IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,727,654
Granted Patent B2
US 12,727,654 · App. 18/737,504 · Granted Sep 8, 2026

Systems and methods for unraveling braids

Inventors: Zanbria Asante (Pflugerville, TX); Bradley Scott McDonald (Cedar Park, TX)
Assignee: Swella, Inc.
A45D7/00A45D2/00A45D2002/005A45D2007/004
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,727,654
App. No.
18/737,504
Granted
Sep 8, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

Systems and methods for unraveling braids of real/natural hair and/or synthetic braid extensions, or a combination thereof, work from the bottom of the braid up using one or more tines automated to repetitively penetrate the braid and pull through and down it to unravel it. The systems and methods may unravel braid/entanglements faster than could otherwise be done manually by hand.

Claims (20)

1 . A device, comprising:

a longitudinally elongated housing comprising a pipe;

a retainer disposed within the pipe;

a tine disposed within the pipe; and

an electromechanical drive configured to move the tine,

wherein the device is configured to unravel a hair braid.

2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the electromechanical drive comprises an actuator.

3 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the electromechanical drive comprises a motor.

4 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the tine is configured to move transversely within the pipe.

5 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the tine is configured to unravel a braid when the braid is inserted within the pipe.

6 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the electromechanical drive comprises a first electromechanical drive,

wherein the device further comprises a second electromechanical drive, and

wherein upon activation of the second electromechanical drive, the first electromechanical drive moves in one dimension, and upon activation of the first electromechanical drive, the tine moves in a plane perpendicular to the one dimension.

7 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the tine is configured to penetrate a braid inserted within the pipe and is configured to unravel the braid.

8 . The device of claim 7 , further comprising a suppressor configured to tamp down the braid.

9 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising a threaded member disposed longitudinally within the housing and configured to be driven by the electromechanical drive.

10 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the electromechanical drive comprises a motor,

wherein the device further comprises a first actuator coupled to the tine and a second actuator coupled to a second tine, and

wherein the motor, when activated, is coupled to move the first actuator and the second actuator in one dimension, and the first actuator and the second actuator, when activated, are configured to move the tines in a plane perpendicular to the one dimension.

11 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising a limit switch configured to establish a home state of the electromechanical drive.

Continuity (3)
Division 17704929 · Mar 25, 2022
Provisional Application 63166901 · Mar 26, 2021
Related Publication 20240341438A1 · Oct 17, 2024
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