GB2514531A

GB2514531A - Hairbrush

Info

Publication number: GB2514531A
Application number: GB1303186.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Grange Snell
Original assignee: ONLINE STYLIST Ltd
Current assignee: ONLINE STYLIST Ltd
Priority date: 2013-02-22
Filing date: 2013-02-22
Publication date: 2014-12-03
Also published as: GB201303186D0

Abstract

A hairbrush 10 comprises a mounting layer 12, a shock absorbing element 14 mounted to the mounting layer 12, a bristle support layer 16 supported by the shock absorption element 14, and a plurality of bristles 18 on the bristle support layer 16; The shock-absorption element 14 has at least one opening 36 formed in a side wall 38 thereof to provide a predetermined compressive characteristic on impartation of compressive force through the bristles 18. A hairbrush with clusters of bristles of different length and a hairbrush with a shock absorbing element providing a pivoting handle are also disclosed.

Description

Hairbrush The present invention relates to a hairbrush, and more particularly to a hairbrush that reduces the impact to a user's scalp and/or decreases the effort required to detangle hair.

Flair brushing is known to help with maintaining healihy hair and scalp. It is also known that brushing can help with detangling hair, or teasing out knots. A problem associated with brushing tangled or knotted hair with a conventional hairbrush is that the pressure applied to the hair through the hairbrush can often cause tearing of and damage to the hair, resulting in breakage or loss of hair. The repeated impact of the hairbrush on the scalp can also cause discomfort and, in extreme cases, damage to the skin of the scalp. In the case of severely knotted hair, traditional hairbrushes can also be difficult to manipulate in order to position the bristles accurately thereby allowing teasing out of the tangled hair.

The present invention therefore seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hairbrush comprising a mounting layer, a shock-absorption element on the mounting layer, a bnstle support layer on the shock-absorption element, and a plurality of bristles on the bristle support layer. the shock-absorption element having at least one opening formed in a side wall thereof to provide a predetermined compressive charactenstic on impartation of compressive force through the bristles.

Preferable and/or optional features of the first aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 23, inclusive.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hairbrush comprising a mounting layer, a bristle support layer on the mounting layer, and a plurality of spaced-apart bristle clusters on the bnstle support layer, each bristle cluster having at least one central bristle having a first length and first and second outer bristles spaced from and positioned around the at least one central bristle, the first said outer bristles having a second length shorter than the first length and the second said outer bristles having a third length shorter than the first and the second lengths.

Preferable and/or optional features of the second aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 25 to 31, inclusive.

According to third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hairbrush comprising a head and a handle which extends from the head, the head having a mounting layer. a shock-absorption element on the mounting layer. a bristle support layer on the shock-absorption element, and a plurality of bristles on the bristle support layer, the shock-absorption element having a handle portion which extends from the head and forms at least part of the handle, wherein the shock-absorption element enables pivoting of the head relative to the hanifie upon pressure applied thereto.

Preferable and/or optional features of the third aspect of the invention are set forh in claims 33 to 37, inclusive.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be calTied into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings. in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a hairbrush, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 shows an exploded side view of the hairbrush of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view from below of the hairbrush of Figure 1. with a mounting layer removed for clarity; Figure 4 shows a bottom plan view of a bristle mounting element of the hairbrush; Figure 5 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a bristle duster of the hairbrush; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a hairbrush, in accordance with the first and third aspects of the invention;

I

Figure 7 shows an exploded perspective view of the hairbrush of Figure 6; and Figure 8 shows a longitudina' cross-sectional side view of the hairbrush of Figure 6.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, there is provided a hairbrush 10 which comprises a mounting layer 12, a shock-absorption element 14, in this case being a shock-absorbing layer. mounted to the mounting layer 12, and a bristle support layer 6 supported by the shock-absorption element 14. A plurality of bristles 18 is mounted directly to the bristle support layer 16, so as to be preferably solely directly supported thereby. In the embodiment illustrated, the hairbrush 10 has a head 20 at which the bnstles 18 are provided and a handle 22 for a user to grip. However, in the present embodiment at least, the handfle 22 may be omitted.

