U.S. patent application number 11/269821 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-10 for hair brush.
This patent application is currently assigned to FURUMOTO CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Kenjiro Furumoto.
Application Number | 20070101530 11/269821 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38002275 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070101530 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Furumoto; Kenjiro |
May 10, 2007 |
Hair brush
Abstract
A hair brush includes a handle and a brush base having a
plurality of depressions formed on its surface and brush bristles
fixed in each of the depressions. The depressions are longitudinal
when viewed from above. Each of the brush bristles is folded in two
at a folding area. Each of the folding area of the brush bristle is
positioned and fixed in one of the depressions. A pair of folded
portions obtained by folding each brush bristle is aligned along
the longitudinal direction of the depressions, is retained with a
gap provided between the folded portions, is extended vertically
upward.
Inventors: |
Furumoto; Kenjiro; (Osaka,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WESTERMAN, HATTORI, DANIELS & ADRIAN, LLP
1250 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, NW
SUITE 700
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Assignee: |
FURUMOTO CO., LTD.
Kashiwara-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
38002275 |
Appl. No.: |
11/269821 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/195 ;
15/DIG.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 3/16 20130101; A46B
2200/104 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/195 ;
015/DIG.005 |
International
Class: |
A46B 3/16 20060101
A46B003/16 |
Claims
1. A hair brush comprising: a grip; and a brush base including a
plurality of depressions on the upper surface and brush bristles
fixed in each of the depressions, wherein each of the depressions
has a longitudinal shape when viewed from above, each of the brush
bristles is folded in two at a folding area, the folding area being
positioned and fixed in one of the depressions, and a pair of
folded portions obtained by folding each of the brush bristles are
aligned along the longitudinal direction of the depressions with a
gap provided between the pair of folded portions of the brush
bristles and are fixed so that the brush bristles extend
upwards.
2. The hair brush according to claim 1, wherein the depressions are
oval-shaped.
3. The hair brush according to claim 1, wherein the tips of the
folded portions are spherical.
4. The hair brush according to claim 2, wherein the tips of the
folded portions are spherical.
5. The hair brush according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal
dimension of one of the pair of folded portions is longer than that
of the other folded portion.
6. The hair brush according to claim 2, wherein the longitudinal
dimension of one of the pair of folded portions is longer than that
of the other folded portion.
7. The hair brush according to claim 3, wherein the longitudinal
dimension of one of the pair of folded portions is longer than that
of the other folded portion.
8. The hair brush according to claim 4, wherein the longitudinal
dimension of one of the pair of folded portions is longer than that
of the other folded portion.
9. The hair brush according to claim 1, wherein one of a rod-like
fixing member and a plate-like fixing member is suspended across
the lower area of each of the depressions of the brush bristle in a
direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of each of the
depressions, the fixing member being interposed between the folded
portions of each of the folded brush bristles, the fixing member
having a predetermined thickness in the longitudinal direction of
each of the depressions.
10. The hair brush according to claim 2, wherein one of a rod-like
fixing member and a plate-like fixing member is suspended across
the lower area of each of the depressions of the brush bristle in a
direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of each of the
depressions, the fixing member being interposed between the folded
portions of each of the folded brush bristles, the fixing member
having a predetermined thickness in the longitudinal direction of
each of the depressions.
11. The hair brush according to claim 3, wherein one of a rod-like
fixing member and a plate-like fixing member is suspended across
the lower area of each of the depressions of the brush bristle in a
direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of each of the
depressions, the fixing member being interposed between the folded
portions of each of the folded brush bristles, the fixing member
having a predetermined thickness in the longitudinal direction of
each of the depressions.
12. The hair brush according to claim 4, wherein one of a rod-like
fixing member and a plate-like fixing member is suspended across
the lower area of each of the depressions of the brush bristle in a
direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of each of the
depressions, the fixing member being interposed between the folded
portions of each of the folded brush bristles, the fixing member
having a predetermined thickness in the longitudinal direction of
each of the depressions.
13. The hair brush according to claim 5, wherein one of a rod-like
fixing member and a plate-like fixing member is suspended across
the lower area of each of the depressions of the brush bristle in a
direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of each of the
depressions, the fixing member being interposed between the folded
portions of each of the folded brush bristles, the fixing member
having a predetermined thickness in the longitudinal direction of
each of the depressions.
14. The hair brush according to claim 6, wherein one of a rod-like
fixing member and a plate-like fixing member is suspended across
the lower area of each of the depressions of the brush bristle in a
direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of each of the
depressions, the fixing member being interposed between the folded
portions of each of the folded brush bristles, the fixing member
having a predetermined thickness in the longitudinal direction of
each of the depressions.
15. The hair brush according to claim 7, wherein one of a rod-like
fixing member and a plate-like fixing member is suspended across
the lower area of each of the depressions of the brush bristle in a
direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of each of the
depressions, the fixing member being interposed between the folded
portions of each of the folded brush bristles, the fixing member
having a predetermined thickness in the longitudinal direction of
each of the depressions.
16. The hair brush according to claim 8, wherein one of a rod-like
fixing member and a plate-like fixing member is suspended across
the lower area of each of the depressions of the brush bristle in a
direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of each of the
depressions, the fixing member being interposed between the folded
portions of each of the folded brush bristles, the fixing member
having a predetermined thickness in the longitudinal direction of
each of the depressions.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a hair brush.
[0003] 2. Description of the Art
[0004] In general, as shown in FIG. 18, on a surface 21a of a hair
brush, a plurality of depressions 22 (refer to FIG. 19) are
provided. The hair brush includes a brush base 21 on which a
plurality of brush bristles 23 are implanted in each of the
depressions 22 and a handle 24 extending continuously from the
brush base 21. The depressions 22 are circular when viewed from
above. The brush bristles 23 are folded in two, pushed into each of
the depressions 22 together with a small piece 25 (refer to FIG.
19), and fixed in the depressions 22 (for example, refer to
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
11-33072).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] However, the above-described hair brush has the following
problems. One problem is that, since the brush bristles 23 are
fixed in the depressions 22 while the brush bristles 23 are closely
in contact with the depressions 22, hair is caught between the
brush bristles 23, causing split ends of the hair. Another problem
is that, since the brush bristles 23 are fixed in the depressions
22 while the brush bristles 23 are closely in contact with the
depressions 22, friction is generated between the brush bristles 23
and hair. As a result, a strong force is required for brushing.
Moreover, since it is difficult for the brush bristles 23 to pass
through the hair, the brush bristles 23 do not easily reach the
scalp. As a result, hair roots and pores are not sufficiently
cleaned.
[0006] Accordingly, the present invention addresses the
above-identified problems and provides a hair brush including brush
bristles that do not cause hair to be easily caught between the
brush bristles. Moreover, the hair brush according to the present
invention can be used for brushing hair with a small amount of
force, and the brush bristles of the hair brush can easily reach
the scalp.
[0007] Accordingly, the present invention provides a hair brush
including a grip and a brush base including a plurality of
depressions on the upper surface and brush bristles fixed in each
of the depressions, wherein each of the depressions has a
longitudinal shape when viewed from above, each of the brush
bristles is folded in two at a folding area that is positioned and
fixed in one of the depressions, a pair of folded portions obtained
by folding each of the brush bristles at the folding area are
aligned along the longitudinal direction of the depressions with a
gap provided between the pair of folded portions of the brush
bristles and are fixed so that the brush bristles extend
upwards.
[0008] More specifically, the hair brush according to the present
invention includes a brush base having an upper surface on which
depressions having a longitudinal shape when view from above are
provided. In each of the depressions, a brush bristle including a
pair of folded portions obtained by folding the brush bristle in
two is positioned and fixed. The folded portions of each brush
bristle are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the
depression, are retained with a predetermined gap between the
folded portions, and extend vertically upwards. Accordingly, since,
the folded portions of each brush bristle included in the hair
brush according to the present invention are aligned along the
longitudinal direction of the depression and are retained with a
predetermined gap between the folded portions, the brush bristles
are not closely in contact. Therefore, hair is not easily caught
between the brush bristles and, as a result, no damage, such as
split ends, is imposed on the hair. Furthermore, friction is not
generated between the hair being brushed and the brush bristles. As
a result, brushing can be carried out with less force. Moreover,
since the brush bristles easily pass through hair, the brush
bristles easily reach the scalp. In this way, hair roots and pores
can be thoroughly cleaned.
[0009] Formation of depressions having a longitudinal shape when
viewed from above is easily achieved by forming oval
depressions.
[0010] By providing spherical structures on the tips of the folded
portions, the tips of the folded portions gently come into contact
with the scalp, providing an excellent massage effect.
