U.S. patent application number 15/758669 was filed with the patent office on 2020-08-06 for hand-held hair styling device.
The applicant listed for this patent is WORLD WIDE DAILY HOLDING COMPANY LIMITED. Invention is credited to Chun Yuen To.
Application Number | 20200245739 15/758669 |
Document ID | 20200245739 / US20200245739 |
Family ID | 1000004783488 |
Filed Date | 2020-08-06 |
Patent Application | download [pdf] |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20200245739 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
To; Chun Yuen |
August 6, 2020 |
HAND-HELD HAIR STYLING DEVICE
Abstract
A hand-held hair styling device has a body having a wider side
between narrower sides. A rotatable base is mounted on the body for
rotation relative to the body. The rotatable base has an exposed
surface facing generally away from the body. An axis of rotation of
the rotatable base extends substantially perpendicular to a
longitudinal axis of the body. A plurality of hair styling elements
extending generally away from the body are mounted on the exposed
surface of the rotatable base for rotation relative to the body
with the rotatable base. A method of styling hair includes rotating
the rotatable base and the hair styling elements thereon while at
least some of the hair styling elements are in contact with a
person's hair.
Inventors: |
To; Chun Yuen; (New
Territory, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WORLD WIDE DAILY HOLDING COMPANY LIMITED |
Kwai Chung, New Territories |
|
CN |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004783488 |
Appl. No.: |
15/758669 |
Filed: |
October 16, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
October 16, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CN2017/106352 |
371 Date: |
March 8, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 2002/006 20130101;
A45D 2/42 20130101; A45D 24/007 20130101; A45D 24/10 20130101; A45D
2/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 24/00 20060101
A45D024/00; A45D 2/02 20060101 A45D002/02; A45D 2/42 20060101
A45D002/42; A45D 24/10 20060101 A45D024/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 7, 2017 |
CN |
PCT/CN2017/087427 |
Claims
1. A hand-held hair styling device, the hair styling device
comprising: a body having a wider side between a pair of narrower
sides on opposite sides of the wider side, the wider side of the
body having a width that is wider than the narrower sides of the
body; a rotatable base mounted between the narrower sides on the
body for rotation relative to the body about an axis of rotation,
the rotatable base having an exposed surface facing generally away
from the body, the axis of rotation of the rotatable base extending
substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body; and
a plurality of hair styling elements mounted on the exposed surface
of the rotatable base for rotation relative to the body with the
rotatable base, said plurality of hair styling elements extending
generally away from the body.
2. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 1 further
comprising a selectively activatable drive system for driving
rotation of the rotatable base relative to the body.
3. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 2 wherein
the selectively activatable drive system is configured to hold the
rotatable base in a fixed position relative to the body when the
selectively activatable drive system is not activated.
4. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 2 wherein
the selectively activatable drive system comprises a set of gears
and a manual actuator connected to the gears so that a user may
drive rotation of the rotatable base by manually manipulating the
manual actuator.
5. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 1 wherein
at least some of the hair styling elements mounted on the rotatable
base have a paddle-shaped configuration.
6. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 5 wherein
said at least some of the hair styling elements having a
paddle-shaped configuration have recesses formed in sides of the
hair styling elements.
7. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 1 wherein
each of the hair styling elements mounted on the rotatable base is
spaced from each of the other hair styling elements.
8. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 1 wherein
all of the hair styling elements are mounted on the rotatable
base.
9. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 1 wherein
the hair styling elements are substantially parallel to one
another.
10. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 1 wherein
the wider side of the body is substantially flat.
11. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 1 wherein
the wider side of the body has a width that is at least about 2
inches.
12. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 1 wherein
the body has a length that is at least about 4 inches.
13. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 1 wherein
the rotatable base has a diameter of at least about 0.75
inches.
14. A method of styling a person's hair comprising: holding a body
having a rotatable base thereon, the rotatable base being mounted
on the body for rotation relative to the body and having a
plurality of hair styling elements mounted thereon, the body having
a wider side between a pair of narrower sides on opposite sides of
the wider side, the rotatable base being mounted on the wider side;
moving the body to place the hair styling elements in the person's
hair; activating a selectively activatable drive system operably
connected to the rotatable base to drive rotation of the rotatable
base relative to the body about an axis of rotation and thereby
rotate the rotatable base and the hair styling elements thereon
while at least some of the hair styling elements are in contact
with the person's hair, the axis of rotation of the rotatable base
extending substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the
body.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein activating the selectively
activatable drive system comprises moving an actuator of the drive
system from a first position to a second position.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising removing the styling
elements from contact with the person's hair while the actuator is
in the second position.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising biasing the drive
system to the first position such that once the actuator is
released the actuator automatically moves from the second position
back to the first position.
18. A hand-held hair styling device, the hair styling device
comprising: a body having a wider side between a pair of narrower
sides on opposite sides of the wider side, the wider side of the
body having a width that is wider than the narrower sides of the
body; a rotatable base mounted between the narrower sides on the
body for rotation relative to the body about an axis of rotation,
the rotatable base having an exposed surface facing generally away
from the body, the axis of rotation of the rotatable base extending
substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body; and
at least one hair styling element mounted on the exposed surface of
the rotatable base for rotation relative to the body with the
rotatable base, said at least one hair styling element extending
generally away from the body and having recesses therein opening
radially outward from the axis of rotation of the rotatable base.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a US National Stage Application of
International Application No. PCT/CN2017/106352, filed Oct. 16,
2017 which claims the benefit of International Application No.
