Patent Application
20130091724
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a portable hair dryer system.
2. Description of Related Art
Attempts to make hair dryer systems portable are in principle known in the art. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,190; U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,262; U.S. Pat. No. 6,964,116; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,096,597. All these systems suffer one or more obvious disadvantages. They are too bulky, too complicated or lacking in flexibility and versatility.
The present invention solves these problems by providing a novel carrier for the heater/blower component of a hair dryer, wherein the novel carrier comprises:
In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a combination of the novel carrier and a heater/blower component contained in said receptacle.
The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the drawings.
In the figures, the reference numerals represent the following features:
The portable carrier according to the present invention can be composed of any suitable material, but is preferably composed at least in part of heat-resistant material. In a preferred embodiment, the heat-resistant material comprises nylon/denier.
The portable carrier has at least one hose opening. Preferably, the portable carrier has a plurality of the hose openings to allow versatility in the positioning of the hose.
The portable carrier typically has one or two straps. When one strap is employed, the portable carrier can be worn by the user as a sling. When the portable carrier has two straps, these can be positioned so that the portable carrier can be worn by the user as a backpack. In this configuration, of course, the user can also make use of only one of the two straps, slinging the one strap in use over one shoulder.
In a preferred embodiment, the hair dryer is controlled by a remote control unit. The control may be wireless or wired. In the event the control is wired, the portable carrier can be provided with one or more adapted openings to receive wires passing between the remote control unit and the heater/blower component.
The heater/blower component may be powered by AC current or batteries. For maximum portability, batteries, especially rechargeable batteries, are preferred. The portable carrier can be provided with one or more adapted openings to receive a cord connecting a rechargeable battery pack contained in the heater/blower component to a recharging power source. Alternatively, the portable carrier can be provided with one or more adapted openings to receive a cord connecting the heater/blower component to an electrical outlet, for example, a wall outlet.
For storing accessories, the portable carrier can be provided with at least one storage compartment on an outside surface or an inside surface of the receptacle.
The interior space of the receptacle is preferably sealable, for example, with a zipper or with VELCRO® (mating hook and loop material).
The portable carrier can be designed to accommodate any suitable hair dryer shape. In a preferred embodiment, the heater/blower component has a turtle shell shape.
The present invention has many clear advantages:
Hood/Bonnet drying is a longer drying process, but has been long thought to be easier on the hair than the direct heat of a blow dryer. Many consumers realize the damaging effects of blow drying hair; however, they use this method out of the desire to spend less time in the hot bathroom. Some users prefer the look of blown dry hair. However, many hairstylists have developed methods to create a blown dry look with the use of a hood drying method.
From an everyday/household use perspective, the present invention allows the user the freedom of movement to do any activities normally done while wearing a back/pack or sling.
From a salon or fitness facility point of view, clients will be able to move or be taken to other locations about the salon, thus being easily accommodated for additional services like manicures, pedicures, and makeup and some aesthetic treatments.
From a healthcare/hospital perspective, patients (especially the elderly, wheelchair bound or physically compromised) could have their hair needs completed while remaining in a comfortable position.
From a hotel/cruise ship travel perspective, patrons who prefer to relax or prepare for business meetings can do so outside of the confines of a typically smaller bathroom, and without having to be tied to limitations of the dryer cord.
From a camping and/or limited-electrical access point of view, users can benefit from a styling/drying method without the need of an electrical outlet.
While the present invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments set forth above, many alternatives, modifications and other variations thereof will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. All such alternatives, modifications and variations are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
This application claims priority of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/812,255, currently pending, which is a 371 of International Patent Application No. PCT/US09/30419, filed Jan. 8, 2009, which, in turn, claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/019,880, filed on Jan. 9, 2008, the entire disclosures of which patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61019880 | Jan 2008 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 12812255 | Aug 2010 | US |
| Child | 13706894 | US |
