U.S. patent application number 10/223584 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-19 for fluid dispensing brush.
Invention is credited to Dermody, Michael B., Stankovic, Gus.
Application Number | 20040031499 10/223584 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31715179 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040031499 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stankovic, Gus ; et
al. |
February 19, 2004 |
Fluid dispensing brush
Abstract
A dispensing brush for dispensing a predetermined fluid on a
head of hair. The dispensing brush includes a reservoir located
within the brush head for retention of the predetermined fluid. The
reservoir is in fluid communication with openings located on the
top surface of the brush. The openings are centrally aligned on the
top surface of the brush, and are located among the bristles of the
brush.
Inventors: |
Stankovic, Gus; (Milwaukee,
WI) ; Dermody, Michael B.; (Oconomowoc, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RYAN KROMHOLZ & MANION, S.C.
POST OFFICE BOX 26618
MILWAUKEE
WI
53226
US
|
Family ID: |
31715179 |
Appl. No.: |
10/223584 |
Filed: |
August 19, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/116 ;
132/112 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 24/24 20130101;
A45D 19/16 20130101; A45D 19/02 20130101; A46B 2200/1046 20130101;
A46B 11/0013 20130101; A46B 2200/104 20130101; A46B 11/0062
20130101; A45D 19/0066 20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/116 ;
132/112 |
International
Class: |
A45D 024/22 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A dispensing brush comprising: a handle portion, said handle
portion including a proximal end and a distal end, a head portion,
said head portion including a first end and an oppositely disposed
second end, said first end of said head portion connected to said
proximal end of said handle portion, said head portion having a top
surface and a bottom surface, a plurality of bristles laterally
extending from the top surface of said head portion, a fluid
reservoir, said fluid reservoir located in said head portion, a
fill aperture, said aperture being in fluid communication with said
reservoir, a plug removably engaging said fill aperture, said top
surface of said head portion including a plurality of dispenser
openings, said dispenser openings being in fluid communication with
said fluid reservoir.
2. The dispensing brush of claim 1 wherein said fill aperture is
located in said second end of said head portion.
3. The dispensing brush of claim 1 wherein said fill aperture is
located on said bottom surface of said head portion
4. The dispensing brush of claim 1 wherein said plurality of
bristles is arranged in multiple linear patterns.
5. The dispensing brush of claim 4, wherein said plurality of
dispenser openings is longitudinally aligned along a central axis
of said top surface of said head portion, said openings being
centrally located between said multiple linear patterns of
bristles.
6. The dispensing brush of claim 1, wherein said fill aperture has
a diameter of at least 0.25 inches (0.635 cm).
7. The dispensing brush of claim 1 wherein at least one of said
plurality of dispenser openings includes a surrounding collar, said
collar elevated a predetermined height above said top surface of
said head portion.
8. The dispensing brush of claim 7, wherein said predetermined
height is at least 0.125 inches (0.3175 cm).
9. The dispensing brush of claim 4, wherein said reservoir is
adapted to receive a fluid through said fill aperture.
10. The dispensing brush of claim 5, wherein said plurality of
dispenser openings is adapted to dispense a fluid from said
reservoir.
11. A method for applying a fluid to a head of hair consisting of
the steps: providing a head of hair; providing a dispenser brush,
said brush including a handle portion and a head portion; said head
portion including a first end and a second end; said first end of
said head portion connected proximally to said handle portion; said
head portion having a top surface and a bottom surface, a plurality
of bristles laterally extending from said top surface, a fluid
reservoir located in said head portion, and a fill aperture; said
fill aperture being in fluid communication with said reservoir, a
plug removably engaging said fill aperture, said top surface of
said head including a plurality of openings, said openings being in
fluid communication with said reservoir; filling the reservoir of
the dispensing brush with a predetermined fluid; and passing said
bristles through said head of hair, thereby dispensing said
predetermined fluid from the reservoir through said dispenser
openings onto the head of hair.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a dispensing brush. More
specifically, the present invention relates to a dispensing brush
having a reservoir for retaining a predetermined fluid, such as a
hair-coloring product. The predetermined fluid is dispensed through
dispenser apertures.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] The idea of applying a viscous liquid to the hair or scalp
is not new. Many coloring products, hair gels, and conditioners are
used to manage or style a head of hair. Dispersal of the product
evenly over the hair is of concern during application to the hair.
Many known applicator devices do not give the control necessary to
evenly disperse a liquid while styling hair. Other devices may
disperse liquid evenly, but do so in limited amounts such that
multiple applications may be needed. Further, some devices are
limited to dispersal of liquid having viscosity within a narrow
range.
[0005] For example, Thiruppathi (U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,290) teaches
dispersing liquids onto the hair by way of a spray pump and nozzle
incorporated within a hairbrush. However spray nozzles, such as
those disclosed therein, accommodate liquids of moderate viscosity,
rather than more viscous fluids that may be needed in hair
coloring, for example. Furthermore, a spray nozzle may cover an
area larger than required, leading to excess use of the liquid, and
a lack of control over dispersal.
[0006] Another dispensing brush is disclosed in Velardi (U.S. Pat.
No. 3,868,188). This disclosure suggests a toothbrush in which
liquid is dispensed through bristles. However, the bristles of this
design may become clogged, leading to uneven dispersal of the
fluid. Also, since the fluid flow is manually controlled, this
device does not easily lend itself to application of a hair
product. While brushes may have been developed that dispense
fluids, the shortcomings of uneven disbursement of the fluids and
unnecessary manipulation of the brush by the user have not been
adequately solved.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] To ameliorate the noted concerns of known dispenser brushes,
it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel liquid
dispensing hairbrush that is easy to use and control, and may be
used with a variety of fluids. The brush includes a hollow,
refillable reservoir for storing the fluid to be dispersed, and a
plurality of dispersal openings communicating with the reservoir.
The device of the present invention evenly disperses a
predetermined fluid onto a head of hair or a scalp without need of
manual regulation by the user. The hairbrush is designed to use
gravity in the dispensing process rather than the pumps or controls
seen in known devices.
[0008] A predetermined fluid, such as a hair colorant, is
preferably added to the device through a fill aperture in one end
of the brush. The fill aperture is in fluid communication with the
brush reservoir. Once the reservoir is filled, the aperture may be
closed with a plug or other stop means thereby retaining the fluid
in the reservoir. The brush further includes a top surface and a
bottom surface. The top surface preferably includes a plurality
bristles extending normal to the top surface, and a plurality of
dispenser openings. The dispenser openings being in fluid
communication with the brush reservoir. The dimensions and
alignment of the dispenser openings in the top of the brush allow
the user to easily control even dispersal of fluid on a head of
hair. The following description will explain the invention in more
detail.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing brush according
to the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a top plain view of the dispensing brush seen in
FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded, longitudinal section of the
dispensing brush seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, and taken along line 3-3 of
FIG. 2.
[0012] FIG. 4 is an end view of the dispensing brush seen in FIGS.
1-3.
[0013] FIG. 5 shows the dispensing brush of FIGS. 1-4 in use with
on a head of hair.
[0014] FIG. 6 shows the dispensing brush of FIGS. 1-5 and a head of
hair after application of fluid by the dispensing brush.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a
dispensing brush according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to
enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the
physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the
invention that may be embodied in other specific structure. While
the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be
changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by
the claims.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a fluid
dispensing brush 10 is shown. The dispensing brush 10 includes a
handle portion 12 and a head portion 14, and may be fabricated from
any suitable material such as plastic, metal, wood, or other rigid
material. The handle portion 12 may be of any shape that allows for
easy manual gripping of the dispensing brush 10 and includes a
proximal end 16 and a distal end 18. The head portion 14 of the
dispensing brush 10 has a first end 15 and a second end 17. The
head portion 14 of the dispensing brush 10 is connected to the
proximal end 16 of the handle portion 12 at the first end 15 of the
head portion 14. The head portion 14 further includes at least a
top surface 20 and a bottom surface 19, with the top surface 20
holding a plurality of bristles 22 and further including a
plurality of dispenser openings 24. The handle portion 12 and the
head portion 14 as shown are fabricated from one piece of material,
but it is to be understood that the dispensing brush 10 may be
fabricated from multiple parts, if desired.
[0018] As seen particularly in the view of FIG. 4, a fill aperture
26 is preferably located at the second end 17 of head portion 14. A
plug 28 removably engages the aperture 26, thereby allowing a
predetermined fluid, such as a hair coloring fluid, to be placed
and retained in a reservoir 30 (shown in FIG. 3) within the head
portion 14. The reservoir 30 is preferably in fluid communication
with the dispenser openings 24 and the fill aperture 26.
[0019] FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of the dispensing brush 10. As
seen, the dispenser openings 24 are preferably located on the top
surface 20 of the head portion 14 and are centrally situated
between multiple linear rows of bristles 22, with the linear rows
of bristles 22 being aligned along the central, longitudinal axis
of the dispensing brush 10. The dispenser openings 24 are
preferably located centrally on the top surface 20 of the head
portion 14, and between the linear rows of bristles 22 to thereby
cause the bristles 22 to control the alignment of the hair before
and after application of a fluid and cause even placement of fluid
by the dispenser openings 24. The dispenser openings 24 are
preferably aligned in a linear configuration to aid in even
dispersal of a predetermined fluid 38. The dispenser openings 24
include an inner diameter 24A. The inner diameter 24A is preferably
at least approximately 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) in diameter to allow
the predetermined fluid to flow from the reservoir 30 and through
the dispenser openings 24. The number of rows of the bristles 22 on
either side of the dispenser openings 24 is not critical to the
scope of the invention and may vary according to user
preference.
[0020] In FIG. 3, a section view of the dispensing brush 10 is
shown as taken along a central, longitudinal axis. As seen,
dispenser openings 24 are preferably in fluid communication with
the reservoir 30. The fill aperture 26, which is also in fluid
communication with the reservoir 30, includes a removable plug 28
for retention of fluid (not shown in this view) in the reservoir
30. While FIG. 3 illustrates the plug 28 as being threaded, any
plug 28 that will removably engage and seal the aperture 26 will
suffice, such as that having an interference fit.
[0021] As further shown particularly in FIG. 3, the dispenser
openings 24 each include a respective longitudinally extending
collar portion 40, which is elevated above the top surface 20 of
the head portion 14. While each of the dispenser openings 24 is
shown having a collar portion 40, it is to be understood that the
dispensing brush 10 may include at least one dispenser opening
without the collar portion 40. The respective collar portions 40 of
the dispenser openings 24 are preferably elevated a predetermined
height above the top surface 20 of the head portion 14. The
predetermined height is preferably approximately 0.125 inches
(0.3175 cm), although it is to be understood that the present
invention may be practiced using greater or lesser heights,
depending on user preference. For example, the height of the collar
portions 40 above the top surface 20 could be greater than 0.125
inches (0.3175 cm), but a less viscous fluid may not dispense
evenly if the height is much less than 0.125 inches (0.3175 cm).
The collar portions 40 function to inhibit uncontrolled liquid
dispersal from the dispenser openings 24. Further, the entire
height of the dispenser openings 24, from the reservoir 30 to the
top of a respective collar portion 40 is preferably 0.25 inches
(0.635 cm). This height allows adequate control of a predetermined
fluid during passage from the reservoir 30, to exit onto a head of
hair (See FIGS. 5 and 6). Again, although 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) is
preferable, the height may be decreased or increased according to
the viscosity of the fluid used, or user preference.
[0022] FIG. 4 shows an end view of the dispensing brush 10 viewed
from the second end 17 of the head portion 14. As seen, the
reservoir 30 is aligned with the dispenser openings 24 along the
center of the dispensing brush 10. The dispenser openings 24 are
symmetrically located between the rows of the multiple linear rows
of the bristles 22. Likewise, the fill aperture 26 is also aligned
with the reservoir 30 for facile filling with a predetermined fluid
(not shown). As seen, the fill aperture 26 preferably includes a
diameter 26A of at least approximately 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) in
diameter for a viscous fluid to properly enter the reservoir 30.
The fill aperture diameter 26A may be more than approximately 0.25
inches (0.635 cm) in diameter, but it is not recommended for the
aperture diameter 26A to be much less than approximately 0.25
inches (0.635 cm) in diameter for applicable flow of a viscous
fluid.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the dispensing brush 10
is shown in use to apply a predetermined fluid 38 to a head of hair
36. The dispensing brush 10 is brought through the hair 36 with the
bristles 22 facing towards the hair 36. As the bristles 22 of the
dispensing brush 10 pass through the hair 36, the predetermined
fluid 38 is dispensed through the dispenser openings 24 and onto
the hair 36. After the dispensing brush 10 is pulled through the
hair 36, the fluid 38 is left behind on the hair 36 (See FIG. 6).
The design of the bristles 22 around the openings 24 and the height
of the collar portions 40 above the top surface 20 allow the fluid
38 to be evenly dispersed over the head of hair 36, as is shown by
the streaks of the fluid 38 in FIG. 6. The head of hair 36 is
evenly treated with the fluid 38, with relative ease on the behalf
of the user.
[0024] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of the present invention wherein the fill aperture 26 is located on
the bottom surface 19 of head portion 14. As in the previous
embodiment, the plug 28 preferably removably engages the aperture
26 with the reservoir 30 in fluid communication with the dispenser
openings 24 and the fill aperture 26.
[0025] While the above description is illustrative of the
invention, numerous modifications to the invention may occur
without changing the scope of the invention. For instance, the
shape of the handle and head of the brush may be changed while
still being within the bounds of the invention. Likewise, the
length and width of the brush may be modified, and the number of
bristles and openings, and the size of the fluid reservoir may be
modified as deemed necessary.
* * * * *