CA2400247C - Liquid-reservoir hairbrush system - Google Patents
Liquid-reservoir hairbrush system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2400247C CA2400247C CA002400247A CA2400247A CA2400247C CA 2400247 C CA2400247 C CA 2400247C CA 002400247 A CA002400247 A CA 002400247A CA 2400247 A CA2400247 A CA 2400247A CA 2400247 C CA2400247 C CA 2400247C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- hairbrush
- absorbent
- liquid
- roller
- ball
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
- A46B11/0006—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water specially adapted to feed the bristle upper surface
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D24/00—Hair combs for care of the hair; Accessories therefor
- A45D24/22—Combs with dispensing devices for liquids, pastes or powders
- A45D24/24—Combs with dispensing devices for liquids, pastes or powders with provision for free supply; using wicks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
- A46B2200/104—Hair brush
Landscapes
- Brushes (AREA)
- Cosmetics (AREA)
- Devices For Medical Bathing And Washing (AREA)
Abstract
A liquid-reservoir hairbrush (1) that is capable of evenly dispersing water-based solutions and other thin and non-viscous liquids over the user's scalp and/or through the user's hair during routine hair brushing. Absorbent filler unit(s) (6) are placed into a chamber (58) of the hairbrush body (4) and absorbent feed rods (15) are placed into bores (13) of the hairbrush bristles (12).
The hairbrush (1) can be provided with roller-ball (19) or felt-tipped nozzles (20) mounted at distal ends of the hairbrush bristles (12), or with side nozzles located at the bristle's side walls. The absorbent feed rods (15) interconnects the absorbent filler unit(s) (6) and the nozzles, and the liquid from the absorbent filler unit(s) (6) is supplied through the absorbent feed rods (15) to the nozzles.
The chamber (58) of the hairbrush body (4) can be divided into multiple, hermetically isolated sections. The hairbrush body (4) can have an optional filler inlet (57) and can come with an optional liquid refilling unit (30) which can hold a predetermined volume of the liquid. The hairbrush (1) comes with a removable bristle lid (26) to keep the bristles enclosed when the hairbrush is not in use and to help prevent the nozzles from drying out.
The hairbrush (1) can be provided with roller-ball (19) or felt-tipped nozzles (20) mounted at distal ends of the hairbrush bristles (12), or with side nozzles located at the bristle's side walls. The absorbent feed rods (15) interconnects the absorbent filler unit(s) (6) and the nozzles, and the liquid from the absorbent filler unit(s) (6) is supplied through the absorbent feed rods (15) to the nozzles.
The chamber (58) of the hairbrush body (4) can be divided into multiple, hermetically isolated sections. The hairbrush body (4) can have an optional filler inlet (57) and can come with an optional liquid refilling unit (30) which can hold a predetermined volume of the liquid. The hairbrush (1) comes with a removable bristle lid (26) to keep the bristles enclosed when the hairbrush is not in use and to help prevent the nozzles from drying out.
Description
I LIQUID - RESERVOIR HAIRBRUSH SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the liquid-reservoir hairbrushes particularly well designed for dispersing low viscositv water-based solutions and other thin and non-viscous liquids over the user's scalp and through the llair.
BACKGROLND OF THE INVENTION
Liquid-reservoir hairbrushes and conibs have been available for years. In addition to combing and brushin,-,. these devices allow a user to distribute water and oil-based solutions over the user's scalp and/or through hair. In some of these devices. liquid outlets (viz..
nozzles) are inounted at distal ends of teeth or bristles. In otlier devices. the nozzles are located near proximal ends of the teeth or bristles ( usuallv betwe ?, tllenl) oi- at a bodv of the hair device.
However. these prior art devices have a variety of shortcomin(gs.
For example. if the user wants to disperse the liquid only over the scalp. and the nozzle(s) are located at a bristle area of the bodv of the brusll(e.~~. U.S. Patent No.
5.927.290 to Thiruppathi) or between the comb teeth (e.~.;. U.S. Patent No. 3.964.501 to Matchett). the liquid dispensed froin the nozzle initially deposits on the user's hair and wets the hair and onlv thereafter contacts the user's scalp. Tllis can makes the user's hair excessivelv wet and uncomfortable. Even more. althoutzh the above hair devices allow the user to distribute water-based and other thin and non-viscous liquids through the liair. none of them disperse the liquid evenly. The main reason whv the above devices are not able to disperse the liquids evenly through the hair is because it is extremely difficult to control a direct liquid flow through any type of nozzle.
Moreover. because a diameter of the nozzle is much slnaller than a size of a liquid reservoir.
different types ofpumps are used to force the liquid flow through the nozzle.
Accordin~'~lv. a person using this type of device has ,u udjust the l:quid flow dispensed through the nozzle by operating different types of control mechanisnls (e.g. U.S. Patent No. 3.71-1.2150 to Walter and U.S. Patent No.
5.927.290 to Thiruppathi). Since the user usually has to perforni the above procedui-e during liair brushinu or combing. the prior art liquid-reservoir hairbrushes and conibs witli pumps ai-e relatively )0 complicated to operate.
Furthermore. there are other problems associated xvith the dispersion of water-based solutions and otllei- thin and non-viscous liquids over the user's scalp for the devices with punips. If the nozzles are mounted within the ends of the brush bristles or comb teeth (e.,,. U.S.
Patent No. 3.101.086 to SUBSTiTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 1 Di Vito). it would appear to be troublesome to control the liquid flow through the nozzles. Since most of the above devices have open-end teeth or bristles, the liquid will come out from the nozzles whether or not there is a contact with the user's scalp. Because all brush bristles or comb teeth cannot entirely contact the user's scalp simultaneouslv. the excessive liquid disperses between the user's hair ~ and makes them wet. Others have attempted to devise wavs to work around this problem. For example. U.S. Patent No. 4.055.195 to Moses discloses a fluid-reservoir hair comb with roller-balls nlounted ~,vithin the end of each comb tooth. Although the roller-ball installed witliin the nozzle can partiallv control a hiah viscosity liquid flow of the oil-based solutions dispensed fi=om the particular nozzle. the Moses construction is absolutely not acceptable for the low viscosity water-based solutions and other thin and non-viscous liquids. A well-known effect (previously described for ballpoint pens) of natural outflow of liquid througll a gap between the roller-ball and an internal wall of the roller-ball seat. a so-called direct-flow phenomenon, in which air flows in through the gap to allow the liquid to flow out from the liquid reservoir. is liable to take place. Even more, there are anotller two potential problems for the users of the Moses device. First. the Moses reference notes 1~ that the roller-ball installed within the nozzle of the cornb tooth can release the liquid only upon inovinu contact of the roller-ball xvith the user's scalp. Since the human head is clu=ved, just a few comb teeth usually contact the user's scalp with each pass of the comb through the person's hair.
Therefore. it is very likely that the user of the Moses device will not be able to evenly dispense a sufficient amount of the liquid over the scalp during routine hair combing.
Second. because of the hiuh viscosity of the oil-based solutions. the person using the Moses comb has to apply an additional abnormal pressure to the comb to be able move the roller-balls inside of the nozzles while conzbing.
There are certain cases wllere a user will desire to distribute a liquid evenly through his or her hair.
for example. for styling purposes. There mav be other situations where a user would like to be able to disperse at the same time one liquid only over the scalp (e.(,. a medicated solution), and anotlier liquid evenly through the hair (e.g. a stvlinL, solution). None of the prior art devices allow the person to do either of these effectively. Accordingly. there is a need for a liquid-reservoir hair device that is capable of evenly dispersing water-based solutions and otller tllin and non-viscous liquids through the user's hair and/or over the scalp during routine hair combing or brushing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
It is a first object of the iiivention to provide a liquid-reservoir hairbrusll that is capable of' dispersing water-based solutions and other thin and non-viscous liquids over the user's scalp during routine hair combino or brushing.
-~-SUBSTiTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) The first object is achieved by locating at least one absorbent filler unit (O_.. liquid absorbent) in a chamber of the liairbrusli bodv and absorbent feed rods in bores of the liairbi-usll bristles. T'he hairbrusll bristles are preferablN, mounted to a tlexible base and the absorbent filler unit(s) are preferablv niade from a suff cientlv spongy andior springy material. The absorbent filler unit(s) are ~ placed into the chamber of the hairbrush body and covered by the flexible base. Liquid outlets (i=i=..
nozzles ) are mounted at distal ends of the hairbrush bristles and have a roller-ball liquid distribution mechanism. in which roller-balls are rotatablN' mounted within each nozzle to disperse the liquid over the user's scalp onlN! during rolling contact of the roller-ball %vith the user's scalp. The absorbent feed rods intei-connect the absorbent filler unit(s) and the roller-balls, and the liquid froni the absorbent filler unit(s) is supplied to the roller-balls. by means of the liquid passing through the absoi-bent feed rods to feed a surface of c ach roller-ball. When the user bruslies his or her liair. the llairbrusll bristles push on the flexible base and pressurize the absorbent filler unit(s). This pressure helps to move the liquid fi-om the absoi-bent filler unit( s) down to the absorbent feed rods.
The 1lairbrush bodv can have an absorbent filler divider which separates the chamber of the hairbrush body into multiple.
1~ hermeticallv isolated sections. and multiple absorbent filler units can be placed into these sections.
A purpose of the separation is to keep the 1lairbruslz in an overall workable condition. even if sonie of the nozzles and ior the llairbrush bristles leak and the liquid starts to drain or vaporize fi-onl the absorbent filler unit(s). The hairbrush can be provided with a removable bristle lid to keep the hairbrusli bristles enclosed when the llairbrush is not in use. and to prevent the roller-balls from drying out. A body of the hairbrush will preferably have a filler inlet, so that the user can refill the absorbent tiller unit(s) witll the liquid,,vith or without an optional liquid refilling unit which can hold a predetermine volume of the liquid.
It is another object of the invention to provide a llairbrush witli bristles havin-= roller-ball nozzles. whei-ein a intermediatc 'ransitional absorbent unit is niounted between an absoT-bent feed rod and a roller-ball. A main purpose ot' the intermediate absorbent unit is to adjust provide a transition between the absorbent feed rod 50 (with diameter 621) and the roller-ball 44 with a possiblv dissimilar sized dianleter 47.
It is further object of the invention to provide a hairbrush with bristles having felt-tipped nozzles mounted at distal ends of the brush bristles. The felt-tipped nozzles can have two different designs. \\herein in a first possible design an absorbent dispersin" unit is motulted within each nozzle. and wherein an absorbent feed i-od extends outwardly beyond the distal end of each haii-brusll bristle and extends into the absorbent dispersin-1 unit. Liquid from an absorbent tiller unit is supplied throw-h the absorbent feed rod in a direction of the absorbent dispersing unit to feed a sui-face of a , - ~-SUBSTiTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 1 distal end of the absorbent dispersing unit. The liquid from the felt-tipped nozzle disperses over the user's scalp upon contact of the distal end of the absorbent dispersin'~ unit xvith the scalp during brushin~. In a second possible design. a portion ofan absorbent feed rod extends outwardlv beyond a distal end of the hairbrush bristle to be able to contact with the user's scalp durinu brushing. Liquid ~ from the absorbent feed rods vN iil disperse over tile user's scalp upon contact of the distal ends of the absorbent feed rods with the scalp during brushing. The felt-tipped nozzle design mav provide a softer feelin~~ brush for the users with a sensitive scalp.
