Backpack hair dryer with heated air bonnet

[0001] This application is entitled to the benefit under 35 U.S.C § 119(e) of provisional application No. 60/441,926 filed on Jan. 22, 2003.

[0002] 1. Technical Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a portable, backpack type hair dryer that allows a user to meander while the dryer is in use so that other tasks can be performed simultaneously therewith.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Most people have busy schedules and are constantly trying to maximize their available time. Few chores waste more time than hair drying, particularly as it pertains to women, or those with long hair. Many conventional hair dryers include a bonnet that rests on or immediately above the head allowing a user to read or perform similar tasks while seated. However, because the user must remain seated in order for the hair to be dried, the type of tasks that he or she can perform is limited. Accordingly, there is currently a need for a portable device that would allow a user to meander while his or her hair is being dried, allowing the user to simultaneously perform a broader range of tasks.

[0006] The present invention addresses this need by providing a backpack style hair dryer that allows a user to freely wander while the dryer is operating. Furthermore, the device includes a wearable bonnet that frees the user's hands to perform other tasks.

[0007] The present invention relates to a backpack type hair dryer with a heated air bonnet that includes a portable housing having a front surface, a rear surface, a top edge, a lower edge and two opposing side edges. Disposed on the rear surface is a squirrel cage type blower having an air outlet positioned thereon. Within the blower is an air passageway having a heating element disposed therein for generating heated air. The blower and heater are powered with rechargeable batteries received within one or more pockets on the housing.

[0008] An elongated flexible hose includes two ends, a first of which is fastened to the blower outlet. The other end has a bonnet attached thereto. The bonnet includes a head receiving cavity with a plurality of air discharge apertures disposed on the interior surface thereof. Accordingly, the blower and heater are activated to deliver hot air to the head receiving cavity thereby drying a wearer's hair.

[0009] Secured to the front surface of the housing are a pair of shoulder straps allowing a user to wear the device like a conventional backpack. The housing front surface further includes a pouch accessible via an opening on an edge thereof. A freezable pad is removably received within the pouch for protecting the wearer's back from burns that could be caused by the heater or blower.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a hair dryer that can be worn on a user's back allowing a user to freely move about while the dryer is in use.

[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable hair dryer that includes a wearable bonnet thereby freeing the user's hands for other tasks.

[0012] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a backpack type hair dryer that includes a protective barrier for preventing the hot air blower assembly from burning a wearer.

[0013] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment when considered with the attached drawings and the appended claims.

[0017] Referring now to FIGS. 1–3, the present invention relates to a backpack type hair dryer with a heated air bonnet that includes a portable housing 1 having a front surface 2, a rear surface 3, a top edge 4, a lower edge 5 and two opposing side edges 6. Disposed on the rear surface is a squirrel cage type hot air blower 7 having an air outlet 8 positioned thereon. Within the blower is an air passageway having a heating element disposed therein for heating air flowing through the passageway. A pair of air intake vents 30 are positioned on the rear surface of the housing, preferably adjacent the lower edge thereof, for supplying fresh ambient air to the blower. The blower and heater are powered with rechargeable batteries received within a pair of pockets 9 on the housing rear surface.

[0018] The hair dryer also includes an elongated flexible air hose 40 having two opposing ends, a first of which includes a coupling member 24 for removable, mating engagement with the blower outlet. The opposing end has a bonnet 10 attached thereto. The bonnet includes an elastomeric, expandible opening 11 in communication with a head receiving cavity 12. The opening 11 includes a peripheral drawstring 13 that allows a user to vary the size of the opening according to the size of a wearer's head. The head receiving cavity includes an interior surface with a plurality of air discharge apertures 15 disposed thereon that are in communication with the hose. Accordingly, when the blower and heater are activated, hot air is delivered to the cavity apertures to dry a wearer's hair. A pair of bands 26 having hook and loop fasteners thereon are attached to the rear surface of the housing for securing the hose in a coiled configuration when not in use.

[0019] Secured to the front surface of the housing are a pair of padded, adjustable shoulder straps 16 allowing a user to wear the device like a conventional backpack. The housing front surface further includes a pouch 17 accessible via an opening 18 on an edge thereof that removably receives a freezable pad 32. When the device is being properly worn, the frozen pad is positioned between the wearer's back and the hot air blower assembly thereby protecting the back from burns that may be caused by the heater or blower.

[0020] Operation of the heater and blower is generally controlled with a switch 20 conveniently positioned on the housing. Additionally, operation is controlled with a remote device 21 electrically connected to the heater and blower with a cable 22. A remote receiving pocket 23 is positioned on one of the shoulder straps for storing the remote when not in use. The remote may also include a timer control for controlling operating duration and a heat intensity adjustment for selectively varying the temperature of air delivered to the bonnet.

[0021] As is now readily apparent, the present invention provides a portable, backpack type hair dryer that allows a user to conveniently perform other tasks while the device is being used. The above described device is not to be limited to the exact details of construction and enumeration of parts provided above. Furthermore, the size, shape and materials of construction of the various components can be varied.

[0022] Although there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made thereto which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is only to be limited by the following claims.