Abstract:
By incorporating ceramic materials to produce far-infrared and/or infrared radiation and impart the radiation into the heated air stream for delivery directly to the hair fibers, a hair dryer is realized which is capable of providing enhanced beneficial effects to the hair fibers in a cost effective manner. In accordance with the present invention, ceramic components or ceramic coated components are mounted in association with the heating means and/or the exit portal for delivering the desired infrared/far-infrared radiation directly to the airflow exiting the hair dryer, for delivery to the hair fibers. In one embodiment, a ceramic coated member is mounted adjacent the exit portal, positioned for enabling the heated airflow to contact the ceramic coated member and generate and/or emit far-infrared/infrared radiation, while several alternate embodiment mount the ceramic material directly with the heating member.

Description:
RELATED DATA  
       [0001]     This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/506,029, filed Sep. 25, 2003 entitled Hair Dryers.  
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     This invention relates to hair dryers and, more particularly, to improved hair dryer constructions which substantially enhance and improve the drying of the hair fibers and the conditioning of the hair fibers.  
       BACKGROUND ART  
       [0003]     Men and women have had, for many decades, the desire of drying their hair after washing. Typically, a hand-held hair dryer is employed, which is constructed for drawing ambient air through an elongated passageway in which a heat source is retained. As the air flows over the heat source, the temperature of the following air is raised, with the heated air being channeled to an exit portal where the heated air is applied to the user&#39;s wet hair fibers. By continuously exposing the wet hair fibers to the heated air stream, the desired drying effect is realized.  
         [0004]     In order to meet the substantial demand that has been developed for hand-held hair dryers, a wide variety of styles, configurations, and product enhancements have evolved. However, in spite of the substantial effort that has been expended in developing a universally acceptable hair dryer, the industry has failed to achieve a hand-held hair dryer which is capable of satisfying all of the consumer demands imposed thereon. In this regard, one principal objection raised by many users is the inability of achieving optimum drying of one&#39;s hair in a minimum period of time, while simultaneously enhancing the physical characteristics of the hair fibers.  
         [0005]     In attempting to satisfy these desires of most consumers, the heating elements contained in the hand-held hair dryers have been increased in order to impart higher and higher temperatures to the air flow. However, although increased temperatures have been realized, consumers have been reluctant to employ hair dryers having substantially increased air flow temperatures, due to the discomfort produced by these products. In addition, these higher temperatures are believed to potentially damage the hair fibers, without additional hair conditioning elements being incorporated into the hair dryer.  
         [0006]     As a result, prior art products have more recently been developed which employ ceramic components or ceramic coated components formed in a hair dryer in order to provide far-infrared and/or infrared radiation in the heated airflow. It is believed that the application of far-infrared and/or infrared radiation onto the hair fibers causes a healthier scalp, while also adding luster, shine, sheen, and conditioning to the hair fibers. In addition, effects of weather conditions on the hair fibers are also believed to be reduced.  
         [0007]     In spite of these attempts in prior art products to produce a hair dryer having these perceived beneficial results, competitively priced hair dryers have been incapable of being achieved. As a result, hair dryers having these perceived benefits have typically been substantially more expensive than conventional hair dryers, pricing such products beyond the reach of most consumers.  
         [0008]     Consequently, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a hair dryer which is capable of providing enhanced beneficial effects to the hair fibers in a competitively priced product.  
         [0009]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a hair dryer having the characteristic features described above which incorporates ceramic material mounted in optimum locations for producing far-infrared and/or infrared radiation and delivering the radiation directly into the heated air flow.  
         [0010]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a hair dryer having the characteristic features described above which enables ceramic material to be quickly and easily mounted in the hair dryer in a cost effective manner.  
         [0011]     Other and more specific objects will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     By employing the present invention, many of the difficulties and draw-backs found in prior art hair dryers have been overcome and a hair dryer is realized which is capable of providing enhanced beneficial effects to the hair fibers in a cost effective manner. In accordance with the present invention, several unique constructions are achieved which enable the incorporation of ceramic material directly in the body of the hair dryer, in a position which allows the ceramic materials to produce far-infrared and/or infrared radiation and impart the radiation into the heated air stream for delivery directly to the hair fibers. Furthermore, the unique structural elements employed for achieving the securement and mounting of the ceramic materials in the hair dryer is achieved in a cost efficient manner.  
         [0013]     In accordance with the present invention, a generally conventional hair dryer construction is employed incorporating an elongated tubular shaped body having an entry portal, an exit portal, and a motor driven fan for drawing air into and forcing air through the tubular shape body. In addition, the hair dryer incorporates air heating means, preferably constructed in the form of heating coils, which are wrapped about a support member and are positioned for enabling the air to flow around the heating coils, raising the temperature of the air prior to be delivered to the exit portal.  
