JP2020522283A - Handheld hair styling device - Google Patents

Abstract

Handheld hair styling devices allow precise introduction of curls into the hair. The selectively actuatable drive system rotationally drives one or more rotatable bases, each rotatable base carrying a hair styling element thereon. The drive system includes a transmission that connects the actuator to the rotatable base that transmits movement of the actuator in one direction to rotation of the rotatable base in the first direction. The transmission is configured to prevent rotation of the rotatable base in a second direction opposite the first direction in response to movement of the actuator in the opposite direction. In another aspect, the transmission is configured to produce a single 360 degree rotation of the rotatable base in response to movement of the actuator in the first direction. [Selection diagram] None

Description

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 used to curl human hair.

A conventional handheld hairbrush 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, the person holds the handle in his hand and moves the brush so that the hair styling element passes the hair on the person's head.

A comb resembles a brush. The hair styling elements on the comb are typically arranged in a narrower configuration than the hair styling elements on the brush (eg, a single row of teeth or a small number of closely spaced parallel rows of teeth). However, there is no boundary between what is considered a comb and what is considered a brush. Both combs and brushes work by allowing the user to move the body that carries a plurality of hair styling elements that extend from the body, such that the hair styling element allows the hair on a person's head to move. Move through.

The most common brush and comb styling elements do not move relative to the body that supports them.

One aspect of the invention is a hand-held hair styling device that includes a body having a wide side surface between a pair of narrow side surfaces on opposite sides of the wide side surface. The wide side surface of the main body has a wider width than the narrow side surface of the main body. A rotatable base is mounted between the narrower surfaces on the body for rotation about the axis of rotation with respect to the body. The rotatable base has an exposed surface that faces generally away from the body. The axis of rotation of the rotatable base extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body. A plurality of hair styling elements are mounted on the exposed surface of the rotatable base to be subjected to rotation relative to the body with the rotatable base. The plurality of hair styling elements extend substantially away from the body.

Another aspect of the invention is a handheld hair styling device having a body having a wide side surface between a pair of narrow side surfaces on opposite sides of the wide side surface. The wide side surface of the main body has a wider width than the narrow side surface of the main body. A plurality of rotatable bases are mounted between the narrow sides of the body to rotate about the axis of rotation with respect to the body. Each of the rotatable bases has an exposed surface that faces generally away from the body. A plurality of hair styling elements are mounted on each exposed surface of the rotatable base for rotation with respect to the body along with each rotatable base. The plurality of hair styling elements extend substantially away from the body. The handle extends from the body in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to at least one axis of rotation of the rotatable base.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a handheld hair styling device having a body having a wide side surface between a pair of narrow side surfaces on opposite sides of the wide side surface. The wide side surface of the main body has a wider width than the narrow side surface of the main body. A plurality of rotatable bases are mounted between the narrow sides of the body to rotate about the axis of rotation with respect to the body. Each of the rotatable bases has an exposed surface that faces generally away from the body. A plurality of hair styling elements are mounted on each exposed surface of the rotatable base to be subjected to rotation relative to the body with each rotatable base. The plurality of hair styling elements extend substantially away from the body. Each of the hair styling elements mounted on the rotatable base is spaced from each of the other hair styling elements.

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 on the rotatable base. The main body has a wide-side surface between a pair of narrow-side surfaces on a surface facing the wide-side surface. The rotatable base is attached to the wide side surface. The method includes moving the body to place the hair styling element inside a person's hair. Activating a selectively activatable drive system that functions to connect to the rotatable base, rotationally driving the rotatable base relative to the body about an axis of rotation, and thus at least a portion of the hair styling element. Rotating the rotatable base and the hair styling element above it while in contact with human hair. The axis of rotation of the rotatable base extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.

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 on the rotatable base. The method includes moving a handle to position the hair styling element inside a person's hair. A selectively activatable drive system that functions to connect to the rotatable base is activated to rotationally drive the rotatable base relative to the body, and thus at least a portion of the hair styling element is human. Rotating the rotatable base and the hair styling element thereon while in contact with the hair of the user.

In a further aspect of the invention, a handheld hair styling device generally comprises a body having a wide side surface between a pair of narrow side surfaces on opposite sides of the wide side surface, the wide side of the body Has a wider width than the narrower surface of the body. A rotatable base is mounted between the narrower surfaces on the body for rotation about the axis of rotation with respect to the body. The rotatable base has an exposed surface that faces generally away from the body, and the axis of rotation of the rotatable base extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body. At least one hair styling element is mounted on the exposed surface of the rotatable base so as to be subject to rotation relative to the body with the rotatable base. The hair styling element has a recess therein that extends substantially away from the body and opens radially outward from the axis of rotation of the rotatable base.

In another aspect of the invention, a handheld hair styling device generally comprises a body and a rotatable base mounted on the body for rotation relative to the body about an axis of rotation. The rotatable base has an exposed surface that faces generally away from the body. The axis of rotation of the rotatable base extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body. A hair styling element mounted on the exposed surface of the rotatable base to be subjected to rotation relative to the body with the rotatable base extends substantially away from the body. A selectively actuatable drive system for rotationally driving a rotatable base relative to the body is supported by the body to move between a first position and a second position to actuate rotation of the rotatable base. Included actuators. The transmission connecting the actuator to the rotatable base can transfer movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position to rotation of the rotatable base in the first direction. The transmission is configured to prevent rotation of the rotatable base in a second direction opposite the first direction in response to movement of the actuator from the second position to the first position.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a handheld hair styling device generally comprises a body and a rotatable base mounted on the body for rotation relative to the body about an axis of rotation. The rotatable base has an exposed surface that faces generally away from the body, and the axis of rotation of the rotatable base extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body. At least one hair styling element is mounted on the exposed surface of the rotatable base so as to be subject to rotation relative to the body with the rotatable base. At least one plurality of hair styling elements extends substantially away from the body. A selectively actuatable drive system for rotationally driving a rotatable base relative to a body includes an actuator carried by the body to move between two positions to actuate rotation of the rotatable base. .. The transmission connects the actuator to the rotatable base and transfers movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position to rotation of the rotatable base in a first direction. The transmission is configured to cause a single 360 degree rotation of the rotatable base about the axis of rotation as the actuator moves from the first position to the second position.

