module and the heater module each include an
identification module 46 configured to identify a characteristic of
the blower module and the heater module; wherein the housing module
includes a reader module 48 configured to read the identification
module and communicate a read characteristic to a dryer control
module 50 of the housing module 16. The housing module includes a
power module 60 configured to provide power to the modules and
components of the housing modules, and also power to the modules
and components to the devices, modules, and systems functionally
coupled thereto.
[0087] The dryer control module 50 is disposed within the housing
module and is configured to provide operational controls to the
components and modules of the housing module and the modules and
components functionally coupled thereto. Non-limiting examples of a
control modules may be a control module described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,430,836, issued to Wolf et al.; or a control module described in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,243,635, issued to Swan et al. which are
incorporated for their supported teachings herein. A control module
may include but is not limited to a processor, a state machine, a
script, a decision tree, and the like.
[0088] The data coupling module 36 may include a communication
module in communication with the blower module and the heater
module. Such communication may be embodied simply as one or more
wires (including power wires serving dual power/signal purpose)
between the housing module and the blower module and the heater
module. Such communication module may be more complicated such as
but not limited to including a wireless communication module in
communication with the dryer control module and the heater module
and the blower module. The wireless communication module is
configured to provide wireless communication to the hair dryer.
Non-limiting examples of a communication module may be but not
limited to: a communication module described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,307,463, issued to Hyatt et al.; or a communication module
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,133,886, issued to Fariello et al.
which are incorporated for their supported herein.
[0089] The illustrated blower module includes a motor 34 configured
to provide mechanical movement capabilities thereto. The blower
module includes a motor control module 62 in communication with the
motor and configured to provide operational instructions
thereto.
[0090] The illustrated heater module includes a heater 38
configured to heat air passing through the heater module. The
heater module includes a heater control module 64 in communication
with the heater and configured to provide operational instructions
thereto.
[0091] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heater
module includes a heater. The heater may include a heating element
configured to heat air passing there through. The heating element
may generally be symmetrical, except for the two electrical
contacts which may have a specific orientation. The heating element
may have indexing so that it may only fit into the housing module
in one orientation.
[0092] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a
hair dryer that may comprise a selectably removable motor that may
have a reusable power coupling module with mating power contacts.
The selectably removable motor may include an identification device
that may be configured to identify a characteristic of the
selectably removable motor and wherein the hair dryer may include a
communication module that may be configured to read an
identification device and communicate a read characteristic to a
control module.
[0093] The hair dryer may comprise a selectably removable heater
that may have a reusable power coupling with mating power contacts.
The hair dryer may comprise an alignment structure included with at
least one of the selectably removable motor and the selectably
removable heater, wherein the alignment structure facilitates
alignment during coupling. The hair dryer may comprise a data
connection between the heater and a housing of the hair dryer and a
communication module within the hair dryer in communication with
the data connection. The selectably removable heater may include an
identification device that may be configured to identify a
characteristic of the selectably removable heater. The hair dryer
may comprise a plurality of interchangeable selectably removable
motors and a plurality of interchangeable selectably removable
heaters. The plurality of selectably interchangeable removable
motors and heaters may include varying operational
characteristics.
[0094] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a
hair dryer kit. The kit may include a main body. The main body may
include a handle and a housing that may be coupled to the handle.
The main body may include a first module interface structure that
may be coupled to the housing. The main body may include a second
module interface structure that may be coupled to the housing and
may be disposed opposite the first module interface structure. The
kit may include a plurality of interchangeable heater modules that
may include heating elements selectably coupleable and thereby may
be functionally coupleable to the first module interface structure
of the main body. The kit may include a plurality of
interchangeable blower modules that may include motors selectably
coupleable and thereby may be functionally coupleable to the second
module interface structure of the main body.
[0095] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a
hair dryer including a selectably removable data port configured to
upload hair dryer configurations for a heater module and a blower
module. The selectably removable data port is configured to receive
a data storage device, such as a portable flash drive.
[0096] It is understood that the above-described embodiments are
only illustrative of the application of the principles of the
present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other
specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
[0097] For example, although the figures illustrate particular
shaped bodies, modules, components, etc. it is expected that there
could be numerous variations of the design of this invention. An
example is that the housing of the main body may have a
non-circular cross section instead of the illustrated circular
cross-section.
[0098] Additionally, although the figures illustrate particular
mating structures and communication structures, it is understood
that the various ways of mating the structures and providing
communications therebetween are plethoric.
[0099] It is also envisioned that there may be a plurality of
devices, modules, components and that one or more modules may
include a plurality of devices, modules and/or components. As a
non-limiting example, a blower module may include a plurality of
motors.
[0100] Finally, it is envisioned that the components of the device
may be constructed of a variety of materials, including but not
limited to plastics, metals, ceramics, fibers, organic materials,
woven fibers, rubbers, resins, and the like and composites
thereof.
[0101] Thus, while the present invention has been fully described
above with particularity and detail in connection with what is
presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment
of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to,
variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of
operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the
principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the
claims. Further, it is contemplated that an embodiment may be
limited to consist of or to consist essentially of one or more of
the features, functions, structures, methods described herein.
* * * * *