Abstract:
A dryer extension assembly connects with a hand-held dryer for dispensing heated air beyond an exhaust outlet of the dryer. The extension assembly is constructed from one or more interconnectable tube sections, an adapter section, and a stand section. Each tube section has a plurality of apertures defined through the outer wall and the inner wall for outletting heated air directed through the tube section. The number of interconnectable tube sections essentially enables the user to select an overall length of the extension assembly. The adapter section couples the dryer to a first or top tube section and the stand section receives the last or bottom tube section. The stand section enables the user to stand the extension assembly in a vertical position such that the hand-held dryer is held aloft by the extension assembly.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present disclosure relates generally to personal dryers, and in one application, extensions that connect with each other to form an elongated channel to disperse air from the dryer. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Current heaters or dryers for personal use are directed to specific portions of the user&#39;s body. For example, hair dryers dry the user&#39;s hair. Other dryers, commonly found mounted on bathroom walls, dry the user&#39;s hands. Still further, other bulky dryers, commonly found in locker rooms, mount on a structure such as the wall to dry the user&#39;s torso. With these locker room dryers, the user uncomfortably manipulates their body in front of the dryer to attempt to dry various body portions beyond the torso. These dryers require more powerful blowers and higher volumetric capability than other dryers such as hair dryers and bathroom dryers. Additionally, these dryers are much more costly requiring permanent installation in the locker room. 
     Currently, users require a simple device that not only dries the many areas along the entire length of the human body but also is portable, light-weight, free-standing, self-supporting as well as space and cost efficient. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates to an extension that connects with the dryer for dispensing air beyond an exhaust outlet of the dryer. The extension comprises a tube section having a first end, a second end and a tube body disposed between the first end and the second end. The tube body has an inner wall and outer wall defining a hollow channel between the first end and the second end. The tube body further has a plurality of apertures defined through the outer wall and the inner wall and in communication with the hollow channel. 
     The extension further comprises an adapter that connects with the tube section. The adapter has a proximal end, a distal end and an adapter body disposed between the proximal end and the distal end. The proximal end removably connects with the dryer and the distal end connects with the first end of the tube section such that forced air dispelled by the hair dryer flows out the exhaust outlet, within the hollow channel of the tube section and out of the plurality of apertures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded, side elevational view of an extension illustrating tube sections, an adapter and a stand constructed in accordance with and embodying the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the tube sections, the adapter and stand of  FIG. 1  in assembled form; 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of the adapter of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of one of the tube sections illustrating a tapered tube body and apertures defined through the tapered the body in accordance with and embodying the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view of the tube section as illustrated along line “ 5 - 5 ” of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of the tube sections and the adapter in assembled form and connected to a dryer; 
         FIG. 7  is cross-sectional view of the stand of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of the extension connected to the dryer wherein the extension is dispersing air from the dryer and onto the user. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The following detailed description illustrates the disclosure by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the disclosure, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. 
     The present disclosure relates to an insertable extension for a personal dryer. The extension can be used in any appropriate personal dryer. However, for purposes of illustrations only, the extension will be described as incorporated into a hair dryer. The term “dryer” does not require any particular geometry and/or configuration. 
     The extension of the present disclosure preferably comprises or may be preferably constructed from a variety of materials, such as but not limited to, steel, polypropylene, polyethylene or other appropriate thermoplastic material. Further, the extension can have a variety of cross sectional shapes such as elliptical, oval, circular, triangular, square, rectangular or other appropriate configuration. The extension can be of any size to accommodate users of any size. 
     Referring to the drawings, the extension of the present disclosure, generally shown as  10 , comprises a tube section  12 , an adaptor  14  and a stand  16  ( FIG. 1 ). Optimally, tube section  12  includes a plurality of tube sections  12 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the adaptor  14  and tube sections  12  removably connect together and insert into the stand  16 . The stand  16  vertically aligns and supports the connected adaptor  14  and tube sections  12  as will be discussed. 
     Turning to  FIG. 3 , the adaptor  14  has a proximal end  18 , a distal end  20  and an adaptor  14  body  22  disposed between the proximal end  18  and the distal end  20 . The adaptor  14  body  22  has a predetermined wall thickness. The proximal end  18 , the distal end  20  and the adaptor  14  body  22  delimit a hollow adaptor  14  channel  24  disposed therein. Optimally, the proximal end  18  and the distal end  20  are circular shaped wherein the proximal end  18  has a larger diameter than the distal end  20 . Accordingly, the adaptor  14  body  22  includes a shoulder  26  to reduce the diameter of the adapter  14  body from the larger proximal end  18  to the smaller distal end  20 . 
