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HAND-HELD HAIR STYLING DEVICE
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] 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
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] The styling elements of the most common brushes and
combs do not move relative to the body that carries them.
SUMMARY
[0005] 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
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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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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
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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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
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[0010] 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.
[0011] Other objects and features will in part be apparent
and in part pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective of one embodiment of a hair
styling device of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 and 3 are additional perspectives of the hair
styling device illustrated in Fig. 1 taken from different
vantage points;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the hair styling
device illustrated in Figs. 1-3;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a top plan of the hair styling device
illustrated in Figs. 1-4;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan of the hair styling device
illustrated in Figs. 1-5;
[0017] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective of the hair
styling device illustrated in Figs. 1-6;
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[0018] 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;
[0019] 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;
[0020] 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;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective illustrating one method of
using the device illustrated in Figs. 1-9 to curl a person's
hair;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a perspective of another embodiment of a
hair styling device of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a perspective of another embodiment of a
hair styling device of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 14 is another perspective of the embodiment
illustrated in Fig. 13 with portions of the device removed to
show internal features;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a perspective of the embodiment
illustrated in Figs. 13-14 showing a manually activatable drive
lever in a depressed position;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a perspective of another embodiment of a
hair styling device of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 17 is another perspective of the embodiment
illustrated in Fig. 16 with portions of the device removed to
show internal features;
[0028] FIG. 17A is another perspective of the embodiment
illustrated in Fig. 16 with portions of the device removed to
show internal features;
[0029] FIG. 18 is a perspective of the embodiment
illustrated in Figs. 16-17 showing a manually activatable drive
lever in a depressed position;
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[0030] FIG. 19 is a perspective of another embodiment of a
hair styling device of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 20 is another perspective of the embodiment
illustrated in Fig. 19 with portions of the device removed to
show internal features;
[0032] FIG. 21 is a perspective of the embodiment
illustrated in Figs. 19-20 showing a manually activatable drive
lever in a depressed position;
[0033] FIG. 22 is a perspective of another embodiment of a
hair styling device of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 23 is another perspective of the embodiment
illustrated in Fig. 22 with portions of the device removed to
show internal features;
[0035] FIG. 24 is a perspective of the embodiment
illustrated in Figs. 22-23 showing a manually activatable drive
lever in a depressed position
[0036] FIG. 25 is a perspective of another embodiment of a
hair styling device of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 26 is a perspective of another embodiment of a
hair styling device of the present invention.
[0038] Corresponding reference characters indicate
corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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
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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.
[0041] 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 Ll of the body 103
is suitably at least about 4 inches. For purposes of measuring
the length Li of the body 103, the length Li 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.
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As illustrated in Fig. 1, the wider side 121 of the body 103 is
suitably substantially flat.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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
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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.
[0044] 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
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elements 135 extend from the turntables 137 away from the body
103.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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
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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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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
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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.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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
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facilitates exchanging one or more of the turntables 137 with a
different turntable.
[0052] Figure 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 x 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.
[0053] 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).
[0054] For example, the switch 165 is suitably
configured to energize the motor 163 and activate the drive
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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.
[0055] 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.)
[0056] 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
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'. 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] The process can be repeated as much as desired to
impart helical curls to additional strands 193 of hair 191.
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[0059] 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.
[0060] Figure 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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
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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.
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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.
[0065] Additionally, only a single turntable 437
including a plurality of moveable styling elements 435 is
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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.
[0066] 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.
[0067] 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
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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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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
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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.
[0070] 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.
[0071] 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.
[0072] In view of the foregoing, it will be understood
that the following has been developed:
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[0073] Al. A hand-held hair styling device, the hair
styling device comprising:
[0074] 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;
[0075] 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;
[0076] 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
[0077] 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.
[0078] A2. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in
Al further comprising a selectively activatable drive system for
driving rotation of the rotatable bases relative to the body.
[0079] 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.
[0080] 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.
[0081] 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
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rotate the rotatable bases relative to the body and a switch
configured to selectively turn the electric motor on and off.
[0082] A6. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in
Al further comprising a plurality of hair styling elements
affixed to the wider side of the body.
[0083] A7. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in
Al wherein at least some of the hair styling elements mounted on
the rotatable bases have a paddle-shaped configuration.
[0084] AS. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in
Al wherein each of the hair styling elements mounted on the
rotatable bases is spaced from each of the other hair styling
elements.
[0085] A9. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in
Al wherein all of the hair styling elements are mounted on the
rotatable bases.
[0086] A10. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in
Al 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.
[0087] All. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in
Al wherein the rotatable bases have rotational axes that are
substantially parallel to one another.
[0088] Al2. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in
Al wherein the hair styling elements are substantially parallel
to one another.
[0089] A13. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in
Al wherein the wider side of the body is substantially flat.
[0090] A14. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in
Al wherein the wider side of the body has a width that is at
least about 2 inches.
[0091] A15. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in
Al wherein the body has a length that is at least about 3 inches.
[0092] A16. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth
in Al wherein at least one of the rotatable bases has a diameter
that is at least about 2 inches in length.
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i
[0093] A17. A hand-held hair styling device, the hair
styling device comprising:
[0094] 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;
[0095] 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
[0096] 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;
[0097] wherein each of the hair styling elements mounted on
the rotatable bases is spaced from each of the other hair
styling elements.
[0098] 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.
[0099] 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.
[00100] 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.
[00101] 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.
[00102]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.
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[00103] 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.
[00104] A24. A method of styling hair, the method comprising:
[00105] 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;
[00106] moving the handle to place the hair styling elements
in a person's hair; and
[00107] 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.
[00108] 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.
[00109] 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.
[00110] 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.
[00111] 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.
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[00112]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.
[00113] 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.
[00114] 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.
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