SYSTEMS AND METHODS ASSOCIATED WITH A HAIR/DREADLOCK DETOXIFICATION STATION

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims a benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 63/573,799 filed Apr. 3, 2024, which is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Field of the Disclosure

Examples of the present disclosure are related to systems and methods associated with a hair/dreadlock detoxification station. More specifically, embodiments are directed towards a partially rotating hair/dreadlocks detoxification station that includes a plurality of removable stems, wherein the removable stems may include a plurality of different types of nozzles that are configured to emit fluids at different angles and pressures.

Background

Hair/dreadlocks detoxification is the cosmetic act of keeping hair clean by detoxifying it. To remove substances from hair, some apply a surfactant and other solutions to their hair/dreadlocks. The solution is rinsed out with water along with the dirt that it bonds to. To hair some people use washing machines that consist of a basin, drum, basket, etc., and a hose. This basin is placed within a wash bin or wash tub that serves as a container for various fluids applied to the articles during a cleaning cycle. The basin typically includes small openings or holes for the passage of fluid in and out of the basket during the cleaning cycle.

The fluids used during a cleaning cycle typically include water that may be combined with, for example, shampoo, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and combinations thereof. Depending upon the origin of water supplied to the appliance, various minerals, particulates, and other materials may also be present in the fluids used during a cleaning cycle. In a typical cleaning cycle, fluids are added and later removed from the wash bin during various stages or modes of washing and rinsing. However, situations arise where cleaning solution and water are not sufficient to clean hair, such as dreadlocks.

Accordingly, a need exists for more effective and efficient systems and methods for a detoxifying station that is configured to rotate along a partial rotational axis and vibrate while also supplying fluids at various angles and pressures.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a hair/dreadlock detoxification assembly. The hair/dreadlock-detoxification assembly may include a container, basin, removable stems that may include a first set of nozzles and a second set of nozzles, tubing, and an agitation system.

The container may be a housing, shell, case, etc., that is configured to hold and store the other elements of the detoxification system. The container may have a curved perimeter, a closed lower surface, and an upper surface. The upper surface of the container may include an open circumference, which is configured to receive the basin. In embodiments, the upper surface of the container may be a smooth, flat surface.

The basin may be a bucket, bowl, container, etc., that is configured to selectively hold and secure liquid and a user's hair. In specific embodiments, the basin may be a five-gallon stainless steel, tapered bucket, wherein the upper circumference of the basin is larger than the lower circumference of the basin. In further embodiments, the height of the basin may be larger than the width of the bucket. This may allow users with longer hair, such as dreadlocks, to position their hair within the basin. In embodiments, the inner circumference of the basin may be a smooth surface without any bumps, inlets, grooves, etc. This may reduce the risk of a user's hair being caught while washing. In embodiments, the basin may have an upper circumference that is slightly smaller than the open circumference of the container, which allows the basin to be inserted into and out of the container. Furthermore, because there is no overhang created by the open upper surface of the container and the inner circumference of the basin, the stems may slide in and out of the container.

The removable stems may be configured to be removable and inserted into the basin. The removable stems may utilize any known mechanism to be inserted into and removed from the basin. For example, utilizing rails, press locks, etc. In embodiments, each of the removable stems may include an inlet that is configured to receive fluid from the tubing. By allowing the removable stems to be inserted and removed from the basin, different flow patterns emitted from nozzles associated with the stems may be created based on the user's hair. This may allow a user to focus the fluid emitted from the nozzles at desirable locations while allowing the stems within the basin to be positioned in an asymmetrical or symmetrical pattern. In further embodiments, the locking mechanisms associated with securing the removable stems within the basin may be positioned at equal angles or different angles. For example, an angle between adjacent stems closer to the front of the basin may be smaller than an angle between adjacent stems closer to the rear of the basin. This may allow the underside of the user's hair to receive more fluid than the outer surface of the user's hair.

The stems may have a wavy curvature with a rear surface, tapered side surfaces, and a front surface. In embodiments, the rear surface of the stems may be configured to be positioned directly against the inner surface of the basin and may have a larger width than the front surface. The rear surface of the stems may include an inlet configured to receive fluids from the tubing. In embodiments, the rear surface of the stems may not be obstructed by any portion of the container, which may allow the stems to be easily removed from the basin while also allowing a user's hair to be more evenly positioned within the basin.

The tapered surfaces of the stems may be configured to continuously reduce the width across the stems from the rear surface to the front surface. In embodiments, the tapered surfaces may not have any projections, grooves, or notches, which may assist in not tangling a user's hair.

