FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention addresses an issue that currently exists in all round brushes used for styling hair and exists most consequentially in motorized spinning round brushes; the appliance is designed in a manner that allows hair to become tangled around the brush.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hair styling round brushes, both spinning and non-spinning are available in many shapes, sizes and materials. These are commonly used with a blow-dryer in one hand and the brush in the other hand, with the blow-dryer following through the hair along with the brush.

A more sophisticated version of the above-described brush type includes a blow-dryer unit inside the handle portion of the brush. A hollow, perforated round brush barrel is fixed to said handle portion. Hot air from the blow-dryer enters the hollow barrel and exits through the perforations thereby drying the hair that is engaged with the bristles of the brush barrel.

Another version of said appliance is a ‘rotating’ round brush blow-dryer. Rather than being fixed to the blow-dryer handle portion, the hollow round brush barrel is driven by a motor and rotates on the handle as hot air is supplied to the barrel. This type of appliance is presently available but not without the inherent risk of tangling that such an appliance will certainly possess.

The invention provides a solution to the primary problem stated above by describing embodiments of the invention in terms of mechanical arrangements that may be employed in a rotating round brush to facilitate the continuous engagement and release of the hair from the spinning brush. These ‘continuous engagement and release’ mechanical arrangements apply to novel bristle mechanisms as well as novel barrel mechanisms. Furthermore, the barrel mechanisms are described herein as possessing a novel type of hair styling feature embodied in and of themselves and without the inclusion of bristle features. This embodiment may be considered a unique type of curling iron.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention as a material treatment device is an improvement in prior art brushes that are used for handling material, including animal and human hair. In one embodiment, the material treatment device has a plurality of rods arranged circumferentially as part of a rod barrel. A handle is attached to the rod barrel for rotatable support thereof. A mechanism for rotating the rod barrel is provided in a first direction and a mechanism for rotating or allowing rotation of each of the rods separately from the rod barrel in a second direction opposite the first direction is also provided. The material being contacted by the rods during use of the hair treatment device rolls away from the contacted rod in the second direction.

The rods can be arranged so as to form one of a square barrel shape, a rectangular barrel shape, a triangular barrel shape, an oval barrel shape, a crescent barrel shape or a cylindrical barrel shape.

The device can also be configured to pass heated or cooled air into one or more of the plurality of rods or through the rod barrel. The surface of one or more of the rods can be textured, for example, a spiral texture or a stippled texture. The rods could also be perforated to allow hot, cold, or ambient air to contact the engaged material.

The embodiment with the roller barrel can also include a cage attached to a distal end of each of the plurality of rods, the cage preventing material from getting between the plurality of rods from the distal ends thereof. The cage can include a plurality of legs, one end of each leg rotatably attached to a distal end of each rod and the other ends of the plurality of legs joined together to prevent the material from getting between the plurality of rods from the distal ends thereof.

The invention also includes a method of engaging any material, for example animal or human hair, using the material treatment device described above, wherein the rod barrel and rods are rotated so that the rods can engage the material.

Another device of the invention combines the rod and brush barrel features described above with bristles. This rotating bristle device includes a bristle assembly, the bristle assembly comprising a plurality of aligned bristle sets, each bristle set mounted to a pair of bristle flanges, the bristle flanges configured to allow the bristle sets to move with respect to the bristle flanges. A plurality of rods are provided, opposite ends of the rods secured between the bristle flanges, each rod positioned between adjacent channels so as to create a space between adjacent rods for bristle movement, surfaces of the rods forming a part of the brush barrel.

One of two mechanisms with the rotating bristle device can be used. One mechanism rotates the brush barrel and the bristle assembly such that in one mode, the brush barrel rotates in a first direction with all of the bristles extending through the spaces formed by adjacent rods and beyond surfaces of the rods, in a second mode, the brush barrel rotates with the bristles continually extending through and beyond surfaces of the rods over one portion of the rotating brush barrel while bristles on other portions of the rotating brush barrel continually retract, and in a third mode, the bristles are folly retracted such that the bristles do not extend from the rotating brush barrel during rotation thereof.

The other mechanism rotates the brush barrel and the bristle assembly such that the brush barrel rotates with some bristles extending through and beyond surfaces of the rods over one portion of the rotating brush barrel while other bristles on other portions of the rotating brush barrel are refracted.

The bristle set can include a plurality of bristles or a plurality of bristle bundles.

The rods of either embodiment disclosed above can be coated with a non-stick coating, for example, PTFE and either embodiment above use two or more rods, e.g., two, four, six, or twelve rods are employed.

The bristle assembly can further be configured such that each bristle set is mounted to the pair of bristle flanges, each bristle flange having channels therein to allow the bristle sets to move along the channels, the bristle flanges mounted to a spine.

A third material treatment device is provided that includes the moving rods and a slide clamp for clamping purposes. This material treatment device includes a plurality of rods arranged circumferentially as part of a rod barrel and a handle attached to the rod barrel for rotatable support thereof. A mechanism is provided for rotating the rod barrel in a first direction and a mechanism is provided for rotating or allowing rotation of each of the rods separately from the rod barrel in a second direction opposite the first direction, that is, permitting each of the rods to freely spin during rod barrel rotation. A slide clip is provided that is moveably mounted on the handle and moves between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, at least a portion of the slide clip is positioned adjacent a surface of one of the plurality of rods. A mechanism is provided for pivoting the slide clip with respect to the surface between an open position and a closed position, the open position allowing entraining of material between the portion of the slide clip and the surface and the closed position clamping the entrained material on the surface. A mechanism is also provided to prevent rotation of each of the plurality of rods when the slide clip is moved into the extended position while the rod barrel and slide clip can be rotated for winding of the material around the plurality of rods and for permitting rotation of each of the plurality of rods with the material wound on the plurality of rods and with rotation of the rod barrel when the slide clip is moved into the retracted position.

The invention also includes a method of engaging a material using the device that employs the slide clip. This method includes disengaging the plurality of rods from the rod barrel moving the slide clip to the extended position. The slide clip is moved to the open position to be able to position at least some material between the slide clip and the surface of the rod. The slide clip is moved to the closed position to clamp the material. Then the rod barrel and slide clip are rotated to wind material around the plurality of rods. Post rotation, the slide clip is moved to the retracted position and the plurality of rods and rod barrel are rotated with respect to tire wound material. The rods can be optionally cooled or heated.

Yet another embodiment employs just bristles for material treatment. The rotating bristle device includes a bristle assembly, the bristle assembly comprising a plurality of aligned bristle sets, each bristle set mounted to a pair of bristle flanges, the bristle flanges configured to allow the bristle sets to move with respect to the bristle flanges. A brush barrel having perforations therein is provided, each perforation designed to receive one of the bristles in the bristle sets.

Two mechanisms can be used for moving the brush barrel and bristle assembly. One moves the brush barrel and the bristle assembly such that in one mode, the brush barrel rotates with all of the bristles extending from the perforations, in a second mode, the brush barrel rotates with the bristles continually extending over one side of the rotating brush barrel while bristles on the other side of the rotating brush barrel continually retract, and in a third mode, the bristles are fully retracted such that the bristles do not extend from the rotating brush barrel during rotation thereof. The other mechanism can rotate the brush barrel and the bristle assembly such that the brush barrel rotates with some bristles extending through and beyond surfaces of the rods over one portion of the rotating brush barrel while other bristles on other portions of the rotating brush barrel are retracted.

This rotating bristle device using the brush barrel and bristles can be used in a method of engaging material, for example, human or animal hair. The method includes rotating the spine so that the bristles can engage the material.

Another embodiment of the invention is a rotating bristle device that has an eccentric rotation. This device includes a bristle assembly, the bristle assembly comprising a plurality of aligned bristle sets, each bristle set mounted to a spine. A tube having perforations therein is provided, each perforation designed to receive one of the bristles in the bristle sets. Guide surfaces are arranged on an inner periphery of the tube, each guide surface forming a channel to guide the bristles in and out of the perforations. A plurality of rolling surfaces are arranged on an inner periphery of the tube. The spine is mounted inside the perforated tube such that the rolling surfaces rest on a portion of the spine and an axis of the spine is offset from an axis of the perforated tube, and the bristles extend into channels formed by the guide surfaces, wherein rotation of the spine causes the rolling surfaces of the perforated tube to roll on the spine and eccentrically rotate the perforated tube with respect to the spine, the eccentric rotation of the perforated tube allowing the bristles to extend and retract from the perforations in the perforated tube during spine rotation.

The eccentric rotating bristle device can include a plurality of elongated triangularly shaped bristle guides, each bristle guide arranged on an inner periphery of the perforated tube, adjacent bristle guides forming the channels, and a plurality of spaced apart spacer rings arranged longitudinally along the perforated tube and inside of the bristle guides, the spacer rings having the rolling surfaces. The housing can be a one-piece structure having the guides surfaces and rolling surfaces as a part thereof and the spine can include a handle for spine rotation. The eccentric rotating bristle device can include an electric motor assembly comprising a housing, which can be cylindrical or oblong in shape, and an electric motor inside the housing, the electric motor connected to the spine for rotation thereof.

The eccentric rotation bristle device can be used to engage material, for example, human or animal hair. The method entails rotating the spine so that the bristles can engage the material.

For the embodiments using the bristle assembly wherein the bristle sets are allowed to move with respect to the bristle flanges, one embodiment disclosed herein moves the bristles in a radial fashion using channels in the bristle flanges. However, other ways can be employed to move the bristle sets as well with respect to the bristle flanges so that the bristles can extend from the brush barrel for material engagement. One alternative would be to configure the device to move the bristles sets with a longitudinal movement and then an angular movement so that the bristles can extend from the device barrel in a controlled fashion for material engagement. Of course, other con figurations can be employed as long as they move the bristles in and out of the brush barrel as the disclosed embodiments illustrate and describe.

While the rods are shown as geared or free spinning, they could be fixed and just the rod barrel could rotate. In yet another embodiment, the rod barrel could include bristles fixed to the barrel such that the bristles rotate with the barrel, the bristles extending through and beyond spaces between adjacent rods so as to contact material being treated by the device.

In yet another embodiment, the device can include a cap mounted at a distal end of the device, the cap configured to remain stationary when the rod barrel rotates. As an alternative to the stationary end cap, the device can include a cap mounted to the rod barrel and including means to allow the cap to rotate with the rod barrel. The cap can be configured to inhibit hair from traveling over an outer cap surface, for example, form a lip at the end of the rod barrel, and/or to a allow hair to slide off an outer cap surface if hair comes into contact with the outer cap surface, for example, form the cap with a tapered surface. Preferably, the cap is removably mounted to the device, either in the fixed or rotating embodiment.

In yet another embodiment, a speed of rotation of each of the rods can be greater than a speed of the rotation of the rod barrel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a standard type of round brush presented as a visual point of reference for the overall description of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a front view while FIGS. 2B - 2D are perspective views of the inventive brush, together illustrating the mechanical aspects required to convert the ‘bristled Id spine la centered within a perforated tube lb type round brush barrel of FIG. 1 to the ‘bristled Id’ spine la off center within a perforated tube lb” type round brush barrel.

FIGS. 3 A - 3C are perspective side views collectively depicting a preferred embodiment of a manual ‘bristled Id’ spine la off - center within a perforated tube lb” type round brush.

FIG. 4 is a perspective side view illustrating the ‘bristled Id’ spine la’ off - center within a perforated tube lb” type round brush barrel incorporated into an electric motor driven, automatically rotating round brush appliance that includes a blow - dryer feature.

FIGS. 5A - 5C are perspective side views and altogether depict the first in a series of a step-by-step assembly procedure of the mechanical aspects required to construct an alternative mechanical approach to achieving the novel features described in the previous figures. Depicted here are the two (2) bristle slide flanges 5a - 5b as each is fixed to a hollow spine 5c assembly and includes bristle span 2a’ placement. FIGS. 6A - 6B are perspective side views and are concurrently the second illustration in series continuing the assembly procedure described in FIGS. 5A - 5C. This Illustration depicts the placement of the retraction spring 6a and the slide brackets 6c and describes how said parts interact with the bristle spans 2a’.

FIGS. 7A - 7C are perspective side views that collectively represent the third illustration in series continuing the assembly procedure described in FIGS. 5A - 5C and FIGS. 6A - 6B. Depicted here are the bracket stabilizer rod 7a and the actuator rod 7b. These illustrations describe how said parts transfer motion through the hollow spine 5c from one side of the brush barrel assembly to the other side.

FIGS. 8 A - 8B are perspective side views that together, represent the fourth illustration in series continuing the assembly procedure described in FIGS. 5A - 5C, FIGS. 6A - 6B and FIGS. 7A - 7C. Depicted here are the two (2) bracket stabilizer discs 8b - 8d as each is fixed to the two (2) bracket stabilizer disc sheaths 8a - 8c. This illustration further depicts how said parts are incorporated into and interact with the previously described assembly of parts.

FIGS. 9 A 9C are perspective side views that mutually depict the fifth illustration in series continuing the assembly procedure described in FIGS. 5A - 5C, FIGS. 6A - 6B, FIGS. 7A - 7C and FIGS. 8A - 8B. Depicted here are the two (2) worm discs 9b - 9c as each are fixed to the two (2) worm disc sheaths 9a - 9d. This illustration further depicts how said parts are incorporated into and interact with the previously described assembly of parts.

FIG. 10A is a side view and FIG. 10B is a perspective top view depicting the now assembled round brush barrel 4a’ incorporated into an electric motor driven, automatically rotating round brush appliance that includes a blow-dryer feature.

FIGS. 11 A - 11F are front views that provide an understanding of the mechanical process described in the proceeding FIGS. 12A - 12C.

FIGS. 12A - 12C are front views depicting, in series, a description of the mechanical motions that occur as the operator gradually pushes the lever 10o controlling the repositioning features of the bristles Id’. Said depictions represent how each of the several positions of these mechanical aspects correspond to each of the several lever 10o positions.

FIG. 13A is a perspective side view of the rod type brush barrel. FIG. 13B is a partial perspective side view of the rear of the rod type brush barrel 13h and front of the brush handle/chassis 13k. FIG. 13C is an end view of the rod type brush barrel 13h. FIG. 14A is a perspective side view of the rod type brush barrel spinning round brush. FIG. 14B is a perspective side view of an alternative embodiment of the rod type brush barrel spinning round brush. FIG. 14C is an end view of yet another embodiment of the rod type brush barrel spinning round brush.

FIG. 15A is a perspective side view of the multi-rod spinning curling iron. FIG. 15B is an end view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-rod spinning curling iron. FIGS. 15C and 15D are perspective side views of a single rod of the multi -rod spinning curling iron depicting alternative surface textures.

FIG. 16A is a perspective side view of the multi-rod spinning curling iron. This view is the opposite side of the perspective side view shown in FIG. 15A. FIG. 16B is a perspective side view of the slide clip 16b and slide clip ring 16f components of the multi-rod spinning curling iron. FIG.16C is a perspective side view pertaining to the front of the multi-rod barrel 15d spinning curling iron.

FIG. 17A is a perspective side view of an embodiment that features a preferred method of fixing the bristle spans 2a” to the rotating barrel 13h as an alternative to the various retracting bristle embodiments. It also depicts a sun gear 17b that completes a planetary gear set as a preferred alternative to the barrel rod 13a driving means described above. A funnel 17c is also described as both a stabilizing means for the gear set and to funnel hot air from the blow-dryer 41 to the inside of the barrel 13h.

FIG. 17B is a perspective side view of an end cap 17e and axial 17d including a fix point 17f between said two parts.

FIG. 18A is a perspective side view of an embodiment featuring a barrel axial 18a that is centered to the electric motor 10k. This motor 10k position allows the motor shaft 10n’ to directly rotate the barrel 13h.

FIG. 18B is an enlarged view of the distal end of the barrel of FIG. 18A. Said enlarged view depicts an alternative means of allowing the end cap 17e’ of embodiment FIG. 18A to remain stationary as the barrel 13h rotates.

FIG. 18C is an additional enlarged view of the distal end of the embodiment FIG. 18A. Said enlarged view depicts a means additional to that described in FIGS. 18A and 18B that allows the end cap 17e” to remain stationary as the barrel 13h rotates.

FIG. 19A depicts an embodiment featuring a fixed end cap 19a that rotates along with the barrel 13h. FIG. 19B is an enlarged side view of the distal end of the embodiment of FIG. 19A and further depicts the parts of said end cap 19a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(See FIG. 1 for the following) Attention is drawn to a version of a conventional manual round brush consisting of a hollow perforated tube lb that surrounds a bristled Id spine lc. The bristles Id are fixed to the spine lc and the spine lc is held suspended in the center of the perforated tube lb by end caps le. The bristles Id extend out of the perforated tube lb through the pattern of perforations If that are located over the surface of the tube. The perforations If range in size and shape but are generally large enough to allow both a bristle Id (or bundle of bristles depending on the design of the brush) along with air to move through the perforations If.

FIG. 2A is a circumferential view of a preferred basic mechanical arrangement of one embodiment of the inventive round brush configuration as compared to the standard round brush configuration described in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 A depicts a round brush spine la positioned within a perforated tube lb’ with bristles Id’ extending radially away from said spine la. This view also depicts bristle guides 1g positioned fixed to the inside surface of the perforated tube lb’. Also, a spacer ring 1h is centered within the perforated tube lb’ as said spacer ring 1h is fixed to the innermost edge of each bristle guide 1g. All perforated tubes described throughout this disclosure can include any of the various frictionless and/or slippery finishes to the outside surface. These coatings may include but are not limited to Teflon or PTFE. This feature is intended to eliminate the possibility of hair sticking to or being dragged along by the rotation of the barrels described below.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the spine la is positioned upward against the spacer ring 1h causing the bristles Id’ attached to the top of the spine la to extend out through the bristle perforations If at the top of the perforated tube lb’. This spine la position also causes the bristles Id’ attached to the bottom of the spine la to retract into the perforated tube lb’.

As this entire depicted assembly rotates, the spine la is maintained as the rotationally stationary axial, while allowing gravity to affect the perforated tube assembly against the spine la. The perforated tube assembly 1i consists of: the perforated tube lb’, bristle guides 1g and spacer rings 1h. As the bristles Id’ also extend through the perforated tube assembly 1i, said assembly is urged by the bristles Id’ to turn in tandem with the spine la while the top of the spine la continually rolls against the inside top of the spacer ring 1h. As the entire assembly depicted in FIG. 2A continues to rotate, and as said assembly maintains said rolling configuration [as depicted in FIG. 2A], it will also be noticed that each bristle Id’ moves through a continual extension and retraction cycle relative to each successive rotational position of the perforated tube assembly 1i.

The combined motion described above creates a novel and useful feature pertinent to the concept of a spinning round brush; as the brush turns, bristles sweep across the top of the brush barrel but do not sweep across the bottom of said barrel. This renders a spinning round brush, whether motor or manually turned, that may be used to smooth various lengths and textures of hair while perhaps eliminating, or at least, greatly reducing the potential for hair to become tangled around the spinning brush barrel. The reduction of this potential for tangling will be understood as becoming further enhanced as this disclosure continues to reveal additional features both related to, as well as indirectly related to, the issue of tangling. For now, however, more mechanical aspects of the invention that may be gleaned from FIG. 2A are described below.

While viewing FIG. 2A, notice the triangular bristle guides 1g. Said guides function to guide each bristle Id’ to extend out from, and retract into the perforated tube lb’ as each bristle Id’ rotates through each cycle. Arranged side by side around the inside surface of the perforated tube lb’, the bristle guides 1g create an equidistant circular continuum of triangular spaces. Said spaces are widest at the circumference of the spacer ring 1h and narrow outward toward the perforated tube lb’. In this manner, each triangular space tapers to a row of bristle perforations If. The tapered spaces created by the bristle guides 1g are necessary to cope with the pivoting action of the bristles Id’. The following includes a description of this pivoting action and the mechanical compensation required for said action.

As seen in FIG.2B, each bristle Id’ is attached side by side to a straight rod thereby forming a single bristle span 2a. Each bristle span end 2b is flat and round. This allows each end of a bristle span 2a to seat pivotally into a bristle span seat FIGS. 2C and 2D, 2c. Continuing to view FIGS. 2C and 2D, a ring of bristle span seats 2c is formed into each bristle span hub 2d, while a bristle span hub 2d is formed onto each end of a spine 1 a. Further concerning the bristle span 2a pivoting action, FIG. 2D depicts a means that limits the degree of bristle span 2a pivot. First, said means consist of pivot restrictors 2e that extend away from the inside face of each bristle span hub 2d with each pivot restrictor 2e occupying each space between each bristle span seat 2c. The second of said pivot limiting means consists of a bristle span tab 2f located on each end of each bristle span 2a. Now, as the seated bristle span 2a pivots, the bristle span tab 2f will encounter each of the pivot restrictors 2e positioned on either side of said bristle span tab 2f. In this manner, the degree of bristle span 2a pivot action is limited to the degree necessary to compensate for the coincidence of: [1] the off-center rotation by the spine la and perforated tube assembly 1i, and [2] the necessary and variable deviation from a 90-degree projection of the bristles Id’ from the spine la that would not occur if the spine and perforated tube rotated centered to one another. Viewing FIG. 2A, tire angles of projection of the bristles Id’ relative to the spine la vary circumferentially.

While the perforated tube assembly 1i is shown in terms of the triangular guides 1g, the spacer rings 111, and the perforated tube lb’ as a means to facilitate the movement of the bristles Id’ inside and outside of the perforated tube lb’ during rotation thereof, the perforated tube lb’ could be sized and molded to have depressions along an inside of the perforated tube lb’ to provide channels that may be an alternative to the triangular guides 1g and spacer rings lb. These channels will likewise guide the bristles Id’ to move toward, and therefore, in and out of the perforations 1 f, during use of the bristle device. Similarly, the perforated tube lb’ could also be configured with an inner peripheral surface that would provide rolling surfaces for the perforated tube assembly 1i to roll on the spine la.

The bristles of the present embodiment are always engaged with the perforations and/or bristle guides of the barrel and this engagement is sufficient to turn the barrel as the bristled spine is driven. The bristles act as the gear that turns the barrel. Alternatively, and as seen in FIG.2A, the outside spacer rings lh’ / rolling surfaces lh’ may include internal gear teeth and the bristle span hubs 2d’ may also include gear teeth. These gears engage while in use and may be employed in the manual version of the present embodiment as well as the electric, auto- rotating version described below.

Versions of the above-described embodiment may be configured in such a manner that the bristles of the eccentrically rotating bristled spine may be fixed to a spine in various manners rather than positioned pivotally on a span 2a within a seat 2c on a hub 2d.

The mounting of the spine inside the perforated tube such that the rolling surfaces associated with the perforated tube rest on a portion of the spine, an axis of the spine is offset from an axis of the perforated tube, and the bristles extend into channels formed by the guide surfaces is one example or means to accomplish the functionality of the rotating bristle device, i.e., wherein rotation of the spine causes the rolling surfaces of the perforated tube to roll on the spine and eccentrically rotate the perforated tube with respect to the spine, the eccentric rotation of the perforated tube allowing the bristles to extend and retract from the perforations in the perforated tube during rotation. The extension as described above can be in a sequential manner, wherein the bristles sequentially extend and then retract from the perforations. As also described below, the rotating bristle device can be configured such that the bristles are either extended or retracted during rotation.

