HAIR CARE ACCESSORY

A hair care accessory is provided and includes a plurality of rings stacked upon one another to form an elongate cylindrical body having an open first end and a second end. The first end includes an appliance mating portion with a first air inlet configured to receive an airflow from a hair dryer when the appliance mating portion is coupled to the hair dryer. The elongate cylindrical body includes a plurality of cylindrical outlet bores extending therethrough from an inner wall to an outer wall for allowing airflow received through the mating portion to flow out of the elongate cylindrical body. Each of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores extending through an adjacent pair of the plurality of rings.

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Description
FIELD

A hair care accessory for use with a hair care appliance is provided.

BACKGROUND

Hair care appliances are devices used for drying and styling of hair. Hair care appliances can include a variety of components operable to heat hair and to provide a fluid flow via a fluid flow path extending through the device. The fluid flow path receives ambient air and directs the ambient air through the hair care appliance via a motor and fan assembly. The fluid flow path is directed across a heating assembly to generate heated air at an outlet of the hair care appliance. Air is expelled from the hair care appliance via the fluid flow path to enable a user to dry or style hair. One or more attachable accessories are often used with the hair care appliance depending on the user's hair styling or treatment needs.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a hair care accessory is provided and in one embodiment can include a hollow cylindrical elongate body having first and second ends with an inner lumen extending therethrough. The hair care accessory can also include a collar at the first end of the elongate body defining an air inlet therethrough for allowing airflow into the inner lumen. The collar can be configured to removably couple the hollow cylindrical elongate body to a hair care appliance configured to supply the airflow to the air inlet. The hair care accessory can also include a plurality of cylindrical outlet bores spaced radially around and longitudinally along the hollow cylindrical elongate body. Each of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores can extend between an inner surface and an outer surface of the hollow cylindrical elongate body such that the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores are in fluid communication with the inner lumen in the hollow cylindrical elongate body. Each of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores can be oriented at an angle such that airflow exiting the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores flows along and at least partially attaches to the outer surface of the hollow cylindrical elongate body.

In some embodiments, the hollow cylindrical elongate body can be formed by a plurality of stacked rings, each of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores extending at least partially through two adjacent rings. In some embodiments, the hollow cylindrical elongate body can be formed by a plurality of stacked rings. Each ring has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. At least one of the first surface and the second surface can include at least one protrusion, and at least one of the first and second surfaces can include at least one groove configured to receive at least one protrusion on an adjacent ring.

In some embodiments, the hollow cylindrical elongate body can be formed from a plurality of stacked rings and an end cap positioned at the second end of the hollow cylindrical elongate body. The end cap can form a closed second end. In some embodiments, the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores can include a plurality of rows of bores extending radially around the hollow cylindrical elongate body. Each of the plurality of rows of bores can be radially offset from an adjacent row of bores. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of outlet bores can have a central longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The central longitudinal axis can extend transverse to an axis extending perpendicular to the outer surface of the hollow cylindrical elongate body. In some embodiments, the central longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores can extend at an angle in a range of about 10 degrees to 45 degrees from the axis extending perpendicular to the outer surface.

In another aspect, a hair care accessory is provided and in one embodiment can include a plurality of rings stacked upon one another to form an elongate cylindrical body having an open first end and a second end. The first end can include an appliance mating portion with a first air inlet configured to receive an airflow from a hair dryer when the appliance mating portion is coupled to the hair dryer. The elongate cylindrical body can include a plurality of cylindrical outlet bores extending therethrough from an inner wall to an outer wall of the elongate cylindrical body for allowing airflow received through the mating portion to flow out of the elongate cylindrical body. Each of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores can extend through an adjacent pair of the plurality of rings.

In some embodiments, the plurality of rings can be mated together such that the outer wall of the elongate cylindrical body is continuous. In some embodiments, the plurality of rings can have a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. At least one of the first surface and the second surface can include at least one protrusion. At least one of the first and second surfaces can include at least one groove configured to receive at least one protrusion on an adjacent ring. In some embodiments, the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores can each have a central longitudinal axis that is oriented to cause airflow exiting from the bores to at least partially attach to and flow around the outer wall of the elongate cylindrical body.

In some embodiments, the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores can have a radially curved shape as they extend from the inner wall to the outer wall. In some embodiments, the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores can be arranged in rows extending along the elongate cylindrical body.

In some embodiments, the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores in a first row can be rotationally offset from the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores in a second row with respect to a longitudinal axis extending though the elongate cylindrical body. In some embodiments, the plurality of rings can include a first portion of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores on a first surface and a second portion of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores on a second surface opposite the first surface, such that when adjacent rings are stacked upon one another the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores is formed between the first portion of a first ring and the second portion of a second ring adjacent to the first ring. In some embodiments, the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores can be configured to adhere the airflow flowing out thereof around the outer wall of the elongate cylindrical body.

In another aspect, a hair care accessory is provided and in one embodiment can include an elongate cylindrical body extending from an open first end to a closed second end opposite the open first end. The elongate cylindrical body can include a central air inlet in the open first end configured to receive an airflow from a hair dryer, a plurality of air inlets fluidically coupled to the central air inlet and arranged on an inner surface of the elongate cylindrical body, a plurality of air outlets arranged on an outer surface of the elongate cylindrical body and fluidically coupled to the plurality of air inlets via arc-shaped channels radially extending from the inner surface to the outer surface. The arc-shaped channels can be configured to convey the airflow through the plurality of air outlets at an orientation that causes at least some of the airflow to wrap around the outer surface.

In some embodiments, the plurality of air inlets can have a substantially oval shape and the plurality of air outlets have a substantially circular shape, such that a cross-sectional profile of the plurality of arc-shaped channels transition along their length from the substantially oval shape at the inner surface to the substantially circular shape at the outer surface. In some embodiments, the elongate cylindrical body can include a plurality of rings stacked upon one another, the arc-shaped channels can be formed between corresponding channel portions positioned on opposing surfaces of adjacent rings. In some embodiments, a first channel portion on a first surface of a ring can be rotationally offset from a second channel on a second surface of the ring opposite the first surface.

In some embodiments, the plurality of air outlets can extend along the outer surface of the elongate cylindrical body in a plurality of rows such that the plurality of air outlets in adjacent rows are rotationally offset from one another. In some embodiments, the arc-shaped channels can be concentrically arranged within a wall of the elongate cylindrical body extending between the inner surface and the outer surface thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of one exemplary embodiment of a hair care accessory described herein;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the hair care accessory of FIG. 1 illustrating a one embodiment of an arrangement of rows of a plurality of cylindrical outlet bores extending circumferentially around and longitudinally along the hair care accessory of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the hair care accessory of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a plurality of rings and the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores formed between adjacent rings of the hair care accessory of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of attachment features configured on the rings of the hair care accessory of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a fluid flow provided via the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores of the hair care accessory of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 illustrates cross-sectional views of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores and bore portions at different locations within the rings of the hair care accessory of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 illustrates additional cross-sectional views of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores and an angle of a central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical outlet bore at the outer surface of the hair care accessory of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 illustrates different embodiments of shapes of the openings of cylindrical outlet bores at the inner and outer surfaces of the hair care accessory of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the hair care accessory of FIG. 1 showing a diverter positioned on the end cap of the hair care accessory of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a plot illustrating a perspective view of fluid flow path testing data for the hair care accessory of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a plot illustrating a top-down view of fluid flow path testing data for the hair care accessory of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 13 is a plot illustrating a cross-sectional view of fluid flow path testing data for the hair care accessory of FIG. 1.

It is noted that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Various embodiments of a hair care accessory for use with a hair care appliance are provided herein. In general, the hair care appliance can be in the form of a hair dryer that has an air inlet and at least one air outlet, and various internal components that facilitate use and operation of the hair care appliance, such as a fan, motor, heater, control circuitry, and so forth. Embodiments of the hair care accessory described herein are configured to improve a user's experience while drying and styling hair, particularly when curling hair. For example, the hair care accessory described herein can include a plurality of outlets arranged circumferentially around and extending longitudinally along a hollow cylindrical elongate body. An air flow from an outlet end of the hair care appliance can be received within an air inlet of the hollow cylindrical elongate body and conveyed through the plurality of outlet bores extending through the hollow cylindrical outlet body to an outer surface thereof. As a result, the air flow can be directed around the outer surface or circumference of the hollow cylindrical elongate body to produce a Coanda effect. The hair care accessory herein can provide the resultant air flow therearound in a more uniform pattern along the entire length of the body for improved hair curling as compared to other hair care accessories, which can be configured with outlets arranged as slots or have irregular-shaped cylindrical bodies. Hair care accessories with irregularly-shaped cylindrical bodies can impart creases on a styled curl, and furthermore can be more challenging to manufacture and less aesthetically pleasing.

