Forced air dryer for infant's bottom

• US 20020006275A1
• Filed: 08/27/2001
• Published: 01/17/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 07/19/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Pollack, Shirley
• Original Assignee: Pollack, Shirley
• Inventors: Pollack, Shirley
• Granted Patent: US 6,928,235 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 392/380
• CPC Class Codes: A45D 2020/128 involving features of the hand-held hair dryer
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 10/48 Drying by means of hot air hair-drying devices A45D20/00; curative hot-air baths A61H33/06; electric heating elements H05B

Abstract

A forced air dryer designed to dry an infant'"'"'s bottom during the diaper changing process comprises a housing having an end piece designed to reduce skin abrasion, skin heating, and air flow blockage. In one embodiment, the device is powered by a rechargeable electric battery. In another embodiment, the invention is associated with a diaper changing table.

Claims

1. A device for drying a moist region of a person'"'"'s body, comprising:

(a) a housing, having at least one air inlet, and an air outlet;

(b) an electric fan, mounted within the housing, so as to blow air toward the air outlet;

(c) an electric power source connected to the electric fan;

(d) an end piece, having a resilient outermost end, protruding around the air outlet; and

(e) means for venting air to the atmosphere, bypassing the air outlet if the outermost end of the air outlet is blocked, such that overheating of the fan is avoided;

whereby air is adapted to be directed to a moist region of a person'"'"'s body, to assist the drying of the moist region, with reduced chance of skin irritation of the person.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the power source comprises a battery, adapted to power the fan.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising an air heater mounted within the housing and connected to the power source.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a lamp mechanically associated with the housing, so as to illuminate a region to which air is directed.

5. The device of claim 1, in which the end piece is detachable.

6. A forced air drier for drying a baby, comprising:

(a) a housing, having at least one air inlet, and an air outlet;

(b) an electric fan, mounted within the housing, so as to force air out of the air outlet;

(c) an electric power source connected to the electric fan;

(d) an air-directing mechanism connected to the forced air blower, having a directed air outlet;

(e) an end piece, having a resilient outermost end, protruding around the directed air outlet; and

(f) means for venting air to the atmosphere if the outermost end of the air outlet is blocked, such that overheating of the fan is avoided;

whereby the air-directing mechanism can be manipulated so as to direct air towards a baby supported nearby.

7. The device of claim 6, further comprising an air heater, so as to heat air directed towards the baby.

8. The device of claim 6, in which the housing is wall-mounted in proximity to a flat surface for supporting a baby.

11. The device of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of air outlet vents, whereby several moist regions of the baby may be dried simultaneously.

12. The device of claim 8, further comprising a foam pad for supporting the baby, through which air is blown.

9. A diaper changing table with built-in baby drier, comprising:

(a) a surface for supporting a baby;

(b) a forced air blower mechanically associated with the surface, having an air inlet, and an air outlet;

(c) an electric power source connected to the forced air blower; and

(d) an air outlet vent formed from a resilient material fitted to the air outlet, and mechanically associated with the surface;

whereby air is directed towards a baby supported on the surface.

10. The diaper changing table of claim 9, in which the forced air blower further comprises an air heater so as to heat air directed towards the baby.

13. A device for drying a moist region of a person'"'"'s body, comprising:

(a) a housing, generally forming a tube, having an air outlet and an air inlet;

(b) an electric fan, mounted within the housing between the air inlet and air outlet, operable to draw air in through the air inlet and blow air out of the air outlet;

(c) a hand-grip formed on the housing;

(d) a battery mounted within the housing, adapted to power the electric fan;

(e) an electrical switch, mounted on the housing, so as to control power to the electric fan;

(f) a removable end piece, having a resilient outermost end, protruding around the air outlet; and

(g) an opening in the housing of the air outlet for venting air to the atmosphere if the outermost end of the air outlet is blocked, such that overheating of the fan is avoided;

whereby air is directed to the moist region of the person'"'"'s body, to assist the drying of the moist region, with reduced chance of skin irritation of the person.

14. The device of claim 13, further comprising electrical contacts adapted to allow recharging of the battery.

15. The device of claim 13, further comprising an electrical air heater, so as to heat air blown out of the air outlet.