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

1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the hair styling device of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an additional perspective view of the hair styling device shown in FIG. 1 from a different perspective. FIG. 3 is an additional perspective view of the hair styling device shown in FIG. 1 from a different perspective. FIG. 4 is a side view of the hair styling device shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 5 is a top view of the hair styling device shown in FIGS. 1-4. 6 is a bottom view of the hair styling device shown in FIGS. 1-5. FIG. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the hair styling device shown in FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the hair styling device shown in FIGS. 1-7 with a portion of the device omitted to show internal features. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the hair styling device shown in FIGS. 1-8, similar to FIG. 8 except that some of the device has been omitted to show additional internal features. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of two different sets of replaceable turntables having different styling element configurations on the replaceable turntable for use with the hair styling device shown in FIGS. 1-9. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing one method of using the device shown in FIGS. 1-9 to curl human hair. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the hair styling device of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the hair styling device of the present invention. 14 is another perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, omitting a portion of the device to show internal features. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13-14 showing the manually activatable drive lever in the depressed position. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the hair styling device of the present invention. 17 is another perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, omitting a portion of the device to show internal features. FIG. 17 is another perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, omitting a portion of the device to show internal features. FIG. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16-17 showing the manually activatable drive lever in the depressed position. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the hair styling device of the present invention. FIG. 20 is another perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, omitting a portion of the device to show internal features. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 19-20, showing the manually activatable drive lever in the depressed position. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the hair styling device of the present invention. 23 is another perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, omitting a portion of the device to show internal features. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 22-23 showing the manually activatable drive lever in the depressed position. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the hair styling device of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the hair styling device of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the hair styling device of the present invention. 28 is another perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 27 with some of the device omitted to show internal features. FIG. 28 is another perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 27 with some of the device omitted to show internal features. FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 29, showing the gears of the device in the activated position. 30 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 29, omitting a portion of the device to show internal features. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the hair styling device of the present invention. FIG. 33 is another perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 32 with some of the device omitted to show internal features. FIG. 33 is another perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 32 with some of the device omitted to show internal features. FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 34 with some of the device omitted to show internal features.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

Referring now initially 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 hairbrush. However, the device 101 can also be used to curl human hair, as described in more detail below.

The device 101 has a body 103 and a handle 105 extending from the body. The body 103 has one or more hair styling elements 107 secured to it. The handle 105 is sized and shaped to fit in a person's hand, so that a person can hold the body 103 and above it against hair on that person's head or on another person's head. The hair styling element 107 can be moved. Body 103 and handle 105 are preferably made from a moldable polymeric material, although other materials may be used instead. Referring to FIG. 7, the body 103 and handle 105 of the device 101 are made up of an upper shell 109 and a lower shell 111, respectively, which shells are so named with reference to the orientation of FIG. .. It should be appreciated that depending on how the device 101 is arranged, the lower shell 111 may be located above the upper shell 109 and vice versa. The upper shell 109 of the body 103 and the handle 105 are preferably molded together as one piece. Similarly, the lower shell 111 of the body 103 and the handle 105 are also preferably molded together as one piece. It is to be understood that the upper shell 109 and the lower shell 111 can be made with more or less pieces than those of the illustrated embodiment, and the boundaries between the shell's multiple pieces can vary. Also, if desired, the shell configuration may differ from that shown in FIGS. The upper shell 109 and the lower shell 111 are configured to be secured to each other (eg, by screws 113 or other fasteners) to form the body 103 and the handle 105. For reasons that will become apparent below, the body 103 and handle 105 preferably have a hollow interior space 115.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the body 103 preferably has a wide side surface 121 extending between a pair of narrow side surfaces 123 on opposite sides of the body 103. The narrow-side surface 123 is between the facing surfaces of the wide-side surface 121. The width W1 of the wide surface 121 is wider than the width W2 of the narrow surface 123. It should be appreciated that in the illustrated embodiment, the narrow sides 123 have approximately equal widths, although this is not required. The width W1 of the wide side surface 121 of the body 103 is preferably at least about 2 inches. The length L1 of the body 103 is preferably at least about 4 inches. For the purpose 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 furthest away from that end. It As shown in FIG. 1, the wide side surface 121 of the body 103 is preferably substantially flat.

A plurality of hair styling elements 107 are mounted on the wide side surface 121 of the body. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-9, all of the hair styling elements 107 are on the wide side 121 of the body 103. Part of the hair styling element 107 is a suitable fixed styling element 125, which is affixed to the body 103. For example, some or all of the fixed hair styling element 125 is preferably affixed to the wide side surface 121 of the body 103. There are various ways to attach the fixed hair styling element 125 to the body 103. Referring to FIG. 7, for example, some or all of the stationary hair styling elements 125 are preferably mounted on a base 127 that supports a plurality of stationary hair styling elements. In the embodiment shown, there are several bases 127, each of which carries at least two fixed hair styling elements. The base 127 is located inside the body 103 such that the stationary hair styling element 125 extends through the opening 129 in the lower shell 111. Thus, the distal end of fixed hair styling element 125 extends away from base 103 of hair styling device 101. The base 127 is captured by the upper shell 109 and the lower shell 111 inside the interior space 115 of the hair styling device 101, thereby retaining the fixed hair styling element on the base 103. Those skilled in the art of designing and/or manufacturing hair styling devices are familiar with some other options for affixing fixed styling elements to the body of the hair styling device, and instead of the configurations of the embodiments shown. Either of these can be used.