FIGS. 1-10 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a hair care accessory 100. The hair care accessory 100 includes a hollow cylindrical elongate body 101 extending between a first end 102 and a second end 103 thereof. A collar 104 can be positioned at the first end 102 and can include an appliance mating portion 105 configured to removably couple the hair care accessory 100 to a hair care appliance. The appliance mating portion 105 can include one or more slots 106 arranged circumferentially around the collar 104. The slots 106 can be configured to receive corresponding protrusions positioned at an outlet end of the hair care appliance, such that when the protrusions are received within the slots 106, the hair care accessory 100 can be coupled to the hair care appliance. The slots 106 and protrusions can be just one example of mating mechanisms configured to removably couple the hair care accessory 100 to a hair care appliance. A variety of other mating mechanisms can also be envisioned, such as a snap fitting, a friction fitting, a user-actuated mating mechanism, and so forth. In some embodiments, the slots can be positioned on the hair care appliance and protrusions can be positioned on the hair care accessory 100. The collar 104 can also include at least one electrical contact 125 positioned therein and configure to convey electrical power from the hair care appliance to at least one heater assembly 126 positioned in or on the hollow cylindrical elongate body 101 as shown in FIG. 3. Although the embodiment of the heater assembly 126 shown in FIG. 3 is oriented longitudinally within the body 102, other configurations of the heater assembly 126 can be envisioned, such as a heater assembly 126 that is positioned circumferentially around the inner surface 111 of the body on one or more rings 108.

The hair care accessory 100 can include an air inlet 107 positioned at the first end 102. The air inlet 107 can be an opening of the collar 104 through which a fluid flow F is received from the hair care appliance. The air inlet 107 can be fluidically coupled to a plurality of rings 108 that can be stacked upon one another and can extend between the first end 102 and the second end 103 of the body 101 as shown in FIG. 1. The rings 108 can have an annular shape with an opening therein, which can form a lumen 112 of the hollow cylindrical elongate body 101 as shown in FIG. 3. The second end 103 can include an end cap 113 having a first surface 117 and a second surface 118 opposite the first surface 117. The end cap 113 can form a closed end of the body 101. In some embodiments, the end cap 113 can include a diverter 129 protruding from the first surface 117 into the lumen 112 of the body 101 as shown in FIG. 10. The diverter 129 can advantageously increase the air pressure of the fluid flow F in the lumen 112 at or near the second end 103 of the hollow cylindrical elongate body 101 so as to increase the fluid flow F conveyed through a plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109. In some embodiments, the diverter 129 can include a frustoconical shape as shown in FIG. 10. In some embodiments, the diverter 129 can include a cylindrical shape.

The plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109 can be positioned radially around a circumference of the body 101 and can be spaced along the length thereof with respect to a longitudinal axis A of the hollow cylindrical elongate body 101. The plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109 can be positioned between adjacent rings 108 and can be configured to convey the fluid flow F therethrough. While the present disclosure is primarily directed to outlet bores having a cylindrical shape, the outlet bores 109 can be formed with any shape suitable for emitting airflow toward an outer surface of the body 101, such as rectangular slots, square holes, and so on.

The plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109 can be radially offset from one another with respect to the axis A as shown in FIG. 2. For example, bores 109A can be positioned between end cap 113 and ring 108A, bores 109B can be positioned between rings 108A and 108B, and bores 109C can be positioned between rings 108B and 108C. Bores 109A can be rotationally and radially offset from bores 109B with respect to axis A. Bores 109A can be positioned in a rotationally similar manner as bores 109C.

Thus, the bores 109 can be configured in rows R between the first end 102 and the second end 103. As shown in FIG. 2, bores 109D in row R4 are rotationally and radially offset from the bores 109E in row R5, which are rotationally and radially offset from the bores 109F in row R6. For example, in some embodiments, rows R can be rotationally and radially offset from one another by 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, or 35 degrees, although more or less amounts of rotational and radial offset of the rows R can be envisioned. Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 includes a longitudinal pattern of bores 109 in extending along the hollow cylindrical elongate body 101 in rows R where adjacent rows are rotationally and radially offset and every other row is rotationally and radially aligned (e.g., bores 109D in R4 and bores 109F in R6), in some embodiments, other longitudinal patterns of bores 109 in rows R can be envisioned. For example, in some embodiments, bores 109 in every fourth, fifth or sixth row R can be rotationally and radially aligned. In some embodiments, bores 109 within groupings of two or more rows R can be aligned or radially offset. In yet other embodiments, the bores 109 in every row along the body 101 can be rotationally and radially aligned. A variety patterns of rows R aligning or radially offsetting bores 109 can be envisioned.

The plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109 can extend through a wall 114 of the body 101 as shown in FIG. 3. The plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109 can extend from an inner surface 111 of the wall 114 adjacent to the lumen 112 of the body through the wall 114 to the outer surface 110 of the body 101. The bores 109 can include a first opening 115 positioned on the inner surface 111 of the wall 114 and a second opening 116 positioned on the outer surface 110 of the wall 114. The plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109 can fluidically couple the first opening 115 to the second opening 116, such that the fluid flow F received into the lumen 112 via the air inlet 107 can be conveyed into the first opening 115, along the cylindrical outlet bore 109 and out of the second opening 116.

The plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109 can be formed between adjacent rings 108 as shown in FIG. 4, to aid in manufacturability, for example. The end cap 113 and the rings 108 can include bore portions 121 and 122 formed in surfaces thereof. For example, with reference to FIG. 4, the end cap 113 can include a first surface 123 and a second surface 120 opposite the first surface 123 with wall 124 extending therebetween. The rings 108 can include a first surface 119 and a second surface 120 opposite the first surface 119 with wall 114 extending therebetween. The first surface 119 of the rings 108 can include a first plurality of bore portions 121 and the second surface 120 of the rings 108 and the end cap 113 can include a second plurality of bore portions 122. When adjacent rings are stacked together forming the hollow cylindrical elongate body 101, the first plurality of bore portions 121 on a first ring 108 can be aligned with the second plurality of bore portions 122 on a second, adjacent ring to form the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109 extending through the wall 114 of the adjacent rings (or through the wall 124 of the end cap 113 and the wall 114A of adjacent ring 108A).

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109A can be positioned between the second surface 120 of the end cap 113 and the first surface 119A of ring 108A. The second plurality of bore portions 122 extending radially through the wall 124 at the second surface 120 of the end cap 113 can form an upper portion of the bores 109A and the first plurality of bore portions 121A extending radially through the wall 114A at the first surface 119A of the ring 108A can form a lower portion of the bores 109A. When the end cap 113 is stacked or otherwise coupled to the ring 108A, the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109A is formed between the second surface 120 of the end cap 113 and the first surface 119A of ring 108A.

Similarly, the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109B can be positioned between the second surface 120A of the ring 108A and the first surface 119B of ring 108B. The second plurality of bore portions 122A extending radially through the wall 114A at the second surface 120A of the ring 108A can form an upper portion of the bores 109B and the first plurality of bore portions 121B extending radially through the wall 114B at the first surface 119B of the ring 108B can form a lower portion of the bores 109B. When the ring 108A is stacked or otherwise coupled to the ring 108B, the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109B is formed between the second surface 120A of the ring 108A and the first surface 119B of ring 108B. The plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109C can be similarly formed between the second plurality of bore portions 122B on the second surface 120B of ring 108B and the first plurality of bore portions 121C on the first surface 119C of ring 108C. The plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109D can be similarly formed between the second plurality of bore portions 122C on the second surface 120C of ring 108C and the first plurality of bore portions 121D on the first surface 119D of ring 108D.

Rings 108 can be coupled to one another such that the outer surface 110 of the hollow cylindrical elongate body 101 is continuous. In some embodiments, the hollow cylindrical elongate body 101 can be formed as a single unitary cylindrical body instead of a plurality of rings 108 stacked upon one another. In some embodiments, a plurality of unitary cylindrical bodies can be provided with bores 109 formed therethrough. For example, a first single unitary cylindrical body can be positioned adjacent to the first end 102 and/or a second single unitary cylindrical body can be positioned adjacent to the second end 103. Thus, in some embodiments, a single unitary cylindrical body can form the length of the body 101. In some embodiments, two unitary cylindrical bodies can form the length of the body 101. In some embodiments, two unitary cylindrical bodies can be separated by a ring-shaped spacer. The ring-shaped spacer separating the two unitary cylindrical bodies can include or exclude bores 109 formed therein. The two unitary cylindrical bodies and the ring-shaped spacer separating them can form the length of the body 101. In such embodiments, the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109 can be formed through the unitary cylindrical bodies using know techniques.

In some embodiments, the outer surface 110 of the hollow cylindrical elongate body 101 can include a thermally conductive coating, which can include a metal material, a ceramic material or the like. Adjacent rings 108 can be coupled to one another via mating mechanisms that can be configured on the first surface 119 and the second surface 120 of thereof. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, ring 108B can include a protrusion 127 protruding from the second surface 120B. The protrusion 127 can extend fully or partially across the thickness (or width) TWB of wall 114B of ring 108B. The protrusion 127 can be received within a corresponding groove 128 that can be positioned on the first surface 119C of adjacent ring 108C. The groove 128 can similarly extend fully or partially across the thickness (or width) TWC of wall 114C of ring 108C. When the protrusion 127 is received within the groove 128, ring 108B can be securably coupled to ring 108C.

Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 describes the use of a protrusion and groove, a variety of other mechanisms can also be envisioned to couple adjacent rings 108, such as a snap fittings, a friction fittings, adhesives, or various methods of welding, such as hot gas welding, ultrasonic welding, or laser welding. Additionally, the position of the protrusion 127 and the groove 128 need not be limited to the second surface 120 and the first surface 119, respectively, of adjacent rings as shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the protrusion 127 can be positioned on the first surface 119 of a first ring (such as first surface 119C of ring 108C) and the groove 128 can be configured on the second surface 120 of an adjacent ring (such as the second surface 120B of ring 108B). In some embodiments, the mating mechanisms described herein (such as the protrusion 127 and the groove 128), can include electrical contacts configured to convey power signals to heater assemblies 126 that may be configured on the rings 108.

