Hair dryer apparatus adapted for multi-functional usage
First Claim
1. Apparatus adapted for multi-functional use with selected base and accessory units comprisinga base unit including a housing attachable to a wall,circuit means in said housing for connection to an electrical supply means, said circuit means providing an electrical outlet connection externally of said housing,means in said housing connected to said circuit means for producing a flow of heated air from said housing when the circuit means is connected to said electrical supply means,a plurality of modular accessory units at least one of which is operable by the heated air from said housing and at least a second of which is electrically operated, andmeans for detachable connection of a selected modular accessory unit to said housing, said at least second modular accessory unit including an electrical interconnection means which electrically connects the second modular accessory unit to said circuit means when the second modular accessory unit is detachably attached to said base unit, said at least one modular accessory unit being operated by the heated air from said base unit when detachably attached to said base unit.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A multi-functional assembly of a hair dryer and accessory units in which a base unit is attached to a wall for producing heated air which is supplied to a hand-held dryer. A garment dryer is attachable in the assembly to receive the heated air produced by the base unit. The accessory units are capable of being detachably interconnected with one another and with the base unit in a variety of ways. The interconnection is made by security connectors to prevent unauthorized disconnection of the units. Electrical power is supplied to circuit boards in the base unit and the electrical power is transmitted to the accessory units when they are connected in the assembly. A ground fault circuit interrupter or similar safety device in the base unit controls electrical supply to all units. When the accessory unit is a garment dryer, the dryer drum is driven by a turbine wheel, driven by heated air. The drive turbine of the wheel is utilized to produce electrical energy to achieve various functions, such as door latching, alarm signal generation, moisture determination, etc.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. Apparatus adapted for multi-functional use with selected base and accessory units comprising
a base unit including a housing attachable to a wall, circuit means in said housing for connection to an electrical supply means, said circuit means providing an electrical outlet connection externally of said housing, means in said housing connected to said circuit means for producing a flow of heated air from said housing when the circuit means is connected to said electrical supply means, a plurality of modular accessory units at least one of which is operable by the heated air from said housing and at least a second of which is electrically operated, and means for detachable connection of a selected modular accessory unit to said housing, said at least second modular accessory unit including an electrical interconnection means which electrically connects the second modular accessory unit to said circuit means when the second modular accessory unit is detachably attached to said base unit, said at least one modular accessory unit being operated by the heated air from said base unit when detachably attached to said base unit.
- 16. Hair dryer apparatus adapted for multi-functional use comprising a hair dryer including a housing attachable to a wall, a handle having an air outlet, electrical power supply means within said housing, electrical heating means for producing heated air means electrically connecting said electrical heating means, to said electrical power supply means, switch means for controlling electrical connection of said electrical heating means to said electrical power supply means, said hair dryer producing heated air at said air outlet of said handle when said electrical heating means is connected to said electrical power supply means, said housing including a receptacle for said handle, a plurality of modular accessory units, means for detachable connection of a selected modular accessory unit to said housing, circuit means connected to said electrical power supply means for providing an electrical outlet connection in said housing, at least one of said modular accessory units including electrical utilization means with an input which is electrically connected to said electrical outlet connection when said accessary unit is connected to said housing.
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25. A method of providing a multi-functional arrangement of a base unit and a plurality of accessory units in which heated air is produced for utilization by a user, said method comprising:
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connecting the base unit to a support, providing a plurality of accessory units having respective uses, providing an electrical circuit including a GFCI in said housing for connection with an external power source, detachably connecting one or more accessory units to the base unit, establishing electrical connection to said accessory unit when said accessory unit is connected to the base unit and electrical connection from said accessory unit to any successive accessory unit connected thereto, and producing heated air in one of said units for utilization by a user. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification