Hair braiding device

Abstract

A hair braiding device ( 49 ) comprises two plates ( 11, 12 ) forming a handle and including an opening ( 48 ) for inserting hair to be braided by the actions of two braiding wheels ( 2, 3 ) in coordination with a transfer mechanism ( 4 ) adapted to intermittently move one of three stands that the hair is automatically divided into such that each strand is intermittently received in a slot ( 29 ) in each of the braiding wheels ( 2, 3 ). Alternate, coordinated movement of the braiding wheels ( 2, 3 ) causes the three strands to be braided. A motor ( 9 ) is supported by the plates ( 11, 12 ) for powering a gear system which causes the two braiding wheels ( 2, 3 ) to rotate in opposite directions, in an alternating pattern.

1 . A hair braiding device for braiding a tuft of hair into a braided pattern comprising three stands of hair woven into a single braid, said device comprising
 a body housing an electric motor;   a first driven braiding wheel adapted to be intermittently rotationally driven by said motor in a first direction;   a pair of first notches on said first driven braiding wheel, each adapted to receive a strand of hair and move it with said first driven braiding wheel as said first driven braiding wheel rotates;   a second driven braiding wheel adapted to be intermittently rotationally driven by said motor in a second direction;   a pair of second notches on said second driven braiding wheel, each adapted to receive a strand of hair and move it with said second driven braiding wheel as said second driven braiding wheel rotates;   a transfer member comprising a body mounted to be intermittently driven in both of said first and second directions; and   a hair engaging tip on said transfer member adapted to intermittently engage said strands of hair, one at a time, and cause them, respectively, to be moved into engagement with one of said first and second driven braiding wheels.   
   
   
       2 . A device according to  claim 1 , further comprising
 a spring-loaded clasp movably mounted to said housing and adapted to selectively open and close a hair space opening for introducing a tuft of hair into said device.   
   
   
       3 . A device according to  claim 1 , further comprising
 a first pair of arms adjacent to said first pair of notches adapted to engage and advance one of said strands of hair with rotation of said first driven braiding wheel; and   a second pair of arms adjacent to said second pair of notches adapted to engage and advance one of said strands of hair with rotation of said second driven braiding wheel.   
   
   
       4 . A device according to  claim 1 , further comprising
 a handle section formed on said housing.