U.S. patent application number 13/247394 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-28 for hair styling apparatus with novel bristle configuration.
This patent application is currently assigned to Conair Coporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Anthony Kit Lun Leung. Invention is credited to Anthony Kit Lun Leung.
Application Number | 20130074867 13/247394 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47909871 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130074867 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Leung; Anthony Kit Lun |
March 28, 2013 |
HAIR STYLING APPARATUS WITH NOVEL BRISTLE CONFIGURATION
Abstract
A hair styling apparatus (10, 100) includes a head member (14,
102) defining a longitudinal axis and a plurality of bristle
members (16, 112) mounted to the head member (14, 102). At least
some of the bristle members (16, 112) have an elongated generally
tapered body segment (34). The tapered body segment (34) of the at
least some of the bristle members (112) may include at least one
aperture (114, 116).
Inventors: |
Leung; Anthony Kit Lun;
(Hong Kong, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Leung; Anthony Kit Lun |
Hong Kong |
|
CN |
|
|
Assignee: |
Conair Coporation
Stamford
CT
|
Family ID: |
47909871 |
Appl. No.: |
13/247394 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/271 ;
15/207.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46D 1/0207 20130101;
A46B 7/02 20130101; A46B 2200/104 20130101; A45D 20/50 20130101;
A46B 3/00 20130101; A46B 3/22 20130101; A46B 15/0024 20130101; A46B
11/00 20130101; A46B 2200/102 20130101; A46D 1/0238 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/271 ;
15/207.2 |
International
Class: |
A45D 20/50 20060101
A45D020/50; A46B 15/00 20060101 A46B015/00; A46B 9/00 20060101
A46B009/00 |
Claims
1. A hair styling apparatus, which comprises: a head member
defining a longitudinal axis: and a plurality of bristle members
mounted to the head member, at least some of the bristle members
each having an elongated generally tapered body segment, the
tapered body segment defining a dimension at a first end segment
proximal the head member greater than a corresponding dimension at
a second end segment remote from the head member.
2. The hair styling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the
tapered body segment includes one planar side extending between the
first end segment and the second end segment.
3. The hair styling apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the
tapered body segment includes first and second opposed planar
sides.
4. The hair styling apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the
first and second planar sides are arranged in general orthogonal
relation to the longitudinal axis of the head member.
5. The hair styling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the
tapered body segment is dimensioned to define a substantially
linear taper.
6. The hair styling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the
tapered body segment includes a coating, the coating for
facilitating styling of hair.
7. The hair styling apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the
second end segment of the at least some of the bristle members
defines a narrow profile and being dimensioned to massage a scalp
of a user.
8. The hair styling apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the
second end segment of the at least some of the bristle members are
dimensioned and configured to massage a scalp of a user.
9. The hair styling apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the
second end segment defines a substantially arcuate end surface.
10. The hair styling apparatus according to claim 1 including at
least two rows of bristle members.
11. The hair styling apparatus according to claim 1 including a
handle member connected to the head member.
12. The hair styling apparatus according to claim 11 including a
heater mechanism and a blower mechanism, the blower mechanism
arranged to deliver air through the head member.
13. The hair styling apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the
tapered body segment of the at least some of the bristle members
includes an aperture to facilitate circulation of air emitted by
the blower mechanism.
14. The hair styling apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the
tapered body segment includes two apertures.
15. The hair styling apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the
tapered body segment defines an internal chamber in communication
with the aperture whereby air emitted by the blower mechanism
passes through the internal chamber and exits the aperture.
16. The hair styling apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the
tapered body segment of the at least some of the bristle members
includes a ceramic coating.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates to a hair styling apparatus,
and, in particular, relates to a hair styling apparatus having a
novel bristle arrangement adapted to massage the scalp and provide
an increased surface area to treat hair with, e.g., coatings, hair
treatment solutions or the like.
[0003] 2. Background of the Related Art
[0004] Various hair styling devices are commonly known in the art
including hair brushes, combs and hair dryers. Examples of such
hair styling devices are disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat.
Nos. 7,562,466, 7,308,899, 7,204,038, 5,868,148 and Des. Nos.:
508,777 and 514,329, the entire contents of each disclosure being
incorporated by reference herein.
SUMMARY
[0005] Accordingly, the present invention relates to further
improvements in hair styling devices or apparatii. In accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention, a hair styling
apparatus includes a head member defining a longitudinal axis: and
a plurality of bristle members mounted to the head member. At least
some of the bristle members have an elongated generally tapered
body segment. The tapered body segment defines a dimension at a
first end segment proximal the head member greater than a
corresponding dimension at a second end segment remote from the
head member. The tapered body segment may include one planar side
extending between the first end segment and the second end segment,
and, may further include first and second opposed planar sides. The
first and second planar sides may be arranged in general orthogonal
relation to the longitudinal axis of the head member. The tapered
body segment may be dimensioned to define a substantially linear
taper.
[0006] The second end segment of the bristle member may define a
narrow profile and is dimensioned to massage a scalp of a user. The
second end segment may define a substantially arcuate end
surface.
[0007] A handle member may be connected to the head member. The
handle and/or the head member may include a heater mechanism and a
blower mechanism. The blower mechanism may be arranged to deliver
air through the head member. In accordance with one aspect of the
invention, the tapered body segment of the bristle members may
include an aperture to facilitate circulation of air emitted by the
blower mechanism. The tapered body segment may include two
apertures therethrough. In another aspect, the tapered body segment
defines an internal chamber in communication with the aperture
whereby air emitted by the blower mechanism passes through the
internal chamber and exits the aperture. The tapered body segment
of the bristle members may include a ceramic coating.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described
hereinbelow with references to the drawings, wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the hair styling apparatus
in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view in partial cross-section
of the hair styling apparatus taken along the lines 2-2 of FIG.
1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bristle member of the hair
styling apparatus;
[0012] FIGS. 4-5 are front and side elevational views,
respectively, of the bristle member;
[0013] FIG. 6 is an axial plan view of the bristle member;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the hair styling apparatus of FIG. 1; and
[0015] FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective and front elevational views,
respectively, of the bristle member of the embodiment of FIG.
7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)
[0016] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference
numerals identify similar components throughout the several views,
FIGS. 1-2 illustrate the hair styling apparatus in accordance with
the principles of the present invention. In this embodiment, hair
styling apparatus is a hair brush or comb.
[0017] Hair styling apparatus 10 includes handle 12, head member 14
connected to, or integrally formed, with the handle 12 and a
plurality of bristle members 16 mounted to the head member 14.
Handle 12 may define a contoured outer surface 18 to facilitate
engagement by the user. Head member 14 defines longitudinal axis
"k" and may be generally square, oval, round or any other in shape
when viewed in plan. Head member 14 defines front and rear faces or
surfaces 20, 22, respectively. Bristle members 16 extend in general
transverse relation to the longitudinal axis "k" as will be
discussed.
[0018] With reference to FIGS. 3-6, in conjunction with FIGS. 1-2,
bristle members 16 are dimensioned to massage the scalp of the user
while providing an increased or enhanced surface area to facilitate
grooming of the hair and deposition of hair treatment material to
the hair strands or cuticles. Each bristle member 16 includes base
segment 24, mounting segment 26 extending contiguously from the
base segment 24 and bristle segment 28 extending contiguously from
the mounting segment 22. Bristle members 16 may be monolithically
formed from a polymeric material by known injection molding
techniques. In the alternative, bristle members 16 may comprise a
metallic material such as stainless steel or the like. Each base
segment 24 may define a generally rectangular or square
configuration, and is received within a correspondingly opening 30
(FIG. 2) within front face 20 of head member 14 to mount each
bristle member 16 relative to the head member 14. In one
embodiment, each base segment 24 may flex, bend or be distorted to
pass through the internal surfaces defining each opening 30, and
then return to its original shape once it clears the opening 30.
Each opening 30 may be substantially similar in configuration to
mounting segment 22 of bristle member 16 to secure the respective
bristle member 16 in a predetermined orientation within head member
14. In the mounted condition, base segment 24 is accommodated
within a void 32 (FIG. 2) defined beneath front face 20, or between
the front and rear faces 20, 22 of head member 14. Other means for
connecting bristle members 16 to head member 14 are also
envisioned.
[0019] Bristle segment 28 of bristle member 16 is substantially
flat or planar having tapered body segment 34. Tapered body segment
34 includes opposed planar and parallel first and second faces 36
interconnected by tapered sides 38. Tapered body segment 34 defines
a maximum dimension or width "m" at a first end segment 40 adjacent
head member 14 and a minimum dimension or width "b" at second
remote end segment 42 which is remote from the head member 14. In
one embodiment, the ratio of the widths m:b ranges from about 3:1
to about 4:1. In one embodiment, "m" ranges from about 4
millimeters to about 6 millimeters, preferably, about 5.0
millimeters, and "b" ranges from about 1 millimeter to about 2
millimeters, preferably, about is about 1.5 millimeters. This
arrangement of tapered body segment 34 of bristle member 16
presents a substantially large surface area which contacts the hair
cuticles as the bristle members 16 are combed through the hair.
[0020] Tapered body segment 34 may define a linear taper or may be
non linear. The second remote end segment 42 defines a narrow
profile and may have an arcuate or rounded surface 44 to enhance
the massaging effect of bristle members on the scalp of the user.
Bristle members 16 may be coated, e.g., on first and second faces
36 of tapered body segments 34, with a hair treatment agent or
solution including, but, not limited to gels, mousse, coloring,
dyes, keratin or the like. Tapered sides 38 of tapered body
segments 34 may be arcuate or rounded to provide an atraumatic
surface and facilitate passage through the subject's hair.
[0021] With reference again to FIGS. 1-2, bristle members 16 may be
arranged in longitudinal rows 16a on head member 14 whereby first
and second faces 36 of the bristle members 16 are in general
transverse relation to longitudinal axis "k". In one embodiment,
first and second faces 36 of bristle members 16 are in general
orthogonal relation to longitudinal axis "k". This arrangement of
bristle members 16 will present an increased surface area or
profile with first and second faces 36 providing relatively large
contacting surfaces coming into contact with the hair cuticles or
strands of the subject. This facilitates the combing process as
head member 14 is pulled or pushed through the hair in a direction
transverse to the longitudinal axis "k", and will enhance
application of the hair treatment solutions to the hair cuticles.
Any number (e.g., at least two, three, four or more) of
longitudinal rows of bristle members 16 may be mounted to head
member 14. Bristle members 16 of each row 16a may be in general
longitudinal alignment. Adjacent bristle members 16 of adjacent
longitudinal rows 16a may be in general orthogonal alignment.
[0022] FIGS. 7-9 illustrate an alternate embodiment of the present
disclosure. In accordance with this embodiment, hair styling
apparatus 100 is in the form of a hair dryer including handle
member 102 and head member 104 extending contiguously from the
handle member 102. Handle member 102 and/or head member 104 may
have incorporated therein heater mechanism 106 and blower mechanism
108 shown schematically in FIG. 7 to dispense heated air from head
member 104. Heater mechanism 106 and blower mechanism 108 may be
any conventional heater and blower known in the art.
[0023] Hair styling apparatus 100 further includes bristle
attachment 110. Bristle attachment 110 may be releasably connected
to head member 104 as shown or may be integrally formed or
permanently secured to head member 104. Any means for releasably
securing bristle attachment 110 to head member 104 are envisioned
including via a friction fit, snap fit or the like. Bristle
attachment 110 includes a plurality of bristle members 112. Bristle
members 112 are similar to bristle members 16 described in
connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7; however, bristle
member 112 may include at least one, possibly two, apertures 114,
116 Apertures 114, 116 facilitate concurrent distribution of air
flow and heat circulation from heater and blower mechanisms 106,
108 to enhance hair styling and hair setting. Apertures 114, 116
may be the same size in diameter, or, in one embodiment, have
different diameter sizes. For example, the diameter of aperture 114
may be greater than the diameter of aperture 116 to provide greater
hair flow adjacent the scalp area during use. In accordance with
one further aspect, bristle members 112 may be at least partially
hollow to define an internal chamber 118 (shown in phantom) whereby
heated air is distributed though the interior of the base through
internal chamber 118 to exits apertures 114, 116. In this
embodiment, base segment 120 of bristle member 112 defines an
opening 122 (shown in phantom) in communication with internal
chamber 118 to receive the heated air to passed through the
internal chamber 118 and out apertures 114, 116. Bristle members
112 may have any of the hair treatment solutions or coatings
identified hereinabove. It is also envisioned that bristle members
112 may have a ceramic coating which will emit ions or increase the
emission of ions to smooth or soften the hair making it easier to
manage and style. The ceramic materials also provide enhanced
performance in terms of heat transfer, retention and
distribution.
[0024] Although the illustrative embodiments of the present
disclosure have been described herein with reference to the
accompanying drawings, the above description, disclosure, and
figures should not be construed as limiting, but merely as
exemplifications of particular embodiments. For example, the
bristle member of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 may be incorporated
into the embodiment of FIGS. 8-10 and vice versa. It is to be
understood, therefore, that the disclosure is not limited to those
precise embodiments, and that various other changes and
modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art
without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure.
* * * * *