US20230000228A1

US20230000228A1 - Dreadlock interlocking tool

Info

Publication number: US20230000228A1
Application number: US17/363,514
Authority: US
Inventors: Cheikh A. Diop
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-06-30
Filing date: 2021-06-30
Publication date: 2023-01-05

Abstract

A dreadlock interlocking tool is described. The dreadlock interlocking tool can comprise four principal elements, including: lock clamp, anti-snag guard; guide rod; and anti-scratch guard. The dreadlock interlocking tool is designed to have a principally linear shape, in order to grasp the tip of the dreadlock such that the body of the dreadlock is in-line with the tool. Thus, the tool can provide ease of use when pulling the body of the dreadlock through the root of the dreadlock during interlocking. The linear structure of the tool, and the provided safety features, such as the anti-snag guard and anti-scratch guard, allow for interlocking without unintentional twisting, snagging and/or damaging the scalp.

Description

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus and method of hair care, particularly interlocking hair for locks of hair, Afrikan dreadlocks, locs, twists, braids and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Afrikan dreadlocks is a hairstyle in which the hair is naturally, manually and/or mechanically matted and/or twisted, often while wet, into tight locs, braids and/or ringlets. As the hair grows, various maintenance and styling methods may be used to manage the new hair growth (e.g., near the scalp) in a manner that maintains the appearance of the dreadlocks. Interlocking dreadlocks is one such maintenance method. In particular, interlocking dreadlocks is a maintenance method that includes twisting and pulling the body of the dreadlock—tip first—entirely through it's root base from one side to the other. Thus, interlocking can tighten each dreadlock by looping or knotting the hair at the base of the dreadlock, which is also referred to as “root flipping” or “latch hooking” of dreads. It may be desirable to have a tool that is distinctly designed for interlocking dreadlocks efficiently and easily.

BRIEF OVERVIEW

Both the foregoing brief overview and the following detailed description provide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoing brief overview and the following detailed description should not be considered to be restrictive. Further, features or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, embodiments may be directed to various feature combinations and sub-combinations described in the detailed description.
Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the disclosure. The advantages of the disclosure will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. The drawings contain representations of various trademarks and copyrights owned by the Applicants. In addition, the drawings may contain other marks owned by third parties and are being used for illustrative purposes only. All rights to various trademarks and copyrights represented herein, except those belonging to their respective owners, are vested in and the property of the Applicants. The Applicants retain and reserve all rights in their trademarks and copyrights included herein, and grant permission to reproduce the material only in connection with reproduction of the granted patent and for no other purpose.

Furthermore, the drawings may contain text or captions that may explain certain embodiments of the present disclosure. This text is included for illustrative, non-limiting, explanatory purposes of certain embodiments detailed in the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an example of a dreadlock interlocking tool, in accordance with one embodiment of the technology described herein.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of an example of a dreadlock interlocking tool, in accordance with one embodiment of the technology described herein.

FIG. 3 depicts a top view of an example of a dreadlock interlocking tool, in accordance with one embodiment of the technology described herein.

FIG. 4 depicts a bottom view of an example of a dreadlock interlocking tool, in accordance with one embodiment of the technology described herein.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dreadlock interlocking tool in a first position during operation, in accordance with one embodiment of the technology described herein.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dreadlock interlocking tool in a second position during operation, in accordance with one embodiment of the technology described herein.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dreadlock interlocking tool in a third position during operation, in accordance with one embodiment of the technology described herein.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of an example method for using the dreadlock interlocking tool, in accordance with one embodiment of the technology described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of the Dredlock interlocking tool, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use only in this context. The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the disclosure and the Examples included therein.
Before the present articles, systems, apparatuses, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that they are not limited to specific manufacturing methods unless otherwise specified, or to particular materials unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, example methods and materials are now described.

A. Definitions

It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and in the claims, the term “comprising” can include the aspects “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.” Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In this specification and in the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined herein.
As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an opening” can include two or more openings.
Ranges can be expressed herein as from one particular value, and/or to another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent ‘about,’ it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.
As used herein, the terms “about” and “at or about” mean that the amount or value in question can be the value designated some other value approximately or about the same. It is generally understood, as used herein, that it is the nominal value indicated ±10% variation unless otherwise indicated or inferred. The term is intended to convey that similar values promote equivalent results or effects recited in the claims. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but can be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is “about” or “approximate” whether or not expressly stated to be such. It is understood that where “about” is used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise.
The terms “first,” “second,” “first part,” “second part,” and the like, where used herein, do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, and are used to distinguish one element from another, unless specifically stated otherwise.
As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. For example, the phrase “optionally affixed to the surface” means that it can or cannot be fixed to a surface.
Moreover, it is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.
Disclosed are the components to be used to manufacture the disclosed apparatuses, systems, and articles of the disclosure as well as the apparatuses themselves to be used within the methods disclosed herein. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these materials cannot be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a particular material is disclosed and discussed and a number of modifications that can be made to the materials are discussed, specifically contemplated is each and every combination and permutation of the material and the modifications that are possible unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Thus, if a class of materials A, B, and C are disclosed as well as a class of materials D, E, and F and an example of a combination material, A-D is disclosed, then even if each is not individually recited each is individually and collectively contemplated meaning combinations, A-E, A-F, B-D, B-E, B-F, C-D, C-E, and C-F are considered disclosed. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also disclosed. Thus, for example, the sub-group of A-E, B-F, and C-E would be considered disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in methods of making and using the articles and apparatuses of the disclosure. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the methods of the disclosure.
It is understood that the apparatuses and systems disclosed herein have certain functions. Disclosed herein are certain structural requirements for performing the disclosed functions, and it is understood that there are a variety of structures that can perform the same function that are related to the disclosed structures, and that these structures will typically achieve the same result.
With reference now to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 7 through FIG. 4 thereof, examples of the dreadlock interlocking tool and the principles and concepts thereof will be described.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an example of an apparatus, namely a dreadlock interlocking tool 100. As seen, the dreadlock interlocking tool 100 can comprise four principal elements, including: dreadlock clamp 105, anti-snag guard 110; guide rod 115; and anti-scratch guard 120. The dreadlock interlocking tool 100 is designed to have a principally linear shape, geometrically. That is, the elements 105, 110, 115, and 120 are coupled to each other in a manner that forms a linear structure. Thus, in use, the tool 100 is designed to grasp a dreadlock by the tip such that it is in line with the linear shape of the tool 100. In other words, when the tool 100 is grasping the tip of the dreadlock, the lock of hair is in line with the shape of the tool 100 (e.g., lengthwise). Furthermore, when interlocking, tool 100 can be arranged approximately parallel to the person's scalp, thereby enabling ease of use with respect to moving the tool 100 scratch guard 120 end first along a horizontal axis when pulling the dreadlock (which is in-line with the tool 100) through the root of the dreadlock near the scalp of the person's head.
Unlike tools currently available, the structure of the dreadlock interlocking tool 100 is distinct as it is not structured to grasp the dreadlock such that they are substantially perpendicular (e.g., approximately 90°) which may damage the lock or even break the lock. Consequently, when using the dreadlock interlocking tool 100, there is no difficulty associated with the dreadlock being cross aligned with the lock root as it is pulled and/or pushed through to the other side. Thus the dreadlock interlocking tool 100 is less likely to snag in the dreadlock root which can damage hair and cause discomfort and/or pain. In addition, the interlocking procedure is faster and easier than traditional interlocking tools due to the interlocking tool 100's unique design making it an ideal choice for professionals and consumers.