In operation, the rotating bristle device described in FIGS. 2A - 3C or elsewhere in this description can be rotated manually or electrically so that the bristles could engage any desired material for any use or purpose. One example of material to be engaged would be hair for the purpose of manipulating the hair for styling or the like, but the use of the bristle assembly is not limited to this example.

As the preceding portion of this section describes the basic mechanical arrangement necessary to achieve the prerequisite performance of the rotating bristle device invention, the following portion describes various iterations of said rotating bristle device that expand upon the invention to describe additional features and assemblies.

FIG. 3 A depicts the spine la, bristle span hubs 2d and bristle spans 2a as they appear while assembled. FIG. 3C depicts a complete version of the present manual embodiment. FIG. 3B demonstrates the assembly depicted in FIG. 3A as it appears appropriately incorporated into a complete preferred manual embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3B also includes a handle 3a, spine extension 3b, alignment disc 3c, as well as the bristle guides 1g and spacer rings 1h as described before. Said bristle guides 1g and spacer rings 1h are depicted here again to provide a perspective view. Said view will also aid the reader in accurately visualizing the following preferred embodiment of the perforated tube assembly 1i.

As described previously, the spacer rings 1h and bristle guides 1g act together to guide the motion of each bristle Id’. Said spacers 1h and guides 1g facilitate a reliable return of each bristle Id’ toward and through each applicable perforation If, from all positions that each bristle Id’ passes through. As previously described, said spacers 1h and guides 1g may just as effectively be substituted by shaping the inside surface of the perforated tube lb’ with a pattern of conical depressions that match the bristle guidance of the present spacers 1h and guides 1g.

Returning to a description of the parts depicted in FIGS. 3 A - 3C, a spine extension 3b extends away from the outside face of, and is fixed to, one bristle span hub 2d. Fixed to the spine extension 3b is a handle 3a and a stabilizer disc. 3c. Said disc 3c is fixed to the spine extension 3b in a concentric manner and is sandwiched contiguously between the distal ends of the bristle guides 1g and the recessed tube cap 3d. The stabilizer disc 3c prevents the perforated tube assembly 1i from moving side to side [toward and away from the handle 3a] relative to the spine la, and is larger than the spine extension opening 3e thereby preventing the stabilizer disc 3c from slipping outside of the recessed tube cap 3d.

Notice that the spine extension opening 3e at the center of the recessed tube cap 3d is wider in diameter than the circumference of the spine extension 3b. This feature allows the perforated tube assembly 1i to remain against the spine la as said tube assembly spins while the operator turns the handle 3a. As the present iteration (FIGS. 3A - 3C) maintains the mechanically offset relationship between the spine la and the perforated tube assembly 1i, it is maintained as such by reliance on gravity. This offset relationship is further maintained as the operator uses the brush in her hair. Laying the hair on top of said tube assembly and turning the brush from underneath in the direction that draws the hair away from the scalp causes the weight of the hair to further hold the perforated tube assembly 1i against the spine la as the operator manually turns the brush. Coincidentally, and as described previously, maintaining said offset relationship through said hair styling operation maintains the cycling of the bristles Id’ over the top of the perforated tube assembly 1i, thereby continuing the brushing action through the hair. Concurrently, the bristles cycling through the bottom of the perforated tube assembly 1i continue to retract back into said assembly, thereby, facilitating the continuing release of the just previously bristle entrained hair. This cycle of catch and release significantly reduces the probability of hair being bristle caught around the entire circumference of the perforated tube assembly 1i. This, of course, is a major cause of round brush tangling in general.

The following describes a preferred motorized iteration of the preceding FIGS. 3A - 3C embodiment. The brush barrel 4a of FIG. 4 is identical in function; the differences lie in the mechanical means that actuate these functions. The following is a description of said means.

FIG.4 depicts the brush barrel 4a positioned rotationally contiguous to the front of a motorized brush chassis 4b. The brush barrel 4a is held in said position as a barrel cap 4d is fixed to one end of a stabilizer shaft 4e while the opposite end of said shaft spans through the hollow spine la’ of the brush barrel 4a and is fixed to the handle/chassis 4b. Said shaft is held fixed to the handle/chassis 4b at the shaft seat 4f location within the internal seating geometry that is molded into the handle/chassis 4b. The barrel cap 4d is held fixed to the stabilizer shaft 4e as the barrel cap 4d end of the stabilizer shaft 4e is inserted into the cap shaft seat 4o where upon the cap shaft seat screw 4p is tightened into the mated threaded opening in the stabilizer shaft 4e.

One inside circumferential edge of the perforated tube lb’ fits contiguously over the circumferentially lipped and recessed front edge of the handle/chassis 4b. Said handle/chassis front edge will be referred to as the chassis lip 4c.

The barrel cap end of the perforated tube lb’ overlaps the inside edge of the barrel cap 4d; this arrangement reduces the potential of hair becoming entangled along what would otherwise be the level, butt ended, rotational joint shared by the perforated tube lb’ and the barrel cap 4d. The handle/chassis 4b end of the perforated tube lb’ increases in diameter creating a concaved end of said tube. This angled outward end of the perforated tube lb’ also overlaps the handle/chassis 4b. The cylindrical overlap space of both perforated tube lb’ ends is wide enough that hair is not likely to become tangled in it if hair manages to slip sideways into said space. Also, hair will continually be drawn toward the center of the perforated tube lb’ from the angled outward handle/chassis 4b end of said tube, further reducing the opportunity for hair to become tangled in the spinning joint. The barrel cap 4d end of the perforated tube lb’ may taper outward like the chassis 4b end of said tube, or; alternatively, the barrel cap 4d end of said tube lb’ may taper inward for a distance over said cap while still maintaining the previously described space between the overlapping surfaces.

The internal handle/chassis 4b geometry incudes a motor seat 4g that is shaped around and occupied by an electric motor 4h. Said motor is positioned over the stabilizer shaft 4e in a configuration that finds the distal end of the rotating motor rod 4i positioned over and above the proximal end of the spine la’. As both the distal end of the motor rod 4i and the proximal end of the spine la’ are each occupied by a pinion gear 4j, and as said gears are engaged, electricity may be applied to the motor 4h and the brush barrel 4a will rotate. If the current of electricity is reversed, the brush barrel 4a will rotate in the opposite direction. An electrical switch 4k may be installed into the chassis 4b that will actuate said reversal. Furthermore, said switch may be of a type that also adjusts the speed of the rotation. Finally, said switch may also include the capacity to control the functioning of a blow-drying unit 41. The front nozzle 4m of said unit will preferably be tapered to one side of the internal handle/chassis 4b as depicted. This tapering directs the hot air-flow through the air flow cavity 4n that is formed into the handle/chassis 4b.

Throughout this disclosure, and to avoid excessive explanation, reference will be made to several alternative features and embodiments of the present invention that the inventor hopes will fall within a range of simplicity and obviousness so that said alternative features and embodiments do not require drawings. The following is one such feature/embodiment.

The motorized embodiment described above may include a toggle that allows the bristles to assume two (2) positions relative to the barrel: one position that allows for the ‘catch and release’ bristle position and a second position that allows for an ‘all bristles within the barrel’ bristle position. Said toggle will include a switch that extends to the outside of the handle/chassis. Said switch will actuate a simple mechanism that moves the barrel relative to the handle/chassis to a position that centers the barrel over the bristled spine. As the barrel is in this centered position, all the bristles will be in the ‘all bristles within the barrel’ position.

Later in this disclosure, an embodiment will be described as having a barrel that is comprised of a circular arrangement of rods or tubes (see FIG. 13A, 13a and 13c). The above- described bristled spine may also rotate eccentrically within said FIG. 13 barrel whether the FIG. 13A barrel rods 13a individually rotate on, or are fixed to the flanges as the overall barrel 13c spins. In the instance where the rods are fixed, they may be in the longitudinal shape of the bristle guide 1g of FIG. 2A or other shapes.

The following is a preferred embodiment of the present invention displaying an additional bristle position to the two described above. The bristles of this embodiment possess the ability to: entirely retract into the barrel, entirely protract out of the barrel, vary the degree of protraction of the bristles, as well as assume the position that allows the bristles to cycle between sweeping across the top of the barrel and retracting back into the barrel as previously described.

As seen in FIGS. SB and 5C, the bristle spans 2a’ may slide back and forth within the slide channels 5d of the bristle flanges 5a and 5b. Concurrent with this, the bristle span channels 5i on either end of each bristle span 2a’ are engaged with a set of circular retraction springs FIG. 6A, 6a, as the edge of each retraction spring FIG. 6A, 6a that is facing each bristle flange 5a and 5b is between the two (2) prongs of each bristle span channel 5i. Now consider that the entire assembly depicted in FIG. 6A and 11D is spinning except for the retraction spring 6a, which remains stationary. Said considered arrangement will find each bristle span channel 5i, as well as the bristle span 2a’, riding along on each stationary retraction spring 1 ID, 6a, while each bristle span channel 5i remains within each outer end of each slide channel 5d.

Now, while viewing FIG. HE, consider that each stationary’ retraction spring 6a retracts and becomes smaller in diameter while remaining centered relative to the outside circumference of each bristle flange 5a and 5b. Coincidentally, each bristle span 2a’ will slide toward the inner end of each slide channel 5d as each bristle span channel 5i of the spinning assembly simultaneously rides the shrinking retraction spring 6a inward.

Consider now (as seen in FIG. 11F) that the non-spinning retraction spring 6a is positioned off center (relative to the circumference of each bristle flange 5a and 5b) with the bristle span channels 5i still engaged with the retraction spring 6a. One side of the spring 6a will be over the outside ends of the slide channels 5d and the opposite side of the spring 6a will be over to the inside ends of the slide channels 5d. Now, as the bristle flange 5a and 5b and bristle span 2a’ assembly spins, all bristle spans 2a’ will continually slide to the outer end of each slide channel 5d on one side of the assembly while all bristle spans 2a’ continually slide to the inner end of each slide channel 5d on the opposite side of the assembly , as the bristle span channels 5i ride the eccentrically positioned retraction spring 6a.

With this understanding, and with the bristle flange 5a and 5b and bristle span 2a’ assembly positioned appropriately inside a perforated tube (see FIG. 10B, 10a), an alternative means to extend and retract bristles from a perforated barrel in the three modes just described will be evident. What remains to be explained is the means employed to retract, expand and position eccentrically, the retraction springs 6a.

As seen in FIG. 7C, 3 brackets 6c are positioned along the outside edge of each retraction spring 6a. Attached to each bracket 6c is a bracket pin 8j. As seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B, each pin 8j occupies each bracket slide channel 81 of each stabilizer disc 8b and 8d.

Each of the two stabilizer discs 8b and 8d is positioned on the outside of each bristle span flange 5a and 5b and remains stationary as per the handle. The purpose of the stabilizer discs 8b and 8d and their bracket slide channels 8i is to guide the motion of the retraction springs 6a as the movement of the brackets 6c, and therefore, each retraction spring 6a, is confined to the sliding allowance of each bracket pin 8j as each bracket pin 8j is positioned within each bracket slide channel 8i of each stabilizer disc 8b and 8d.

As seen in FIGS. 9 A and 9B, the inward and outward movement of each bracket pin 8j is actuated by the partial side to side pivot of the worm gears 9b and 9c and relative to the stationary stabilizer discs 8b and 8d. Each of the two worm discs 9b and 9c is positioned flatly adjacent to the outside of each of the two stabilizer discs 8b and 8d. The bracket pins 8j extend through the bracket slide channels 8i, and into the worm channels 9e as seen in FIG. 9B. The stabilizer discs 8b and 8d remain stationary and the worm disks 9b and 9c are actuated to pivot clockwise and counter clockwise; each direction of turn is approximately one third (1/3) of a full rotation. The brackets 6c move inward and outward as the two sets of slide channels 8i and 9e push against each bracket pin 8j as per a ‘scissors action’.

