Identification of hair care appliance accessories

Abstract

Various exemplary attachments for hair care appliances and methods of using attachments for hair care appliances are provided. In general, the hair care appliance in an exemplary embodiment is in the form of a hair dryer having an air inlet and at least one air outlet, as well as various internal components that facilitate use and operation of the hair care appliance, such as a fan, a motor, and a heater. In an exemplary embodiment, the hair care implement is configured to be releasably coupled to the accessory such that the hair care implement and the accessory are in electrical communication. The hair care appliance is configured to automatically identify an accessory releasably coupled to the hair care appliance.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 18 / 480,017, filed on October 3, 2023, entitled “Identification of Hair Care Appliance Attachments,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 480,680, filed on January 19, 2023, entitled “Hair Care Appliance with Powered Attachments,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to hair care appliances and accessories for use with hair care appliances. Background Art

[0004] Hair care appliances are devices for drying and styling hair. Hair care appliances can include various components that are operable to provide a fluid flow via a fluid flow path extending through the device. The fluid flow path receives ambient air and guides the ambient air through the hair care appliance via a motor and fan assembly. The fluid flow path is guided across a heating element to produce heated air at the outlet of the hair care appliance. Air is discharged from the hair care appliance via the fluid flow path so that the user can dry or style their hair. Depending on the user's hair styling or processing needs, one or more accessories are often used together with the hair care appliance.

[0005] Different attachments are achieved for the best results of hair by the different settings of hair care appliances. Yet, even a high-level, experienced user of a hair care appliance is also difficult to always select the most effective setting for a given attachment that is attached to a hair care appliance. Before selecting a setting and using the hair care appliance that is attached with an attachment, consulting a manual or other documents requires time, and therefore reduces the user experience. The user may forget to select a specific setting or accidentally select an unplanned setting, thereby can not achieve the best performance of the hair care appliance that is attached with an attachment. In addition, the user may not know the length of time that a specific attachment is applied to for the best results, so hair may not be optimally dried or shaped and / or the user may feel frustrated to needing to guess when to stop using the hair care appliance that is attached with an attachment. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Generally, accessories for hair care appliances and methods of using accessories for hair care appliances are provided.

[0007] In one aspect, a hair care assembly is provided, which in one embodiment includes a hair care appliance and an accessory. The hair care appliance includes a motor, a heater, a fan, and a processor. The motor is configured to drive the fan, which is configured to inhale air through an air inlet and discharge air from an air outlet. The heater is configured to heat the air flow from the fan, and the processor is configured to control the motor and the heater. The accessory is configured to be removably fitted to the hair care appliance so that the accessory is communicable with the air outlet and electrically communicates with the hair care appliance. When the accessory is removably fitted to the hair care appliance, the processor is configured to receive a return signal from the accessory and to modify at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance based on the received return signal.

[0008] The hair care assembly can have any number of variations. For example, the hair care appliance can include a mating assembly, the accessory can include a coupling configured to removably engage with the hair care appliance so that the accessory can be removably engaged with the hair care appliance, and the engagement of the coupling and the mating assembly can be configured to mechanically and electrically engage the accessory to the hair care appliance.

[0009] For another example, the removable cooperation of the accessory and the hair care appliance can be configured to complete an electrical path from the hair care appliance to the accessory and back to the hair care accessory. In addition, the electrical path can include a resistor arranged in the accessory, and the resistance value of the resistor can define how the processor modifies at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance.

[0010] For another example, the processor can be configured to identify the accessory based on the return signal, and the modification of at least one operating parameter can be based on the identification of the accessory. In addition, the hair care component can also include an additional accessory, which is configured to be removably fitted to the hair care appliance, and only one of the accessory and the additional accessory can be fitted to the hair care appliance at a time, and when the additional accessory is removably fitted to the hair care appliance, the processor can be configured to receive a signal from the additional accessory, can be configured to identify the accessory based on the signal from the additional accessory, and can be configured to modify at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance based on the identification of the additional accessory.

[0011] For yet another example, the hair care appliance may include a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector, the accessory may include a third electrical connector and a fourth electrical connector, the removable mating of the accessory with the hair care appliance may be configured to electrically mate the first electrical connector with the third electrical connector and to electrically mate the second electrical connector with the fourth electrical connector, and the hair care appliance may be configured to transmit a source signal to the accessory via the first electrical connector mated with the third electrical connector, such that the source signal passes through the third electrical connector and then through the fourth electrical connector before returning to the hair care appliance via the second electrical connector. In some embodiments, a resistor may be disposed between the third electrical connector and the fourth electrical connector, such that the source signal passes through the third electrical connector and then through the resistor and then through the fourth electrical connector; and / or the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector may not be in electrical communication with each other until the accessory is removably mated to the hair care appliance. In addition, the hair care component may also include an additional accessory that is constructed to be removably mated to the hair care appliance, and only one of the accessory and the additional accessory may be mated to the hair care appliance at a time. The additional accessory may include a fifth electrical connector and a sixth electrical connector, wherein the second resistor is arranged between the fifth electrical connector and the sixth electrical connector, and the second resistor may have a resistance value different from the resistance value of the resistor of the accessory. The removable mating of the additional accessory with the hair care appliance may be constructed so that the first electrical connector and the fifth electrical connector are electrically mated and the second electrical connector and the sixth electrical connector are electrically mated. The hair care appliance may be constructed to transmit a source signal to the additional accessory via the first electrical connector that is mated with the fifth electrical connector, so that the source signal passes through the fifth electrical connector and then passes through the second resistor and then passes through the sixth electrical connector before returning to the hair care appliance via the second electrical connector, so that the processor is constructed to modify at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance based on the signal returned via the second electrical connector and the sixth electrical connector. In some embodiments, the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector may not electrically communicate with each other until the accessory is removably engaged to the hair care appliance; and / or the hair care appliance may include a fifth electrical connector, the hair care component may further include an additional accessory constructed to be removably engaged to the hair care appliance, only one of the accessory and the additional accessory may be engaged to the hair care appliance at a time, the additional accessory may include a sixth electrical connector and a seventh electrical connector, the removable engagement of the additional accessory with the hair care appliance may be constructed to electrically engage the first electrical connector and the sixth electrical connector and to electrically engage the fifth electrical connector and the seventh electrical connector, and when the additional accessory is removably engaged to the hair care appliance, the processor may be constructed to receive a signal from the additional accessory and to modify at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance based on the signal received from the additional accessory.

[0012] For another example, the at least one operating parameter may include at least one of a temperature of a heater and a speed of a fan.

[0013] For yet another example, the accessory may include at least one sensor, and the signal may include data from the at least one sensor on the accessory body, and the processor is configured to modify at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance based on the received data.

[0014] For another example, the accessory can be one of a brush attachment, a curling attachment, and a concentrator attachment. Furthermore, the hair care assembly can include an additional accessory configured to be removably attached to the hair care appliance, wherein only one of the accessory and the additional accessory can be attached to the hair care appliance at a time. When the additional accessory is removably attached to the hair care appliance, the processor can be configured to receive a signal from the additional accessory and to modify at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance based on the received signal. Furthermore, the additional accessory can be a different one of the brush attachment, the curling attachment, and the concentrator attachment.

[0015] On the other hand, a hair care system is provided, which in one embodiment includes a hair care appliance, the hair care appliance including a processor and a memory storing instructions, the instructions causing the processor to perform operations when executed by the processor, the operations including automatically identifying the accessory in response to a releasable connection between the accessory and the hair care appliance so that the accessory and the hair care appliance are mechanically and electrically coupled together, and automatically setting at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance based on the identification of the accessory.

[0016] The hair care system can be varied in a variety of ways. For example, the operation can also include, in response to the releasable coupling of the accessory to the hair care appliance so that the accessory and the hair care appliance are mechanically and electrically coupled together, and before automatically identifying the accessory: transmitting a source signal from the hair care appliance to the accessory, and the identification of the accessory can be based on the signal returned from the accessory to the hair care appliance. In addition, the hair care appliance can be configured to releasably couple to an additional accessory of a different type than the accessory; the hair care appliance can be configured to releasably couple to only one of the accessory and the additional accessory at a time; the operation can also include, in response to the releasable coupling of the additional accessory to the hair care appliance so that the additional accessory and the hair care appliance are mechanically and electrically coupled together, automatically identifying the additional accessory and automatically setting at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance based on the identification of the additional accessory; and the identification of the additional accessory can be based on the signal returned from the additional accessory to the hair care appliance.

[0017] For another example, the accessory may be one of a brush attachment, a curling attachment, and a concentrator attachment.

[0018] For yet another example, the hair care system may further include an accessory, and the accessory may be one of a brush attachment, a curling attachment, and a concentrator attachment.

[0019] In another aspect, a computer-implemented method is provided that, in one embodiment, includes automatically identifying an accessory in response to a releasable coupling of the accessory to a hair care appliance such that the accessory and the hair care appliance are mechanically and electrically coupled together. The method also includes automatically setting at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance based on the identification of the accessory. The accessory is one of a brush attachment, a curling attachment, and a concentrator attachment.

[0020] The method can have any number of variations. For example, the method can also include, in response to a releasable coupling of the accessory to the hair care appliance that mechanically and electrically couples the accessory and the hair care appliance, and before automatically identifying the accessory: transmitting a source signal from the hair care appliance to the accessory. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a hair care appliance shown in a straight configuration;

[0023] Figure 2 Shown in an angled or bent configuration Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of a hair care appliance;

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the end portion of the handle of the hair care appliance;

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 a perspective view of the handle with the inlet housing removed;

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An end perspective view of a user interface of a hair care appliance;

[0027] Figure 6 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a hair care appliance and powered attachment as described herein;

[0028] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The accessory assembly of the hair care appliance is configured to Figure 6 a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an accessory coupling for use with a powered accessory;

[0029] Figure 8A yes Figure 7 a perspective view of a first side of an accessory coupling;

[0030] Figure 8B yes Figure 7 a perspective view of a second side of the accessory coupling;

[0031] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 Exploded views of accessory mating components and accessory couplings;

[0032] Figure 10 is with Figure 7 The accessory connection Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of an accessory mating component;

[0033] Figure 11 is constructed with Figure 7 a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a curling accessory for use with an accessory coupling;

[0034] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Side view of the curled appendage;

[0035] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of a curling attachment;

[0036] Figure 14 yes Figure 11 A perspective view of a heater frame with a curling attachment;

[0037] Figure 15 yes Figure 11 a perspective view of a cutaway portion of a curling attachment;

[0038] Figure 16 is constructed with Figure 7 a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a concentrator accessory for use with an accessory coupling;

[0039] Figure 17 is constructed with Figure 7 a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a brush attachment for use with an accessory coupling;

[0040] Figure 18 The diagram is used in manual operation mode. Figure 6 A diagram of the power and data architecture of a hair care appliance;

[0041] Figure 19 The diagram is used in semi-automatic operation mode. Figure 6 A diagram of the power and data architecture of a hair care appliance;

[0042] Figure 20The diagram is used in full automatic operation mode Figure 6 A diagram of the power and data architecture of the hair care appliance; and

[0043] Figure 21 The diagram is provided by Figure 6 1 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a predetermined cycle of a series of operations performed by a hair care appliance.

