Mechanized Hair Styling Device and Method

Abstract

Disclosed is a hair styling apparatus and its employment in specific hairstyling methods. The apparatus is a mechanized, motorized device configured to operate in conjunction with a hairstyling attachment, said device comprising an ordered arrangement of components which, when motorized in a connected manner, cause the meshed rotation of two internal pivot gears, the pivot gears having irregularly-spaced undersurface dock holes connectable to a planar grip housing. The pivot gears induce selectable rotation modes of the planar grip housing; further, the grip housing is capable of securely gripping the attachment. A preferred attachment comprises an elastomeric block having an elliptically-contoured, substantially smooth top surface, and a patterned, sculptured bottom surface constructed with parallel V-shaped channels and a plurality of circular chambers. In this manner, when hair is placed in contact with the motorized device and its attachment, the hair may be styled into a multiplicity of twists or spirals.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit and priority of provisional patient application No. 62/334,795 filed on May 11, 2016, which provisional application is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The inventive concept is involved with devices and professional accessories used by hair stylists and barbers. In particular, the inventive concept disclosed sets forth a unique means to perform a certain method of styling actual hair, hairpieces, and wigs, into twists and/or spirals,

(2) Description of the Related Art, Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/334,795 filed on May 11, 2016 by the current inventor, describes an elastomeric sponge block having a relative smooth, semi-rigid top surface and an elastomeric bottom surface constructed of regularly-spaced circular chambers and groupings of V-shaped channels.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,198,050 (Apr. 3, 2007) discloses a method for hair styling incorporating the use of a handheld device. The device is intended for sculpting hair and includes a pliable member having a substantially smooth bottom surface. A plurality of spaced-apart bores is disposed in the bottom surface. When the handheld device is placed against a person's head, the pliable member at least partially deforms to conform to the shape of the person's head. By repeatedly pulling the bottom surface of the pliable member across the hair tangentially to the surface of the person's scalp, the plurality of spaced-apart bores disposed in the bottom surface cause clumps of hair to be formed at substantially regular intervals that are a function of the distance between ones of the spaced-apart bores.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,565 issued on Dec. 4,2001 to Girardot et al. The invention discloses an applicator for applying and distributing a substance onto a target surface. The applicator comprises a substantially planar sheet of compressible, conformable material having opposed first and second surfaces and an interior region. The interior region decreases in volume when subjected to an externally-applied force. The applicator further includes at least one discrete reservoir extending inwardly of the first surface into the interior, is partially filled with a substance and at least one discrete aperture in the first surface in fluid communication with the reservoir. Compression of the first surface expresses product from the aperture and translations motion of the first surface relative to a target surface applies and distributes the product onto the target. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of apertures is associated with corresponding reservoirs. A hand-held applicator, which is preferably resilient both in compression and in bending to conform to irregular target surfaces may be used with the invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,943,365 issued on Jan. 16, 1934 to Borden, discloses an improvement to hand-held sponge rubber devices, which features a plurality of spaced open ducts. The preferred embodiment comprises a sponge-rubber lathering and washing appliance, further comprising two sponge-rubber boards, superposed one on the other and secured together, at least one being a split of a sponge rubber slab and at least one having skin on its abutting face, said device having distributed over substantially its entire area a plurality of spaced normally open ducts extending entirely through it transversely of its abutting face skin whereby the sponge cells adjacent thereto are freely vented.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive concept disclosed sets forth a mechanized, motorized device to accomplish hairstyling of twists or spirals of hair. The device also improves all known means of performing this particular method of styling hair, hair pieces, or wigs, into twists and/or spirals. The device and method are particularly suited to the hair type of most persons of African lineage. In order to relieve the normal manual process and method of styling twists of hair by hand, or by using a flexible styling sponge/block, the inventive concept herein discloses an electrically powered rotating device to which an elastomeric sponge block 70 attachment may be attached. The device is referred to as an “Auto Curl Sponge” (ACS) 1. The ACS 1 can effectuate the styling of the twists or spirals in hair by means of an automated fashion, and in a considerably shorter time period.

The ACS 1 is a mechanized, motorized device configured to operate in conjunction with a hairstyling attachment, said device comprising a coordinated connection of components which, when motorized, cause the meshed rotation of two internal pivot gears 31, 32, the pivot gears having irregularly-spaced undersurface dock holes connectable to a planar grip housing 50. The pivot gears 31, 32 induce selectable rotation modes of fee planar grip housing 50. Further, the grip housing 50 is capable of securely retaining a hairstyling attachment.

In the preferred embodiment, the hairstyling attachment comprises an elastomeric block 70 having an elliptically-contoured, substantially smooth top surface, and a patterned, sculptured and textured bottom surface constructed with parallel V-shaped channels 72, 73 and a plurality of circular chambers 75. In this manner, when the ACS 1 is powered and the bottom surface of the connected hair attachment is placed in contact with the hair, the hair may be styled into a multiplicity of twists or spirals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 presents an exploded view of the Auto Curl Sponge (ACS) 1 device, beginning with a top plate 46 and underneath are shown the main components of the ACS 1 in their sequential stacking arrangement, relative vertically to each other.

FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of the basic structure of a full gear housing 10, including gear retainer housings 15, 16.

FIG. 3 presents a top view of the full gear housing 10 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the full gear housing 10, further depicting partial exposure of gear teeth.

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of the left pivot gear 31, which is of the same exact construction as the right pivot gear 32.

FIG. 4B is a view of the top surface of a left pivot gear 31.

FIG. 4C shows a side or profile view of the left pivot gear 31.

FIG. 4D depicts the undersurface of the left pivot gear 31.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the button holder 66 component, including its integral left and right latches 67(a), (b).

FIG. 6 is a view of the bottom surface of the button holder 66.

FIG. 7 presents a frontal view of the button holder 66.

FIG. 8 is a perspective drawing of the button holder 66.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the sponge grip housing 50 component, showing pending installation of the button spring 65.

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are perspective views of the button holder 66 and the lock synch button 60 pending their installation onto the sponge grip housing 50.

FIG. 10 is a view of the joining of the button holder 66 onto the lock synch button 60 prior to mutual installation of both parts onto the sponge grip housing 50.

FIG. 11 is a view of the sponge grip housing 50 upon completion of the installation of the button holder 66, the lock synch button 60, and the button spring 65. Also depicted is the closing of the button tab 64 and the resultant formation of left and right locking pins 5, 6. This sub-assembly thus forms “Assembly B” 2 of the inventive concept.

FIG. 12 presents a top view of the base plate 20, showing two cavities 24, 25 for the accommodation of two pivot gears 31, 32.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the base plate 20.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the base plate 20 and further depicts a drive gear niche 26 for insertion of a drive gear 19.

FIG. 15 shows the full gear housing 10 having the left and right pivot gears 31, 32 essentially within respective left and right gear retainers 15, 16 and the positioning of the drive gear 19.

FIG. 16 illustrates the full gear housing 10 positioned above the base plate 20, also showing the installation of the two pivot gears 31, 32 in the base plate 20. An electrical motor 80 and its motor shaft 81 are shown, pending their installation within the middle wall 12 of the full gear housing 10.

FIG. 17 presents a view of the attachment of the bottom surfaces of the full gear housing 10 onto the base plate 20, further showing the control switch 82 of the device.

FIG. 18 depicts the full gear housing 10 attached atop the base plate 20 and installation of a battery 84.

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the top plate 46, and the oscillation grip housing 40 and the relative positioning of these two components, shown immediately above the full gear housing 10.

FIG. 20 displays the installation of the oscillation grip housing 40 enveloping the walls 10, 11, 13 of the full gear housing 10. Attachment of the top plate 46 completes a sub-assembly forming what is termed “Assembly A” 2.

FIG. 21 presents a front view of Assembly A 2, including the top plate 46, the oscillation grip housing 40, and the base plate 20.

FIG. 22 is a right side view of Assembly A 2, showing the top plate 26, oscillation grip housing 40, a switch opening 48, and the edge of the base plate 20.

FIG. 23 presents a bottom view of Assembly A 2, also showing the undersurfaces of left pivot gear 31 and right pivot gear 32, and respective left, middle, and right dock holes 34, 35, 36; 37, 38, 39.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of Assembly A 2, as seen from section lines A-A, of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the composite Assembly A 2, just prior to final stage of attachment of the “Assembly B” 3.

FIG. 26 depicts perspective views of the bottom of Assembly A 2 (which shows the bottom of the base plate 20 and a bottom view of the sponge grip housing 50) and also a bottom, view of Assembly B 3, just prior to connection of both Assemblies A, B to each other. For illustrative purposes only, the left gear cavity 25 is shown devoid of the left pivot gear 31 (not shown).

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the elastomeric sponge block 70, relative to its imminent tensioned positioning within the inner circumference of the rim 56 of the sponge grip housing 50.

