Abstract:
A pet grooming device for the removal of shedding and/or loose using static electricity is provided. One or more posts are attached to a base at various adjustable positions. Dense brushes are disposed over the one or more posts. The brushes are made of a material having a tendency to attract large numbers of electrons and hold a negative static charge. As a pet rubs itself against the posts, the pet&#39;s hair becomes positively charged. The hair is attracted to the negatively charged brush and adheres to the brush. In some embodiments, the pet may be attracted to the brushes using treats, toys, and/or catnip.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/967,170, filed on Mar. 12, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/967,688, filed on Mar. 24, 2014, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The instant disclosure relates to a pet grooming system for collecting loose hair via static electricity. More specifically, the system provides one or more brushing devices to create static charges that collect loose pet hair. 
         [0003]    Household pets shed loose hair and dander, which may cause many problems. These problems may include an increased risk of allergic reactions, chronic hair buildup on furniture, clothing, and other household objects, and a heightened risk of hair accumulation in a pet&#39;s throat. Therefore, removal of this loose pet hair is a desired result. Existing methods of removing loose pet hair include brushing methods, suction methods (e.g. vacuum cleaners), and adhesive methods (e.g., lint rollers). However, these are all active removal methods that require both time and effort to be expended by the owner. Further, these methods must be performed repeatedly as additional pet hair accumulates. Therefore, a need exists for a passive removal system that will effectively collect loose hair. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Static electricity is an imbalance of electric charges at rest. The charge may remain until it is able to move away by means of an electric current or electrical discharge. Static electricity may be generated by an unbalance of the molecular construction of relatively nonconductive insulators. One way static electricity may build up is through the tribolelectric effect. The triboelectric effect (also known as triboelectric charging) is a type of contact electrification in which certain materials may become electrically charged after they come into frictive contact with a different material. The polarity and strength of the charges produced may differ according to the materials, surface roughness, temperature, strain, and other properties. The triboelectric effect may induce certain materials to “cling” to each other due to an attraction between built up positive and negative charges in those materials. 
         [0005]    According to one embodiment, a pet hair collection apparatus includes a base and one or more brushing elements coupled to the base, the brushing elements comprising a material that collects a negative electrostatic charge, wherein one or more pet hairs are collected on the one or more brushing elements based on the negative electrostatic charge. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises one or more support posts coupled to the base, wherein the one or more brushing elements are coupled to the support posts. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises one or more arms fastened to the one or more brushing elements. In some embodiments, the one or more arms connect one brushing element to another brushing element. In some embodiments, the one or more arms are connected to a single brushing element and disposed to rotate around an axis of the brushing element. 
         [0006]    In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises one or more pet attraction elements. In some embodiments, the one or more pet attraction elements are attached to the one or more arms. In some embodiments, the one or more pet attraction elements are disposed at the base. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises an electrostatic element including a plurality of conductive plates; and a dielectric layer disposed between the plurality of conductive plates. In some embodiments, the electrostatic element is coupled to the one or more brushing elements and provides an electrostatic charge to the one or more brushing elements. 
         [0007]    According to another embodiment, a method of removing pet hair includes creating a negative electrostatic charge on one or more stationary brushing elements; creating a positive electrostatic charge on one or more pet hairs; and collecting the one or more pet hairs on the one or more brushing elements. In some embodiments, the negative electrostatic charge and the positive electrostatic charge are created via friction between the one or more brushing elements and the one or more pet hairs. In some embodiments, the negative electrostatic charge and the positive electrostatic charge are created via an electrostatic device coupled to the one or more brushing elements. 
         [0008]    The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features that are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    For a more complete understanding of the disclosed system and methods, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating a pet hair collection system according to a first embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are diagrams illustrating a pet hair collection system according to a second embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating a pet hair collection system according to a third embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4A  is a diagram illustrating an expanded view of the brush and corresponding attachments according to one embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4B  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary electrostatic element according to one embodiment of the disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]      FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating a pet hair collection system  100  according to a first embodiment of the disclosure. Pet hair collection system  100  may use the triboelectric effect to collect unwanted pet hair. System  100  may comprise a base  102 , a support post  104 , a brush attachment  106 , and bristles  108 . Some embodiments may also comprise fastener  110 , arm  112 , one or more pet attraction devices  114 , and pet attraction device connectors  116 . 
         [0016]    Base  102 , support post  104 , and brush attachment may be proportioned in relation to one another in such a way as to provide stability for system  100 . Base  102  may be a variety of shapes and may be comprised of a variety of possible materials, including, for example, wood, plastic, or vinyl. Base  102  may be solid or hollow and may be weighted to provide additional stability. Base  102  may be a comprised of a single piece or a plurality of pieces. Base  102  may be disposed directly on a floor or may be disposed on top of legs or pads that contact a floor. In some embodiments, base  102  may have a friction-providing layer disposed on its top surface. This friction-providing layer may assist a pet&#39;s gripping ability while walking on base  102  as well as providing stimuli against which a pet may scratch its claws. The friction-providing layer may be comprised of a material that has a high friction coefficient, such as carpet, rubber, or the like. 
         [0017]    Support post  104  may attach to base  102  vertically via a variety of means. In some embodiments, support post  104  may be securely attached to base  102  using screws, nails, bolts, or other attachment means. In other embodiments, support post  104  may be disposed in an adjustable channel disposed in base  102 . In such an embodiment, support post  104  may be secured to base  102  via a system of adjustable screws, bolts, washers, and various other attachment means. Support post  104  may be solid or hollow and may be comprised of a conductive material. In some embodiments, a plurality of support posts  104  may be provided on base  102 . 
         [0018]    Brush attachment  106  may comprise brush bristles  108  attached to a hollow core. Brush bristles  108  may comprise a material that is prone to collect electrons and maintain a negative static charge. Exemplary materials may include rubber, plastic, vinyl, polyurethane, and other various polymers. The stiffness of brush bristles  108  may vary. Preferably, brush bristles  108  have a stiffness hard enough to provide a scratching surface for a pet and dislodge loose hair while having a stiffness soft enough to provide comfort for the pet and allow some give as the pet is rubbing against bristles  108 . Bristles  108  may be disposed in a variety of densities. Preferably, bristles  108  may be disposed in a density adequate to provide an even and uniform surface for the pet to contact. The pet rubs against bristles  108 , static charge may be created as electrons migrate from the pet&#39;s hair to the electron-collecting material of bristles  108 . Due to the static charge buildup, the pet&#39;s loose hair may cling to bristles  108 , providing an effective way to remove loose hair from the pet. When the pet leaves, the hair may remain clinging to bristles  108 . 
         [0019]    Bristles  108  may be attached to a hollow core that runs vertically down the center of brush attachment  106 . The core may be comprised of a conductive material and may securely attach the base of bristles  108  to brush attachment  106 . Support post  104  may fit inside the hollow core of brush attachment  106  and may secure brush attachment  106  to base  102 . The height of brush attachment  106  may be adjusted vertically along support post  104 . 
         [0020]    Brush attachment  106  may be fastened to the top of support post  104  via fastener  110 . Preferably, fastener  110  comprises an adjustable fastening means such as a screw or bolt that allows for easy assembly and disassembly of brush attachment  106  from support frame  104 . This may allow for easy removal of brush attachment  106 . A user may remove brush attachment  106  for cleaning and removal of attached pet hair. In some embodiments, arm  112  may be attached to the top of brush attachment  106  via fastener  110 . Arm may be stationary or may be disposed to rotate around fastener  110  as an axis. In some embodiments, one or more pet attraction devices  114  may be attached to arm  112  via one or more pet attraction device connectors  116 . Pet attraction devices  114  may be devices that are attractive to the pet and may stimulate the pet to come into contact with bristles  108 . For example, pet attraction devices  114  may be toys and/or objects containing treats or catnip. 
         [0021]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are diagrams illustrating a pet hair collection system according to a second embodiment of the disclosure. System  200  may comprise base  202 , a plurality of support posts  204 , and a plurality of brush attachments  206  comprising bristles  208 . System  200  may also comprise one or more fasteners  210 , arm  212 , one or more pet attraction devices  214 , and one or more pet attraction device connectors  216 . These elements may have similar properties to those described in  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, support posts  204  may be horizontally adjustable within base  202  to adjust the width between support posts  204 . This may allow a user to adjust system  200  to accommodate different pet sizes. Arm  212  may be connected between support posts  204  and fastened to the top of support posts  204  via fasteners  210 . Grooves  218  may be disposed within arm  212  to accommodate the horizontal adjustment of support posts  204 . In some embodiments, a pet attraction device  214  may be disposed on or within base  202 . Pet attraction device  214  may contain treats or catnip to attract the pet to system  200  and retain the pet&#39;s attention to allow for maximum loose hair collection. 
         [0022]    As shown in  FIG. 2B , in some embodiments, a horizontal brush attachment  220  may be disposed horizontally between support posts  204 . Arm  212  may be disposed horizontally through a center core of horizontal brush attachment  220  and may contain grooves  218  allowing for the horizontal adjustment of support posts  204 . Arm  212  may be fasted to the top of support posts  204  via fasteners  210 . In some embodiments, horizontal brush attachment  220  may be stationarily affixed to arm  212 . In other embodiments, horizontal brush attachment  220  may be disposed to spin or rotate about a horizontal axis provided by arm  212 . In some embodiments, brush attachments  206  and horizontal brush attachment  220  may be comprise a single brush attachment disposed on a single continuous support post  204 . In this embodiments, each end of support post  204  may be attached to base  202 . 
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating a pet hair collection system according to a third embodiment of the disclosure. System  300  may function similarly to systems  100  and  200  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively. In this embodiment, three support posts  306  are adjustably attached to base  302  through grooves  304  disposed in base  302 . Support posts  306  may be adjusted horizontally by moving support posts  306  within grooves  304 . Support posts  306  may attach to base  302  via fixing means. The fixing means may be loosened to allow support posts  306  to move within grooves  304  and then tightened once support post  306  is in a desired position. In some embodiments, grooves  304  may have rollers, slides, or other suitable means for moving support posts  306  within grooves  304 . In some embodiments, support posts  306  may be adjusted using ratchet or friction locking devices disposed within grooves  304 . System  300  may optionally have an arm disposed between support posts  306  similar to arm  212  shown in system  200  of  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, pet attraction device  308  may be disposed on or within base  302  as described with reference to  FIG. 2 . Systems  100 ,  200 , and  300  may be placed at various placed within a user&#39;s residence. For example, systems  100 ,  200 , or  300  may be located near a pet door to collect loose pet hair as the pet passes through the door. In one exemplary embodiment, the pet is forced to pass between two or more brush arrangements at is moves through the door. This may increase the effectiveness of the system by ensuring that the pet contacts the brush arrangements to remove loose hair. 
         [0024]      FIG. 4A  is a diagram illustrating an expanded view of the brush and corresponding attachments according to one embodiment of the disclosure. In system  400 , support post  402  and brush core  404  are shown. In the embodiment shown, all or part of support post  402  and brush core  404  are hollow. In some embodiments, support post  402  and/or brush core  404  may be non-hollow. In some embodiments, support post  402  and/or brush core  404  may be comprised of conductive material. In the embodiment shown, brush core  404  slides over the top of support post  402 . Fastener  406  may then be disposed through holes  408  to attach brush core  404  to support post  402 . In the embodiment shown, support post  402  contains multiple holes  408  disposed at varying vertical intervals. Fastener  406  may be inserted through any of these holes  408  so brush core  404  may be adjusted to a desired vertical level. In some embodiments, brush core  406  may have one or more caps  410  disposed on one or both of the vertical ends of brush core  406 . In some embodiments, caps  410  may comprise vinyl, PVC, plastic or other insulating material. Caps  410  may increase the safety of the device by covering hard edges and insulating a user from excess static charge. In some embodiments, screw or bolt  412  may be inserted through washer  414  into the bottom of support post  402 . Screw or bolt  412  and washer  414  may secure support post  402  within grooves to a base, similar to base  302  and grooves  304  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, a power supply  416  may be attached to support post  402 . In the embodiment shown, power supply  416  may comprise one or more batteries inserted into a hollow cavity within support post  402 . Power supply  416  may be connected to electrodes coupled to an electrostatic element. that may supply an electric charge to support post  402 . The electrode may be disposed within support post  402 . In some embodiments, an electrode may be disposed on a bottom of cap  410  so as to make contact with a terminal of power supply  416 . The charge may transfer from support post  402  to brush core  404 .  FIG. 4B  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary electrostatic element  418  according to one embodiment of the disclosure. In some embodiments, electrostatic element  418  may comprise one or more capacitors. In the embodiment shown, electrostatic element  418  is comprised of two conductive plates  420  and a dielectric layer  422  sandwiched within. Conductive plates  420  may be comprised of a suitable conductive material. Dielectric layer  422  may be comprised of an insulating material suitable to prevent charge from jumping between conductive plates  420 . Electrostatic element  418  may impart a charge to support post  402  and brush core  404 . The charge imparted by electrostatic element  418  may create additional charge to that naturally created by the pet&#39;s rubbing on the brushes to increase hair collection effectiveness. Power supply  416  may comprise a DC power supply or an AC power supply that may be suitably converted as known in the art. 
         [0026]    Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the present invention, disclosure, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.