At least a portion of the hair styling element 107 is a moveable hair styling element 135, which is mounted on the body 103 for movement with respect to the body. For example, the moveable hair styling element 135 is preferably rotatable with respect to the body 103. With reference to FIGS. 1, 3, 5, and 7, a plurality of rotating plates 137 (broadly speaking, rotatable bases) are provided for rotation of the rotating plates with respect to the main body about a rotation shaft 139. It is mounted on 103. Although the rotatable base 137 in the illustrated embodiment is in the form of a rotating plate, it is understood that the rotatable base may have other shapes and configurations (eg, vaulted or hemispherical) as desired. it is obvious. The rotary plate 137 is preferably mounted on the wide surface 121 of the main body 103 between the narrow surfaces 123 of the main body 103. Referring to FIG. 5, the rotating plates 137 are preferably arranged in a linear configuration extending generally along the longitudinal axis 143 of the body 103. For example, the rotating plate 137 is preferably mounted in series on the central longitudinal axis 143. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the central longitudinal axis 143 of the body 103 is aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the handle 105 (also labeled 143), and thus the rotating plate 137 also has a longitudinal axis 143 of the handle. Are arranged in a linear configuration extending along. The rotating plate 137 is preferably mounted on the body 103 such that the rotating plates have axes of rotation 139 that are substantially parallel to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one rotation axis 139 of the rotating plates 137 (eg, all rotating plates) is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the handle 105 extends from the body 103. The axis of rotation 139 is preferably substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 143 of the body 103 and the handle 105.

Movable hair styling element 135 is mounted on rotating plate 137 so that the movable hair styling element moves with the rotating plate. The rotating plate 137 is preferably received within the opening 145 in the lower shell 111 so that some parts of the rotating plate are located inside the body 103. The rotating plate 137 also includes an exposed surface 149, which is either located outside of the body 103 or at least accessible from outside the body. The exposed surface 149 of the rotating plate 137 faces generally away from the body 103. Movable hair styling element 135 is preferably secured to exposed surface 149 of rotating plate 137. Movable styling element 135 extends from rotating plate 137 away from body 103.

At least some of the movable styling elements 135 are offset from the axis of rotation 143 of the rotating plate 137 carrying them. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-9, each movable hair styling element 135 is offset from the axis of rotation 143 of its respective rotating plate 137. As shown in FIG. 5, some or all of the moveable styling elements 135 extend radially outward until they reach the outer circumference of each rotating plate 137. The offset movable styling elements 135 are arranged to move within a relatively wide circle, with the rotating plate 137 rotating due to the offset position. Rotating plate 137 preferably has a relatively large diameter D1 such as at least about 0.75 inches.

With reference to FIG. 4, the movable styling element 135 preferably extends from the body 103 about the same distance as that of the fixed styling element 125. The distal ends of all hair styling elements are preferably in the same plane P, as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the distal ends of all hair styling elements may lie on a cylindrical surface or other smooth curved surface. When the hair styling device 101 is used to brush hair in the same manner as a conventional brush, both the fixed hair styling element 125 and the movable hair styling element 135 are in contact with the hair and/or the scalp. When placed and the device 101 contacts the scalp, one set of hair styling elements is significantly longer than the other, which may result in the ends not necessarily being on the same plane or on a smooth curved surface. As it does, the pressure does not tend to concentrate on only a few hair styling elements 125,135.

The configuration of the moveable styling element 135 can vary within the broad scope of the invention. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-9, at least some (eg, all) of the moveable styling elements have a paddle-shaped configuration. Each of the paddle-shaped styling elements 135 has a wide surface 151 oriented generally facing the rotational direction and a narrow surface 153 oriented generally radially facing the rotational direction. The moveable hair styling elements 135 in this embodiment are preferably substantially parallel to each other. However, it will be appreciated that the moveable styling elements may be oriented to change angles, as desired, toward or away from each other as they extend away from the base. Also, in this embodiment, each movable styling element 135 is spaced apart from each of the other movable hair styling elements. This is in contrast to a "tuft" style hair styling element in which one or more bundles of styling elements are mounted abutting each other. However, it is clear that the moveable styling element may include one or more tufts, if desired.

Device 101 includes a drive system 161 for movably driving movable styling element 135, such as by rotationally driving rotating plate 137. For example, the drive system 161 is selectively activatable by a user to rotate the rotating plate 137 and the movable styling element 135 thereon when desired. For example, the drive system 161 is preferably further configured to hold the rotating plate 137 and the moveable styling element 135 thereon relative to the body 103 when desired.

With reference to FIGS. 7-9, the drive system 161 preferably includes a motor 163 (eg, an electric motor) connected to the rotating plate 137, the motor rotating the rotating plate relative to the body 103. To be able to In the embodiment shown, the motor 163 is connected to the rotating plate 137 by a set of gears 171. The gear includes a drive sprocket 173 mounted on the output shaft 175 of the motor 163, allowing the output shaft and drive sprocket to rotate together. The drive sprocket 173 meshes with the transmission gear 177, which meshes with the first set of rotating plate gears 179. The rotating plate 137 is mounted on the rotating plate gear 179 to allow the rotating plate to rotate (eg, together) with the rotating plate gear. In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission gear 177 is configured to rotate the first rotary plate gear 179 at an angular velocity greater than the angular velocity of the drive sprocket 173 of the motor 163 and the output shaft 175. That is, transmission gear 177 is configured to increase speed as power is transferred from the motor to rotating plate 137. However, the transmission gear may be configured to reduce the speed of the rotating plate gear relative to the motor, if desired.

The idler gear 181 is arranged between each of the rotary plate gears 179 so that the idler gear 181 meshes with an adjacent rotary plate gear. Thereby, the gear 171 is configured to rotate each of the rotary plates in the same direction. Gear 171 and drive system 161 are configured to rotate each of rotating plates 137 at substantially the same angular velocity. For example, the rotor plate gears 179 of the illustrated embodiment are all substantially equal in size and the idler gears 181 are also all substantially equal in size so that all of the rotor plate gears are at substantially the same speed. Rotate.

