Systems and Methods for Releasing Braids

Abstract

Portable braid releasing devices and methods for the use thereof. The devices and methods disclosed herein may be suitable for releasing, loosening, or undoing hair braids worn on the head of a user. In some embodiments, said devices may include a narrow body disposed between two ends, and a recessed portion disposed on a length of the body, wherein the two ends include a first end opposite a second end, and wherein at least one of the two ends is tapered. Methods for using said devices may include inserting the first or second of a device into a braid of a wearer, gliding the device toward the end of the braid, and repeating this motion until the braid is loosened and/or undone to a desired level.

Claims

1. A handheld braid releasing device comprising: a narrow body disposed between two ends; a recessed portion disposed on a length of the body; wherein the two ends include a first end opposite a second end; and wherein at least one of the two ends is tapered.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the recessed portion is configured to receive a fingertip of a user.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the two ends are both tapered and removably attached to the body.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the two ends are interchangeable with each other.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the first end has a first tip, and the second end has a second tip.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the first tip is narrower than the second tip.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one replacement end that is configured to be interchangeable with at least one of the first end or the second end.

8. An ergonomic braid releaser assembly, comprising: a long, narrow body that is securably and removably attachable to at least two tapered ends; a groove disposed on the narrow body and between the at least two tapered ends; and wherein the at least two tapered ends are configured to be insertable into and removable from a braid.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the at least two tapered ends include a first end and a second end.

10. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the first end diminishes in thickness away from the narrow body to a greater degree than the second end diminishes in thickness.

11. The assembly of claim 9, further comprising a third end that is configured to be securably attachable to the body.

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the third end is configured to be interchangeable with at least one of the first end or the second end.

13. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the third end differs in thickness from at least one of the first end or the second end.

14. A device suitable for loosening braids, comprising: an elongated member having at least two ends, including a first end and a second end; wherein the elongated member gradually diminishes in thickness toward the at least two ends; and wherein the first end diminishes in thickness to a greater degree than the second end diminishes in thickness.

15. The device of claim 14, further comprising an indentation on the elongated member configured to receive a fingertip of a user.

16. The device of claim 14, wherein the at least two ends are removably and securably attached to the elongated member.

17. The device of claim 14, wherein the at least two ends further comprise a third end that is interchangeable with at least one of the first end or the second end.

18. The device of claim 14, wherein the thickness of the at least two ends directly correlates with a size of a braid for which the at least two ends is configured to loosen.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the first end is configured to be removably inserted into a small box braid and suitable for loosening said small box braid.

20. The device of claim 18, wherein the second end is configured to be removably inserted into a larger box braid and suitable for loosening said larger box braid.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 shows a side plan view of a braid releasing device, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the braid releasing device of FIG. 1, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the braid releasing device of FIGS. 1-2, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the braid releasing device of FIG. 3, including a removable end, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of multiple removable ends, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the braid releasing device of FIGS. 1-2 being held by a user, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the braid releasing device of FIGS. 1-2 in relation to a braid of a wearer, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective side view showing another embodiment of a braid releasing device, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of a braid releasing device, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the braid releasing device of FIG. 8 being held by a user, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the braid releasing device of FIG. 8 in relation to a braid of a wearer, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

[0018] The present disclosure contemplates portable braid releasing devices for enabling the loosening and/or undoing of various styles of hair braids that may be worn by wearer, which have been specifically designed to address the problem of conventional tools and methods being relatively time-consuming, ineffective, painful for the wearer of the braids, often resulting in damaged and/or broken hair, and/or being uncomfortable to use. In fact, the conventional process of loosening or undoing braids may have generally been viewed as an unpleasant experience for both the person wearing the braids and the person loosening or undoing the braids. Depending on the style of braids being worn, the skill of the person loosening or undoing the braids, and the patience of the person wearing the braids, it is not uncommon for the conventional process to entail hours of scalp discomfort for the wearer and/or hand strain for the user of a conventional tool.

[0019] As disclosed herein, the novel braid releasing devices (and methods for their use) offer a time-efficient, effective, hair-safe, and ergonomic alternative to such conventional tools and methods, while providing both the wearer of the braids and the user of the device with a pleasant experience. In some embodiments, the disclosed braid releasing devices may be manufactured at relatively low costs, and require relatively low lead times to produce. However, other embodiments may go the artisanal route and include devices that are handcrafted and/or made from luxurious materials. In either route, the devices may generally have a slim and portable design in order to be easily pocketable and carried around for use while on-the-go, stowed away in a purse, stocked at a hair salon or at home, and/or kept in a pen cup on a desk.

[0020] Various aspects of the present disclosure are described below and illustrated in the associated drawings, using certain embodiments and examples intended to illustrate but not limit the disclosure. Additionally, certain aspects of the disclosure may be described as a “first”, a “second,” a “third,” and so forth. However, this numbering scheme is not intended to limit the disclosure to only the numbers described herein, nor to imply that any particular sequence or number of elements are necessary to the disclosure. The subject matter of the present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed representing the scope of the invention in the concluding portion of this specification. However, both the organization and method of operation, together with further advantages and objects thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following descriptions taken in connection with accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like elements.

Examples, Components, and Alternatives

[0021] FIG. 1 shows a side plan view of an exemplary braid releasing device 10, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The device 10 may be adapted for enabling the releasing, loosening, or undoing of hair braids that may be worn on the head of a wearer. In some embodiments, the device 10 may include a narrow body 12 disposed between two ends 14 and 16, and a recessed portion 18 disposed on a length 20 of the body 12. The two ends may more specifically include a first end 14 that is disposed on the opposite of a second end 16 of the body 12 of the device 10. Generally, the first end 14 and the second end 16 may both be tapered away from a center of the elongated body 12.

[0022] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1, the recessed portion 18 may be disposed on the narrow body 12 and configured to receive a fingertip of a person using the device 10. The recessed portion 18 may be a groove, depression, or any other suitable indentation on the length 20 of the body 12. Because the process of loosening or undoing braids may generally be time-consuming, the recessed portion 18 is designed to be ergonomic and thus reduce any hand and/or finger strain that may be caused by the potentially repetitive nature of loosening or undoing braids. This feature may be particularly useful for arthritic users, hair stylists, and/or any other users of the device 10 who might spend hours repeating the same braid-loosening motions.

[0023] Although FIG. 1 shows only one recessed portion 18 on the length 20 of the body 12, other embodiments may be configured differently. For example, in some embodiments the body 10 may include a 360-degree indentation where the recessed portion is shown in FIG. 1. And, although the recessed portion 18 shown in FIG. 1, is disposed on the center of the body 12, recessed portions of other embodiments may be disposed at any suitable locations on the length 20 of the body 12.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the first end 14 and the second end 16 may be tapered away from the center of the body 12. Although the two ends 14 and 16 are shown as substantially conical in shape, other embodiments may include ends having any suitable for aiding in the loosening or undoing of braids. However, conical ends may provide an added benefit of being gentler on hair and thus minimizing hair-breakage when using the device 10. In preferred embodiments, the two ends 14 and 16 may be tapered so that a narrowest point of each end 14 and 16 may easily glide into a braid of a wearer and be pushed through the braid to thereby loosen said braid.

