CN106859000B - Hair brush capable of indicating humidity - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a hairbrush capable of indicating moisture. A hairbrush can include a body having a head and a plurality of bristles carried by the head. The bristles may project outwardly from or relative to the outer surface of the head. The brush may also include a microfiber fabric material positioned along at least a portion of the body and that is water absorbent. Portions of the microfiber fabric material may be positioned proximate the plurality of bristles. A moisture-reactive indicator may also be disposed along at least a portion of the body and may be configured to visually indicate when the indicator is wet.

Description

Hair brush capable of indicating humidity

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent is a partial continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application No. 14/106,375, filed on 12/13/2013 entitled "Water Removing hairbrush (Water Removing hairbrush)" and claims priority from the co-pending U.S. patent application No. 13/341,794, filed on 30/2011 12/30/2011 entitled "Water Removing hairbrush" (Water Removing hairbrush), and a priority benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 61/429,077, filed on 31/2010 and entitled "Water Removing Hairstyling appliance (Water Removing Hairstyling accessories)". The entire contents of each of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to hair styling appliances, and more particularly to water-removing hair styling appliances, such as brushes having a wetness indicator.

Background

In order to save time during hair styling, it is desirable to reduce the amount of time it takes to dry the hair, since wet hair generally cannot be styled. Towels are the most common way of absorbing water from wet hair. Towels are sometimes configured as a head wrap to increase the amount of contact with the hair. However, towels typically do not dry the hair sufficiently for styling. Furthermore, efforts to increase drying by rubbing or moving the hair with a towel can result in, at a minimum, undesirable styling and, worse, damage to the hair.

Others have attempted to create products that can remove more water than conventional towels. Combs have been manufactured with teeth that are movable and act as a scrub brush on wet hair, which are otherwise conventional. Other combs have added chemical additives to dissipate water or break up water molecules. Such combs have not been found to significantly remove or dissipate moisture from wet hair or significantly reduce drying and/or setting times.

Hairbrushes have been created that perform the task opposite to that of absorbing water from hair. Such hair brushes and other appliances have been developed which apply or distribute oils, hair colorants or conditioners to the hair and scalp. Other hairbrushes have been created to absorb water, but these lack means to ventilate or promote airflow, are difficult to dry, and have limited absorption capacity. Examples of such products are disclosed, for example, in U.S. patent No. 7,461,659.

Other products have absorbent capabilities for absorbing styling or coloring agents to apply such agents to the hair. Examples of such products are disclosed, for example, in U.S. patent No. 5,002,075, U.S. patent No. 5,261,426, U.S. patent No. 5,301,695, U.S. application No. 2008/014504, EP 1272068, and EP 0497080.

However, even when a hair brush is absorbing moisture from wet hair, it may still be difficult for a user of the brush to know that the brush is removing moisture from their hair. This can be generally attributed to the fact that: the user's hair may still be damp and the user rarely monitors the exact amount of time that he must dry his hair each time.

Disclosure of Invention

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention.

In one embodiment, a hair brush is disclosed. The hairbrush comprises: a body having a head; a plurality of bristles carried by the head, the plurality of bristles projecting relative to the head; and a wetness indicator disposed along a portion of the body, the wetness indicator configured to indicate to a user when the hairbrush is wet.

In one embodiment, a hair brush is disclosed. The hairbrush comprises: a body having a head and a handle coupled to the head; a plurality of bristles carried by the head, the plurality of bristles projecting relative to the head; a wetness indicator disposed on the head, the wetness indicator further comprising a wetness sensitive color-changing coating configured to indicate to a user when the wetness indicator is wet; and a microfiber fabric material carried by a portion of the body, the microfiber fabric material being water absorbent and portions of the microfiber fabric material being positioned proximate to the plurality of bristles.

In another embodiment, a hair brush is disclosed. The hairbrush comprises: a brush body having a head and a handle coupled to the head, the head being cylindrically shaped and extending along a longitudinal axis of the brush body; a plurality of bristles projecting radially outwardly from the cylindrical surface of the head; and at least one wetness indicator, the wetness indicator further comprising a wetness sensitive color-changing coating configured to indicate to a user when the hairbrush is wet.

Drawings

The detailed description explains the embodiments with reference to the drawings. The use of the same reference symbols may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and/or components other than those illustrated in the figures, and some elements and/or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and/or components in the drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably, depending on context.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one example of a hair brush according to one example embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line X-X of the hairbrush of figure 1.

Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the hair brush of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 shows a front view of the hairbrush of fig. 1.

Fig. 5 shows a rear view of the hair brush of fig. 1.

Figure 6 shows a portion of the absorbent material of the hairbrush of figure 1 that has been made into a blank.

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a fragment of the absorbent material of fig. 1.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of another example of a hair brush according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of another example of a hair brush according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of another example of a hair brush according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of another example of a hair brush according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of another example of a hair brush according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of another example of a hair brush according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14 shows a perspective view of another example of a hair brush according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 15 shows a perspective view of another example of a hair brush according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 16 shows a perspective view of another example of a hair brush according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17 shows a perspective view of another example of a hair brush according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 18 shows an opposite side perspective view of the hair brush of figure 17 in an unassembled state.

Figure 19 shows a perspective view of another example of a hair brush according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 shows a detailed cross-sectional view taken along line XX-XX of the bristle portion of the hairbrush of FIG. 19.

Figure 21 shows a perspective view of another example of a hair brush according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 22 shows a front view of another example of a water removal hairbrush with a wetness indicator, according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 23 shows an exploded view of the hair brush of figure 22, according to one example embodiment of the invention.

Figure 24 shows a perspective view of another example of a water-removing hairbrush with a wetness indicator, according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Example embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments are shown. The concepts disclosed herein may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as the example embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like (but not necessarily identical or equal) elements throughout.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a hair styling appliance that can help dry the hair during styling. The hair styling brushes disclosed herein are well suited to assist in the hair drying process. The disclosed hair brush addresses or ameliorates one or more of the above-referenced and/or other problems and disadvantages of previously known hair brushes. The disclosed styling tool removes water by using an absorbent material without damaging the hair.

Referring now to the drawings, fig. 1 through 7 show one example of a hair styling appliance or brush 10 according to the present invention. The hairbrush 10 as shown in figure 1 includes a body 12 having a handle 14 and a head 16. The hairbrush 10 also has a plurality of bristles 18 and a water absorbent material 20 to absorb water from wet hair. Handle 14 extends from one end 15 of head 16. The head 16 in this example is paddle-shaped and slightly rectangular, although other head shapes may be used.

The hair brush 10 is used as a hair styling appliance that can dry hair while brushing and styling the hair. The water absorbent material 20 on the brushhead portion 16 absorbs and removes water from the hair during styling. A water absorbent material 20 is disposed proximate to the bristles 18. In this example of fig. 1 to 7, bristles 18 extend from one side of head 16 and through the water absorbent material. The user does not need to alter the consistent manner in which they style or brush their hair using such brushes. Drawing the brush over wet hair causes the hair strands to be separated by the bristles. Thus, the wet strands of hair will contact the water-absorbent material 20, and the water-absorbent material 20 will absorb and remove water from the hair, thereby reducing the amount of time it takes to dry and style the hair.