The rotating plate 137 can be connected to the rotating plate gear 179 in various ways. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotating plate 137 is releasably secured to the rotating plate gear 177. With reference to FIGS. 7-9, for example, each of the rotary plate gears 177 has a spindle 185 extending along a rotary shaft 139 (FIGS. 8 and 9). Spindle 185 is sized and shaped to be received within a socket 187 (FIG. 7) formed in the base of rotating plate 137. Each of the spindle 185 and the socket 187 has a corresponding non-circular cross-sectional shape so that when the spindle is in the socket, the rotating plate 137 is locked in rotation by the spindle 185 and the rotating plate gear 179. Spindle 185 and socket 187 are preferably strong enough to hold the spinning plate on device 101 when used to curl hair, but the spinning plate may be used by the user when desired. It is dimensioned to provide a friction fit between the spindle and socket that is weak enough to separate 137 from spindle 185. This facilitates the replacement of one or more rotary plates 137 with different rotary plates.

FIG. 10 shows two different sets of rotating plates 137, 137 ′ that can be used interchangeably with the device 101. The first set of rotating plates 137 are the same rotating plates as shown in FIGS. The second set of rotating plates 137' is substantially the same as the first set of rotating plates 137 except that it has a different configuration of moveable hair styling elements 135'. Instead of paddle-shaped styling elements 135, the movable styling elements 135' on the second set of rotating plates 137' are substantially cylindrical. Each of the substantially cylindrical styling elements 135' is spaced from each of the other elements. One of the styling elements 135' on each rotating plate 137' is located on the axis of rotation 139. The other styling element 135' is offset from the axis of rotation 139. The styling elements 137' are all substantially parallel to each other and arranged in a grid configuration (eg, a 3x3 grid). Whenever the user desires to use different types of moveable styling elements for the device, the rotating plates can be moved away from the device and replaced with different sets of rotating plates. Although only two types of rotating plates 137, 137' are shown in FIG. 10, there are many possible variations in the construction of the moveable hair styling element, relating to any of the possible constructions that may be desired. Obviously, there can be different sets of rotating plates.

A switch 165, accessible on the outside of the device 101, controls the operation of the motor 163 and allows the user to selectively activate and deactivate the drive system 161. The switch 165 may be any suitable switch capable of selectively connecting and disconnecting the motor 163 to a power source (such as the internal battery 167 of the illustrated embodiment).

For example, the switch 165 preferably powers up the motor 163 to activate the drive system 161 when the switch is depressed by the user, and shuts down the motor to drive the drive system 161 as soon as the user releases the switch. Configured to turn off. Therefore, the user may activate and deactivate the drive system 161 with only one touch, and the duration of the touch defines the period during which the drive system is active. If some method of using device 101 requires active input by the user (such as requiring the user to continue to hold switch 165) in order to continue operation of drive system 161. There is. For example, if the user becomes confused during use of the device and cannot maintain pressure on the switch 165, the device 101 will automatically stop the rotation of the rotating plate 137, thereby allowing the user to remain confused during the confusion. Minimize the risk of hair getting entangled due to continued operation of the drive system. Similarly, the risk of problems such as hair entanglement, which may occur when the user attempts to turn off the motor 163, is reduced by a physical error (eg, inadequacy) when trying to press the switch 165. , Turning off the motor 163 is delayed.

The device 101 can be used in either of two modes, a fixed styling element mode and a moving (eg, rotating) styling element mode. When used in fixed styling element mode, device 101 operates in substantially the same manner as a conventional hairbrush. The user moves the handle 105 of the device 101 relative to a person's hair, which causes the fixed and moveable styling elements 125, 135 to (e.g., detangle hair, remove hair cosmetics from hair, straight hair, It is trapped on human hair (to disperse throughout the curly hair etc.) and moves with respect to human hair.

To use the device 101 in the moving hair styling element mode, the user activates the drive system 161 (eg, by pressing the switch 165) to move the moving styling element 135. For example, referring to FIG. 11, the user preferably activates the drive system 161 to rotationally drive the rotating plate 137 relative to the body 103, thereby causing the rotating plate and the movable hair styling element 135 thereon. While rotating at least a portion of the hair styling element contacts the above-mentioned person's hair. A variety of style effects can be achieved using the method. For example, rotating rotating plate 137 and moveable hair styling elements preferably form twisted hair tufts 193 from a set of hairs 191 on a person's head. In FIG. 11, the paddle-shaped moveable hair styling element 135 is placed in contact with the tufts of hair 193 at a location spaced from the person's head (eg, near the ends of the bundle of hair). The wide surface 151 on the paddle-shaped styling element 135 moves the hair in a generally circular shape, thereby causing the lock of hair to extend substantially between the hair section in contact with the device and the head of the person. Twist into a spiral coil. The helical bend applied to the tufts 191 preferably has a central axis that is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation 139 of the rotating plate 137 forming a helical coil within the tufts. It is possible to use the first set of rotating plates to form the first twist tuft while using another rotating plate to form another twist tuft. Since device 101 has three rotating plates 137, it is also possible at the same time to twist three separate tufts 193 of hair 191 into a helical coil. However, it is not necessary to form multiple helical coils at the same time.

The method optionally includes holding the hair 191 in the twist tufts for a selected period of time to impart a long lasting helical bend to the tufts. For example, while keeping the tufts 193 in a coiled shape, it also helps to keep the hair spiraling after the water has evaporated or the hair styling cosmetic has dried and/or the device 101 has been removed from the hair. While holding the tufts 193 in a coiled configuration, the tufts 193 may be sprayed with water or contacted with a hair spray, mousse, gel, or other hair styling cosmetic.

The process can be repeated as many times as desired to impart a spiral curl to the additional tufts 193 of the hair 191.

This is just one example of how the device can be used to curl a person's hair. Obviously, the movable hair styling element can be used in different ways, if desired.

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of the hair styling device 201 of the present invention. The device 201 is substantially the same as the device 101 described above and shown in FIGS. 1-9 except that it 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 rotating plate 237. Device 201 can be used to perform the same method as device 101 described above.