The lock clamp 105 may be considered a body member of the tool 100, comprised by portions generally described as flat panels, such as a top portion 101 and bottom portion 102. The tool 100 is configured such that the top portion 101 and bottom portion 102 are connected to each other at one end, for instance at a hinged joint 108, while remaining disconnected at the opposing end, referred to as the clip end 106. The hinged joint 108 is a mechanism that allows a “clamping” movement of the tool 100 in a manner that allows the top portion 101 and bottom portion 102 to move away from each other (e.g., in a clamp open position) and to move towards each other and firmly press against each other as their surfaces touch (e.g., in a clamp closed position). Thus, the dreadlock interlocking tool 100 can be designed having its body, namely the lock clamp 105, described as a “clip” or “clamp” structure, as the top portion 101 and bottom portion 102 can pivot from the attached end, at the hinged joint 108. As previously described, the top portion 101 and the bottom portion 102 can move away from each other forming an open angle between the portions 101, 102. Conversely, the top portion 101 and bottom portion 102 can collapse together from the hinged joint 102, thereby closing the “jaws” of the clip. As another example, the internal geometry of the lock clamp 105 may form a V or otherwise have a tapered geometry such that locks of hair, such as dreadlocks of a range of thicknesses, can be accepted and held in place by the tool 100. The lock clamp 105 can be implemented as any clamping means including but not limited to: alligator clip, fasteners, single prong clips, double prong clips, pins, retainers, and various types of mechanisms for closing and securing an object in place.
FIG. 1 shows the dreadlock interlocking tool 100 in a closed position where the internal surfaces of the top portion 101 and the bottom portion 102 are touching each other, thereby closing the clamp. As seen, the connecting edge 107 includes a contour, or “teeth”, which allows the regressed ridges (e.g., female) of the bottom portion 102 to receive the extended ridges (e.g., male) of the top portion 101 (and vice versa) such that the portions 101, 102 mate tool to firmly grip the tip of a lock of hair inside of the tool 100 when the lock clamp 105 is closed. Thus, in use, the lock clamp 105 can securely grip the tip of the dreadlock such that the tool 100 can be pulled by hand at its distal end (e.g., anti-scratching guard 120), and in-turn, pulling the dreadlock through hair at the root without the dreadlock falling out of the tool lock clamp 105 or undesirably coming a loose during interlocking. Conversely, the top portion 101 and the bottom portion 101 of the lock clamp 105 can move away from each other to open, such that the tip of the dreadlock can be placed inside of the opening (before closing the lock clamp 105 to grip the dreadlock).
In the closed position shown in FIG. 1 , the top potion 101 and bottom portion 102 lay relatively parallel, or restated, lay on top of each other such that their respective internal surfaces come into contact. Accordingly, as the dreadlock lock clamp 105 opens, for example, by applying pressure (e.g., squeezing) to an opening and closing mechanism in order to open the lock clamp 105, the lock clamp 105 can receive the tip of a lock of hair, such as a dreadlock.
The lock clamp 105 may be constructed using a rigid material, such as a carbon steel, brass, metal, metal with nickel electroplating, silver, plastic, and the like, and at varying dimensions and/or sizes, for instance having a length between 1.5 inches-4 inches. In at least one instance, the dreadlock interlocking tool 100 may be less than 1 inch long or greater than 4 inches. In other instances, the dreadlock interlocking tool 100 may be adapted to other reasonable sizes. The size of the lock clamp or clamping means can be adjusted in proportion to the size of the dredlock interlocking tool 100. The dreadlock interlocking tool 100 may be constructed such that the total tool has various dimensions, sizes, and thicknesses, for instance having a thickness between 1 and 4 millimeters. In at least one instance, the dreadlock interlocking tool 100 may be less than 3 millimeters thick or greater than 5 millimeters in thickness. In other instances, the dreadlock interlocking tool 100 may be adapted to other reasonable thicknesses.
In the illustrated example, the lock clamp 105 can include an open and closing mechanism (not shown) that may be used to effectuate the opening and/or closing of the lock clamp 105, that is arranged inside of the anti-snag guard 110 at the rear end of the lock clamp 105. In some embodiments, the open and closing mechanism of the lock clamp 105 is a clip grip. As an example, a clip grip functions similar to a lever. In an initial, or resting, position the lock clamp 105 is configured to be closed, as the top portion 101 and bottom portion 102 lay parallel, pressing firmly against each other. When force is applied to the clip grip of the lock clamp 105, for instance pressure from squeezing the grips, both the top and bottom portions 101, 102 of the lock clamp 105 can pivot from a fulcrum, which can be the hinged joint 108 near the rear of the lock clamp 105. This pivoting motion causes the top portion 101 of the lock clamp 105 to swing upward, or vertically from the hinged joint 108 (e.g., along the positive y-axis). Alternatively, the bottom portion 102 of the lock clamp 105 pivots vertically downward from the hinged joint 108 (e.g., along the negative y-axis). The open and closing mechanism of the lock clamp 105 can be implemented by a plurality of tightening mechanisms including, but not limited to: a clip grip; a slide tightening grip; a cam tightening grip; and the like. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , the clamp end 106 may have a “tooth” with a curved shape, which may increase firmness and “lock” the dreadlock's tip fixedly into position at the end of the tool 100, as curved surfaces come into contact while the lock clamp 105 is clamped shut (in comparison to the contact that may be experienced by relatively flat surfaces).
