HAND-HELD HAIR STYLING DEVICE

Abstract

A hand-held hair styling device includes a body having a front side, a back side, and a side edge extending between the front and back sides. A rotatable base is mounted on the body for rotation relative to the body about an axis of rotation. The rotatable base has a 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. At least one hair styling element is mounted on the surface of the rotatable base for rotation with the rotatable base. The hair styling element includes a twisted elongate member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a US National Stage Application of International Application No. PCT/CN2018/086515, filed May 11, 2018, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

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

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.

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.

The styling elements often provide little assistance themselves in the styling of hair and can be uncomfortable to use.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a hand-held hair styling device generally comprises a body having a front side, a back side, and a side edge extending between the front and back sides. A rotatable base is mounted on the body for rotation relative to the body about an axis of rotation. The rotatable base has a 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. At least one hair styling element is mounted on the surface of the rotatable base for rotation with the rotatable base. The hair styling element comprises a twisted elongate member.

In another aspect, a hair styling attachment for a hand-held hair styling device generally comprises a base including an attachment member for attaching the base to the hair styling device for being rotated by the hair styling device. The base further comprises a surface. At least one hair styling element is mounted on the surface of the base for rotation with the base. The hair styling element comprises a twisted elongate member.

Other objects and features will in part be apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of one embodiment of a hair styling device of the present invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are additional perspectives of the hair styling device illustrated in FIG. 1 taken from different vantage points;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the hair styling device illustrated in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a top plan of the hair styling device illustrated in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan of the hair styling device illustrated in FIGS. 1-5;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective of the hair styling device illustrated in FIGS. 1-6;

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;

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;

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;

FIG. 10A1 is front perspective view of another embodiment of an interchangeable turntable;

FIG. 10A2 is rear perspective view of the interchangeable turntable in FIG. 10A1;

FIG. 10A3 is top view of the interchangeable turntable in FIG. 10A1;

FIG. 10A4 is bottom view of the interchangeable turntable in FIG. 10A1;

FIG. 10A5 is a side elevation view of the interchangeable turntable in FIG. 10A1;

FIG. 10B1 is front perspective view of another embodiment of an interchangeable turntable;

FIG. 10B2 is rear perspective view of the interchangeable turntable in FIG. 10B1;

FIG. 10B3 is top view of the interchangeable turntable in FIG. 10B1;

FIG. 10B4 is bottom view of the interchangeable turntable in FIG. 10B1;

FIG. 10B5 is a side elevation view of the interchangeable turntable in FIG. 10B1;

FIG. 10C1 is front perspective view of another embodiment of an interchangeable turntable;

FIG. 10C2 is rear perspective view of the interchangeable turntable in FIG. 10C1;

FIG. 10C3 is top view of the interchangeable turntable in FIG. 10C1;

FIG. 10C4 is bottom view of the interchangeable turntable in FIG. 10C1;

FIG. 1005 is a side elevation view of the interchangeable turntable in FIG. 10C1;

FIG. 10D1 is front perspective view of another embodiment of an interchangeable turntable;

FIG. 10D2 is rear perspective view of the interchangeable turntable in FIG. 10D1;

FIG. 10D3 is top view of the interchangeable turntable in FIG. 10D1;

FIG. 10D4 is bottom view of the interchangeable turntable in FIG. 10D1;

FIG. 10D5 is a side elevation view of the interchangeable turntable in FIG. 10D1;

FIG. 11 is a perspective illustrating one method of using the device illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 to curl a person's hair;

FIG. 12 is a perspective of another embodiment of a hair styling device of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective of another embodiment of a hair styling device of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is another perspective of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13 with portions of the device removed to show internal features;

FIG. 15 is a perspective of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13-14 showing a manually activatable drive lever in a depressed position;

FIG. 16 is a perspective of another embodiment of a hair styling device of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is another perspective of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16 with portions of the device removed to show internal features;

FIG. 17A is another perspective of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16 with portions of the device removed to show internal features;

FIG. 18 is a perspective of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16-17 showing a manually activatable drive lever in a depressed position;

FIG. 19 is a perspective of another embodiment of a hair styling device of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is another perspective of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19 with portions of the device removed to show internal features;

FIG. 21 is a perspective of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 19-20 showing a manually activatable drive lever in a depressed position;

FIG. 22 is a perspective of another embodiment of a hair styling device of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is another perspective of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22 with portions of the device removed to show internal features;

FIG. 24 is a perspective of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 22-23 showing a manually activatable drive lever in a depressed position

FIG. 25 is a perspective of another embodiment of a hair styling device of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a perspective of another embodiment of a hair styling device of the present invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 3×3 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.

Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, two additional sets of turntables are shown at 937 and 1037, respectively. Each turntable includes a base having an exposed surface 949, 1049 and a plurality of hair styling elements 935, 1035 extending from the surface. The difference between the two turntables being that turntable 937 includes three hair styling elements 935 circumferentially spaced around exposed surface 949, and turntable 1037 includes four hair styling elements 1035 circumferentially spaced around exposed surface 1049. Each of the styling elements 935, 1035 has a pair of opposite broad sides 951, 1051 and a pair of narrow sides 953, 1053 extending between the broad sides. The hair styling elements 935, 1035 have a generally rectangular paddle-shaped configuration that has been twisted such that the sides extend in a spiral from a base of the hair styling element on the exposed surface 949, 1049 to a free end of the hair styling element. The twisted shape of the hair styling elements 935, 1035 configures the elements to gently grab onto locks of hair as the turntables 937, 1037 are rotated to more effectively curl the hair. In one embodiment, each hair styling element 935, 1035 is twisted about 180 degrees from its base to the free end. In this fashion, a narrow side 953, 1053 that is positioned on an inner side of the hair styling element 935, 1035 at the base is twisted around so that it is located on an outer side of the hair styling element at the free end. Conversely, a narrow side 953, 1053 that is positioned on an outer side of the hair styling element 935, 1035 at the base is twisted around so that it is located on an inner side of the hair styling element at the free end. The hair styling elements 935, 1035 could be twisted to a lesser or greater extent without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

The hair styling elements 935, 1035 also extend at an angle to a rotational axis RA of the turntables 937, 1037. In particular, the hair styling elements 935, 1035 extend radially outward from the rotational axis RA of the turntables 937, 1037. In one embodiment, a longitudinal axis LA of the hair styling elements 935, 1035 extends at an angle α of between about 5 and about 15 degrees from the rotational axis RA. In one embodiment, the hair styling elements 935, 1035 extend at an angle α of about 11 degrees from the rotational axis RA. The hair styling elements 935, 1035 could extend at other angles without departing form the scope of the disclosure. The hair styling elements 935, 1035 could also extend parallel to the rotational axis RA. Additionally, each hair styling element 935, 1035, may have a length of about 21 mm (0.8 inches), a width of between about 7 mm (0.27 inches) and about 8 mm (0.31 inches), and a thickness of about 3 mm (0.12 inches). The hair styling elements 935, 1035 may have other dimensions without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

The turntables 937, 1037 are configured to releasably attach to the spindles 185 on the turntable gears 177. This is done by inserting the spindles 185 into sockets 987, 1087 in the turntables 937, 1037. The turntables 937, 1037 may be snap fit onto the spindles 185 by inserting the spindles into the sockets 987, 1087 and engaging a protrusion (not shown) on the spindle with a recess 988, 1088 in the socket. The spindles 185 and sockets 987, 1087 each have a corresponding non-circular cross sectional shape so that the turntables 937, 1037 are rotationally locked with the spindles 185 and the turntable gears 179 when the spindles are in the sockets. A suitable axial pulling force can disengage the protrusion on the spindle 185 from the recess 988, 1088 in the socket 987, 1087 to detach the turntable 937, 1037 from the spindle 185. This facilitates exchanging one or more of the turntables with a different turntable. The portion of the turntable 937, 1037 defining the socket 987, 1087 is split and resiliently deformable to snap the turntable onto and off of the spindle 185.

Referring to FIGS. 10C and 10D, two additional sets of turntables are shown at 1137 and 1237, respectively. Each turntable includes a base having an exposed surface 1149, 1249 and a plurality of hair styling elements 1135, 1235 extending from the surface. The difference between the two turntables being that turntable 1137 includes three hair styling elements 1135 circumferentially spaced around exposed surface 1149, and turntable 1237 includes four hair styling elements 1235 circumferentially spaced around exposed surface 1249. Each of the hair styling elements 1135, 1235 has a pair of opposite broad sides 1151, 1251 and a narrow side 1153, 1253 extending between the broad sides. The hair styling elements 1135, 1235 have a petal paddle-shaped configuration that has been twisted such that the sides extend in a spiral from a base of the hair styling element on the exposed surface 1149, 1249 to a free end of the hair styling element. The hair styling elements of a petal configuration have greater widths near their free ends and are more rounded at the free ends. The twisted shape of the hair styling elements 1132, 1235 configures the elements to gently grab onto locks of hair as the turntables 1137, 1237 are rotated to more effectively curl the hair. In one embodiment, each hair styling element 1135, 1235 is twisted about 180 degrees from its base to the free end. The hair styling elements 1135, 1235 could be twisted to a lesser or greater extent without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