The mounting layer 12 includes a plate-like head portion 24, which may have a substantially uniform thickness. The mounting layer head portion 24 is preferably arcuate along its lateral and longitudinal extents, so as to present a generally concave form to the shock-absorption element 14. It will be appreciated that although having an arcuate mounting layer head portion 24 improves the compressive charactenstic of the hairbrush 10, as it allows some flex, a substantially planar mounting layer head portion 24 may be provided, if desired. Alternatively, instead of being generally concave, the head portion 24 may be convex.

The mounting ayer head porion 24, in this embodiment, has a generally polygonal shape, and alihough substantially irregu'ar, it may be regular or any other suitable shape, such as circular, oval, or oblong.

A handle portion 26 of the mounting layer 12 extends outwardly and away from a tapering proximal end 28 of the mounting layer head portion 24. The mounting layer handle portion 26 and the mounting layer head portion 24 may beneficially be integrally formed as one-piece. The mounting layer handle portion 26 is an elongate strut-like member, preferably following a longitudinal arc of the head portion 24 and having a reduced thickness along the majority of its length compared to the mounting layer head portion 24.

A thickened distal end 30 of the mounting layer handle portion 26 is also provided, the purpose of which will be discussed hereinafter. The mounting layer handle portion 26 forms part of the handle 22 of the hairbrush 10, as will also become more apparent in due course.

As seen in Figure 3, the shock-absorption element i4 is similarly provided with a head portion 32 and a handle portion 34. In this embodiment, the shock-absorpdon head portion 32 is an upstanding, preferably rubber or elastomer, shock-absorbing strip that is sized and shaped to be substantially aligned with and to extend fully around a periphery of the mounring layer head portion 24.

An array of openings 36, being in this case in a range of twenty to twenty-five, is formed in and along an outwardly facing side wall 38 of the shock-absorption head portion 32, for imparting a predetermined compressive charactenstic to the shock-absorption element 14. It will be appreciate that the number of openings 36 can be altered, to less than 20 or more than 25, depending on the degree of compressive characteristic required to be achieved on the shock-absorption element 14. In general.

the greater the number of openings 36, the higher degree of compressive characteristic is imparted to the shock-absorption element 14.

Although the openings 36 are illustrated as being equi-distantly spaced apart from each other to provide a uniform compressive characteristic along a whole ength of the shock-absorption head portion 32, more or fewer openings 36 may be provided, in particular in certain regions exposed to greater or lesser loads. For example. more openings 36 may be provided adjacent a distal end 40 of the shock-absorbing element head portion 32, which tend to receive more force when a user uses the hairbrush 10 at an angle. such as when trying to tease out knots. Greater compressive characteristics may be desired in such a region to prevent or limit damage to the hair.

In this embodiment, each opening 36 preferably has a depth which extends in parallel or substantially parallel with the mounting layer 12, and also with each other.

Furthermore, each opening 36 is substantially identical, such that each has a substantially same length and height. Such arrangement provides a uniform or substantially uniform compressive characteristic along the whole length of the shock-absorption head portion 32, and ensures the whole or substantially whole suiface of the head region 20 has a more uniform compressive characteristic.

The openings 36, illustrated in Figure 3. are in the form of bottomed recesses.

However the openings may be apertures, which extend through the depth of the shock-absorption head portion 32. Providing openings as apertures will impart a different compressive characteristic, and it may be that a user can tailor the compressive characteristic to one that they desire by manually opening a bottom of one or more openings so that some remain as bottomed recesses whilst others become apertures.

Although the openings 36 shown in the Figures are circular, they could be other shapes, such as oblong or oval. The length of one, more or each opening 36 may thus be greater than its height. In this case, the length of the opening 36 is a length in a longitudinal direction of the shock-absorption head portion 32 and the height of the opening 36 is in a top to bottom lateral direction of the shock-absorption head portion 32. Altering a shape of the openings 36 essentially alters a surface area of the shock-absorbing strip of the head portion 32, thereby altering the compressive characteristic of the shock-absorbing strip.

The handle portion 34 of the shock-absorption element 14 is preferably integrally formed with the head portion 32 of the shock-absorption element 14. A proximal end 42 of the shock-absorption handle portion 34 is substantially V-shaped to compliment the proximal end 28 of the mounting layer head portion 24. Although other shapes may be used, the V-shaped anangement is beneficial in rigidifying the junction between the head 20 and handle 22 whilst still enabling pivoting movement.

As seen in Figure 2, the shock-absorption handle portion 34 forms at least part of the handle 22 of the hairbrush 10, providing an outer casing. An opening 44 is provided on the shock-absorption handle portion 34 for receiving at least in part the mounting layer handle portion 26 and at least part of the bristle support layer 16, which will be discussed bethw. As such, the shock-absorption handle portion 34 increases in thickness at its proximal end 42 in order to accommodate the mounting byer handle portion 26 and the bristle support layer 16. Sides 46 of the shock-absorption handle portion 34 are waisted, and the shock-absorption handle portion 34 also preferably has a tapered and curved side profile. Both features are ergonomically advantageous for thc uscr's grip.

As seen in Figures 1 and 3, the shock-absorption handle portion 34 may have solid walls, slidably receiving the mounting layer handle poi-tion 26 for housing thereby.

Similarly, part of the bristle support layer i6 is also slidably receivable therein.

However, it will be appreciated that the shock-absorption handle portion 34 may have at least one aperture on the surface for displaying the mounting layer handle portion 26 and/or the said part of the bristle support layer 16 inside.

The embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 illustrates the shock-absorption head portion 32 as the shock-absorbing strip. In an alternative embodiment, the shock-absorption head portion 32 may be in the form of a shock-absorbing plate. It may have a sheet like structure, overlying or substantially overlying the mounting layer 12. The shock-absorbing plate may provide a more controlled and uniform predetermined compressive characteristic, compared to the shock-absorbing strip.

The bristle support layer 16 includes a bristle mounting element 48 where bristles 18 are to be supported, and a bristle surround element 50.

Similarly to the mounting layer 12, the bristle surround dement 50 comprises a head portion 52 having a central aperture 54 for receiving the bristle mounting element 48 mounted to the bristle surround element 50. The bristle surround head portion 52 is sized and shaped in such a way as to be at or adjacent to a periphery of the shock- absorbing strip of the head portion 32, or overlies or substantiafly overlies the shock-absorbing plate.

The bristle surround element may be substantially planar, so that the bristle mounting element 48 can be adjacent or substantially adjacent the shock-absorption head portion 32. This allows close contact between the shock-absorption head portion 32 and the bristle mounting element 48 when compressive force is imparted through the bristles 18 to the shock-absorption element 14, during brushing.

Preferably however, and as seen in Figure 2, the bristle surround head portion 52 is slightly arcuate along its lateral and longitudinal extents. The bristle mounting element 48 is therefore effectively suspended on the bristle surround head portion 52, so as to be spaced from the shock-absorption head portion 32. This provides a suspension effect. During brushing, pressure applied to the bristle mounting layer through the bristles i8 causes the bristle surround head portion 52 to flex, thereby dissipating a portion of the pressure.

A handle portion 56, similar to the mounting layer handle portion 26, is provided on the bristle surround element 50, extending outwardly and away from a proximal end of the bristle mounting head portion 48. The bristle surround handle portion 56 is receivable within the shock-absorption handle portion 34 and thus forms part of the handle 22 of the hairbrush 10. The thickened distal end 30 of the mounting layer handle portion 26 and a similarly thickened distal end 60 of the bristle surround element 50 are provided. Each of these thickened distal ends 30, 60 are designed to engage with a corresponding part within the shock-absorption handle portion 34 to help securing of the mounting layer 12 and the bristle support layer 16 to the shock-absorption element 14.

A plate-like base 62 is provided on the bristle mounting element 48 that is sized and shaped to be secured to the bnstle sulTound head portion 52 and received in the bristle surround central aperture 54. A plurality of bristles i8 is directly mounted to the bristle mounting element base 62, so as to be disp'ayed outwardly through the central aperture 54.