PCT/CN2017/087427, filed Jun. 7, 2017, the entire contents of which
are all hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to hand-held hair
styling devices such as hair brushes and combs and more
particularly to hand-held hair styling devices that are used to
impart curls to a person's hair.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A conventional hand-held hair brush has a body and a handle
extending from the body. A plurality of hair styling elements, such
as bristles or teeth, extend away from the body of the brush. To
use this conventional brush a person holds the handle in his or her
hand and moves the brush so the hair styling elements pass through
the hairs on a person's head.
[0004] A comb is similar to a brush. The hair styling elements on a
comb are usually arranged in a more narrow configuration (e.g., a
single row of teeth or a few closely spaced parallel rows of teeth)
than the hair styling elements on a brush. However, there is no
clear line between devices that are considered combs and devices
that are considered brushes. Both combs and brushes operate by
allowing a user to move a body carrying a plurality of hair styling
elements that extend from the body so that the hair styling
elements move through the hairs on a person's head.
[0005] The styling elements of the most common brushes and combs do
not move relative to the body that carries them.
SUMMARY
[0006] One aspect of the invention is a hand-held hair styling
device comprising a body having a wider side between a pair of
narrower sides on opposite sides of the wider side. The wider side
of the body has a width that is wider than the narrower sides of
the body. A rotatable base is mounted between the narrower sides on
the body for rotation relative to the body about an axis of
rotation. The rotatable base has an exposed surface facing
generally away from the body. The axis of rotation of the rotatable
base extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of
the body. A plurality of hair styling elements are mounted on the
exposed surface of the rotatable base for rotation relative to the
body with the rotatable base. The plurality of hair styling
elements extend generally away from the body.
[0007] Another aspect of the invention is a hand-held hair styling
device having a body having a wider side between a pair of narrower
sides on opposite sides of the wider side. The wider side of the
body has a width that is wider than the narrower sides of the body.
A plurality of rotatable bases are mounted between the narrower
sides on the body for rotation relative to the body about axes of
rotation. The rotatable bases each have an exposed surface facing
generally away from the body. A plurality of hair styling elements
are mounted on the exposed surface of each of the rotatable bases
for rotation relative to the body with the respective rotatable
base. The plurality of hair styling elements extend generally away
from the body. A handle extends from the body in a direction that
is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of at least
one of the rotatable bases.
[0008] Still another aspect of the invention is a hand-held hair
styling device having a body that has a wider side between a pair
of narrower sides on opposite sides of the wider side. The wider
side of the body has a width that is wider than the narrower sides
of the body. A plurality of rotatable bases are mounted between the
narrower sides on the body for rotation relative to the body about
axes of rotation. The rotatable bases each having an exposed
surface facing generally away from the body. A plurality of hair
styling elements are mounted on the exposed surface of each of the
rotatable bases for rotation relative to the body with the
respective rotatable base. The plurality of hair styling elements
extend generally away from the body. Each of the hair styling
elements mounted on the rotatable bases is spaced from each of the
other hair styling elements.
[0009] Yet another aspect of the invention is a method of styling
hair. The method includes holding a body having a rotatable base
thereon. The rotatable base is mounted on the body for rotation
relative to the body and has a plurality of hair styling elements
mounted thereon. The body has a wider side between a pair of
narrower sides on opposite sides of the wider side. The rotatable
base is mounted on the wider side. The method includes moving the
body to place the hair styling elements in the person's hair.
Activating a selectively activatable drive system operably
connected to the rotatable base to drive rotation of the rotatable
base relative to the body about an axis of rotation and thereby
rotate the rotatable base and the hair styling elements thereon
while at least some of the hair styling elements are in contact
with the person's hair. The axis of rotation of the rotatable base
extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the
body.
[0010] Still yet another aspect of the invention is a method of
styling hair. The method includes holding a handle connected to a
body having a plurality of rotatable bases thereon. Each of the
rotatable bases is mounted on the body for rotation relative to the
body and has a plurality of hair styling elements mounted thereon.
The method includes moving the handle to place the hair styling
elements in a person's hair. A selectively activatable drive system
operably connected to the rotatable bases is activated to drive
rotation of the rotatable bases relative to the body and thereby
rotate the rotatable bases and the hair styling elements thereon
while at least some of the hair styling elements are in contact
with the person's hair.
[0011] In a further aspect of the present invention, a hand-held
hair styling device generally comprises a body having a wider side
between a pair of narrower sides on opposite sides of the wider
side, the wider side of the body having a width that is wider than
the narrower sides of the body. A rotatable base is mounted between
the narrower sides on the body for rotation relative to the body
about an axis of rotation. The rotatable base has an exposed
surface facing generally away from the body, and the axis of
rotation of the rotatable base extends substantially perpendicular
to a longitudinal axis of the body. At least one hair styling
element is mounted on the exposed surface of the rotatable base for
rotation relative to the body with the rotatable base. The hair
styling element extends generally away from the body and has
recesses therein opening radially outward from the axis of rotation
of the rotatable base.