13-15 show another embodiment of a hair styling device, generally designated 301. The device 301 is substantially the same as the device 101 described above and shown in FIGS. 1-9 except that the drive system 161 described above is replaced by a manually activatable drive system 361. Is equivalent. There is no motor in the device 301. The drive system 361 has a gear 371, which includes a rotary plate gear 379 and idler gear 381 corresponding to the rotary plate gear 179 and idler gear 181 described above. However, instead of the motor, the device 301 has a manual actuator 375, which in the embodiment shown is in the form of a lever mounted for pivotal movement, whereby one end of the lever is Extends outside the handle 305. A set of teeth 373 corresponding to the compartment of the drive socket is formed on the opposite end of the lever 375. The teeth 373 mesh with the transmission gear 377, the transmission gear 377 meshes with the auxiliary idler gear 393, and the auxiliary idler gear 393 meshes with one of the rotary plate gears 379.

The lever 375 is moved by the user between a first position (FIG. 14) in which the lever projects further away from the handle 305 and a second position (FIG. 15) with reduced protrusion of the lever from the handle. It is possible. A biasing member 395 (eg, a spring) is positioned and arranged within the handle 305 to bias the lever 375 toward the first position. The lever 375 is positioned and arranged with respect to the gear 371 such that movement of the lever between the first and second positions drives the rotating plate 337 and the movable styling element 335 thereon by the gear. I will let you. Similar to the drive system 161 described above, the gears 371 are configured to drive each of the rotating plates 337 in the same direction and at approximately the same speed.

Device 301 can be used in substantially the same manner as described above in connection with device 101 shown in FIGS. However, to move the moveable styling element, the user manually activates the drive system 361 by manually manipulating the actuator 375 (eg, a lever) to move the actuator from the first position to the second position. Move to. The user then removes the device from the hair before releasing actuator 375. When the user releases the actuator 375, the biasing member 395 automatically moves the actuator back to the first position. The process may be repeated as many times as desired.

16-18 show another embodiment of a hair styling device, generally designated 401. The device 401 includes the device 301 described above and shown in FIGS. 13-15, except that the body 403 has a generally oval shape and does not include an elongated handle extending from the body. Is equivalent. Rather, the body 403 itself is intended to be grasped by the user to operate the device 401. Additionally, a gripping surface 497 is provided on the body 403 to facilitate gripping the body. As shown, gripping surface 497 is a series of parallel channels within body 403. However, it will be appreciated that the gripping surface can take on different forms, including but not limited to raised surfaces, bumps, and high friction materials. As shown, the body 403 is formed of two halves that can be connected together. One half of the body is omitted in FIGS. 14 and 15 to show the internal construction.

In addition, only a single rotating plate 437 including a plurality of moveable styling elements 435 is mounted on the body 403. Similar to device 301, drive system 461 has a gear 471 that includes a single rotating plate gear 479 and a single idler gear 481 corresponding to that rotating plate gear. The manual actuator 475 in the illustrated embodiment is in the form of a lever mounted for pivotal movement, with one end of the lever extending outside the handle 403. A set of teeth 473 corresponding to the compartment of the drive socket is formed at the opposite end of lever 475. The teeth 473 mesh with the transmission gear 477, the transmission gear 477 meshes with the idler gear 481, and the idler gear 481 meshes with the rotary plate gear 479. The rotating plate 437 is connected to the rotating plate gear 479 for joint rotation with the rotating plate. In the illustrated embodiment, each movable styling element 435 has a paddle shape with a pair of recesses 457 formed in the element's narrow surface 453. Recesses 457, similar to the teeth of a comb, face radially outwardly of hair styling element 435 to receive and retain many locks of hair during use. However, the configuration of the movable styling element 435 can be modified within the broad scope of the invention. The overall size of body 403 is similar to that of body 103, with the width of the wide side of body 403 being preferably at least about 2 inches and the length of body 403 being preferably at least about 4 inches. ..

As described above with respect to device 301, lever 475 is movable by the user between a first position (FIGS. 17 and 17A) and a second position (FIG. 18). A biasing member 495 (eg, spring) is positioned and arranged within the handle 403 and biases the lever 475 toward the first position (FIG. 17A). The lever 475 is positioned and arranged with respect to the gear 471 such that movement of the lever between the first and second positions causes the rotating plate 437 and the movable styling element 435 thereon to be moved through the gear. Make it move.

To move the moveable styling element, the user manually activates drive system 461 to manually move actuator 475 (eg, a lever) to move the actuator from the first position to the second position. Let The size of the gear 477 associated with the gears 481 and 479 causes the rotating plate 437 and the hair styling element mounted thereon to rotate more rapidly due to the greater angle of rotation than the gear 477. The user then removes the device from the hair before releasing actuator 475. When the user releases the actuator 475, the biasing member 495 automatically moves the actuator back to the first position. The process may be repeated as many times as desired.

19-21 show another embodiment of a hair styling device, generally designated 501. The device 501 is substantially equivalent to the device 401 described above and shown in FIGS. 16-18, except that the actuator 575 comprises a depressible button on the side of the body 503. The actuator 575 can move back and forth along a line to actuate the rotation of the hair styling element 535. Main body 503, which includes a portion of the main body omitted in FIGS. 17 and 18, includes a structure for guiding the movement of actuator 575 along its linear reciprocating path. The spring 595 is attached to the end of the actuator 575 opposite the part forming the button. The other end of spring 595 is attached to a strut (not shown) over a portion of body 503 omitted in FIGS. The stanchions provide a fixed point at which the spring 595 operates to move the actuator 575. In addition, each movable styling element 535 is paddle shaped with a generally triangular cross section. The recess 557 is formed in the side 553 of the styling element. In one embodiment, the hair styling device 401 of the previous embodiments may use an actuator assembly including the actuator 575 disclosed with respect to the device 501 of this embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention.

22-24 show another embodiment of a hair styling device, generally designated 601. The device 601 is substantially equivalent to the device 501 described above and shown in FIGS. 19-21, except that the actuator 675 comprises a pushable button on the bottom of the body 603. Further, the actuator 675 is generally generally flush with the surface of the body 603 when not depressed, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the main body 603 includes a guide wall that guides the movement of the actuator 675. A similar guide wall (not shown) is also present on a portion of the body 603 omitted from Figures 23 and 24. In this embodiment, two springs 695 are adopted. Spring 695 is attached to the end of each leg of actuator 675. The other end of spring 695 is attached to a strut (not shown) over a portion of body 603 that is omitted in FIGS. One of the legs is formed with teeth 673 that engage the drive system 661. In addition, each movable styling element 635 is paddle shaped and has a generally rectangular cross section. Hair styling element 635 does not have a recess, but it will be apparent that such a recess could be used.

FIG. 25 shows another embodiment of a hair styling device, generally designated 701. The device 701 is substantially equivalent to the device 501 described above and shown in FIGS. 19-21, except that a single styling element 735 is mounted on the rotating plate 737. The styling element 735 has a triangular prism shape. The side surface 759 of the styling element 735 is concave. The recess 757 is formed in the edge 753 of the styling element 735. The recess 757 opens radially outward from the hair styling element. The recesses 757 are arranged in groups. The recesses of the different groups open in different radial directions around the rotation axis of the rotatable base 737.

FIG. 26 illustrates another embodiment of a hair styling device, generally designated 801. The device 801 is substantially equivalent to the device 501 described above and shown in FIGS. 19-21, except that the styling element 835 has a generally hexagonal prismatic shape. The recess 857 is formed in the side surface 853 of the styling element 835.

27-31 show another embodiment of a hair styling device, generally designated 901. The device 901 is substantially equivalent to the device 401 described above and shown in FIGS. 16-18, except that the actuator 975 comprises a depressible button on the side of the body 903. The actuator 975 can move back and forth along a line to actuate the rotation of the hair styling element 935 of the rotating plate 937. The body 903 includes a guide wall 978 for guiding the movement of the actuator 975 along the linear reciprocating path. In this embodiment, two springs 995 are adopted. A spring 995 is attached to and is received about the struts 996 of each of the actuators 975. The other end of spring 995 is retained within a receptacle 997 formed by an inner wall within body 903. The stanchions 996 guide the movement of the spring 995, and the wall of the receptacle 997 provides a fixed point on which the spring 995 operates to move the actuator 975. The teeth 973 are formed on the flange 974 of the actuator 975. The teeth 973 mesh with a speed change (first drive) gear 977, and the speed change gear 977 (via a large diameter second drive gear mounted for co-rotation with the first drive gear) idler gear 981 ( Broadly, the idler gear 981 can be configured to mesh with a "directional drive gear") and the base or rotating plate gear 979. The rotary plate 937 is connected to the rotary plate gear 979 so as to rotate together with the rotary plate. The first and second gears may also be understood to be "main gears".

Referring to FIGS. 29-31, idler gear 981 seats in slot 999 such that idler gear separates from rotary plate gear 979 when actuator 975 is not depressed. The slot 999 defines an elongated elliptical channel that allows translational movement of the idler gear 981 within the slot and rotational movement of the idler gear shaft received within the slot. To do. Depressing the actuator 975 to move it from the extended first position to the compressed second position causes the teeth 973 to shift counterclockwise, as shown in the views of FIGS. 29-31. The gear 977 comes to rotate. The movement of the actuator 975 from the first position to the second position is the "operating mode" of the actuator. By rotating the transmission gear 977 counterclockwise, the idler gear 981 is rotated clockwise. Since the idler gear 981 is not fixedly held in the circular recess but is mounted in the slot 999, engagement from the transmission gear 977 causes the idler gear to move from the bottom end of the slot to the top end of the slot within the slot. It is moved upward and engaged with the rotary plate gear 979. When the idler gear 981 engages with the rotary plate gear 979, the actuator 975 is continuously pressed to further rotate the idler gear, thereby rotating the rotary plate gear engaged at this time, and then rotating the rotary plate 937. Let In one embodiment, full depression of actuator 975 results in one rotation of rotating plate 937 (ie, the rotating plate undergoes one 360 degree rotation). Upon full depression, device 901 prevents further depression of actuator 975. It is further envisioned that full depression of actuator 975 may result in less than or more than one rotation of rotating plate 937.

Releasing the pressure on the actuator 975 causes the spring 995 to urge the actuator upward, causing the teeth 973 to rotate the transmission gear 977 clockwise. Such movement of the actuator 975 returning from the second position to the first position can be understood as an “idling mode” of the actuator. The clockwise rotation of the transmission gear 977 causes the idler gear 981 to rotate counterclockwise. However, since the idler gear 981 is not fixedly held in the circular recess but is mounted in the slot 999, engagement from the transmission gear 977 causes the idler gear to move from the upper end of the slot to the lower end of the slot within the slot. To move downward to release the engagement with the rotary plate gear 979. Therefore, the rotation of the idler gear 981 does not impart the rotation to the rotary plate gear 979. Therefore, when the actuator 975 is released, the rotary plate 937 does not rotate. Therefore, rotation of the rotary plate 937 occurs only while the actuator 975 is being pushed down. As a result, only gear 971 causes rotating plate 937 to rotate in a single direction. This allows the user to style the hair using device 901 without having to remove the device from the hair between depressing actuators 975. Gears, including gears 971, 981, and 979, can be understood to be transmissions in the illustrated embodiment.

32-35 show another embodiment of a hair styling device, generally designated 1001. The present device 1001 is described above and illustrated in FIGS. 13-15 except that the device 1001 includes a drive system 1061 similar to that disclosed in the device 901 shown in FIGS. 27-31. Substantially equivalent to the device 301 shown. Therefore, when the lever 1075 is pushed, the rotary plate 1037 completes one rotation (that is, the rotary plate receives one 360-degree rotation), and when the lever is released, the rotary plate does not rotate. It rotates only in one direction.

