US20260123729A1
2026-05-07
19/381,889
2025-11-06
Smart Summary: An elastomeric hair dryer attachment is designed to fit onto handheld hair dryers. It has a cylindrical ring that securely attaches to the hair dryer using a flexible material. The top part features flexible spikes that are arranged in rows of different heights, creating a flat brush-like surface. This design helps to style hair while drying it. The attachment can be made as a single piece, making it easy to use and durable. 🚀 TL;DR
The present disclosure is directed to an elastomeric hair dryer attachment adapted for use on handheld hair dryers. The attachment includes a cylindrical attachment ring configured for secure mounting to standard hair dryer barrels through elastomeric friction fit, and a top spike base supporting an array of flexible spikes arranged in alternating rows with graduated heights to create a flat hair brush surface. The attachment can be formed as a single-piece molded component.
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A45D20/12 » CPC main
Hair drying devices; Accessories therefor; Hot-air producers heated electrically; Hand-held drying devices, e.g. air douches Details thereof or accessories therefor, e.g. nozzles, stands
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/717,301 filed on Nov. 7, 2024, the subject matter of the provisional patent application being incorporated herein in the entirety.
The present invention relates to hair styling accessories and devices, and more particularly, to an elastomeric hair dryer attachment adapted for use on handheld hair dryers. The elastomeric hair dryer attachment comprises an attachment ring removably attachable to a hair dryer barrel because of its flexible elastomeric construction that prevents displacement of the attachment during use, and is easily customized with interchangeable attachment designs for enhancing the styling efficiency, and/or ergonomic use of hair dryers.
A variety of hair styling tools and accessories are generally employed to dry, style, and manage hair for both personal and professional use. One particular category comprises hair dryers that are used in combination with brushes or combs to assist with drying and styling hair. Hair dryers generate heated airflow that is directed onto hair sections while users simultaneously manipulate brushes to achieve desired styling results. Traditional hair styling typically requires users to coordinate multiple tools including a primary brush to section and hold hair, a hair dryer for heat application, and often a secondary brush for detangling and styling operations.
Over time, hair styling methods have evolved to include various techniques and tool combinations designed to improve efficiency and styling outcomes. For example, professional stylists often employ round brushes of different sizes to create volume and shape, while flat brushes are used for smoothing and straightening applications. Hair styling accessories have also been developed to enhance comfort, reduce styling time, and minimize heat damage during prolonged styling sessions. Compact and specialized styling tools have been designed to improve portability and accommodate different hair types and styling preferences.
Individuals often spend considerable time styling their hair for both personal grooming and professional appearance requirements. As such, efforts have been made to develop more efficient hair styling methods and tools that reduce the time and effort required to achieve professional results. Some existing solutions include attachments that provide basic combing functionality. However, such attachments are typically rigid and pose various limitations. For example, conventional rigid attachments generally include inflexible plastic construction that can cause hair damage and tangling. The rigid materials employed in these attachments often result in poor heat distribution and limited adaptability to different hair dryer barrel sizes. Also, the inflexible nature of rigid attachments may cause discomfort during use and compromise the styling effectiveness due to inadequate hair grip and control.
Similar challenges exist when users attempt to achieve professional styling results using traditional multi-tool approaches. Users must repeatedly alternate between holding a hair dryer and various brushes, requiring them to constantly set down and pick up tools throughout the styling process. This approach extends styling time significantly, creates user fatigue, risks dropping expensive equipment, and often results in poor styling outcomes due to loss of hair sectioning control and interruption of continuous heated airflow.
Accordingly, there is an established need for a solution to at least one of the aforementioned problems. There remains a need for an improved hair dryer attachment that provides secure attachment to various hair dryer barrel sizes while enabling efficient styling through flexible construction and interchangeable design options.
The present disclosure is directed to a hair dryer attachment that provides simultaneous drying and styling functionality through flexible construction, enables single-handed operation while maintaining styling tension, and enhances user comfort.
A technical problem that exists is the inefficiency of current devices lacking universal fit characteristics across different hair dryers and separate models without compromising styling effectiveness or hair health.
One embodiment of the present disclosure provides an elastomeric hair dryer attachment comprising: an attachment ring, including a cylindrical body having an interior surface having a cylindrical shape configured to securely grip and mount onto the barrel portion of a conventional handheld hair dryer; a top spike base extending from the attachment ring; and a plurality of spikes extending outward from the top spike base in a systematically arranged pattern, wherein the attachment ring and thereby the hair dryer attachment is removably attachable to a hair dryer barrel via a friction fit.
In one aspect, the hair dryer attachment further includes graduated spike lengths that progressively increase in height from one side of the attachment to another side of the attachment along a section of the circumference, creating a flat brush surface when viewed from the side.
In one aspect, the plurality of spikes comprises at least four spikes, each spike extending from the top spike base, the graduated spike lengths comprising at least three distinct lengths. In an embodiment with multiple rows, the rows may alternate. In one embodiment with at least two alternating rows, each of the alternating rows contain different numbers of spikes.
In one aspect, the plurality of spikes comprises eighteen spikes arranged in four alternating rows, with rows containing four and five spikes respectively, the graduated spike lengths comprising short, medium, and long configurations positioned to create a flat brush surface at the tips of the spikes.
In yet another aspect, the attachment ring, and the top spike base each comprise an elastomeric material with a Shore hardness rating between 00-70 defining a flexible material. Such an embodiment is a hair dryer attachment with universal fit characteristics and heat resistant properties suitable for hair dryer operation. The attachment comprises an attachment design that is interchangeable between hair dryers.
In one aspect, the attachment ring, and the top spike base each comprise a unitary molded construction defining a single-piece hair dryer attachment that attaches to and is interchangeable between handheld hair dryers.
Another embodiment provides an elastomeric hair dryer attachment comprising: a hollow tube or hollow cylinder, an interior surface of the tube or cylinder, an exterior surface opposite the interior surface, and elastomeric properties; a top spike base including a base surface extending from the exterior surface, and spike mounting locations provided about the base surface; and wherein the attachment is configured to removably attach to a hair dryer barrel by the tube or cylinder such that the interior surface grips the hair dryer barrel, and the plurality of spikes extend from the spike mounting locations, the attachment ring removably attachable to a hair dryer barrel via elastomeric friction fit. In such an embodiment, the interior surface may be smooth or rough.
In yet another embodiment, there is provided an elastomeric hair dryer attachment comprising: an attachment ring having a cylindrical body with an interior surface, an exterior surface opposite the interior surface, elastomeric material embedded within the cylindrical body, and universal fit characteristics; a top spike base including a base body having a spike mounting surface extending from the exterior surface, graduated spike mounting positions, and spike attachment locations; and wherein the attachment is removably attachable to a hair dryer barrel such that the elastomeric material grips the hair dryer barrel, and the graduated spike mounting positions accommodate spikes of varying lengths, the attachment ring being removably attachable to a hair dryer barrel via the universal fit characteristics. In one embodiment, there is no separate top spike base or base body, and the spikes extend directly from the exterior surface.
In yet another alternative embodiment, the spike array is integrally formed as part of the hair dryer barrel itself, creating an integrated spiked hair dryer. The hair dryer barrel comprises heat-resistant ceramic, thermoplastic, or metal construction with the plurality of spikes 21, 22 molded, machined, or otherwise formed directly into the exterior surface of the barrel. The spikes maintain the graduated height configuration and systematic arrangement pattern while being permanently integrated into the barrel structure. The integrated spikes are constructed from materials capable of withstanding continuous exposure to hair dryer operating temperatures up to 200° C., including heat-stabilized thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or ceramic materials. This integrated design eliminates the need for a separate attachment while providing the same hair management functionality, making it suitable for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) licensing arrangements and custom hair dryer manufacturing applications.
In one aspect, the elastomeric material comprises Shore hardness rating between 00-70 located throughout the cylindrical body of the attachment ring, and the graduated spike mounting positions comprises three distinct mounting height configurations each situated about the spike mounting surface of the top spike base, the three distinct mounting height configurations positioned to create the flat brush surface.
In another aspect, the elastomeric material comprises heat-resistant elastomeric compound situated throughout the cylindrical body and the top spike base of the attachment ring, and the graduated spike mounting positions comprises four spike mounting height configurations each situated about the spike mounting surface, the four spike mounting height configurations positioned between the spike attachment locations.
In one aspect, each of the three distinct mounting height configurations, comprises short, medium, and long spike mounting positions, and each of the spike attachment locations comprises mounting points formed within the spike mounting surface of the top spike base, each mounting point accommodating each spike in a unitary molded construction when the attachment is removably attached to the hair dryer barrel. The plurality of mounting points, and the plurality of spike attachment locations may comprise any number of mounting configurations ranging from 10 to 30 in number. In one embodiment, the spikes attach directly without a top spike base.
In yet another aspect, the attachment comprises a plurality of interchangeable attachment designs each comprising a cylindrical shape, an oval shape, or elongated cylindrical shape defining various hair dryer barrel configurations, the plurality of interchangeable attachment designs including any of different spike counts, different spike arrangements, different spike lengths, different colors, different elastomeric hardness ratings, different heat resistance properties, textured surfaces, smooth surfaces, or enhanced grip characteristics.
In yet another embodiment, there is provided an elastomeric hair dryer attachment comprising: an attachment ring having surface, a planar bottom an exterior surface opposite the interior surface, elastomeric material embedded within the cylindrical body, and universal fit characteristics; a top spike base including a base body having a spike mounting surface extending from the lower surface, graduated spike mounting positions, and spike attachment locations; and wherein the attachment is removably attached to a hair dryer barrel such that the elastomeric material grips the hair dryer barrel, and the graduated spike mounting positions accommodate spikes of varying lengths, the attachment ring removably attachable to a hair dryer barrel via the universal fit characteristics.
In one aspect, the elastomeric material comprises located throughout the cylindrical body of the attachment ring, and the graduated spike mounting positions comprises three distinct mounting height configurations each situated about the spike mounting surface of the top spike base, the three distinct mounting height configurations positioned to create the flat brush surface.
In another aspect, the elastomeric material comprises heat-resistant elastomeric compound situated throughout the cylindrical body and the of the attachment ring, and the graduated spike mounting positions comprises four spike mounting height configurations each situated about the spike mounting surface, the four spike mounting height configurations positioned between the spike attachment locations.
In one aspect, each of the three distinct mounting height configurations comprises short, medium, and long spike mounting positions, and each of the spike attachment locations comprises mounting points formed within the spike mounting surface of the top spike base, each mounting point accommodating each spike in a unitary molded construction when the attachment is removably attached to the hair dryer barrel.
The plurality of mounting points, and the plurality of spike attachment locations may comprise any number of mounting configurations ranging from 10 to 30 in number.
In yet another aspect, the attachment comprises a plurality of interchangeable attachment designs each comprising a cylindrical shape, an oval shape, or elongated cylindrical shape defining various hair dryer barrel configurations, the plurality of interchangeable attachment designs including any of different spike counts, different spike arrangements, different spike lengths, different colors, different elastomeric hardness ratings, different heat resistance properties, textured surfaces, smooth surfaces, or enhanced grip characteristics.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow.
The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hair dryer attachment, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is front view of the attachment;
FIG. 3 is a side view of the attachment;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the attachment detachably installed on a barrel of a hair dryer;
FIG. 5 is a front view of a hair dryer attachment, in accordance with an alternative embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an array of spikes on a hair dryer attachment, in accordance with an alternative embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a side view of the attachment detachably installed on a barrel of a hair dryer, in accordance with an alternative embodiment; and
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the attachment being used to brush a person's hair, in accordance with an alternative embodiment.
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. The term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the terms “illustrative”, “exemplary”, or “example” is used to provide exemplary instances or illustrations of the item in discussion, and not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof, or not construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations; the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Furthermore, the use of plurals can also refer to the singular, including without limitation when a term refers to one or more of a particular item; likewise, the use of a singular term can also include the plural, unless the context dictates otherwise.
All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions, exploded views, and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
The present disclosure relates to an elastomeric hair dryer attachment device comprising a unitary molded body formed from a flexible elastomeric material having a Shore hardness rating between 00-70. The device includes an attachment ring having a cylindrical shape configured to securely grip and mount onto the barrel portion of a conventional handheld hair dryer. The attachment ring transitions into a top spike base portion from which an array of flexible spikes extend outward. The entire device is manufactured as a single piece through injection molding of a heat-resistant elastomeric compound that provides both the necessary flexibility for easy installation and removal, while maintaining dimensional stability during heated operation. The cylindrical attachment ring portion has an inner diameter sized to accommodate standard hair dryer barrel diameters while the elastomeric properties allow for slight expansion and contraction to ensure a secure friction fit. The unitary construction eliminates any mechanical joints or separate components that could potentially fail during use while the carefully selected material properties provide optimal performance characteristics for both the attachment mechanism and styling functionality.
In one embodiment, the attachment is comprised of silicone. Alternative elastomeric materials with similar heat resistance and friction characteristics include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with Shore hardness ratings between 60 A-90 A, fluorosilicone rubber compounds that maintain flexibility at temperatures up to 200° C., and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) elastomers that provide comparable grip properties while withstanding continuous exposure to hair dryer operating temperatures.
In a further alternative embodiment, the hair dryer attachment comprises multiple material and aesthetic variations while maintaining the core functional design. The attachment ring 12 and spike array may be constructed from alternative heat-resistant elastomeric materials including thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) with Shore hardness ratings between 40 A-90 A, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) elastomers providing enhanced ozone resistance, or fluorosilicone compounds offering superior chemical resistance to oils and solvents. Surface treatments may include textured finishes comprising raised patterns, dimpled surfaces, or micro-ribbed textures to enhance grip characteristics. The attachment is available in multiple color variations including translucent, opaque, metallic, or fluorescent formulations achieved through compatible pigment systems. Professional-grade versions may incorporate reinforcing fibers, conductive elements for anti-static properties, or antimicrobial additives for hygienic applications. Consumer-grade versions may feature decorative elements, custom branding, or ergonomic modifications while maintaining the essential elastomeric properties and spike functionality.
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the complete hair dryer attachment assembly. The attachment ring 12 forms the cylindrical base of the device, with its circular shape designed to accommodate standard hair dryer barrels. Extending upward from the attachment ring 12 is the top spike base 14, which serves as the foundation for the spike array arrangement. The spikes 21, 22 project outward from the top spike base 14 in a systematically arranged pattern. The perspective view clearly shows how the spikes 21, 22 are positioned to create an effective hair-styling surface while maintaining structural integrity with the base components. The complete assembly demonstrates the unified construction of the elastomeric body, with all elements, the attachment ring 12, top spike base 14, and spikes 21, 22 formed as a single piece through molding. This perspective angle particularly emphasizes how the spikes 21, 22 emerge from the top spike base 14 in a manner that optimizes their styling functionality while ensuring durability.
FIG. 2 provides a front elevation view of the hair dryer attachment device, clearly illustrating the exterior surface 13 and interior cavity 10 of the attachment ring. The exterior surface 13 features a textured grip pattern to facilitate secure handling during installation and removal. The interior cavity 10 maintains a smooth cylindrical profile designed to accommodate standard hair dryer barrel diameters.
A feature revealed in this view is the distinctive arrangement of the alternating rows of spikes 21, 22 extending from the top spike base 14. The spike array follows a staggered pattern, with rows alternating between four and five spikes 21, 22 in one embodiment. This configuration may also be implemented with rows alternating between five and six spikes 21, 22 in larger diameter versions. The staggered arrangement ensures optimal distribution of the spikes 21, 22 across the brush surface while maintaining sufficient spacing between individual spikes 21, 22 to prevent tangling during use.
The alternating row pattern creates natural channels between the spike formations, facilitating improved airflow distribution and more effective hair separation during the drying process. When viewed from the front, the symmetrical arrangement of these rows demonstrates how the spikes 21, 22 are positioned to provide consistent coverage across the entire working surface of the attachment.
FIG. 3 provides a side elevation view illustrating the graduated spike length configuration of the hair dryer attachment. The spikes 21, 22 are arranged in three distinct lengths, designated as spike lengths 21a, 21b, and 21c, which progressively increase in height from the front to the back of the attachment. The shortest spikes 21a are positioned at the top or center of the top spike base 14, with medium-length spikes 21b adjacent, transitioning to the longest spikes 21c further down.
This graduated arrangement of spike lengths 21a, 21b, 21c creates a flat brush surface 30 when viewed from a side. The flat brush surface 30 is formed by the tips 16 of all spikes 21, 22 aligning in a single plane, angled approximately 90 degrees relative to the central horizontal axis of the attachment ring 12. This planar arrangement ensures consistent contact with the hair during use, enabling uniform brushing action across the entire spike array (i.e., hair brush surface). The configuration of the spike lengths 21a, 21b, and 21c maintains this flat brush surface 30 while accommodating the cylindrical curvature of the underlying attachment structure.
FIG. 4 illustrates the installation configuration of the hair dryer attachment on a standard handheld hair dryer barrel. The interior surface 11 of the attachment ring 12 is designed with a universal cylindrical opening that accommodates various hair dryer barrel diameters within a standard range. The elastomeric properties of the attachment ring 12 allow it to flex and conform securely around the barrel circumference while maintaining sufficient grip through surface friction. The installation view demonstrates how the interior surface 11 makes complete contact with the hair dryer barrel to ensure stable positioning during use. The flexible yet secure fit provided by the attachment ring 12 prevents unwanted rotation or displacement during hair drying and styling operations while still allowing for easy removal when needed.
In another alternative embodiment, the hair dryer attachment comprises a magnetized flexible version incorporating embedded magnetic elements within the elastomeric body. The attachment includes a flexible silicone band having a longitudinal opening that allows the attachment to wrap around the hair dryer barrel and secure to itself through magnetic attraction. Neodymium magnets or ferrite magnetic strips are embedded within the elastomeric material at opposing ends of the flexible band, enabling the attachment to form a secure bracelet-like connection around the barrel. The magnetic elements are encapsulated within the elastomeric material to prevent direct contact with the hair dryer surface while providing holding forces between 5-15 pounds of magnetic attraction. This embodiment accommodates an even wider range of barrel diameters and shapes, including oval, rectangular, or irregular cross-sections, while maintaining the spike array functionality for hair styling operations.
In an alternative embodiment, the attachment ring 12 includes enhanced grip features comprising internal projections or tabs extending inwardly from the interior surface 11. These internal projections are strategically positioned around the circumference of the attachment ring 12 to accommodate various hair dryer barrel diameters and surface textures. The internal projections comprise flexible elastomeric extensions having a Shore hardness rating between 30-60, softer than the main body material, to provide enhanced conformability without damaging the hair dryer barrel surface. The projections may be arranged in helical patterns, longitudinal ridges, or circumferential bands to maximize grip while allowing easy installation and removal. This enhanced grip mechanism enables secure attachment to hair dryer barrels with smooth, textured, or tapered surfaces while maintaining the universal fit characteristics of the base design.
FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment showing a modified arrangement pattern for spikes 21, 22 on the attachment ring. In this variation, the alternating rows are configured in a different staggered pattern compared to the primary embodiment. Specifically, the rows alternate between groups of three and four spikes 21, 22, creating a less dense but still effective brushing surface. The spikes maintain consistent spacing within each row while preserving the graduated height arrangement that forms the flat brushing plane. This alternative pattern demonstrates the flexibility in spike arrangement while maintaining the core functionality of the device. The modified pattern may be preferred for certain hair types or styling applications where a less dense bristle arrangement is desired.
FIG. 6 provides a detailed magnified view showing the construction of individual spikes and their integration with the top spike base 14. Each spike originates at a point designated as the origin of spike 15 where it seamlessly merges with the top spike base through a gradual radius transition to ensure structural integrity. The origin of spike 15 features a wider cross-sectional diameter that tapers uniformly along the length of the spike until reaching the tip of spike 16. This tapered design optimizes flexibility while maintaining sufficient rigidity for hair styling purposes.
The top spike base 14 is shown in cross-section to illustrate how the spikes 21, 22 are integrally molded as a single unified structure rather than being separately attached components. This single-piece construction method enhances durability by eliminating potential failure points at spike attachment locations. The material transition between the top spike base 14 and each spike 21, 22 is carefully controlled during the molding process to ensure consistent mechanical properties throughout the structure. The detailed view also reveals the precise angular orientation of each spike 21, 22 relative to the top spike base 14 surface, which is optimized for proper hair engagement during use.
FIG. 7 provides a cross-sectional view of the hair dryer attachment that reveals the internal structure and integration of the spikes 21, 22 with the elastomeric body. The cross-section particularly illustrates how the spike lengths 21a, 21b, 21c are molded as continuous extensions of the elastomeric material forming the attachment ring 12 and top spike base 14. This unified construction ensures structural integrity and eliminates potential failure points that could occur with separately attached spikes 21, 22.
The graduated spike lengths 21a, 21b, 21c are clearly visible in this view, showing how they extend at progressively longer lengths from the top spike base 14 to create the flat brush surface 30. The cross-section demonstrates that each spike 21, 22 maintains a consistent diameter from its origin point 15 through to its tip 16, with the material composition remaining uniform throughout. The internal view confirms that the spikes 21, 22 are solid throughout their length, providing the necessary rigidity for hair styling while maintaining flexibility due to the elastomeric material properties.
This sectional view also reveals how the flat brush surface 30 is achieved through precise molding of the spike lengths 21a, 21b, 21c, with each row carefully calibrated to terminate at the same plane. The integration of the spikes 21, 22 with the base structure is shown to be seamless, with no joints or connection points that could weaken over time or with repeated use.
FIG. 8 illustrates the hair dryer attachment in its operational position on a conventional handheld hair dryer, demonstrating the intended functionality during use. The attachment ring 12 is shown securely fitted over the barrel of the hair dryer, with the interior surface 11 maintaining consistent contact with the hair dryer barrel. The exterior surface 13 and top spike base 14 are visible from this angle, showing how the complete assembly integrates with the hair dryer.
The view demonstrates how the graduated spike arrangement, comprising spikes 21, 22 of varying lengths 21a, 21b, 21c, creates the flat brush surface 30 that makes contact with the user's hair during styling. The alternating rows of spikes 21, 22 are shown in their working position, with each spike origin 15 firmly anchored to the top spike base 14 and each spike tip 16 positioned to effectively engage with hair strands during the combined drying and brushing action. This perspective particularly emphasizes how the flat brush surface 30 facilitates smooth contact with hair while maintaining proper spacing for airflow through the spike array.
The demonstration view also illustrates how the elastomeric construction of the attachment allows it to maintain its shape and spike positioning while accommodating the heat and air pressure generated by the hair dryer during operation. The flexible yet stable nature of the attachment ring 12 ensures consistent performance throughout the styling process.
The hair dryer attachment is constructed as a single-piece molded component using an elastomeric material with a Shore hardness rating between 00-70. This hardness range was selected to provide optimal flexibility for installation while maintaining sufficient rigidity for effective hair styling functionality. The elastomeric body demonstrates excellent heat resistance properties suitable for prolonged exposure to hair dryer temperatures up to 185° F. (85° C.) without degradation or deformation.
The molding process creates a seamless, unitary structure where the attachment ring, top spike base, and all spike elements are formed as an integrated whole. This single-piece construction eliminates potential failure points that could occur with multi-component assemblies. The elastomeric material provides natural grip characteristics that enhance secure attachment to the hair dryer barrel through frictional engagement, while still allowing easy removal when desired. The material composition also ensures sufficient durability to maintain spike alignment and structural integrity through repeated use and cleaning cycles.
Surface treatments may be applied during the manufacturing process to enhance the material's heat resistance and provide additional grip characteristics. The elastomeric composition is specifically formulated to resist degradation from common hair care products and cleaning solutions while maintaining its essential mechanical properties throughout the expected product lifecycle.
In operation, the hair dryer attachment provides significant functional benefits through its innovative design features. The flat brush surface 30 created by the graduated spike arrangement enables uniform contact with hair sections during styling. This planar surface formation ensures consistent tension and heat distribution across the hair strands being styled. The alternating rows of spikes 21, 22 work in concert with the flat brush surface 30 to separate and grip hair effectively while allowing adequate airflow through the spike array pattern. In one embodiment, the flat brush surface mimics a flat hairbrush.
The attachment enables simultaneous drying and brushing functionality, eliminating the need for users to coordinate multiple styling tools. As heated air flows through the spike array, the elastomeric spikes 21, 22 grip and separate hair strands while the heated air contacts and dries the hair. This dual-action capability significantly reduces overall styling time compared to traditional methods requiring separate brushing and drying steps.
The improved styling efficiency is further enhanced by the strategic placement of spikes 21, 22 in the alternating rows pattern, which prevents tangling while maximizing hair contact. The graduated spike lengths 21a, 21b, 21c forming the flat brush surface 30 ensure consistent styling results by maintaining even contact pressure across the brush surface. This unified brushing plane helps create smooth, professionally styled results while reducing the physical effort required during the styling process.
Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not deemed to be limiting. Furthermore, it is understood that any of the features presented in the embodiments may be integrated into any of the other embodiments unless explicitly stated otherwise. The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the system may be integrated together, or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps.
1. A hair dryer attachment comprising:
an elastomeric body having an attachment ring and top spike base, the attachment ring having an interior and an exterior, the interior having a substantially cylindrical shape and the exterior comprising a top spike base on at least one section of the exterior of the base ring;
the top spike base including a plurality of spikes protruding outward in parallel to each other from the exterior of the attachment ring;
wherein the attachment ring has a Shore hardness of between 00-70; and
wherein the attachment ring is configured to receive a circular barrel of a handheld hair dryer.
2. The elastomeric body of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spikes are arranged in staggered rows.
3. The elastomeric body of claim 2, wherein each spike has a length, an origin at the top spike base and a tip opposite the origin, and the length of the spikes varies based on its position around the exterior of the attachment ring such that the tips of the spikes form a flat brush surface.
4. The elastomeric body of claim 1, wherein the attachment ring and top spike base are integrally formed.
5. The elastomeric body of claim 2, wherein the staggered rows alternate between four and five spikes.
6. The elastomeric body of claim 2, wherein the staggered rows alternate between five and six spikes.