[0012] Other objects and features will in part be apparent and in
part pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective of one embodiment of a hair styling
device of the present invention;
[0014] FIGS. 2 and 3 are additional perspectives of the hair
styling device illustrated in FIG. 1 taken from different vantage
points;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the hair styling device
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a top plan of the hair styling device illustrated
in FIGS. 1-4;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan of the hair styling device
illustrated in FIGS. 1-5;
[0018] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective of the hair styling device
illustrated in FIGS. 1-6;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective of the hair styling device
illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 with a portion of the device removed to
show internal features;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective of the hair styling device
illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 similar to FIG. 8 but with an additional
part of the device removed to show additional internal
features;
[0021] FIG. 10. is a perspective of two different sets of
interchangeable turntables having different styling elements
configurations thereon for use with the hair styling device
illustrated in FIGS. 1-9;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective illustrating one method of using
the device illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 to curl a person's hair;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective of another embodiment of a hair
styling device of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a perspective of another embodiment of a hair
styling device of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 14 is another perspective of the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 13 with portions of the device removed to show internal
features;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a perspective of the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 13-14 showing a manually activatable drive lever in a
depressed position;
[0027] FIG. 16 is a perspective of another embodiment of a hair
styling device of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 17 is another perspective of the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 16 with portions of the device removed to show internal
features;
[0029] FIG. 17A is another perspective of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 16 with portions of the device removed to show
internal features;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a perspective of the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 16-17 showing a manually activatable drive lever in a
depressed position;
[0031] FIG. 19 is a perspective of another embodiment of a hair
styling device of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 20 is another perspective of the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 19 with portions of the device removed to show internal
features;
[0033] FIG. 21 is a perspective of the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 19-20 showing a manually activatable drive lever in a
depressed position;
[0034] FIG. 22 is a perspective of another embodiment of a hair
styling device of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 23 is another perspective of the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 22 with portions of the device removed to show internal
features;
[0036] FIG. 24 is a perspective of the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 22-23 showing a manually activatable drive lever in a
depressed position
[0037] FIG. 25 is a perspective of another embodiment of a hair
styling device of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 26 is a perspective of another embodiment of a hair
styling device of the present invention.
[0039] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] Referring now to the drawings, first to FIGS. 1-9, one
embodiment of a hair styling device is generally designated 101.
The device 101 can be used to brush hair in much the same way as a
conventional hair brush. However, the device 101 can also be used
to impart curls to a person's hair in a manner to be described in
more detail below.
[0041] The device 101 has a body 103 and a handle 105 that extends
from the body. The body 103 has one or more hair styling elements
107 secured thereto. The handle 105 is sized and shaped to fit in a
person's hand so the person can move the body 103 and the hair
styling elements 107 thereon relative to hair on that person's head
or another person's head. The body 103 and handle 105 are suitably
made of a moldable polymeric material, although other materials
could be used instead. Referring to FIG. 7, the body 103 and handle
105 of the device 101 are each made of an upper shell 109 and a
lower shell 111, which are so-named in reference to the orientation
in FIG. 7. It is understood the lower shell 111 may be above the
upper shell 109 and vice-versa, depending on how the device 101 is
positioned. The upper shell 109 of the body 103 and handle 105 are
suitably molded together as one-piece. Likewise, the lower shell
111 of the body 103 and handle 105 are also suitably molded
together as one-piece. It is understood that the upper and lower
shells 109, 111 can be made in greater or fewer pieces than in the
illustrated embodiment and that the dividing lines between the
multiple pieces of the shell can be varied. Also, if desired, the
configuration of the shells can be varied from what is illustrated
in FIGS. 1-9. The upper and lower shells 109, 111 are configured so
they can be secured to one another (e.g., by screws 113 or other
fasteners) to form the body 103 and handle 105. The body 103 and
handle 105 suitably have a hollow interior space 115 for reasons
that will become apparent.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the body 103 suitably has a
wider side 121 extending between a pair of narrower sides 123 on
opposite sides of the body 103. The narrower sides 123 are on
opposite sides of the wider side 121. The width W1 of the wider
side 121 is wider than the width W2 of the narrower sides 123. In
the illustrated embodiment, the narrower sides 123 are about equal
in width, but it is understood that this is not required. The width
W1 of the wider side 121 of the body 103 is suitably at least about
2 inches. The length L1 of the body 103 is suitably at least about
4 inches. For purposes of measuring the length L1 of the body 103,
the length L1 is defined as the distance between the end of the
body opposite the handle 105 and the styling element 107 that is
spaced farthest from that end. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the wider
side 121 of the body 103 is suitably substantially flat.
[0043] A plurality of hair styling elements 107 are mounted on the
wider side 121 of the body. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
1-9, all of the styling elements 107 are on the wider side 121 of
the body 103. Some of the hair styling elements 107 are suitably
fixed styling elements 125 that are affixed to the body 103. For
example, some or all of the fixed styling elements 125 are suitably
affixed to the wider side 121 of the body 103. There are various
ways to affix the fixed hair styling elements 125 to the body 103.
Referring to FIG. 7, for instance, several or all of the fixed hair
styling elements 125 are suitably mounted on a base 127 that
supports multiple fixed hair styling elements. In the illustrated
embodiment there are several bases 127, each of which carriers at
least two fixed hair styling elements. The bases 127 are positioned
inside the body 103 so that the fixed hair styling elements 125
extend through openings 129 in the lower shell 111. Thus, the
distal ends of the fixed hair styling elements 125 extend away from
the base 103 of the hair styling device 101. The bases 127 are
captured inside the interior space 115 of the hair styling device
101 by the upper and lower shells 109, 111 and thereby retain the
fixed hair styling elements on the base 103. Those skilled in the
art of designing and/or manufacturing hair styling devices will be
familiar with several other options for affixing fixed styling
elements to the body of a hair styling device, any of which can be
used instead of the arrangement in the illustrated embodiment.