[0044] Figure 22 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a distal portion of a hair care appliance and an exemplary embodiment of an accessory coupling configured to couple to the hair care appliance;

[0045] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 A cutaway perspective view of a hair care appliance and an accessory connector;

[0046] Figure 24 yes Figure 22 Another cutaway perspective view of the hair care appliance and accessory coupling;

[0047] Figure 25 yes Figure 22 Another cutaway perspective view of the hair care appliance and accessory connector;

[0048] Figure 26 is with Figure 22 The electrical connector of the hair care appliance is connected Figure 22 A schematic diagram of a conductive path of an accessory connection member;

[0049] Figure 27 is with Figure 22 A schematic diagram of another exemplary embodiment of a conductive path of an accessory coupling engaged with an electrical connector of a hair care appliance;

[0050] Figure 28 It means in Figure 22 Accessory connectors and Figure 22 A circuit diagram of a closed circuit formed when the hair care appliance is connected;

[0051] Figure 29 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a partial distal portion of a hair care appliance and another exemplary embodiment of an accessory coupling configured to couple to the hair care appliance;

[0052] Figure 30 is with Figure 29 The accessory coupling is releasably coupled Figure 29 A side cutaway perspective view of a hair care appliance;

[0053] Figure 31 is with Figure 29The electrical connector of the hair care appliance is connected Figure 29 A schematic diagram of a conductive path of an accessory connection member;

[0054] Figure 32 is with Figure 29 a schematic diagram of another exemplary embodiment of a conductive path of an accessory coupling engaged with an electrical connector of a hair care appliance; and

[0055] Figure 33 is a flow chart of a method of identifying an accessory releasably coupled to a hair care appliance.

[0056] Note that the drawings are not necessarily drawn 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

[0057] Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of 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 limited solely by the claims. Features described or illustrated in conjunction with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0058] Various exemplary hair care appliances and accessories for use with the hair care appliances are provided herein. Generally speaking, the hair care appliances in the exemplary embodiments are in the form of a hair dryer having an air inlet and at least one air outlet, as well as various internal components, such as a fan, a motor, and a heater, that facilitate the use and operation of the hair care appliance. Various accessories (also referred to herein as "accessories") are also provided for use with the hair care appliance (such as a hair dryer) or with any other hair care appliance known in the art. The configuration of the appliance varies based on the type of accessory that is used with the hair care appliance.

[0059] Hair care appliance described herein and attachment are constructed to be connected in the following manner, and i.e. hair care appliance and the attachment electrical communication that is connected to hair care appliance.Can transmit electric power between hair care appliance and the attachment that is connected to hair care appliance.In some embodiments, can transmit data signal between hair care appliance and the attachment that is connected to hair care appliance.Conventional hair care appliance and attachment thereof may not comprise the ability that power is transmitted to the attachment that is connected to hair care appliance or exchange data signal between hair care appliance and attachment.Therefore, the user may perform some styling methods poorly, and the hair styling of gained may be undesirable or unplanned, thereby causes negative user experience.By contrast, hair care appliance described herein and attachment can provide more robust styling experience by transmitting electric power and / or data signal between hair care appliance and the attachment that is connected thereto, such as by means of sensor as described herein, user interface and programmable styling routine (routine). The hair care appliances and accessories described herein can enhance the overall styling experience regardless of the user's skill level and provide a modular styling device that can accommodate various styling needs through a wide selection of accessories configured for use with the hair care appliance.

[0060] With the attachment coupled to the hair care appliance, the user can receive feedback from the user interface of the attachment indicating at least one setting (e.g., timing, temperature, etc.) required to achieve the best styling result. In some embodiments, a powered sensor disposed in the attachment can further enable automatic operation of the hair care appliance to ensure that the user is using the device in a manner that will produce the best possible results for the desired styling method.

[0061] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of a hair care appliance 100 is illustrated. The illustrated hair care appliance 100 has a straight configuration and a bent configuration, as shown respectively, however the hair care appliance 100 can have various other configurations. As in the illustrated embodiment, the hair care appliance 100 can generally include a handle 110 movably coupled to a body 120 via a rotating articulated joint 124. Figure 1 In the straight configuration shown, the appliance 100 has a generally elongated cylindrical shape. The handle 110 has an inlet 112 at a first end of the appliance 100, and the body 120 has an outlet 122 at a second end of the appliance 100. A fluid flow path P (shown as a dotted line) is formed between the inlet 112 and the outlet 122. A rotary articulated joint 124 formed between the handle 110 and the body 120 is configured to be articulated via user operation to change the configuration of the hair care appliance 100 and the fluid flow path P from a straight configuration to a bent configuration (also referred to herein as an "angled configuration"). Figure 2 As shown, in the angled configuration, the handle 110 and the body 120 are angled relative to each other due to the articulation of the rotating articulated joint 124. Figure 2 As shown, the fluid flow path P shown by the dashed line is angled between the handle 110 and the body 120. Figure 1 , the fluid flow path P is substantially straight from the inlet 112 to the outlet 122 .

[0062] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the hair care appliance 100 can be operated when the swivel articulated joint 124 is unlocked and / or when the swivel articulated joint 124 is rotated to any position between the positions of the swivel articulated joint 124 in the straight configuration and the angled configuration. In other aspects, the hair care appliance 100 and the swivel articulated joint 124 can be configured to prevent excessive rotation of the swivel articulated joint 124 beyond its position in the angled configuration. The hair care appliance 100 can be configured in a completely straight configuration, such as Figure 1 As shown, the rotating hinge joint locks the body 120 so as to be substantially longitudinally aligned with the handle 110. The hair care appliance 100 can be configured in a fully bent configuration, such as Figure 2 , in which the rotating articulated joint 124 locks the body 120 at an angle relative to the handle 110. The hair care appliance 100 can also be configured in a swiveled configuration in which the rotating articulated joint 124 positions the body 120 relative to the handle 110 in a range of angled positions between the angled positions in the straight configuration and the bent configuration. Figure 2 A fully angled configuration of the hair care appliance 100 is illustrated in . In any angled configuration, the fluid flow path P will be angled between the handle 110 and the body 120 and therefore from the inlet 112 to the outlet 122 .

[0063] The hair care appliance 100 includes various internal electrical components 126 configured to operate the appliance 100. Generally speaking, as in the illustrated embodiment, the handle 110 may include electrical components 126 configured to control the operation of a fan assembly 128 disposed within the handle 110 and a heater assembly 132 disposed in the body 120. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown, the fan assembly 128 is positioned downstream of the rotary articulated joint 124 and adjacent to the heater assembly 132 disposed upstream of the rotary articulated joint 124. This can help improve fluid flow within the hair care appliance 100. The fan assembly 128 is configured to generate a fluid flow along a fluid flow path P such that air is drawn into the inlet 112, through the handle 110, and into the body 120 to be exhausted via the outlet 122. As the air passes through the body 120, it is heated by the heater assembly 132.

[0064] The electrical component 126 is configured to be coupled to a power supply. Figure 3 A power cord 130 is shown extending from the proximal base of the handle 110. The power cord 130 has a terminal (not shown) configured to be connected to a power source, for example, the terminal can be configured to be plugged into an electrical outlet. The power cord 130 includes internal wires configured to deliver power to the electrical components 126 in the handle 110. The power cord 130 can be connected to an electronics housing that houses the electrical components 126, which, as in the illustrated embodiment, can include at least one controller or printed circuit board (PCB), such as Figure 4 shown.

[0065] like Figure 3 As further shown, the proximal base of the handle 110 includes a filter assembly 116 that is configured to filter air drawn in through the inlet 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the filter assembly 116 extends around the proximal end of the handle 110 but is not formed in the end wall of the handle 110. Thus, the fluid F is configured to be drawn in circumferentially around the side wall of the handle 110. The illustrated filter assembly 116 includes an inlet housing 140 that is generally C-shaped and flexible to allow the inlet housing 140 to be removed for cleaning. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 138 intersects the inlet housing 140. The inlet housing 140 has a plurality of apertures through which the fluid F is configured to flow into the fluid flow path P. The apertures can have any configuration and can be arranged in any pattern. The inlet housing 140 is configured to cover a filter 142 positioned behind the inlet housing 140, such as in a case where the inlet housing 140 is removed. Figure 4 As shown, the filter 142 may be a porous element configured to block debris and hair that may have entered the inlet housing 140, thereby preventing the debris from entering the fluid flow path P. Figure 4 As further shown in FIG, the electrical components 126 are positioned just downstream of the filter 142 but upstream of the fan assembly 128, so that when the fluid F is drawn toward and into the fan assembly 128 during operation, the fluid flow path P flows over and around the electrical components 126. This can help cool the electrical components 126.

[0066] The handle 110 also includes a user interface 138 that is configured to enable a user to provide input to operate the appliance 100, such as Figure 5As shown. Specifically, as in the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 138 may include one or more actuators (e.g., buttons, switches, etc.) for turning the hair care appliance 100 on and off, adjusting the temperature setting of the heater assembly 132 (and therefore adjusting the temperature of the fluid F heated by the heater assembly 132), and adjusting the fan speed of the fan assembly 128 (and therefore adjusting the speed of the fluid F discharged via the outlet 122). The user interface 138 also includes one or more actuators for powering or otherwise controlling accessories attached to the hair care appliance 100, as will be discussed in more detail below. The user interface 138 also includes an actuator for disengaging the heating assembly 132, thereby providing cooled, unheated fluid from the outlet 122. In some embodiments, the user interface 138 may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) and / or other types of lights that are configured to provide a visual indication of the operating mode of the hair care appliance 100. In some embodiments, the user interface 138 may include one or more speakers that are configured to provide an audible indication of the operating mode of the hair care appliance 100. In some embodiments, the user interface 138 can include one or more tactile feedback mechanisms configured to provide a tactile indication of the operating mode of the hair care appliance 100 , such as a vibration.

[0067] While the user interface 138 can be positioned at various locations, in an exemplary embodiment, the user interface 138 extends longitudinally along at least a portion of the handle 110. Figure 5 As shown, in this illustrated embodiment, the user interface 138 extends along the base of the handle 110, intersecting the filter assembly 116 as shown, and extending toward the rotating hinge joint 124, terminating a short distance from the rotating hinge joint 124. In this illustrated embodiment, the user interface 138 is disposed on a scalloped portion 136 of the handle 110. The scalloped portion 136 includes raised edges along opposite lateral sides of the user interface 138, which are configured to facilitate a user's grip on the handle 110. In this illustrated embodiment, the user interface 138 extends between the first handle housing 114a of the handle 110 and the second handle housing 114b of the handle 110. In another embodiment, the user interface 138 may intersect the filter 142.

[0068] Wiring coupling the user interface 138 to the electrical components 126 is routed to the side of the user interface 138 , rather than directly beneath the user interface 138 , to ensure that the fluid flow path P is not restricted or has restricted fluid flow.

[0069] As indicated above, user interface 138 can comprise one or more actuators that are configured to control the operation of hair care appliance 100 based on user input.For example, user interface 138 can comprise blow-out feature 144, which is shown as button in the illustrated embodiment.Actuation of blow-out feature 144 is configured to close heater assembly 132 so that only unheated air is discharged through outlet 122.In some embodiments, blow-out feature 144 can be located away from user interface 138, or within user interface 138 but away from other features of user interface 138.

[0070] The user interface 138 may also include a fan setting feature 146, which is shown as a button in the illustrated embodiment. Actuation of the fan setting feature 146 is configured to control the speed of the fan assembly 128. The fan setting feature 146 is configured to be repeatedly selectable to generate high, medium, and low speeds of fluid flow through the fan assembly 128.

[0071] User interface 138 also comprises temperature setting feature 148, and it is shown as button in the embodiment of this diagram.The actuation of temperature setting feature 148 is constructed to control the temperature of heater assembly 132, and therefore controls the temperature of the fluid stream of outlet 122 that leaves hair care appliance 100.Temperature setting feature 148 is constructed to repeatedly select to heat fluid stream to very high, high, medium or low temperature.In some embodiments, high temperature setting can make heater assembly 132 heat fluid stream to 100 degrees Celsius.

[0072] like Figure 5 As further shown, user interface 138 comprises power feature 150, and it is shown as button in the embodiment of this diagram.The actuation of power feature 150 is constructed to control and provides electric power from power supply to the electric component 126 of hair care appliance 100 and / or the electric component that releasably is coupled to the accessory of hair care appliance 100, as discussed further below.As mentioned above, user interface 138 also comprises one or more tactile features 152.As in the embodiment of this diagram, tactile feature 152 can be raised edge or grip feature, and it is constructed to improve grip and the manual dexterity of user when keeping or operating hair care appliance 100.

[0073] In some embodiments, the actuator (e.g., feature 144, 146, 148, 150) of user interface 138 can be constructed to avoid the accidental engagement of the user. For example, one or more of the feature 144, 146, 148, 150 of user interface 138 can be recessed, and require clear engagement to trigger specific user engagement features. The low profile or recessed design of the actuator of user interface 138 are constructed to enable the user to operate hair care appliance 100 and not contact unplanned actuator by mistake. In some embodiments, any one of the actuator of user interface 138 described herein can be constructed with lighting or illuminated element, which can illuminate the actuator or surface of user interface 138, such as the inner surface or lower surface of user interface 138. The configuration and shaping of user interface features described herein can be arranged on the handle 110 of hair care appliance 100 described herein with various non-restrictive structures.

[0074] The hair care appliances described herein, such as Figures 1 to 5 The hair care appliance 100 includes various features that are configured to improve the ease of styling and heating hair, as well as the lifespan of the hairstyle achieved using the appliance. For example, in one embodiment, the hair care appliance includes an attachment mating assembly that is configured to couple the appliance to a selected one of a variety of attachments (also referred to as accessories), which in some embodiments may be powered accessories. The use of powered accessories can advantageously enhance hair styling by positioning the heating element and / or sensor in the accessory and therefore closer to the styled hair than if the heating element and / or sensor were located in the hair care appliance. The powered accessory may also include a user interface element that is configured to provide the user with visual, audio, and / or tactile feedback about the styling process and / or operation of the hair care appliance to which the powered accessory is releasably coupled. The powered accessory can be used to enhance the user's styling experience, and the powered accessory can be easily coupled to the hair care appliance via the attachment mating assembly, which is configured to couple with the attachment mating mechanism of the selected powered accessory. Providing power and / or a communication circuit between a hair care appliance and a powered accessory via an accessory mating mechanism can expand the operation and functionality of the hair care appliance.

[0075] Figure 6An exemplary embodiment of a hair care appliance 200 is illustrated having an accessory mating assembly 202 configured to couple an accessory 204 to the hair care appliance 200. In this embodiment, the accessory 204 is a curling accessory configured to curl hair. In the illustrated embodiment, the curling accessory 204 has a generally elongated, cylindrical configuration having a plurality of heating plates thereon, as discussed further below. The illustrated curling accessory 204 also includes a user interface 206 at the distal end of the accessory 204. In some embodiments, such as in the illustrated embodiment, the hair care appliance 200 may further include a user interface 208 at the distal end of the hair care appliance 200. In some embodiments, one or both of the user interfaces 206, 208 may include at least one LED and / or other type of light, at least one speaker, and / or at least one tactile feedback mechanism. Although Figure 6 A curling accessory 204 is shown, but a variety of non-limiting accessories are contemplated that can be configured to couple to the hair care appliance 200 via the accessory mating assembly 202 described herein. Other examples of accessories are discussed herein.

[0076] The attachment fitting assembly 202 is disposed at the distal end of the hair care appliance 200 and surrounds the outlet 210 of the hair care appliance 200. Figure 7 As shown, the accessory mating assembly 202 is in the form of an annular body having mating features thereon. An accessory coupling 212 provided on an accessory (such as the curling accessory 204 or another accessory) can be coupled to the accessory mating assembly 202. Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the accessory coupling 212 is also in the form of an annular body having a mating feature 234 thereon that is configured to mate with a corresponding mating feature on the accessory mating assembly 202. The accessory coupling 212 includes an opening 218 through which, for an accessory including the accessory coupling 212 coupled to the hair care appliance 200, airflow exiting the outlet 210 of the hair care appliance 200 enters the accessory.

[0077] While a variety of mating features may be utilized to mate the accessory coupling 212 to the accessory mating assembly 202, in the illustrated embodiment, the accessory coupling 212 includes a plurality of protrusions 236, 238 (see FIG. Figure 8B ), the plurality of protrusions are configured to extend into corresponding slots 214, 242 formed in the accessory mating assembly 202 (see Figure 7 and Figure 9). Thus, an accessory including the accessory coupling 212 is configured to be coupled to the accessory mating assembly 202 by aligning the protrusions 236, 238 with the slots 214, 242 of the accessory mating assembly 202 and applying a linear force along the longitudinal axis of the appliance 200 and the accessory. The accessory mating assembly 202 also includes a rotatable release mechanism 220, such as a rotatable ring as shown (see Figure 9 ), which is configured to engage the protrusions 236, 238 within the grooves 214, 242 to prevent their removal. The ring 220 is spring-biased to the engaged position. Thus, during insertion of the protrusions 236, 238 into the grooves 214, 242, the protrusion 216 is configured to rotate the ring 220 away, e.g., out of the engaged position, thereby allowing the protrusions 236, 238 to fully extend into the grooves 214, 242. Once fully seated in the grooves 214, 242, the spring bias of the release mechanism 220 is configured to return the rotatable ring to the initial engaged position, thereby engaging the protrusions 236, 238 within the grooves 214, 242 to retain the protrusions 236, 238 therein, thereby retaining the accessory coupling 212 to the accessory mating assembly 202. The release mechanism 220 is configured to secure the accessory coupler 212 to the accessory mating assembly 202 such that the accessory, including the accessory coupler 212, is securely fixed and immovable relative to the hair care appliance 200 until the release mechanism 220 is actuated, as discussed herein, to allow the accessory to be released from the appliance 200. The release mechanism 220 is configured to be rotated by a user to disengage the release mechanism 220 from the accessory coupler 212, thereby allowing the accessory to be removed from the hair care appliance 200.

[0078] like Figure 7 As further shown, the accessory coupling 212 includes a plurality of electrical connectors 222, such as male pins as shown. The male pins are configured to be received within corresponding female sockets of electrical connectors 224 disposed in the accessory mating assembly 202. Various non-limiting connector types may be used, such as keyed connectors, locking connectors, pogo pins, crown spring connectors, crimp connectors, or blade connectors. Additionally, the configuration of the electrical connectors 222, 224 may vary. For example, in some embodiments, the accessory coupling 212 may include a female connector and the accessory mating assembly 202 may include a male connector, or vice versa. The location or configuration of the electrical connectors 222, 224 on the accessory mating assembly 202 (and the corresponding location on the accessory coupling 212) may also vary. For example, as Figure 7As shown, two adjacent sets of 4-pin connectors are shown in corresponding locations around the circumference of the accessory mating assembly 202 and the accessory coupling 212. In some embodiments, the sets of electrical connectors 222, 224 can be positioned spaced apart from one another or opposite one another around the circumference of the accessory mating assembly 202 and the accessory coupling 212. In some embodiments, a set of connectors can include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 connectors. The configuration of the electrical connectors 222, 224 can be configured to allow for use with a tool 200 having a small diameter body or housing, ease of wiring, and reduced airflow obstruction through the tool 200.

[0079] When an accessory is coupled to the appliance 200, the appliance 200 electrical connector 222 and the accessory's electrical connector 224 are configured to be communicatively coupled to electrical components of the appliance 200, such as a PCB, a fan assembly, a motor, a user interface, a switch, or other components configured in the appliance 200, via wiring. The electrical connector 222 and the electrical connector 224 (when connected to the electrical connector 222) are also configured to be communicatively coupled to electrical components of the accessory, such as a heating element, a heating assembly, a sensor, or a user interface configured in the accessory, via wiring. When connected, the electrical connectors 222, 224 are configured to transmit power signals and / or data signals between the appliance 200 and the accessory.

[0080] For example, in one embodiment, the first set of electrical connectors 222, 224 is configured to transmit power between the appliance 200 and an accessory coupled thereto, and vice versa. The first set can include first and second power pins, first and second neutral pins, and a local earth or ground pin. The second set of electrical connectors 222, 224 is configured to transmit data between the appliance 200 and an accessory coupled thereto, and vice versa. The second set can include first and second user interface control pins, first and second sensor data pins, and a spare pin.

[0081] As described above, as in the illustrated embodiment, the accessory coupling 212 may include an annular structure having an opening 218 therein for allowing airflow from the outlet 210 of the appliance 200 to an accessory coupled to the appliance 200. The accessory coupling 212 includes a first distal end, such as Figure 8A As shown, the first distal side includes a housing 226 at which the electrical connector 222 is configured to receive wiring from an electrical component of an accessory including the accessory coupling 212. The first side also includes a ferrule 228 extending distally away from the first side. The ferrule 228 is configured to secure the accessory coupling 212 to the accessory. Figure 8BThe opposite second proximal side of the accessory connector 212 is shown to include a plurality of pins 230 that extend proximally from the housing 226 on the first side of the accessory connector 212 and are configured to be received by a receiving portion of an electrical connector 222 configured in the accessory mating assembly 202 of the appliance 200. The second side also includes a second ferrule 232 that extends proximally away from the second side. The second ferrule 232 includes an engagement feature 234 that is configured to align and secure the accessory connector 212 within the accessory mating assembly 202. For example, as shown, the second ferrule 232 includes a protrusion 216 and an engagement feature 234. The engagement feature 234 includes a pair of features that are configured to engage with the release mechanism 220 of the accessory mating assembly 202. As shown, the first element 236 of the pair of engagement features 234 can be a protrusion that extends radially away from the second ferrule 232 along its length. The first element 236 is configured to be engaged by a locking ring 244 (see Figure 7 and Figure 9 ) is received in the slot 242 of the housing of the appliance 200 and is seated in the slot 214 (see Figure 9 ) in. The second element 238 of the pair of engagement features 234 comprises an angle-faced protrusion co-located on the second hoop 232 with the first engagement feature 236 immediately adjacent the second side. The angled surface of the second element 238 is configured to pass through the locking ring 244 (see Figure 7 and Figure 9 ) is received and engages the corresponding ramped protrusion 240 on the release mechanism 220.