[0025] As also shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the first end 14 may have a first tip 22 and the second end 16 may have a second tip 24. In some embodiments, the first tip 22 may be narrower than the second tip 24. Generally, the size of the tip and/or degree of tapering of the end may correspond with the type and/or size of a braid that is to be loosened. For example, the narrower first tip 22 may be useful for undoing small and/or tight braids, whereas the thicker second tip 24 may be useful for undoing large and/or looser braids. However, individual users may have different preferences when using the device 10, and the correlation between tip size and braid size may vary.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the braid releasing device of FIG. 1, according to aspects of the present disclosure. In some but not all embodiments, at least one of the two ends may removably attached to the body 12 of the device 10 and then be nondestructively detached from the body 12, such that the ends may be interchangeable with each other and/or one or more additional ends configured to be compatible with the device 10. In such embodiments, any suitable attachment mechanism may be used. Such attachment mechanisms may include, for example, fasteners such as wood screws, machine screws, threads, magnets, clips, etc. For example, a first attachment structure 26 of the body 12 may removably attach to a corresponding structure of the end 14, and a second attachment structure 28 of the body 12 may removable attached to a corresponding structure of the end 16. In some embodiments, the ends 14 and/or 16 may be easily locked into place as to avoid said ends coming off during use.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the braid releasing device of FIGS. 1-2, according to aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, although the body 12 of the device 10 may be substantially tubular in shape, the body 12 may be any shape suitable for loosening or undoing braids. For example, the body 12 may be substantially rectangular, hexagonal, and so on. In fact, the hexagonal shape shown in FIG. 3 may provide better grip and texture, and perhaps be more ergonomic than a purely cylindrical body. For example, some embodiments may include an ergonomic body 12 that is shaped like a rectangular prism, such that each side of the prism corresponds to the areas of a user's fingers (such as the thumb, pointer finger, and middle finger) that are most likely to be in sustained contact with the device 10 while it is in use. Additionally, with ergonomics in mind, the body 12 of the device 10 may generally be smooth—i.e., free from perceptible projections or lumps—for ease of use by the user of the device 10.

[0028] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the braid releasing device of FIG. 3, including a removable end, according to aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the interior of the end 14 may include threads that correspond with attachment structure 26 of the body 12. However, as discussed in further detail above, any suitable attachment mechanism may be used.

[0029] FIG. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of multiple removable ends, according to aspects of the present disclosure. Some embodiments may include a set 28 replacement ends 30, 32, 34, and 36 that may be interchangeable with each other, as to provide a user with options suitable for a wide range of differently sized and styled braids. In fact, some braid releasing assemblies may include a plurality of interchangeable ends so that the overall package may be considered as a “one size fits all” solution to loosening or undoing various sizes and styles of braids. For example, the replacement end 36 may be suitable for loosening or undoing smaller and/or tighter braids, whereas the replacement end 32 may be suitable for loosening and/or undoing larger and/or looser braids. Additionally, or alternatively to being used for different sizes and/or styles of braids, the set 20 of replacement ends may be useful if the original end 14 and/or 16 become worn out or otherwise need to be replaced.

[0030] Although the set 20 is shown with replacement ends having different lengths and thicknesses, some embodiments may include a pack of similarly or same sized replacement ends. For example, in a commercial or public setting where it is particularly important to avoid the transfer of contaminants between braid wearers, embodiments having a set 28 interchangeable ends may provide the added benefit of allowing the user to dispose of used ends after seeing each client. The ability to interchange the ends 14 and/or 16 of the device 10 with any of the replacement ends in the set 20 may also prove cost-effective for hair stylists and like professionals because the body 12 of the device may not need to be discarded after use on each client. Interchangeable ends may also be especially useful when attempting to reduce waste, as only the ends would be “wasted” after each use.

[0031] Another example of usefulness of having a set 20 of interchangeable ends is where the body 12 of the device 10 is made from a higher-end material or mixture of materials, such as, but not limited to: wood, glass, ceramic, stone, gemstone, metal, and so on. In such embodiments, it likely would not be desirable to discard such relatively expensive materials after each use. Thus, the ends 14 and/or 16 may be made from a cheap, disposable material like plastic. In alternative embodiments, however, the body 12 of the device 10 may also be made from a cheap material or mixture of materials, in which case it may be fine to dispose of the entire device 10 between clients.

[0032] Generally, it may be desirable for the ends 14 and/or 16 to be composed of an at least semi-rigid and/or relatively low-friction material or mixture of materials to facilitate the smooth insertion and removal of the ends 14 and/or 16 from the braids of a wearer. However, it may be less important for the body 12 of the device 10 to have these qualities. In some but not all embodiments, the body 12 may be flexible or semi-flexible. For example, the body 12 may be made of rubber or be at least partially rubberized around the recessed portion 18 area as to promote the comfort of the user. Additionally, some embodiments may be non-porous, dishwasher-safe, and/or autoclavable to facilitate ease of cleaning of the device 10 and the removal of any particulates or contaminates that may accumulate thereon as a result of regular use.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the braid releasing device of FIGS. 1-2 being held by a user, according to aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the body 12 of the device 10 may be relatively long and narrow, as to be easily held in the hand 28 of a user. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the braid releasing device of FIGS. 1-2 in relation to a braid 42 of a wearer, according to aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, the tip 22 of the device 10 may be placed near the end 42 of the braid 40 and then gently slid into the braid 40 via a “notch” 44 of the braid 40. Then, pushing the device 10 further into the braid tip causes the end 14 to get wider as the tip 14 slides further into the notch 42, thereby loosening the braid at and below the notch 42. The end 14 may then be slid out of the braid by moving the device 10 downward toward the end 42 of the braid 40. This process may be repeated at each notch along the braid 40 away from the end 42 of the braid and toward the scalp of the wearer until the braid 40 is loosened and/or undone to the desired level.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a perspective side view showing another embodiment of a braid releasing device, according to aspects of the present disclosure. For simplicity, elements of FIGS. 8 (and 10-11) are shown with numbers that correspond to similar elements in FIGS. 1-7, with a “1” added in front of each number. Specifically, FIG. 8 shows an ergonomic braid releasing device 110 having a long, narrow body attached to at least two tapered ends, i.e., a first end 114 and a second end 116, both tapered ends being configured to be insertable into and removable from a braid 140 (see FIG. 11) of a wearer.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 8, the tapered ends 114 and 116 both diminish in thickness away from the body 112 of the device 110. In some embodiments, the first end 114 may diminish in thickness away from the body 112 to a greater degree than the second end 116 diminishes in thickness away from the body 112, or vice versa. In other words, the first end 114 may be narrower at its first tip 122 than the second end 116 at its second tip 124. Accordingly, but not necessarily, the first end 122 of the device 110 may be suitable for loosening or undoing smaller and/or tighter braids, whereas the second end 124 of the device 110 may be suitable for loosening or undoing larger and/or looser braids.

[0036] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 8, not all embodiments include removable and/or interchangeable ends. In some embodiments, the body 110 and the ends 114 and/or 116 be one continuous piece composed of substantially the same material or mixture of materials. For example, the device 110 may be composed of one or more plastics commonly used in injection molding and/or additive manufacturing, such as but not limited to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, polylactic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, polyoxmethylene (POM), polycarbonate, PVC, nylon 32% glass fiber, acrylic (PMMA), styrene, polyether imide (PEI), acrylonitrile, and/or other mixtures thereof. Additionally, or alternatively, the device 110 may be composed of one or more pure metals, metal alloys, woods, or any other suitable material(s).

[0037] Although any suitable material(s) may be used for the device 110, preferred embodiments may use one or more relatively low-friction materials for the ends 114 and/or 116 to enable smooth gliding of said ends through the hair of a user.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of a braid releasing device, according to aspects of the present disclosure. For simplicity, elements of FIG. 9 are shown with numbers that correspond to similar elements in FIGS. 1-7, with a “2” added in front of each number. As shown in FIG. 9, some but not all braid releasing devices 210 may include at least two ends 214 and 216 that are securably and removably attachable thereto. Though these ends are shown as having a different shape than the ends shown in FIGS. 1-7, all such ends are substantially similar in function. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the above description of the ends shown in FIG. 1-7 may be applied to the ends 214 and 216 shown in FIG. 9-11.

[0039] Although not shown in FIG. 9, some embodiments may include a third end that is configured to be securably attachable to the body 212 of the device 210, and thus may serve as a replacement end or an alternative end. Alternative ends may differ in thickness and/or shape from the first end 222 and/or the second end 224 as to provide additional options to a user.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the braid releasing device 110 of FIG. 8 being held in the hand 138 of a user, according to aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 10, the device 110 includes an elongated member or a body 112 having at least two ends, including a first end 114 and a second end 116. As shown in FIG. 10, the body 112 includes a relatively large indentation 118 on the length 120 of the body 112, such that the body 112 of the device 110 is narrower around the center of the device 110. Although FIG. 10 shows the indentation 118 as substantially centered on the length 120 of the body 112, the indentation 118 may be disposed at any suitable location on the length 120. For example, in some embodiments, the indentation 118 may be disposed nearer to the first end 114 than to the second end 116, thus giving the user an option to hold the device 110 closer to an end or further away from an end, depending on personal preference.

[0041] As also shown in FIG. 10, embodiments having a substantially 360-degree indentation 118 on the length 120 of the body 112—as opposed to an indentation being on just one side of the body—may provide an added benefit of accommodating not only the tip of a user's pointer finger, but also the contact points with a user's thumb and middle finger, when the device 110 is held like a pen or pencil.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the braid releasing device of FIG. 8 in relation to a braid of a wearer, according to aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 11, the device 110 may be used in a substantially similar way as the device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-7 and as described herein. An exemplary set of instructions for the use of device 110 may include the following nonexhaustive list of steps. Note, however, that not all steps may be necessary, and certain steps may be performed out of order and/or repeated as desired.

[0043] STEP ONE: Hold the device 110 with your dominant hand, like a pen or a pencil, by placing the tip of your index finger, the tip of your thumb, and the side of your top middle finger knuckle along the indentation 118 of the device 110.

[0044] OPTIONAL STEP TWO (for devices having interchangeable ends only): If the indentation 118 is not disposed on the center of the device 110, then check to see which side is more comfortable to use. For example, if it is more comfortable to hold the device 110 closer to an end, but you need a different sized tip, then swap out the current tip for a different tip having your desired size.

[0045] STEP THREE: Hold the braid 140 you would like to loosen in your non-dominant hand.

[0046] STEP FOUR: Locate the end 142 of the braid 140 and place the device 110 at a notch 144 of the braid 140 that is closest to or near the end 142 of the braid 140.

[0047] STEP FIVE: Gently slide the tip 122 of the device 110 into the notch 144 of the braid 140.

[0048] STEP SIX: Push the tip 122 of the device 110 further into the braid, toward the thicker end 114 of the device until the braid becomes loose.

[0049] STEP SEVEN: Gently move the device 110 downward toward the end 142 of the braid 140 to further loosen and/or undo the braid, and to remove the device 110 from the braid 140.

[0050] STEP EIGHT: Repeat steps 3-7 upwards along the braid 140, away from the end 142 of the braid and toward the scalp of the wearer, until the braid 140 is loosened and/or undone to the desired level.

[0051] OPTIONAL STEP NINE (for devices having disposable ends): Detach the end 114 from the body 112 of the device 110 and dispose of it accordingly.

[0052] The above steps may be modified, added to, or subtracted from, depending on the type of braid, type of hair, user and/or wearer preference, and so on. Further, although the embodiments described herein refer to (1) a person wearing the braids (the “wearer”) and (b) a person loosening the braids (the “user”), it should be understood that this may be the same or two or more different people. In other words, the braid releasing devices described herein may be used by the person wearing the braids, or by another person. Additionally, it is conceivable for the braids to be exist apart from a person altogether, such as on a non-human animal, on a mannequin head, and so on. Unless expressly claimed, the above description is not intended to be considered in a limiting sense.

Advantages, Features, Benefits

[0053] The different embodiments of braid releasing devices and methods for their use described herein may provide several advantages over previous systems and methods. For example, the illustrative embodiments described herein provide a simple, lightweight, effective, time-efficient, pain-free, and comfortable-to-use (for both the wearer of the braids and the user of the device) solution for releasing the braids of the wearer.

[0054] Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative embodiments described herein allow for relatively low manufacturing costs and assembly lead times, depending on the material(s) from which the devices are formed. The disclosed embodiments offer significant advantages over conventional tools because they may be handcrafted, artisanal items and enjoyed as design pieces, or, alternatively, they may be mass manufactured through injection molding, 3D printing, or other known methods. No known systems or methods can produce these results. Thus, the illustrative embodiments described herein are particularly suited for both personal and commercial use. However, not all embodiments described herein provide the same advantages or the same degree of advantage.

CONCLUSION

[0055] The disclosure set forth above may encompass multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. Although each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form(s), the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. To the extent that section headings are used within this disclosure, such headings are for organizational purposes only, and do not constitute a characterization of any claimed invention. The subject matter of the invention(s) includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions, and/or properties disclosed herein. The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations regarded as novel and nonobvious. Invention(s) embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed in applications claiming priority from this or a related application.