Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention generally relates to hair styling appliances, and in particular to wet and dry hair styling apparatus for styling hair.

Background

[0002] Different hair style requires dedicated tool(s) to create the desired style.

Hot air brushes and other related hair styling appliances are some of the most popular hair styling appliances sold in the market. These appliances typically have a main handle with different styling attachments attached at the other end of the main handle.

[0003] As a handheld hair styling device, the overall weight and size of the device has to be designed carefully to maintain it at a practical level considering that the device may be under a prolong usage. Accordingly, as much as possible, the selected components should keep to minimal in size and weight. However, the trade-off of having small or least amount of component possible is the power, such as the heating temperature and the air flow speed and volume, of the device will be compromised.

[0004] Wall mount hair dryer had long been available in the market and they are still available in major luxury hotel's rooms. Such wall mount hair dryer typically has a blower body that houses all the components, which includes the motor, heater and the require electrical components for operating the same. The blower body is basically function as a typically blower except that the nozzle of the hair dryer is connected to the blower body via a flexible conduit. User of the wall mount hair dryer simply turn on the blower that is mounted on the wall and operate the blower nozzle on hand to dry and possibly style his hair accordingly. US patents no. 4,700,049 and 4,868,998 provide some wall mount hair dryers, which are operated in a same way functionally. Such wall mount hair dryer is only operable at the place where the dryer is mounted. Usually, they are not removable, and they serve only one function.

Summary

[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hair styling system comprises a canister having an outlet connecting with a flexible conduit at one end; a compartment disposed in the canister for generating heated air, wherein the compartment is fluidly connected to the outlet; a plurality of accessories interchangeably connectable to the other end of the flexible conduit, each of the accessories is adapted with a different hair styling function for styling hair. The air duct that connecting the compartment is further connected to the outlet of the canister, whereby operationally, the dry compartment and the wet compartment selectively generate and deliver dry heated air and mist to the attached accessory through the flexible conduit for styling hair via the accessory.

[0006] In one embodiment, the compartment is a wet compartment adapted for generating mist in the air for dissipation through the accessories.

[0007] In another embodiment, the compartment is a dry compartment adapted to generate dry heated air for dissipation through the accessories.

[0008] In yet a further embodiment, the compartment comprises the aforesaid wet compartment and the aforesaid dry compartment. [0009] In yet another embodiment, the accessories includes one Of blower gun, straight bar nozzle, a hard-bristles brush nozzle, a comb nozzle, a soft-bristles brush nozzle, a flat iron nozzle, a wand/curling iron nozzle, a roller nozzle and a curling iron nozzle.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the dry compartment may further include an ozone generator and an ionic generator and an ionized generator. The wet compartment may also include a water tank and a mist generator, wherein the mist generator operationally generates fine mist of water in the water tank. The mist generator is an ultrasonic generator or a vaporizer.

[0011] In another aspect, there is also provided accessories for attaching to the aforesaid hair styling system. The accessories comprise a hollow body and apertures for dissipating heated air therefrom.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] Preferred embodiments according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures accompanied herein, in which like reference numerals denote like elements;

[0013] FIG. 1A shows a wet and dry hair styling system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. IB exemplifies various embodiments of the attachments for the wet and dry hair styling ^' system in accordance with the present invention; [0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the wet dry hair styling system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 3 A illustrates a schematic illustration of a canister in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 3B illustrates a schematic illustration of a canister in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 3C illustrates a schematic illustration of a canister in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a simplified schematic diagram of a wet/dry hair styling system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;.

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a portable dry air blower system 500 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

[0021] FIGs. 6(a)-(e) illustrate various detachable appliances in accordance with further embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention shall now be described in detail, with reference to the attached drawings. It is to be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. [0023] FIG. 1A shows a wet and dry hair styling system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The wet and dry hair styling system 100 or simply the system 100 includes an accessory 150 fluidly connected to a canister unit 102 via a flexible conduit or hose 104. The accessory 150 is the part of the system that is directly used and handled on the user's hand to do the hair styling. It is generally an attachment nozzle, which can be adapted in various shapes and configuration to suit certain hair styling function or functions. One advantage of having such configuration over the traditional hair styling appliances is that the major weight is off-loaded from the accessory 150 onto the canister unit 102 that holds almost the entire essential or driving components from the accessory 150. Since user is not going to lift up the canister unit 102 operationally for styling hair, it is possible to include relatively more powerful components than the traditional device that embodied all the components on the handheld device itself. In addition to the performance or power of the system 100, it allows more features to be packed into one system.

[0024] The canister unit 102 of the wet and dry hair styling system 100 further includes a control panel 122 and a display panel 124. An outlet 108 on the canister unit 102 is adapted to receive one end of the hose 104.

[0025] The hose 104 is attached to the outlet 108 of the canister unit 102 on one end, and the accessory 150 on the other end. Preferably, both ends of the hose 104 are equipped with quick release couplings for attaching the hose 104 with the outlet 108 and the accessory 150. A Snap-on means or even a simple tight fit ring for example can be adapted herewith. More desirably, the coupling end for connecting the handheld unit 150 may further include a handle that allows the handheld unit be easily handled by the user operationally. One advantage of adapting the handle on the hose 104 is that there is no need to facilitate handles on every the accessories.

[0026] As the accessory 150 is interchangeable on the hose 104, it allows the system 100 to be used for carrying out the desired hair styling. FIG. IB exemplifies various embodiments of the accessories 150, each of which is adapted for their respective function. As exemplified, the nozzles include blower gun 181, a straight bar nozzle 182, a hard-bristles brush nozzle 183, a comb nozzle 184, a soft-bristles brush nozzle 185, a flat iron nozzle 186, a wand/curling iron nozzle 187, a roller nozzle 188 and a curling iron nozzle 189. These accessories are generally made with a hollow body and outlets or apertures for dissipating the wet/dry air. For blower gun 181 and straight bar nozzle 182, the outlet can be a single opening or channel. The spout can be adapted or attached with spout or nozzle in various shapes. For example, it can be adapted as an ordinary round nozzle or it can be provided with a flat nozzle attachment. The other accessories 183 to 189 may includes arrays or random apertures for dissipating the wet/dry air therefrom, whereby the bristles of the accessories 183-185 may be extended from the inner side of the accessories through the apertures. In another embodiments, the inner body of the accessories can be provided with inter connected channels or chambers, or branching passages that keep the air flowing the accessories before it blows out from the accessories. It could help to retain some heat within the accessories, if needed.

[0027] With the above setup, there are countless possibilities of accessories adaptable on the system 100. The user is simply, required to attach an appropriate accessory onto the hose 104, and select an appropriate mode and power leveLthroughthe control panel, and start the hair styling with the attached accessory. The system 100 supplies either wet mist or dry air through the outlet 108, and through the hose 104 to the accessories 150.

[0028] The present system 100 is powered through a power cord. In another embodiment, the system 100 can be configured as a cordless system that powered by an integrated battery (not shown).

[0029] The control panel 122 comprises one or more buttons for controlling the operations of the system 100. These buttons may include power on off button, mode- selection buttons, level-selection buttons and the. like. The power on/off button is the main power button that powers up/down the system 100. The mode selection button is provided for selecting the operating mode. In conjunction with the mode selection button, the level selection buttons can be provided for adjusting a desire operating level of a selected operating mode. The display panel on the other hand displays a current working state of the system 100, such as the temperature, fan power, etc. More details regarding the operating modes and display will be provided later.

[0030] One side of the canister body 102 is made flat and a hook or ring (not shown) can be attached thereto so that the entire system 100 can be hung on the wall as needed.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the wet and dry hair styling system 100 of FIG. 1A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 has a controller 205 that is directly connected to the ¹ input buttons of the control panel 122 and the display panel 124 of the system 100. The controller 205 receives input from the user for the selected mode and levels, and provide the main controls over the system 100 operationally. The controller 205 is further connected to a heater 212 and a mist generator 222 in parallel. Respectively, the heater 212 is mounted in a hot air compartment 214, and the mist generator 222 is installed within the wet (or mist) compartments 224. Another independent heater, which is also controlled by the controller 205 may also install within the wet compartments so that heated mist can be generated. The hot air compartment 214 and the wet compartment 224 are j oined together via Y-shaped air duct (not shown), which in turn lead to the outlet 108 of the system 100. Preferably, the air duct may be adapted with a selective shutter to open/close either one of the outlets of the dry compartment 214 and the wet compartment 224. For safety measures, the system 1Q0 may be provided with various sensors 250, such as temperature sensor, moist sensor, air flow sensor and the like for providing feedback to the controller 250 for better controlling the system 100.

[0032] It is well understood that as the operating components are off-loaded from the handheld units, there will not be much restrictions on the size of the components used to generate the airflow and heat once these are located outside the handle unit, the airflow and heat can be increased to the level as high as a normal hairdryer. Further, more features, such as the integrated wet/dry compartments, can be incorporated in one system. As the accessories 150 is easily changeable so that user can choose the appropriate tools on the system 100. So the options on the range of styling appliances are broadened considerably. A further advantage of the system 100 is that as new styling appliances is made available, there is no need to replace all the components and come out with an entirely new device. The new styling appliances can be made in a similar manner as a separate attachment nozzle and fitted to the hose of the system 100. This greatly saves cost and hassle of the consumer in upgrading or enhancing the system's 100 usability. Users will also appreciate that as the weight of the accessories are greatly reduced, user may conveniently handle the accessories to style hair at ease.

[0033] FIG.3A illustrates a schematic illustration of a canister 310 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. It comprises an air chamber 312 disposed therein, an ozone chamber 314, and an Ionic chamber 316. The air chamber further has a blower fan and heater, wherein operationally, the blower fan draws air from the bottom of the canister 310 and blows it out from air chamber 312 through the outlet 108. The heater can be turned on to heat up the air within the air chamber 312 for supplying the hot air. The air blown out from the air chamber then passes through the ozone chamber 314 and then the ionic chamber 316 before discharging through the outlet 108.

[0034] The ozone chamber 314 and the ionic chamber 316 are optional features on the canister 314. The ozone chamber 314 may include a UV light emitter therein and the ionic chamber 316 may be adapted with an ionic generator. These features are well known in the art and therefore no further information is provided herewith. It is also . understood that other additional features available for state of the art dry or hot hair blower can also be adapted on the canister 310.

[0035] FIG.3B illustrates a schematic illustration of a canister 320 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The canister 320 is adapted to deliver wet air or mist to the accessory operationally. The canister comprises water chamber 321 and a mist generator 324. The water chamber 321 further has a water inlet 322 for refilling water in it. The mist generator 324 can be an ultrasonic generator or the like to turn water into fine spray. It is understood to a skilled person that many type of means are available to generate fine spray or atomized water. The canister 320 may also include a heater 326 for heating up the water so that heated mist can be generated.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment, a vaporizer that generate warm or heated steam can also adapted herewith.

[0037] When in used, user has to load up the water chamber 312 with water through the water chamber lid 322, and as the power it turned on, the mist generator 324 generates mist that will be deliver to the accessory heat through the outlet of the canister 320. A fan can be added along the system at a suitable location to help pushing the mist out from the canister 320.

[0038] FIG. 3C illustrates a schematic illustration of a canister 330 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The canister 330 is a wet and dry hair styling system that is able to selectively deliver heated dry air and/or mist through the accessory. The canister 330 comprises a dry compartment 332 and a wet compartment 334. The dry compartment 332 is adapted for discharging dry air through the outlet 108 and the wet compartment 334 is adapted for discharging mist through the outlet. Preferably, the system is adapted for discharging either dry air or mist, which can be controlled through a control panel of the canister 330.

[0039] The outlets of the dry and wet compartments are j oined within the canister

330 with a Y-shaped air duct and-output at the main outlet of the canister. In this way, the accessory attached to the canister via the flexible hose can blow out dry air or mist as desired. [0040] The dry air compartment 332 is adapted and functions substantially the same or similarly way as that of the canister 310. Similarly, the wet compartment 334 is adapted and functions substantially the same or similar way as that of the canister 320.

[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates a simplified schematic diagram of a wet/dry hair styling system 400 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The system 400 has a main controller 450 (or controller unit) for controlling the components and operations of the system 400. The system 400 comprises a dry compartment 410 and a wet compartment 420, of which the two compartments are joined together via a Y-shaped air duct 452 that lead to a main outlet 456 of the system 400. The main outlet 456 of the system 400 is connected to a flexible hose 457, which ultimately connects to an interchangeable hair styling accessory for styling hair. Preferably, the air duct 452 is provided with a selectable (manual/automatic) shutter 455 to close the airflow between the dry and wet compartments.

[0042] The dry compartment 410 comprises a blower 411 and a heater 412. The heater 412 operationally heats up the air within the compartment and the blower pushes the heated air through the air duct 452 out to the hose 457. The compartment 410 may further comprise temperature and air flow sensors for detecting the air temperature and airflow speed (or volume) to facilitate a better control over the system 400.

[0043] The wet compartment 420 comprises a mist generator 421, a water level sensor 422, a water/mist heater 423 and a mist blower 424. Operationally, the heater 423 heats up the water and the mist generator 421 turns the water into fine mist gradually. The blower 424 pushes the mist through the air duct 452 out to the host 457. The water level sensor 422 detects the water level and feedback to the controller so that user can be informed when the water level is low for refill. The wet compartment may further comprise mist sensor 425 to facilitate a better control over the system 400.

[0044] In a further embodiment, the system 400 may further facilitate with a ozone and ionic generators at the outlet 456.

[0045] The present invention provides an all-in-one system that incorporates most, if not all, of the known hair styling tools in one integrated system. The invention separates the hair styling tools that served as the handling unit from the main powering unit, which offloads the major weight of the system from the styling accessories. It allows the system to be expendable without limit.

[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates a portable dry air blower system 500 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The air blower system 500 is a dry air blower only system without the mist generator system. Without the need for mist, the system can eliminate the water tank/reservoir, and therefore, be more compact in size. Accordingly, the air blower system can be made as small as a lady purse, and it can also adapt a more stylish design for attracting sales. The air blower system 500 can similarly adapt an air outlet for connecting a flexible air conduit (not shown) thereto at one end. The other end of the conduit can be is adapted for receiving the detachable accessories as described above. Users may then use the appropriate accessories for carrying out the intended hair styling.

[0047] Preferably, the air blower system 500 may include a shoulder stripe.

[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates more possible detachable appliances in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 6(a) shows a streaming cap; FIG. 6(b) shows an air concentrator; FIG.6(c) shows a air diffuser for facial; FIG.6(d) shows another air diffuser for hair treatment; and FIG. 6(e) shows a semi-curl comb with hard bristles. It is understood to a skilled person that many other accessories can also be adapted without limitations. These detachable appliances are light in weight for handling operationally because the major weight of these appliances has already been offloaded to the blower system.

[0049] While specific embodiments have been described and illustrated, it is understood that many changes, modifications, variations and combinations thereof could be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention.