CA1124057A - Axial fan hair dryer - Google Patents
Axial fan hair dryerInfo
- Publication number
- CA1124057A CA1124057A CA352,758A CA352758A CA1124057A CA 1124057 A CA1124057 A CA 1124057A CA 352758 A CA352758 A CA 352758A CA 1124057 A CA1124057 A CA 1124057A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- axial fan
- fan
- air
- motor shaft
- hair dryer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
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- Cleaning And Drying Hair (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A hand-held portable axial fan hair dryer having a shield and collar assembly proximate the air inlet is provided with a fan bushing which mounts the axial fan to the motor shaft to substantially prevent hair knotting and tangling. The fan bushing is provided with an aperture for receiving the entire length of the motor shaft which extends upstream of the fan to limit the effect of geometric discontinuity between the shaft and bushing. Hair styling attachments, such as a comb or brush, may be removably attached proximate the air outlet.
A hand-held portable axial fan hair dryer having a shield and collar assembly proximate the air inlet is provided with a fan bushing which mounts the axial fan to the motor shaft to substantially prevent hair knotting and tangling. The fan bushing is provided with an aperture for receiving the entire length of the motor shaft which extends upstream of the fan to limit the effect of geometric discontinuity between the shaft and bushing. Hair styling attachments, such as a comb or brush, may be removably attached proximate the air outlet.
Description
` ~2~5~
BACKGROUND OF T~IE INV~NTION
This invention relates to portable hair dryers used in close proximity to the user's hair. More specifically, this invention relates to axial fan driven portable hair dryers with means for preventing hair entanglement of the user when the hair dryer is used in close proximity with the hair, such as during a styling or drying maneuver.
In the past, most electrically heated forced-air hair dryers included a transverse flow fan when used with styling attachments such as a comb or a brush. Axial fan halr dryers '; when used with attachments were typically bulky in nature and inconvenient to use.
; If a more compact design of a portable axial fan hair dryer with or without attachments were desirable, a problem resulted in that the working end would be within a few inches of the axial fan. This may result in hair entanglement through .'~
- the air inlet of the hair dryer.
The prevention of hair entanglement through the air inlet may be somewhat helped by including a mesh screen over the air inlet. However, the mesh may not be too fine since it will cause lint or the like to clog up the air inlet screen and thus restrict air flow causing the unit to overheat.
When a compact hair dryer, with a relatively short air flow portion, is used with or without styling imple~ents, the ; hair of the user may readily enter through the air inlet portion of the hair dryer either when still attached to the user's head or as separate pieces of hair. The aerodynamics of the hair dryer system and the presenting of the center oE rotation of the axial fan very proximate the air inlet is believed to .
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)s~
cl te hair ~ntanglement problems more serious than those associated with a transverse flow hair dryer used with styling attachments.
There are two basic types of hair entanglement problems which will affect the operation of the hair dryer and/or the safety or ease of use of the hair dryer. The first type deals with hair entanglement when the hair remains attached to the user's head. If hair enters through the air inlet portion of the hair dryer, the hair strands may engage the fan shaft or its associated bearing and result in the fan stalling. Such an ; entanglement may cause the user to be pulled toward the dryer, and if the fan stalls, a situation may momentarily exist where the user is attached to the hair dryer and the heat of the hair dryer is increasing.
Another hair entanglement problem occurs when hair strands of the user enter through the air inlet in front of the fan. Because the center of rotation of the axial fan faces the air inlet, the hair strands tend to find the center of the . system and start to twist. If such a twisting occurs among -20 several strands, the hair may become twisted together and form a knot inside the screen thus causing the user to either pull free or cut the entangled hair.
Further problems result when loose hair falls into the air inlet portion through the screen. These loose hairs may eventually wrap around the shaft beneath the fan until they fill up whatever space is available. When the loose hair builds up, the fan may slow down and cause an associated thermostat to open which ultimately may result in consumer dissatisfaction and excessive returns.
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In addition, it has been discovered that a hair entangle-ment problem occurs when loose hair collects or winds about the portion of the motor shaft upstream of the fan bushing due to an abrupt geometric discontinuity between the shaft and the upstream side of the bushing. If a relatively small amount of hair is wrapped about the exposed shaft, the operation or safety of the hair dryer is not affected. ~lowever, if a relatively large amount of hair is wrapped about the exposed shaft, there is thepossibility that some hair while still wrapped about the shaft may engage the fan blades or stationary vanes thereby affe^ting the operation and safety of the hair dryer;
Further if even a small amount of hair which was collected . .
~ about the motor shaft dislodges, there is the possibility that ... .
the dislodged hair mass may wrap about the fan blades and/or :., , the stationary vanes and affect the operation and safety of the hair dryer.
; These prior art difficulties have been substantially overcome by providing a compact axial fan hair dryer suitable for use as a dryer or styler in close proximity to~the hair. The hair dryer includes a stationary guard or shield assembly in the r.~. air inlet portion of the hair dryer and a collar affixed to the downstream portion of the fan blades and disposed about the motor.
The hair dryer further includes a fan bushing for receiv;ng `~ the entire length of the associated motor shaft which extends ~ upstream of the fan to limit the effect of geometric discontinuity ; between the motor shaft and fan bushing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide an axial fan - hair dryer which may be used in a safe and convenient manner in ~ 30 j 1/ ;, ,.s~, :
~lZ~ 7 olose proximity to the hair.
It is another object of this invention to provide a compact axial fan hair dryer which substantially prevents hair knotting and tangling problems.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an axial fan compact hair dryer which may be used with a plurality of styling attachments which includes means for substantially preventlng hair entanglement of the user without unreasonably interfering with the air flow dynamics of the system.
Briefly stated, the present invention provides a portable hair dryer comprising a handle portion and an air flow portion, said air flow portion defining an air inlet and an air outlet3 said air flow portion including a motor driven axial fan assembly wllerein said axial fan is driven by said motor through a connecting motor shaft, and stationary shield means disposed about said motor shaft and collar means disposed between said axial fan assembly and said motor and affixed to said fan assembly for movement therewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
-The invention both as to its organization and principles of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may better be understood by referring to the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a compact axial fan hair dryer and an associated styling attachment, in accordance with this invention.
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional top view of the air flow portion ; of the hair dryer of Fig. 1, in accordance with this invention.
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Fig. 3 i9 an end view, partial in section, of the air inlet of the air flow portion of the hair dryer of Fig. 1, in accordance with this invention.
D~TAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to Figure l, the hair dryer includes a dryer ; housing 10 which is preferab]y made of plastic and comprises separate mating sections ll and 12. The sections 11 and 12 are connected together by means of snap locks located along their respective periphery and also by means of screws (not shown) or the like. The housing 10 includes handle portion 13 which is generally cylindrical or eliptical in cross section to provide a comfortable grip for the user, and an air flow portion 14.
The handle portion 13 provides an aperture for access to an on/off switch 15. The on/off switch 15 is electrically connected to an AC line cord 16 extending from the bottom of the handle portion 13 in the manner well known in the art. Other types of control circuitry which provide a variety of fan speed/heating settings, as well as a dual voltage capability, may be provided in a manner well known in the art.
The upper part of the handle portion 13 is integrally molded at about the mid-point of the air flow portion L4 to provide for a balanced easy-to-manipulate hair dryer 10. The air flow portion 14, which may be approximately three inches in length, defines an air inlet 17 and an air exhaust or outlet 18. Preferably the air inlet 17 is generally circular in shape an~ the air flow portion 14 gradually forms an air outlet 18 of a generally rectangular cross section. The generally rectangular cross section of air outlet 18 includes shorter upper and lower parallel sides - which each include an integrally molded stud or post such as posts 19 and 20 to be used with j1/ ~J~
:
ap-on attacllm~nts, in a manner well known in the art.
~ ttachment 21, which inc]udes a styling portion 22 such as a comb or brush, has upper and lower plastic resilient arms 23 and 24. Apertures 25 and 26 are defined respectively in upper and lower arms 23 and 24 to provide a snap fit over posts 19 and 20, all in a manner well known in the art. Other types of mounting arrangements for styling attachments are suitable when the hair dryer Ls to be used for styling the hair.
Referring now to Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings, air is drawn in through the air inlet 17 of the air flow portion 14 through a wire mesh screen 27. The screen 27 is interlocked at : its generally circular periphery into the cabinet sections 11 and 12 in a manner well known in the art. Disposed downstream from the screen 27 lS a screen support 28 best seen when referring to Figure 3. The screen support 28 is made up of piece of metal, plastic or the like preferably in a generally cross configuration and of minimum size in order to block as little of the air ,, passageway as possible. The crosslike screen support 28 is bowed out toward the screen 27 to provide s~ructural rigidity to the screen 27. The center point of the support 28 defines an aperture 29 through which a securing member such as screw 30 - fixes a guard or shield 31 to the support 28. The screen support 28 may be interlocked into the sections 11 and 12 of housing 10 or otherwise affixed thereto in any manner well known in the art.
The guard or shield 31 may be made of a plastic and is generally dome shaped. The shield 31 is connected to the screen support 28 through its integrally molded threaded mounting post 32. The shield 31 is positioned such that it provides proper clearance to the fan blades 33 and fan hub 34. The smooth ~ 6-`:
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:
:
.' `
~2~7 uownstream outer s~irface of the shie:ld 31 provides minimum air flow restriction. The shield 31 is fixed only to the center portion of the screen support 28 to minimize air flow restriction problems and also to substan~ially prevent the knotting problem previously described. That is, if loose ha:ir gets through the screen 27, it tends to collect or wind about the mounting post 32. The resulting hair causes little air flow restriction and does not detrimentally affect the operation or safety of the hair dryer.
Further~ when hair connected to the user flnds its way through the screen 28 onto the outer surface of the shield 31, the aerodynamic forces that are present still cause the hair to migrate toward the center of the system. However, because the shield 31 is present, the user's hair tends to lay across the outer surface of the shield 31. Since the hub is not spinning, the hair tends not to get knotted. Thus, when the dryer is moved away from the hair, the hair strands in the dryer laying on the surEace of the shield 31 will tend to ease readily through the mesh of the screen 27.
Disposed within the upstream inner surface of the dome shaped shield 31 is a brass fan bushing 35 which mounts the fan blades 33 with its hub 34 to the motor shaft 36. The fan 33 is a stamped aluminum fan having a plurality of blades 33 such as four in number~ all joined by means of the generally circular fan hub 34. The fan hub 34 has a centrally defined aperture in which the motor shaft 36 is depressed.
The fan bushing, upstream of the fan hub 34, is generally shaped as a truncated cone. The fan bushing 35, which includes a centrally defined aperture, is of a sufficient height upstream ~ 7-- I the fan hub 34 to at least acconio(~a~e the entire ]ength of the motor shaft 36 which extends upstream of the fan hub 34.
! The upstream portion of the motor shaft 36 is disposed through the fan bushing aperture.
Between the upstream portion of the motor 37 and the . bushing 35 and the downstream side of the fan hub 34 and connected to the downstream portion of the fan blades 33 is a rotati.ng collar 38. The co].lar 38 which may be integrally formed ` of plastic or formed as a stamped meta] piece with the fan 10 assembly (fan 33 and fan hub 34) is generally cylindrical in shape and comprises a wall portion 39, concentrical].y disposed about ~i part of a motor mount 44, and a top portion 40. The top portion 40 is, of course, generally circular and deEines a central aperture ; for receiving the motor shaft 36 and motor bearing 42. The length of the wall portion 39 of the collar 38 is preferably ~ long enough to extend beyond the most downstream portion of the : fan blades 33 such as extended portion 41. The extended portion 41 of the collar 38 beyond the fan blades 33 is believed to aid ;~ in the prevention of hair entanglement problems previously ~ 20 described.
: In general, the collar 38 on its upstream surface is affixed to fan blades 33 and bushing 35 and accordingly rotates in unison with the fan blades 33 about the motor shaft 36. The collar 38 substantially prevents hair connected to the user from wrapping around the motor shaft 36 on the downstream side of bushing 35 and pulling the user toward the hair dryer. In addition, the collar 38 substantially prevents loose hairs from being disposed about the motor shaft 36 and interfering with the normal operation of the system and causing premature breakdown , . . .
':
an _ustomer ~issatisfaction.
The motor 37 is capable of driving tile associated fan assembly, made up of blades 33 and fan hub 34, and collar 38 at ,~ about 15,000 to 18,000 rpm. The motor 37 is a DC permanent magnet motor such as that manufactured by Mabuchi in Japan as Model RS-365. Ilowever, it is understood that the choice of a motor is not critical in practicing this invention.
If desired, in order to take the spin out of the air flow, a fixed vane assembly is provided. Although not necessary for the practice of this invention, the fixed vane assembly provides a more efficient hair dryer system. In general, the fixed vane assembly may be formed of a plastic such as poly-carbonate and comprises an integrally formed generally cylindrical shroud 43 disposed about the outside of the fan/motor assembly ~-~ and a generally cylindrical motor mount 44 disposed about an upstream portion of motor 37. The inner surface of the shroud 43 and the outer surface of the motor mount 44 are interconnected through a plurality of air foils or fixed vanes 45, such as nine in number, all in a manner well known in the art. The shroud 43 may extend about the fan blades 33 and also about the fixed vanes 45 located downstream from the fan blades 33.
Located downstream from the fixed vane assembly are concentrically wound iron chrome resistance wire heater coils 46 disposed in the downstream portion of the air flow portion 14 and partially disposed about the motor 37. The coils 46 are mounted in appropriate slots of Micaboards 47 and 48 in a manner well known in the art. The Micaboards 47 and 48 in turn are connected ~-~ to the inner walls of sections 11 and 12 of housing 10.
An air exhaust grill 49 is disposed over the air exit or ~ -9-,~, ,~ .
5~
let 18 and is interconnected to sections 11 and J2 of houslng 10 and Micaboards 47 and 48 through interlocks or the like.
While an embodiment and application of the invention has been shown and described, it ~ill be apparent to those skilled ; in the ar~ that many more modificat:ions are possible ~ithout departing from the invent:ive concepts herein described. The invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except as is necessary by the prior art and by the spirit of the appended claims.
j l/ I~, ~-`i' -10 ,
BACKGROUND OF T~IE INV~NTION
This invention relates to portable hair dryers used in close proximity to the user's hair. More specifically, this invention relates to axial fan driven portable hair dryers with means for preventing hair entanglement of the user when the hair dryer is used in close proximity with the hair, such as during a styling or drying maneuver.
In the past, most electrically heated forced-air hair dryers included a transverse flow fan when used with styling attachments such as a comb or a brush. Axial fan halr dryers '; when used with attachments were typically bulky in nature and inconvenient to use.
; If a more compact design of a portable axial fan hair dryer with or without attachments were desirable, a problem resulted in that the working end would be within a few inches of the axial fan. This may result in hair entanglement through .'~
- the air inlet of the hair dryer.
The prevention of hair entanglement through the air inlet may be somewhat helped by including a mesh screen over the air inlet. However, the mesh may not be too fine since it will cause lint or the like to clog up the air inlet screen and thus restrict air flow causing the unit to overheat.
When a compact hair dryer, with a relatively short air flow portion, is used with or without styling imple~ents, the ; hair of the user may readily enter through the air inlet portion of the hair dryer either when still attached to the user's head or as separate pieces of hair. The aerodynamics of the hair dryer system and the presenting of the center oE rotation of the axial fan very proximate the air inlet is believed to .
:, ., ; , ' ' I
)s~
cl te hair ~ntanglement problems more serious than those associated with a transverse flow hair dryer used with styling attachments.
There are two basic types of hair entanglement problems which will affect the operation of the hair dryer and/or the safety or ease of use of the hair dryer. The first type deals with hair entanglement when the hair remains attached to the user's head. If hair enters through the air inlet portion of the hair dryer, the hair strands may engage the fan shaft or its associated bearing and result in the fan stalling. Such an ; entanglement may cause the user to be pulled toward the dryer, and if the fan stalls, a situation may momentarily exist where the user is attached to the hair dryer and the heat of the hair dryer is increasing.
Another hair entanglement problem occurs when hair strands of the user enter through the air inlet in front of the fan. Because the center of rotation of the axial fan faces the air inlet, the hair strands tend to find the center of the . system and start to twist. If such a twisting occurs among -20 several strands, the hair may become twisted together and form a knot inside the screen thus causing the user to either pull free or cut the entangled hair.
Further problems result when loose hair falls into the air inlet portion through the screen. These loose hairs may eventually wrap around the shaft beneath the fan until they fill up whatever space is available. When the loose hair builds up, the fan may slow down and cause an associated thermostat to open which ultimately may result in consumer dissatisfaction and excessive returns.
- i1/b~ 2-. . - - - -:
..
s~
In addition, it has been discovered that a hair entangle-ment problem occurs when loose hair collects or winds about the portion of the motor shaft upstream of the fan bushing due to an abrupt geometric discontinuity between the shaft and the upstream side of the bushing. If a relatively small amount of hair is wrapped about the exposed shaft, the operation or safety of the hair dryer is not affected. ~lowever, if a relatively large amount of hair is wrapped about the exposed shaft, there is thepossibility that some hair while still wrapped about the shaft may engage the fan blades or stationary vanes thereby affe^ting the operation and safety of the hair dryer;
Further if even a small amount of hair which was collected . .
~ about the motor shaft dislodges, there is the possibility that ... .
the dislodged hair mass may wrap about the fan blades and/or :., , the stationary vanes and affect the operation and safety of the hair dryer.
; These prior art difficulties have been substantially overcome by providing a compact axial fan hair dryer suitable for use as a dryer or styler in close proximity to~the hair. The hair dryer includes a stationary guard or shield assembly in the r.~. air inlet portion of the hair dryer and a collar affixed to the downstream portion of the fan blades and disposed about the motor.
The hair dryer further includes a fan bushing for receiv;ng `~ the entire length of the associated motor shaft which extends ~ upstream of the fan to limit the effect of geometric discontinuity ; between the motor shaft and fan bushing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide an axial fan - hair dryer which may be used in a safe and convenient manner in ~ 30 j 1/ ;, ,.s~, :
~lZ~ 7 olose proximity to the hair.
It is another object of this invention to provide a compact axial fan hair dryer which substantially prevents hair knotting and tangling problems.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an axial fan compact hair dryer which may be used with a plurality of styling attachments which includes means for substantially preventlng hair entanglement of the user without unreasonably interfering with the air flow dynamics of the system.
Briefly stated, the present invention provides a portable hair dryer comprising a handle portion and an air flow portion, said air flow portion defining an air inlet and an air outlet3 said air flow portion including a motor driven axial fan assembly wllerein said axial fan is driven by said motor through a connecting motor shaft, and stationary shield means disposed about said motor shaft and collar means disposed between said axial fan assembly and said motor and affixed to said fan assembly for movement therewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
-The invention both as to its organization and principles of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may better be understood by referring to the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a compact axial fan hair dryer and an associated styling attachment, in accordance with this invention.
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional top view of the air flow portion ; of the hair dryer of Fig. 1, in accordance with this invention.
,' , , ~ jl/;it~t~ 4 .
35~
Fig. 3 i9 an end view, partial in section, of the air inlet of the air flow portion of the hair dryer of Fig. 1, in accordance with this invention.
D~TAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to Figure l, the hair dryer includes a dryer ; housing 10 which is preferab]y made of plastic and comprises separate mating sections ll and 12. The sections 11 and 12 are connected together by means of snap locks located along their respective periphery and also by means of screws (not shown) or the like. The housing 10 includes handle portion 13 which is generally cylindrical or eliptical in cross section to provide a comfortable grip for the user, and an air flow portion 14.
The handle portion 13 provides an aperture for access to an on/off switch 15. The on/off switch 15 is electrically connected to an AC line cord 16 extending from the bottom of the handle portion 13 in the manner well known in the art. Other types of control circuitry which provide a variety of fan speed/heating settings, as well as a dual voltage capability, may be provided in a manner well known in the art.
The upper part of the handle portion 13 is integrally molded at about the mid-point of the air flow portion L4 to provide for a balanced easy-to-manipulate hair dryer 10. The air flow portion 14, which may be approximately three inches in length, defines an air inlet 17 and an air exhaust or outlet 18. Preferably the air inlet 17 is generally circular in shape an~ the air flow portion 14 gradually forms an air outlet 18 of a generally rectangular cross section. The generally rectangular cross section of air outlet 18 includes shorter upper and lower parallel sides - which each include an integrally molded stud or post such as posts 19 and 20 to be used with j1/ ~J~
:
ap-on attacllm~nts, in a manner well known in the art.
~ ttachment 21, which inc]udes a styling portion 22 such as a comb or brush, has upper and lower plastic resilient arms 23 and 24. Apertures 25 and 26 are defined respectively in upper and lower arms 23 and 24 to provide a snap fit over posts 19 and 20, all in a manner well known in the art. Other types of mounting arrangements for styling attachments are suitable when the hair dryer Ls to be used for styling the hair.
Referring now to Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings, air is drawn in through the air inlet 17 of the air flow portion 14 through a wire mesh screen 27. The screen 27 is interlocked at : its generally circular periphery into the cabinet sections 11 and 12 in a manner well known in the art. Disposed downstream from the screen 27 lS a screen support 28 best seen when referring to Figure 3. The screen support 28 is made up of piece of metal, plastic or the like preferably in a generally cross configuration and of minimum size in order to block as little of the air ,, passageway as possible. The crosslike screen support 28 is bowed out toward the screen 27 to provide s~ructural rigidity to the screen 27. The center point of the support 28 defines an aperture 29 through which a securing member such as screw 30 - fixes a guard or shield 31 to the support 28. The screen support 28 may be interlocked into the sections 11 and 12 of housing 10 or otherwise affixed thereto in any manner well known in the art.
The guard or shield 31 may be made of a plastic and is generally dome shaped. The shield 31 is connected to the screen support 28 through its integrally molded threaded mounting post 32. The shield 31 is positioned such that it provides proper clearance to the fan blades 33 and fan hub 34. The smooth ~ 6-`:
',, -. ~ ,` ` ~ ' .:
:
:
.' `
~2~7 uownstream outer s~irface of the shie:ld 31 provides minimum air flow restriction. The shield 31 is fixed only to the center portion of the screen support 28 to minimize air flow restriction problems and also to substan~ially prevent the knotting problem previously described. That is, if loose ha:ir gets through the screen 27, it tends to collect or wind about the mounting post 32. The resulting hair causes little air flow restriction and does not detrimentally affect the operation or safety of the hair dryer.