[0011] By providing one of the pair of folded portions longer in
the vertical direction than the other folded portion, the longer
folded portions are bent when they come into contact with the
scalp. As a result, the spherical structures at the tips of the
folded portions gently come into contact with the scalp, providing
an excellent massage effect.
[0012] A rod-like or plate-like fixing member having a
predetermined thickness in the longitudinal direction of the
depression is suspended across the lower area of each of the
depressions of the brush bristle in a direction orthogonal to the
longitudinal direction of each of the depressions. The fixing
member is interposed between the folded portions of each of the
folded brush bristles. Accordingly, by changing the thickness of
each fixing member in the longitudinal direction of the depression,
the length of the gap between the pair of folded portions can be
adjusted.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hair brush according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a side view of the hair brush;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a brush base;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the
brush base;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a depression;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the depression;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the
depression;
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a brush bristle;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a brush bristle
implanted in the depression;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a brush bristle
implanted in the depression;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a side view of the main part of the hair
brush;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a modification of a
depression;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the depression;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a brush bristle
implanted in the depression;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a plan view of another modification of a
depression;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the depression;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the
depression;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a plan view of a known hair brush; and
[0031] FIG. 19 is illustrates brush bristles pushed into a
depression.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0033] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a hair brush according to an
embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a synthetic
resin brush base 1 having a plurality of depressions 2 (refer to
FIGS. 3 and 4) formed on a surface (upper surface) 1a. A brush
bristle 3 is implanted in each of the depressions 2 of the brush
base 1 (the brush base 1 according to this embodiment is shaped
substantially as a rectangle wherein the longitudinal direction of
the rectangle is parallel to the front to rear direction). The
brush bristle 3 is composed of a bristle that has spherical
structures 3a provided at both ends (refer to FIG. 8) and is folded
in two. The folded brush bristle 3 includes a pair of folded
portions 3b in which one piece is longer than the other (refer to
FIGS. 9 and 10). According to this embodiment, the folded portions
3b are fixed in the depressions 2 in a manner such that the longer
folded portion 3b is aligned behind the shorter folded portion 3b.
The folded portions 3b are disposed with a predetermined gap
between each other in the longitudinal direction. A synthetic resin
handle (grip) 4 extends continuously in the longitudinal direction
from the rear side of the brush base 1. The brush base 1 (not
including the brush bristles 3 being implanted in the depressions
2) and the handle 4 are formed as a single piece by using a metal
mold.
[0034] The surface 1a of the brush base 1 is formed as a surface
curving downwards from the longitudinal center line of the hair
brush toward left and right in the lateral direction (i.e., the
left and right sides of the curved surface are substantially the
same shape). As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, six to nine rows of 22 to
24 depressions 2 aligned in the longitudinal direction in equal
intervals are provided along the lateral direction in equal
intervals (in this embodiment, a total of eight rows (four rows on
the right side of the hair brush and four rows on the left side of
the hair brush) are provided). The left and right sidewalls of the
depressions 2 are provided substantially orthogonal to the surface
1a of the brush base 1 so that the depressions 2 are provided at an
angle (i.e., slanted slightly inward).
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, each of the depressions 2 are
formed as an oval when viewed from above (i.e., longitudinal when
viewed from above) and includes a center portion 11 having left and
right sidewalls parallel to each other and front to rear side
portions 12 and 13 (front side portion 12 and rear side portion 13)
formed as semicircular arcs on the front and rear sides of the
center portion 11. The depressions 2 are disposed so that the
longitudinal direction of the depressions 2 is parallel to the
longitudinal direction of the brush base 1. The bottom area 11a of
the center portion 11 has a cross-section of a semicircular arc
along the lateral direction (refer to FIG. 6). Bottom areas 12a and
13a of the front to rear side portions 12 and 13 are curved
(substantially a 1/4 sphere) (refer to FIG. 7).
[0036] According to the above-described structure, first, a
plurality of the brush bristles 3 having spherical structures 3a on
both ends (refer to FIG. 8 showing one brush bristle 3) and a
plurality of aluminum fixing pieces 5 that are rectangular rods
having a predetermined longitudinal length (refer to FIGS. 9 and
10) are provided. Then, each of the brush bristle 3 folded in two
(wherein the folded portions 3b of the folded brush bristle 3 have
different lengths and the longer folded portion 3b is disposed
behind the shorter folded portion 3b) is pushed into each of the
depressions 2 in a manner such that one of the fixing pieces 5 is
disposed and fixed at a folding area 3c of the brush bristle 3
(refer to FIGS. 9 and 10). The pushing and fixing of the fixing
piece 5 are carried out for each of the depressions 2 or are
carried out simultaneously for a plurality of depressions 2 so that
one brush bristle 3 folded in two is implanted in each of the
depressions 2. In this state, the folding area 3c of each of the
folded brush bristles 3 is aligned with the bottom areas 11a, 12a,
and 13a of each of the depressions 2 and is retained and fixed by
the fixing piece 5 by caulking (or pressing) against the left and
right sidewalls of the center portion 11 of the depression 2. The
folded portions 3b of the folded brush bristle 3 are disposed so
that they extend vertically upwards from the depression 2 and a
predetermined gap is provided in the longitudinal direction between
the folded portions 3b (refer to FIG. 10).
[0037] As described above, according to this embodiment, the folded
portions 3b of one brush bristle 3 are held in each of the
depressions 2 with a predetermined gap provided in the longitudinal
direction between the folded portions 3b. In this way, hair is not
caught between the folded portions 3b and does not undergo damages
that might cause split ends. Further, since friction is not
generated between the hair being brushed and the brush bristles 3,
brushing can be carried out with less force. Furthermore, since the
folded portions 3b easily pass through hair, the brush bristles 3
easily reach the scalp, enabling thorough cleaning of the hair
roots and pores. Moreover, since the spherical structures 3a are
provided at the tips of the folded portions 3b, the spherical
structures 3a gently come into contact with the scalp, providing an
excellent massage effect. Moreover, since one of the folded
portions 3b is longer than the other folded portion 3b, the longer
folded portion 3b is slightly bent when it come into contact with
the scalp. In this way, the spherical structures 3a come into
contact with the scalp even more gently, increasing the massage
effect. Moreover, by changing the length of the fixing pieces 5 in
the longitudinal direction of the depression 2, the gap between the
folded portions 3b can be adjusted.
[0038] FIGS. 12 and 13 show a modification of the depression 2.
According to this modification, the bottom areas 11a, 12a, and 13a
include a groove 15 extending in the longitudinal direction of the
hair brush and a tapered portion 16 sloping upwards and outwards
from the left and right sidewalls at the upper opening of the
groove 15. The folding area 3c of the brush bristle 3 is disposed
at the tapered portion 16, and the lower edge of the folding area
3c is embedded in the groove 15 (refer to FIG. 14). The other
components are the same as those of the depressions 2 according to
the above-described embodiment and are represented by the same
reference numerals. When the depressions 2 according to this
modification are used, the same advantages can be achieved as those
of the first embodiment.
[0039] FIGS. 15 to 17 show another modification of the depression
2. The depression 2 according to this modification is the same as
the depression 2 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 except for a circular
depression 18 including an upper cylindrical column portion 18a and
a lower tapered portion 18b sloping downwards towards and inwards
from the left and right sidewalls of the lower-edge opening of the
upper cylindrical column portion 18a. The other components are the
same as those of the depression 2 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 and are
represented by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 12 and
13. When the depressions 2 according to this modification are used,
the same advantages can be achieved as those of the first
embodiment. Moreover, according to this modification, since the
circular depressions 18 are provided on the upper end of the
depressions 2, the same metal mold used for forming a known hair
brush including circular depressions when viewed from above can be
used for forming the hair brush according to this modification of
the present invention by modifying the depressions of the metal
mold for a known hair brush.
[0040] According to the above-described embodiment, the longer
folded portion 3b is disposed behind the shorter folded portion 3b.
However, the arrangement is not limited thereto. In other words,
the longer folded portion 3b does not necessarily have to be
disposed behind the shorter folded portion 3b, and thus the longer
folded portion 3b may be disposed before the shorter folded portion
3b. Further, the folded portions 3b of the brush bristles 3 may be
arranged in any way with respect to the longitudinal positions of
the folded portions 3. Furthermore, the folded portions 3b may be
provided at same lengths. Moreover, the spherical structures 3a may
be provided on only one of the folded portions 3b, or the spherical
structures 3a do not have to be provided at all.
[0041] According to the above-described embodiment, the fixing
pieces 5 are rod-like structures. However, the fixing pieces 5 may
be provided as flat structures. The shape of the depressions 2 does
not necessarily have to be oval when viewed from above. The shape
of the depressions 2 is not limited and may be any shape so long as
the shape is longitudinal when viewed from above.
* * * * *