ROTATABLE BRUSH
FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to hair brushes.
STATE OF THE ART U.S. Patent No. 6,098,635 (incorporated herein by reference) discloses that one can rotate a hairbrush having longitudinally extending dividers by hand power or by electric motor and prevent tangling primarily as long as the section of the hair being brushed does not exceed the width of the brush head, and the length of hair being brushed does not exceed the circumference created by the array of the distal ends of the bristles on the brush. This requires different size brushes for different lengths of hair as well as sectioning of hair and proper placement of the brush in the hair by the operator to ensure that the maximum section and length of hair is not exceeded while the brush is rotating, otherwise the hair will tend to "wrap up" in the brush bristles and tangle. U.S. Patent No. 3,459,199 to Connell discloses a power-operated rotatable implement for teasing and unsnarling hair.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention provides an improved hair brush which includes an elongated core mounted on a handle. Longitudinally spaced separators in the shape of disks are mounted on, or are integral with, the core with a major plane of each separator transverse to the longitudinal axis of the core. The handle, core, and separators can be rotated by hand, or an electric motor in the brush handle can be used to rotate the core and separators relative to the handle about a longitudinal axis extending through the core and handle. The movement of the separators through the hair as the brush rotates, and other features of this invention make blow drying, brushing, smoothing and shaping hair more effective regardless of the type or length or hair. The separators on the brush of this invention minimize snagging or tangling the hair regardless of hair length or type, while brushing and shaping the hair primarily by the drag created as the hair passes through the gaps between adjacent separators. Preferably, this invention includes the addition of heat to the core and/or separators by either blowing hot air through and to the separators, or conducting heat through a heat conducting element to the separators, to cause the rotating separators and the core of this invention to function in effect as a type of flattening iron, curling iron or more specifically as a "smoothing" iron, to smooth and shape the hair, but without the tendency of flat irons or curling irons to reduce or eliminate the hair's natural bounce or body by compressing or clamping the hair in place while applying heat to flatten, curl or otherwise change the shape of the hair. A wire guide around the brush, core and separator array can be added for the purpose of preventing hair from entering the gaps between adjacent separators from beyond the limit of the frame.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the rotatable brush; FIG. IA is a side elevation of the brush shown in FIG. 1; FIG. IB is an end elevation of the brush shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 1C shows four different patterns which can be used on the face of a separator for shaping and smoothing hair; FIG. 2 is a view taken on line A-A of FIG. IB; FIG. 2A is a view similar to FIG. 2 of an alternate embodiment of a separator; FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of separators and core construction wherein the separators and core are formed as an integral unit; FIGS. 4-1 Ia are side views of different embodiments of separators of the present invention; FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the brush of this invention with a wire frame around it to prevent hair from entering the gaps between adjacent separators from beyond the limits of the frame; FIG. 13 is an elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12; FIG. 14 is a photograph of three different arrangements of separators on the cores in accordance with this invention; FIG. 15 is a photograph of four separators on a core with a "wave" pattern between adjacent separators; and FIG. 16 is a photograph of the separator disks shown in FIG. 16 with a wider gap between adjacent separators for easier observation of the elements used to smooth and shape hair. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a presently preferred embodiment of a brush made in accordance with the invention; FIG. 18 is a side elevation of the brush shown in FIG. 17; FIG. 19 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken in the area of line 19-19 of FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a view taken on line 20-20 of FIG. 18; FIG. 21 is a view taken on line 21-21 of FIG. 20; FIG. 22 shows an alternate embodiment of the separator shown in FIG. 21; FIG. 23 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the separators shown in FIG. 20; FIG. 24 is an enlarged perspective view of the reverse side of the separator shown in FIG. 23; FIG. 25 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a brush made in accordance with this invention; FIG. 26 is a side elevation of the brush shown in FIG. 25, with a retaining cap added to the right (as viewed in FIG. 26) added to the brush; FIG. 27 is a view taken on line 27-27 of FIG. 26; FIG. 28 is a view taken on line 28-28 of FIG. 27; FIG. 29 shows an alternate embodiment of the separator shown in HG. 28; HG. 30 is a perspective view of one side of the separator shown in FIG. 27; FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the opposite side of the separator shown in FIG. 30; and FIG. 32 shows an electric motor for rotating the core, and a heater/blower arrangement for heating the core separators.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIGS. 1, IA, and IB, a brush 20 includes a group of substantially parallel annular disks or separators 22 which make a snug fit on an elongated rotatable shaft 24, which is journaled in a brush handle 26 to be rotatable by hand, or by an electric motor (not shown), as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,635. As shown best in FIGS. IB and 2, each separator includes an annular hub 28 with diametrically opposed keyways 30, which fit over a longitudinal key (not shown) on the rotatable shaft 24. Each separator includes on a face opposite from the hub longitudinally extending projections 32 to form patterns for shaping and smoothing hair, as the brush is operated to rotate the separators so hair is swept through the gaps between adjacent separators. FIG. 1C shows four different patterns for shaping and smoothing hair. One pattern 34 is straight (no wave), a second pattern 36 is for a single wave, a third pattern 38 provides multiple waves of relatively large wave length, and a fourth pattern 40 provides multiple waves of shorter wave length. As shown in FIG. IA, the separators are mounted on the shaft with the hub of each separator bearing against an adjacent face of an adjacent separator. A stop 42 on the left (as viewed in FIG. IA) end of the shaft and a retaining cap 44 on the right end of the shaft hold the separators snugly in the position shown. The spacing between separators is set by the longitudinal length of the hubs. Separators can be of different materials or combination of materials, such as plastic, metal, ceramic, and the like. Separators can also be of different shapes, sizes and thicknesses, and arrayed in different relationships one to the other, having different gaps between them, either fixed or variable (adjustable by a screw thread or cam engagement with the shaft). The separators can be features of a single part with an integral core feature or can be bolted together onto a core as an integral unit consisting of individual separators as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2A shows an alternate embodiment of a separator in which the hub 28a is formed of a separate heat conductive material, such as copper or the like, with an outwardly extending flange 28b. The hubs of the separators form a core, which makes a snug fit on the rotatable shaft, and can be heated electrically and have openings for passage of heated air generated by a blow dryer (not shown) integrated into the handle through aligned passageways in the separators or by heat conduction elements in contact with the heat conducting core and/or separators (not shown). The heat conducting core of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A rapidly concentrates and transfers heat to provide an enhanced smoothing effect on hair. In some embodiments, the hair smoothing and shape enhancing patterns between adjacent separators can be omitted, or of different configurations in different gaps of the separator array. Moreover, some or all of the separators can be provided with radially extending comb tips 50 (as shown in FIG. 2) on the outer peripheries of the separators. The combing tips can have various shapes, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. The array of separators (and comb tips, if present) gather, separate, and draw hair in between the separators and across the sides of the separators (and the smoothing and shape enhancing patterns, if present) and around the core, thereby brushing, smoothing and shaping the hair as the brush rotates, all without snagging of tangling the hair, regardless of hair length or type. Different embodiments of separators, separator arrays, and core features can be optimized in different variations to provide optimum brushing, smoothing and shaping of different types and lengths of hair. FIG. 3 shows a pair of separators 52 formed integrally together with longitudinally extending conduits 72 and radially or laterally extending vents 74 to allow heated air to flow through the core and outwardly through spaces 80 between adjacent separators to facilitate faster drying of the hair. The side surfaces of the separators can be shaped to provide straight cylindrical smoothing and shape enhancing patterns 92 (FIG. 4) and combing tips 54. With a simple "four wave" pattern 92, this embodiment may be molded as a single piece with multiple separators. The integral separator array can also be molded of different materials over a single heat conducting core, similar to that of FIG. 2A. The core feature can also have air flow openings 80 to allow for heated air to facilitate drying of the hair. Separators 124 (HG. 4), 126 (FIG. 5), 128 (FIG. 6), 130 (FIG. 7), 132 (FIG. 8), 134 (FIG. 9), 136 (FIG. 10), and 138 (FIG. 11) are alternate embodiments of single separator disks having different smoothing and shape enhancing "wave" patterns 92, 94, 96, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106, and 108, and differing combing tips 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, and 168, respectively. The smoothing and shape enhancing patterns can be "bas relief features on one side of each separator or on both sides. These patterns can "undulate" so the separators nest together, in effect, as shown in FIG. 1. Patterns 92, 94, 96, 100, 102, 104, and 106 show cylindrical bas relief features in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, respectively. Patterns 98 and 108 show spherical bas relief features. In FIG. 8, the radially extending cylindrical features IOOA are like spokes with openings IOOB between adjacent spokes. FIG. 8A shows an open array of cylindrical smoothing and shape enhancing features IOOC unsupported at their distal ends. FIGS. 9 and 10 show openings in lieu of the bas relief cylindrical smoothing and shape enhancing FIGS. 102 and 104, respectively. FIG. 11 shows the undulating cylindrical bas relief pattern 106 with evenly distributed breaks for easier entry of hair during brushing. Combing tips can be round (62), oval (56 and 60), triangular (58 and 68), cylindrical (50 and 52), and spherical (64 and 66). Different embodiments of the separators and their various features, with or without integral core features, can be optimized in different combinations for optimum brushing, smoothing and shaping of different types and lengths of hair. Referring to FIG. 4, a longitudinally extending opening 182 in the separator 124 allows heated air to flow through the core and separator array to warm the air from the inside of the brush out. Air flow openings, such as 182, can be a feature of any embodiment of the brush with an integral hair blower (not shown) and can be of different numbers, sizes and shapes. Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a rectangular wire frame 40a is mounted on the shaft 24 of the brush 20 shown in FIGS. 1, IA, and IB. The frame includes a pair of parallel elongated sides 41a and a pair of parallel end pieces 42a, which are mounted to be rotatable independently of the turning of the shaft so the frame prevents hair from entering gaps between adjacent separators from beyond the limits of the frame. FIG. 14 is a photograph of three different arrays of separators mounted on respective rotatable shafts. FIG. 15 is a photograph of four separators mounted on a rotatable shaft in accordance with this invention. FIG. 16 is a photograph of the four separators shown in FIG. 15, except that the separators in FIG. 16 are spaced slightly farther apart to present a wider gap for viewing the wave shaping patterns between adjacent separators. Referring to FIGS. 17-21, a brush 200 includes an array 202 of stacked separators 204, which are of identical construction, mounted on a handle 205. Each separator is in the shape of a generally circular disk having a continuous periphery 206 disposed to be at a substantially uniform distance from a central longitudinally extending axis 208. An octagonal shaft key way 210 extends through the center of the separator, and is surrounded by an octagonal socket 212 disposed coaxially around the shaft keyway 210 (as shown in FIG. 17). As shown in FIG. 21, the octagonal socket 212 is on the right face of the separator. An annular core element 214 projects longitudinally from the left face of the separator. An octagonal projection 216 of a smaller external diameter than the core element 214 projects from the left face of the core element, and is coaxially disposed around the axis 208. The dimensions of the octagonal projection 216 are such that the projection makes a snug friction fit within an octagonal socket of an adjacent separator when the separators are assembled as shown in HGS. 17 and 18. As shown best in FIGS. 20-24, ten elongated and radially extending semi-cylindrical bosses 218 are formed at equally spaced intervals integrally with the left (as viewed in FIG. 21) side of the separator. The outer end of each boss is rounded off to terminate at the periphery of the separator. The inner end of each boss terminates at the outer circumference of the core 214. As shown best in FIG. 24, ten elongated and radially extending bosses 220 are formed at equally spaced intervals integrally with the right (as viewed in FIG. 21) face of the separator. The inner end of each boss 220 projects slightly inwardly of the outer circumference 214 of the core so as to fit in a respective outwardly opening notch 216 (FIG. 23) formed in the circumference of the core of an adjacent separator. This minimizes the tendency of hair to get snagged in the junctures of the bosses 220 with the core. The bosses 218 on the left side of the separator are radially offset from the bosses 220 on the right side of the separator so that when the separators are nested together as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the bosses 218 on one separator are each positioned between adjacent bosses 220 on an adjacent separator. This provides a sinuous path for hair as it passes through the spaces between adjacent bosses as the brush is rotated. A relatively small hemispherical combing tip 222 is formed on the outer periphery of each separator at the end of each boss 220 to facilitate separating and feeding hair into gaps between adjacent separators. The spacing or gap between adjacent separators is set by the longitudinal dimension of the core 214, which can be varied to accommodate different types of hair. The octagonal socket 212 and projection 216 ensure correct alignment of the bosses 218 and 220 when the brush is assembled as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. The ratio of the separator diameter to the core diameter is usually between about 1.2:1 and about 2:1. For example, a separator with a diameter of 2.5" would have a minimum core diameter of about 1.25", and a maximum core diameter of about 2". Ordinarily the gap between adjacent separators is between about 0.03" and about 0.4". The optimum ratio of separator diameter to core diameter, and the optimum separator gap depend on the particular type and shape of separator, and the geometry of the separator faces, as well as the type and length of hair and the intended shaping and styling. For example, a textured metal separator with an aggressive boss pattern such as shown in FIG. 7 with multiple hemispherical shaping bosses would typically require a larger separator gap than would be needed for an untextured, high surface energy plastic with simple cylindrical shaping bosses such as shown in FIG. 4. The optimum separator gap also depends on the target hair type, whether long, thin Nordic-type hair, or short, kinky African-type hair, or anything in between. By changing the many variables, such as brush diameter, gap spacing, boss shape, number, and location, the brush can be designed to provide optimum results for each type of hair. The separators can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, ceramic, metal, such as copper, or the like. For applying heat to the hair as it is brushed, we prefer to use a composite separator such as shown in FIG. 22, which includes a central heat conducting core 214a made of metal, aluminum, or the like. The separator shown in FIG. 22 is identical with that shown in FIG. 21, except that the core 214a, the hexagonal projection 216a, and the hexagonal socket 212a are all integrally formed from a conducting metal. The remainder of the separator is made of plastic. Thus, the separators made as shown in FIG. 22 can rapidly conduct heat radially from an octagonal central shaft 224 disposed in the keyway, and which can be heated either electrically, or by passing warm air through it as described below with respect to FIG. 32. The assembled array of separators are mounted so the central axis passes longitudinally through the core and the handle, which can be non-rotatable to each other, or mounted as described relative to FIG. 32 so the array of separators is rotated relative to the handle by an electric motor mounted in the handle. With the former arrangement, the separators are rotated through the hair by hand. Referring to FIG. 21, each separator includes a major plane 226 which is perpendicular to the axis 208, and lies in the same plane as the floor of the octagonal socket 212. The left and right bosses 218, 220, respectively each extend in opposite directions from the major plane of the separator, and interleave with bosses on adjacent separators to provide the desired sinuous path for hair treated as the brush rotates. Referring to FIGS. 25-31, a brush 300 includes a stacked array 302 of identical separators 304. Each separator is generally shaped as an undulate disk 306 so that waves with radially extending troughs 308 and crests 310 are formed at equal intervals around the periphery of the separators. Referring to FIG. 28, a major plane 312 passes through the center of each separator, and the waves are formed on opposite faces of each separator so that a crest of a wave on one side of the separator forms a trough on the opposite side. The right (as viewed in FIGS. 25 and 28) of each separator includes a hexagonal orientation socket 314 coaxially disposed around a hexagonal shaft keyway 316, which extends longitudinally through the separator. The floor of the hexagonal orientation socket is coplanar with major plane 312 of the separator. A shallow annular recess 317 around the socket 314 opens longitudinally to the right (as viewed in FIG. 28) to receive the outer periphery of the left end of a core element 320 of an adjacent separator. This reduces the tendency for hair to catch in an otherwise radially extending seam when the left end of a core element abuts the right face of the adjacent separator. An annular core 318 element having an outer periphery 320 projects longitudinally from the left side of each separator. An octagonal hub 321 coaxially disposed around the shaft keyway projects from the left side of the separator and is shaped to make a snug fit inside the octagonal socket of an adjacent separator. FlG. 29 shows an alternate embodiment of the separator shown in FIG. 28, except that the core element 318a and octagonal hub 321a are made of thermally conductive material as described above with respect to the separator shown in FIG. 22. An annular recess 317a in the right face of the separator shown in FIG. 29 serves the same purpose as recess 317 in HG. 28. With the separators assembled to form the brush 300 shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the octagonal orientation sockets and hubs orient the separators radially with respect to each other so that the crests are collinear, as are the troughs. The space or gap between adjacent separators is set by the longitudinal dimension of the core, and can be varied to accommodate different hair types, as previously described. Referring to FIG. 32, an electric cord 400 extends through a brush handle 402, and is connected to an electric motor 404, which drives an elongated power shaft 406 connected at its right (as viewed in FIG. 32) end to a drive gear 408, which turns a driven gear 410 connected to the left (as viewed in FIG. 32) end of a hollow octagonal driven shaft 412, which extends through the shaft key ways in the separators. A retaining cap 415 on the right end of shaft 412 seals that end of the shaft and holds the separators in the assembled position by forcing them against an outwardly extending end piece 416 secured to the left (as viewed in FIG. 26) end of the shaft. A hot air fan assembly 414 in the handle supplies hot air into the left end of the hollow drive shaft, which distributes air through lateral conduits 418 in the shaft to collinear lateral conduits 420 in the separator (shown in FIG. 28) so that warm air is vented radially outwardly from the core periphery to the gaps between adjacent separators. The shaft can also be heated with an electric resistance arrangement so heat is transmitted to the heat conducting core 318a in separators of the type shown in FIG. 29. A first switch 422 turns the motor and hot air fan assembly on and off. A second switch 424 controls the motor to go forward or in reverse. The separators shown in the accompanying figures can include cores of different sizes and shapes, and can be of a heat conducting material, such as metal or metal-filled plastic. The rest of the separator structure may be of plastic and/or ceramic materials for minimizing weight and/or achieving a negatively charged ionic effect to help minimize static electricity and frizziness created as the brush is rotated by providing neutralizing positive ions surrounding the hair.
