Patent Publication Number: US-2011056505-A1

Title: Hair brush

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Application 61/239,841 filed Sep. 4, 2009, the disclosure of which is being incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNOLOGY FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to a hair brush, and more particularly to a multi-functional hair brush having an off-set handle to improve the feel and comfort associated with handling of the hair brush as well as to more easily position the hair brush to accomplish its task. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional hair brushes include an elongate member typically including a handle segment and a bristle segment. Commonly, the handle segment includes a round, cylindrical shape along its axial length. Also, the handle segment is typically in-line with the bristle segment along the axial lengths of these segments. This may result in discomfort as the user may have to angle his or her wrist while brushing hair. 
     The bristle segment of conventional hair brushes may include a solid, cylindrical shape having a constant diameter throughout its axial length. One problem with round brushes is that unsophisticated users tend to over twirl or keep rolling the hair brush causing hair to tangle and catch in the brush. A typical head of hair may require two or three different types of hair brushes to accommodate different lengths and varying textures. Conventional hair brushes, however, only have one style of bristle and as such, multiple and different hair brushes are required to perform different functions in styling hair. 
     Alternatively, the bristle segment may include an hourglass shape. Conventional hair brushes typically include one type of bristle and/or a common bristle pattern over the entirety of the bristle segment. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,739,016; 7,210,186; and 7,448,111, which all disclose a hair brush having a bristle substrate segment having an hourglass shape. Like conventional round hair brushes, these hourglass shaped hair brushes also have one style of bristle. As a result, multiple and different hair brushes are required to perform different functions in styling hair. 
     There exist hair brushes that allow the bristles to be changed. However, the design of conventional hair brushes having interchangeable bristles is such that hair coming across the brush falls off to the side and gets caught in the line that goes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hair brush where the interchangeable bristle member joins the handle. This results in undesirable tangling and pulling of the hair. 
     What is needed is a hair brush that solves one or more of the above noted problems with conventional hair brushes. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present invention address and overcome one or more of the above shortcomings and drawbacks, by providing an improved hair brush for styling hair. This technology is particularly well-suited for, but by no means limited to, use in hair styling for humans. 
     Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a hair brush including a multi-functional brush head having at least two different bristles for performing different functions in hair styling. The multi-functional brush head embodiments may include two styles of bristles, each style of bristles having a specific function relating to styling of hair or dealing with different hair textures in the same head of hair. The hair brush may include a round or oval brush head having one style of bristles covering a first half of the brush head and another, and different style of bristles on a second half of the brush head. The two styles of bristles perform separate and different functions. 
     Other embodiments of the invention are directed to a hair brush including an off-set handle that allows the brush head to be raised to the scalp without any cocking or other movement of the wrist. The off-set handle helps align the brush head in the proper angle to the hair upon placement of the hair brush. The off-set handle facilitates aligning the hand in a comfortable horizontal position. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the hair brush includes an advanced hourglass shaped design of the brush head. The advanced hourglass design of the hair brush body may include substantially straight tapered edge that extend from a central portion having a first diameter outward and upward to end portions having a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. A center guide may be provided in the central portion at the intersection of the tapered edges. Embodiments of the advanced hourglass shaped design may be used in either a flat or round hair brush. The advanced hourglass shaped design allows the hair brush to cleanly enter the hair section and move smartly through hair without the need for any winding or further movement (rotation) of the hand during styling. The angle design of the edges of the hourglass shaped body is designed to hold the hair on the hair brush as it is pulled through the hair without rotation of the brush beyond approximately a ¼ turn. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the hair brush includes a round hair brush having a combination of: the multi-functional brush head; and the off-set handle. 
     In another embodiment, the hair brush may comprise a flat hair brush having an off-set handle. The hair brush body may include half of an hourglass shape. The hair brush body may accommodate interchangeable bristle heads. 
     Additional features and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments that proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the following Figures: 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are prospective views of an exemplary multi-functional hair brush having an off-set handle; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the exemplary multi-functional hair brush of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  showing first bristles for performing a first function; 
         FIG. 3  is an opposite side view of the exemplary multi-functional hair brush of  FIG. 2  showing second bristles for performing a second function; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the exemplary multi-functional hair brush of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  showing first and second bristles; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the exemplary multi-functional hair brush of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary multi-functional hair brushes of  FIG. 4  showing first bristles for performing a first function and second bristles for performing a second function; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary multi-functional hair brushes showing a crown in a center region of the hourglass shaped brush body; 
         FIG. 8  shows the handle segment and brush segment of an exemplary hair brush having an off-set handle; 
         FIG. 9  shows another exemplary hair brush having an off-set handle; 
         FIG. 10  shows another exemplary multi-functional hair brush having interchangeable bristles; 
         FIG. 11  shows another exemplary multi-functional hair brush having interchangeable bristle members; 
         FIGS. 12A-12C  show an exemplary hair brush having interchangeable bristle members; 
         FIGS. 13A and 13B  show exemplary flat hair brushes having an off-set handle; 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  show exemplary flat hair brushes having an interchangeable bristle member; and 
         FIGS. 15A and 15B  show a user holding exemplary hair brushes having off-set handles. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     The above problems in the prior art have motivated the creation of an improved hair brush. In one embodiment, the improved hair brush includes a multi-functional brush head having at least two different bristles for performing different functions in hair styling. In one embodiment, the multi-functional hair brush includes a round hair brush body having an advanced hourglass design to achieve full contact of the brush bristles with the hair and the scalp. In other embodiments, the improved hair brush includes an off-set handle that allows the brush head to be raised to the scalp without any cocking or other movement of the wrist and aligns the brush head in the proper angle to the hair upon placement of the hair brush. In yet other embodiments, the hair brush may comprise a round or oval hair brush having one or both of: the multi-functional brush head; and/or the off-set handle. In other embodiments, the hair brush may comprise a flat hair brush having an off-set handle. In another embodiment, the hair brush includes an advanced hourglass design having a reverse camber design with center guide. The hair brush is suitable for use on humans, as well as animals with hair. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  are perspective views of an exemplary multi-functional hair brush having an off-set handle  10 .  FIGS. 2-5  show four views of the hair brush of  FIGS. 1A and 1B .  FIGS. 2 and 3  are opposite side views and  FIGS. 4 and 5  are opposing bottom and top views, respectively. As shown, the hair brush includes an elongate body having a handle (or grip)  10  and a brush head  20 . As shown, a neck  30  may be disposed between the handle and the brush head. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A-6 , the handle  10  includes an off-set design that improves comfort while combing hair and helps align the brush head at the proper angle to the hair upon placement. As shown best in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the handle or grip  10  is off-set from the brush head  20 . As shown, the handle extends away from the brush head in a rearward and upward direction at an angle α—i.e., the longitudinal centerline axis of the handle extends at an angle α relative to the longitudinal centerline axis of the brush head. In some embodiments, the angle α is between 10 degrees and 50 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle α is between 20 degrees and 40 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle α is between 25 degrees and 35 degrees. As shown, the handle or grip  10  extends at an angle above a horizontal plane between the two different bristle types  22  and  24 . Alternative, the handle or grip  10  may be off-set in the opposite direction—i.e., below the horizontal plane separating the different bristles. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the off-set handle includes a thumb rest  40  and a finger rest  50 . In the illustrated embodiment, the handle also includes a flat portion  60  on top of the handle that contacts the palm of a hand and a curved portion that the fingers wrap around. As shown, the shaped portion extends across the bottom and sides of the handle. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaped portion is curved to fit the shape of fingers that may be wrapped around the handle when the hair brush is in use (see e.g.,  FIGS. 15A-15B ). Alternatively, the shaped portion may comprise tamper edges that extend from the flat top portion toward the bottom of the handle. The distal end of the handle may include a tapered portion  70 . As shown, the off-set handle aligns the hand in a comfortable horizontal manner.  FIG. 9  shows another exemplary hair brush having an off-set handle with a thumb rest  40  and a finger rest  50 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A-6 , the brush head  20  includes a body  25  having an advanced hourglass design. The round brush head embodiments may include a generally cylindrical body having a proximal end nearer the handle and a distal end opposite the handle. As shown, the brush head body  25  may include an hourglass shape having a central portion of the body that has a smaller diameter than the end portions (i.e., the proximal and distal ends) of the body. In the illustrated embodiments, the cylindrical hourglass shaped body includes edges  26  that extend axially outward and radially outward from the central portion toward the proximal and distal ends of the brush head body. Also as shown, the edges may comprise straight tapered edges. In one embodiment, the tapered edges extend at an angle of between 10 degrees and 50 degrees from a longitudinal centerline axis of the hair brush. In another embodiment, the tapered edges extend at an angle of between 25 degrees and 35 degrees from a longitudinal centerline axis of the hair brush. Alternatively, the edges may comprise curved edges or a combination of straight and curved edges (not shown). 
     In another embodiment, the decline angle may be altered to cut deeper into the hourglass shape at first and then more shallow after a gradient change—meaning that about ⅓ of the way down from the outside edges of the barrel the edge declines at a steeper angle and then at a less steep angle. For example, if the line of the declining edge from side to center is viewed as a horizontal plane, then at approximately ⅓ of the way down the angle changes (e.g., a 45 degree shift) as it continues to center. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the hourglass shaped brush head  120  may include a crown or center guide  130 . As shown, the center guide may be located at the central portion of the brush head body. In one embodiment, the center guide or crown  130  is located at the intersection of the double angle decline of the two edges  126  and  128  helping to form the hourglass shaped brush head body  120 . The center guide  130  functions to penetrate the hair and guide the hair brush through the hair. The crown acts to elevate the center bristles, much like a quill may be used in tufts of hair to perform as a guide. Also, this feature acts to penetrate the hair. The crown or center guide  130  acts as a rudder to guide the brush and help ensure that the brush stays in the section of hair being brushed. 
       FIG. 10  shows another exemplary hair brush handle  210  and brush head segments  230  and  240 . The brush head  220  and handle segments may be formed as a single piece, or as separate pieces that may be connected together. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A-6 , the brush head  20  includes bristles  22  and  24  extending outward from the hair brush body  25 . The bristles are carried on a peripheral surface of the hair brush body. For example, the bristles may be anchored in holes formed in the peripheral surface of the hair brush body. The bristles may comprise individual bristles and/or bundles of bristles. The individual bristles and/or bundles of bristles may be arranged in rows on the hair brush body. Alternatively, the bristles may be arranged in a spiral pattern about the body. In an embodiment having a round hair brush body, the bristles may extend radially outward from the hair brush body. For example, the bristles may extend in a common radial plane extending through an axial centerline of the hair brush body. 
     As shown, the multi-functional brush head embodiments may include two styles of bristles, each style of bristles  22  and  24  having a specific function relating to styling of hair. As shown, the hair brush may include a round brush head having one style of bristles covering a first half of the brush head and another, and different style of bristles on a second half of the brush head. The two styles of bristles perform separate and different functions in styling hair. For example, the two different brislings may include first bristles on a first half of the round brush to start and straighten a difficult hair, and second bristles on a second and opposite half of the round brush to finish styling the hair. 
     As shown, the neck of the brush head or bristles member preferably includes an extended neck portion  250  that extends from the brush head or bristle members and comes to a point so that there are no vertical lines or openings on the brush into which hair may get caught. 
