U.S. patent application number 10/215322 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-12 for hairstyling accessory with rotatable handle.
Invention is credited to Kim, Tong J., Menaged, Neal, Prince, Michael D., Reedy, Michael.
Application Number | 20040025897 10/215322 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31494841 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040025897 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Menaged, Neal ; et
al. |
February 12, 2004 |
Hairstyling accessory with rotatable handle
Abstract
A hairstyling accessory is disclosed which permits a handle to
be rotatably adjusted with respect to a head on the accessory, thus
permitting the accessory to be tailored to the user's particular
needs. The head has a downwardly extending shaft with a
longitudinal axis. The handle is disposed about at least a portion
of the shaft and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The
accessory includes a lock for locking the handle to the shaft at
one of a plurality of different rotational positions about the
longitudinal axis. The lock has a locked position and an unlocked
position. The accessory preferably includes a spring for biasing
the lock against movement into the unlocked position. The accessory
may be a hair brush, a comb or a mirror.
Inventors: |
Menaged, Neal; (Rydal,
PA) ; Prince, Michael D.; (Chicago, IL) ; Kim,
Tong J.; (Chicago, IL) ; Reedy, Michael;
(Chicago, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DRINKER BIDDLE & REATH
ONE LOGAN SQUARE
18TH AND CHERRY STREETS
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103-6996
US
|
Family ID: |
31494841 |
Appl. No.: |
10/215322 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/150 ;
15/144.1; 15/172 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 2200/104 20130101;
A46B 5/0075 20130101; A45D 42/00 20130101; A45D 24/04 20130101;
B25G 1/00 20130101; A46B 5/0083 20130101; A46B 5/0054 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/150 ;
15/144.1; 15/172 |
International
Class: |
A46B 015/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A hairstyling device comprising: a head having a hairstyling
component and a shaft extending downward from the hairstyling
component, the shaft having a longitudinal axis; a handle disposed
about at least a portion of the shaft and being rotatable about the
longitudinal axis; and a lock mechanism located between the shaft
and the handle, the lock mechanism engaging the handle to the shaft
to lock the handle into a specific rotational orientation with
respect to the head.
2. The hairstyling device of claim 1 wherein the lock mechanism
further includes a spring for biasing the lock into a locking
position.
3. The hairstyling device of claim 2 wherein the lock mechanism
includes a locking end on the shaft and a locking socket in the
handle, the engagement of the locking end with the locking socket
inhibiting rotation of the handle with respect to the head, and
wherein the spring biases the locking end toward the locking
socket.
4. The hairstyling device of claim 3 wherein the locking end and
the locking socket have cross-sectional shapes which permit the
locking end to engage with the locking socket in at least two
different rotational positions about the longitudinal axis.
5. The hairstyling device of claim 4 wherein the locking end and
the locking socket have substantially hexagonal cross-sections.
6. The hairstyling device of claim 2 wherein the lock mechanism
includes a locking end on the shaft with a plurality of spaced
apart apertures and a locking tab located in the handle and adapted
to engage with the apertures for locking the handle to the shaft
for inhibiting rotation of the handle with respect to the head, and
wherein the spring biases the tab toward at least one aperture.
7. The hairstyling device of claim 6 wherein the lock mechanism
further comprises a release button for permitting manual
disengagement of the locking tab from an aperture.
8. The hairstyling device of claim 2 wherein the spring is a coil
spring disposed about the shaft, the spring having an upper end
which is in contact with a rim of the handle and a lower end which
is in contact with a component on the shaft, the spring biasing the
shaft against translation out of the handle, and wherein the lock
mechanism includes a locking end on a lower portion of the shaft
and a locking socket in the handle, the engagement of the locking
end with the locking socket inhibiting rotation of the handle with
respect to the head, and wherein the spring biases the locking end
toward the locking socket.
9. The hairstyling device of claim 8 wherein the component on the
shaft is a snap ring and washer assembly.
10. The hairstyling device of claim 8 wherein the rim and locking
socket are portions of a sleeve which is located within a cavity in
the handle.
11. The hairstyling device of claim 10 wherein the sleeve is formed
from two separate portions that are fitted together around the
shaft, and wherein the sleeve has a recess within which the spring
is located.
12. The hairstyling device of claim 1 wherein the hairstyling
component is a brush with bristles protruding outwardly in at least
one direction.
13. The hairstyling device of claim 1 wherein the hairstyling
component is select from a group consisting of a brush, comb and
mirror.
14. A hairstyling device comprising: a head having a hairstyling
component and a shaft extending downward from the hairstyling
component, the shaft having a longitudinal axis; a handle disposed
about at least a portion of the shaft and being rotatable about the
longitudinal axis; and a lock for locking the handle to the shaft
at one of a plurality of different rotational positions, the lock
having a locked position and an unlocked position.
15. The hairstyling device of claim 14 further comprising a spring
for biasing the lock against movement into the unlocked
position.
16. The hairstyling device of claim 15 wherein the lock includes a
locking end on the shaft and a locking socket located within the
handle, the locked position corresponding to engagement of the
locking end with the locking socket, and wherein the spring biases
the shaft against disengagement of the locking end from the locking
socket.
17. The hairstyling device of claim 16 wherein the locking end and
the locking socket have cross-sectional shapes which permit the
locking end to engage with the locking socket in at least two
different rotational positions about the longitudinal axis.
18. The hairstyling device of claim 17 wherein the locking end and
the locking socket have substantially hexagonal cross-sections.
19. The hairstyling device of claim 15 wherein the lock includes a
locking end on the shaft with a plurality of spaced apart apertures
and a locking tab located in the handle and adapted to engage with
the apertures for locking the handle to the shaft, and wherein the
spring biases the tab toward at least one aperture.
20. The hairstyling device of claim 19 further comprising a release
button for permitting manual disengagement of the locking tab from
an aperture.
21. The hairstyling device of claim 15 wherein the spring is a coil
spring disposed about the shaft, the spring having an upper end
which is in contact with a rim of the handle and a lower end which
is in contact with a component on the shaft, the spring biasing the
shaft against translation out of the handle, and wherein the lock
includes a locking end on a lower end of the shaft and a locking
socket in the handle, the engagement of the locking end with the
locking socket inhibiting rotation of the handle with respect to
the head, and wherein the spring biases the locking end toward the
locking socket.
22. The hairstyling device of claim 21 wherein the component on the
shaft is a snap ring and washer assembly.
23. The hairstyling device of claim 21 wherein the rim and locking
socket are portions of a sleeve disposed within a cavity in the
handle.
24. The hairstyling device of claim 23 wherein the sleeve is formed
from two separate portions that are fitted together around the
shaft, and wherein the sleeve has a recess within which the spring
is located.
25. The hairstyling device of claim 14 wherein the hairstyling
component is a brush with bristles protruding outwardly in at least
one direction.
26. The hairstyling device of claim 14 wherein the hairstyling
component is select from a group consisting of a brush, comb and
mirror.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to hair accessories and, more
particularly, to a new hairstyling accessory with a rotatable
handle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The marketplace abounds with different types and varieties
of hairstyling accessories. Many of these devices include a
hairstyling component, such as a brush or mirror, and a handle
portion. In all the devices currently on the market, the handle is
fixed to the hairstyling portion. For devices which have a
non-contoured handle, having the handle fixed is not an issue.
However, many hairstyling products include handles which are
contoured, such as with finger grips, to provide comfort to the
user. In such devices, the finger grips are typically arranged to
accommodate grasping by right-handed individuals or are centered to
accommodate use by both left-handed and right-handed individuals.
Some studies show that upwards of 85% of the population is
right-handed. For that large segment of the population,
right-handed brushes are fine. However, handles with centrally
positioned grips are not as comfortable. Furthermore, to date, the
15% of the population that is left-handed have no specific brush to
choose from and, thus, have had to live with using uncomfortable
conventionally contoured devices.
[0003] Also, there are times when a user is attempting to use a
hairstyling device in such a way that a conventional handle
orientation is not comfortable at all.
[0004] A need, therefore, exists for a handle on hairstyling
products which can be oriented as desired by the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides a novel hairstyling accessory
which permits a handle to be rotatably adjusted with respect to a
head on the accessory, thus permitting the accessory to be tailored
to the user's particular needs. The head has a hairstyling
component on it, such as a brush, comb or mirror. A shaft extends
downward from the head and has a longitudinal axis. The handle is
disposed about at least a portion of the shaft and is rotatable
about the longitudinal axis. The accessory includes a lock for
locking the handle at a plurality of different rotational
positions. The lock has a locked position and an unlocked position.
The accessory preferably includes a spring for biasing the lock
against movement into the unlocked position.
[0006] In one embodiment, the lock includes a locking end formed on
the shaft and a locking socket located within the handle. The
locked position corresponds to the engagement of the locking end
with the locking socket. The spring biases the shaft against
disengagement of the locking end from the locking socket.
[0007] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the lock
includes a locking end located on the shaft with a plurality of
spaced apart apertures. A locking tab is located in the handle and
is adapted to engage with the apertures for locking the handle to
the shaft. In this embodiment, the spring biases the tab toward at
least one aperture.
[0008] The foregoing and other features of the invention and
advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in
light of the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. As will be
realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various
respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly,
the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative
in nature, and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] For the purpose of the illustrating the invention, the
drawings show a form of the invention which is presently preferred.
However, it should be understood that this invention is not limited
to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the
drawings.
[0010] FIGS. 1A and 1B are side views of one embodiment of the
present invention with a handle oriented in opposite
directions.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a section view of the embodiment in FIG. 1A taken
along lines 2-2.
[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the
invention shown in FIG. 1A.
[0013] FIG. 4A is a partial isometric view of the embodiment of the
present invention shown in FIG. 1A in its locked position.
[0014] FIG. 4B is a partial isometric view of the embodiment of the
present invention shown in FIG. 1A in its unlocked position.
[0015] FIG. 5A is a partial cross-sectional side view of a second
embodiment of the present invention in its locked position.
[0016] FIG. 5B is a partial cross-sectional side view of the
embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 5A in its
unlocked position.
[0017] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the
invention shown in FIG. 5A taken along lines 5C-5C.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the handle in one embodiment of
the invention taken along lines 6-6 in FIG. 2.
DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals illustrate corresponding or similar elements throughout
the several views, FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate one embodiment of a
hairstyling accessory 10, and in particular, a hairbrush, according
to the present invention with its handle 12 oriented in two
different positions. As shown, a finger grip 16 on the handle 12 is
oriented in two different positions with respect to a head (e.g.,
bristle portion) 14.
[0020] The head 14 of the hairstyling accessory 10 may be
conventional. For example, the head 14 may be a brush, such as a
flat back bristle brush or a quill brush, a mirror, a comb or other
similar hairstyling accessory. In the illustrated embodiment, the
hairstyling accessory is a flat back bristle brush which includes a
flat support 18 with a plurality of bristles 20 extending out of
one side of the support. The specific configuration of the head 14
is not particularly pertinent to the present invention except as
discussed below.
[0021] As noted above, the handle 12 includes a grip or contoured
portion 16, such as a finger grip. The grip 16 may be formed as an
integral part of the handle 12 or may be a separate component that
is attached to or disposed in combination with a handle body 22.
The grip 16 may be contoured to receive a user's fingers and/or may
be made from a soft, pliable material, such as rubber, for
providing comfort when held by a user. In one embodiment, the grip
is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) molded onto a
portion of the handle body 22. If the grip 16 is separate from the
handle body 22, it may be attached to the handle body 22 using a
mechanical or adhesive fastener.
[0022] The handle body 22 is preferably made from plastic material
and is formed as two separate body housings 24 that are attached to
one another or otherwise held together. Preferably the housings 24
are welded one another, such as with ultrasonic welding. Forming a
device from molded component parts is well known in the art and,
thus, no further detail is necessary. Alternately, the handle can
be made as a single molded component.
[0023] The handle 12 is attached to the head 14 through an
adjustment mechanism which permits the handle 12 to be oriented and
locked in different rotational positions with respect to the head
14. Specifically, the handle 12 is capable of rotating about a
longitudinal axis L which extends through a portion of the brush
10. The handle 12 is designed to lock into at least two, and more
preferably a plurality of, positions with respect to the brush head
14.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 2, a cross-section through the handle
12 of the brush 10 is shown, illustrating the component parts that
make up the adjustment mechanism 30 in one embodiment of the
invention. In the illustrated embodiment, a shaft 32 is formed on
or attached to the head 14. The shaft 32 extends downward from the
bottom of the head 14 into the handle 12. The shaft 32 includes a
locking end 34 which will be discussed in more detail shortly. The
locking end 34 can be attached to the shaft 32 or, as illustrated,
may be formed as an integral part of the shaft 32. The locking end
34 can take the form of various components which are designed to
lock or engage with a second component for preventing rotation,
such as having a key, splines, flutes or have a non-circular
cross-section (such as a triangular, rectangular or similar
polygonal shaped cross-section.). Those skilled in the art readily
appreciate that various other types of locking mechanisms can be
substituted for the illustrated embodiment.
[0025] The shaft 32 is located within a cavity 36 formed in the
handle body 22 so as to be rotatable and axially slidable with
respect to the handle 12 as will be discussed in more detail below.
One preferred embodiment of the adjustment mechanism 30 is shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the brush 10,
particularly illustrating the component parts that make up the
adjustment mechanism 30. The adjustment mechanism 30 is located
between at least a portion of the shaft 32 and handle body 22. The
adjustment mechanism 30 includes a sleeve 38 which is preferably
formed in two parts as shown. The sleeve 38 is disposed within the
cavity 36 of the handle body 22 such that the sleeve 38 does not
rotate or slide out of the handle 12. Rotation of the sleeve within
the body 22 can be inhibited by forming the outer surface of the
sleeve with flutes or similar friction surface. In addition to the
flutes, the sleeve 38 can be press-fit into the body 22.
Alternately, the sleeve 38 may be adhesively or mechanically
attached to the handle to prevent rotation and axial sliding. A
collar 40 may be incorporated to assist in locking the sleeve 38 to
the body 22.
[0026] If, as illustrated, the sleeve 38 is formed from two
components, the two components are preferably half sections of the
sleeve which may be attached to one another or may be held together
by the walls of the cavity 36. The sleeve 38 preferably includes an
interior recess 42 with an upper rim 44. The bottom of the sleeve
38 preferably includes a locking socket 46 which engages with the
locking end 34 of the shaft 32 for locking the shaft 32 against
rotation with respect to the sleeve 38 (and handle body 22).
[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking socket 46 has a
shape that is complementary to the shape of the locking end 34,
thus allowing the locking end 34 to mate with the locking socket
46. While the shape of the recess 46 does not need to be
complementary, it does need to be formed so as to permit the
locking end to mate (and lock against relative rotation) in at
least two positions. Preferably the locking end 34 has a
substantially hexagon shaped cross-section with gentle curved walls
and the locking socket 46 has a slightly larger substantially
hexagon shaped inner contour, also with slightly curved walls.
Accordingly, when the locking end 34 is located within the locking
socket 46, rotation of the shaft with respect to the sleeve 32 is
prevented. FIG. 6 illustrates the preferred cross-section of these
two components which permits orientation of the handle at 60 degree
intervals. Of course, different shapes will provide different
intervals of orientation (e.g., a square cross-section will permit
orientation of the handle at 90 degree intervals.)
[0028] A spring 48 is located in the recess 42. The spring 48 is
preferably a coil spring disposed around a portion of the shaft 32.
The spring 48 is located between the rim 44 and a projection 52 on
the shaft 32. More particularly, a washer 52 is preferably located
around the shaft 32 below the spring 48. The washer 52 has a
diameter that is less than the internal diameter of the recess 42.
A snap ring 50 is located below the washer 52. The snap ring 50
locks onto the shaft 32 to retain the spring 48 and washer 52 on
the shaft 32 and prevent the spring 48 from sliding off. The snap
ring 50 includes flat surfaces 52 which engage with corresponding
flat surfaces 54 formed on the shaft 32, thus locking the snap ring
to the shaft. A lip 56 is located below the flat surfaces 54 on the
shaft 32 and prevents the snap ring 50 from sliding off.
[0029] When the shaft 32 and spring 48 are located within the
sleeve 38, the spring 48 is positioned between the washer 52/snap
ring 50 and the rim 44 of the recess 42. In the locked position
(shown in FIG. 2), the locking end 34 is in engagement with the
locking socket 46. Any translation of the shaft 32 axially along
the longitudinal axis L will cause the washer 52/ring 50 to
compress the spring 48 against the rim 44. Any compression of the
spring 48 will result in a biasing of the snap ring 50 and, thus,
the shaft 32, away from the rim 44. Since the shaft 32 is attached
to the head 14, the result of the biasing is that the head 14 is
biased toward the handle 12 and into the locked position.
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the embodiment of the
present invention described above is shown in two stages of
operation. FIG. 4A illustrates the invention in its locked
position. In this position, the locking end 34 is engaged with the
locking socket 46 and the spring 48 is minimally compressed or not
compressed at all. The head 14 is biased toward or positioned
immediately adjacent to the handle 12.
[0031] When it is desirable to change the orientation of the handle
12 with respect to the head 14, the user grasps the handle 12 with
one hand and the head 14 with the other. The head 14 is then pulled
away from the handle 12. This motion causes the shaft 32 to
translate within the sleeve 38 until the locking end 34 is no long
engaged with the locking socket 46. While this is occurring, the
washer 52/snap ring 50 combination compress the spring 48 against
the rim 44. This places the locking mechanism in the unlocked
position which is depicted in FIG. 4B. In this position, the handle
can be rotated with respect to the head. The compression of the
spring produces biasing of the shaft 32 toward the locked position.
Hence, upon release of the head 14 or the handle 12, the head and
handle will reposition into the locked position (FIG. 4A).
[0032] The invention illustrated and described above permits a
handle 12 to be oriented at different rotational (angular)
positions with respect to the head 14. The specific embodiment
illustrated permits the handle to be oriented at 60 degree
intervals, thus permitting the device to accommodate different
wrist positions and user preferences (e.g., right-handed or
left-handed users).
[0033] An alternate embodiment 100 of the invention is shown in
FIGS. 5A through 5C. The primary difference between the embodiment
illustrated in these figures and the prior embodiment is in the
adjustment or locking mechanism. As shown in FIG. 5A, the head 114
includes a shaft 132 which extends downward from the head 114 and
into the body 122 of the handle 112. The shaft 132 includes a
locking end 134. The locking end 134 is preferably annular in shape
with a plurality of apertures 135 spaced circumferentially about
the end 134.
[0034] The adjustment mechanism 130 also includes a locking tab 146
which is mounted within the handle body 122 and adapted to engage
with one of the apertures 135 for locking the shaft 132 at a
particular rotational orientation with respect to the handle body
122. The locking tab 146 is attached to a spring assembly 148 which
is located within a recess 142 defined by an internal sleeve 138 in
the handle body 122. The spring assembly biases the locking tab 146
into engagement with one of the apertures 135. In the illustrated
embodiment, the locking tab 146 is an integral outward extension of
a flexible tube or U-shaped frame. The flexible-tube or frame
provides the biasing that forces the tab 146 to engage with the
apertures 135. Other types of springs can be used in this
embodiment and those skilled in the art could readily make such a
modification.
[0035] A release button 170 is in contact with the spring 148 and
extends out of a hole in the side of the handle body 122. When
pressure is applied to the release button 170 (shown by the left
facing arrow in FIG. 5B), the button deflects the spring 148,
causing the locking tab 146 to disengage from the aperture. At this
point, the head 114 is free to rotate with respect to the handle
12. This is illustrated by the arrow 190 in FIG. 5B.
[0036] The present invention described above provides a novel
hairstyling accessory which accommodates a user's preferred handle
orientation. While the above discussion has been directed to a
brush, the present invention is directly applicable to a variety of
other hairstyling products.
[0037] Accordingly, although the invention has been described and
illustrated with respect to the exemplary embodiments thereof, it
should be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing
and various other changes, omissions and additions may be made
therein and thereto, without parting from the spirit and scope of
the claims.
* * * * *