Abstract:
A simple device for covering the bristles of a hair brush comprising a generally pliable flat sheet of sufficient length to wrap around the bristle end of the brush with expandable fasteners which allow brushes of various shapes and sizes to be protected without unnecessary bulk, making it ideal for travel or storage.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates to a lightweight, transportable cover for a hair brush consisting of bristles fastened to a handle used for grooming hair. Hair brushes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and the array of bristles differ from brush to brush. The most common shapes of brushes include those with rectangular heads (the rectangular head portion supporting a rectangular array of bristles), those with an oval shaped head supporting an oval array of bristles, those with a paddle brush having an extra wide rectangular head, and a cylindrical section head that supports a radial array of bristles extending from a bristle portion adjacent to the handle. While most of these hair brushes have handles, a handle on the hair brush is not a necessary element for the hair brush to work with this invention. In the hair brush industry, many different styles of brushes are manufactured by many different companies in many different sizes. Keeping the bristles of these brushes covered and protected from becoming dirty and braking, and from damaging proximate objects has not been adequately addressed in a hair brush industry where there is little consistency in size or style.  
         [0002]     To alleviate this problem, and others which will become apparent from the disclosure which follows, the personal hygiene device of the present invention conveniently protects the bristles from breaking and protects proximate items from being damaged or dirtied by the bristles and loose hair. This is particularly useful when traveling. Hard bristles on hair brushes can snag sweaters, scratch leather shoes, and puncture plastic and paper items when packed tightly in a suitcase. This invention teaches a simple device for covering the bristles of a hair brush with a generally pliable flat sheet of sufficient length to wrap around the bristle end of the brush that has an adjustable fastening system which allow brushes of various shapes and sizes to be protected without unnecessary bulk, making it ideal for travel or storage.  
         [0003]     Alternative technology is available in the form of U.S. Pat. No. 2,363,647 issued in 1942 for a hairbrush cover for enclosing and protecting the brush bristles. The cover is made from a single blank of material and formed to enclosed the bristles of the hairbrush. Moreover, U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,852,679; 5,791,608; and U.S. Serial No. 2003/0062280 all for paintbrush covers or wrappers, issued respectively in 1931, 1998 and published in April, 2003.  
         [0004]     The principal disadvantage of such devices is that they cannot accommodate a plurality of distinct hair brushes of varying sizes and styles. A single preferred embodiment of the current invention will work with virtually all sizes, brands, shapes and styles of hair brushes. Variations in size of the personal hygiene device are contemplated in the sale of the instant device to minimize excess bulk for the product&#39;s users. All of the prior art devices are for one shape and basically one size.  
         [0005]     The citation of the foregoing publications is not an admission that any particular publication constitutes prior art, or that any publication alone or in conjunction with others, renders unpatentable any pending claim of the present application. None of the cited publications is believed to detract from the patentability of the claimed invention.  
       ADVANTAGES OF THIS INVENTION  
       [0006]     Unlike the foregoing devices which teach structures that protect brushes with uniform bristle flexibleness, hair brushes have bristles of varying flexibility—some bristles are flexible and some are rigid. The instant invention protects both flexible and more rigid bristles in hair brushes.  
         [0007]     While improved sanitation and reduced germs are not the primary objectives of this device, they can be considered side benefits of using the brush wrap. Because the personal hygiene device does not have to seal in the head portion of the brush to be effective, air can flow through the bristles even when covered and moisture can be removed to preserve the life of the brush. Thus, the personal hygiene device can be open on both ends while in use. Furthermore, the personal hygiene device will provide its&#39; owners with a sense and appearance of cleanliness.  
         [0008]     A preferred embodiment of the personal hygiene device with an padded layer can accommodate high impact environments that could damage the bristles. Moreover, one of the layers may be water-resistant which will allow a brush to be packed for travel while still wet. Additionally, this will aid in its use as it will likely be placed on wet sinks and on other damp surfaces. Finally, the personal hygiene device will provide its users with improved visual and actual cleanliness, both of brush and surroundings, brush protection, i.e. an extended brush life, protection of proximate items in luggage, hand bag, gym bag, desk drawer, and the like, and an attractive, fashionable, and clean-looking means for brush storage.  
         [0009]     These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.  
         [0010]     Still other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure that follows.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     The invention relates to a personal hygiene device having means for covering a plurality of bristles of any preselected hair brush from a group of rectangular head brushes, oval head brushes, paddle brushes, and round brushes with the plurality of bristles extending outwardly along a longitudinal bristle portion and means for adjustably securing the sheet about the bristle portion of the preselected hair brush. The means for covering has a generally pliable flat sheet with at least one lateral dimension that is at least as great than the maximum longitudinal dimension of the bristle portion of any one of the preselected hair brush from the group of hair brushes and a primary dimension with a primary direction that is perpendicular to a lateral direction of the at least one lateral dimension with a sufficient length to wrap around the plurality of bristles and the longitudinal bristle portion when the primary direction is disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline bristle portion. The generally pliable flat sheet can be wrapped or coiled around the bristle portion of the preselected hair brush to cover the bristles and maintained as a bristle brush covering by the means for adjustably securing. Furthermore, the at least one lateral dimension may preferably be greater than the maximum longitudinal dimension of the bristle portion of any one of the preselected hair brush from the group of hair brushes.  
         [0012]     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
       [0013]     Preferred embodiments of the invention are described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawing wherein:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a top plan view of an example of a prior art rectangular hair brush, an oval head brush, a paddle hair brush, and two round brushes;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a personal hygiene device for covering any one of a plurality of hair brushes, including the rectangular hair brushes, the oval head brushes, the paddle hair brushes, and the round brushes, showing the means for covering being rectangular in shape, and with means for adjustably securing comprising two expandable cords (the term cord as used herein refers to all manner of elongated flexible elements, including strings, cords, ropes, ribbons, straps, and the like);  
         [0016]      FIG. 2A  is a top plan view of the personal hygiene device of  FIG. 2  with a rectangular hair brush about to be covered;  
         [0017]      FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of the personal hygiene device of  FIG. 2  with the generally pliable flat sheet shown (flat in phantom) rolled around the rectangular hair brush and with the two fasteners unsecured;  
         [0018]      FIG. 2C  is a perspective view of the personal hygiene device of  FIG. 2  with the generally pliable flat sheet shown rolled around the rectangular hair brush and with the two fasteners shown (unsecured in phantom) secured to their respective anchors;  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a personal hygiene device wherein the generally pliable flat sheet is triangular in shape and showing one means for adjustably securing;  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a personal hygiene device showing an alternative shape for the pliable sheet showing one fastening means that comprises an extended loop;  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  is a fragmentary perspective view of the fastener showing an expandable cord extending from the anchor with the expandable cord having a loop disposed distally from the anchor;  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a personal hygiene device for a hair brush of the instant invention showing the means for adjustably securing comprising mating materials, such as Velcro™ disposed on an first external surface of the flat sheet and an elongated complimentary mating material disposed in opposite surface of the pliable sheet;  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  shows the personal hygiene device of  FIG. 6  with the pliable sheet partially wrapped around the bristle portion of a round hair brush;  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the personal hygiene device showing the means for adjustably securing comprising an expandable cord extending from the generally pliable flat sheet independent of an anchor;  
         [0025]      FIG. 9  shows the personal hygiene device of  FIG. 8  with the expandable cord extending from the generally pliable flat sheet wrapped around the folded sheet a plurality of times; and  
         [0026]      FIG. 10  shows a side elevation view of the generally pliable flat sheet of the personal hygiene device comprising a plurality of layers. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0027]     The invention relates to a personal hygiene apparatus for protecting a hair brush  2  disposed therein and for protecting other objects, such as clothing, that could be damaged by the bristles  3  of the hair brush  2  or dirtied by loose hairs. Without departing from the generality of the invention disclosed herein and without limiting the scope of the invention, the discussion that follows, will refer to the invention as depicted in the drawing.  
         [0028]     The preferred embodiments of the apparatus depicted in the drawing comprise a personal hygiene device having means for covering  1  a plurality of bristles  3  of any preselected hair brush from a group of elongated hair brushes with the plurality of bristles  3  extending outwardly along a longitudinal bristle portion  4  and means for adjustably securing  6  the means for covering  1  about the bristle portion  4  of the preselected hair brush  2 . The group of hair brushes, as shown in  FIG. 1 , includes rectangular head brushes  2   a , oval head brushes  2   b , paddle brushes  2   c , and round brushes  2   d . The means for covering  1  comprising a generally pliable flat sheet  5  with at least one lateral dimension  12  that is at least as great than the maximum longitudinal dimension of the bristle portion  4  of any one of the preselected hair brush from the group of hair brushes, as shown by example in  FIGS. 2A, 3  and  4 , and a primary dimension  14  with a primary direction that is perpendicular to a lateral direction  12  of the at least one lateral dimension with a sufficient length to wrap around the longitudinal bristle portion, including the plurality of bristles, when the primary direction is disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline bristle portion. The generally pliable flat sheet  5  can be wrapped or coiled around the bristle portion of the preselected hair brush to cover the bristles and maintained as a bristle brush covering by the means for adjustably securing, as best shown in FIGS.  2 A-C and  6 - 7 . Furthermore, the at least one lateral dimension  12  may preferably be greater than the maximum longitudinal dimension  16  of the bristle portion  4  of any one of the preselected hair brush from the group of hair brushes.  
         [0029]     In a specific embodiment of the personal hygiene device of this important invention, the generally pliable flat sheet  5  may have a peripheral edge  5   a  consisting of a front edge  5   b , a rear edge  5   c , and two side edges  5   d , and the means for adjustably securing  6  are disposed proximate the front edge  5   b , as shown in  FIG. 2A . Additionally, the at least one of the front edge  5   b  and the rear edge  5   c  may have a length that is at least as great than the maximum longitudinal dimension  16  of the bristle portion  4  of any one of the preselected hair brush from the group of hair brushes. More specifically, the generally pliable flat sheet may be rectangular. Also, the side edges  5   d  of the generally pliable flat sheet  5  may each have a width (primary dimension  14 ) that is greater than the length of rear edge  5   c.    
         [0030]     The sheet  5  of the personal hygiene device  1  may have multiple layers, as shown in  FIG. 10 . At least one layer may be impermeable (impermeable layer  7 ) to bristles. There may be at least one pressure absorbing layer  8  to accommodate impact, and a layer  9  may be provided that is water resistant. Additionally, the means for adjustably securing may be disposed on the outer layer  9 , as shown in  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 8  illustrates a means for adjustably securing  6  that is independent of an anchor  10 .  
         [0031]     The means for adjustably securing  6  of the personal hygiene device of the present invention may comprise at least one fastener ( 10 ,  20 ) with each of the at least one fastener having an anchor  10  and an expandable cord  20 . It will be readily understood by one skilled in the art that the means for adjustably securing may comprise a cord that is not necessarily expandable. A cord that is sufficiently long may be wrapped about an anchor at various points along the length of the cord to adjustably secure the personal hygiene device around the bristle portion of one of many different sizes and shapes of brushes. Moreover, in personal hygiene devices where at least two non-expandable cords are employed, one of the cords and be tied to at least one of the other cords at various points along the respective lengths of the cords to adjustably secure the personal hygiene device. The expandable cord  20  may have a first extremity  20   a  extending from the proximity of the anchor  10  and a second extremity  20   b  with means for engaging  18  the anchor  10 . In this way, the generally pliable flat sheet  5  can be wrapped around the bristle portion  4  of the preselected hair brush  2  to cover the bristles  3  and the expandable cord  20  of each at least one fastener can be extended around the sheet  5  with the second extremity  20   b  engaged to the anchor  10  of each of the at least one fastener to maintain the bristle brush covering.  
         [0032]     In a preferred embodiment of the personal hygiene device, means for covering  1  a plurality of bristles  3  of any preselected hair brush  2  from a group of elongated hair brushes with the plurality of bristles extending outwardly along a longitudinal bristle portion  4  and means for adjustably securing  6  the sheet  5  about the bristle portion  4  of the preselected hair brush  2  are provided. The group of hair brushes includes rectangular head brushes  2   a , oval head brushes,  2   b  paddle brushes  2   c , and round brushes  2   d . The means for covering  1  has a generally pliable flat sheet  5  with at least one lateral dimension  12  that is at least as great than the maximum longitudinal dimension  16  of the bristle portion  4  of any one of the preselected hair brush  2  from the group of hair brushes and a primary dimension  14  with a primary direction that is perpendicular to a lateral direction of the at least one lateral dimension with a sufficient length to wrap around the plurality of bristles and the longitudinal bristle portion when the primary direction is disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline bristle portion. Furthermore, the means for covering  1  comprises a generally pliable flat sheet  5  that is rectangular with a peripheral edge  5   a  consisting of a front edge  5   b , a rear edge  5   c , and two side edges  5   d , at least one edge dimension  12   a  that is at least as great than the maximum longitudinal dimension  16  of the bristle portion  4  of any one of the preselected hair brush  2  from the group of hair brushes, a second edge dimension  14   a  of sufficient length to wrap around the plurality of bristles  3  and the longitudinal bristle portion  4 , and means for adjustably securing  6  the sheet  5  about the bristle portion  4  of the preselected hair brush  2 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The means for adjustably securing  6  is disposed proximate the front edge  5   b  and comprising at least one fastener, each of the at least one fastener has an anchor  10  and an expandable cord  20  with a first extremity  20   a  extending from the proximity of the anchor  10  and having a second extremity  20   b  with means for engaging the anchor  10 . Whereby, the generally pliable flat sheet can be wrapped around the bristle portion of the preselected hair brush to cover the bristles and the expandable cord of each at least one fastener can be extended around the sheet with the second extremity engaged to the anchor of each of the at least one fastener to maintain the bristle brush covering.  
         [0033]     In an environment of an elongated hair brush  2  with a plurality of bristles  3  extending outwardly along a longitudinal bristle portion  4 , a personal hygiene device preferably comprise means for covering  1  the bristle portion  4  including the plurality of bristles of the hair brush with a generally pliable flat sheet  5  having at least one lateral dimension  12  that is at least as great than the longitudinal dimension  16  of the bristle portion  4  of the hair brush  2  and a primary dimension  14  with a primary direction that is perpendicular to a lateral direction of the at least one lateral dimension with a sufficient length to wrap around the plurality of bristles  3  and the longitudinal bristle portion  4  when the primary direction is disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline bristle portion, and with means for adjustably securing  6  the sheet  5  about the bristle portion  4  of the hair brush  2 . Thus, the generally pliable flat sheet  5  can be wrapped around the bristle portion  4  of the hair brush to cover the bristles  3  and can be maintained as a bristle brush covering by the means for adjustably securing  6 .  
         [0034]     Additionally, the at least one lateral dimension  12  may be greater than the maximum longitudinal dimension  16  of the bristle portion  4  of any one of the preselected hair brush from the group of hair brushes. Moreover, the generally pliable flat sheet  5  may have a peripheral edge  5   a  consisting of a front edge  5   b , a rear edge  5   c , and two side edges  5   d , the means for adjustably securing  6  are disposed proximate the front edge  5   b , at least one of the front edge  5   b  and the rear edge  5   c  has a length that is at least as great than the maximum longitudinal dimension  16  of the bristle portion  4  of any one of the preselected hair brush  2  from the group of hair brushes. The generally pliable flat sheet  5  may preferably be rectangular, as shown in  FIG. 2A . Also, the side edges  5   d  of the generally pliable flat sheet  5  may each have a width that is greater than the length of the rear edge  5   d . Additionally, the generally pliable flat sheet  5  may have at least one layer that is impermeable to bristles, at least one pressure absorbing layer to accommodate impact, and a layer that is water resistant, and the means for adjustably securing is disposed on the outer layer. As shown in  FIG. 10 .  
         [0035]     The personal hygiene device of the present invention may have means for adjustably securing  6  that comprise at least one fastener, and each of the at least one fastener may have an anchor  10  and an expandable cord  20 . The expandable cord  20  may have a first extremity  20   a  extending from the proximity of the anchor  10  and having a second extremity  20   b  with means for engaging  18  the anchor  10 , so that the generally pliable flat sheet  5  can be wrapped around the bristle portion  4  of the preselected hair brush to cover the bristles  3  and the expandable cord  20  of each at least one fastener can be extended around the sheet  5  with the second extremity  20   b  engaged to the anchor  10  of each of the at least one fastener to maintain the bristle brush covering.  
         [0036]     In an environment of an elongated hair brush  2  with a plurality of bristles  3  extending coutwardly along a longitudinal bristle portion  4 , a personal hygiene device may preferably comprise a rectangular means for covering  1  the bristle portion  4  including the plurality of bristles  3  of the hair brush  2  with a generally pliable flat sheet  5  having a lateral dimension  14  that is at least as great than the longitudinal dimension  16  of the bristle portion  4  of the hair brush and a primary dimension  14  with a sufficient length to wrap around the plurality of bristles  3  and the longitudinal bristle portion  4  when the primary direction is disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the bristle portion  4 , and with means for adjustably securing  6  the sheet  5  about the bristle portion  4  of the hair brush  2 , so that the bristle portion  4  of the hair brush including the plurality of bristles  3  can be rolled up into the generally pliable flat sheet  5  to cover the bristles  3  and the means for adjustably securing  6  can maintained the personal hygiene device covering the bristle portion  4  of the hair brush  2 .  
         [0037]     The generally pliable flat sheet of the personal hygiene device can be constructed of generally available materials that are suited for the contemplated invention. Protective impermeable sheets may be made from various fabrics, both man-made and natural, including canvases, pliable plastics and synthetics. Pressure absorbing sheets may include cottons and the like. Cord, including strings, cords, ropes, ribbons, straps, and the like, expandable or non-expandable, may be used for the means for adjustably securing, in addition to Velcro™-like mating materials. The anchor can be made of exotic or common woods or rigid plastics. The various elements can be sewn together or adhesives or other bonds may be employed.  
         [0038]     While this invention has been described in connection with the best mode presently contemplated by the inventor for carrying out his invention, the preferred embodiments described and shown are for purposes of illustration only, and are not to be construed as constituting any limitations of the invention. Modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and all modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
         [0039]     My invention resides not in any one of these features per se, but rather in the particular combinations of some or all of them herein disclosed and claimed and it is distinguished from the prior art in these particular combinations of some or all of its structures for the functions specified.  
         [0040]     With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, including variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification, that would be deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.  
         [0041]     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.