US20050204576A1 - Hairdryer control logic and interface - Google Patents

Hairdryer control logic and interface Download PDF

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Publication number
US20050204576A1
US20050204576A1 US11/083,429 US8342905A US2005204576A1 US 20050204576 A1 US20050204576 A1 US 20050204576A1 US 8342905 A US8342905 A US 8342905A US 2005204576 A1 US2005204576 A1 US 2005204576A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
switch
hairdryer
display
settings
speed
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/083,429
Inventor
Martin Cohen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Conair Corp
Original Assignee
Conair Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Conair Corp filed Critical Conair Corp
Priority to US11/083,429 priority Critical patent/US20050204576A1/en
Assigned to CONAIR CORPORATION reassignment CONAIR CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: COHEN, MARTIN A.
Publication of US20050204576A1 publication Critical patent/US20050204576A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45DHAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D20/00Hair drying devices; Accessories therefor
    • A45D20/04Hot-air producers
    • A45D20/08Hot-air producers heated electrically
    • A45D20/10Hand-held drying devices, e.g. air douches
    • A45D20/12Details thereof or accessories therefor, e.g. nozzles, stands
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/18Distinguishing marks on switches, e.g. for indicating switch location in the dark; Adaptation of switches to receive distinguishing marks

Definitions

  • the present invention relates electrical hairdryers and, more particularly, to an improved hairdryer having an array of switches controlling functions and settings and an associated display panel corresponding to the functions and settings and their selections.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a control panel according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an LCD display according to the present invention.
  • a handheld hairdryer (not shown) of a conventional type has on a conventional switch panel surface (not shown) a fan speed switch ( 1 ), a heat setting switch ( 2 ), a “cool” switch ( 3 ) and a “turbo” switch ( 4 ).
  • the speed switch ( 1 ) and heat switch ( 2 ) are bi-directional and, preferably, membrane switches. Mechanical toggle switches could also be used.
  • the “cool” switch ( 3 ) and the “turbo” switch are also, preferably, membrane switches.
  • a visual selection indicator ( 5 ) is moved among a displayed array of speed setting selections, corresponding to predetermined fan or motor speeds. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , various hair characteristic settings like “fine”, “care”, “gentle”, “normal” and “turbo” correspond to increasing air flow speed settings.
  • the heat switch ( 2 ) is manipulated to move a visual selection indicator ( 6 ) among various heat settings such as “cool”, “delicate”, “damage”, “thin” and “thick”.

Abstract

A hairdryer control panel and switch system includes a fan speed switch (1), a heat setting switch (2), a “cool” switch (3) and a “turbo” switch (4). The speed switch (1) and heat switch (2) are bi-directional and, preferably, membrane switches. The “cool” switch (3) and the “turbo” switch are also, preferably, membrane switches. By advancing the speed switch (1) in either direction, a visual selection indicator (5) is moved among a displayed array of speed setting selections, corresponding to predetermined fan or motor speeds. Similarly, the heat switch (2) is manipulated to move a visual selection indicator (6) among various heat settings.

Description

    RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional application 60/554,669 (filed 19 Mar. 2004).
  • TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates electrical hairdryers and, more particularly, to an improved hairdryer having an array of switches controlling functions and settings and an associated display panel corresponding to the functions and settings and their selections.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • It is known in the art to provide an electric hairdryer having separate heat and speed controls. It is also known to have separate switches associated with functions known as “cool shot” and “turbo” functions which, respectively, provide a blast of cooled air (as opposed to heated air) and a sudden increase in airflow. Typically, such switches are activated by spring-loaded buttons that, in the case of “cool shot” de-activate specific heater coils; and in the case of “turbo” de-activate some of the electrical resistance so that motor speed is increased.
  • It is also known in the art to provide visual display indicators of switch settings with LED or LCD displays. Such displays are useful when coupled with touch-pad switches and associated logic systems.
  • Conventional, mechanical switches on hairdryers are limited by space in that multi-position switches occupy enough space to accommodate each position. In addition, certain mechanical switches are cumbersome and prone to mechanical wear over time and are subject to moisture and heat damage. Known LED and LCD displays are typically limited to single function or condition status signals.
  • OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • It is an object of the present invention to overcome the limitations of conventional switches and controls on known hairdryers to provide convenient, durable control switches that facilitate multiple options and settings in a limited environment. It is a further object to utilize LCD technology to facilitate a multi-option menu that is operated and displayed on a space-limited surface. These and other objects are achieved by the present invention.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a control panel according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an LCD display according to the present invention.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • Referring to FIG. 1, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention a handheld hairdryer (not shown) of a conventional type has on a conventional switch panel surface (not shown) a fan speed switch (1), a heat setting switch (2), a “cool” switch (3) and a “turbo” switch (4). The speed switch (1) and heat switch (2) are bi-directional and, preferably, membrane switches. Mechanical toggle switches could also be used. The “cool” switch (3) and the “turbo” switch are also, preferably, membrane switches.
  • By advancing the speed switch (1) in either direction, a visual selection indicator (5) is moved among a displayed array of speed setting selections, corresponding to predetermined fan or motor speeds. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, various hair characteristic settings like “fine”, “care”, “gentle”, “normal” and “turbo” correspond to increasing air flow speed settings. Similarly, the heat switch (2) is manipulated to move a visual selection indicator (6) among various heat settings such as “cool”, “delicate”, “damage”, “thin” and “thick”.
  • When the “cool” switch (3) is activated, one or a variety of heat elements (not shown) in the dryer are momentarily switched off and the temperature of the air emitting from the dryer is momentarily reduced. When the “turbo” switch (4) is activated, resistance is dropped so that the electrical motor speed increases, thereby increased fan speed and airflow speed.
  • While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been herein disclosed and described, it is understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (6)

1. A control panel and display system for a hairdryer, said system comprising
a switch for controlling a multi-setting function of said hairdryer;
a display panel for displaying various settings relating to said function; and
a visual indicator signal that is selectively movable among said settings on said display in response to manipulation of said switch to select a function setting of said hairdryer.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein
said switch is a membrane switch.
3. A system according to claim 2, wherein
said display panel is an LCD display.
4. A system according to claim 1, further comprising
a cooling switch that, when activated, causes at least one heat element in said hairdryer to de-activate, thereby reducing the temperature of air flowing out of said hairdryer.
5. A system according to claim 1, further comprising
an airspeed boost switch that, when activated, causes the speed of air flowing out of said hairdryer to increase.
6. A control panel and display system for a hairdryer, said system comprising
a first switch for controlling a first multi-setting function of said hairdryer;
a second switch for controlling a second multi-setting function of said hairdryer;
a display panel for displaying various settings relating to said first and second functions; and
a plurality of visual indicator signals that are selectively movable among said settings on said display in response to manipulation of said switch to select various function settings of said hairdryer
US11/083,429 2004-03-19 2005-03-18 Hairdryer control logic and interface Abandoned US20050204576A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/083,429 US20050204576A1 (en) 2004-03-19 2005-03-18 Hairdryer control logic and interface

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US55466904P 2004-03-19 2004-03-19
US11/083,429 US20050204576A1 (en) 2004-03-19 2005-03-18 Hairdryer control logic and interface

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20050204576A1 true US20050204576A1 (en) 2005-09-22

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US11/083,429 Abandoned US20050204576A1 (en) 2004-03-19 2005-03-18 Hairdryer control logic and interface

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WO (1) WO2005089493A2 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013029323A1 (en) * 2011-08-31 2013-03-07 深圳市奋达电器有限公司 Touch hairdryer
WO2017087101A1 (en) * 2015-11-19 2017-05-26 Farouk Systems, Inc. Touch device usable for hairdressing apparatus
US11058201B2 (en) * 2018-09-19 2021-07-13 Lg Electronics Inc. Dryer

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5053758A (en) * 1988-02-01 1991-10-01 Sperry Marine Inc. Touchscreen control panel with sliding touch control
US6718650B2 (en) * 2002-06-20 2004-04-13 Sherry Ross Personal dryer
US6792692B1 (en) * 2003-06-17 2004-09-21 Manica-Thai Corp., Ltd Control method of input power and airflow rate of hair dryer

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5053758A (en) * 1988-02-01 1991-10-01 Sperry Marine Inc. Touchscreen control panel with sliding touch control
US6718650B2 (en) * 2002-06-20 2004-04-13 Sherry Ross Personal dryer
US6792692B1 (en) * 2003-06-17 2004-09-21 Manica-Thai Corp., Ltd Control method of input power and airflow rate of hair dryer

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013029323A1 (en) * 2011-08-31 2013-03-07 深圳市奋达电器有限公司 Touch hairdryer
WO2017087101A1 (en) * 2015-11-19 2017-05-26 Farouk Systems, Inc. Touch device usable for hairdressing apparatus
US10856637B2 (en) 2015-11-19 2020-12-08 Farouk Systems, Inc. Touch device usable for hairdressing apparatus
US11058201B2 (en) * 2018-09-19 2021-07-13 Lg Electronics Inc. Dryer

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Publication number Publication date
WO2005089493A3 (en) 2007-02-01
WO2005089493A2 (en) 2005-09-29

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: CONAIR CORPORATION, CONNECTICUT

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:COHEN, MARTIN A.;REEL/FRAME:016214/0416

Effective date: 20050510

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION