U.S. patent application number 11/853569 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-06 for self-cleaning comfort hair brush and roller and system for selecting a brush from a plurality of brushes according to hair type.
This patent application is currently assigned to GOODY PRODUCTS, INC.. Invention is credited to Tianyi Chang, Kim V. Peterson, Gil Spenser, Paul Spitale.
Application Number | 20080052858 11/853569 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33418490 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080052858 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chang; Tianyi ; et
al. |
March 6, 2008 |
Self-Cleaning Comfort Hair Brush and Roller and System for
Selecting a Brush from a Plurality of Brushes According to Hair
Type
Abstract
A hair brush includes a body, a cushion pad, and a plurality of
bristles. The body includes at least a partial cavity at a first
end, and the cavity includes a front portion, a rear portion, and a
plurality of apertures. A cushion pad having a first surface is
disposed near the front portion of the cavity when the hair brush
is in a user position, and is disposed near a second surface
located near the rear portion of the cavity when the hair brush is
in a cleaning position. The plurality of bristles are disposed on
the cushion pad, and have a first end that bristles extend
substantially perpendicular from the first surface of the cushion
pad through the apertures in the front portion of the body.
Inventors: |
Chang; Tianyi; (Atlanta,
GA) ; Peterson; Kim V.; (Manchester, GA) ;
Spitale; Paul; (Peachtree City, GA) ; Spenser;
Gil; (Griffin, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARSHALL, GERSTEIN & BORUN LLP
233 S. WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 6300
SEARS TOWER
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
GOODY PRODUCTS, INC.
Freeport
IL
|
Family ID: |
33418490 |
Appl. No.: |
11/853569 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10876407 |
Jun 25, 2004 |
|
|
|
11853569 |
Sep 11, 2007 |
|
|
|
60482407 |
Jun 25, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/186 ; 132/120;
15/159.1; 15/201 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 2200/104 20130101;
A46B 17/06 20130101; A46B 3/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/186 ;
132/120; 015/159.1; 015/201 |
International
Class: |
A46B 7/00 20060101
A46B007/00; A45D 24/16 20060101 A45D024/16; A46B 7/06 20060101
A46B007/06; A46B 5/00 20060101 A46B005/00 |
Claims
1-5. (canceled)
6. A hair brush comprising: a body including a generally
cylindrical portion disposed near the first end of the body, the
generally cylindrical portion including an outer surface and a
plurality of apertures; a central elongate portion disposed at
least partially inside the cylindrical portion includes a first end
and a second end; and a plurality of bristles having a first end
and a second end, wherein the first end of the bristles extend from
the central elongate portion through the apertures in the
cylindrical portion of the body, and wherein the second end of the
bristles are disposed near the outer surface of the cylindrical
portion in a cleaning position, and are disposed away from the
outer surface of the cylindrical portion in a user position.
7. The hair brush of claim 6, further including a handle disposed
near a second end of the body.
8. The hair brush of claim 6, wherein the generally cylindrical
portion has a circular cross-section.
9. The hair brush of claim 6, wherein the second end of the
plurality of bristles has a generally spherical shape.
10. The hair brush of claim 6, wherein the central elongate portion
is disposed in the along a central axis of the cylindrical
portion.
11. The hair brush of claim 6, further including a first end cap
disposed on a first end of the generally cylindrical portion, and a
second end cap disposed on a second end of the generally
cylindrical portion.
12. The hair brush of claim 11, further including a handle
extending from the second end cap.
13. The hair brush of claim 6, further including an activation
button operatively connected to the central elongate portion for
changing the hair brush from a user position to a cleaning
position.
14. The hair brush of claim 6, wherein the plurality of bristles
are oriented generally perpendicular to the central elongate
portion in the user position and are angled relative to the central
elongate portion in the cleaning position.
15-50. (canceled)
51. The hair brush of claim 11, further including a handle integral
to the second end cap.
52. The hair brush of claim 11, wherein the outer surface of the
body is generally planar with an outer surface of the second end
cap.
53. The hair brush of claim 11, wherein the outer surface of the
body is generally planar with an outer surface of the first end
cap.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] The present application is a non-provisional application
based on, and claiming the priority benefit of, co-pending U.S.
provisional application Ser. No. 60/482,407, which was filed on
Jun. 25, 2003, and is expressly incorporated by reference
herein.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The disclosure relates generally to hair brushes, hair
rollers, and a system of hair brushes for use with various types of
hair and, more particularly, to hair brushes having comfort
features and self-cleaning retractable bristles, and to a system
for selecting a hair brush from a plurality of hair brushes
according to types and styles of hair.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Hair brushes in general are known in the art. Similarly,
hair brushes having retractable bristles or self-cleaning features,
and features for added comfort are also know in the art. For
example, one type of a self-cleaning hair brush is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,021,542, and includes a plurality of cleaning
sheets disposed between bristles of the brush. After strands of
hair have accumulated between the bristles, the user can pull a
sheet away from the plurality of sheets, thereby removing with the
sheet the accumulated strands of hair. This type of self-cleaning
hair brush, however, requires the plurality of sheets to be
replaced, making it a costly brush cleaning feature.
[0004] Another type of self-cleaning hair brush includes
retractable bristles that enable the user to remove strands of hair
from a top of the brush once the bristles have been retracted. One
such brush is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,416 and utilizes a
brush head, a spring, and a lever to retract the bristles relative
to the head of the brush. More specifically, the brush head is
disposed at an end of the lever which pivots about a pivot point in
the body of the brush. The spring biases the lever and hence the
bristle head to a position such that the bristles of the brush are
in a retracted position. The user extends the bristles for use by
depressing the lever against the bias of the spring and forcing the
bristles out from the head of the brush.
[0005] Another brush having retractable bristles is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,877 and includes a base, an actuation member,
and a plurality of bristles. The bristles are attached to the
actuation member which is slidably attached to the base. The
bristles are retracted by pulling the actuation member toward the
user relative to the base. By doing so, the bristles, which are
positioned perpendicular to the actuation member in the extended
position, are forced to a parallel position relative to the
actuation member and hence are retracted into the base/actuation
member. The bristles are extended by pushing the actuation member
into the base, thereby positioning the bristles perpendicular to
the actuation member.
[0006] Another brush having retractable bristles is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,563 and includes body, a backing member,
springs, a base, an actuating element, and a plurality of bristles.
The bristles are attached to the backing member, which is
operatively attached to the actuating element. The springs are
located underneath and bias the backing member against the body of
the brush such that the bristles extend from the body. The bristles
are retracted into the body by depressing the actuating element
against the bias of the springs. To extend the bristles from the
body, the user releases the depressed actuating element such that
the bias of the springs returns the backing member against the body
of the brush, and hence extends the bristles.
[0007] Another brush having retractable bristles is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,563 and includes an outer tubular member having
apertures and an inner tubular member. A plurality of bristles are
rotatably mounted on the inner tubular member and extend through
the apertures. By rotation of the outer tubular member relative to
the inner tubular member, the bristles, depending on the direction
of rotation, either extend from or retract into the outer tubular
member.
[0008] These types of retractable bristle/self-cleaning hair
brushes, however, each have one or more problematic aspects or
features. For example, these brushes all require a complicated and
multi-piece mechanism to effectuate retraction and extension of the
bristles, making the brushes costly to manufacture and more
susceptible to breakage and malfunction. Similarly, these brushes
are not designed for the comfort of the user and, therefore, have
features not optimal for user comfort.
[0009] In another example, a comfort hair brush is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,395 and includes a flexible membrane that is
pivotally attached along opposite ends to a rigid support. A
plurality of bristles are attached to and extend downwardly from
the flexible membrane. During use of the brush, the flexible
membrane will reconfigure to match a profile of the user's head and
will provide a certain amount of forgiveness toward the center
portion of the flexible membrane. This comfort hair brush, however,
does not include any self-cleaning features, and may be hard on the
head of the user at areas toward the ends of the flexible
membrane.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0010] In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a hair
brush having a body, a cushion pad, and a plurality of bristles, is
disclosed. The body includes a first end at which at least a
partial cavity is disposed. The cavity includes a front portion, a
rear portion, and a plurality of apertures. The cushion pad
includes a first surface that is disposed near the front portion of
the cavity when the hair brush is in a user position, and a second
surface that is disposed near the rear portion of the cavity when
the hair brush is in a cleaning position. The plurality of bristles
are disposed on the cushion pad such that a first end of the
bristles extends substantially perpendicular from the first surface
of the cushion pad through the apertures in the front portion of
the cavity.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a hair
brush having a body, a central elongate portion and a plurality of
bristles is disclosed. The body includes a generally cylindrical
portion having an outer surface and a plurality of apertures,
wherein the generally cylindrical portion is disposed near the
first end of the body. The central elongate portion includes a
first end and a second end, and is disposed at least partially
inside the cylindrical portion. Each of the plurality of bristles
has a first end that extends from the central elongate portion
through a corresponding one of the apertures in the cylindrical
portion of the body. A second end of each of the plurality of
bristles is disposed near the outer surface of the cylindrical
portion in a cleaning position, and is disposed away from the outer
surface of the cylindrical portion in a user position.
[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a hair
brush having a body, a head, and a plurality of bristles is
disclosed. The head is disposed near a first end of the body, and
the plurality of bristles are disposed on the head of the body. A
bristle density and bristle length are based on at least one of a
length, texture, amount, and thickness a hair type.
[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a hair
brush system having a plurality of brushes is disclosed. The
plurality of hair brushes each have different types of bristles and
include a first of the plurality of hair brushes having a first
type of bristles adapted to be used with a first type of hair, and
a second of the plurality of hair brushes having a second type of
bristles adapted to be used with a second type of hair. The first
type of bristles and the second type of bristles differ in at least
one of a bristle density and a bristle length.
[0014] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a
method of providing hair brushes for various types of hair is
disclosed. The method includes providing a first hair brush having
a first type of bristle adapted to be used with a first type of
hair, and a second hair brush having a second type of bristle
adapted to be used with a second type of hair. The first type of
bristles and the second type of bristles differ in at least one of
a bristle density and a bristle length.
[0015] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a
method of determining hair brushes for various types of hair is
disclosed. The method includes categorizing hair types based on at
least one of a length, texture, amount, and thickness of hair, and
providing a plurality of hair brushes having a different bristle
type. The method further includes correlating a first hair type to
a first of the plurality of hair brushes having a first bristle
type, and correlating a second hair type to a second of the
plurality of hair brushes having a second bristle type. The first
bristle type and the second bristle type differ in at least one of
a bristle density and a bristle length.
[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a hair
roller is disclosed. The hair roller includes a generally
cylindrical body, a central elongate portion, and a plurality of
bristles. The generally cylindrical body includes an outer surface
and a plurality of apertures, and the central elongate portion has
a first end and a second end and is disposed at least partially
inside the cylindrical portion. The plurality of bristles have a
first end that extend from the central elongate portion through the
apertures in the body, and a second end that are disposed near the
outer surface of the body in a cleaning position, and are disposed
away from the outer surface of the body in a user position.
[0017] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a
vented hair brush is disclosed. The vented hair brush includes a
body having a head and a handle, at least a partial cavity disposed
in the head of the brush, a cushion pad, and a plurality of
bristles. The cavity has a front portion, a rear portion, and at
least a first plurality of apertures. The cushion pad includes a
first surface disposed near the front portion of the cavity when
the hair brush is in a user position, a second surface disposed
near the rear portion of the cavity when the hair brush is in a
cleaning position, and a second plurality of apertures aligned with
the first plurality of apertures when the hair brush is in a user
position. The plurality of bristles are disposed on the cushion pad
and have first ends that extend substantially perpendicular from
the first surface of the cushion pad through a third plurality of
apertures disposed in the head of the brush.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The advantages of the present invention will be apparent
upon reading the following description in conjunction with the
drawings, in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is perspective view of one embodiment of a
self-cleaning comfort hair brush constructed in accordance with the
teachings of the disclosures;
[0020] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the self-cleaning
comfort hair brush of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 2a is a plan view of the comfort hair brush taken along
line 2a-2a of FIG. 2;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cushion
pad and bristles taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the self-cleaning
comfort hair brush of FIG. 1, in a user position;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the self-cleaning
comfort hair brush of FIG. 2 in a cleaning position;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a side view with broken out sections of a round
self-cleaning comfort hair brush in a user position;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a side view with broken out sections of the round
self-cleaning comfort hair brush of FIG. 6 in a cleaning
position;
[0027] FIG. 7a is a side view with broken out sections of a round
self-cleaning comfort hair roller in a user position;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of short, medium, and long
bristles;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a front plan view of a low-density bristle pattern
of an oval brush;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a front plan view of a low-density bristle
pattern of a vented brush;
[0031] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a low-density bristle
pattern of a round brush;
[0032] FIG. 12 is a front plan view of a medium-density bristle
pattern of an oval brush;
[0033] FIG. 13 is a front plan view of a medium-density bristle
pattern of a vented brush;
[0034] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a medium-density
bristle pattern of a round brush;
[0035] FIG. 15 is a front plan view of a high-density bristle
pattern of an oval brush;
[0036] FIG. 16 is a front plan view of a high-density bristle
pattern of a vented brush; and
[0037] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a high-density bristle
pattern of a round brush.
[0038] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments
thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below
in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no
intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed,
but, on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications,
alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the
spirit and scope of the disclosure and the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] Referring now to the drawings, and with specific reference
initially to FIG. 1, a self-cleaning comfort hair brush 20 includes
a body 22, a cushion pad 24, and a plurality of bristles 26. The
hair brush 20, as depicted in FIG. 1 is only one exemplary type of
hair brush 20 and, more particularly, one exemplary type of hair
brush head that may be used in conjunction with the present
disclosure. The hair brush 20 is, therefore, not limited to an
oval-shaped brush head as depicted in FIG. 1, but may include any
of the brush heads disclosed herein and others.
[0040] The hair brush 20 is intended to provide a comfortable brush
that is self-cleaning and/or has a self-cleaning mechanism. More
specifically, the bristles 26 are attached to and extend
substantially or generally perpendicularly from the cushion pad 24
located in a cavity 28, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4. The
cushion pad 24 is constructed from a flexible material, and can be
moved such that it is disposed near a front portion 30 of the body
22 with bristles extending outwardly through aperture 34 when the
hair brush 20 is in an user position, or is disposed near a rear
portion 32 of the body 22 when the hair brush 20 is in a cleaning
position. The bristles 26 extend through apertures 34 located on
the front portion 30 of the body 22, such that tips 36 of the
bristles 26 are disposed away from the front portion 34 in a user
position, and are disposed near the front portion 30 or at least
partially retracted within the cavity 28 in a cleaning
position.
[0041] A hair brush system incorporating various features of the
hair brush 20 is intended to provide a hair brush 20 selectable
from an array of brushes and adapted for a person's specific type
and/or style of hair. More specifically, the user's hair type may
be categorized in many ways including, but not limited to, amount
or density, shape, width or diameter, and length of the hair.
Similarly, the person's hair style may vary. A brush with the
length and density of the bristles 26, as illustrated in FIGS. 8-17
may, therefore, be appropriately chosen to accommodate the various
type and style of hair.
[0042] In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, the
body 22 includes a head 31 defining the cavity 28 therein, and a
handle 38. The handle 38 extends from the front portion 30, and the
cavity 28 is disposed between the front portion 30 and the rear
portion 32 at the body 22. The hair brush 20 may, however, be
constructed without the handle 38, such that the user would grasp,
for example, the head 31 of the brush 20 during use Conversely, the
hair brush 20 may include several additional elements or pieces.
For example, the handle 38 may be constructed from a plurality of
pieces; similarly, the front and rear portions 30, 32 may be
constructed of additional pieces and/or be connected at other
locations. The front portion 30 of the body 22 has an outside
surface 40 and an inside surface 42, wherein the apertures 34 are
located between the inside surface 42 and the outside surface 40.
The inside surface 42 of the front portion 30 may also define an
upper surface or front wall 44 of the cavity 28. A rear wall 46 of
the cavity 28 defined by an inner surface of rear portion 32 is
disposed opposite the front wall 44.
[0043] The body 22 may be constructed from one or more pieces and,
as in this example, may be constructed from two portions, the front
portion 30 and the rear portion 32. The front portion 30 may
include the handle 38, and may in part create the front wall 44 of
the cavity 28. The rear portion 32 of the body 22 may be disposed
to the rear of the front portion 30, such that the rear portion 32
may in part create the rear wall 46 of the cavity 28.
[0044] More specifically, as best illustrated in FIG. 2 and 5, the
front portion 30 includes a first end 48 and a second end 50. The
first end 48 of the front portion 30 includes the apertures 34 and
a first mating surface 52, and the second end 50 includes the
handle 38. The first mating surface 52 is located around the
perimeter of a first section 28a of the cavity 28 and may be
adapted to receive a second mating surface 54 located on the rear
portion 32 of the body 22. The rear portion 32 may create a second
section 28b of the cavity 28 and may include the second mating
surface 54. The second mating surface 54 is located around the
perimeter of the rear portion 32 of the body 22, and may be adapted
to engage with the first mating surface 52, such that upon
connection of the mating surfaces 52, 54, the cavity 28 is
formed.
[0045] The body 22 may also include one or more positioning members
55, located along the perimeter of the cavity 28, as seen in FIG.
2a. The positioning members 55 may depend from the perimeter of the
cavity 28 and extend radially inward.
[0046] The body 22 and the cavity 28 may, however, be formed in
many other ways with many additional and/or alternate features. For
example, the front portion 30 and the rear portion 32 may be
attached or engaged via a ledge and corresponding recess. More
specifically, the mating surfaces 52, 54 may include a
complimentary ledge and recess, such that the rear portion 32 may
snap onto the front portion 30 via the ledge and recess, without
adhesive. Similarly, the hair brush 20 may be constructed from a
single piece and may not include the rear portion 32. The cavity 28
in such an example, may only be partially enclosed. Other methods
of forming the body 22 and cavity 28 may include connecting the
front portion 30 and the cushion pad 24 together without a rear
portion 32 where the cushion pad 24 is attached to the front
portion 30. The cushion pad 24 may be constructed by other
materials listed below. The cushion pad 24 can also be constructed
in pieces with mobile joints that allows movement, with the
movement being enhanced or regulated by additional material such as
gel-like substance, water, plasmic type of material that is behind
the cushion pad 24, and granular substance such as sand, marble, or
dust. These materials may require glue or adhesives to retain its
position relative to the cushion pad 24, and may or may not require
a rear cavity 32 to contain itself. The rear portion 32 can be
eliminated or constructed together with the front portion 30 as a
whole part. The substances behind the cushion pad 24 may be
functional in nature or aesthetic. In addition the front portion 30
is not required to have a dome-like curvature. The front portion 30
can also be of a flat surface, textured surface, ribbed with
undulating wall thicknesses, or include additional material that
creates a textured feel. For example, the front wall 44 of the
front portion 30 may include a molded rubber for texture, or an oil
absorbing fabric, and may be decorative and ornamental as well.
[0047] In another example, the body 22 may include additional
apertures 56 both on the front and rear portions 30, 32, as seen in
FIGS. 10, 13, and 16, such that air (i.e., from a hairdryer) may
penetrate the head of the hair brush 20. Similarly, the cushion pad
24 may include additional apertures 53 corresponding to the
apertures 56, as seen in FIG. 10, such that air may penetrate the
cushion pad 24. The apertures 53, as seen in FIG. 10, may be slots
or cu-outs from the cushion pad 24, thereby allowing air may
penetrate the cushion pad 24. Alternatively, the apertures 53 may
in fact create separations in the cushion pad 24, such that the
cushion pad 24 is constructed from a plurality of strips or pieces
that contain the bristles 26.
[0048] The body 22 can be fabricated from relatively light weight,
durable, and sturdy plastic materials such as polyethylene,
polypropylene, polystyrene, or other suitable plastic materials,
including but no limited to wood, metal, and composites. Similarly,
the body 22 can be injection molded, blow molded, continuously
molded, extruded, vacuum formed, or the like. The manufacturing
process or processes and materials can be selected based on
feasibility, cost, tooling concerns, as well as other factors for a
given application. The optimal method of manufacturing is to use
injection molding to form the front and rear portions 30, 32. The
bristles 26 and cushion pad 24 can be simultaneously molded through
injection molding with the bristles 26 being contained within the
cushion pad 24. Alternatively, the bristles 26 may be molded
separately and assembled in a molded cushion pad 24 and reinforced
with glue or fabric to further stabilize the bristles 26 to prevent
bristles 26 from depressing through the cushion pad 24.
[0049] The cushion pad 24, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, is
disposed within the cavity 28 and includes a front surface 58 and a
rear surface 60 that, in this example, are substantially parallel
to each other. The cushion pad 24, when in use, may have a
generally convex shape, which may be the result of placement of the
cushion pad 24 into the cavity 28 and/or the body 22. More
specifically, the cushion pad 24 may be constructed or formed such
that the cushion pad 24 has a generally convex shape independent of
the cavity 28 and the body 22. The cushion pad 24 may alternatively
be constructed or formed such that the cushion pad 24 has a
generally planar shape and only obtains its convex shape once
inserted into the cavity 28 and/or the body 22.
[0050] In one exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of a
perimeter of the cushion pad 24, as seen in the left portion of the
head 31 in FIG. 5, may rest on the front or rear portion 30, 32 of
the hair brush 20, thereby providing the cushion pad 24 and, more
specifically, the perimeter of the cushion pad 24 a stop or the
like, to enable the cushion pad 24 to retain the convex shape.
Additionally and/or alternatively, as seen in the right portion of
the head 31 in FIG. 5, at least a portion of the perimeter of the
cushion pad 24 may rest on a ledge or protrusion 57 extending
inwardly from the front or rear portion 30, 32 toward the cavity
28. The perimeter of the cushion pad 24, however, need not abut a
stop or the like to enable the cushion pad 24 to retain the convex
shape, but may retain the convex shape by some other means such as,
for example, the engagement of the bristles 26 with the apertures
34.
[0051] Once having a convex shape, the cushion pad 24, in this
example, is biased to remain in the convex shape, due to the
construction or placement of the cushion pad 24 in the cavity 28
and/or body 22. The rear surface 60 of the cushion pad 24 may be
disposed along the rear wall 46 of the cavity 28 when the hair
brush 20 is in the cleaning position, such that the cushion pad 24
may have a substantially similar contour to the rear wall 46 of the
rear portion 32. The cushion pad 24 may be fabricated from
relatively resilient and flexible materials such as rubber, fabric,
plastic with high pliability, or plastic connected by joints to
enable movement, paper-like material such as vellum, mylar,
acetate, metal with high pliability in sheets or connected by
joints, wooden pieces connected by joints to enable movement, or
other suitable flexible material, or any material joined or
designed to create flexible movement.
[0052] Additionally, the cushion pad 24 may include holes, ribs,
slots, and/or other features to locally effect the flexibility of
the cushion pad 24. For example, as seen in FIG. 2a, the cushion
pad may include one or more relieves, such as angled cut-outs 61 as
in this embodiment. The angled cut-outs 61 are located at the
perimeter of the cushion pad 24, and extend inwardly. The angled
cut-outs 61 may allow the cushion pad 24 to conform to the front
portion 30 without overlapping parts. More specifically, the
angled-cuts may allow the cushion pad 24 to conform to a convex
and/or concave shape as defined by the cavity 28.
[0053] The bristles 26, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, extend
substantially perpendicular to the cushion pad 24 and include a
first end 62 and a second end 64, wherein the second end 64
includes the tip 36. The first end 62 of the bristles 26 are
adapted to fixedly or removably attach to the cushion pad 24, and
the second end 64 of the bristles 26 are adapted to contact the
user's scalp. More specifically, the first end 62 of the bristles
26 may include an annular groove 66 and a flange 68, which are
arranged such that to one side of the groove 66 is the flange 68
and to the other side of the groove 66 is the remainder of the
bristle 26. As seen in FIG. 3, the annular groove 66 engages the
cushion pad 24 and is secured by the flange 68 at the rear surface
60 of the cushion pad 24, and by the remainder of the bristle 26 on
the front surface 58 of the cushion pad 24. The bristle 26, may
however, be attached to the cushion 24 in other manners, including,
but not limited to, adhesive, press-fit, interference-fit, or the
like, or can be removably attached and be replaceable.
Additionally, the bristles 26 may be integrally molded with the
cushion pad 24, in a one step or two step molding process. The
second end 64 of the bristles 26 includes the tip 36 which may
include a feature adapted to make the hair brush 20 more
comfortable on the user's scalp. In this exemplary embodiment, the
tip 36 is rounded or spherically shaped, which makes engagement
with the user's scalp less harsh and more comfortable than without.
The length of the bristles 26 may be constant throughout the hair
brush 20, but may also vary according to need and design, such that
the tips 36 of the bristled 26 are staggered and not equidistant to
the outside surface 40 of the front portion 30.
[0054] In operation, the hair brush 20 has several positions,
including a user position and a cleaning position. In the user
position, as illustrated in FIG. 4, i.e. as the user is brushing
hair, the front surface 58 of the cushion pad 24 is disposed
substantially along the inside surface 42 of the front portion 30
of the body 22, such that the bristles 26 extend outwardly from the
front surface 58 of the cushion pad 24 through the apertures 34. As
such, the tips 36 of the bristles 26 are disposed away from the
outside surface 40 front portion 30 of the body 22.
[0055] However, as the hair brush 20 and, more specifically, as the
bristles 26 come into contact with the user's scalp, the front
surface 58 of the cushion pad 24 may be forced away from the inside
surface 42 of the portion 30 of the body 22, such that cushion pad
24 is forced from the initial convex shape to a less convex shape,
a planar shape or even a concave shape, as illustrated in FIG. 5.
More specifically, to make using the hair brush 20 more
comfortable, the cushion pad 24 may be designed to absorb a force
and/or distance that is in excess of the force and/or distance
required to make contact between the bristles 26 and the user's
scalp. The cushion pad 24, having a generally convex shape may,
therefore, temporarily deform to accommodate the extra force and/or
distance that is in excess of the force and/or distance required to
make contact between the bristles 26 and the user's scalp.
[0056] In a cleaning position, the rear surface 60 of the cushion
pad 24 is disposed substantially along the rear surface 86 of the
cavity 28, such that the tips 36 of the bristles 26 are disposed
near the outside surface 40 of the front portion 30 of the body 22.
More specifically, to make cleaning accumulated strands of hair
from the bristles 26 easier, the cushion pad 28 is deformed or
moved to cause the bristle 26 to at least partially retract into
the front portion 30 and/or the body 22. As illustrated in FIG. 5,
the user may depress the bristles 26 into the front portion 30
and/or the body 22, thereby causing the bristles 26 to retract,
causing the cushion pad 24 to deform. Upon retraction, the hair is
accumulated at a top of the apertures 34 as the hair is prevented
from moving with he bristles 26 by the stationary front portion
30.
[0057] The cushion pad 24 may move within the cavity 28 by many
methods. In one method, the cushion pad 24 may be suspended between
the two cavities 28a, 28b. Due to the nature of rubber material,
the cushion pad 24 conforms to the first cavity 28a of the hair
brush 20. When the rubber is depressed, due to the nature of the
material, the cushion pad 24 has a natural tendency to flex,
depress and remit to its original shape.
[0058] The position members 55 and/or the angled cut-outs 61 may
aid in the flexing and/or aligning of the cushion pad 24. For
example, as he cushion pad 24 flexes either convexly or concavely,
the perimeter of the cushion pad 24 may have a tendency to compress
and/or bunch. The angled cut-outs 61 may allow the cushion pad 24
variable flexibility depending of the size of the angled cut-outs
61 and/or the positioning members 55. In combination, the
positioning members 55 and the angled cut-outs 61 may align the
cushion pad 24 in the cavity 28, and hence relative to the front
portion 30 having the apertures 34. More specifically, as
illustrated in FIG. 2a, the positioning members 55 and the angled
cut-outs 61 may engage, such that the sides 61a and 61b of the
angled cut-outs 61 are disposed on either side of the positioning
members 55. As such, the cushion pad 24 will be aligned in the
cavity 28, and hence the front portion 30 and apertures 34.
[0059] In another exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7
the hair brush 20 may not include a cushion pad 24, but may include
an elongate central axis rod 70. In this embodiment, a body 72 may
include a handle 74, a first end cap 76, a second end cap 78, a
central annular portion 80 located between the first end cap 76 and
the second end cap 78, an activation button 82, and a receiving
portion 84. The handle 74 depends from a first side 86 of the first
end cap 76. A second side 88 of the first end cap 76 includes a
circular recess portion that receives the central annular portion
80. The first end cap 76 and the handle 74 may, however, be an
integral unit (FIG. 7) and may be constructed such an exterior
surface of the first end cap 76 and an exterior surface of the
central annular portion 80 are substantially planar or flat, such
that no observable step between the first end cap 76 and the
central annular portion 80 exists. A first side 90 of the second
end cap 78 receives the other end of the central annular portion 80
and, more specifically, receives the central annular portion 80
within a circular recess. The second end cap 78 may be constructed
such an exterior surface of the second end cap 78 and an exterior
surface of the central annular portion 80 are substantially planar
or flat (FIG. 7), such that no observable step between the second
end cap 76 and the central annular portion 80 exists. The
activation button 82 is located along the central longitudinal axis
of the central annular portion 80 within the second end cap 78.
More specifically, the activation button 82 includes a first end 94
and a second end 96, wherein the first end 94 is adapted to be
engaged by a user, and the second end 96 includes a cup portion 98
adapted to receive the elongate central axis rod 70.
[0060] The central annular portion 80 may be generally cylindrical
and, more specifically, may have a generally circular cylindrical
shape. A plurality of apertures 100 located around the central
annular portion 80 receive bristles 102 that are disposed from the
elongate central axis rod 70 through the apertures 100.
[0061] The elongate central axis rod 70 may have a semi-rigid to
rigid construction from which the bristles 102 extend. More
specifically, as in this example, the elongate central axis rod 70
is constructed from a plurality of rods or wires 104 that are
twisted together to form the elongate central axis rod 70. The
elongate central axis rod 70 may, however, be molded using various
types of molding techniques, including being integrally molded with
the bristles 26.
[0062] The bristles 102 extend radially outward from the elongate
central axis rod 70 and are fixedly attached thereto. In this
example, the bristles 102 are attached to the elongate central axis
rod 70 by being wedged between the rods 104 as the rods 104 are
twisted together. More specifically, prior to the rods 104 being
twisted together, the bristles 102 may be placed between the rods
104, such that the bristles 102 are oriented generally
perpendicular to the rods 104 and such that the bristles 102 abut
the rods 104 near an inner section 106 of the bristles 102. Once
the rods 104 are twisted and the bristles 102 are wedged
therebetween, outer sections 108 of the bristles 102 will extend in
substantially equal length from opposite sides of the elongate
central axis rod 70. The bristles 102 may, however, have varying
length such that the outer sections 108 of the bristles 102 are
staggered and not equidistant to the elongate central axis rod
70.
[0063] In operation of this exemplary embodiment, the hair brush 20
may be in one or more positions, including the cleaning position
and the user position. In the user position, as seen in FIG. 6, the
activation button 80 is located in an outward position, such that
the activation button 82 extends from a second side 92 of the
second end cap 78, and the bristles 102 are oriented substantially
perpendicular to the elongate central axis rod 70. In this
position, the outer portions 108 of the bristles 102 extend through
the apertures 100 and outwardly from the central annular portion
80. The bristles 102 are in their natural state at this point,
because the rigidity of the bristles 102 and their attachment to
the elongate central axis rod 70 cause the bristles 102 to have a
tendency or bias to be substantially perpendicular to the elongate
central axis rod 70, and hence in the user position.
[0064] The hair brush 20 may be changed from the user position to
the cleaning position by depressing the activation button 82. More
specifically, the activation button 82 may be depressed, thereby
causing the cup portion 98 located on the bottom of the activation
button 82 to abut a second end 110 of the elongate central axis rod
70. The elongate central axis rod 70 will move axially along the
central axis of the central annular portion 80, until a first end
112 of the elongate central axis rod 70 abuts a bottom 114 of the
receiving portion 84. Alternatively, the elongate central axis rod
70 will move axially along the central axis of the central annular
portion 80, until a stop (not show) on the activation button 82
prevents further depression of the activation button 82 into the
second end cap 78. During movement of the second end 110 of the
elongate central axis rod 70 toward the receiving portion 84, walls
of the activation button 82 and/or the receiving portion 84 may
guide the elongate central axis rod 70 along the longitudinal
central axis of the central annular portion 80.
[0065] As the elongate central axis rod 70 travels along the
longitudinal central axis of the central annular portion 80, the
outer portions 108 of the bristles 102 remain in the stationary
apertures 100 and the inner portion 100 of the bristles 102 travel
with the elongate central axis rod 70. This action thereby causes
the bristles 102 to change from a substantially perpendicular
orientation relative the elongate central axis rod 70, to an angled
orientation. As best illustrated in FIG. 7, the travel of the
elongate central axis rod 70 along the central axis of the central
annular portion 80 will cause the outer portions 108 of the
bristles 102 to retract into the central annular portion 80 until
only a minimal length of the outer portion 108 of the bristles 102
extend from the central annular portion 80. Accumulated hair is
cleaned from the bristles 102 as the bristles 102 are swiped during
movement through the apertures 100.
[0066] In another exemplary embodiment, the cleaning mechanism as
described above may be altered or varied. The bristles 102 may be
retracted or caused to be retracted in several other ways. For
example, the first endcap 76, the handle 74, and/or the receiving
portion 84 may have axial movement relative to the central annular
portion 80. As such, the elongate central axis rod 70 may be
fixedly attached to the first endcap 76, the handle 74, and/or the
receiving portion 84, thereby also allowing the bristles 102
attached to the elongate central axis rod 70 to move relative to
the central annular portion 80. More specifically, the handle 74
may be fixedly attached to the receiving portion 84 and the
elongate central axis rod 70, which may all slidably engage the
first endcap 76 that may be fixedly attached to the central annular
portion 80. In this arrangement the handle 74 may be pushed,or
pulled relative to the first endcap 76 and the central annular
portion 80, thereby causing the bristles 102 to retract and/or
extend from the central annular portion 80.
[0067] Alternatively, as seen in FIG. 7, receiving portion 84 may
be fixedly attached to the elongate central axis rod 70, and the
receiving portion 84 may be located in an aperture 115. More
specifically, as the elongate central axis rod 70 moves axially
within the central annular portion 80, the receiving portion 84 and
hence the elongate central axis rod 70 may be guided and aligned by
the aperture 115, which may be a tapered hole adapted to slidingly
receive the receiving portion 84.
[0068] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the mechanisms of the
hair brush 20 previously described may be used in a hair roller
20'. The hair roller 20' may include a first end cap 76', a second
end cap 78', a generally cylindrical body 80' located between the
first end cap 76' and the second end cap 78', an activation button
82', and a receiving portion 84'. A second side 88' of the first
end cap 76' includes a circular recess portion that receives the
generally cylindrical body 80'. A first side 90' of the second end
cap 78' receives the other end of the generally cylindrical body
80' and, more specifically, receives the generally cylindrical body
80' within a circular recess. The activation button 82' is located
along the central longitudinal axis of the generally cylindrical
body 80' within the second end cap 78'. More specifically, the
activation button 82' includes a first end 94' and a second end
96', wherein the first end 94' is adapted to be engaged by a user,
and the second end 96' includes a cup portion 98' adapted to
receive a elongate central axis rod 70'. A plurality of apertures
100' located around the generally cylindrical body 80' receive
bristles 102' that are disposed from the elongate central axis rod
70' through the apertures 100'.
[0069] The elongate central axis rod 70' may have a semi-rigid to
rigid construction from which the bristles 102' extend. More
specifically, as in this example, the elongate central axis rod 70'
is constructed from a plurality of rods or wires 104' that are
twisted together to form the elongate central axis rod 70'. The
bristles 102' extend radially outward from the elongate central
axis rod 70' and are fixedly attached thereto.
[0070] The hair brush system includes a plurality of hair brushes
20, wherein each hair brush 20 may have a self-cleaning feature and
may be optimized for comfort, as described above. The plurality of
brushes are customized for different types and/or styles of
hair.
[0071] For example, the user's type of hair may be described in
many ways including, but not limited to, the length of the hair,
the amount or density of hair, the shape of the hair, and the
thickness or shape of the diameter of the hair strands. The length
of the user's hair, as measured from the scalp of the user to the
ends of the strands of hair, may be separated into two or more
categories and, as in this example, may be categorized as being,
short, medium, or long. Short hair, merely for example, may be
defined as having a length of 0-4 inches, medium length hair may be
defined as having a length of 4-9 inches, and long hair may be
defined as having a length of 9 inches and longer.
[0072] The amount or density of the user's hair (i.e. the number of
strands of hair per unit area of scalp) may also be separated into
two or more categories and, as in this example, may be categorized
as being, fine, medium, or thick.
[0073] The texture of the user's hair or the amount of curliness or
lack thereof, may be separated into two or more categories, and as
in this example, may be categorized as being straight, wavy, curly,
and kinky. Straight hair, for example, may be defined as strands of
hair having an arc of less than 15 degrees per inch, and the
cross-sectional shape of the hair strand's diameter is circular,
wavy hair may be defined as strands of hair having an arc of 15-45
degrees per inch and the cross-sectional shape of the hair strand's
diameter is oval, and curly hair may be defined as having strands
of hair having an arc of 45 degrees or greater per inch and the
cross-sectional shape of the hair strand's diameter is irregular
with consistency, and kinky hair may be defined as strands of hair
having an arc of 45 degrees or greater per inch and the
cross-sectional shape of the hair strand's diameter is irregular
shaped without consistency.
