HAIR LOCKING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

Various embodiments are directed to hair locking device and methods of using the same. In various embodiments, a hair locking device comprises a device body comprising a housing defining an interior housing portion and a motor assembly, an arm component attachable to the device body comprising a head element defining by an interior head channel and a hair engagement tool operatively connected to the motor assembly, wherein the hair engagement tool is configured to be moved by the motor assembly relative to the arm component, and wherein the hair engagement tool comprises a engagement feature configured for selective engagement with the hair portion, wherein the hair locking device is operable to initiate a motor-driven movement of the hair engagement tool defined by the engagement feature moving relative to the interior head channel to enable an interaction of the engagement feature with the a hair portion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments described herein relate generally to relate generally to hair styling tools, and more particularly, to a hair locking device for forming dreadlocks.

BACKGROUND

Applicant has identified many technical challenges and difficulties associated with conventional hair styling devices for styling hair into dreadlocks. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, Applicant has solved problems related to these hair styling devices by developing solutions embodied in the present disclosure, which are described in detail below.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various embodiments are directed to a hair locking device and method of using the same. In various embodiments, a hair locking device may comprise a device body comprising: a housing defining an interior housing portion; and a motor assembly disposed within the interior housing portion of the housing; an arm component configured for attachment to the device body, the arm component comprising a head element having a tubular configuration defined at least in part by an interior head channel configured for receiving a hair portion therein; and a hair engagement tool operatively connected to the motor assembly, wherein the hair engagement tool is configured to be moved through a range of motion relative to the arm component based at least in part on a selective operation of the motor assembly, and wherein the hair engagement tool comprises a engagement feature configured for selective engagement with the hair portion; wherein the hair locking device is configured to be selectively operated to initiate a motor-drive movement of the hair engagement tool defined by the engagement feature moving relative to the interior head channel to enable a hair locking operation defined at least in part by an interaction of the engagement feature with the hair portion.

In various embodiments, the arm component may be selectively detachable housing of the device body. In various embodiments, the arm component may comprise a stem element configured for attachment to the device body, wherein the stem element defines a stem length between a first stem end and a second stem end, and wherein the head component is arranged relative to the second stem end and an arm attachment feature of the stem element is defined at the first stem end. In certain embodiments, the head element may be arranged in an at least substantially perpendicular configuration relative to the stem element. In certain embodiments, the stem element may define an interior stem channel that is fluidly connected to the interior housing portion of the housing of the device body via a first opening defined at the first stem end of the stem element. In certain embodiments, the interior stem channel of the stem element may be fluidly connected to the interior head channel via a second opening defined at the second stem end of the stem element.

In various embodiments, the engagement feature of the hair engagement tool may define a two-pronged engagement element. In various embodiments, the hair engagement tool may further comprise an elongated stem and an attachment feature, the attachment feature being configured for engagement with at least a portion of the motor assembly to facilitate the operative connection of the hair engagement tool thereto. In certain embodiments, the attachment feature may be defined at a first end of the elongated stem and the engagement feature is defined on an opposing second end of the elongated stem. In various embodiments, the hair locking device may be configured such that the movement of the hair engagement tool through the range of motion is defined at least in part by the engagement feature moving in one or more longitudinal directions. In certain embodiments, the hair engagement tool moving through the first range of motion may be defined at least in part by the engagement feature being moved between a first position defined within the interior head channel of the head element and a second position defined within an interior stem channel of a stem element defined by the arm component.

In various embodiments, the hair engagement tool may be made of an at least substantially metallic material. In various embodiments, the head element of the arm component may comprise tool orifice fluidly connected with the interior head channel. In certain embodiments, the tool orifice may be at least partially aligned with a central axis of a stem element of the arm component, the stem element being disposed between the head element and the housing of the device body. In various embodiments, the hair locking device may further comprise a removeable head insert component configured to be selectively secured relative to the head element to reduce an operable cross-sectional area within which the head element is configured to receive the hair portion. In certain embodiments, the removeable head insert component may comprise a removeable tube insert configured to be disposed within the interior head channel of the head element, the removeable tube insert defining an interior insert channel defined by a first cross-sectional area that is at least substantially less than a second cross-sectional area defined by the interior head channel. In certain embodiments, the removeable head insert component may further comprise a detachable insert cap configured to selectively engage the removeable tube insert to secure the removeable tube insert in one or more directions relative to the head element.

In various embodiments, the motor assembly may comprise a drive motor operable to drive rotation of a motor stem, and a motor wheel defining a first opening configured for engagement with the to the motor stem such that the motor wheel is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation defined by a central axis of the motor stem. In certain embodiments, the motor wheel may further define a second opening configured to receive a fastener element therein such that an attachment feature of the hair engagement tool is secured relative to the second opening of the motor wheel, and wherein the second opening is defined at a radial distance away from the axis of rotation of the motor wheel such that the rotation of the motor stem operably causes the attachment feature of the hair engagement tool to rotate about the axis of rotation with the motor wheel. In certain embodiments, the motor assembly may be electronically connected to an activation button disposed about an exterior surface of the housing such that the drive motor of the motor assembly is selectively operable via one or more user interactions with the activation button.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The words “example,” or “exemplary,” when used herein, are intended to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as an “example” or “exemplary embodiment” is not necessarily preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

Dreadlocks are a style of wearing one's hair in which hairs are formed into tightly wound coils to embody ropes of hair. Traditionally, dreadlocks can be formed naturally and can vary greatly in diameter and the degree of tightness defined by the bundle and/or lock of hair. There are methods by which a hair stylist can seek to style the hair in a more even, tightly-wound hair portion to create a dreadlock with a neater appearance. Such methods are often referred to as “locking.” Whether a stylist is looking to initially style a portion of a person's hair in a dreadlock for the first time, or simply providing maintenance to a dreadlock that has become progressively more unkempt over-time, a need exists for an easier, less labor-intensive means of working with a large portion of hair to lock the hair in the form of tight, kempt dreadlock.

Having described example embodiments, the design of the various devices performing various example operations is provided below. The components illustrated in the figures represent components that may or may not be present in various embodiments of the disclosure described herein such that embodiments may include fewer or more components than those shown in the figures while not departing from the scope of the disclosure.

FIG.1illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary hair locking device in accordance with various embodiments described herein. In particular,FIG.1illustrates a perspective view of a hair locking device10configured to interact with hair of a user to facilitate a forming of a dreadlock. In various embodiments, an exemplary hair locking device10may comprise a device body100and an arm component200arranged to extend from the device body100. For example, as described herein, in various embodiments, the arm component200of an exemplary hair locking device10may be selectively detachable from the device body100to facilitate replacement of the arm component subsequent to one or more uses of the hair locking device10. In various embodiments, the device body10may comprise a housing110embodying an exterior shell configured to house one or more internal components of the hair locking device10, including, but not limited to, a motor assembly and/or at least a portion of a hair engagement tool, within an interior portion thereof. As illustrated, in various embodiments, the housing110of the device body100may comprise a first housing portion111and a second housing portion112that may be detachably fastened relative to one another to collectively define an exterior shell of the housing110and the interior housing portion therein.

In various embodiments, the hair locking device10may further comprise an activation button101provided along an exterior portion of the housing110, such as, for example, along the surface of the upper housing portion111of the housing110so as to be accessible to a user for selective interaction therewith. In various embodiments, the activation button101may be electronically connected to the motor assembly of the hair locking device10, as described herein. For example, in various embodiments, the activation button may be selectively activated (e.g., pressed, flipped, and/or the like) to control movement of a hair engagement tool relative to the arm component200based on one or more electronic signals transmitted to the motor assembly (e.g., by initiating and/or ceasing operation of the drive motor communicatively connected therewith).

As illustrated, the exemplary hair locking device10may comprise an arm component200comprising a stem element201and a head element202. As illustrated, the stem element201may be configured for attachment to the housing110of the device body100to secure the arm component200relative to the device body100. In various embodiments, the stem element201may define an at least partially hollow configuration such that the arm component200is configured to receive at least a portion of the hair engagement tool of the hair locking device10, as described herein, within an interior channel of the stem element201. Further, the head element202of the arm component200may comprise an at least substantially tubular configuration such that the head element202is configured to receive at least a portion of a user's hair within an interior channel thereof. As described in further detail herein, the arm component200is configured to facilitate an interaction between the hair engagement tool and the portion of the user's hair provided within the head element202. For example, the hair locking device10may be selectively operated to initiate engagement of the hair engagement tool with the portion of hair disposed within the interior channel of the head element202such that the hair may be repositioned or otherwise manipulated by a user (e.g., a stylist) via one or more movements of the hair locking device10.

FIG.2illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary hair locking device in accordance with various embodiments described herein. In various embodiments, an exemplary hair locking device10may comprise a motor assembly120and a hair engagement tool130. As illustrated, in various embodiments, the housing110of the device body100may comprise a first housing portion111and a second housing portion112that may be detachably fastened relative to one another to collectively define an exterior shell of the housing110and the interior housing portion therein. For example, the motor assembly120may be configured to be secured relative to a second housing portion112such that at least a portion of the motor assembly120is secured relative to the housing110within the interior housing portion.

In various embodiments, the motor assembly120may be configured to operate to drive movement of a hair engagement tool130secured thereto. For example, upon user activation of the activation button101, the motor assembly120may operate to cause the hair engagement tool130to move through a range of motion, as described herein, in order to define an operation of the hair locking device10. In various embodiments, as described herein in further detail, the operation of the motor assembly120may be defined at least in part by an operation of a drive motor121that causes a wheel element123secured to a rotatable portion of the motor121to rotate about a rotation of axis defined by the motor121, such that the hair engagement tool130fixedly secured relative to the wheel component123via a pin125is driven through a corresponding range of motion defined relative to the housing110, as described herein.

In various embodiments, an exemplary hair locking device10may comprise a hair engagement tool130operatively connected to the motor assembly120and configured to selectively engage the hair of a user via one or more motor-driven movements defined relative to the arm component200(e.g., the head element202) of the hair locking device10. As illustrated, the hair engagement tool130may embody an at least substantially elongated configuration defined at least in part by an elongated stem131, one or more hair engagement features132provided at a first end of the elongated stem131, and an attachment feature133provided at an opposite second end of the elongated stem131. In various embodiments, the hair engagement tool130may be made of an at least substantially rigid material such as, for example, a metal material, a plastic material, a composite material, and/or the like, or any other material operable to maintain its structural integrity while being driven through a range of motion and interacting with hair of a user, as described herein.

In various embodiments, the one or more hair engagement features132of an exemplary hair engagement tool132may be embody a pronged feature, a spear, a pointed feature, and/or the like, or any other feature operable to facilitate selective engagement with hair (e.g., a bundle of hair) as described herein, or any combination thereof. As a non-limiting example, the one or more engagement feature132of the hair engagement tool130illustrated inFIG.2embodies a two-pronged feature resembling a pitchfork. Further, in various embodiments, the attachment feature133of an exemplary hair engagement tool130may comprise a looped feature, an aperture, a hook, and/or the like, or any other attachment feature configured to be engaged by a pin125of the motor assembly120to secure the hair engagement tool130relative to the motor assembly120by restricting the attachment feature133from moving in one or more linear directions relative to the motor wheel123.

FIG.3illustrates an exploded view of a motor assembly of an exemplary hair locking device10. In particular,FIG.3illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary motor assembly120configured to be selectively operable to facilitate operation of the hair locking device by driving the movement of a hair engagement tool secured thereto (e.g., the hair engagement tool130illustrated in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG.2) to cause an interaction of the hair engagement tool with hair disposed within the arm component of the hair locking device. As illustrated, an exemplary motor assembly120may comprise a drive motor121, a motor plate122, a motor wheel123, a pin125, and one or more fastener elements124.

In various embodiments, the drive motor121of exemplary motor assembly120may comprise a drive motor121configured to, upon being activated (e.g., by user engagement with an activation button electronically connected therewith), cause a motor stem121A of the drive motor121to rotate about a central axis thereof. For example, as illustrated, the exemplary drive motor121may be operable to cause the motor stem121A to rotate about an axis of rotation defined in the z-direction, as defined by the exemplary orientation of the embodiment illustrated inFIG.3. As a non-limiting example provided for illustrative purposes, the drive motor121may comprise low-voltage DC motor configured to operate such that the motor stem121A of the drive motor121rotates about a central axis thereof a rotational speed of at least approximately 7000 RPM.

In various embodiments, the motor plate122of the motor assembly120may comprise a central opening configured to receive the rotatable motor stem121A of the drive motor therethrough and one or more apertures configured to receive a respective fastener element therethrough such that the motor plate122may be secured within the interior housing portion relative to an interior surface of the housing. For example, in various embodiments, the one or more fastener elements124of the motor assembly120may each embody a screw, bolt, and/or the like, or any other fastener configured for coupling the motor plate122relative to the housing of the hair locking device, as described herein. The motor assembly120may be configured such that, upon the one or more fastener elements124(e.g., bolts) being provided through a corresponding aperture of the motor plate122and engaging a respective portion of the housing of the hair locking device, the motor plate122be function to secure the drive motor121in place by pressing against the drive motor121to provide at least partial coverage over the motor and/or to prevent the drive motor from moving in one or more linear directions relative to interior surface of the housing engaged therewith.

As illustrated, the motor wheel123of an exemplary motor assembly120may comprise a first opening (not shown) defined along a first surface of the motor wheel123that is configured to receive at least a distal end of the motor stem121A of the drive motor121therein. The motor wheel123may be coupled relative to the motor stem121A (e.g., at the first opening) such that operation of the drive motor121may cause the motor wheel123to exhibit a corresponding rotation about an axis of rotation defined by the motor stem121A of the drive motor121. As described in further detail herein, the motor-driven rotation of the motor wheel123about an axis of rotation defined by the motor stem121A may at least partially define the movement of the hair engagement tool during operation of the hair locking device

Referring back to the exemplary hair locking device10illustrated inFIG.2, the hair engagement tool130may be operably secured relative to the motor assembly120via the pin125of the motor assembly120being engaged with the attachment feature133so as to secure the attachment feature133against at least a portion of the motor assembly120, such as, for example, a washer126and/or a surface of the motor wheel123, such that the attachment feature133is moved within the interior housing portion of the housing110along with the motor-driven rotation of the motor wheel123.

In various embodiments, an operation of the hair locking device10(e.g., a locking operation executed by the hair locking device10) may be defined the motor-driven rotation of the motor wheel123causing the hair engagement tool130to move relative to the arm component200through a range of motion. For example, as described herein, as the drive motor121rotates the motor wheel123about a n axis of rotation defined by the motor stem121A, the attachment feature133of the hair engagement tool130secured to the motor wheel123at a radial distance away from the axis of rotation moves (e.g., rotates) with the motor wheel123such that the elongated stem131(e.g., and the engagement feature123defined at an opposing end thereof) exhibits a linear translation at least partially in a longitudinal direction (e.g., in the x-direction as defined by the exemplary orientation of the embodiment illustrated inFIG.2). For example, the hair locking device10may be configured such that as the motor wheel123is rotated through a full 360-degree rotational range of motion about the central axis of the motor stem121A to change the angular position of the attachment feature133about the axis of rotation, the engagement feature132of the hair engagement tool130may exhibit a resultant longitudinal movement (e.g., (e.g., in the x-direction as defined by the exemplary orientation of the embodiment illustrated inFIG.2) relative to the interior head channel202A of the arm component202. In such an exemplary configuration, the motor assembly120(e.g., the drive motor121) being operated to move the hair engagement tool130through the range of motion may be defined by the hair engagement tool130(e.g., the engagement feature132) being moved in one or more directions at least partially towards and/or away from the arm component200of the hair locking device10such that the engagement feature132of the hair engagement tool130is moved into and out of the interior head channel202A defined by the head element202of the arm component200to facilitate selective engagement with a portion of a user's hair provided therein.

FIGS.4A and4Billustrate various views of an exemplary arm component in accordance with various embodiments described herein. In particular,FIGS.4A and4Billustrate an arm component200that is configured for attaching to the device body of an exemplary hair locking device and receiving a designated portion of hair of a user within an interior head channel202A, so as to enable the execution of a locking operation by facilitating interaction between the hair engagement tool secured relative to the device body and the designated portion of hair disposed within the interior head channel202A.

In various embodiments, the exemplary arm component200may comprise a stem element201defined at least in part by a length that extends between a first stem end and a second stem end. As illustrated, an exemplary arm component200may be configured such that an arm attachment feature204is provided at the first stem end of the stem element201and a head element202providing at the opposing second stem end of the stem element201. The arm component200may be configured to be attached relative to the device body (device body100, as illustrated inFIG.1) of the hair locking device via the arm attachment feature204defined at the first stem end of the stem element201. For example, the arm attachment feature204may be defined by one or more threaded elements configured for engagement with a corresponding element defined by the device body, and/or any other feature configured to facilitate the at least semi-permanent attachment (e.g., detachable) of the arm component200to the device body of the hair locking device.

In various embodiments, as illustrated, the arm component200of an exemplary hair locking device may have an at least substantially T-shaped configuration defined by the stem element201and the head element202. For example, the stem element201and the head element202of an exemplary arm component200may each define an at least substantially tubular configuration having a length that is oriented along a respective central axis thereof. In various embodiments, the head element202may be arranged in an at least substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the stem element201, such as, for example, wherein a first central axis defined by the stem element201is oriented in a first direction (e.g., along an x-axis, as defined by the exemplary orientation of the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.4A and4B) and a second central axis defined by the head element202is oriented in a second direction at least substantially perpendicular to the first central axis (e.g., along a y-axis, as defined by the exemplary orientation of the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.4A and4B).

In various embodiments, the stem element201and the head element202of an exemplary arm component200may each comprise an at least substantially tubular configuration defined by a respective interior channel. For example, as illustrated, the stem element201may define an interior stem channel201A and the head element202may define an interior head channel202A. The interior stem channel201A may span the length of the stem element between a first opening defined at the first stem end of the stem element201and a second opening defined at the opposing second stem end of the stem element201. In various embodiments, the stem element201may be configured such that, in an exemplary configuration wherein the arm component200is coupled to the device body (e.g., via the arm attachment feature204), the interior stem channel201may be fluidly connected to the interior housing portion of the housing of the device body via the first opening provided at the first stem end. For example, the arm component200may be arranged relative to the device body such that the stem element201is configured to receive at least a portion of the hair engagement tool (e.g., the hair engagement tool130of the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG.2), such as, for example, the engagement feature and/or at least a portion of the elongated stem, protruding from the housing of the device body within the interior stem channel201A.

Further, the interior stem channel201may be fluidly connected to an interior head channel202A defined by the head element202of the arm component200via a second opening defined at the second stem end of the stem element201. For example, the arm component200may be configured such that at least a portion of the hair engagement tool protruding from the interior stem channel201A of the stem element201(e.g., via the second opening) is received within the interior head channel202A as the hair engagement tool is moved through a range of motion during operation of the hair locking device. As a non-limiting, illustrative example, in various embodiments, the arm component200may receive a designated portion of hair within the interior head channel202A such that the portion of hair is oriented in a direction at least substantially parallel to the central axis of the head element202(e.g., arranged in a direction at least substantially parallel to the y-direction as defined by the exemplary orientation of the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.4A and4B) The arm component200may be configured such that, upon the hair locking device being activated such that the motor assembly of the hair locking device causes the engagement feature of the hair engagement tool to be moved in an at least partially outward direction from the interior stem channel201A into the interior head channel202A, at least a portion of the hair disposed within the interior head channel202A may be engaged by the hair engagement tool (e.g., the engagement feature) in order to facilitate execution of a locking operation.

In various embodiments, the head element202of the arm component200may comprise a tool orifice203defined by an opening that extends through the head element202of the arm component. For example, the tool orifice203may embody an opening, an aperture, a slot, and/or the like that extends between the interior head channel202A and an exterior surface of the head element202. In various embodiments, the tool orifice203may be provided along an opposing end (e.g., an outermost portion) of the head element202relative to the stem element201of the arm component200. In various embodiments, the tool orifice203may be positioned along the head element202such that at least a portion of the tool orifice203is aligned with the central axis of the stem element201(e.g., the interior stem channel201A). For example, the tool orifice203may be at least partially aligned with the interior stem channel201A such that the during operation of the hair locking device, as a hair engagement tool is driven in an outward direction (e.g., in the negative x-direction as defined by the exemplary orientation illustrated inFIGS.4A and4B) towards and/or into the interior head channel202A, at least a portion of the engagement feature of the hair engagement tool may be moved beyond the interior head channel202A such that it may be received within the tool orifice203. For example, the tool orifice203may be configured to receive at least a portion of the hair engagement tool when the hair engagement tool is arranged in an outermost position relative to the device body (e.g., as defined in the longitudinal direction, such as the x-direction in the exemplary orientation illustrated in the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.4A and4B). In such an exemplary configuration, the tool orifice203may be configured to enable the hair engagement tool to move through a full range of motion defined by at least a portion of the engagement feature thereof being moved from a first longitudinal position within the interior stem channel201A, through a cross-sectional diameter of the interior head channel202A, and to a second longitudinal position within the tool orifice203.

FIGS.5A and5Billustrate various cross-sectional views of an exemplary hair locking device in accordance with various embodiments described herein. As illustrated, the hair engagement tool130may be secured relative to the motor wheel123via a pin125configured to engage both the attachment feature133of the hair engagement tool130and the second opening123B of the motor wheel123to restrict the relative motion therebetween. Further, the hair engagement tool130is arranged within the interior housing portion100A of the housing110such that the length of the elongated stem131is oriented in an at least substantially longitudinal direction (e.g., in the x-direction as defined in the exemplary orientation illustrated inFIGS.5A and5B) defined between a first end11of the hair locking device10defined by the device body100and a second end12of the hair locking device10defined by the arm component200. For example, the hair engagement tool130may be configured such that the length of the elongated stem131is arranged in between the attachment feature133and the stem element201(e.g., interior stem channel201A) of the arm component200.

In various embodiments, as described herein, the motor wheel123may comprise a first opening123A defined along a first surface of the motor wheel123that is configured to receive at least a distal end of the motor stem121A of the drive motor121therein. The motor wheel123may further comprise a second opening123B that is separated from the first opening123A by a radial separation distance and within which the motor wheel123is configured to receive at least a portion of the pin125. For example, the attachment feature133of the hair engagement tool130may be secured relative to the motor wheel123at the second opening123B via the pin125such that the attachment feature133is arranged at a radial distance away from the axis of rotation of the motor wheel123defined by the central axis of the motor stem121A. During operation of the hair locking device10(e.g., upon user interaction with an activation button) the drive motor121is operated to rotate the motor stem121A about a central axis thereof (e.g., oriented in the z-direction, as defined in the exemplary orientation of the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.5A and5B) such that, based at least in part on the radial separation distance between the attachment feature133secured relative to the second opening123B and the axis of rotation of the motor wheel123, the attachment feature133of the hair engagement tool130is rotated (e.g., with the motor wheel123) through a rotational range of motion defined relative to the central axis of the motor stem121A. For example, the rotation of the motor wheel123may cause the attachment feature133of the hair engagement feature130to rotate about the axis of rotation defined by the motor stem121A in one or more rotational directions (e.g., in one or more of a clockwise rotational direction and and/or a counter-clockwise rotational direction) within a plane that is at least substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the motor wheel123, such as, for example, within the x-y plane, as defined by the exemplary orientation of the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.5A and5B.

In various embodiments, the rotation of the attachment feature133about the axis of rotation of the motor wheel123may drive a movement of the hair engagement tool (e.g., the engagement feature123) through a range of motion that is defined in one or more linear directions. For example, in various embodiments, the range of motion of the hair engagement tool130during operation of the hair locking device10may be defined at least in part by a first movement of the engagement feature132relative to the arm component200in a longitudinal direction (e.g., in the x-direction as defined in the exemplary orientation of the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.5A and5B). For example, the range of motion of the hair engagement tool130may be defined at least in part by the engagement feature132thereof moving relative to the arm component200at least in one or more longitudinal directions between a first position, wherein the engagement feature132is disposed within the interior stem channel201A of the stem element201, and a second position, wherein the engagement feature132is positioned at least partially within the interior head channel202A of the head element202, as illustrated inFIGS.5A and5B. In various embodiments, when provided in the first position, the hair engagement tool130is arranged relative to the arm component200such that no portion of the engagement feature132is disposed within the interior head channel202A of the head component202and at least a portion of the engagement feature is arranged within the interior stem channel201A of the stem element201. Further, when provided in the second position, the hair engagement tool130is arranged relative to the arm component200such that the elongated stem131extends through cross-sectional diameter of the interior head channel202A such that at least a portion of the engagement feature132(e.g., a distal-most tip of the engagement feature132) is disposed within the tool orifice203.

Additionally and/or alternatively, in various embodiments, the range of motion of the hair engagement tool130during operation of the hair locking device10may further be defined at least in part by a second movement of the engagement feature132(e.g., and/or the elongated stem131) in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (e.g., in the y-direction as defined in the exemplary orientation of the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.5A and5B) based on the rotational movement of the attachment feature133. For example, the range of motion of the hair engagement tool130may be defined at least in part by the engagement feature132and the elongated stem131moving at least partially laterally in one or more lateral directions relative to the arm component200as the attachment feature is rotated with the motor wheel123about the central axis of the motor stem121A.

