CN220646232U - Hand-held hair drier - Google Patents

Abstract

A hand held hair dryer includes a housing, an air duct defining a duct axis, and a handle, the air duct including an air inlet and an air outlet opposite the air inlet. The handle at least partially defines a battery receiving cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the battery pack, wherein the handle defines a grip axis and wherein the grip axis is parallel to the conduit axis.

Description

Hand-held hair drier

Cross reference to related applications

The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/131,878, filed on 12/30/2020, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/287,430, filed on 8/2021. The entire contents of these two prior applications are incorporated by reference into this application.

Technical Field

The present utility model relates to hand held hair dryers, and in particular to battery powered hand held hair dryers.

Background

Hand held hair dryers are basically used to generate and output an air flow directed by a user.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, a hand held blower includes a housing, an air duct defining a duct axis, and a handle, the air duct including an air inlet and an air outlet opposite the air inlet. The handle at least partially defines a battery receiving cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the battery pack therein, wherein the handle defines a grip axis and wherein the grip axis is parallel to the conduit axis.

In another embodiment, a hand held blower includes a housing, an air duct defining a duct axis, the air duct including an air inlet and an air outlet opposite the air inlet, a fan disposed in the air duct between the air inlet and the air outlet, the fan configured to rotate about the duct axis, the fan including a fan hub and a plurality of blades extending radially outwardly from the fan hub to include a fan tip, the fan defining a first radius extending between the duct axis and the fan hub outer spoke, the fan further defining a second radius extending between the duct axis and the fan tip of the blades, and wherein a ratio of the first radius to the second radius is between 0.6 and 0.8.

In another embodiment, a hand held blower includes a housing, an air duct including an air inlet and an air outlet opposite the air inlet, wherein the air duct defines a duct axis, a fan disposed in the air duct between the air inlet and the air outlet, the fan configured to rotate about the duct axis, the fan including a fan hub and a plurality of blades extending radially outwardly from the fan hub, each blade including an upstream connection point to the fan hub, and wherein the air duct includes an air duct suction length extending axially between the air inlet and the upstream connection point, wherein the air duct includes an air duct radius between an air duct inner surface and the duct axis at a location between the air inlet and the upstream connection point, and wherein a ratio of the air duct radius to the air duct suction length is between 0.4 and 0.5.

In another embodiment, a hand held blower includes a housing, an air duct including an air inlet and an air outlet opposite the air inlet, the air duct defining a duct axis, a fan disposed in the air duct between the air inlet and the air outlet, the fan configured to rotate about the duct axis, a shroud disposed in the air duct between the fan and the air outlet, the shroud having a first length extending along the axis, and a flow region disposed radially between the shroud and an inner surface of the air duct, the flow region including an annular cross-sectional area that remains constant over a majority of the first length.

Drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hand held hair dryer with optional attachment according to a disclosed embodiment of the present utility model.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the hand-held hair dryer of fig. 1 with an extension attachment and a frustum mouth attachment.

Fig. 3 is a side view of the hand-held hair dryer of fig. 1 with an extension attachment and a frustum mouth attachment.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the hand-held hair dryer of fig. 1 with a frustum mouth attachment.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the hand-held hair dryer of fig. 1 with a frustum mouth attachment.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the hand held hair dryer of fig. 1 with an extension attachment and a rectangular outlet attachment.

Fig. 7 is a side view of the hand held hair dryer of fig. 1 with an extension attachment and a rectangular spout attachment.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the hand held hair dryer of fig. 1 with a rectangular outlet attachment.

Fig. 9 is a side view of the hand held hair dryer of fig. 1 with a rectangular air outlet attachment.

Figure 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the hand held hair dryer of figure 1.

Fig. 10A is a side cross-sectional view of the hand held blower of fig. 1 with an attached battery pack.

Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the hand held blower of fig. 1.

Fig. 12 is a side view of a fan of the hand held hair dryer of fig. 1.

Fig. 13 is a front view of the fan of fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an air duct including a light source therein.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an air duct with a light source mounted thereon.

Fig. 15A is an end view of the air duct of fig. 15.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a blower.

Fig. 16A is a cross-sectional view of the blower shown in fig. 16.

Figure 17 is a front view of another embodiment of a blower with a telescoping air duct in a retracted position.

Figure 18 is a front view of the blower of figure 17 with the air duct in an extended position.

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the blower of fig. 18.

Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a blower having a ring fan.

Fig. 20A is an end view of the ring fan of fig. 20.

Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a blower.

Figure 22 shows a soft mouth for use with a hair dryer.

Before any embodiments of the utility model are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the utility model is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The utility model is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 generally illustrates an electric hand held blower 100. The hand-held blower 100 includes a housing 114, an air duct 112 defining an axis A1 therethrough, and a fan assembly 115 at least partially within the air duct 112. The air duct 112 in turn comprises an inlet 110 and an outlet 108, in operation air being drawn into the inlet 110, the outlet 108 being opposite the inlet 108 and downstream of the inlet 110, air being expelled through the outlet 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the air duct 112 is at least partially surrounded by a housing 114 of the blower 100. As shown in fig. 11, in some embodiments, the housing 114 may include two hatches (clamshells) that are connected together by fasteners to surround the air duct 112. While the illustrated embodiment depicts a separate air duct 112 enclosed between two hatches of the housing 114, it is to be understood that the air duct 112 may be attached to the outside of the housing 114 in different embodiments. Again, in other embodiments, the air duct 112 and the housing 114 may be formed together as a single unit.

As shown in fig. 1, the hand held blower 100 is configured for use with three accessories including an extension 102 and at least two different mouths 104, 106. The extension 102, the frustum mouth 104, and the rectangular outlet mouth 106 are each configured to be removably connected to an outlet 108 of the hand-held blower 100. The mouths 104, 106 are also each configured to be removably connected to the extension 102. Blower 100 has attached in fig. 2 and 3 an extension 102 and a frustum nozzle 104, in fig. 4 and 5 only frustum nozzle 104, in fig. 6 and 7 an extension 102 and a rectangular nozzle 106, and in fig. 8 and 9 only rectangular nozzle 106. It should be appreciated that other mouth shapes may be used with blower 100. Such a mouth may be attached directly to the hand held blower 100 (e.g., to the outlet 107) or indirectly to the hand held blower 100 through the extension 102.

Referring to fig. 10, the housing 114 of the hand held blower 100 further includes a handle 116, the handle 116 defining a handle axis A3 extending along a gripping portion thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 116 is generally parallel to the axis A1 and is offset vertically upward from the axis A1, as shown in FIG. 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the gripping axis A3 may be oriented approximately parallel to the axis A1.+ -. 1 degree,.+ -. 2 degrees,.+ -. 3 degrees,.+ -. 4 degrees,.+ -. 5 degrees,.+ -. 6 degrees,.+ -. 7 degrees,.+ -. 8 degrees,.+ -. 9 degrees,.+ -. 10 degrees,.+ -. 12 degrees,.+ -. 15 degrees or.+ -. 20 degrees.

The handle 116 includes a battery receiving cavity 118 (see fig. 10 and 10A) defined therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery receiving cavity 118 is configured to receive at least a portion of the battery pack therein to form a separable electrical connection with the battery pack 119. In some embodiments, the battery pack 119 is a 12V rechargeable battery pack. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery receiving cavity 118 defines a battery insertion axis A2 that is generally parallel to the axis A1 and is offset perpendicularly from the axis A1. In other embodiments, the battery pack is introduced into the battery receiving cavity 118 along the insertion axis A2, where it is releasably secured using a latch or other attachment mechanism (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the insertion axis A2 may be oriented approximately parallel to the axis a1±1 degrees, ±2 degrees, ±3 degrees, ±4 degrees, ±5 degrees, ±6 degrees, ±7 degrees, ±8 degrees, ±9 degrees, ±10 degrees, ±12 degrees, ±15 degrees or ±20 degrees.

In the illustrated embodiment, the battery insertion axis A2 coincides with the grip axis A3. In other embodiments, the battery insertion axis A2 may pass through the handle 116 and be generally parallel to the handle axis a3±1 degree, ±2 degrees, ±3 degrees, ±4 degrees, ±5 degrees, ±6 degrees, ±7 degrees, ±8 degrees, ±9 degrees, ±10 degrees, ±12 degrees, ±15 degrees or ±20 degrees.

After being mounted, at least a portion of the battery pack 119 is received in the battery receiving cavity 118, while at least another portion of the battery pack 119 (in the illustrated embodiment in a direction generally toward the rear of the handle 116) is disposed outside of the battery receiving cavity. The battery pack portion outside of the battery receiving cavity 118 is placed radially outward from the axis A1 at a position vertically above the inlet 110 (in the orientation of fig. 10). The battery pack 119 is also placed such that a plane B1 oriented perpendicular to the axis A1 and aligned with the inlet 110 will pass through the battery 119 (see fig. 10A).

In the illustrated embodiment, a grill 120 is placed over the inlet 110 to prevent larger debris from entering the inlet 110. The grid 120 may be a structure that creates a series of slits, screens, tortuous flow paths, and the like.

As shown in fig. 10, the inlet 110 of the air duct 112 includes a bell-shaped member 122. The bell-shaped component 122 includes a maximum bell radius R1 and a smooth continuous transition to match the smaller radius R2 of the cylindrical component 124 (described below). In some embodiments, the bell 122 may assist in creating advantageous airflow properties through the air duct 112. In some embodiments, the maximum clock radius R1 is about 57.3 millimeters.

Downstream of the bell 122 of the air passage 112 is a cylindrical member 124. The cylindrical member 124 of the air duct 112 extends away from the inlet 110 along the axis A1. The cylindrical member 124 has a cylinder radius R2 that is less than the maximum bell radius R1. In some embodiments, the ratio of cylinder radius R2 to maximum clock radius R1 is between 0.6 and 0.73. In other embodiments, the ratio of cylinder radius R2 to maximum clock radius R1 is between 0.63 and 0.7. In other embodiments, the ratio of cylinder radius R2 to maximum clock radius R1 is 0.67. In some embodiments, the cylinder radius R2 is about 38.2 millimeters.

As shown in fig. 10 and 11, a portion of the cylindrical member 124 of the air duct 112 includes an opening 126 formed in a side wall thereof and open to the inside. The blower 100 includes one or more sound attenuating elements 128 positioned such that they cover the opening 126 to reduce the decibel level of sound exiting the opening 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the sound attenuating element 128 is an annular element disposed between the air duct 112 and the outer shell 114. More specifically, blower 100 includes an annular member 128 of sound attenuating material that surrounds air duct 112 and covers each opening 126. The layer 128 of sound dampening material may be made of, for example, sound dampening foam or the like.

Referring again to fig. 10, the fan assembly 115 of the cylindrical member 124 includes a fan 130, a motor 142 configured to rotate the fan 130 relative to the air duct 112, and a shroud 144 configured to improve the aerodynamic flow of air through the fan 130 and the motor 142. While the illustrated shroud 144 is shown as a pneumatic element, it is to be understood that the shroud 144 may also include locating members extending radially outwardly therefrom to assist in coaxially positioning the motor 142 and fan 130 within the air duct 112. Additionally, while the shroud 144 is illustrated as enclosing a portion of the motor 142, in various embodiments the shroud 144 may act as a pneumatic device only and not enclose the motor 142. In operation, motor 142 rotates fan 130 about axis A1 such that fan assembly 115 draws air into air duct 112 through inlet 110, accelerates the air within air duct 112, and discharges the resulting airflow in a generally forward direction F1 through outlet 108 (see FIG. 4).

A fan 130 is located between the air inlet 110 and the air outlet 108 in the air duct 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the fan 130 is positioned vertically below the handle 116, with the blower 100 oriented as shown in fig. 10. The fan 130 is configured to be driven in rotation about an axis A1 by a motor 142 (as described below). As shown in fig. 12 and 13, the fan 130 includes a fan hub 132 and a plurality of blades 134. Each fan blade 134 includes a radially outward extension from the fan hub 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the fan 130 includes 13 blades 134. The blades 134 are evenly spaced around the circumference of the fan hub 132 and all have the same outer diameter. Each fan blade 134 is connected to fan hub 132 from an upstream connection point 136 to a downstream connection point 138 (best shown in fig. 12). In the particular embodiment illustrated, the axial length L1 of the fan blade 134 (e.g., from the upstream connection point 136 to the downstream connection point 138 in a direction along the axis A1) may be, for example, 15.3 millimeters. Each fan blade 134 also includes a radially outermost fan blade tip 140. The fan hub 132 in the illustrated embodiment includes a curved surface that forms a truncated hemispherical shape. This shape provides a narrower cross section of the fan hub 132 upstream of the fan hub 132 to achieve better aerodynamic flow through the fan hub during operation.

In some embodiments, the ratio of the radius R3 of fan hub 132 (measured from axis A1 to the radially outermost end of fan hub 132) to the radius R4 of fan blades 134 (measured from axis A1 to fan blade tip 140) is between 0.6 and 0.8. In other embodiments, the ratio of radius R3 to radius R4 is between 0.65 and 0.75. In other embodiments, the ratio of radius R3 to radius R4 is between 0.7 and 0.75. In other embodiments, the ratio of radius R3 to radius R4 is 0.72. These may allow the fan 130 to require less energy to rotate than conventional fans while still producing a significant amount of airflow through the air passage 112. In particular, these ratios enable the fan 130 to rotate at a faster speed with lower torque requirements of the motor 142, and thus lower current consumption for the associated motor than conventional fans. In some embodiments, the fan hub radius R3 is about 26.3 millimeters and the fan tip radius R4 is about 36.5 millimeters. In such embodiments, these measurements result in a blade radial height H1 of about 10.2 millimeters. This configuration creates a clearance C1 of about 1.7 millimeters between the fan blade tips 140 and the inner surface of the cylindrical member 124 of the air duct 112.

Returning to fig. 10, the hand-held blower 100 may further include an air duct intake length L2 defined along axis A1 from the air inlet 110 to an upstream connection point 136 of the fan blades 134. In some embodiments, the air duct intake length L2 is about 77 millimeters. The air duct 112 further includes an air duct radius, such as a cylinder radius R2, that extends from the axis A1 to an inner surface of the air duct 112 at a location on the axis A1 between the air inlet 110 and the upstream connection point 136. In some embodiments, the ratio of air duct radius R2 to air duct entrance length L2 is between 0.4 and 0.55. In some embodiments, the ratio of air duct radius R2 to air duct entrance length L2 is between 0.45 and 0.5. In other embodiments, the ratio of air duct radius R2 to air duct entrance length L2 is 0.5. The ratio of air duct radius R2 to air duct entrance length L2 provides a suction length L2 that is relatively short but still provides adequate airflow through air duct 112.

As described above, the fan 130 is driven by a motor 142 that is disposed downstream of the fan 130 and powered by the battery pack. In some embodiments, motor 142 includes a motor length L3 of about 136 millimeters. And motor 142 is located within air duct 112 and is positioned coaxially with axis A1. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the motor 142 is positioned at least partially within the shroud 144, and the shroud 144 provides an efficient aerodynamic profile to assist in the flow of air through the air duct 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 114 is configured to at least partially house a portion of the motor 142 therein while providing an outer surface that narrows as it extends downstream from the fan 130 to create a generally conical shape. The shroud 144 is thus positioned between the fan 130 and the air outlet 108 of the air duct 112.

The shroud 144 includes a length L4 extending along the axis A1. In some embodiments, the length L4 is about 102 millimeters. A flow region 146 having an annular cross-sectional area is disposed radially between the shroud 144 and the inner surface of the air duct 112. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the annular cross-sectional area of the flow region 146 is constant over a majority of the length L4. In some embodiments, the annular cross-sectional area of the flow region 146 is constant over more than 60% of the length L4. In some embodiments, the annular cross-sectional area of the flow region 146 is constant over more than 75% of the length L4. In other words, subtracting the cross-sectional area of the shroud 144 from the cross-sectional area of the air duct 112 results in a constant annular cross-sectional flow area 146 at a plurality of points along the axis A1 over the axial length of the shroud 144. One point P1 may be located, for example, radially outward of a portion of the motor 142, while another point P2 may be located, for example, closer to the downstream tip of the shroud 144 than the motor 142. Such a configuration may limit the amount of expansion and/or contraction of the airflow through the air duct 112, thereby increasing the efficiency of the hand-held blower 100. Additionally, the shroud 144 and the flow region 146 may, in some embodiments, efficiently and effectively focus the airflow downstream of the shroud 144.

The air outlet 108 includes an outlet diameter D1, such as 55.4 millimeters in some embodiments. The outlet 108 also includes a mounting element 148 to allow for a simple and quick connection between the air duct 112 and the various accessories 102, 104, 106 (as described above). More specifically, the mounting element 148 of the illustrated device includes a twist-lock (twist-to-lock) channel defined in a wall of the air duct 112 adjacent the outlet 108.

The illustrated hand-held blower 100 may include many other features including, for example, a plurality of controls 150 disposed on or about the handle 16, a plurality of support feet 152 that enable a user to place the hand-held blower 100 on a support surface, a plurality of vibration reduction members 154 (made of, for example, polymeric materials) that connect the air duct 112 to the housing 114 (as shown in fig. 11), a plurality of mouth attachments 104, 106, and extension attachments 102 that vary in shape, size, and length, and the like.

As shown in fig. 5, the frustum mouth 104 is illustrated. The mouth 104 is generally elongate in shape having a first end 160 configured to be releasably attached to the mounting element 148 of the outlet 108 of the air duct 112 and a mouth outlet 156 opposite the first end 160 formed with a cross-sectional area less than the cross-sectional area of the cylindrical member 124 of the air duct 112. In some embodiments, the diameter D2 of the mouth outlet 156 is about 50 millimeters. To achieve a smaller mouth outlet 156 area, the mouth 104 may be narrowed at a taper angle T1 (e.g., 1 °). Frustum mouth 104 may have a mouth length L5, for example 154.7 millimeters in some embodiments.

Fig. 14 illustrates another embodiment of an air conduit 1112. The air duct 1112 is substantially similar to the air duct 112 described above, and therefore only the differences will be described in detail below. The air duct 1112 includes a light source 1050 mounted within the volume 1500 of the air duct 1112 and positioned axially between the inlet 1110 and the outlet 1108 thereof. The light source 1050 may be an LED, incandescent bulb, neon light, or the like. More specifically, the light source 1050 may be mounted on the downstream tip 1504 of the shroud 1144 within the air duct 1112. In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 1050 is oriented such that the resulting light beam 1508 is directed along the axis a1001 toward the outlet 1108 such that the light beam 1508 projects outwardly in the same general direction as the air flow is discharged from the air duct 1112 (e.g., F1). In some embodiments, the light beam 1508 includes a steering projection (diverting projection) defining a light beam axis a1003, the light beam axis a1003 being coaxial with the axis a 1001.

While the illustrated light source 1050 is shown mounted on the downstream tip 1504 of the shroud 1144, it is to be understood that the light source 1050 may be mounted separately from the fan assembly 1115 (e.g., supported by one or more separate supports) within the volume 1500 of the air duct 1112 in different embodiments. Additionally, while the illustrated embodiment includes a single light source 1050 coaxially disposed within the air conduit 1112, in different embodiments there may be multiple light sources 1050 within the volume 1500 of the air conduit 1112 and the multiple light sources 1050 may be positioned radially offset from the axis a 1001.

In some embodiments, the light source 1050 is powered by the battery pack 119. During use, the light source 1050 may be activated at any time the motor 142 is turned on. In other embodiments, the light source 1050 may be activated at any time the motor 142 is on, plus an additional extended "loiter" period after the motor 142 has been off. In other embodiments, the light source 1050 may be turned on and off independently of the motor 142. In other embodiments, a combination of the above features may be utilized to control the light source 1050.

Fig. 15 and 15A illustrate another embodiment of an air conduit 2112. The air duct 2112 is generally similar to the air duct 112 described above, and therefore only the differences will be described in detail herein. The air duct 2112 includes one or more light sources 2050 mounted to a wall of the air duct 2112 itself. More specifically, the one or more light sources 2050 are mounted to the outer edge of the outlet 2110 and are spaced along the outer edge of the outlet 2110. In the illustrated embodiment, the air duct 2112 includes four light sources 2050 (e.g., one every 90 degrees) evenly spaced around the outer edge of the outlet 2110 of the air duct 2112. However, in different embodiments, more or fewer light sources 2050 may be present. In other embodiments, the annular or corded light extends curvedly around a portion or the entire periphery of the outlet of the air duct 2112.

As shown in fig. 15, each light source 2050 of the air duct 2112 connected to the outer edge of the outlet 2110 is oriented so that the corresponding light beam 2500 emitted therefrom is directed in a direction parallel to the axis a2001. More specifically, each light source 2050 of the one or more light sources 2050 is configured to output a scattered light beam along a corresponding optical axis a 2003. In the particular embodiment illustrated, each optical axis a2003 is parallel to axis a2001. However, in various embodiments, only one grouping of light sources 2050 may be oriented such that the corresponding optical axes a2003 are parallel to the axis a2001.

In various embodiments, the one or more light sources 2050 may be oriented such that the optical axis a2003 of the light beam 2500 extending therefrom is configured to converge at one or more focal points. In some embodiments, each light source 2050 may be angled such that all of the plurality of light sources 2050 are focused at a single focal point. In other embodiments, a first subset of light sources 2050 may be directed toward a first focus, while a second subset of light sources 2050 are directed toward a second focus different from the first focus. Further, the one or more foci may be positioned before the outlet 2110 of the air conduit 2112 (e.g., in the general direction of air discharge from the blower 100) and even on axis a2001. In other embodiments, the light source 2050 may be used to illuminate an area surrounding the user and directed generally downward of the blower 100.

In some embodiments, the light source 2050 may be powered by the battery pack 119. During use, the light source 2050 may be activated at any time the motor 142 is turned on. In other embodiments, the light source 2050 may be activated at any time the motor 142 is on plus an additional extended "loiter" period after the motor 142 has been off. In other embodiments, the light source 2050 may be activated and deactivated independently of the motor 142. In other embodiments, a combination of the above features may be utilized to control the light source 2050.

Fig. 16 and 16A illustrate another embodiment hand held blower 3100. Hand-held blower 3100 is generally similar to hand-held blower 100 described above, and therefore only the differences will be described in detail herein. Hand held blower 3100 includes light source 3050 of housing 3114 outside of releasably mounted air duct 3112. More specifically, the light source 3050 is releasably mounted to the housing 3114 proximate to a handle 3116 positioned vertically above the air duct 3112. When the light source 3050 is mounted to the housing 3114, the light source 3050 is configured to output one or more light beams 3500 toward the outlet 3110 in a general direction (e.g., F1) with which air is discharged from the blower 3100. In some embodiments, beam 3500 includes a light-dispersed projection (diverging projection of light) defining beam axis a 3003. In some cases, beam axis a3003 may be parallel to axis a3001.

In various embodiments, the light source 3050 may be angled such that one or more light beams 3500 are configured to converge at a focal point positioned in front of the outlet 3110. In some embodiments, the focal point may be located on axis a 3001. In other embodiments, the light source 3050 can be adjusted to enable a user to manually adjust and redirect the one or more light beams 3500 during use. In other embodiments, beam 3500 may be directed to illuminate the area around the user and hand dryer 3100 as a floodlight.

In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 3050 is a separate self-contained unit that includes a light source body 3504, a battery 3508, a user input switch 3510, and one or more light emitting elements 3512. More specifically, housing 3114 of hand-held blower 3100 defines mounting point 3516, and body 3504 of light source 3050 can be releasably mounted to mounting point 3516 during use. In the illustrated embodiment, mounting point 3516 includes an aperture defined by housing 3114 into which body 3504 of light source 3050 is inserted, but in a different embodiment mounting point 3516 can include an external mount, such as a rail or the like. In other embodiments, hand-held blower 3100 may include a plurality of mounting locations to which light source 3050 may be selectively attached. In such embodiments, one of the mounting locations may be positioned on the underside of the housing 3114 opposite the handle 116, thereby allowing the light source 3050 to act as a floor area floodlight without the blower itself blocking light (e.g., element 3518 in fig. 16A).

In some embodiments, light source 3050 and hand-held blower 3100 are configured such that the two elements are in operable communication with each other when light source 3050 is mounted to housing 3114. For example, the battery 3508 of the light source 3050 may be charged or recharged by the battery pack 119 of the hand-held blower 3100. In addition, the input of hand-held blower 3100 may be used to supplement the power contained by light source 3050 such that hand-held blower 3100 can remotely turn light source 3050 on and off during use. When the light source 3050 is separated from the hand-held blower 3100, the light source 3050 will act as a standard flashlight that relies on its own battery 3508 and is turned on and off by its own user input switch 3510.

Fig. 17-19 illustrate another embodiment of a hand held blower 4100. The hand held blower 4100 is generally similar to the hand held blower 100 described above, and therefore only the differences will be described in detail herein. The hand held blower 4100 includes a retractable or stowable air duct 4112 having an adjustable duct length 4500 defined generally as the axial length between the inlet 4110 and the outlet 4108 on axis a 4001. In use, air duct 4112 is adjustable between a contracted position (see fig. 17) in which air duct 4112 has a first duct length 4500a, and an extended position (see fig. 18) in which air duct 4112 has a second duct length 4500b that is greater than first duct length 4500 a. In other embodiments, air duct 4112 can include a plurality of extended positions, each having a unique duct length 4500 that is greater than first duct length 4500 a.

The air duct 4112 includes a first portion or fixed portion 4504 fixedly mounted to the housing 4114, and a second portion or movable portion 4508 movably connected to the first portion 4504. More specifically, the dimensions of the first and second portions 4504 and 4508 are such that the two portions 4504 and 4508 nest within one another when the second portion 4508 is coaxially moved relative to the first portion 4504. The nesting fit also allows the two portions 4504, 4508 to rotate relative to one another when needed (e.g., for locking and unlocking). In the particular embodiment illustrated, second portion 4508 has a relatively larger cross-section than first portion 4504, such that first portion 4504 nests within second portion 4508 as duct length 4500 shortens. However, in different embodiments, the first portion 4504 may be larger than the second portion 4508.

The first portion 4504 of the air duct 4112 forms the inlet 4110, and the second portion 5408 of the air duct 4112 forms the outlet 4108. As shown in fig. 19, the arrangement between the two portions 5404, 4508 allows air to flow through all locations of the air duct 4112 as the interiors of the two portions 4504 and 4508 are maintained in constant fluid communication with each other.

In addition, while the illustrated air duct 4112 includes two nesting portions, in different embodiments the air duct 4112 may include additional nesting portions to increase the adjustability of the overall device.

In the particular embodiment illustrated, the second portion 4508 is constrained relative to the first portion 4504 such that the two portions 4504, 4508 do not separate under normal operating conditions. In some embodiments, the first and second portions 4504, 4508 may include a set of interlocking slots and catch plates to retain the second portion 4508 while still allowing the two elements to move axially relative to each other.

The air channel 4112 also includes a locking mechanism 4512 to selectively secure the second portion 4508 relative to the first portion 4504. More specifically, the locking mechanism 4512 is adjustable between a first or unlocked configuration in which the second portion 4508 is movable relative to the first portion 4504, and a second or locked configuration in which the second portion 4508 is axially fixed relative to the first portion 4504. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the locking mechanism 4512 comprises a right angle lock (quarter-lock) type system in which rotating the second portion 4508 (e.g., about 90 degrees) relative to the first portion 4504 changes the locking mechanism 4512 between a locked and unlocked configuration. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the first portion 4504 may include one or more grooves formed in an outer surface thereof such that pins or protrusions formed in an inner diameter of the second portion 4508 may travel along the grooves to at least partially limit relative movement of the first portion 4504 and the second portion 4508.

Although the locking mechanism 4512 is illustrated as a right angle lock type system, in various embodiments the locking mechanism 4512 may include a spring-loaded detent mechanism, a pin that moves along a tortuous path, a friction-based system, or the like. The locking mechanism 4512 may also include some form of mechanical clip or lock to secure the second portion 4508 relative to the first portion 4504.

As shown in fig. 19, the fan assembly 4115 is coaxially mounted within the first portion 4504 of the air duct 4112. While the first portion 4504 is mounted to the housing 4114 in a cantilevered fashion using one or more mounts (not shown) positioned proximate the inlet 4110. With this arrangement, the air duct 4112 relies on the second portion 4504 contacting the housing 4114 to provide a second point of support (e.g., where the second portion 4504 passes through the housing 4114 near the front end of the blower 4100).

Fig. 20 illustrates another embodiment hand held blower 5100. The hand held blower 5100 is generally similar to the hand held blower 100 described above, and therefore only the differences will be described in detail herein. The fan 5130 of the hand-held blower 5100 is a ring fan 5130 having a hub 5500, a plurality of fan blades 5504 extending radially outwardly from the hub 5500, and a ring 5508 extending circumferentially around an end of the plurality of fan blades 5504 to define a fan outer diameter D3. In use, the fan 5130 is mounted to the motor 5142 for rotation about the axis a 5001. In various embodiments, the fan 5130 can include winglets (not shown) on the fan blade tip in place of the ring 5508 or in addition to the ring 5508. In the illustrated embodiment, the fan outer diameter D3 is greater than the inner diameter D4 of the air conduit 5112.

As shown in fig. 20, the wall 5516 of the air conduit 5112 includes an annular groove 5520 extending around its entire circumference and oriented perpendicular to the axis a 5001. The grooves 5520 have an axial width and radial depth that generally correspond to the width and outer diameter D3 of the fan 5130. When assembled, the fan 5103 is positioned such that at least a portion of the ring 5508 is positioned within the annular groove 5520 creating a tortuous, narrow path therebetween. As such, as the fan 5130 rotates about the axis A5001 relative to the air duct 5112, a "dead-head" zone is created to help limit any "spills" of air flow around the fan 3130. This in turn improves the efficiency of the fan 5130.

Fig. 21 illustrates another embodiment of a hand held blower 6100. The hand held blower 6100 is generally similar to the hand held blower 100 described above, and therefore only the differences will be described in detail herein. The hand held blower 6100 includes an air conduit 6112, the air conduit 6112 having an inlet 6110 and an outlet 6108 opposite the inlet 6110. Blower 6100 also includes a fan assembly 6115 that includes a fan 6130, a motor 6142 that drives fan 6130, and a shroud 6144 that at least partially encloses motor 6142. As shown in fig. 21, the fan 6130, motor 6142, and shroud 6144 are all positioned within the air conduit 6112 between the inlet 6110 and the outlet 6108.

The fan 6130, motor 6142, and shroud 6144 together contoured within the air duct 6112 includes an upstream end 6500 (e.g., formed generally by the fan hub 6132), a downstream end 6504 (e.g., formed generally by the outer surface of the shroud 6144), and a structure of cylindrical portion 6508 (e.g., formed generally by the remainder of the shroud 6144 and a portion of the fan hub 6132) extending between the upstream end 6500 and the downstream end 6504. In general, upstream end 6500 includes a geometry that narrows upstream, while downstream end 6054 includes a geometry that narrows downstream. The cylindrical portion 5408 generally includes a region between the upstream end 6500 and the downstream end 6504. With further reference to fig. 21, the upstream end 6500 defines a first axial region 6512, the cylindrical portion 5408 defines a second axial region 6516, and the downstream end 6504 defines a third axial region 6520.

As shown in fig. 21, the downstream end 6504 and the portion of the wall 6518 of the air duct 6112 axially aligned with the downstream end 6504 are sized and shaped such that the cross-sectional area defined between the downstream end 6504 and the air duct 6112 remains constant along the entire third axial region 6520. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional area between the downstream end 6504 and the air conduit 6112 may remain constant along the entire third axial region 6520±1%, ±2% or ±5%.

In the particular embodiment illustrated, the cylindrical portion 5408 and the wall 6518 of the air conduit 6112 axially aligned with the cylindrical portion 5408 are sized and shaped such that the cross-sectional area created between the cylindrical portion 5408 and the wall 6518 remains constant along the entire second axial region 6516. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional area between the cylindrical portion 5408 and the air conduit 6112 may remain constant along the entire second axial region 6516±1%, ±2% or ±5%.

In other embodiments, the air conduit 6112 of the blower 6100 is illustrated with a constant cross-sectional area along the second and third axial regions 6516, 6520. In other embodiments, the air duct 6112 has a constant cross-sectional area along the second and third axial regions 6516, 6520±1%, ±2% or ±5%.

In yet another particular embodiment, the cap 6144 defines a fourth axial length 6522 generally corresponding to a portion of the cap 6144 narrowing as it extends downstream. In such embodiments, the cross-sectional area between the wall 6518 of the air conduit 6112 and the motor housing cover is constant throughout the fourth axial length 6522. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional area between the wall 6518 and the cap 6144 is constant throughout the fourth axial length 6522.

As shown in fig. 22, the air conduit 6112 further includes a downstream portion 6524 extending axially downstream from the tip of the cap 6144 to the outlet 6108. The downstream portion 6524 of the air duct 6112 includes a tip proximate the shroud 6144, a first end 6532 defining a first diameter 6536, and an outlet 6108 defining a second diameter 6540. In the illustrated embodiment, the downstream portion 6524 includes a constant slope extending between the first end 6532 and the outlet 6108.

Figure 22 illustrates an accessory or mouth for use with blower 100. The mouth 7500 is generally elongate in shape having a first portion 7504 and a second portion 7508, the second portion 7508 being connected to the first portion 7504 such that the two portions 7504, 7508 form a continuous channel along an axial length thereof. The first portion 7504 of the mouth 7500 includes a first end 7512 releasably connected to the outlet 108 of the blower 100 and a second end 7516 opposite the first end 7512. The second portion 7508 is in turn connected to the second end 7516 of the first portion 704 and extends away from the second end 7516 of the first portion 704 to form a mouth outlet 7510. In use, when the nozzle 7500 is attached to the blower 100, air discharged by the blower 100 through the outlet 108 enters the first end 7512 of the nozzle 7500, is carried along the channel formed by the nozzle 7500 and is discharged through the nozzle outlet 7520.

As shown in fig. 22, the second portion 7508 of the mouth 7500 is made of a pliable material (e.g., foam, rubber, silicone, etc.) so that the side walls of the mouth 7400 can deform and be manipulated during use. In other words, the side walls of the mouth 7400 may be deformed to change and alter the cross-sectional shape of the mouth 7500. This is in contrast to the first portion 7504 being formed of a substantially rigid material (e.g., plastic, metal, etc.). Such variability may be used to manipulate the mouth 7500 to fit various areas, such as under a chair, behind furniture, etc.

In some embodiments, the inner surface of the second portion 7508 of the mouth 7500 may be coated, sealed, or the like to provide a smoother surface for more efficient air flow. In other embodiments, fins, baffles, and the like may also be present in the second portion 7508 to affect the flow of air therein. In such embodiments, the airflow elements may also be made of a flexible material so that they can deform with the mouth's own second portion 7508.

The 1 st: a hand held blower comprising a housing, an air duct defining a duct axis, the air duct including an air inlet and an air outlet opposite the air inlet, wherein the air duct defines a volume between the air inlet and the air outlet, a motor positioned at least partially within the volume of the air duct, a fan operatively connected to the motor and positioned at least partially within the volume of the air duct, the fan configured to rotate about the duct axis, and a light source positioned within the volume of the air duct.

The 2 nd: the hand-held hair dryer of clause 1, further comprising a housing configured to at least partially house a portion of the motor therein, and wherein the light source is connected to the housing.

3 rd: the hand-held hair dryer of clause 1, wherein the power source is configured to output a light beam having a beam axis, and wherein the beam axis is parallel to the duct axis.

The 4 th: the hand-held hair dryer of clause 1, wherein the beam axis is coaxial with the duct axis.

The 5 th: a hand held blower includes a housing, an air duct defining a duct axis, the air duct including an air outlet having an outlet periphery, a fan assembly configured to discharge an air flow through the air outlet, and a light source connected to the outlet periphery of the air duct and configured to output a light beam therefrom.

6: the hand-held hair dryer of clause 5, wherein the air duct comprises an inlet opposite the outlet, and wherein the fan assembly is positioned at least partially within the air duct.

The 7 th: the hand-held hair dryer of clause 5, wherein the light beam defines a light beam axis, and wherein the light beam axis is parallel to the duct axis.

8 th: the hand-held hair dryer of clause 5, wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light sources, each connected to the outlet periphery and configured to output a corresponding light beam outwardly therefrom.

9 th: the hand-held hair dryer of clause 8, wherein each light beam defines a light beam axis, and wherein each light beam axis is parallel to the duct axis.

The 10 th mode: the hand-held hair dryer of clause 8, wherein each of the light beams defines a beam axis, and wherein each of the beam axes is oriented toward a common focal point.

The 11 th: a hand held blower comprising a housing defining a battery receiving cavity configured to receive a battery pack therein, an air duct defining a duct axis, the air duct including an air inlet and an air outlet opposite the air inlet, a fan assembly positioned at least partially within the air duct, and a light source removably connected to the housing, wherein the light source comprises a light source body, a light source battery, and a light emitting element.

The 12 th section: the hand-held hair dryer of clause 11, wherein when the light source is connected to the housing, the light emitting element is configured to output a light beam having a beam axis, and wherein the beam axis is generally toward the outlet of the air duct.

The 13 th section: the hand-held dryer of clause 12, wherein the beam axis is parallel to the duct axis.

The 14 th: the hand-held hair dryer of clause 11, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of mounting points, each mounting point configured to provide a location for the light source to be removably connected to the housing.

The 15 th mode: the hand-held hair dryer of clause 11, wherein the housing comprises a handle, and wherein the light source is connected to the housing at a position radially opposite the handle relative to the duct axis.

The 16 th: a hand held blower comprising a housing, a first duct portion fixedly connected to the housing, wherein the first duct portion defines an air inlet and a duct axis, and wherein the first duct portion defines a first passage, a second duct portion connected to the first duct portion and axially movable relative to the first duct portion, wherein the second duct portion defines an air outlet, and a fan assembly positioned at least partially within the first duct portion and configured to exhaust an air flow through the air outlet of the second duct portion, and wherein the first duct portion and the second duct portion define a duct length between the air inlet and the air outlet, and wherein the duct length is adjustable.

17 th: the hand-held hair dryer of clause 16, wherein the second duct portion is movable relative to the first duct portion between a stowed position and one or more deployed positions.

18 th: the hand held hair dryer of clause 16, wherein said first duct portion is sized to be received within said second duct portion.

19 th: the hand-held hair dryer of clause 16, further comprising a locking mechanism movable between a locked configuration in which the second conduit portion is not axially movable relative to the first conduit portion and an unlocked configuration in which the second conduit portion is axially movable relative to the first conduit portion.

The 20 th: a nozzle for use with a hand held hair dryer, the nozzle comprising an elongate body having a first end configured to be connected to an outlet of the hair dryer and a nozzle outlet opposite the first end, wherein the nozzle defines a channel extending between and open to the first end and the nozzle outlet, and wherein at least a portion of the elongate body is made of a flexible material.

The 21 st: the hand-held dryer of clause 20, wherein at least a portion of the elongated body is made of a rigid material.

The 22 nd: the hand-held hair dryer of clause 20, wherein the elongated body comprises a first portion and a second portion connected to the first portion, wherein the first portion forms the first end and the second portion forms the mouth outlet.

23 rd: the hand-held dryer of clause 22, wherein the first portion is formed of a rigid material and the second portion is formed of a flexible material.

Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist which fall within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the utility model as described.

Claims (8)

1. A hand held hair dryer comprising:

a housing;

an air duct defining a duct axis, the air duct including an air inlet and an air outlet opposite the air inlet; and

a handle at least partially defining a battery receiving cavity open to an exterior of the housing and configured to receive at least a portion of a battery pack therein to form a detachable electrical connection therewith, wherein the handle defines a grip axis, and wherein the grip axis is parallel to the conduit axis by ±10 degrees; and

Wherein the battery receiving cavity defines an insertion axis along which a battery may be inserted into and removed from the battery receiving cavity, and wherein the insertion axis is parallel to the grip axis by + -10 degrees.

2. The hand-held hair dryer of claim 1, wherein the hand-held hair dryer further comprises a battery pack, and wherein a plane aligned with the air inlet and oriented perpendicular to the duct axis would pass through the battery pack when the battery pack is received in the battery receiving cavity.

3. The hand-held hair dryer of claim 1, wherein the hand-held hair dryer further comprises a fan disposed in the air duct, and wherein at least a portion of the handle is axially aligned with the fan.

4. The hand-held hair dryer of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of said battery pack is disposed outside of said battery receiving cavity when received therein.

5. The hand-held hair dryer of claim 1, wherein the hand-held hair dryer further comprises

A fan disposed in the air duct between the air inlet and the air outlet, the fan configured to rotate about the duct axis;

A cover disposed in the air duct between the fan and the air outlet, the cover having a first length extending along the axis; and

a flow region disposed radially between the shroud and the air duct inner surface, the flow region comprising an annular cross-sectional area that remains constant over a majority of the first length.

6. The hand-held hair dryer of claim 5, wherein said annular cross-sectional area remains constant over more than 60% of said first length.

7. The hand-held hair dryer of claim 5, wherein said annular cross-sectional area remains constant over more than 75% of said first length.

8. The hand-held blower of claim 5, wherein the hand-held blower further comprises a motor disposed within the housing, the motor rotatably driving the fan.