WO2023048696A1

WO2023048696A1 - Wig and hair extension drying device

Info

Publication number: WO2023048696A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/051235
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alesia PRENTISS
Original assignee: Prentiss Alesia
Priority date: 2021-09-21
Filing date: 2021-09-21
Publication date: 2023-03-30
Also published as: US20240188700A1

Abstract

A wig and hair extension drying device includes a tubular enclosure with a closed top, an open bottom and a closable opening for introduction of a wig or hair extensions. An attachment device is located adjacent an interior surface of the closed top or an upper portion of the tubular enclosure. The attachment device suspends the wig and the hair extensions within the tubular enclosure. A suspension device is attached adjacent the closed top for hanging the invention from a rod, hook or projection. A hair dryer fastener at the open bottom is adapted to removably attach a hair dryer so that heated air is directed upwardly into the tubular enclosure. A vent is located adjacent the closed top or the upper portion of the tubular enclosure. The vent opening exhausts the heated air, provides a moving air stream and to prevents overheating of the wig or the hair extensions.

Description

WIG AND HAIR EXTENSION DRYING DEVICE

Field of Invention

This invention relates to the field of drying devices for wigs and hair extensions and more particularly to compact, portable devices that provide a means to both dry and condition wigs and multiple hair extensions.

Background of the Invention

Use of wigs and hair extensions has become increasingly popular for those in modeling, acting and related professions. They have also become popular as high fashion accessories. Like all fashion accessories, wigs and hair extensions require particular care to be used to their best advantage. Frequent washing and drying is necessary for wigs and hair extensions to look their best when worn. As wigs and hair extensions are not attached to the body, there is an issue of potential tangling that must be considered when washing and drying these accessories. As shown below, various devices have been developed to assist the wearer in caring for wigs and hair extensions.

U.S. Patent 8,813,385, issued Blum, discloses an apparatus for drying wigs, the apparatus being in form of a collapsible cuboidal bag & including a chamber having edges made of flexible wire frames and the sides made of a flexible heat resistant fabric, thus defining an interior space for receiving the wig therein. A front side of the chamber is provided with a door having a zipper around three of its edges for accessing the interior space of the chamber. Further, a side edge of the chamber is provided with a collapsible tube having one end leading into the interior space of the chamber and being meant for directing hot air into the chamber, and the other end being removably attachable to a hot air source, such as a hair dryer. After use, the bag can be deflated and collapsed, so that it acquires a compact state.

U.S. Patent Application 2020/0029640, published for Adams, discloses a bag for storing hair extensions, having a top edge with a comb hanger. Multiple comb teeth are provided horizontally in a row on the comb hanger, whereon the hair extensions can be mounted & suspended vertically. A tab or a flap having an aperture is provided at a top portion of the bag, for hanging the bag vertically to a wall, for example. A closure mechanism is provided on a front wall of the bag, for easily opening & accessing the wig/hair extensions stored within the bag. That mechanism may be a Ziploc® type closure in one embodiment. Another similar closure mechanism is provided at the top portion of the bag, which may also be a Ziploc® type tongue or a Velcro® closure. However, the bag appears to be used by hair stylists/consumers only for storing & transporting hair extensions, and not for drying hair extensions.

Japanese Patent 2017-209133, issued to Susumu discloses a hair drying device having a housing, preferably made of a metallic material, and a blower connected to a lower portion of the housing by a connecting portion, for introducing hot air into the housing. The housing is mountable at the back portion of a user and it can be fixed around the shoulders of the user by straps provided at a top portion thereof. The hairs to be dried rest on a rear surface of the housing, and hot air blown into the housing by the blower can be applied to the hairs by air exit ports provided at the rear surface of the housing.

Canadian Patent 2083086, issued io Martin, discloses a device for styling wet hair that simultaneously attaches to a hand-held blow dryer and a vacuum source, such that hot air from the blow dryer exits the structure in close proximity to suction produced by the vacuum source. The attachment has a first chamber, one end of which is coupled to the blow dryer, and a second chamber, one end of which is coupled to a vacuum source. The opposite end of the first chamber has a shield mounted on it from which several shafts protrude. Each shaft has a longitudinal slit for the exit of hot air, and the group of shafts may be used as a comb for styling hair. The opposite end of the second chamber directs suction during drying and styling. The suction draws the hot air along the scalp, thus lifting the hair and giving it the appearance of volume. A desired hair style is created without requiring positioning of the hair by the user's fingers, combs, brushes, etc. The suction reduces the risk of the scalp and the user's fingers becoming overheated by the hot air.

PCT Patent Publication W02004045338 published for Savone, discloses a hair styling brush having one or more brush handle/brush tip segments. Each handle has a handle internal air passage in open communication on one end with a coupling for connecting the handle to a source of forced air, and in open communication on the other end with a brush tip air passage. The brush tip air passage is in open communication with air passages of hair engaging brush bristles extending away from the brush tip. The air passages of the hair engaging brush bristles are configured to direct air streams from the brush tip air passage and out of distal ends of the bristles. The brush tip also has air openings configured to direct streams of air from the brush tip air passage and out of the brush tip air openings. A hinge may be used to pivotally couple brush handles.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a device for suspending wigs and hair extensions in an organized manner to prevent tangling. It is a further objective to provide a means for applying warmed, drying air to the suspended hair segments. It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a flexible covering for wigs and hair extensions to protect them while traveling. It is still a further objective to provide a drying system that makes use of commercially available hair dryers. It is yet a further objective to provide a drying device that can accommodate both shorter and longer wigs and hair extensions. It is another objective of the invention to provide a drying device that can be stored and carried in a collapsible, compact form. Finally, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a drying device that is sturdy, easily cleaned and economical to produce.

While some of the objectives of the present invention are disclosed in the prior art, none of the inventions found include all of the requirements identified.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention addresses all of the deficiencies of prior art wig and hair extension drying devices and satisfies all of the objectives described above.

(1) A wig and hair extension drying device may be constructed from the following components. A tubular enclosure is provided. The tubular enclosure has a closed top, an open bottom and a closable opening for introducing either of a wig or hair extensions into the tubular enclosure. At least one attachment device is provided. The at least one attachment device is located adjacent an interior surface of either of the closed top or an upper portion of the tubular enclosure. The at least one attachment device is adapted to suspend either of the wig and the hair extensions within the tubular enclosure. A suspension device is provided. The suspension device is atached adjacent an outer surface of the closed top and adapted to hanging of the wig and hair extension drying device from either of a rod, hook or projection. A hair dryer fastener is provided. The hair dryer fastener is located adjacent the open bottom and adapted to removably fasten a hair dryer to the open bottom so that heated air is directed upwardly into the tubular enclosure when the hair dryer is in operation. At least one vent opening is provided. The at least one vent opening is located adjacent either of the closed top or the upper portion of the tubular enclosure. The at least one vent opening is adapted to exhaust the heated air, provide a moving air stream and to prevent overheating of either of the wig or the hair extensions.

(2) In a variant of the invention, the tubular enclosure includes a flexible, heat- resistant material.

(3) In another variant, the closable opening is located in the upper portion of the tubular enclosure and permits access to the at least one attachment device.

(4) In still another variant, the closed top includes a rigid panel. The rigid panel provides a stable platform for the at least one attachment device and the suspension device.

(5) In yet another variant, the at least one attachment device is a spring actuated clip. The spring actuated clip is suspended from an interior surface of either of the closed top or the upper portion of the tubular enclosure.

(6) In a further variant, a carrying handle is provided. The carrying handle is attached adjacent the closed top.

(7) In still a further variant, the suspension device is attached to the carrying handle. (8) In yet a further variant, a guard screen is provided. The guard screen is located within the tubular enclosure above the open bottom and adapted to prevent contact between either of the wig or the hair extensions and the hair dryer while permitting heated air from the hair dryer to flow through either of the wig or the hair extensions.

(9) In another variant of the invention, an extendable portion is provided. The extendable portion is located adjacent the open bottom and adapted to permit drying of either of the wig or the hair extensions wherein either of the wig or the hair extensions have an increased length.

(10) In still another variant, the extendable portion includes a flexible, heat-resistant material and is opened and closed with a zipper located adjacent the open bottom.

(11) In yet another variant, the hair dryer fastener includes a drawstring located in a channel adjacent the open bottom, a locking clamp for the drawstring, a buckle and a strap adapted to fit the buckle, the strap includes at least one means for securing the strap after passing through the buckle.

(12) In still another variant, a closable pocket is provided. The pocket is located above the interior surface of the closed top and below the rigid panel.

(13) In a final variant of the invention, at least one tie strap is provided. The at least one tie strap is affixed to an outer surface of the tubular enclosure adjacent the closed top and adapted to secure the wig and hair extension drying device in a compact bundle when rolled for storage. An appreciation of the other aims and objectives of the present invention and an understanding of it may be achieved by referring to the accompanying drawings and the detailed description of a preferred embodiment.

Description of the Drawings

Figure l is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure l is a partial perspective view of the Figure 1 embodiment, illustrating the extendable portion for longer wigs and hair extensions;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the Figure 1 embodiment illustrating the closable opening and providing a detailed view of the hair dryer fastener;

Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the Figure 1 embodiment, illustrating the attachment of the hair dryer to the invention and illustrating the airflow of the invention when in use;

Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of the Figure 1 embodiment illustrating the at least one attachment device for holding a wig or hair extension;

Figure 6 is a top plan view of the Figure 1 embodiment;

Figure 7 is a bottom plan view of the Figure 1 embodiment;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the Figure 1 embodiment taken along the line 8-8 illustrating the rigid panel and the guard screen;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the Figure 1 embodiment rolled into a compact bundle and secured with the tie strap. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

(1) As illustrated in Figures 1-9, a wig and hair extension drying device 10 may be constructed from the following components. A tubular enclosure 14 is provided. The tubular enclosure 14 has a closed top 18, an open bottom 22 and a closable opening 26 for introducing either of a wig 30 or hair extensions 34 into the tubular enclosure 14. As illustrated in Figures 3 and 5, at least one attachment device 38 is provided. The at least one attachment device 38 is located adjacent an interior surface (not shown) of either of the closed top 18 or an upper portion 50 of the tubular enclosure 14. The at least one attachment device 38 is adapted to suspend either of the wig 30 and the hair extensions 34 within the tubular enclosure 14

As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, a suspension device 54 is provided. The suspension device 54 is attached adjacent an outer surface 58 of the closed top 18 and adapted to hanging of the wig and hair extension drying device 10 from either of a rod 62, hook 66 or projection 70. As illustrated in Figures 1-4 a hair dryer fastener 74 is provided. The hair dryer fastener 74 is located adjacent the open bottom 22 and adapted to removably fasten a hair dryer 78 to the open bottom 22 so that heated air 82 is directed upwardly into the tubular enclosure 14 when the hair dryer 74 is in operation. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, at least one vent opening 86 is provided. The at least one vent opening 86 is located adjacent either of the closed top 18 or the upper portion 50 of the tubular enclosure 14. The at least one vent opening 86 is adapted to exhaust the heated air 82, provide a moving air stream 90 and to prevent overheating of either of the wig 30 or the hair extensions 34. (2) In a variant of the invention, as illustrated in Figure 2, the tubular enclosure 14 includes a flexible, heat-resistant material 94.

(3) In another variant, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the closable opening 26 is located in the upper portion 50 of the tubular enclosure 14 and permits access to the at least one attachment device 38.

(4) In still another variant, as illustrated in Figure 8, the closed top 18 includes a rigid panel 98. The rigid panel 98 provides a stable platform 102 for the at least one attachment device 38 and the suspension device 54.

(5) In yet another variant, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 5, the at least one attachment device 38 is a spring actuated clip 106. The spring actuated clip 106 is suspended from an interior surface (not illustrated) of either of the closed top 18 or the upper portion 50 of the tubular enclosure 14.

(6) In a further variant, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 6, a carrying handle 114 is provided. The carrying handle 114 is attached adjacent the closed top 18.

(7) In still a further variant, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the suspension device 54 is attached to the carrying handle 114.

(8) In yet a further variant, _as illustrated in Figure 8, a guard screen 118 is provided. The guard screen 118 is located within the tubular enclosure 14 above the open bottom 22 and adapted to prevent contact between either of the wig 30 or the hair extensions 34 and the hair dryer 74 while permitting heated air 82 from the hair dryer 74 to flow through either of the wig 30 or the hair extensions 34. (9) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in Figure 2, an extendable portion 122 is provided. The extendable portion 122 is located adjacent the open bottom 22 and adapted to permit drying of either of the wig 30 or the hair extensions 34 wherein either of the wig 30 or the hair extensions 34 have an increased length.

(10) In still another variant, the extendable portion 122 includes a flexible, heat- resistant material 126 and is opened and closed with a zipper 130 located adjacent the open bottom 22.

(11) In yet another variant, as illustrated in Figures 1-4, the hair dryer fastener 74 includes a drawstring 134 located in a channel 138 adjacent the open bottom 22, a locking clamp 142 for the drawstring 134, a buckle 146 and a strap 150 adapted to fit the buckle 146, the strap 150 includes at least one means 154 for securing the strap 150 after passing through the buckle 146.

(12) In still another variant, _as illustrated in Figure 8, a closable pocket 158 is provided. The pocket 158 is located above the interior surface 110 of the closed top 18 and below the rigid panel 98.

(13) In a final variant of the invention, as illustrated in Figure 9, at least one tie strap 158 is provided. The at least one tie strap 158 is affixed to an outer surface 162 of the tubular enclosure 14 adjacent the closed top 18 and adapted to secure the wig and hair extension drying device 10 in a compact bundle 166 when rolled for storage.

The wig and hair extension drying device 10 has been described with reference to particular embodiments. Other modifications and enhancements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMS nd hair extension drying device comprising: a tubular enclosure, said tubular enclosure having a closed top, an open bottom and a closable opening for introducing either of a wig and hair extensions into said tubular enclosure; at least one attachment device, said at least one attachment device being disposed adjacent an interior surface of either of said closed top and an upper portion of said tubular enclosure, said at least one attachment device adapted to suspend either of said wig and said hair extensions within said tubular enclosure; a suspension device, said suspension device being attached adjacent an outer surface of said closed top and adapted to hanging of said wig and hair extension drying device from either of a rod, hook or projection; a hair dryer fastener, said hair dryer fastener disposed adjacent said open bottom and adapted to removably fasten a hair dryer to said open bottom so that heated air is directed upwardly into said tubular enclosure when said hair dryer is in operation; and at least one vent opening, said at least one vent opening disposed adjacent either of said closed top and said upper portion of said tubular enclosure, said at least one vent opening adapted to exhaust said heated air, provide a moving air stream and to prevent overheating of either of said wig and said hair extensions.

2. The wig and hair extension drying device, as described in Claim 1, wherein said tubular enclosure comprises a flexible, heat-resistant material.

3. The wig and hair extension drying device, as described in Claim 1, wherein said closable opening is disposed in said upper portion of said tubular enclosure and permitting access to said at least one attachment device.

4. The wig and hair extension drying device, as described in Claim 1, wherein said closed top comprises a rigid panel, said rigid panel providing a stable platform for said at least one attachment device and said suspension device.

5. The wig and hair extension drying device, as described in Claim 1, wherein said at least one attachment device is a spring actuated clip, said spring actuated clip being suspended from an interior surface of either of said closed top and said upper portion of said tubular enclosure.

6. The wig and hair extension drying device, as described in Claim 1, further comprising a carrying handle, said carrying handle being attached adjacent said closed top.

7. The wig and hair extension drying device, as described in Claim 6, wherein said suspension device is attached to said carrying handle. The wig and hair extension drying device, as described in Claim 1, further comprising a guard screen, said guard screen disposed within said tubular enclosure above said open bottom and adapted to prevent contact between either of said wig and said hair extensions and said hair dryer while permitting heated air from said hair dryer to flow through either of said wig and said hair extensions. The wig and hair extension drying device, as described in Claim 1, further comprising an extendable portion, said extendable portion disposed adjacent said open bottom and adapted to permit drying of either of said wig and said hair extensions wherein either of said wig and said hair extensions have an increased length. The wig and hair extension drying device, as described in Claim 9, wherein said extendable portion comprises a flexible, heat-resistant material and is opened and closed with a zipper disposed adjacent said open bottom. The wig and hair extension drying device, as described in Claim 1, wherein said hair dryer fastener comprises a drawstring disposed in a channel adjacent said open bottom, a locking clamp for said drawstring, a buckle and a strap adapted to fit said buckle, said strap comprising at least one means for securing said strap after passing through said buckle.

12. The wig and hair extension drying device, as described in Claim 4, further comprising a closable pocket, said pocket disposed above said interior surface of said closed top and below said rigid panel. 13. The wig and hair extension drying device, as described in Claim 2, further comprising at least one tie strap, said being affixed to an outer surface of said tubular enclosure adjacent said closed top and adapted to securing said wig and hair extension drying device in a compact bundle when rolled for storage.