Below is a detailed description of the entire mechanical assembly that is necessary to actuate the mechanical operations described above.

FIG. 5A depicts a front bristle flange 5a and a rear bristle flange 5b fixed [at a distance to one another] concentrically to a hollow spine 5c. Formed into said flanges are equidistantly spaced, slide channels 5d. Said channels begin at, then extend radially away from the hollow spine 5c and end at the outer circumference of each bristle flange 5a and 5b. Notice the airflow spaces 5e between each slide channel 5 d on the rear bristle flange 5b as well as the lack of said spaces on the front flange 5a. This arrangement is present for a directional airflow feature described later in this disclosure. The airflow spaces 5e of the rear flange 5b will not be depicted throughout the remainder of this disclosure. It is the author’s hope that this will minimize the visual complexity of the Illustrations as parts continue to layer.

Another feature present in FIGS. 5A and 5C is the set of recessed gear teeth 5f that surrounds the back of the rear spine extension 5g. This gear teeth 5f feature will also be elaborated upon later.

FIG. SB depicts a single bristle span 2a’. As depicted in FIG. 5C, each slide channel 5d is occupied by one end of a single bristle span 2a’ as each of said spans bridges the space between the two bristle flanges 5a and 5b with all of the bristles Id’ radiating outward. While viewing FIGS. 5B and 5C, notice the bristle span channel 5i formed into both ends of each bristle span 2a’.

While viewing FIG. 6A, notice each bristle span channel 5i functions as a receiver of one edge of a circular retraction spring 6a. Said spring is preferably the thin ribbon type retraction spring commonly found in a retractable tape measure. More preferably, it is a section of said spring type that is of a length to complete a full circuit that finds the edge of said spring 6a occupying all bristle span channels 5i while including an overlap 6b of said spring ends. This spring end overlap 6b will preferably be of a length that will occupy a minimum of two bristle span channels 5i. As seen in FIG. 6B, each retraction spring 6a is held simultaneously within each bristle span channel 5i by three slide brackets 6c. An inward force is then applied equally to the three equidistantly spaced slide brackets 6c positioned around the perimeter of each spring 6a. The inward force of each slide bracket 6c slides each bristle span 2a’ toward the spine 5c. Also, as seen in FIG. 6B, the side edges of each bristle span channel 5i and each slide bracket 6c are rounded to cope smoothly with the rotation of the bristle span channels 5i over the spring 6a, as the rounded edges of the bristle span channels 5i and slide brackets 6c encounter the rounded edges of each spring 6a created by the overlap 6b.

As described previously in FIGS. 5 A - C, the bristles are capable of several functional settings. It is necessary for a portion of the mechanical action related to said functional settings to be transferred through the inside of the hollow spine 5c. The following is a description of the telescopic mechanical communication assembly that occupies the inside of the spine 5c.

FIG. 7A depicts the bracket stabilizer rod 7a and the bracket actuator rod 7b. As seen in FIG. 7B, said stabilizer rod 7a slides telescopically inside said actuator rod 7b. Notice the short spiral of open worm gear thread 7c formed into the actuator rod 7b. A tread pin 7d is installed flush through said thread and into the thread pin seat 7f located on the bracket stabilizer rod 7a. As depicted in FIG. 7C, the now telescopically joined bracket stabilizer rod 7a and bracket actuator rod 7b are positioned telescopically within the hollow spine 5c. The stabilizer rod 7a has a bracket stabilizer rod recess 7e, which is described below.

The following is a description of the two telescopic disc assemblies responsible for stabilizing and guiding the movement of the slide brackets 6c, and coincidentally, the bristle spans 2a’. Notice in FIG. 8A, the front bracket stabilizer disc sheath 8a of the front bracket stabilizer disc 8b fits telescopically over the front spine extension 5h while a rear bracket stabilizer disc sheath 8c of the rear bracket stabilizer disc 8d fits in like manner over the rear spine extension 5g. Notice in FIG. 8B, the front stabilizer disc rod tooth 8g slides into the front stabilizer rod tooth channel 8h. Likewise, the rear stabilizer disc rod tooth 8g slides into the rear stabilizer rod tooth channel 8h. While continuing to view FIGS. 8A and 8B, notice another assembly engagement; the six (6) bracket slide channels 8i formed into the two (2) bracket stabilizer discs 8b and 8d [three (3) bracket slide channels 8i per stabilizer disc 8b and 8d] engage with the six (6) bracket pins 8j. The final assembly engagement to view in FIG. 8B is the six (6) pin locks 8k fixed over the six (6) bracket pins 8j. Notice the flat back of each bracket 6c in FIG. 8A. Combined with the flat front of each bracket pin lock 8k in FIG. 8B, each of these six (6) sets of two flat surfaces sandwich each bracket stabilizer channel 8i in a tight fashion while allowing for a smooth slide of each bracket 6c up and down each stabilizer channel 8i. Also, notice the gear access opening 81 located on the rear bracket stabilizer disc sheath 8c and the air flow spaces 8m located on the rear bracket stabilizer disc 8d. These features will be touched on later. FIGS. 9 A 9C describes the final mechanical aspects incorporated into the brush barrel that are responsible for moving the slide brackets FIG. 6B, 6c and therefore the bristle spans 2a’. Notice in FIG. 9A, the front worm disc sheath 9a slides telescopically over the front bracket stabilizer disc sheath 8a. As depicted in FIG. 9B, this positions the front worm disc 9b flatly adjacent to the front bracket stabilizer disc 8b. Continuing with FIG. 9B, a small space 9k can be seen between said discs around most of the circumferential edge of said discs. This space 9k occurs as the back of the front worm disc 9b rest contiguously against the front of the bracket pin locks 9A, 8k. The rear bracket stabilizer disc 8d and rear worm disc 9c as well as the rear bracket stabilizer disc sheath 8c and rear worm disc sheath 9d share the same assembled spatial and positional relationships as the frontal counterparts just described, yet mirrored. While said discs and sheaths are positioned as seen in FIG. 9B, each end of the six (6) bracket pins 8j engage with each of the six (6) respective worm channels 9e [three (3) worm channels 9e per worm disc 9b and 9c. Concurrently, each of the four (4) worm disc sheath teeth 9f [two (2) teeth per worm disc sheath 9a and 9d end] engage with each of the four (4) actuator tooth notches 9g; two (2) actuator tooth notches 9g are located on either end of the actuator rod 7b. FIG. 9C provides a larger view of said teeth 9f and notches 9g. Also, notice the air flow spaces 9h, gear access opening 9i located on the rear worm disc sheath 9d and each worm channel lever 9j positioned on the front and rear worm discs 9b and 9c. These mechanical aspects will be described later in this disclosure.

FIGS. 10A (side view) and 10B (top perspective view) are detailed depictions of the present embodiment as it has been described and depicted thus far and as said assembly is further incorporated into a perforated tube 10a and device body/chassis 10b.

The following is a description of lips and depressions that hold the barrel together as well as to the handle/chassis. These lips and depressions are only depicted in FIG. 10A in their entirety and do not appear in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

FIG. 10A depicts the brush barrel 4a’ positioned contiguous to the front of a chassis 10b. As seen in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the brush barrel 4a’ is held in said position as the rear worm disc sheath 9d is positioned inside the chassis worm disc sheath receiver 10c. Said sheath is held contiguous to, yet unable to slide out of. said receiver as the worm disc sheath receiver depression 10d [that surrounds the inside of said receiver] functions as a rotationally contiguous seat for the [likewise surrounding] worm disc sheath lip 10c. The bracket stabilizer disc sheath 8c is likewise rotationally seated to the worm disc sheath 9d from the outside by the worm disc sheath depression 10f and the bracket stabilizer sheath lip 10g, and from the inside by the bracket stabilizer depression 10h and the hollow spine lip 10i. May it suffice to state that the barrel cap 10j is contiguously attached to the front of the barrel by the same digression of lips and depressions described above. Several methods may be employed to seat said lips and depressions over one another in the assembly process. The disc and sheath unit may be molded with a split lengthwise on one side so that the sheath and disk may expand at the split for a moment as said units may be malleted together with some force, thereby, permanently mating the units together at the lip/ depression location. Another way to assemble these telescopic sheaths would be to simply mold them in halves and then fuse the halves together over one another.

May it also suffice to state that the rear circumferential edge of the perforated tube 10a is contiguously positioned against the front circumferential edge of the handle/chassis 10b in like manner to the same parts of the previously described motorized embodiment of FIG. 4.

As seen in FIG. 10B, an electric motor 10k is attached to the handle/chassis 10b at the motor seat 101. The motor seat 101 is molded into the inside geometry of the handle/chassis 10b. The motor pinion gear 10m is attached to the spinning rod 10n of the motor 10k. The motor pinion 10m passes through the gear teeth access 81 of the rear bracket stabilizer disc sheath 8c as well as the gear access 9i of the rear worm disc sheath 9d to align with the gear teeth 5f that are molded recessed into the rear hollow spine extension 5g. As can be seen, the gear access 9i of the rear worm disc sheath 9d circumferentially traverses said sheath for a longer distance than the gear teeth access 81 of the bracket stabilizer disc sheath 8c. This arrangement allows the rear worm disc sheath 9d to pivot while the motor pinion 10m teeth and gear teeth of the rear hollow spine extension 5g remain engaged.

As seen in FIG. 10A, the control arm 10o is hinged to the control arm stabilizer 10p. The control arm stabilizer 10p is attached to the inside bottom of the handle/chassis 10b. As seen in Figure 10B, the control arm 10o is split into two (2) sections; one section is hinged to the bottom of one side of the control arm stabilizer 10p and a second section of the control arm 10o is hinged to the other side of said stabilizer. Said stabilizer 10p is therefore sandwiched between the two sides of the control arm 10o. The bracket stabilizer rod recess 7e is also sandwiched between the two sections of the control arm 10o. Also, see FIG. 7B for a more complete view of the stabilizer rod recess 7e. The two sections of the control arm 10o join at the top of said arm 10o. This joined section of the control arm 10o emerges through the control arm slot 10r located at the top of the handle/chassis 10b. A control arm button 10s is attached to the top of the control arm 10o. The control arm 10o pivots front to back on the control arm pin 10t.

For the following, see FIG. 10A for the central position of the control arm 10o and bracket stabilizer rod recess 7e, as well as the two additional positions of the control arm 10o and bracket stabilizer rod recess 7e represented by dashed lines in FIG. 10A. As mentioned, the two sections of the control arm 10o sandwich the bracket stabilizer rod recess 7e. (See the two additional dashed line positions of the bracket stabilizer rod recess 7e depicted in FIG. 10A). The three (3) pivotal positions of the control arm 10o, and consequently, the three (3) slide positions of the bracket stabilizer rod 7a, control the three (3) bristle positions that the present embodiment may assume. While the control arm is in the central position, the bristles are in the fully extended position as depicted in FIGS. 10A and 10B. The following is a description of the mechanical action that causes the bristles to assume two (2) additional positions. FIGS. 11A - 11C depict the layered mechanical assemblies that interact with the movement of the control arm 10a to cause the bristles to assume the two (2) additional positions.

FIG. 11A is a circumferential view of both bracket stabilizer discs 8b and 8d, as well as both stabilizer disc sheaths 8a and 8c. Also, depicted in FIG. 11A are the stabilizer channels 8i, bracket stabilizer teeth 8g, slide brackets 6c, slide bracket pins 8j (filled black circles), and the retraction springs 6a (dashed line). The two (2) bracket stabilizer assemblies in FIG. 11 A are as they would appear in isolation looking straight down the present embodiment of brush barrel.