     In one embodiment, the first bristles  22  on the first half of the hair brush may comprise a natural boar bristle with a nylon quill in the center style bristles (e.g., Flatter Me Too™ style bristles) that can be used to start a difficult hair and begin to smooth, straighten, and untangle it. The second bristles  24  on the second half of the hair brush may comprise a natural bore style bristles (e.g., Tuxedo Pro™ style bristles). Once the hair is under control using the first bristles, the multi-functional hair brush may be rotated 180 degrees and the second bristles may be used to finish (e.g., style, add body or volume, shine and polish, etc.) the hair. As such, all of the styling may be performed using one brush, as opposed to the conventional way in which two separate brushes would be required. 
     The bristles may include a variety of bristle styles. For example, the bristles may range from natural bristle to synthetic bristles to accommodate different hair types. The bristles may include straight bristles or angled bristles. Exemplary bristle styles include: 
     Boar: This bristle is the actual hair of a boar (hog). Boar bristles are considered ideal because they close the cuticle layer, the outside armor of the hair and create shiny hair. Boar bristles are natural, soft, flexible bristles that gently brush the hair. 
     Nylon: This name represents a category for all types of bristles made of plastic, nylon, rubber, or similar materials. Nylon bristles can be soft and flexible or stiff and firm and offer little to maximum control, depending on how closely the bristles are placed and how flexible the material. As a natural element these bristles also attract oil and other product in the hair which is then attached to the boar follicle and it allows the smoothing out of product in the hair as well. In addition, the boar bristle addresses the moisture in the follicles and works to pull out the moisture. 
     Porcupine: Porcupine is a term used for a tufted bristle with a nylon quill, multiple bristles grouped together that usually include a combination of boar and nylon bristles. Its gentle, but it exerts a good hold on the hair. This design is excellent for controlling fine hair, as well as for thoroughly penetrating and brushing thick hair right down to the scalp. 
     Functions that may be performed using the multi-functional hair brush include: 
     Starting difficult hair, detangling hair 
     Creating straight, smooth styles 
     Adding body or volume 
     Adding shine and polish 
     Scalp massage effect 
     Creating curl and movement 
     Creating a sleek finish 
     Curling hair 
     Styling hair 
     Removing moisture 
     Producing special effects 
     Creating longer lasting style 
     Producing faster/quick results 
     Types of hair that may be styled and treated using the multi-functional hair brush include: 
     long hair; medium-length hair; short hair; 
     curly; wavy; or straight 
     fine; medium; coarse 
     round layers; textured outlines 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A-6 , the bristles  22  and  24  may include substantially equal lengths. Stated another way, the bristles may extend substantially the same distance above the peripheral surface of the hair brush body. As such, the distal ends of the bristles form an hourglass shaped plane that substantially conforms to the hourglass shaped of hair brush body  25  (see  FIG. 6 ). 
     In another embodiment, the first bristles on the first half of the hair brush comprise first lengths, wherein the first lengths comprise substantially equal lengths; and the second bristles on the second half of the hair brush comprise second lengths, wherein the second lengths comprise substantially equal lengths. In one embodiment, the first lengths and the second lengths are substantially the same. In another embodiment, the first lengths and the second lengths comprise different lengths. 
     Alternatively, the bristles may include predetermined and varying lengths. For example, the length of the bristles may be predetermined to ensure that a plane formed by the distal ends of the bristles form an arched plane equally distant from the axial centerline of hair brush body (i.e., the distal ends of a row of bristles forms a straight line substantially parallel with the axial centerline of hair brush body). 
     The hair bush body may comprise a plastic material, wood material, ceramic material, and the like. The handle may comprise a plastic material, wood material, ceramic material, and the like. The hair brush may include a variety of sizes. For example, the hair brush may have a length of 9.5-10.5 inches. 
     The hourglass shape of the brush head body generally matches the curved shape of a person&#39;s scalp and helps ensure full contact of the hair brush during styling and combing of hair. The advanced hourglass design allows the hair brush to be bristled with equal length bristles, with the even length bristles conforming to the shape of the head so that less (or no) hair follicles fall off the brush and full tension in maintained on the hair strand over the entire length of the brush head length. This results in faster and better blow drying and styling. 
       FIGS. 10-12C  show an embodiment wherein one or both of the bristle styles are interchangeable. For example, as shown in  FIG. 10  the entire brush head  220 —including a first set of bristles on a first half  230  and a second set of bristles on a second half  240  of the brush head—may be replaceable or interchangeable. In this embodiment, the handle  210  may include a member that may be inserted into a cavity extending into the brush head. A snug or friction fit may hold the brush head on the handle. Alternatively, a locking mechanism may be used to hold the brush head on the handle. 
     In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , the first half  230  and the second half  240  may include separate members that may be replaced or changed out independent of one another. Each half may have different style bristles with each style bristle capable of performing a different function. 
       FIGS. 12A-12C  show another embodiment having interchangeable bristle members  340  and  350 . As shown in  FIGS. 12A-12C , the brush head  320  may include a receptacle  330  having side walls  332 , an end wall  334 , a bottom surface  336 , and an opening formed at the distal end of the brush head. As shown, flanges may be provided along the side walls and may extend from the open end along the side walls to the end wall. As shown, the interchangeable bristle member  340  may include a bristle holding member having a bottom portion that substantially conforms to the shape of the receptacle  330 . The bristle holding member may comprise first and second ends and two side walls. Grooves may be provided along the side walls of the bristle holding member and may extend from the first end to the second end. The grooves in bristle holding member correspond to the flanges of in the receptacle. In use, the bristle holding member may be inserted into the brush head receptacle by sliding the grooves in bristle holding member over the flanges in the receptacle. A snug or friction fit may hold the interchangeable bristle member in place on the brush head. 
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  illustrate other embodiments of a hair brush having half an hourglass shaped body, a flat back, and an off-set handle. As shown in  FIG. 13A , the hair brush head  420  is similar to the brush head shown and described above with reference to  FIGS. 1A-6 , however, as shown, only half of the hourglass shaped body  420  is provided. The off-set handle  410  shown in  FIG. 13A  is also similar to the off-set handle illustrated and described with reference to  FIGS. 1A-6 . As shown in  FIG. 13B , the flat style hair brush may also include a crown in the center region of the hourglass shape—similar to the crown  430  shown and described with reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
     In addition to all of the benefits and advantages provided with the advanced hourglass design and the off-set handle, a flat brush also results in a lighter brush with a specific type of hair in mind. Also, the user can reach more difficult and hard to reach places such as, for example, the crown and the nape of the neck, as well as more easily tackling the hair and the user&#39;s off side. 
       FIGS. 14A and 14B  show embodiments of a flat back hair brush having an interchangeable bristle member  440 . As shown, the bristle member include a neck portion  450  that extends from the bristle member  440  and helps ensure that hair is not caught in the joint between the interchangeable bristle member and the main body  425  of the brush (e.g., the brush head and/or the handle). The neck  450  preferably comes to a point so that there are no vertical lines or openings on the brush into which hair may get caught. 
       FIGS. 15A-15B  show the proper hand placement and grip of the hair brush.  FIGS. 15A and 15B  illustrate the position of the fingers and thumb on the off-set handle.  FIGS. 15A and 15B  also illustrate the wrist position and angle with the index finger wrapped around one side of the sloping form and the thumb on the other side. 
     In addition to the round barrel depicted in several of the drawings, the multifunctional hair brush may also include an oval shaped hair brush body. In one embodiment, the different sets of bristles may be on two halves divided by the major radius of the oval shaped brush body. In another embodiment, the different sets of bristles may be on two halves divided by the minor radius. 
     The improved hair brush provides one or more of the following advantages and benefits:
         Single hair brush to perform multiple functions. The multi-functional hair brush having two different styles of bristles allows a single hair brush perform multiple distinct functions in styling hair. The multi-function hair brush may be used with each of a different style bristle being used to perform a different function in treating/styling different hair types found on the same scalp. A user is able to handle these different hair types immediately without switching brushes.   The advanced hourglass shaped design of the brush head, in either the flat or round configuration, allows the hair brush to cleanly enter the hair section and move smartly through hair without the need for any winding or further movement (rotation) of the hand during general brushing and blow drying. The angle design of the edges of the hourglass shaped body is designed to hold the hair follicles and releases them as the hair brush is pulled through the hair without winding or turning of the brush (beyond approximately a ¼ turn).   Off-set handle provides ease of use and comfort. Off-set handle helps align the hand on the handle with the thumb in a comfortable horizontal manner. Also, helps align the brush head at the proper angle to the hair upon placement. More comfort when pulling out because not as much wrist bend is required.   Interchangeable bristle types/styles. Provides increased functionality and versatility in use of hair brush. Also, the design of the interchangeable elements provides a joint between the bristle elements and the handle that is in-line with the axial centerline of the brush and therefore hair does not grab or get caught in the joint.   Crown or center guide for helping to penetrate the hair and to guide the hair brush through the hair during combing.   Better styling in less time. The hourglass shape achieves full contact of the brush bristles with the hair and the scalp. This contact gives a much wider brushing area than the one obtained with regular brushes.   More control. The angle provided by the tapered edges in the hourglass shape prevents hair from sliding out of the brush bristles during styling.   More volume. Second set of bristles for finishing brush a greater number of bristles reach the hair roots, stretching and pulling them up to the heat of the blow-dryer. The final hairdo is then full bodied.   Better finishing of hair ends. The middle area of the barrel has a smaller diameter than the ends of the barrel, allowing the hair ends to wrap around firmly. With this grip the hair ends are more controlled, offering better results in less time.   Better styling in less time. The hourglass shape achieves full contact of the brush bristles with the hair and the scalp. This contact gives a much wider brushing area than the one obtained with regular brushes.   One set of bristles used to start styling hair may comprise 100% natural boar bristles with one nylon quill in the center.   One set of bristles used to finish styling hair may comprise 100% natural boar bristles.       

     The following describes an exemplary use of the multi-functional hair brush having off-set handle. To start, the hair may be medium to coarse. After applying a styling product (optional), the first set of bristles on the multi-functional hair brush may be used, for example, to comb through, get the curl out of, detangle, get the roughness out of, get product into, etc. the hair. Proper use of a hair brush instructs that one take a section of hair (i.e., a strip of hair), place the hair brush on or under the hair, make approximately a quarter turn with the brush, and pull the hair brush through the hair. The quarter turn with the brush is made about the axial centerline of the brush. So proper use of the hair brush is section, quarter turn and pull. As such, only about one half of the brush is being used (e.g., the first half including the first set of bristles). 
     Once the hair is brushed using the first set of bristles the hair may be detangled and ready for styling (e.g., fine to medium hair), the other half of the multi-functional hair brush may be used to finish the styling process. For example, the hair brush may be rotated 180 degrees so that the second set of bristles is facing the hair. Again, proper use of a hair brush instructs that one section, quarter turn and pull. So, now the other half of the brush is being used to perform a second function on the hair (e.g., the second half including the second set of bristles). By providing two different styles of bristles—each capable of performing separate and different functions, a single hair brush may perform multiple functions. This eliminates the need for multiple, different hair brushes. 
     Further, the off-set handle provide the additional benefit of an easier, much more comfortable way to approach the hair because a stylist does not have to bend his or her wrists as much. The thumb and finger rests align the hand in a comfortable horizontal manner on the handle. The off-set handle also provides more comfort during brushing since the hand is in a more comfortable position (e.g., less wrist bending) with the off-set when pulling the hair brush out of the hair. 
     Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover be construed to all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.