         [0014]     In accordance with the present invention, in order to deliver the desired far-infrared and/or infrared radiation into the heated airflow, ceramic components or ceramic coated components are mounted in association with the heating means and/or the exit portal for delivering the desired infrared/far-infrared radiation directly to the airflow exiting the hair dryer, for delivery to the hair fibers. In one embodiment, a ceramic coated member is mounted adjacent the exit portal, positioned for enabling the heated airflow to contact the ceramic coated member and generate and/or emit far-infrared/infrared radiation, which is then carried away in the heated airflow and delivered directly to the hair fibers.  
         [0015]     In this embodiment, the ceramic coated member may comprise various desired or convenient sizes or shapes which enables the ceramic coated member to be easily mounted and securely maintained in association with the exit portal of the hair dryer. Although many desired configuration can be employed, it has been found that a substantially circular shaped ring member is easily manufactured and conveniently mounted in the desired location.  
         [0016]     In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, ceramic component are constructed for being mounted in direct association with the heating coils, thereby enabling the far infrared/infrared radiation to be generated and delivered directly into the heated airflow. In order to attain a cost efficient construction, it has been found that the ceramic material preferably comprises a configuration consisting of one or more selected from the group consisting of beads, rods, cylinders and tubes.  
         [0017]     By constructing the ceramic material in a size and shape which enables the mounting of the ceramic component in direct association with the heating coil of the hair dryer, an easily manufactured, cost efficient, highly effective construction is attained. In this way, a hair dryer configuration is achieved which is capable of satisfying many of the long felt needs and desires of consumers.  
         [0018]     In addition, if desired, the ceramic components and the ceramic coated components detailed herein may be combined in a single hair dryer. In this way, a multiple source for the far-infrared/infrared radiation is provided, with the enhanced beneficial results being optimized.  
         [0019]     The invention accordingly comprises a product possessing the features, properties, and relation of component which will be exemplified in the product hereinafter described, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.  
     
    
     THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]     For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of a hair dryer constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the hair dryer of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view, partially broken away, of the heating unit employed in the hair dryer of  FIG. 1 , incorporating one embodiment of the ceramic elements of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of the heating unit of  FIG. 3  and the ceramic elements incorporated therein;  
         [0025]      FIG. 5  is a greatly enlarged end view of one of the ceramic elements of  FIGS. 3 and 4 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the ceramic element of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 7  is a front elevation view of a heating unit employed in the hair dryer of the present invention incorporating an alternate embodiment of the ceramic elements of the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 8  is a front elevation view of a heating unit employed in the hair dryer of the present invention incorporating a further alternate embodiment of the ceramic elements of the present invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a hair dryer incorporating a still further alternate embodiment of the ceramic elements of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 10  is a front elevation view of the hair dryer of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0031]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a hair dryer incorporating a still further alternate embodiment of the ceramic elements of the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 12  is a front elevation view of the hair dryer of  FIG. 11 ;  
         [0033]      FIG. 13  is a top plan view, partially broken away, of the heating unit of the hair dryer incorporating another further embodiment of the ceramic elements of the present invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 14  is a side elevation view of the ceramic element of  FIG. 13 ; and  
         [0035]      FIG. 15  is an end view of the ceramic element of  FIG. 14 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0036]     By referring to  FIGS. 1-15 , along with the following detailed disclosure, the construction and operation of several preferred alternate embodiments of the hair dryer system of the present invention can best be understood. Although these alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention are fully disclosed herein, further alternate constructions may be implemented without departing from the scope of this invention. Consequently, it is to be understood that this detailed disclosure is provided for exemplary purposes only and is not intended as a limitation of the present invention.  
         [0037]     In  FIGS. 1-6 , one preferred embodiment of the hair dryer construction of the present invention is fully depicted, with  FIGS. 1 and 2  depicting a generally conventional hair dryer construction employed for all of the embodiments of this invention. In this regard, hair dryer  20  comprises housing  21  which incorporates elongated, generally cylindrical, tubular shaped body portion  22  which is connected with handle portion  23 . In addition, body portion  22  incorporates inlet portal  24  and exit portal  25 .  
         [0038]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the interior zone established by cylindrical, tubular shape body portion  22  incorporates motor driven fan assembly  26 , which is mounted in cooperating relationship with inlet portal  24 . When activated, fan/motor assembly  26  draws air into body portion  22  through inlet portal  24 , while also forcing the air to flow through body portion  22  and out through exit portal  25 .  
         [0039]     In addition, longitudinally extending support plates  27  are mounted in body portion  22  between fan/motor assembly  26  and exit portal  25 , with heating coil  28  wrapped about longitudinally extending support plates  27  in a generally continuous spiral configuration. In this way, the air flowing through body portion  22  flows around heating coils  28 , thereby causing the temperature of the flowing air to be raised to the desired temperature. Typically, a plurality of support plates  27  are employed and are mounted to each other in an intersecting manner.  
         [0040]     In this embodiment of the present invention, ceramic material constructed for producing and/or emitting far-infrared/infrared radiation is positioned in direct association with heating coils  28 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , ceramic elements  30  are positioned within heating coil  28 , peripherally surrounded in their entirety by heating coil  28 . As further detailed in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , each ceramic element  30  comprises a spherical bead or small cylindrical construction which is dimensioned to enable ceramic elements  30  to be mounted in peripheral surrounded, cooperating engagement within heating coil  28 .  
         [0041]     As shown, heating coil  28  preferably comprises an elongated, continuous wire which has been formed in a continuous spiral construction and is wound around the outer edges formed by the length of intersecting support plats  27 . As a result, ceramic element  30  can be formed and positioned within the diameter established by the spiral formed coil.  
         [0042]     In the preferred construction of this embodiment, each ceramic element  30  comprises a spherical shape or a small cylindrical shape dimensioned for mounted engagement within heating coil  28 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the small cylindrically shaped ceramic element  30  comprises a total length ranging between about 3.5 and 4.5 mm and diameter ranging between about 2.80 and 3.5 mm. Although preferred, any suitable configuration which enables ceramic element  30  to be mounted in secure, retained engagement within heating coil  28  can be employed with equal efficacy.  
         [0043]     As is evident from  FIG. 3 , ceramic elements  30  are depicted mounted in the forwardmost coil of heating element  28 . However, if desired, ceramic elements  30  can be mounted in heating coil  28  at any position along the length of longitudinally extending support plates  27 , as coil  28  peripherally surrounds and extends the length thereof. Consequently, it is to be understood that the position of ceramic element  30  depicted in  FIG. 3  is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as a limitation on the position, location, or placement of ceramic element  30 .  
         [0044]     In  FIG. 7 , an alternate construction for the ceramic component is shown. In this embodiment, ceramic element  32  is depicted as comprising a generally elongated rod-like construction, preferably having a circular cross-section similar to ceramic element  30 . However, in this embodiment, ceramic element  32  comprises an overall length substantially greater than the length of ceramic element  30 . Preferably, ceramic element  32  comprises a diameter which enables ceramic element  32  to be easily positioned in peripheral surrounding supported engagement within heating coil  28 , while extending therein for a length substantially greater than ceramic element  30 . However, depending upon the overall length of the heating coil section within which ceramic element  32  is mounted, the overall length is incapable of realistically exceeding the segment within which ceramic element  32  is positioned.  
         [0045]     Finally, in  FIG. 8 , a still further alternate embodiment for the ceramic component of the present invention is depicted. In this embodiment, ceramic element  34  comprises a hollow cylindrical or tubular shape and is mounted peripherally surrounding heating coil  28 . In this embodiment, ceramic element  34  is mounted to coil  28  of hair dryer  20  during the assembly of heating coil  28  with support plates  27 , with heating coil  28  being threaded through ceramic element  34 , enabling ceramic element  34  to peripherally surround heating coil  28 , retained thereon in secure, supported engagement therewith.  
         [0046]     By employing this embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of ceramic elements  34  are positioned along the length of heating coil  28 , securely retained in position by being supported directly on heating coil  28 . In this way, each ceramic element  34  is capable of producing and/or emitting the desired far-infrared/infrared radiation and delivering the radiation directly to the flowing heated air for subsequent delivery to the hair fibers of the user.  
         [0047]     In  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a further alternate embodiment of hair dryer  20  of the present invention is provided. In this embodiment, hair dryer  20  comprises housing  21  which incorporates elongated, generally cylindrical, tubular shaped body portion  22 . In addition, body portion  22  incorporates an inlet portal (not shown) and an exit portal  25 . Furthermore, as discussed above in detail in regard to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , this embodiment of hair dryer  20  is constructed and operates in a substantially identical manner, drawing air into body portion  22 , heating the air, and forcing the heated air through body portion  22  for being delivered to the user.  
         [0048]     In order to impart far-infrared/infrared radiation into the heated air being delivered to the user, this embodiment of the present invention incorporates ceramic coated ring  40 , which is mounted in cooperating relationship with exit portal  25 . As depicted, in this embodiment, ring  40  preferably comprises a diameter which is substantially less than the diameter of exit portal  25 . In this way, ring  40  is positioned substantially midway between the central axis of exit portal  25  and its terminating edge.  
         [0049]     In this embodiment, ring  40  is preferably formed from a lightweight, base material, such as aluminum, which is coated with a ceramic layer. In this way, the heated air flowing past ring  40  raises the temperature of ring  40  and its ceramic coating layer, causing far-infrared and infrared radiation to be generated. This radiation is then drawn into the heated air flow for delivery to the hair fibers of the user.  
