Abstract:
A brush assembly includes a handle and a brush head attached to the handle. The brush head includes a base with a plurality of integral bristles and a matrix. The matrix is made of sponge, foam or other compressible material. As the brush is used on a person or an animal skin or scalp, the hair or fur causes the matrix to compress and expose the bristles. When the brush is removed, the matrix springs back and removes any hair, fur, or other material entangled in the hair. Optionally a vibrating device is incorporated into the brush to provide massaging of the skin and/or scalp.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/771,142 filed Feb. 7, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0002]     The subject matter of this application is also related to my co-pending application Ser. No. 10/930,419, filed Aug. 31, 2004 and entitled “Liquid Dispensing Brush,” which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 10/851,503 filed May 21, 2004 and entitled “Grooming/Cleaning Apparatus” which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 10/717,956, filed Nov. 20, 2003, and entitled “Grooming/Cleaning Apparatus”, which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 10/672,909 filed Sep. 26, 2003, and entitled “Lint Removal Apparatus with Edge Orientation”, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 10/812,475 which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 10/614,551, which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 10/329,717, which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 10/302,038, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,763,977, which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 10/143,396, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,698,626; and to application Ser. No. ______ filed ______ and claiming priority to a U.S. Provisional application entitled A SELF-CLEANING HAIR BRISH WITH REPLACEABLE PRELOADED BRISTLE MAT as Ser. No. 60/774,054 filed Feb. 16, 2006, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     a. Field of Invention  
         [0004]     This invention pertains to a brush having a base, a plurality of bristles secured to the base and a soft matrix surrounding the bristles. The matrix is arranged and constructed to compress as the brush is used on hair, and then rebound when the brushing action is completed to thereby remove any trapped hair or other matter from the bristles.  
         [0005]     b. Description of the Prior Art  
         [0006]     Various hair care utensils have been devised for grooming, cleaning, treating, medicating, and otherwise taking care of human or pet hair, including utensils such as combs and brushes.  
         [0007]     Other hair grooming utensils include various spraying devices including manual pump sprays, pressurized aerosol containers, etc. These utensils are employed for applying hair coloring, cleansing solutions, medicinal compositions to treat various ailments, etc.  
         [0008]     Conventional brushes have a plurality of bristles arranged in various two-dimensional patterns. While brushes are effective for hair grooming, they cannot apply or remove significant quantities of liquid or other materials. Conventional brushes are also less than desirable for applying medicinal or other treatment compositions to hair and scalp.  
         [0009]     Moreover, while in use, brushes also collect loose hair, dandruff, skin flakes, as well as foreign matter stuck in the hair (especially a pet&#39;s hair), all of which get stuck between, or entangled around the bristles. All this matter is unsightly and unsanitary. Removing this matter is difficult and unappetizing. Frequently, people clean one brush by using on it another brush or a comb. However, this operation merely transfers the undesirable matter from one utensil to another thereby compounding the problem. If the matter is not removed from a brush, its repeated usage renders it ineffective, and eventually the brush is discarded even though it could be perfectly useable if it was cleaned properly.  
         [0010]     It is desirable therefore to provide a brush which is self cleaning. It is also desirable to have a brush that is capable of applying medicine, cleansing solutions and other treatment materials to the hair, the skin or scalp as the brush is drawn through the hair.  
         [0011]     U.S. Pat. No. 3,512,518 to Mishkin discloses a brush for collecting cellular or bacterial specimens.  
         [0012]     U.S. Pat. No. 3,641,610 to Lewis discloses a sponge with a plurality of embedded synthetic filaments. The filaments protrude through the sponge.  
         [0013]     U.S. Pat. No. 2,819,482 to Applegate discloses a tooth brush with a plurality of bristles surrounded by a resilient sponge body  14 .  
         [0014]     U.S. Patent Application Publication 2002/0018687 discloses a sun-screen lotion dispenser with a handle, a reservoir on one end, and a pad formed of a terry-covered sponge on the other. The lotion is pumped from the reservoir to the pad.  
         [0015]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,339 discloses a body lotion applicator with a head formed of a large open-cell sponge surrounded by soft small open-cell foam.  
         [0016]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,021,542 discloses a brush with bristles and replaceable apertured cleaning sheets.  
         [0017]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,395 discloses a brush with replaceable bristles and mounted on a base.  
         [0018]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,150 discloses with a perforated base receiving bristles extending from one side of the base to another and a front member with apertures receiving the bristles.  
         [0019]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,421,872 discloses a brush with replaceable bristles.  
         [0020]     Japanese Publication 08228822A discloses a folding brush;  
         [0021]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,327,611 discloses a hair brush with replaceable bristles.  
         [0022]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,247,718 discloses another hair brush with replaceable bristles.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0023]     Briefly, the present invention is directed to a brush having a base that supports a compressible matrix and an array of bristles imbedded in the matrix and affixed to the base. As described in more detail below, in one embodiment, the base has a substantially oval or rectangular shape with two major surfaces. At least one of the surfaces supports the bristles.  
         [0024]     In another embodiment, the base is in the shape of an elongated rod partially or completely surrounded by the matrix. In another embodiment, the brush includes a handle and a head attached to the handle, with the base, bristles and matrix forming a part of the head. As discussed in more detail below, optionally, a fluid reservoir is added in the handle for dispensing fluids either directly or through the matrix.  