The bristle mounting element 48 may be rigid or semi-rigid. Alternatively, it may be a flcxiblc platc for at icast in part conforming to a uscr's cranium, thus providing maximum contact area with hair during brushing.

It will be appreciated that although in this embodiment the bristle mounfing element 48 is separate to the bristle surround element 50, the bristle mounting element 48 and the brisfie surround element 50 may be integrally formed as one piece, if desired.

However, having the bristle mounting element 48 separate of the bristle surround element 50 allows the bristle mounting element 48 to be changed. Bristles 18 of different characteristics and different alTangements may be provided on different bristle mounting elements 48 and the user maybe aNe to interchange them to suit.

The mounting layer handle portion 26 and/or the bristle surround handle portion 56 are alTanged in the shock-absorption handle portion 34 such that the mounting layer 12 andlor the bristle surround element 50 are provided with limited lateral freedom of movement. In other words, the shock-absorption handle portion 34 provides a pivot point for the lateral flex of the mounting layer 12 and/or the bristle surround element 50. Consequently, the head 20 of the hairbrush 10 is allowed to pivot slightly relative to the handle 22.

Furthermore, any lateral movement of the mounting layer 12 may be independent of any lateral movement of the bristle surround element 50.

The reduced thickness of the handle portions 26, 56 of the mounting layer i2 and the bristle sulTound element 50 in comparison with their respective head portions 24, 54 provide different flexing characteristics of the handle portions 26, 56 compared to the head portions 24, 54. As such, the pivot point of each of the mounting layer 12 and the bristle surround element 50 is naturally positioned at or adjacent the interface between the respective handle portions 26, 56 and the head portions 24, 54. This provides each head portion 24, 54 of the mounting layer 12 and the bristle surround element 50 lateral left-to-right flex during brushing, but such movement is dampened so as to not impede the ability of the bristles 18 on the bristle mounting layer 12 to engage with hair of the user.

As best seen in Figures 1, 4 and 5, the bristles 18 of the hairbrush lO may be arranged in clusters 63. Each bristle 18 within each cluster 63, and each cluster 63, are spaced from each other. The bristles 18 are spaced such that there is adequate room for each bristle 18 to flex and bend to prevent excessive tugging on hair when brushing. A central bristle 64 is provided in each bristle cluster 63, and a plurality of first and second outer bristles 66, 68 are provided around the central bristle 64. It will be appreciated that more than one central bristle 64 may be provided, if preferred.

Referring to Figure 5, the central bristle 64 has a first length, and the first outer bristles 66 have a second length which is shorter than the first length of the central bristle 64. The second outer bristles 68 have a third length which is shorter than both the second length of the first outer bristles 66 and the first length of the central bristle 64. The first and second outer bristles 66, 68 are specifically arranged so as to be preferably positioned alternately around the central bristle 64, and so as to be preferably equi-angularly spaced apart from each other.

The arrangement of the bristle clusters 63 is designed so that the central bristle 64 of each cluster 63 makes contact with the hair first. Bending of the central bristles 64 then allows the first outer bristles 66 of the second length to make contact with the hair, if further pressure is applied, bending of the first outer bristles 66 of the second length then allow the second outer bristles 68 of the third length to make contact.

Therefore, the user can adjust the amount of contact the brisdes 64, 66. 68 make by adjusting the force applied to the hairbrush 10.

Although in this case the bristles have a uniform or substantially uniform cross-sectional area along at least a majority of their longitudinal extents, each bristle 64, 66. 68 within each cluster 63 may have a tapered or conical shape, converging towards a free distal end, with a smooth truncation at the distal end (not shown in the Figures). Furthermore, the conical shape of each of the bristles 64, 66, 68 may also be different, by varying the surface area in which bases of the bristles 64, 66, 68 cover.

This provides further varying degrees of flex or bend for the bristles 64, 66, 68 of each cluster 63.

The utilisation of bnstle clusters 63, together with the alternate positioning of first and second outer bristles 66, 64 of two different lengths around a cennl bristle 64 of a greater length, allows gentle brushing of hair. It also ensures that, when brushing through a knot, the bristles 64, 66, 68 of different lengths make contact at different parts of the knots, gently teasing out the hair without or substantially without tugging.