Further~ when hair connected to the user flnds its way through the screen 28 onto the outer surface of the shield 31, the aerodynamic forces that are present still cause the hair to migrate toward the center of the system. However, because the shield 31 is present, the user's hair tends to lay across the outer surface of the shield 31. Since the hub is not spinning, the hair tends not to get knotted. Thus, when the dryer is moved away from the hair, the hair strands in the dryer laying on the surEace of the shield 31 will tend to ease readily through the mesh of the screen 27.
Disposed within the upstream inner surface of the dome shaped shield 31 is a brass fan bushing 35 which mounts the fan blades 33 with its hub 34 to the motor shaft 36. The fan 33 is a stamped aluminum fan having a plurality of blades 33 such as four in number~ all joined by means of the generally circular fan hub 34. The fan hub 34 has a centrally defined aperture in which the motor shaft 36 is depressed.
The fan bushing, upstream of the fan hub 34, is generally shaped as a truncated cone. The fan bushing 35, which includes a centrally defined aperture, is of a sufficient height upstream ~ 7-- I the fan hub 34 to at least acconio(~a~e the entire ]ength of the motor shaft 36 which extends upstream of the fan hub 34.
! The upstream portion of the motor shaft 36 is disposed through the fan bushing aperture.
Between the upstream portion of the motor 37 and the . bushing 35 and the downstream side of the fan hub 34 and connected to the downstream portion of the fan blades 33 is a rotati.ng collar 38. The co].lar 38 which may be integrally formed ` of plastic or formed as a stamped meta] piece with the fan 10 assembly (fan 33 and fan hub 34) is generally cylindrical in shape and comprises a wall portion 39, concentrical].y disposed about ~i part of a motor mount 44, and a top portion 40. The top portion 40 is, of course, generally circular and deEines a central aperture ; for receiving the motor shaft 36 and motor bearing 42. The length of the wall portion 39 of the collar 38 is preferably ~ long enough to extend beyond the most downstream portion of the : fan blades 33 such as extended portion 41. The extended portion 41 of the collar 38 beyond the fan blades 33 is believed to aid ;~ in the prevention of hair entanglement problems previously ~ 20 described.
: In general, the collar 38 on its upstream surface is affixed to fan blades 33 and bushing 35 and accordingly rotates in unison with the fan blades 33 about the motor shaft 36. The collar 38 substantially prevents hair connected to the user from wrapping around the motor shaft 36 on the downstream side of bushing 35 and pulling the user toward the hair dryer. In addition, the collar 38 substantially prevents loose hairs from being disposed about the motor shaft 36 and interfering with the normal operation of the system and causing premature breakdown , . . .
':
an _ustomer ~issatisfaction.
The motor 37 is capable of driving tile associated fan assembly, made up of blades 33 and fan hub 34, and collar 38 at ,~ about 15,000 to 18,000 rpm. The motor 37 is a DC permanent magnet motor such as that manufactured by Mabuchi in Japan as Model RS-365. Ilowever, it is understood that the choice of a motor is not critical in practicing this invention.
If desired, in order to take the spin out of the air flow, a fixed vane assembly is provided. Although not necessary for the practice of this invention, the fixed vane assembly provides a more efficient hair dryer system. In general, the fixed vane assembly may be formed of a plastic such as poly-carbonate and comprises an integrally formed generally cylindrical shroud 43 disposed about the outside of the fan/motor assembly ~-~ and a generally cylindrical motor mount 44 disposed about an upstream portion of motor 37. The inner surface of the shroud 43 and the outer surface of the motor mount 44 are interconnected through a plurality of air foils or fixed vanes 45, such as nine in number, all in a manner well known in the art. The shroud 43 may extend about the fan blades 33 and also about the fixed vanes 45 located downstream from the fan blades 33.
Located downstream from the fixed vane assembly are concentrically wound iron chrome resistance wire heater coils 46 disposed in the downstream portion of the air flow portion 14 and partially disposed about the motor 37. The coils 46 are mounted in appropriate slots of Micaboards 47 and 48 in a manner well known in the art. The Micaboards 47 and 48 in turn are connected ~-~ to the inner walls of sections 11 and 12 of housing 10.
An air exhaust grill 49 is disposed over the air exit or ~ -9-,~, ,~ .
5~
let 18 and is interconnected to sections 11 and J2 of houslng 10 and Micaboards 47 and 48 through interlocks or the like.