To ensure that any portions of the lock clamp 105 that are extending out (e.g., away from the linear structure of the dreadlock interlocking tool 100), for instance clip grips, do not cause any undesirable snagging of hair while pulling the tool 100 through the loose hair at the root of the dreadlock, the tool 100 includes an anti-snag guard 110. As seen in FIG. 1 , the anti-snag guard 110 is at an end of the lock clamp 105 opposing the clamp end 106. That is, the anti-snag guard 110 can be a coating of generally smooth material, such as rubber or plastic, that covers the open and closing mechanism of the lock clamp 105, for instance the clip grips. The anti-snag guard 110 acts a protective shield, covering elements that may stick out from the linear body of the tool 100 from catching onto strands of hair. Accordingly, by having the anti-snag guard 110, any protruding parts that would otherwise snag against loose hair while the tool 100 is in use, are covered in a manner that allows the lock clamp 105 (and the rest of the tool 100) to move more easily through the dreadlock root near the scalp of the person's head. It should be appreciated that the anti-snag guard 110 may be constructed as one monolithic piece, or as an assembly of multiple pieces in an alternate embodiment.
Also, shown in FIG. 1 , the dreadlock interlocking tool 100 can include the guide rod 115. As a general description, the guide rod 115 facilitates guiding and pulling the tool 100 through the root of the dreadlock. The guide rod 115 can be described as a rigid, narrow, and linearly elongated member extending from the body member of the tool 100, namely the lock clamp 105. The guide rod 115 may be formed as a thin straight bar constructed from a rigid material, such as metal, carbon steel, brass, plastic, and the like. The guide rod 115 can be designed at varying dimensions and lengths, for instance having a length ranging from 1.5 inches-3.0 inches. By being a substantial portion of the tool's 100 length and having a substantially small width, the guide rod 115 is designed to slide easily through hair while guiding the bulkier portions of the tool 100, such as the lock clamp 105, through the root during interlocking the dreadlock. In at least one instance, the interlocking tool 100 may be less than 1 inch long or greater than 4 inches. In other instances, the dreadlock interlocking tool 100 may be adapted to other reasonable sizes. The size of the guide rod can be adjusted in proportion to the size of the dreadlock interlocking tool 100. The guide rod 115 may be constructed at various reasonable sizes proportional to the relative size of the dreadlock interlocking tool 100 and its principal elements.
Further, in the illustrated example of FIG. 1 , the dreadlock interlocking tool 100 includes an anti-scratch guard 120 arranged at the distal end of the tool 100. The anti-scratch guard 120 can be constructed as a primarily circular coating of a soft material, such as rubber, that covers the blunted end of the guide rod 115. Thus, the anti-scratch guard 120 acts as a shield over a blunt and/or sharp edge of the rod 115 that may otherwise scratch, poke, or even cut the scalp (or eye, ear, and other body parts) of the person while the tool 100 is in use in close proximity to their head. The anti-scratch guard 120 is yet another feature of the distinct design of the tool 100 that increases safety and comfort for the user. In at least one instance, since the anti-scratch guard 120 is at the distal end of the tool 100, it can be the held in the hand of the user. For example, the user can place their hand around the anti-scratch guard 120, which has a soft and non-slip surface, while the tool 100 is pulling the tip of the dreadlock, secured by the lock clamp 105 at the opposing end of the tool 100, through the hair at the root during interlocking. In at least one instance, there is not anti-scratch guard or there is a blunted/rounded terminal end of the guide rod 115 with a coating or plastic or resin that would functionally be equivalent to the anti-scratch guard.
As alluded to above, the dreadlock interlocking tool 100 may be constructed at varying sizes and dimensions, as deemed appropriate, for example to accommodate the user's discretion or preference and comfort. In at least one instance, the dreadlock interlocking tool 100 may be less than 1 inch long or greater than 4 inches. In other instances, the dreadlock interlocking tool 100 may be adapted to other reasonable sizes. The size of the guide rod can be adjusted in proportion to the size of the dreadlock interlocking tool 100. The guide rod 115 may be constructed at various reasonable sizes proportional to the relative size of the dreadlock interlocking tool 100 and its principal elements. The dimensions of the tool 100 can be determined based on several factors related to the environment and the user, such as child, adult, short dreadlocks, long dreadlocks, and the like. Examples of different dimensions that can be used to implement the dreadlock interlocking tool 100 are shown in the table below:

TABLE

Dreadlock interlocking tool dimensions

		Lock
Tool	Lock Clamp	Clamp Open	Guide Rod	Anti-Snag	Anti-Scratch
Length	Dimensions	“jaw” Width	Dimensions	Guard Length	Guard Length

3 inches	1.4 inches ×	0.31 inches	1.65 inches × 3 mm	0.75 inches	0.25 inches
	0.35 inches ×
	0.2 inches
4 inches	1.4 inches ×	0.31 inches	2.85 inches × 3 mm	0.75 inches	0.25 inches
	0.35 inches ×
	0.2 inches
4 inches	2 inches ×	0.35 inches	2.25 inches × 3 mm	0.75 inches	0.25 inches
	0.2 inches ×
	0.4 inches

Referring now to FIG. 2 , a side view of the dreadlock interlocking tool 100 is shown, in the closed position. FIG. 2 prominently illustrates the length of the tool 100.
FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the dreadlock interlocking tool 100. FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the dreadlock interlocking tool 100.
FIGS. 5-7 are diagrams illustrating the example dreadlock interlocking tool 100 in operation by a user to grip a lock of hair, shown as a dreadlock 150. Although the function of the dreadlock interlocking tool 100 is described in reference to a dreadlock 150, it should be understood that the tool 100 can be used on other types and/or styles of hair, such as braids, twists, coils, curls, synthetic hair, and the like. In FIG. 5 , the tool 100 is shown in the closed position, securely holding the tip of the dreadlock 150. Before being closed, the tool 10 may be placed in the open position, in order to receive dreadlock 150. As described in detail in reference to FIG. 1 , the tool 10 may be opened by applying pressure to the opening and closing mechanism inside of the anti-snag guard 110. In accordance with the grip clip embodiment, a user can squeeze together the ends of the grip, thereby moving the top portion and the bottom portion of the lock clamp 105 away from each other. Subsequently, the tip of the dreadlock 150 can be inserted inside of the lock clamp 105, and the clamp 105 closed “locking” the tip of the dreadlock 150 into position as shown in FIG. 5 . That is, FIG. 5 illustrates the tip of the dreadlock 150 while being gripped by tool 100. In accordance with this embodiment, multiple tools 10 can be constructed to have distinct and varying sizes, in anticipation of the related application(s).
In particular, FIG. 5 serves to illustrate the linear arrangement of the dreadlock interlocking tool 100 while in use. As seen, the dreadlock interlocking tool 100 is designed to be held in line with dreadlock 150 while grasping the tip. That is, the tool 100 is positioned such that the portion of the dreadlock 150 between the user's fingers and the tool 100 is in-line with (e.g., horizontally aligned) the linear body of the tool 100. Furthermore, the tool 100 can be held parallel (e.g., horizontally aligned) with respect to the user's head, allowing for an ease of use when moving the tool though the hair at the root of the dreadlock 150.
In FIG. 6 , shown the dreadlock interlocking tool 100 in another position while in use. In some embodiments, the guide rod 115 can be used to guide the tool 100. However, in some embodiments, such as the example described below, the anti-scratch guard 120 may be used as an alternate method or other way of guiding the tool 100. In FIG. 6 , the lock clamp 105 is grasping the tip of the dreadlock 150, as the user pulls the tool 100 by the guide rod 115 through root of the dreadlock 150 to tighten it. As alluded to above, the dreadlock interlocking tool 100 can include an anti-scratch guard 120 at the distal end that is shown in FIG. 6 as being held in the user's hand. For example, the user can initially push the distal end of the tool 100, anti-scratch guard 120 first, through the root of dreadlock 150 from one side to the other. FIG. 6 shows this initial position, as the tip of deadlock 150 is still in the lock clamp 100, and has not been pulled through to the other side of the root. In at least one instance, a user may prefer to grasp and guide the tool 100 by pulling the anti-scratch guard 120. Being constructed using a rubber-like material, the anti-scratch guard 120 can improve the user's hold of the tool 100 as the soft rubber covering the end of the guide rod 115 causes slight friction when coming into contact when the skin of the user's hand. This friction from the anti-scratch guard 120, which can be rubber in this case, may increase the gripping effect of the user's hand allowing the tool 100 not to slip out of the user's hand while being forcibly pulled through the root of the dreadlock 150. In at least one instance, a user may prefer to grasp and guide tool using the guide rod 115. In this instance, the anti-scratch guard 120 can reduce the risk of hazards associated with pulling the hard and/or protruding portions of the tool 100 through the user's hair.
Thus, by positioning the tool 100 substantially parallel to the head, the user can pull the tool 100 through to the opposite side (e.g., opposite to the side of interior) of the root of the dreadlock 150. By pulling the entire dreadlock 150 through the root to the other side, a “loop” is formed at the root, similar to tying a knot, tightening and interlocking dreadlock 150. This is illustrated in FIG. 7 , as the lock clamp 105 has been pulled completely through the root of the dreadlock 150, and exiting the hair on the opposite side. FIG. 7 also shows that the lock clamp 105 continues to securely hold the tip of the dreadlock 150 throughout the interlocking motion, allowing the entire dreadlock 150 to move in-line with the tool 100 (as opposed to perpendicular), making it much easier to pull the dreadlock 150 through the root of the dreadlock 150 to the other side.
In FIG. 8 , and example method 800 for using the dreadlock interlocking tool is depicted. The method 800 may begin at operation 805. At operation 805, a user may place a lock clamp of a dreadlock interlocking tool in an open position to receive a dreadlock. The user can insert a tip of the dreadlock directly between the “jaws” of the lock clamp. Next, at operation 810, a user may place the lock clamp of the dreadlock interlocking tool in a closed position. With the tip of the dreadlock being arranged between the “jaws” of the lock clamp, closing the lock clamp secures the tip of dreadlock in the lock clamp, allowing the dreadlock to be held in position by the tool.
Subsequently, at operation 815, the dreadlock interlocking tool, being held in at least one hand of the user, can be positioned such that the dreadlock is horizontally aligned with the dreadlock interlocking tool. Also, the dreadlock interlocking tool can be held by the user, being positioned parallel to the user's head, as shown in FIG. 6 .
Thereafter, at operation 820, the user can guide the dreadlock interlocking tool through the root of the dreadlock to tighten the dreadlock. For example, guiding the dreadlock interlocking tool can involve the user pushing a distal end of dreadlock interlocking tool into a first side of the root of the dreadlock, which is depicted in FIG. 6 , as described in detail above. The user can use the guide rod, for example, to pull the dreadlock interlocking tool through the hair. This is shown in FIG. 7 , which is described in detail above. By pulling the dreadlock interlocking tool, the tool is moved with the scratch guard end leading, along a horizontal axis through the root of the dreadlock. Thus, the scratch guard helps to ensure that the tool does not scratch or cut the user's head, while moving so closely to the scalp. Ultimately, the tool is pulled to exit a second side of the root of the dreadlock in a manner that pulls the entire dreadlock through the root of the dreadlock, tightening the dreadlock with ease and without damaging or breaking the deadlock.
While the specification includes examples, the disclosure's scope is indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, while the specification has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, the claims are not limited to the features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples for embodiments of the disclosure.
Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawing disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claims below, the disclosures are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claims such additional disclosures is reserved.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

