Abstract:
The present invention describes device and method for redirecting airflow from a ventilation system, such as that of a vehicle, in order to warm, cool, or dry one or more articles, such as gloves, socks, or the contents of a beverage container. The dryer device comprises a housing comprising an air-capture portion, a body portion, and a nozzle portion. It further comprises an article-attachment system for holding one or more articles on the nozzle and a vent-attachment system for holding the dryer in place on a vent. Because the present invention beneficially exploits a preexisting ventilation system as a convenient source of forced air, it does not require an internal power source, heat source, or blower fan.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/538,550, filed 23 Jan. 2004, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if recited in full herein for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates to devices for warming or drying articles, such as gloves, socks, caps, and other clothing items. This invention specifically relates to portable warming or drying devices that do not require an internal power source. It was developed after experiencing cold, wet gloves and socks after a vigorous day at the ski slope and is particularly suitable for warming and drying sportswear. Accordingly, to illustrate the principles of the present invention, it will be described in terms of a glove dryer adapted for use inside a motor vehicle. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be used to warm or dry other items and may be used in other contexts and locations.  
         [0003]     Conventional approaches for drying gloves, socks, and similar articles include both passive and active dryers. A typical passive dryer provides a supporting structure that holds open a glove or other article to encourage airflow to its inside surfaces. Passive dryers that depend on ambient airflow cannot warm an article above the current temperature, cannot dry it below the local humidity, and may take hours or days to get the job done. Passive devices are almost useless to those shivering in a car after a day on the ski slopes.  
         [0004]     A typical active dryer is a stand-alone system that uses an internal heat source and a motorized blower to generate warm air and propel it over or through an article. The heater and blower require a power supply such as a battery or a power cord plus an associated electrical system. An active dryer is faster than a passive dryer but also more complex, expensive, and troublesome. Batteries need routine replacement and may leak dangerous acid that can damage or destroy nearby items. Parts or connections may fail, rendering the dryer useless. Heaters or blowers may break, resulting in shorts, shocks, sparks, or fires. Many active dryers are too large and heavy to be practical in the context of outdoor recreation. And many require 120-volt current, which is typically unavailable at the trailhead, in the parking lot, or while driving. Most active dryers are almost useless to those shivering in a car after a day on the trail or the ski slopes.  
         [0005]     A warming and drying device that is simple, portable, convenient, economical, and effective would be a welcome addition to the art. Ideally, it would use forced air to warm and thoroughly dry gloves, socks, and similar items. Ideally, it not require electrical power or other resources not readily available after skiing, hiking, sailing, or other outdoor recreation.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     In certain aspects, the present invention is a device that redirects airflow from a vent, such as that of a vehicle climate-control system, in order to warm or dry one or more items, such as gloves or socks. Most vehicles have an integrated climate-control system that delivers heated, cooled, or ambient air to the interior of the vehicle through one or more vents. The present invention is a device that attaches to a vent, captures air discharged from the vent, and passes the air over or through one or more items. The present invention thus beneficially exploits a preexisting ventilation system as a convenient source of forced air and uses it to heat or dry an item, for example, an article of clothing.  
         [0007]     In an embodiment, the dryer device comprises a housing comprising an air-capture portion, a body portion, and a nozzle portion. The air-capture portion is a flange projecting from the housing and adapted to fit over a vent and adjacent surfaces to form a sufficiently airtight seal. In an embodiment, the air-capture portion may be semi-flexible flange affixed to the housing, so that the flange is a distinct part formed from a pliable material possibly different from that of the housing. In an alternative embodiment, the air-capture portion may be a flared extension of the housing, so that the flange is a continuous portion of the housing. Such embodiments may rely on, for example, a pliable gasket affixed to the contact surface of the flange to aid in forming a seal.  
         [0008]     The body portion is substantially airtight enclosure that directs air from the air-capture portion to the nozzle portion. Topologically, the body portion is a chamber or tube with the air-capture portion at one end and the nozzle portion at the other end. The body diverts airflow to the nozzle for discharge. The amount of extension and the angle of discharge are variable aspects of the body. It may be a compact enclosure, so that the entire dryer device remains near the vent. Alternatively, the body may further comprise a tube-like extension, optionally flexible, so that the nozzle portion and the article to be dried may be moved to a convenient place.  
         [0009]     The nozzle portion is a generally tubular extension of the housing that discharges air over or through an attached article or articles. The nozzle has an intake aperture where it originates on the body and at least one discharge aperture open to the air. The open end of the nozzle accepts one or more articles to be dried. After securing an article to the nozzle, air redirected through the nozzle passes over or through the article, thereby warming and drying it. In an embodiment, the nozzle has a single discharge aperture. In another embodiment, the nozzle has a plurality of discharge apertures to facilitate drying more than one article at a time. For example, the dryer may have a bifurcated nozzle with two discharge apertures to dry two articles (such as a pair of gloves) at once. In another embodiment, the nozzle may further comprise a tube-like extension, optionally flexible, so that the nozzle discharge portion and the article to be dried may be moved to a convenient place.  
         [0010]     To hold the article to be warmed or dried in place on the nozzle, the dryer provides an article-attachment system. Any device or method that can releaseably hold one or more articles on the nozzle is a suitable article-attachment system. In an embodiment, the article-attachment system comprises one or more drawstrings, each with a cord lock. Each drawstring holds an article or articles tight on the center portion of the nozzle. To dry a glove, for example, the open end of the glove is slipped over the open end of the nozzle. The drawstring is then slipped over the glove to form a noose around the glove and nozzle. Pulling the slack out of the drawstring constricts the glove tight against the nozzle for drying. Activating the lock preserves the tension on the drawstring to hold the article in place in place until dried. Releasing the lock loosens the drawstring, allowing the article to be pulled off the nozzle.  
         [0011]     In another embodiment, the article-attachment system may comprise a possibly elastic band that can encircle the article and nozzle to hold the article on the nozzle by constriction. One or both ends of the band are provided with a closure means to hold the constricting tension. Suitable closure means include knots, hook-and-loop systems, buckle-and-hole systems, snap closures, magnetic closures, and adhesive closures. In another embodiment, the article-attachment system may comprise a closed elastic band adapted to constrict the article on the nozzle. In another embodiment, it may comprise a releasable clamp. Any of these embodiments may additionally provide a loss-prevention means such as a cord to secure the belt or band to the dryer device. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many other closure means and loss-prevention means are suitable for this particular purpose.  
         [0012]     To hold the dryer in place on a vent, and to provide enough pressure for the air-capture portion to form a seal, the dryer includes a vent-attachment system. In an embodiment, the vent-attachment system comprises at least one tensionable cord, a cord lock, and at least one vent catch. Each vent catch releaseably attaches to the vent system, for example, by fitting between two vent slats to form a hook-like releasable clasp. After each catch is in place, pulling the slack out of the cord pulls the flange tight against the vent. Each cord lock is a device that can preserve the tension on the cord to hold the dryer in place on the vent. Releasing the lock loosens the cord, allowing the dryer to pull away from the vent. Releasing the vent catches removes the dryer from the vent.  
         [0013]     In another embodiment, the vent-attachment system comprises a Velcro®-type hook-and-loop closure. By affixing the hook portion around the perimeter of the flange on the contact surface and the loop portion to the surfaces surrounding the vent (or vice-versa), the dryer device may be releaseably attached to the vent. Another embodiment replaces the hook-and-loop materials with flexible magnetic strips. In another embodiment, the vent-attachment system comprises a releasable adhesive applied to the flange, vent surfaces, or both. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many other attachment means are sufficient for this particular purpose.  
         [0014]     The present dryer relies on a pre-existing ventilation system, such as that of a vehicle, as a source of warm, forced air. It does not require an internal heat source, power source, battery, or blower. It has no electrical components and no significant moving parts. As a result of its simplicity, it is robust, lightweight, economical, and easy to use and maintain. It conveniently, quickly, and releasably attaches to almost any vent system in almost any vehicle. It is easily adaptable for many applications and most clothing articles. And because it dries by forcing air through an item, it eliminates moisture from the inside out, thus reducing mold, mildew, and odor from the clothing article.  
         [0015]     While the present invention is primarily described as a means for drying gloves, it should be understood that the present invention works equally well with many types of clothing, including hats, socks, mittens, balaclavas, scarves, mufflers, goggles, wristbands, headbands, and earmuffs. In addition, the present invention will be described primarily for use in a motor vehicle having a vent system that can heat the interior cabin. The present invention is easily adapted for use in many environments, however, including home use. It is also easily adapted for heating or cooling non-clothing articles, such as, a beverage. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]      FIGS. 1 through 17  show representative embodiments according to the principles of the present invention, wherein similar features share common reference numerals.  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  shows a front top-right perspective view of a representative embodiment according to principles of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  shows a front bottom-right perspective view of the device of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  shows a back top-right perspective view thereof;  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  shows a back bottom-right side view thereof;  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  shows a side view thereof;  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  shows a bottom view thereof;  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  shows a top view thereof;  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  shows a back view thereof;  
         [0025]      FIG. 9  shows a front view thereof;  
         [0026]      FIG. 10  shows an assembly view thereof;  
         [0027]      FIG. 11  shows the device of  FIG. 1  in the process of being installed on a climate-control vent of a vehicle;  
         [0028]      FIG. 12  shows the device of  FIG. 11  after installation, with a glove in place on the nozzle, ready for use;  
         [0029]      FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an air-capture device having a pliable gasket on the contact surface of the flange to aid in forming a seal;  
         [0030]      FIG. 14  shows a front view of an alternative embodiment of a nozzle portion with a bifurcated discharge aperture;  
         [0031]      FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of alternative embodiment of an article-attachment system, comprising a belt and an article-attachment means;  
         [0032]      FIGS. 16A through 16D  show a perspective view of various alternative embodiments a vent catch according to the present invention;  
         [0033]      FIG. 17  shows an alternative embodiment where the attached article is a beverage holder, so that the dryer device can warm or cool a beverage instead of warming or drying a clothing article; and  
         [0034]      FIG. 18  shows an alternative embodiment of the nozzle portion further comprising a flexible, tubular extension to move the discharge aperture and article to be dried to a desired location. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0035]     The present invention is directed to devices that warm or dry one or more items—such as an article of clothing, such as a glove—by redirecting airflow from a ventilation system over or through the article. Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 10 , dryer  20  comprises a housing  22  comprising an air-capture portion  30 , a body portion  40 , and a nozzle portion  50 . Dryer  20  further comprises a vent-attachment system  60  and an article-attachment system  70 . Referring also to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , to mount the dryer, the user pinches together legs  63  of each vent catch  62 , pushes catch  62  between slats  84  of vent  82 , and releases legs  63 , causing prong  65  of catch  62  to catch the interior edges of slats  84 . Subsequently tightening vent-attachment system  60  pulls air-capture portion  30  over vent  82  to form a sufficiently airtight seal on surrounding surfaces  86 .  
         [0000]     Air-Capture Portion  
         [0036]     Air-capture portion  30  is a flange  32  projecting from housing  22  and adapted to fit over a ventilation system  80  and to form a sufficiently airtight seal around vent  82 . Air-capture portion  30  couples dryer  20  to a preexisting vent  82 , so that air expelled from vent  82  passes through dryer  20  instead of directly into the interior of the motor vehicle. Air-capture portion  30  discharges the air into body portion  40 ; which in turn discharges the air into nozzle portion  50 ; which in turn discharges the air through the attached article or articles  90 . A totally airtight seal is desirable but unnecessary.  
         [0037]     Referring to FIGS.  1  thorough  10 , air-capture portion  30  has an interior aperture  36  and an outer perimeter  38 . Aperture  36  aligns with a corresponding intake aperture  48  of body portion  40  to permit airflow into body  40 . Air-capture portion  30  preferably should be sized and shaped to cover the entire vent  82  plus a marginal area on all sides of the vent  82 . Accordingly, perimeter  38  preferably should overlap the surfaces  86  surrounding vent  82 , such as the adjacent surfaces  86  of a vehicle dashboard, in order to facilitate forming a seal. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 through 10 , perimeter  38  has an approximately rectangular profile, with a length and width selected to equal or exceed the length and width of a typical vent  82 . Air-capture portion  30  thus surrounds vent  82  when mounted for use. In other embodiments, perimeter  38  may be circular, square, or polygonal, for example, in order to adapt air-capture portion  30  to fit a vent of a given size and shape.  
         [0038]     Air-capture portion  30  should be fabricated at least in part from a pliable or elastomeric material, so that air-capture portion  30  can conform to any curvature or irregularity of the surfaces  86  near the vent  82 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 through 10 , for example, air-capture portion  30  is a semi-flexible flange  32  attached to body portion  40 . Any joint, if present, should be substantially air-tight. As shown in  FIG. 10 , one method for sealing any joints is the use of an internal gasket  34  to assure a tight seal between flange  32  and body portion  40 .  
         [0039]     A contemplated material for this embodiment of flange  32  is thermoplastic urethane (TPU), selected for its flexibility and toughness over the range of temperatures typically encountered in motor vehicle ventilation systems  80 . Other contemplated materials include thermoplastic rubber (TPR), thermoplastic olefin (TPO), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), silicone, closed-cell foam, open-cell foam, EVA foam, foam rubber, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polyurethane epoxy, polyurethane polymer (monomer or co-polymer), or any alloy of these materials, alone or in combination. Contemplated fabrication methods include molding, injection molding, direct-injection molding, one-time molding, composite molding, insert molding, co-molding separate materials, foam injection molding, compression molding, thermoforming, rotational molding, blow molding, or other techniques known in the art, alone or in combination.  
         [0040]     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 13 , air-capture portion  30  may be formed as a flared extension of housing  22  with a gasket  39  applied to the surface of flange  32  to be pressed against the vent  82 . In this embodiment, flange  32  is a continuous portion of housing  22  and typically fabricated simultaneously from the same material and by the same method. Gasket  39  may be fabricated from a cushioning material such as, but not limited to, natural or synthetic felt, cork, foam rubber, or any similar pliable, resilient material, so that gasket  39  forms a seal when pressed against surface  86 . Gasket  39  may be affixed to housing  22  by, for example, adhesives.  
         [0041]     Viewed from the side, air-capture portion  30  may have a profile adapted to facilitate the formation of a seal by approximating the profile of surfaces  86  near vent  82 . For example, as best shown in  FIG. 5 , air-capture portion  30  may have a concave profile, mirroring the horizontally curved surfaces  86  of a typical dashboard. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations in the three-dimensional structure of ventilation systems  80  may obligate corresponding adaptations in the three-dimensional profile of air-capture portion  30 . The side profile may be flat, convex, concave, or irregular, for example, in order to conform to an anticipated profile of the mating surfaces  86  near the vent  82 .  
         [0000]     Body Portion  
         [0042]     Body portion  40  is substantially airtight enclosure that diverts air from air-capture portion  30  to nozzle portion  50 . Topologically, body portion  40  is a chamber or tube with air-capture portion  30  at one end and nozzle portion  50  at the other end. Body portion  40  has an intake aperture  48  aligned with the interior aperture  36  of air-capture portion  30  and an outflow aperture  49  aligned with intake aperture  52  of nozzle portion  50 . Body portion  40  consequently redirects airflow captured from a vent  82  to nozzle portion  50  for discharge.  
         [0043]     A contemplated material for housing  22 , including body portion  40 , is Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), a rigid thermoplastic material selected for its low cost, high impact strength, good abrasion resistance, and ability to form complex three-dimensional shapes. Other possible materials include any moldable polymer (monomer or copolymer), any crystalline or amorphous thermoplastic, polystyrene, styrene acrylonitrile, vinyl, cellulose acetate, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, acetyl, acrylic, polyurethane, nylon, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyphenylene sulfide, or polusylfone, or alloys of any of these materials, alone or in combination. Contemplated fabrication methods include molding, injection molding, direct-injection molding, one-time molding, composite molding, insert molding, co-molding separate materials, foam injection molding, compression molding, thermoforming, rotational molding, blow molding extrusion, or other techniques known in the art, alone or in combination. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that almost any solid material that can be formed into an enclosure is suitable for producing housing  22 . Metal, for example, formed by stamping or casting, for example, would be just as practical as the plastic materials listed.  
         [0044]     For convenience during manufacturing, housing  22  including body portion  40  may be configured as a continuous unit or assembled from multiple parts. For example, air-capture portion  30 , nozzle portion  50 , or both may be continuous extensions of body  40 , formed at the same time from the same material; or either may be a separate part, formed from a possibly different material and a possibly different method than body  40 .  FIG. 10  shows an exploded view of a representative embodiment where body  40  is fabricated by assembling a cover  42  and a base  44  by means of fasteners  45 . These enabling details are not intended to limit dryer  20  or body  40  to the particular parts and configuration shown in  FIG. 10 . Persons skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and variations are possible in the details, materials, and arrangements of the portions of dryer  20 . Housing  22  and body  40  according to the principles of the present invention may have fewer or more parts, in order to arrive at various designs that are practical for manufacturing.  
         [0045]     The amount of extension is a variable aspect of body portion  40 . Body  40  may be a relatively compact enclosure, so that the entire dryer  20  remains near the vent  82 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 10 . Alternatively, body  40  may be tube-like extension, optionally flexible, so that nozzle  50  and article  90  may be moved to a convenient place. Optionally, an attachment catch or similar device may be provided to affix nozzle  50  and article  90  where desired.  
         [0000]     Nozzle Portion  
         [0046]     Nozzle portion  50  is a generally tubular extension of housing  22  that discharges air over or through a glove or similar article. Nozzle portion  50  has an intake aperture  52  joined to body  40 , a discharge aperture  54  open to the air, and a center portion  56 , preferably with a constriction  58 . Nozzle  50  is adapted to support one or more articles  90  to be warmed or dried. To dry a glove, for example, the user inserts discharge aperture  54  concentrically inside the open end of the glove. The user then employs article-attachment system  70  to secure the glove to nozzle  50  at constriction  58  as detailed below.  
         [0047]     Nozzle portion  50  may be a continuous extension of housing  22  or assembled from one or more parts attached to housing  22  at outflow aperture  49  of body  40 . Any joint, if present, should be substantially air-tight.  
         [0048]     A contemplated material for nozzle  50  is ABS, a rigid thermoplastic material selected for its low cost, high impact strength, good abrasion resistance, and ability to form complex three-dimensional shapes. Alternative materials include all those listed above for body portion  22 . Contemplated fabrication methods include all those listed above for body portion  22 . Persons skilled in the art will recognize that almost any solid material that can be formed into an open-ended tube is suitable for producing nozzle portion  50 . Metal, for example, formed by stamping or casting, for example, is just as practical as the plastic materials listed.  
         [0049]     The angle between body  40  and nozzle  50  is a variable aspect of the present invention.  FIGS. 1 through 10  show an embodiment with a fixed angle of about ninety degrees with respect to the major axis of housing  22 . Any fixed or variable angle is within the scope of the present invention, however. A variable angle may be accomplished by introducing a hinge-like pivot on nozzle  50 .  
         [0050]      FIGS. 1 through 10  show an embodiment where nozzle portion  50  has a single discharge aperture  54 . In another embodiment, nozzle  50  may have a plurality of discharge apertures so that the dryer can dry more than one article  90  at a time. For example, as shown in  FIG. 14 , nozzle  50  may have a bifurcated nozzle  50  with first discharge aperture  54  and a second discharge aperture  55  in order to dry two articles (such as a pair of gloves) at the same time. Adapting nozzle  50  for more than one discharge aperture may require adapting the article-attachment system  70 . For example, the embodiment of  FIG. 14  has a first drawstring  71  for first discharge aperture  54  and a second drawstring  72  for second discharge aperture  55 .  
         [0051]     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 18 , nozzle portion  50  may further comprise an optionally flexible, tube-like extension  53  so that discharge nozzle  54  and article  90  may be moved to a convenient place. Optionally, an attachment catch  59  or similar device may be provided to affix nozzle  50  and article  90  where desired. Optionally, a loss-prevention means  73  attaches to drawstring  72  or belt  76  and to body  22 , thereby reducing the risk of loss of drawstring  72  or belt  76 .  
         [0052]     In certain embodiments, nozzle portion  50  is adapted to hold a glove or similar item by a tension fit or friction fit as described below.  
         [0000]     Article-Attachment System  
         [0053]     Article-attachment system  70  holds one or more articles  90  in place on nozzle  50  for warming and drying. Any device or method that can releaseably hold one or more articles  90  on nozzle  50  is a suitable article-attachment system.  
         [0054]     Some embodiments of dryer  20  rely on a tension fit or friction fit between nozzle portion  50  and article  90 . For example, nozzle portion  50  may have a size and shape predetermined to conform tightly against the inner wrist surface of a glove, so that the slight elasticity of the glove materials suffice to hold the glove in place on the nozzle. In such embodiments, the article-attachment system  70  comprises the configuration of nozzle  50  whereby it achieves a friction fit. Such embodiments may omit additional parts otherwise needed.  
         [0055]     In an embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 10 , article-attachment system  70  comprises at least one drawstring  72  with an associated drawstring lock  74 . As shown best in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , drawstring  72  is a filament that loops around the center portion  56  of nozzle  50 . On the “rear” side of nozzle  50 , the looped portion of drawstring  72  passes through lock  74 , which provides a mechanism for holding or releasing tension on drawstring  72 . On the “front” side of nozzle  50 , both ends of drawstring  72  pass into a protrusion  46  provided on housing  22  to form a closed loop and to prevent the loss of drawstring  72 . Methods of creating the loop include any of various knots or crimps known in the art. Protrusion  46  also creates a stand-off distance from its base to its apex in order to generally align the looped portion of drawstring  72  with any constriction  58  of nozzle  50 . Attaching article  90  at constriction  58  reduces the risk that article  90  will slip off in use, since the diameter of discharge aperture  54  slightly exceeds that of constriction  58 .  
         [0056]     The general usage of article-attachment system  70  is to slip an article  90  to be secured over nozzle  50  but under drawstring  72 . To dry a glove, for example, the open end of the glove is slipped concentrically over the open end of nozzle  50 , so that discharge aperture  54  is inside the “wrist” of the glove. Drawstring  72  is then slipped over the glove to form a noose around the glove and nozzle  50 . Pulling the slack out of drawstring  72  holds the glove tight against the center portion  56  of nozzle  50 . Activating lock  74  preserves the tension on drawstring  72  to hold article  90  in place in place until warmed or dried. Releasing lock  74  loosens drawstring  72 , allowing article  90  to be pulled off nozzle  50 .  
         [0057]     A preferred material for drawstring  72  is elastic shock cord or similar stretchable cordage materials known in the art. The use of elastomeric cordage improves the gripping power applied by drawstring  72  on article  90  when tightened on nozzle  50 . Other contemplated materials for drawstring  72  include synthetic or natural cordage made from, for example, Polypropylene, Nylon, Polyester, or similar fibers.  
         [0058]     Drawstring lock  74  may be any of various cord locks or cord clamps known in the art. A typical cord lock is a plastic assembly that traps a drawstring fed through a hole in the lock body against another hole in a spring-driven cylinder. Pinching against the spring tension releases the lock, allowing the drawstring to slip through the holes. Suitable lock types, known in the art, include barrel, elliptical, or ball locks.  
         [0059]     In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 15 , article-attachment system  70  may comprise a tensionable belt  76  provided with a closure means  78 . Belt  76 , sized to wrap around nozzle  50  and article  90 , has a first end portion  75  and a second end portion  77 . Belt  76  may be fabricated from an elastomeric material, in order to improve the constriction force that holds article  90  on nozzle  50 , or from non-elastic material, such as plastic, leather, cloth, or wire. Contemplated attachment means include knots, a hook-and-loop closure means, a buckle-and-hole closure means, a snap-type closure means, a magnetic closure means, and a releasable adhesive closure means.  
         [0060]     With the knot closure means, the user wraps the first end portion  75  and second end portion  77  of belt  76  around article  90  and nozzle  50 , and then ties a knot between first end portion  75  and second end portion  77  in order to hold article  90  on nozzle  50  by constriction. Representative suitable knots include bag-closure knots such as the Miller&#39;s knot. A knot represents an elegant, simple, reliable, and releasable closure means but requires the user to remember an appropriate knot.  
         [0061]     In a hook-and-loop closure means, for example Velcro®, shown as an exemplary closure means in  FIG. 15 , first end portion  75  is provided with the hook part  78  of the closure system, and second end portion  77  is provided with the loop part  79  of the closure system. The user wraps belt  76  tightly around article  90  and nozzle  50 , pulls the two ends together with enough tension to constrict article  90  onto nozzle  50 , and then presses hook part  78  onto loop part  79 , so that hook part  78  adheres to loop part  79 . The resulting hook-and-loop closure holds tension on belt  76  and may be readily released to remove article  90 .  
         [0062]     In a buckle-and-hole closure means, first end portion  75  is provided with a buckle device similar to that found the familiar clothing article called a “belt.” Second end portion  77  has at least one hole, and preferably a longitudinal series of holes, to provide for an adjustable closure system. The general operation of the buckle-and-hole closure means is essentially similar to that of the familiar clothing article called a “belt.” 
         [0063]     In the snap-type closure means, first end portion  75  is provided with the male part of the snap system. Second end portion  77  is provided with at least one female snap part, and preferably with a longitudinal series of female snap parts, in order to provide for an adjustable amount of constriction. It is understood that the male and female part relationships may be reversed.  
         [0064]     In the magnetic closure means, first end portion  75  is provided with a magnet, preferably in the form of a flexible magnetic strip. Second end portion  77  is provided with a piece of magnetically attractive material. Alternatively, second end portion  77  is provided with a second magnet or magnetic strip, arranging the orientation so that the two magnets or magnetic strips attract each other. The user can then constrict belt  76  around article  90  and nozzle  50  and rely on magnetic attraction to hold together end portions  75  and  77 .  
         [0065]     In the adhesive-type closure means, first end portion  75 , second end portion  77 , or both are provided with a releasable adhesive known in the art.  
         [0066]     In another embodiment, the article-attachment system may comprise an elastic band, similar to an ordinary, familiar rubber band, adapted to encircle article  90  and nozzle  50 , in order to hold the article on the nozzle by constriction.  
         [0067]     In another embodiment, the article-attachment system may comprise a clamp adapted to releaseably fit around the article and nozzle. For example, the clamp may resemble a traditional clothespin with jaws sized to wrap around the article and nozzle. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many other strategies are sufficient for this particular purpose.  
         [0068]     Any of these embodiments may be combined with a loss-prevention means for securing the belt  76 , elastic band, or clamp to dryer device  20 .  FIG. 15  shows a representative loss-prevention means  73 , in this case comprising a cord with a first end portion attached to housing  22  and a second end portion attached to belt  76 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many other methods exist for securing one end of a belt to the other end.  
         [0069]     In an alternative embodiment, article  90  may comprise a cup holder, can holder, beverage holder, or like device.  FIG. 17  shows a representative beverage holder  92  adapted to support a beverage  94  such as a can of a cola drink and hold it in the air stream from nozzle  50 , thereby changing the temperature of the beverage. A typical ventilation system is a climate-control system offering either hot air or cold air (“air conditioning”), so such embodiments can either chill or heat beverage  94 , depending on the climate-control settings.  
         [0070]     Beverage holder  92  is shown in  FIG. 17  as an open cage, but other beverage-holder designs are within the scope of the invention. For example, the beverage holder may include an upper cup adapted to fit tightly on nozzle  50  and to feed a manifold that in turn feeds a series of air channels passing though the walls of a enclosed or semi-enclosed cup-like support. Placing a beverage can or cup in the cup-like support places the walls of the beverage can or cup substantially in contact with the air channels, which heat (or cool) the beverage by conduction.  
         [0000]     Vent-Attachment System  
         [0071]     Vent-attachment system  60  holds the dryer  20  in place on advent  82  and provides enough pressure for the air-capture portion  30  to form a sufficient seal against the surrounding surfaces  86 .  
         [0072]     In an embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 10 , vent-attachment system  60  comprises one or more tensionable cords  66 , one or more cord locks  68 , and at least one vent catch  62 . Cord  66  is a filament, belt, band, or length of cordage similar to drawstring  72 .  
         [0073]     In an embodiment, as best shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , cord  66  is directed through body  22  along one path and then looped back through body  22  along a second path. Both ends of looped cord  66  extend in front of body  22 , and each end is secured to a catch  62 , for example, by using a crimp, knot, splice, or other attachment means.  
         [0074]     A contemplated material for tensionable cord  66  is synthetic or natural cordage made from, for example, Polypropylene, Nylon, Polyester, or similar fibers. Polyester cordage in particular has a desirable combination of strength and durability at temperatures likely to occur in vehicle ventilation systems. Polyester cordage is also desirably resistant to rot, stretching, and ultraviolet light.  
         [0075]     Cord lock  68  provides a mechanism for preserving or releasing tension on cord  66 . As shown, cord  66  passes through lock  68  at the rear of housing  22 , where the user can readily tighten or release lock  68 . Lock  68  may be any of various cord locks or cord clamps known in the art. The operation and availability of cord locks has been previously described in connection to drawstring lock  74 .  
         [0076]     Each catch  62  has two flexible legs  63 , each terminating with a prong  65 . Pinching together legs  63  reduces the distance between prongs  65 , permitting a catch  62  to be inserted between two vent slats  84  to form a hook-like releasable clasp. Each respective catch  62  is inserted through a target vent and rests along the backside surface of two adjacent vent slats  84 . After the catches  62  are properly located inside vent  82 , the looped portion of the cord  66  is pulled tight, causing housing  22 , via air-capture portion  30 , to rest against surface  86  of the vehicle surrounding the vent. Applying lock  68  to cord  66  temporarily secures dryer  20  in fixed relation to the subject vehicle&#39;s ventilation system. Releasing lock  68  loosens cord  66 , allowing dryer  20  to pull away from the vent. Releasing the catches  62  removes the dryer  20  from the vent.  
         [0077]     Catch  62  may take various forms. In one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 13 , catch  62  has a rim  64  for securing cord  66 . Also, catch  62  has two legs  63 , each leg  63  having a prong  65 . Legs  63  are designed to work as a compressible hinge-spring so catch  62  may be inserted between two adjacent vent slats  84 . Prongs  65  are adapted to hook on the backside of the respective vent slat  84 . Thus, when a compressing force is removed, legs  63  rebound to their original position, and prongs  65  catch the backside of the corresponding vent slat  84 . A compressing force, for example, may be provided by a user squeezing the legs together between fingers.  
         [0078]     In an alternative embodiment of a vent-attachment system  60 , only one end of cord  66  extends in front of body  22  and is secured to a catch  62 . The other end is directed through body  22  and cord lock  68 . The remaining end may remain loose or may be attached to dryer  20  in a convenient place.  
         [0079]     Other embodiments of a vent catch for the vent-attachment system are shown in  FIGS. 15A through 15D . Each catch  140 ,  240 , and  340  has a means for securing the cord  66 , such as a rim  143 ,  243 , and  343 . Each catch has a pair of legs  142 ,  242 , and  342 , and associated prongs  144 ,  244 , and  344 , respectively.  
         [0080]     In another embodiment, vent-attachment system  60  comprises a Velcro®-type hook-and-loop closure. By affixing the hook portion of the closure to around the perimeter of the surface of flange  32  that is pressed against vent  82  and affixing the loop portion to the surfaces  86  surrounding the vent (or vice-versa), dryer  20  may be releaseably attached to vent  82 .  
         [0081]     In another embodiment, vent-attachment system  60  comprises a first magnet, preferable a flexible magnetic strip, affixed around the perimeter of the contact surface of flange  32  where it is pressed against vent  82 . Vent-attachment system  60  further comprises a second magnet, preferably a flexible magnetic strip, sized to fit the first magnet (or magnetic strip) and affixed to the surfaces  86  surrounding vent  82  and oriented so that the first magnet attracts the second magnet. Pressing flange  32  against vent  82  so that the first magnet aligns with the second magnet yields a magnetic seal to hold dryer  20  against vent  82 .  
         [0082]     In another embodiment, vent-attachment system  60  comprises a releasable adhesive known in the art affixed around the perimeter of the contract surface of flange  32  where it is pressed against vent  82 . For example, a double-sided adhesive tape would allow attaching the tape to flange  32  while maintaining an exposed sticky side of the tape. Pressing flange  32  and adhesive against surrounding surfaces  86  thereby provides a releasable attachment for vent-attachment system  60 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many other strategies are sufficient for this particular purpose.  
         [0083]     The foregoing embodiments and features are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that other embodiments are within the scope and spirit of the foregoing teachings.  
         [0084]     Persons skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and variations are possible in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts and actions which have been described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of this invention and that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit and scope of the teachings and claims contained therein.