         [0050]     By employing this embodiment of the present invention, a simple, easily executed, and comparatively inexpensive construction is realized wherein ceramic material is effectively integrated into a hair dryer construction to enable far-infrared/infrared radiation to be generated by the ceramic material and imparted into the heated air flow for delivery to the hair fibers of the user. As a result, the beneficial effects attributed to far-infrared/infrared radiation is provided to consumers in a comparatively inexpensive, hair dryer construction, enabling a broad cross-section of consumers to enjoy the hair care benefits previously obtainable in only high-end, expensive hair dryers.  
         [0051]     In  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a still further alternate embodiment of hair dryer  20  of the present invention is depicted. In this embodiment, as with the embodiments detailed above, hair dryer  20  comprises housing  21  which incorporates elongated, generally cylindrical, tubular shaped body portion  22  which is connected with handle portion  23 . In addition, body portion  22  incorporates an inlet portal (not shown) and an exit portal  25 .  
         [0052]     As is evident from the foregoing detailed discussion, hair dryer  20  depicted in  FIGS. 9-12  is constructed in a manner substantially identical to the construction detailed above in reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . As a result, numerical references are incorporated in  FIGS. 9-12  which are identical to the numerical references detailed in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , with the associated disclosure thereof being incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0053]     In this embodiment of the present invention, far-infrared/infrared radiation is generated and delivered to the heated air flow by mounting ceramic coated ring  45  in association with exit portal  25  of hair dryer  20 . As depicted, in this embodiment, a substantially circular shaped ring member is employed, similar in construction to ring  40  of  FIGS. 9 and 10 . However, in this embodiment, the diameter of ring  45  is substantially greater than the diameter of ring  40 , comprising a diameter slightly less than the diameter of exit portal  25 .  
         [0054]     Regardless of which construction is employed, it has been found that the desired far-infrared/infrared radiation is generated and delivered to the heated air flow by incorporating either ring  40  or ring  45  in hair dryer  20 . Furthermore, if desired, the ceramic element mounted in association with exit portal  25  may comprise any desired size or shape. Consequently, it is to be understood that all alternative configurations are intended to be incorporated into the overall disclosure provided herein, as well as being encompassed by the scope of protection afforded to this invention.  
         [0055]     In  FIGS. 13-15 , a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention is depicted. In this embodiment, a hair dryer construction virtually identical to the overall construction detailed above and shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is employed. Furthermore, in order to provide the desired far-infrared/infrared radiation and enable the radiation to be delivered to the heated airflow, ceramic elements  50  are employed.  
         [0056]     As shown, in this embodiment, each ceramic element  50  comprises an elongated, longitudinally extending, generally rectangular shaped member formed entirely of ceramic material. In addition, ceramic element  50  comprises, in its preferred construction, a general U-shaped cross-section.  
         [0057]     In order to employ this embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of ceramic elements  50  are individually mounted along a terminating edge of each support plate  27  used in establishing the heating element employed in the hair dryer. With ceramic elements  50  mounted along each of the terminating edges of each support plate  27 , heating coil  28  is wrapped about support plates  27  and ceramic elements  50 . In this way, ceramic elements  50  are mounted and held in cooperating relationship with heating coil  28 , for enabling far-infrared/infrared radiation to be produced and delivered directly to the heated airflow passing through tubular shape body portion  22  of hair dryer  20 .  
         [0058]     As evident from the foregoing detailed discussion, by forming each ceramic element  50  with a substantially U-shape extending the entire length thereof, each ceramic element  50  is quickly and easily positioned directly along the edge of support plate  27 , fully engaging support plate  27  for mounted engagement therewith. In this way, ceramic element  50  can be mounted in place quickly and easily.  
         [0059]     Furthermore, any desired number of ceramic elements  50  can be employed in carrying out this embodiment of the present invention. In this regard, in a preferred construction, a separate ceramic element  50  is mounted along each exposed edge of each support plate  27 . However, if desired, ceramic elements  50  may be mounted on some of the exposed edges of support plate  27 , without being employed on every edge.  
         [0060]     Furthermore, if desired, ceramic elements  50  may have a wide variety of sizes, shapes, or alternate configurations desired by the user. In addition, if desired, each ceramic element  50  may be mounted to support plate  27  with heating coil  28  wrapped around ceramic element  50 , as depicted in  FIG. 13 , or constructed for overlying heating coil  28  after coil  28  has been wrapped on support plate  27 . Regardless of the configuration or construction employed, the overall concept taught in  FIGS. 13-15  may be employed in a wide variety of alternate configurations, all of which are intended to be within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0061]     It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.  
         [0062]     It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.