Abstract:
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a combination brush and shampoo. The apparatus includes a handle, a brush head extending outward from a first end of the handle, the brush head having a plurality of apertures, an end coupler connected with a second end of the handle, a main channel extending from the end coupler, through the handle and brush head to the bristle pack such that the end coupler is in fluid communication with the plurality of apertures, and a reservoir formed in the brush head having a cleaning agent channel extending to and intersecting with the main channel. The system includes the apparatus and a semi-rigid region in the reservoir configured to be depressed and force the cleaning agent out of the reservoir. The method includes providing the apparatus, ejecting cleaning agent, and rinsing with water.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/419,702 entitled “APPARATUS FOR COMBINATION BRUSH AND SHAMPOO DISPENSER” and filed on Dec. 3, 2010 for Dennis Tumale, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    This disclosure relates to grooming products and more particularly relates to a hybrid brush and shampoo dispenser. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    People across the world keep animals as pets, with cats and dogs being two of the most popular pets. Pets seem to provide pet owners with non-trivial health benefits such as relieving stress and providing companionship. Pets often live inside the house or apartment of the pet owner. 
         [0006]    All mammals have natural odors which can be unpleasant to owners. The odors can be a result of many things, such as secretions, sweat, skin diseases, and fecal matter. As a result, pet owners must frequently groom their pets, however, many pets do not like to be groomed or bathed. Cats for example are extremely problematic. The difficulty in grooming a pet comes from trying to maintain the pet inside the tub, for example, while also brushing, rinsing, and shampooing the pet. 
         [0007]    Oftentimes, bathing a pet requires at least two people. One person to hold the pet while the other person brushes, and then shampoos the pet. This is because brushing, shampooing, and rinsing the pet requires more than just a brush. Typically, the pet groomer uses different brushes, water nozzles, and shampoo dispensers. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus, system, and method for a combination brush and shampoo dispenser. The present disclosure has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available brushes. Accordingly, the present disclosure has been developed to provide an apparatus, system, and method that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art. 
         [0009]    The apparatus, in one embodiment includes a handle, a brush head extending outward from a first end of the handle, the brush head having a plurality of apertures, an end coupler connected with a second end of the handle, a main channel extending from the end coupler, through the handle and brush head to the bristle pack such that the end coupler is in fluid communication with the plurality of apertures, and a reservoir formed in the brush head having a cleaning agent channel extending to and intersecting with the main channel. 
         [0010]    The apparatus may also include a removable bristle pack connected with the brush head, the bristle pack comprising a plurality of apertures corresponding to the plurality of apertures in the brush head. The end coupler is configured to attach to a water source, the water source selected from the group consisting of an outdoor water hose, a shower head, and a sink faucet. 
         [0011]    The apparatus may also include a ball valve connected with the main channel and configured to control a flow of water through the main channel, and a second ball valve connected with the cleaning agent channel and configured to control a flow of water through the cleaning agent channel. The ball valve is further configured to control the water pressure in the main channel such that a low pressure zone is created in the cleaning agent channel that draws the cleaning agent out of the reservoir and into the main channel to mix with the water. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, the main channel diverges into a left-hand channel and a right-hand channel in the brush head. The apparatus also includes, in one example, a semi-rigid region in the reservoir configured to be depressed and force the cleaning agent out of the reservoir. The semi-rigid region may be a flexible button extending from the reservoir and formed of a resilient material, or a region of flexible material configured to be depressed. 
         [0013]    The system includes the apparatus and a semi-rigid region in the reservoir configured to be depressed and force the cleaning agent out of the reservoir. The method includes providing the apparatus, ejecting cleaning agent, and rinsing with water. The method may also include drawing cleaning agent out of the reservoir using a low pressure area in the main channel, or depressing a semi-rigid region in the reservoir. 
         [0014]    Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present disclosure should be or are in any single embodiment of the disclosure. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0015]    Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the disclosure. 
         [0016]    These features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure as set forth hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    In order that the advantages of the disclosure will be readily understood, a more particular description of the disclosure briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a combination brush and shampoo dispenser; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of a brush; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view diagram of a top surface of the brush; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the brush; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating a method using a brush; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a side-view cross-sectional diagram illustrating another embodiment of a combination brush and shampoo dispenser; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a top-view cross-sectional diagram illustrating another embodiment of the brush. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0026]    Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, to give a thorough understanding of embodiments of the disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosure. 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a combination brush and shampoo dispenser  100 . The combination brush and shampoo dispenser (hereinafter “brush”)  100  includes a handle  102 , a brush head  104 , and a switch  106 . The brush  100  couples with a water source via a hose  108  so that water may pass through a channel (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) inside of the handle  102  to the brush head  104  and exit through apertures or nozzles in the brush head  104 . The channel and nozzles will be described below in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
         [0028]    The brush  100  may couple to a shower head via an adapter to enable use of the brush  100  in a shower or bathtub. In another example, a hose coupler end  110  connects the brush  100  to a garden hose for outdoor use. The water pressure supplied by the water source beneficially assists in self-cleaning of the brush  100 . In other words, water  112  that passes through the brush head  104  removes any hair trapped in bristles  114  of the brush  100 . 
         [0029]    The brush  100  described herein, with reference to  FIG. 1 , is suitable for use in any situation where a grooming brush is traditionally used. Examples of such situations include, but are not limited to, grooming humans and animals. The brush  100 , furthermore, is especially useful in the grooming of pets. Generally, pets lack patience when being groomed, and therefore require the full attention of the person grooming the pet. The brush  100 , by incorporating shampoo into a reservoir in the brush, allows the person to hold the pet with one hand and, with the press of the switch  106 , rinse and/or shampoo the pet with the other hand. 
         [0030]    In another embodiment, the bristles  114  of the brush  100  are configured for the removal of fleas. For example, the bristles  114  may have a tight or fine configuration suitable for use in removing fleas. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the bristles  114  may be interchangeable. In other words, the brush  100  is configured with removable bristle packs. For instance, the brush  100  is configured to receive a flea-removing bristle pack, or a general-use bristle pack. 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of a brush  200 . In the depicted embodiment, the brush  200  includes a channel  202  formed inside the handle  204  of the brush  200 . The channel  202  extends from the hose coupler  206  to apertures formed in the bristle pack  208 . The channel  202  is configured to transport water or a mixture of a cleaning agent and water to the bristle pack  208 . 
         [0032]    In one embodiment, the brush  200  includes a ball valve  210  for controlling the flow of water through the channel  202 . As illustrated, the channel  202  extends through the ball valve  210  in a manner known to those of skill in the art in the field of ball valve technology. The ball valve  210  includes a lever  211  for turning the ball valve and subsequently opening or closing the channel  202 . 
         [0033]    A second, similar, ball valve may be provided in a shampoo channel  212  for controlling the flow of a cleaning agent. The cleaning agent, in one example, is shampoo. Alternatively, other examples of cleaning agents suitable for use include, but are not limited to, medicinal agents intended for topical applications. The cleaning agent (hereinafter referred to as “shampoo”) is stored in a reservoir  214  formed within the brush  200 . In the depicted embodiment, the reservoir  214  is formed inside the brush head. Alternatively, the reservoir  214  may be formed within the handle of the brush. 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, the brush  200  utilizes a venturi effect to draw shampoo out of the reservoir, into the channel  202 , and subsequently into the bristle pack. Water flow through the channel  202  causes a reduction in pressure where the shampoo channel  212  meets the channel  202 . This reduction in pressure creates a partial vacuum that draws the shampoo out of the reservoir  214  and into the channel  202 . Alternatively, the brush  200  may rely on gravity to feed shampoo from the reservoir  214  into the channel  202 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view diagram of a top surface of the brush  200 . In the depicted embodiment, the brush  200  includes an opening for filling the reservoir with the cleaning agent. The brush  200  also includes a cap  302  for sealing the opening and reservoir. The cap  302  may be threaded and configured to interface with threads formed on the opening. One of skill in the art will recognize the many suitable methods for securing the cap to the opening exist and may be implemented here. 
         [0036]    In a further embodiment, the brush  200  includes a switch  304 . The switch  304  is configured to open and close the shampoo channel described above with reference to  FIG. 2 . Alternatively, the switch  302  may open or close the main channel  202  of  FIG. 2 . Additionally, and as described above, the brush  200  may include multiple switches for independent control of water and shampoo. In other words, the brush  200  may include a switch that controls the flow of water and a switch that controls the flow of shampoo, thereby allowing a person to allow the flow of water with or without shampoo. This is useful when needing to rinse the shampoo from a person or pet. 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the brush. In one embodiment, the brush  400  includes removable bristle packs  402 . As used herein, the term “bristle pack” refers to a collection of bristles mounted on a common surface. The brush  400  is configured to receive a bristle pack  402  having varying bristle densities. For example, as illustrated, bristle pack  402  has a much lower bristle density than bristle pack  404 . In one example, the bristle pack  402  replaces bristle pack  404  by snapping bristle pack  402  into the brush  400  after removing bristle pack  404  as indicated by arrow  406 . Alternatively, bristle packs may slide into and out of the brush  400 . 
         [0038]    The ability to replace bristle packs beneficially allows a person to adapt the brush  400  to a particular use. For example, a dog with dense hair is better suited by a bristle pack with a lower bristle density. Furthermore, a bristle pack may be configured for a specific use, such as flea removal. Flea removal requires a certain type and arrangement of bristles as is known to those of skill in the art. In a further embodiment, bristle packs may be formed having, for example, metal or plastic bristles. 
         [0039]    The schematic flow chart diagram included herein is generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown. 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating a method using a brush. In one embodiment, the method starts  502  and a brush is provided  504  having a reservoir. The provided brush is configured as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-4 . In other words, the brush is configured with internal channels extending from a coupler to a brush pack and a reservoir for containing a cleaning agent such as shampoo. The brush is also provided with multiple switches for controlling the flow of shampoo independently from the flow of water. 
         [0041]    The method continues and water is flowed  506  through the brush. As described above, water flows through the channel to the brush head having a bristle pack. Openings or apertures in the bristle pack allow the application  508  of a mixture of water and shampoo to a person or animal. The shampoo enters the flow of water, as described previously, due to a venturi effect, or because of gravity. 
         [0042]    The openings or apertures in the bristle pack direct  508  the water and shampoo to a recipient (person or animal). Once shampoo has been directed and applied to a recipient, the brush head directs a stream of water to rinse  510  the shampoo. As described above, rinsing  510  with water may be accomplished by stopping the flow of shampoo via a ball switch, for example. The method then ends  512 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 6  is a side-view cross-sectional diagram illustrating another embodiment of a combination brush and shampoo dispenser. In one embodiment, the brush  600  is formed having a reservoir  602  for storing a cleaning agent such as shampoo. The reservoir  602  may be integrally formed inside the brush head  604 , as shown, or alternatively attachable to a handle. Bristles  606  are attached to and extend away from the brush head  604 . The reservoir  602  includes nozzles  608  for dispensing the cleaning agent onto either a person or pet. 
         [0044]    Unlike the brush described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , the brush  600  includes a semi-rigid region in the reservoir that is configured to be depressed to force the cleaning agent out of the reservoir. In one embodiment, the semi-rigid region is a dispensing “pump”  610  for pushing the cleaning agent out of the reservoir  602  and through the nozzles  608 . The pump  610 , in one embodiment, is a button formed of a resilient and flexible material so that when depressed the pump  610  causes the cleaning agent to exit the reservoir  602  through the nozzles  608 . In a further embodiment, the pump  610  also functions as a removable cover for an opening through which a person may fill the reservoir with the cleaning agent. 
         [0045]    In an alternative embodiment, the semi-rigid region is formed in the reservoir  602  as a region of a flexible material so that a person may simply depress any portion of the reservoir  602  to dispense shampoo through the nozzles  608 . For example, the reservoir  602  may be formed of a semi-transparent rubber that also allows a person to view how much shampoo is remaining in the reservoir  602 . 
         [0046]    The brush  600  handle  612  is formed with a an interior channel  614  for transporting water from a hose to water dispensing nozzles  616  formed in the brush head  604 . A threaded adapter  618  may be integrally formed in the handle  612  for coupling the handle  612  with the hose. Alternatively, the threaded adapter may be detachable so that different adapters may be attached to the handle  612 . For example, the different adapters may be used to connect with different types of water sources including, but not limited to, shower heads, and outdoor water hoses. 
         [0047]    A diverter  620  or switch is also formed in the handle  612  and configured to start and stop the flow of water through the channel  614 . The diverter  620 , in one embodiment, is a lever  622  extending from a ball valve. Those of skill in the art will recognize that many different types of valves may be implemented here while achieving the purpose of stopping the flow of water through the channel  614 . 
         [0048]    The brush  600  also includes bristles  606 . The bristles  606  may have a tight or fine configuration for the removal of fleas. Alternatively, the bristles  606  may have a more spread out configuration for brushing pets with thick, coarse hair. In yet another embodiment, the bristles may be formed of rubber nubs for massaging the scalp or skin of a person or pet. The bristles  606  collectively may form a bristle pack that is removable from the brush head  604 , as described above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 7  is a top-view cross-sectional diagram illustrating another embodiment of the brush  600 . The brush  600 , as described above with reference to  FIG. 6 , is formed with an internal channel  614  for transporting water from a hose (that attaches to the handle  612 ) to one of the nozzles  616 . The channel  614  extends from the handle  612  into the brush head  604 . The channel  614  may diverge into a left channel  614   a  and a right channel  614   b  to form a semi-horseshoe shape as depicted. Alternatively, the channel  614  may be formed of a unitary channel that spreads across the entire brush head  604 . 
         [0050]    The nozzles  616  form a pathway from the internal channel  614  to an exterior surface of the brush head  604  so that water from the hose exits through the nozzles  616 . The pressure of the water exiting through the nozzles  616  may be adjusted by partially closing the diverter  620 . Additionally, the diameter of the nozzles  616  may be selected according to a desired water flow rate and pressure. 
         [0051]    Nozzles  608  form a pathway from the reservoir  602  to the exterior surface of the brush head  604 . The nozzles  608  may be centered along a longitudinal axis with the handle  612 , or alternatively, the nozzles may be positioned  608  across the brush head  604  as desired. 
         [0052]    The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.