In various embodiments, the drive motor121may be configured to continuously rotate the motor stem121A in the same rotational direction during operation thereof such that, during operation of the hair locking device10, the movement of the hair engagement tool130through the range of motion may be defined by the cyclical movement of the engagement feature132back and forth between the first and second positions described above. In such an exemplary configuration, the drive motor121may be selectively operable to cause the hair engagement tool130to repeatedly move through a range of motion in which the engagement feature132thereof is inserted into and/or retracted from the interior head channel202A of the arm component200to selectively engage, disengage, manipulate, and/or otherwise interact with a portion of the hair disposed within the interior head channel202A.

FIG.6illustrate an exploded view of an exemplary hair locking device with a removeable head insert component in accordance with various embodiments described herein. In various embodiments, an exemplary hair locking device10may comprise a removeable head insert component210configured to be secured relative to the head element202of the arm component200to facilitate the selective variation of the cross-sectional diameter of the interior head channel202A in order to accommodate different hair portions (e.g., dreadlocks) of different sizes (e.g., diameters). In various embodiments, the removeable head insert component210may comprise a removeable tube insert211configured for selective arrangement within the interior head channel202A. The removeable tube insert211may have an at least substantially tubular configuration defined by a length that is at least substantially similar to that of the head component202and an interior insert channel211A having a cross-sectional diameter that less than that of the interior head channel202A. Further, in various embodiments, the removeable tube insert211may have an outer diameter defined by an exterior surface thereof that is at least substantially similar to the cross-sectional diameter of the interior head channel202A, such that the removeable tube insert211is configured to fit securely within the interior head channel202A of the head element202.

In various embodiments, the removeable tube insert211of the removeable head insert component210may comprise an insert orifice213defined by an opening that extends through the removeable tube insert211. For example, the insert orifice213may embody an opening, an aperture, a slot, and/or the like that extends between an interior insert channel211A and an exterior surface of the removeable tube insert211. In various embodiments, the removeable tube insert211may be configured such that, upon the removeable tube insert211being disposed within the interior head channel202A, the insert orifice213may be positioned at an opposing end (e.g., an outermost portion) of the removeable tube insert211relative to the stem element201of the arm component200. In various embodiments, the insert orifice213may be positioned along the removeable tube insert211such that at least a portion of the insert orifice213is aligned with the central axis of the stem element201(e.g., the interior stem channel201A) and the tool orifice203of the head element202. For example, the insert orifice213may be at least partially aligned with the interior stem channel201A such that the during operation of the hair locking device, as a hair engagement tool is driven in an outward direction towards and/or into the interior insert channel211A, at least a portion of the engagement feature of the hair engagement tool may be moved beyond the interior insert channel211A such that it may be received within the insert orifice213. For example, the insert orifice213may be configured to receive at least a portion of the hair engagement tool when the hair engagement tool is arranged in an outermost position relative to the device body. In such an exemplary configuration, the insert orifice213may be configured to enable the hair engagement tool to move through a full range of motion while the removeable head insert component210is installed to the head element202, including enabling at least a portion of the engagement feature thereof to be moved from a first longitudinal position within the interior stem channel201A, through a cross-sectional diameter of the interior insert channel211A, and to a second longitudinal position within the insert orifice213.

In various embodiments, the removeable head insert component210may further comprise a detachable insert cap212configured to engage a lateral end of the removeable tube insert211to at least partially secure the removeable head insert component210relative to the head component202. For example, the detachable insert cap212may be secured to a threaded portion defined at a lateral end of the removeable tube inset211such that the detachable insert cap212functions to restrict the range of motion of the removeable head insert component210relative to the head element202in one or more lateral directions. Upon the removeable head insert component210being secured in an installed position relative to the head element202(e.g., such that the removeable tube insert211is coaxially arranged relative to the head element202within the interior head channel202A) the operative cross-sectional area within which the arm component200is configured to receive a portion of hair (e.g., a dreadlock) may be less than that of the operative cross-sectional area defined by the head component202without the removeable head insert component210installed therein.