Patent Publication Number: US-2013232708-A1

Title: Hair brush

Description:
The present application is a continuation-in-part patent application which claims the benefit of priority from commonly owned and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/383,043, filed Jan. 11, 2011, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/180,249, filed Jul. 11, 2011 the entire disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in this disclosure as if set forth fully herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to hair care devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a handheld brush having unique properties related to the arrangements of bristles and handle portion. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is known to use hair brushes or combs to brush, maintain, and/or remedy tangles in dry or wet hair. Many known brushes generally have stiff bristles or teeth and handle or user-proximal portions designed merely to hold these bristles. Known devices suffer from various drawbacks including, but not limited to, lack of ergonomic features, inability to adequately untangle knots, and a general lack of versatility or adaptability in appearance and form. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention contemplates a novel system, device, and methods for brushing, maintaining, and/or caring for hair. As used herein, the term “hair” does not refer to any particular type of hair and relates to the broad spectrum of hair found through various different species, races, individuals, etc. The term “bristles” as used herein is intended to mean filamentary projections generally such as are found on a brush, and includes plastics filamentary projections, and it is not limited herein to animal-hair bristles. In this specification, references to the lengths of such bristles are to be interpreted to mean the length of bristle which projects from a body of a device, in other words the effective length of said bristles. 
     The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present disclosure is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. Additional aspects of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings. 
     In various embodiments, a hair care device having a plurality of bristles disposed therein is provided. At least some of the plurality of bristles comprise a flexible material, including various known plastics, which provide sufficient stiffness to comb hair without  15  causing pain associated with “pulling” or “tugging” on knots or portions that will not yield to a standard brush. The following references which relate generally to hair care devices are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties: U.S. Pat. No. 2,889,567 to Solomon, U.S. Pat. No. 2,607,064 to Sullivan et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,287,898 to Konesky, and U.S. Patent Application No. 2010/0101594 to Pulfrey. 
     In various embodiments, flexible bristles of the present invention are distributed on a bottom portion of a handle, the handle designed for grasping by a user and manipulation of the brush. In a particular embodiment, bristles of varying length are provided and distributed in a pattern along a generally planar bottom portion of the handle. In an alternative embodiment, a generally planar bottom portion of the handle comprises a distribution of bristles of the same or similar length. 
     In further embodiments, the bottom portion of the handle may be generally concave, convex, and/or undulating. In such embodiments, bristles of the same or similar length may be provided, wherein the uneven bottom portion of the handle dictates an uneven distribution of the termini of the bristles. One of skill in the art will recognize that bristles of the same/similar length and or of varying lengths may be provided regardless of the shape or orientation of the bottom portion of the handle. In a particular embodiment, a bottom portion of the device is concave and results in a generally concave distribution of the termini of bristles. In such an embodiment, distal ends of the bristles conform more accurately to the natural shape of, for example, a human head. 
     In various embodiments, and regardless of the structure of the bottom portion of the handle, an outer or user-proximal portion of the handle comprises at least one convex portion for grasping by a user&#39;s hand. In a preferred embodiment, the outer portion of the handle comprises a plurality of convey portions that form an aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic shape for grasping by a user. 
     It is contemplated that, in at least one embodiment, the device comprises a single unit having a handle with a top portion, a bottom portion, and a plurality of bristles. Alternatively, however, the handle may comprise a multi-part device wherein at least the upper portion is detachable from a bottom portion of the handle and bristles. The upper portion may be fully detachable, such as through snap-fit features, and/or may be hingedly attached to the lower portion. One or more sections of the upper portion may also be detachable from additional sections of the upper portion. Detachable upper handle portions of the present invention serve a variety of functions. For example, in one embodiment, detachable upper portions of the device may be detached and replaced by additional similar upper portions, including those of different color and/or comprising various desired information including, but not limited to, logos and information related to one&#39;s favorite artist, entertainer, team, school, movie, show, musical, nation, character, pattern, brand, insignia, etc. Additionally, detachable upper portions of the device may be selectively detachable and re-attachable so as to provide access for placement and extraction of various personal items. Devices of the present invention comprise detachable lids for storing, for example, hair ties, clips, trinkets, jewelry, coins, etc. 
     In one embodiment, various portions of the device are dishwasher safe, such that at least a portion comprising bristles is capable of being placed in a dishwasher and easily cleaned. 
     In various embodiments, an upper portion of the handle further comprises a logo that is convex, providing additional grip for a user. The upper portion of the handle may  15  further comprise non-slip features, such as rubber grips distributed thereon. In a preferred embodiment, at least a majority of the handle portion comprises polyethylene with an acrylic coating. The device may be formed from known molding techniques including, but not limited to injection molding, rotational molding, and blow molding. 
     These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the invention(s) contained herein. The above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below. Further, the summary of the invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the summary of the invention, as well as, in the attached drawings and the detailed description of the invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended to either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this summary of the invention. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the detailed description, particularly when taken together with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Those of skill in the art will recognize that the following description is merely illustrative of the principles of the disclosure, which may be applied in various ways to provide many different alternative embodiments. This description is made for illustrating the general principles of the teachings of this disclosure invention and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts disclosed herein. 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the general description of the disclosure given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosures. 
       It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a hair care device; 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of one embodiment of a hair care device; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear elevation view of one embodiment of a hair care device; 
         FIG. 4  is a left elevation view of one embodiment of a hair care device; 
         FIG. 5  is a right elevation view of one embodiment of a hair care device; 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of one embodiment of a hair care device; 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of one embodiment of a hair care device; 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom plan view of one embodiment of a hair care device; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom plan view of one embodiment of a hair care device; 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom plan view of one embodiment of a hair care device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention has significant benefits across a broad spectrum of endeavors. It is the applicant&#39;s intent that this specification and the claims appended hereto be accorded a breadth in keeping with the scope and spirit of the invention being disclosed despite what might appear to be limiting language imposed by the requirements of referring to the specific examples disclosed. To acquaint persons skilled in the pertinent arts most closely related to the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the method that illustrates the best mode now contemplated for putting the invention into practice is described herein by, and with reference to, the annexed drawings that form a part of the specification. The exemplary method is described in detail without attempting to describe all of the various forms and modifications in which the invention might be embodied. As such, the embodiments described herein are illustrative, and as will become apparent to those skilled in the arts, can be modified in numerous ways within the scope and spirit of the invention, the invention being measured by the appended claims and not by the details of the specification. 
     Although the following text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the description is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this disclosure. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. 
     To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim  10  term by limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word “means” and a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-7 , a hair care device according to various embodiments of the present invention is shown. It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted from these drawings. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a hair care device  2  according to at least one embodiment comprises a handle portion  4  and a plurality of bristles  6  disposed thereon. The handle  4  additionally comprises convex protrusions  8  contributing to the overall appearance of the device and providing an overall ergonomic fit adapted to be grasped by right or left hands of nearly any size (i.e. adults and children alike). A bottom portion  5  is provided in connection with the handle  4  and is adapted for securing bristles  6 . The bottom portion  5  may be formed integrally with a remainder of the handle  4  or may be attached to the handle  4  through various known methods and devices. 
     A plurality of bristles is provided in connection with the bottom portion  5  of the device. In a preferred embodiment, the bristles are formed integrally with the bottom portion (e.g. as part of the same mold process). In alternative embodiments, however, bristles may be provided and connected to a remainder of the device in any number of known ways or methods, such as adhering and/or press-fitting. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-3 , an embodiment of a hair care device is provided wherein a handle  4  comprises a first portion  4   a  and a second portion  4   b.  First and second portions  4   a,    4   b  may be hingedly connected to one another by one or more known hinges  12  provided on a side of the device. Accordingly, the first portion  4   a  may be detached from or rotated with respect to the lower portion  4   b  in order to provide access to 15 internal volume of the handle. A side of the device opposing the side with one or more hinges may further comprise a clasp or snap (not shown) for selectively securing the first portion  4   a  and preventing undesired opening. 
     Hinged features  12  may be provided between the bottom portion  5  and the handle  4 . Hinged features provided between the bottom portion  5  and the handle  4  may be provided in lieu of or in addition to hinged features  12  provided between a first portion  4   a  and second portion  4   b.    
     In one embodiment, the handle  4  is detachable from the bottom portion  5 . One of skill in the art will recognize various devices which may be used to selectively and/or detachably connect the handle  4  to the bottom portion  5 . For example, elastically deformable plastic portions extending from the bottom portion  5  may engage the handle  4  and vice-versa. In one embodiment, the device  2  comprises multiple internal storage volumes. For example, a first internal storage volume may be disposed between a first  5  portion  4   a  and second portion  4   b  of the handle and a second internal storage volume disposed between the bottom portion  5  and the handle  4 . Thus, first and second storage volumes may be accessed by selectively removing/opening a first portion  4   a  and the handle  4 , respectively. 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  depict a plurality of bristles  6  of varying length, with alternating long and short bristles. It will be expressly recognized, however, that the present invention is not so limited to any particular arrangement. Bristles may be of varying length, substantially the same length, and/or may comprise any number of distribution patterns. In various embodiments, the device comprises a length of between approximately 3 inches and approximately 10 inches, a width of between approximately 1 inches and approximately 5 inches, and a height between approximately 1 inches and approximately 5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a length of approximately 6 inches, a width of approximately 3 inches, and a height of approximately 3 inches. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4-6 , a preferred embodiment is shown where the handle  4  comprises a plurality of convex protrusions  8  extending therefrom. The symmetrical convex protrusions  8  and overall symmetrical shape of the device  2  provide various ergonomic features for brushing hair. Protrusions  8  provide for an overall ergonomic device and the ability to resist torque, such as that caused by an off-center portion of the brush contacting a knot or obstruction. Additionally, the handle provides the ability to grip the device  2  about or near its center of gravity, facilitating an even insertion of the device  2  into a body of hair and facility displacement of the brush through even tangled or knotted hair. 
       FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of a preferred embodiment of a hair care device  2  depicting an arrangement of bristles  6  across a bottom portion  5 . As shown, the bristles  6  are dispersed over the bottom portion  5  in a generally staggered arrangement. Preferably, columns consist of bristles of the same length while rows consist of alternating short and long bristles. In other words, bristles aligned in a top-bottom direction in  FIG. 7  are of substantially the same length while bristles aligned in the left-right direction alternate between short and long. As previously stated, however, the present invention is not so limited and may comprise any number of bristle arrangements and/or lengths. 
       FIG. 8  is a bottom plan view of one embodiment of a brush  2  with various different bristle lengths. Bristle lengths 1, 2, 3 are indicated wherein each of the bristles indicated as 1, 2, and 3 correspond to a bristle of a particular length and wherein first bristles 1 are of a different length than second bristles 2 and first and second bristles are both of a different length than third bristles 3. As shown, the bristles 1, 2, 3 are arranged in a predetermined pattern generally comprising alternating and offset rows. 
       FIG. 9  depicts yet another embodiment of the present invention wherein at least two different length of bristles, indicated by | and ◯ are provided. Although the outer geometry of the brush  2  is depicted as being rectangular in  FIGS. 8-9 , it will be expressly recognized that the present invention is not so limited. Indeed, the various bristle lengths and arrangements of the present invention may be provided on any number or shapes of brushes and/or brush handles. 
       FIG. 10  depicts yet another embodiment of the present invention wherein at least three different length of bristles 1, 2, 3 are provided. The different lengths are provided in substantially concentric patterns about one another and contouring to an outer shape of the brush  2 . The brush  2  of  FIG. 10  comprises a curvilinear outer shape, and at least some of the rows or rings of bristles 1, 2, 3 mimic or conform to this curvilinear outer shape. It will be recognized that the outer shape may be provided in any number of shapes, wherein the bristles conform to the predetermined outer shape of the brush  2 . It will further be recognized that the present invention is not limited to a particular number of bristles. That is, brushes of the present invention may comprise any number of bristles, including numbers in excess of three. In yet another embodiment, a random assortment or array of bristles is contemplated. 
     In various embodiments, brushes of the present invention comprise one or more elongate handles extending from a main body portion. Although various embodiments comprise a handle and body portion without elongate extensions, such features are expressly contemplated. 
     While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to 15 those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the 20 purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of including,” “comprising,” or “adding” and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items.