         [0025]     Preferably, the matrix compresses when brushed over the hair, partially uncovering the bristles. The amount of compression is dependent on the thickness and length of hair being groomed, the amount of force that the user applies to the brush and the structure and size of the matrix. At the end of treatment, the brush is removed from the hair and the flexible matrix bounces back to its original shape. In doing so, it lifts off loose hair strands or other materials lodged between and around the bristles during brushing, thereby providing a self-cleaning action. The user then wipes the matrix off or turns the brush upside down over a waste receptacle so that the removed materials fall off. Optionally, a low friction sheet is provided on an outer surface of the matrix to facilitate removal of the collected matter.  
         [0026]     The matrix can be a compressible foam material or sponge that is either hydrophilic or hydrophobic. The matrix is preferably made of polyurethane but it could also be made polyether, polyester and other materials. Preferably the matrix has an open cell foam structure, although a closed cell foam or structure may be used as well. However, open cell foams are more suitable because they have good bounce-back characteristics and are softer than closed cell foams like Styrofoam. Open cell foams are often used in sponges and absorb water and water solutions, including liquid cleaners.  
         [0027]     In one embodiment, the matrix is attached to the base that is made of either plastic or elastomeric material. The attachment may be temporary, using a detachable adhesive, a user-operated mechanical coupling or a hook-and-loop type coupling. Alternatively, the matrix is permanently attached to the base using a bonding material, or a mechanical securing element.  
         [0028]     The bristles are integrally formed on, or attached to the base and are arranged in a two-dimensional array. The bristles are preferably oriented at a 90° angle with respect to the base.  
         [0029]     The flexible matrix is preferably manufactured with enough bounce back in order to retain its original thickness (prior to compression) within approximately 10 seconds after it has been released. These types of materials are commonly referred to as materials having memory or “bounce back”. The foam optionally is prepunched with holes/apertures that preferably align with bristles when assembled. A common problem associated with diecutting and punching foams is that the edges of the apertures or perimeter of the diecut shape pinch together and do not release. To solve this problem, foam manufacturers change the formulation of the foam creating a “clickable” foam—a foam material with edges that release during the punching or diecutting process.  
         [0030]     The flexible matrix is optionally covered with scrim netting or other suitable materials that have a continuous, open structure, such as synthetic and wire mesh screens. The use of a scrim netting or mesh screen creates a slippery surface during use of the inventive brush, thereby promoting the brushing action. Other materials to cover the foam matrix, and also for creating integrity of the flexible matrix (to make sure it remains intact during active and repeated use), and for promoting “slip” (to prevent hair from sticking to the head of the flexible foam matrix) as well, are expandable inks, varnish and silicone. Still other materials to cover the foam matrix can be stiff to spread the deflection point over a greater area. Still other materials such as friction activated perfumes known in the art as “scratch &amp; sniff” technology, and hair treatment can optionally be affixed to the foam and/or scrim or top layer to engage hair, skin, coat and deliver same.  
         [0031]     Synthetics (and non-synthetic fabrics such as cotton), such as polyolefins (i.e., polyethylene and polypropylene), polyesters, polyamides, synthetic celluloses (i.e., rayon), and blends thereof may be applied over the flexible matrix to also promote, “slip” and to provide absorbency characteristics. Such fabric materials (i.e., non-wovens) may be manufactured using known processes such as carded, spunbond, melt blown, airlaid, needle punched and the like. Such materials may be applied to the flexible foam matrix by lamination or coating processes, such as flexographic or spray applications.  
         [0032]     A brush constructed in accordance with this invention can be used for either wet or dry applications. Dry applications include dry cleansing operations in which materials are removed from hair or skin without any fluids.  
         [0033]     Wet applications involve exposing the hair, skin or scalp to a fluid and then removing at least some of the fluid and other materials with the brush. For this option, a moisture absorbent or a hydrophilic foam is preferred while for dry applications a hydrophobic foam is preferred.  
         [0034]     More particularly, for wet applications, the flexible sponge matrix is disposed on the head of the inventive brush that is wetted with desired cleaning chemicals, typically in one of three ways: by providing a pre-moistened sponge, by delivering the cleaning chemicals from a storage reservoir in the handle to the sponge, and/or by pre-spraying the skin or hair with the chemicals so that the flexible matrix absorbs and spreads the material.  
         [0035]     For the wet/moist brush option, in order to clean the scalp, ears, face or skin prior to using the brush (prior to hair or fur grooming), the brush is moved gently over the respective body areas using modest pressure so that the flexible foam matrix does not compress and expose the bristles. Exposing the bristles creates a rough undesirable feel to the skin of an animal, or to the face and/or scalp of a human. The flexible matrix will release and deliver chemicals as it is applied across the skin, as discussed before.  
         [0036]     Thereafter, and in order to clean and comb hair and/or remove loose, dead hair, more pressure is used to compress the flexible matrix, thereby engaging the bristles in order to separate and engage the hair and scalp.  
         [0037]     In one embodiment, the brush includes a handle and a separate head that can be selectively attached and removed from the handle. The head includes a base, bristles arranged in an array on the base, and the matrix surrounding the bristles. The matrix can be permanently attached to the base, or may be removable. Heads of different shapes or sizes can be used for different purposes, include dry and wet treatments discussed above.  
         [0038]     In one embodiment, the brush can be used not only for cleansing hygienic purposes but for other treatments as well. For example, the brush may be used to massage the scalp or skin. For this purpose, a self-sufficient vibrating device is disposed in the brush, the device including a battery, a motor with an eccentric counterweight and a control switch operable to initiate vibration. In one embodiment of the invention, the battery and switch are disposed in the handle while the motor is disposed in the head. In another embodiment the while vibrating device is disposed in the handle. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0039]      FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of a first embodiment of the inventive brush device;  
         [0040]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the brush of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0041]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged side view of the handle for the brush of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , with details of an optional trigger pump;  
         [0042]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a second embodiment of the invention showing a brush head with a portion of the flexible matrix being recessed;  
         [0043]      FIG. 5  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the brush of  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0044]      FIG. 6  is a side view of another embodiment of the brush of  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0045]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a head or cartridge with the matrix in a relaxed state, constructed in accordance with this invention;  
         [0046]      FIG. 8  shows the head of  FIG. 7  with the flexible matrix being in a compressed condition with hair lodged in the bristles;  
         [0047]      FIG. 9  shows another embodiment of the head in which head is substantially surrounded by the flexible matrix;  
         [0048]      FIG. 10  is a front elevational view depicting a handle receiving the head of  FIGS. 7-9  and a spray dispenser as an option;  
         [0049]      FIG. 11  is a front elevational view depicting a handle receiving the head of  FIGS. 7-9  and a squeezable dispenser as a handle option;  
         [0050]      FIG. 12  is a front elevational view depicting a handle receiving the head of  FIGS. 7-9  and a trigger plunger for the dispenser;  
         [0051]      FIG. 13  is a front elevational view depicting a decorative handle receiving the head of  FIGS. 7-9  with a hang hole;  
         [0052]      FIG. 14  is a front elevational view of a hinge handle with an optional finger hole;  
         [0053]      FIG. 15  is a front elevational view of another version of a bristle head or cartridge, with a flexible matrix mounted thereon, said matrix being provided with one or more layers to render the matrix impenetrable impermeable to water and/or said additional layers to add stiffness to spread the deflection point over a greater area;  
         [0054]      FIG. 15A  shows a cross-section view of the embodiment of  FIG. 15 ;  
         [0055]      FIG. 15B  shows a cross-sectional view of an alternate  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0056]      FIG. 16  is a front elevational view of the head with the matrix being compressed;  
         [0057]      FIG. 17  shows a front elevational view of the base and the bristles mounted thereon;  
         [0058]      FIG. 18  is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the brush handle to be used with the bristle cartridge shown in  FIGS. 15, 15A ,  16  and  17 ;  
         [0059]      FIG. 19  is a rear view of the back of one version of the head of  FIG. 15  and how it slides into position;  
         [0060]      FIG. 20  is a rear view showing the back of another version of the head of  FIG. 15  and how it locks onto the handle;  
         [0061]      FIG. 21  is a front elevational view of a another of the brush handle to be used with the bristle cartridge shown in  FIG. 15 ;  
         [0062]      FIG. 22  is a partial front elevational view similar to  FIG. 21  and showing an alternative handle design;  
         [0063]      FIG. 23  is a front elevational view similar to  FIG. 21  and showing a third handle design;  
         [0064]      FIG. 24  is a side elevational view of yet another version of the invention;  
         [0065]      FIG. 25  is a side elevational view similar to  FIG. 24 , but showing the flexible matrix in a compressed condition;  
         [0066]      FIG. 26  is a side elevational view of a handle using the brush head of  FIG. 24 ;  
         [0067]      FIG. 27  is a side elevational view similar to  FIG. 26  and showing attachment of the brush head of  FIG. 24  to the handle;  
         [0068]      FIG. 28  is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the invention that relates to a two part configuration with the brush in an open active;  
         [0069]      FIG. 29  is a cross-sectional view of the brush depicted in  FIG. 28  in a closed storage condition;  
         [0070]      FIG. 30  is a side elevational view of another version of the embodiment of  FIG. 28  with the brush in an open active condition;  
         [0071]      FIG. 31  is a cross sectional view of the brush depicted in  FIG. 30  in a closed storage condition;  
         [0072]      FIG. 32  is a side elevational view of an embodiment in an open active condition, the embodiment being similar to the one in  FIGS. 28 and 29  but with a covered matrix;  
         [0073]      FIG. 33  is a side sectional view of the brush in  FIG. 32  in the closed position;  
         [0074]      FIG. 34  is a top plan view of the brush depicted in  FIG. 28 ;  
         [0075]      FIG. 35  is a bottom plan view of the brush depicted in  FIG. 30 ;  
         [0076]      FIG. 36  is a side plan view of the brush depicted in  FIG. 34  with a “pick” style handle;  
         [0077]      FIG. 37  shows a sectional view of a first alternate embodiment of the brush depicted in  FIG. 18 ;  
         [0078]      FIG. 38  shows a sectional view of a second alternate embodiment of the bush depicted in  FIG. 18 ;  
         [0079]      FIG. 39  shows a plan view of a cap of the embodiments of  FIG. 37  or  38 ;  
         [0080]      FIG. 40  shows a sectional view of a first alternate embodiment of the brush depicted in  FIG. 14 ;  
         [0081]      FIG. 41  shows a sectional view of a second alternate embodiment of the brush depicted in  FIG. 14 ;  
         [0082]      FIG. 42  shows a plan view of a cap of the embodiments of  FIG. 40  or  41 ;  
         [0083]      FIG. 43  shows a blown-up sectional view of another embodiment of the brush;  
         [0084]      FIG. 44  shows a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 43 ;  
         [0085]      FIG. 45  shows an end view of the embodiment of  FIG. 44 ;  
         [0086]      FIG. 46  shows a plan view of a cap for the embodiment of  FIGS. 43-45 ;  
         [0087]      FIG. 47  shows a side view of another embodiment of the brush;  
         [0088]      FIG. 48  shows a sectional back view of the brush of  FIG. 47 ;  
         [0089]      FIG. 49  shows a back view of the brush of  FIG. 47 ;  
         [0090]      FIG. 50  shows a front view of the brush of  FIG. 47 ;  
         [0091]      FIG. 51  shows a side view of a head for the brush of  FIG. 47 ;  
         [0092]      FIG. 52  shows a side view of the head of  FIG. 47  with matrix compressed.  
         [0093]      FIG. 53  shows a back view of the head of  FIGS. 51 and 52 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0094]     In one embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the inventive brush  10  includes a traditional brush handle  12  and a brush head  14  attached to the handle  12 . The brush head  14  includes a base  16  made of a plastic or rubber material, a plurality of bristles  18  and a flexible matrix  20 . The bristles  18  can be made of a rubber, an elastomeric or plastic material, or a rigid plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene or combination thereof.  
         [0095]     The bristles may be attached to the base  16 , but preferably the base  16  and the bristles  18  are made as a unitary member using molding or other well-known techniques. The flexible matrix  20  is sized and shaped to surround the bristles  18 . Preferably, the bristles extend to a height selected so that they terminate below a surface  22  of the matrix by a predetermined amount, e.g. 1/32″. The matrix  20  can be made of a clickable foam or a sponge. Optionally, a sheet  24  with holes or perforations  26  is wrapped around the matrix  20  as shown. The holes  26  are distributed to match the distribution of the bristles  18  and are sized and shaped to allow the bristles to move in or out of the matrix and through sheet  24 .  
         [0096]     The sheet  24  may be made of silicone, varnish, plastic film, rigid plastic sheeting, scrim or a thermoplastic film lamination coating. Preferably, the sheet  24  is provided to facilitate cleaning of the skin or scalp as well to facilitate easy cleaning/separation of the hair from the brush, as described below. The sheet  24  also provides structural support to the matrix  20  and in this manner it also protects and maintains integrity of the matrix thereby prolonging the useful life of the brush.  
         [0097]     The sheet  24  forms a non-sticky low friction contact surface as the brush is applied. Therefore the sheet  24  makes the brush  10  easier to use, with less chance of pulling the hair or scrapping the skin.  
         [0098]     In  FIGS. 1 and 2  the sheet  24  is wrapped around the matrix  20 , however, it may be shaped so that it covers only a portion (for example  5 % or more) of the surface  22 .  
         [0099]     The sheet  24  may be made of various natural and artificial materials and may be formed as a plastic film, lamination, scrim coating or combination thereof. The sheet  24  may be made of a non-woven fabric substrate such as synthetics (for example, polyethylene and polypropylene, polyesters, polyamides, synthetic celluloses) and blends thereof blends such as 45% Tencel/55% Polypropylene (preferably without a binder). These synthetic materials may be manufactured using known processes such as carded, spunbond, melt blown, air laid and needle punched. Alternatively, the sheet  24  may be made of a natural material such a water-absorbent cotton.  
         [0100]     In one embodiment, the handle  12  is hollow, or alternatively, it is solid. In another embodiment, the handle is formed with a reservoir  28  filled with water/hair and/or scalp treatment fluid. In one embodiment, the handle is somewhat soft and resilient and squeezing it causes the fluid to be expressed from the reservoir into the matrix  20  through one or more apertures  30 .  
         [0101]     In another embodiment, a handle  1   2 A is provided for the brush  10  that includes reservoir  28  and has a hand-operated trigger pump  32 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Activating the trigger pump  32  with a thumb causes the fluid from the reservoir  28  to be expressed into the matrix  20 .  
         [0102]     In use, the matrix  20  is disposed over the bristles  18  and is flexible so that it compresses as the brush is applied to and passed over hair or fur. As a result of this compression, the bristles  18  extend out of the matrix  20  by an amount based upon the thickness of the hair or fur. As the brush passes over the hair or fur, extraneous hair, fur, skin flakes or foreign matter is removed, and some or all of this material collects between or gets wrapped around the bristles  18 .  
         [0103]     As soon as the brush  10  is removed from the scalp of a person or the body of an animal, the resiliency of the matrix  20  causes it to rebound to the position shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . As a result, the bristles  18  retract into the matrix  20  leaving the collected materials on surface  22 . The collected material is then easily disposed by tipping or turning the brush over. The optional sheet  24  insures that the brush glides over the hair or fur easily, and that the collected material separates more readily then if a bare matrix  20  is used.  
         [0104]     One skilled in the art will recognize that the brush  10  is a self-cleaning brush which automatically adjusts to the hair length or depth because of the compression of the flexible foam matrix. As a result, no extra knobs, buttons, pull points, cages, or rubber mats are required to remove the hair, fur or other collected materials from the bristles such as found in traditional self-cleaning brushes.  
         [0105]     In one embodiment, the brush  10  is made and sold as a single unitary tool. In an alternate embodiment, the head  14  is made as a disposable unit that is removably attached to the handle  12  by standard means. The head can then be prepackaged and sold separately from the handle and can be replaced at will.  
         [0106]     Alternatively, some of the elements of the head are replaceable. For example, the base  16  can be permanently mounted on the handle  12  and the matrix  20  is secured to the base using an adhesive (not shown) that is tacky enough to hold the matrix  20  in place on the base, but allows the matrix to be pulled off relatively easily. Other means for affixing the matrix  20  to the base  16  can be used as well, including using a hook-and-loop fastener or other similar fasteners.  
         [0107]     In this latter embodiment, one or more matrices  20  can be distributed in separated packages to users. Each package may include several matrices of different color and/or physical characteristics, or dimensions. Moreover, each package may include separate sheets  24  as well.  
         [0108]     Producing a refillable, replaceable flexible foam matrix  20  with, or without the head  12  is important in that it renders the whole brush  10  reusable. The attachment means for attaching the matrix  20  to the base, or the head to the handle  12  may also feature an enhanced transportation mechanism to move any cleaning, conditioning, and medicating liquid from the brush handle reservoir to the flexible matrix.  
         [0109]     Preferably, the brush  10  is used for animals—large, medium, and small, and can be sized appropriately. An alternate use is for bedridden people—older patients that are bedridden tend to have thinner skin/scalp. They can control the amount of bristle/scratch they need by varying the pressure exerted on the head. Additionally, on-the-go, hurried men and women who want a styling product or refresher to use throughout the day will utilize the inventive brush as well.  
         [0110]     The flexible matrix  20  is preferably pre-die cut with the indents or openings to receive the bristles. The matrix must have the proper density and possess proper “memory” so as to return to its original shape within approximately 10 seconds after the brush is removed in order to promote the quick removal of entangled hair and other materials. This insures that the user does not have to wait for the brush to clean itself. Therefore, the matrix  20  is made of a foam that has an Internal Load Deflection “ILD” (a known industry standard) in the range of approximately 15-60 ILD. The preferred range is 20-30 ILD.  
         [0111]     Density is also important for the foam used as a matrix in the inventive brush. A density range of 40% polymer or more (by volume) is preferred.  
         [0112]     Importantly, the inventive brush does not require the manual removal of a rubber mat, the picking of hair out of bristles, or the pushing of buttons to release a “rack” so as to remove hair. The inventive brush is also capable of cleansing, conditioning and medicating the hair and scalp.  
         [0113]     In one embodiment of the invention, the sheet  24  accordance with the invention, providing a top layer for the wet/moist brush option in order to facilitate cleaning of the skin, ears, and/or body parts prior to applying compression to the flexible matrix renders the inventive brush even more advantageous.  
         [0114]      FIGS. 4-6  show another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a brush  110  is provided with a base  116  having a plurality of bristles  118  arranged in a two-dimensional pattern. In this case, since no handle is provided, the base is made somewhat thicker to form a block that can be grasped with a hand. The base  116  can be formed with detents, as at  117  to facilitate holding the brush  110 . Matrix  120  is attached to base  116  by a fastening member  119 . This fastening member may be a member that secures the matrix  120  permanently. For example, the fastening member may be a layer of hard-setting glue.  
         [0115]     Alternatively, the fastening member may be a releasable member that allows the matrix  120  to be removed several times, or allows the matrix  120  to be replaced completely. Thus, fastening member  119  may be a layer of releasable glue, a hook-and-loop fastener, a mechanical element, and so on.  
         [0116]     The matrix  120  is partially recessed. For this purpose, the matrix is provided with an outer surface  122  that is optionally covered with a sheet  124 . The matrix  120  and the optional sheet  124  are formed with holes or apertures  126  receiving the bristles  118 . Importantly, while in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the surface  22  of the matrix is generally planar, surface  122  is formed with two sections: a section  122 A that is disposed at a constant preset distance from the base  116 , normally determined by the length of the bristles  118 , and a section  122 B that is disposed closer to the base  116  thereby exposing a number of the bristles  118 . Section  122 B is preferably curved, as shown in the figure. In order to obtain this shape, the matrix  120  is can be cut into the shape shown in the Figure, in which case, it has a uniform density. Alternatively, a portion of the matrix  120  disposed between section  122 B and the base  116  can be pre-compressed and set into the curved shape.  
         [0117]     In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the brush  110  is used without ejecting any liquid from the brush-that is, in a dry mode. For this mode, the sheet  124  can be made from a dry plastic film, a rigid film, a water resistant paper or foil, to make it easy for a user to peel off the hair or other materials. Instead of a sheet, a coating of an expandable ink, friction activated perfume coating, varnish and other materials may also be used. The matrix can be made from polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC and so on.  
         [0118]     In alternative embodiment, the brush  110  may be modified to include a liquid reservoir. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the brush  110 A has a base  116 A with a reservoir  128  and a spray head  129 . The reservoir  128  may hold a soap solution or other cleansing fluids. The fluid is dispensed through spray head  129 . The embodiment of  FIG. 5  may be implemented by providing the base  11   6 A with a cavity that holds a standard bottle with spray head  129 .  
         [0119]     In another alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , a brush  110 B has a base  116 B formed with a reservoir  128 . A hole  130  provides a fluid conduit from the reservoir  128  to matrix  120 . The reservoir is filled with a liquid and a trigger pump  132 B is mounted on the base  116 B. The trigger pump is used to eject the liquid into the matrix  120 . In this embodiment, the brush can be pre-moistened before use, and can be used for various types of washing and cleaning, including rinsing the scalp, washing the ears, hair and body parts.  
         [0120]      FIGS. 7-14  show another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, several different types of brushes use the same replaceable head or cartridge  214 . As shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , the head  214  includes a hollow base  216  with an elliptical cross-section. An arcuate matrix  220  is affixed to the base  216  using an adhesive, a thermal bonding fastener or a mechanical fastener. The matrix  220  is formed with apertures  226  receiving bristles  218  attached to the base  216 .  
         [0121]     Like in previous embodiment, in use the matrix  220  is compressed by the hair or fur thereby exposing the bristles  218 . The bristles pick up loose hair  225  or other materials. When the brush is removed from the body, the matrix  220  naturally decompresses or relaxes thereby removing the materials  225  from the bristles  218 , as shown in  FIG. 9 .  
         [0122]     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the matrix  220  is shaped and sized to cover one of the two major surfaces of the base  216 . Preferably, in this embodiment the matrix  220  covers circumferentially slightly more than half of the base  216 .  FIG. 8  shows a slightly different head or cartridge  214 A having a a base  216  and a matrix  220 A that completely surrounds the base  216 . In another embodiment, the matrix is shaped as a sleeve that fits over the base  216  without a peripheral gap.  
         [0123]      FIGS. 10-14  show different handles that accept the head or cartridge  214 ,  214 A thereby forming a corresponding brush.  FIG. 10  shows a handle  212  having a top portion  213  terminating with a spray head  229  and a bottom portion  215  that is coaxial with the top portion  213 . The handle  212  is formed with a reservoir  228  which can be filled with liquid. The contents of the reservoir  228  are dispensed by the spray head  229 .  
         [0124]     One or more holes  230  may be provided in the bottom portion  215 , said hole being connected to the reservoir  228  so that the contents of the reservoir  228  may be dispensed through the hole  230  and through a corresponding hole in the head  218  into the matrix  220 .  
         [0125]     The outer surface of the lower portion  215  is sized and shaped to receive thereon the cartridge  214  or  214 A. The cartridge is positioned by passing over the bottom nib portion  219  and then locks into the bottom portion support section  215  with the edge of the cartridge abutting the collar  233 . Once one of the cartridges  214 ,  214 A is positioned on the handle  212 . The resulting brush is then used in the normal fashion to remove hair and other materials, and/or to apply liquid from reservoir  228  through the hole  230  (if provided). When a liquid shut off is required, the head  214  is rotated to disengage the hole in the reservoir  233  with the hole in the cartridge realigning the hole  230  with a solid portion of the cartridge  214  or  214 A. A new head can now be installed.  
         [0126]     The embodiment of  FIG. 11  includes a handle  212 A with a top portion  213 A and a bottom portion  215 A having a hole  230 A. The bottom portion has a structure similar to structure  215  described above. The top portion  213 A includes a rather elongated member  237  forming the reservoir  228 A. The reservoir is closed by a cap  227 . The sidewalls of the member  237  are flexible. When these sidewalls are flexed, a fluid from the reservoir  226 A is expressed through the hole  230 A into the matrix (not shown). Cap  227  may be removed to fill the reservoir  228 A.  
         [0127]     The embodiment of  FIG. 12  is very similar to the one in  FIG. 11 , with the exception that instead of making the sidewalls of member  237  flexible, a rubber plunger  241  is provided for expressing the contents of the reservoir.  
         [0128]     The handle  212 C of  FIG. 13  has a top portion  213 C that is fluted as at  225  to make the handle easier to grasp. The top portion is also formed with a flat section  243  that may be used for a decorative design. A hole  245  may be provided in this flat portion that may be used as a means of hanging the handle  212 C.  
         [0129]     The bottom portion  215 C is provided at its bottom with a scalloped edge  211 . The edge  211  includes a rim  209  that extends axially outwardly of the outer surface of portion  215 C and is axially flexible in the inward direction. The cartridge  216  or  216 A is installed on bottom portion  215 C by pushing the cartridge over the nibs  209 . The ribs  209  then trap the cartridge on the bottom portion  215 C.  
         [0130]      FIG. 14  shows another handle  212 D in the inverted position. This handle has one portion  215 D similar to portion  215 C and a second portion  213 D that is formed with an optional hole  247 . The hole  247  is shaped and sized to accept the finger of a user of the brush. The purpose of the hole is to provide an opening to insert the index finger and depress a pump or aerosol top during use. The portion  213 D may hold a spray bottle or aerosol can known to those skilled in the art. Importantly, the portion  215 D and the  213 D are optionally connected by a hinge that allows the two portions to rotate with respect to each other. The hinge has a locking position in which the two portions are axially aligned. Said hinges commonly used and known to those skilled in the art combine metal pins threaded through a channel in both aforementioned parts or plastic pin integral with top or bottom part and receiving aperture in companion part. The brush in the folded position is easier to store in a pocketbook, medicine cabinet, drawer, etc.  
         [0131]      FIGS. 15-17  show another embodiment of a brush head constructed in accordance with this invention. In this embodiment, a head  314  is provided that is formed of a plastic base  316  with bristles  318 . The head  314  and other elements are shown as having a generally square shape for the sake of simplicity, however other shape can be used as well. A matrix  320  is positioned over the base  316  with the bristles  318  being embedded within. In one configuration, the head  314  is used only for dry applications, i.e., without applying a liquid to the hair or fur. For this embodiment, a sheet  324  is provided on the sponge that is made of a dry plastic film. Optionally, an additional component  324 A is added to the layer  324 . This additional component  324 A could be a thin silicone coating and/or a woven mesh or scrim or stiffer layer of elastomeric material or foam and can include a friction activated perfume coating. The two layers  324 ,  324 A cooperate to facilitate the removal of hair, fur and other materials collected or trapped between the bristles  318 . The layer  324 A keeps moisture away from the matrix  320 . The matrix  320  and layers  324 ,  324 A are formed with holes  326  to allow the bristles  318  to exit as the matrix  320  is compressed. In the case of a stiff top layer said layer used to make processing and punching of small ⅛′ and less diameter apertures possible in addition to spreading the deflection point.  
         [0132]     The alternate configuration shown in  FIG. 25B  and it consists of an outer layer  324 B formed of a material that is water permeable. For example, layer  324 B may be a non-woven fabric. The head  314 A may also include a liquid dispensing layer through which a cleansing solution such as liquid soap and the like is dispersed through the matrix  320  from a hole.  317 . The liquid is used to wash the hair, fur, skin or scalp.  
         [0133]     As shown in  FIG. 18 , handle  312  includes a top portion  312 A and a bottom portion  312 B. Top portion  312 A is provided to engage and secure the head  316 . This can be implemented in many different ways. For example, as shown in  FIG. 19 , the portion  312 A can be formed with a plurality of indentations  313  and the head  314  is provided with matching clips  315 . The head  314  is then attached to the top portion  312 A by the engagement of the clips  315  with indentations  313 . As discussed above, for a wet configuration, aperture  317  is provided as an egress means of inserting fluid into the head astle.  
         [0134]     In an alternate embodiment shown in  FIG. 20 . Base  316 C is formed with a boss  321  and the upper portion  312 C is formed with an aperture  323  for trapping boss  321  to couple the two parts together. The aperture  323  and the boss cooperate so that when the boss  321  is inserted into the aperture  323  and then rotated, for example by  90  degrees, the base  314  is locked on the upper portion  312 D.  
         [0135]     As discussed above, the subject brushes could be used for both wet and dry applications. The configurations shown in  FIGS. 18 and 20  are used for dry applications together with the head of  FIGS. 15, 15A ,  16 ,  17  and no liquid reservoir is provided in the handle  312 .  
         [0136]     The configurations of  FIGS. 19, 21 ,  22  and  23  can be used for wet applications together with the heads of  FIGS. 15B and 19 .  
         [0137]     In the configuration of  FIG. 21 , the handle  312 E is formed with a reservoir holding a liquid. The reservoir is closed by a cap  341  and a plunger  327  is used to pump the liquid to the head.  
         [0138]     In the configuration of  FIG. 22  the lower portion  312 F forms a reservoir with a cap  341 A and is made of a soft material that can be squeezed to pump the liquid to the head.  
         [0139]     The configuration of  FIG. 23  is a folding brush configuration similar to the one shown in  FIG. 14 .  
         [0140]      FIGS. 24-27  show another configuration of the invention. In this configuration, a brush  410  is shown with a handle  412  and a head  414 . The handle includes a top portion  412 A and a bottom portion  412 B. The top portion  412 A includes a neck terminating in a vertical rim  450 . The handle  412  may include a liquid reservoir, in which case the reservoir is closed by a top  441  and its contents are displaced by a plunger  427 .  
         [0141]     Head  414  includes a base  416  with bristles  418  imbedded in a matrix  420 . In use, the matrix  420  is compressed, as shown in  FIG. 25 , thereby exposing the bristles  418 .  
         [0142]     The base  416  is provided with a circumferential sidewall  452 . The sidewall is made formed with a tab  454  and a stop  456 . As shown in the Figures, the head  414  and the handle  412  are configured so that the head  414  slips over the rim  450  of the handle thereby forming an interference fit that keeps the head  414  in place during use. The downward movement of the head  414  is limited by the stop  452 . After multiple uses, the head  414 , or at least its matrix  420  can be replaced.  
         [0143]      FIGS. 28-35  show another embodiment of the invention wherein the brush is disposed in a storage case. Brush  510  includes a handle  512  that is hollow and is formed with a neck  513  having a transversal hole  515 .  
         [0144]     Attached to the handle  512  is a head  514  having a flat elongated base  516  with two opposed surfaces  516 A,  516 B. A plurality of bristles  518  depend from and extend perpendicularly from surface  516 B as shown. The bristles  518  are embedded in a flexible matrix  520  having the characteristics described above. As seen in  FIG. 29 , base  516  includes a neck  523  with a transversal rib  525  having a complementary shape to hole  515 .  
         [0145]     The two elements  512 ,  514  of brush  510  can be engaged in two positions. In the open position shown in  FIG. 28  the handle  512  and brush head  514  are coextensive. Engagement between the parts is provided by the interference fit between necks  523  and  513 . In this position the rib  525  snaps into hole  515  to insure that the two elements stayed in a locked position in use. Once a customer finishes using the brush  510 , he pulls up on the brush head  514  to disengage the necks  513 ,  523 . The customer then reverses the head and inserts it into the handle as shown to form the storage configuration.  
         [0146]     The matrix  520  remains on the bristles  518  until it is replaced.  
         [0147]     Preferably, as shown in  FIG. 34 , the bristles  518  are disposed in two parallel rows along the longitudinal axis of the base  514 . The matrix  520  is then wedged between the two bristles rows as shown,  
         [0148]      FIGS. 30 and 31  show an arrangement similar to the one in  FIGS. 28 and 29  however, in this brush  510 A the base  516  has on surface  516 A a set of secondary bristles forming a comb  518 A. As shown in  FIG. 35 , the comb bristles forming comb  518 A are arranged in a single row.  
         [0149]      FIGS. 32 and 33  discloses a brush similar to the ones in  FIGS. 28 , but instead of an open matrix  520 , an absorbent matrix  520 A. Matrix  520 A can be made of various materials, including non-woven materials, sponges, foam, Porex®, open cell polyurethane, hydrophilic or hydrophobic materials, and son on. The matrix  520 A can be moistened and used for various cleansing , hair and scalp treatment operations.  
         [0150]      FIG. 36  shows another embodiment of the invention in which a brush  550  is provided in form of a pick with a handle  552  and a plurality of bristles  554  and a matrix  556 . Preferably matrix  556  is a compressible foam matrix positioned to cover up to 25% of at least the bristles. The bristles are preferably plastic tooth, optionally elastomeric with a slit between said teeth to accommodate the teeth as they move and flex through kinky, coarse hair.  
         [0151]     The brushes described herein are used for cleaning and personal hygiene as well and may include additional features and components that can be used to providing various types of treatment and promoting well being. For example, it is well known that massaging the skin and scalp has various benefits and therefore, the brushes described below incorporate elements that provide selectively vibration functions.  
         [0152]     In  FIG. 37 a  brush handle  612  is shown having the same structure as the brush handle of  FIG. 18 . The brush handle  612  includes a top portion  613  and a bottom portion  615 . The top portion  613  is constructed and arranged to receive a fixed or replaceable brush head (not shown) with bristles and a matrix similar to the one shown in  FIGS. 15-17 . The bottom portion  615  has a generally cylindrical shape and it houses a battery  650 , an activating switch  652 , a motor  654  with a rotating axis for turning a counterweight  656 . The counterweight  656  is off-balance so that its rotation causes the brush to vibrate. When the switch  652  is closed, current from battery  650  flows through conventional wires  660  to activate the motor  654 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 37  the motor  654  is disposed in the top portion  613 . The battery  650  is disposed in a compartment  658  formed in bottom portion  615  and closed by a cap  662 .  
         [0153]      FIG. 38  shows a cross-sectional view of a brush handle  612 A very similar to brush handle  612  and receives the same type of brush head. The only difference is that motor  654 A is disposed in bottom portion  615 A rather than top portion  613 A.  
         [0154]      FIG. 40  shows another brush handle  712 . Handle  712  is similar to brush handle  212 C shown in  FIG. 13  and it includes a top portion  713  with a scalloped edge  711  and a bottom portion  715 . The edge  711  can flax radially allow a corresponding brush head (not shown) to be inserted over the handle top  713 . Brush handle  712  includes a motor  754  disposed in the top portion  713 .  
         [0155]      FIG. 41  shows a brush handle  712 A similar to handle  712 , but with a motor  754 A disposed in bottom portion  715 A rather then top portion  713 A. Brush handles  712 ,  712 A have caps, such as cap  762  (shown in  FIG. 42 ) closing the respective battery compartments in these handles.  
         [0156]      FIGS. 43, 44  and  45  show a pick-style brush  810  similar to the brush shown in  FIGS. 34-36 . Brush  810  has a handle  812  and a head  814 . Handle  812  includes an upper portion  813  and a lower portion  815 . Head  814  includes base  816  with bristles  818  and matrix  820 . A plurality of legs  817  extend downwardly from base  816  as shown.  
         [0157]     Upper portion  813  has apertures  819  that receive and form an interference fit with legs  817  thereby holding the head  814  attached to the handle  812 . A motor  854  is disposed in the lower portion  815  as shown and is controlled by switch  852 . The handle  812  is provided with an end cap  862  ( FIG. 46 ) covering compartment  858 .  
         [0158]     Another embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 47-53 . In this embodiment, brush  910  has a more compact size and ergonomical shape then the previously described brushes. Brush  910  includes a handle  912  and a head  914  removably attached to the handle.  
         [0159]     Within the handle  912  there is a motor  954  controlled by a switch  952 . The switch is accessible externally as shown in  FIG. 49 . An interface  940  is provided between the head  914  and the handle  912  that allows the head to be snapped on and off from the handle, as desired.  
         [0160]     Obviously numerous modifications may be made to the invention without departing from its scope as defined in the appended claims.