Hair wrapping device

Abstract

A hair wrapping device has a handle portion and a carousel structure. An electric drive in the handle rotates the carousel about a central passage. The carousel structure includes bobbins and structures for allowing decorative strands on the bobbins to be directed into the central passage along with a tress of hair. When the drive is energized the carousel structure rotates and wraps each decorative strand around the tress as the wrapping device is moved along the tress of hair.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention generally relates to hair styling devices and more particularly to devices for wrapping a tress of hair with at least one strand of decorative material.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] In recent years it has become popular to wrap tresses of hair with decorative cords, ribbons or other decorative strands. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,824,036 (1989) to Buta discloses an apparatus for spirally winding a thread about a tress of hair. This apparatus includes an annular disk journaled on a casing. The annular disk has a central opening through which hair is placed. The tube has an axis and two ends. A motor rotates a disk that carries one or more spools of winding material about an axis. A guide directs winding material to the hair.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,759 (1997) to Chung et al. discloses another type of hair wrapping device in which a housing supports a rotating spindle, a spool and a motor for rotating the spindle. As the spindle rotates, a single cord is dispensed from a spool and wrapped around the hair in the spindle bore.

[0006] As disclosed, both of these devices, particularly the device in the Buta patent, seem complicated to build and difficult to operate. Although Chung et al patent overcomes some of these difficulties, it is still subject to certain operating problems. For example, the cord can become tangled with the apparatus as it pays off a single spool. Moreover, this device is also limited to dispensing a single cord. Therefore what is needed is a hair wrapping device that has the flexibility of wrapping one or more decorative strands about a tress of hair in a reliable manner which device is inexpensive to build, easy to prepare for use and easy to use.

SUMMARY

[0007] Therefore it is an object of this invention to provide a device for wrapping at least on decorative strand about a tress of hair.

[0008] Another object of this invention is to provide a device for wrapping at least one decorative strand about a tress of hair that is easy to prepare for use.

[0009] Still another object of this invention is to provide a device for wrapping a tress of hair with at least one decorative strand that is easy to use.

[0010] Yet still another object of this invention is to provide a device for wrapping at least one decorative strand around a tress of hair that minimizes manufacturing costs by simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0011] In accordance with this invention, a device for wrapping a tress of hair with at least one decorative strand includes a handle with a cylindrical support member extending along a wrapping axis at one end. A carousel mounts for rotation on the support member and forms a central passage with the central support member. The carousel carries at least one axle displaced from and parallel to an axis of rotation. The axle receives a bobbin for carrying a length of the decorative strand that is led through the central passage. When the carousel is rotated relative to the base member, the decorative strand wraps about the tress of hair led through the central passage.

[0012] In accordance with another aspect of this invention a device wraps a plurality of decorative strands about a tress of hair. A handle has, at one end, a cylindrical support member extending along a wrapping axis. A carousel mounts on the cylindrical support member for rotation about the wrapping axis and defines, with the cylindrical support member, a central passage along the wrapping axis for receiving the tress of hair. A bobbin is provided for each of the plurality of decorative strands. The carousel carries an axle for each of the plurality of bobbins. The axles rotate about bobbin axes that are parallel to, equally radially spaced from and equiangularly spaced about the wrapping axis. A guide on the carousel at each of the plurality of bobbins leads the decorative strand to the central passage. A drive rotates the carousel relative to the handle thereby to wrap the plurality of decorative strands about the tress of hair.

[0013] In accordance with still another aspect of this invention a kit for wrapping a plurality of decorative strands about a tress of hair includes a hair wrapping device and a tool for grasping the hair tress. The hair wrapping device includes a handle having a cylindrical support member at one end extending along a wrapping axis. The other end of the handle includes electrically interconnected battery supports, an electric motor and an electric switch accessible for operation from the exterior of the handle portion. A carousel mounts on the cylindrical support for rotation about the wrapping axis and forms, with the central support member, a central passage along the wrapping axis for receiving the tress of hair located in the central passage by the hair grasping tool. The carousel includes a base plate with a ring gear about its periphery, three axles extending from the base plate along bobbin axes that are equally radially spaced from and equiangularly spaced about the wrapping axis and wall segments that extend from the base plate about the periphery. A bobbin for each of the plurality of decorative strands can rotate on each of the axles thereby to provide three decorative strands. Speed reducing gears connect the electric motor and the ring gear so energization of the electric motor rotates the carousel. Guides direct each decorative strand from its respective bobbin through the central passage. As the decorative strands pay from the bobbins during rotation of the carousel, they wrap around the tress of hair. A cover detachably attaches to the walls on the carousel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The appended claims particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter of this invention. The various objects, advantages and novel features of this invention will be more fully apparent from a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hair wrapping device constructed in accordance with this invention;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tool that is useful with the operation of the device shown in FIG. 1;

[0017] FIGS. 3A through 3D depict the use of the hair wrapping device of FIG. 1 and tool in FIG. 2 for the purposes of wrapping decorative strands about a tress of hair;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bobbin useful in accordance with this invention;

[0019] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the hair wrapping device shown in FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a section view taken along lines 6-6 shown in FIGS. 1 and 6;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 7-7 in FIG. 6;

[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the hair wrapping device shown in FIG. 1; and

[0023] FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C depict the method by which the hair wrapping device in FIG. 1 is prepared for use.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0024] FIG. 1 depicts a hair wrapping device 10 for wrapping at least one decorative strand about a tress of hair that embodies this invention. The hair wrapping device 10 has an elongated handle 11 and, at one end thereof, a carousel 12 that rotates about a wrapping axis 13. An electric switch 14 controls the rotation. The carousel 12 carries one or more decorative strands 15, three strands in this embodiment, that exit from a central passage 16 and from the bottom of the hair wrapping device 10 in the orientation shown in FIG. 1.

[0025] Although not required for the operation of the hair wrapping device 10, a tool 20 shown in FIG. 2 facilitates the use of the hair wrapping device 10. As an example of such a tool, FIG. 2 depicts a structure with bifurcated arms 21 and 22 extending from an apex 23. The other ends of the arms 21 and 22 terminate as open or free ends with clamping structures 24 and 25. The clamping structures 24 and 25 could be any one of a number of well-known structures that are particularly adapted for closing injected molded parts.

[0026] Assuming that the hair wrapping device 10 is prepared for use, an individual 30, as shown in FIG. 3A manipulates the tool 20 in open position to surround and form a tress 31 of hair. Then the arms 21 and 22 can be squeezed to close and clamp the structure through the clamping structures 24 and 25. The tool 20 then grasps the hair tress for placement in the central passage.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3B, the individual 30 then positions the hair wrapping device 10 near the tress 31 and directs the tool 20 through the central passage 16 so the tress 31 is drawn through the central passage 16 along with decorative strands 15. In FIG. 3C the tool 20 is removed and the hair wrapping device 10 is positioned along the tress 31 at a starting point generally close to the scalp. Now the individual can manipulate the switch 14 to initiate rotation of the carousel 12 and simultaneously can draw the hair wrapping device 10 away from the scalp. As shown in FIG. 3D as this occurs the decorative strands 15 wrap around the tress 31. When the tress 31 is fully wrapped, the individual can then tie or otherwise affix the ends of the decorative strands 15 to the end of the tress 31 and cut or sever the decorative strands 15. Thus in accordance with certain objects of this invention, it will now be apparent that the hair wrapping device 10 is easy to use and allows the individual to wrap multiple decorative strands around a single tress.

[0028] The structure for providing this function is contained in the carousel 12 that carries multiple bobbins. In this particular embodiment the carousel 12 includes three bobbins, but other numbers could also be included, constrained only by the needs of the market and limits on the size of the hair wrapping device 10.

[0029] Each of the bobbins has the same structure. FIG. 4 depicts one bobbin 32A that carries the decorative strand 15A within the carousel 12. Each bobbin includes a drum 33 for rotation about an axle or bobbin axis. A primary wall 34 and secondary wall 35 at the ends of the drum 33 form a reel structure to capture the wound decorative strand 15A. A journal 36 through the center of the primary wall 34, secondary wall 35 and drum 33 allows rotation about an axle in the carousel 12.

