DIFFUSER ATTACHMENT FOR AIR-MOVING APPLIANCE
20240365947 ยท 2024-11-07
Inventors
- Rachel Koebler (Middleton, WI, US)
- Jay William Kuzia (Middleton, WI, US)
- Michael John deGrood (Middleton, WI, US)
- Alan T. McDonald (Middleton, WI, US)
Cpc classification
International classification
Abstract
An attachment assembly for an air-moving appliance includes a diffuser attachment and a hair engagement cover. The diffuser attachment includes an inlet end configured to removably attach to the air-moving appliance. The inlet end includes an inlet for airflow to enter the diffuser attachment and the outlet end includes a diffuser surface defining discharge openings for airflow in part to expel from the diffuser attachment. The diffuser surface is curved relative to an exterior of the diffuser attachment. The hair engagement cover includes prongs arranged to extend outward from the diffuser surface when the hair engagement cover is attached to the outlet end. The attachment assembly has a first configuration in which the hair engagement cover is not attached to the diffuser surface of the diffuser attachment, and a second configuration in which the hair engagement cover is attached to the outlet end of the diffuser attachment.
Claims
1. A diffuser attachment assembly for an air-moving appliance, the diffuser attachment assembly comprising: a diffuser attachment comprising: an inlet end configured to connect to the air-moving appliance, the inlet end including an inlet for airflow to enter the diffuser attachment; and an outlet end including a diffuser surface defining discharge openings, the diffuser surface being smooth and free of any prongs, wherein the diffuser surface is curved relative to an exterior of the diffuser attachment; and a hair engagement cover configured to removably attach to the outlet end of the diffuser attachment, the hair engagement cover including prongs arranged to extend outward from the diffuser surface of the diffuser attachment when the hair engagement cover is attached to the outlet end, wherein the attachment assembly has a first configuration in which the hair engagement cover is not attached to the outlet end of the diffuser attachment, and a second configuration in which the hair engagement cover is attached to the outlet end of the diffuser attachment.
2. The diffuser attachment assembly of claim 1, wherein the diffuser attachment is removably connected to the air-moving appliance.
3. The diffuser attachment assembly of claim 1, wherein the discharge openings are positioned in a grid configuration on the diffuser surface.
4. The diffuser attachment assembly of claim 1, wherein the outlet end of the diffuser attachment defines openings configured to receive corresponding tabs of the hair engagement cover.
5. The diffuser attachment assembly of claim 1, wherein the prongs of the hair engagement cover each define an opening that is configured to expel at least a portion of the airflow discharged by the diffuser attachment.
6. The diffuser attachment assembly of claim 5, wherein the openings of the prongs are positioned perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the hair engagement cover.
7. The diffuser attachment assembly of claim 1, wherein the hair engagement cover defines a plurality of bridge threads coupled to an outer edge of the hair engagement cover, wherein the prongs extend outwardly from the plurality of bridge threads.
8. The diffuser attachment assembly of claim 7, wherein the plurality of bridge threads in part define a plurality of voids, wherein the voids are configured to expel at least a portion of the airflow discharged by the diffuser attachment.
9. A diffuser attachment assembly for an air-moving appliance, the diffuser attachment assembly comprising: a diffuser attachment comprising: an inlet end configured to removably connect to the air-moving appliance, the inlet end including an inlet for airflow to enter the diffuser attachment; and an outlet end including a diffuser surface defining discharge openings configured to discharge at least a portion of the airflow, the diffuser surface being free of any prongs, wherein the diffuser surface is curved relative to an exterior of the diffuser attachment; and a hair engagement cover comprising an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side of the hair engagement cover is configured to removably attach to the outlet end of the diffuser attachment, wherein the hair engagement cover includes prongs arranged to extend outward from the diffuser surface when the hair engagement cover is attached to the outlet end of the diffuser attachment, the prongs defining openings that are in communication with the discharge openings of the diffuser attachment, wherein the openings of the prongs are configured to expel at least a portion of the airflow discharged by the diffuser attachment, wherein the attachment assembly has a first configuration in which the hair engagement cover is not attached to the outlet end of the diffuser attachment, and a second configuration in which the hair engagement cover is attached to the outlet end of the diffuser attachment.
10. The diffuser attachment assembly of claim 9, wherein the openings of the prongs are positioned perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the hair engagement cover.
11. The diffuser attachment assembly of claim 9, wherein the hair engagement cover defines a plurality of bridge threads coupled to an outer edge of the hair engagement cover, wherein the prongs extend outwardly from the plurality of bridge threads.
12. The diffuser attachment assembly of claim 11, wherein the plurality of bridge threads in part define a plurality of voids, wherein the voids are configured to expel at least a portion of the airflow discharged by the diffuser attachment.
13. The diffuser attachment assembly of claim 9, wherein the diffuser attachment is removably connected to the air-moving appliance.
14. The diffuser attachment assembly of claim 9, wherein the discharge openings are positioned in a grid configuration on the diffuser surface.
15. The diffuser attachment assembly of claim 9, wherein the outlet end of the diffuser attachment defines openings configured to receive a corresponding tab of the hair engagement cover.
16. An air-moving appliance assembly comprising a diffuser attachment assembly and an air-moving appliance configured to expel air from an outlet end, the diffuser attachment assembly comprising: a diffuser attachment comprising: an inlet end configured to removably connect to the outlet end of the air-moving appliance, the inlet end including an inlet for airflow to enter the diffuser attachment; and an outlet end including a diffuser surface defining discharge openings, the diffuser surface being smooth and free of any prongs, wherein the diffuser surface is curved relative to an exterior of the diffuser attachment; and a hair engagement cover comprising: an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side of the hair engagement cover is configured to removably attach to the outlet end of the diffuser attachment, wherein the hair engagement cover includes prongs arranged to extend outward from the diffuser surface when the hair engagement cover is attached to the outlet end of the diffuser attachment, the prongs defining an opening that is in communication with the discharge openings of the diffuser attachment, wherein the opening of the prongs is configured to expel at least a portion of the airflow discharged by the diffuser attachment, wherein the diffuser attachment assembly has a first configuration in which the diffuser attachment is mounted with respect to the outlet end of the air-moving appliance, and a second configuration in which the hair engagement cover is attached to the outlet end of the diffuser attachment when the diffuser attachment is mounted with respect to the air-moving appliance.
17. The air-moving appliance assembly of claim 16, wherein the hair engagement cover defines a plurality of bridge threads coupled to an outer edge of the hair engagement cover, wherein the prongs extend outwardly from the plurality of bridge threads.
18. The air-moving appliance assembly of claim 17, wherein the plurality of bridge threads in part define a plurality of voids, wherein the voids are configured to expel at least a portion of the airflow discharged by the air-moving appliance.
19. The air-moving appliance assembly of claim 16, wherein the discharge openings are positioned in a grid configuration on the diffuser surface.
20. The air-moving appliance assembly of claim 16, wherein the outlet end of the diffuser attachment defines openings configured to receive corresponding tabs of the hair engagement cover.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Features and aspects of embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which elements are not necessarily depicted to scale.
[0025] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are further described with reference to the appended figures. It is to be noted that the various features, steps, and combinations of features/steps described below and illustrated in the figures can be arranged and organized differently to result in embodiments which are still within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0026] To assist those of ordinary skill in the art in making and using the disclosed assemblies, systems and methods, reference is made to the appended figures, wherein:
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] Referring now to the figures and in particular to
[0043] The diffuser attachment assembly 10 defines a central axis 24 which extends through a center of the diffuser attachment 12 and the hair engagement cover 50. Accordingly, the diffuser attachment 12 and the hair engagement cover 50 are coaxial when the hair engagement cover 50 is attached to the diffuser attachment 12.
[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the diffuser attachment assembly 10 defines a circular outer shape, as depicted in
[0045] Referring now to
[0046] The inlet end 14 of the diffuser attachment 12 defines a back surface 15. The back surface 15 may be planar, partially planar, or non-planar. For example, the back surface 15 is partially planar and is partially curved, as illustrated in
[0047] In addition, the diffuser attachment 12 includes a collar 18 extending outward from the back surface 15 and along the central axis 24. The collar 18 is configured to engage the outlet of the air-moving 102. The collar 18 includes one or more features to removably attach to one or more features of the air-moving appliance 102. For example, the collar 18 may include and/or define a locking feature to semi-permanently engage with the air-moving appliance 102. The collar 18 defines a groove 20 and a notch 22 which are configured to rotationally engaged with the air-moving appliance 102. In the illustrated example, the collar 18 defines a plurality of grooves 20 and notches 22.
[0048] As seen in
[0049] Referring to
[0050] The diffuser surface 28 also defines a plurality of discharge openings 30. The discharge openings 30 are in fluid communication with the inlet 16. The discharge openings 30 may be spaced in a grid-like configuration. For example, the discharge openings 30 are spaced in a grid-like configuration such that a majority of the diffuser surface 28 is included within the grid. The discharge openings 30 are equally (or near equally) spaced throughout the diffuser surface 28. In another example, the discharge openings 30 may be positioned in specific areas of the diffuser surface 28, as needed based on a desired use. For example, the discharge openings 30 may be grouped at different locations on the diffuser surface 28.
[0051] In some instances, the diffuser surface 28 includes a display surface 34 configured to depict an alphanumeric character, an image, and/or a symbol. For example, the display surface 34 may provide an area for branding, instructions, and combinations thereof.
[0052] The diffuser attachment 12 may be free of any prongs and/or raised features configured to engage with a user's hair. Specifically, the diffuser surface 28 is free of any prongs and/or raised features. A prong-free surface may provide several benefits, including but not limited to, enabling close contact of airflow/heat with hair/roots/scalp, and allowing the diffuser attachment 12 to interface with and glide over a user's hair without engaging (catching) hair (e.g., hair tresses). Thus, the diffuser surface 28 may be a smooth, obstruction-free surface defining a plurality of discharge openings 30.
[0053] Referring to
[0054] In one instance, the diffuser attachment 12 defines openings 32 (see
[0055] Referring to
[0056] As seen in
[0057] The inner ring 58 and the bridge threads 56 may provide structural support to the hair engagement cover 50. The inner ring 58 and the bridge threads 56 define voids 62 which extend between the inner side 52 and the outer side 54 of the hair engagement cover 50. The voids 62 allow air to pass from the inlet end 14 of the diffuser attachment 12 to the outer side 54 of the hair engagement cover 50. The bridge threads 56 and the inner ring 58 may define a cross-section that is solid, partially solid, and/or hollow. As illustrated, the bridge threads 56 and the inner ring 58 are hollow thereby contributing to the weight reduction of the hair engagement cover 50. The outer edge 55 defines a sidewall that extends between the inner side 52 to the outer side 54. In some instances, the outer edge 55 may extend longitudinally with the central axis 24.
[0058] The hair engagement cover 50 may define and/or include one or more prongs 64 that extend outwardly in the direction of the outer side 54. In the example, the hair engagement cover 50 defines a plurality of prongs 64 that extend outwardly in the direction of the outer side 54. For example, one or more prongs 64 extend outwardly from the bridge threads 56 and/or the inner ring 58. The prongs 64 extend axially with the central axis 24. In some instances, at least some of the prongs 64 extend outwardly beyond the outer edge 55 such that the outer side 54 of each prong 64 is outward beyond the outer side 54 of the outer edge 55. In some instances, some of the prongs 64 extend outwardly beyond the outer edge 55 and some of the prongs 64 do not extend outwardly beyond the outer edge 55. For example,
[0059] The prongs 64 may be hollow, partially hollow, and/or solid. In this example, the prongs 64 define channels 66 which extend between the inner side 52 and the outer side 54. Each channel 66 extends between an upper opening 68 and a lower opening 70. The upper opening 68 is positioned on the outer side 54 of the prong 64 and the lower opening 70 is positioned on the inner side 52 of the prong 64. Thus, the channel 66 and the openings 68, 70 are in fluid communication with the diffuser attachment 12 such that air traveling between the inlet end 14 and the outlet end 26 may at least partially travel between the lower opening 70 to the upper opening 68 via the channel 66. In some cases, air may travel outwardly from the outlet end 26 of the diffuser attachment 12 through the voids 62 and the upper opening 68 of the prongs 64. The upper opening 68 may extend at least partially through the prong 64 so as to fluidly communicate with the channel 66 in a direction perpendicular to (or nearly perpendicular to) the axis 24. As depicted in
[0060] The hair engagement cover 50 is arranged to be removably attached to the diffuser attachment 12. For example, the hair engagement cover 50 may define and/or include one or more tabs 72 that extend outwardly of the hair engagement cover 50 in the direction of the inner side 52. In some instances, the hair engagement cover 50 includes at least two tabs 72 that extend outwardly from the bridge threads 56 of the hair engagement cover 50 in the direction of the inner side 52. In some instances, the tabs 72 may be positioned to align the hair engagement cover 50 in a specific orientation. In other instances, the tabs 72 may be positioned such that the hair engagement cover 50 can be positioned in any orientation.
[0061] In the illustrated example, the tabs 72 are configured to be removably inserted into the openings 32 of the diffuser attachment 12. The tabs 72 and the openings 32 have a circular cross-section and are sized such that each tab 72 is inserted into the corresponding opening 32. Insertion of the tabs 72 into the corresponding openings 32 ensures the hair engagement cover 50 is semi-permanently engaged with the diffuser attachment 12. In some embodiments, the tabs 72 may define one or more engagement features that are configured to interface with corresponding engagement features defined by the openings 32 so as to promote semi-permanent engagement between the diffuser attachment 12 and the hair engagement cover 50.
[0062] As depicted in
[0063] Referring also to
[0064] In operation, at least the inlet end 14 of the diffuser attachment 12 engages with at least the outlet end 104 of the air-moving appliance 102 (see
[0065] In a second configuration, as shown in
[0066] In operation, a user may switch between the first configuration and the second configuration as needed during the diffusing process. The diffuser attachment 12 and the hair engagement cover 50 are configured to be removed with minimal effort and steps to ensure a user can easily switch between the first configuration and the second configuration, and if needed, complete removal of the diffuser attachment 12 from the air-moving appliance 102.
[0067] The inlet end 14 of the diffuser attachment 12 is semi-permanently engaged with the outlet end 104 of the air-moving appliance 102 to position the diffuser attachment 12 of the diffuser attachment assembly 10 in the first configuration. In the first configuration, airflow is directed outwardly from the air-moving appliance 102 through the inlet end 14 of the diffuser attachment 12 and exits the outlet end 26 of the diffuser surface 28 through the discharge openings 30. The user may position their hair within and/or in close proximity to the diffuser surface 28 to perform a variety of functions, including hair drying. For example, diffuse drying a user's roots/hair closest to the user's scalp. Diffusing is typically used to dry naturally curly hair in its natural curl pattern. Thus, in the first configuration, a user may dry their hair without disrupting their natural curl pattern. Air may be expelled from the discharge openings 30 as the user's hair is positioned within and/or in close proximity to the diffuser surface 28.
[0068] The user may engage the inner side 52 of the hair engagement cover 50 to the outlet end 26 of the diffuser attachment 12 to place the diffuser attachment assembly 10 in the second configuration. In the second configuration, the user can engage with the prongs 64 of the hair engagement cover 50 and/or the diffuser surface 28 of the diffuser attachment 12. Airflow from the discharge openings 30 may travel through the lower opening 70 and out the upper openings 68 of the prongs 64. The user may position their hair within and/or in close proximity to the prongs 64 and/or the diffuser surface 28 to perform a variety of functions, including hair drying. For example, a user may dry entire sections of their hair, from for example, root to tip. Thus, in the second configuration, a user may dry their naturally curly hair in its natural curl pattern by retaining/holding sections of hair within the diffuser surface 28. Air may be expelled from the upper openings 68 as the user's hair is positioned in contact with and/or in close proximity to the prongs 64.
[0069] While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for the elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt the teaching of the invention to particular use, application, manufacturing conditions, use conditions, composition, medium, size, and/or materials without departing from the essential scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention as described herein. Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described examples, it is intended that all matters in the preceding description and shown in the accompanying figures be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.