Auto Twist Sponge Brush Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel automatic twist sponge brush device. The device is a hair styling tool for keeping hair naturally curly. The device comprises a brush component with a handle end and a working tool end. The working tool end comprises a sponge head with inch holes spaced inches apart in rows and columns. The sponge head is mounted on a three cam rotating head and powered by a battery or electrical plug. In use, the automatic twist sponge brush device firmly, yet gently, rotates and rubs a user's hair in a circular motion to create twists, curls, and coils.

Claims

1. An automatic twist sponge brush device that firmly, yet gently, rotates and rubs a user's hair in a circular motion to create twists, curls and coils, the automatic twist sponge brush device comprising: a brush component having a handle end and a working tool end; and a sponge head secured to the working tool end; wherein the sponge head contacts a user's hair during use and is moved over a surface of the user's hair; wherein the sponge head rotates in a roto-linear motion and automatically imparts a styled pattern to a user's hair; and further wherein the sponge head is powered by a battery or an electrical plug.

2. The automatic twist sponge brush device of claim 1, wherein the styled pattern comprises twists, curls, coils, or a combination thereof.

3. The automatic twist sponge brush device of claim 2, wherein the brush component is cannulated to allow wires to pass through to the handle end and to the working tool end.

4. The automatic twist sponge brush device of claim 3, wherein the handle end comprises a gripping channel along its length.

5. The automatic twist sponge brush device of claim 4, wherein the working tool end serves as a housing for a circuit board, a motor, the battery, a plurality of cams, user control switches, and wiring.

6. The automatic twist sponge brush device of claim 5, wherein the sponge head is secured to a motor driven base, which is then connected to the plurality of cams for rotating the sponge head during use.

7. The automatic twist sponge brush device of claim 6, wherein the sponge head is interface between the working tool end and the user's hair and bottom surface of the sponge head comes into contact with the user's hair.

8. The automatic twist sponge brush device of claim 7, wherein the bottom surface comprises a surface contour pattern.

9. The automatic twist sponge brush device of claim 8, wherein the surface contour pattern comprises a plurality of inch holes spaced inches apart in rows and columns.

10. The automatic twist sponge brush device of claim 9, wherein the sponge head comprises a plurality of holes and a plurality of hair shapers.

11. The automatic twist sponge brush device of claim 10, wherein the sponge head is attachable and removable but remains securely in place during operation.

12. The automatic twist sponge brush device of claim 11, wherein the sponge head is disposable.

13. The automatic twist sponge brush device of claim 12, wherein the sponge head is reusable.

14. The automatic twist sponge brush device of claim 13, wherein back of the motor driven base comprises at least one groove which engages the plurality of cams, the plurality of cams are then engaged by the motor to travel within the at least one groove, thus rotating the sponge head in a roto-linear motion.

15. An automatic twist sponge brush device that firmly, yet gently, rotates and rubs a user's hair in a circular motion to create twists, curls, and coils, the automatic twist sponge brush device comprising: a brush component having a handle end and a working tool end; and a sponge head secured to the working tool end comprising a plurality of inch holes spaced inches apart in rows and columns; wherein the handle end comprises a gripping channel along its length; wherein the working tool end serves as a housing for a circuit board, a motor, the battery, a plurality of cams, user control switches, and wiring; wherein the sponge head is secured to a motor driven base, which is then connected to the plurality of cams for rotating the sponge head during use; wherein the sponge head is interface between the working tool end and the user's hair and bottom surface of the sponge head comes into contact with the user's hair; wherein the sponge head is attachable and removable but remains securely in place during operation; wherein the sponge head rotates in a roto-linear motion and automatically imparts a styled pattern to a user's hair; and further wherein the sponge head is powered by a battery or an electrical plug.

16. The automatic twist sponge brush device of claim 15 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

17. The automatic twist sponge brush device of claim 15, wherein the plurality of cams comprises three cams arranged in a triangular configuration.

18. The automatic twist sponge brush device of claim 15, wherein back of the motor driven base comprises at least one groove which engages the plurality of cams, the plurality of cams are then engaged by the motor to travel within the at least one groove, thus rotating the sponge head in a roto-linear motion.

19. The automatic twist sponge brush device of claim 15 further comprising user control switches, which include a power switch for turning on and off the motor, a directional control switch for direction of rotation of the motor, and a speed control switch for controlling speed of the motor.

20. A method of rotating and rubbing a user's hair in a circular motion to create twists, curls, and coils, comprising the following steps: providing an automatic twist sponge brush device comprising a brush component with a handle end and a working tool end, the working tool end comprises a sponge head with inch holes spaced inches apart in rows and columns, which is mounted on a three cam rotating head and powered by a battery or electrical plug; securing the sponge head to the working tool end of the brush component; positioning the sponge head on a user's hair; and turning on the automatic twist sponge brush device and rotating and rubbing a user's hair in a circular motion to create twists, curls, and coils.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the automatic twist sponge brush device of the present invention showing the working tool end and sponge head in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the automatic twist sponge brush device of the present invention showing the handle end and electrical plug in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the automatic twist sponge brush device of the present invention showing the rotating mechanism under the sponge head in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the automatic twist sponge brush device of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the automatic twist sponge brush device of the present invention showing how the brush device creates different hairstyles in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of rotating and rubbing a user's hair in a circular motion to create twists, curls, and coils in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0038] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0039] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an automatic twist sponge brush device that provides users with a specialized brush capable of keeping hair naturally curly without considerable physical effort. There is also a long-felt need in the art for an automatic twist sponge brush device that features a sponge head with inch holes spaced inches apart in rows and columns attached to a rotating base. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an automatic twist sponge brush device that allows users to rotate the brush head via a switch to create a consistent circular motion at a slow speed of 25 to 500 rotations per minute. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that automatically twists and curls hair without heat application and excessive wrist and elbow action to create a desired hairstyle. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an automatic twist sponge brush device that saves considerable time and effort for hair stylists while keeping clients happy and satisfied with their hairstyle. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an automatic twist sponge brush device that has attachable and removable sponge heads.

[0040] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel automatic twist sponge brush device. The device is a hair styling tool for keeping hair naturally curly. The device comprises a brush component with a handle end and a working tool end. The working tool end comprises a sponge head with inch holes spaced inches apart in rows and columns. The sponge head is mounted on a three cam rotating head and powered by a battery or electrical plug. The present invention also includes a novel method of rotating and rubbing a user's hair in a circular motion to create twists, curls, and coils. The method includes the steps of providing an automatic twist sponge brush device comprising a brush component with a handle end and a working tool end, the working tool end comprises a sponge head with inch holes spaced inches apart in rows and columns which is mounted on a three cam rotating head and powered by a battery or electrical plug. The method also comprises securing the sponge head to the working tool end of the brush component. Further, the method comprises positioning the sponge head on a user's hair. Finally, the method comprises turning on the automatic twist sponge brush device and rotating and rubbing a user's hair in a circular motion to create twists, curls, and coils.

[0041] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the automatic twist sponge brush device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the automatic twist sponge brush device 100 is an improved twist sponge brush device 100 that firmly, yet gently, rotates and rubs a user's hair 400 in a circular motion to create twists, curls, and coils. Thus, the device 100 is a hair styling tool for keeping hair naturally curly. Specifically, the device 100 comprises a brush component 102 with a handle end 104 and a working tool end 106. The working tool end 106 comprises a sponge head 108 which is attachable and removable, yet remains securely in place during operation. The sponge head 108 is mounted on a three-cam rotating, motor driven base 110 and powered by a battery 112 or electrical plug 114.

[0042] Specifically, the automatic twist sponge brush device 100 comprises a brush component 102 with a handle end 104 and a working tool end 106 with a sponge head 108, a circuit board 116, a motor 118, one or more batteries 112, a plurality of cams 120, and user control switches 122. The automatic twist sponge brush device 100 is a device that is held by a user above a head of a patron (or user), such that the sponge head 108 is in contact with the patron's hair 400. When the automatic twist sponge brush device 100 is activated, the sponge head 108 moves in a roto-linear or elliptical motion relative to the handle end 104 and imparts a styled pattern to the hair 400 of the patron. The automatic twist sponge brush device 100 may be moved over the surface of the head of the patron to propagate the styled pattern throughout the hair 400 of the patron. As a non-limiting example, the styled pattern may comprise twists, curls, coils, or a combination thereof.

[0043] Furthermore, the brush component 102 is cylindrical in shape, but could be any suitable shape as is known in the art, as long as the shape allows a user to easily hold and manipulate the brush component 102 in their hand. Typically, the brush component 102 is cannulated to allow wires and other circuitry to pass through to the handle end 104 and/or to the working tool end 106. Further, the handle end 104 is also cylindrical in shape and may have grooves and/or ridges on its sides, and/or a gripping channel 124 along its length. The grooves, ridges, and/or gripping channel 124 provide an ergonomic design that may make the handle end 104 more comfortable to hold in the palm of a user's hand and may make it less likely that the automatic twist sponge brush device 100 will be dropped. The grooves, ridges, and/or gripping channel 124 also allows the automatic twist sponge brush device 100 to be more easily manipulated around a user's hair 400 during use. With the use of grooves, ridges, and/or gripping channels 124, a user can more easily control, retain and manipulate the device 100 during use even with wet hands or hands slippery with hair product, etc.

[0044] Additionally, the working tool end 106 is circular in shape, but could be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, as long as it's sized to hold the required components. Typically, the working tool end 106 serves as a housing for the circuit board 116, the motor 118, one or more batteries 112, a plurality of cams 120, user control switches 122, and wiring, and any other suitable components needed for driving the automatic twist sponge brush device 100 during use.

[0045] Further, the working tool end 106 comprises a sponge head 108 secured to a motor driven base 110 which is then connected to the plurality of cams 120 for rotating the sponge head 108 during use. Typically, the sponge head 108 is round in shape with a thickness of approximately 1.5 inches but can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user. Specifically, the sponge head 108 comprises the interface between the working tool end 106 and the hair 400 of the patron. The bottom surface 126 of the sponge head 108, which is the surface that comes into contact with the hair 400 of the patron, may have a surface contour pattern 128 to help it move the hair 400. In some embodiments, the surface contour pattern 128 may be an egg crate pattern comprising a repeating pattern of peaks, dimples, and ridges. Specifically, in one embodiment, the surface contour pattern 128 comprises a plurality of inch holes 130 spaced inches apart in rows and columns. However, the plurality of holes 130 can be arranged in any suitable pattern as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Further, the purpose of the plurality of holes 130 may be to provide space for the hair 400 to move into as the roto-linear motion causing the hair 400 to twist and coil. In some embodiments, the plurality of holes 130 may be hexagonal in shape, but can be any suitable shape as is known in the art. The plurality of holes 130 may also assist in the dissipation of heat generated by friction of the sponge head 108 rubbing against the hair 400.

[0046] Multiple sponge heads 108 can be provided with multiple surface contour patterns 128, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. These multiple sponge heads 108 can also be configured in multiple shapes and sizes, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Any suitable shape or size of sponge head 108 can be utilized as is known in the art.

[0047] In one embodiment, the sponge head 108 comprises a plurality of holes 130 and a plurality of hair shapers 132. The hair shapers 132 may be formed from foam, sponge, metal, silicone, rubber, hard plastic, soft plastic, etc. The hair shapers 132 can be smooth, firm, pliable, textured, etc. The hair shapers 132 can be formed in various cross-sectional shapes, such as round, square, triangular, polygonal, etc. In some embodiments, the plurality of hair shapers 132 extend outward at varying lengths. In some embodiments, the plurality of hair shapers 132 are positioned in equatorial rows across the sponge head 108. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the plurality of hair shapers 132 have ends cut at an angle.

[0048] Generally, the sponge head 108 may be formed from sponge, closed-cell foam, closed-cell silicon, or another suitable soft, flexible and/or pliable material. In some embodiments, the sponge head 108 may be waterproof for easier cleaning. Further, the sponge head 108 may have a flat outer surface or may have a wavy or dimpled outer surface.

[0049] Furthermore, the sponge head 108 is attachable and removable but remains securely in place during operation. In one embodiment, the sponge head 108 is disposable and either replaceable or interchangeable and is discarded once used. In another embodiment, the sponge head 108 is reusable and can be cleaned and reused after use. Here, replaceable means that the sponge head 108 may be removed from the motor driven base 110 and a new sponge head 108 of the same type may be applied in its place. Interchangeable means that the sponge head 108 may be removed from the motor driven base 110 and replaced by a sponge head 108 that has different characteristics. As non-limiting examples, different characteristics may include a different composition, a different height, a different surface contour pattern 128, a different arrangement of holes 130, or a combination thereof. Further, reusable means that the sponge head 108 can be removed from the motor driven base 110, cleaned, and then re-secured to the motor driven base 110 for future use.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the sponge head 108 moves in a rotary motion at the end of the working tool end 106 and can be releasably secured to a motor driven base 110 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, snap features, etc., or some other temporary coupling arrangement, or combinations thereof. The motor driven base 110 is then secured to the plurality of cams 120 which rotate the sponge head 108. Specifically, the back 200 of the motor driven base 110 comprises at least one groove 202 which engages the plurality of cams 120. The plurality of cams 120 are then engaged by the motor 118 to travel within the grooves 202, thus rotating the sponge head 108 in a roto-linear and/or elliptical motion. The roto-linear/elliptical motion is intended to simulate the motion of a sponge being manually rubbed in a circular motion against the hair 400. In one embodiment, there are three cams 120 arranged in a triangular configuration which communicate with the motor 118 to rotate the sponge head 108. Any suitable number of cams 120 can be utilized as is known in the art. However, when multiple cams 120 are used, a belt system 204 or gears are needed to connect the cams 120 to each other and to the motor 118 for motion.

[0051] Furthermore, the circuit board 116 routes electrical signals between components of the device 100 including, but not limited to, the one or more batteries 112, the motor 118, the plurality of cams 120, and the user control switches 122. These components may either couple directly to the circuit board 116 or may be coupled to the circuit board 116 via the wiring. The circuit board 116 may comprise passive and active electrical components not detailed here but necessary to implement functions such as recharging the battery 112, monitoring the battery 112, alerting on low battery conditions, controlling motor speed, and other control and monitoring functions as is known in the art.

[0052] In one embodiment, the motor 118 may couple to the circuit board 116 using a plurality of motor fasteners. The motor 118 may also be physically supported by internal features of the working tool end 106. As a non-limiting example, the internal features of the working tool end 106 may be molded ribs. The motor 118 is activated by passing electrical energy to the motor 118. The electrical energy may follow a path that passes through the one or more batteries 112, the circuit board 116, the user control switches 122, the motor 118, and the wiring. Accordingly, once activated, the motor 118 acts to communicate with the cams 120 and cause rotation of the sponge head 108 via the cams 120 engaging the grooves 202 of the motor driven base 110. Further, the operational state (on/off) of the motor 118 may be controlled by the user control switches 122, which include a power switch 206, a directional control switch 208, and a speed control switch 210. Wherein, the device 100 can be turned off and on by the power switch 206, the direction of rotation of the motor 118 may be changed using the directional control switch 208 and the speed of the motor 118 may be controlled by the speed control switch 210.

[0053] Further, the one or more batteries 112 or electrical plug 114 comprises an internal source of power for the device 100. The one or more batteries 112 may be replaceable, rechargeable, or both. If the one or more batteries 112 are rechargeable, they may be recharged by the application of electrical power from an external charging adapter (not illustrated in the figures).

[0054] The user control switches 122, among other actions, control the flow of electrical power from the one or more batteries 112 or the electrical plug 114 to the motor 118. As non-limiting examples, the user control switches 122 may be a multi-positional rocker switch, pushbutton, rotary switch, slide switch, or other suitable type of electrical switch. In some embodiments, the user control switch 122 may be a three-position rocker switch with a low-speed position, a high speed position, and an off position.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 4-5, in use, the hair 400 of the patron is combed out. A specific sponge head 108 is chosen and secured to the motor driven base 110 of the device 100. The automatic twist sponge brush device 100 is then turned on by moving the power switch 206 into the on position. The directional control switch 208 is then used to set a rotational direction and the speed control switch 210 is used to set the speed of the motor 118. The user then places the sponge head 108 of the device 100 on any section of the patron's hair 400. The sponge head 108 of the device 100 will cause friction against the hair 400 from continuous rotation. The friction of the sponge head 108 against the hair 400 will begin to grab and pull the hair 400 and the hair 400 will begin to twist and coil. Some of the hair 400 will be drawn up into the plurality of holes 130. The user may then move the device 100 over the entire head surface of the patron until the desired styled pattern is complete. Thus, the device 100 will firmly, yet gently, rotate and rub a patron's hair 400 in a roto-linear and/or elliptical motion to create twists, curls, and coils.

[0056] Generally, the automatic twist sponge brush device 100 is manufactured of light-weight metals, or molded plastic or polymers, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or any other suitable synthetic materials as is known in the art, such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, thermoplastics, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, etc. Generally, the automatic twist sponge brush device 100 is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or waterproof, or the brush component 102 comprises a coating that is water resistant or waterproof.

[0057] Furthermore, the automatic twist sponge brush device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 402. The brush component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the brush component 102, or any other indicia 402 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 402 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be hair, styling, or brand related.

[0058] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of rotating and rubbing a user's hair in a circular motion to create twists, curls, and coils. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing an automatic twist sponge brush device comprising a brush component with a handle end and a working tool end, the working tool end comprises a sponge head with inch holes spaced inches apart in rows and columns which is mounted on a three cam rotating head and powered by a battery or electrical plug. The method also comprises at 602, securing the sponge head to the working tool end of the brush component. Further, the method comprises at 604, positioning the sponge head on a user's hair. Finally, the method comprises at 606, turning on the automatic twist sponge brush device and rotating and rubbing a user's hair in a circular motion to create twists, curls, and coils.

[0059] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein automatic twist sponge brush device, twist sponge brush device, sponge brush device, brush device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the automatic twist sponge brush device 100 of the present invention.

[0060] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the automatic twist sponge brush device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the automatic twist sponge brush device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the automatic twist sponge brush device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the automatic twist sponge brush device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the automatic twist sponge brush device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0061] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0062] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.