A fluid flow F received into the lumen 112 via the air inlet 107 can be conveyed through the hollow cylindrical elongate body 101 via the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109 as shown in FIG. 6. The fluid flow F can enter the lumen 112 can pass into the openings 115 on the inner surface 111 of the wall 114, through the bores 109 and out of the openings 116 on the outer surface 110. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the end cap 113 has been removed to show the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109A and the fluid flow F therethrough more clearly. The plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109 can extend radially through the wall 114 of rings 108 at the first and second surfaces 119, 120 thereof in an arc-shape relative to the longitudinal axis A, thereby directing the fluid flow exiting the openings 116 toward the outer surface 110, causing the fluid flow to at least partially wrap around the outer surface 110 by virtue of the Coanda effect. This phenomenon can facilitate the wrapping of hair around the body 101. In some embodiments, the rotational orientation RO of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109 can be configured in a first rotational direction R1 configured to convey the fluid flow in a first direction FA, such as a clockwise rotational direction around the elongate cylindrical body 101. In some embodiments, the rotational orientation RO of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109 can be configured in a second rotational direction R2 configured to convey the fluid flow in a second direction FB, such as a counter-clockwise rotational direction around the elongate cylindrical body 101. The first rotational direction R1 (and corresponding fluid flow direction FA) can be opposite the second rotational direction R2 (and corresponding fluid flow direction FB).

The first and second bore portions 121, 122 can be seen in more detail in views B, C, and D illustrated in FIG. 7 with reference to FIG. 4. View B corresponds to transverse plane B shown in FIG. 4 and illustrates a top view of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109B formed between rings 108A and 108B. The plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109B can be fluidically coupled to the lumen 112 of the hollow cylindrical elongate body 101 and can extend between the inner surface 111, through the wall 114, toward the outer surface 110. The plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109 can have a substantially arc-shape as they extend through the wall 114 of rings 108 between the first opening 115 in the inner surface to the second opening 116 in the outer surface 110.

The hollow cylindrical elongate body 101 can have a radius R1 corresponding to a radius of the lumen 111 formed therein. Radius R2 can correspond to the radius of the hollow cylindrical elongate body 101 such that a thickness TW of the wall 114 can be determined as TW =R2−R1. The number of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109 can correspond to the radius R1 associated with the radius of the lumen 111. The arc-shape and rotational offset of adjacent bores 109 can correspond to the thickness (or width) TW of rings 108 and the radius R2 of the hollow cylindrical elongate body 101. Each of the bores 109 can have a central longitudinal axis therethrough that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

The arc-shape of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109, such as bores 109B shown in view B of FIG. 7, can be configured to enhance the provision of the fluid flow FA around the outer surface 110 of the hollow cylindrical elongate body 101 so that the fluid flow FA adheres more strongly to the outer surface 110. As a result, the fluid flow FA can provide an enhanced Coanda effect and thus improve the user's experience curling hair, as the hair will be more easily drawn toward and wrap around the outer surface 110 of the hollow cylindrical elongate body 101. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the openings 115 on the inner surface 111 of the wall 114 of the outlet bores 109 can have a different size or shape than the openings 116 on the outer surface 110, as discussed further below. For example, an opening 115 on the inner surface 111 can have a larger diameter that progressively tapers along the bore 109 toward an opening 116 on the outer surface 110 having a smaller diameter, which increases the pressure of the fluid flow as it exits the opening 116 and thus increases its exit velocity.

As shown in view C, a portion of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109B is illustrated in a planar view thereof at a location mid-way between the inner surface 111 and the outer surface 110 of the wall 114. As shown in view C, the first plurality of bore portions 121 (e.g., bore portions 121B) are shown as a first plurality of arc-shaped channels or grooves configured in the first surface 119 (e.g., 119B) of ring 108B and the second plurality of bore portion 122 (e.g., bore portions 122A) are shown as a second plurality of arc-shaped channels or grooves configured in the second surface 120 (e.g., 120A) of ring 108A. The first plurality of bore portions 121B extend through the wall 114B of ring 108B and the second plurality of bore portions 122B extend through the wall 114A of ring 108A in a substantially concentric pattern of arc-shaped bores 109B. The cross-sectional profile of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109B can change along their length between the first opening 115 on the inner surface 111 and the second opening 116 on the outer surface 112. For example, at the inner surface 111, the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109B (and the first openings 115) can have a substantially oval or elliptical shape.

As shown in view C, at a midpoint between the inner surface 111 and the outer surface 110, the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109 can have a substantially oval or elliptical shape. The first and second plurality of bore portions 121, 122 of rings 108 in view C are spaced apart for clarity. The first and second plurality of bore portions 121, 122 of rings 108 can be configured to have a substantially semi-oval or semi-elliptical shape, such that when adjacent rings 108 are stacked together the substantially semi-oval or semi-elliptical shape of the first and second plurality of bore portions 121, 122 form the substantially oval or elliptical shape of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109B. For example, as shown in view C, the first plurality of bore portions 121B-1-121B-3 configured on the first surface 119B of ring 108B has a substantially semi-oval or semi-elliptical shape configured to correspond to the semi-oval or semi-elliptical shape of the second plurality of bore portions 122A-1-122A-3 configured on the second surface 120A of ring 108A. When rings 108A is stacked upon ring 108B, the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109B formed therebetween will have a substantially oval or elliptical shape.

As the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109B extend from the mid-point of wall 114, described above in relation to view C, toward the outer surface 110, the cross-sectional shape or profile can transition to a substantially circular shape as shown in view D. Similarly to view C, the first and second plurality of bore portions 121, 122 of rings 108 in view D are spaced apart for clarity. The cross-sectional profile of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109B can change along their length from the substantially oval or elliptical shape around the midpoint of the wall 14 shown in view C to a substantially circular shape at the outer surface 110 of the rings 108. The first and second plurality of bore portions 121, 122 of rings 108 in view D are spaced apart for clarity. The first and second plurality of bore portions 121, 122 of rings 108 can be configured to have a substantially semi-circular shape, such that when adjacent rings 108 are stacked together the substantially semi-circular shape of the first and second plurality of bore portions 121, 122 form the substantially circular shape of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109B. For example, as shown in view D, the first plurality of bore portions 121B-1-121B-3 configured on the first surface 119B of ring 108B has a substantially semi-circular shape configured to correspond to the semi-circular shape of the second plurality of bore portions 122A-1-122A-3 configured on the second surface 120A of ring 108A. When rings 108A is stacked upon ring 108B, the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109B formed therebetween will have a substantially circular shape.

The cross-sectional shape of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109 is illustrated further in views E, F-1, and G shown in FIG. 8. View B corresponds to view B of FIGS. 4 and 7. View E illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bore 109B at a location along its longitudinal axis between the inner surface 111 and the outer surface 112 corresponding to the location associated with view C of FIG. 7. For example, approximately midway along its longitudinal axis, the bore 109B has a substantially oval or elliptical shape formed by the semi-oval or elliptically-shaped first bore portion 121B of ring 108B and the second bore portion 122A of ring 108A as shown in view E. The bore 109B can have a substantially circular shape formed by the semi-circular first bore portion 121B of ring 108B and the second bore portion 122A of ring 108A as shown in view F-1.

The orientation of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109 relative to the circumference of the outer surface 110 is illustrated in view G. As shown in view G, each bore 109 can have a central longitudinal axis AB extending therethrough. The axis AB can be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A extending centrally through the lumen 111. The axis AB can pass through the opening 116 at the outer surface 110 of wall 114 an angle α relative to a horizontal axis H which extends perpendicular to the outer surface 110. The axis H can be oriented tangentially to the second opening 116 formed in the outer surface 110. In some embodiments, the angle α can be between about 10 degrees and 45 degrees relative to or from the horizontal axis H so as to produce a Coanda effect of the fluid flow FA exiting the second opening 116 along the axis AB.

The configuration of the second opening 116 of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109 arranged on the surface 110 of the hollow cylindrical elongate body 101 can vary depending on the configuration of the first opening 115 as well as the thickness TW of wall 114 and the radius R2 of the hollow cylindrical elongate body 101. For example, as shown in embodiment B′, the first opening 115 has a substantially circular shape A′ formed by two bore portions 121, 122. The horizontal dashed line illustrates a dividing line between adjacent rings 108 (and the bore portions 121, 122 thereof). When the arc-shaped bore 109 is extended radially outward through the hollow cylindrical elongate body 101, the resulting shape A″ of the second opening 116 on the outer surface 110 is a substantially oval or elliptical shape A″. The resulting shape A″ of the second opening 116 is shown with the first opening 115 overlaid thereon for reference. In another embodiment B″, the first opening 115 has a substantially oval or elliptical shape A′formed by two bore portions 121, 122. The horizontal dashed line illustrates a dividing line between adjacent rings 108 (and the bore portions 121, 122 thereof). When the arc-shaped bore 109 is extended radially outward through the hollow cylindrical elongate body 101, the resulting shape A″ of the second opening 116 on the outer surface 110 is a substantially circular shape A″. The resulting shape A″ of the second opening 116 is shown with the first opening 115 overlaid thereon for reference.

As shown in FIGS. 11-13, the hair care accessory 100 advantageously distributes fluid flow F received from a hair care appliance along the length of the hair care accessory 100, such that the fluid flow FA exiting the second opening 116 of the bores 109 produces a Coanda effect enhancing adhesion of the fluid flow FA and hair being styled around the body hollow cylindrical elongate body 101 of the hair care accessory 100. FIGS. 11-13 illustrate plots of velocity data (in meters/second, (m/s)) of the fluid flow F flowing through the inner lumen 112 of the body 101 and the fluid flow FA exiting the openings 116 of bores 109 configured on the outer surface 110 of the body 101. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the arrangement of the bores 109 along the length of the body 101 can advantageously direct the fluid flow FA from first end 102 and the second end 103 the towards the center or mid-point of the body 101. As a result, a greater amount of the fluid flow FA can be provided near the mid-point of the body 101. This distribution pattern of the fluid flow FA can provide a region along the length of the body 101 in which a user's hair is more readily pulled toward and wrapped around the body 101 due to the Coanda effect provided by the accessory 100 so that drying and styling of hair can be improved.

As shown in the top-down view of FIG. 12, the fluid flow FA is advantageously adhered around the outer surface 110 of the body 101. The arc-shaped arrangement of the cylindrical outlet bores 109 (such as the configuration of the angle α) can produce the fluid flow FA at openings 116 such that the fluid flow FA is directed around the circumference of the body 101 to produce the Coanda effect along the length of outer surface 110. The configuration of the cross-sectional profile of the cylindrical outlet bores 109 along their length between the inner lumen 112 and the outer surface 110, as well as the configuration of the angle α at the opening 116, results in the fluid flow FA flowing circumferentially around the outer surface 110 of the body 101 such that the fluid flow FA adheres to a larger radial portion of the circumference of the body 101 to increase adhesion more thoroughly therearound. As a result, styling and drying of hair is improved because the entire circumference of the body 101 draws hair toward the accessory 100 regardless of how a user initially engages their hair with the accessory 100 or how the user holds or positions the accessory 100 relative to the hair they wish to style.

In FIG. 13, the plot illustrates a cross-sectional view of the accessory 100 showing the fluid flow F through the inner lumen 112 and the resultant fluid flow FA exiting the openings 116 of the bores 109. As shown, the fluid flow F initially entering the lumen 112 at the inlet 107 positioned in the first end 102 is higher than the fluid flow F at the second end 103. As a result, a plenum chamber can be formed within the inner lumen 112 and the fluid flow FA can be provided at a consistent velocity along the length of the body 101 as it exits the plenum chamber formed in the lumen 112 via the openings 116 of the outlet bores 109. The uniform velocity of the fluid flow FA distributed along the length of the body 101 can enhance the user's experience styling and drying hair by providing a Coanda effect fully along the length of the body 101.

The hair care accessory described herein produces a number of advantages. For example, the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109 can be configured to extend circumferentially around and longitudinally along the hollow cylindrical elongate body 101 so as to direct the fluid flow F received from a hair care appliance out of the second openings 116 as a fluid flow FA configured to enhance a Coanda effect of the fluid flow FA and adhesion of the fluid flow FA around the hollow cylindrical elongate body 101 to improve hair drying and styling, particular hair curling. Additionally, the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109 can be configured to provide a uniform and consistent fluid flow along the entire length of the hollow cylindrical elongate body 101. The plurality of rings 108 can provide a smooth, uniform outer surface 110, which can be easily manufactured and assembled and is more aesthetically pleasing than irregular shaped hair care accessories. Further, because the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores 109 are formed between adjacent rings 108, the arc-shaped outlet paths of the bores 109 can be tuned or shaped to produce a stronger Coanda effect on the fluid flow passing therethrough and to allow for greater volumes of heated air to pass through the hair care accessory.

Certain exemplary embodiments have been described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, devices, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components of the embodiments generally have similar features, and thus within a particular embodiment each feature of each like-named component is not necessarily fully elaborated upon.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the present application is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A hair care accessory comprising:

a hollow cylindrical elongate body having first and second ends with an inner lumen extending therethrough;
a collar at the first end of the elongate body defining an air inlet therethrough for allowing airflow into the inner lumen, the collar being configured to removably couple the hollow cylindrical elongate body to a hair care appliance configured to supply the airflow to the air inlet; and
a plurality of cylindrical outlet bores spaced radially around and longitudinally along the hollow cylindrical elongate body, each of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores extending between an inner surface and an outer surface of the hollow cylindrical elongate body such that the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores are in fluid communication with the inner lumen in the hollow cylindrical elongate body, and each of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores being oriented at an angle such that airflow exiting the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores flows along and at least partially attaches to the outer surface of the hollow cylindrical elongate body.

2. The hair care accessory of claim 1, wherein the hollow cylindrical elongate body is formed by a plurality of stacked rings, each of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores extending at least partially through two adjacent rings.

3. The hair care accessory of claim 1, wherein the hollow cylindrical elongate body is formed by a plurality of stacked rings and wherein each ring has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, at least one of the first surface and the second surface including at least one protrusion, and at least one of the first and second surfaces including at least one groove configured to receive at least one protrusion on an adjacent ring.

4. The hair care accessory of claim 1, wherein the hollow cylindrical elongate body is formed from a plurality of stacked rings and an end cap positioned at the second end of the hollow cylindrical elongate body, the end cap forming a closed second end.

5. The hair care accessory of claim 1, wherein the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores comprise a plurality of rows of bores extending radially around the hollow cylindrical elongate body, each of the plurality of rows of bores being radially offset from an adjacent row of bores.

6. The hair care accessory of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of outlet bores has a central longitudinal axis extending therethrough, the central longitudinal axis extending transverse to an axis extending perpendicular to the outer surface of the hollow cylindrical elongate body.

7. The hair care accessory of claim 6, wherein the central longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores extends at an angle in a range of about 10 degrees to 45 degrees from the axis extending perpendicular to the outer surface.

8. A hair care accessory, comprising:

a plurality of rings stacked upon one another to form an elongate cylindrical body having an open first end and a second end, the first end including an appliance mating portion with a first air inlet configured to receive an airflow from a hair dryer when the appliance mating portion is coupled to the hair dryer, the elongate cylindrical body including a plurality of cylindrical outlet bores extending therethrough from an inner wall to an outer wall of the elongate cylindrical body for allowing airflow received through the mating portion to flow out of the elongate cylindrical body, each of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores extending through an adjacent pair of the plurality of rings.

9. The hair care accessory of claim 8, wherein the plurality of rings are mated together such that the outer wall of the elongate cylindrical body is continuous.

10. The hair care accessory of claim 8, wherein the plurality of rings have a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, at least one of the first surface and the second surface including at least one protrusion, and at least one of the first and second surfaces including at least one groove configured to receive at least one protrusion on an adjacent ring.

11. The hair care accessory of claim 8, wherein the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores each have a central longitudinal axis that is oriented to cause airflow exiting from the bores to at least partially attach to and flow around the outer wall of the elongate cylindrical body.

12. The hair care accessory of claim 8, wherein the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores have a radially curved shape as they extend from the inner wall to the outer wall.

13. The hair care accessory of claim 8, wherein the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores are arranged in rows extending along the elongate cylindrical body.

14. The hair care accessory of claim 13, wherein the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores in a first row are rotationally offset from the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores in a second row with respect to a longitudinal axis extending though the elongate cylindrical body.

15. The hair care accessory of claim 8, wherein the plurality of rings includes a first portion of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores on a first surface and a second portion of the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores on a second surface opposite the first surface, such that when adjacent rings are stacked upon one another the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores is formed between the first portion of a first ring and the second portion of a second ring adjacent to the first ring.

16. The hair care accessory of claim 8, wherein the plurality of cylindrical outlet bores are configured to adhere the airflow flowing out thereof around the outer wall of the elongate cylindrical body.

17. A hair care accessory, comprising:

an elongate cylindrical body extending from an open first end to a closed second end opposite the open first end, the elongate cylindrical body including a central air inlet in the open first end configured to receive an airflow from a hair dryer, a plurality of air inlets fluidically coupled to the central air inlet and arranged on an inner surface of the elongate cylindrical body, a plurality of air outlets arranged on an outer surface of the elongate cylindrical body and fluidically coupled to the plurality of air inlets via arc-shaped channels radially extending from the inner surface to the outer surface, the arc-shaped channels configured to convey the airflow through the plurality of air outlets at an orientation that causes at least some of the airflow to wrap around the outer surface.

18. The hair care accessory of claim 17, wherein the plurality of air inlets have a substantially oval shape and the plurality of air outlets have a substantially circular shape, such that a cross-sectional profile of the plurality of arc-shaped channels transition along their length from the substantially oval shape at the inner surface to the substantially circular shape at the outer surface.

19. The hair care accessory of claim 17, wherein the elongate cylindrical body includes a plurality of rings stacked upon one another, the arc-shaped channels formed between corresponding channel portions positioned on opposing surfaces of adjacent rings.

20. The hair care accessory of claim 19, wherein a first channel portion on a first surface of a ring is rotationally offset from a second channel on a second surface of the ring opposite the first surface.

21. The hair care accessory of claim 17, wherein the plurality of air outlets extend along the outer surface of the elongate cylindrical body in a plurality of rows such that the plurality of air outlets in adjacent rows are rotationally offset from one another.

22. The hair care accessory of claim 17, wherein the arc-shaped channels are concentrically arranged within a wall of the elongate cylindrical body extending between the inner surface and the outer surface thereof.

Patent History
Publication number: 20260224006
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 5, 2025
Publication Date: Aug 6, 2026
Inventors: Colby Jackson Higgins (Randolph, MA), William J. Seymour (Foxborough, MA)
Application Number: 19/045,897
Classifications
International Classification: A45D 20/12 (20060101);