The hair styling elements 1135, 1235 also extend at an angle to a rotational axis RA of the turntables 1137, 1237. In particular, the hair styling elements 1135, 1235 extend radially outward from the rotational axis RA of the turntables 1137, 1237. In one embodiment, a longitudinal axis LA of the hair styling elements 1135, 1235 extends at an angle β of between about 5 and about 15 degrees from the rotational axis RA. In one embodiment, the hair styling elements 1135, 1235 extend at an angle β of about 11 degrees from the rotational axis RA. The hair styling elements 1135, 1235 could extend at other angles without departing form the scope of the disclosure. The hair styling elements 1135, 1235 could also extend parallel to the rotational axis RA. Additionally, each hair styling element 1135, 1235, may have a length of about 21 mm (0.8 inches), a width at the base of about 5 mm (0.2 inches), and a width generally at the free end of between about 8 mm (0.31 inches) and about 10 mm (0.39 inches). The hair styling elements 1135, 1235 may have other dimensions without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

The turntables 1137, 1237 are configured to releasably attach to the spindles 185 on the turntable gears 177. This is done by inserting the spindles 185 into sockets 1187, 1287 in the turntables 1137, 1237. The turntables 1137, 1237 may be snap fit onto the spindles 185 by inserting the spindles into the sockets 1187, 1287 and engaging a protrusion (not shown) on the spindle with a recess 1188, 1288 in the socket. The spindles 185 and sockets 1187, 1287 each have a corresponding non-circular cross sectional shape so that the turntables 1137, 1237 are rotationally locked with the spindles 185 and the turntable gears 179 when the spindles are in the sockets. A suitable axial pulling force can disengage the protrusion on the spindle 185 from the recess 1188, 1288 in the socket 1187, 1287 to detach the turntable 1137, 1237 from the spindle 185. This facilitates exchanging one or more of the turntables with a different turntable. The material of the turntable 1137, 1237 defining the socket 1187, 1287 is split and resiliently deformable to snap the turntable onto and off of the spindle 185.

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).

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.

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.)

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.

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.

The process can be repeated as much as desired to impart helical curls to additional strands 193 of hair 191.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Claims

1. A hand-held hair styling device, the hair styling device comprising:

a body having a front side, a back side, and a side edge extending between the front and back sides;

a rotatable base mounted on the body for rotation relative to the body about an axis of rotation, the rotatable base having a 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 surface of the rotatable base for rotation with the rotatable base, the hair styling element comprising a twisted elongate member.

2. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of hair styling elements mounted on the surface, each hair styling element comprising a twisted elongate member.

3. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 2 wherein each hair styling element has a twisted paddle-shaped configuration.

4. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 3 wherein the twisted elongate member of each hair styling element includes a side surface extending in a spiral from a base mounted on the surface generally to a free end of the twisted elongate member.

5. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 3 wherein each hair styling element has a twisted rectangular paddle-shaped configuration.

6. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 3 wherein each hair styling element has a twisted petal paddle-shaped configuration.

7. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the twisted elongate member of the at least one hair styling element is twisted by at least about 180 degrees.

8. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 2 wherein each of the hair styling elements mounted on the surface of the rotatable base is spaced from each of the other hair styling elements.

9. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the at least one hair styling element has a longitudinal axis that extends non-parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotatable base such that the hair styling element extends at an angle to the axis of rotation of the rotatable base.

10. A hand-held hair styling device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the at least one hair styling element is offset from the axis of rotation of the rotatable base such that the hair styling element rotates about the axis of rotation.

11. 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.

12. A hair styling attachment for a hand-held hair styling device, the attachment comprising:

a base including an attachment member for attaching the base to the hair styling device for being rotated by the hair styling device, and a surface on the base; and

at least one hair styling element mounted on the surface of the base for rotation with the base, the hair styling element comprising a twisted elongate member.

13. A hair styling attachment as set forth in claim 12 further comprising a plurality of hair styling elements mounted on the surface of the base, each hair styling element comprising a twisted elongate member.

14. A hair styling attachment as set forth in claim 13 wherein each hair styling element has a twisted paddle-shaped configuration.

15. A hair styling attachment as set forth in claim 14 wherein the twisted elongate member of each hair styling element includes a side surface extending in a spiral from the base generally to a free end of the twisted elongate member.

16. A hair styling attachment as set forth in claim 14 wherein each hair styling element has a twisted rectangular paddle-shaped configuration.

17. A hair styling attachment as set forth in claim 14 wherein each hair styling element has a twisted petal paddle-shaped configuration.

18. A hair styling attachment as set forth in claim 13 wherein each of the hair styling elements mounted on the surface is spaced from each of the other hair styling elements.

19. A hair styling attachment as set forth in claim 12 wherein the at least one hair styling element has a longitudinal axis that extends non-parallel to a central axis of the base such that the hair styling element extends at an angle to the central axis of the base.

20. A hair styling attachment as set forth in claim 12 wherein the at least one hair styling element is offset from a central axis of the base.