Patent Publication Number: US-2019191864-A1

Title: Hair brush with hexagonal bristles

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This U.S. nonprovisional patent application is a continuation in part of U.S. design application 29/611664, filed on Jul. 24, 2017, and now allowed; and a continuation in part of U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 15/822,390, filed on Nov. 27, 2017, and now pending, which claims priority to provisional patent application 62/402,305, filed on Sep. 30, 2016. This U.S. nonprovisional patent application also claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application 62/757,992, filed on Nov. 9, 2018. Each of these applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a brush, and more particularly, to a hair and styling brush having bristles with a hexagonal configuration 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Several unique hair brushes have been created and disclosed in the prior art for use in styling and brushing hair. For example, U.S. Design Pat. D832591 discloses a hair brush having triangular bristles with an opening at the base of each bristle. Each of the bristles are tapered from the wider base to the tip of each bristle. U.S. Pat. D815837 discloses a hair comb that incorporates two different bristle designs, wherein a single outer row of round bristles surrounds an interior group of bristles that have an flat, oval cross-section. US Published Application 2018/0228277 discloses a hairbrush with an array of bristles. Some of the bristles have a wide base and narrow top at the free end of the bristle, wherein the bristles are sized and arranged so that the first portion of each bristle serves to penetrate and divide hair between the bristles and the second portion enables tension to be applied to the hair when hair flows between the bristles. Other prior art hair brushes include EU Registered Community Design 003067065-0003, which discloses a brush with bristles having a smooth conical configuration, and EU Registered Community Design 003067065-0005, which discloses bristles having complex curved features and with openings in the body of several bristles. 
     In addition to the foregoing hair brushes, other modern hair brushes that are widely available to consumers exclusively utilize natural boar hair bristles. Boar hair bristles are touted as offering several benefits in hair care. For examples, boar hair bristles assist with spreading of oils produced by the scalp to ends of each strand of hair. By coating each strand of hair with the natural oils of the scalp, boar hair bristles help condition and repair dry hair and improve its texture. In view of the natural benefits of utilizing boar hair bristles, the need for hair conditioners and serums are reduced. Boar hair bristles are also touted to be able to reduce frizz and effectively stimulate a user&#39;s scalp. 
     In some hair brushes, clusters or tufts of boar hair bristles are combined with thin, plastic standalone bristles or spines, that are set in a series of rows along a bristle pad, and are sometimes coated and finished with a rounded plastic tip. The tufts of boar hair (or in some cases synthetic hairs, such as nylon) are positioned at or adjacent to the plastic bristle spines. Typically, each plastic bristle extends somewhat higher than an adjacent clusters of boar hairs (or synthetic hairs). Hair brushes that combine clusters of boar hair bristles with plastic spines offer users the benefits of boar hair brushes as well as the benefits of longer standalone plastic bristles that help stimulate and massage the scalp. 
     Notwithstanding the intended utility and benefits of these and other conventional hair brushes that are disclosed in the prior art, most do not offer a bristle configuration that brushes hair in a manner that effectively detangles tresses with minimal discomfort. For example, while many hair brushes claim to be able to detangle hair while brushing without painfully tearing hairs out from the scalp, few accomplish this task successfully. 
     Moreover, with each progressive use, hair brushes typically accumulate dirt, oil, built-up hair products and strands of hair. And, over time, the strands and other products may form unwanted clumps of hair. To maintain hygiene, it is beneficial to remove these unwanted items from a hair brush on a regular basis. However, cleaning hair brushes often present difficulties to users and is generally a time-consuming process. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the drawbacks of the prior art, it is a primary objective of the present invention to provide a hair brush with hexagonal bristles which effectively brushes and detangles strands of hair during use of the hair brush. 
     It is another objective of the present invention to provide a hair brush with hexagonal bristles that incorporates a cavity in the handle of the hair brush to accommodate a cleaning apparatus to eliminate accumulated dirt, oil, built-up hair products and strands of hair from the hair brush. 
     It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a hair brush with hexagonal bristles that rests upright on its end to preserve space on a surface upon which the hair brush is resting. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a brush formed with a handle attached to a head that accommodates a bristle pad with apertures for holding rows of bristle elements. A first type of bristle element or hexagonal bristle has a wide base that culminates in a rounded, tapered tip, and a cross-section having a hexagonal configuration. A second type of bristle element or boar hair bristle has a cluster of boar hairs bunched together at a single position or aperture on the pad. The handle of the brush incorporates a tubular lined cavity covered by an end cap to which there is attached a cleaning apparatus with cleaning teeth that are adapted to remove or dislodge accumulated dirt, oil, built-up hair products and strands of hair from the bristle elements and pad of the brush. 
     Additional features of the hair brush with hexagonal bristles are described below in more detail. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other features and aspects of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a top, front and right-side perspective view illustrating a hair brush with hexagonal bristles according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a right-side view illustrating a hair brush with hexagonal bristles according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view a hair brush with hexagonal bristles according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a top, front and right-side perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a hexagonal bristle according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a top, front and right-side perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a hexagonal bristle according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a top, front and right-side perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a hexagonal bristle according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a top, front and right-side perspective view of a cleaning comb attached to a base and end cap; and 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 2 , illustrating the cleaning comb within the handle of the brush when the cleaning comb is stowed within the handle for storage, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings,  FIGS. 1 through 8 . 
     The present invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Like reference numerals may refer to like elements throughout the specification. The sizes or proportions of elements illustrated in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity. When an element is described as being on another element, the element may be directly disposed on the other element or intervening elements may be disposed therebetween. 
     The present invention relates to a brush  10  comprising an upper portion or head  12  that is attached to and transitions seamlessly into a lower portion or handle  14 . Head  12  and handle  14  of brush  10  may be constructed from conventional materials known in the art, including wood, plastic(s), resin(s) and metal(s), or a combination thereof. In addition, the exterior of brush  10  may be coated by conventional coatings and other materials known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, head  12  and handle  14  of brush  10  are formed of a solid section of wood. 
     Head  12  has a brush pad or bristle pad  16  that is attached to and rests within a space or hollow portion of head  12 . In a preferred embodiment, the edges of bristle pad  16  rest securely within grooves or channels that are carved and form a concealed perimeter around brush pad  16 . Head  12  is sized and adapted to accommodate bristle pad  16 , preferably constructed of rubber or other elastomeric material. Brush  10  tapers from head  12  down to handle  14  to permit a more comfortable grip. Brush  10  defines a tapered contour when proceeding from head  12  down to the handle  14 . Preferably, handle  14  culminates at the lower end of brush  10  in an end cap  18  having a flat surface or features which enable brush  10  to stand upright while resting on a table or other resting surface. By being able to stand upright, brush  10  utilizes less space and causes less clutter. When secured and twisted to a closed position at the end of handle  14 , end cap  18  thus serves as a base stand upon which brush  10  stands upright when not in use. Notably, however, even without end cap  18 , handle  14  is constructed so that brush  10  may stand upright. Preferably, end cap  18  is formed of conventional plastic(s). However, it should be appreciated and understood that end cap  18  may also be formed using metal, rubber and/or wood or other conventional materials known in the art. 
     Although not illustrated in the drawings, bristle pad  16  is embossed or molded with a micro-hexagonal or honeycomb pattern. Approximately 30-35 hexagons are molded across the widest section of bristle pad  16  and approximately 20-25 hexagons are molded across the narrowest section of bristle pad  16 . Generally, with of each hexagon in the pattern across the flats is approximately 1.6 millimeters. 
