Abstract:
A brush operable to remove hair clippings from the face and neck of a user wherein the brush includes a releasably secured bristle portion so as to facilitate a one-time use thereof so as to comply with health regulations. The brush includes a handle portion that is substantially hollow having a first end and a second end. A bristle portion is provided that includes an annular base having a shank extending outward therefrom opposite the bristles. Disposed within the handle is a connection assembly that facilitates the releasable securing of the bristle portion to the handle.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to salon accessories, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a dusting brush that is operable to clean hair from a client&#39;s neck and face area wherein the brush includes a brush element having a plurality of bristles that is releasably secured to a handle. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Barbers and hairdressers utilize many implements during the execution of their jobs. From scissor to various brushes and combs, chemicals and numerous other tools are used during the cutting and styling of a client&#39;s hair. Sterilization and cleanliness are not only important for the client and the barber, most states provide strict regulation about cleaning and use of various implements in order to prevent the spread of bacteria, lice and other illnesses. 
     During the process of cutting hair, the hair remnants typically fall on the client&#39;s neck and shoulder area. It is standard for clients to have a salon cape draped around their shoulder so as to prevent the hair from coming in contact with the clients clothes. While most of the hair falls onto the floor or the salon cape, inevitably some of the hair clings to the neck, ears and face of the client receiving a haircut. Hairdressers and barbers will use small towels and other similar devices to attempt to remove the hair clippings but these do not work as well as a brush. One problem with conventional brushes is that they are not allowed for repetitive use by most state health boards. The use of a brush on more than one client is a violation of health regulations in most states. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a brush that is effective at removing hair from the neck and face area of a person who has received a haircut wherein the brush includes a brush element having a plurality of bristles that is releasably secured to the handle so as to facilitate the removal of the brush element and the replacement with a new unused brush element. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a brush that is operable to remove hair clippings from the neck and face area of a person wherein the brush has a removable bristle element. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a brush operable to remove hair clippings from the neck area of a user wherein the removable bristle element includes a base and a plurality of bristles extending therefrom. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a brush configured for use to remove hair clippings from a person&#39;s neck area wherein the removable bristle element further includes a shaft extending from a base. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a brush operable to remove hair clippings from the neck area of a person that includes a handle that is configured to releasably secure to the brush element. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a brush configured to remove hair clippings from the neck area of a user that includes a handle wherein the handle is substantially hollow having an interior volume of suitable size to accommodate the necessary components to facilitate the releasably securing of the brush element thereto. 
     Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a brush operable to remove hair clippings from a neck area of a person having a removable brush element wherein the handle further includes a push button operable to facilitate the release of the brush element from the handle. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a brush operable to remove hair clippings from neck area of a person wherein the removable brush element further includes a sanitary enclosure for storage prior to use thereof. 
     To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the brush element of the present invention disposed in its sanitary enclosure; and 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated an hair brush  100  constructed according to the principles of the present invention. 
     An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention. 
     It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic. 
     Referring in particular to  FIG. 1  herein, the hairbrush  100  further includes a handle  10  manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to plastic. The handle  10  includes first end  11  and second end  12 . The handle  10  is modified cylindrical in shape wherein the mid-portion  13  of the handle  10  has a diameter that is less than that of the diameter of the first end  11  and second end  12 . The outer wall  15  of the handle  10  tapers inward towards the mid-portion  13  from both the first end  11  and the second end  12 . The tapered-cylindrical shape of the handle  10  promotes an ergonomic grip for the user of the hair brush  100  when utilizing the hair brush to remove hair clipping from the neck and face area of a person who has received a hair cut. The handle  10  is substantially hollow so as to accommodate the components further discussed herein. While a particular shape for the handle  10  has been disclosed herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the handle  10  could be formed in numerous different shapes. 
     Releasably secured to the handle  10  is the bristle portion  20 . The bristle portion  20  is releasably secured to the handle  10  proximate second end  12 . The bristle portion  20  includes a base  22  that is annular in shape and is sized so as to mateably connect with the second end  12  as shown in  FIG. 3  herein. The bristle portion  20  includes a plurality of bristles  25  extending outward from the base  22 . The bristles  25  are manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to nylon. Shown in particular in  FIG. 2  herein is the storage receptacle  30  for the bristle portion  20 . The storage receptacle  30  is a sealed bag manufactured of a suitable durable material such as but not limited to plastic. The storage receptacle  30  functions to hygienically store the bristle portion  20  until ready for use by a user. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the storage receptacle could be manufactured utilizing numerous different types of materials in order to achieve the functionality as described herein. 
     Referring in particular to  FIG. 3  herein, a cross-sectional view of the hairbrush  100  is illustrated therein. The handle  10  includes bristle securing components  35  disposed within the interior volume  31  of the handle  10 . A button  50  is moveably secured to the first end  11  of the handle  10 . The button  50  includes plunger body  55  that is movably secured to plunger mount  60 . The plunger mount  60  is substantially hollow so as to allow the plunger body  55  to move therethrough in an upwards-downwards movement. The plunger mount  60  is secured within he interior volume  31  of the handle  10  utilizing supports  59 . The plunger body  55  is biased by spring  65 . The spring  65  is mounted to the bottom  61  of the plunger mount  60  and functions to bias the plunger body  55  in an upwards position. Secured to the plunger body  55  is shaft  70 . Shaft  70  extends outward from plunger mount  60  through opening  56 . A receptacle  75  is secured to shaft  70 . The receptacle  75  is configured to releasably receive shank  80 . Proximate end  81  of shank  80  is locking knob  85 . The locking knob  85  engages with the interior of the receptacle  75  so as to provide increased connection strength between the receptacle  75  and shank  80 . 
     Referring to figures herein, a description of the operation of the hairbrush  100  is as follows. In use, a user will remove the bristle portion  20  from the storage receptacle  30 . As the user depresses the button  50 , the plunger body  55  moves downward compressing spring  65 . As this movement occurs, the shaft  70  and receptacle  75  extend outward from the handle  10  partially beyond the second end  12 . The user will then place end  81  of shank  80  into receptacle  75  wherein the locking knob  85  provides a secure connection thereto. The user will then release the button  50  allowing the spring  65  to extend moving the plunger body  55  towards the first end  11 . As the movement is completed the base  22  will be disposed within the wall  2  of the second end  12 . This position substantially inhibits any movement of the base  22  from lateral forces applied during the use of the hairbrush  100 . 
     While a particular embodiment of the hair brush  100  has been disclosed herein having components  35  operable to releasably secure the bristle portion  20  to the handle  10 , it is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that numerous types of mechanical fasteners could be used in place of and/or in conjunction with the components  35  illustrated and discussed herein to facilitate the releasable securing of the bristle portion  20  to the handle  10 . 
     In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.