[0044] At least some of the hair styling elements 107 are moveable
hair styling elements 135 that are mounted on the body 103 for
movement relative to the body. For example, the moveable hair
styling elements 135 are suitably rotatable relative to the body
103. Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, 5, and 7, a plurality of turntables
137 (broadly, rotatable bases) are mounted on the body 103 for
rotation of the turntables relative to the body about axes of
rotation 139. Although the rotatable bases 137 in the illustrated
embodiment are in the form of turntables, it is understood that the
rotatable bases may have other shapes and configurations (e.g.,
dome-shaped or hemispherical) if desired. The turntables 137 are
suitably mounted on the wider side 121 of the body 103 between its
narrower sides 123. Referring to FIG. 5, the turntables 137 are
suitably arranged in linear configuration extending generally along
a longitudinal axis 143 of the body 103. For example, the
turntables 137 are suitably mounted in series on the central
longitudinal axis 143. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment the
central longitudinal axis 143 of the body 103 is aligned with the
central longitudinal axis (also designated 143) of the handle 105
so the turntables 137 are also arranged in a linear configuration
that extends along the longitudinal axis 143 of the handle. The
turntables 137 are suitably mounted on the body 103 so the
turntables have axes of rotation 139 that are substantially
parallel to one another. In the illustrated embodiment the axes of
rotation 139 of at least one of the turntables 137 (e.g., all of
the turntables) is substantially perpendicular to the direction the
handle 105 extends from the body 103. The axes of rotation 139 are
suitably substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 143
of the body 103 and handle 105.
[0045] The moveable hair styling elements 135 are mounted on the
turntables 137 so the moveable hair styling elements move with the
turntables. The turntables 137 are suitably received in openings
145 in the lower shell 111 so that some portions of the turntables
are positioned inside the body 103. The turntables 137 also include
an exposed surface 149 that is either positioned outside the body
103 or at least accessible from outside the body. The exposed
surfaces 149 of the turntables 137 face generally away from the
body 103. The moveable hair styling elements 135 are suitably
secured to the exposed surfaces 149 of the turntables 137. The
moveable styling elements 135 extend from the turntables 137 away
from the body 103.
[0046] At least some of the moveable styling elements 135 are
offset from the axes of rotation 143 of the turntable 137 that
carries them. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
1-9, each of the moveable styling elements 135 is offset from the
rotational axes 143 of the respective turntable 137. As illustrated
in FIG. 5, some or all of the moveable styling elements 135 extend
radially outward all the way to the outer perimeter of the
respective turntable 137. The offset moveable styling elements 135
are positioned move in relatively wide circles when the turntables
137 are rotated due to their offset position. The turntables 137
suitably have a relatively large diameter D1, such as at least
about 0.75 inches.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 4, the moveable styling elements 135
suitably extend about the same distance from the body 103 as the
fixed styling elements 125. The distal ends of all of the hair
styling elements suitably lie on the same plane P, as illustrated
in FIG. 4. Alternatively, the distal ends of all of the hair
styling elements may lie on a cylindrical or other smooth curved
surface. When the hair styling device 101 is used to brush hair in
the same way as a conventional brush, the fixed hair styling
element 125 and the moveable hair styling elements 135 are both
positioned to contact the hair and/or scalp and in the case the
device 101 contacts the scalp there is not tendency for pressure to
be concentrated in only a few of the hair styling elements 125,
135, as might occur if one set of hair styling elements is
significantly longer than the other so that the ends do not all lie
on the same plane or on a smoothly curved surface.
[0048] The configuration of the moveable styling elements 135 can
vary within the broad scope of the invention. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, at least some (e.g., all) of the moveable
styling elements have a paddle-shaped configuration. Each of the
paddle-shaped styling elements 135 has a broad side 151 oriented to
face generally in the direction of rotation and narrow sides 153
oriented to face generally in a radial direction relative to the
direction of rotation. The moveable hair styling elements 135 in
this embodiment are suitably substantially parallel to one another.
However, it is understood that the moveable styling elements may be
oriented to angle toward or away from one another as they extend
away from the base if desired. Also in this embodiment, each of the
moveable styling elements 135 is spaced from each of the other
moveable hair styling elements. This is in contrast to "tuft" style
hair styling elements in which one or more bundles of styling
elements are mounted in abutting relation to one another. However,
it is understood that the moveable styling elements could include
one or more tufts if desired.
[0049] The device 101 includes a drive system 161 for driving
movement of the moveable styling elements 135, such as by driving
rotation of the turntables 137. For example, the drive system 161
may be selectively activatable by user to rotate the turntables 137
and the moveable styling elements 135 thereon when desired. The
drive system 161 is suitably also configured to hold the turntables
137 and the moveable styling elements 135 thereon stationary
relative to the body 103 when desired.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the drive system 161 suitably
includes a motor 163 (e.g., an electric motor) connected to the
turntables 137 so the motor can rotate the turntables relative to
the body 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 163 is
connected to the turntables 137 by a set of gears 171. The gears
include a drive sprocket 173 mounted on the output shaft 175 of the
motor 163 so the output shaft and drive sprocket rotate in unison.
The drive sprocket 173 is in mesh with a speed changing gear 177,
which is in mesh with the first of a set of turntable gears 179.
The turntables 137 are mounted on the turntable gears 179 so the
turntables rotate (e.g., in unison) with the turntable gears. In
the illustrated embodiment, the speed changing gear 177 is
configured to turn the first turntable gear 179 at a higher angular
velocity than the angular velocity of the drive sprocket 173 and
output shaft 175 of the motor 163. That is the speed changing gear
177 is configured to increase the speed as the power is transmitted
from the motor to the turntables 137. However, the speed changing
gear could be configured to reduce the speed of the turntable gear
relative to the motor if desired.
[0051] Idler gears 181 are positioned between each of the turntable
gears 179 so they are in mesh with the adjacent turntable gears.
The gears 171 are thereby configured to rotate each of the
turntables in the same direction. The gears 171 and drive system
161 are suitably configured to rotate each of the turntables 137 at
substantially the same angular velocity. For example, the turntable
gears 179 in the illustrated embodiment are all substantially equal
in size and the idler gears 181 are also all substantially equal in
size so that the turntable gears all rotate at about the same
speed.
[0052] The turntables 137 can connected to the turntable gears 179
is various ways. In the illustrated embodiment, the turntables 137
are releasably secured to the turntable gears 177. Referring to
FIGS. 7-9, for example, each of the turntable gears 177 has a
spindle 185 extending along the rotational axis 139 (FIGS. 8 and
9). The spindles 185 are sized and shaped to be received in sockets
187 (FIG. 7) formed in the base of the turntables 137. The spindles
185 and sockets 187 each have a corresponding non-circular cross
sectional shape so that the turntables 137 are rotationally locked
with the spindles 185 and the turntable gears 179 when the spindles
are in the sockets. The spindles 185 and sockets 187 are suitably
dimensioned to result in a friction fit between the spindles and
sockets that is strong enough to hold the turntables on the device
101 when in use for curling hair but weak enough that a user can
pull the turntables 137 off the spindles 185 when desired. This
facilitates exchanging one or more of the turntables 137 with a
different turntable.
[0053] FIG. 10 illustrates two different sets of turntables 137,
137' that can be used interchangeably with the device 101. The
first set of turntables 137 are the same turntables illustrated in
FIGS. 1-9. The second set of turntables 137' is substantially
identical to the first set of turntables 137 except that they have
a different configuration of moveable hair styling elements 135'.
Instead of paddle-shaped styling elements 135, the moveable styling
elements 135' on the second set of turntables 137' are
substantially cylindrical. Each of the substantially cylindrical
styling elements 135' is spaced from each of the others. One of the
styling elements 135' on each turntable 137' is located on the
rotational axes 139. The other styling elements 135' are offset
from the rotational axes 139. The styling elements 137's are all
substantially parallel with one another and arranged in grid
configuration (e.g., a 3.times.3 grid). Whenever a user would like
to use a different type of moveable styling element with the
device, he or she can pull the turntables off the device and
replace them with a different set of turntables. Although there are
only two types of turntables 137, 137' illustrated in FIG. 10, it
is understood that there are numerous possible variations on the
configuration of the moveable hair styling elements and that there
could be a different set of turntables for any of the possible
configurations that may be desired.
[0054] A switch 165 accessible on an external portion of the device
101 controls operation of the motor 163 and allows a user to
selectively activate and deactivate the drive system 161. The
switch 165 can be any suitable switch that is capable of
selectively connecting and disconnecting the motor 163 to a power
source (such as the internal batteries 167 in the illustrated
embodiment).
[0055] For example, the switch 165 is suitably configured to
energize the motor 163 and activate the drive system 161 when the
switch is depressed by a user and de-energize the motor and turn
off the drive system as soon as the user releases the switch. Thus,
the user may activate and deactivate the drive system 161 with only
one touch, with the duration of the touch defining the period that
the drive system is active. IT may be desirable for some methods of
using the device 101 to require active input by the user (such as
requiring the user to continue pressing the switch 165) to continue
operation of the drive system 161. For example, if a user is
distracted while using the device and fails to maintain pressure on
the switch 165, the device 101 automatically stops rotation of the
turntables 137 and thereby minimizes the risk of tangled hair due
to continued operation of the drive system while the user is
distracted. Similarly, there is less risk of problems such as
tangling hair that could result if a user tries to turn off the
motor 163 off, but is delayed in doing so by a physical mistake
(e.g., clumsiness) in the attempt to hit the switch 165.
[0056] The device 101 can be used in either of two modes: a fixed
styling element mode and a moving (e.g., rotating) styling element
mode. When used in fixed styling element mode, the device 101
operates in substantially the same way as a conventional hair
brush. The user moves the handle 105 of the device 101 relative to
the person's hair so that the fixed and moveable styling elements
125, 135 engage the person's hair and move relative to the person's
hair (e.g., to untangle hair, distribute hair care products through
the hair, straighten hair, curl hair, etc.)
[0057] To use the device 101 in moving hair styling element mode,
the user activates the drive system 161 (e.g., by pressing the
switch 165) to drive movement of the moving styling elements 135.
For example, referring to FIG. 11, the user suitably activates the
drive system 161 to drive rotation of the turntables 137 relative
to the body 103 and thereby rotate the turntables and the moveable
hair styling elements 135 thereon while at least some of the hair
styling elements are in contact with said person's hair. Various
styling effects can be achieved using this method. For example, the
rotating turntables 137 and moveable hair styling elements suitably
form a twisted strand of hair 193 from a set of the hairs 191 on
the person's head. In FIG. 11, the paddle-shaped moveable hair
styling elements 135 are placed into contact with the strand of
hair 193 at a location spaced from the person's head (e.g., near
the end of the hairs in the strand). The wide faces 151 on the
paddle-shaped styling elements 135 move the hairs in generally
circular shape and thereby twist the strand of hair into a
generally helical coil extending between the segment of the hairs
in contact with the device and the person's head. The helical
curvature applied to the strand 191 suitably has a central axis
that is substantially parallel to the rotational axis 139 of the
turntable 137 that has formed the helical coil in that strand. It
is possible to form a first twisted strand using a first of the
turntables while forming another twisted strand using another of
the turntables. Because the device 101 has three turntables 137 it
is also possible to twist three separate strands 193 of hair 191
into helical coils at the same time. However, it is not necessary
to form multiple helical coils at the same time.
[0058] The method optionally includes holding the hairs 191 in the
twisted strand for a period of time selected to impart a lasting
helical curvature the strand. For example, the strand 193 may be
sprayed with water or contacted with hairspray, mousse, gel, or
other hair styling product while it is being held in the coiled
shaped and held in the coiled shape while the water dries or the
hair styling product dries and/or sets to help the hair hold the
helical shape after the device 101 is removed from the hair.
[0059] The process can be repeated as much as desired to impart
helical curls to additional strands 193 of hair 191.
[0060] This is just one example of how the device can be used to
curl a person's hair. It is understood that the moveable hair
styling elements can be used in different ways if desired.
[0061] FIG. 12 illustrated another embodiment of a hair styling
device 201 of the present invention. This device 201 is
substantially identical to the device 101 described above and
illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, except that this device 201 does not have
any fixed hair styling elements. Instead, all of the hair styling
elements 207 are moveable hair styling elements 235 mounted on the
turntables 237. The device 201 can be used to perform the same
methods as the device 101 described above.
[0062] Another embodiment of a hair styling device, generally
designated 301, is illustrated in FIGS. 13-15. This device 301 is
substantially similar to the device 101 described above and
illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, except that the drive system 161
described above has been replaced with a manually activatable drive
system 361. There is no motor in this device 301. The drive system
361 has gears 371, which include turntable gears 379 and idler
gears 381 corresponding to the turntable gears 179 and idler gears
181 described above. However, instead of a motor, the device 301
has a manual actuator 375, which in the illustrated embodiment is
in the form of a lever mounted for pivoting movement so that one
end of the lever extends outside the handle 305. A set of teeth 373
corresponding to a segment of a drive socket is formed on the
opposite end of the lever 375. The teeth 373 are in mesh with a
speed changing gear 377, which is in mesh with an auxiliary idler
gear 393, which is in mesh with one of the turntable gears 379.
[0063] The lever 375 is moveable by a user between a first position
(FIG. 14) in which lever protrudes farther from the handle 305 and
a second position (FIG. 15) in which the lever protrudes less from
the handle. A biasing member 395 (e.g., a spring) is positioned and
arranged in the handle 305 to bias the lever 375 toward the first
position. The lever 375 is positioned and arranged relative to the
gears 371 so that movement of the lever between the first and
second positions drives movement of the turntables 337 and the
moveable styling elements 335 thereon through the gears. As was the
case with the drive system 161 described above, the gears 371 are
configured to drive each of the turntables 337 in the same
direction and at about the same speed.
[0064] The device 301 can be used in substantially the same methods
as described above in connection with the device 101 illustrated in
FIGS. 1-9. However, in order to cause the moveable styling elements
to move, a user manually activates the drive system 361 by manually
manipulating the actuator 375 (e.g., lever) to move the actuator
from the first position to the second position. The user then
removes the device from the hair before releasing the actuator 375.
Once the user releases the actuator 375 the biasing member 395
automatically moves the actuator back to the first position. This
process may be repeated as many times as desired.
[0065] Another embodiment of a hair styling device, generally
designated 401, is illustrated in FIGS. 16-18. This device 401 is
similar to the device 301 described above and illustrated in FIGS.
13-15, except that body 403 has a generally oval shape and does not
include an elongate handle extending from the body. Rather, the
body 403 itself is intended to be grasped by a user for operating
the device 401. Gripping surfaces 497 are also provided on the body
403 to facilitate grasping the body. As illustrated, the gripping
surfaces 497 are a series of parallel channels in the body 403.
However, it will be understood that the gripping surfaces may take
on different forms, including without limitation, raised surfaces,
bumps and high-friction material. As illustrated, the body 403 is
formed in two halves that can be connected together. One half of
the body has been removed in FIGS. 14 and 15 to show internal
construction.
[0066] Additionally, only a single turntable 437 including a
plurality of moveable styling elements 435 is mounted on the body
403. Similar to device 301, a drive system 461 has gears 471, which
include a single turntable gear 479 and a single idler gear 481
corresponding to the turntable gear. A manual actuator 475, which
in the illustrated embodiment is in the form of a lever mounted for
pivoting movement so that one end of the lever extends outside the
body 403. A set of teeth 473 corresponding to a segment of a drive
socket is formed on the opposite end of the lever 475. The teeth
473 are in mesh with a speed changing gear 477, which is in mesh
with the idler gear 481, which is in mesh with the turntable gear
479. The turntable 437 is connected to the turntable gear 479 for
conjoint rotation with the turntable. In the illustrated
embodiment, each moveable styling element 435 has a paddle shape
with a pair of recesses 457 formed in a narrow side 453 of the
element. The recesses 457 face radially outwardly of the hair
styling element 435 and receive and retain many strands of hair
during use, similar to the teeth of a comb. However, the
configuration of the moveable styling elements 435 can vary within
the broad scope of the invention. The overall size of body 403 is
similar to that of body 103 such that a width of a wider side of
the body 403 is suitably at least about 2 inches, and a length of
the body 403 is suitably at least about 4 inches.
[0067] As described above for device 301, the lever 475 is moveable
by a user between a first position (FIGS. 17 and 17A) and a second
position (FIG. 18). A biasing member 495 (e.g., a spring) is
positioned and arranged in the body 403 to bias the lever 475
toward the first position (FIG. 17A). The lever 475 is positioned
and arranged relative to the gears 471 so that movement of the
lever between the first and second positions drives movement of the
turntable 437 and the moveable styling elements 435 thereon through
the gears.
[0068] In order to cause the moveable styling element to move, a
user manually activates the drive system 461 by manually
manipulating the actuator 475 (e.g., lever) to move the actuator
from the first position to the second position. The size of the
gear 477 in relation to the gears 481 and 479 causes the causes the
turntable 437 and hair styling elements mounted thereon to turn
more rapidly through a greater angle of rotation than the gear 477.
The user then removes the device from the hair before releasing the
actuator 475. Once the user releases the actuator 475 the biasing
member 495 automatically moves the actuator back to the first
position. This process may be repeated as many times as
desired.
[0069] Another embodiment of a hair styling device, generally
designated 501, is illustrated in FIGS. 19-21. This device 501 is
substantially similar to the device 401 described above and
illustrated in FIGS. 16-18, except that actuator 575 comprises a
depressible button on a side of body 503. The actuator 575 can be
moved along a line, back and forth to actuate rotation of the hair
styling elements 535. The body 503, including particularly the
portion of the body removed in FIGS. 17 and 18, includes structure
for guiding the movement of the actuator 575 along its linear,
reciprocating path. The spring 595 is attached to and end of the
actuator 575 opposite the portion forming the button. The other end
of the spring 595 is attached to a post (not shown) on a portion of
the body 503 which is removed in FIGS. 20 and 21. The post provides
a fixed point against which the spring 595 acts to move the
actuator 575. Additionally, each moveable styling element 535 is
paddle-shaped with a generally triangular cross section. Recesses
557 are formed in sides 553 of the styling elements. In one
embodiment, hair styling device 401 of the previous embodiment may
use an actuator assembly including actuator 575 disclosed for
device 501 of the current embodiment without departing from the
scope of the invention.
[0070] Another embodiment of a hair styling device, generally
designated 601, is illustrated in FIGS. 22-24. This device 601 is
substantially similar to the device 501 described above and
illustrated in FIGS. 19-21, except that actuator 675 comprises a
depressible button on a bottom of body 603. Moreover, the actuator
675 is generally flush with the surface of the body 603 when not
depressed as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. As may be seen in FIGS. 23
and 24, the body 603 includes guide walls that guide the movement
of the actuator 675. Similar guide walls (not shown) are also
present on the portion of the body 603 removed from FIGS. 23 and
24. In this embodiment, two springs 695 are employed. The springs
695 are attached at ends of respective legs of the actuator 675.
The other ends of the springs 695 are attached to posts (not shown)
on the part of the body 603 that has been removed in FIGS. 23 and
24. One of the legs is formed with teeth 673 that engage the drive
system 661. Additionally, each moveable styling element 635 is
paddle-shaped and has a generally rectangular cross section. The
hair styling elements 635 do not have recesses, but it will be
understood that such recesses could be used.
[0071] Another embodiment of a hair styling device, generally
designated 701, is illustrated in FIG. 25. This device 701 is
substantially similar to the device 501 described above and
illustrated in FIGS. 19-21, except a single styling element 735 is
mounted on turntable 737. The styling element 735 has a triangular
prism shape. Sides 759 of the styling element 735 are concave.
Recesses 757 are formed in edges 753 of the styling element 735.
The recesses 757 open radially outward from the hair styling
element. The recesses 757 are arranged in groups. Different groups
of recesses open in a different radial direction about the axis of
rotation of the rotatable base 737.
[0072] Another embodiment of a hair styling device, generally
designated 801, is illustrated in FIG. 26. This device 801 is
substantially similar to the device 501 described above and
illustrated in FIGS. 19-21, except styling elements 835 have a
generally hexagonal prism shape. Recesses 857 are formed in sides
853 of the styling elements 835.
[0073] In view of the foregoing, it will be understood that the
following has been developed:
[0074] A1. A hand-held hair styling device, the hair styling device
comprising:
[0075] a body having a wider side between a pair of narrower sides
on opposite sides of the wider side, the wide side of the body
having a width that is wider than the narrower sides of the
body;
[0076] a plurality of rotatable bases mounted between the narrower
sides on the body for rotation relative to the body about axes of
rotation, the rotatable bases each having an exposed surface facing
generally away from the body;
[0077] a plurality of hair styling elements mounted on the exposed
surface of each of the rotatable bases for rotation relative to the
body with the respective rotatable base, said plurality of hair
styling elements extending generally away from the body; and
[0078] a handle extending from the body in a direction that is
substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of at least one
of the rotatable bases.
