Vacuum-assisted systems

Abstract

In an embodiment described herein, a hair care system includes a vacuum container, a hose, and a handheld unit. The hose is fixed to and in fluid communication with the vacuum container and the handheld unit. The handheld unit includes a vacuum chamber. A vacuum-creating mechanism is located in the vacuum container, and the vacuum is communicated to the vacuum chamber via the hose. The system may further include a heating element and a fan arranged to heat the air and move it into the vacuum chamber. In an embodiment described herein, a hair care method includes the steps of placing a section of hair in a vacuum chamber; creating a vacuum to remove excess water from the hair; and applying warm air to the section of hair.

Description

Vacuum-assisted systems

[0001] This application relates to a hair care apparatus and, more specifically, this application relates to an apparatus for drying, styling and cleaning hair using a suction force created by a vacuum. Background

[0002] Human hair care is a common and important activity. Typical hair care routines include washing, drying, and styling hair. These routines are especially common for people with relatively long hair. It is common for a person to wash their hair using shampoo and then dry it with a conventional hair dryer. Although drying human hair has been a common practice for decades, blow-drying often damages the physical structure of human hair. Hair is a fibrous filament made of protein, and each strand of hair is composed of three layers: the medulla, the inner layer; the cortex, the middle layer; and the cuticle, the outer layer. The medulla is a generally unstructured region in the center of a strand of hair.The cortex surrounds the medulla and is an important layer because it provides each hair strand with its mechanical strength and absorbs moisture, which is necessary for healthy hair. The cortex also contains melanin, which determines hair color. The overall shape of the cortex contributes to the overall shape of the hair strands—whether the hair is straight, wavy, or curly. The cuticle protects the medulla and cortex from the environment. Because the medulla and cortex are susceptible to damage, the cuticle plays a vital role in maintaining the health of each hair strand.

[0003] The cuticle is composed of a series of cells that generally extend one after the other along each strand of hair, from the root to the exposed end. These cells work together to prevent damage to the hair's internal structures and to maintain and control the water content of each strand. When a conventional hair dryer is used to dry hair, the hot air directed at the hair can cause the cuticle cells to open outward, exposing the cortex to the hot air. Such exposure can damage the cortex by breaking down its structure and removing the moisture stored within it that is necessary for healthy hair. This damage often causes the hair to appear dry and dull and to retain static electricity, which can lead to an undesirable appearance, often referred to as "frizzy" hair.

[0004] In addition, people often desire sleek, straight hair. To achieve this look, people often apply heated flat irons to already dry hair. However, applying heat can cause temporary changes in the hair's structure, including disrupting the hydrogen bonds that structurally hold a strand of hair together. These structural changes can weaken the hair, resulting in a dull appearance, and over time, these temporary changes can lead to permanent damage to the hair strands.

[0005] Alternatively, when the goal is to achieve curly or wavy hair, it is common to use a hairdryer along with any number of styling devices to dry the curls or waves onto wet hair. Such methods involve directing the flow of hot air onto the hair from a variety of angles while manipulating the hair into various positions. This treatment often results in damage to the styled hair. There are also many types of thermal styling tools, such as curling irons and flat irons, that are commonly used on dry hair. However, these methods can also cause damage, as the hair comes into direct contact with heating elements, which intensify the heat applied to each strand.

[0006] In the hair care industry there is a need for hair care systems, devices and methods that are less damaging, faster, easier and more effective than traditional hair care methods. US patent 7093376 describes a hair drying and styling system that has a vacuum channel connected to a vacuum source to contain the hair placed inside for processing. FR patent 1130856 describes a hair removal device. US patent 2013 / 233336 describes a styling device for drying or forming a strand of hair into a curl by suctioning the hair into a styling chamber. Summary

[0007] According to the present invention, a hair care apparatus is provided as defined in Claim 1. Further preferred features are presented in the dependent claims. The system may further include a heating element and a fan arranged to heat the air and draw it into the vacuum chamber. The methods described in this invention are not part of the invention and are provided for illustrative purposes only. Brief description of the drawings

[0008] The accompanying drawings illustrate structures which, together with the detailed description provided below, depict exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention. Where appropriate, similar elements are identified by the same or similar reference numbers. Elements shown as a single component may be substituted by several components. Elements shown as multiple components may be substituted by a single component. The drawings may not be to scale. The proportions of certain elements may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes.