The drive system 1061 has a gear 1071, which includes a rotary plate gear 1079 and idler gear 1081 corresponding to the rotary plate gear 379 and idler gear 381 described above. These gears may be collectively referred to as a "transmission". A set of teeth 1073 is formed on the lever 1075. The teeth 1073 may be configured to mesh with the speed change gear 1077, the speed change gear 1077 may mesh with the auxiliary idler gear 1093, and the auxiliary idler gear 1093 may be configured to mesh with one of the rotary plate gears 1079. In this embodiment, the auxiliary idler gear 1093 is mounted inside the slot 1099 and, when the lever 1075 is pushed, moves in the manner described above with respect to the idler gear 981 and the slot 999. Therefore, when the lever 1075 is released, the rotation of the auxiliary idler gear 1093 does not impart the rotation to the adjacent rotary plate gear 1079. Therefore, when the lever 1075 is released, the rotating plate 1037 does not rotate. Therefore, the rotating plate 1037 rotates only while the lever 1075 is being pushed down. As a result, only gear 1071 causes rotating plate 1037 to rotate in a single direction. This allows the user to style the hair using device 1001 without having to remove the device from the hair between pressing down lever 1075. The positioning of the idler gear 1081 between a pair of adjacent rotating plates 1037 allows all of the rotating plates to rotate in the same direction.

In view of the above description, it will be appreciated that the following has now been arrived at:

A1. A handheld hair styling device,
A body having a wide side surface, wherein the wide side surface is between a pair of narrow side surfaces on opposite sides of the wide side surface, and the wide side surface of the main body is the main body. A body having a width wider than the surface of the narrow side of
A plurality of rotatable bases mounted between the narrow sides of the body so as to rotate with respect to the body about a rotation axis, each of the rotatable bases being substantially from the body. A plurality of rotatable bases having exposed surfaces facing apart;
A plurality of hair styling elements mounted on the exposed surfaces of each of the rotatable bases for being subjected to rotation relative to the body with each of the rotatable bases, the hair styling elements being substantially separated from the body. A plurality of the hair styling elements extending,
A handle extending from the body in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of at least one of the rotatable bases;
The hand-held hair styling device comprising:

A2. The handheld hair styling device of A1, further comprising a selectively activatable drive system that rotationally drives the rotatable base relative to the body.

A3. The selectively activatable drive system is configured to hold the rotatable base in a fixed position relative to the body when the selectively activatable drive system is not activated; A handheld hair styling device according to A2.

A4. The selectively activatable drive system comprises a set of gears and a manual actuator connected to the gears, such that a user manually operates the manual actuator to move the rotatable base. The handheld hair styling device according to A2, which can be rotationally driven.

A5. The selectively activatable drive system is an electric motor, the motor being connected to the rotatable base to rotate the rotatable base relative to the body. The handheld hair styling device of A2, comprising a motor and a switch configured to selectively turn the electric motor on and off.

A6. The handheld hair styling device of A1, further comprising a plurality of hair styling elements affixed to the wide side surface of the body.

A7. The handheld hairstyling device according to A1, wherein at least a portion of the hairstyling element mounted on the rotatable base has a paddle-shaped configuration.

A8. The handheld hair styling device according to A1, wherein each of the hair styling elements mounted on the rotatable base is spaced from each of the other hair styling elements.

A9. The handheld hairstyling device according to A1, wherein all of the hairstyling elements are mounted on the rotatable base.

A10. The handheld hair of A1, wherein the body has a longitudinal axis and the rotatable base is mounted on the body in a linear configuration extending substantially along the longitudinal axis of the body. Styling device.

A11. The handheld hair styling device according to A1, wherein the rotatable bases have axes of rotation that are substantially parallel to each other.

A12. The handheld hairstyling device according to A1, wherein the hairstyling elements are substantially parallel to each other.

A13. The handheld hair styling device of A1, wherein the wide side surface of the body is substantially flat.

A14. The handheld hair styling device according to A1, wherein the wide side of the body has a width that is at least about 2 inches.

A15. The handheld hair styling device according to A1, wherein the body has a length that is at least about 3 inches.

A16. The handheld hair styling device according to A1, wherein at least one of the rotatable bases has a diameter that is at least about 2 inches long.

A17. A handheld hair styling device,
A body having a wide side surface, wherein the wide side surface is between a pair of narrow side surfaces on opposite sides of the wide side surface, and the wide side surface of the main body is the main body. A body having a width wider than the surface of the narrow side of
A plurality of rotatable bases mounted between the narrow side surfaces on the body so as to rotate with respect to the body about a rotation axis, each of the rotatable bases being substantially from the body. A plurality of rotatable bases having exposed surfaces facing apart;
A plurality of hair styling elements mounted on the exposed surfaces of each of the rotatable bases for rotation relative to the body with each of the rotatable bases, the hair styling elements extending substantially away from the body. Present, said plurality of hair styling elements,
The handheld hair styling device, wherein each of the hair styling elements mounted on the rotatable base is spaced from each of the other hair styling elements.

A18. The handheld hairstyling device according to A17, wherein at least a portion of the hairstyling element mounted on the rotatable base has a paddle-shaped configuration.

A19. The handheld hair of A17, wherein the body has a longitudinal axis and the rotatable base is mounted on the body in a linear configuration extending substantially along the longitudinal axis of the body. Styling device.

A20. The handheld hair styling device according to A17, wherein the rotatable bases have axes of rotation that are substantially parallel to each other.

A21. The handheld hair styling device according to A17, wherein the wide side of the body has a width that is at least about 2 inches.

A22. The handheld hair styling device according to A17, wherein the body has a length that is at least about 3 inches.

A23. The handheld hair styling device of A17, wherein at least one of the rotatable bases has a diameter that is at least about 2 inches long.

A24. A method of styling hair,
Retaining a handle connected to the body, the body having a plurality of rotatable bases on the body, each of the rotatable bases on the body for rotation relative to the body. Mounted on the rotatable base and having a plurality of hair styling elements mounted on the rotatable base, the retaining;
Moving the handle to place the hair styling element inside the human hair;
A drive system that is operative to connect to the rotatable base is selectively activated to rotationally drive the rotatable base with respect to the body, and thus at least a portion of the hair styling element is the hair of the person. Rotating the rotatable base and the hair styling element on the rotatable base in contact with
The method, comprising:

A25. Rotating the rotatable base and the hair styling element on the rotatable base with at least a portion of the hair styling element in contact with the hair of the person includes The method according to A24, comprising forming a strand of hair from the set.

A26. The method of A25, further comprising holding the hair in the set in the twist tuft during a period selected to impart a spiral bend to at least a portion of the set of hair.

A27. Rotating the rotatable base and the hair styling element on the rotatable base with at least a portion of the hair styling element in contact with the person's hair causes a helical bend to occur in the person's head. The method of A24, which comprises applying to at least a portion of the hair on the part.

A28. The method of A27, wherein the helical bend applied to the hair has a central axis that is substantially parallel to at least one axis of rotation of the rotatable base.

A29. Rotating the rotatable base and the hair styling element on the rotatable base with at least a portion of the hair styling element in contact with the person's hair comprises a first rotation of the rotatable base. A first set of twists of hair from a first set of hairs on the person's head using a rotatable base, while using a second rotatable base of the rotatable base The method of A24, comprising forming a second tuft of hair from a second set of hair on the head of the.

When introducing elements of the invention or preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the", and "said" mean that there is more than one element. Is intended. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

When various changes are made in the above apparatus, system, and method without departing from the scope of the present invention, all contents contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as examples. It is intended that it should be and should not be construed in a limiting sense.

Claims (20)

A handheld hair styling device,
Body,
A rotatable base mounted on the body for rotation relative to the body about an axis of rotation, the rotatable base having an exposed surface facing substantially away from the body; The rotatable base of the rotatable base extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body;
A hair styling element mounted on the exposed surface of the rotatable base for rotation relative to the body with the rotatable base, the hair styling element extending substantially away from the body. Styling elements,
A selectively actuatable drive system for rotationally driving the rotatable base relative to the body, the drive system moving between a first position and a second position to rotate the rotatable base. An actuator supported by the body to actuate rotation of the actuator, and transfer movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position to rotation of the rotatable base in a first direction. A transmission connecting the actuator to the rotatable base, the transmission being in opposition to the first direction in response to movement of the actuator from the second position to the first position. The selectively actuatable drive system configured to prevent rotation of the rotatable base in a second direction;
The hand-held hair styling device comprising: The transmission functions to engage the rotatable base in response to movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position for rotationally driving the rotatable base, and the second transmission 2. The handheld hair styling device of claim 1, comprising a directional drive member that functions to disengage from the rotatable base in response to movement of the actuator from the position to the first position. The directional drive member is configured to move on the body between a drive position that functions to engage the rotatable base and an idle position that functions to disengage from the rotatable base. The handheld hair styling device of claim 2, being supported by the body. The handheld hair styling device of claim 3, wherein the directional drive member is further supported by the body for rotation relative to the body. The handheld device of claim 4, wherein the directional drive member comprises a directional drive gear and a shaft, the shaft being mounted on the body for rotational and sliding movement relative to the body. Hair styling device. 6. The handheld hair styling device of claim 5, wherein the body defines a channel, the channel receiving an interior shaft of the drive member that rotates within the channel and moves within the channel. The transmission further comprises a main gear that functions to be connected to the actuator, whereby movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position causes rotation of the main gear in an operating mode. And the movement of the actuator from the second position to the first position causes rotation of the main gear in an idling mode as opposed to the operating mode. Hair styling device. 8. The handheld hair styling device of claim 7, wherein the transmission further comprises a base gear mounted on the rotatable base for co-rotation with the rotatable base. 9. The handheld hair styling device of claim 8, wherein the directional drive gear functions to engage the main gear in the operating mode and in the idling mode. 10. The rotation of the main gear in the operating mode moves the shaft of the drive gear in the channel to a position where the drive gear meshes with the base gear to rotationally drive the rotatable base. Handheld hair styling device as described in. Rotation of the main gear in the idling mode causes the shaft of the drive gear in the channel to move away from the base gear, whereby rotation of the main gear in the idling mode is transmitted to the base gear. The handheld hair styling device of claim 10, wherein 12. The handheld hair styling device of claim 11, wherein the channel is elliptical. A spring further biases the actuator toward the first position such that when the actuator is released in the second position, the actuator automatically returns to the first position. The hand-held hair styling device of claim 1, wherein the hair styling device is movable. The plurality of rotatable bases mounted on the main body for rotation relative to the main body, the rotatable bases functioning to be connected to rotate in unison. Handheld hair styling device. A handheld hair styling device,
Body,
A rotatable base mounted on the body for rotation relative to the body about an axis of rotation, the rotatable base having an exposed surface facing substantially away from the body; The rotatable base of the rotatable base extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body;
At least one hair styling element mounted on the exposed surface of the rotatable base for rotation relative to the body with the rotatable base, the hair styling element extending substantially away from the body , Said at least one hair styling element,
A selectively actuatable drive system for rotationally driving the rotatable base relative to the body, the drive system moving between two positions to rotationally actuate the rotatable base. An actuator supported by the body and connecting the actuator to the rotatable base to transfer the movement of the actuator from a first position to a second position to rotation of the rotatable base in a first direction. And a transmission for rotating the rotatable base about the rotation axis once the actuator moves from the first position to the second position. A selectively actuatable drive system configured in
The hand-held hair styling device comprising: The transmission comprises a transmission gear selected to translate movement of the actuator from the second position to the first position into the single 360 degree rotation of the rotatable base. Item 16. The handheld hair styling device according to Item 15. The transmission gear includes a first drive gear, a second drive gear having a diameter larger than that of the first drive gear, an idler gear, and a rotatable base on the rotatable base so as to rotate together. 17. The handheld hair styling device of claim 16, including an attached base gear. 18. The handheld of claim 17, wherein the actuator engages a first drive gear and a second drive gear is connected to the first drive gear for co-rotation with the first drive gear. Hair styling device. The idler gear is mounted so as to mesh with the base gear in accordance with the movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position, and the idler gear is installed from the second position to the first position. 19. The handheld hair styling device of claim 18, which does not mesh with the base gear in response to movement of an actuator. The transmission gear further includes a plurality of rotatable bases, and the transmission gear further includes a base gear on each of the rotatable bases and an intervening gear located between two adjacent bases of the rotatable bases. 16. Including, said intervening gear is operable such that all of said rotatable bases rotate in the same direction in response to movement of said actuator from said first position to said second position. Handheld hair styling device as described in.

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