Hair dryer attachment

Abstract

A hair dryer attachment is formed of a hollow cylinder made of high-heat resistant material and includes a first end and a second end, opposite the first end. The hollow cylinder extends an axial distance between the first end and the second end. The first end embodies a first opening that is larger in diameter than a second opening embodied by the second end. Vertical ribs extend inwardly from an internal surface of the hollow cylinder that are equally spaced along the internal surface of the cylinder. A plurality of hole patterns consisting of between five and fifteen holes that are centered along the interior between each of the vertical ribs. The first opening at the first end of the attachment is configured to be securely fixed over a barrel or air source of a hair dryer. The first end preferably comprises silicone rubber to facilitate a friction fit.

Claims

1. A hair dryer attachment, comprising: a hollow cylinder made of high-heat resistant material that includes a first end and a second end, the second end opposite the first end, wherein the hollow cylinder extends an axial distance between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end embodies a first opening that is larger in diameter than a second opening embodied by the second end, wherein at least eight (8) vertical ribs extend inwardly from an internal surface of the hollow cylinder, the vertical ribs being equally spaced along the internal surface of the cylinder, wherein a plurality of hole patterns consisting of between five (5) and fifteen (15) holes that are centered along the interior between each of the vertical ribs, and wherein the first opening at the first end of the attachment is configured to be securely fixed over a barrel or air source of a hair dryer 154.

2. The hair dryer attachment of claim 1, wherein the second opening at the second end of the attachment is configured to be inserted into or placed over the air outlet opening of another nozzle attachment, and securely fixed thereto.

3. The hair dryer attachment of claim 1, wherein the first end comprises silicone rubber to facilitate a friction fit.

4. The hair dryer attachment of claim 1, wherein the second end comprises silicone rubber to facilitate a friction fit.

5. The hair dryer attachment of claim 1, wherein there are ten (10) vertical ribs.

6. That hair dryer attachment of claim 1, wherein a number of holes in the hole pattern is seven (7).

7. The hair dryer attachment of claim 1, wherein the vertical ribs extend inwardly between 0.1 and 0.6 times a radius of the cylinder.

8. The hair dryer attachment of claim 1, wherein the vertical ribs extend inwardly between one-half inch and one inch.

9. The hair dryer attachment of claim 1 wherein the vertical ribs taper.

10. The hair dryer attachment of claim 1, wherein the hole patterns are off-center.

11. The hair dryer attachment of claim 1, wherein an axial length is between two (2) and five (5) inches.

12. The hair dryer attachment of claim 1 1, wherein the axial length is two and one-half inches.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a front, top perspective view of one embodiment of the inventive attachment;

(2) FIG. 2a is a top plan view of the inventive attachment of FIG. 1;

(3) FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional view of the inventive attachment of FIG. 2a, taken along the line 2b-2b, thereof;

(4) FIG. 2c is a side view of inventive attachment of FIG. 1 (and FIG. 2b), highlighting a hole pattern;

(5) FIG. 2d is a cross-sectional view of the inventive attachment of FIG. 2a, taken along the line 2d-2d, thereof;

(6) FIG. 2e is a rear, bottom perspective view of the inventive attachment of FIG. 1;

(7) FIG. 2f is a bottom plan view of the inventive attachment of FIG. 1;

(8) FIG. 3a is a top, front perspective view of the inventive attachment;

(9) FIG. 3b is a bottom, rear perspective view of the inventive attachment of FIG. 3a;

(10) FIG. 3c is a top plan view of the inventive attachment of FIG. 3a;

(11) FIG. 3d is a bottom plan view of the inventive attachment of FIG. 3a;

(12) FIG. 3e is a left side, plan view of the inventive attachment of FIG. 1;

(13) FIG. 3f is a right bottom plan view of the inventive attachment of FIG. 1;

(14) FIG. 4A is an illustration of the inventive attachment in an exploded view depicting a hair dryer, the inventive attachment and a conventional nozzle, from right to left, as shown; and