     As illustrated most clearly in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2  and  FIGS. 4 through 6 , bristle pad  16  includes a series of bristle pad apertures to accommodate a variety of bristle elements  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  50  having different dimensions and features. In exemplary embodiments, bristle pad  16  comprises 90-120 bristle apertures to accommodate a like number of bristles elements. In a preferred embodiment, there are approximately eight rows of bristle elements  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  50  (counting down from the upper edge of head  12 ), with a total of approximately twenty-nine of bristle element  20 ; twenty-seven of bristle element  30 ; twenty-nine of bristle element  40 ; and thirty of bristle element  50 . Notwithstanding the precise number of each of the bristle elements set forth herein, it should be appreciated an understood that one bristle element may be exchanged with or replaced by another bristle element. Likewise, additional bristle elements may be added to bristle pad  17  as desired to accommodate the space provided on bristle pad  16 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 4 , bristle element  20  has an elongated hexagonal shaft or body  22  with a cross-section that gradually tapers as each bristle element  20  extends upward and away from bristle pad  16 . Although shaft  22  of bristle element  20  tapers as it extends upwards, it should be appreciated and understood that the shaft  22  may have a generally uniform cross-section that does not taper. The shape of the hexagonal body  22  allows bristle element  20  to efficiently glide through hair during use of brush  10 . Bristle element  20  may have a solid or hollow cross-section. Bristle element  20  also comprise a rounded tip  24  comprising the same material as shaft  22 . However, it is understood that the tip of each bristle element  20  may have other shapes such as a flattened shape, pyramid shape, curved shape, concave end or pointed tip. Bristle element  20  may alternatively be constructed with a spherical or ball tip, or with an epoxy coated tip or other flexible soft plastic tip. In addition, it should be appreciated and understood that the shaft of bristle element  20  is not limited to a hexagonal cross-section. For example, bristles may have a partially flat and/or partially curved cross-section, or may have a round or a different polygonal cross-section (e.g, triangle, diamond, square, pentagon) 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , bristle element  20  further comprises a plug or anchor base  26  and cylindrical shaft  28  that are inserted into bristle pad apertures to secure bristle element  20  in place within bristle pad  16 . The height of cylindrical shaft  28  comprises a dimension that corresponds to the thickness of bristle pad  16  in the location where each bristle element  20  is inserted. This helps prevent undesired movement and accumulation of dirt, oil and hair product in the area of each bristle element  20 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, hexagonal shaft  22  of bristle element  20  measures approximately 19.5 millimeters in height, not including the height of anchor base  26  or cylindrical shaft  28 . Rounded tip  24  of bristle element  20  measures approximately 1.5 millimeters in diameter. The diameter of the hexagonal shaft  22  at the bottom edge thereof (where hexagonal shaft  22  meets cylindrical shaft  28 ) measures approximately 3.0 millimeters in diameter (or 2.6 millimeters across opposite flat sides of the hexagon). 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 , bristle element  30  preferably comprises a cluster or group of upwardly extending boar hair bristles. Unlike the hexagonal shaft  22  of bristle element  20  that tapers from the widened base as it extends upward, bristle element  30  flares out from the base where the boar hairs meet. Thus, the base of bristle element  30  form a diameter of approximately 2.5 millimeters where the boar hairs of bristle element  30  meet bristle pad  16  and flare out to approximately 5.0 millimeters at the top. In a preferred embodiment, bristle element  30  also extends 19.0 millimeters from bristle pad  16 , after bristle element  30  is secured to the bristle pad. Although boar hairs are preferred, it should be appreciated and understood that other natural and/or synthetic bristle hairs may be utilized instead of or in addition to the boar hair bristles. Moreover, it should also be appreciated and understood that even though the preferred embodiment utilizes two rows of boar hair bristles  30 , fewer or more rows may be utilized as well. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 5 , bristle element  40  has an elongated hexagonal shaft or body  42  with a cross-section that gradually tapers as each bristle element  40  extends upward and away from bristle pad  16 . Although shaft  42  of bristle element  40  tapers as it extends upwards, it should be appreciated and understood that the shaft  42  may have a generally uniform cross-section that does not taper. The shape of the hexagonal body  42  allows bristle element  40  to efficiently glide through hair during use of brush  10 . Bristle element  40  may have a solid or hollow cross-section. Bristle element  40  also comprises a molded ball tip  43  comprising the same material as shaft  42 , with an epoxy dipped tip  44  creating a soft flexible coating. However, it is understood that the tip of each bristle element  40  may have other shapes such as a flattened shape, pyramid shape, curved shape, concave end or pointed tip. In addition, it should be appreciated and understood that the shaft of bristle element  40  is not limited to a hexagonal cross-section. For example, bristles may have a partially flat and/or partially curved cross-section, or may have a round or different polygonal cross-section. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , bristle element  40  further comprises a plug or anchor base  46  and cylindrical shaft  48  that are inserted into bristle pad apertures to secure bristle element  40  in place within bristle pad  16 . Unlike anchor base  36 , anchor base  46  incorporates an inverted insertion head  47  that is smaller at the bottom and widens as it meets cylindrical shaft  48 . The height of cylindrical shaft  48  comprises a dimension that corresponds to the thickness of bristle pad  16  in the location where each bristle element  40  is inserted. This helps prevent undesired movement and accumulation of dirt, oil and hair product in the area of each bristle element  40 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, hexagonal shaft  42  of bristle element  40  measures approximately 19.0 millimeters in height (with the height of the epoxy dipped ball tip  44 ), not including the height of anchor base  46  or cylindrical shaft  48 . Epoxy dipped tip  44  of bristle element  40  measures approximately 1.6 millimeters in diameter. Without the epoxy dip, the ball tip  43  of bristle element  40  measures approximately 1.3 millimeters in diameter. Where shaft  42  commences adjacent to the ball tip  43 , the diameter of the hexagonal shaft  42  measures approximately 0.8 millimeters (or 1.0 millimeters across opposite flat sides of the hexagon). The bottom edge  49  of the hexagonal shaft  42  measures approximately 1.8 millimeters in diameter (or 1.5 millimeters across opposite flat sides of the hexagon). 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 6 , bristle element  50  has an elongated hexagonal shaft or body  52  with a cross-section that gradually tapers as each bristle element  50  extends upward and away from bristle pad  16 . Although shaft  52  of bristle element  50  tapers as it extends upwards, it should be appreciated and understood that the shaft  52  may have a generally uniform cross-section that does not taper. The shape of the hexagonal body  52  allows bristle element  50  to efficiently glide through hair during use of brush  10 . Bristle element  50  may have a solid or hollow cross-section. Bristle element  50  also comprises a molded ball tip  53  comprising the same material as shaft  52 , with an epoxy dipped tip  54  creating a soft flexible coating. However, it is understood that the tip of each bristle element  50  may have other shapes such as a flattened shape, pyramid shape, curved shape, concave end or pointed tip. In addition, it should be appreciated and understood that the shaft of bristle element  50  is not limited to a hexagonal cross-section. For example, bristles may have a partially flat and/or partially curved cross-section, or may have a round or different polygonal cross-section. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , bristle element  50  further comprises a plug or anchor base  56  and cylindrical shaft  58  that are inserted into bristle pad apertures to secure bristle element  50  in place within bristle pad  16 . Unlike anchor base  36 , anchor base  56  incorporates an inverted insertion head  57  that is smaller at the bottom and widens as it meets cylindrical shaft  58 . The height of cylindrical shaft  58  comprises a dimension that corresponds to the thickness of bristle pad  16  in the location where each bristle element  50  is inserted. This helps prevent undesired movement and accumulation of dirt, oil and hair product in the area of each bristle element  50 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, hexagonal shaft  52  of bristle element  40  measures approximately 15.0 millimeters in height (with the height of the epoxy dipped ball tip  54 ), not including the height of anchor base  56  or cylindrical shaft  58 . Epoxy dipped tip  54  of bristle element  50  measures approximately 1.6 millimeters in diameter. Without the epoxy dip, the ball tip  53  of bristle element  50  measures approximately 1.3 millimeters in diameter. Where shaft  52  commences adjacent to the ball tip  53 , the diameter of the hexagonal shaft  52  measures approximately 0.8 millimeters (or 1.0 millimeters across opposite flat sides of the hexagon). The bottom edge  59  of the hexagonal shaft  52  measures approximately 1.25 millimeters in diameter (or 1.0 millimeters across opposite flat sides of the hexagon). Overall, except for the differences in measurements specified herein, bristle element  50  is similar in structure and appearance to bristle element  40 , as contrasted with bristle element  20  which is thicker and more rigid and which does not incorporated a dipped epoxy or other soft plastic tip. 
     As shown most clearly in  FIG. 2 , bristle elements  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  50  generally form an uneven and curved surface or canopy when they are anchored to brush pad  16 , even though some are of the same or similar height. However, it should be appreciated an understood that bristle elements  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  50  may be formed and positioned on brush pad  16  in a manner which results in an even canopy forming a single and predominantly flat surface where the tips of the bristle elements culminate in the same height. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , a preferred embodiment of brush  10  comprises two center rows of bristle element  20 , flanked on either side by a row of boar hairs or bristle element  30 . Thereafter, and proceeding outward from the center of brush  10 , there is a row of bristle element  40  followed by a row of bristle element  50 . Regardless of the particular bristle elements that are utilized, it is desirable in many instances to incorporate bristles that have soft, plastic ball tips on the outer two rows, with the more rigid bristles located centrally on the brush pad  16 . 
     Generally, bristle elements  20 ,  40 ,  50  are formed separately from bristle pad  16  by using molds having the desired shapes and sizes. When manufacturing pad  16  separately from the bristle elements  20 ,  40 ,  50 , a first mold may be used to form the pad  16  with the holes or apertures out of conventional plastic(s) or rubber materials. For bristle elements  20 ,  40 ,  50 , different molds are utilized and they are filled with flowable plastic(s) to form bristle elements  20 ,  40 ,  50  or any other conventional materials known in the art. Preferably, nylon material is utilized in connection with the formation of each bristle element  20 ,  40 ,  50 . Ideally, the shaft of each bristle element is  20 ,  40 ,  50  is flexible yet resilient in order to retain an upward posture after repeated use of the brush. Alternatively, bristle elements  20 ,  40 ,  50  may be formed via extrusion, particularly, with regard to thinner bristle elements  40 ,  50 . Although somewhat flexible, interior hexagonal bristles  20  are predominantly rigid as compared to the thinner exterior hexagonal bristles  40 ,  50 . After being created, bristle elements  20 ,  40 ,  50 , each having hexagonal shafts  22 ,  42 ,  52 , are inserted into and fastened to bristle pad  16  in the desired locations, respectively, in accordance with the recommendations set forth herein or in other configurations, yet still keeping within the spirit and scope of the invention. Bristle elements  20 ,  40 ,  50  may also be formed in a manner so that they are interchangeable with each other and may be positioned as desired in the bristle pad apertures of the bristle pad  16 . For those bristles that have a soft tip, such as bristle elements  40 ,  50 , may be dipped or over molded with a soft plastic, epoxy or resin. Once the bristle pad  16  and bristle elements  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  50  are formed and assembled, they may be inserted into and fastened to head  12  of brush  10 . 
     Notwithstanding the preferred embodiment and mode of production, an alternate bristle pad may be manufactured together as one integral and continuous structure (e.g., as one piece) with non-hair based bristles to reduce manufacturing costs. In that regard a bristle pad and non-hair based bristles may be formed utilizing plastic, metal and/or wood or other conventional materials known in the art. In addition, the selected pad and/or the non-hair based bristles may be elastic, partially rigid or rigid. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 , handle  14  defines an internal cavity  60  constructed as a tubed lining within which a cleaning apparatus  62  is housed. Cavity  60  may also be utilized for storage of other items, as desired. If cavity  60  is utilized for storage purposes, cleaning apparatus  62  should be removed entirely or made smaller to allow sufficient space. If cleaning apparatus  62  is removed, end cap  18  may still be utilized to seal tubular lined cavity  60  via a twist lock mechanism that locks end cap  18  to handle  14 , and magnets  68 . Cleaning apparatus  62  appears as a miniature comb having a spine  64  with quills or teeth  66  having various lengths to help eliminate accumulated dirt, oil, built-up hair products and strands of hair from brush  10 . End cap  18  and cleaning apparatus  62  are secured to handle  14  via magnets  68  and/or mechanical locking means to ensure that the end cap  18  does not fall away from handle  14  during use of brush  10 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , cleaning apparatus  62  rests on a pedestal formed by end cap  18  so that it stands upright when resting on a surface. As an alternative to the cleaning apparatus  62  illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a comb, mirror or shorter brush may be provided and housed in cavity  60 . 
     The accompanying specification and drawings only illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a brush with hexagonal bristles, its constituent parts, and associated methods and processes. However, other exemplary embodiments are possible, and the drawings are not intended to be limiting in that regard. Thus, although the description above and accompanying drawings contains much specificity, the details provided should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiment(s) but merely as providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiment(s). The drawings and the description are not to be taken as restrictive on the scope of the embodiment(s) and are understood as broad and general teachings in accordance with the present invention. While the present embodiment(s) of the invention have been described using specific terms, such description is for present illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that modifications and variations to such embodiments, including but not limited to the substitutions of equivalent features, materials, or parts, and the reversal of various features thereof, may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.