[0082] As described above, the accessory mating assembly 202 of the appliance 200 includes a locking ring 244 that is configured to secure the release mechanism 220 and the electrical connector 222 in place at the distal end of the appliance 200. The locking ring 244 includes a protruding tab 246 that extends proximally toward the appliance 200, passes through the release mechanism 220, and engages with a slot 214 provided on an inner surface of the appliance body or housing 260. The protruding tab 246 is configured to secure the locking ring 244 to the appliance 200 and maintain the release mechanism 220 in an operable position for rotation. The protruding tab 246 also includes a slot 242 into which the engagement feature 234 on the second ferrule 232 of the accessory coupling 212 is configured to be received when the accessory is mated with the appliance 200. An additional set of protrusions 216 (see FIG. 2 ) are located on the second ferrule 232 in conjunction with the pins 230 of the accessory coupling 212. Figure 8B ) is configured to be received within a corresponding slot 248 formed on a surface of the electrical connector 224 to provide additional stability when the accessory is secured to the appliance 200.

[0083] The accessory mating assembly 202 also includes a compression spring 250 disposed in a channel 252 formed in a housing 260 of the appliance 200 (see FIG. Figure 9 ) or other force generating element. The compression spring 250 is configured to be compressed within the channel 252 when the user rotates the release mechanism 220 to decouple the accessory coupler 212 (and therefore the accessory including the accessory coupler 212) from the appliance 200. The spring 250 is configured to engage the protrusion 240 of the release mechanism 220 at a first end of the spring 250 and engage the terminal end of the channel 252 at a second, opposite end of the spring 250. The compression spring 250 is configured to extend against the terminal end of the channel 252 and, in response to the user releasing the release mechanism 220, exert a force on the release mechanism protrusion 240, thereby returning or resetting the release mechanism 220 to a position ready to receive an accessory, which may be the same accessory as the one just released or a different accessory.

[0084] When the accessory is secured to the implement 200, the second feature 238 of the pair of engagement features on the second side of the accessory coupler 212 is configured to engage with the protrusion 240 on the release mechanism 220. For example, a portion of the ramped surface of the second feature 238 is oriented correspondingly to the ramped surface on the protrusion 240 of the release mechanism 220. The release mechanism 220 is configured to rotate slightly due to movement of the compression spring 250, enabling the corresponding ramped surface of the second feature 238 of the accessory coupler 212 to engage with the protrusion 240 of the release mechanism 220. The first feature 236 of the pair of engagement features on the second side of the accessory coupler 212 is configured to engage with the non-ramped surface of the release mechanism protrusion 240 to prevent the accessory from rotating within the accessory mating assembly 202. In this manner, the release mechanism 220 is configured to securely secure the accessory to the implement 200 by linearly connecting the accessory coupler 212 to the accessory mating assembly 202.

[0085] The accessory mating assembly 202 is configured to receive the accessory coupling 212 therein and to contact the electrical connector 224 of the accessory mating assembly 202 with the corresponding electrical connector 222 of the accessory coupling 212, as shown. Figure 10 As shown in the cross-sectional view. Figure 10 As further shown, the body 260 of the appliance 200 includes a frame 254 therein. The frame 254 includes a cavity 256 therein that extends along the length of the frame 254. A fluid flow path 258 (shown as a phantom line) extends through the cavity 256 of the frame 254.

[0086] Described herein are hair care products configured to be used with hair care appliances (e.g., Figures 1 to 5 Hair care products 100, Figures 6 to 10 The hair care appliance 200 or other hair care appliance) and the accessory matching components (e.g., Figure 7 An exemplary embodiment of an accessory for use with the accessory mating assembly 202 or other accessory mating assembly) includes a curling accessory. An exemplary embodiment of a curling accessory is Figure 6 shown in the figure and with Figure 11 The curling attachment 300 is constructed and used in a similar manner to another exemplary embodiment of the curling attachment 300 shown in FIG. The curling attachment 300 includes an elongated body 302 extending between an attachment end 304 and a distal end 306. The attachment end 304 is configured to be attached to the body 302 via an attachment coupling 314 (e.g., Figures 7 to 10 The accessory coupling 212 or other accessory coupling) and the hair care appliance (e.g., Figures 1 to 5 Hair care products 100, Figures 6 to 10 The distal end 306 includes an end cap 308 having a cylindrical or other shaped protrusion extending away from the end plate 310 of the end cap 308, such as Figure 12 The end plate 310 has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the main body 302 to protect the user's fingers from the heated surface of the main body 302 when grasping the curling attachment 300 at the distal end 306 .

[0087] Also like Figures 12 to 15 As shown, the accessory 300 includes a wiring 312 that is configured to couple the electrical connector of the accessory coupling 314 with the electrical components of the curling accessory 300 (such as LEDs (and / or other types of lights), sensors, tactile feedback mechanisms, etc.). The LEDs (and / or other types of lights), sensors, tactile feedback mechanisms, etc. in the accessory 300 are configured to provide user feedback about the operation of the accessory 300. In some embodiments, the user feedback can be visual, auditory, and / or tactile feedback. For example, the tactile feedback mechanism can be configured to generate vibrations that can be felt by users with accessibility requirements. In some embodiments, the motor of the hair care appliance to which the accessory 300 is coupled can be configured to generate tactile feedback. In some embodiments, the wiring 312 can be completely enclosed within the curling accessory 300.

[0088] The curling attachment 300 includes a plurality of longitudinally arranged plates 316 that are configured to be heated and to form curls in the hair when the heated plates 316 come into contact with the hair. An airflow is configured to be received from a hair care appliance to which the curling attachment 300 is attached via an inlet 318 of the curling attachment 300 and pass through the body 302 of the curling attachment 300. The airflow is configured to exit the curling attachment 300 via outlets 320 arranged longitudinally along the body 302 between adjacent plates 316. The airflow exiting tangentially to the surface of the curling attachment 300 is configured to induce a Coanda effect. The Coanda effect allows hair to wrap around the outer surface of the curling attachment 300 without requiring the user to directly manipulate the hair onto the heated curling attachment 300.

[0089] The curling attachment 300 also includes a heater 322, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 322 is in the form of a cylindrical or rod-shaped heater (such as a cartridge heater) configured within the inner cavity of the heater frame 324. The heater 322 extends along the cavity over the entire length of the body 302, or partially extends within the cavity at one or more portions of the body 302. The heater frame 324 includes a thermally conductive material, such as metal. In some embodiments, the plates 316 may also include a coating on the surface of each plate 316 to assist in heat retention and distribution. The end cap 308 is coupled to the heater frame 324. The combination of the airflow and the heater 322 configured within the curling attachment 200 allows the user to obtain the benefits of thermal curling by automatically wrapping hair around the heated appliance.

[0090] like Figure 14 As shown, the heater frame 324 includes a plurality of arms 326 extending radially from a central longitudinal axis of the heater frame 324. As in the illustrated embodiment, the plate 316 can be integrally formed with each arm 326 and can have a curved profile that forms the circumference of the curling attachment 300. The number of arms 326 and plates 316 can vary and is not limited to Figure 14 The number of arms 326 and plates 316 shown. The heater frame 324 can be formed via extrusion for efficient manufacturing.

[0091] The heater frame 324 also includes a plurality of flow tunnels 328 formed between adjacent arms 326 of the heater frame 324 and circumferentially bounded by the plate 316. The flow tunnels 328 extend longitudinally along the length of the body 302 and include a flow cavity 330 therein. A conduit 332 is disposed within the flow cavity 330, as shown in FIG. Figure 15 As shown, the conduit 332 comprises a heat-resistant material. The conduit 332 is configured to guide airflow from the inlet 318 to the outlet 320 via blades 334 formed on the inner surface of the conduit 332. The conduit 332 has a longitudinal opening, where the outlet 320 of the curling attachment 300 is formed adjacent to the longitudinal edge of the corresponding plate 316 of the heater frame 324. For ease of manufacturing, the conduit 332 can be inserted into the flow channel 328 of the heater frame 324.

[0092] Curling accessory 300 also includes a moisture sensor 336 that is configured to detect the amount of moisture in the hair of a user using accessory 300 . Figure 15 One moisture sensor 336 is shown in FIG, but in some embodiments, the curling accessory 300 may include more than one moisture sensor 336. Figure 15In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the moisture sensor 336 can be positioned between the conduit 332 and the plate 316. In some embodiments, the moisture sensor 336 can extend over the entire length of the main body 302 or partially within the main body 302. In some embodiments, the moisture sensor 336 can include a capacitive moisture sensor. The moisture sensor 336 is configured to be communicatively coupled to other electrical components of the hair care appliance to which the curling attachment 300 is attached via the accessory coupling 314. The sensed data obtained by the moisture sensor 336 is configured to be provided to a microprocessor or controller of the hair care appliance to which the curling attachment 300 is attached, and is configured to be used by the microprocessor or controller of the hair care appliance to control the operation of the hair care appliance. For example, in some embodiments, the hair care appliance can be configured to perform a predetermined heating and / or drying (e.g., airflow) operation based on the amount of moisture determined from the sensor data obtained via the moisture sensor 336.

[0093] Described herein are hair care products configured to be used with hair care appliances (e.g., Figures 1 to 5 Hair care products 100, Figures 6 to 10 The hair care appliance 200 or other hair care appliance) and the accessory matching components (e.g., Figure 7 Another exemplary embodiment of an accessory for use with the accessory mating assembly 202 or other accessory mating assembly includes a concentrator accessory. An exemplary embodiment of a concentrator accessory 400 is Figure 16 4 and includes a heating element 402. The heating element 402 is configured to be coupled to a concentrator via an accessory coupling 404 (e.g., Figures 7 to 10 The electrical connector of the concentrator attachment 400 (e.g., the accessory coupling 212 or other accessory coupling) is communicatively coupled to the electrical components of the hair care appliance to which the concentrator attachment 400 is attached. In this way, the heating element 402 is configured to provide additional heat to the airflow output at the outlet 406 of the concentrator attachment 400 and in close proximity to the hair to improve styling results.

[0094] In some embodiments, the accessory may include an ionizer therein. The ionizer may be positioned within the accessory to maximize the amount of ions received by the hair. The ionizer is configured to communicatively couple to the electrical components of the hair care appliance to which the accessory is attached via the electrical connector of the accessory coupling of the accessory described herein. Figure 16 As shown, the illustrated embodiment of the concentrator attachment 400 includes an ionizer 408 positioned within the outlet 406 .

[0095] In some embodiments, the attachment may include one or more torque sensors therein. The torque sensors may be configured relative to the bristles (such as bristles 504 of brush attachment 500), such as Figure 17The brush attachment 500 is configured for use with the hair care appliances described herein (e.g., Figures 1 to 5 Hair care products 100, Figures 6 to 10 The hair care appliance 200 or other hair care appliance) and the accessory matching components (e.g., Figure 7 Another exemplary embodiment of an accessory for use with a brush attachment 500 (e.g., the accessory mating assembly 202 or other accessory mating assembly). A torque sensor (e.g., the torque sensor 502 of the brush attachment 500 or another torque sensor of another accessory) is configured to be coupled to an electrical component of a hair care appliance, to which the accessory including the torque sensor is attached via an electrical connector of the accessory coupling of the accessory described herein. The torque sensor is configured to generate sensor data associated with the amount of torque applied to at least one bristle or group of bristles when a user uses the accessory (e.g., combing hair using the brush attachment 500). The amount of torque is associated with the condition of the hair, and therefore, operating parameters of the hair care appliance can be determined. For example, the torque sensor data can be used to determine whether a user has dry or tangled hair based on an increased torque value indicating that more force is required to comb dry or tangled hair. Lower torque values ​​are associated with wet, oily, or fine hair, indicating that less force is required to comb the hair. A hair care appliance with an attached accessory as described herein may be configured to adjust one or more of the heating temperature or airflow setting based on the sensed torque data.

[0096] Styling hair may require specific skills and hair handling to achieve the desired style. Some users may lack the specific skills necessary to achieve their desired style using a hair care appliance. Therefore, it may be desirable for the hair care appliance and / or accessories to provide user feedback and / or automatic styling assistance. For example, Coanda curling is a specific method for curling unruly hair. The user may need to use a curling accessory, such as Figure 6 Curl attachment 204, Figure 11 The curling attachment 300 or other curling attachment automatically wraps hair around a curler by generating an airflow that pulls the hair into position around the heated plate of the curling attachment. After wrapping the hair around the body of the curling attachment, the user then heats the hair for a set period of time and then cools the hair for a set period of time to achieve the curl. The user may not know where to contact the hair on the attachment, have difficulty styling within the desired time period, lose track of time, or have difficulty styling while viewing their reflection in a mirror.

[0097] Hair care appliance described herein and powered annex can remedy these problems by obtaining the data about the user's hair and providing feedback to the user when the user is styling his hair.Feedback can ensure that the best practice associated with a specific styling technique is communicated to the user.Feedback can be provided via the visual, audio and / or tactile feedback mechanism provided in the powered annex described herein.The electrical connection realized between the hair care appliance herein and the annex can provide a series of robust feedback and operating modes, to improve the user's experience and produce improved lasting styling effect.

[0098] For example, in Figure 18 In one embodiment shown, a user can operate the hair care appliance 600 described herein in a manual mode of operation (e.g., Figures 1 to 5 Hair care products 100, Figures 6 to 10 The hair care appliance 200 or other hair care appliance) and the powered curling attachment 602 (e.g., Figure 6 Curl attachment 204, Figure 11 The curling attachment 300 or other curling attachment). Figure 18 As shown, a user can activate a manual actuator 604 (shown as a switch in the illustrated embodiment) of the hair care appliance 600, wherein the appliance 600 is attached to a powered curling attachment 602, to start a timed program for curling hair. The switch 604 is configured to be communicatively coupled to the curling attachment 602 via an electrical connector of the curling attachment's attachment connector and may include a user interface, such as an LED 606 and an audio output 608, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. The switch 604 is also configured to be communicatively coupled to the electrical components of the hair care appliance 600, which may include a user interface (e.g., an LED 610 and an audio output 612) as shown in the illustrated embodiment, a heater 614, a motor 616, a microprocessor and / or a controller 618 coupled to a memory that stores non-transitory computer-executable instructions (e.g., a "software control") associated with one or more operating parameters and / or operating modes of the hair care appliance 600.

[0099] Activate manual switch 604 and be configured to open hair care appliance 600, and user can wrap its hair around the curling annex 602 that is attached to hair care appliance 600.Then, user can manually actuate timing actuator, for example, press the timing starter of the user interface of hair care appliance, to start a series of operating modes required for curling.Software control part is configured to produce the control signal that is provided to various electrical components (such as user interface 606,608,610,612, heater 614 or motor 616) in annex 602 and hair care appliance 600.Control signal is configured to start the predetermined timing cycle required for curling hair.Control signal is also configured to make one or more of user interface 606,608,610,612 provide feedback to the user, to indicate the point that the user should manually switch to the next stage of curling.

[0100] In some embodiments, the curling accessory is configured to provide sensor data from the moisture sensor of the curling accessory to control the operation of the accessory and the hair care appliance to which it is attached via the software control of the hair care appliance. Figure 19 As shown, the user can open the hair care appliance 700 (e.g., Figures 1 to 5 Hair care products 100, Figures 6 to 10 The user then takes a piece of wet hair (e.g., a hair care appliance 200 or other hair care appliance) and wraps it around a curling attachment 702 attached to the hair care appliance 700. Moisture data determined from a moisture sensor 704 of the curling attachment 702 is configured to be used by a software control 706 of the appliance 700 to determine a desired wet hair styling style. Based on the detection of wet hair wrapped around the curling attachment 702, the software control 706 is configured to initiate a timed program loop that passes through a predetermined timing period. The software control 706 is configured to generate control signals that are provided to the attachment 702 and various electrical components of the hair care appliance 700, such as a user interface (e.g., an LED 708 of the attachment 702, an audio output 710 of the attachment 702, an LED 712 of the appliance 700, an audio output 714 of the appliance 700, etc.), sensors (e.g., a moisture sensor 704, etc.), a heater 716, or a motor 718. The control signal is configured to initiate a predetermined timing period required to curl the hair based on moisture data obtained via the moisture sensor 704. The control signal is also configured to cause one or more of the user interfaces of the hair care appliance and / or accessory to provide feedback to the user to indicate the point at which the user should manually switch to the next stage of curling.

[0101] In some embodiments, a hair care appliance (e.g., Figures 1 to 5 Hair care products 100, Figures 6 to 10The hair care appliance 200 or other hair care appliance) and a powered accessory attachable to the appliance (e.g., Figure 6 Attachment 204, Figure 11 Attachment 300, Figure 16 Attachment 400, Figure 17 Attachment 500, Figure 18 Attachment 602, Figure 19 The accessory 702 or other accessories) is configured to provide fully automatic monitoring and control of the operating mode of the hair care appliance and / or accessories. Figure 20 As shown in one embodiment of FIG, a user can open a hair care appliance 800 (e.g., Figures 1 to 5 Hair care products 100, Figures 6 to 10 The user (e.g., a hair care appliance 200 or other hair care appliance) wraps the hair around a curling attachment 802 releasably attached to the appliance 800. Moisture data determined from a moisture sensor 804 of the curling attachment 802 is configured to be used (e.g., by a software control 806 of the appliance 800) to determine a desire for damp hair styling. Based on the detection of damp hair wrapped around the curling attachment 802, the software control 806 is configured to initiate a gradually increasing heating program. When the moisture data indicates a predetermined level of moisture, the software control 806 is configured to generate a control signal to cause the heater 808 and motor 810 of the hair care appliance 800 to generate a short puff of relatively warm air for a predetermined period of time. As the sensing of damp hair continues, the software control 806 is configured to cause the heater 808 and motor 810 to generate cool air for subsequent predetermined periods of time. In response to sensing an appropriate moisture level and completion of a previously predetermined cycle of treatment, the software control 806 is configured to cause the hair care appliance 800 to shut down. Figure 20 Also shown are an LED 812 of accessory 802, an audio output 814 of accessory 802, an LED 816 of appliance 800, and an audio output 818 of appliance 800, which are configured to provide information to a user, as discussed herein.

[0102] In some embodiments, the hair care appliances described herein (e.g., Figures 1 to 5 Hair care products 100, Figures 6 to 10 The hair care appliance 200 or other hair care appliance) and the powered accessories (e.g., Figure 6 Attachment 204, Figure 11 Attachment 300, Figure 16 Attachment 400, Figure 17 Attachment 500, Figure 18 Attachment 602, Figure 19 The accessory 702 or other accessory) is configured to execute predetermined timing cycles associated with various styling methods and / or accessory uses. Figure 21 As shown, one embodiment of a chart of temperature settings and corresponding timings is provided, which can be configured on a hair care appliance (e.g., Figures 1 to 5 Hair care products 100, Figures 6 to 10 The software control unit in the hair care appliance 200 or other hair care appliance) is configured to control the hair care appliance 200 via the curling attachment (e.g., Figure 6 Curl attachment 204, Figure 11 Curl attachment 300, Figure 18 Curl attachment 602, Figure 19 The hair care appliance is initially executed when the user is curling hair using the curling attachment 702 or other curling attachment. It can be assumed that the initial stage 1 corresponds to the hair care appliance being turned off. In response to the user activating the switch of the hair care appliance, stage 2, "warm-up," begins and lasts for approximately 5 seconds. During stage 2, the temperature of the heating element in the frame of the accessory attached to the hair care appliance begins to heat up to heat the heated plate of the accessory to approximately 100°C. A first feedback indication associated with stage 2 can be provided to the user via the user interface of the hair care appliance and / or the accessory. In some embodiments, the first feedback indication includes a first color (e.g., the color of a light, etc.), a first sound, etc.

[0103] After stage 2, the hair care appliance enters stage 3, which is associated with the "ready" stage, in which the heated plate of the accessory is approximately 100° C. A second feedback indication may be provided to the user via the user interface of the hair care appliance and / or accessory. In some embodiments, the second feedback indication may include a second color (e.g., the color of a light, etc.), a second sound, etc., that is different from the first feedback indication.

[0104] In response to sensed moisture data obtained from the hair wrapped around the accessory by the accessory's moisture sensor at point 4, or manual activation, stage 5 begins drying the hair. During stage 5, the accessory's heater heats the accessory's heated plate to approximately 140°C for approximately 5 seconds to dry damp hair. Also during this stage, the motor is activated to generate a heated airflow via the hair care appliance's heating element. The generated heated airflow is provided through the accessory's outlet for drying the hair. A third feedback indication may be provided to the user via the user interface of the hair care appliance and / or the accessory. In some embodiments, the third feedback indication may include a third color (e.g., a light color, etc.), a third sound, etc., that is different from the first and second feedback indications.

[0105] After stage 5, the hair care appliance enters stage 6, which is associated with providing a "hot shot" volume of heated air for approximately 5 to 10 seconds. The heater of the accessory heats the heated plate from approximately 140°C to approximately 185°C, and activates the motor to increase the speed of the air heated by the heating element of the hair care appliance. A fourth feedback indication can be provided to the user via the user interface of the hair care appliance and / or accessory. In some embodiments, the fourth feedback indication can include a fourth color (e.g., the color of a light, etc.) different from the first feedback indication, the second feedback indication, and the third feedback indication, a fourth sound, etc.

[0106] After stage 6 is completed, the "cold spray" stage 7 begins. During stage 7, a certain volume of relatively low temperature air is provided for a period of about 10 seconds to set the curl. During this stage, the heater of the accessory is powered off, causing the temperature of the heated plate to drop from about 185°C to about 30°C. In addition, the motor is activated to provide a certain volume of air at a reduced temperature or ambient temperature via the heating element of the hair care appliance. A fifth feedback indication can be provided to the user via the user interface of the hair care appliance and / or the accessory. In some embodiments, the fifth feedback indication can include a fifth color (e.g., the color of a light, etc.) different from the first feedback indication, the second feedback indication, the third feedback indication, and the fourth feedback indication, a fifth sound, etc.

[0107] After stage 7, the hair care appliance is configured to automatically shut down or otherwise enter standby mode, awaiting the next use or input from the user, as shown in stage 8 "Automatic Shutdown". A sixth feedback indication may be provided to the user via the user interface of the hair care appliance and / or accessory. In some embodiments, the sixth feedback indication may include a sixth color (e.g., a light color, etc.), a sixth sound, etc. that is different from the first feedback indication, the second feedback indication, the third feedback indication, the fourth feedback indication, and the fifth feedback indication. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that Figure 21 The times and temperatures shown in the examples are exemplary, and the software control can be configured to implement various temperature and airflow settings in various sequences and for any period of time without limitation. Thus, a variety of specific styling methods can be performed using the hair care appliances and powered accessories described herein, which can improve the overall user experience of the appliance and produce longer-lasting styling results.

[0108] In some embodiments, a hair care appliance (e.g., Figures 1 to 5 Hair care products 100, Figures 6 to 10 Hair care products 200, Figure 19 Hair care products 700, Figure 20 The hair care appliance 800 or other hair care appliance) is configured to identify an accessory (e.g., Figure 6 Attachment 204, Figure 11 Attachment 300, Figure 16 Attachment 400, Figure 17 Attachment 500, Figure 18 Attachment 602, Figure 19 The identification of the accessory is configured to allow the hair care appliance to automatically set at least one setting of the hair care appliance (e.g., timing, temperature, fan speed, etc.) to achieve optimal results for the particular accessory currently coupled to the hair care appliance. In an exemplary embodiment, the identification occurs automatically in response to coupling the accessory to the hair care appliance. Thus, the settings of the hair care appliance can be automatically set in response to the attachment being attached to the hair care appliance so that when the user begins using the accessory on hair, the hair care appliance will perform optimally according to the settings customized for that particular accessory.

[0109] Generally speaking, the memory of a hair care appliance is configured to store multiple sets of preset settings. Each of the multiple sets is associated with at least one accessory. Each accessory is configured to be associated with only one of the multiple sets. In this way, when the hair care appliance recognizes a specific accessory that has been releasably coupled to the hair care appliance, only one of the multiple sets is associated with that specific accessory, thereby identifying only one set of preset settings. The hair care appliance (e.g., its processor or software control unit) can then set control parameters based on the set of preset settings.

[0110] The specific predetermined setting for attachment varies based on the structure of the hair care appliance, such as the capacity of the motor of the hair care appliance, the number of the heating elements of the hair care appliance and the maximum heating capacity etc. Therefore, for the same attachment, different hair care appliances can have different predetermined settings. Similarly, depending on the structure of the hair care appliance, the attachment of the same type can have different predetermined settings stored on different hair care appliances. In one example, a brush attachment can have a predetermined setting, wherein air flow is less than the attachment of other types, and wherein heat and / or maximum temperature are greater than the attachment of other types, such as a concentrator attachment and a curling attachment, wherein heating takes precedence over air flow. In another example, a curling attachment can have a predetermined setting, wherein heat and / or maximum temperature are greater than the attachment of other types, such as a concentrator attachment, wherein air flow takes precedence over heating.

[0111] In an exemplary embodiment, an accessory mating assembly of a hair care appliance includes an electrical connector, and an accessory coupling of the accessory includes an electrical connector configured to electrically mate with the electrical connector of the accessory mating assembly when the accessory coupling is coupled to the accessory mating assembly. The electrical mating of the electrical connector is configured to allow the hair care appliance (e.g., a processor or software control thereof) to recognize the accessory. The electrical connector is configured to automatically mate electrically when the accessory coupling is coupled to the accessory mating assembly. Thus, predetermined settings for the recognized accessory can be automatically set.

[0112] Figures 22 to 25 An exemplary embodiment of a hair care appliance 900 is illustrated that is configured to identify an accessory (e.g., Figure 6 Attachment 204, Figure 11 Attachment 300, Figure 16 Attachment 400, Figure 17 Attachment 500, Figure 18 Attachment 602, Figure 19 The hair care appliance 900 is generally constructed similar to Figure 1 The hair care appliance 100 of the present invention may have various configurations, as described herein. The hair care appliance 900 in the illustrated embodiment includes a rotating articulated joint 902 and is configured to move between a straight configuration and a bent configuration, similar to that discussed above. Figures 22 to 25 The hair care appliance 900 is shown in a bent configuration, wherein the body 904 of the hair care appliance 900 is angled relative to the handle 906 of the hair care appliance 900. The handle 906 is Figures 22 to 25 Only partially shown in FIG, wherein the proximal portion of the handle 906 is not shown.

[0113] The hair care appliance 900 includes an accessory mating assembly 908 located at the distal end of the hair care appliance 900 and surrounding an outlet 910 of the hair care appliance 900. The accessory mating assembly 908 is configured to releasably couple to an accessory coupling 912 of an accessory. Figures 22 to 25 Not shown, but may be any of a variety of accessories, e.g. Figure 6 Curl attachment 204, Figure 11 Curl attachment 300, Figure 16 Concentrator Attachment 400, Figure 17 Brush attachment 500, Figure 18 Curl attachment 602, Figure 19 The curling attachment 702 or other attachment.

[0114] The accessory mating assembly 908 is constructed to be mechanically coupled to the accessory coupling 912 so that the hair care appliance 900 is mechanically and releasably coupled to the accessory, similar to that discussed above and as further discussed below. The accessory mating assembly 908 is also constructed to be electrically coupled to the accessory coupling 912 so that the hair care appliance 900 is electrically coupled to the accessory, so that electric power can be transmitted between the hair care appliance 900 and the accessory being coupled to the hair care appliance 900. The electric power transmitted between the hair care appliance 900 and the accessory being coupled to the hair care appliance 900 is constructed to allow the hair care appliance 900 to identify the accessory, as further discussed below.

[0115] The accessory mating assembly 908 includes a plurality of electrical connectors 914a, 914b. Each of the appliance electrical connectors 914a, 914b is in the form of a conductive ring extending circumferentially around the outlet 910. The first electrical connector 914a is arranged distally of the second electrical connector 916b. Figures 22 to 25 The electrical connectors 914a and 914b (hidden in the figure) extend from the electrical connectors 914a and 914b to electrically couple the electrical connectors 914a and 914b to a processor in the handle 906 (e.g., on a PCB, etc.). Power is communicated from a power source to the electrical connectors 914a and 914b via wiring. The hair care appliance 900 (e.g., its processor) is configured to identify an accessory based on the electrical signals transmitted via the electrical connectors 914a and 914b, as discussed further below.

[0116] The accessory coupling 912 includes a conductive path 916 comprising a plurality of electrical connectors 918a, 918b with a resistor 920 disposed therebetween. The conductive path 916 has a U-shape, with the electrical connectors 918a, 918b defining the legs of the U and the resistor 920 defining the connection between the legs. The electrical connectors 918a, 918b each have different lengths. For example, the legs of the U-shape of the conductive path may have different lengths, with the first electrical connector 918a being shorter than the second electrical connector 918b. The different lengths of the electrical connectors 918a, 918b allow each electrical connector 918a, 918b to engage only one of the electrical connectors 914a, 914b of the appliance. The first electrical connector 918a is configured to engage the appliance's first distal electrical connector 914a, and the second electrical connector 918b is configured to engage the appliance's second proximal electrical connector 914b.

[0117] Each of the accessory electrical connectors 918a, 918b is in the form of a conductive leaf spring including a protruding portion. Electrical connectors 918a, 918b are configured as leaf springs to help ensure electrical connection between the accessory electrical connectors 918a, 918b and the appliance electrical connectors 914a, 914b, respectively, when the accessory coupler 910 is coupled to the accessory mating assembly 908. The leaf springs, and thus the protruding portions, are biased inward, thereby moving inward toward the accessory electrical connectors 918a, 918b. The protruding portion of each electrical connector 918a, 918b is configured to engage the corresponding appliance electrical connector 914a, 914b. The protruding portion of each electrical connector 918a, 918b is configured to protrude inward through an aperture formed in the inner wall 922 of the accessory coupler 912. The inner wall 922 is non-conductive. Thus, each of the accessory's electrical connectors 918a, 918b will only contact one of the appliance's electrical connectors 914a, 914b.

[0118] The leaf springs 918a, 918b each have a different length, for example, the legs of the U-shape of the conductive path have different lengths, with the first leaf spring 918a being shorter than the second leaf spring 918b. The different lengths of the leaf springs 918a, 918b allow each leaf spring 918a, 918b to engage only one of the appliance's electrical connectors 914a, 914b. The first leaf spring 918a (e.g., its protruding portion) is configured to engage the appliance's first distal electrical connector 914a, and the second leaf spring 918b is configured to engage the appliance's second proximal electrical connector 914b.

[0119] In the absence of an accessory coupled to the hair care appliance 900, an electrical signal provided to one of the appliance's electrical connectors 914a, 914b will not be returned via the other of the appliance's electrical connectors 914a, 914b because there is no electrical path between the first electrical connector 914a and the second electrical connector 914b in the hair care appliance 900. Thus, the hair care appliance 900 is configured to know that no accessory is releasably coupled to the hair care appliance 900 because no return signal will be received in the absence of an accessory releasably coupled to the hair care appliance 900.

[0120] When an accessory is coupled to the hair care appliance 900 via the accessory mating assembly 908 coupled to the accessory coupling 912 of the accessory, an electrical signal provided to one of the appliance's electrical connectors 914a, 914b will be returned via the other of the appliance's electrical connectors 914a, 914b because an electrical path exists between the first and second electrical connectors 914a, 914b by the conductive path 916 of the accessory coupling 912. Accordingly, an electrical signal provided to the appliance's first electrical connector 914a via the wiring is configured to pass through the accessory's first electrical connector 918a, then through the resistor 920, then through the accessory's second electrical connector 918b, then through the appliance's second electrical connector 914b, and then back via the wiring for analysis, for example, by the appliance's processor, to identify the accessory coupled to the hair care appliance 900. The electrical signal may alternatively be provided to the appliance's second electrical connector 914b and returned via the appliance's first electrical connector 914a.

[0121] The value of the resistor 920 in the conductive path 916 of the accessory is configured to facilitate identification of the accessory and its associated set of predetermined settings by the hair care appliance, as discussed above. For example, analysis of the returned electrical signal by the appliance's processor includes detecting the current of the returned electrical signal. Different accessories include resistors with different values ​​in their respective conductive paths, for example, a 100Ω resistor 920 for a brush accessory, a 10Ω resistor 920 for a curling accessory, a 50Ω resistor for a concentrator accessory 920, and the like. Thus, the specific current detected for the returned electrical signal is configured to identify the type of accessory currently connected to the hair care appliance 900, as the current will be different for different accessories. The values ​​of 10Ω, 50Ω, and 100Ω are merely examples, as other resistor values ​​for resistor 920 (and known resistors discussed below) are possible.

[0122] Figure 26 The appliance's first and second electrical connectors 914a, 914b are shown electrically coupled to the accessory's first and second electrical connectors 918a, 918b, respectively. Figure 27 A first electrical connector 914a and a second electrical connector 914b of an appliance are shown electrically coupled to a first electrical connector 918a' and a second electrical connector 918b', respectively, of another accessory having a conductive path 916' with a conductive path having ... Figure 26 The conductive path 916 includes a resistor 920 having a different value than a resistor 920'.

[0123] Figure 28A circuit diagram is shown showing a closed circuit formed when the accessory coupling 912 is coupled to the accessory mating assembly 908. As shown, the closed circuit includes a 5V power source (V ) in electrical communication with a resistor 920 of the conductive path 916 of the accessory. in ), and a resistor 924 of the hair care appliance 900 attached to ground (GND) and an analog input pin of the PCB 926 (e.g., a known value (R known ) resistor). The 5V power supply can be another voltage value. The electrical signal returned from the conductive path 916 of the accessory is received at the PCB 926 via the analog pin to allow detection of the current of the return electrical signal, such as by converting the raw data received at the analog pin into a voltage (V across the known resistor 924). out ). Voltage equals current multiplied by resistance (V=IR). Therefore, the resistance of the attached resistor 920 (R attachment ) can be calculated as follows:

[0124]

[0125] As described above, the accessory mating assembly 908 of the hair care appliance 900 is configured to mechanically couple to the accessory coupling 912 of the accessory. While various mating features can be utilized to mate the accessory coupling 912 to the accessory mating assembly 908, in the illustrated embodiment, the accessory coupling 912 includes a plurality of protrusions 928 configured to extend into corresponding grooves 930 formed in the accessory mating assembly 908, similar to the protrusions and grooves discussed above. In this illustrated embodiment, the accessory coupling 912 includes four protrusions disposed substantially equidistantly around the circumference of the accessory coupling 912, and each of the protrusions 928 has a teardrop shape. The grooves 930 each have an irregular shape with a curved bottom surface that is configured to seat the wider, rounded portion of the teardrop shape therein in a bayonet-locking manner. The accessory mating assembly may also include a rotatable release mechanism and locking ring, similar to the release mechanism and locking ring discussed above, which are configured to facilitate securely coupling the accessory to the hair care appliance 900 and easily releasing the accessory from the hair care appliance 900.

[0126] The accessory coupling 912 is configured to couple to the accessory mating assembly 908 in any one of four predetermined orientations relative to the hair care appliance 900. The number of protrusions 928 defines the number of predetermined orientations, as each of the protrusions 928 is seated in one of the slots 930 for proper coupling of the accessory to the hair care appliance 900.

[0127] In some embodiments, the accessory coupling 912 is configured to be coupled to the accessory mating assembly 908 in a single predetermined orientation relative to the hair care appliance 900. Having only one orientation (the accessory coupling 912 and therefore the accessory is configured to be coupled to the accessory mating assembly 908 and therefore to the hair care appliance 900 in this orientation) can help ensure that the accessory's electrical connectors 918a, 918b will align and electrically couple with the appliance's first electrical connector 914a and second electrical connector 914b. A single predetermined orientation can be possible, for example, by having one of the protrusions 928 have a size and / or shape different from the rest of the protrusions 928, wherein one of the slots 930 also has a size and / or shape different from the rest of the slots 930. Thus, an orientation that can be achieved by a different protrusion 928 / slot 930 pair visually signals to the user that the accessory should be coupled to the hair care appliance 900 in this orientation. In other embodiments, the accessory coupling 912 can include a single protrusion, and the hair care appliance 900 can include a single slot 930 , such that the accessory has only one orientation in which it is configured to couple to the hair care appliance 900 .

[0128] Figure 29 and Figure 30 Another exemplary embodiment of a hair care appliance 1000 is illustrated that is configured to identify an accessory (e.g., Figure 6 Attachment 204, Figure 11 Attachment 300, Figure 16 Attachment 400, Figure 17 Attachment 500, Figure 18 Attachment 602, Figure 19 The hair care appliance 1000 is generally constructed similar to Figure 1 The hair care appliance 100 of the embodiment of the present invention may have various configurations, as described herein. The hair care appliance 1000 in the illustrated embodiment includes a rotating articulated joint (at Figure 29 and Figure 30 ), and is configured to move between a straight configuration and a bent configuration, similar to that discussed above. Figure 29 The hair care appliance 1000 is shown in a bent configuration, wherein the body 1002 of the hair care appliance 1000 is angled relative to the handle 1004 of the hair care appliance 1000. The handle 1004 and the body 1002 are each at Figure 29 is only partially shown, and the body 1002 is Figure 30 Only partially shown (handle 1004 is shown in Figure 30 not visible in the ).

[0129] The hair care appliance 1000 includes an accessory mating assembly 1006 located at the distal end of the hair care appliance 1000 and surrounding an outlet 1008 of the hair care appliance 1000. The accessory mating assembly 1006 is configured to releasably couple to an accessory coupling 1010 of an accessory. Figures 22 to 25 Not shown, but may be any of a variety of accessories, e.g. Figure 6 Curl attachment 204, Figure 11 Curl attachment 300, Figure 16 Concentrator Attachment 400, Figure 17 Brush attachment 500, Figure 18 Curl attachment 602, Figure 19 The curling attachment 702 or other attachment.

[0130] The accessory mating assembly 1006 is configured to mechanically couple to the accessory coupling 1010 similar to Figures 22 to 25 10. Referring to the accessory mating assembly 908 and accessory coupling 912, for example, the accessory mating assembly 1006 includes a plurality of slots 1012 configured to receive therein one of a plurality of protrusions 1014 of the accessory coupling 1010. The accessory mating assembly 1006 includes four irregularly shaped slots 1014, and the accessory coupling 1010 includes four teardrop-shaped protrusions 1014, but as discussed above, another number of protrusion / slot pairs and / or other shapes are possible.

[0131] The accessory mating assembly 1006 is also configured to be electrically coupled to the accessory coupling 1010, similar to Figures 22 to 25 The accessory mating assembly 908 and the accessory coupling 912, for example, the accessory mating assembly 1006 includes a plurality of electrical connectors 1016a, 1016b, 1016c, each electrical connector being in the form of a conductive ring extending circumferentially around the outlet 1008, and the accessory coupling 1010 includes a U-shaped conductive path 1018, which includes a plurality of electrical connectors 1020a, 1020b, with a resistor (not shown) arranged therebetween. Figure 29 Also shown are wires 1022 extending from the appliance's electrical connectors 1016a, 1016b, 1016c to electrically couple the electrical connectors 1016a, 1016b, 1016c with a processor in the handle 1004 (eg, on a PCB, etc.).

[0132] In the illustrated embodiment, the accessory mating assembly 1006 includes three electrical connectors 1016a, 1016b, 1016c. One of the electrical connectors 1016c is grounded, while the remaining electrical connectors 1016a, 1016b are configured to couple with the electrical connector of the accessory. However, only one non-grounded electrical connector 1016a, 1016b is configured to couple with the electrical connector of the accessory at a time. Therefore, the hair care appliance 1000 is configured to identify the accessory, depending on which of the non-grounded electrical connectors 1016a, 1016b is electrically coupled to the accessory via the accessory coupling 1010. Therefore, the number of different accessories to which the hair care appliance 1000 is configured to couple is limited by the number of the appliance's electrical connectors, which in the illustrated embodiment is three. In contrast, Figures 22 to 25 The hair care appliance 900 is not limited in this regard, as any number of different accessories can be attached to and recognized by the hair care appliance 900, with each of the different accessories having a different valued resistor in its conductive path.

[0133] The length of the first electrical connector 1020a in the accessory's conductive path 1018 is configured to facilitate identification of the accessory and its associated set of predetermined settings by the hair care appliance, as discussed above. Different accessories have first electrical connectors of different lengths, corresponding to the length of the first electrical connector 1016a that engages the appliance, or the length of the second electrical connector 1016b that engages the appliance. Thus, the specific current detected for the return electrical signal is configured to identify the type of accessory currently connected to the hair care appliance 1000, as the current will be different for different accessories because the return electrical path will be different, i.e., through the appliance's first electrical connector 1016a having a first known resistor value in its path, or through the appliance's second electrical connector 1016b having a second known resistor value in its path.

[0134] Figure 30 and Figure 31 The second electrical connector 1016b and the third electrical connector 1016c of the appliance are shown electrically coupled to the first electrical connector 1020a and the second electrical connector 1020b of the accessory, respectively. Figure 32 A first electrical connector 1016a and a third electrical connector 1016c of an appliance are shown electrically coupled to a first electrical connector 1020a' and a second electrical connector 1020b', respectively, of another accessory. In other embodiments, the accessory can include a first electrical connector, a second electrical connector, and a third electrical connector, each configured to engage a different one of the first electrical connector 1016a, the second electrical connector 1016b, and the third electrical connector 1016c of the appliance to allow identification of a third type of accessory.

[0135] Figure 33 One embodiment of a method 1100 for identifying an accessory that is releasably coupled to a hair care appliance is illustrated. Figures 22 to 25 The method 1100 is described with reference to the hair care appliance 900 and the accessory coupling 912, but may also be described with reference to other hair care appliances (e.g., Figures 1 to 5 Hair care products 100, Figures 6 to 10 Hair care products 200, Figure 19 Hair care products 700, Figure 20 Hair care appliance 800 or other hair care appliance) and / or other accessory connectors (e.g., Figure 7 The accessory connecting piece 212, Figure 11 Accessory connector 314, Figure 16 Accessory connector 400, Figure 29 The accessory connector 1010 or other accessory connector) can be similarly performed.

[0136] The method 1100 includes releasably coupling 1102 the accessory to the hair care appliance 900 by a user coupling the accessory coupling 912 of the accessory to the appliance's accessory mating component 908. Coupling of the accessory to the hair care appliance 900 is typically performed with the hair care appliance 900 powered off.

[0137] When accessory is releasably coupled 1102 to hair care appliance 900, hair care appliance 900 is powered on 1104 by the user, for example, by the power feature of the user interface of hair care appliance actuated by the user. Powering on 1104 to hair care appliance 900 automatically causes electrical signal to be transmitted 1106 to accessory from hair care appliance 900 (for example, from the source voltage at the PCB of hair care appliance 900). Electrical signal travels along the wiring of hair care appliance 900 to one of the electrical connectors 914a, 914b of appliance, then passes through the conductive path 916 of accessory, and then returns 1108 to hair care appliance 900 via another of the electrical connectors 914a, 914b of appliance, and travels back along the wiring of hair care appliance 900. Electrical signal can return to the PCB of hair care appliance 900, as discussed above.

[0138] After receiving the return electrical signal, the hair care appliance 900 (e.g., its processor) automatically identifies 1110 the accessory based on the return electrical signal, for example, by looking up the detected resistance and / or current of the return signal in a lookup table stored in a memory of the hair care appliance 900, which correlates resistance and / or current with accessories. Based on the identification 1110 of the accessory, the hair care appliance 900 (e.g., its processor) automatically identifies 1112 a predetermined setting for the accessory, for example, by looking up the identified accessory in a lookup table stored in a memory of the hair care appliance 900, which correlates predetermined settings with accessories. The identification 1110 of the accessory and the identification 1112 of the predetermined setting are shown as Figure 33 100. In other embodiments, identification 1110 of the accessory and identification 1112 of the predetermined setting are a single action, for example, by looking up the detected resistance and / or current of the return signal in a lookup table stored in a memory of the hair care appliance 900, the lookup table correlating predetermined settings with resistance and / or current.

[0139] After identifying 1112 the predetermined setting, the hair care appliance 900 (e.g., its processor) automatically sets 1114 the setting of the hair care appliance 900 according to the predetermined setting, for example, by changing a control parameter in a control algorithm stored in a memory of the hair care appliance 900, and the processor is constructed to execute the control parameter to control the hair care appliance 900.

[0140] Once the user has finished using the accessory, the user may decide to remove 1116 the accessory from the hair care appliance 900. The method 1100 is then repeated any number of times, wherein an accessory (the same accessory or a different accessory than the one previously coupled to the hair care appliance 900) is subsequently coupled to the hair care appliance 900 each time.

[0141] Improved hair care appliance described herein and the annex matching mechanism and the attachment produce many advantages.For example, annex can be secured to the hair care appliance using a linear connection technology that enables electric power and communication circuits to pass through the annex matching mechanism. In this way, annex can include powered elements, such as heating mechanisms, sensors, and user interfaces, which can improve the styling of hair and enhance user experience. The linear connection technology can also eliminate the need for the rotational coupling of annex, and reduces the wear and tear of appliance and annex thus. For another example, the hair care appliance can be constructed to releasably couple to each of one or more curling annexures, which comprise a heating mechanism that is constructed to improve the curling of hair and maintain hair in a curling style for a longer period of time. For another example, one or more sensors configured in the annex can provide wisdom or intelligent operation of the hair care appliance to which annexure is coupled, and can enable the hair care appliance to be used when there is no manual input of temperature and airflow settings.

[0142] The subject matter described herein can be implemented in analog electronic circuits, digital electronic circuits and / or computer software, firmware or hardware, including the structural means disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or a combination thereof. The subject matter described herein can be implemented as one or more computer program products, such as one or more computer programs tangibly embodied in an information carrier (e.g., in a machine-readable storage device) or embodied in a propagated signal, for execution by a data processing device (e.g., a programmable processor, a computer or multiple computers) or for controlling the operation of the data processing device. A computer program (also referred to as a program, algorithm, software, software application or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that stores other programs or data, in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, subroutines or code portions).

[0143] The processes and logic flows described in this specification, including the method steps of the subject matter described herein, can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform the functions of the subject matter described herein by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by special purpose logic circuitry, and the apparatus of the subject matter described herein can be implemented as special purpose logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0144] Processors suitable for executing computer programs include, for example, both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Typically, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory, or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include or be operably connected to one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, to receive data from or transmit data to, or to receive data from and transmit data to. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices). The processor and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated into dedicated logic circuitry.

[0145] One or more modules can be used to implement the technology described herein. As used herein, the term "module" refers to computing software, firmware, hardware and / or its various combinations. However, at least, a module should not be interpreted as software that is not implemented on hardware, firmware or recorded on a non-transitory processor-readable recordable storage medium (that is, a module is not the software itself). In fact, a "module" should be interpreted as always including at least some physical, non-transitory hardware, such as a part of a computer or processor. Two different modules can share the same physical hardware (for example, two different modules can use the same processor). The modules described herein can be combined, integrated, separated and / or copied to support various applications. In addition, alternatively to or in addition to the functions performed at a specific module, the functions described herein as performed at a specific module can be performed at one or more other modules and / or performed by one or more other devices.

[0146] Certain exemplary embodiments have been described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems, apparatus, 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, apparatus, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the scope of the invention is limited solely by the claims. Features illustrated or described in conjunction with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. In addition, in this disclosure, components of the same name in embodiments generally have similar features, and therefore, in a particular embodiment, the various features of each component of the same name may not necessarily be fully set forth.

[0147] Approximating language, as used throughout the specification and claims herein, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that can be permitted to vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Thus, a value modified by one or more terms such as "about," "approximately," and "substantially" is not limited to the precise value specified. In at least some cases, approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument used to measure the value. Unless context or language indicates otherwise, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged herein and throughout the specification and claims, and such ranges are identified and include all subranges contained therein.

[0148] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the other features and advantages of the present invention based on the above-described embodiments. Therefore, unless indicated by the appended claims, this application is not limited to the contents specifically shown and described. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A hair care assembly comprising: a hair care appliance comprising a motor, a heater, a fan, and a processor, the motor being configured to drive the fan, the fan being configured to draw air through an air inlet and discharge air from an air outlet, the heater being configured to heat an airflow from the fan, and the processor being configured to control the motor and the heater; as well as an accessory configured to removably engage the hair care appliance such that the accessory is communicable with the air outlet and in electrical communication with the hair care appliance; Wherein, when the accessory is removably engaged with the hair care appliance, the processor is configured to receive a return signal from the accessory and to modify at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance based on the received return signal.

2. The hair care assembly of claim 1 , wherein the hair care appliance comprises a mating component; The accessory includes a coupling configured to removably engage the hair care appliance such that the accessory is removably engaged to the hair care appliance; and The mating of the coupling and the mating component is configured to mechanically and electrically mate the accessory to the hair care appliance.

3. The hair care assembly of claim 1, wherein the removable engagement of the accessory with the hair care appliance is configured to complete an electrical path from the hair care appliance to the accessory and back to the hair care accessory.

4. The hair care assembly of claim 3, wherein the electrical path comprises a resistor disposed in the accessory; and The resistance value of the resistor defines how the processor modifies the at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance.

5. The hair care assembly of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to identify the accessory based on the return signal, and the modification of the at least one operating parameter is based on the identification of the accessory.

6. The hair care assembly of claim 5, further comprising an additional accessory configured to removably engage the hair care appliance; wherein only one of the accessory and the additional accessory can be engaged with the hair care appliance at a time; and When the additional accessory is removably engaged to the hair care appliance, the processor is configured to receive a signal from the additional accessory, to identify the accessory based on the signal from the additional accessory, and to modify at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance based on the identification of the additional accessory.

7. The hair care assembly of claim 1 , wherein the hair care appliance comprises a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector; The accessory includes a third electrical connector and a fourth electrical connector; the removable engagement of the accessory with the hair care appliance being configured to electrically mate the first electrical connector with the third electrical connector and to electrically mate the second electrical connector with the fourth electrical connector; and The hair care appliance is configured to transmit a source signal to the accessory via the first electrical connector mated with the third electrical connector such that the source signal passes through the third electrical connector and subsequently through the fourth electrical connector before returning to the hair care appliance via the second electrical connector.

8. The hair care assembly of claim 7, wherein a resistor is disposed between the third electrical connector and the fourth electrical connector such that the source signal passes through the third electrical connector and then through the resistor and then through the fourth electrical connector.

9. The hair care assembly of claim 8, further comprising an additional accessory configured to removably engage the hair care appliance; wherein only one of the accessory and the additional accessory can be engaged with the hair care appliance at a time; The additional accessory includes a fifth electrical connector and a sixth electrical connector, wherein the second resistor is arranged between the fifth electrical connector and the sixth electrical connector; the second resistor having a resistance value different from a resistance value of the resistor of the accessory; the removable engagement of the additional accessory with the hair care appliance being configured to electrically mate the first electrical connector with the fifth electrical connector and to electrically mate the second electrical connector with the sixth electrical connector; and The hair care appliance is constructed to transmit a source signal to the additional accessory via the first electrical connector that mates with the fifth electrical connector, so that the source signal passes through the fifth electrical connector and then through the second resistor and then through the sixth electrical connector before returning to the hair care appliance via the second electrical connector, so that the processor is constructed to modify at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance based on the signal returned via the second electrical connector and the sixth electrical connector.

10. The hair care assembly of claim 7, wherein the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are not in electrical communication with each other until the accessory is removably mated to the hair care appliance.

11. The hair care assembly of claim 7, wherein the hair care appliance comprises a fifth electrical connector; The hair care assembly further includes an additional accessory configured to removably engage the hair care appliance; Only one of the accessory and the additional accessory can be engaged with the hair care appliance at a time; The additional accessories include a sixth electrical connector and a seventh electrical connector; the removable engagement of the add-on accessory with the hair care appliance being configured to electrically mate the first electrical connector with the sixth electrical connector and to electrically mate the fifth electrical connector with the seventh electrical connector; and With the add-on accessory removably engaged to the hair care appliance, the processor is configured to receive a signal from the add-on accessory and to modify at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance based on the signal received from the add-on accessory.

12. The hair care assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one operating parameter comprises at least one of a temperature of the heater and a speed of the fan.

13. The hair care assembly of claim 1 , wherein the accessory comprises at least one sensor; and The signal includes data from the at least one sensor on the accessory body, and the processor is configured to modify at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance based on the received data.

14. The hair care assembly of claim 1, wherein the accessory is one of a brush attachment, a curling attachment, and a concentrator attachment.

15. A hair care system comprising: A hair care appliance, comprising: processor; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising: automatically identifying the accessory in response to releasable coupling of the accessory to the hair care appliance such that the accessory and the hair care appliance are mechanically and electrically coupled together, and At least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance is automatically set based on the identification of the accessory.

16. The hair care system of claim 15 , wherein the operation further comprises, in response to the releasable coupling of the accessory to the hair care appliance such that the accessory and the hair care appliance are mechanically and electrically coupled together, and prior to automatically identifying the accessory: causing a source signal to be transmitted from the hair care appliance to the accessory; and The identification of the accessory is based on a signal returned from the accessory to the hair care appliance.

17. The hair care system of claim 16, wherein the hair care appliance is configured to releasably couple to an additional accessory of a different type than the accessory; The hair care appliance is configured to be releasably coupled to only one of the accessory and the additional accessory at a time; The operations further include: automatically identifying the additional accessory in response to releasable coupling of the additional accessory to the hair care appliance such that the additional accessory and the hair care appliance are mechanically and electrically coupled together, and automatically setting the at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance based on the identification of the additional accessory; as well as The identification of the additional accessory is based on a signal returned from the additional accessory to the hair care appliance.

18. The hair care system of claim 15, further comprising the accessory; Wherein the accessory is one of a brush attachment, a curling attachment, and a concentrator attachment.

19. A computer-implemented method comprising: automatically identifying the accessory in response to releasable coupling of the accessory to the hair care appliance such that the accessory and the hair care appliance are mechanically and electrically coupled together; as well as automatically setting at least one operating parameter of the hair care appliance based on the identification of the accessory; Wherein the accessory is one of a brush attachment, a curling attachment, and a concentrator attachment.

20. The method according to claim 19 further includes, in response to the releasable connection between the accessory and the hair care appliance so that the accessory and the hair care appliance are mechanically and electrically connected together, and before automatically identifying the accessory: transmitting a source signal from the hair care appliance to the accessory.

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