The front surface of the stems may include a first set of nozzles and potentially a second set of nozzles. In embodiments, the position of the nozzles on the front surface of the stems of adjacent nozzles may be staggered and offset from each other. This may assist in more evenly washing a user's hair while reducing the number of nozzles required.

The first set of nozzles may include at least one nozzle that is configured to emit water and other liquids at a first angle and a first pressure. In embodiments, each of the first set of nozzles may be spaced at even intervals at a first interval. In embodiments, each of the first set of nozzles may be configured to emit low-pressure water directly into a user's hair. In further embodiments, each of the first set of nozzles may be positioned above a fill line associated with the basin.

The second set of nozzles may be at least one nozzle, wherein the second set of nozzles is positioned below the first set of nozzles. The second set of nozzles may be positioned at a downward angle to circulate a solution within the basin. In embodiments, the solution may include warm water, baking soda, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. In practice, when elements of the solution are positioned within the basin, the elements may sink to the bottom of the basin to be circulated by the second set of nozzles. This may assist in breaking down clogged dirt, oil, hair products, and all other impurities. In embodiments, the second set of nozzles may emit fluids at a higher pressure than the first set of nozzles.

The tubing may be configured to supply fluid to the stems. In embodiments, the tubing may have a central inlet configured to receive fluid from a single source and a plurality of outputs configured to supply fluid to the inlets of corresponding stems. In embodiments, the tubing may be configured to be positioned in an annulus between the basin and the container.

The agitation system may be configured to partially rotate the basin partially about a rotational axis. Specifically, the agitation system may allow for the basin to rotate above 45 degrees in the first direction and 45 degrees in the second direction. This partial rotation may allow the first set of nozzles to emit fluid at different areas of a user's head without hurting the user's neck because the bucket rotates, and the neck basin area is stationary. Specifically if the agitation system allowed the basin to be rotated more than 45 degrees in either direction. The agitation system may also be configured to vibrate the basin along an axis that is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the basin. This may allow the first set of nozzles to emit fluid at different areas of a user's head without hurting the user's neck. In specific embodiments, the agitation system may include a pivot, a first arm, a shaft, and a second arm.

The pivot may be configured to be positioned on a central portion of the basin. The first arm may have a first end coupled to the pivot and a second arm coupled to the shaft. The shaft may be positioned near an outer circumference of the basin and may be configured to receive forces from a distal end of the second arm. Responsive to the shaft receiving forces from the distal end of the arm, the basin may rotate.

Further embodiments may include accessories that can be coupled with or utilized along with the basin. For example, a shower wand may be fluidly coupled with the inlet of the tubing, wherein the user may manually control the shower wand to detoxify the scalp area of their hair.

These and other aspects of the invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. The following description, while indicating various embodiments of the invention and numerous specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions, or rearrangements may be made within the scope of the invention, and the invention includes all such substitutions, modifications, additions, or rearrangements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described concerning the following figures, wherein reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 depicts a hair washing assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a hair washing assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 3-4 depict bottom views of a hair washing assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts an alternative embodiment of a hair washing assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts a method for utilizing a hair-washing assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 depicts a hair washing assembly, according to an embodiment.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve the understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are outlined to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the specific detail need not be employed to practice the present embodiments. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the present embodiments.

FIG. 1 depicts a hair washing assembly 100, according to an embodiment. The hair-washing assembly 100 may include a container 105, basin 110, removable stems 115, a first set of nozzles 120, a second set of nozzles 130, tubing 140, and an agitation system 150.

The container 105 may be a housing, shell, case, etc., that is configured to hold and store the other elements of detoxification system 100. The container 105 may have a curved perimeter, a closed lower surface 102, and an upper surface 103. The upper surface 103 of the container may include an open circumference 104, which is configured to receive the basin 110. In embodiments, the upper surface 103 of the container may be a smooth, flat surface 104. The open circumference 104 may be substantially the same length as a diameter across the basin 110, which may allow the basin to be removed without any obstruction, overhang, etc., caused by the open circumference 104. Furthermore, this may allow a user's hair to freely hang over the open circumference 104 and be positioned closer to the inner circumference of basin 110.

The basin 110 may be a bucket, bowl, container, etc., that is configured to selectively hold and secure liquid and a user's hair. In specific embodiments, the basin 110 may be a five-gallon stainless steel, tapered bucket, wherein the upper circumference of the basin 110 is larger than the lower circumference of the basin 110. In further embodiments, the height of the basin 110 may be larger than the width of the basin 110. This may allow users with longer hair, such as dreadlocks, to position their hair within the basin 110. A lower surface of basin 110 may include a filter 112, which allows fluid to flow into an outlet 142 while retaining sediment within basin 110. In specific embodiments, an entire lower surface of basin 110 may have a filter 112, while in other embodiments, only portions of the lower surface of basin 110 may include the filter 112.

In embodiments, the inner circumference of the basin 110 may be a smooth surface without any bumps, inlets, grooves, etc. This may reduce the risk of a user's hair being caught while washing. In embodiments, the basin 110 may have an upper circumference that is slightly smaller than the open circumference of the container 105, which allows the basin 110 to be inserted into and out of the container 105. Furthermore, because there is no overhang created by the open upper surface of the container 105 and the inner circumference of the basin 110, the stems 115 may slide in and out of the container.

The removable stems 115 may be configured to be removably inserted into the basin 110. The removable stems 115 may utilize any known mechanism to be inserted into and removed from the basin 110. For example, utilizing rails, press locks, etc. In embodiments, each of the removable stems 115 may include an inlet 117 that is configured to receive fluid from the tubing 140. By allowing the removable stems 115 to be inserted and removed from the basin 110, different flow patterns emitted from nozzles associated with the stems may be created based on the user's hair and the positioning of removable stems 115 within basin 110. This may allow a user to focus the fluid emitted from the nozzles at desirable locations while allowing the stems 115 within the basin 110 to be positioned in an asymmetrical or symmetrical pattern. In further embodiments, the locking mechanisms associated with securing the removable stems 115 within the basin 110 may be positioned at equal angles or different angles. For example, an angle between adjacent stems 115 closer to the front of the basin 110 may be smaller than an angle between adjacent stems 115 closer to the rear of the basin 110. This may allow the underside of the user's hair to receive more fluid than the outer surface of the user's hair.

Removable stems 115 may have a wavy curvature with a rear surface, tapered side surfaces, and a front surface. In embodiments, the rear surface of the removable stems 115 may be configured to be positioned directly against the inner surface of the basin 110 and may have a larger width than the width of the front surface. The rear surface of the removable stems 115 may include an inlet 117 configured to receive fluids from the tubing 140. In embodiments, the rear surface of the removable stems 115 may not be obstructed by any portion of the container 105, which may allow the removable stems 115 to be easily removed from the basin 110 while also allowing a user's hair to be more evenly positioned within the basin 110. Furthermore, by aligning the rear surface of removable stems 115 with the open upper circumference of container 110, the front surface of removable stems 115 may be closed positioned to a central axis of basin 110, allowing multiple nozzles to interact with the user's hair without increasing the thickness of removable stems 115.

The tapered surfaces of the removable stems 115 may be configured to continuously reduce the width across the removable stems 115 from the rear surface to the front surface. In embodiments, the tapered surfaces may not have any projections, grooves, or notches, which may assist in not tangling a user's hair.

The front surface of the removable stems 115 may include a first set of nozzles 120 and potentially a second set of nozzles 130. In embodiments, the position of the nozzles 120 on the front surface of adjacent removable stems 115 may be staggered and vertically offset from each other. This may assist in more evenly washing a user's hair while reducing the number of nozzles required. Furthermore, nozzles may not be positioned on the tapered surfaces of removable stems 115, which may reduce the number of openings within basin 110.

The first set of nozzles 120 may have at least one nozzle that is configured to emit water and other liquids at a first angle and a first pressure. In embodiments, each of the first set of nozzles 120 may be spaced at even intervals at a first interval. In embodiments, each of the first set of nozzles 120 may be configured to emit low-pressure water directly into a user's hair. In further embodiments, each of the first set of nozzles 120 may be positioned above a fill line associated with the basin.

The second set of nozzles 130 may be at least one nozzle, wherein the second set of nozzles 130 is positioned below the first set of nozzles 120. The second set of nozzles 130 may be positioned at a downward angle to circulate a solution within the basin 110. In embodiments, the solution may include warm water, baking soda, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. In practice, when elements of the solution are positioned within the basin 110, the elements may sink to the bottom of the basin to be circulated by the second set of nozzles 130 at a position above filter 112. This may assist in breaking down clogged dirt, oil, hair products, and all other impurities. In embodiments, the second set of nozzles 130 may emit fluids at a higher pressure than the first set of nozzles.

The tubing 140 may be configured to supply fluid to the stems 115. In embodiments, the tubing 140 may have a central inlet 144 configured to receive fluid from a single source and a plurality of outputs configured to supply fluid to the inlets 117 of corresponding stems 115. In embodiments, the tubing 140 may be configured to be positioned in an annulus between the basin 110 and the container 142. Tubing 140 may also include an outlet 142, which may operate as a drain for basin 110. The drain may be configured to allow the solution, water, and other elements within basin 110 to be removed. In further embodiments, the drain may include a pump that is configured to remove all of the liquids from basin 110 into a sink, into a bucket, etc., allowing fresh water to be positioned within basin 110. This process may be repeated multiple times until the liquids within the basin 110 are clear.

