The present application relates to a multi-purpose glove and brush combination for brushing and combing a wearer or another's hair, massaging of the scalp, grooming a pet, etc. The glove and brush combination is comprised of a wearable glove featuring a plurality of bristles on the open handed palm and finger regions of the glove to maximize brush coverage on the hair, and help a user achieve a particular style quickly and efficiently.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to the field of gloves. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-purpose glove to be worn on a human hand for brushing, forming, styling and shaping hair. The multi-purpose glove features a plurality of bristles on the open handed palm and finger regions of the glove to maximize brush coverage on the hair, thereby saving extensive time and effort when brushing and styling one's hair. For reference purposes, the open handed side of the user's hand refers to the side of the hand opposite the knuckles. The multipurpose glove, in one embodiment, is comprised of a plurality of 100% boar bristles for brushing hair, and allows users to choose between different bristle textures to accommodate all styling needs and preferences. By incorporating the features of both a comb or brush with that of a glove, the multi-purpose glove of the present invention allows a user to quickly style his or her hair without the need to transport or store external tools, such as a brush, comb and the like. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference to a multi-purpose glove for combing one's hair. However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable with other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

By way of background, a glove is a garment or an apparel accessory typically associated with covering the whole hand or portions of the hand depending on the style. Most gloves have separate sheaths or openings for each finger and the thumb of the wearer, and gloves that have an opening but no sheath for each finger are called “fingerless gloves”. Similarly, gloves which cover the entire hand of the wearer but that do not have separate finger openings or sheaths are called mittens. A hybrid glove/mitten contains open-ended sheaths for the four fingers, but not the thumb. Gloves have many traditional uses including, without limitation, protecting the wearer's hand from the elements, cold, germs, bacteria and the like, and to be worn as a fashion statement.

People use various types of combs, brushes and other devices to maintain their hairstyle on an ongoing basis. However, styling different types of hair can sometimes be a frustrating task using standard hairbrushes, combs and the like, especially when styling a child's hair because children tent to try to move and don't often sit still long enough to complete the grooming. Most current hairstyling brushes require many brush-strokes to achieve a desired style depending upon the size and shape of the brush, and the desired effect on the hair. Accordingly, some people may develop hand and arm cramps from trying to apply enough pressure for a prolonged duration to effectively brush their hair. Also, many times, the brush user may develop sweaty palms during the brushing process which could result in the user dropping the brush onto a bathroom floor which may contaminate the brush with germs, bacteria and the like.

Additionally, many existing grooming devices fail to allow for a full range of motion of the user's grooming hand and fingers, thereby making grooming more arduous and uncomfortable for the user. Many existing grooming devices are also incapable of performing a thorough and complete grooming job due to the lack of dexterity and reach on the part of the user. Additionally, many existing grooming devices cause unnecessary straining of the user's hand and wrist, which can lead to long term medical conditions (e.g., carpal tunnel, arthritis, etc.) as well as pain and suffering. Furthermore, none of the existing grooming devices, including traditional brushes, have adequate bristle structures, nor do they have effective materials to enable the user to conduct a competent grooming without causing pain or discomfort to themselves or their subject.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a brush and glove combination that maximizes bristles coverage on the hair, thereby saving extensive time and effort when brushing and styling one's hair. There is also a long felt need in the art for a brush and glove combination that allows a user to easily brush, smooth, and style hair in a desired manner using only his or her hand, and that can also be used to massage one's scalp. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a brush and glove combination that will not slip from the user's hand during use and fall to the ground where the same may be contaminated with germs, bacteria and the like. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a brush and glove combination that replaces a standard comb or hairbrush, and that allows a user to apply pressure to their hair without developing muscle strain and/or cramps. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a brush and glove combination that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and that is safe and easy to both use and clean.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a multi-purpose slip-on glove having a palm and finger portions to fit over and cover a human hand, including the palm and finger regions of the human hand. The slip-on glove further comprises a plurality of brush bristles that are integrated into the open hand side of the palm and finger regions. The bristles, in one embodiment, are 100% boar bristles for brushing hair, and are present on the palm and fingers to maximize brush coverage on the hair, thereby saving extensive time and effort when brushing and styling one's hair and/or massaging one's scalp.

In this manner, the brush and glove combination of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, and provides for the relatively quick and easy brushing and styling of the user's hair, and/or massaging of the user's scalp. The brush and glove combination of the present invention can be sized and configured so that it can be worn by men, women, and children alike to effectively brush and style their hair without straining the hand and wrist and without the need to purchase, transport and use additional hair styling accessories such as, but not limited to, combs, hairbrushes and the like.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, comprises a multi-purpose slip-on glove for brushing and styling hair including a palmar region, a dorsal region, a plurality of finger portions, and a plurality of bristles. The palmar region is configured to cover the palm surface of the hand of a user, and the dorsal region covers the back of the hand of the user. The finger portions are comprised of a thumb portion to cover the thumb of the user, an index finger portion to cover the index finger of the user, a middle finger portion to cover the middle finger of the user, a ring finger portion to cover the ring finger of the user and a pinky finger portion to cover the pinky finger of the user. All of the finger portions integrally extend from the palmar region, and the flexible bristles are preferably evenly spaced apart and extend outwardly from the palmar region and the open hand side of the finger portions to maximize brush coverage on the hair during brushing and styling.

In another embodiment, the subject matter disclosed and claimed herein comprises a slip-on glove which is adapted for being worn by a user, and has a contacting side, a dorsal side and a wrist area. The contacting side has a palm portion and one or more finger portions. The contacting side has flexible bristles protruding from the contacting side to brush and style the hair of a user or his or her subject. The dorsal side covers the back area of the hand, and the wrist area covers the wrist of the hand of the user. The bristles substantially cover the contacting side of the slip-on glove and are patterned to contain open areas between the bristles so as to allow curving of the glove in the area of the fingers and palm, which follows the flexure of the hand. In a preferred embodiment, the spacing between the plurality of bristles accommodates a flexure of the fingers in a range of between 10 and 35 degrees, with about 27 degrees being a target flexure amount. Similarly, on the palm portion, the spacing of the bristles accommodates a flexure range of between 10 and 25 degrees. The plurality of bristles may be permanently mounted to the surface of the glove portion by gluing, sewing, stitching, or any other conventional method.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a method of styling hair utilizing the brush and glove combination of the present invention is disclosed. More specifically, the method comprises the initial step of providing a slip-on glove, the glove having a palmar surface, a plurality of finger portions, a dorsal surface, a wrist area and a plurality of bristles. The user then wears the slip-on glove such that the palmar region covers the palm of the user, the dorsal region covers the back of the user's hand, and the plurality of bristles extends outwardly from the palmar region and the open handed side of each of the plurality of finger portions. Next, the user applies his or her hand with the slip-on glove thereon to the user's hair and scalp area to style the hair and/or massage the scalp. The process of brushing the hair may be repeated as needed until the hair has been styled to suit the user's needs and/or preferences. Additionally, the method of styling the hair can be achieved by wearing the glove device on a single hand or on both hands, as per the preferences and styling techniques of the user. The glove device also protects the user's hand from any chemicals or creams that may be applied to the hair of the user or his or her subject, such as during coloring, dyeing, highlighting or other hair treatment processes. Further, the glove device protects the user's hand from the heat emanating from any hair styling device, such as a dryer, hot iron, etc., that may be used while styling the user or his or her subject's hair.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the slip-on glove of the present invention may be used to apply hair color dye, highlighting agents and other hair treatments to the hair and scalp of the user. The type of bristles utilized by the glove will be dictated by the type of work intended to be performed with the glove, and the gloves may also be used in connection with the combing and styling of facial hair, such as beards, mustaches and the like. The slip on gloves of the present invention may also be used for pet grooming, such as that associated with domesticated dogs, cats, and the like.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, a boar's hair glove brush is described, wherein the glove portion is comprised of a relatively flexible and conformable material having different degrees of flexure in the palm and finger regions. The glove portion is further comprised of a front side and a back side, wherein a plurality of boar hair bristles are provided on the front side of the glove in spaced apart fashion. The boar hair bristles preferably have a length ranging between ⅕″ and 1″, and a diameter ranging between 0.0003 mm and 3 mm. Further, the glove brush is conformable to accommodate a round or egg shape, such that the majority of the bristles are in contact with the user or subject's head during each brush stroke, and so as to not cause user fatigue and/or hand cramping.

In any of the forgoing embodiments, the plurality of bristles present on the open handed surface of the glove may be of a cone or pillar shape, and may be aligned in rows and/or columns. Notwithstanding, the bristles may align in any shape (or no shape) and manner during fabrication of the glove as per the styling requirements of the end user or the manufacturing platform. Further, the height, shape and size of each of the bristles can be alternated according to the needs of the user, and the preferred type of styling to be done with the invention. For example, the bristles can range from being relatively long and soft, to short and rigid and any combinations thereof. The bristles may have bulbous terminal ends, or may end in a truncated manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a brush and glove combination that maximizes bristles coverage on the hair, thereby saving extensive time and effort when brushing and styling one's hair. There is a long felt need in the art for a brush and glove combination that replaces a standard comb or hairbrush, and that allows a user to apply pressure to their hair without developing muscle strain and/or cramps. Moreover, there is also a long felt need in the art for a brush and glove combination that allows a user to easily brush, smooth, and style hair in a desired manner using only his or her hand, and that can also be used to massage one's scalp. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a brush and glove combination that will not slip from the user's hand during use and fall to the ground where the same may be contaminated with germs, bacteria and the like. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a brush and glove combination that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and that is safe and easy to both use and clean.

The term glove is used herein in a broad sense to mean any flexible, sheet-like material forming a covering for a hand, that is passively and selectively held on a person's hand and covers at least a portion of the person's hand. Accordingly, the term glove can refer to any of (a) a traditional glove which almost completely covers the hand and has one or more separate fingers, (b) a mitt which almost completely covers the hand, but does not have separate fingers, (c) a portion of material which covers one side of the hand and is attached to the hand with an elastic band which extends around the other side of the hand, or (d) any other portion of material that is passively held on the hand.

Referring initially to the drawings,FIG. 1illustrates a perspective and open handed view of one potential embodiment of the multi-purpose slip on glove100of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the multi-purpose slip on glove100comprises a palmar surface102, a wrist area104having an opening1040to slip the glove onto a user's hand, a thumb portion106, an index finger portion108, a middle finger portion110, a ring finger portion112, a pinky finger portion114, a dorsal region202, and a plurality of bristles120. The finger portions106,108,110,112and114extend outwardly from the palmar region102to cover the corresponding fingers of the user. The wrist area104may secure tightly around a user's wrist, and may include a clasp or other fastening mechanism116, such as hook and loop fasteners, a clip, snap, button of the like, to hold the glove100to the hand of the user. The wrist area104may also be made of an elastic material that conforms to the shape and size of the user's wrist, and therefore does not require a fastener.

The glove portion of the multipurpose glove100may be manufactured to match size standards customary in the industry, or be custom-made to fit a particular user's hand size. The glove100may also be made to fit either a left hand or a right hand, or both (e.g., a uni-glove). The glove100may be made of a latex material, artificial fibers, rubber, plastic membrane, silicone, PVC, nylon, natural fibers, or combinations of any of these materials or any other suitable material that provides durability and flexibility for smooth operation of the glove100during the process of styling and/or brushing hair, or massaging a scalp. Nonetheless, the material chosen for glove100should be such that is does not cause damage to the scalp and/or hair, and is made up of a high-quality, environment friendly material that is comfortable to wear. The gloves may also be made to be disposable so as not to transfer disease, bacteria or other parasites from one user to another, or recyclable.

Bristles120are similar to the teeth of a brush or comb and are preferably evenly spaced apart along each of the palmar surface102, finger portions108,110,112,114, and thumb portion106. Bristles120are used for brushing and styling the hair of the user, and/or massaging the scalp of the user. For example, the bristles120may detangle, remove hair build-up, and also remove other particles and debris from the user or his or her subject's hair during use, and style the person's hair efficiently and easily. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bristles120are comprised of 100% boar bristles. Boar bristles are selected for their ability to promote healthy hair growth, the conditioning of hair, adding shine to the hair, aid in cleaning the hair, helping to prevent breakage and frizz of the hair, balance scalp oil production and create softer hair. Nonetheless, the invention is not limited to boar bristles, and other bristles may be used as well, such as those comprised of plastic, nylon, rubber, wood, ceramic, metal, synthetics, etc. For example, nylon and/or plastic bristles will not produce as much static electricity as boar bristles, and may help detangle hair more quickly.

The texture of the plurality of bristles120may vary and include bristles that are relatively soft, medium, medium-hard, and hard. More specifically, the hardness or softness of the bristles120used in the present invention may range from relatively hard bristles (i.e., having a bend rate of between 4 and 5 mm/Nm) to relatively soft bristles having a bend rate ranging from 8 and 10 mm/Nm. The hardness or softness of the bristles120may also be measured by the change in depth of the bristles when subject to additional stresses.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the bristles120may be identical in shape, height, width, spacing, frequency, number, and/or pattern along the palmar region102, finger portions108,110,112,114, and thumb portion106. However, in alternate embodiments, the bristles120may vary in shape, height, width, spacing, frequency, number, and/or pattern on any of the palmar region102, finger portions108,110,112,114, and thumb portion106. For example, the characteristics of the bristles120along the palmar region102may vary from one another, or from the bristles120along either or both of the finger portions108,110,112,114and the thumb portion106, etc., depending on the wants and needs of the user and/or intended application of the multi-purpose glove100. Additionally, the bristles120may take on various shapes such as, without limitation, cone shape, pillar shape, and the like.

FIG. 2Aillustrates a close-up perspective view of one potential embodiment of the finger portion of the multi-purpose slip on glove100of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, and having a plurality of bristles120extending outwardly therefrom. More specifically, the plurality of bristles120are evenly spaced apart in a uniform manner for consistent brushing, styling and massaging purposes, and are suitable for use against the scalp of a man, woman or child. Each bristle120is preferably sewed or glued to the surface of the palmar region102, finger portions108,110,112,114, and thumb portion106at a proximal end1202of the bristle120. The distal end1204of each bristle120preferably has a round portion for effective brushing, styling and massaging, and so as to not damage or irritate the surface of the scalp. An elongate body1206is present between the distal end1204and proximal end1202of a suitable length as per the preferences of the user. As previously stated, the bristles120are flexible, and the shape and orientation of the bristles120cause the distal end1204of the bristles120to contact the user's hair and scalp. In an embodiment, the bristles120are present in rows being successively adjacent to and in close proximity to one another. Alternatively, the bristles120may be present in concentric circles, or any other configuration.

Additionally, the bristles120may have an elongated body1206portion that has a length of between ⅕″ and 1″ in. In another embodiment, the length of the bristles120can be between ⅓″ and ⅘″. The diameter of the bristles120can also vary, and the chosen diameter of bristle may depend upon the length of the bristle120, the material utilized, and other factors that would be understood by a person skilled in the art. For example, in one embodiment, the diameter of a bristle120can range from about 0.0003 mm to about 3 mm in diameter. In a more specific embodiment, the diameter of a bristle120ranges from about 0.002 mm to about 2 mm in diameter. Further, a bristle120can be tapered and or rounded, whereby the diameter is not consistent along the entire elongated body1206.

FIG. 2Billustrates an elevational view of one potential embodiment of the plurality of bristles120extending outwardly from the glove portion of the multi-purpose slip on glove100of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the bristles120are of varying lengths, shapes and diameters. More specifically and by way of example, the bristles120present on the palmer region102may be longer in length than the bristles120present on the finger portions108,110,112,114to give a desired styling effect to the user's hair. The diameter of the bristles120may also vary across the various locations present on the glove100, where the bristles120on palmer region102may have larger or smaller diameters than that of the bristles120present on finger portions108,110,112,114and/or thumb portion106.

FIG. 3illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of the multi-purpose slip on glove100of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the multi-purpose glove100has a plurality of bristles102positioned on and extending outwardly from the palmar region102, the thumb portion106, the index finger portion108, the middle finger portion108, the ring finger portion112and the pinky finger portion114. The multi-purpose glove100is further comprised of a dorsal region202covering the back of the user's hand, where the dorsal area202of the glove does not have bristles120, and a wrist area104that covers the wrist area of the user's hand. The wrist area104of the glove100may have an elastic band around the wrist area that expands to allow entry of the hand into the glove100and then contracts to secure the glove100around the user's wrist. Other methods known in the art may be used to secure the wrist area104, for example, snaps, ties, hooks, buttons, hook-and-loop material, magnets and the like116. The palmar region102is in contact with the palm area of the user's hand, and the bristles120help in brushing and styling the hair of the user. The glove100of the present invention remains properly aligned and does not rotate or twist on the hand of the user, and pressure can be easily applied to the head of the user via the multi-purpose glove100without straining the hand and/or wrist.

Additionally, the dorsal region202of the multi-purpose glove100may also have a logo118, embroidery, design, theme, cartoon, picture or the like thereon to make the glove100more aesthetically pleasing. The dorsal region202may also have a planar surface, designer cut-outs, or a small pocket for keeping anything, such as rubber bands, clutches, and the like, that may be helpful in styling and/or brushing the hair.

FIG. 4illustrates a perspective view of various different sizes of one potential embodiment of the multi-purpose slip on gloves400,402,404of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, the multi-purpose gloves400,402,404may be manufactured in various sizes, designs, and colors. More specifically, glove400is larger in size and may be worn by a man for styling and brushing his hair, wherein glove402is smaller in size when compared to glove400and may be more suitable for a woman or smaller individual. Likewise, glove404, which is smaller in size as compared to gloves400and402, may be worn by a child for styling and brushing his or her hair or that of a pet.

Additionally, any of the alternative embodiments described herein may be in the form of a mitten, wherein the finger portions108,110,112,114are combined together to form a collective finger sheath. The mitten version of the multi-purpose glove100of the present invention may restrict the independent movement of the user's ring pointer finger, index finger, middle finger and pinky finger, but may be useful in untangling and straightening longer hair. In yet another embodiment, the multi-purpose slip-on glove100can be in the form of a half-fingers glove as per the wants and needs of the user.

FIGS. 5A-5Cillustrate a perspective view of various potential embodiment of the multi-purpose slip on glove400,402,404of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. For example,FIG. 5Aillustrates a woman500wearing a queen-sized slip-on glove402on her hand501, and using the same to style and brush her hair502with bristles120. More specifically, the bristles120present on and extending outwardly from the palmer region102and finger portions of the glove402are used to style the hair502by applying pressure to the head without straining of the hand501and wrist. The glove402may be worn on one hand501, or a pair of gloves402may be worn on both hands as per the preferences of the user500.

Similarly,FIG. 5Billustrates a male user510wearing a large sized slip-on glove400on his hand504to style and brush his hair502. The user502performing the styling is able to conform the glove400directly to the shape of the head (his own or another's head), thereby reducing the amount of brush-strokes required, increasing efficiency and reducing the time necessary to complete the grooming process. Unlike traditional brushes which have a generally planar head with the bristles extending outward to form a horizontal plane, the bristles of the present invention curve to the shape of the head.

Finally,FIG. 5Cillustrates a child520wearing the glove404of the present invention on his or her hand506. More specifically, the child520uses the bristles120present on, and extending outwardly from, the palmer region102, finger portions108,110,112,114, and thumb portion106of the multi-purpose glove404to style his or her hair502easily, and without developing muscle strain and/or cramps. Further, the glove404used by the child520is secure relative to the hand506, and will not easily drop to the floor while in use, where it could otherwise become contaminated.

In one embodiment, a slip-on glove100which is adapted for being worn by a user is disclosed. The glove comprises a contacting side, a dorsal side202, and a wrist area104. The contacting side has a palm portion102, one or more finger portions108,110,112,114, and a thumb portion106, each of which has a plurality of flexible bristles120protruding outwardly therefrom. The dorsal side202covers the back area of the wearer's hand, and the wrist area104covers the wrist area of the hand of the wearer. The bristles120substantially cover the contacting side of the slip-on glove100, there being a pattern created by the bristles120, which pattern contains open areas between the bristles120so as to allow curving of the glove100and bristles120. These bristles120may be permanently mounted to the surface of the glove portion by gluing, sewing, stitching or any other conventional method.

In one embodiment of the invention, the glove100may have bristles120on the palmer region102and finger portions108,110,112,114but not on the thumb portion106. This may lead to more easy movement of the thumb portion106, and provide more flexibility to the glove100during the brushing and styling of the hair. Similarly, based on the requirements of the user, the glove100may have bristles120only on selected finger portions108,110,112,114and/or the thumb portion106. In a preferred embodiment, the spacing between the plurality of bristles120accommodates a flexure of the fingers in a range of between 10 and 35 degrees (relative to the palm portion), with about 27 degrees being a target flexure amount. Similarly, on the palm portion, the spacing of the bristles accommodates a flexure range of between 10 and 25 degrees.

The glove100of the present invention can be used with both dry hair and wet hair. Further, the glove100can be used not only to comb hair, but to also apply or spread hair styling gels, creams, conditioners and the like for a uniform and even application across the hair and scalp. In one embodiment, the glove100may also be waterproof, and may be used as a stimulating massage brush to soothe the scalp, remove dead skin therefrom, and encourage healthy hair growth during shampoo and oiling.

In a further embodiment, the glove100of the present invention may have a layer of absorbing material on the distal end1204of bristles120. The absorbing material layer of the bristles120, when contacting the person's wet hair, may cause some of the water in the hair to be wicked into and absorbed by the glove100, which helps facilitate drying. In yet another embodiment, the multi-purpose glove100may include an inside layer of insulative material to protect the person's hand from being burned by a hot curling iron or hot rollers while styling and brushing the hair. The glove100of the present invention can also be customized to have bristles120that may be used to groom a pet, such as a dog or a cat, as per the preferences of the user.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “multi-purpose glove”, “multi-purpose slip-on glove”, “slip-on glove”, “glove”, and “styling glove” are interchangeable and refer to the multi-purpose slip-on glove100of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the multi-purpose slip-on glove100of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the multi-purpose slip-on glove100as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes of the multi-purpose slip-on glove100are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the multi-purpose slip-on glove100are important design parameters for user convenience, the multi-purpose slip-on glove100may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference.