Tool support

A low-drag counter-balance apparatus for offsetting a weight between two points of reference, over a range of movement, the points of reference respectively defining a point of attachment to the weight and an axis of rotation, the apparatus comprising:

• a drum configured to rotate about the axis of rotation;
• a spring operatively engaged with the drum to bias rotation of the drum;
• the drum having a surface defining a helical path thereon;
• a cord coupled at a proximal end thereof to the drum;
• the cord coupled at a distal end thereof to the weight;
• the cord configured to be alternately wound and unwound about the drum along the helical path during the rotation of the drum, respectively with and against the bias;
• an entry/exit location where the cord alternately engages and disengages the drum during the winding and unwinding;
• and
• the entry/exit point and the spring configured for being axially stationary relative to one another during the winding and unwinding.

A low-drag multi-elevational hairdryer support comprising:

• a frame configured for mounting to a ceiling;
• a shaft disposed on the frame, the shaft defining an axis of rotation;
• low-friction rolled threads disposed along a first portion of the shaft;
• a substantially smooth low-friction spring support disposed concentrically with an other portion of the shaft;
• the spring support having a lubricious outer surface configured to slidably support a spring concentrically disposed therewith;
• a drum having an integral self-lubricating inner threaded bore;
• the threaded bore disposed in rotational engagement with the low-friction rolled threads;
• the drum having an exterior frusto-conical surface;
• a helical path extending along the frusto-conical surface;
• a coiled spring disposed to bias rotation of the drum;
• the spring having a first number of coils concentrically superposed with the spring support;
• the coils disposed in axially spaced relation to one another, wherein the coils are free from mutual engagement during rotation of the drum;
• the helical path extending for a second number of revolutions about the drum;
• a ratio of the first number of coils to the second number of revolutions being at least 11:1;
• a cord coupled at a proximal end thereof to the drum;
• a hairdryer coupled to a distal end of the cord;
• the cord configured to supply electrical power to the hairdryer;
• the helical path configured to windingly receive the cord thereon;
• the cord configured for being alternately wound and unwound with and against the bias of the spring as the hairdryer is respectively raised and lowered;
• and
• the support having a drag force opposing elevational movement of the hairdryer of less than 0.5 pounds (0.2 kg).

A method for offsetting a weight between two points of reference, over a range of movement, the points of reference respectively defining a point of attachment to the weight and an axis of rotation, the method comprising:

• (a) configuring a drum to rotate about the axis of rotation;
• (b) operatively engaging a spring with the drum to bias rotation of the drum;
• (c) providing a surface defining a helical path thereon;
• (d) coupling a proximal end of the cord to the drum;
• (e) configuring a distal end of the cord for coupling to the weight;
• (f) configuring the cord for being alternately wound and unwound about the drum along the helical path during the rotation of the drum, respectively with and against the bias;
• (g) providing an entry/exit location where the cord alternately engages and disengages the drum during the winding and unwinding;
• and
• (h) configuring the entry/exit point and the spring for being axially stationary relative to one another during the winding and unwinding.

A multi-elevational hairdryer support comprising:

• a drum disposed to rotate about a central axis;
• a coiled spring disposed to bias rotation of the drum;
• a cord coupled at a proximal end thereof to the drum;
• a hairdryer coupled to a distal end of the cord;
• the cord configured to supply electrical power to the hairdryer;
• the drum configured to windingly receive the power cord thereabout;
• the power cord configured for being alternately wound and unwound with and against the bias of the spring as the hairdryer is respectively raised and lowered;
• the drum configured for moving axially during the alternate winding and unwinding;
• an axially stationary entry and exit point through which the cord alternately exits and enters the helical channel during the alternate unwinding and winding;
• the spring being coupled to the drum at an axially stationary location which is orthogonally aligned with the entry and exit point relative to the axis;
• and
• the spring being configured for remaining axially stationary during the axial movement of the drum.

A multi-elevational tool support comprising:

• a drum disposed to rotate about a central axis;
• a coiled spring disposed to bias rotation of the drum;
• a cord coupled at a proximal end thereof to the drum;
• a tool coupled to a distal end of the cord;
• the cord configured to supply electrical power to the tool;
• the drum configured to windingly receive the power cord thereabout;
• the cord configured for being alternately wound and unwound with and against the bias of the spring as the tool is respectively raised and lowered;
• the drum configured for moving axially during the alternate winding and unwinding;
• an axially stationary entry and exit point through which the cord alternately engages and disengages the drum during the alternate unwinding and winding;
• the spring being coupled to the drum at an axially stationary location which is orthogonally aligned with the entry and exit point relative to the axis;
• and
• the spring being configured for remaining axially stationary during the axial movement of the drum.

A multi-elevational tool support comprising:

• a drum disposed to rotate about a central axis;
• a coiled spring disposed to bias rotation of the drum;
• a cord coupled at a proximal end thereof to the drum;
• a tool coupled to a distal end of the cord;
• the cord configured to supply power to the tool;
• the drum configured to windingly receive the power cord thereabout;
• the cord configured for being alternately wound and unwound with and against the bias of the spring as the tool is respectively raised and lowered;
• the drum configured for moving axially during the alternate winding and unwinding;
• an axially stationary entry and exit point through which the cord alternately engages and disengages the drum during the alternate unwinding and winding;
• the spring being coupled to the drum;
• and
• the spring being configured for remaining axially stationary during the axial movement of the drum.