[0009] FIG.1 is a schematic illustration depicting a front perspective view of a hair care system as described in this invention;

[0010] FIG.2 is a schematic illustration depicting a rear perspective view of the hair care system of FIG.1;

[0011] FIG.3 is a schematic illustration depicting a front perspective view of the portable unit of the hair care system of FIG.1;

[0012] FIG.4 is a schematic illustration depicting a rear perspective view of the portable unit of the hair care system of FIG.1;

[0013] FIG.5 is a schematic illustration depicting a front elevation view of the portable unit of the hair care system of FIG.1;

[0014] FIG.6 is a schematic illustration depicting a cross-sectional view of the portable hair care system unit taken along line AA of FIG.5:

[0015] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration depicting a front elevation view of another portable unit for use with a hair care system;

[0016] FIG.8 is a schematic illustration depicting a cross-sectional view of the portable unit of FIG.7 taken along line BB of FIG.7;

[0017] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration depicting a front elevation view of another portable unit for use with a hair care system;

[0018] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration depicting a cross-sectional view of the portable unit of FIG.9 taken along line CC of FIG.9;

[0019] FIG.11 is a schematic illustration depicting a front elevation view of another portable unit for use with a hair care system;

[0020] FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration depicting a cross-sectional view of the portable unit of FIG.11 taken along line DD of FIG.11;

[0021] FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration depicting a cross-sectional view of a vacuum chamber for use with hair care systems described in this invention;

[0022] FIG.14 is a schematic illustration depicting a side view of a vacuum chamber for use with hair care systems described in this invention;

[0023] FIG.15 is a schematic illustration depicting a cross-sectional view of the vacuum chamber of FIG.14 taken along line FF of FIG.14;

[0024] FIG.16 is a schematic illustration depicting a cross-sectional view of the vacuum chamber of FIG.14 taken along line FF of FIG.14;

[0025] FIG.17 is a schematic illustration depicting a front elevation view of the vacuum chamber of FIG.14;

[0026] FIG.18 is a schematic illustration depicting a side view of a flow conditioner for use with hair care systems described in this invention;

[0027] FIG.19 is a schematic illustration depicting a cross-sectional view of the flow conditioner of FIG.18 taken along line GG of FIG.18;

[0028] FIG.20 is a schematic illustration depicting a front elevation view of the flow conditioner of FIG.18;

[0029] FIG. 21 is a schematic illustration depicting a side view of another flow conditioner for use with hair care systems described in this invention;

[0030] FIG.22 is a schematic illustration depicting a cross-sectional view of the flow conditioner of FIG.21 taken along line HH of FIG.21;

[0031] FIG.23 is a schematic illustration depicting a front elevation view of the flow conditioner of FIG.21;

[0032] FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration depicting a cross-sectional view of a portable unit with a flow conditioner inserted into a vacuum chamber;

[0033] FIG. 25 is a schematic illustration depicting a rear perspective view of a portable unit for use with a hair care system described in this invention;

[0034] FIG.26 is a schematic illustration depicting a front perspective view of the portable unit of FIG.25;

[0035] FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration depicting a cross-sectional view of the portable unit of FIG. 25; and

[0036] FIG. 28 is a schematic illustration depicting a perspective front view of a portable unit for use with a hair care system described in this invention. Detailed description

[0037] The systems, arrangements, and methods described in this invention are described in detail by way of example and with reference to the figures. It will be appreciated that modifications to the examples, arrangements, configurations, components, elements, apparatus, methods, materials, etc., shown and described may be desired for a specific application. In this description, any identification of specific techniques, arrangements, methods, etc., relates to a specific example presented or is merely a general description of such technique, arrangement, method, etc. Identifications of specific details or examples are not intended to be, and should not be construed as, mandatory or limiting unless specifically designated as such.Selected examples of systems, devices, and methods for hair care using suction forces generated by a vacuum are described below and are detailed with reference to FIGS.1 to 28.

[0038] In general, the systems, apparatus, and methods described in this invention are directed to the care of human hair. Hair care may include activities such as drying wet hair, styling wet or dry hair, i.e., smoothing, straightening, curling, waving, etc.; cleaning wet or dry hair, or combinations thereof. Described embodiments of systems, apparatus, and methods may cause ambient or heated air to flow over the hair for hair care. In particular, the described embodiments may generate a vacuum to facilitate blowing heated or ambient air over the hair for hair care. The direction of the ambient or heated airflow may be controlled by the described systems, apparatus, and methods. For example, the airflow may be directed along the hair in a direction from the root to the free end.Furthermore, the shape and arrangement of the surfaces that come into contact with the hair during care can affect the shape of the hair being treated. Therefore, the systems, devices, and methods described can use the suction energy created by a vacuum combined with heat and molded contact surfaces to care for the hair.

[0039] In one example, a system generates a vacuum that draws or pulls hair into a vacuum chamber. The airflow created by the vacuum causes air to flow over the hair in one direction, from the root to the free end, which can remove excess water. Warm or hot air can be selectively introduced into the vacuum chamber to aid in the drying process. The suction effect of the vacuum forces air in one direction along the hair, stimulating the cells of the hair cuticle layer to rest in their natural position, resulting in healthy, sleek hair. Furthermore, such methods can conclude by forcing ambient (i.e., unheated) air over the hair to preserve and enhance the moisture content of the hair cortex layer.

[0040] In certain embodiments, a portion of a system or apparatus may include components that move and heat air useful for hair care. For example, an integrated fan may move air along or through heating elements and into a vacuum chamber or into and around the opening of the vacuum chamber. Such heated air may interact with the hair to facilitate drying, styling, or hair care. Alternatively, the walls of the vacuum chamber may be heated by conduction, which can heat and dry the hair. The vacuum chamber may be adjusted in various ways to achieve different effects on the hair. In one example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the vacuum chamber may be increased or decreased to control the speed of the air flowing through the vacuum chamber.These increases and decreases in cross-sectional area can be implemented within a single vacuum chamber, allowing the airflow velocity to vary along its length. In other examples, the shape of the vacuum chamber can influence the style of the treated hair. A straight vacuum chamber can be used to achieve a smooth, finished look. A slight or gradual curve, or multiple such curves, can be used in the vacuum chamber to achieve a wavy, finished look. One or more tight curves in the vacuum chamber can be used to achieve a curly, finished look.

[0041] In addition to drying and styling hair, the systems, appliances, and methods described can also be used to clean hair. For example, the suction force applied to dry hair can vacuum up dust and dirt accumulated in or on the hair between shampoos. Furthermore, systems, appliances, and methods can be used in conjunction with existing dry shampoo products to "dry clean" hair. Dry shampoos, which have become increasingly popular in recent years as a means of reducing washing and drying, are designed to absorb excess oil produced by the sebaceous glands of the scalp and deposited on the hair strands. Dry shampoo, which is typically sprayed in powder form, is usually applied to separate it from the hair with a brush.However, systems, apparatus and methods described in this invention can more effectively draw dry shampoo from the scalp and, at the same time, clean the hair along each strand.

[0042] An example of a hair care system 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The system 10 comprises a vacuum container 12, a handheld unit 14, and a hose 16 connecting the vacuum container 12 and the handheld unit 14. As will be described in detail here, the vacuum container 12 is arranged to generate a vacuum, the handheld unit 14 is arranged to engage and interact with the hair for hair care, and the hose 16 is arranged to form a path for fluid, such as ambient or heated air, to flow between the handheld unit 14 and the vacuum container 12. The hose 16 may be a flexible, lightweight hose, wherein the length of the hose 16 is selected to accommodate the movement of the handheld unit 14 by a user of the system 10 for hair care by the user or another person.

[0043] The vacuum vessel 12 may include an outer casing 18 and a coupling 20 arranged to engage and secure one end of the hose 16 to the vacuum vessel 12. A vacuum mechanism located within the outer casing 18 generates the vacuum forces necessary to cause air to flow through the portable unit 14 and the hose 16, and into the vacuum vessel 12. In one embodiment, the vacuum mechanism may be a positive displacement pump. For example, the vacuum mechanism may use a rotary vane pump or a piston-driven pump that creates a vacuum. In another embodiment, the vacuum mechanism may be a suction-type pump, i.e., a Venturi vacuum pump. As further illustrated in FIG. 2, a coupling 22 may be included that is positioned around one end of the hose 16 and arranged to engage and secure that end of the hose 16 to the portable unit 14.A power cable (not shown) can be included that runs from the vacuum container 12 to the portable unit 14 to power various mechanisms in the portable unit 14. The power cable can be integrated into the hose and concealed from view. When the power cable is integrated with the hose, the ends of the hose can be partially arranged as electrical connectors that mate with compatible electrical connectors located on or inside the portable unit and the vacuum container. That is, when the hose is connected to the portable unit and the vacuum container, and the respective electrical connectors are mated, electrical power can flow through the power cable from the vacuum container to the portable unit and vice versa.To improve safety, momentary switches can be integrated into the electrical connections so that no electrical power is transmitted unless the hose is properly connected to the portable unit and the vacuum vessel. If the hose is properly connected to the portable unit and the vacuum vessel, the momentary switch can be pressed, allowing electrical power to flow.

[0044] Figures 3-6 illustrate in detail the exemplary portable unit 14 shown with the hair care system 10 of Figures 1 and 2. Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of the portable unit 14. Figure 5 is a front elevation view, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 5. The portable unit 14 includes an outer casing 24, a handle 26, and a hose connector 28. The outer casing 24 can be arranged to form the external contours of the portable unit 14, but it can also be arranged to form one or more internal chambers within the portable unit, as described in more detail in this invention. The outer casing 24 can be molded or otherwise manufactured as a single component. Alternatively, the outer casing 24 can be composed of two or more components assembled within the outer casing 24.

[0045] The handle 26 may be arranged so that a user of system 10 can grasp the handle 26 and manipulate the handheld unit 14 to facilitate hair care. The hose connector 28 is arranged to engage and secure one end of the hose 16 to the handheld unit 14. Typically, the hose 16 is slid over the hose connector 28 to secure the hose 16 to the handheld unit 14. As best illustrated in FIG. 4, the hose connector 28 may include one or more features 30, such as a ridge or barb, which can engage the hose 16 once the hose 16 is slid over the hose connector 28. It shall be understood that the hose connector 28 and the coupling 22 can act cooperatively to secure the hose 16 to the portable unit 14. The handle 26 and the hose connector 28 may be integrated into the design of the outer housing 24 such that the three components are molded or otherwise manufactured together.Alternatively, the handle 26 and / or hose connector 28 can be molded separately or otherwise manufactured and subsequently assembled with the outer casing 24.

[0046] Portable unit 14 may further include a power switch 32. The power switch 32 may operate in cooperation with the power cord to selectively provide electrical power to mechanisms and / or subsystems incorporated in portable unit 14. The power switch 32 may be conveniently located on portable unit 14 to facilitate a user of system 10 turning system 10 on and off. It is understood that, although the power switch 32 is illustrated as being located on portable unit 14, a power switch may be located in other locations on system 10, such as, for example, on the vacuum container 12. Furthermore, although a single power switch is illustrated, it is understood that a hair care system may include two or more power switches to facilitate the activation and deactivation of various functions and subsystems of the hair care system.

[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates the internal configuration of the exemplary portable unit 14. The portable unit 14 may include a vacuum chamber 34 and a heated air chamber 36. The heated air chamber 36 may be arranged to partially surround the vacuum chamber 34. The shape of the vacuum chamber 34, as illustrated, is generally circular in cross-section. As will be explained later, the cross-sectional shape of a vacuum chamber may vary from one embodiment to another.

[0048] The vacuum chamber 34 includes a hair receiving opening 38 and an outlet opening 40. The vacuum chamber 34 is in fluid communication with the vacuum container 12 through hose 16. It is understood that upon starting the vacuum mechanism, a suction force is exerted from the vacuum container 12 through hose 16 and into the vacuum chamber 34. This suction force will cause ambient air to enter the hair receiving opening 38, pass through the vacuum chamber 34, pass through the outlet opening 40, through hose 16, and enter the vacuum container 12. That is, when the vacuum mechanism is started, air will flow through the vacuum chamber 34 in the direction illustrated by the flow lines 42 in FIG. 6, from the hair receiving opening 38 to the outlet opening 40.Optionally, a sieve or other similar filter can be placed in the outlet opening 40 to capture strands of hair and other materials entering the vacuum chamber 34. As will be described in detail in this invention, the user of the system 10 can insert sections of hair through the hair receiving opening 38 and the hair section moves downward into the vacuum chamber 34 due to the suction forces created by the vacuum.

[0049] Within the heated air chamber 36 of the portable unit 14, there is a heating element 44 and a fan 46. Located near the fan 46 is an air intake section 48 that includes a plurality of openings in the outer casing 24 (as best illustrated in FIG. 4) to provide the fan 46 with access to ambient air. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the plurality of openings in the air intake section 48 can generally be slot-shaped. It is understood that such an arrangement can act as a sieve to allow ambient air to enter the heated air chamber 36, while capturing or otherwise preventing debris from entering the heated air chamber 36. A sieve or other similar component can be positioned in the air intake section 48 to further capture debris such as dust and other similar particles.A plurality of air ports 50 are located between the heated air chamber 36 and the vacuum chamber 34 such that the heated air chamber 36 and the vacuum chamber 34 are in fluid communication through the plurality of air ports 50.

[0050] The fan 46 may be arranged so that, when the fan 46 is started, it causes ambient air to flow into the heated air chamber 36 through the plurality of openings in the air intake section 48, through the fan 46, and over the heating element 44, where the ambient air is heated by the heating element 44. The heated air may accumulate at the front of the heated air chamber 36. Due to the positive forces generated by the fan 46 in the heated air chamber 36 and the suction force in the vacuum chamber 34, the heated air flows from the heated air chamber 36, through the air ports 50, and into the vacuum chamber 34. The airflow through the heated air chamber 36 is illustrated by the flow lines 52 in FIG. 6.

[0051] The vacuum chamber 34 widens near the hair receiving opening 38 so that a heated air pocket 54 is formed along the circumference of the vacuum chamber 34 and close to the hair receiving opening 38. The orifice of the vacuum chamber 34 is generally round and smooth, and has a diameter that is approximately the same as the inside diameter of the hose 16 that connects the portable unit 14 to a vacuum container 12. The heated air pocket 54 serves as a relief pocket that allows the heated air entering the vacuum chamber 34 to move along the circumference of the vacuum chamber 34 near the hair receiving opening 38 and thus interact and mix efficiently and effectively with the hair in the vacuum chamber 34.Such a configuration can also direct the heated air to move in a direction that is in line with the airflow due to the vacuum mechanism, which is along the longitudinal length of the vacuum chamber 34. Such an arrangement can further protect the user's scalp from direct contact with the heated air, and the airflow does not pinch the hair gathered in the vacuum chamber 84 because the heated air is directed along the length of the hair.

[0052] The portable unit 14 may be arranged to selectively supply electrical power to the heating element 44 and the fan 46 to start the fan 46 and raise the temperature of the heating element 44. When the fan 46 is started, ambient air is drawn into the heated air chamber 36, through the heating element 44, and heat is transferred to the air passing over the heating element 44. It is understood that the amount of power supplied to the heating element 44 and the speed of the fan 46 can be adjusted to control the temperature of the air exiting the heated air chamber 36 into the vacuum chamber 34. The amount of power supplied to the heating element 44 and the speed of the fan 46 can be controlled by one or more switches or dials located on a portable unit, a vacuum container, or elsewhere in a hair care system.

[0053] An exemplary method of using the described systems and apparatus is described below. A user may dry hair by grasping the handheld unit 14 by the handle 26 and switching on the vacuum mechanism using the power switch 32. The user may collect a section of wet hair and, starting from the free ends of the wet hair section, insert the wet hair section into the hair receiving opening 38. The user may continue inserting the wet hair section until the entire length of the section is placed inside the vacuum chamber 34. In one example, the entire length of the wet hair section is placed inside the vacuum chamber 34 once the handheld unit 14 is in contact with the user's head or scalp.The airflow into and through the vacuum chamber 34 due to the suction force can make it easier for the user to place the wet hair section into the vacuum chamber 34.

[0054] Once the excess water is removed from the hair section, which can occur in just a few seconds, the user can move the handheld unit 14 a short distance from the user's scalp and start the heating element 44 and the fan 46. The heating element 44 and the fan 46 can be started by a switch or dial located on the handheld unit 14 or on the vacuum unit 12. As will be understood, once the heating element 44 and the fan 46 are started, the fan 46 draws air through the air intake section 48 and through the heating element 44 to heat the air. Once heated, the air moves through the air ports 50 and flows along the hair in the vacuum chamber 34. The heated air is directed through the vacuum chamber 34 by the suction force created by the vacuum mechanism.The user can selectively move the handheld unit 14 further and then closer to the scalp to help dry the entire length of longer hair. During the drying process, the direction of airflow through the vacuum chamber 34 is along the length of the hair, away from the scalp and toward the free ends of the hair.

[0055] When this section of hair is at the desired level of dryness or styling, the user can turn off the fan 46 and the heating element 44 and allow unheated ambient air to flow along the section of hair, which can seal the cuticles of each hair strand. Such cuticle sealing can be achieved in just a few seconds. The portable unit 14 can optionally be arranged so that a switch for activating the heat can be a momentary push-button switch, an on / off switch, or any switch or input that causes the heat to be turned on and off as desired by the user. The user can repeat the process described in this invention on additional sections of hair until the user's hair is generally dry. The shape of the vacuum chamber in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 can result in dry, smooth, and generally straight hair.It shall be understood that, to achieve wavy hair, the vacuum chamber may be manufactured to include one or more gradual curves, so that when wet hair is encased in the gradual curve, it adopts the shape of the curve as it dries. It shall also be understood that, to achieve curly hair, the vacuum chamber may be manufactured to include one or more tight curves, so that when wet hair is encased in the tight curves, it adopts the shape of the curves as it dries.

[0056] The system includes one or more vacuum relief mechanisms. Vacuum relief mechanisms respond to reduce or relieve the vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber if the pressure becomes too high. One circumstance that inadvertently increases the pressure in the vacuum chamber is when the hair receiving opening is blocked by hair or by contact with the user's scalp. In such a circumstance, vacuum relief mechanisms may allow ambient air to enter the flow path from other access points, so that the pressure on the user's hair or scalp is not excessive. Vacuum relief mechanisms may be a valve that opens when it detects a certain amount of suction force. The vacuum relief mechanism may be located on the handheld unit, the hose, or the vacuum container.Essentially, it can be located anywhere in the system where it can be in fluid communication with the flow path. For example, air intake openings can function as vacuum relief mechanisms. For instance, in embodiments with slots that facilitate a fan introducing air into the heated air chamber, these slots can function as vacuum relief mechanisms. The vacuum relief mechanisms can be adjusted so that a user can control the effective opening of the vacuum relief mechanism and thus control the permissible pressure in the flow path. Furthermore, protrusions or "bulges" can be incorporated in or near the hair-receiving opening so that the wearable unit cannot be placed flush with the user's scalp, as the protrusions allow spaces through which air can circulate.

[0057] The outer casing of a portable unit 14 can be arranged to form a vacuum chamber or a heated air chamber. In another example, a vacuum chamber and a heated air chamber can be formed as separate components that can be assembled into a portable unit. In yet another example, a vacuum chamber and a heated air chamber can be integrated into a component that is subsequently assembled into a portable unit.

[0058] In other embodiments, the portable unit may be arranged without a fan or heating element. Hair care is performed using unheated ambient air that is moved along the hair due to the suction force created by a vacuum mechanism. In another embodiment, a portable unit may be designed without a fan but includes a heating element. The suction force created by the vacuum mechanism draws ambient air through a heating element to warm the air before it flows along the hair. Additional features may be incorporated into portable units to facilitate hair care; for example, the vacuum chamber may include various features arranged to control the airflow through the vacuum chamber to reduce or eliminate tangling or frizzing of the hair within the vacuum chamber. Figures 7-13 illustrate such features.

[0059] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the use of paddles in a vacuum chamber. FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of a portable unit 60, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the portable unit 60 taken along line BB in FIG. 7. Similar to the descriptions above, the portable unit 60 includes an outer casing 62, a vacuum chamber 64, and a heated air chamber 66 surrounding the vacuum chamber 64, a handle 68, and a hose connector 70. A hair receiving opening 72 is formed at one end of the outer casing 62. A fan 74 and a heating element 76 are positioned inside the heated air chamber 66. A power switch 78 located on the outside of the outer casing 62 can turn the vacuum mechanism on or off, turn the heating elements 76 and the fan 74 on or off, or control the vacuum mechanism, the heating element, and the fan.

[0060] The portable unit 60 further includes a plurality of air ports 80 positioned between the heated air chamber 66 and the vacuum chamber 64 such that, when the fan 74 is started, ambient air flows through the heating element 76 and through the air ports 80. In addition, the vacuum chamber 64 widens near the hair receiving opening 72 so that a heated air pocket 82 is formed along the circumference of the vacuum chamber 64 and close to the hair receiving opening 72. The orifice of the vacuum chamber 64 is generally round and smooth and includes a plurality of vanes 84 extending outward from the wall of the vacuum chamber 64 toward the center of the vacuum chamber 64 and extending along the length of the vacuum chamber 64. The vanes 84 form channels along which air can flow. These channels provide control over the airflow through the vacuum chamber 64.The vanes 84 and the resulting channels can reduce or eliminate turbulent flow and generally promote laminar flow through the vacuum chamber 64. When hair is exposed to turbulent airflow, it can flap rapidly from side to side, which can lead to damage, especially at the ends, due to tangling and other physical interactions. Although this embodiment illustrates six vanes 84, it is understood that a vacuum chamber can be arranged with more or fewer than six vanes, and the vanes can be arranged in various configurations.

[0061] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate the use of asymmetric cross-sectional areas and variable cross-sectional areas in a vacuum chamber. Figure 9 is a front elevation view of a portable unit 90, and Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the portable unit 90 taken along line CC in Figure 9. The portable unit 90 incorporates many of the features described above. However, the shape of the vacuum chamber 92 includes a first section 94 that is generally circular in cross-section and a second section 96 that is generally crescent-shaped in cross-section. As best illustrated in Figure 10, the section of the vacuum chamber 92 near a hair-receiving opening 98 is crescent-shaped in cross-section and transitions to a circular cross-section as it extends away from the hair-receiving opening 98.An irregular shape of this type can create a more uniform airflow across the width of the vacuum chamber 92. Under certain conditions, a uniform cross-section, such as a circle, creates a flow velocity gradient across a vacuum chamber. The flow velocity is lowest along the wall of a circular vacuum chamber and highest at the longitudinal center of the vacuum chamber. Creating a vacuum chamber with irregular shapes, such as a crescent-shaped section, or including vanes, as described above, can affect the flow velocity gradient so that the airflow is more uniform across the entire cross-section of the vacuum chamber.It shall be understood that, in addition to the irregular shapes illustrated in this invention, such as crescent-shaped cross-sections and the addition of paddles, other irregular shapes may be incorporated into vacuum chambers as a feature of the systems and apparatus described in this invention.

[0062] The vacuum chamber 92 in FIGS. 9 and 10 also has a variable cross-sectional area along its length. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first section 94 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second section 96. It will be noticed that as air flows from the smaller cross-sectional area of ​​the second section 96 to the larger cross-sectional area of ​​the first section 94, the velocity of the air flowing through the vacuum chamber will decrease. When the free ends of the hair extend into the first section 94, this lower velocity can reduce hair tangling and side-to-side hair flapping.

[0063] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate a different arrangement for the air ports that channel heated air from the heated air chamber to the vacuum chamber. Figure 11 is an elevation view of a portable unit 100, and Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the portable unit 100 taken along line DD of Figure 100. 11. The portable unit 100 includes many of the features described above. However, the position of a plurality of air ports 102 and the formation of a heated air pocket 104 differ from the embodiments described above. The plurality of air ports 102 directs the heated air toward the center of the vacuum chamber 106 and toward the hair placed in the vacuum chamber 106. The heated air flows through a heated air chamber 108, through the plurality of air ports 102, and into the vacuum chamber 106 along the flow lines 110. As best illustrated in FIG. 12, there are two rows of air ports 102. The direction of the flow exiting the air ports 102 causes the heated air to generally accumulate along the cross-section of the vacuum chamber 106 and near a hair receiving opening 112.Therefore, a heated air pocket 104 is created along the cross-section of the vacuum chamber 106 and close to the hair receiving opening 112, allowing the heated air to mix with the hair. The vacuum chamber orifice 166 is generally round and smooth. Furthermore, the heated air exiting the air ports 102 is directed towards the center of the vacuum chamber 106, which can limit or eliminate instances where the hair is pinched near the hair receiving opening 112.

[0064] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary vacuum chamber 120 with a cross-sectional area that varies along its length. The vacuum chamber 120 includes a first section 122 with a first diameter, a second section 124 with a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter, and a transition section 186 that moves from the first diameter to the second diameter. The transition from the smaller first diameter to the larger second diameter reduces the airflow velocity as the air moves through the vacuum chamber 120. This reduction in airflow velocity can reduce the amount of side-to-side movement of the hair, which can reduce tangling and damage to the hair treated in the vacuum chamber 120, particularly damage to the ends of the hair strands. For example, the diameter of the second section 124 is twice that of the first section 122.Such an expansion in diameter will cause the airflow speed to be reduced by a factor of 4. Such a reduction will result in a less vigorous side-to-side movement of the hair strands, resulting in less damage to the hair strands.

[0065] Figures 14–17 illustrate another exemplary vacuum chamber 130. Figure 14 is a side view of vacuum chamber 130. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE of Figure 14. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF of Figure 14, and Figure 17 is a front elevation view of vacuum chamber 130. Vacuum chamber 130 includes three sections: a first section 132 with a first diameter; a second section 134 with a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter; and a third section 136 with a third diameter, which is smaller than the first and second diameters. There are gradual transitions between the sections. As air flows through vacuum chamber 130, the flow velocity will decrease as the air enters the second section 134, and the flow velocity will increase as the air enters the third section 136. As illustrated in FIG.16, a series of air ports 138 provide access to the vacuum chamber 130 for a heated air chamber or other similar adjacent chamber. The air ports 138 direct the heated air downward through the vacuum chamber 130 in a path parallel to the centerline of the vacuum chamber.

[0066] Another method for controlling airflow through the vacuum chamber is to place a flow conditioner within the flow path. A flow conditioner can be arranged as an insert that can be placed in a vacuum chamber, in the hose, in the vacuum vessel, or elsewhere within the flow path. Figures 18-20 illustrate one embodiment of a flow conditioner 140. As illustrated in Figure 20, the orifice is generally circular, and as illustrated in Figure 19, the orifice diameter varies along the length of the flow conditioner 140. A first section 142 of the flow conditioner begins with a relatively large diameter, which gradually decreases to approximately the midpoint of the flow conditioner 140, where it transitions to a second, relatively short section 144, which has a constant diameter.The flow conditioner 140 then passes to a third section 146, which starts with a relatively small diameter that gradually increases to the end of the flow conditioner 140.

[0067] FIGS.21-23 illustrate another embodiment of a flow conditioner 150. As illustrated in FIG.23, the orifice is generally oval and, as illustrated in FIG.22, the orifice diameter varies along the length of the flow conditioner 150. A first section 152 of the flow conditioner begins with a relatively large diameter, which gradually decreases to about the midpoint of the flow conditioner 150, where it transitions to a second section 154, which begins with a relatively small diameter that gradually increases to the end of the flow conditioner 150.

[0068] Figure 24 illustrates an exemplary flow conditioner 150 inserted into a portable unit 160. The flow conditioner 150 is positioned at the outlet end of the vacuum chamber 162. Conditioning the airflow can decrease the amount of flutter experienced by the hair in the vacuum chamber 162. Although the flow conditioner 150 is illustrated positioned at the outlet end of the vacuum chamber 162, the flow conditioner 150 can be positioned at the inlet end of the vacuum chamber 162 or anywhere else within the vacuum chamber. Furthermore, the flow conditioner 150 can be positioned in the hose connected to the portable unit 160 or anywhere else along the flow path. Additionally, a flow conditioner can be integrated into or molded into a system component. For example, a flow conditioner can be molded as an integral part of the vacuum chamber or as an integral part of the hose.

[0069] Another example of a portable unit 170 is illustrated in FIGS. 25-27. The portable unit includes an outer casing 172 and a handle 174. The portable unit 170 may further include an electrical connector 176 and a power switch 178. A power cord (not shown) can be connected to the electrical connector 178 to provide electrical power to the portable unit 170. The power switch 178 can be conveniently located on the portable unit 170 to facilitate the user's activation and deactivation of certain functions. Furthermore, although only one power switch is illustrated, it is understood that two or more power switches may be included to facilitate the activation and deactivation of various functions and subsystems of the hair care system.

[0070] The portable unit 170 further includes a vacuum chamber 180 and a heated air chamber 182. The overall shape of the vacuum chamber 180, as illustrated, is oval in cross-section. The vacuum chamber 180 includes a hair receiving opening 184 and an outlet opening 186. Within the heated air chamber 182 are a series of heating coils 188 and a fan 100. Located near the fan 190 is an air inlet opening 192 that forms an opening in the outer casing 172 to provide the fan 190 with access to ambient air. Located near the hair receiving opening 184 are a plurality of air ports 194. The plurality of air ports 194 are positioned in the outer casing 172 along the circumference of the hair receiving opening 184.

[0071] The fan 190 causes ambient air to flow into the heated air chamber 182, over the heating coils 188 and through the air ports 194. The air ports 194 are arranged so that when the air exits the heated air chamber 182, the air is channeled towards the hair receiving opening 184, where the suction force of the vacuum chamber 172 can draw the heated air from the vacuum chamber 172 into contact with the hair placed in the vacuum chamber 172.

[0072] FIG. 28 illustrates another embodiment of a portable unit 200. Similar to FIGS. 25-27, the portable unit 200 includes a handle 202, an outer casing 204, a power switch 206, and a hair receiving opening. In the embodiment of FIG. 28, a heated air chamber and heating elements are positioned in front of the vacuum chamber near the hair receiving opening 208 and do not surround the vacuum chamber as described in other embodiments. In this embodiment, the air is heated and applied directly to the hair through a plurality of air ports located in the inner wall of the heated air chamber. A fan can be positioned in the heated air chamber to move ambient air past the heating elements and toward the hair in the vacuum chamber. Ambient air can be drawn into the portable unit through an air intake opening 210.Alternatively, a fan is not included. Ambient air enters the portable unit via the suction force created by the vacuum mechanism. Similar drying effects can be achieved by directing the warm air toward the user's hair as it is drawn into the vacuum chamber.

Claims

1. A hair care apparatus (10) comprising: a vacuum container (12); a vacuum mechanism placed in the vacuum container (12); a portable unit (14); a vacuum chamber (34, 64) located within the portable unit (12) and in fluid communication with the vacuum mechanism, the vacuum chamber (34, 64) comprising: a first opening (38, 72) arranged to accommodate an insertion of a hair section; and a second opening (40) opposite the first opening (38, 72); a hose (16) in fluid communication with the vacuum mechanism and in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber (34, 64); and a flow conditioner (140, 150) associated with the vacuum chamber (34, 64), a flow conditioner orifice (140, 150) having a variable cross-section, characterized in that the flow conditioner orifice (140,150) includes a first section with a cross-sectional area decreasing from a first end of the flow conditioner (140, 150) towards a midpoint of the flow conditioner (140, 150) and a second section with a cross-sectional area decreasing from a second opposite end of the flow conditioner (140, 150) towards the midpoint of the flow conditioner (140, 150).

2. The hair care apparatus (10) of claim 1, wherein the decrease in cross-sectional area from the first end towards the midpoint and the decrease in cross-sectional area from the second end towards the midpoint are linear.

3. The hair care apparatus (10) of claim 1, wherein the first end of the flow conditioner (140, 150) is coupled to the second opening (40) of the vacuum chamber (34, 64).

4. The hair care apparatus (10) of claim 1,wherein the flow conditioner (140, 150) is a separate component inserted at least partially into the second opening (40) of the vacuum chamber (34, 64).

5. The hair care apparatus (10) of claim 1, wherein the flow conditioner (140, 150) is integrally formed in the vacuum chamber (34, 64) adjacent to the second opening (40).

6. The hair care apparatus (10) of claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow conditioner orifice (140) is generally circular.

7. The hair care apparatus (10) of claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow conditioner orifice (150) is generally oval.

8. The hair care apparatus (10) of claim 1, further comprising: a heated air chamber (36, 66) in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber (34, 64); a heating element (44, 76); and a fan (46,74) configured to blow air onto the heating element (44, 76) and into the heated air chamber (36, 66).

9. The hair care apparatus (10) of claim 8, wherein the flow conditioner (140, 150), the heated air chamber (3, 6, 66), the heating element (44, 76), and the fan (46, 74) are placed inside the portable unit (14).

10. The hair care apparatus (10) of claim 1, wherein the hose (14) is attached to the second opening (40) of the vacuum chamber (34, 64).

11. The hair care apparatus (10) of claim 10, wherein the flow conditioner (140, 150) is placed inside the hose.

12. The hair care apparatus (10) of claim 1, wherein the flow conditioner orifice (140,150) includes: a first section; a middle section; and a second section wherein the first section extends from a first end of the flow conditioner (140, 150) to the middle section and the second section extends from the middle section to the second end of the flow conditioner (140, 150).

13. The hair care apparatus (10) of claim 12, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the middle section is generally constant.

14. The hair care apparatus (10) of claim 1, wherein the orifice of the flow conditioner (140, 150) includes: a first section; and a second section; wherein the first section extends from the first end of the flow conditioner (140, 150) to the midpoint and the second section extends from the midpoint to the second end of the flow conditioner (140, 150).

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