# How Automatic Rotating Curling Irons Capture and Wind Hair

> A motorized hair styling tool that uses a rotating ring with tabs to automatically catch and wrap hair around a heated barrel.

- **Patent:** US RE48170
- **Original title:** USRE48170E1 - Hair styling apparatuses and related methods
- **Owner:** Kiss Nail Products Inc
- **Granted:** 2020
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 5
- **Field:** consumer_electronics, mechanical

## What it does

This patent describes a curling iron that simplifies the process of wrapping hair around a hot barrel. Instead of manually twisting the hair, the device features a rotating ring (the rotating member) positioned at the end of the barrel. This ring has specific tabs or ridges that catch strands of hair and pull them around the heated surface as the ring spins. The design ensures that the retaining tabs stay spaced away from the barrel when not in use, and the entire system is built so the barrel can rotate while the handle remains stationary in the user's hand.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover traditional manual curling irons that lack a motorized rotating member.
- Does not cover hair styling tools that use suction or air-flow to wrap hair around a barrel.
- Does not cover devices where the retaining elements are permanently fixed to the barrel surface rather than on a separate rotating member.
- Does not cover flat irons or straighteners that use two plates to press hair.

## The clever bit

The innovation lies in placing the hair-catching mechanism on a rotating ring that is physically separated from the heated barrel, allowing the hair to be wound automatically without the user having to manually rotate their wrist or the entire device.

## Real-world examples

1. Kiss Instawave automatic curling iron
2. Various motorized rotating hair curlers

## Why it matters

This technology addresses the ergonomic challenge of curling the back of one's head, where manual wrapping is difficult and prone to burns. By automating the winding process, it shifts the user's role from active styling to simply guiding the device. It represents a significant shift toward 'smart' beauty tools that reduce the skill level required to achieve professional-looking results at home.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does How Automatic Rotating Curling Irons Capture and Wind Hair cover?

A motorized hair styling tool that uses a rotating ring with tabs to automatically catch and wrap hair around a heated barrel.

### Who owns patent US RE48170?

Kiss Nail Products Inc owns this patent, granted in 2020.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent is expected to expire on August 25, 2040, when the invention enters the public domain.

### What is patent US RE48170 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 5 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

This technology addresses the ergonomic challenge of curling the back of one's head, where manual wrapping is difficult and prone to burns. By automating the winding process, it shifts the user's role from active styling to simply guiding the device. It represents a significant shift toward 'smart' beauty tools that reduce the skill level required to achieve professional-looking results at home.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover traditional manual curling irons that lack a motorized rotating member.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/RE48170/airwrap-styler

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/USRE48170

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._