     In one aspect of the disclosure, the proximal end  18  has a diameter of about 4¾ inches to about 5¼ inches. In another aspect of the disclosure, the distal end  20  has a diameter from about 2¼ inches to about 2¾ inches. Optimally, the adaptor  14  body  22  has a total length from about 4¼ inches to about 4¾ inches. 
     At the larger proximal end  18 , the adaptor  14  body  22  has a length from about 1 inch to about 1½ inches as measured from the proximal end  18  to the shoulder  26 . This portion of the adaptor  14  body  22  between the proximal end  18  and the shoulder  26  matches the diameter of the proximal end  18 . The proximal end  18  is sized and shaped to accept an exhaust outlet  28  of a hair dryer  30  ( FIG. 6 ) as will be discussed. The dimensions are representative of an embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope of disclosure. Moreover, any size that is easily used for its intended purpose is acceptable. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the tube sections  12  have a first end  32 , second end  34  and a tube body  36  disposed between the first end  32  and the second end  34 . Optimally, the first end  32  and the second end  34  are circular shape wherein the first end  32  has a larger diameter than the second end  34 . Accordingly, the tube body  36  has a tapered configuration from the first end  32  to the second end  34 . Additionally, each second end  34  of the plurality of tube sections  12  has a tapered end configuration  38 . As shown, the tube body  36  includes a plurality of apertures  40  defined therethrough. In one aspect, the apertures  40  stagger along the tube body  36 . In another embodiment, the apertures  40  stagger in a uniform pattern of two rows along the tube body  36 . Optimally, the tube body  36  includes nine apertures  40 . However, any number of apertures  40  that is easily used for its intended purposes is acceptable. 
     The tube body  36  has an inner wall  42  and an outer wall  44  defining a hollow channel  46  between the first end  32  and the second end  34  ( FIG. 5 ). As shown, the plurality of apertures  40  protrudes through the inner wall  42  and the outer wall  44  to communicate with the hollow channel  46 . 
     In one aspect of the disclosure, the tube body  36  has a length of about 18 inches to about 20 inches. Optimally, the tube body  36  has a length of about 19 inches. Further in one aspect, a first aperture  40  is positioned about 2¾ inches along the tube body  36  as measured from the first end  32 . Additionally, a second aperture  40  is positioned about 4¼ inches along the tube body  36  as measured from the first end  32 . Still further, the apertures  40  of the first row are spaced apart about three inches from each other while the apertures  40  in the second row are spaced apart about three inches from each other. Optimally, each aperture includes a diameter of about one-quarter inches. The dimensions, however, are representative of an embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope of disclosure. Any size of the tube section  12  and its respective apertures  40  are easily used for its intended purposes are acceptable. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , each tube section  12  of the plurality tube sections  12  has respective first ends  32 , second ends  34  and tube bodies  36  disposed therebetween. The size of the diameter of the first end  32 , the second end  34  and the tapered configuration of the tube body  36  allow the tube section  12  to removably connect with one another. Optimally, one of the tapered second ends  34  of one of the tube section  12  removably connects with one of the first ends  32  of an adjacent tube section  12  by inserting into the adjacent first end  32 . Since the diameter of the second end  34  is smaller than the diameter of the adjacent first end  32 , the tapered second end  34  pressurably slides into the first end  32  and into the hollow channel  46 . Other tube sections  12  can be telescopically connected in the pattern shown on  FIG. 6 . The first end  32  and the second end  34  can be construed in any acceptable manner and shape that allows for the connection of the plurality of tube sections  12 . The connected tube sections  12  may be easily disassembled by a light pulling force. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the hair dryer  30  comprises a housing  48  having an air inlet  50  and the exhaust outlet  28 . The housing  48  delimits a chamber  52  between the air inlet  50  and the exhaust outlet  28 . The chamber  52  encloses a heater and blower assembly  54  which is in operative communication with the air inlet  50  and the exhaust outlet  28  of the housing  48 . 
     The stand  16  has a top  56 , a bottom  58  and a sidewall  60  connecting the top  56  and the bottom  58  ( FIG. 7 ). In one embodiment, the top  56  and the bottom  58  are circular shape wherein the top  56  has a smaller diameter than the bottom  58 . Accordingly, the sidewall  60  slopes or tapers as the sidewall  60  connects the top  56  and the bottom  58 . Optimally, the sidewall  60  has a conical shape. The stand  16  can have a variety of cross sectional shapes such as elliptical, oval, circular, triangular, square, rectangular or other appropriate configuration. 
     The top  56  includes an outer portion  62  and an inner portion  64  wherein the inner portion  64  defines a slot  66  extending downward toward the bottom  58 . The slot  66  includes opposing internal walls  68  that extend to a base  70  which is positioned above the bottom  58 . The slot  66  is sized and shaped to accept the tapered second end  34  of the lowermost tube section  12  of the connected tube sections  12  ( FIG. 6 ). 
     In one aspect of the disclosure, the stand  16  has a height, as measured between the top  56  and the bottom  58 , from about two and a half inches to about three and half inches. Optimally, the stand  16  has a height of about three inches. The slot  66  has a height from about two and a quarter inches to about two and three quarter inches. Optimally, the slot  66  has a height of about two and half inches. Additionally, the slot  66  has a width of about two and one quarter inches to about two and three quarter inches. The dimensions are representative of an embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Any size that is easily used for its intended purpose is acceptable. 
     The slot  66  has a width slightly larger than the diameter of the second of the lowermost connected tube sections  12  such that the second end  34  pressurably slides or inserts within the slot  66 . When inserted into the slot  66 , the second end  34  contacts the base  70  of the slot  66 . The internal walls  68  and the base  70  of the slot  66  stabilize and support the inserted second end  34  and the now vertically aligned connected tube sections  12 . The slot  66  provides rigidity and stabilization to the vertically aligned and connected tube sections  12 . Any supporting member that can be employed to support/stabilize the connected tube section  12  is intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 1 and 8  and referring to  FIGS. 2-7 , during one mode of operation, the users places the stand  16  on the floor  72 . The user removably connects together the plurality of tube sections  12  by inserting the second end  34  of one of the tube sections  12  into the first end  32  of another tube section  12 . The user then inserts the lowermost second end  34  of the connected tube sections  12  into the slot  66  to vertically align the connected tube sections  12 . The user also inserts the adapter  14  into the uppermost first end  32  of the connected tube sections  12 . In particular, the distal end  20  of the adapter  14  inserts within the first end  32  of the uppermost connected tube section  12 . 
     With the stabilized and vertically aligned tube sections  12  and adapter  14 , the user inserts the exhaust outlet  28  of the hair dryer  30  into the proximal end  18  of the adapter  14 . The exhaust outlet  28  inserts into the proximal end  18  and rests upon the shoulders  26  of the adapter  14 . When activated, the heater and blower assembly  54  of the hair dryer  30  discharges forced air out of the exhaust outlet  28 , through the adaptor  14  channel  24  and within the hollow channels  46  of the connected tube sections  12 . The air flows through the apertures  40  of the connected tube sections  12  and onto the object such as the user&#39;s body. The configuration of the connected tube sections  12  and the apertures  40  directs the forced air along the entire length or substantially the entire length of the user&#39;s body. The forced air may be heated by the dryer  30 . 
     The extension  10  of the present disclosure utilizes the equivalent heating element and fan/blower assembly of a common hand-held hair dryer to accomplish drying substantially to the entire length of the human body. In so doing, the extension  10  is configured for varied placement, easily assembled or disassembled, self-supporting and is easily transportable by any adult person without the need for assistance or tools. Thus, the extension  10  is portable, light-weight, free-standing, self-supporting as well as space and cost efficient. In addition, the extension  10  and the heating blower assembly when assembled work together to enable a person to be dried in a hands free manner without touching the dryer for the extension serves to provide the sole means of support for the blower assembly when it is mounted in an elevated position in supported relation on the adaptor which is carried at upper end of upright extension. The adapter acts as a dryer holder to securely mount the hand held dryer in assembled relation therewith. The extension can be knockdown by disengaging the ends of the tube sections from the other end from the base and easily stored in a relatively small area in a bathroom closet or in a box with the dryer removed from the adaptor for ready use to perform other uses such as solely for hair drying purposes in a conventional manner. Thus, the user does not need to purchase an extension with a built in dryer to save manufacturing costs. 
     In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the disclosure are achieved and other advantageous results are obtained. As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
     Moreover, the use of the terms “upper” and “lower” or “top” or “bottom” and variations of these terms is made for convenience, but does not require any particular orientation of the components.