[0030] The primary wall 34 also contains a knurled edge 37 that facilitates winding of material on the bobbin and a notch 38 for capturing one end of the decorative strand 15A during winding. An arrow 39 can optionally be positioned on the primary wall 34 to indicate an appropriate winding direction. The diameter of the primary wall 34 is greater than the diameter of the secondary wall 35 to assure proper orientation in the carousel 12 and to minimize the possibility that the decorative strand 15A will escape and be subject to tangling, as will be described later.

[0031] Now referring primarily to FIGS. 5 through 7, a cylindrical support 40 extending from a base plate 15 along the wrapping axis 13 is integral with one end of the handle structure 11 and carries the carousel 12. A ferrule 43 proximate the base 41 extension of the handle extension 42 engages a carousel body 44 formed with a circular base plate 45, a central cylindrical support 46 and a detent 47. During manufacture the carousel body 44 is located on the cylindrical support 40. As downward force is applied in the carousel body 44, the detent 47 snaps onto the ferrule 43. Thus the cylindrical support 40 captures the carousel body 44 to prevent any axial displacement while allowing the carousel body 44 to rotate about the wrapping axis 13.

[0032] As shown more specifically in FIGS. 5 and 7, a gear 50 is formed proximate the periphery 51 of the plate 44. As is most clearly seen from FIG. 7, the gear 51 is formed on a downwardly depending annular structure 52 that provides additional rigidity of the plate. The annular structure is spaced from a bottom concave surface 53 of the base 41.

[0033] In this particular embodiment an electrically operated drive unit engages the gear 51 to rotate the carousel 12 about the wrapping axis 13 and a tress of hair in the central passage 16. Referring to FIGS. 5 through 7, the handle extension 42 that carries the base 41 extends radially from the wrapping axis 13 at a downward angle as shown in FIG. 7 to provide a comfortable handle grip. The handle extension 42 forms the bottom of the handle 11 and carries two spaced battery supports 54 and 55 and batteries 56. An end cap 57 engages the proximate battery terminals in a conventional manner to connect the batteries in series.

[0034] The handle extension 42 also carries an electric motor 60. First electrical contacts 61 provide a direct connection from the batteries to one input of the electric motor 60. Second electrical contacts 62 provide a connection to the electric motor 60 through the electric switch 14. The operation of such components and circuits is well-known in the art so no further discussion is deemed necessary.

[0035] The electric motor 60 has an output gear 63 that drives a speed reducing gear train 64 and an output gear 65 that engages the ring gear 50. Thus when the electric switch 14 is actuated, the motor 60 causes the carousel structure 12 to rotate about the wrapping axis 13. As will be apparent particularly from viewing FIG. 7 in a preferred embodiment, the base 41 with its bottom concave surface 53 provides a structure that covers the ring gear 50 during this operation.

[0036] Still referring to FIGS. 5 through 7, the carousel body 44 includes three equiangularly spaced carousel wall segments 70 extending from the periphery of the circular base plate 45. Each wall segment 70 defines a bobbin position. Bobbin positions 71A, 71B and 71C are depicted in FIGS. 5 and 8. Each wall segment 70 also supports a cover 72.

[0037] Each bobbin position is characterized by an identical structure so the description is limited to the first bobbin position 71A. A semicircular retainer wall 73 extends inwardly from the wall segment 70 and is spaced essentially equidistantly from an axle 74. The distance is selected so that when a bobbin, such as bobbin 32A, is placed on the axle 74 the secondary wall has a corresponding cross-sectional area. The height of each retaining wall 73 is selected that the top/edge lies just below the primary bobbin wall 34 at its periphery. The primary wall has a greater diameter than the secondary wall 35, so a portion of the primary wall 34 extends through a notch 74 formed in the wall segment 70.

[0038] A free end 75 of the retainer wall 73 is formed in a reverse curve and with the wall segment 70 defines a gap 76 through which a decorative strand can pay out from the bobbin 32, such as the bobbin 32A in FIG. 8. A passage 76 with a side slot allows an individual to position the decorative strand, such as strand 15A in FIG. 8, so that it captures the decorative strand and directs it to the central passage 16.

[0039] An axle 78 carried on the carousel 12 and extending from the plate 45, receives the bobbin. As particularly viewed from FIG. 8 when the three bobbins 32A, 32B and 32C are located on their respective axles, the bobbins rotate about bobbin axes that are parallel to and equidistant from the wrapping axis 13 and that are equiangularly spaced about the wrapping axis. Each of the decorative strands 15A, 15B and 15C individually pays off its respective bobbin, passes through the respective passages in the free ends 75 and then is directed to the central passage 16. The close fit of the primary wall 34 as in the bobbin 32A with its respective retaining wall 73, together with the location of the passage 76, minimizes the potential of decorative strand coming off inappropriately and tangling during use.

[0040] The hair wrapping device 10 also controls the pay out of each decorative strand 15 by applying a frictional force to each bobbin to reduce rotational velocity and to apply some tension in each of the decorative strands as they pay out from their respective bobbins. FIG. 7 shows one structure for providing this frictional force to a bobbin. Specifically the plate 45 has a tab 80 formed in the material as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9A. Using techniques well-known in the art, the tab 80 is designed to flex and exert an axially upward force in the orientation of FIG. 7 as it is pushed toward alignment with the plate 45 or loaded. The cover 72 has a thrust bearing 81 aligned with the primary plate 34 and the axle 78. When the cover 72 is in place and captures the bobbins, it produces a loading between the tab 80 and the secondary plate 35. The resulting force produces sliding friction between the bobbin 32A and the plate 45.

[0041] Referring particularly to FIGS. 5, 7 and 9C, the cover 72 also has a concave top structure 82 with a central aperture 83 that aligns with the central passage 16 formed by the cylindrical support 40 and the carousel 12. Thus when assembled the central passage 16 is unobstructed.

[0042] Detent structures formed between the cover 72 and the carousel body 44 prevent the cover 72 from dislodging during use and provide a proper orientation of the cover 72 relative to the carousel body 44. More specifically, a side skirt 84 on the cover has at least one inner tab 85 at one detent position. In this particular embodiment three equiangularly spaced tabs are formed on the inner portion of the skirt 84. Corresponding equiangularly spaced structures are formed in the wall segments with an axially ramped surface 86 leading to a cavity 87. When the cover 72 slides over the wall segments 70 each tab 85 tab must align with a ramped surface 86. Then the cover 72 and tabs 85 advance until the tabs 85 fall into the cavities 87 to lock the cover 72 in position.

[0043] This angular alignment allows the formation of three equiangularly spaced slots 90 formed proximate the intersection of the skirt 84 and the concave top 82. These slots 90 are aligned with the notch 74 and the bobbins at each of the bobbin positions when the cover 72 is locked in position. This provides access to the knurled edge 37 of each primary wall 34. Thus it is possible for the individual to rewind decorative strands 15 onto their respective bobbins without removing the cover 72.

[0044] As will now be appreciated from FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C, the hair wrapping device 10 is easy to prepare for use. FIG. 9A depicts the hair wrapping device 10 with the bobbins 32A, 32B and 32C positioned for being placed in the bobbin positions 71A, 71B and 7C respectively after decorative strand material is wound on each. FIG. 9B depicts the hair wrapping device after the individual strands 15A, 15B and 15C are led through the retaining wall 73 and the central passage 16. As will be apparent positioning the decorative strands in the central passage 16 can be accomplished manually or with the use of the tool in FIG. 2. In FIG. 9C the cover 72 is positioned so that the tabs 85 align with the respective detents. Thereafter the cover is firmly placed on the carousel body 44. At this point the hair wrapping device is ready for use as previously described with respect to FIGS. 3A through 3D.

[0045] As will now be apparent, particularly from FIGS. 5 through 7, a hair wrapping device 10 constructed in accordance with this invention meets the other objects and advantages of this invention. Each of the structures, such as the carousel cover 72, the carousel body 44, the handle 11 and the handle cover 66 can all be made by standard injection molding processes. Consequently the cost per unit of manufacture of these components is small. The electrical components, including the electric motor and gear trains are all standard devices that are relatively inexpensive. Assembly effort is minimized. Consequently, a hair wrapping device constructed in accordance with this invention is readily manufacturable at a low cost.