It is vet another object of the invention to provide a liairbrush Xvith bristles having side nozzles at side walls of the bristles. The absorbent feed rods extend outwardly beyond the side walls of the bristles and can contact the user's hair durin~~ brushin~~. The above type of construction of the liairbrush bristles can be very useful to evenly disperse different type of liquids through the user's liair durinu, brushing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is set fortll in greater detail. with reference to the drawinus.
but is not so limited.
FIG. I is a perspective vi?w of a first enlbodiinent of the hairbrush in accordance with the invention. A bristle lid is partially open and a bristle area is shown:
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hairbrush of FIG. 1 with the bristle lid closed and partially ?0 exposed to show the bristle area:
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the hairbrush of FIG. 1 shown without the bristle lid;
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the hairbrush of FIG. I with a bristle frame removed to sho,~v a partially exposed absorbent filler unit:
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the liairbrush of FIG. I with the bristle ti-ame removed to show bores of the hairbi-ush bristles:
FIG. 6 is a perspective vie%v ofa second embodiment of the hairbrusli in accoi-dance with the invention. A filler cap is removed from a filler inlet and an absorbent filler unit is shown:
FIG. 6a is a perspective view of an optional liquid refilling unit:
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of the hairbrush in accordance 30 with the invention %\ith a bristit :'ranie removed to show a divider for an absorbent filler Lulit:
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the hairbrush of FIG. 7 with a filler cap removed from a filler inlet to show the absorbent filler divider and the absorbent filler- unit:
;i -~1-SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 1 FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the hairbrush bristle showing a roller-ball nozzle and a connection between the absorbent filler unit and an absorbent feed rod:
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a second enlbodiment of the hairbrush bristle sliowing an optional roller-ball nozzle. wherein an intermediate transitional absorbent unit is mounted within the nozzle between a roller-ball and an absorbent feed rod:
FIG. 1 I is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the hairbrusll bristle sllowing a first possible design of a felt-tipped nozzle. wherein a portion of an absorbent feed rod extends outwardlv bevond a distal end of the brush bristle;
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a forth enlbodiment of the hairbrush bristle showing a second possible design of a felt-tipped nozzle, wherein an absorbent dispersing tuiit is mounted witllin the felt-tipped nozzle in order to contact the user's scalp durina brushing:
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the hairbrush bristle showing side nozzles:
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the hairbrusll bristle of FIG. 13:
1 ~ FIG. 1 5 is a cross-sectional view of a sixtll enlbodiment of the hairbrush bristle showing the bristle having, a felt-tipped nozzle at a distal end of the bristle and side nozzles:
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional viekv of a seventh enlbodiment of the hairbrusli bristle showin, the bristle having a roller-ball nozzle and side nozzles:
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a proximal end of a hairbrush bristle showin~.: an alternative type of connection between an absorbent filler unit and an absorbent feed rod, wherein the absorbent filler unit partially extends into the bristle's bore;
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a proximal end of a hairbrush showinp an alternative tvpe of an absorbent filler unit:
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The inajor Loal of the present invention is to provide a liquid-reservoir hairbrusli that will allow a user to conveniently and evenly disperse water-based solutions and otller thin and non-viscous liquids over the scalp and/or through the hair during routine hair combing or brushing.
One 'Jreat advantage of a hairbrusll or coinb with liquid outlets (viz., nozzles) located at distal ends of conlb teetll or hairbrush bristles and having a roller-ball liquid distribution mechanism is that the liquid from each particular nozzle will be released onlv upon movinu contact of the i-oller-ball mounted witliin that nozzle with the user's scalp.
-~-SUBSTiTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) To prevent a natural outflow of a liquid through the roller-ball nozzles mounted at the distal ends of the hairbrush bristles, and/or to transport the liquid from the liquid reservoir down to the roller-ball nozzles, for all embodiments of the hairbrush of the invention an absorbent filler unit(s) %ti-ill be placed into the hairbrush's liquid reservoir, and absorbent feed rods will be placed into bores ~ of the hairbrusli bristles. With respect to the above described design.
there are two niain reasons why a hairbrusll construction is nlore preferable than a comb construction for efficiently dispersing of the liquid over the user's scalp from the roller-ball nozzles. First. usually just a fexN- comb teetll can contact the user's scalp wit11 each pass of the comb through the person's hair. Thus. it will be very lilcelv. that if the roller-ball nozzles are mounted at the ends of the comb teeth, the user of this type of comb kvill not be able to evenlv disperse a sufficient amount of the liquid over the scalp durino typical 11air combing. The hairbrush construction will have a greater number of bristles in contact it11 the user's scalp at any given time. Second, the hairbrush construction permits the bristles to be mounted to a base that can be formed from a flexible niaterial. When pressure is applied to the liairbrusll bristles wllile brushing. the flexible base moves upwardly.
thereby pressurizin~,r the 1~ absorbent filler unit (if the absorbent filler unit is made from sufficientlv spongy and/or sprin"y material ) and helps to niove the liquid from the absorbent filler unit down to the absorbent feed rods located in the bores of the hairbrush bristles.
The followino features are combined in one device in the present invention to accomplish convenient and even dispersion of Nvater-based solutions and otller thin and non-viscous liquids over the user's scalp and/or through the user's hair during routine hair combing or brushing:
(a) The device xvill have at least two and preferably several rows of the hairbrush bristles preferably nlounted to a flexible base;
(b) The device will have a liquid reservoir at least partially filled with at least one absorbent filler Lnllt:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the liquid-reservoir hairbrushes particularly well designed for dispersing low viscositv water-based solutions and other thin and non-viscous liquids over the user's scalp and through the llair.
BACKGROLND OF THE INVENTION
Liquid-reservoir hairbrushes and conibs have been available for years. In addition to combing and brushin,-,. these devices allow a user to distribute water and oil-based solutions over the user's scalp and/or through hair. In some of these devices. liquid outlets (viz..
nozzles) are inounted at distal ends of teeth or bristles. In otlier devices. the nozzles are located near proximal ends of the teeth or bristles ( usuallv betwe ?, tllenl) oi- at a bodv of the hair device.
However. these prior art devices have a variety of shortcomin(gs.
For example. if the user wants to disperse the liquid only over the scalp. and the nozzle(s) are located at a bristle area of the bodv of the brusll(e.~~. U.S. Patent No.
5.927.290 to Thiruppathi) or between the comb teeth (e.~.;. U.S. Patent No. 3.964.501 to Matchett). the liquid dispensed froin the nozzle initially deposits on the user's hair and wets the hair and onlv thereafter contacts the user's scalp. Tllis can makes the user's hair excessivelv wet and uncomfortable. Even more. althoutzh the above hair devices allow the user to distribute water-based and other thin and non-viscous liquids through the liair. none of them disperse the liquid evenly. The main reason whv the above devices are not able to disperse the liquids evenly through the hair is because it is extremely difficult to control a direct liquid flow through any type of nozzle.
Moreover. because a diameter of the nozzle is much slnaller than a size of a liquid reservoir.
different types ofpumps are used to force the liquid flow through the nozzle.
Accordin~'~lv. a person using this type of device has ,u udjust the l:quid flow dispensed through the nozzle by operating different types of control mechanisnls (e.g. U.S. Patent No. 3.71-1.2150 to Walter and U.S. Patent No.
5.927.290 to Thiruppathi). Since the user usually has to perforni the above procedui-e during liair brushinu or combing. the prior art liquid-reservoir hairbrushes and conibs witli pumps ai-e relatively )0 complicated to operate.
Furthermore. there are other problems associated xvith the dispersion of water-based solutions and otllei- thin and non-viscous liquids over the user's scalp for the devices with punips. If the nozzles are mounted within the ends of the brush bristles or comb teeth (e.,,. U.S.
Patent No. 3.101.086 to SUBSTiTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 1 Di Vito). it would appear to be troublesome to control the liquid flow through the nozzles. Since most of the above devices have open-end teeth or bristles, the liquid will come out from the nozzles whether or not there is a contact with the user's scalp. Because all brush bristles or comb teeth cannot entirely contact the user's scalp simultaneouslv. the excessive liquid disperses between the user's hair ~ and makes them wet. Others have attempted to devise wavs to work around this problem. For example. U.S. Patent No. 4.055.195 to Moses discloses a fluid-reservoir hair comb with roller-balls nlounted ~,vithin the end of each comb tooth. Although the roller-ball installed witliin the nozzle can partiallv control a hiah viscosity liquid flow of the oil-based solutions dispensed fi=om the particular nozzle. the Moses construction is absolutely not acceptable for the low viscosity water-based solutions and other thin and non-viscous liquids. A well-known effect (previously described for ballpoint pens) of natural outflow of liquid througll a gap between the roller-ball and an internal wall of the roller-ball seat. a so-called direct-flow phenomenon, in which air flows in through the gap to allow the liquid to flow out from the liquid reservoir. is liable to take place. Even more, there are anotller two potential problems for the users of the Moses device. First. the Moses reference notes 1~ that the roller-ball installed within the nozzle of the cornb tooth can release the liquid only upon inovinu contact of the roller-ball xvith the user's scalp. Since the human head is clu=ved, just a few comb teeth usually contact the user's scalp with each pass of the comb through the person's hair.
Therefore. it is very likely that the user of the Moses device will not be able to evenly dispense a sufficient amount of the liquid over the scalp during routine hair combing.
Second. because of the hiuh viscosity of the oil-based solutions. the person using the Moses comb has to apply an additional abnormal pressure to the comb to be able move the roller-balls inside of the nozzles while conzbing.
There are certain cases wllere a user will desire to distribute a liquid evenly through his or her hair.
for example. for styling purposes. There mav be other situations where a user would like to be able to disperse at the same time one liquid only over the scalp (e.(,. a medicated solution), and anotlier liquid evenly through the hair (e.g. a stvlinL, solution). None of the prior art devices allow the person to do either of these effectively. Accordingly. there is a need for a liquid-reservoir hair device that is capable of evenly dispersing water-based solutions and otller tllin and non-viscous liquids through the user's hair and/or over the scalp during routine hair combing or brushing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
It is a first object of the iiivention to provide a liquid-reservoir hairbrusll that is capable of' dispersing water-based solutions and other thin and non-viscous liquids over the user's scalp during routine hair combino or brushing.
-~-SUBSTiTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) The first object is achieved by locating at least one absorbent filler unit (O_.. liquid absorbent) in a chamber of the liairbrusli bodv and absorbent feed rods in bores of the liairbi-usll bristles. T'he hairbrusll bristles are preferablN, mounted to a tlexible base and the absorbent filler unit(s) are preferablv niade from a suff cientlv spongy andior springy material. The absorbent filler unit(s) are ~ placed into the chamber of the hairbrush body and covered by the flexible base. Liquid outlets (i=i=..
nozzles ) are mounted at distal ends of the hairbrush bristles and have a roller-ball liquid distribution mechanism. in which roller-balls are rotatablN' mounted within each nozzle to disperse the liquid over the user's scalp onlN! during rolling contact of the roller-ball %vith the user's scalp. The absorbent feed rods intei-connect the absorbent filler unit(s) and the roller-balls, and the liquid froni the absorbent filler unit(s) is supplied to the roller-balls. by means of the liquid passing through the absoi-bent feed rods to feed a surface of c ach roller-ball. When the user bruslies his or her liair. the llairbrusll bristles push on the flexible base and pressurize the absorbent filler unit(s). This pressure helps to move the liquid fi-om the absoi-bent filler unit( s) down to the absorbent feed rods.
The 1lairbrush bodv can have an absorbent filler divider which separates the chamber of the hairbrush body into multiple.
1~ hermeticallv isolated sections. and multiple absorbent filler units can be placed into these sections.
A purpose of the separation is to keep the 1lairbruslz in an overall workable condition. even if sonie of the nozzles and ior the llairbrush bristles leak and the liquid starts to drain or vaporize fi-onl the absorbent filler unit(s). The hairbrush can be provided with a removable bristle lid to keep the hairbrusli bristles enclosed when the llairbrush is not in use. and to prevent the roller-balls from drying out. A body of the hairbrush will preferably have a filler inlet, so that the user can refill the absorbent tiller unit(s) witll the liquid,,vith or without an optional liquid refilling unit which can hold a predetermine volume of the liquid.
It is another object of the invention to provide a llairbrush witli bristles havin-= roller-ball nozzles. whei-ein a intermediatc 'ransitional absorbent unit is niounted between an absoT-bent feed rod and a roller-ball. A main purpose ot' the intermediate absorbent unit is to adjust provide a transition between the absorbent feed rod 50 (with diameter 621) and the roller-ball 44 with a possiblv dissimilar sized dianleter 47.
It is further object of the invention to provide a hairbrush with bristles having felt-tipped nozzles mounted at distal ends of the brush bristles. The felt-tipped nozzles can have two different designs. \\herein in a first possible design an absorbent dispersin" unit is motulted within each nozzle. and wherein an absorbent feed i-od extends outwardly beyond the distal end of each haii-brusll bristle and extends into the absorbent dispersin-1 unit. Liquid from an absorbent tiller unit is supplied throw-h the absorbent feed rod in a direction of the absorbent dispersing unit to feed a sui-face of a , - ~-SUBSTiTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 1 distal end of the absorbent dispersing unit. The liquid from the felt-tipped nozzle disperses over the user's scalp upon contact of the distal end of the absorbent dispersin'~ unit xvith the scalp during brushin~. In a second possible design. a portion ofan absorbent feed rod extends outwardlv beyond a distal end of the hairbrush bristle to be able to contact with the user's scalp durinu brushing. Liquid ~ from the absorbent feed rods vN iil disperse over tile user's scalp upon contact of the distal ends of the absorbent feed rods with the scalp during brushing. The felt-tipped nozzle design mav provide a softer feelin~~ brush for the users with a sensitive scalp.
It is vet another object of the invention to provide a liairbrush Xvith bristles having side nozzles at side walls of the bristles. The absorbent feed rods extend outwardly beyond the side walls of the bristles and can contact the user's hair durin~~ brushin~~. The above type of construction of the liairbrush bristles can be very useful to evenly disperse different type of liquids through the user's liair durinu, brushing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is set fortll in greater detail. with reference to the drawinus.
but is not so limited.
FIG. I is a perspective vi?w of a first enlbodiinent of the hairbrush in accordance with the invention. A bristle lid is partially open and a bristle area is shown:
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hairbrush of FIG. 1 with the bristle lid closed and partially ?0 exposed to show the bristle area:
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the hairbrush of FIG. 1 shown without the bristle lid;
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the hairbrush of FIG. I with a bristle frame removed to sho,~v a partially exposed absorbent filler unit:
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the liairbrush of FIG. I with the bristle ti-ame removed to show bores of the hairbi-ush bristles:
FIG. 6 is a perspective vie%v ofa second embodiment of the hairbrusli in accoi-dance with the invention. A filler cap is removed from a filler inlet and an absorbent filler unit is shown:
FIG. 6a is a perspective view of an optional liquid refilling unit:
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of the hairbrush in accordance 30 with the invention %\ith a bristit :'ranie removed to show a divider for an absorbent filler Lulit:
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the hairbrush of FIG. 7 with a filler cap removed from a filler inlet to show the absorbent filler divider and the absorbent filler- unit:
;i -~1-SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 1 FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the hairbrush bristle showing a roller-ball nozzle and a connection between the absorbent filler unit and an absorbent feed rod:
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a second enlbodiment of the hairbrush bristle sliowing an optional roller-ball nozzle. wherein an intermediate transitional absorbent unit is mounted within the nozzle between a roller-ball and an absorbent feed rod:
FIG. 1 I is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the hairbrusll bristle sllowing a first possible design of a felt-tipped nozzle. wherein a portion of an absorbent feed rod extends outwardlv bevond a distal end of the brush bristle;
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a forth enlbodiment of the hairbrush bristle showing a second possible design of a felt-tipped nozzle, wherein an absorbent dispersing tuiit is mounted witllin the felt-tipped nozzle in order to contact the user's scalp durina brushing:
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the hairbrush bristle showing side nozzles:
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the hairbrusll bristle of FIG. 13:
1 ~ FIG. 1 5 is a cross-sectional view of a sixtll enlbodiment of the hairbrush bristle showing the bristle having, a felt-tipped nozzle at a distal end of the bristle and side nozzles:
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional viekv of a seventh enlbodiment of the hairbrusli bristle showin, the bristle having a roller-ball nozzle and side nozzles:
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a proximal end of a hairbrush bristle showin~.: an alternative type of connection between an absorbent filler unit and an absorbent feed rod, wherein the absorbent filler unit partially extends into the bristle's bore;
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a proximal end of a hairbrush showinp an alternative tvpe of an absorbent filler unit:
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The inajor Loal of the present invention is to provide a liquid-reservoir hairbrusli that will allow a user to conveniently and evenly disperse water-based solutions and otller thin and non-viscous liquids over the scalp and/or through the hair during routine hair combing or brushing.
One 'Jreat advantage of a hairbrusll or coinb with liquid outlets (viz., nozzles) located at distal ends of conlb teetll or hairbrush bristles and having a roller-ball liquid distribution mechanism is that the liquid from each particular nozzle will be released onlv upon movinu contact of the i-oller-ball mounted witliin that nozzle with the user's scalp.
-~-SUBSTiTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) To prevent a natural outflow of a liquid through the roller-ball nozzles mounted at the distal ends of the hairbrush bristles, and/or to transport the liquid from the liquid reservoir down to the roller-ball nozzles, for all embodiments of the hairbrush of the invention an absorbent filler unit(s) %ti-ill be placed into the hairbrush's liquid reservoir, and absorbent feed rods will be placed into bores ~ of the hairbrusli bristles. With respect to the above described design.
there are two niain reasons why a hairbrusll construction is nlore preferable than a comb construction for efficiently dispersing of the liquid over the user's scalp from the roller-ball nozzles. First. usually just a fexN- comb teetll can contact the user's scalp wit11 each pass of the comb through the person's hair. Thus. it will be very lilcelv. that if the roller-ball nozzles are mounted at the ends of the comb teeth, the user of this type of comb kvill not be able to evenlv disperse a sufficient amount of the liquid over the scalp durino typical 11air combing. The hairbrush construction will have a greater number of bristles in contact it11 the user's scalp at any given time. Second, the hairbrush construction permits the bristles to be mounted to a base that can be formed from a flexible niaterial. When pressure is applied to the liairbrusll bristles wllile brushing. the flexible base moves upwardly.
thereby pressurizin~,r the 1~ absorbent filler unit (if the absorbent filler unit is made from sufficientlv spongy and/or sprin"y material ) and helps to niove the liquid from the absorbent filler unit down to the absorbent feed rods located in the bores of the hairbrush bristles.
The followino features are combined in one device in the present invention to accomplish convenient and even dispersion of Nvater-based solutions and otller thin and non-viscous liquids over the user's scalp and/or through the user's hair during routine hair combing or brushing:
(a) The device xvill have at least two and preferably several rows of the hairbrush bristles preferably nlounted to a flexible base;
(b) The device will have a liquid reservoir at least partially filled with at least one absorbent filler Lnllt:
2 5 At least one bore will be formed throuuh at least some of the liairbrush bristles. and at least one absorbent feed rod will be placed into each bore:
(d) Liquid outlets (viz., nozzles) will be mounted:
at distal ends of the hairbrush bristles to accomplish even dispersion of the liquid ovei-the user's scalp. ind/or - at side walls of the hairbrush bristles to accomplish even dispersion of the liquid throu~h the user's hair:
(e) The nozzles located at the distal ends of the hairbrush bristles can have:
- a roller-ball liquid distribution mechanism: or SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) - a felt-tipped desiun. wherein:
the absorbent feed rod will extend outwardlv fronl the distal end of each llairbrush bristle and contacts an absorbent dispersing unit mounted within each nozzle. and wherein the liquid froni the felt-tipped nozzle disperses ovei-~ the user's scalp upon contact of a distal end of the absorbent dispersing unit with the scalp during brushing: or - the absorbent feed rod located in the bristle bore will extend outwardly bevond a distal end of each hairbrush bristle to form a felt-tipped nozzle available for contact with the user's scalp during brushing: and (f) The absorbent filler uniL;~,) and the absorbent feed rods will be used to transport the liquid from the liquid reservoir to the nozzles located at the distal ends of the hairbrusli bristles or to the side nozzles located at the side walls of the hairbrusll bristles. and to prevent a natural outflow of the liquid tlirouLh the roller-ball nozzles.
Tliree different embodiments of the llairbrusli of the invention are presented.
I A first embodinlent (FIGS. 1- 5) is shown in ueneral as 1. A second embodiment (FIG. 6) is shown in aeneral as 2. A third embodiment (FIGS. 7 - 8) is shown in ueneral as 3.
~ Referrin,2 to the first embodiment (FIGS. 1- 5). a hairbrush 1 llas a bodv 4. a llandle 5 and a bristle lid 26. The bodv 4 has a chamber 58 (FIG. 4), an absorbent filler unit 6. a hairbrush frame 7 and a bristle frame 8 (FIGS. 4-5). The bristle lid 26 has a catch clip 9 and two holders 10 which engage with the hairbrush body 4 near the handle 5 to permit detachable engagement of the bristle lid 26 with the body 4 of the hairbrush 1. The bristle frame 8 has a flexible base 1 1 with a plurality of bristles 12. A diameter 56 (FIG. 9) of each bristle 12 is preferably between 1.5 nun and 2.8 mm.
and a length 60 is preferably between 1.5 crn and 3 cm. ho,~vever other sizes can be provided as well.
All of the above hairbrusll parts are preferablN, made fronl plastic. but can also be made fi-om otlier ?5 known materials. The flexible base I 1 is preferably made from a flexible material. such as rubber or plastic. The absorbent tiller unit 6 is placed into the chamber 58 and covered by the bristle frame 8. The bristle frame 8 is preferably hermetically attached (e.,,. by adhesives. xvelding. etc) to the liairbrush frame 7. The plurality of the bristles 12 extend outwardlv fronl the flexible base 1 1 held in the bristle frame 8. The flexible base 11 is preferably hermetically attached to the bristle frame 8(e.g. b}adhesives. weldin(,. etc). Referring to a first embodiinent of the hairbrush bristles 12. eacli bristle 12 (FIG. 9) has a bore 13. a bristle ring 14. an absorbent feed rood 15 and a roller-ball nozzle 16. Eacll bristle 12 is preferabl}' hermetically attached (e. . by adhesives.
welding. etc) to the flexible base 1 1 bv insertinu, the bristle rinu 14 into the flexible base 11. The roller-ball nozzle 16 is mounted SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 1 at a distal end 17 of the bristle 12. The bore 13 is fullv filled by the absorbent feed rod 15 and the absorbent feed rod 15 extends into the hairbrusll body 4 and into the absorbent filler unit 6 and contacts the absorbent filler unit 6. The absorbent filler unit 6 can be formed from a mass or bundles of fibers with a preferable porosity of about 60%, although other porosities vvill also fiuiction. The absorbent filler unit 6 can also be formed from plastic or other known materials. The absorbent filler unit 6 is preferablv made from a sufficientlv spongv and/or springy niaterial.
The size of the absorbent filler unit 6 mav preferably be between 80 cm3 and 120 cm3. so the total amotult of the liquid -hich can be retained bv the absorbent filler unit 6 will be approximately between 48 ml and 72 ml. however other sizes can be provided as well. The absorbent feed rod 15 can be formed from a bundle of resin-bonded fibers. however other known material can be used as well. A diameter 43 of the absorbent feed rod 15 mav preferably be between 1 min and 2.5 mm. ho ever otller sizes can be provided as well. The roller-ball nozzle 16 is mounted at the distal end 17 of the bristle 12 and comprises a roller-ball seat 18 and a roller-ball 19. The roller-ball seat 18 has a rim structure 20 to retain the roller-ball 19 within the roller-ball seat 18. The roller-ball 19 partially extends outwardlv bevond the i-oller-ball nozzle 16 in order to contact the user's scalp durini-, brushin-,. The roller-ball 19 and the roller-ball seat 18 can be niade from stainless steel or other known materials. The roller-ball 19 can also be madt from a porous composite material, porous stainless steel or othel-known porous material. Use of a porous roller-ball 19 can improve the dispersion of the liquid from the roller-ball nozzle 16. A diameter 22 of the roller-ball 19 is preferably between 1.5 mn1- 2.5 mm.
however other sizes can be provided as well. An internal diameter 21 of the roller-ball seat 18 is preferablv 0.075 mm - 0.15 mni larger than the diameter 22 of the roller-ball 19. however other size difference can be provided as well. An axial hole 23 is formed tllrough the roller-ball seat 18. and a distal end 24 of the absorbent feed rod 15 extends inwardly into the axial hole 23 and contacts the roller-ball 19 for supplying the liquid to a surface 25 of the roller-ball 19.
The absoi-bent f~eed rod 15 interconnects the absorbent filler unit 6 and the roller-ball 19. The hairbrush I can come pre-filled with a liquid 61 (e.u. a %vater-based niedicated solution). The liquid 61 fi-om the absorbent filler unit 6 is supplied to the roller-ball 19 bv nieans of the liquid 61 passing through the absorbent feed rod 15 to feed the surface 25 of the roller-ball 19. The roller-ball 19 is mounted within the roller-ball seat 18 for rotational movement to rr:,nsfer the liquid 61 fronl the distal end 24 of the absorbent feed rod 15 to the usei-'s scalp upon rotational contact of the roller-ball 19 with the usei-'s scalp. Since the bristles 12 are connected to the flexible base 11. when the user brushes his or her hair. the flexible base 1 1 moves upwardlv, thereby pressurizing the absorbent filler unit 6 and helps to move the liquid 61 fronl the absorbent filler unit 6 down to the absorbent feed rods 15. The bristle lid 26 (FIGS. 1 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 1 - 2) is provided to keep the liairbrush bristles 12 enclosed when the hairbrush 1 is not in use and helps prevent the roller-balls 19 fronl drying out. The bristle lid 26 can be provided witli an optional cleaninp, pad 39 (FIG. 2). The cleaning pad 39 is attached (e.g. by adhesives, welding, etc) to an inside surface 67 of the bristle lid 26. The cleaning pad 39 is preferably made from a sufficientlv spongy plastic material with a textured surface. The cleaning pad 39 covers and contacts the roller-ball nozzles 16 when the bristle lid 26 is closed and therefore cleans the roller-ball nozzles 16 after everv brushin(i when the user closes the bristle lid 26 onto the bristles 12. The bristle lid 26 is conveniently removablv mounted to the liairbrush body 4 by the catch clip 9 and two holders 10.
Referrin~,7 to FIG. 6. the second embodiment of the hairbrush 2 is similar to the first embodiment 1(FIGS. l- 5). except that the hairbrusll body 27 has a filler inlet 57 and a filler cap 28. so the user can refill the absorbent filler unit 29 with or without an optional liquid refilling unit 30 (FIG. 6a). The liquid refilling unit 30 has a syringe construction and can hold a predetermine volume of the liquid depending on the particular design of the hairbrush 2 and the liquid capacity of the absorbent filler unit 29. The liquid refilling unit 30 is preferably made from a plastic material and has a body 31 and a cap 32. The liquid refilling unit 30 can be pre-filled with the liquid.
The third embodiment of the hairbrusli 3(FIGS. 7 - 8) is similar to the second embodiment 2 (FIG. 6). except that a hairbrush body 33 has an absorbent filler divider 34 which separates a chamber 35 of the hairbrusll body 33 into multiple (e.(,. eight) sections 36.
The absorbent filler divider 34 is preferably made from the same material as a hairbrush body 33.
Absorbent filler units 37 are placed into eacll section 36. and when a filler inlet 51 is closed bv a filler cap 59, the above sections 36 are preferably 1lermetically isolated from one another. A purpose of the absorbent filler divider 34 is to keep the hairbrush 3 in an overall workable condition. even if some of the roller-ball nozzles 16 and/or the bristles 12 leak and the liquid starts to drain or vaporize fi-om the absorbent filler units 37.
Referrinu to FIG. 10. a second embodinlent of a hairbrusll bristle 38 can be provided for all three embodiments of the hairbrush 1. 2 and 3 of the invention. wherein the bristle 38 is siniilar to the bristle 12 (FIG. 9). except that the bristle 38 llas an optional type of a roller-ball nozzle 40. A
diameter 68 of the bristle 38 is preferably between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm. and a length 80 is preferably between 1.5 cm and 3 cm. however other sizes can be provided as xvell. The roller-ball nozzle 40 comprises a roller-ball seat 41. an intermcdiate transitional absorbent unit 42 and a roller-ball 44.
The roller-ball seat 41 has a rim structure 45 to retain the roller-bal144 within the roller-ball seat 41.
The roller-ball 44 partially extends outwardly beyond the roller-ball seat 41 in order to contact the user's scalp durin- brushinu. The roller-ball 44 and the roller-ball seat 41 can be made from stainless SUBSTiTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) steel or other known materials. The roller-ball 44 can also be made from a porous composite inaterial, porous stainless steel or other known porous material. The diameter 47 of the roller-ball 44 is preferablN, between 2.5 nirri and 4 mm. however other sizes can be provided as well. An internal diameter 46 of the roller-ball seat 41 is preferably 0.075 mm - 0.15 mm larger than a diameter 47 of the roller-bal144, however other size difference can be provided as well. An axial hole 48 is formed throuLh the roller-ball seat 41, and a distal end 49 of an absorbent feed rod 50 extends inwardly into the axial hole 48 and is adjacent to or contacts the intermediate transitional absorbent unit 42. A
diameter 62 of the absorbent feed rod 50 is preferably between 1 mm and 2.2 mm. however other sizes can be provided as well. The intermediate transitional absorbent unit 42 is mounted within the roller-ball nozzle 40 between the absorbent feed rod 50 and the roller-ball 44 and is adjacent to or contacts the roller-ball 44. The intermediate transitional absorbent unit 42 preferablv has a cvlindrical conflL,uration witll a preferable diameter 63 equal to the diameter 47 of the roller-ball 44. however other sizes can be provided as well. An amount of liquid 52 that the user can disperse over the scalp from the roller-ball nozzle 40 partiallv depends from the size (viz.. the diameter 47) ofthe roller-ball 44. Since the diameter 62 of the absorbent feed rod 50 is liniited by the diameter 68 of the bristle 38 (the brush bristle with a relatively large diameter will be very inconvenient for brushin"), the main purpose of the intermediate transitional absorbent unit 42 is to provide a transition between the absorbent feed rod 50 (with diameter 62) and the roller-ball 44 w-ith a possibly dissimilar sized diameter 47. The liquid 52 from an absorbent filler unit 53 is supplied to the roller-bal144 by means of the liquid 52 passing through the absorbent feed rod 50 and throuah the intermediate transitional absorbent unit 42 to feed a surface 54 of the roller-ball 44. The roller-ball 44 is mounted within the roller-ball seat 41 for rotational movenient to transfer the liquid 52 from a distal end 49 of the intermediate transitional absorbent unit 42 to the user's scalp upon rotational contact of the roller-ball 44 with the user's scalp.
Referrina to FIG. 11. a third enlbodiment of a hairbrusli bristle 82 can be provided for all three embodiments of the hairbrush 1. 2 and 3 of the invention. wherein the bristle 82 is similar to the bristle 12 (FIG. 9) except that the bristle 82 has a distal opening 83 at a distal end 84. A portion 85 of an absorbent feed rod 86 extends outwardly beyond the distal opening 83 to form a first embodiment of a felt-tipped nozzle 87 available for contact with the user's scalp during, brushing.
A diameter 88 of the bristle 82 is preferably between 1.5 mm and 2.5 n1m, and a length 89 is preferably between 1.5 cm and 3 cm. however otlier sizes can be provided as well. A diaineter 90 of the absorbent feed rod 86 is preferably between 1 mm and 2 nim. however otller sizes can be provided as well. Liquid 91 from an absorbent filler unit 92 is supplied to a distal end 93 of the SUBSTiTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) absorbent feed rod 86. bv means of the liquid 91 passing through the absorbent feed rod 86 to feed a surface 96 of the distal end 93 of the absorbent feed rod 86. The liquid 91 disperses from the distal end 93 of the absorbent feed rod 86 over the user's scalp upon contact of the distal end 93 of the absorbent feed rod 86 with the scalp during brushin~~.
~ Referring to FIG. 11 a fourth embodiment of a hairbrush bristle 69 can be provided for all three embodiments of the hairbrush 1. 2 and 3 of the invention, wherein the bristle 69 is similar to the bristle 12 (FIG. 9) except that the bristle 69 has a second embodiment of a felt-tipped nozzle 70 mounted at a distal end 55 of the bristle 69. A diameter 65 of the bristle 69 is preferably between 1.5 mm and 2.2 mni. and a length 81 is preferably between 1.5 cm and 3 cm. however other sizes can be provided as well. The felt-tipped nozzle 70 consist of a seat 71. a distal portion 72 of an absorbent feed rod 73 and an absorbent dispersing unit 74. The absorbent dispersing unit 74 preferably has a cylindrical configuration with a preferable diameter 66 between 2.5 mnl and 3.5 mm and can be fornled from bundles of fiber or other known materials. A diameter 64 of the absorbent feed rod 73 is preferably between l nun and 2 mm. however otller sizes can be provided as well. The absorbent 1~ dispersing unit 74 is mounted within the seat 71. The distal poi-tion 72 of the absorbent feed rod 73 extends outwardly throu-h a distal openin~~ 75 of the bristle 69 and extends into (adjacent to or into contact) the absorbent dispersing unit 74. A distal end 76 of the absorbent dispersiii" unit 74 extends outwardiv bevond the seat 71 in order to contact the user's scalp during brushing. The seat 71 is preferably made from stainless steel, plastic or other known materials and preferably is hermetically attached (e.g. bv adhesives. welding. etc) to the distal end 55 of the bristle 69. Liquid 77 from an absorbent filler unit 78 is supplied to the distal end 76 of the absorbent dispersing unit 74. by means of the liquid 77 passing throu-l; the absorbent feed rod 73 to feed a surface 79 of the distal end 76 of the absorbent dispersing unit 74. The liquid 77 disperses froin the distal end 76 of the absorbent dispersing unit 74 over the user's scalp upon contact of the distal end 76 wit11 the scalp durin~~
-)5 brushinL,. Referrinu back to FIG. 11. an amount of the liquid 91 that the user can disperse over the scalp from the felt-tipped nozzle 87 partially depends on the size (viz.. the diameter 90) of the absorbent feed rod 86 of the bristle 82. Since the diameter 90 of the absorbent feed rod 86 is limited bv the diameter 88 of the bristle 82 (t11e brush bristle with a relativelN, large diameter will be very inconvenient for brushing). the nlain purpose of the absorbent dispersing unit 74 (FIG. 12) mounted within the felt-tipped nozzle 70 is to increase a dispersion of the liquid 77 from the bristle 69 NN-ithout enlamement of the diameter 65 of the bristle 69.
The felt-tipped nozzles 70 and 87 (FIGS. 1 1 and 12) have a shortcoming compared to the roller-ball nozzles 16 and 40 (FIGS. 9 and 10). because the liquid from the felt-tipped nozzles 70 and SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) l 87 can disperse through the user's hair as well as over the scalp. The liquid 77 (FIG. 12) from the absorbent dispersing unit 74 and the liquid 91 (FIG. 1 1) from the distal end 93 of the absorbent feed rod 86 will disperse through the user's hair when the distal end 76 (FIG. 12) of the absorbent dispersing unit 74 and the distal end 93 of the absorbent feed rod 86 will contact the hair, and can tllerefore make the hair uncomfortably wet. Notwithstanding this possible shortcoming, the felt-tipped nozzles 70 and 87 may provide a softer feelins brush for users wit11 a sensitive scalp.
Referrinu to FIGS. 13 and 14, a fiftll embodiment of a hairbrush bristle 94 can be provided for all three embodinients of the hairbrush 1. 2 and 3 of the invention.
wherein the bristle 94 is similar to the bristle 121 (FIG. 9) except that the bristle 94 has a plurality of side openings 97 at a side wall 95. Side portions 100 of an absorbent feed rod 98 extend outwardly beyond the side openings 97 to form side nozzles 101. A diameter 102 of the bristle 94 is preferably between 1.5 mni and 2.5 mm. and a length 103 is preferably between 1.5 cm and 3 cm. however other sizes can be provided as well. A diameter 104 of the absorbent feed rod 98 is preferably between 1 mnz and 2 mm. however other sizes can be provided as well. The side portions 100 of the absorbent feed rod 98 can contact the user's hair durinL, brushin~ for dispersing liquid 105 through the hair durin~~ brushin~~. The liquid 105 froni an absorbent filler unit 106 is supplied to the side nozzles 101, by means of the liquid 105 passing through the absorbent feed rod 98 to feed surfaces 99 of the side portions 100 of the absorbent feed rod 98. A distal end 107 of the bristle 94 is closed, therefore liquid from the side nozzles 101 will Lienerallv disperse only through the user's hair, and only thereafter can contact the scalp. This type of bristle's construction can be very useful for users who wish to evenly disperse the liquid (e.~~. styling solution) only tlirough the hair durino brushing.
Referrina to FIG. 15, a sixth embodiment of a hairbrush bristle 108 can be provided for all three embodiments of the hairbrush 1. 2 and 3 of the invention. wllerein the bristle 108 is similar to the bristle 12 (FIG. 9) except that the bristle 108 11as a plurality of side openings 1 10 at a side wall 109. Side portions 113 ofan absorbent feed rod 1 1 1 extend outwardly bevond the side openings 1 10 to fornl side nozzles 114. and a distal end 115 of the absorbent feed rod 11 1 extends outwardlv bevond a distal openina 116 to form a felt-tinped nozzle 1 1 7 at a distal end 1 18 of the bristle 108.
A dianieter 119 of the bristle 108 is preferably between 1. 5 mm and 2.5 mm, and a length 120 is preferably between 1.5 cm and 3 cm, however other sizes can be provided as well. A dianleter 1211 of the absorbent feed rod 1 1 1 is preferably between 1 mnl and 2 mm, however other sizes can be provided as well. Liquid 122 fi-om an absorbent filler unit 123 is supplied to the felt-tipped nozzle 117 and to the side nozzles 114. by means of the liquid 122 passing through the absoi-bent feed rod 1 1 1 to feed a surface 124 of the distal end 1 15 and surfaces 125 of the side portions 1 13 of the SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) I absorbent feed rod 1 1 1. The liquid 122 disperses from the felt-tipped nozzle 117 over the user's scalp upon contact of the distal end 115 of the absorbent feed rod 111 with the scalp durin~~ brushing. The liquid 122 also disperses from the side nozzles 114 througll the user's hair upon contact of the side portions 113 of the absorbent feed rod 1 11 with the user's hair during brushing.
Referrin- to FIG. 16, a seventh embodiment of a hairbrush bristle 126 can be provided for all three embodiments of the liairbrush 1, 2 and 3 of the invention, wherein the bristle 126 is similar to the bristle 12 (FIG. 9) except that the bristle 1261ias a plurality of side openings 128 at a side wall 127. Side portions 131 of an ahs~rbent feed rod 129 extend outwardly bevond the side openings 128 to form side nozzles 1321 and a roller-ball nozzle 133 is mounted at a distal end 134 of the bristle 126. The roller-ball nozzle 133 is similar to the roller-ball nozzle 16 (FIG.
9). A diameter 135 of the bristle 126 is preferably between 1.5 mm and 2.2 mm, and a length 136 is preferably between 1.5 cm and 3 cm. liowever otller sizes can be provided as well. A diameter 137 of the absorbent feed rod 129 is preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm, however other sizes can be provided as well. Liquid 138 fronl an absorbent filler unit 139 is supplied to the roller-ball nozzle 133 and to the side nozzles 132, by means of the liquid 138 passing throuuh the absorbent feed rod 129 to feed a surface 140 of a roller-ball 141 and to feed surfaces 142 of the side portions 131 of the absorbent feed rod 129. The liquid 138 disperses froni the roller-ball nozzle 133 over the user's scalp upon rotational contact of the roller-ball 141 witll the scalp during brushing. The liquid 138 also disperses from the side-nozzles 132 through the user's hair upon contact of the side portions 131 of the absorbent feed rod 129 with the user's hair during brushing.
The sixth 108 (FIG. 15) arid the seventh 126 (FIG. 16) above described bristle's embodiments, wherein the nozzles are located at the distal ends and at the side walls of the hairbrush bristles 108 and 126 will allow the user to evenly disperse the liquid through the hair as well as over the scalp.
Referrin~~ back to the third embodiment of the hairbrush 3(FIGS. 7 - 8), the absorbent filler divider 34 separates the chamber 35 (viz.. the absorbent filler unit 37) of the hairbrusll 3 into eight hermetically isolated sections 36. This allows the different sections 36 to be filled with different liquids. Moreover, depending on what liquid reservoir (viz.. absorbent filler unit) is in contact with which type of bristle, different bristles will be able to disperse different liquids over the user's scalp or throu-h the hair during brushing. Thus, it is possible to provide a liquid reservoir hair brush capable of dispersing at the same time one liquid (e.g. a medicated solution) onlv over the user's scalp (e.g. from the roller ball nozzles mounted at the ends of the hairbrush bristles) and another liquid (e.(,. a styling solution) evenly through the user's hair (from the side nozzles located at the sides of the hairbrush bristles).
SUBSTiTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Referring back to all three embodiments of the hairbrush 1, 2 and 3 of the invention, an alternative type of connection between absorbent filler unit(s) and absorbent feed rods can be provided for all three embodiments of the hairbrush 1, 2 and 3 of the invention, wherein the absorbent filler unit partially extends into the bristle's bores. The above connection is shown in FIG.
17. ~vvhere an absorbent filler unit 143 partially extends into a bore 144 of a bristle 145 and contacts an absorbent feed rod 146.
Referring to FIG. 18. multiple absorbent filler units 147 can be provided for all three embodiments of the hairbrush 1. 2 and 3 of the invention, wherein an absorbent feed rod 148 of a bristle 149 extends inwardlv into and contacts the separate absorbent filler unit 147, and can also extend beyond the separate absorbent filler unit 147 into a liquid reservoir 150. Liquid 151 from the liquid reservoir 150 can thus travel through the absorbent filler unit 147 down to the absorbent feed rod 148. Each absorbent filler unit 147 is preferably formed from a high-porosity plastic material.
but can also be formed from otlier known materials. Multiple absorbent filler units 147 retain the liquid 151 from the liquid reservoir 150 and keep the hairbrush in an overall workable condition.
even when the liquid 151 is not in contact with the absorbent feed rods 148 and/oi- the absorbent filler unit(s) 147.