NOMENCLATURE

1. Auto Curl Sponge (ACS)

2. Assembly A

3. Assembly B

4. Main Assembly

5. Left main locking pin

6. Right main locking pin

7. n/a

8. Mounting tab

9. n/a

10. Full gear housing

11. Front wall

12. Middle wall

13. Rear wall

14. Motor gate

15. Left gear returner

16. Right gear retainer

17. Left axis slot

18. Right axle slot

19. Drive gear

20. Base Plate

21. Gear support lip

22. Gear border

23. n/a

24. Left gear cavity

25. Right gear cavity

26. Gear niche

27. Latching slot

28.-29. n/a

30. Gear rim

31. Left pivot gear

31(a). Gear teeth

32. Right pivot gear

32(b). Gear teeth

33(a). Left gear axle

33(b). Right gear axle

34. Left dock hole

35. Middle dock hole

36. Right dock hole

37. Left dock hole

38. Middle dock hole

39. Right dock hole

40. Oscillation Grip Housing

41.-45. n/a

46. Top plate

47. n/a

48. Switch opening

49. n/a

50. Sponge Grip Housing (SGH)

51. n/a

52. First grip post

53. Second grip post

54. Left bay

55. Right bay

56. SGH lower rim

57. Spring cavity

58. Latch receptacle

59. SGH undersurface

60. Lock Synch Button

61. Button holder cavity

62. First button post

63. Second button post

64. Button tab

65. Button spring

66. Button holder

67(a). Left holder latch

67(b). Right holder latch

68. Holder aperture

69. (a). Left wing; (b) Right wing

70. Elastomeric block (Curl Sponge)

71. Side panel

72. Main-channel

73. Cross-channel

74. n/a

75. Chamber

76.-79. n/a

80. Motor body

81. Motor shaft

82. Switch

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIVE CONCEPT

The objects, features, and advantages of the inventive concept presented in this application are more readily understood when referring to the accompanying drawings. The drawings, totaling twenty-seven (27) figures, show the basic components and functions of the preferred embodiment. In the several figures, like reference numbers are used in each figure to correspond to the same component as may be depicted in other figures.

Beginning with FIG. 1, there is shown an exploded view of the components of the styling device ACS 1, less the hairstyling attachment. The arrangement of the components shown in FIG. 1 is intended to convey the relative vertical orientation of the primary components of the ACS 1 and to illustrate the general process of assembling the ACS 1. It is pointed out that an oscillation grip housing 40, shown in FIG. 23 through FIG. 26, is designed and constructed to envelop the top two-thirds of the items illustrated in FIG. 1. “Assembly A” 2 is thus formed, which comprises the top two-thirds of the items, while the lower third of the shown items comprise “Assembly B” 3. The sponge grip housing 50 is constructed so as to be suitable for grasping and retaining a hairstyling attachment on the underside of the sponge grip housing 50, and within the perimeter of the rim 56 of the sponge grip housing 50.

FIG. 1 shows a topmost component, being a “top plate” 46, which is generally a planar, elliptically contoured structure. Directly below the top plate 46 there is shown a full gear housing 10, which component is structured with three parallel, bottom-joined walls, comprising a front wall 11, a middle wall 12, and a rear wall 13. The middle wail 12 manifests an opening, referred to as a motor gate 14 between its left segment and right segment. The full gear housing 10 is more clearly depicted in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4.

FIG. 1 further shows, at the bottom of the full gear housing 10, a left gear retainer 15 for encasement of the left pivot gear 31 and a right gear retainer 16 for encasement of the right pivot gear 32. The two pivot gears 31, 32 are illustrated along with a drive gear 19 which, when electrically powered, meshes with and drives both pivot gears 31, 32, when the device ACS 1 is placed in operation. An elliptically-contoured, planar base plate 20 provides a left cavity 24 and a right cavity 25 for containment of the two pivot gears 31, 32, along with a niche 26 for containment of the drive gear 19.

Additionally shown in the vertical sequence of FIG. 1, is a planar button holder 66 which, in the final assembly, operates in conjunction with a lock synch button 60, shown directly underneath the button holder 66. The bottommost component shown in FIG. 1 is the sponge grip housing 50, which accepts placement of the base plate 20, and the assembled lock synch button 60. To enable functionality of the ACS 1 product, an attachment comprising an elastomeric sponge block 70 having small circular chambers 75 is affixed to the undersurface of the sponge grip housing 50.

With an electric motor 80 installed in the ACS 1, power is wired to the drive gear 19, which meshes with the pivot gears 31, 32, in turn causing the base plate 20 to rotate the sponge grip housing 50. In turn, this rotates the plane of the bottom surface of a hairstyling attachment in a circular pattern. Consequently, the rotational movement of the attachment's bottom surface, when placed in contact with hair strands, causes the strands to be enveloped within the circular chambers 75.

FIG. 2 presents a three-dimensional view of the full gear housing 10, further depicting a left gear retainer 15 for encasement of the left pivot gear 31 and a right gear retainer 16 for encasement of the right pivot gear 32. Also shown in FIG. 2 is the motor gate 14, which is a gap in the middle wall 12 allowing space to fit the device's motor body 80 and motor shaft 81 (not shown) within the full gear housing 10.

FIG. 3 displays a top plan view of the full gear housing 10, further showing the left axle slot 17, right axle slot 18, rear wall 13, middle wall 12, front wall 11, left gear retainer 15, and right gear retainer 16. The motor “gate” 14 is shown, along with cylindrical openings comprising the left axle slot 17 and the right axle slot 18. Mounting tabs 8 on the four bottom corners of the full gear housing 10 are used for insertion into four corresponding latching slots 27 in the base plate 20 (more clearly illustrated in FIG. 16).

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the full gear housing 10, again displaying the left axle slot 17, the right axle slot 18, portions of the middle wall 12, left gear retainer 15, and right gear retainer 16. The left gear retainer 15 and right gear retainer 16, of the full gear housing 10 are constructed to provide an upper housing for the left pivot gear 31 and the right pivot gear 32, respectively. The axle 33(a) of the left pivot gear 31 fits into the bottom of the left axle slot 17, and the axle 33(b) of the right pivot gear 32 fits into the bottom of the right axle slot 18. For purposes of illustration only, partial views of the gear teeth are shown, as if the gears 31, 32 were installed.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the left pivot gear 31, including the left axle 33(a) and the gear teeth 31(a). FIG. 4B is a view of the top surface of the left pivot gear 31. FIG. 4C illustrates a side, or profile, view of the left pivot gear 31, including the gear rim 30. FIG. 4D depicts the underside of the left pivot gear 31, further depicting a left dock hole 34, a middle dock hole 35, and a right dock hole 36. The three dock holes 34, 35, 36 are encompassed within the inner circumference of the gear rim 30. It is to be pointed out that the right pivot gear 32 is constructed identically to the left pivot gear 31.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the button holder 66, including its left holder latch 67(a), right holder latch 67(b), and a holder aperture 68. The aperture 68 is used for insertion of a machine screw to attach the button holder 66 to the sponge grip housing 50. FIG. 7 shows a front view of the button holder 66, while FIG. 6 presents a bottom view of the button holder 66. A perspective view of the button holder 66 is shown in FIG. 8. The left holder latch 67(a) and right holder latch 67(b) are designed to fit into respective left and right latch receptacles 58 constructed on the sponge grip housing 50, both latch receptacles 58 as shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 9, FIG. 9A, and FIG. 9B are perspective representations of the relative positioning of certain components of the ACS 1, these components being the button holder 66, the lock synch button 60, the sponge grip housing 50, and a button spring 65. During assembly, the lock synch button 66 fits into a correspondingly-shaped button bay 51 of the lock synch button 60. The lock synch button 60 also contains a first button post 62 and a second button post 63 both of which are constructed with dimensions corresponding to a first grip post 52 and a second grip post 53, respectively, on the surface of the sponge grip housing 50. The lock synch button 60 also features a button tab 64, a left wing 69(a), and a right wing 69(b).

As shown in FIG. 9, the sponge grip housing 50 manifests a left housing bay 54 and a right housing bay 55. The left and right housing bays 54, 55 accommodate the left and right wings 69(a), 69(b) respectively, of the lock synch button 60. The interior surface of the sponge grip housing lower rim 56 is designed to encompass the upper perimetral contour of a hairstyling attachment. In the preferred embodiment, the hairstyling attachment is of a contour and ship as shown in the sponge block 70 of FIG. 27, in the preparation for use final stage of the ACS 1.

Turning to FIG. 10, there is illustrated the assembly stage wherein the button holder 66 and the lock synch button 60, are positioned relative to each other, pending their joining. The lock synch button 60 is constructed with a first button post 62 and a second button post 63, which are designed to mate with a first grip post 52 and a second grip post 53 atop the sponge grip housing 50. A button spring 65 is intended to be placed into a spring cavity 57 integral to the top surface of the sponge grip housing 50. Machine screws may be used as necessary to secure corresponding components of the AGS 1 to each other.

FIG. 11 depicts the button holder 66 and the lock synch button 60, having been coupled to one another, and merged onto the top surface of the sponge grip housing 50. The button spring 65 is shown, by dashed lines, having been placed into the spring cavity 57. The button spring 65 maintains a certain amount of tension to hold the lock synch button 60 in place, flush with the sponge grip housing 50. This sub-assembly stage forms “Assembly B” 3, as stated earlier. In other embodiments, a coil spring may be attached to, or placed in proximity of the lock synch button 60 and button holder 66 in order to hold the lock synch button 60 in place.

In actual operation of the ACS 1 by a user, the button tab 64, upon being depressed, or pushed inward, places an increased amount of tension onto the button spring 65 such that the button tab 64 and lock synch button 60 can be lifted and force the separation of Assembly B 3 from Assembly A 2. This, in effect, separates the sponge grip ho using 50 from the bottom surface of the top plate 20, as shown more clearly in FIG. 26.

In FIG. 11 there is also displayed, on the sponge grip housing 50, the formation of a left main locking pin 5 and a right main locking pin 6. The left main locking pin 6 is formed by the virtual collocation of the second grip post 53 of the sponge grip housing 50 and the second button post 63 of the lock synch button 60. The right main locking pin 5 is formed by the virtual collocation of the second grip post 52 of the sponge grip housing 50 and the second button post 62 of the lock synch button 60. At this sub-assembly point, “Assembly B” 3 of the ACS 1 is completed.

The left main locking pin 5 and the right main locking pin 6 are spaced apart a certain distance, which corresponds to the spacing between specific pairs of dock holes 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 on the undersurface of each of the left and right pivot gears 31, 32 when both pivot gears 31, 32 are housed in the base plate 20. This is more readily understood by reference to FIG. 23.

Assembly A 2 and Assembly B 3 are joined together to form the complete ACS 1. When styling hair, using the ACS 1, there are usually different degrees of tautness of twists of hair or volume of hair spirals/curls that a customer desires. Therefore, the user of the ACS 1, has the option to select specific pairs of corresponding dock holes (dock hole 34 paired with dock hole 37; dock hole 35 paired with dock hole 38; or dock hole 36 paired with dock hole 39) for the style desired. The user must then press the button tab 64 to separate Assembly B 3 from Assembly A 2, which exposes the left and right main locking pins 5, 6.

At this point, the user inserts the main locking pins 5, 6 into the appropriately selected paired dock holes (reference FIG. 23). Selection of the mid-located dock holes 35, 38, and insertion of these two dock holes 35, 38 onto main locking pins 5, 6, and the re-joining of Assembly B 3 and Assembly A 2 results in the contour of the base plate 20 being slightly offset from the contour of the sponge grip housing 50.

Activation of the ACS 1 causes the left and right pivot gears 31, 32 in the base plate 20 to rotate co-planarly and spin the sponge grip housing 50 (by virtue of synchronized rotation of locking pins 5, 6) within a certain radius of coverage. A hairstyling attachment with several chambers 75 grasped within the rim 56 of the sponge grip housing 50, thereby produces a certain size of twist, curl or hair spiral.

A user's selection of the leftmost dock holes 34, 37, insertion of these two dock holes 34, 37 onto main locking pins 5, 6, and the re-joining of Assembly B 3 and Assembly A 2 results in one end of the base plate 20 overlapping the sponge grip housing 50 by an increased amount. Activation of the ACS 1 will then cause the sponge grip housing 50 to rotate in a slightly wider radius of coverage. The hairstyling attachment will then produce a different size and quality of hair twists.

Selection of the rightmost dock holes 36, 39, insertion of these two dock holes 36, 39 onto main locking pins 5, 6, and the re-joining of Assembly B 3 and Assembly A 2 results in the base plate 20 overlapping the sponge grip housing 50 by a greater amount. Activation of the ACS 1 will then cause the sponge grip housing 50 to rotate in the widest radius of coverage that it is designed for. The hairstyling attachment will therefore produce a larger size and different quality of styling of hair twists, spirals, and/or curls.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of the base plate 20, also showing a left gear cavity 24, and a right gear cavity 25 for the housing of the left pivot gear 31, and the right pivot gear 31, respectively. Left and right gear support lips 21 are constructed at the outer perimeter of each the left and right gear cavities 24, 25. Each gear support lip 21 provides a platform to support the undersurface of each of the respective pivot gears 31, 32. A drive gear niche 26, midway between both gear cavities 24, 25 provides a support base for the drive gear 19. Latching slots 27 accommodate insertion of the mounting tabs 8 of the full gear housing 10. FIG. 13 shows the bottom surface of the base plate 20, including the four latching slots 27. FIG. 14 presents a perspective view of the base plate 20.

FIG. 15 presents a perspective view of the full gear housing 10, further showing the drive gear 19 in place, and the stylized ultimate location of the device's motor 80. The gear teeth of the left pivot gear 31 and the right pivot gear 32 are shown exposed, slightly outside the respective left and right gear retainers 15, 16.

FIGS. 16 through 18 depict varying stages of assembly of the ACS 1. FIG. 16 specifically demonstrates the pending attachment of the full gear housing 10 onto the base plate 20, also showing containment of both the left and right pivot gears 31, 32. The pending installation of the electric motor 80 and its drive shaft 81 into the motor gate 14 of the middle wall 12 is also shown. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the full gear housing 10, including the on-off switch 82, attached to the base plate 20. Various types of on-off switches may be utilized, including rocker-type, latching switch, push-button switch, and a variable-resistance switch.

In viewing FIG. 18, there is illustrated a perspective view of the rear wall 13 of the combined full gear housing 10—base plate 20 sub-assembly. Also shown is the addition of a 9-volt battery 84 for use in powering the motor 80. Various types of batteries may be utilized to provide power directly to the device's drive gear 19. Further, in other embodiments, electrical connector mechanisms may be used to provide alternating current (ac) power to the drive gear 19, and to also enable the use of an ac-dc adaptor for operation of the ACS 1.

FIG. 19 illustrates the pending attachment of the oscillation grip housing 40 about the outer boundaries of the full gear housing 10. The oscillation grip housing 40 manifests an interior elliptical profile which coincides with the perimeter of the base plate 20. The top plate 46 is also shown.

Next, FIG. 20 shows the imminent placement of the top plate 46 into its designed position relative to the full gear housing 10. The oscillation grip housing 40 will be secured into its place atop the base plate 20, with the interior of the oscillation grip housing 40 enveloping the walls 11, 12, 13 of the full gear housing 10. This assemblage shown in FIG. 20 constitutes “Assembly A” 2 of the ACS 1.

FIG. 21 presents a front view of “Assembly A” 2, including the top plate 46, the oscillation grip housing 40, and the outer edge of the base plate 20, thus forming an assemblage to be joined with “Assembly B” 3. In FIG. 22 there is shown a right side view of Assembly A 2, showing the top plate 26, oscillation grip housing 40, a switch opening 48, and the edge of the base plate 20.

FIG. 23 presents a bottom view of Assembly A 2, and specifically the undersurface of the base plate 20. This view also shows the undersurfaces of the left pivot gear 31 and right pivot gear 32. It can be observed that each of the pivot gears 31, 32 contains respective left, middle, and right dock holes: dock holes 34, 35, and 36 for the left pivot gear 31 and dock holes 37, 38, 39 for the right pivot gear 32.

As explained earlier, in using the ACS 1, specific pairs of the six dock holes (34-39) are selected for simultaneous insertion onto the left main locking pin 5 and the right main locking pin 6 atop the sponge grip housing 50 (refer to FIG. 11). Specifically, dock hole 34 of the left pivot gear 31 and dock hole 37 of the right pivot gear 32 are always inherently paired for attachment to the left and right locking pins 5, 6. Likewise, dock hole 35 of the left pivot gear 31 and dock hole 38 of the right pivot gear 32; and dock hole 36 of the left pivot gear 31 and dock hole 39 of the right pivot gear 32 are always inherently paired for insertion onto the left and right main locking pins 5, 6. This is due to the fact that the linear dimension between the left main locking pin 5 and the right main locking pin 6 corresponds precisely to the linear dimension between each of the above recited pairings of dock holes 34-39.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of Assembly A 2, as seen from section lines A-A of FIG. 23. FIG. 25 shows the relative contours of the top plate 46, oscillation grip housing 40, and the base plate 20, which form Assembly A 2.

A user of the ACS 1 must first determine the characteristics (length, texture, and density) of the customer's hair and the desired relative tightness of the hair twist or spiral. Once this is done, the appropriate selection of paired dock holes (34 & 37, 35 & 38, or 36 & 39) is selected to be snapped into place atop the respective left and right main locking pins 5, 6 of the sponge grip housing 50. Next, the user must compressively mount the perimetral, semi-rigid side band 71 of the elastomeric sponge block 70 within the interior surface of the sponge grip housing lower rim 56. Reference to the combination of FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 demonstrates the procedure which must be followed.

When the ACS is electrically activated by the switch 82, the sponge grip housing 50 is rotated, within its own plane, by the drive motor 19 engaging both the left pivot gear 31 and the right pivot gear 32 in simultaneous rotary motion. In the preferred embodiment, an elastomeric sponge block 70, as shown in FIG. 27, is used. The sponge grip housing 50, when placed into rotation, causes a the plurality of circular chambers 75, main channels 72, and cross-channels 73 on the bottom surface of the elastomeric sponge block 70 to similarly rotate and thereby engage strands of hair with which the elastomeric sponge block 70 comes in contact.

FIG. 26 depicts a perspective view of the composite Assembly A 2, just prior to attachment of the Assembly B 3 with the elastomeric sponge block 70. FIG. 26 also shows a perspective view of the bottom of the sponge grip housing 50 and Assembly A 2 just prior to a user connecting the locking pins 5, 6 (not shown) to one of the selected dock holes 34, 35, 36 of the right pivot gear 32. For illustrative purposes only, the left gear cavity 24 is shown devoid of the left pivot gear 31 (not shown).

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an elastomeric sponge block 70, in its pre-assembly positioning beneath the undersurface 59 and interior of the rim 56 of the sponge grip housing 50. The side band 71, main channels 72, cross-channels 73, and circular chambers 75 are illustrated. By using the ACS 1 in conjunction with the depicted elastomeric sponge block 70, hair strands become twisted or intertwined in a plurality of upright spirals corresponding to the spacing between, and the diameter of, the circular chambers 75 and the size of the area of rotation of the sponge grip housing 50.

While preferred embodiments of the present inventive concept have been shown and disclosed herein, it will be obvious to those persons skilled in the art that such embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not as a limitation to the scope of the inventive concept. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur or be suggested to those skilled in the art without departing from the intent, scope, and totality of this inventive concept. Such variations, changes, and substitutions may involve other features which are already known per se and which may be used instead of, or in combination with features already disclosed herein. Accordingly, it is intended that this inventive concept be inclusive of such variations, changes, and substitutions, and by no means limited by the scope of the claims presented herein.

Claims

1. A mechanized, motorized device configured to operate in conjunction with a hairstyling attachment, said device comprising a coordinated arrangement of components which, when motorized in a connected manner, cause the meshed rotation of two pivot gears, the pivot gears having irregularly-spaced underside dock holes connectable to a planar grip housing such that the gears induce selectable rotation modes of the planar grip housing, further, the grip housing being capable of securely grasping and retaining the hairstyling attachment.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is operated in conjunction with a hairstyling attachment comprising an elastomeric, sponge-like block having a flat, attachable top surface and a bottom surface, said bottom surface further comprising (a) a plurality of circular chambers and (b) a plurality of V-shaped channels, said channels arranged in a criss-cross pattern.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising wiring and electrical junctions enabling the use of alternating current electrical power to rotate both pivot gears.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising wiring and electrical junctions enabling the use of battery direct current to electrically rotate both pivot gears.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is operated in conjunction with a hairstyling attachment comprising an elastomeric block having an elliptically-contoured, substantially smooth top surface, a jaggedly-patterned, sculptured and textured bottom surface, and a continuous side panel, said side panel being integrally connected to the edges of both the top surface and the bottom surface; further

the bottom, surface contains nine (9) V-shaped main-channels, said main-channels being parallel to each other and oriented on the bottom surface at an approximate 45 degree right angle to the longitudinal axis of the elastomeric block when viewing the block bottom surface from a direct plan view; further

said bottom surface further manifests nine (9) Y-shaped cross-channels, said cross-channels being oriented on the bottom surface at an approximate 45 degree left angle to the longitudinal axis of the block when viewing the block bottom surface from a direct plan view; further

said bottom surface being constructed with a plurality of chambers, said chambers being orthogonal to both the bottom surface and the top surface and having a vertical depth approximately one-half the distance between the bottom surface and the top surface, the outer circumferences of said chambers intersecting said main-channels and cross-channels at irregular locations along the bottom surface of the elastomeric block.

6. A mechanized, motorized device configured to operate in conjunction with a hairstyling attachment, said device comprising a coordinated arrangement of components which, when motorized in a connected manner, cause the meshed rotation of two pivot gears, the pivot gears having irregularly-spaced underside dock holes connectable to a planar grip housing such that the gears induce variable rotation modes of the planar grip housing, further, the grip housing being capable of securely grasping the hairstyling attachment, the device minimally comprising:

an elliptically-shaped top plate;

a full gear housing having three parallel walls orthogonally mounted atop a left and a right circular gear retainer, a left and a right axle slot integral to each respective gear retainer, and four mounting tabs;

a drive gear;

a left and a right circular, planar pivot gear, each pivot gear having gear teeth corresponding to those of said drive gear, a protruding concentric axle in the upper surface, and three irregularly-spaced dock holes in the undersurface;

an elliptically-shaped, planar base plate having left and right lipped cavities, both cavities having an inner circular circumference corresponding to the outer circumference of said left and right pivot gears, a gear niche, and four latching slots;

a planar button holder having two latches on its undersurface;

a planar, lock synch button having a left wing and a right wing, a button tab, and one button post orthogonal to the upper surface of each wing;

an elliptically-shaped, essentially planar sponge grip housing having an upper surface, containing two planar housing bays, two grip posts, a spring cavity, and a circumferentially rimmed undersurface;

an annular, elliptically-shaped oscillation grip housing;

a battery and connecting wires;

an electric motor and drive shaft;

an on-off switch; and

wherein all elliptically-shaped components have a matching elliptical contour.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the device is operated in conjunction with an attachment which comprises an elastomeric, sponge-like block having a flat, corresponding elliptically-shaped, attachable top surface and a bottom surface, said bottom surface further comprising both (a) a plurality of circular chambers and (b) a plurality of V-shaped channels, said channels arranged in a criss-cross pattern.

8. The device of claim 6, further comprising wiring and electrical junctions enabling the use of alternating current electrical power to rotate both pivot gears.

9. The device of claim 6, further comprising wiring and electrical junctions enabling the use of battery direct current to electrically rotate both pivot gears.

10. The device of claim 6, wherein (a) said left and right pivot gears are placed within said left and right cavities of the base plate; the drive gear is placed within the gear niche abutting both pivot gears, the mounting tabs of the full gear housing are placed into the latching slots of the base plate such that the left and right gear retainers of said full gear housing are placed atop the respective left and right pivot gears, and the top plate is attached atop the full gear housing; further, (b) said button holder is placed atop the lock synch button, the lock synch button is fastened to the top surface of said sponge grip housing so as to form a left main locking pin and a right main locking pin, whereby (c) upon insertion of the left and right locking pins into two corresponding dock holes of the left and right pivot gears, motorization of the drive gear causes mutual meshed rotation of the pivot gears, which in turn generates a planar rotation of the sponge grip housing.

11. The device of claim 6, wherein the device is operated is conjunction with a hairstyling attachment comprising an elastomeric block having an elliptically-contoured, substantially smooth top surface, a jaggedly-patterned, sculptured and textured bottom surface, and a continuous side panel, said side panel being integrally connected to the edges of both the top surface and the bottom surface; further

the bottom surface of the attachment contains nine (9) V-shaped main-channels, said main-channels being parallel to each other and oriented on the bottom surface at an approximate 45 degree right angle to the longitudinal axis of the elastomeric block when viewing the block bottom surface from a direct plan view; further

said bottom surface of the attachment further manifests nine (9) Y-shaped cross-channels, said cross-channels being oriented on the bottom surface at an approximate 45 degree left angle to the longitudinal axis of the block when viewing the block bottom surface from a direct plan view; further

said bottom surface of the attachment being constructed with a plurality of chambers, said chambers being orthogonal to both the bottom surface and the top surface and having a vertical depth approximately one-half the distance between the bottom surface and the top surface, the outer circumferences of said chambers intersecting said main-channels and cross-channels at irregular locations along the bottom surface of the elastomeric block.

12. An improved method of styling hair, wigs, and/or hairpieces into a multiplicity of intertwined spirals or twists of hair, the improvement comprising:

utilizing a mechanized, motorized device configured to operate in conjunction with a hairstyling attachment, said device comprising a coordinated arrangement of components which, when motorized in a connected manner, cause the meshed rotation of two pivot gears, the pivot gears having irregularly-spaced underside dock holes connectable to a planar grip housing such that the gears induce variable rotation modes of the grip housing, further, the grip housing being capable of securely grasping the hairstyling attachment;

using with said device, a hairstyling attachment comprising an elastomeric, sponge-like block having a flat, attachable top surface and a bottom surface, said bottom surface further comprising (a) a plurality of circular chambers and (b) a plurality of V-shaped channels, said channels arranged in a criss-cross pattern;

electrically activating said device such that, when said attachment is placed within the grasp of the grip housing, motorized rotary motion of the pivot gears induces a corresponding rotation of said planar grip housing, thereby effectuating a planar rotation of the bottom surface of said attachment;

placing said bottom surface of the elastomeric block in contact with a plurality of individual groupings of strands of hair, thereby causing said groupings of strands to be engulfed within the chambers of said bottom surface and transformed into intertwined twists or spiral shapes.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

use of the device of said method in conjunction with a hairstyling attachment comprising an elastomeric block having an elliptically-contoured, substantially smooth top surface, a jaggedly-patterned, sculptured and textured bottom surface, and a continuous side panel, said side panel being integrally connected to the edges of both the top surface and the bottom surface; further

the bottom surface contains nine (9) V-shaped main-channels, said main-channels being parallel to each other and oriented on the bottom surface at an approximate 45 degree right angle to the longitudinal axis of the elastomeric block when viewing the block bottom surface from a direct plan view; further

said bottom surface further manifests nine (9) V-shaped cross-channels, said cross-channels being oriented on the bottom surface at an approximate 45 degree left angle to the longitudinal axis of the block when viewing the block bottom surface from a direct plan view; further

said bottom surface being constructed with a plurality of chambers, said chambers being orthogonal to both the bottom surface and the top surface and having a vertical depth approximately one-half the distance between the bottom surface and the top surface, the outer circumferences of said chambers intersecting said main-channels and cross-channels at irregular locations along the bottom surface of the elastomeric block.