The handle 14 in this example has a shape that transitions to the shape of the head 16 through the neck 21. The relatively narrow width of the handle 14 widens at the neck 21 to match the width of the head 16. As shown in the cross-sectional view of fig. 2, the head 16 has a depth. The depth of the head 16 may have a tapered profile that is slightly thicker at the neck 21 and handle end 15 and relatively thinner at the tip 17 of the head 16. As shown in fig. 2, the contour of the neck 21 has a step or slopes toward the back side 22 of the hairbrush 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the hairbrush 10 further includes a bristle pad 24 on the front side of the head 16 and connected to the front side of the head 16. The bristle pad 24 has a plurality of perforations 26 and supports a plurality of bristles 18. In this example, the water absorbent material 20 overlies the bristle pad 24. The water absorbent material 20 is disposed adjacent to the bristle pad 24, with the plurality of bristles 18 projecting completely through the bristle pad 24.

The brush body 12 may be constructed from one or more pieces. In this example, as shown in fig. 3, the brush body 12 has two parts, including a front shell section 28 and a rear shell section 30. The front shell section 28 includes a handle portion defining part of the handle 14 and a head portion defining part of the head 16. The front shell section 28 has an outer surface 38 and an inner surface 40, and has an aperture 42 in the head portion to receive the bristle pad 24. The front shell section 28 includes a mating surface 44 at an edge between the outer surface 38 and the inner surface 40. The mating surface 44 is located around the perimeter of the front shell section 28.

The back shell section 30 also includes a handle portion defining part of the handle 14 and a head portion defining part of the head 16. The rear housing section 30 has an outer surface 46 and an inner surface 48. The rear housing section 30 also includes a mating surface 50 at an edge around the perimeter of the rear housing section 30 between the outer surface 46 and the inner surface 48. The inner surface 48 may also include a support 51 projecting forwardly therefrom to support the bristle pad 24. The support 51 is in the form of spaced thin walls projecting from the inner surface 48 at an angle generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the brush body 12. The support 51 does not extend completely laterally across the width of the brush body 12. Two such supports 51 are shown, but the number, shape, orientation and position of such supports may vary. The support 51 in this example has a notched or serrated free edge 52 to help maintain the position of the water absorbent material 20 during use.

Mating surface 44 on front housing section 28 is adapted to engage mating surface 50 of rear housing section 30 when main body 12 is assembled. As shown in the exploded view of fig. 3, the front shell section 28 has positioning elements or guide holes 53 and the rear shell 30 has corresponding positioning elements or guide pins 54. The guide holes 53 are adapted to receive guide pins 54 to properly align the two shell sections when assembled. The guide holes 53 and guide pins 54 may be located inwardly from the periphery of the rear housing section 30 and front housing section 28, respectively. The relative positions and orientations of the guide holes and guide pins on the front or rear housing sections may be reversed.

A cavity 56 beneath the bristle pad 24 is defined by the assembled head portions of the front and rear shell sections 28, 30. The rear housing section 30 has a plurality of vent perforations 58 that provide openings to the cavity 56 to provide airflow into, through, and out of the cavity 56. In the present example, the ventilation perforations 58 are arranged on a lateral side wall 59 of the rear shell section 30. The number and arrangement of the vent perforations may vary in orientation and may be uniform, random, and/or may vary in size.

The bristle pad 24 as shown in fig. 2 and 3 is formed of a strong yet flexible material, such as nylon. The bristle pad 24 also defines the front side of the cavity 56 by covering the aperture 42 in the head portion of the front shell section 28. The bristle pad 24 includes a front surface 60 and a rear surface 62, and is substantially planar. The bristle pad 24 supports a plurality of bristles 18 in a geometric grid of rows and columns. In this example, the bristles 18 are disposed on a front surface 60 of the bristle pad 24. The plurality of bristles 18 extend outwardly from and generally perpendicular to the front surface 60 of the bristle pad 24 in a direction opposite the rear surface 62. The plurality of bristles 18 may be integrally formed or molded with the bristle pad 24 from the same flexible material.

The perforations 26 in the bristle pad 24 are arranged in rows and columns among and between each of the bristles 18. In this example, the perforations 26 have a square shape. The perforations 26 form a grid-like mesh having intersections, and each of the bristles 18 is integrally molded over the bristle pads at the intersections of the grid. Other arrangements, shapes and sizes of perforations 26 may be used and remain within the teachings of the present invention. Perforations 26 allow additional air to flow into, through, and out of chamber 56 through bristle pad 24. Air may also flow through the cavity via the vent perforations 58 in the rear housing section 30.

The bristle pad 24 may have a plurality of interlocking projections 66 disposed therearound and projecting radially outwardly therefrom. The interlocking protrusions 66 may have a predetermined shape that protrudes outward from the perimeter of the bristle pad 24. The bristle pad protrusions 66 may interlock with and be located in corresponding interlock recesses 67 adjacent to apertures on the front inner surface 40 of the front housing section 28. During assembly, the projections 66 and recesses 67 align and position the bristle pad 24. Other alignment pins, holes, mechanisms, etc. may be used in place of the tabs and recesses.

Also shown in fig. 2 and 3, the hairbrush 10 includes a retaining plate 68 in the cavity of the head 16 to assist in retaining the bristle pad 24 and absorbent material 20 in place. The retention plate 68 has a top section 70 and legs 72. The legs 72 extend from the underside of the top section 70 and are arranged perpendicular to the top section 70. The top section 70 of the retention plate 68 has a top surface 74. A notch-like or serrated ridge 77 is disposed on the top surface 74 of the top section 70. The top section 70 may also have a plurality of perforations 80 to enhance airflow through the cavity 56 during use of the hair brush 10. The retention plate 68 is located within the cavity 56 with the legs 72 oriented perpendicular to the inner surface 48 of the rear housing 30. Such top section 70 of the retention plate 68 also has guide pins 78 and guide holes 79 to be securely held in place within the cavity 56.

The hairbrush 10 of figures 1-7 is but one example of a hairbrush configuration that may be used in accordance with one example embodiment of the present invention. The shape of the hairbrush 10 is not necessarily limited to a paddle brush with a slightly rectangular head as shown, but may include other shapes of brush heads, including but not limited to other examples disclosed herein.