an elongated rod;

a body member coupled to a proximal end of the elongated rod, the body member comprising:

a top portion, and

a bottom portion moveably coupled to the top portion at a hinged joint, such that an opening is formed between the top portion and bottom portion, wherein the top portion and the bottom portion move away from each other to an open position for receiving a lock of hair inserted into the opening:

wherein the top portion and the bottom portion move towards each other to a closed position for gripping the received lock of hair, and wherein the hinged joint is configured sustain the body member in the closed position, and

wherein the top portion defines a plurality of first ridges and the bottom portion defines a plurality of second ridges, wherein the plurality of first ridges are configured mate with the second plurality of ridges to engage the lock of hair in the closed position;

a rod guard arranged at the distal end of the elongated rod, comprising a rounded shape; and

joint guard covering a portion of the hinged-joint.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated rod is coupled to the body member forming a linear geometry for the apparatus, extending from a proximal end of at least one of the top portion or bottom portion.

3. (canceled)

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the closed position grips the received lock of hair such that the lock of hair is positioned in line with the linear geometry of the apparatus.

5. (canceled)

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated rod comprises a metal.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hinged joint is arranged at the a proximal end of the body member.

8-10. (canceled)

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body member comprises a metal, and the opening and closing mechanism comprises a metal.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the joint guard comprises at least one of rubber or plastic, such that the joint guard covers the hinged joint to reduce hair contact during the interlocking motion.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hinged joint comprises at least one of: a clip grip, a cam tightening grip, and a slide tightening grip.

14-15. (canceled)

16. A dreadlock interlocking tool, comprising:

a guide rod, wherein the guide rod comprises an anti-scratch guard at the distal end of the guide rod, such that the rod guard comprises a rounded shape; and

a lock clamp coupled to the guide rod forming a linear body of the tool, the lock clamp, comprising a hinge joint, configured to grip a portion of a dreadlock such that the dreadlock is positioned in line with the linear body of the tool, and the guide rod guides a movement of the dreadlock in the horizontal alignment through hair at the root of the dreadlock during an interlocking motion, wherein the lock clamp defines a plurality of first ridges and a plurality of second ridges, wherein the plurality of first ridges are in a regressed arrangement and configured to mate with the second plurality of ridges in an extended arrangement, and wherein the plurality of first ridges and plurality of second ridges are configured to engage the dreadlock in a closed position, wherein the lock clamp further comprises a joint guard configured to cover a portion of the hinged joint.

17. A method comprising:

placing a lock clamp of a dreadlock interlocking tool in an open position to receive a dreadlock;

placing the lock clamp of the dreadlock interlocking tool in a closed position to secure a tip of dreadlock in the lock clamp;

positioning the dreadlock interlocking tool such that the dreadlock is horizontally aligned with the dreadlock interlocking tool and the dreadlock interlocking tool is parallel to a bead of a user; and

guiding the dreadlock interlocking tool through a root of the dreadlock to tighten the dreadlock.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein guiding the dreadlock interlocking tool through a root of the dreadlock further comprises: pushing a distal end of dreadlock interlocking tool into a first side of the root of the dreadlock.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein guiding the dreadlock interlocking tool through a root of the dreadlock further comprises:

pulling the dreadlock interlocking tool to exit a second side of the root of the dreadlock in a manner that pulls the entire dreadlock through the root of the dreadlock.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein pulling the dreadlock interlocking tool further comprises:

moving a scratch guard of the dreadlock interlocking tool along a horizontal axis through the root of the dreadlock.

21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top portion defines an external surface that comes to rest inside an internal surface of the bottom portion at the closed position.

22. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion defines an external surface that comes to rest inside an internal surface of the top portion at the closed position.

23. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top portion comprises a width dimension that tapers along a length dimension of the top portion.

24. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion comprises a width dimension that tapers along a length dimension of the bottom portion.

25. The apparatus of claim 1, where in the rod guard comprises at least one of rubber, plastic or resin.

26. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a length dimension of the elongated rod ranges from about 1.5 inches to about 3.0 inches.