It will be appreciated that the outer bristles may have more than two different lengths, if preferred.

Each bristle cluster 63 shown in Figures 4 and 5 is generally circular in shape, but it wifl be appreciated that other shapes, such as oval, oblong, or square, may be provided, if desired. However, a circular shape may be most appropriate to allow for an optimum number of clusters 63 on the bristle mounting element 48.

As best seen in Figure 4, the bristle clusters 63 are provided in an array on the bristle mounting element 48, so as to be equi-distantly spaced. Furthermore, the bristle clusters 63 are preferably relatively angularly arranged such that each first outer bristle 66 one brisde cluster 63 is adjacent to a second outer bristle 68 a neighbouring bristle cluster 63 and vice versa. This arrangement allows an approximately uniform spread of bristles 64, 66, 68 of different lengths on the bristle mounting element 48 and avoids clumping' of first and second outer bristles 66. 68 of the same length.

Contact between the hair and bristles of different lengths 64, 66, 68 during brushing is thus optirnised as much as possible.

The mounting layer 12 and the bristle support layer 16 may be made of plastics material, which has an appropriate degree of rigidity to support the shock-absorpdon element 14, but also an appropriate degree of flex when force is applied. The shock-absorption element 14 may be made of elastic and/or compressible material, such as rubber or silicone. The bristles 18 may be synthetic bristles, natural animal-hair bristles. oracombination of both.

The hairbrush 10 described above comprises both the shock-absorption element 14 and the bristle clusters 63 anangement. However, it will be appreciated that other embodiments of the invention may be provided, with either just the shock-absorption element 14 or the bristle clusters 63.

In use, a user grips the handle 22 of the hairbrush 10 and brings the bristles 18 on the head 20 of the hairbrush 10 into contact with his or her hair. During brushing, the central bristles 64 and first and second outer bnstles 66, 68 of different lengths provided on the bristle mounting element 48 engage with the hair at varying depths.

The force applied to the brisde mounting dement 48 during brushing is imparted directly to its adjacent layer, being the shock-absorption element 14, through contact, and also indirectly through the bristle surround element 50. The compressive characteristic of the shock-absorption element 14, provided innately by its flexible material and also by the openings 36 formed in the side wall 38, allows the shock-absorption element 14 to be compressed, thereby dissipating a portion of the force.

Furthermore, the flexible shock-absorbing material of the shock-absorption dernent 14, and the provision of the thickened proximal end 42 of the shock-absorption handle portion 34, allow the shock-absorption head portion 32 to pivot about a pivot point at or adjacent to the interface between the shock-absorption head portion 32 and the shock-absorption handle portion 34. This allows the shock-absorption head portion 32 to slightly flex or slightly rotate relative to the shock-absorption handle portion 34, thereby further dissipating force. Tearing of hair and damage to scalp through excessive force are therefore reduced.

Although the illustrated embodiments of the invention provide a handle 22 that extends from the head 20 of the hairbrush 10, it will be appreciated that the handle 22 of the hairbrush lO, and therefore the handle portions of the mounting layer 12, shock-absorption element 14 and the bristle support layer 16, may be dispensed with, In this case, the user may use the hairbrush 10 by simply gripping an outer surface of the mounting layer head portion 24.

Nevertheless, having a handle 22 extending from the head 20 of the hairbrush 10 is beneficial. This is because, as discussed above, when brushing. the mounting layer head portion 24 and/or the bristle surround head portion 52 call sfightly laterally flex towards their respective handle portions with marginal independent movement in the plane of the hairbrush 10. This prevents or limits tugging of the hair and reduces hair loss during brushing, especially when brushing through knots.

Referring now to Figures 6 to 8, there is shown a further embodiment of a hairbrush 100. Like references refer to pails which are similar to those of the previous embodiments, and thus further detailed description is omitted.

The hairbrush 100 of Figures 6 to 8 has a similar appearance to the hairbrush 10 of the first embodiment, having the head 20 and the handle 22, and provided with the mounting layer 12, the shock-absorption element 14 mounted to the mounting layer 12, and the bristle support layer 16 supported by the shock-absorption element 14.

The head portion 24 of the mounting layer 12 is similar to the previous embodiments.

A handle portion 70 of the mounting layer 12 extends from a peripheral edge, outwardly and away from the proximal end 28 of the mounting layer head portion 24.

A row of, in this case, five apertures 72 is provided in and along the mounting layer handle portion 70 to improve flexibility of the portion, when the hairbrush 100 is in use. It will be appreciated that more or less apertures may be provided, or they may be omitted completely, if required. The distribution of the apertures 72 may also be altered to provide more or less flexibility at different positions along the handle portion 70, as required. At present, the apertures 72 are equi-distantly spaced apart, but other non-regular spacings may be utilised.

II

The head portion 32 of the shock-absorption element 14 of this embodiment is similar to the previous embodiments. However, whilst the shock-absorption handle portion of the previous embodiments forms substantially an outer casing of the handle of the hairbrush, a modified handle portion 74 of the shock-absorption element 14 is utilised in this embodiment to form a longitudinal and lateral part of the handle 22.

A plurality of rib elements are provided on the inward facing surface of the shock-absorption handle portion 74 to provide structural integrity to the handle region 22.

Each rib element has a pair of ribs 76, 78 which extend from interior sides of the shock-absorption handle portion 74 towards a central spar 79. The two ribs 76, 78 preferably do not meet and have a depth which is greater than that of the central spar 79, so that a gap 80 is provided. The central spar 79 thus runs along a longitudinal length of the shock-absorption handle portion 74, bridging between the two ribs 76, 78 of each rib element, and interconnecting the rib elements with each other.

A channel 82, best seen in Figure 7, is thereby provided by the series of gaps 80 and the central spar 79. The channel 82 is sized and arranged for receiving and retaining the mounting layer handle portion 70, such that movement of the mounting layer handle portion 70 independent of the movement of the shock-absorpdon element handle portion 74 is prohibited or limited.

It will be appreciated that, if desired, the channel 82 may be sized so as to allow the mounting layer handle portion 70 to twist or flex independently of the shock-absorption handle portion 74, andlor to pivot laterally and/or independently of the shock-absorption handle portion 74. Alternatively, the provision of the rib elements and/or the central spar 79 may be negated entirely to allow maximum flexibility of movement of the mounting layer handle portion 70.

The bristle support byer 16 of this embodiment is also provided with the bristle mounting element 48 similarly to the previous embodiments. The bristle support layer 16 of this embodiment is also provided with the bristle surround element 50 having a similar head portion 52. However, a handle portion 84 of the bristle surround element is provided such that it forms another pail of the handle 22 of the hairbrush 100, effectively capping and closing the shock-absorption handle portion 74. The handle 22 of the hairbrush 100 is therefore at least in part formed by the shock-absorption handle portion 74 and the bristle surround handle portion 84.

A distal end of the mounting layer handle portion 70 may be further provided with a circular pin 86 to be received by a corresponding opening, in this case being an aperture 88, on the bristle sulTound handle portion 84. Two splayed arms or tabs 90 are provided at an end of the pin 86 and are designed to snap-fittingly engage and be retained by a lip 92 provided in the opening 88 and along its circumference. The two splayed arms 90 are biased to a locked position for linking the mounting layer handle portion 70 and the bristle surround handle portion 84 together, but can be urged together to unlock the two parts 70, 84.

As the Hp 92 is provided along the circumference of the opening 88. the mounting layer handle portion 70 is therefore allowed to pivot slightly laterally relative to the bristle surround handle portion 84, but not necessarily to rotate angularly about the pin 86.

As discussed previously, the bristle support layer 16 is preferably made from plastics.

To improve grip and comfort, a handle cover 94 made of elastic material, such as rubber or silicone, may be provided for covering at least the bristle surround element handle portion 84. An aperture 96 may optionally be provided on the handle cover 94, and be substantially aligned with the aperture 88 on the mounting ayer handle portion 70, for allowing access to the splayed arms 90 of the pin 86.

In use, the hairbrush 100 operates in a similar way to the previous embodiments, but the lateral pivot point for the mounting layer 12 is now provided by the pin 86, therefore being at or adjacent to the free proximal end of the mounting layer handle portion 70. It will be appreciated that, similar to the first embodiment described with respect to Figures 1 to 5, the flexibility of the shock-absorption dement 14 means that its head portion 32 can flex or rotate relative to its handle portion 74 when force is applied to head 20 of the hairbrush.

Furthermore, when the hairbrush head is engaged with a head of the user during brushing, where pressure applied is to one side of the hairbrush handle, the flexible shock-absorption handle portion 74 will slightly twist or flex accordingly. The mounting layer handle portion 70 retained by the shock-absorption element handle portion 74 is thereby caused to twist. As the mounting layer handle portion 70 is linked to the bristle surround handle portion 84 through the pin 86, the bristle surround handle portion 84 is also caused to twist. This results in an overall slight twisting action of the handle 22 relative to the head 20 of the hairbrush 100 during brushing, thereby damping a brushing force.

Although preferably formed of at least three separate parts, being the mounting layer, shock-absorption element and the bristle support layer with the bristles integrally formed or separately formed thereon, the airbrush may be formed of fewer separate parts. For example, the shock-absorption element may be integrally formed as one-piece with either the mounting byer or the bristle support layer.

Additionally or alternativdy, the or each opening in the side wall of the shock-absorption element may be dispensed with if the compressive characteristic can be otherwise set.

It is therefore possible to provide a hairbrush where the head of the hairbrush is able to pivot and/or flex laterally or twist relative to the handle during brushing, thereby absorbing a portion of or dampening the force applied to the hair and the scalp dunng brushing. Tugging of hair is also reduced. It reduces teanng or loss of hair, and also discomfort and damage to the skin of the scalp. It is also possible to provide a hairbrush with bristles so arranged as to maxirnise contact between the bristles and the hair without tearing and tugging of the hair.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples on'y, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims I. A hairbrush comprising a mounting ayer. a shock-absorption element on the mounting layer, a bristle support layer on the shock-absorption element, and a plurality of bristles on the bristle support layer, the shock-absorption element having at least one opening formed in a side wall thereof to provide a predetermined compressive characteristic on impartation of compressive force through the bristles.
2. A hairbrush as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shock-absorption element is a shock-absorbing plate.
3. A hairbrush as claimed in claim 2, wherein the shock-absorbing plate overlies or substantially overlies the mounting layer and/or the bristle support layer.
4. A hairbrush as daimed in daim I, wherein the shock-absorption element is a shock-absorbing strip.
5. A hairbrush as daimed in claim 4. wherein the shock-absorbing strip is at or adjacent to a periphery of the mounting layer and/or the bristle support layer.
6. A hairbrush as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the or each opening has a depth which extends in parallel or substantially parallel with at least one of the mounting layer and the bristle support ayer.
7. A hairbrush as claimed in claim 6, wherein the or each opening is an aperture which extends through the shock-absorption element.
8. A hairbrush as claimed in claim 6, wherein the or each opening is a bottomed recess.
9. A hairbrush as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of said openings is provided.
10. A hairbrush as claimed in claim 9, wherein the openings are equi-distantly spaced apart from each other.
11. A hairbrush as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the openings have depths which extend in parallel or substantially in parallel with each other.
12. A hairbrush as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each opening has a substantially equal length and height.
13. A hairbrush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the or each opening has a length which is greater than its height.
14. A hairbrush as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bristle support layer includes a bristle mounting element and a bristle surround element.
15. A hairbrush as claimed in claim 14, wherein the bristle mounting element is a rigid or semi-rigid plate.
16. A hairbrush as claimed in claim 14, wherein the bristle mounting element is a flexible plate for at least in part conforming to a user's cranium.
17. A hairbrush as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the bristle surround element suspends the bristle mounting element so as to be spaced from the shock-absorbing element.
18. A hairbrush as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further cornpnsing a handle, the shock-absorption element having a handle portion which forms at least part of the handle.
19. A hairbrush as claimed in claim 18, wherein a thickness of the shock-absorption element increases at the handle.
20. A hairbrush as claimed in dairn 19, wherein the mounting layer and/or the bristle support layer include a further handle portion which forms part of the handle.
21. A hairbrush as claimed in claim 20, wherein the further handle portion of the mounting ayer and/or the bristle support layer is received within the first said handle portion of the shock-absorption element.
22. A hairbrush as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the shock-absorption element provides a pivot point at the said handle portion for lateral flex of at least one of the mounting layer and the bristle support layer relative to the handle.
23. A hairbrush as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the bristles are spaced apart and are arranged in clusters, each cluster having at least one central bristle having a first length, a first outer bristle having a second length which is less than the first length of the central bristle, and a second outer bristle having a third length which is less than the second length of the first outer bristle.
24. A hairbrush comprising a mounting layer, a bristle support layer on the mounting layer, and a plurality of spaced-apart bristle clusters on the bristle support layer, each bnstle cluster having at least one central bristle having a first length and first and second outer bristles spaced from and positioned around the at least one central bristle, the first said outer bristles having a second length shorter than the first length and the second said outer bristles having a third length shorter than the first and the second lengths.
25. A hairbrush as claimed in claim 24, wherein each outer bristle has a different length to a neighbouring outer bristle, such that the first and second outer bristles are alternatingly arranged.
26. A hairbrush as claimed in claim 24 or claim 25, wherein each bristle cluster is substantially circular.
27. A hairbrush as claimed in any one of claims 24 to claim 26, wherein the bristle clusters are arranged in linear alTays.
28. A hairbrush as claimed in any one of claims 24 to claim 27, wherein the bristle clusters are relatively angularly arranged, such that a first outer bristle of a first bristle cluster is adjacent to a second outer bristle of a neighbouring bristle cluster and a second outer bristle of the first bristle cluster is adjacent to a first outer bristle of the or another neighbouring bristle cluster.
29. A hairbrush as claimed in any one of claims 24 to claim 28, wherein one or more of the bristles of each bristle cluster is tapered towards its distal end to provide a non-uniform flex along its longitudinal extent.
30. A hairbrush as claimed in claim 29, in which each bristle has a frusto-conical shape and a distal end that is smoothly rounded.
31. A hairbrush as claimed in claim29 or claim 30, wherein a pitch of taper of the central bristle is different to a pitch of taper of the first and second outer bristles, and a pitch of taper of the first outer bristle is different to that of the second outer bristle.
32. A hairbrush comprising a head and a handle which extends from the head, the head having a mounting layer, a shock-absorption element on the mounting layer, a bristle support layer on the shock-absorption element, and a plurality of bristles on the bristle support layer, the shock-absorption element having a handle portion which extends from the head and forms at least part of the handle, wherein the shock-absorption element enables pivoting of the head relative to the handle upon pressure applied thereto.
33. A hairbrush as claimed in daim 32, wherein the mounting layer includes a handle portion which extends from the head to the handle, the handle portion of the mounting layer receivable by the handle portion of the shock-absorption element, wherein the handle portion of the mounting layer is twistaNe rdative to the head portion of the mounting layer upon twisting movement of the handle of the hairbrush during brushing.
34. A hairbrush as claimed in claim 334, wherein the bnstle support layer includes a handle portion extending from the head to the handle and forming part of the handle of the hairbrush, wherein the handle portion of the bristle support layer is twistable relative to the head portion of the bristle support layer.
35. A hairbrush as claimed in claim 34, wherein the hairbrush further comprises a pin pivotably connecting the handle portions of the mounting layer and the bristle surround element, thereby controlling twisting movement of the handle portions of the mounting layer and the bristle surround element to take place li unison with each other.
36. A hairbrush as claimed in claim 35, wherein the pin is integrally formed at a distal end of the handle portion of the mountthg layer.
37. A hairbrush substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Fignres I to 5, or Figures 6 to 8 of the accompanying drawings.