Patents by Inventor Michael John deGrood

Michael John deGrood has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240108112
    Abstract: An attachment for a hair dryer includes a first end configured to selectively connect to a body of the hair dryer, and a second end spaced from the first end. The second end includes at least one outlet that is an elongate slot. The attachment also includes prongs extending from the second end and configured to engage hair, a body defining a passage for airflow between the first end and the second end, and a connector configured to extend into a central passage defined by the body of the hair dryer and connect the first end of the attachment to the body of the hair dryer. The connector includes a wall extending along an axis and forming an elongate cylinder that corresponds to the shape of the central passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Michael John deGrood, Jay William Kuzia
  • Publication number: 20240108113
    Abstract: An attachment for a hair dryer configured to receive airflow from the hair dryer and redirect the airflow generally includes a connector housing extending along an axis, an inlet end, an outlet end, and a channel wall. The inlet end defines an inlet for the airflow to enter the attachment in a first direction parallel to the axis of the connector housing. The outlet end defines a slot-shaped outlet for the airflow to exit the attachment in a direction not parallel to the first direction. The channel wall defines a hair receiving channel and extends at least partly around the hair receiving channel such that hair within the hair receiving channel is contacted by the channel wall, wherein the channel wall extends downflow from the outlet end in a direction not parallel to the first direction and is configured to direct the airflow along a length of hair within the hair receiving channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Jay William Kuzia, Michael John deGrood
  • Patent number: 11877638
    Abstract: An attachment for a hair dryer includes a first end configured to selectively connect to a body of the hair dryer, and a second end spaced from the first end. The second end includes at least one outlet that is an elongate slot. The attachment also includes prongs extending from the second end and configured to engage hair, a body defining a passage for airflow between the first end and the second end, and a connector configured to extend into a central passage defined by the body of the hair dryer and connect the first end of the attachment to the body of the hair dryer. The connector includes a wall extending along an axis and forming an elongate cylinder that corresponds to the shape of the central passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: SPECTRUM BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael John deGrood, Jay William Kuzia
  • Patent number: 11871827
    Abstract: An attachment for a hair dryer configured to receive airflow from the hair dryer and redirect the airflow generally includes a connector housing extending along an axis, an inlet end, an outlet end, and a channel wall. The inlet end defines an inlet for the airflow to enter the attachment in a first direction parallel to the axis of the connector housing. The outlet end defines a slot-shaped outlet for the airflow to exit the attachment in a direction not parallel to the first direction. The channel wall defines a hair receiving channel and extends at least partly around the hair receiving channel such that hair within the hair receiving channel is contacted by the channel wall, wherein the channel wall extends downflow from the outlet end in a direction not parallel to the first direction and is configured to direct the airflow along a length of hair within the hair receiving channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: SPECTRUM BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Jay William Kuzia, Michael John deGrood
  • Publication number: 20230284763
    Abstract: An attachment for a hair dryer configured to receive airflow from the hair dryer and redirect the airflow generally includes a connector housing extending along an axis, an inlet end, an outlet end, and a channel wall. The inlet end defines an inlet for the airflow to enter the attachment in a first direction parallel to the axis of the connector housing. The outlet end defines a slot-shaped outlet for the airflow to exit the attachment in a direction not parallel to the first direction. The channel wall defines a hair receiving channel and extends at least partly around the hair receiving channel such that hair within the hair receiving channel is contacted by the channel wall, wherein the channel wall extends downflow from the outlet end in a direction not parallel to the first direction and is configured to direct the airflow along a length of hair within the hair receiving channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2022
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Jay William Kuzia, Michael John deGrood
  • Patent number: 11510471
    Abstract: A hair dryer assembly generally comprises a hair dryer and a discharge housing. The hair dryer includes a body defining a cavity, an inlet for airflow to enter the cavity, and an outlet for airflow to exit the cavity. The discharge housing is configured to receive the airflow from the outlet, and includes an inlet end, a closed end opposite the inlet end, and a channel wall intermediate the inlet end and the closed end. The channel wall defines a hair receiving channel and an outlet for airflow to exit the discharge housing. The channel wall extends continuously around the hair receiving channel such that hair within the channel is surrounded by the channel wall. The outlet is configured to direct airflow out of the discharge housing and towards hair within the hair receiving channel. The discharge housing also includes a sidewall extending at least partly around the channel wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: SPECTRUM BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Jay Wiliam Kuzia, Michael John deGrood
  • Publication number: 20220273085
    Abstract: An attachment for a hair dryer includes a first end configured to selectively connect to a body of the hair dryer, and a second end spaced from the first end. The second end includes at least one outlet that is an elongate slot. The attachment also includes prongs extending from the second end and configured to engage hair, a body defining a passage for airflow between the first end and the second end, and a connector configured to extend into a central passage defined by the body of the hair dryer and connect the first end of the attachment to the body of the hair dryer. The connector includes a wall extending along an axis and forming an elongate cylinder that corresponds to the shape of the central passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Inventors: Michael John deGrood, Jay William Kuzia
  • Patent number: 11351685
    Abstract: A hair grooming appliance includes a hair grooming device, a drive assembly, and a handle. The drive assembly is coupled to the hair grooming device and configured to drive the hair grooming device. The hair grooming device and the handle are pivotably connected at a hinge and rotate relative to each other about a pivot axis extending through the hinge between an opened position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: SPECTRUM BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Franklin, Michael John deGrood, Timin Musallam, Timothy James McIvor
  • Patent number: 11330884
    Abstract: An air-moving appliance includes a body extending about an axis. The body includes an inner wall and an outer wall spaced radially outward from the inner wall. The inner wall and the outer wall define a cavity therebetween. The inner wall defines a central passage. The air-moving appliance also includes an inlet and an outlet. The air-moving appliance further includes an attachment configured to selectively connect to the body in flow communication with the outlet. The attachment includes a connector configured to extend into the central passage defined by the inner wall of the body and an attachment inlet configured to receive the airflow that exits the cavity of the body through the outlet. The attachment inlet is circumferentially disposed about the axis and the central passage defined by the inner wall of the body when the attachment is connected to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventors: Michael John deGrood, Jay William Kuzia
  • Patent number: 11311090
    Abstract: A handheld hair dryer includes a body extending about an axis and including a first end, a second end, an inner wall, and an outer wall. The outer wall and the inner wall extend from the first end of the body to the second end of the body and define a cavity therebetween. A central passage is defined by the inner wall. The hair dryer also includes an inlet defined by the inner wall and an outlet for the airflow to exit the cavity. The inlet is defined by the inner wall intermediate the first end and the second end. The hair dryer is configured to direct the airflow through the cavity and towards the outlet. The hair dryer further includes a handle connected to the body, a fan, and a motor positioned at least partly within the handle and coupled to the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: SPECTRUM BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael John deGrood, Jay William Kuzia
  • Publication number: 20220110428
    Abstract: A hair styler generally comprises an upper arm, a lower arm, and a hinge. The upper arm includes an upper grip and an upper clamp head. The upper clamp head includes an upper hair contact surface. The upper hair contact surface is twisted relative to the upper grip. The lower arm includes a lower grip and a lower clamp head. The lower clamp head includes a lower hair contact surface. The lower hair contact surface is twisted relative to the lower grip. The hinge attaches the upper and lower arms together such that the upper and lower arms are openable and closeable relative to one another. The hair styler is configured to receive hair between the upper and lower hair contact surfaces when the hair styler is in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2019
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventors: Michael John deGrood, Jay William Kuzia
  • Publication number: 20220072723
    Abstract: A comb for an electric trimmer includes a first outer tooth, a second outer tooth, and intermediate teeth positioned between the first outer tooth and the second outer tooth. Each of the teeth includes a skin-contacting edge and a slot defined between an overhang region and a base region located on the blade-facing side. Each intermediate tooth defines a tooth height representing the shortest distance between a base region and an outer-most point on the skin-contacting edge of each of the intermediate teeth. A first tooth height is defined by a first intermediate tooth and a second tooth height is defined by a second intermediate tooth. The first tooth height is greater than the second tooth height. The ratio between the first tooth height and the second tooth height is about 1:70 to about 3:16.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventors: David Yet Toy, Thomas Manders Franklin, Michael John deGrood
  • Publication number: 20210251363
    Abstract: A hair dryer assembly generally comprises a hair dryer and a discharge housing. The hair dryer includes a body defining a cavity, an inlet for airflow to enter the cavity, and an outlet for airflow to exit the cavity. The discharge housing is configured to receive the airflow from the outlet, and includes an inlet end, a closed end opposite the inlet end, and a channel wall intermediate the inlet end and the closed end. The channel wall defines a hair receiving channel and an outlet for airflow to exit the discharge housing. The channel wall extends continuously around the hair receiving channel such that hair within the channel is surrounded by the channel wall. The outlet is configured to direct airflow out of the discharge housing and towards hair within the hair receiving channel. The discharge housing also includes a sidewall extending at least partly around the channel wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Jay William Kuzia, Michael John deGrood
  • Publication number: 20210022472
    Abstract: A handheld hair dryer includes a body extending about an axis and including a first end, a second end, an inner wall, and an outer wall. The outer wall and the inner wall extend from the first end of the body to the second end of the body and define a cavity therebetween. A central passage is defined by the inner wall. The hair dryer also includes an inlet defined by the inner wall and an outlet for the airflow to exit the cavity. The inlet is defined by the inner wall intermediate the first end and the second end. The hair dryer is configured to direct the airflow through the cavity and towards the outlet. The hair dryer further includes a handle connected to the body, a fan, and a motor positioned at least partly within the handle and coupled to the fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventors: Michael John DeGrood, Jay William Kuzia
  • Patent number: 10835007
    Abstract: A handheld hair dryer includes a body extending about an axis. The body includes an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall and the outer wall define a cavity therebetween. A central passage is defined by the inner wall. The handheld hair dryer also includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is defined by the inner wall and is in flow communication with the central passage to allow airflow in the central passage to be drawn into the cavity through the inlet. A fan is configured to draw the airflow through the inlet and direct the airflow through the cavity towards the outlet. The handheld hair dryer further includes a handle connected to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Spectrum Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael John deGrood, Jay William Kuzia
  • Publication number: 20200324424
    Abstract: A hair grooming appliance includes a hair grooming device, a drive assembly, and a handle. The drive assembly is coupled to the hair grooming device and configured to drive the hair grooming device. The hair grooming device and the handle are pivotably connected at a hinge and rotate relative to each other about a pivot axis extending through the hinge between an opened position and a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas Franklin, Michael John deGrood, Timin Musallam, Timothy James McIvor
  • Publication number: 20200237070
    Abstract: An air-moving appliance includes a body extending about an axis. The body includes an inner wall and an outer wall spaced radially outward from the inner wall. The inner wall and the outer wall define a cavity therebetween. The inner wall defines a central passage. The air-moving appliance also includes an inlet and an outlet. The air-moving appliance further includes an attachment configured to selectively connect to the body in flow communication with the outlet. The attachment includes a connector configured to extend into the central passage defined by the inner wall of the body and an attachment inlet configured to receive the airflow that exits the cavity of the body through the outlet. The attachment inlet is circumferentially disposed about the axis and the central passage defined by the inner wall of the body when the attachment is connected to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Michael John deGrood, Jay William Kuzia
  • Patent number: 10660418
    Abstract: An air-moving appliance includes a body defining a cavity, an inlet for airflow to enter the cavity, and an outlet for the airflow to exit the cavity. The air-moving appliance also includes an attachment configured to connect to the body in flow communication with at least one of the inlet and the outlet. The air-moving appliance further includes a grip feature configured to extend between and contact the attachment and the body when the attachment is connected to the body. The grip feature is configured to provide an interference fit between the attachment and the body and resist movement of the attachment relative to the body when the attachment is connected to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Spectrum Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael John deGrood, Jay William Kuzia
  • Publication number: 20190014880
    Abstract: An air-moving appliance includes a body defining a cavity, an inlet for airflow to enter the cavity, and an outlet for the airflow to exit the cavity. The air-moving appliance also includes an attachment configured to connect to the body in flow communication with at least one of the inlet and the outlet. The air-moving appliance further includes a grip feature configured to extend between and contact the attachment and the body when the attachment is connected to the body. The grip feature is configured to provide an interference fit between the attachment and the body and resist movement of the attachment relative to the body when the attachment is connected to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Michael John deGrood, Jay William Kuzia
  • Patent number: D840098
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Spectrum Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay William Kuzia, Michael John deGrood, Seung Il Kim