Patent Publication Number: US-2022217942-A1

Title: Drying and Brushing Apparatus and Method

Description:
I. TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure pertains to the field of drying and brushing apparatuses. More specifically, to drying and brushing animals with hair or fur. 
     II. BACKGROUND 
     Many people own animals like dogs, cats, birds (i.e. pets), chickens, horses, and pigs as pets, farm animals, etc. In many cases, people take their animals outside to walk. In other cases, the animal lives outside. Some animals may get dirty when they are outside. For example, a dog may jump into a muddy pond. Afterward, the dog will need to be washed before it can enter the home. After washing the dog with soap and water, the next step is to drying the dog. 
     Unfortunately, drying a dog can be difficult. If the dog has long fur or hair, it can be difficult to remove the water from the fur or hair. For dogs with long hair, drying with a towel can mat down the dog&#39;s fur and make the dog look aesthetically unappealing. 
     Apparatuses such as air flow devices used to brush and dry the dog can become clogged by fur/hair, oil, and other matter after repeated use. After becoming clogged or blocked, it is difficult or impossible to clean the apparatus and remove the clogging matter. 
     Even if these devices do not get clogged, they at least have fur/hair, oil, and other matter may cling to the bristles and cover the apparatus&#39; air holes. Once they are covered, the airflow is blocked and needs to be removed. 
     What is needed is an apparatus that can dry off an animal while simultaneously brushing the fur to make the animal look aesthetically appealing that is easily cleanable. Further, the apparatus should be easily cleanable and its air holes should not be prone to becoming clogged. 
     II. SUMMARY 
     Provided in this disclosure is an apparatus including a positive pressure air source; a tube connecting the positive pressure air source, and a handle member; the handle member being connected to a brush member; the brush member further including a plurality of air apertures, a bristle base, and bristles. The air apertures include a plurality of air inlet ports and corresponding air outlet ports. 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the air outlet ports surround the bristle base. The air outlet ports&#39; location and shape leads to more efficiently drying of the animal and inhibits the air apertures from becoming clogged after repeated use. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the air outlet ports are embedded within the bristles of the bristle base. The air outlet ports&#39; location and shape leads to more efficiently drying of the animal and inhibits the air apertures from becoming clogged after repeated use. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the bristle base is detachable from the brush member. Being detachable enables a user to detach the bristle base and access the inside of the brush member. This is beneficial for cleaning the brush member. Also, being detachable enables the user to attach different bristle bases with different bristles onto the brush member. This is beneficial for using the apparatus on various animals with different skin, fur/hair types, or both. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the handle member further includes a depressible prong and the brush member further includes a prong aperture. These structures enable a user to repeatably disconnect and reconnect the handle member and brush member. This is beneficial for giving a user access to the inside of the handle member and brush member, which enables better cleaning of the members. The disconnection also enables storage in smaller spaces. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus further includes a general air passageway; the general air passageway having at least one grill. The grill being beneficial for preventing matter from proceeding down the general air passageway. 
     Provided is a drying and brushing apparatus. The drying and brushing apparatus includes: a positive pressure air source; a tube connecting the positive pressure air source to a handle member; the handle member being connected to a brush member; the brush member further including a plurality of air apertures, a bristle base, and bristles. The air apertures include a series of air inlet ports and corresponding air outlet ports. 
     According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the air outlet ports surround the perimeter of the bristle base. 
     According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the air outlet ports are embedded between the bristles of the bristle base. 
     According to further aspects of the present disclosure, a plurality of air outlet ports surround the bristle base, the air outlet ports are separated by divider sections, and the air outlet ports are surrounded by a hood which directs the flow of air downward. 
     According to further aspects of the present disclosure, a plurality of air outlet ports embedded between the bristles of the bristle base, the air outlet ports are separated by divider sections, and wherein the air outlet ports are surrounded by a hood which directs the flow of air downward. 
     According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the air apertures are substantially rectangular in shape. 
     According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the air apertures are substantially circular in shape. 
     According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the bristles may be made from metal, plastic, rubber, or a combination thereof. 
     According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the bristle base is detachable from the brush member. 
     According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the bristle base is detachably connected to the brush member, wherein four screws connect the bristle base to the brush member and are inserted within apertures at the corners of the bristle base to engage corresponding apertures within the brush member. 
     According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the handle member further includes a depressible prong mechanism and the brush member further comprises a prong aperture. 
     According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the apparatus is a non-human drying and brushing apparatus and the air aperture is not less than 0.25 inches wide as measured from a bristle base perimeter to a brush member edge. 
     According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the apparatus is a non-human drying and brushing apparatus having an air aperture that is circular in shape and a diameter that is not less than 0.25 inches. 
     According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the apparatus further includes a general air passageway, the general air passageway having at least one grill. 
     According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the handle member further includes a handle member air passageway and wherein the handle member air passageway further includes a grill. 
     According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the grill has slats that are no greater than 0.125 inches spaced apart from each other. 
     According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the brush member further includes a brush member front plate and a brush member back plate and wherein the brush member front plate is detachable from the brush member back plate. 
     Also provided is an apparatus for drying and brushing an animal. The apparatus includes: a positive pressure air source; a tube connecting the positive pressure air source to a handle member; the handle member being connected to a brush member; the brush member further comprising a plurality air apertures, a bristle base, and bristles; wherein the air apertures include a series of air inlet ports and corresponding air outlet ports, wherein the air outlet ports surround the bristle base, wherein the air outlet ports are substantially rectangular and wherein the air outlet ports are not less than 0.25 inches wide as measured from a bristle base perimeter to a brush member edge; wherein the bristle base is detachable from the brush member; wherein the handle member further comprises a depressible prong mechanism and the brush member further comprises a prong aperture; wherein the handle member further comprises a handle member air passageway and wherein the handle member air passageway further comprises a grill; and wherein the grill has slats that are no greater than 0.125 inches spaced apart from each other. 
     Also provided is an apparatus for drying and brushing an animal. The apparatus includes: a positive pressure air source; a tube connecting the positive pressure air source to a handle member; the handle member being connected to a brush member; the brush member further comprising a plurality of air apertures, a bristle base, and bristles; wherein the air apertures surround the bristle base, wherein the air apertures include a series of air inlet ports and air outlet ports, wherein the air outlet ports are substantially circular in shape and wherein the air outlet ports have a diameter of not less than 0.25 inches wide; wherein the bristle base is detachable from the brush member; wherein the handle member further comprises a depressible prong mechanism and the brush member further comprises a prong aperture; wherein the handle member further comprises a handle member air passageway and wherein the handle member air passageway further comprises a grill; and wherein the grill has slats that are no greater than 0.125 inches spaced apart from each other. 
     Also provided is a method for drying and brushing. The method includes the following steps: providing an apparatus including: i) a positive pressure air source; ii) a tube connecting the positive pressure air source to a handle member, the handle member being connected to a brush member and, the brush member further including a plurality of air apertures, a bristle base, and bristles; and drying and brushing an object by turning on the positive pressure air source and brushing the object with the brush member, wherein the air apertures include a series of air inlet ports and corresponding air outlet ports. 
     According to further aspects of the present disclosure of the method, the air outlet ports surround the bristle base. 
     According to further aspects of the present disclosure of the method, the air outlet ports are embedded between the bristles of the bristle base. 
     According to further aspects of the present disclosure of the method, the bristle base is detachable from the brush member. 
     According to further aspects of the present disclosure of the method, the air outlet ports are substantially rectangular in shape. 
     According to further aspects of the present disclosure of the method, the handle member further includes a depressible prong mechanism and the brush member further includes a prong aperture. 
     According to further aspects of the present disclosure of the method, the apparatus further includes a general air passageway, the general air passageway having at least one grill. 
     Other benefits and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification. 
     III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The disclosed drying and brushing apparatus and method may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a view of a drying and brushing apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 2  is a top view of handle and brush members of the drying and brushing apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 3  is side view of the handle and brush members in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 4  is side and perspective view of the brush member in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 5  is a top sectional view of the brush member detached from the handle member in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 6  is a view showing the grill in the handle member in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 7  is a view showing a back side of a drying and brushing apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 8  is a top cross sectional view of a back side of an exemplary brush member showing an arrangement of inlet air ports. 
       FIG. 9  is a view showing a drying and brushing apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure being used on recently washed dog. 
       FIG. 10  is a top view of handle and brush members of the drying and brushing apparatus in accordance with an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 11  is side view of the handle and brush members in accordance with an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 12  is side and perspective view of the brush member in accordance with an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 13  is a top sectional view of the brush member detached from the handle member in accordance with an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the article only and not for purposes of limiting the same, and wherein like reference numerals are understood to refer to like components. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an apparatus  20  is provided for brushing and drying. The apparatus  20  generally includes a positive pressure air source  24 , a tube  26  connecting the positive pressure air source  20  to handle member  36 . Attached to handle member  36  is a brush member  50 . Tube  26  may be flexible. The positive pressure air source  24  may have an on switch  32  and an off switch  34 , a single on/off switch or another means for actuating and ceasing operation of the positive pressure air source  24 . The apparatus  20  also includes a heater  30 . Heater  30  may be in the handle member  36  or in any other position within the apparatus  20  where it can heat air (e.g., the positive pressure air source  24 , at any point along the tube  26 , etc.). Heaters that can heat air and fit inside an apparatus are generally known, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,023,578, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     The air for drying the object flows as follows: from the positive pressure air source  24 , through tube  26 , through handle member air passageway  42  (which is inside handle member  36 ), through brush member air passageway  56  (which is inside brush member  50 ), and outlet air aperture  64 . The path from the positive pressure air source  20  to the air aperture  64  is called general air passageway  28  herein.  FIG. 1  shows the path air  28  during operation of the apparatus  20  (operation shown in  FIG. 7 ). 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 2-4 , handle member  36  further includes air flow adjuster  38 . Air flow adjuster  38  controls the air flow generated by the positive pressure air source  24 . A user can change press air flow adjuster  38  during use to adjust the air flow generated by the positive pressure air source  24 . 
     Handle member  36  further includes heater adjuster  40 . Heater adjuster  40  controls the amount of heat generated by the heater  30 . A user can press heater adjuster  40  during use to adjust the amount or level of heat generated by the heater  30 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-6 , handle member  36  further includes depressible prong mechanism  44  protruding out of the side of handle member  36 . Depressible prong mechanism  44  is connected to prong  46  ( FIG. 6  shows this best). In one aspect of this disclosure, depressible prong mechanism  44  is a button. When a user presses depressible prong mechanism  44 , prong  46  is also depressed allowing for release of the brush member  50  from the handle member  36 . In one aspect of this disclosure, handle member  36  has two depressible prong mechanism  44  prong  46  sets (as shown in  FIG. 5 ); in other aspects, only one set. 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure, brush member  50  includes prong aperture  48 . Depressible prong mechanism  44 , prong  46 , and prong aperture  48  allow repeated connection and disconnection of handle member  36  and brush member  50 . In this aspect, prong  46  fits into prong aperture  48  so that handle member  36  and brush member  50  are held together snugly and connected together. When a user wants to disconnect handle member  36  and brush member  50 , the user presses down on depressible prong mechanism  44 . This causes prong  46  to depress. Afterward, prong  46  is not longer inside prong aperture  48  and the user can urge apart handle member  36  and brush member  50 . To reconnect handle member  36  and brush member  50 , a user can repeat the same disconnect process but instead urge handle member  36  and brush  50  together. In addition, prong  46  may be shaped so that in order to reconnect handle member  36  and brush member  50 , the user does not need to press depressible prong mechanism  44 . In this aspect, the prong  46  may be wedge shaped. When it is shaped so that the user does not need to press depressible prong mechanism  44 , the user may just urge handle member  36  and brush member  50  together to reconnect them. During this action, brush member  50  depresses prong  46  until prong  46  slips through prong aperture  48 .  FIG. 6  shows best the wedge shape of prong  46  that allows this reconnecting function. There are many benefits of having a handle member  36  and a brush member  50  which are capable of being repeatedly disconnected and reconnected. First, by being able to disconnect the two members, a user can get access to the interior areas of the components, check and clean out blockages, and wipe down their inside faces. Furthermore, disconnecting allows easier storage of the brush member  50 . In certain embodiments where a grill  76  is located in a brush member air passageway  56 , disconnection allows access to the grill  76  to clean it or remove air passageway blockages. Grill  76  is discussed in greater detail below. 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure, brush member  50  includes brush member front plate  52  and brush member back plate  54 . In this aspect, brush member front plate  52  and brush member back plate  54  fit together to form the outside of brush member  50 . In one aspect, bristle base  68  is attached to the brush member front plate  52 . In this aspect, a user can remove brush member front plate  52  and bristle base  68  by detaching them. In one aspect of the present disclosure, this is done by removing screw  60  located at various positions along the bristle member front plate  52 . 
     In one aspect of this disclosure, removing screw  60  detaches brush member front plate  52  from brush member back plate  54 . In this aspect, removal of screws  60  fully exposes air aperture  64  and bristle base  68 . Full exposure allows the user to efficiently clean and remove debris obstructing air aperture  64  and bristle base  68 , yielding more effective drying and grooming. 
     More than one screw  60  may be used to fasten bristle base  68  to brush member  50 . For example,  FIG. 2  shows four screws, however, any number of screws may be used. The additional screw(s)  60  ensure a close-fitting seal between bristle base  68  and brush member  50 , effectively allowing uniform heat from air aperture  64  and enhanced sturdiness in the bristle base  68 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 6 , a general air passageway  28  is contained within tube  26 , handle member  36 , and brush member  50 . Positive pressure air source  24  supplies air along the general air passageway  28 , exiting through air aperture  64 . The general air passageway  28  contains at least one grill  76 , positioned within handle member  36  (as shown in  FIG. 6 ). Pressing down on depressible prong mechanism  44  depresses prong  46  allowing for separation of brush member  50  from handle member  36 . Separating brush member  50  from handle member  36  reveals grill  76 . The slatted  78  grill  76  prevents large debris and matter from continuing along general air passageway  28 . 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram showing the flow of air from a back side perspective of an exemplary drying and brushing apparatus  20 . Although the back side of the drying and brushing apparatus  20  is shown with a certain shape, it is understood that the drying and brushing apparatus may have any shape within the purview of a person of ordinary skill in the art. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the collar  37  may have a diameter opening that is slightly smaller than the diameter opening of the handle member  36  and the diameter opening of tube  26  for engaging the handle member  36  to the end of tube  26 . According to certain aspects of the present teaching, the collar  37  has a length of 1 inch or about 1 inch. However, it is to be understood that the collar  37  may have any length and any diameter as may be deemed suitable by a person of ordinary skill in the art. According to further aspects of the present teaching, the overall length of the handle member  36 , bristle base  68 , brush member  50  and collar  37  is 9.75 inches or about 9.75 inches. 
     However, it is to be understood that the overall length of the handle  36 , bristle base  68 , brush member  50  and collar  37  may be any length as deemed suitable by a person of ordinary skill in the art. As further shown within  FIG. 7 , air flow flows enters the collar  37  from the tube  26  and flows through the handle member  36  to the air apertures  64  (not shown) within the bristle base. It is noted that brush member  50  tapers outward or expands in diameter from the handle member  36  forming a periphery around air apertures  64  (located opposite the rectangular shape within the bristle base  68 ). This periphery acts as a hood  70  which directs and provides for a downward flow of air from the air apertures onto the animal. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a cross sectional top view of back side of an exemplary brush member. As shown within  FIG. 8 , air inlet ports  80  are arranged within a channel that allows for the passage of air within the bristle base  68 . The air inlet ports  80  shown in this Figure are arranged in a first row, a second row and a third row within the channel. Two of the air inlet port rows shown in  FIG. 8  are arranged in a non-parallel manner. However, it is to be understood at two air inlet port rows may also be arranged in a parallel manner.  FIG. 8  further illustrates that two air inlet rows may be positioned at an acute inner angle with respect to a third row at two respective intersection points. However, in other embodiments, the two air inlet rows may be positioned at an obtuse inner angle or a right angle with respect to the third row at the two respective intersection points. Although a certain number of air inlet ports are illustrated within  FIG. 8 , it is to be further understood that any number of air inlet ports may be arranged within the air inlet port channel. Hood  70  shown within  FIG. 8  is formed by the peripheral area outside the air inlet port channel and acts to direct and provide for a downward flow of air from air inlet ports on the front side of the brush member. This arrangement of air inlet ports  80  results in the corresponding air outlet ports  90  on the front plate  52  being positioned within the bristle base  68  between bristles  82 , that is, between the body of bristles  82  within bristle base  68 . In an alternative embodiment, air outlet ports may be positioned outside of the bristle base  68 . An example of such an embodiment is provided in  FIGS. 10-13 , which illustrate air outlet ports  64  formed within the body of the front plate  52  and positioned along the outside perimeter of the bristle base  68 . Air outlet ports  64  may be further separated by air outlet port dividers  66  along the outside perimeter of the bristle base. In certain embodiments, screw plate  58  and screw  60  may secure a structure forming the air outlet ports  64  and air outlet port dividers  66  along the perimeter of the bristle base  68 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 9 , the apparatus  20  may be used on an animal such as a dog  84  with fur  86 . A human  88  can apply apparatus  20 , comprising a positive pressure air source  24 , a tube  26 , a handle member  36 , and a brush member  50 , to an object such as a dog  84  with fur  86  to perform simultaneous bushing and drying. 
     Numerous embodiments have been described herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above apparatus and methods may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the apparatus and methods set forth in the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. The phrase “associated with” as used in this document, refers to structures which support the disclosed apparatus and methods and may also refer to structures not disclosed herein capable of supporting the disclosed apparatus and methods. Further, the “invention” as that term is used in this document is what is claimed in the claims of this document. The right to claim elements and/or sub-combinations that are disclosed herein as other inventions in other patent documents is hereby unconditionally reserved.