[0079] A2. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A1
further comprising a selectively activatable drive system for
driving rotation of the rotatable bases relative to the body.
[0080] A3. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim A2
wherein the selectively activatable drive system is configured to
hold the rotatable bases in a fixed position relative to the body
when the selectively activatable drive system is not activated.
[0081] A4. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A2
wherein the selectively activatable drive system comprises a set of
gears and a manual actuator connected to the gears so that a user
may drive rotation of the rotatable bases by manually manipulating
the manual actuator.
[0082] A5. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A2
wherein the selectively activatable drive system comprises an
electric motor connected to the rotatable bases so the motor can
rotate the rotatable bases relative to the body and a switch
configured to selectively turn the electric motor on and off.
[0083] A6. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A1
further comprising a plurality of hair styling elements affixed to
the wider side of the body.
[0084] A7. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A1
wherein at least some of the hair styling elements mounted on the
rotatable bases have a paddle-shaped configuration.
[0085] A8. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A1
wherein each of the hair styling elements mounted on the rotatable
bases is spaced from each of the other hair styling elements.
[0086] A9. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A1
wherein all of the hair styling elements are mounted on the
rotatable bases.
[0087] A10. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A1
wherein the body has a longitudinal axis and the rotatable bases
are mounted on the body in a linear configuration extending
generally along the longitudinal axis of the body.
[0088] A11. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A1
wherein the rotatable bases have rotational axes that are
substantially parallel to one another.
[0089] A12. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A1
wherein the hair styling elements are substantially parallel to one
another.
[0090] A13. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A1
wherein the wider side of the body is substantially flat.
[0091] A14. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A1
wherein the wider side of the body has a width that is at least
about 2 inches.
[0092] A15. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A1
wherein the body has a length that is at least about 3 inches.
[0093] A16. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A1
wherein at least one of the rotatable bases has a diameter that is
at least about 2 inches in length.
[0094] A17. A hand-held hair styling device, the hair styling
device comprising:
[0095] a body having a wider side between a pair of narrower sides
on opposite sides of the wider side, the wide side of the body
having a width that is wider than the narrower sides of the
body;
[0096] a plurality of rotatable bases mounted between the narrower
sides on the body for rotation relative to the body about axes of
rotation, the rotatable bases each having an exposed surface facing
generally away from the body; and
[0097] a plurality of hair styling elements mounted on the exposed
surface of each of the rotatable bases for rotation relative to the
body with the respective rotatable base, said plurality of hair
styling elements extending generally away from body;
[0098] wherein each of the hair styling elements mounted on the
rotatable bases is spaced from each of the other hair styling
elements.
[0099] A18. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A17
wherein at least some of the hair styling elements mounted on the
rotatable bases have a paddle-shaped configuration.
[0100] A19. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A17
wherein the body has a longitudinal axis and the rotatable bases
are mounted on the body in a linear configuration extending
generally along the longitudinal axis of the body.
[0101] A20. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A17
wherein the rotatable bases have rotational axes that are
substantially parallel to one another.
[0102] A21. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A17
wherein the wider side of the body has a width that is at least
about 2 inches.
[0103] A22. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A17
wherein the body has a length that is at least about 3 inches.
[0104] A23. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in A17
wherein at least one of the rotatable bases has a diameter that is
at least about 2 inches in length.
[0105] A24. A method of styling hair, the method comprising:
[0106] holding a handle connected to a body having a plurality of
rotatable bases thereon, wherein each of the rotatable bases is
mounted on the body for rotation relative to the body and has a
plurality of hair styling elements mounted thereon;
[0107] moving the handle to place the hair styling elements in a
person's hair; and
[0108] selectively activating a drive system operably connected to
the rotatable bases to drive rotation of the rotatable bases
relative to the body and thereby rotating the rotatable bases and
the hair styling elements thereon while at least some of the hair
styling elements are in contact with said person's hair.
[0109] A25. A method as set forth in A24 wherein rotating the
rotatable bases and the hair styling elements thereon while at
least some of the hair styling elements are in contact with said
person's hair comprises forming a twisted strand of hair from a set
of hairs on the person's head.
[0110] A26. A method as set forth in A25 further comprising holding
the hairs in said set in the twisted strand for a period of time
selected to impart a helical curvature to at least some of the
hairs in said set.
[0111] A27. A method as set forth in A24 wherein rotating the
rotatable bases and the hair styling elements thereon while at
least some of the hair styling elements are in contact with said
person's hair comprises imparting a helical curvature to at least
some of the hair on the person's head.
[0112] A28. A method as set forth in A27 wherein the helical
curvature applied to the hair has a central axis that is
substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of at least one of
the rotatable bases.
[0113] A29. A method as set forth in A24 wherein rotating the
rotatable bases and the hair styling elements thereon while at
least some of the hair styling elements are in contact with said
person's hair comprises forming a first twisted strand of hair from
a first set of hairs on the person's head using a first of the
rotatable bases while forming a second twisted strand of hair from
a second set of hairs on the person's head using a second of the
rotatable bases.
[0114] When introducing elements of the present invention or the
preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the" and
"said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the
elements. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are
intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional
elements other than the listed elements.
[0115] As various changes could be made in the above apparatuses,
systems, and methods without departing from the scope of the
invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above
description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *