US20220047056A1

US20220047056A1 - Hair dryer/fan attachment to dry men's genitals with the option of infusing essential oil or fragrance

Info

Publication number: US20220047056A1
Application number: US17/323,073
Authority: US
Inventors: Christopher Brian Daniels
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-08-12
Filing date: 2021-05-18
Publication date: 2022-02-17

Abstract

The presently disclosed subject matter provides a hair dryer/fan attachment (HDFA). The HDFA comprises a body comprising an opening, and a funnel. The funnel may be releasably secured to the body on one end and removably attached to a hair dryer barrel, or a fan, on its other end. The HDFA opening may be placed comfortably on a user's groin area, effectively covering the genitals. The user may than operate the hair dryer/fan to cause air flow through the funnel and into the body where the air circulates, thus time-effectively and efficiently drying his/her genital area. The HDFA also provides a user with a possibility of scenting the groin area during the drying process.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to a hair dryer/fan attachment designed to facilitate drying of the groin area. More specifically, the hair dryer/fan attachment is designed to facilitate drying of the genitals and, optionally, the anal area. And, even more specifically, drying of men' genitals and, optionally, anal area.
BACKGROUND
The groin area requires careful cleaning to prevent or help reduce the risk of skin rashes/infections. Common causes of rashes are yeast or fungal infections. It is well known that rashes are most likely to form in moist areas where skin touches skin, such as the folds of the groin. To prevent development of a rash/infection, or to treat an existing condition, it is important to clean the groin area often, and—no less importantly, keep it dry.
Most people simply use a towel to dry the groin area prior to getting dressed. However, this often leaves the skin in the area moist as it is very hard to absorb every bit of moisture just by toweling. It is therefore suggested to allow the groin area to air-dry for a period of time after toweling and before getting dressed. However, such air-drying may require more time than most people, and especially care givers, can afford. Thus unfortunately, because of time constraints many people simply give up on this simple and affective measure of a thorough drying of the groin even though in doing they may have to endure discomfort and/or unpleasant and painful health conditions.
The presently disclosed hair dryer/fan attachment (also referred to herein as HDFA) presents a much-needed solution. The HDFA is designed to be comfortably positioned on the groin area, effectively covering and enclosing the genitals, and to be easily connected to a standard hair dryer/fan. By operating the hair dryer/fan a user can quickly and effectively dry his/her genital area.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, various embodiments are disclosed of a hair dryer/fan attachment for drying the groin area, the hair dryer/fan attachment comprising: a body generally shaped as a triangle or a heart, the body comprising a top part, a bottom part, three rounded sides, and three rounded corners, wherein the bottom part comprises a body opening, and one side of the three rounded sides, or one corner of the three rounded corners, or the top part, comprises a funnel opening. The hair dryer/fan attachment also comprises a funnel, the funnel generally having the shape of a tube, and one end of the funnel, the proximal end, can be releasably attached to the funnel opening of the body.
In some embodiments, the distal end of the funnel is wider than its proximal end, and the funnel's diameter gradually tapers from the distal end to the proximal end.
In some embodiments, the body further comprises a ring-shaped funnel connector, and the circumference of the funnel connector defines therebetween the funnel opening.
In some embodiments, the funnel's proximal end comprises a body connector, and the body connector can be releasably attached to the funnel connector.
In some embodiments, the funnel connector and the body connector comprise a securing mean to releasably secure the body and the funnel together when they are attached to each other.
In some embodiments, the securing means is selected from a group comprising threaded fitting (including continuous or discontinuous threads), snap fit, magnets, friction fit, lip and groove, thread and lug, and twist-on.
In some embodiments, the distal end of the funnel may be removably attached to a hair dryer barrel, the attachment comprises the distal part of the funnel being wrapped around a part of the hair dryer barrel, and when the funnel is removably attached to the hair dryer barrel the hair dryer's air outlet is inside the funnel.
In some embodiments, the inside of the funnel comprises a sealing mean, the sealing mean removably secures the attachment of the distal part of the funnel and the part of the hair dryer barrel.
In some embodiments, the sealing mean is selected from a group comprising elastic coat, rubber coat, silicon coat, structural ribs, and coated structural ribs (the coat may be elastic material, rubber, or silicon).
In some embodiments, the removable attachment of the funnel and the hair dryer barrel is substantially air-tight.
In some embodiments, a silicon band may be wrapped around the distal edge of the funnel and part of the hair dryer barrel when the funnel and hair dryer barrel are removably attached, in order to achieve a substantially air-tight attachment.
In some embodiments, the funnel is fashioned of an elastic material.
In some embodiments, the top part of the body is convex.
In some embodiments, the bottom part of the body is concave.
In some embodiments, the top part of the body comprises a cartridge opening, and a cartridge may be removably fitted in the cartridge opening.
In some embodiments, the cartridge is a releasable holding case having a top side and a bottom side, and the bottom side comprises a scenting opening.
In some embodiments, the cartridge may be removably fitted in the cartridge opening, and when the cartridge is removably fitted in the cartridge opening the cartridge bottom side is facing the body opening.
In some embodiments, the cartridge may removably hold a scenting mean, and the scenting mean is selected from a group comprising a pad comprising essential oil or perfume/fragrance, or an essential oil or perfume/fragrance diffuser cartridge.
In some embodiments, a method for using the hair dryer/fan attachment for drying the groin area comprises the steps of:

- (a) releasably attaching the funnel to the body;
- (b) optionally, fitting a scenting mean in the cartridge and fitting the cartridge in the body cartridge opening;
- (c) removably attaching the funnel to a hair dryer barrel;
- (d) operating the hair dryer to blow air on low heat or no heat;
- (e) fitting the body opening comfortably over the groin area and between a user's legs, thus covering the user's genitals with the body; and, thus, drying, and optionally scenting, the groin area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the presently disclosed subject matter in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying Drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIGS. 1a-c illustrates a perspective/bottom view of some examples of the presently disclosed HDFA. FIG. 1a illustrates an embodiment of the HDFA attached to a hair dryer. FIG. 1b illustrates another embodiment of the HDFA attached to a hand-held fan. FIG. 1c illustrates a bottom view of the example of the presently disclosed HDFA depicted in FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 2 is a perspective/side view of the embodiment of the presently disclosed HDFA illustrated in FIGS. 1a -c.

FIG. 3 is a perspective/top view of the embodiment of the presently disclosed HDFA illustrated in FIGS. 1a -c.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the presently disclosed HDFA illustrated in FIGS. 1a -c.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective/bottom view of another embodiment of the presently disclosed HDFA.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective/bottom view of yet another example of the presently disclosed HDFA.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a funnel illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of the funnel illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIGS. 9a -b illustrates a side view of the embodiment of the presently disclosed HDFA illustrated in FIGS. 1a-c . FIG. 9a features the body part of the HDFA. FIG. 9b features the assembled HDFA, wherein the body is attached to the funnel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying Drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
The presently disclosed subject matter may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated Drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the presently disclosed subject matter is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.
In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a hair dryer/fan attachment (HDFA). The HDFA comprises a body (also referred to as vessel) comprising an opening and a funnel. The funnel may be releasably secured to the body on one end and removably attached to a hair dryer barrel, or a fan, on its other end. The HDFA opening may be placed comfortably on a user's groin area, effectively covering the genitals. The user may than operate the hair dryer/fan to cause air flow through the funnel and into the body where the air circulates, thus enabling the user to time-effectively and efficiently dry his/her genital area. The HDFA also provides the user with a possibility of scenting of the groin area during the drying process.
By enabling an efficient drying of the groin, the HDFA helps prevent potential bacterial and viral infections such as jock itch. The HDFA shortens the time needed to dry the groin area, and specifically, the genitals and the areas proximal to the genitals. For example, the HDFA helps dry the penis and testicles, but also may help in drying the pubic area, or part of the pubic area, and the anal area. By drying the groin area, it also helps in reducing any smell. Optionally, the HDFA provides scenting of the groin area during the drying process.
The HDFA provides a much-needed solution. Use of a hair dryer, fan, or simply air drying without the use of directed air flow, requires a long time to thoroughly dry the groin area. Using a standard hair dryer by itself to dry the groin area also requires the user the assume an awkward and uncomfortable position trying to direct the air dryer's air flow so that it reaches and dries the groin area. Furthermore, the use of a hair dryer by itself for drying the groin area may hurt the genital area if user is not careful. In addition, the use of a hair dryer or a fan for this purpose is very likely not to be very effective. Finally, use of topical ointments to scent the groin area may likely leave a film on the skin and may smell medicinal, or simply unpleasant. The HDFA, enables a user to assume a natural position, such as standing, while using it in combination with a hair dryer to dry the groin area. The HDFA provides means of infusing the area being dried with a scent of the user's choice.
Referring now to FIG. 1a , an embodiment of the presently disclosed HDFA 100 is illustrated wherein the HDFA 100 is removably attached to a air flow source 20. The air flow source illustrated in FIG. 1a is a standard air dryer 20. The HDFA comprises a body 1 and a fennel 2. The body 1 is generally shaped as a heart or as a rounded triangle. The body 1 comprises a top part, a bottom part, three rounded sides, and three rounded corners. The bottom part comprises a body opening 3. Optionally, the top part comprises a cartridge opening 12 (shown in FIG. 4) in which a cartridge 4 comprising a scenting opening 5 may be removably fitted. In some embodiments, the cartridge opening 12 is generally positioned in the middle of the top part. In some other embodiments, the cartridge opening 12 is positioned in other area of the top part, for example closer to the body funnel opening 15. In some other embodiments of the presently disclosed HDFA, the cartridge opening 12 may be position on the sides of the HDFA 100. Yet in some other embodiments, the HDFA 100 does not comprise a cartridge 4, and/or a cartridge opening 12, at all. The body 1 also comprises sides. In some embodiments, the sides of the body 1 are rounded. In some embodiments, the body 1 comprises three sides. In some embodiments, the body 1 comprises three sides and three corners. The body 1 is generally designed to be conveniently placed on a user's groin area in such manner that the opening 3 of the body 1 covers and encloses the user's pubic area, or part of the pubic area, and genital area. In particular, male genital area. In some embodiments, the opening 3 covers and encloses also the user's anal area. In some embodiments, the opening 3 generally covers and encloses most, or part, of the user's body area comprising the pubic area, or part of the pubic area, and the area in between the user's legs (including genitals, anal area, and areas around and in between the genitals and anal area). In order to align with a user's body curvature, in some embodiments, the top part of the body 1 is convex, and in some embodiments, the bottom part of the body 1 is concave. One skilled in the art will appreciate that a body 1 which is designed to comfortably fit over, and cover/enclose, the groin area as described above may have any kind of applicable shape. For example, the body 1 may be shaped as a rounded-tip drop, or irregular ellipse, or indeed any kind of shape that comfortably fits on a human groin area and covers/ encloses the genitals, and optionally, also the anal area.
In the embodiment of FIG. 1a , the body 1 comprises three rounded sides and three rounded corners. When the HDFA 100 is placed on a user's groin area, the top side 16 (marked in FIG. 1c ) of the body 1 is generally horizontal with the lower abdomen/pubic area, while the two other sides are placed partly, or mostly, in between the user's legs. In some embodiments, the sides that are placed in between the user's legs are longer than the top side 16. In some other embodiments, the sides that are placed in between the user's legs are shorter than the top side 16. In yet other embodiments, the lengths of the HDFA 100 sides are substantially equal. In some embodiments, the curvature of the sides that are placed in between the user's legs is different than the curvature of the top side 16. For example, in some embodiments, the sides that are placed in between the user's leg may have a concave curvature to comfortably fit with the convex curvature of the user's thighs. In some embodiments, the corner in between the sides that are placed in between a user's legs is sharper (comprises narrower angle) than the corners on each end of the top side 16. In some embodiments, the lip (part of the bottom part of the HDFA 100) over the opening 3 at the top side 16 is larger than it is at the other sides. When the HDFA 100 is used for drying the genital area this may serve to direct the circulating air blown into the opening 3 around the inside of top side, where it cannot escape due to the larger lip, and downwards toward the opposite end of the opening 3. In some embodiments, the circulating air can than escape the opening 3 through the corner of the HDFA 100 which is opposite to the top side 16. That way, even if the opening 3 does not enclose the anal area, the area still gets an air flow to help dry it.
The body 1 comprises a body funnel opening 15 (shown at least in FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the body funnel opening 15 is defined by a connecting element, the funnel connector 6. In some embodiments (shown), the funnel connector 6 is positioned mostly, or completely, on the outside of the body 1. In other embodiments (shown), the funnel connector 6 is positioned mostly, or completely, on the inside of the body 1. In yet other embodiments, the
HDFA 100 does not comprise a funnel connector 6. The funnel opening 15 may be positioned on one of the sides, one the corners, or on the top part. In some embodiments, the body funnel opening 15 is positioned on one of the two corners on each end of the top side 16 of the body 1. In the embodiment featured in FIG. 1a , the body funnel opening 15 is generally positioned on the corner at the right end of the top side 16, and the funnel 2 is illustrated releasably connected to the body 1. It is noted that the placement of the body funnel opening 15 depicted in FIG. 1a is generally suitable for the use of right-handed users.
The HDFA 100 comprises a funnel 2, which in some embodiments is generally a tube. In some preferred embodiments, the funnel 2, or parts of the funnel 2, has/have some elasticity/flexibility, or is/are very /elastic/flexible. In some other embodiments, the funnel 2, is substantially not flexible, or elastic. In some embodiments, the funnel 2, or parts of the funnel 2, is/are fashioned of, any type of elastomeric material (material which display rubber-like elasticity), silicon, plastic, or combinations thereof. The HDFA 100, or any part or component of the HDFA 100, may be fashioned out of a firm FDA approved heat resistant silicon, any other plastic materials, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the HDFA 100, or any part or component of the HDFA 100, may be fashioned out of heat resistant materials and/or antibacterial/fungus resistant (i.e. FDA approved material for consumer use).
The funnel 2 may be releasably attached to the body 1 on its proximal end, and removably attached to a barrel of a hair dryer 20 on its distal end/distal part. In some embodiments, the distal end of the funnel 2 is wider than its proximal end. In some embodiments, the funnel's 2 diameter gradually tapers from its distal end to its proximal end. In some other embodiments, the funnel 2 has a fixed diameter throughout its length. The funnel 2 may have any suitable length. In some embodiments, the funnel length may be in the range of 0.25-8 inches. For example, the funnel 2 length may be, without limitation, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.25, 5.5, 5.75, 6, 6.25, 6.5, 6.75, 7, 7.25, 7.5, 7.75 or 8 inches. However, in some other embodiments the funnel 2 may be shorter or longer.
In some embodiments, the body funnel opening 15 has a diameter range of 0.5-2.5 inches. In some other embodiments, the body funnel opening 15 diameter is 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, or 2 inches. In some embodiments, the body funnel opening 15 diameter is 1.5 inches and funnels outward to 2⅜ inches. The funnel is designed for a removable attachment to most standard hair dryers 20. As the proximal part of the funnel 2 wraps around the barrel of a standard hair dryer, the range of diameters along the funnel 2 length allow for a removable attachment with different sized standard hair dryers' barrels. In some embodiments, the removable attachment of the funnel 2 to the hair dryer 20 is air-tight, or substantially air-tight.
FIG. 1b illustrates another embodiment HDFA 100, wherein the HDFA 100 is attached to a hand-held fan 20. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 1b is an HDFA 100 comprising a body 1 comprising an opening 3, cartridge 4 comprising a scenting opening 5, funnel connector 6, and a funnel 2. According to some embodiments of FIG. 1b , the funnel 2 is generally shorter than the funnel 2 used for removable attachment to a hair dryer 20 barrel, and is designed for a removal attachment to a hand-held fan 20. According to other embodiments of FIG. 1b , the funnel 2 is generally the same length as the funnel 2 used for removable attachment to a hair dryer 20 barrel, and is designed for a removable attachment to a hand-held fan 20. In some embodiments, the funnel 2 of FIG. 1b , or parts of the funnel 2, has/have some flexibility/elasticity, or is/are very flexible/elastic. In some other embodiments, the funnel 2, is substantially not flexible or elastic. In some embodiments, the funnel 2, or parts of the funnel 2, is/are fashioned of, any type of elastomeric material (material which display rubber-like elasticity), silicon, plastic, or combinations thereof. The funnel 2, may be removably attached to a standard, or a custom-made, hand-held fan 20.
Moving now to FIG. 1c , the HDFA 100 is illustrated depicting the body 1 comprising an opening 3, cartridge 4 comprising a scenting opening 5, funnel connector 6, and a funnel 2. In some embodiments, the funnel 2 comprises a sealing means 7. In some embodiments, the sealing mean 7 is selected from a group comprising elastic coat, rubber coat, silicon coat, structural ribs, and coated structural ribs (the coat may be elastic material, rubber, or silicon). For example, the funnel 2 may be structured as a ribbed 7 tube. In some embodiments, each rib 7 may have a different diameter. For example, in the case that the proximal end of the funnel 2 has a smaller diameter than the distal end 8 of the funnel 2, each rib 7, starting from the proximal end and ending at the distal end 8, may increase in diameter. However, in some other embodiments each increase in diameter may comprise a few structural ribs 7. For example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 structural ribs per each diameter increase. In some other embodiments, the outside of the funnel 2 is not structured, but its inside surface comprises structural elements, such as the ribs 7 described above. In some embodiments, the funnel 2 comprises coating on its outside and/or inside. For example, the inside surface of the funnel may be coated with any type of material which may assist in making the removable attachment of the funnel 2 and hair dryer/fan 20 air-tight. In some embodiments, only structural elements, such as the ribs 7 on the inside of the funnel 2, are coated with any type of material which may assist in making the removable attachment of the funnel 2 and hair dryer/fan 20 air-tight. As another example, the outside, or part of the outside of the funnel may be coated with any type of material which may assist in making the releasable attachment of the funnel 2 and funnel connector 6/body 1, air-tight. This is especially important in the case that the funnel 2 does not comprise a body connector 9. Examples of materials which may be used for coating include, but are not limited to, any type of elastomeric material (material which display rubber-like elasticity, such as rubber), silicon, rubber silicone, plastic, or combinations thereof.
An example of a rounded heart shape of the body 1 of the HDFA 100 is demonstrated in FIG. 2, wherein the concaved curve of the bottom side comprising the opening 3, and the convex curve of the top side, are shown. The prospective view depicted in FIG. 3 features the top side 16 of the body 1 and showing the removable cartridge 4. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the cartridge 4 may be of any desired size and shape, as long as it can comprise a scenting mean 11. Unlimiting examples of the shape of the cartridge 4 include circular, elliptical, squarish, triangular, heart-shaped, or any novelty shape. Accordingly, the cartridge opening 12 may be of any size or shape suitable for a secure removable fitting of the cartridge 4. In some embodiments (shown), the cartridge 4 is circular. In some embodiments, the diameter of the cartridge is in the range of 5-0.5 inches. In yet other embodiments, the diameter of the cartridge may be 5, 4.75, 4.5, 4.25, 4, 3.75, 3.5, 3.25, 3, 2.75, 2.5, 2.25, 2, 1.75, 1.5, 1.25, 1, 0.75, or 0.5 inches.
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an example of the presently disclosed HDFA 100 depicting the body 1 comprising an opening 3, a cartridge opening 12, and a funnel connector 6. The funnel 2 comprises structural ribs 7 and a body connector 9. In some embodiments, the funnel 2 does not comprise a body connector 9. In some embodiments, the body 1 does not comprise a funnel connector 6. The funnel connector 6 and the body connector 9 are designed to allow secure releasable attachment of the funnel 2 to the body 1. In some embodiments, the funnel connector 6 and body connector 9 comprise a securing mean 10 to releasably secure the body 1 and funnel 2 together when attached to each other. Non limiting examples of a securing mean 10 include threaded fitting (including continuous or discontinuous threads), snap fit, magnets, friction fit, lip and groove, thread and lug, and twist-on. In some embodiments of the funnel connector 6 and body connector 9, the securing means 10 comprises a coat of any kind of material which may assist in making the releasable attachment of the body 1 and the funnel 2 air-tight. Examples of materials which may be used for coating include, but are not limited to, any type of elastomeric material (material which display rubber-like elasticity, such as rubber), silicon, rubber silicone, plastic, or combinations thereof. One skilled in the art will appreciate that any securing mean known in the field is within the scope of the present disclosure.
The cartridge 4 is generally a releasable holding case having a top side and a bottom side. In some embodiments, the bottom side comprises at least one scenting opening 5. In some other embodiments, the bottom side comprises one scenting opening 5. The cartridge 4 may be removably fitted in the cartridge opening 12 in such a way that the at least one scenting opening 5 is facing the body opening 3. In some embodiments, the cartridge 4 is shaped as a disc. In some embodiments, the diameter of the cartridge is 2 inch and a depth of 1 inch. The cartridge 4 may removably hold a scenting mean 11. The scenting means 11 may be a pad/disposable membrane comprising essential oil or perfume/fragrance, or an essential oil or perfume/fragrance diffuser cartridge. The pad may be any type of absorbent material including paper and fabric (such as felt). In some embodiments, the scenting means is disposable.
It is noted herein that when the HDFA 100 is not in use, the funnel 2 may be conveniently stored inside the body 1, taking advantage of the opening 3. This is especially useful for travelling and storage purposes.
Referring to FIG. 5, an embodiment of HDFA 100 is illustrated depicting the body 1 comprising an opening 3, cartridge 4 comprising a scenting opening 5, funnel connector 6, and a funnel 2 comprising structural ribs 7. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the funnel opening 15, and therefore the funnel connector 6, are generally positioned on the corner at the left end of the top side. Therefore, the funnel 2 is releasably attached at that position, making the FIG. 5 embodiment of the HDFA 100 easy to use for a left-handed user.
FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8 illustrate yet another embodiment of the presently disclosed HDFA 100 featuring a funnel 2 comprising at least two prongs which together form an open tubal structure. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the funnel 2 comprises 4 prongs, however any suitable number of prongs may be used such as 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. The funnel 2 embodiment of FIG. 6 allows for more flexibility in fitting the funnel 2 on different sizes/diameters/shapes of hair dryer 20 barrels. Optionally, to secure the funnel around the hair dryer 20 barrel, a band 13 may be used. The band 13 may be an elastic band, for example rubber band or silicon band. Alternatively, the band 13 may be a Velcro strap which may be attached on the distal end of the funnel 2 via a ‘D ring’, thus securing the attachment of the funnel 2 to the hair dryer 20. In some embodiments, the band 13 comprises placement elements 14 which generally fit in between the funnel's' prongs and guide the user with regards to the secure placement of the band 13, preventing it from undesirable movement. The band 13 may also be optionally used to further secure, or assist in making air-tight, the removable attachment of any of the embodiments of the presently disclosed HDFA 100 to a hair dryer 20 barrel. The funnel 2 may comprise a body connector 9. The body connector 9 is designed to allow secure releasable attachment of the funnel 2 to the body 1, and in some embodiments, may comprise a securing mean 10 as discussed above.
Finally, FIGS. 9a-b illustrate a side view depicting the top side 16 the HDFA 100. The funnel opening 15 is shown in FIG. 9a generally positioned on the corner at the right end of the top side 16. Due to the convex curvature of the top part and the concave curvature of the bottom part, part of the opening 3 can be seen. In FIG. 9b , the funnel 2 is attached to the body 1. The position of the funnel opening 15 and the angle of the funnel connector 6 generally determine the angle of the funnel 2 projection. In the example shown in FIG. 9b , the placement of the funnel opening 15 and the angle of the funnel connector 6 are such that the funnel is angled so that a user can hold a removably connected hair dryer 20 conveniently while using the HDFA 100. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that any variations in the position of the funnel opening 15 and the angle of the funnel connector 6 are within the scope of the present disclosure.
To use the presently disclosed HDFA 100, a user may optionally insert a scenting means 11 into the cartridge 4 and close the cartridge. It is noted that in some embodiments, the HDFA 100 does not comprise a cartridge opening 12 and/or a cartridge 4. The user than removably fits the cartridge 4 into the cartridge opening 12 so that the scenting opening 5 faces the opening 3. The user proceeds to removably attach the funnel 2 to a fan 20 or a hair dryer 20 barrel, so that the hair dryer's air outlet/fan air outlet is inside the funnel 2, and turn the fan 20 on, or turn the hair dryer 20 on to low heat, or no heat, at low or medium air flow. Next, the user places the HDFA 100 attached to the fan/hair dryer 20 between the user's legs with the opening 3 covering and enclosing the pubic area, or part of the pubic area, the genital area, and optionally the anal area. At this point, the top side of the body 1 is substantially horizontal with the lower abdomen/pubic area, and the other two sides are resting comfortably on the inside of the user's legs. In the embodiment that a cartridge 4 is present and a scenting means 11 was used, the air blown from the fan/hair dryer 20 passes over the essential oil/fragrance pad 11 to disperse scent upward, and around, toward the groin. Once the groin area is dry, the hair dryer/fan 20 can be turned off and the HDFA 100 removed from the groin area.
Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in this application, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a subject” includes a plurality of subjects, unless the context clearly is to the contrary (e.g., a plurality of subjects), and so forth.
Throughout this specification and the claims, the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising” are used in a non-exclusive sense, except where the context requires otherwise. Likewise, the term “include” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.
For the purposes of this specification and appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, sizes, dimensions, proportions, shapes, formulations, parameters, percentages, quantities, characteristics, and other numerical values used in the specification and claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” even though the term “about” may not expressly appear with the value, amount or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter. For example, the term “about,” when referring to a value can be meant to encompass variations of, in some embodiments, ±100% in some embodiments ±50%, in some embodiments ±20%, in some embodiments ±10%, in some embodiments ±5%, in some embodiments ±1%, in some embodiments ±0.5%, and in some embodiments ±0.1% from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed methods or employ the disclosed compositions.
Further, the term “about” when used in connection with one or more numbers or numerical ranges, should be understood to refer to all such numbers, including all numbers in a range and modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers, e.g., whole integers, including fractions thereof, subsumed within that range (for example, the recitation of 1 to 5 includes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as fractions thereof, e.g., 1.5, 2.25, 3.75, 4.1, and the like) and any range within that range.
Although the foregoing subject matter has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that certain changes and modifications can be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

That which is claimed:

1. A hair dryer/fan attachment for drying the groin area comprising:

a body comprising a top part, a bottom part, and at least three sides, wherein the bottom part comprises a body opening, and wherein the body also comprises a funnel opening; and,

a funnel, wherein one end of the funnel, the proximal end, can be releasably attached to the funnel opening of the body.

2. The hair dryer/fan attachment of claim 1, wherein the body comprises three sides and three corners, and wherein the three sides and three corners are rounded.

3. The hair dryer/fan attachment of claim 2, wherein the distal end of the funnel is wider than its proximal end, and wherein the funnel's diameter gradually tapers from the distal end to the proximal end.

4. The hair dryer/fan attachment of claim 3, wherein the body further comprises a ring-shaped funnel connector, and wherein the circumference of the funnel connector defines therebetween the funnel opening.

5. The hair dryer/fan attachment of claim 4, wherein the funnel's proximal end comprises a body connector, and wherein the body connector can be releasably attached to the funnel connector.

6. The hair dryer/fan attachment of claim 5, wherein the funnel connector and the body connector comprise a securing mean to releasably secure the body and funnel together when attached to each other.

7. The hair dryer/fan attachment of claim 6, wherein the securing means is selected from a group comprising threaded fitting (including continuous or discontinuous threads), snap fit, magnets, friction fit, lip and groove, thread and lug, and twist-on.

8. The hair dryer/fan attachment of claim 3, wherein the distal end of the funnel may be removably attached to a hair dryer barrel, wherein the attachment comprises the distal part of the funnel being wrapped around a part of the hair dryer barrel, and wherein when the funnel is removably attached to the hair dryer barrel the hair dryer's air outlet is inside the funnel.

9. The hair dryer/fan attachment of claim 8, wherein the inside of the funnel comprises a sealing mean, wherein the sealing mean removably secures the attachment of the distal part of the funnel and the part of the hair dryer barrel.

10. The hair dryer/fan attachment of claim 9, wherein the sealing mean is selected from a group comprising elastic coat, rubber coat, silicon coat, structural ribs, and coated structural ribs (the coat may be elastic material, rubber, or silicon).

11. The hair dryer/fan attachment of claim 10, wherein the removable attachment of the funnel and the hair dryer barrel is substantially air-tight.

12. The hair dryer/fan attachment of claim 11, wherein a silicon band is wrapped around the distal edge of the funnel and part of the hair dryer barrel when the funnel and hair dryer barrel are removably attached, in order to achieve a substantially air-tight attachment.

13. The hair dryer/fan attachment of claim 12, wherein the funnel is fashioned of an elastic material.

14. The hair dryer/fan attachment of claim 8, wherein the top part of the body is convex.

15. The hair dryer/fan attachment of claim 14, wherein the bottom part of the body is concave.

16. The hair dryer/fan attachment of claim 15, wherein the top part of the body comprises a cartridge opening, and wherein a cartridge may be removably fitted in the cartridge opening.

17. The hair dryer/fan attachment of claim 16, wherein the cartridge is a releasable holding case having a top side and a bottom side, and wherein the bottom side comprises at least one scenting opening.

18. The hair dryer/fan attachment of claim 17, wherein the cartridge may be removably fitted in the cartridge opening, and wherein when the cartridge is removably fitted in the cartridge opening the cartridge bottom side is facing the body opening.

19. The hair dryer/fan attachment of claim 18, wherein the cartridge may removably hold a scenting mean, and wherein the scenting mean is selected from a group comprising a pad comprising essential oil or perfume, or an essential oil or perfume diffuser cartridge.

20. A method for using the hair dryer/fan attachment of claim 19 for drying the groin area, comprising the steps of:

(f) releasably attaching the funnel to the body;

(g) optionally, fitting a scenting mean in the cartridge and fitting the cartridge in the body cartridge opening;

(h) removably attaching the funnel to a hair dryer barrel;

(i) operating the hair dryer to blow air on low heat or no heat, and; thus, drying, and optionally scenting, the groin area;

(j) fitting the body opening comfortably over the groin area and between a user's legs, thus covering the user's genitals with the body; and, thus, drying, and optionally scenting, the groin area.