While an embodiment and application of the invention has been shown and described, it ~ill be apparent to those skilled ; in the ar~ that many more modificat:ions are possible ~ithout departing from the invent:ive concepts herein described. The invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except as is necessary by the prior art and by the spirit of the appended claims.
j l/ I~, ~-`i' -10 ,
Claims (25)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A portable hair dryer comprising a handle portion and an air flow portion, said air flow portion defining an air inlet and an air outlet, said air flow portion including a motor driven axial fan assembly wherein said axial fan is driven by said motor through a connecting motor shaft, and stationary shield means disposed about said motor shaft and collar means disposed between said axial fan assembly and said motor and affixed to said fan assembly for movement therewith.
2. The hair dryer as in Claim 1 wherein said air outlet includes means for releasably receiving associated styling attachments.
3. The hair dryer as in Claim 2 wherein said air inlet is of generally circular shape and said air outlet is of generally rectangular shape.
4. The hair dryer as in Claim 1 wherein said shield means is substantially dome shaped.
5. The hair dryer as in Claim 4 including a cross shaped inlet structure mounted in said air inlet, said shield means including a mounting post wherein said shield means is connected to said inlet structure at said mounting posts.
6. The hair dryer as in Claim 5 further including a screen member disposed over the upstream side of said inlet structure.
7. The hair dryer as in Claim 1 wherein said collar means includes side walls extending beyond the bottom portion of the downstream side of said axial fan assembly.
8. A portable hair dryer comprising a dryer housing having a handle portion and an air flow portion, said air flow portion defining an air inlet of generally circular shape and defining a single air outlet of generally rectangular shape adapted to releasably receive a mating attachment, said air flow portion including an axial fan means, including a fan mounted on a motor through a motor shaft, axially disposed within said air flow portion for drawing a stream of air into said air inlet, through said air flow portion and out said air outlet, said axial fan means being aligned with said air outlet to cause the stream of air to pass directly from said axial fan means through said air outlet without change of direction and means for substantially preventing hair entanglement from said air inlet including shield means disposed about said motor shaft and collar means disposed between said axial fan and said motor and affixed to said fan for movement therewith.
9. The hair dryer as in Claim 8 wherein said collar means includes side walls extending beyond the bottom portion of the downstream side of said axial fan.
10. The hair dryer as in Claim 9 further including a screen member disposed over said air inlet and a cross-shaped air inlet structure member, said shield means being stationary and affixed to the center portion of said cross shaped air inlet structure member.
11. The hair dryer as in Claim 10 wherein said shield means is generally dome shaped.
12. The hair dryer as in Claim 11 further including a fixed vane structure positioned in said air flow portion and downstream from said fan.
13. A portable hair dryer comprising a handle portion and an air flow portion, said air flow portion defining an air inlet and an air outlet, said air flow portion including a motor having an associated motor shaft oriented toward said air inlet, an axial fan mounted on said motor shaft, and a fan bushing mounted on said motor shaft and upstream of said axial fan to secure said axial fan to said motor shaft, said fan bushing including an aperture in which said motor shaft is disposed, said fan bushing having a height at least equal to the height of that portion of the motor shaft upstream of said axial fan, wherein said axial fan is driven by said motor through said motor shaft, and stationary shield means disposed between said motor shaft and said air inlet and collar means disposed between said axial fan and said motor and affixed to said fan assembly for movement therewith.
14. The hair dryer as in Claim 13 wherein the shape of said fan bushing upstream of said axial fan is generally that of a truncated cone.
15. The hair dryer as in Claim 14 wherein said shield means is substantially dome shaped.
16. The hair dryer as in Claim 15 including a cross shaped inlet structure mounted in said air inlet, said shield means including a mounting post wherein said shield means is connected to said inlet structure at said mounting posts.
17. The hair dryer as in Claim 16 wherein said collar means includes side walls extending beyond the bottom portion of the downstream side of said axial fan assembly.
18. A portable hair dryer comprising a dryer housing having a handle portion and an air flow portion, said air flow portion defining an air inlet of generally circular shape and defining a single air outlet of generally rectangular shape adapted to releasably receive a mating attachment, said air flow portion including a motor having an associated motor shaft oriented toward said air inlet, an axial fan mounted on said motor shaft, and a fan bushing mounted on said motor shaft and upstream of said axial fan to secure said axial fan to said motor shaft, said fan bushing including an aperture in which said motor shaft is disposed, said fan bushing having a height at least equal to the length of that portion of the motor shaft upstream of said axial fan, said axial fan being axially disposed within said air flow portion for drawing a stream of air into said air inlet, through said air flow portion and out said air outlet, said axial fan being aligned with said air outlet to cause the stream of air to pass from said axial fan through said air outlet without change of direction; and shield means disposed between said motor shaft and said air inlet and collar means disposed between said axial fan and said motor and affixed to said fan for movement therewith.
19. The hair dryer as in Claim 18 wherein said collar means includes side walls extending beyond the bottom portion of the downstream side of said axial fan.
20. The hair dryer as in Claim 19 further including a screen member disposed over said air inlet and a cross-shaped air inlet structure member, said shield means being stationary and affixed to the center portion of said cross shaped air inlet structure member.
21. The hair dryer as in Claim 20 wherein said shield means is generally dome shaped.
22. The hair dryer as in Claim 18 wherein the shape of said fan bushing upstream of said axial fan is generally that of a truncated cone.
23. A portable hair dryer comprising a handle portion and an air flow portion, said air flow portion defining an air inlet and an air outlet, said air flow portion including a motor driven axial fan assembly wherein said axial fan is driven by said motor through a connecting motor shaft which passes through said axial fan, and stationary substantially air-impervious shield means for blocking the line of sight path to the portion of said motor shaft between said axial fan and said air inlet, said shield means being disposed about and substantially enveloping the portion of said motor shaft beyond said axial fan, an inlet structure mounted in said air inlet, said shield means including a mounting post around which loose hair, which gets through said air inlet structure, tends to collect, wherein said shield means is connected to said inlet structure at said mounting post, and collar means disposed between said axial fan assembly and said motor and affixed to said fan assembly for movement therewith wherein said collar means blocks the line of sight path to the portion of said motor shaft between said axial fan and said motor.
24. The hair dryer as in claim 23 wherein said inlet structure is cross shaped and further including a screen member disposed over the upstream side of said inlet structure.
25. A portable hair dryer comprising a dryer housing having a handle portion and an air flow portion, said air flow portion defining an air inlet of generally circular shape and defining a single air outlet of generally rectangular shape adapted to releasably receive a mating attachment, said air flow portion including an axial fan means, including a fan mounted on a motor through a motor shaft which passes through (Claim 25 cont'd) said fan, said fan being axially disposed within said air flow portion for drawing a stream of air into said air inlet, through said air flow portion and out said air outlet, said axial fan means being aligned with said air outlet to cause the stream of air to pass directly from said axial fan means through said air outlet without change of direction, and means for substantially preventing hair entanglement from said air inlet including stationary substantially air-impervious, dome shaped shield means for blocking the line of sight path to the portion of said motor shaft between said axial fan and said air inlet, said shield means being disposed about and substantially enveloping the portion of said motor shaft beyond said fan, an inlet structure mounted in said air inlet, said shield means including a mounting post around which loose hair, which gets through said inlet structure, tends to collect, wherein said shield means is connected to said inlet structure at said mounting post, and collar means disposed between said axial fan and said motor and affixed to said fan for movement therewith wherein said collar means blocks the line of sight path to the portion of said motor shaft between said axial fan and said motor.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US4390979A | 1979-05-30 | 1979-05-30 | |
| US043,909 | 1979-05-30 | ||
| US7730679A | 1979-09-20 | 1979-09-20 | |
| US077,306 | 1979-09-20 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1124057A true CA1124057A (en) | 1982-05-25 |
Family
ID=26720968
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA352,758A Expired CA1124057A (en) | 1979-05-30 | 1980-05-27 | Axial fan hair dryer |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1124057A (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4629864A (en) * | 1983-12-23 | 1986-12-16 | Black & Decker, Inc. | Hot air gun |
| GB2434095A (en) * | 2006-01-17 | 2007-07-18 | Dyson Technology Ltd | Drying apparatus having a shield overlying an air inlet |
| US8341853B2 (en) | 2005-07-30 | 2013-01-01 | Dyson Technology Limited | Drying apparatus |
| US8347521B2 (en) | 2005-07-30 | 2013-01-08 | Dyson Technology Limited | Drying apparatus |
| US8347522B2 (en) | 2005-07-30 | 2013-01-08 | Dyson Technology Limited | Drying apparatus |
-
1980
- 1980-05-27 CA CA352,758A patent/CA1124057A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4629864A (en) * | 1983-12-23 | 1986-12-16 | Black & Decker, Inc. | Hot air gun |
| US8341853B2 (en) | 2005-07-30 | 2013-01-01 | Dyson Technology Limited | Drying apparatus |
| US8347521B2 (en) | 2005-07-30 | 2013-01-08 | Dyson Technology Limited | Drying apparatus |
| US8347522B2 (en) | 2005-07-30 | 2013-01-08 | Dyson Technology Limited | Drying apparatus |
| GB2434095A (en) * | 2006-01-17 | 2007-07-18 | Dyson Technology Ltd | Drying apparatus having a shield overlying an air inlet |
| GB2434095B (en) * | 2006-01-17 | 2011-08-17 | Dyson Technology Ltd | Drying Apparatus |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKEX | Expiry |