[0074] The thickness of the user's strands of hair may also be
separated into two or more categories and, as in this example, may
be categorized as being fine, regular, or thick. Due to the
complexity of measuring the actual thickness of the user's strands
of hair, however, the thickness of the user's strands of hair may
be quantified or categorized in other ways. For example, it may be
said that a relationship exists between the actual diameter of the
user's strands of hair and the manner, or volume, in which the
strands of hair lay on the user's scalp. More specially, the user's
strands of hair will fall and rest in an overlapping manner on the
user's scalp. The thicker the strands of hair, the more volume and
more depth the hair will have. Therefore, by measuring the depth or
volume of the hair as it lays on the user's scalp (i.e. from the
scalp of the user to the top of the last layer of hair) the
thickness of the strands of hair may be categorized. Fine strands
of hair, for example, may be apparent in individuals whose depth of
hair measures less than 0.5 inches measured from scalp to the last
layer of hair, regular strands of hair may be apparent in
individuals whose depth of hair measures 0.51'' to 0.60'' inches
measured from scalp to the last layer of hair, and thick strands of
hair may be apparent in individuals whose depth of hair measures
0.60'' inches or greater from scalp to the last layer of hair.
[0075] The user's type of hair, however, may be largely influenced
and effected by the hair style, such that the type of hair is made
less of a factor or even irrelevant in customizing the hair brush
20. For example, a user's style of hair may include, but is not
limited to, altering the user's hair such as with a permanent
treatment or hair extensions, adding hair care products such as
conditioner, gel or moose, and/or utilizing styling tools, such as
a hair dryer, curling iron, hair rollers, hair straightener, etc.
Therefore, in determining the type of hair brush 20 to be used with
the user's hair, the style of hair may also be considered.
[0076] In customizing the hair brush 20 to the user's hair, several
features of the hair brush 20 may be altered to obtain the hair
brush 20 best suited for the user's hair type. These can include,
but need not be limited to, a density of the bristles 26, 102
and/or a length of the bristles 26, 102. For example, other
features of the hair brush 20 may be altered, such as the shape of
the bristles 26, 102 and a diameter of the bristles 26, 102.
[0077] For example, depending on the type and/or style of the
user's hair, the length of the bristles 26, 102 of the hair brush
20, may be one of several lengths. More specifically, as in the
examples disclosed, the bristles 26, 102 may be short, medium or
long, as measured from the top of the outside surface 40 of the
front part 30 of the body 22 to the tip 36 of the bristles 26 or
from the central annular portion 80 to the outer section 108 of the
bristles 102, as illustrated in FIG. 8. Short bristles may be
approximately 0.876 inches in length or shorter, medium bristles
may approximately 0.97-0.877 inches in length, and long bristles 30
may be 0.98 inches or longer.
[0078] Similarly, the density of the bristles 26, 102 of the hair
brush 20, may vary depending on the type and/or texture of the
user's hair. The density may be directly related to the stiffness
of the bristle, such that the various stages or categories of
densities may correlate to the various stages of stiffness of the
bristles. More specifically, as in this example, the hair brush 20
may have a heavy, medium or light density of bristles 26, 102. For
example, a hair brush having a heavy density of bristles 30, as
illustrated in FIG. 15-17, may have approximately 0.125 to 45''
spacing between each bristle or less, a hair brush 20 having a
medium density of bristles 26, 102, as illustrated in FIG. 12-14,
may have approximately 0.451 to 0.55'' spacing between each
bristle, and a hair brush having a light density of bristles 26,
102, as illustrated in FIG. 9-11, may have approximately 0.56'' to
0.75'' spacing between each bristle or more.
[0079] Additionally, the diameter and/or shape of the bristles 26,
102 of the hair brush 20, may vary depending on the type and/or
texture of the user's hair. The diameter and/or shape may be
directly related to the stiffness of the bristle, such that the
various stages or categories of diameter and/or shape may correlate
to the various stages of stiffness of the bristles. More
specifically, as in this example, the hair brush 20 may have a
fine, medium or thick diameter and/or shape of bristles 26,
102.
[0080] In optimizing the hair brush 20 for the user's type and/or
style of hair, a combination of the density of the bristles 26, 102
and the length of the bristles 26, 102, best suited for the user's
type and texture of hair may be used. For example, a hair brush
having a heavy density of short bristles 26, 102 may be best suited
for a person with straight and fine hair. Contrarily, a hair brush
20 having a light density of long bristles 26, 102 may be best
suited for a person with curly and thick hair.
[0081] It should be understood, however, that in optimizing the
hair brush 20 for the user's type and/or texture of hair, not all
features of the hair brush 20 need be altered, nor need all the
various types of hair be considered. For example, the bristles 26,
102 may only vary in length according to the thickness of the
user's strands of hair. Similarly, the density of the bristles 26,
102 may only vary according to the texture of the user's hair.
Therefore, the length and/or the density of the bristles 26, 102
may be varied according to the user's length, amount, texture,
and/or thickness of hair. For exemplary purposes only, the below
Chart A provides examples of combinations of length and/or the
density of the bristles 26, 102 that may be used with various types
of hair. TABLE-US-00001 CHART A HAIR BRUSH TYPE OF HAIR BRISTLES
Texture Thickness Length Density Straight Fine Short High Straight
Medium Medium High Straight Thick Long High Wavy Fine Short Medium
Wavy Medium Medium Medium Wavy Thick Long Medium Curly Fine Short
Low Curly Medium Medium Low Curly Thick Long Low Kinky Fine Short
Low Kinky Medium Medium Low Kinky Thick Long Low
[0082] While the above has been described with reference to
specific examples which are intended to be illustrative only and
not to be limiting of the invention, it will be apparent to those
of ordinary skill in the art that changes, additions or deletions
may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *