Universal hair scent diffuser

A universal hair scent diffuser having a hollow upper body hingedly affixed to a lower body, the upper body having an open end that houses an interior lining therein made of heat resistant elastomeric material, wherein the lining is graduated at the open end to facilitate a press fit connection to a barrel end of a conventional hand hair dryer. The lower body houses a wire mesh that receives a scented disc thereon. The upper body has a wire mesh located at a lower open end. The scented sheet is placed between both wire meshes when the upper body and lower body are in a latch position. The diffuser is then fitted on the barrel end. The user may then turn on the hair dryer to the desired fan and heat levels and the sheet is vaporized providing a pleasant and refreshing aromatic scent onto the user's hair.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to a scented universal hair diffuser. More specifically, the invention pertains to an apparatus which can be removably attached to a conventional hair diffuser head and houses an aroma disc/sheet therein that disperses a selected scent when attached to and acted upon by a hot air stream from a conventional hand held hair dryer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The Field of the Invention

The present invention is drawn to hair diffuser that is removably attached to a conventional hand held hair dryer and houses a means for providing a scented fragrance onto a user's hair when the hair dryer is in use.

It is common for hair diffusers to come in a variety of shapes, lengths, and have multiple attachments means for securing to the end of a conventional hand hair dryer. For example, the diffuser may be press fitted, screwed, or even secured to an end of the hair dryer by use of hook and loop fastener. In addition, some diffusers are also capable of discharging a fragrance to a user's hair. For example, when a hair diffuser is secured to a hair dryer by any appropriate means, the hair dryer may then be used in a manner that allows the hot air of the dryer to come in contact with scented discs or other means for providing a fragrance, thus “diffusing” or vaporizing the desired fragrance or scent onto the hair of the user.

There have been attempts to ensure that these type of hair diffusers are efficient at diffusing hot air and fragrances in a manner that reduces the likelihood of the loss of hot air at diffuser attachment locations, as well as increasing the life of the scented disc or sheet. However, there still exists a need for an apparatus that is capable of providing the utility of all of the aforementioned elements of a hair diffuser.

Description of Related Art

An examination of the prior art of record discloses various types of hair diffusers and hand held hair dryer attachments. U.S. Pat. No. 5,241,974 to Tsai (herein “Tsai-974”), discloses a hair appliance for directing warm air to hair. The hair dryer 1 is comprised of air concentrator 2 that is snap or press fitted onto barrel 10 of the hair dryer. A reservoir 30 is attached external of air concentrator 2 and can be filled with a liquid 301 that through capillary action can be absorbed onto a liquid permeable member 34. Member 34 is fireproof cotton and is housed within the air concentrator 2, such that when in contact with hot air generated within barrel 10, the member 34 is evaporated therein. The now evaporated liquid 301 is entrained within the hot air stream and can be applied onto hair of a user for multiple purposes. There is also a heat insulating member 322 that is used to prevent reservoir 30 from being damaged as a result of high temperatures generated by use of the hair dryer. Tsai-974 fails to disclose an easily accessible housing for the member 34 that is within the air concentrator itself located at the interface of the air concentrator 2 and the barrel 10, this allowing for maximum heat efficiency of the dryer, as well as a means for lengthening the life of member 34.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,800 to West (herein “West-800”), discloses an air freshening attachment for hair dryers. The diffuser attachment 12 is securably attached to conventional hair dryer 10 by means of tapered interior 24 of body section 20 of attachment 12, thus allowing for attachment to dryer barrels having multiple configurations and sizes. Fragrance elements 40 and 50 are adapted to be placed within attachment 12 such that when the hot air stream from dryer 10 comes in contact with the fragrance elements 40, 50, vaporizing freshening material 48 of elements 40, 50 is vaporized releasing a scent into the air stream for application onto a user's hair. West-800 fails to disclose a simple fragrance element that is relatively thin and comprised of a single disc or wafer, nor discloses a means for ensuring maximum heating efficiency of the unit while providing a simple securable connection of the attachment to the dryer.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,370 to Russo (herein “Russo-370”), discloses a delivery system diffuser attachment 12 for a hair dryer 14. A cup member 34 of diffuser attachment 12 is secured to barrel 22 of dryer 14 by a retaining structure 40 having a shaft 58 one end of which is secured to cup member 34 and the other end of which is secured to strap 60, the ends of strap 60 being securable together by hook and loop fastener around end 42 of barrel 22. The interior compartment 54 of attachment 12 has a holding assembly 44. Assembly 44 is attached to member 34 by attaching element 70, 80 and has small container 68 comprised of a perforated box 72, 76. Box 72, 76 has a perforated lid 78 that is hinged thereto. The box can contain a scented particulate material or a gel/cream therein that can vaporize when in contact from a hot air stream generated from dryer 14. Russo-370 fails to disclose a less cumbersome means of attaching the diffuser to the hair dryer, but more importantly, fails to disclose scented material that is without residue, such as a gel or cream and is completely subject to the force of the entire hot air stream, thus allowing for complete and even distribution of the vaporized scented material.

US Patent Application Publication No. US 2013/0025106 A1 to Hernandez-Laines (herein “Laines-106”), discloses a retention mechanism for retaining a concentrator nozzle 16 to a hair dryer 10 to prevent the nozzle from inadvertently detaching from the dryer during operation. Dryer 10 can be rotatably secured to nozzle 16 by button receiving portions 18 engaging therewith buttons 12 of dryer 10. In addition, heat resistant elastomeric member 40 can be inserted between the nozzle and dryer at the connection point to aid in the retention of the two components to each other. Laines-106 fails to disclose a simple connection between the diffuser and dryer without special added structure, i.e., “buttons” that works with hair dryers of various circumferences.

None of the aforementioned prior art of record addresses the utility of a universal hair diffuser attachable to conventional hair dryers having a means for providing a scented fragrance onto a user's hair when the hair dryer is in use, while providing a simple and easy means of accessing or replacing the scented material and maximizing heating efficiency of the hair dryer as it vaporizes the scented material. Herein lays the novel aspects of the instant invention that will be discussed in detail.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a simple and efficient means for attaching a universal hair scent diffuser to a conventional hand held hair dryer, i.e., hand blow dryer, the diffuser also housing an aromatic or scented disc or sheet that can be easily replaced or removed as necessary. The preferred embodiment of the universal hair scent diffuser comprises a hollow upper body having an open end housing an interior lining therein made of rubber or other appropriate heat resistant elastomeric material, wherein the lining is graduated in structure at the open end to facilitate a press fit or similar type connection to a barrel end of a conventional hand hair dryer. The upper body open end is preferably cylindrical but can be fabricated to accommodate hand held dryer barrel ends of varying shapes and lengths. The upper body has a lower end opposite the open end. The upper body lower end has an interior annular groove about the interior surface therein for receipt of a heat resistant elastomeric gasket/seal member such as an O-ring. Just above the interior groove is a wire mesh secured to and extending across the interior diameter of the upper body lower end.

Depending from the annular groove at opposed sides of the upper body lower end are slots/recesses adapted to receive a corresponding L-shaped flexible tab and L-shaped hinge insert, respectively. The flexible tab and hinge insert extend upward from opposed exterior edges of a hollow lower body. When so aligned, the flexible tab and hinge insert of the lower body are adapted to be received within the opposed slots/recesses of the upper body lower end such that when the flexible tab is disengaged from its slot and the hinge insert is received within its corresponding slot, the upper body and lower body are pivotally connected to one another and the hinge insert, now in its mating slot, provides a hinge connection between the upper body and lower body. The upper portion of the lower body is preferably the same shape and width of the lower end of the upper body such that the two ends provide a seamless cylindrical (preferred shape) connection between the upper body and lower body when the flexible tab is received within its slot in a latch or closed position. The upper portion of the lower body also has an interior annular groove about an interior surface therein for receipt of a heat resistant elastomeric gasket/seal member such as an O-ring. Just below the interior groove is a wire mesh secured to and extending across the interior diameter of the upper portion of the lower body.

An aromatic or scented disc/sheet that is non-flammable or heat resistant, is adapted to be placed between both wire meshes, such that when the upper body and lower body are in the latch or closed position, the space between the wire meshes is preferably no more than a few millimeters. The lower body may also flare downward to a desired embodiment of a diffuser shape. The shapes may include a cone shape, a comb shape having teeth, a circular diffuser with teeth or an accordion shape that flares out to a larger circular diameter than that of the upper portion of the lower body. The lower body may also have a perforated base portion that allows for even distribution of hot airflow prior to engagement with a user's hair.

In the preferred embodiment, the universal hair scent diffuser is used with a conventional hand hair dryer that is not required for the instant invention, as it is an accessory thereto. The hair dryer ideally has a handle with a power switch and a barrel section through which a fan blows air over a heating element that is discharged through the end of the barrel section, such that a means for heating the scented sheet and a means for heating discharged air is provided. Fan speeds, as well as heating levels, are all adjustable to a user's desired levels in a now use condition. Prior to attachment to the hair dryer, a user may open up the upper body and lower body relative to one another and place the scented disc on the wire mesh of the lower body. The upper and lower body may then be snap closed on side to form a seamless cylindrical unit. The universal hair scent diffuser is then fitted over and onto the end of the barrel section such that there is a tight fit or connection. The user may then turn on the hair dryer to the desired fan and heat levels in the use condition. In the use condition, the warm air generated by the hand held dryer is directed through the diffuser engages the scented disc and then vaporizes scented material on the disc and discharges the now scented air through the lower body. The user may now enjoy a pleasant and refreshing aromatic scent in his or her hair as the dryer is used in a normal manner.

There are several preferred dimensions of the instant invention, though not limiting in any way. The upper body is preferably three inches in length and the lower body is 2.75″ in height. Teeth depending from the base portion are preferably 1.5″ in height. In addition, the present invention can be made from a combination of polymeric materials having a high resistance to heat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1-4are an illustration of the preferred embodiment of the Universal hair scent diffuser.FIG. 1is a side view of the Universal hair scent diffuser in a closed use position. The diffuser comprises a hollow upper body1having and open end19housing an interior lining4, wherein the lining4is graduated in structure or tapered along an elongated axis at the open end19to facilitate a press fit or similar type connection to a barrel end of a conventional hand hair dryer (not shown). The upper body open end19is cylindrical and can accommodate hand held dryer barrel ends of varying shapes and lengths. The upper body1has a lower end20opposite the open end19. The upper body lower end20has an interior annular groove8about the interior surface therein for receipt of a heat resistant elastomeric gasket/seal7member such as an O-ring. Just above the interior groove8is a wire mesh9secured to and extending across the interior diameter of the upper body lower end20. The wire mesh9of the upper body member can be secured to interior diameter of the upper body lower end20by any appropriate means such as a press fit within interior grooves of the upper body lower end20, or snap fitted into annular ridge within the upper body lower end (not shown) so as to be removably attachable within the upper body lower end20.FIG. 2is a side view of the Universal hair scent diffuser in a partially open non-use position, with a cut away showing the perforated lower body base2.FIG. 3is a side view of the Universal hair scent diffuser in a partially open non-use condition. Depending from the annular groove8at opposed sides of the upper body lower end20are slots/recesses13,14adapted to receive a corresponding L-shaped flexible tab10and L-shaped hinge insert11, respectively. The flexible tab10and hinge insert11extend upward from opposed exterior edges of lower body2. When so aligned, the flexible tab10and hinge insert11of the lower body2adapted to be received within the opposed slots/recesses13,14of the upper body lower end20such that when the flexible tab10is disengaged from its slot13and the hinge insert11is received within its corresponding slot14the upper body1and lower body2are pivotally connected to one another and the hinge insert11, now in its mating slot14, provides a hinge connection between the upper body1and lower body2. The upper portion of the lower body21is preferably the same shape and width of the lower end20of the upper body such that the two ends provide a seamless cylindrical connection between the upper body1and lower body2when the flexible tab10is received within its slot13in a latch or closed position.

FIGS. 7-10show the diffuser having a cone shaped lower body15. Other than the shape of the lower body15, the remaining structure is identical to the preferred embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-4. Though shown with perforations inFIGS. 7 and 11, the cone shaped lower body15can be completely hollow and open throughout.

FIGS. 13-16show the diffuser having a comb shaped lower body16. Other than the shape of the lower body16, the remaining structure is identical to the preferred embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-4.

FIGS. 19-22show the diffuser having an accordion shaped lower body18. Other than the shape of the lower body18, the remaining structure is identical to the preferred embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-4.FIG. 19shows the accordion shaped lower body18with a perforated base5. There is no structural requirement, however, for a perforated base5in this embodiment. Lower body18may have structure similar to teeth3of as shown inFIGS. 1-4.

FIGS. 5, 11, 17, and 23all show cross sections of the Universal hair scent diffuser for the preferred embodiment, cone shaped lower body15, comb shaped lower body16, and accordion shaped lower body18, respectively, in a closed use condition.

FIGS. 6, 12, 18, and 24all show an exploded cross section view of the Universal hair scent diffuser at the hinge connection. Wire meshes9are located on either side of scented disc/sheet6. O-ring7is located within groove8and slots13and14receive L-shaped flexible tab10and hinge insert11, respectively. When so aligned, the flexible tab10and hinge insert11of the lower body2are adapted to be received within the opposed slots/recesses13,14of the upper body lower end20such that when the flexible tab10is disengaged from its slot and the hinge insert11is received within its corresponding slot, the upper body1and lower body2are pivotally connected to one another and the hinge insert11, now in its mating slot, provides a hinge connection between the upper body1and lower body2.

A more detailed description of the Universal hair scent diffuser will now be described. In use, the universal hair scent diffuser is used with a conventional hand hair dryer (not shown). The hair dryer ideally has a handle with a power switch and a barrel section through which a fan blows air over a heating element that is discharged through the end of the barrel section. Fan speeds, as well as heating levels, are all adjustable to a user's desired levels. Prior to attachment to the hair dryer, a user may open up the upper body1and lower body2relative to one another such that the upper body pivots away from the lower body, and a user thereof can place the scented disc6on the wire mesh9of the lower body2. The upper and lower body1,2are then snap closed together to form a seamless cylindrical unit. The universal hair scent diffuser is then fitted over and onto the end of the barrel section such that there is a tight fit or connection. The user may then turn on the hair dryer to the desired fan and heat levels. The user may now enjoy a pleasant and refreshing aromatic scent in his or her hair as the dryer is used in a normal manner.

The above embodiments of the instant invention have been presented so as to not limit the invention to only those embodiments. For example, the diffuser may be manufactured using 3d printing versus molded or extruded fabrication techniques. The diffuser may be made of rigid elastomeric material as well as by using sintering powder. It is contemplated that obvious variations, modifications, and improvements are within the skill of one familiar to relevant arts.