The aforementioned embodiments of the hairbrush of the present invention are relatively inexpensive to produce and can provide a convenient and efficient hairbrush device that is capable of evenly dispersing low viscositv water-based solutions and other thin and non-viscous liquids over the user's scalp and/or through the user's hair during routine hair brushing.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
(d) Liquid outlets (viz., nozzles) will be mounted:
at distal ends of the hairbrush bristles to accomplish even dispersion of the liquid ovei-the user's scalp. ind/or - at side walls of the hairbrush bristles to accomplish even dispersion of the liquid throu~h the user's hair:
(e) The nozzles located at the distal ends of the hairbrush bristles can have:
- a roller-ball liquid distribution mechanism: or SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) - a felt-tipped desiun. wherein:
the absorbent feed rod will extend outwardlv fronl the distal end of each llairbrush bristle and contacts an absorbent dispersing unit mounted within each nozzle. and wherein the liquid froni the felt-tipped nozzle disperses ovei-~ the user's scalp upon contact of a distal end of the absorbent dispersing unit with the scalp during brushing: or - the absorbent feed rod located in the bristle bore will extend outwardly bevond a distal end of each hairbrush bristle to form a felt-tipped nozzle available for contact with the user's scalp during brushing: and (f) The absorbent filler uniL;~,) and the absorbent feed rods will be used to transport the liquid from the liquid reservoir to the nozzles located at the distal ends of the hairbrusli bristles or to the side nozzles located at the side walls of the hairbrusll bristles. and to prevent a natural outflow of the liquid tlirouLh the roller-ball nozzles.
Tliree different embodiments of the llairbrusli of the invention are presented.
I A first embodinlent (FIGS. 1- 5) is shown in ueneral as 1. A second embodiment (FIG. 6) is shown in aeneral as 2. A third embodiment (FIGS. 7 - 8) is shown in ueneral as 3.
~ Referrin,2 to the first embodiment (FIGS. 1- 5). a hairbrush 1 llas a bodv 4. a llandle 5 and a bristle lid 26. The bodv 4 has a chamber 58 (FIG. 4), an absorbent filler unit 6. a hairbrush frame 7 and a bristle frame 8 (FIGS. 4-5). The bristle lid 26 has a catch clip 9 and two holders 10 which engage with the hairbrush body 4 near the handle 5 to permit detachable engagement of the bristle lid 26 with the body 4 of the hairbrush 1. The bristle frame 8 has a flexible base 1 1 with a plurality of bristles 12. A diameter 56 (FIG. 9) of each bristle 12 is preferably between 1.5 nun and 2.8 mm.
and a length 60 is preferably between 1.5 crn and 3 cm. ho,~vever other sizes can be provided as well.
All of the above hairbrusll parts are preferablN, made fronl plastic. but can also be made fi-om otlier ?5 known materials. The flexible base I 1 is preferably made from a flexible material. such as rubber or plastic. The absorbent tiller unit 6 is placed into the chamber 58 and covered by the bristle frame 8. The bristle frame 8 is preferably hermetically attached (e.,,. by adhesives. xvelding. etc) to the liairbrush frame 7. The plurality of the bristles 12 extend outwardlv fronl the flexible base 1 1 held in the bristle frame 8. The flexible base 11 is preferably hermetically attached to the bristle frame 8(e.g. b}adhesives. weldin(,. etc). Referring to a first embodiinent of the hairbrush bristles 12. eacli bristle 12 (FIG. 9) has a bore 13. a bristle ring 14. an absorbent feed rood 15 and a roller-ball nozzle 16. Eacll bristle 12 is preferabl}' hermetically attached (e. . by adhesives.
welding. etc) to the flexible base 1 1 bv insertinu, the bristle rinu 14 into the flexible base 11. The roller-ball nozzle 16 is mounted SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 1 at a distal end 17 of the bristle 12. The bore 13 is fullv filled by the absorbent feed rod 15 and the absorbent feed rod 15 extends into the hairbrusll body 4 and into the absorbent filler unit 6 and contacts the absorbent filler unit 6. The absorbent filler unit 6 can be formed from a mass or bundles of fibers with a preferable porosity of about 60%, although other porosities vvill also fiuiction. The absorbent filler unit 6 can also be formed from plastic or other known materials. The absorbent filler unit 6 is preferablv made from a sufficientlv spongv and/or springy niaterial.
The size of the absorbent filler unit 6 mav preferably be between 80 cm3 and 120 cm3. so the total amotult of the liquid -hich can be retained bv the absorbent filler unit 6 will be approximately between 48 ml and 72 ml. however other sizes can be provided as well. The absorbent feed rod 15 can be formed from a bundle of resin-bonded fibers. however other known material can be used as well. A diameter 43 of the absorbent feed rod 15 mav preferably be between 1 min and 2.5 mm. ho ever otller sizes can be provided as well. The roller-ball nozzle 16 is mounted at the distal end 17 of the bristle 12 and comprises a roller-ball seat 18 and a roller-ball 19. The roller-ball seat 18 has a rim structure 20 to retain the roller-ball 19 within the roller-ball seat 18. The roller-ball 19 partially extends outwardlv bevond the i-oller-ball nozzle 16 in order to contact the user's scalp durini-, brushin-,. The roller-ball 19 and the roller-ball seat 18 can be niade from stainless steel or other known materials. The roller-ball 19 can also be madt from a porous composite material, porous stainless steel or othel-known porous material. Use of a porous roller-ball 19 can improve the dispersion of the liquid from the roller-ball nozzle 16. A diameter 22 of the roller-ball 19 is preferably between 1.5 mn1- 2.5 mm.
however other sizes can be provided as well. An internal diameter 21 of the roller-ball seat 18 is preferablv 0.075 mm - 0.15 mni larger than the diameter 22 of the roller-ball 19. however other size difference can be provided as well. An axial hole 23 is formed tllrough the roller-ball seat 18. and a distal end 24 of the absorbent feed rod 15 extends inwardly into the axial hole 23 and contacts the roller-ball 19 for supplying the liquid to a surface 25 of the roller-ball 19.
The absoi-bent f~eed rod 15 interconnects the absorbent filler unit 6 and the roller-ball 19. The hairbrush I can come pre-filled with a liquid 61 (e.u. a %vater-based niedicated solution). The liquid 61 fi-om the absorbent filler unit 6 is supplied to the roller-ball 19 bv nieans of the liquid 61 passing through the absorbent feed rod 15 to feed the surface 25 of the roller-ball 19. The roller-ball 19 is mounted within the roller-ball seat 18 for rotational movement to rr:,nsfer the liquid 61 fronl the distal end 24 of the absorbent feed rod 15 to the usei-'s scalp upon rotational contact of the roller-ball 19 with the usei-'s scalp. Since the bristles 12 are connected to the flexible base 11. when the user brushes his or her hair. the flexible base 1 1 moves upwardlv, thereby pressurizing the absorbent filler unit 6 and helps to move the liquid 61 fronl the absorbent filler unit 6 down to the absorbent feed rods 15. The bristle lid 26 (FIGS. 1 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 1 - 2) is provided to keep the liairbrush bristles 12 enclosed when the hairbrush 1 is not in use and helps prevent the roller-balls 19 fronl drying out. The bristle lid 26 can be provided witli an optional cleaninp, pad 39 (FIG. 2). The cleaning pad 39 is attached (e.g. by adhesives, welding, etc) to an inside surface 67 of the bristle lid 26. The cleaning pad 39 is preferably made from a sufficientlv spongy plastic material with a textured surface. The cleaning pad 39 covers and contacts the roller-ball nozzles 16 when the bristle lid 26 is closed and therefore cleans the roller-ball nozzles 16 after everv brushin(i when the user closes the bristle lid 26 onto the bristles 12. The bristle lid 26 is conveniently removablv mounted to the liairbrush body 4 by the catch clip 9 and two holders 10.
Referrin~,7 to FIG. 6. the second embodiment of the hairbrush 2 is similar to the first embodiment 1(FIGS. l- 5). except that the hairbrusll body 27 has a filler inlet 57 and a filler cap 28. so the user can refill the absorbent filler unit 29 with or without an optional liquid refilling unit 30 (FIG. 6a). The liquid refilling unit 30 has a syringe construction and can hold a predetermine volume of the liquid depending on the particular design of the hairbrush 2 and the liquid capacity of the absorbent filler unit 29. The liquid refilling unit 30 is preferably made from a plastic material and has a body 31 and a cap 32. The liquid refilling unit 30 can be pre-filled with the liquid.
The third embodiment of the hairbrusli 3(FIGS. 7 - 8) is similar to the second embodiment 2 (FIG. 6). except that a hairbrush body 33 has an absorbent filler divider 34 which separates a chamber 35 of the hairbrusll body 33 into multiple (e.(,. eight) sections 36.
The absorbent filler divider 34 is preferably made from the same material as a hairbrush body 33.
Absorbent filler units 37 are placed into eacll section 36. and when a filler inlet 51 is closed bv a filler cap 59, the above sections 36 are preferably 1lermetically isolated from one another. A purpose of the absorbent filler divider 34 is to keep the hairbrush 3 in an overall workable condition. even if some of the roller-ball nozzles 16 and/or the bristles 12 leak and the liquid starts to drain or vaporize fi-om the absorbent filler units 37.
Referrinu to FIG. 10. a second embodinlent of a hairbrusll bristle 38 can be provided for all three embodiments of the hairbrush 1. 2 and 3 of the invention. wherein the bristle 38 is siniilar to the bristle 12 (FIG. 9). except that the bristle 38 llas an optional type of a roller-ball nozzle 40. A
diameter 68 of the bristle 38 is preferably between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm. and a length 80 is preferably between 1.5 cm and 3 cm. however other sizes can be provided as xvell. The roller-ball nozzle 40 comprises a roller-ball seat 41. an intermcdiate transitional absorbent unit 42 and a roller-ball 44.
The roller-ball seat 41 has a rim structure 45 to retain the roller-bal144 within the roller-ball seat 41.
The roller-ball 44 partially extends outwardly beyond the roller-ball seat 41 in order to contact the user's scalp durin- brushinu. The roller-ball 44 and the roller-ball seat 41 can be made from stainless SUBSTiTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) steel or other known materials. The roller-ball 44 can also be made from a porous composite inaterial, porous stainless steel or other known porous material. The diameter 47 of the roller-ball 44 is preferablN, between 2.5 nirri and 4 mm. however other sizes can be provided as well. An internal diameter 46 of the roller-ball seat 41 is preferably 0.075 mm - 0.15 mm larger than a diameter 47 of the roller-bal144, however other size difference can be provided as well. An axial hole 48 is formed throuLh the roller-ball seat 41, and a distal end 49 of an absorbent feed rod 50 extends inwardly into the axial hole 48 and is adjacent to or contacts the intermediate transitional absorbent unit 42. A
diameter 62 of the absorbent feed rod 50 is preferably between 1 mm and 2.2 mm. however other sizes can be provided as well. The intermediate transitional absorbent unit 42 is mounted within the roller-ball nozzle 40 between the absorbent feed rod 50 and the roller-ball 44 and is adjacent to or contacts the roller-ball 44. The intermediate transitional absorbent unit 42 preferablv has a cvlindrical conflL,uration witll a preferable diameter 63 equal to the diameter 47 of the roller-ball 44. however other sizes can be provided as well. An amount of liquid 52 that the user can disperse over the scalp from the roller-ball nozzle 40 partiallv depends from the size (viz.. the diameter 47) ofthe roller-ball 44. Since the diameter 62 of the absorbent feed rod 50 is liniited by the diameter 68 of the bristle 38 (the brush bristle with a relatively large diameter will be very inconvenient for brushin"), the main purpose of the intermediate transitional absorbent unit 42 is to provide a transition between the absorbent feed rod 50 (with diameter 62) and the roller-ball 44 w-ith a possibly dissimilar sized diameter 47. The liquid 52 from an absorbent filler unit 53 is supplied to the roller-bal144 by means of the liquid 52 passing through the absorbent feed rod 50 and throuah the intermediate transitional absorbent unit 42 to feed a surface 54 of the roller-ball 44. The roller-ball 44 is mounted within the roller-ball seat 41 for rotational movenient to transfer the liquid 52 from a distal end 49 of the intermediate transitional absorbent unit 42 to the user's scalp upon rotational contact of the roller-ball 44 with the user's scalp.
Referrina to FIG. 11. a third enlbodiment of a hairbrusli bristle 82 can be provided for all three embodiments of the hairbrush 1. 2 and 3 of the invention. wherein the bristle 82 is similar to the bristle 12 (FIG. 9) except that the bristle 82 has a distal opening 83 at a distal end 84. A portion 85 of an absorbent feed rod 86 extends outwardly beyond the distal opening 83 to form a first embodiment of a felt-tipped nozzle 87 available for contact with the user's scalp during, brushing.
A diameter 88 of the bristle 82 is preferably between 1.5 mm and 2.5 n1m, and a length 89 is preferably between 1.5 cm and 3 cm. however otlier sizes can be provided as well. A diaineter 90 of the absorbent feed rod 86 is preferably between 1 mm and 2 nim. however otller sizes can be provided as well. Liquid 91 from an absorbent filler unit 92 is supplied to a distal end 93 of the SUBSTiTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) absorbent feed rod 86. bv means of the liquid 91 passing through the absorbent feed rod 86 to feed a surface 96 of the distal end 93 of the absorbent feed rod 86. The liquid 91 disperses from the distal end 93 of the absorbent feed rod 86 over the user's scalp upon contact of the distal end 93 of the absorbent feed rod 86 with the scalp during brushin~~.
~ Referring to FIG. 11 a fourth embodiment of a hairbrush bristle 69 can be provided for all three embodiments of the hairbrush 1. 2 and 3 of the invention, wherein the bristle 69 is similar to the bristle 12 (FIG. 9) except that the bristle 69 has a second embodiment of a felt-tipped nozzle 70 mounted at a distal end 55 of the bristle 69. A diameter 65 of the bristle 69 is preferably between 1.5 mm and 2.2 mni. and a length 81 is preferably between 1.5 cm and 3 cm. however other sizes can be provided as well. The felt-tipped nozzle 70 consist of a seat 71. a distal portion 72 of an absorbent feed rod 73 and an absorbent dispersing unit 74. The absorbent dispersing unit 74 preferably has a cylindrical configuration with a preferable diameter 66 between 2.5 mnl and 3.5 mm and can be fornled from bundles of fiber or other known materials. A diameter 64 of the absorbent feed rod 73 is preferably between l nun and 2 mm. however otller sizes can be provided as well. The absorbent 1~ dispersing unit 74 is mounted within the seat 71. The distal poi-tion 72 of the absorbent feed rod 73 extends outwardly throu-h a distal openin~~ 75 of the bristle 69 and extends into (adjacent to or into contact) the absorbent dispersing unit 74. A distal end 76 of the absorbent dispersiii" unit 74 extends outwardiv bevond the seat 71 in order to contact the user's scalp during brushing. The seat 71 is preferably made from stainless steel, plastic or other known materials and preferably is hermetically attached (e.g. bv adhesives. welding. etc) to the distal end 55 of the bristle 69. Liquid 77 from an absorbent filler unit 78 is supplied to the distal end 76 of the absorbent dispersing unit 74. by means of the liquid 77 passing throu-l; the absorbent feed rod 73 to feed a surface 79 of the distal end 76 of the absorbent dispersing unit 74. The liquid 77 disperses froin the distal end 76 of the absorbent dispersing unit 74 over the user's scalp upon contact of the distal end 76 wit11 the scalp durin~~
-)5 brushinL,. Referrinu back to FIG. 11. an amount of the liquid 91 that the user can disperse over the scalp from the felt-tipped nozzle 87 partially depends on the size (viz.. the diameter 90) of the absorbent feed rod 86 of the bristle 82. Since the diameter 90 of the absorbent feed rod 86 is limited bv the diameter 88 of the bristle 82 (t11e brush bristle with a relativelN, large diameter will be very inconvenient for brushing). the nlain purpose of the absorbent dispersing unit 74 (FIG. 12) mounted within the felt-tipped nozzle 70 is to increase a dispersion of the liquid 77 from the bristle 69 NN-ithout enlamement of the diameter 65 of the bristle 69.
The felt-tipped nozzles 70 and 87 (FIGS. 1 1 and 12) have a shortcoming compared to the roller-ball nozzles 16 and 40 (FIGS. 9 and 10). because the liquid from the felt-tipped nozzles 70 and SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) l 87 can disperse through the user's hair as well as over the scalp. The liquid 77 (FIG. 12) from the absorbent dispersing unit 74 and the liquid 91 (FIG. 1 1) from the distal end 93 of the absorbent feed rod 86 will disperse through the user's hair when the distal end 76 (FIG. 12) of the absorbent dispersing unit 74 and the distal end 93 of the absorbent feed rod 86 will contact the hair, and can tllerefore make the hair uncomfortably wet. Notwithstanding this possible shortcoming, the felt-tipped nozzles 70 and 87 may provide a softer feelins brush for users wit11 a sensitive scalp.
Referrinu to FIGS. 13 and 14, a fiftll embodiment of a hairbrush bristle 94 can be provided for all three embodinients of the hairbrush 1. 2 and 3 of the invention.
wherein the bristle 94 is similar to the bristle 121 (FIG. 9) except that the bristle 94 has a plurality of side openings 97 at a side wall 95. Side portions 100 of an absorbent feed rod 98 extend outwardly beyond the side openings 97 to form side nozzles 101. A diameter 102 of the bristle 94 is preferably between 1.5 mni and 2.5 mm. and a length 103 is preferably between 1.5 cm and 3 cm. however other sizes can be provided as well. A diameter 104 of the absorbent feed rod 98 is preferably between 1 mnz and 2 mm. however other sizes can be provided as well. The side portions 100 of the absorbent feed rod 98 can contact the user's hair durinL, brushin~ for dispersing liquid 105 through the hair durin~~ brushin~~. The liquid 105 froni an absorbent filler unit 106 is supplied to the side nozzles 101, by means of the liquid 105 passing through the absorbent feed rod 98 to feed surfaces 99 of the side portions 100 of the absorbent feed rod 98. A distal end 107 of the bristle 94 is closed, therefore liquid from the side nozzles 101 will Lienerallv disperse only through the user's hair, and only thereafter can contact the scalp. This type of bristle's construction can be very useful for users who wish to evenly disperse the liquid (e.~~. styling solution) only tlirough the hair durino brushing.
Referrina to FIG. 15, a sixth embodiment of a hairbrush bristle 108 can be provided for all three embodiments of the hairbrush 1. 2 and 3 of the invention. wllerein the bristle 108 is similar to the bristle 12 (FIG. 9) except that the bristle 108 11as a plurality of side openings 1 10 at a side wall 109. Side portions 113 ofan absorbent feed rod 1 1 1 extend outwardly bevond the side openings 1 10 to fornl side nozzles 114. and a distal end 115 of the absorbent feed rod 11 1 extends outwardlv bevond a distal openina 116 to form a felt-tinped nozzle 1 1 7 at a distal end 1 18 of the bristle 108.
A dianieter 119 of the bristle 108 is preferably between 1. 5 mm and 2.5 mm, and a length 120 is preferably between 1.5 cm and 3 cm, however other sizes can be provided as well. A dianleter 1211 of the absorbent feed rod 1 1 1 is preferably between 1 mnl and 2 mm, however other sizes can be provided as well. Liquid 122 fi-om an absorbent filler unit 123 is supplied to the felt-tipped nozzle 117 and to the side nozzles 114. by means of the liquid 122 passing through the absoi-bent feed rod 1 1 1 to feed a surface 124 of the distal end 1 15 and surfaces 125 of the side portions 1 13 of the SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) I absorbent feed rod 1 1 1. The liquid 122 disperses from the felt-tipped nozzle 117 over the user's scalp upon contact of the distal end 115 of the absorbent feed rod 111 with the scalp durin~~ brushing. The liquid 122 also disperses from the side nozzles 114 througll the user's hair upon contact of the side portions 113 of the absorbent feed rod 1 11 with the user's hair during brushing.
Referrin- to FIG. 16, a seventh embodiment of a hairbrush bristle 126 can be provided for all three embodiments of the liairbrush 1, 2 and 3 of the invention, wherein the bristle 126 is similar to the bristle 12 (FIG. 9) except that the bristle 1261ias a plurality of side openings 128 at a side wall 127. Side portions 131 of an ahs~rbent feed rod 129 extend outwardly bevond the side openings 128 to form side nozzles 1321 and a roller-ball nozzle 133 is mounted at a distal end 134 of the bristle 126. The roller-ball nozzle 133 is similar to the roller-ball nozzle 16 (FIG.
9). A diameter 135 of the bristle 126 is preferably between 1.5 mm and 2.2 mm, and a length 136 is preferably between 1.5 cm and 3 cm. liowever otller sizes can be provided as well. A diameter 137 of the absorbent feed rod 129 is preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm, however other sizes can be provided as well. Liquid 138 fronl an absorbent filler unit 139 is supplied to the roller-ball nozzle 133 and to the side nozzles 132, by means of the liquid 138 passing throuuh the absorbent feed rod 129 to feed a surface 140 of a roller-ball 141 and to feed surfaces 142 of the side portions 131 of the absorbent feed rod 129. The liquid 138 disperses froni the roller-ball nozzle 133 over the user's scalp upon rotational contact of the roller-ball 141 witll the scalp during brushing. The liquid 138 also disperses from the side-nozzles 132 through the user's hair upon contact of the side portions 131 of the absorbent feed rod 129 with the user's hair during brushing.
The sixth 108 (FIG. 15) arid the seventh 126 (FIG. 16) above described bristle's embodiments, wherein the nozzles are located at the distal ends and at the side walls of the hairbrush bristles 108 and 126 will allow the user to evenly disperse the liquid through the hair as well as over the scalp.
Referrin~~ back to the third embodiment of the hairbrush 3(FIGS. 7 - 8), the absorbent filler divider 34 separates the chamber 35 (viz.. the absorbent filler unit 37) of the hairbrusll 3 into eight hermetically isolated sections 36. This allows the different sections 36 to be filled with different liquids. Moreover, depending on what liquid reservoir (viz.. absorbent filler unit) is in contact with which type of bristle, different bristles will be able to disperse different liquids over the user's scalp or throu-h the hair during brushing. Thus, it is possible to provide a liquid reservoir hair brush capable of dispersing at the same time one liquid (e.g. a medicated solution) onlv over the user's scalp (e.g. from the roller ball nozzles mounted at the ends of the hairbrush bristles) and another liquid (e.(,. a styling solution) evenly through the user's hair (from the side nozzles located at the sides of the hairbrush bristles).
SUBSTiTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Referring back to all three embodiments of the hairbrush 1, 2 and 3 of the invention, an alternative type of connection between absorbent filler unit(s) and absorbent feed rods can be provided for all three embodiments of the hairbrush 1, 2 and 3 of the invention, wherein the absorbent filler unit partially extends into the bristle's bores. The above connection is shown in FIG.
17. ~vvhere an absorbent filler unit 143 partially extends into a bore 144 of a bristle 145 and contacts an absorbent feed rod 146.
Referring to FIG. 18. multiple absorbent filler units 147 can be provided for all three embodiments of the hairbrush 1. 2 and 3 of the invention, wherein an absorbent feed rod 148 of a bristle 149 extends inwardlv into and contacts the separate absorbent filler unit 147, and can also extend beyond the separate absorbent filler unit 147 into a liquid reservoir 150. Liquid 151 from the liquid reservoir 150 can thus travel through the absorbent filler unit 147 down to the absorbent feed rod 148. Each absorbent filler unit 147 is preferably formed from a high-porosity plastic material.
but can also be formed from otlier known materials. Multiple absorbent filler units 147 retain the liquid 151 from the liquid reservoir 150 and keep the hairbrush in an overall workable condition.
even when the liquid 151 is not in contact with the absorbent feed rods 148 and/oi- the absorbent filler unit(s) 147.
The aforementioned embodiments of the hairbrush of the present invention are relatively inexpensive to produce and can provide a convenient and efficient hairbrush device that is capable of evenly dispersing low viscositv water-based solutions and other thin and non-viscous liquids over the user's scalp and/or through the user's hair during routine hair brushing.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
Claims (12)
1. A liquid-reservoir hairbrush adapted for dispersing water-based solutions and other thin and non-viscous liquids over a user's scalp during hair brushing, comprising:
(a) a hairbrush body having a chamber;
(b) at least one absorbent filler unit adapted to retain liquid and placed into the chamber;
and (c) a plurality of hairbrush bristles, each having a proximal end and a distal end, the hairbrush bristles beings mounted in the vicinity of their proximal ends to the hairbrush body, wherein at least some of the hairbrush bristles comprise: an elongate body with a side wall and with at least one bore formed therethrough, at least one absorbent feed rod placed into the at least one bore, and a roller-ball nozzle mounted at the distal end of each hairbrush bristle comprising at least one rotatably mounted roller-ball, wherein the liquid from the at least one absorbent filler unit is supplied through the at least one absorbent feed rod in the direction of the at least one roller-ball, and wherein the liquid will exit the roller-ball nozzle when the roller-ball makes rolling contact with the user's scalp.
(a) a hairbrush body having a chamber;
(b) at least one absorbent filler unit adapted to retain liquid and placed into the chamber;
and (c) a plurality of hairbrush bristles, each having a proximal end and a distal end, the hairbrush bristles beings mounted in the vicinity of their proximal ends to the hairbrush body, wherein at least some of the hairbrush bristles comprise: an elongate body with a side wall and with at least one bore formed therethrough, at least one absorbent feed rod placed into the at least one bore, and a roller-ball nozzle mounted at the distal end of each hairbrush bristle comprising at least one rotatably mounted roller-ball, wherein the liquid from the at least one absorbent filler unit is supplied through the at least one absorbent feed rod in the direction of the at least one roller-ball, and wherein the liquid will exit the roller-ball nozzle when the roller-ball makes rolling contact with the user's scalp.
2. The hairbrush of Claim 1, wherein at least one intermediate transitional absorbent unit is mounted between the at least one absorbent feed rod and the at least one roller-ball, and wherein the liquid from the at least one absorbent feed rod is supplied through the at least one intermediate transitional absorbent unit in the direction of the at least one roller-ball.
3. The hairbrush of Claim 1, wherein the absorbent filler unit is pre-filled with the liquid.
4. The hairbrush of Claim 1, further comprising a flexible base mounted to the hairbrush body, wherein the hairbrush bristles are mounted to the flexible base.
5. The hairbrush of Claim 1, further comprising a bristle lid to keep the hairbrush bristles enclosed when the hairbrush is not in use and to help prevent the roller-balls from drying out.
6. The hairbrush of Claim 5, wherein the bristle lid has a cleaning pad, and wherein the cleaning pad provides cleaning to the nozzles when the bristle lid is closed on the brush bristles.
7. The hairbrush of Claim 1, wherein the chamber is divided into at least two separate sections, and wherein these sections are substantially hermetically isolated from one another, and wherein at least one absorbent filler unit is placed into each section.
8. The hairbrush of Claim 1, wherein the hairbrush body has a filler inlet to permit the user to refill the absorbent filler unit with liquid.
9. The hairbrush of Claim 8, further comprising a liquid refilling unit that is adapted to place liquid into the absorbent filler unit when the filler inlet is opened.
10. The hairbrush of Claim 9, wherein the liquid refilling unit is pre-filled with the liquid and is adapted to engage with the hairbrush body when the filler inlet is opened.
11. The hairbrush of Claim 1, wherein the absorbent feed rods of the hairbrush bristles extend into the hairbrush body and into the absorbent filler unit and contact the absorbent filler unit.
12. The hairbrush of Claim 1, wherein the absorbent filler unit partially extends into the bores of the hairbrush bristles and contacts the absorbent feed rods located therein.
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US09/510,210 | 2000-02-22 | ||
| US09/510,210 US6158442A (en) | 2000-02-22 | 2000-02-22 | Liquid reservoir hairbrush with absorbent filler and roller ball liquid distribution mechanism |
| US09/589,932 | 2000-06-07 | ||
| US09/589,932 US6530378B1 (en) | 2000-02-22 | 2000-06-07 | Liquid-reservoir hairbrush system |
| US09/667,883 US6276367B1 (en) | 2000-02-22 | 2000-09-22 | Liquid-reservoir hairbrush |
| US09/667,883 | 2000-09-22 | ||
| PCT/US2000/027161 WO2001062119A1 (en) | 2000-02-22 | 2000-10-03 | Liquid-reservoir hairbrush system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2400247A1 CA2400247A1 (en) | 2001-08-30 |
| CA2400247C true CA2400247C (en) | 2007-09-25 |
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ID=27414449
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002400247A Expired - Fee Related CA2400247C (en) | 2000-02-22 | 2000-10-03 | Liquid-reservoir hairbrush system |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1272068B9 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE261257T1 (en) |
| AU (2) | AU7747700A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2400247C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE60008932T2 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK1272068T3 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2216970T3 (en) |
| NZ (1) | NZ521468A (en) |
| PT (1) | PT1272068E (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2001062119A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2011010977A1 (en) * | 2009-07-21 | 2011-01-27 | Varchuk Oleg Nikolaevych | Massage brush with replaceable cartridge |
| US8627829B2 (en) | 2010-12-31 | 2014-01-14 | Goody Products, Inc. | Water removing hair brush |
| ITMI20111560A1 (en) * | 2011-08-30 | 2013-03-01 | A L Gruppo Ltd | DEVICE CONSISTING OF A COMB AND / OR A BRUSH PROVIDED WITH A FELT OR A SPONGE FOR THE APPLICATION OF DYE AND / OR LIQUID SUBSTANCES FOR THE CARE OF SCALP LEATHER |
| GB2495476A (en) * | 2011-10-04 | 2013-04-17 | Paul John Gwilt | Hairbrush with hollow bristles |
| USD709291S1 (en) | 2011-12-30 | 2014-07-22 | Goody Products, Inc. | Hair brush |
| DE102014226866A1 (en) * | 2014-12-22 | 2016-06-23 | Parsa Haar- Und Modeartikel Gmbh | Brush with cleaning device |
| DE102018100693B4 (en) * | 2018-01-12 | 2020-06-18 | Thu Hong Nitsche | Improved comb |
| CN110301737B (en) * | 2019-01-12 | 2022-08-02 | 苔米科技(北京)有限公司 | Hair care equipment |
Family Cites Families (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1425269A (en) * | 1921-06-16 | 1922-08-08 | Grace V Miller | Comb |
| US2519740A (en) * | 1948-02-06 | 1950-08-22 | Call George Richard | Combination conventional and ball point tooth comb |
| US3101086A (en) | 1961-09-25 | 1963-08-20 | Vito Salvatore S Di | Combined dispenser and comb |
| US3203025A (en) * | 1962-08-15 | 1965-08-31 | Pacific Res Lab | Writing instrument |
| US3721250A (en) | 1971-04-16 | 1973-03-20 | Clairol Inc | Mist applicator comb |
| US3964501A (en) | 1975-02-03 | 1976-06-22 | Matchett Robert R | Hair grooming apparatus |
| US4055195A (en) * | 1976-05-07 | 1977-10-25 | Moses Lawrence L | Fluid-reservoir hair comb |
| US4237822A (en) * | 1979-01-08 | 1980-12-09 | Kaiser Leroy E Jr | Animal medication brush |
| US4585018A (en) * | 1982-12-06 | 1986-04-29 | Texas Romec, Inc. | Liquid dispensing comb |
| DE3622234A1 (en) * | 1986-07-02 | 1988-01-07 | Henkel Kgaa | DISPENSER FOR HAIR-COSMETIC PRODUCTS |
| US5927290A (en) | 1997-03-21 | 1999-07-27 | Thiruppathi; Devaraj | Liquid dispensing hair brush |
-
2000
- 2000-10-03 AU AU7747700A patent/AU7747700A/en active Pending
- 2000-10-03 WO PCT/US2000/027161 patent/WO2001062119A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2000-10-03 DK DK00967253T patent/DK1272068T3/en active
- 2000-10-03 EP EP00967253A patent/EP1272068B9/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-10-03 NZ NZ521468A patent/NZ521468A/en unknown
- 2000-10-03 DE DE60008932T patent/DE60008932T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-10-03 ES ES00967253T patent/ES2216970T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-10-03 AU AU2000277477A patent/AU2000277477B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2000-10-03 AT AT00967253T patent/ATE261257T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2000-10-03 CA CA002400247A patent/CA2400247C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-10-03 PT PT00967253T patent/PT1272068E/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| ATE261257T1 (en) | 2004-03-15 |
| EP1272068B1 (en) | 2004-03-10 |
| EP1272068A4 (en) | 2003-07-02 |
| AU2000277477B2 (en) | 2005-10-20 |
| AU7747700A (en) | 2001-09-03 |
| NZ521468A (en) | 2004-06-25 |
| EP1272068A1 (en) | 2003-01-08 |
| ES2216970T3 (en) | 2004-11-01 |
| PT1272068E (en) | 2004-07-30 |
| DK1272068T3 (en) | 2004-07-19 |
| EP1272068B9 (en) | 2005-02-02 |
| CA2400247A1 (en) | 2001-08-30 |
| DE60008932T2 (en) | 2005-11-10 |
| WO2001062119A1 (en) | 2001-08-30 |
| DE60008932D1 (en) | 2004-04-15 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20151005 |