VALLE, Lordes, Lopez (14 Albion Oval West, Mahopac, NY, 10541, US)
CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A hairstyling dryer attachment comprising a first portion having a generally cylindrical shape and a first air passage therethrough, having a proximal end adapted to attach to a hairstyling dryer output nozzle, and having a distal end of a semi-spherical, convex external shape; and a second portion having a second air passage therethrough, having a proximal end with a concave shape adapted to be moveably coupled with said convex shaped distal end of said first portion, and having a distal end shaped with at least one output opening having a total outflow cross-sectional area that is different than the cross-sectional area of said first air passage.
2. An attachment according to claim 1 , wherein said second portion total outflow cross-sectional area is less than the cross-sectional area of said first air passage.
3. An attachment according to claim 1 , wherein said second portion total outflow cross-sectional area is greater than the cross-sectional area of said first air passage.
4. An attachment according to claim 3, wherein said distal end of said second portion comprises a plurality of output openings.
5. An attachment according to claim 4, wherein some of said plurality of output openings of said distal end of said second portion comprise longitudinally extending raised nozzles |
HAIR DRYER ATTACHMENT WITH PIVOTING JOINT
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to hand held hair dryers and, more particularly, to attachments for use with hand held hair dryers that direct outgoing airflow from the dryers.
Description of Related Art
Various known attachments exist for hair dryers. They attach to the distal end of the output nozzle of the dryer to concentrate or to diffuse outgoing air.
It is desirable to provide an attachment for a hair dryer that is versatile in having the ability to either concentrate or to diffuse outgoing airflow in a single device, and in having the added ability to selectively aim or direct outgoing airflow.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an attachment for a hair dryer that is versatile in having the ability to either concentrate or to diffuse outgoing airflow in a single device, and in having the added ability to selectively aim or direct outgoing airflow.
These and other objects are achieved by the present invention. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
According to the present invention, an attachment for a hair dryer has an attachment base adapted to engage and be retained by the distal end of a nozzle of a hair dryer. The base is generally round and forms a continuation of the nozzle it is attached to. The distal end of the base has an exterior surface that is semi-spherical. In one embodiment, a concentrator is attached to the base. The concentrator has a proximal end that is formed as a concave semi-sphere to receive the semi-spherical end of the base in a universal-joint manner for universal pivoting with respect thereto. The distal end of the concentrator is a tapered nozzle end similar to a conventional concentrator in which the area of the flow path is reduced as the airflow exits the concentrator. In another
embodiment, a diffuser is attached to the base. The diffuser has a proximal end that is formed as a concave semi-sphere to receive the semi-spherical end of the base in a universal-joint manner for universal pivoting with respect thereto. The distal end of the diffuser is an array of holes and small nozzles similar to a conventional diffuser in which the airflow path is diffused or separated before the airflow exits the diffuser.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 1B is a side view of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 1C is an end view of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2A is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2B is a side view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2C is an end view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF
THE INVENTION
Referring to Figs. 1A - 1C, a first embodiment of the present invention is directed to an attachment (1 ) for a hand held hair dryer (not shown) of a conventional type having a generally tube-shaped nozzle out of which flows heated air. The attachment (1) has a base (2) comprising a ring-shaped collar (3) having an airflow path (4) therethrough. The collar (3) is adapted to press-fit onto the distal end of a nozzle of a hair dryer, either internally or externally received such that the distal end of the nozzle of the hair dryer does not extend past the distal edge (5) of the collar (3) in a way that interferes with pivoting of the concentrator (6) of the attachment (1 ). The base (2) further comprises a semi-sphere (7) extending distally from the collar (3). The airflow path (4)
extends through the semi-sphere (7) so that airflow from the hair dryer flows through the base (2) and exits its distal end. The concentrator (6) has a semi- spherical concave section (8) at its proximal end in order to receive the semi- sphere (7) in a manner permitting universal joint type pivoting relative thereto. A concentrator exit (9) is at the distal end of the concentrator (6) for concentrating and directing exiting airflow in a selective manner as described below.
In use, the attachment (1 ) is attached to the distal end of a conventional hand held hair dryer nozzle. Before or after activation of the hair dryer, the user can pivot the concentrator (6) relative to the base (2) using the semi-sphere joint formed by the two parts. The airflow will be directed to whichever direction the user sets the concentrator exit (9) and it will be concentrated by the effect of reduction of area of flow.
Referring to Figs. 2A - 2C, a second embodiment of the present invention is directed to an attachment (10) for a hand held hair dryer (not shown) of a conventional type having a generally tube-shaped nozzle out of which flows heated air. The attachment (10) has a base (12) comprising a ring-shaped collar (13) having an airflow path (14) therethrough. The collar (13) is adapted to press-fit onto the distal end of a nozzle of a hair dryer, either internally or externally received such that the distal end of the nozzle of the hair dryer does not extend past the distal edge (15) of the collar (13) in a way that interferes with pivoting of diffuser (16) of the attachment (10). The base (12) further comprises a semi-sphere (17) extending distally from the collar (13). The airflow path (14) extends through the semi-sphere (17) so that airflow from the hair dryer flows through the base (12) and exits its distal end. The diffuser (16) has a semi- spherical concave section (18) at its proximal end in order to receive the semi- sphere (17) in a manner permitting universal joint type pivoting relative thereto. A series of diffuser exits (19) is at the distal end of the diffuser (16) for diffusing and directing exiting airflow in a selective manner as described below.
In use, the attachment (10) is attached to the distal end of a conventional hand held hair dryer nozzle. Before or after activation of the hair dryer, the user can pivot the concentrator (16) relative to the base (12) using the semi-sphere
joint formed by the two parts. The airflow will be directed to whichever direction the user sets the diffuser exits (19) and will be diffused by the separation of one airflow path into various exits. Raised nozzles (11) may be provided to locate some of the exits (19).
While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described , various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Next Patent: LOCKING DEVICE FOR COMPUTER EQUIPMENT EXTENSION ARM