US 5,568,691 · Granted 1996-10-29

Hair dryer apparatus adapted for multi-functional usage

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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