The water absorbent material 20 in one example may be a microfiber fabric 80. As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the microfiber fabric 80 has a continuous base substrate 82 and rows and columns of flexible fabric strips 36 formed extending therefrom. The microfiber web 80 may be manufactured from a sheet or blank of a plurality of uncut microfiber web segments. In one example, the flexible fabric strip 36 may be chenille (i.e., a relatively short length of soft, tufted cord) and may be braided from a microfiber material. Rows and columns of fabric strips 36 are fabricated on a base substrate 82. The column of fabric strip 36 may have a width that is the same as the width of the arrangement of the plurality of bristles 18 on the bristle pad 24. The columns of fabric strips 36 may be separated on a continuous blank or sheet by sections of the base substrate that do not have fabric strips thereon. This may ease the process of cutting the microfiber fabric sheet into appropriately sized pieces 84 (as shown in fig. 7) and allow assembly as described below. The sheet or blank may have a width designed to precisely fit the length or width of the bristle pad 24. The pitch of the segments of the fabric strip may be designed to fit the length or width. The blank or sheet of fabric may then be cut transversely along cut line C-C, for example, to fit the width of the bristle pad 24 without substantial waste. The assembly of the brush 10 may thus necessitate that only the base substrate 82 surround the sides of the bristle pad 24 and that any fabric strips remain free along the sides of the head 16.

Alternatively, the microfiber fabric 80 may be manufactured in stock form with a continuous substrate and wherein the rows and columns of flexible fabric strips are intermittently omitted at intervals corresponding to the length and width of the bristle pads. When the microfiber fabric is thus manufactured in a sheet of multiple uncut segments, once cut, the base substrate material may be wrapped around both sides and both ends of the bristle pad 24.

The microfiber fabric 80 may have antimicrobial properties. An antimicrobial additive (e.g., triclosan) or suitable substitute can be applied to the microfiber fabric or other water absorbent material that can be used to make the disclosed hair brush.

During assembly, the stock pieces 84 of the microfiber fabric 80 are first cut to size from a larger sheet. Each cut stock segment 84 of the microfiber fabric 80 is then placed on the bristle pad 24. The plurality of bristles 18 may then penetrate and protrude through the base substrate 82 (which may be a microfiber fabric). Thus, the fabric strip 36 on the substrate 82 is disposed in and between the bristles 18. The edge 86 (cut side or selvedge) of the microfiber fabric base substrate 82 wraps around and overlaps the edge of the batting 24. The bristle pad 24 and microfiber fabric 80 are inserted together into the apertures 42 of the front shell 28. The retaining plate 34 is placed between the rear surface 62 of the bristle mat 24 and the inner surface 48 of the rear housing section 30. The edge 86 of the microfiber fabric blank segment 84 surrounding the bristle pad 24 will abut the retaining plate 34 and the serrated edge 52 of the support 51 will anchor the fabric inside the cavity 56 of the head 16 of the hair brush 10.

During assembly of the brush body 12, the guide pins 54 allow the front and rear housing sections 28, 30 to fit together precisely with the microfiber fabric blank segments 84 and bristle pads 24 in place and tightly secured between the front and rear housing sections 28, 30. When the mating surfaces 44, 50 of the front and rear shell sections 28, 30 are connected, a cavity 56 is formed between the inner surface 48 of the rear shell section 30 and the inner surface 40 of the front shell section 28. As in the example of fig. 1-7, the cavity 56 may extend into the handle 14 of the brush body 12.

The brush body 12 can be formed in other different ways and have a variety of different configurations with additional and or alternative features. In the present example, the front shell section 28 and the rear shell section 30 may be joined by sonic welding. Alternatively, the front and rear housing sections may have complementary features that snap together. In another alternative, the front and rear housing sections may be joined using an adhesive or using removable fasteners. In another alternative, the hairbrush body can be constructed from a single unitary piece.

The hairbrush 10 can be used in styling hair in the same manner as a typical hairbrush. The water absorbent material can draw water out of wet hair and dry the hair more quickly than a typical hairbrush used alone. Brushing wet hair using only the hair brush 10 reduces drying and styling time because the water-absorbing material draws water from the hair more rapidly than does evaporation alone.

Another advantage of the hair brush 10 over typical hair brushes is that, in addition to helping to create a hairstyle, the hair brush 10 can also reduce the time to dry the hair during styling when used with a hair dryer for the hair. When used in conjunction with a typical hair dryer, water is drawn out of the hair by the absorbent material and warm air is forced over and through the hair. However, warm air may pass through the perforated stiff wool pad, enter the cavity and exit the vent holes in the body, or vice versa. Such air flow may continually evaporate water from the water absorbent material while evaporating water from the hair. This allows the water-absorbent material to continue to draw water from the hair, further reducing drying time. The various disclosed brushes can allow a user to perform virtually any hair styling step, in other cases, these hair styling steps will be performed using brushes having comparable shapes but without the use of water absorbent materials. Thus, the user does not need to change brushes during styling, and does not need a learning curve to use one disclosed brush styling.

In another example as illustrated in fig. 8, a hairbrush 100 has a body 102, the body 102 having a handle 104 coupled to a head 106. Similar to the head 16, the head 106 in this example has a slightly flattened rectangular paddle-type shape. The head 106 has rounded corners and has a depth or thickness. The head 106 may have an aperture in the front of the head 106, similar to the aperture 42. The head 106 carries a plurality of bristles 108 and an absorbent material 110 located in apertures 107. The plurality of bristles 108 in this example are in a ring disposed adjacent to and around the perimeter of the water absorbent material 110. In contrast to the above example where the bristles protrude through the microfiber fabric, the water absorbent material is positioned completely within the bristle rings. Bristles 108 may be integrally molded with a base or bristle pad 114 or may be individually mounted on the base. The water absorbent material 110 may be provided as an absorbent material mass or as a microfiber fabric.

In the example of fig. 8, the exposed surface 111 of the microfiber fabric may have a texture 112. The texture 112 can be coated, added or formed on the microfiber fabric 111 in a number of different ways. Texture 112 may be applied to microfiber fabric surface 111 by hot stamping or stitching. In another alternative, the texture 112 of the microfiber fabric may be coated by weaving relatively narrow bands of microfiber fabric together to form a larger fabric sheet having a relatively greater thickness. Such a weave may increase the effective thickness of the microfiber fabric, thereby increasing its absorbent properties. The purpose of adding texture to the absorbent material or microfiber fabric is to increase the absorption surface area of the contact surface 111 of the water absorbent material 110.

As shown in fig. 8 and as stated above, a plurality of bristles 108 may be supported on a bristle pad 114 surrounding a water absorbent material. A water absorbent material may overlie portions of the bristle pad 114. The bristle pad 114 or base substrate 114 may be sized to fill the pores in the head 106, may be formed of a flexible material, and may have perforations to allow airflow through the brush body cavity during hair styling and to allow the water absorbent material to be dried thereafter. If desired, the brush body 102 may be constructed in substantially the same manner as the body 12 of the brush 10.

In another example as illustrated in fig. 9, a hairbrush 200 has a body 202, the body 102 having a handle 204 extending from a paddle-shaped head 206. The head 206 in this example has a plurality of bristles 208 and a water absorbent material 210 exposed on the same surface of the head. The bristles 208 in this example are arranged in a series of concentric rings alternating with a series of concentric rings of absorbent material 210. The alternating rings are graded in size, becoming smaller toward a central region 214 of the head 206. In this example, a smallest ring of bristles surrounds a central area 214 covered by a water absorbent material 210. The water absorbent material 210 may be a microfiber fabric. Such microfiber fabric in this and other examples may have a texture, as discussed above, or may be woven in a manner similar to terry cloth (terycloth) which is commonly used in cotton towels. Bristles 208 may be supported on a bristle substrate or pad 212. The water absorbent material 210, or at least a portion thereof, may be disposed beneath the bristle substrate 212 with the absorbent material texture or segments protruding through the pad or substrate. Alternatively, the rings of water-absorbent material can each overlie a pad or substrate 212. The bristle pad or substrate 212 may have perforations to allow air to flow through the brush during drying and styling of the hair. A separate support component may underlie one or both of the bristle pad 212, the water absorbent material 210, but the teachings of this example or any other example are not necessary.

Fig. 10 shows an example of a hair brush 300 having a cylindrical head or circular head. The hairbrush 300 has a body 302, the body 302 having a handle 304 extending from one end of a cylindrical head 306. The handle 304 may be shaped to make gripping comfortable, as any of the other handles disclosed and described herein. The body has a neck 305 that provides a transition from the shape and diameter of the handle 304 to the shape and diameter of the head 306. The neck 305 may have a narrower diameter than the handle 304 or head 306. The diameter of the cylindrical head 306 may vary based on the desired hair styling effect. The relatively larger diameter cylindrical head is used to form larger hair curls and the relatively smaller diameter cylindrical head is used to form smaller hair curls.

In the example of fig. 10, the head 306 is cylindrical and has a plurality of bristles 308 protruding through, mounted on, or integrally molded to the outer surface of the head 306. The bristles 308 extend radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the body 302. The head 306 has an absorbent material 310 mounted on another portion of the head. The bristles 308 and water absorbent material 310 may be arranged in an alternating serpentine or spiral pattern over the length of the cylindrical shape of the head 306. When viewed from one side of the head 306, the plurality of bristles 308 and water-absorbent material 310 may appear to form a spiraling band around the head in a manner that forms a revolving colored pole (barber pole) or candy cane (candy cane).

In the example of fig. 10, the water absorbent material 310 again may be a microfiber fabric. The microfiber fabric may be supported on and around portions of the head 306 to underlie a substrate or base 312 supporting the bristles 308 on the head 306. Alternatively, the water absorbent material 310 may be overlaid on a substrate that supports the outer surfaces of the bristles, brushes, or both. Portions of the head 306 or base or bristle substrate 312 (even between the bristles 308) may be perforated to further allow air to flow through the head to reduce setting time and help dry the water-absorbent material 310 between uses.

Fig. 11 shows another example of a hairbrush 400, the hairbrush 400 having a body 402 and a handle 404 joined to a head 408 by a neck 406. The head 408 has a plurality of bristles 410 and a water absorbent material 412 positioned on the same surface of the head. In this example, the absorbent material does not have a fabric strip as disclosed in the example of fig. 1, but has a surface texture 414. The bristles 410 extend through the water absorbent material. The water absorbent material 412 overlies a stiff felt pad substrate, pad or base (not shown). The water-absorbent material can again be a microfiber fabric. The microfiber fabric may have a loosely textured surface (such as that of a terry loop fabric material) typically used in cotton towels, but is woven or formed from microfibers. In addition, the structure of the example of fig. 11 may be similar to the example of fig. 1. In this example, the bristles 410 are again arranged in rows and columns, but are not closely spaced.

Fig. 12 shows another example of a hairbrush 500, the hairbrush 500 having a body 502 with a handle 504 extending from a head 506. Similar to the example of fig. 1, the head 508 in this example has a slightly flattened rectangular paddle-type head. The head 508 has a plurality of bristles 510 and a water absorbent material provided by a plurality of absorbent strips 512 attached to a base substrate 514. The bristles 510 are supported by a base, substrate, or bristle pad 516 and are arranged in rows and columns thereon. The absorbent strip 512 and the base substrate 514 may be formed from a microfiber fabric. The bristle substrate or mat 516 may have elongated slots 518 disposed between rows or columns of bristles 510. When assembled, a bristle base or pad 516 may overlie a base substrate 514 of water absorbent material while allowing the strip 512 to extend from back to front between rows or columns of bristles through the elongated slots 518. The elongated slots 518 may also be configured to allow air to pass through the bristle substrate or pad 516 during setting. The brush body 502 may have a cavity defined within the brush body. The sides or rear of the brush body 502 may include vents 520 or perforations to the cavity to allow air to flow through the brush during drying and styling as in any of the previous examples.

Fig. 13 and 14 show additional examples of water-absorbing hair styling appliances 600, 700. The hair styling apparatus 600, 700 in these examples employs a water absorbent material having a foam construction. In the example of fig. 13, a hair styling appliance 600 has a body 602 with a handle 604 connected to a head 608 by a neck 606. The head 608 has a thin sheet of absorbent foam attached to the head in the form of serpentine waves or loops 610. The waves or loops 610 may be attached to the head 608 in spaced rows arranged on the head 608. The rows may be longitudinally spaced along the longitudinal axis Z-Z of the body 602 and may each extend laterally across the width of the head 608. The waves or loops 610 can be configured to maximize contact with wet hair during styling. In this example, the length of the foam waves or loops 610 may vary and be longer closer to the axis Z-Z of the head 608. The length of each loop may be uniform or may vary relative to other loops or rows. In this example, the width of each loop is consistent with the other loops, but may vary and remain within the teachings of the present disclosure. The hair styling appliance 600 of fig. 13 also includes an array of comb teeth 612 on each of the two longitudinal sides of the head 608. The water-absorbent foam material is disposed between the rows of teeth. The teeth 612 can help loosen the hair while guiding the bundle of hair over the foam loops 610. The teeth 612 may be omitted, however the styling apparatus 600 remains within the teachings of the present invention.

Fig. 14 shows one such example of a hair styling appliance. The styling apparatus 700 of fig. 14 has a body 702, the body 702 having a handle 704 connected to a head 708 at a neck 706. The head 708 has a thin sheet of absorbent foam forming vanes 710 projecting from one surface 712 of the head. The blade 710 may be coupled to the surface 712 on the head 708 in any suitable manner or may extend through a slot in the surface 712. The blades 710 may be arranged edge-to-edge in columns oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis W-W of the body 702. Alternatively, the blades 710 may be oriented in rows transverse and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis W-W of the body 702. The blades need not be in rows or columns, but may alternatively be randomly arranged on surface 712. In another alternative, comb-like teeth may be added to the side of the head or to another location on the head to help direct wet hair over the absorbent lobes. In each of these examples, the bristles may also be inserted between waves or loops 610.

Fig. 15 and 16 show additional examples of water-absorbing hairbrushes. In fig. 15, a hairbrush 800 has a body 802, the body 802 having a handle 804 joined to a head 808 at a neck 806. The head 808 in this example is a slightly flattened rectangular or oval paddle-type head. The head 808 carries a plurality of bristles 810 and a water absorbent material. The water absorbent material is arranged as parallel ridges 812 formed of a foam material, such as a small open cell foam. The brush body 802 has a longitudinal axis A-A. The bristles 810 are arranged in rows parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A. The ridges 812 are arranged parallel to the columns of bristles 810 and in alternating columns with the columns of bristles 810. The foam ridges 812 may extend substantially the length of the head 808. An absorbent foam spine 812 may be attached to the top of the front surface 814 of the head 808. Alternatively, front surface 814 of head 808 may include slots 816 that receive foam ridges 812, with foam ridges 812 passing through the back side of front surface 814 to project outwardly from head 808. Thus, the ridges 812 may be connected to a larger foam base or block (not shown) with the cavity of the head 808. Bristles 810 may be attached to or extend through the front surface of head 808. The bristles 810 may be individually mounted on the front surface 814. Alternatively, the bristles 810 may be integrally molded with the front surface 814 of the head. The bristles may also be carried on a bristle pad that is or is below the front surface 814.

In fig. 16, a hairbrush 900 has a body 902 and a handle 904 joined to a head 908 at a neck 906. The head 908 in this example is a slightly flattened rectangular or oval paddle-type head. The head 908 again carries a plurality of bristles 910 and a water-absorbent material. The absorbent material has ridges 912 of absorbent foam material. The brush body 902 has a longitudinal axis B-B. The bristles 910 are arranged in rows perpendicular to the longitudinal axis B-B across the head 908. The absorbent ridges 912 are arranged parallel to the rows of bristles 910 and alternate with the rows of bristles 910. The ridge 912 may extend substantially across the width of the head. Similar to fig. 15, an absorbent foam spine 912 may be attached on top of the front surface 914. Alternatively, the front surface 914 can include slots 916, and the foam ridges 912 can protrude through the slots from the back side of the front surface 914 and outwardly from the head 908. The bristles 910 may be individually mounted on the front surface 914 or carried on a substrate or pad that is separate from or a front surface. Alternatively, the bristles may be integrally molded with the front surface of the head.

As with the previous examples, the brush body shown in fig. 15 and 16 may be constructed from one piece or from two or more pieces. The front surface may be formed from the same material as the brush body or from a different material (e.g., a relatively flexible material).

Fig. 17 and 18 show another example of a water-absorbing hairbrush according to an example embodiment of the present invention. Hairbrush 1000 includes a body 1002 and a water absorbent material. In this example, the water absorbent material has a foam block 1003. The body 1002 has a head 1004 connected to a handle 1008 at a neck 1006, but the handle may be omitted and remain within the teachings of the present invention. The body 1002 has a front side 1010 as shown in fig. 17 and a back side 1012 as shown in fig. 18. The head 1004 of the body 1002 has a recess 1014 formed in the rear side 1012. The body 1002 further has a perforation 1015 within the recess 1014 through the rear side 1012 to the front side 1010, as shown in fig. 18. The foam block 1003 has foam protrusions forming oversized or thick bristles 1016. The foam block 1003 is sized to fit closely or tightly with the recess 1014. The bristles 1016 are sized and arranged to fit through the perforations 1015 when the block 1003 is placed in the recess 1014 of the head 1004. The bristles 1016 protrude through the perforations 1015 and project outward from the front side 1010. In addition, the back side 1012 of the head 1004 has a rectangular notch 1018 at the top end. The foam block 1003 has a complementary sized retention tab 1020 protruding from one end. When the foam block 1003 is placed in the recess 1014 on the rear side 1012 of the head 1004, the retention tabs 1020 are located in the notches 1018 to help retain the foam block 1003 in the recess 1014 and, optionally, assist the user in grasping and removing the block of water absorbent material 1003 therefrom. The number, size, orientation and arrangement of notches and retaining tabs or retaining and releasing members may vary and remain within the teachings of the present invention.

The mass 1003 and bristles 1016 are integrally formed together from a water absorbent material (e.g., small open cell foam). The foam block 1003 may be integrally formed or molded with the bristles 1016. The foam block 1003 and bristles 1014 may be made of a foam material having sufficient stiffness to allow the bristles to separate and comb through wet hair. As with other examples described herein, the body 1002 of the brush 1000 may be formed from one piece or more than one piece that fit together. The body may be made of injection molded plastic. The materials and arrangement of the body and foam blocks may vary and remain within the teachings of the present invention. The ability to remove the water absorbent material from the body may allow a user to squeeze water from the bristles and the block, allow for simple replacement, or both. Exposing the block 1003 will greatly assist in the evaporation of moisture from the absorbent material when it is not being used, even while still remaining in the recess.

A hairbrush 1100 is shown in fig. 19 and has a body 1102, the body 1102 having a handle 1104 extending from a cylindrical head 1106. The body 1102 has a longitudinal axis V-V. The handle 1104 is joined to the head 1106 at the neck 1107. The cylindrical head 1106 has a plurality of oversized bristles 1108. The bristles 1108 are arranged to extend radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis V-V. The head 1106 may be hollow and may have an open end 1114 opposite the handle end. The bristles 1108 have a central element 1110 (as shown in fig. 20) and a coating 1112 of a water absorbent material. The central element 1110 of the bristles may be made of nylon or a material having similar strength and flexible qualities. The central element 1110 of the bristles 1100 may be coated or wrapped with a layer 1112 of water absorbent material (e.g., small open cell foam). The bristles may be individually mounted on the head 1106. Alternatively, the layer 1112 of water absorbent material may be overmolded onto a plastic or nylon sleeve having integral bristles. The brush may include a cylindrical base (not shown) that receives such a removable replaceable sleeve.

Fig. 21 shows another example of a hair brush 1200 according to an example embodiment of the invention. The hairbrush 1200 has a body 1202 with a bristle face 1204 and a gripping face 1206. The body 1202 has an absorbent core or block 1208 and a brace 1209. The bracket 1209 may be plastic, wood, metal, or the like and has a support panel 1211 against which a core material or block 1208 rests. In this example, brush 1200 does not have a separate handle. A plurality of bristles 1210 are mounted on the bristle face 1204 or project through the bristle face 1204. The cradle 1209 has an arcuate bridge 1212 opposite the bristle face 1204. A bridge 1212 extends between one end of the body 1202 and an opposite end of the body. The midpoints 1214 of the bridges 1212 are spaced from the back side of the plate 1211 to create a space to receive the absorbent core 1208. An absorbent core 1208 is secured tightly beneath the bridge 1212 and on the rear side of the panel 1211 opposite the bristle face 1204. The absorbent core 1208 may be formed from an absorbent foam material. The bridge 1212 may have a grip 1216 positioned at the midpoint 1214 to create a comfortable grip for the user. One or the other end of the bridge 1212 is releasably attached to one or the other end of the plate 1211 to allow the absorbent core to be removed and replaced within the body 1202. The user may release the bridge 1212 and replace the wetcore material with a drycore material as needed. In one example, the bridge 1212 may be formed of a material that is sufficiently flexible for a user to press the bridge 1212 against the plate 1211 to press the absorbent core 1208 to release water.

The bristles 1210 have a central element (not shown) similar to the previous examples having a non-absorbent, relatively rigid or stiff material, such as nylon. Each of the central elements is again coated with a water-absorbent foam material, such as shown in fig. 20. The foam coating on the bristles 1210 may absorb water from the bristle core to the absorbent core 1208. The bristle face 1204 may have perforations that attach the bristles 1210 with a foam coating and allow the foam coating on the bristles 1210 to contact the foam core 1208. Such contact between the foam coating and the foam core 1208 allows water absorbed from wet hair during styling by the bristles 1210 to be wicked away to the absorbent foam core 1208. Foam core 1208 is removable and may be squeezed (whether or not removed) to release water absorbed by the core. The support may be constructed such that the core and bristles are formed as one piece with the bristles protruding through perforations (not shown) in the support plate. The open side of the stand 1209 allows water to evaporate and dry the absorbent core 1208.

Fig. 22 and 23 show one example of a hair brush 1300 indicating wetness according to one example embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to fig. 22 and 23, a hairbrush 1300 can include a body 1310. The body 1310 may include a handle 1320, a head 1330, and one or more tidal humidity indicators 1340 located along one or more sections of the body 1310. While the example embodiment of fig. 22 and 23 presents two wetness indicators, this is for example purposes only, as a fewer or greater number of wetness indicators may be positioned along the body 1310. The wetness indicator 1340 may be configured to provide a visual indication to the brush user that the wetness indicator 1340 was recently contacted by moisture and that the brush 1300 is thus removing moisture from hair.

In one example embodiment, head 1330 of hair brush 1300 can include two long edges 1350 that are parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of brush body 1310. In this example embodiment, two wetness indicators 1340 are positioned along the head 1330 of the hairbrush 1300, parallel or substantially parallel to the long edge 1350 of the head 1330, and disposed between the long edge 1350 of the head 1330 and the bristle pad 24. In other exemplary embodiments, the wetness indicator may be positioned at one or more different points within the bristles, or at other locations along the head 1330 of the brush 1300.

As previously described, the hairbrush body 1310 can be constructed from one or more pieces. In the present example of fig. 22 and 23, body 1310 may include three parts as shown in fig. 23, including indicator retaining frame 1410, front housing section 1420, and rear housing section 1430. As with other example embodiments disclosed herein, front shell section 1420 may include an outer surface 38 and an inner surface 40. The front shell section may further comprise apertures 42 in the head portion to receive the bristle pad 24 and the water absorbent material 20. The example front shell section 28 includes a mating surface 44 (not shown) at an edge between the outer surface 38 and the inner surface 40. The mating surface 44 may be positioned around the perimeter of the front shell section 28. The back shell section 1430 may include an outer surface 46 and an inner surface 48. The back shell section 1430 also includes a mating surface 50 at an edge around the perimeter of the back shell section 1430 between the outer surface 46 and the inner surface 48. In one example embodiment, mating surface 44 on front shell section 1420 is adapted to engage mating surface 50 of rear shell section 1430 when body 1310 is assembled.

Brush body 1310 may be formed in other different ways and have various different configurations with additional or alternative features. In this example, the front shell section 1420 and the rear shell section 1430 may be joined by sonic welding. Alternatively, the front and rear housing sections may have complementary features that snap together. In another alternative embodiment, the front and rear housing sections may be joined using an adhesive or using removable fasteners. In another alternative embodiment, the hairbrush body can be constructed from a single unitary piece.

Indicator holding frame 1410 may include an inner surface 1440 and an outer surface 1450. When assembled, the inner surface 1440 of the indicator holding frame 1410 mates with the outer surface 38 of the front housing section 1420. In the example of fig. 22 and 23, indicator retaining frame 1410 includes two indicator apertures 1460 and bristle apertures 1470 through which all or a portion of the bristle pad 24 and water absorbent material 20 can pass. However, this is for purposes of example only, as indicator retaining frame 1410 may have a fewer or greater number of indicator apertures 1460, which indicator apertures 1460 may have the same or different sizes and shapes as shown in fig. 22 and 23. Further, in alternative embodiments, the bristle pad may include indicator apertures or an indicator (discussed below) may be incorporated into the bristle pad.

In one example embodiment, two indicator supports 1480 are disposed along the outer surface 38 of the front housing section 1420 and extend upwardly from and substantially perpendicular to the outer surface 38. In one example, each indicator support is a raised platform having a pair of longitudinally extending side surfaces and a top surface disposed between the two side surfaces. The top surface may be flat and orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the side surfaces or may be curved. In certain example embodiments, each indicator support 1480 may have an elongated shape and may have a shape that matches or substantially matches the shape of the corresponding indicator aperture 1460. In one example, when assembled, each indicator support 1480 may be configured to mate with or otherwise extend at least partially through one corresponding indicator aperture 1460.

In the example embodiment of fig. 22 and 23, indicator support 1480 is generally rectangular in shape and protrudes above an outer surface 1450 of indicator holding frame 1410 in order to facilitate contact between the wetness indicator 1340 and the user's wet hair. However, the indicator support 1480 may have any other geometric or non-geometric shape without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In one example, the top surface of each of indicator supports 1480 protrudes about 2-3 millimeters higher than the outer surface 1450 of indicator holding frame 1410. In other examples, indicator support 1480 may have any shape, raised height, or orientation depending on the particular product configuration. In another example embodiment, the indicator support 1480 may include additional features to lock the indicator retaining frame 1410 in place when assembled.

In one example embodiment, the wetness indicator 1340 includes a strip of fabric 1490 having an inner surface 1492 and an outer surface 1494. The example fabric strips 1490 can be at least partially coated on the outer surface 1494 with a wetness sensitive color change coating. The wetness sensation color change coating may be applied by conventional screen printing methods, by coating the base fabric or by other suitable means for applying an ink or coating to the base cotton, polyester, nylon, blended, non-woven, or other suitable fabric substrate. A moisture-sensitive color-changing coating is a coating that changes its appearance or color when wet. In one example embodiment, the wetness color-changing coating may be a pigment-free wetness color-changing binder, such as Hydro chrome White from MATSUI INTERNATIONAL COMPANY, INC. In another exemplary embodiment, the wetness sensation color change adhesive may be combined with pigments or other fillers to alter the color or other properties of the coating. Other exemplary embodiments may use additional wetness sensitive color change coatings or inks to provide a similar change in appearance when the coating becomes wet. In one example embodiment, the wetness sensation color change coating completely covers or substantially covers the outer surface 1494 of the fabric strip 1490. In one example, the outer surface 1494 of the fabric strip 1490 (with the wetness sensitive color change coating) is opaque white when dry. When the wetness indicator 1340 becomes wet (e.g., bounces off of or away from the user's hair, such as from contact with the user's hair or by moisture, and onto the outer surface 1494 of the fabric strip 1490), the wetness sensation color-changing coating may change appearance, e.g., become translucent or transparent and reveal the underlying color of the fabric strip 1490 and or the indicator support 1480. In one example embodiment, the wetness sensation color-change coating is a fully reversible wetness sensation color-change coating that returns to its original dry color (e.g., an opaque white appearance) when the outer surface 1494 of the fabric strip 1490 dries. In some example embodiments, a partially coated overlay or a band with a woven or printed pattern may be used to change the visual appearance of the indication displayed by the fabric strip 1490 when the outer surface 1494 becomes wet. This may allow messages (e.g., "wet" or "in-service") or designs (e.g., water droplets) to appear on the outer surface 1494 of the fabric strip 1490 when it becomes wet. In another example embodiment, the wetness sensation color-changing coating may be applied directly to the bristles, to the microfibers, or to the brush itself, depending on the nature of the particular coating utilized and the configuration of the hairbrush. In other exemplary embodiments, a wetness sensitive color changing fabric may be used in place of the wetness sensitive color changing coated fabric strip to provide a wetness indicator. In another example embodiment, a sensor may be incorporated into the brush and used to sense moisture and provide a visual, tactile, or audible alert of the presence of moisture.

In certain example embodiments, the indicator apertures 1460 in the indicator retaining frame 1410 are positioned and sized to correspond to the orientation and size of the corresponding indicator supports 1480 protruding from the front housing section 1420. When brush 1300 is assembled and portions of each of indicator supports 1480 extend through corresponding indicator apertures 1460, indicator retention frame 1410 securely retains wetness indicator 1340 in place. The tidal humidity indicator 1340 is supported by an indicator support 1480, which indicator support 1480 protrudes through an indicator aperture 1460 in the indicator retaining frame 1410. In certain example embodiments, the wetness indicator 1340 is fixed in place by a press fit between the indicator aperture 1460 in the indicator holding frame 1410, the wetness indicator 1340 itself, and each of the corresponding indicator supports 1480 that protrude from the front housing section 1420 and through the indicator apertures 1460. In other example embodiments, other methods may be used to secure the wetness indicator 1340. For example, an adhesive may be used to secure the wetness indicator 1340 to its corresponding indicator support 1480. In another alternative embodiment, brush 1300 may not have indicator supports 1480 or indicator apertures 1460, and alternatively, wetness indicator 1340 may be coupled or otherwise adhered to outer surface 1450 of indicator holding frame 1410. Additionally, in certain example embodiments, the wetness indicator 1340 may be fixed in place by other mechanical means, for example, the wetness indicator 1340 may have positioning apertures corresponding to posts protruding from the indicator retaining frame 1410 or the front housing section 1420. In another example, snaps, clips, or rivets may be used to secure the wetness indicator 1340 to the head of the brush. In other examples, the wetness indicator 1340 may be secured in place by bonding using an adhesive. In another example embodiment, the wetness indicator 1340 may be selectively removed so that it may be replaced.

Similar to front shell section 1420 and rear shell section 1430, indicator retention frame 1410 may be formed differently and have a variety of different configurations and shapes and additional and or alternative features. In one example, indicator holding frame 1410 and front housing section 1420 may be joined by sonic welding. Alternatively, the indicator retaining frame and the front shell section may have complementary features that snap together. In another example embodiment, the indicator retention frame and the front housing section may be joined using an adhesive or using removable fasteners. In another example embodiment, the indicator retaining frame may be retained by a frictional relationship resulting from a press-fit assembly of indicator aperture 1460, wetness indicator 1340, and indicator support 1480.

FIG. 24 shows an example of a humidity indicating hairbrush 1500 having a semi-cylindrical brushhead portion, according to an example embodiment of the invention. Referring to fig. 24, a hair brush 1500 can include a body 1510, the body 1510 having a handle 1520 extending from one end of a semi-cylindrical head 1530. Handle 1520 may be shaped to make gripping comfortable, as any of the other handles disclosed and described herein. The body 1510 can include a neck 1540 that provides a transition from the shape and diameter of the handle 1520 to the shape and diameter of the head 1530. In certain example embodiments, the neck 1540 may have a narrower diameter than the handle 1520 or the head 1530. In one example, the semi-cylindrical head 1530 has a cylindrical surface 1550 and a flat surface 1560. In the example of fig. 24, a plurality of bristles 1570 project through, are mounted on, or are integrally molded to the cylindrical surface 1550 of the head 1530. The bristles 1570 extend radially outward relative to a longitudinal axis of the body 1510. The head 1530 may also contain an absorbent material 1580 that is mounted on another portion of the head. Bristles 1570 and water absorbent material 1580 may be arranged with cylindrical and semi-cylindrical brush heads as illustrated in previous examples.

In the example embodiment of fig. 24, two wetness indicators 1590 may be positioned on the cylindrical surface 1550 of the head 1530. For example, each of the wetness indicators 1590 may be placed on opposing edges of the cylindrical surface 1550, extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body 1510, and/or may be mounted between the bristles 1570 and the flat surface 1560 of the head. Alternatively, one or more wetness indicators 1590 may be positioned at any other location on the head 1530 of brush 1500, including between one or more bristles 1570, one or more rows of bristles 1570, and/or one or more columns of bristles 1570. The diameter of the semi-cylindrical head 1530 may vary based on the desired hair styling effect. A relatively larger diameter cylindrical head may generally be used to form larger hair curls and a relatively smaller diameter cylindrical head may be used to form smaller hair curls. Similarly, the number, shape, and location of the wetness indicators may vary based on the overall brush configuration.

In all of the above examples, the brush body may be formed or molded from plastic (e.g., Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)) or similar materials. The bristle material may comprise nylon, plastic, natural rigid animal hair, or other materials. In some examples, the disclosed bristle pads, supports, or substrates can be made of the same material as the bristles or a different material. Such materials may comprise plastic materials that meet the necessary requirements of a combination of strength and flexibility.

A microfiber fabric according to the present invention may comprise a base layer or substrate of 85% polyester and 15% nylon and a fabric or flexible strip. Other materials and chemical combinations may be used if such materials and combinations have the desired characteristics described above.

Antimicrobial additives (e.g., triclosan) can be used with the microfiber fabric and/or absorbent foam materials described above to impart antimicrobial properties to the disclosed hair brushes and styling appliances. Where feasible, specific features of any one embodiment described herein may be applied to any other embodiment. For example, any brush body may have a handle or no handle, textured or not textured. The brush may have foam, a fabric absorbent material, or other suitable absorbent material. Suitable fabrics may include, without limitation, various fabric types and weaves, such as plain weave, terry weave, cut or uncut pile weave, or the like. Any hairbrush may include coated bristles, individual bristles, integrally molded bristles, and/or an absorbent strip, etc., and remain within the teachings of the present disclosure.

The materials and material combinations used for the brushes described herein may vary. For example, decorative features may be used on the brush body, such as a decorative gripping surface with or without a texture, a combination of materials (e.g., wood and plastic), or overmolded plastic or other materials. Such materials may be made in complementary or contrasting colors and/or textures, or combinations thereof, and may be used on any of the hair brushes described herein, and remain within the teachings of the present disclosure.

Additionally, certain relationships of the brushes described herein are described herein using the term "generally". As used herein, the terms "substantially" and "substantially equal" indicate that an equal relationship is not an absolute relationship and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. Unless the context or description indicates otherwise, the use of the terms "substantially" and "substantially equal" in conjunction with two or more described dimensions or positions indicates that the equal relationship between the dimensions or positions encompasses variations that do not change the least significant digit of the dimension using accepted mathematical and industrial principles in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.). As used herein, the term "substantially constant" indicates that a constant relationship is not an absolute relationship and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. As used herein, the term "substantially parallel" indicates that the relationship of parallel is not an absolute relationship and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom.

Although certain hair styling appliances have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all examples of the teachings of the invention that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.

Conditional language (e.g., "can, could, might, or may", among others) is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments may include certain features, elements, and/or operations, while other embodiments do not include the features, elements, and/or operations, unless specifically stated otherwise or understood otherwise within the context of use. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or operations are in any way required for one or more implementations or that one or more implementations necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or operations are included or are to be performed in any particular implementation.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims (18)

1. A hairbrush, comprising:

a body having a head;

a plurality of rows of axially aligned flexible bristles carried by the head, the plurality of rows of flexible bristles projecting relative to the head; and

a first non-electrical, elongated wetness detection-indicator disposed along a portion of the body adjacent and parallel to a first row of the plurality of rows of the flexible bristles and projecting relative to the head; and a second non-electrical, elongated wetness detection-indicator disposed along another portion of the body adjacent and parallel to a last one of the rows of the flexible bristles; wherein the first and second non-electrical, elongated wetness detection-indicators are spaced apart, each configured to indicate to a user when the hairbrush is wet;

wherein each of said wetness detecting-indicators comprises a fabric strip having a wetness sensitive color-changing coating.

2. The hairbrush of claim 1 wherein the body comprises a handle coupled to the head, and wherein the wetness detection-indicator is disposed on the head.

3. The hairbrush of claim 2 wherein at least two wetness detection-indicators are disposed on the head, a first wetness detection-indicator disposed along a first portion of the head and a second wetness detection-indicator disposed along a second portion of the head distal from the first portion.

4. The hairbrush of claim 2 wherein the plurality of bristles are arranged in a plurality of columns oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body, and wherein the wetness detection-indicator is positioned adjacent to and parallel to a first column and a second column of bristles.

5. The hairbrush of claim 2 wherein the head includes an outer surface, wherein the plurality of bristles protrude above the outer surface of the head, and wherein at least a portion of the wetness detection-indicator protrudes above the outer surface of the head.

6. The hairbrush of claim 1 wherein the fabric strip includes an inward facing side and an outward facing side, and wherein the coating is applied to at least a portion of the outward facing side of the fabric strip.

7. The hairbrush of claim 1 wherein the head is generally rectangular in shape or generally oval in shape.

8. The hairbrush of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the head is cylindrical or partially cylindrical in shape, and wherein the plurality of bristles project in a radial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the head.

9. The hairbrush of claim 1 further comprising:

a microfiber fabric material carried by a portion of the body, the microfiber fabric material being water absorbent and portions of the microfiber fabric material being positioned proximate the plurality of bristles.

10. The hairbrush of claim 9 wherein the microfiber fabric material includes a base substrate carried by the head and a plurality of fabric strips interspersed between the plurality of bristles.

11. The hairbrush of claim 10 wherein the microfiber fabric material comprises a plurality of flexible fabric strips interspersed between the plurality of bristles, and wherein each of the plurality of flexible fabric strips is oriented to extend substantially in the same direction as adjacent bristles of the plurality of bristles.

12. A hairbrush, comprising:

a body having a head and a handle coupled to the head;

a plurality of rows of axially aligned flexible bristles carried by the head, the plurality of rows of flexible bristles projecting relative to the head;

a first non-electrical, elongated, wetness-detecting indicator disposed on the head, the first non-electrical, elongated, wetness-detecting indicator being adjacent to and parallel to a first row of the plurality of rows of the flexible bristles; and a second non-electrical, elongated wetness detection-indicator adjacent to and parallel to a last row of the plurality of rows of the flexible bristles; wherein the first and second non-electrical, elongated wetness detection-indicators are spaced apart, each further comprising a wetness color-changing coating configured to indicate to a user when the wetness detection-indicator is wet, each wetness detection-indicator comprising a fabric strip having the wetness color-changing coating; and

a microfiber fabric material carried by a portion of the body, the microfiber fabric material being water absorbent and portions of the microfiber fabric material being positioned proximate the plurality of bristles.

13. The hairbrush of claim 12, wherein the head is generally rectangular in shape and includes a top edge, an opposing bottom edge, a first side edge extending from the top edge to the bottom edge, and an opposing second side edge extending from the top edge to the bottom edge, and two wetness indicators, wherein a first wetness indicator is disposed on the head adjacent the first side edge between the first side edge and the plurality of bristles, and a second wetness indicator is disposed on the head adjacent the second side edge of the head between the second side edge and the plurality of bristles.

14. The hairbrush of claim 12 wherein the head further comprises a rear surface opposite the plurality of bristles, the rear surface including openings to allow air to communicate with a rear side of the plurality of bristles and a microfiber fabric material.

15. A hairbrush, comprising:

a brush body having a head and a handle coupled to the head, the head being cylindrically shaped and extending along a longitudinal axis of the brush body;

a plurality of axially aligned rows of flexible bristles projecting radially outwardly from the cylindrical surface of the head; and

at least one non-electrical wetness indicator adjacent and parallel to the rows of the flexible bristles, the wetness detection-indicator further comprising a wetness color-changing coating configured to indicate to a user when the hairbrush is wet, the wetness detection-indicator comprising a fabric strip having the wetness color-changing coating.

16. The hairbrush of claim 15 further comprising a microfiber material that is water absorbent and includes a base substrate disposed on the head and a plurality of microfiber strips interspersed between the plurality of bristles.

17. The hairbrush of claim 15 wherein the head further comprises flat sides extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the brush body.

18. The hairbrush of claim 17, wherein the at least one wetness detection-indicator comprises a first wetness detection-indicator and a second wetness detection-indicator, wherein each of the first and second wetness detection-indicators is disposed on the head adjacent to a corresponding first intersection point between a flat surface and the cylindrical surface of the head and a second intersection point between the flat surface and the cylindrical surface of the head on an opposite side of the cylindrical surface of the head.

Images