(15) FIG. 4B depicts the hair dryer with the inventive attachment provided thereon, and the nozzle fixed to the attachment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(16) As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2a-f, 3a-f, 4A and 4B, the inventive attachment 100 is a substantially hollow cylinder-like structure formed with an outer surface 102 and an inner surface 104, and defined by an axial length, extending between an end 106 for attachment to the hair dryer (not shown in FIG. 1) and an opposing end 108, from which air is exhausted during intended hair dryer operation when the attachment is affixed thereto by friction fit. The axial length may be any length in a range of approximately 2 inches to 4½ inches, for example, 2½ inches. The radius of the cylinder-like structure is between 0.6 inches and 2 inches, for example one (1) inch. Preferably, the attachment 100 is made of plastic, high-heat silicone rubber, or similar substance as long as the substance from which the attachment is formed is heat resistant up to at least 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

(17) The inventive attachment 100 is open on both ends 106, 108, where one opening (e.g., at end 106) is larger in diameter than the opposite opening (e.g., at end 108). Preferably the larger opening at end 106 attaches to the barrel or air source of the hair dryer (154, see FIGS. 4A and 4B).

(18) The inventive attachment 100 is placed over the barrel or air source of the hair dryer 154 and securely fixed (preferably by friction fit). The other end 108 of the inventive attachment is then inserted into or placed over the air outlet of another attachment (152, see FIGS. 4A and 4B) and securely fixed. In this manner, the inventive attachment 100 performs an adapter function, thus is enables a user to secure another attachment 152 to the barrel or air source of the hair dryer 154, via the inventive attachment (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). As such, the inventive attachment allows for concentrators, diffusers, comb nozzles, styling picks, etc., without limitation. Alternatively, the other open end 108 of attachment 100 is left open (unattached), from which air is exhausted during intended operation.

(19) At least one end (preferably end 106 comprising the larger opening) is formed of silicone rubber or like material, so that there is substantially more friction than there would be than if end 106 was formed with plastic, or other non-rubber-like material. As such, there is a lesser likelihood that the attachment would slip off the barrel or air source to which it is attached. Most preferably, both ends 106 and 108 are formed of silicone, rubber or like materials to fixedly secure each end (as the case may be) by friction fit.

(20) There are between eight (8) and sixteen (16) and preferably ten (10) vertical ribs 110, equally spaced along the interior cylinder wall 104 of the inventive attachment 100. These ribs 110 help to increase air flow between the wall of the attachment and the exterior barrel 154 of the hair dryer, thereby reducing thermal heat transfer. The ribs 110 also provide added flexibility so that the inventive attachment can more easily conform/adapt to the shape and size of the hair dryer nozzle 152 and other attachments. When fewer than eight (8) ribs 110 are used, the invention attachment may become hot, for example, making it uncomfortable or difficult to handle.

(21) In addition to the internal ribs 110, there are a number of hole patterns 112, each consisting of between five (5) and fifteen (15), and preferably seven (7) openings 114. The hole patterns 112 are preferably centered along the wall of the cylinder between each of said vertical ribs 110 both with respect to the axial length and the distance between the ribs. For example, there are nine (9) hole patterns in an attachment embodiment comprising ten (10) ribs. These hole patterns 112 allow for heat to be released from the attachment 100 and more rapid cooling (see FIGS. 1, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b and 3e, for example).

(22) The properties of high-heat silicone material are ideal for the use of the inventive attachment 100. As so formed, the inventive attachment is resistant to heat buildup, retains its original shape with repeated use and exhibits flexibility. The attachment's flexibility so formed allows it to conform to a variety of hair dryer barrels 154 and other nozzle attachments 152 (See FIGS. 4A and 4B).

(23) Possible variations include using thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) in place of silicone, as long as the material from which the inventive attachments are formed are heat resistant up to at least 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

(24) The foregoing description of various and preferred embodiments of the present invention has been provided for purposes of illustration only, and it is understood that numerous modifications, variations and alterations may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the following claims.