[0046] This invention has been disclosed in terms of certain embodiments. It will be apparent that many modifications can be made to the foregoing disclosed embodiment. For example, details of the interface between the cylindrical support 40 and the cylindrical support 46 can be changed. In the figures a portion of the central cylindrical support 46 overlies the end of the support 40. In another embodiment the reverse might occur allowing the cylindrical support 40 to extend beyond the cylindrical support 46. Different structures for the various retaining walls and wall segments could also be substituted. The drawings show three bobbin positions. As previously indicated other numbers of bottom positions could be incorporated in a device. A battery-operated electric motor drive is shown. In some embodiments it might be desired to use standard power or to substitute a mechanical equipment for the electric drive means. Thus the figures show a particular specific embodiment including certain configurations and providing a certain appearance. However, many variations could be made to this embodiment. Consequently, it is the intent of the appended claims to cover all such variations and modifications as come within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A device for wrapping at least one decorative strand about a tress of hair comprising: A) a handle having, at one end thereof, a cylindrical support extending along a wrapping axis, B) a carousel mounted on said cylindrical support member for rotation about the wrapping axis, said cylindrical support and said carousel forming a central passage along the wrapping axis for receiving the tress of hair, C) at least one axle carried on said carousel for defining a bobbin axis displaced from and parallel to the wrapping axis, D) a bobbin on each said axle for carrying a decorative strand that is led through said central passage and for rotating about the bobbin axis, and E) means for rotating said carousel relative to said base member thereby to wrap the decorative strand about the tress of hair.

2. A device as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for rotating said carousel includes engagement means on said carousel and drive means in said handle for contacting said engagement means.

3. A device as recited in claim 2 wherein said drive means includes an electric motor.

4. A device as recited in claim 2 wherein said handle means includes an electric motor, battery supports, and first and second electrical connections between said battery supports and said electric motor, one of said electrical connections including a switch mounted on said handle.

5. A device as recited in claim 1 wherein said carousel has a circular base plate and spaced wall segments extending from the plate.

6. A device as recited in claim 5 wherein said base plate includes means proximate each bobbin axle for applying a frictional force to the corresponding bobbin.

7. A device as recited in claim 6 wherein said base plate includes, at each bobbin position, a retainer wall that partially surrounds said bobbin for retaining the strand on said bobbin, said retainer wall having a gap therethrough for passage of said strand as it pays off said bobbin during a hair wrapping operation.

8. A device as recited in claim 7 wherein said retainer wall defines a passage that guides the strand as it passes from said bobbin through said gap and said central passage.

9. A device as recited in claim 5 wherein said carousel includes a cover that closes said carousel thereby to capture each bobbin on its axle.

10. A device as recited in claim 9 wherein said cover is detachable from said carousel thereby to enable the removal and insertion of a bobbin on its axle.

11. A device as recited in claim 10 wherein said cover and said wall portions include at least one detent assembly for detachably retaining said cover on said carousel.

12. A device as recited in claim 9 wherein said each bobbin has a primary wall that extends transversely to its axle and said cover and said wall segments have a diameter that is less than the diameter of a circle circumscribing said primary walls of all the bobbins on said carousel, said cover having openings therethrough aligned with said bobbins thereby to allow access to the bobbins.

13. A device as recited in claim 9 wherein said carousel includes a circular base plate for carrying said axles and said circular base plate includes means at each axle for applying axial thrust to a bobbin on said axle.

14. A device as recited in claim 13 wherein cover includes means aligned with each said axle for limiting axial displacement of a bobbin on said axle whereby said thrust means and said cover generate a frictional force during rotation of said bobbin.

15. A device for wrapping at a plurality of decorative strands about a tress of hair comprising: A) a handle having, at one end thereof, a cylindrical support extending along a wrapping axis, B) a carousel mounted on said cylindrical support member for rotation about the wrapping axis, said cylindrical support and said carousel forming a central passage along the wrapping axis for receiving the tress of hair, C) a bobbin for each of the plurality of decorative strands that is led through said central passage, D) an axle for each of said plurality of bobbins carried on said carousel, said plurality of axles lying on bobbin axes that are parallel to, equally radially displaced from and equiangularly spaced around the wrapping axis, E) a guide on said carousel proximate each of the plurality of bobbins for guiding a decorative strand to said central passage, and F) drive means for rotating said carousel relative to said base member thereby to wrap the plurality of strands about the tress.

16. A device as recited in claim 15 including a ring gear formed about the periphery of said carousel and an electric drive with a gear engaging the ring gear.

17. A device as recited in claim 16 wherein said electric drive means includes an electric motor and a speed reducer between said motor and said gear.

18. A device as recited in claim 17 wherein said electric motor is battery operated, said handle including battery supports, supports for said electric motor, an electric switch and electrical connections among said battery supports, electric motor and electric switch.

19. A device as recited in claim 15 wherein said carousel has a circular base plate that supports said ring gear and wall segments about portions of the base plate.

20. A device as recited in claim 19 wherein said base plate includes means proximate each of said bobbin axles for applying a frictional force to a bobbin mounted on said axle and rotates about a bobbin axis.

21. A device as recited in claim 20 wherein said base plate includes, at each bobbin position, a retaining wall that partially surrounds said bobbin for retaining the strand on said bobbin, said retaining wall having a gap therethrough for passage of said strand as it pays off said bobbin during a hair wrapping operation.

22. A device as recited in claim 21 wherein said retaining wall defines a passage that guides the strands it passes from said bobbin through said gap and said central passage.

23. A device as recited in claim 19 wherein said carousel includes a cover that closes said carousel thereby to capture each of said bobbins on a corresponding axle.

24. A device as recited in claim 23 wherein said cover is detachable from said carousel thereby to enable the removal and insertion of bobbins on said axles.

25. A device as recited in claim 24 wherein said cover and said wall portions include at least one detent assembly for detachably retaining said cover on said carousel.

26. A device as recited in claim 23 wherein each of said bobbins has a primary wall that extends transversely to the bobbin axis and said cover and said wall segments have a diameter that is less than the diameter of a circle circumscribing said primary walls of bobbins on said carousel, said cover and wall segments having openings and notches therethrough respectively, aligned with said bobbins thereby to allow access to said primary walls of said bobbins.

27. A device as recited in claim 26 wherein the periphery of said primary walls are knurled.

28. A device as recited in claim 23 wherein said carousel includes a circular base plate for carrying said axles and said circular base plate includes means at each axle for applying axial thrust to a bobbin on said axle.

29. A device as recited in claim 28 wherein said cover includes means aligned with each said axle for limiting axial displacement of a bobbin on said axle whereby said thrust means and said cover generate a frictional force during rotation of said bobbin.

30. A device as recited in claim 15 additionally comprising means for grasping a hair tress for placement in said central passage.

31. A kit for enabling an individual to wrap at a plurality of decorative strands about a tress of hair comprising: A) a hair wrapping device including: i) a handle having, at one end thereof, a cylindrical support extending along a wrapping axis and at the other end thereof electrically interconnected battery supports, an electric motor and an electrical switch accessible for operation for the exterior of said handle portion, ii) a carousel mounted on said cylindrical support for rotation about the wrapping axis, said cylindrical support and said carousel forming a central passage along the axis for receiving the tress of hair, said carousel including: a) a circular base plate with a ring gear about the periphery thereof, b) three axles extending from said base plate along bobbin axes that are equally radially spaced from and equiangularly spaced about the wrapping axis, and c) wall segments extending from said base plate around said periphery thereof, iii) a bobbin for each of the plurality of decorative strands that is led through said central passage, for rotating on each of said axles about a respective bobbin axis thereby to provide three decorative strands, iv) speed reducing gear means between said electric motor and said ring gear whereby energization of said electric motor rotates said carousel, v) guides for directing the decorative strands from through said central passage as the decorative strands pay from said bobbins during rotation of said carousel, and vi) cover means detachably attached to said wall segments on said carousel, and B) means for grasping a hair tress for placement in said central passage.