Roller Hairbrush

A roller hairbrush that is separable into two parts: a hairbrush roller and a handle. The hairbrush roller has a roller body along which a plurality of bristles is oriented. Further, an ejection mechanism is housed in the roller body and is used to disengage the handle from the roller body. An engagement shaft of the handle is positioned into a receiving volume of the hairbrush roller. A plurality of lateral extrusions of the engagement shaft is slotted into a plurality of lateral channels of the receiving volume, wherein the handle is unable to rotate within the roller body. The handle includes a gripping shaft below the engagement shaft for holding the handle. Furthermore, a locking mechanism is integrated into the gripping shaft and the engagement shaft, wherein the locking mechanism secures the handle to the hairbrush roller.

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Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/455,256 filed on Feb. 6, 2017.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to hair care tools. More specifically, the present invention is a two-piece roller hairbrush having a hairbrush roller that is detachable from a handle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Females heavily use hairbrush rollers to obtain a preferred hair appearance. The hairbrush rollers are typically left on the hair for a while to fully obtain the preferred hair appearance such as wavy hair or curls. This can be very uncomfortable due to the weight of the whole hairbrush roller, including the handle portion. The weight of the hairbrush roller, including the handle portion, pulls down the hair of the user for the entire duration. Most of the weight of the hair brush roller comes from the handle portion of the hair brush roller. Furthermore, the handle portion also creates an uneven distribution of weight, which can angle the hairbrush resulting in an undesirable hair appearance.

Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide a roller hairbrush which includes a handle which can be detached from a hairbrush roller by pressing a release button. The handle includes a coupling piece that connects with a coupling mechanism within the hairbrush roller. The handle can freely and easily be detached from the hairbrush roller reducing the amount of weight pulling down on the hair of the user. The user can also freely and easily attach the handle back to the hairbrush roller once the process is complete to fully remove the hair brush roller from the hair of the user. The user will have a more comfortable hair rolling/curling process without the inclusion of the weight of the handle. The hairbrush roller includes a receiving volume with a plurality of lateral channels to receive an engagement shaft of the handle, wherein the engagement shaft has a plurality of lateral extrusions corresponding to the plurality of lateral channels. The plurality of lateral extrusions is slotted into the plurality of lateral channels to prevent rotation of the handle within the hairbrush roller, allowing the user wrap or unwrap hair around the hairbrush roller by rotating the handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention, wherein the hairbrush roller is secured to the handle.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention, wherein the handle is detached from the hairbrush roller.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the hairbrush roller, showing the receiving volume.

FIG. 4 is top perspective view of the hairbrush roller, showing the heating rod cavity.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention, wherein the hairbrush roller is secured to the handle, and wherein the ejection spring is compressed and the tang is positioned into the lock channel.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention, wherein the handle is detached from the hairbrush roller, and wherein the ejection spring is decompressed, and wherein the release button is pressed inwards and the tang is correspondingly retracted into the engagement section.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention, showing an alternative embodiment of the locking mechanism.

 DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

In reference to FIG. 1-2, the present invention is a roller hairbrush that is separable into two parts: a hairbrush roller 1 and a handle 3. When the hairbrush roller 1 is connected to the handle 3, the roller hairbrush can be used as a normal hairbrush. However, the detachable nature of the hairbrush roller 1 from the handle 3 allows the hairbrush roller 1 to also function as a curling roller. The handle 3 is used to assist in implanting the hairbrush roller 1 in the user's hair, wherein the handle 3 can then be removed and utilized to implant a subsequent roller.

The hairbrush roller 1 may be any shape and size. However, the hairbrush roller 1 is preferred to be cylindrical. The hairbrush roller 1 may be composed of any material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, the hairbrush roller 1 is preferred to be constructed from a material with a high thermal conductivity. In other embodiments, the hairbrush roller 1 has an exterior layer or surface that is formed from a material having a high thermal conductivity. Similar to the hairbrush roller 1, the handle 3 may be any shape and size. Further, the handle 3 may be composed of any material. The handle 3, in the preferred embodiment is a hollow cylindrically-shaped piece.

The hairbrush roller 1 comprises a roller body 10, a plurality of bristles 13, and an ejection mechanism 14. The roller body 10 is an elongated, cylindrical structure that forms the main body of the hairbrush roller 1. Meanwhile, the plurality of bristles 13 is distributed about the roller body 10, wherein the plurality of bristles 13 provides a means for combing or brushing one's hair, or a means for securing the roller body 10 to the user's head when used for curling purposes. The ejection mechanism 14 is integrated with the roller body 10 and provides a means for disengaging the handle 3 from the roller body 10.

In reference to FIG. 6, the roller body 10 comprises an interior base wall 11 and an interior lateral wall 12 that delineate a receiving volume 2. The receiving volume 2 provides a cavity into which the handle 3 is positioned when attached to the hairbrush roller 1, as depicted in FIG. 5. The interior lateral wall 12 extends from the interior base wall 11 to a terminal edge of the roller body 10, wherein the terminal edge is positioned about one end of the roller body 10 and delineates a terminal opening into the receiving volume 2. The interior lateral wall 12 outlines the sides of the receiving volume 2, wherein the interior lateral wall 12 is contoured to match the exterior profile of the portion of the handle 3 that engages with the hairbrush roller 1. Meanwhile, the interior base wall 11 outlines the end of the receiving volume 2, being positioned opposite the terminal opening and the terminal edge. Together the interior lateral wall 12 and the interior base wall 11 define the depth and cross-sectional profile of the receiving volume 2.

In reference to FIG. 4, in some embodiments of the present invention, the hairbrush roller 1 further comprises a heating rod cavity 17. The heating rod cavity 17 allows the hairbrush roller 1 to be temporarily attached to a heating rod. The heating rod cavity 17 terminally traverses into the roller body 10, opposite the receiving volume 2. As such, a heating rod may be attached to the hairbrush roller 1 opposite the handle 3.

In embodiments where the hairbrush roller 1 comprises the heating rod cavity 17, the roller body 10 is preferred to be constructed out of ceramic or to be encased in a ceramic coating 18. As such, in some embodiments of the present invention, the roller body 10 may comprise an outer layer and an inner body. The receiving volume 2 and the heating rod cavity 17 are formed into the inner body. Meanwhile, the outer layer encases the inner body. The outer layer may be applied as a coating to the inner body, or may be a single piece component to which the inner body is secured. In some embodiments, the plurality of bristles 13 is adjacently connected to inner body, wherein the outer layer comprises a plurality of holes to accommodate the passage of the plurality of bristles 13 through the outer layer. In other embodiments, the plurality of bristles 13 may be adjacently connected to the outer layer.

The ceramic, or other thermally conductive material, allows the heat from an inserted heating rod to be evenly distributed along and throughout the roller body 10. The even heat distribution along and around the roller body 10 allows for an even heat distribution to the user's hair. The even heat distribution is ideal for curling hair, as it ensures that each strand of hair is heated to the proper temperature, therefore producing ideal curls.

In reference to FIG. 1, each of the plurality of bristles 13 is adjacently connected to the roller body 10, wherein each of the plurality of bristles 13 extends outwards from the roller body 10. The plurality of bristles 13 is radially distributed about the roller body 10 and positioned along the roller body 10. The plurality of bristles 13 allows a user to brush their hair as one would with a traditional hairbrush, wherein the plurality of bristles 13 separates and untangles the user's hair as the plurality of bristles 13 is combed through the hair. Furthermore, the plurality of bristles 13 assists in gripping the hair when the hairbrush roller 1 is used as a curling roller.

In reference to FIG. 5-6, the ejection mechanism 14 is positioned within the receiving volume 2, wherein the ejection mechanism 14 is adjacently connected to the interior base wall 11. The ejection mechanism 14 comprises an ejection spring 15 and a spring plate 16. The ejection spring 15 is adjacently connected to the interior base wall 11, while the spring plate 16 is terminally connected to the ejection spring 15 opposite the interior base wall 11. When the handle 3 is positioned into the receiving volume 2, the handle 3 engages with the spring plate 16. As the handle 3 is pushed further into the receiving volume 2, the ejection spring 15 is compressed. The handle 3 then locks in place with the ejection spring 15 in the compressed position. When the handle 3 is unlocked from the roller body 10, the ejection spring 15 decompresses, pushing the handle 3 out of the receiving volume 2.

Preferably, the ejection mechanism 14 is centrally positioned within the receiving volume 2. In such embodiments, the ejection spring 15 is positioned concentric with the roller body 10, while the spring plate 16 is positioned concentric with the ejection spring 15. The central positioning of the ejection mechanism 14 ensures that the force of the ejection spring 15 decompressing is evenly distributed to the handle 3 through the spring plate 16. This allows for a smooth ejection of the handle 3 from the hairbrush roller 1.

In reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, the handle 3 allows the user to maneuver the hairbrush roller 1, when the handle 3 is attached to the hairbrush roller 1. The handle 3 comprises a gripping shaft 32, an engagement shaft 30, and a locking mechanism 33. The gripping shaft 32 provides the user with a portion of the handle 3 to grasp while engaging or disengaging the handle 3 from the hairbrush roller 1 and while maneuvering the hairbrush roller 1. Meanwhile, the engagement shaft 30 provides the portion of the handle 3 that is positioned into the receiving volume 2 of the roller body 10. The locking mechanism 33 is integrated into both the gripping shaft 32 and the engagement shaft 30, and provides a means for securing the handle 3 to the roller body 10.

In reference to FIG. 1, the gripping shaft 32 is an elongated member that can be grasped by one hand in order to maneuver the hairbrush roller 1. The gripping shaft 32 may be ergonomically contoured in order to provide the user with a more comfortable grip when holding the handle 3. Furthermore, in some embodiments the handle 3 comprises an exterior coating, such as a rubber layer, that allows the user to obtain a better grip on the handle 3. The gripping shaft 32 is either entirely hollow, or has a hollowed portion that allows the locking mechanism 33 to be positioned within the gripping shaft 32.

In reference to FIG. 2, the engagement shaft 30 is terminally connected to the gripping shaft 32 and is the portion of the handle 3 that engages with the roller body 10. As such, the engagement shaft 30 has a cross-sectional profile that matches the cross-sectional profile of the receiving volume 2. Similar to the gripping shaft 32, the engagement shaft 30 is either entirely hollow, or has a hollowed portion that allows the locking mechanism 33 to be positioned within the engagement shaft 30.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the receiving volume 2 comprises a plurality of lateral channels 20, while the engagement shaft 30 comprises a plurality of lateral extrusions 31. The plurality of lateral channels 20 is formed by the shape of the interior lateral wall 12, wherein the plurality of lateral channels 20 is radially distributed about the interior lateral wall 12. Similarly, the plurality of lateral extrusions 31 is radially distributed about the central portion of the engagement shaft 30. When the engagements shaft is positioned into the roller body 10, each of the plurality of lateral extrusions 31 is slotted into a corresponding channel from the plurality of lateral channels 20. Together, the plurality of lateral channels 20 and the plurality of lateral extrusions 31 prevent the hairbrush roller 1 and the handle 3 from rotating respective of each other, when the handle 3 is attached to the hairbrush roller 1.

In reference to FIG. 5-6, the locking mechanism 33 is integrated into both the gripping shaft 32 and the engagement shaft 30 and is used to temporarily secure the handle 3 to the hairbrush roller 1. The locking mechanism 33 comprises a release button 34, a tang 35, a first follower 36, and a second follower 37. The tang 35 is positioned into the engagement shaft 30, while the release button 34 is positioned into the gripping shaft 32. The tang 35 is selectively engaged with the roller body 10 in order to secure or detach the handle 3 from the hairbrush roller 1. Meanwhile, the release button 34 allows the user to actuate the tang 35 while holding the gripping shaft 32. The first follower 36 and the second follower 37 mechanically couple the release button 34 to the tang 35, allowing for the actuation of the tang 35.

The release button 34 can be positioned anywhere along the handle 3, but is preferably positioned near the top of the gripping shaft 32, adjacent to the engagement shaft 30. The release button 34 is terminally and pivotally connected to the first follower 36, while the second follower 37 is terminally and pivotally connected to the first follower 36 opposite the release button 34. Meanwhile, the tang 35 is terminally connected to the second follower 37 opposite the first follower 36. The tang 35 may also be pivotally connected to the second follower 37, depending on the embodiment. Both the first follower 36 and the second follower 37 are pivotally mounted within the gripping shaft 32, such that linear movement of the release button 34 is translated to movement of the tang 35.

In reference to FIG. 6, when the release button 34 is pressed inwards, towards the gripping shaft 32, the first follower 36 rotates about a first fulcrum; the first fulcrum being the mounting point between the first follower 36 and the gripping body. In turn, the first follower 36 pulls the end of the second shaft towards the release button 34, wherein the second follower 37 rotates about a second fulcrum; the second fulcrum being the mounting point between the second follower 37 and the gripping body. As the second follower 37 rotates, the tang 35 is pulled away from the release button 34.

A button spring 38 is adjacently connected to the release button 34 and internally mounted to the gripping shaft 32. As pressure is applied to the button spring 38, the button spring 38 is compressed. When the release button 34 is released, or pressure is relieved from the release button 34, the button spring 38 decompresses, pushing the release button 34 outwards. In turn, the first follower 36 rotates about the first fulcrum, wherein the end of the second follower 37 is pushed away from the release button 34. As the end of the second follower 37 is pushed away, the second follower 37 rotates about the second fulcrum. In turn, the tang 35 is pushed towards the release button 34.

In reference to FIG. 5-6, in order to secure the handle 3 to the hairbrush roller 1, the receiving volume 2 further comprises a lock channel 21. The lock channel 21 intersects the plurality of lateral channels 20 and provides a means for receiving the tang 35. To attach the handle 3 to the hairbrush roller 1, the release button 34 is pressed inwards, wherein the tang 35 is retracted, allowing the engagement shaft 30 to be positioned into the receiving volume 2. Once the engagement section has been positioned into the receiving volume 2, such that the tang 35 is aligned with the lock channel 21, the release button 34 is let go. As pressure is removed from the release button 34, the tang 35 is extended from the engagement section into the lock channel 21. The positioning of the tang 35 within the lock channel 21 prevents the handle 3 from sliding out of (or further into) the roller body 10, thus securing the handle 3 to the hairbrush roller 1. Additionally, the engagement section engages with the spring plate 16 and compresses the ejection spring 15 as the engagement section is positioned into the receiving volume 2.

To detach the handle 3 from the hairbrush roller 1, the release button 34 is pressed inwards, wherein the tang 35 is retracted from the lock channel 21 into the engagement shaft 30, as depicted in FIG. 6. The handle 3 is then able to be pulled out of the receiving volume 2 and disconnected from the hairbrush roller 1. Furthermore, the ejection spring 15 is retained in a compressed positioned while the tang 35 is positioned into the lock channel 21, wherein the tang 35 prevents the ejection spring 15 from decompressing and pushing the handle 3 out of the receiving volume 2, as depicted in FIG. 5. Therefore, as the tang 35 is removed from the lock channel 21, the ejection spring 15 is able to decompress as depicted in FIG. 6, wherein the ejection spring 15 enacts a force on the engagement shaft 30, pushing the handle 3 out of the receiving volume 2.

In some embodiments, the spring plate 16 may comprise a channel and a coupling mechanism. The channel is positioned at the center of the spring plate 16, while the coupling mechanism is positioned inside the body of the spring plate 16. The coupling mechanism may be any type of coupling mechanism. In one embodiment, the coupling mechanism may comprise a cam system which locks when the channel receives a pin of the handle 3, applying pressure, and therefore compressing the ejection spring 15. The cam system can unlock when pressure is applied to the ejection spring 15, freeing the pin from the channel and uncompressing the ejection spring 15.

In some embodiments, the handle 3 further comprises a second coupling mechanism, a second spring plate, a right-angle piece, and a pin. The second coupling mechanism is positioned beneath the release button 34. The button spring 38 is positioned beneath the second coupling mechanism. The second coupling mechanism actuates when pressure is applied to the button spring 38 keeping the button spring 38 in a compressed state. Pressure applied to the button spring 38 can lock and unlock the second coupling mechanism. The second spring plate is positioned beneath the button spring 38. The right-angle piece extends from the release button 34, makes a ninety-degree angle, and extends towards the top center of the handle 3. In reference to FIG. 7, the first follower 36 is positioned inside the horizontal section of the right-angle piece. The top of the first follower 36 is connected to the second spring plate. The second follower 37 is positioned inside the vertical section of the right-angle piece. The pin is positioned at the top center of the second follower 37.

When the release button 34 is pressed, the second coupling mechanism locks, compressing the button spring 38 therefore pushing the second spring plate downwards and pushing the first follower 36 downwards. The first follower 36 comprises a push cam. The second follower 37 comprises a female cam piece. When the first follower 36 is pushed downwards, the push cam makes contact with the female cam piece therefore pushing the second follower 37 towards the top of the handle 3. When the release button 34 is pressed again, the button spring 38 decompresses, the second coupling mechanism unlocks, and the first follower 36 is pulled towards the release button 34 by the second spring plate.

The handle 3 can be secured to the hairbrush roller 1 through the engagement shaft 30 of the handle 3 and the receiving volume 2 of the hairbrush roller 1. The plurality of lateral channels 20 and the plurality of lateral extrusions 31 prevents the handle 3 from rotating when inserted into the hairbrush roller 1. The pin of the handle 3 is inserted into the channel of the hairbrush roller 1. The pin applies pressure to the spring plate 16, forcing the upper cam to make contact with the lower cam therefore locking the coupling mechanism and compressing the ejection spring 15. This fully secures the handle 3 to the hairbrush roller 1. The handle 3 may be detached from the hairbrush roller 1 by pressing the release button 34. The release button 34 forces the pin to apply more pressure to the spring plate 16, unlocking the coupling mechanism and uncompressing the ejection spring 15 therefore pushing the handle 3 out from the hairbrush roller 1.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A roller hairbrush comprises:

a hairbrush roller comprising a roller body, a plurality of bristles, and an ejection mechanism;
the roller body comprising an interior base wall and an interior lateral wall that delineate a receiving volume;
a handle comprising an engagement shaft, a gripping shaft, and a locking mechanism;
the ejection mechanism being positioned within the receiving volume;
the ejection mechanism being adjacently connected to the interior base wall;
the engagement shaft being terminally connected to the gripping shaft;
the locking mechanism being integrated into the gripping shaft and the engagement shaft;
the engagement shaft being selectively positioned into the receiving volume;
the ejection mechanism being selectively engaged with the engagement shaft;
the locking mechanism being selectively engaged with the roller body;
the plurality of bristles being adjacently connected to the roller body; and
the plurality of bristles being radially distributed about the roller body.

2. The roller hairbrush as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the ejection mechanism comprising an ejection spring and a spring plate;
the ejection spring being adjacently connected to the interior base wall; and
the spring plate being terminally connected to the ejection spring opposite the interior base wall.

3. The roller hairbrush as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the receiving volume comprising a plurality of lateral channels;
the engagement shaft comprising a plurality of lateral extrusions; and
each of the plurality of lateral extrusions being selectively slotted into a corresponding channel from the plurality of lateral channels.

4. The roller hairbrush as claimed in claim 1 further comprises:

the hairbrush roller further comprising a heating rod cavity; and
the heating rod cavity terminally traversing into the roller body opposite the receiving volume.

5. The roller hairbrush as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roller body is encased in a ceramic coating.

6. The roller hairbrush as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roller body is ceramic.

7. The roller hairbrush as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the locking mechanism comprising a release button, a tang, a first follower, and a second follower;
the release button being terminally connected to the first follower;
the second follower being pivotally connected to the first follower, opposite the release button; and
the tang being terminally connected to the second follower, opposite the first follower.

8. The roller hairbrush as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the locking mechanism comprising a release button; and
the release button being positioned into the gripping shaft.

9. The roller hairbrush as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the locking mechanism comprising a tang;
the tang being positioned into the engagement shaft; and
the tang being selectively engaged with the roller body.

10. The roller hairbrush as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the locking mechanism comprising a first follower, and a second follower;
the first follower and the second follower being pivotally mounted within the gripping shaft;

11. The roller hairbrush as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the receiving volume comprising a lock channel;
the locking mechanism comprising a tang; and
the tang being selectively positioned into the lock channel.

12. A hairbrush roller comprises:

a roller body;
a plurality of bristles;
an ejection mechanism;
an interior base wall;
an interior lateral wall;
the interior base wall and the interior lateral wall delineating a receiving volume;
the ejection mechanism being positioned within the receiving volume;
the ejection mechanism being adjacently connected to the interior base wall;
the plurality of bristles being adjacently connected to the roller body; and
the plurality of bristles being radially distributed about the roller body.

13. The roller hairbrush as claimed in claim 12 comprises:

the ejection mechanism comprising an ejection spring and a spring plate;
the ejection spring being adjacently connected to the interior base wall; and
the spring plate being terminally connected to the ejection spring opposite the interior base wall.

14. The roller hairbrush as claimed in claim 12 further comprises:

a heating rod cavity; and
the heating rod cavity terminally traversing into the roller body opposite the receiving volume.

15. The roller hairbrush as claimed in claim 12, wherein the roller body is encased in a ceramic coating.

16. The roller hairbrush as claimed in claim 12, wherein the roller body is ceramic.

17. A handle for a roller hairbrush comprises:

an engagement shaft;
a gripping shaft;
a locking mechanism;
the locking mechanism comprising a release button, a tang, a first follower, and a second follower;
the engagement shaft being terminally connected to the gripping shaft;
the locking mechanism being integrated into the gripping shaft and the engagement shaft;
the release button being terminally connected to the first follower;
the second follower being pivotally connected to the first follower, opposite the release button; and
the tang being terminally connected to the second follower, opposite the first follower.

18. The roller hairbrush as claimed in claim 17 comprises:

the release button being positioned into the gripping shaft.

19. The roller hairbrush as claimed in claim 17 comprises:

the tang being positioned into the engagement shaft; and
the tang being selectively engaged with the roller body.

20. The roller hairbrush as claimed in claim 17 comprises:

the first follower and the second follower being pivotally mounted within the gripping shaft.
Patent History
Publication number: 20180220784
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 6, 2018
Publication Date: Aug 9, 2018
Inventors: Xan Difede (Kemah, TX), Diana Durand (Houston, TX)
Application Number: 15/890,199
Classifications
International Classification: A46B 5/00 (20060101); A45D 2/14 (20060101); A45D 2/24 (20060101);