FIG. 1 IB is a circumferential view of both worm discs 9b and 9c as well as both worm disc sheaths 9a and 9d. Also, depicted in FIG. 11B are the worm channels 9e, worm sheath teeth 9f, and worm channel lever 9j. As with FIG. 11A, the two (2) assemblies in FIG. 1 IB are as they would appear in isolation looking straight down the brush barrel of the present embodiment.

FIG. 11C is a circumferential view of the components of 11A and 11B overlapped while, again, looking straight down the brush barrel. Also, depicted here are the bracket stabilizer rod 7a along with the tooth channels 8h of said rod, the bracket slide channels 8i, the bracket actuator rod 7b, along with the tooth notches 9g of said rod and both hollow spine extensions 5h and 5g. Notice the bold black outlines around the tooth tips as depicted in FIG. 11C. Said lines delineate the point where the teeth 8g and 9f and the respective rod notches 9 g and rod channels 81i are engaged.

FIGS. 12A (1) and 12B (1) are the mechanical assemblies depicted and described in FIG. 11C. FIGS. 11A ~ 11C are also the same relative rotational configuration as they will appear while the control arm 10o is in the central position (See FIG. 10 for control arm 10o position). Said position is also responsible for establishing the bristles spans 2a’ in the rotational setting of fully extended. FIG. 12A (4) is the same mechanical assembly depicted in FIG. 11C but in a different configuration. This configuration establishes the bristle spans 2a’ in the rotational setting of alternating between extension and retraction i.e., as the brush barrel rotates, the bristles Id’ continually sweep extended over one side of the rotating barrel while the bristles on the other side of the rotating barrel continually retract. This setting is achieved by pushing the control arm 10o to the farthest forward position (See FIG. 10A for said control arm 10o position). FIG. 12B (4) is also the mechanical assembly depicted and described in FIG. 11C and is a third configuration. This configuration establishes the bristles Id’ in the rotational setting of fully retracted into the brush barrel. This setting is achieved by pushing the control arm 10o to the farthest backward position (See FIG. 10A for said control arm 10o position). Other settings between the three described thus far are also possible, for instance; pushing the control arm 10o to a position half way between center and fully forward will allow the user to employ spinning bristles of half the length of the fully extended position. Furthermore, a control arm 10o position of halfway between center and fully backward will provide spinning bristles that are longer one side of the spinning barrel and shorter on the other side, and so on.

FIG. 12C is a perspective depiction of the central telescopic rod assembly. This assembly corresponds to the assemblies depicted and described in FIGS. 12A (1 - 4) and FIGS. 12B (1 - 4) and is a reference intended to aid in the description of the progression of mechanical configuration depicted in FIGS. 12A (1 - 4) and FIGS. 12B (1 - 4).

As stated above, FIG. 12A (1) depicts the position of parts as they are configured with the control arm 10o in the central position with the bristle spans 2a’ fully extended. (See FIG. 10A for control arm 10o position). As the control arm 10o is pushed forward, the parts configuration of FIG. 12A (1-4) occurs.

The following is a description of the prerequisite mechanical interactions responsible for the change in the parts configuration between FIG. 12A (1) and FIG. 12A (2). As described earlier (Refer also to FIGS. 7A - 7C and FIGS. 10A and 10B), the thread pin 7d is fixed into the thread pin seat 7f of the bracket stabilizer rod 7a. The tread pin 7d then extends outward from the bracket stabilizer rod 7a and into the thread 7c located on the bracket actuator rod 7b. Now, as the bracket stabilizer rod 7a moves forward within the bracket actuator rod 7b, the thread pin 7d pushes forward against the front wall of the worm gear thread 7c. While this occurs, the bracket stabilizer rod 7a is prevented from rotating inside the bracket actuator rod 7b as the bracket stabilizer rod recess 7e is sandwiched between the two (2) sections of the control arm 10o (See FIG. 10A for control arm 10o position). Now, as the thread pin 7d pushes against the inside front edge of the worm gear thread 7c, and as the bracket stabilizer rod 7a is prevented from rotating, the bracket actuator rod 7b begins to rotate. As the bracket actuator rod 7b rotates while the bracket stabilizer rod 7a moves non - rotationally forward within the bracket actuator rod 7b, the front and rear stabilizer disc sheath teeth 8g are engaged with the front and rear stabilizer rod tooth channels 8h of the bracket stabilizer rod 7a (see also FIG. 11C). This prevents the front and rear bracket stabilizer sheaths 8a and 8c as well as the front and rear bracket stabilizer discs 8b and 8d from rotating (see also FIG. 11A). Concurrently, the front and rear worm disc sheath teeth 9f are engaged with the front and rear actuator rod notches 9g (see also FIGS. (9C and 11C). This causes the front and rear worm disc sheaths 9a - 9d and the front and rear wonn discs 9b - 9c to rotate (see also FIG. 11B).

(Continuing with FIG. 12A (2)) It has, therefore, been established that the front and rear bracket stabilizer discs FIG. 11 A, 8b - 8d do not rotate, while the front and rear worm discs FIG. 11B, 9b - 9c rotate counter clockwise when the control arm 10o is pushed forward (see FIG. 10A - 10B). Thus established, notice in FIG. 12A (2) the slide bracket pins 8j (bold black dots) as well as the slide brackets 6c attached to said pins 8j begin to slide inward along the bracket slide channels 8i as said pins 8j and brackets 6c are simultaneously pushed along by the worm disc thread channels 9e. As this occurs, the retraction springs (dashed line) 6a are also coiling inward as said spring is positioned within said brackets 6c. Furthermore, (see FIGS. 6A and 6B for the following) as the bristle span channels 5i are engaged with the retraction spring 6a, the bristle spans 2a’ also begin to move inward.

FIG. 12A (3) is a continuation of the mechanical motions described above in FIG. 12A (2). Notice how the brackets 6c and retraction springs (dashed line circle) 6a have assumed the off- center position relative to the perforated tube 10a. Also, notice the interaction of the worm channels 9e and bracket slide channels 8i as said channels interact simultaneously to move the brackets 6c to the depicted position.

FIG. 12A (4) depicts another mechanical interaction of note. Notice the thread channel lever 9j. This feature acts as a channel switch that guides the slide bracket pins 8 J along the appropriate worm thread channel 9e. FIG. 12A (4) depicts said lever in the counter-clockwise position. This position ensures that the slide bracket pin 8j adjacent to said lever 9j follows the same worm channel 9e through the reverse of the heretofore described mechanical interactions. Said reversal is actuated by the control arm being returned to the central position. Said return will re-establish the mechanisms to the positions depicted in FIG. 12A (1). Notice in the series of depictions FIG. 12B (1 - 4), the same type of mechanical interactions occur in the present series as occurs in the series of depictions of FIG. 12A (1 - 4). The difference lies in the movement of the control arm FIG. 10A, 10o to the backward position, therefore; 12B (1 - 4) follows the mechanisms as the worm discs 9b - 9c rotate clockwise. As stated previously, FIG. 12B (1 - 4) depicts the series of mechanical motions that allow all bristle spans 2a’ to retract into the perforated tube 10a. Notice in FIG. 12B (4), the thread channel lever 9j has pivoted clockwise ensuring that the applicable bracket pin 8j is guided back through the same worm disc thread channel 9e on the return trip to the setting of FIG. 12B (1).

It will also be necessary to describe a difference in the bristle guidance means between the embodiments of FIGS. 3A - 3C as well as FIG. 4 and the embodiment described in FIGS. 10A - 10B, As the bristle spans 2a of FIGS. 3A - 3C and FIG. 4 are attached to the spine la and la’ (respectively), and as said spine and perforated tube assembly 1i rotate in tandem yet eccentrically to one another, the necessity of pivoting bristles Id’ / bristle spans 2a and consequently, bristle guides lg and spacer rings 1h is an effect of this arrangement.

Pivoting bristles Id’ / bristle spans 2a’, as well as bristle guides lg and spacer rings lb [or any other bristle guidance means described previously] are not necessary in the embodiment of FIGS. 10A and 10B. (See also FIG. 5A for the following) Affectively, each bristle span 2a’ is seated to accurately slide up and down along each pair of applicable slide channels 5d, one of said pair on each bristle flange 5a and 5b, with each length and distal end of each bristle Id’ always following a straight path in and out of each perforation If of the perforated tube 10a, and as said tube is fixed to the bristle flanges 5a and 5b and furthermore, as said flanges are fixed to the spine 5C. This straight path traveled by each bristle span 2a’ up and down each pair of slide channels 5d [as the brush barrel rotates] is actuated by the relative position of each retraction spring 6a as each of said springs is engaged slidable along each inside perimeter edge to each bristle span channel 5i, and as a bristle span channel 5i is located on each end of each bristle span 2a’.

The mechanism described in connection with Figures 5A to 12B(4) that extends and/or retracts the bristles in the bristle flanges is considered a means for moving the brush barrel and the bristle assembly such that in one mode, the brush barrel rotates with all of the bristles extending from the perforations, in a second mode, the brush barrel rotates with the bristles continually extending over one side of the rotating brush barrel while bristles on the other side of the rotating brush barrel continually retract, and in a third mode, the bristles are fully retracted such that the bristles do not extend from the rotating brush barrel during rotation thereof.

Another iteration may be assembled employing a perforated tube that is flexible and is arranged with the previously described or later described mechanical assemblies producing a spinning ‘oblong’ or crescent shaped brush barrel with two wider flat sides and two narrow rounded sides. Said barrel rotates in a manner that resembles the belt on a belt sander or tracks on a military tank. We may refer to such an arrangement as a ‘spinning paddle brush’. May it suffice to describe this preferred embodiment in text only.

A preferred design will find the bristles in the extending cycle on one flat side and in the retracting cycle on the opposite flat side as well as both rounded narrow sides as the brush barrel rotates. This embodiment provides an additional styling choice of forming the hair into a straighter appearance than the previous round brush iterations. Another important benefit that is derived from the present embodiment lies in the decreased probability of hair wrapping around the entire perimeter of the brush barrel.

Consider the present ‘belt’ type barrel combined with the mechanical arrangement of FIG. 4 or FIG. 14A yielding the present iteration: a rotating belt type oblong brush barrel with bristles that are in the extending cycle on one flat side only. Also, incorporated into said arrangement, is a perforated belt tube preferably composed of a tough flexible fabric or silicone rubber with a perhaps Teflon fabric or other low friction or slippery outer layer or coating that prevents hair from sticking to the belt type barrel.

As an operator is holding the rotating paddle brush by the handle, the operator drapes a section of hair over the barrel. With the hair draped over barrel, the flat side of the barrel with the bristles in the extending cycle are facing upward with the hair enmeshed with the bristles. The barrel is rotating so that the top bristled side is conveying away from scalp. This allows the bristles to release the hair at the point where the hair begins to drape over the outside rounded side of the barrel. So, the prevention of tangling of hair all the way around the perimeter of the present brush type begins at the top of the first rounded side of the barrel. To become wrapped around the barrel beyond this point, the already released hair will need to bend upward 90 degrees from the draped position and become stuck to the slippery, flat, wide [albeit rotating] and bristleless bottom side of the brush barrel. This is unlikely. Continuing this unlikely process of tangling, the hair that is stuck to the bottom will need to perform an even more unlikely maneuver by somehow continuing to be stuck to the equally slippery and bristleless inside rounded side of the brush barrel.