The agitation system 150 may be configured to partially rotate the basin 110 partially about a partial rotational axis. Specifically, the agitation system 150 may allow for the basin 110 to rotate above 45 degrees in the first direction and 45 degrees in the second direction. This partial rotation may allow the first set of nozzles 120 to emit fluid at different areas of a user's head without hurting the user's neck because the basin 110 rotates, and the container 105 is stationary. Specifically, if the agitation system 150 allows the basin to be rotated more than 45 degrees in either direction. The agitation system 150 may also be configured to vibrate the basin 110 along an axis that is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the basin 110. This may allow the first set of nozzles, 120, to emit fluid at different areas of a user's head without hurting the user's neck. In embodiments, the first set of nozzles 120 and second set of nozzles 130 may be utilized during wash cycles, wherein during the wash cycles pressure associated with the nozzles may dynamically change, such that both sets of nozzles may be used independently or together. Furthermore, during the wash cycles basin 110 may be configured to rotate while vibrate, wherein the nozzles may be or may not be emitting fluid while the basin 110 is rotating and vibrating.

FIG. 2 depicts a hair washing assembly 100, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 2 may be the same as or similar to those described above in relation to FIG. 1, and for the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements may be omitted.

FIGS. 3-4 depict bottom views of hair washing assembly 100, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIGS. 3-4 may be the same as or similar to those described above in relation to FIG. 1, and for the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements may be omitted.

Specifically, FIG. 3 depicts the agitation system 150 that is configured to partially rotate the basin about a rotational axis. The agitation system 150 may include a pivot 310, first arm 320, shaft 330, and second arm 340.

The pivot 310 may be configured to be positioned on a central portion of basin 110. The first arm 320 may have a first end coupled to the pivot 310 and a second arm 340 coupled to the shaft 330. The shaft 330 may be positioned near an outer circumference of the basin 105 and may be configured to receive forces from a distal end of the second arm 340. Responsive to the shaft 330 receiving forces from the distal end of the second arm 340, the basin 105 may rotate.

As further depicted, second arm 330 may be coupled to a rotating arm 410, which is configured to apply the forces to move second arm 330. Specifically, rotating arm 410 may be configured to rotate 360 degrees, which may change the positioning of the proximal end of second arm 330. This may, in turn, push and pull the second arm 330. However, the rotating of basin 105 may be limited based on the length of rotating arm 410.

FIG. 5 depicts an alternative embodiment of hair washing assembly 500, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 5 may be the same as or similar to those described above in relation to FIG. 1, and for the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements may be omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 5, positioned at the top of each removable stem may be a lock 510. Responsive to activated lock 510, stem 115 may not be removed from basin 110. However, after releasing lock 510, stem 115 may be removed from basin 110.

FIG. 6 depicts method 600 for utilizing a hair-washing assembly, according to an embodiment. The operations of method 600 presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, method 600 may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations of method 600 are illustrated in FIG. 6 and described below is not intended to be limiting, wherein operations may occur simultaneously.

At operation 605, removable stems may be inserted or removed from a basin until a desired layout for the removable stems is coupled to the basin. The removable stems may be positioned in a symmetrical or asymmetrical layout.

At operation 610, the basin may be filled with fluid, such as water, to a fill line. A solution may be added to the basin. In embodiments, the solution may include loc detoxication, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, etc. for dreadlocks.

At operation 615, the basin may vibrate and agitate. In embodiments, the basin may continue to vibrate during the following operations.

At operation 620, a first set of nozzles may be configured to emit low-pressure water directly into the user's hair at a first pressure.

At operation 630, a second set of nozzles positioned below the first set of nozzles, and at the bottom of the basin, may emit higher-pressure water at a downward angle to circulate the solution within the basin.

At operation 640, the basin may be rotated in the first direction while the basin vibrates.

At operation 650, the basin may be rotated in a second direction while the basin vibrates.

At operation 660, the basin may be drained of fluids and the solution.

FIG. 7 depicts an alternative embodiment of hair washing assembly 700, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 7 may be the same as or similar to those described above in relation to FIG. 1, and for the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements may be omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 7, basin 710 may be positioned within hair washing assembly 700, wherein basin 710 and a hair washing container 705 may include a cutout. The cutouts may allow a user to place their head at a more ergonomic position.

Although the present technology has been described in detail for illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one example,” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “one example,” or “an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, it is appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.