The following are descriptions of the various iterations of the inventive round brush in use. An operator may use the brushes, whether on her own hair or another person’s hair, by clipping most of the hair to the top of the head thereby leaving a workable section at the nape of the neck. The operator may brush that section and then drop successive sections as the operator brushes from the nape up to the top of the head. The operator may also simply grab sections of hair while it is all in natural fall and allow the hair unintended for brushing at that moment to simply separate around the intended section and begin brushing. Once a section has been chosen, the operator will lay the section on top of the brush and switch on the brush to spin or manually spin the brush in the direction of spin that finds the top of the brush [with the bristles extending] spinning away from the head. As the brush is spinning the bristles through the hair at the top of the brush, the operator may hold the brush in the present ‘bristles up’ position and polish the section of hair smooth by moving the brush back and forth away from and toward the head thereby polishing the hair root to end until the operator is satisfied with the result. With all but one of the iterations described, the operator will simply continue through successive sections in the above-described manner until completion. The brush of FIG. 10A and 10B may be used as just described, but while the operator is still in polishing mode, the operator may draw the brush away from the head until the operator arrives at the ends of the hair and, while the brush is still spinning in place, the operator may switch the mode of the brush to ‘all bristles out’ and wind the section of hair to the scalp and swi tch the rotation off as the barrel of the brush nears the scalp. The operator may allow the brush to remain wound at the scalp for a period of time to allow the heat to work on the hair thereby causing the section to become wavy. Once the operator is satisfied with the amount of time that the section is wound, the operator will switch the mode of the brush once again, this time to ‘all bristles in’. This completely releases the now wavy section of hair and the operator may repeat the entire process. Other techniques for using the several embodiments of the inventive round brush may also be employed.

The following describes another iteration of the present invention that possesses yet another detangling feature that is employed along with the retractable bristle feature, rendering another novel hair styling appliance. Said feature addresses an issue that arises when any one of the previously described embodiments of the retractable bristle spinning round brush, that do not include the counter-rotating rod feature described below, encounters when this type of spinning brush is used on wet or damp hair. Although the retractable bristles of said embodiment catch and release the wet or damp hair, the hair that is wet due to water, or other fluids commonly used in hair, sticks to the outside surface of the barrel that the bristles retract into. This issue may be remedied by employing one or more of the many non-stick or hydrophobic coatings. The following describes a mechanical solution to wet hair stickiness including the stickiness caused by the electro static attractiveness inherent in water and other fluids. The embodiment of the present invention that mechanically addresses said issue is referred to as the counter-rotating rod type rotating barrel. The barrel of the present embodiment may also be coated with the above stated types of coatings. Any known types of non-stick coating can be used, e.g., PTFE or the like.

As seen in FIG. 13A, the present embodiment utilizes a plurality of preferably (but not limited to) round or cylinder-shaped rods 13a. A gear 13b is molded into one end of each rod 13a. Each rod in said plurality of geared rods is positioned closely parallel to one another and arranged into a cylinder 13c. This cylinder of geared rods is sandwiched at either end between two (2) rod and bristle flanges 13d. Circular openings 13e are arranged equidistant to one another around the circumference of each rod and bristle flange 13d; each opening 13e serves as a pivotal seat for each rod end. A bristle span slide channel 13f is positioned between each rod seat 13e and each rod and bristle flange 13d is fixed to each end of a spine 13g. This arrangement of rods 13a, flanges 13d, and spine 13g forms the rod type brush barrel 13h. As seen in FIGS. 13B and 14A, the barrel 13h is appropriately joined to the handle/chassis 13k, and each rod gear 13b of the cylinder of geared rods 13c engages with a single internal gear 13i positioned fixed or molded into the barrel receiving end of the handle/chassis 13k. The channel rail 13 j (described later in this disclosure) is omitted from FIG. 13B as this provides a clearer view of the placement of the internal gear 13i.

(See FIGS. 13B and 13C for the following). As the rod barrel 13h is joined to the handle/chassis 13k and is set to spin, the present mechanical rod barrel 1311 mechanical arrangement causes the rod barrel 13h to rotate in one direction while each rod 13a, in the cylinder of geared rods 13c, rotates in the opposite direction at the same rate as the rotation rate of the rod barrel 13h, no matter what rate the barrel 13h is spinning. This action causes the hair that would otherwise stick to the individual rods 13a to be rolled away from each rod 13a in the opposite direction that the barrel 13h is spinning. Alternatively, the individual barrel rods 13a may be arranged to release the hair or other material by creating a free spinning rod embodiment. This is achieved by eliminating the rod gear 13b and internal gear 131 aspects of the mechanical arrangement described above. The hair will attempt to stick to the barrel 13h and the free spinning rods 13a will simply roll in the opposite direction. In this embodiment, in place of rotating the rods that are geared to spin in the opposite direction as the rotation direction of the rod barrel, means are provided to allow the rods to spin freely during rod barrel rotation.

The retractable bristle span mechanical arrangement described previously is likewise arranged into the present rod barrel arrangement. The previous FIG. 8A iteration employs a pair of retractable springs 6a as rails for each of the bristle span channels 5i to engage with and rotate upon. These round retractable springs 6a are part of the mechanical means that allows an operator to move the bristles through three (3) primary bristle positions; however, each of the bristle span channels 5i, of the present iteration, rotates upon a pair of fixed oval channel rails 13j (see FIGS. 13C and 14A, for the placement of the bristle span channels 5i relative to the fixed oval channel rail 13j). As compared to the two (2) round retractable spring type channel rails 6a shown in FIG. 8A, these oval shaped channel rails 13j reduce the number of bristle spans 2a’ that cycle through the ‘bristles extended’ position as the bristle spans 2a’ cycle in and out of the barrel 13h. This reduces the risk of hair 14b becoming wrapped all the way around the barrel 13h as there are fewer bristle spans 2a’ in the extended position at the top of the barrel 13h and engaging with the hair 14b as the barrel spins (see FIG. 14A). Note: the position of the hair 14b as it is appropriately draped over the barrel 13h (as seen in FIG. 14A) is the same position hair 14b will be draped over any barrel of any embodiment of the retractable bristle rotating barrel brush described in this disclosure (although said position will be mirrored when the barrel is set to spin in the opposite direction).

As seen in FIG. 13C, the bristle span channels 5i, along with the bristle spans 2a’ that said channels 5i are fixed upon at either end of each of said spans, move within the guidance of two (2) types of structures simultaneously. These two types of (2) structures are the slide channels 13f (of the rod and bristle flanges FIG.13A, 13d) and the channel rails 13j. These channel rails 13j are alternatively the retractable springs 6a in the FIG. 6B embodiment. The slide channels 13f rotate (as the barrel 13h rotates) while the two (2) channel rails 13j remain stationary. This arrangement causes the bristle spans 2a’ and therefore, the bristle span channels Si to travel up and down the slide channels 13f as the bristle span channels Si are simultaneously engaged with and travel around the channel rails 13j.

May it suffice to say, and without further need for illustration, that the brush iteration FIG. 14A and brush iteration of FIGS. 10A and 10B may simply exchange each barrel for each body, spine and bristle actuating mechanical arrangement of one another thereby rendering two more iterations of the retractable bristle rotating barrel brush. One of these embodiments is a counter-rotating rod type spinning barrel 13h of FIG. 14A incorporated into the three (3) bristle position spine mechanical arrangement of the FIGS. 10A and 10B handle/chassis 10b. The other embodiment is the perforated type barrel 4a’ of FIGS. 10A and 10B incorporated into the fixed oval channel rail mechanical arrangement of the FIG. 14A handle/ chassis 13k.

The present embodiment of FIG. 14A utilizes twelve (12) counter-rotating rods 13a and twelve (12) bristle spans 2a’. Other iterations of the present embodiment may be arranged by changing the number of counter-rotating rods 13a and bristle spans Za’utilized per iteration. These alternative embodiments may feature three (3) or more counter rotating rods 13a and bristle spans 2a’. FIG. 14B depicts an embodiment that utilizes four counter-rotating rods 13a’ and four bristle spans 2a’. FIG. 14C depicts a gear end view of a rod barrel that utilizes six (6) rods 13a’ and six (6) bristle spans 2a’.

FIG. 14B utilizes a FIG. 14A type bristle span 2a’ that has been changed to a bristle bundle span 14a rather than the spaced individual bristles of the 2a’ bristle span. Any embodiment of the spinning brush described herein may substitute the individual bristles for the bristle bundles or any of the wide variety of, or combination of the variety of bristles that are presently used in the various brushes that are available for purchase. Other simple modifications may also be included to each embodiment. For instance, the previously described FIG. 2A 10B embodiments, may substitute the 12 rows of individual perforations for 12 open longitudinal channels, being approximately the same lateral dimension but would be one (1) continuous longitudinal opening that will be closed only at the distal and proximal ends of the tube barrel. The internal bristle rings FIG. 3B, lb or the like may also be removed from the FIGS. 2A - 4. The barrel tube 10a of the FIGS. 5A — 10B embodiment will need to include the 1g bristle guide feature of the FIGS. 2A - 4 embodiments. Said open channel type perforations will appear and function very much like the openings between the rods of the rod type barrel described in the FIG. 13A - 14A embodiment, although with fixed rather than spinning rods. The number of bristle spans as well as the coincident number of perforation rows in the FIG. 2A - 10B embodiments may vary through simple alteration of the related mechanisms to render more embodiment options that actuate 3 or more bristle spans and barrel perforations.

Any embodiment of the counter rotating rod type brush barrel may substitute solid rods or solid heated rods for tubes and said tubes may include perforations that allow hot air to move through.

Another iteration of the present invention involves a novel type of curling iron. The rendering of such an iteration, as in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 15A, involves the removal of the bristle spans 14a of FIG. 14B and related mechanical aspects along with the elimination of the slide channels 13F from the rod and bristle flanges 13d’ and the relocation of what is now the outside rod flange 15a to a position closer to the opposite rod flange 15a and handle 15b. FIG. 15A depicts a multi-rod barrel 15d that consists for four (4) counter rotating rods 15c. Other curling iron embodiments may utilize two (2) or more counter-rotating rods 15c. FIG. 15B is a gear end view of a two (2) rod 15c’ multi-rod barrel 15d’ arrangement.

The novelties of the present curling iron embodiment manifest as the opportunity to regulate the heat administered to the hair 14b (or other material where said regulation is ideal) that is wrapped around the FIG. 15A multi-rod barrel 15d. This regulation of heat presents as a more even distribution of heat throughout the wrapped ribbon of hair 14b. Said opportunity arises in two (2) manners. Manner one (1) presents the opportunity to simultaneously prevent mechanical winding of the hair 14b or material wrapped around the outside of this collective rod arrangement while keeping said hair 14b moving on the multi-rod. Manner two (2) presents the opportunity to pulse heat into the hair 14b or material wrapped around the multi-rod.

Manner one (1) is facilitated as the non-circular shape of the spinning multi -rod continually changes position beneath the wrapped hair 14b or material, e.g., FIG. 15 A depicts a preferred, but not limited to, four (4) rod arrangement forming (from a barrel end view) a spinning rounded square, or (from the perspective view of FIG. 15A) a rectangular cuboid shape beneath the wrapped hair 14b or material. Such continuous movement may be expanded beyond the vertical motion of the overall wrapped ribbon of hair to include a continuous and subtle side to side lateral movement as well as a continuous separation of individual bundles and strands that comprise the ribbon. This lateral movement may be achieved by including various surface textures into the shape of each rod. FIG. 15C depicts a spiral, sharp peeked, bolt type thread surface texture covering the rod surface. When considering an even number of rods in the multi- rod configuration, such as the four (4) rod configuration of FIG. 15A, such a threaded texture may be preferably reversed on two (2) of the rods rendering a configuration where each rod will have a rod on either side of it with the thread spiraling in the opposite direction. As each individual rod of the multi-rod rotates in the opposite direction of the over-all spin of the multi- rod, some of the hair that is wrapped around the multi-rod will inevitably slide into the valleys of the thread texture. As said slide occurs, each thread pattern of each rod is rotating and moving the valley occupying hair toward one side. As each rod on either side of the presently observed rods are threaded in the opposite direction, the valley occupied hair of each of these rods will be moving sideways in the opposite direction as the centered rod. This balanced side to side movement of the hair will continually and finely separate and re-separate the wrapped hair as the hair cycles in and out of the threads.

FIG. 15D is another example of a surface texture depicted as a staggered raised stipple surface texture that will likewise achieve this lateral movement and separation of hair bundles and strands.

As the shape formed by the various number of barrels that may be included in the multi- barrel rotates beneath the hair or other material that is wrapped around the barrel, the shape of the curl that the spinning barrel produces will be round regardless of the shape that is rotating, provided the barrel continues to rotate when the hair is released. Another curl shape option is to stop spinning the barrel and leave the hair on the non-rotating barrel for an increment of time or not rotate the barrel at all.

Yet another implication of the inclusion of a surface texture onto each rod is the fact that any given cross section of any bundle or strand of hair that cycles through contact with the heated surface will do so partially surrounded by the heated surface. This affect is pronounced but not limited to the thread texture depicted in FIG. 15C. This instance causes the bundles of hair to continually re-separate and slide into the valleys formed by the threads. Said valleys constitute a multi -sided heating surface.

Manner two (2) pulses heat into the wrapped hair or material while the multi-rod spins, as any given cross section of wrapped hair or material will not, during any considerable increment of time, be in continuous contact with any heated surface of any rod as the multi-rod spins beneath the wrapped hair or material. The rate of intermittent contact of the hair or material with a heated rod may be adjusted by changing the number of rods comprising the multi -rod and/or by adjusting the spinning speed of the multi-rod. Also, less that the total number of rods could be supplied with heat. The manner of heating could be any known type with forced air being a preferred embodiment. Furthermore, less than the total number of rods may be supplied with cooling using one or more of the various types of refrigeration technology presently available, whether it be cold blown air or direct cooling of the various materials that the rods are formed from. Alternatively, some rods may be cooled, and some not, with perhaps some that are neither heated or cooled.

FIGS. 13 A - 13 C illustrate a means for rotating the rod barrel in one direction and rotating the individual rods in the opposite direction to avoid the tangling problem disclosed above. These Figures also show the means to move the bristles in and out of the spaces between the rods, similar to the other embodiments disclosed above that move the bristles in and out of the perforations on the barrel. FIGS. 15A - D illustrate means for rotating the rods collectively in one direction while rotating each rod separately in a direction opposite the one direction and without the bristles and means to move them with respect to the barrel.

As with the embodiments described in connection with Figures 1 - 12C, while hair is a preferred material for engagement with a bristle-containing device for the embodiments of Figures 13A - 15C, any material that would need manipulation and/or treatment using the rod and bristles embodiment or the rotating rod device without bristles is a candidate for use with the inventive devices.

While human hair is an ideal candidate to use with the various embodiments of the invention, the inventive devices could also be used on animal hair, e.g., grooming a horse’s tail, grooming long haired dogs and cats, and the like.

Figure 16A describes a unique type of hair clip that is incorporated into the front of the handle/chassis section of the multi-barrel spinning curling iron and is manipulated by the operators thumb for the purpose of clamping hair against one or more of the individual rods of the multi-barrel of the curling iron. More than one unique clip may be incorporated into a multi- barrel curling iron arrangement.

Commonly, a spring-loaded hinge type clip is incorporated into curling irons. The clip mechanism is usually hinged at the front of the handle with the hair clipping section extending forward and away from the handle, and over the majority of the barrel with the clip lifting (button) section of the clip mechanism extending back a short distance over the handle. This type of clip remains over the barrel whether it is engaged with the barrel with hair in between or not. Also, a preferred clip mechanism will rotate with the barrel when said clip is engaged with the hair on the multi-iron or when tire clip is not engaged. A standard clip lacks the functionality to fulfill either of these preferred requirements.

FIGS. 16A - C describes a preferred hair clip arrangement that is ideal for the multi-rod iron embodiment. The present clip embodiment may be incorporated into any type of curling iron that is presently available.

Rather than a hinge type clip, the present multi-rod iron iteration (as seen in FIG.16 A) employs a clip body 16b that slides into and out of the distal front edge of the barrel mechanism section 16c handle/ chassis 15b. Said clip body latitudinally conforms closely to the shape of the surface of a single multi-barrel rod. It will be necessary for the clip body 16b to retract entirely into said handle chassis section 16c.

As seen in FIG. 16A and 16B, and while the multi-barrel is not spinning, the operator engages the clip body 16b by urging forward on the slide button 16d with the thumb. (See FIG. 16B for the following) As the clip body tabs 16e are seated within the clip ring 16f along the clip ring tab channel 16g, the clip body slides forward against a single multi-barrel rod 15c while the bottom surface of the length of the clip body 16b remains in contact with the outside surface of the rod 15c. As the operator continues to urge forward against the slide button 16d, the operator will feel a click as the raised catch 16h that is located on the top surface of the slide button ring arm 16i slides beyond the catch mate located on the inside surface of the barrel mechanism section 16c of the outer casing 16j. (It is necessary to imagine the location of the ‘catch mate’ as the section of outer casing 16j that features said catch mate is not shown in FIG. 16A, as showing this section of the casing would obstruct the view of the internal mechanisms.) Continuing to urge forward on the slide button 16d beyond the click of the catch 16h causes the front of the clip body 16b to lift away at an angle from the multi-barrel rod 15c. (See FIG. 16C for the lifting of the clip body 16b.) This occurs as the clip body tabs 16e are attached to the clip body 16b at a forward angle. As the operator continues to urge forward on the slide button 16d, this forward angle placement of the tabs 16e causes the top front edge of each tab 16e to contact the front inside surface clip ring tab channel 16g first. Further urging will bring the bottom front of each tab 16e into contact with the front inside surface of the clip ring tab channel 16g as well, causing the clip body 16b to lift away from the multi barrel rod 15c at a forward angle. The clip ring tab channel 16g is wide enough to accommodate said slight pivoting action of the clip body tabs 16e. This clip body 16b lifting action (see FIG. 16C) allows the operator to place the ends or other section of hair between the clip body 16b and the multi barrel rod 15c. Once there is a section of hair 16a in place between the clip body 16b and rod 15c. the operator will release pressure on the slide button 16d and the clip body 16b will partially retract back into the barrel mechanism section 16c of the handle, by the tension of the clip spring 161, until the opposing surfaces of the two catches 16h meet. This sliding back of the clip body 16b to the catch 16h point causes the raised portion 16k of the top surface of the clip body 16b to contact the front edge FIG. 16C, 16m of the barrel mechanism section 16c of the casing 16j . This causes the clip body 16b to clamp down onto the section of hair 16a.

As the clip body 16b is clamping down on the section of hair 16a, the operator will press the button that causes the multi-barrel to spin. While the multi-barrel is spinning, the clip body 16b also spins as the clip body 16b remains clamped down on the hair 16a. (See FIG. 16C for the following.) This occurs as the clip body 16b is held in place over the rod 15c as said clip body 16b occupies the clip allowance channel 16n that is recessed into the outside edge of the front rod flange 15a. The other factor that allows the clip body 16b to spin along with the multi- barrel is the fact that the clip body tabs 16e simply rotate around the inside circumference of the clip ring tab channel 16g as the raised portion 16k of the clip body 16b remains in contact with the front edge 16m of the barrel mechanism section 16c of the casing 16j.

Concurrent to the above-described mechanical action, when the operator urges forward on the slide button 16d, the internal gear 13i’ disengages from the rod gears 13b’ and rear rod flange 15a as the internal gear 13i’ is a fixed feature of the clip ring 16f.

Now, as the rod gears 13b’ are disengaged and the multi-rod barrel is spinning with hair 16a clamped between a rod 15c and the clip body 16b, this arrangement presents as a novel multi-barrel hair auto-winding feature. Once the hair 16a is sufficiently wound around the multi- barrel, the operator simply presses down on the slide button 16d thereby disengaging the mated catches 16h. Following this action, the slide ring 16f slides back into the resting position (due to the tension of the clip spring 161) with the clip body 16b retracted and the rod gears re-engaged 13b’ with the internal gear 13i’. The operator may press the multi barrel rotation button again and the barrel will spin under the wound hair without further winding the hair and the controlled and more evenly distributed heat will be administered to the wound hair. Once this operation is complete, the operator simply slides the hair forward on the barrel thereby completely releasing the hair from the spinning multi -barrel curling iron.

In summary, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16A - C is an example of the addition of the slide clip to the multi-rod embodiment, wherein the clip body of the slide clip holds hair or other material to one of the rods for material winding around the rods. The mechanism describes a means that prevents rotation of the plurality of rods when the slide clip is extended, i.e., longitudinal movement of the internal gear 13i' to disengage the rods gears 13b' from the internal gear 13i' while still permitting the barrel 16c to rotate the plurality of rods together so as to wind hair or other material around the stationary rods, and then means to allow rotation of the plurality of rods while the barrel rotates by reengagement of the rods gears 13b' with the internal gear 13i' by moving the slide clip to its retracted position. The embodiment of FIGS. 16A - C also shows a means to pivotally move the slide clip between open and closed positions for hair or other material clamping. That is, with the specially configured clip body 16b and its tabs 16e, slide button 16d, clip ring tab channel 16g, clip spring 16i, catches 16h, and raised portion 16k, the slide clip can be pivotally moved between the open position where hair or other material can be placed and the closed position, wherein the hair or other material is held in place for winding or other treatment.

The final feature to be presented is the multi-barrel joint cage FIG. 16C, 16o. This feature prevents hair from sliding between the individual rods of the multi -barrel. Each leg 16p of the cage 16o is pivotally seated (not fixed) to each tip of each multi-barrel rod 15c. This pivotally seated arrangement allows the cage 16o to spin with the multi-barrel while allowing each rod 15c to rotate in the opposite direction of the rotation of the multi-barrel.

It should be understood that the modes shown for the embodiment using the retaining spring, wherein the bristles can be all in, all out, or some in and some out, can be interchanged with the mode associated with the channel rail, wherein some of the bristles extend beyond the rods and some of the bristles are retracted or do not extend beyond the rods.

Any embodiment described herein may interchange or combine, rendering a variety of different embodiments. Examples of such interchange have been described previously. Another example of such interchange is to combine any of the retractable bristle and embodiments of FIGS. 4A - 14B that are capable of both full or partial bristle extension and full retraction with the multi-barrel curling iron embodiments of FIGS. 15A - 16C. This example renders a hybrid rotating brush / multi -barrel rotating curling iron hair styling appliance. ’

As depicted in Figures 17A and 17B, another embodiment of the present invention features a surround of extended and static bristles Id’ positioned between the counter rotating rods 13a. Each bristle span 2a” is fixed (see fix point 17a) on both ends to each of the bristle span flanges 13d’ in a manner that allows many combinations of incrementally positioned individual bristles Id, bristle bundles (as an individual bristle bundle is depicted in Figures 14B, 14a), as well as knobbed bristles and wavy bristles to be fixed to each bristle span 2a” and extend out from between and beyond the counter rotating rods 13a over the full circumference of the overall barrel 13h. Said means for fixing the bristles Id’ to the rotating barrel 13h are exemplary and other means that would fix the bristles Id’ to the rotating barrel 13h are within the scope of the invention.

Each counter rotating rod embodiment described thus far, as well as the presently described embodiment, provide an improved functionality for hairbrushes or brushes that would treat some other elongated material. That is, as depicted in Figure 17A, a length of a typical and manageable size section of hair 14b may encircle the entire circumference of the rotating barrel 13h and continue to rotate. This feature is also present when the embodiments are used for long hair, and the section of hair 14b encircles the barrel multiple times. Furthermore, this feature is present for both dry and wet hair and performs said feature in a comfortable manner for the recipient of said novel feature.

In addition to this, the operator may move the barrel 13h toward and away from the scalp indefinitely as the hair 14b remains wrapped around the barrel 13h. In this manner, the recipient experiences continuous and comfortable variable tension through the length of the hair section 14b. As more of the length of hair 14b is allowed to wind, as with the rotating barrel 13h approaching the scalp, hair tension around the barrel 13h decreases; as less of the length of hair 14b is allowed to wind, as with the rotating barrel 13h moving away from the scalp, hair 14b tension around the barrel 13h increases. This feature, when combined with heat, facilitates an ease and enhancement of the smoothing and reshaping of a hair section 14b.

The embodiment of Figure 17A is advantageous as compared to the retractable bristle embodiments due to the mechanical simplicity of this embodiment. Furthermore, with bristles Id’ dispersed incrementally around the full circumference of the barrel 13h, smoothing and reshaping of the section of hair 13a is enhanced and an automatic winding feature is improved, i.e., the barrel 13h may be positioned against a section of hair that is in natural fall and the hair will automatically wind around it.

A complete execution of the features described above is predicated on incrementally positioned bristles Id’ extending out between the counter rotating rods 13a and the bristles Id’ extending beyond the outside hair contact surface formed by the cylindrical arrangement of the rods 13a. As the bristles Id’ are, therefore, in contact with the hair 14b as the barrel 13h spins, each bristle Id’ will be continually and randomly cycled through two (2) positions: a position of being pressed against an adjacent barrel rod 13a by the winding hair, and a position of being released away from an adjacent barrel rod 13a, and this, as each bristle Id’ flexes back to an approximately upright position, having emerged momentarily through the winding hair 14b. Said two (2) bristle Id’ positions are depicted in Figure 17A, as there are some bristles Id’ visible in an approximately upright position and some that are not present. This depicts, by the absence of the bristles Id’, that the absent bristles are under the hair 14b and pressed against a barrel rod 13 a. The gear driven rod 13a arrangement is, therefore, desirable to overcome the rotational resistance applied to each barrel rod 13a by the bristles Id’ being randomly pressed against each rod 13a by the wound hair 14b as well as the resistance applied to the counter rotating barrel rods 13a by the hair as the hair 14b continually winds around the barrel 13h. All embodiments depicted and described in this disclosure that include both gear driven rods and bristles that extend beyond the outside hair contact surface formed by the cylindrical arrangement of the rods benefit from the ability of the gear rods to cope with said continually winding hair and bristle to rod resistance.

To achieve the safest and most comfortable execution of the invention, the bristles Id’ will be flexible for release of the hairl4b and the distance between the barrel rods 13a will be minimal. Gear driven, counter rotating barrel rods 13a are, therefore, a preferred embodiment. This embodiment is also preferred for the incorporation of the widest range of bristle Id’ configuration as well as barrel rod 13a number and size into a barrel 13h design.

As depicted in Figure 17A, a sun gear 17b has been included, thereby, completing a more stable planetary gear set as combined with the rod gears 13b (or referred to in this planetary gear context as planetary gears), and internal gear 13i (also see Figurel3A, 13i for the internal gear). This planetary gear arrangement is also appropriate when considering the load placed on the rod gears 13b by the continuously winding hair 14b, as per said novel feature.

A funnel 17c is positioned over the planetaiy gear set. The

An outside surface of the funnel 17c is contiguous to a face of the sun gear 17b; this will allow said gear 17b to be held in place as it rotates. A funnel 17c that is contiguous to both the sun gear 17b and the rod gears 13b may also be preferred. The funnel 17c will also direct hot air from the blow-dryer 41 unit away from the gear set and into the barrel 13h.

The specific embodiment shown above is just one means to provide bristles in combination with the driven counter rotating rods and other means can be employed, wherein the bristles would be fixed to the rotating barrel and extend through and beyond the spaces between adjacent rollers that are driven counter to the rotating barrel. For the embodiment combining the counter rotating rods and bristles, the bristles can be arranged to extend between all of the rotating rods or less than all of the rods. For example, a device with twelve rods could have six bristle sets, wherein only half the spaces between adjacent rods have bristles therein.

Figures 17A and 17B depict an axial 17d that is seated in the handle 10b in a manner that prevents the axial 17d from rotating. This non-rotating axial 17d is telescopically seated within the spine 13g and provides an axial 17d for the rotating barrel 13h. An end cap 17e is attached to the distal end of the axial 17d to prevent the barrel 13h from sliding off the axial 17d and to provide a stationary end cap as the barrel 13h rotates. Said stationary end cap 17e prevents hair from winding around it as the barrel 13h rotates. See Figure 17B for an axial to end cap fix point 17f. Other means to attach the axial 17d to the end cap 17e may be preferred. One example of such a means is a commonly known click lock and release mechanism.

This non-rotating axial 17d extending through a spine 13g arrangement also requires the electric motor 10k that drives the barrel 13h to be offset from the spine 13g. Said offset requires a motor shaft gear 10m engaged with a spine gear 5f to rotate the barrel 13h over the axial 17d. The following describes an alternative to this offset motor 10k arrangement.

Figures 18A-19B depict additional preferred ‘static bristles with counter rotating barrel rods’ embodiments of the present invention. Figures 18 A and 19 A depict an electric motor 10k that is in the handle 10b with the motor shaft 10n’ centered to the rotation of the barrel 13h. Figures 18A-19B also share the following identical features: barrel axial 18a, motor shaft 10n’, distal barrel flange 13d’ to motor shaft 10n’ fix point 19c, and a proximal barrel flange 13d’ that features a central opening 18g . Said opening 18g functions as a pass-through for the barrel axial 18a as well access into the barrel 13h of the air traveling out from the blow dryer unit 41.

As seen in Figures 18A, 19A and 19B, a proximal end of the barrel axial 18a is fixed to the inside front of the handle 10b. Said axial 18a extends out of the handle 10b and into the axial center of the barrel 13h. A motor shaft 10n’ extends away from the electric motor 10k, continues through the center of the barrel axial 18a, and extends a short distance beyond the distal end of the barrel axial 18a. The distal end 19b of the motor shaft 10n’ that is exposed from the distal end of the barrel axial 18a is fixed to the inside center of the distal barrel flange 13d’, 13d”. See the motor shaft 10n’ to barrel flange 13d’, 13d” fix point 19c in Figures 18B, 19A and 19B. A commonly known ‘click lock and release’ mechanism is a preferred alternative means that engages and disengages the distal end of the motor shaft 19b from the distal barrel flange 13d’ at said fix point 19c.

Figures 18 A, 18B and 18C depict alternative means to allow the end cap to remain stationary as the barrel 13h rotates.

As depicted in Figures 18A and 18B, the end cap 17e’ is positioned over the distal end of the barrel 13h. An internal flange groove 18b extends around the inside circumference of the end cap 17e*. The outer circumferential edge of the distal barrel flange 13d’ seats slidable into the flange groove 18b. This allows the end cap 17e’ to rotate independent of the barrel 13h while remaining in a stable position over the distal end of the barrel 13h.As the end cap 17e’ remains rotationally independent, the end cap 17e’ also remains stationary while the barrel 13h rotates by utilizing the same gear arrangement and motion that drives the counter rotating rods 13a on the handle 10b side of the barrel 13h. As depicted in Figure 18A and 18B, an internal gear 13i is preferably molded into both the end cap 17e’ and the handle 10b. Also, a rod gear 13b is preferably molded onto the distal end and proximal end of each barrel rod 13a. Furthermore, each rod gear 13b, located on both the distal and proximal ends of each barrel rod 13a, is engaged with each of the two respective internal gears 13i. Now, as the barrel rotates, and as the barrel rods 13a are gear 13b, 13i driven to counter rotate on the handle 10b side of the barrel 13h, this same gear arrangement and action is also driving the end cap 17e’ to remain stationary. Alternatively, a sun gear 17b may be incorporated into said dual sided gear arrangement.

Figure 18C depicts an alternative means of allowing a rotationally independent yet stable end cap 17e” to remain stationary as the barrel 13h rotates. Rather than the gear driven end cap 17e’ described in Figure 18A and 18B, Figure 18C depicts a ring 18c composed of silicone, rubber or other suitable rubber-like material positioned within a ring groove 18d. This ring groove 18d extends around the inside circumference of the proximal side of the end cap 17e”. The ring groove 18d includes one or more ring groove tabs 18e that fit into one or more ring indentations 18f. This tab 18e and indentation 18f arrangement causes the rubber ring 18c to remain stationary while seated in the ring groove 18d. With the rubber ring 18c positioned within the ring groove 18d, and with the end cap 17e” positioned over the distal end of the barrel 13h, the inside circumference of the rubber ring 18c will contact each outside surface of each counter- rotating rod 13a. Now as the barrel 13h rotates, and each barrel rod 13a counter-rotates while touching firmly against the inside circumferential edge of the rubber ring 18c, the end cap 17e” is driven to remain stationary by the friction between the counter rotating rods 13a and the rubber ring 18c.

A commonly known ‘quick lock and release mechanism’ is a preferred enhancement to the flange groove 18b of Figures 18A-18C. Said mechanism preferably engages and disengages the end caps 17e’ and 17e” from the outside edge of the distal barrel flange 13d’.

Figures 19A and 19B depict an end cap 19a that is removably fixed to the barrel 13h. Although this end cap 19a is fixed to and rotates with the barrel 13h, hair that is wound, or in the process of winding, around the barrel 13h is prevented from wrapping around this fixed end cap 19a and winding onto it due to the shape of said end cap 19a.

The proximal surface 19d of the end cap 19a is positioned circumferentially perpendicular relative to the longitudinal position of the barrel rods 13a. As hair is placed onto, or loosely encounters, said surface 19d of the end cap 19a, the hair will only slide along and against this surface 19d until captured by the rotating barrel 13h.

The distal surface 19e of the end cap 19a conically tapers distally and sharply away from the outer circumferential edge 19f formed by the proximal surface 19d of the end cap 19a, and toward the axial center of the end cap 19a. Hair that separates along this distal surface 19e of the end cap 19a slides along said conically tapered distal surface 19e and away from the rotating barrel 13h. In this manner, any hair that encounters the rotating end cap 19a is immediately separated by the outer edge 9f and simply slides to one side of the end cap 19a or the other side finding no winding purchase on the end cap 19 a.

As depicted in Figure 19B, the end cap 19a is removably fixed to the outside surface of the distal barrel flange 13d” by a screw 19g. Other means of fixing the end cap 19a to the flange 13d” such as a commonly known quick lock and release mechanism, may be preferable.

A distal barrel flange 13d” featuring barrel rod seats 13e’ that are open along the outer circumferential edge of said flange 13d” is depicted in Figure 19A and 19B. This open rod seat 13e’ configuration allows for easier removal of the occasional hair that becomes loose and wrapped around any barrel rod 13a. The operator may simply remove the end cap 19a and manually slide the loose rod wrapped hair toward the distal end of the rod 13a and then off the rod easily, and this, as an obstruction to said manual hair removal operation caused by the closed rod seat 13e is eliminated. (See Figure 13A, 13e depicting the closed rod seat.)

The barrel rods 13a of any embodiment described herein may counter rotate somewhat faster than the overall rotation of the barrel 13h. This alternative counter rotation speed will reduce the torque applied to the barrel rods 13a as well as the overall barrel 13h by the fully wrapped hair around the barrel 13h as the barrel 13h rotates.

The mechanisms described in Figures 17A-18C can be considered exemplary means for maintaining the end cap in a stationary position while the barrel rotates as detailed above. However, other kinds of mechanisms may also be employed to keep the cap from rotating while the barrel rotates. Similarly, the mechanism shown in Figures 19A and 19B are exemplary means to allow the removable cap to rotate with the barrel but be configured such that hair is impeded from contacting an outer end surface of the removable cap, and if hair does so contact, the cap is configured such that the hair would slide off the cap, for example, the cap is tapered toward its distal end, and the cap creates a lip with respect to the barrel to prevent hair from traveling over the lip and winding around the removable cap.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the following claims.