GB2595974A

GB2595974A - Styling brush & method of manufacture thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2595974A
Application number: GB2107461.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chiesa Anna
Original assignee: Herus Uk Ltd
Current assignee: Herus Uk Ltd
Priority date: 2020-06-12
Filing date: 2021-05-26
Publication date: 2021-12-15
Also published as: GB202008938D0; GB202107461D0

Abstract

A styling hairbrush 2 is provided having a body portion 4 including a handle portion 6 located at, towards or adjacent a first end of the body portion. A styling portion 8 is located at, towards or adjacent a second end of the body portion. The ratio of the length of the handle portion to the length of the styling portion of the styling brush is approximately between 3:1-2:1. Preferably the centre of balance 64 of the styling brush is located at a central or substantially central point of the total length of the styling brush in a longitudinal direction, and gripping means 62 is provided at or adjacent to the centre of balance. The styling brush preferably includes a perforated barrel 30 or cylindrical sleeve member to allow for air to flow through the styling portion.

Description

STYLING BRUSH & METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF This invention relates to a styling brush and to a method of use thereof.

Although the following description refers almost exclusively to a styling brush for use in the styling and blow drying of human hair, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the styling brush of the present invention can be used as a brush for any suitable application.

Styling brushes come in a wide range of different sizes and designs. Most styling brushes include an elongate body having a handle portion at one end of the body and a bristle portion at an opposite end of the body. To the general public, a hair styling brush might appear to be a purely functional item with very little innovative potential. However, a haw. styling brush to a hair. stylist is an essential tool that plays an important role in achieving a particular haw. style desired by the customer and/or hair stylist. 'Hie hair brush needs to be arranged in a manner that maximises exposure of hair in the hair brush to hot a.ir emitted from the hairdryer to allow efficient drying and styling of the hair In addition the hair stylist is likely to be holding the brush for many hours a day and the ability of the hair stylist to hold the tool with ease and comfort is crucial. Factors that may affect the comfort and ease of holding the brush can include, for example, the weight of the brush, the balance of the brush, the size of the brush, the material from which the brush is made, the bristles on the brush, the handle grip of the brush and/or the like. It is common for hair stylists to suffer injuries and/or strains to the wrist, arm, shoulder and/or back as a result of continuous use of brushes which have been designed without taking the above factors into account.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a styling brush which overcomes the abovementioned problems.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of manufactu n and/or using a styling brush that overcomes the abovementioned problems.

According to a first a.spect of the present invention there is provided a. styling brush, said styling brush having a body portion, a handle portion located at, towards or adjacent a. first end of the body portion, and a styling portion located at, towards or adjacent a second end of the body portion, characterised in that the ratio of the length of the handle portion to the length of the styling portion of the styling brush is approximately between 31 -2:1.

The applicant has found that by designing the brush so that thc handle portion has a length that is, or is approximately, 2-3 times longer than the styling portion, this provides the styling brush of the present invention with a number of advantages: Firstly, it allows the centre of balance of the brush to be placed centrally or substantially centrally of the brush length in a longitudinal axis or direction of the brush. Many conventional styling brushes are provided such that the styling portion has a length that is similar to or longer than the handle portion. As the styling portion typically includes more brush components, this often results in the weight or the centre of balance of conventional brushes being towards or in the styling portion, which results in the user having to apply extra force through their wrist to prevent the handle portion and the styling brush from pivoting in a downwardly direction under gravity when held by the hair stylist. Equally, if the handle portion is too heavy, this results in a user having to apply extra force through their wrist to prevent the handle portion and the styling brush from pivoting in an upwardly direction.

Secondly, it allows all, or a significant part, of the styling portion of the brush to be located adjacent a. nozzle opening of a hair dryer in use. A problem with conventional styling brushes that are designed with the styling portion too long is that a large part of the styling portion (and thus the hair captured in the styling portion of the brush) is positioned outside the nozzle opening of a hair. dryer. As such, only a small proportion of the hair captured by bristles in the styling portion of the brush are located adjacent a heat source. This reduces the efficiency and effectiveness of the hair ctyling and drying process.

Preferably the length of the styling portion of the brush is, or is approximately, 0.25 +/-0.05 as a fraction of the total length of the brush, and further preferably is 0.25 +/-0.02 as a fraction of the total length of the brush, and yet further preferably is approximately 0.23.

Preferably the length of the styling portion, the handle portion and/or styling brush is the distance of the same in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the styling brush.

Preferably the length, or external length, of the styling portion of the brush, or at least the length of the styling portion of the brush from which bristles or teeth of the brush protrude is 60mm +/-5mm, and yet further preferably is 60mm Preferably the length, or external length, of the body portion and/or the handle portion when assembled is 160-180mm +/-5mm, and yet further preferably is 175-180mm.

Preferably a centre of balance of the styling brush is located at a point or location centrally or substantially centrally of the total length of the brush in a longitudinal direction of the brush.

Preferably the centre of balance is defined as a point (Jr location along the length of the brush where the weight of the brush on each side of this point or location Cm the length direction) is equal or substantially equal For example, if a user were to balance the brush at this centre of balance point, the brush should remain horizontal, substantially horizontal or in a neutral position and does not pivot in preference towards the styling portion or the handle portion of the brush.

Preferably gripping means, digit gripping means, finger or thumb gripping means are provided at, immediately adjacent to or at least over the centre of balance of the brush.

Preferably the gripping means, digit gripping means, finger or thumb gripping means are arranged so as to allow a user to use at least part of their hand, and further preferably a. part of their digit, finger or thumb to grip, at least partly grip, rest or at least partly rest on said gripping means in use. For example, a. thumb or finger gripping means can be provided to allow a user to locate a. tip of their thumb or finger thereon or therewith in use.

By proyidthg the gripping means, digit gripping means, finger or thumb gripping means at the centre of balance of the brush, this typically results in the user not having to apply any unnecessaty force to maintain the styling brush in a horizontal position, substantially horizontal position, balanced position, substantially balanced position, neutral or substantially neutral position M. use.

In one embodiment the gripping means, digit gripping means, finger or thumb gripping means includes a recess for thc location of a user's thumb or finger Preferably the thumb or finger recess is located at, immediately adjacent to or at least over the centre of balance of the brush. Further preferably the recess is of such as size, shape and/or design to fit only a single digit at once.

Preferably the centre of balance of the brush is located at a position on the body portion of the brush in between the styling portion and the handle portion; or a spaced distance from the styling portion and/or the handle portion; at a position at or adjacent the point where the styling portion ends and the handle portion begins; or at, adjacent to or towards a. second end of the handle portion and/or the like.

Preferably the handle portion is a portion of the styling brush the user holds with their hand and/or fingers in use Preferably the handle portion is made from or includes a thermally insulating material to limit heat conduction from the styling portion to the handle portion in use.

Preferably the handle portion is made from or includes allV or any combination of a non-slip external surface, a thermally insulating material, an external gripping surface, wood, rubber, metal, plastic and/or the Preferably the handle portion is elongate or substantially elongate in form.

Preferably the handle portion is hollow or at least partially hollow. This can allow connection with the body of the brush and/or helps to allow the distribution of the weight of the brush to be such that the centre of balance of the brush is substantially central of the length of the brush.

Preferably the handle portion has at least a first diameter at (Jr towards a. first and/or second end of the handle portion, and at least a second diameter at a location between the first and second ends; the at least second diameter being larger or significantly larger than the at least first diameter.

Preferably the at least first and second different diameters provide the handle portion with an ergonomic shape for ease of holding by a user in use.

In one embodiment the part of the handle portion having the at least second diameter is longer in length than the part of the handle portion having the at least first diameter.

Preferably the gripping means or external gripping surface of the handle portion includes any or any combination of a non-slip surface, rubber, silicone, one or more protrusions, ribs, dimples, recesses, concave portions and/or the like In one embodiment the external gripping surface is located at or adjacent the first and/or second ends having the at least first diameter. For example, a plurality of ribs can be provided at or adjacent the first and/or second ends with the at least first diameter.

Preferably the ribs are arranged a spa.ced distance apart from each other.

Preferably the ribs are arranged parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the styling brush.

Preferably the plurality of ribs provided at or adja.cent a second end of the handle portion are longer in length compared to the plurality of ribs provided a.t or adjacent a first end of the handle portion.

Preferably the surface of the handle portion haying the at least second diameter is free from an external Li-tipping surface and/or does not have a plurality of ribs, protrusions and/or the like provided thereon.

Preferably the gripping means is located at or adjacent a second end of the handle portion.

Preferably a part of the body portion between the handle portion and the styling portion and has a narrowing taper towards the handle portion; or the handle portion has a narrowing taper from an end joining with or adjacent the styling portion towards an opposite free end of the handle portion.

Further preferably the gripping means, digit gripping means, finger or thumb gripping means is located in the part of the body portion of the styling brush with the narrowing taper.

Preferably the styling portion of the brush is a part of the blush arranged to engage or entrap a user's hair therein or therebetween in use.

Preferably the styling portion of the brush includes a barrel, is barrel shaped, is a sleeve member, is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical in shape and/or the like.

In one embodiment the styling portion is hollow or substantially hollow with an interior cavity defined therein.

In one embodiment the styling portion is solid or substantially solid.

Preferably the styling portion includes any means or member(s) which allow engagement with or entrapment therebetween of a user's hair in use.

Preferably the styling portion includes a plurality of bristles; teeth; outwardly protruding members, arms or fibres; and/or the like. The plurality of bristles; teeth; outwardly protruding members, arms or fibres; and/or the like allows for the capture and/or entrapment of a user's hair therebetween in use.

Preferably the plurality of bristles; teeth; outwardly protruding members, arms or fibres; and/or the like are provided at spaced apart intervals, and further preferably are provided substantially equidistant spaced intervals apart, along the length of the styling portion Preferably the plurality of bristles; teeth; outwardly protruding members, arms or fibres; and/or the like are provided at spaced apart intervals, and further preferably substantially equidistant spaced intervals, around the circumference or perimeter of the styling portion.

In one embodiment the whole or substantially the whole length of the styling portion is provided with the plurality of bristles; teeth; outwardly protruding members, arms or fibres; and/or the like.

In one embodiment only part of the length of the styling portion is provided with the plurality of bristles; teeth; outwardly protruding members, arms or fibres; and/or the like In one embodiment the whole or substantially the whole circumference or perimeter of the styling portion is provided with the plurality of bristles; teeth; outwardly protruding members, arms or fibres; and/or the like.

In one embodiment only part of the circumference or perimeter of the styling portion is provided with the plurality of bristles; teeth; outwardly protruding members, arms or fibres; and/or the In one embodiment the styling portion includes a barrel surface, outer cylindrical surface, or a surface including a plurality of apertures. For example, the outer surface of the styling portion can be perforated.

In one embodiment one or more of the bristles; teeth; outwardly protruding members, arms or fibres; and/or the like protrude outwardly from one or more of the apertures in use.

Preferably the apertures allow air flow through the styling portion, and preferably warm air flow as a result of hair being heated by a hairdryer in use.

In one embodiment one or more of the bristles; teeth; outwardly protruding members, arms or fibres; and/or the like are moulded, integrally formed with, adhered or attached to an outer surface of the styling portion, barrel, cylindrical body and/or the like.

Preferably the free ends of the bristles; teeth; outwardly protruding members, arms or fibres; and/or the like are shaped and/or designed so as to protect the user's scalp from injury when brought into contact with the same in. use.

In one embodiment the free ends of the one or more of the bristles; teeth; outwardly protruding members, arms or fibres; and/or the like are crimped, provided with a rounded end, have rubber ends, have end pieces attached to the same and/or the like.

Preferably the plurality of bristles; teeth; outwardly protruding members, arms or fibres; and/or the like protrude radially outwardly from the outer surface of the styling portion, barrel surface, outer cylindrical surface in use.

In one embodiment the plurality of bristles; teeth; outwardly protruding members, arms or fibres; and/or the like are joined at a first end to a support member.

Preferably the support member is located internally or in an interior cavity of the styling portion, sleeve member or barrel.

In one example the support member is in the form of an elongate rod member.

Preferably the support member is located parallel to substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the brush.

In one embodiment the support member engages with the body portion of the styling brush at one end and/or to an end cap of the styling brush at another or opposite end.

Preferably the styling portion or the barrel, or an outer surface of the same, is made from or includes a thermally conductive material, thereby allowing the styling portion or outer surface to be heated or to retain heat by a hair dryer in use. This allows heat to be applied directly to, adjacent to or near to the hair being styled in the styling portion in use, in addition to direct heat coming from a hair dryer in use. The ability to allow heat to be easily conducted along the styling portion improves the drying process of the hair, together with improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the styling portion in use.

In one embodiment the styling portion or the barrel, or an outer surface of the same, is made from or includes a material that allows ions to be released therefrom in use, such as for example negative ions. This can help smooth hair and reduce static electricity in hair as hair that passes against or through the styling portion or barrel in use. For example a. coating of tourmaline or ceramic can be used on the barrel.

Preferably the styling portion or the barrel, or an outer surface of the same is made from or includes any or any combination of metal, aluminium, ceramic, tourmaline and/or the like.

Preferably an outer surface of the styling portion or the barrier is provided with at least one layer or coating of metal, ceramic, tourmaline and/or the like.

Preferably the plurality of bristles; teeth; outwardly protruding members, arms or fibres; and/or the like are made from or include a thermally insulating material. This helps to prevent heat being conducted along the bristles; teeth; outwardly protruding members, arms or fibres; and/or the like to help prevent burial* of or too much heat transfer to a user's scalp or other body portion in use.

In one embodiment the plurality of bristles; teeth; outwardly protruding members; arms or fibres, and/or the like are made from any or ally combination of plastic, polypropylene, metal, rubber, nylon, fibre material, animal hair, boar hair and/or the like.

In one embodiment the plurality of bristles; teeth; outwardly protruding members; arms or fibres, and/or die like are flexible or substantially flexible.

In one embodiment the plurality of bristles; teeth; outwardly protruding members; arms or fibres, and/or the like are rigid or substantially rigid.

Preferably two or more of the plurality of bristles; teeth; outwardly protruding members; arms or fibres, and/or the like each have the same or substantially the same shape, design and/or dimensions.

In one embodiment includes at least two sets of bristles; teeth; outwardly protruding members; arms or fibres, and/or the like, each set being of a different or substantially different shape, design and/or dimensions.

In one embodiment the plurality of bristles; teeth; outwardly protruding members; arms or fibres, and/or the like have a narrowing taper from an end closest to the outer surface of the styling or barrel to the free end.

In one embodiment the plurality of bristles; teeth; outwardly protruding members; aims or fibres, and/or the like have parallel to substantially parallel outer surfaces along the length of the same.

In one embodiment an end cap is provided at the first and/or second ends of the styling brush. file end cap can be integral, attached or detachably attached to the styling brush. For example, an end cap can be provided at the end of the styling portion and/or an end of the handle portion.

Preferably the end cap is attached or detachably attached via friction fit, adhesive, one or more niter-engagnig members, protrusions, recesses, clips, screws, nut and bolts, and/or the like.

In one embodiment the end cap ha.s a flat or substantially flat end surface.

In one embodiment the end cap has an end surface that is convexed, dome shaped, concave and/or curved in shape.

In one embodiment the body portion of the brush includes at least one handle support member.

In one embodiment the body portion of the brush includes at least one styling portion support member.

Preferably at least part of the handle support member is located in an interior of the handle portion and/or the handle portion is engaged to or located around at least part of the handle support member.

In one embodiment the at least one handle support member includes two or more handle support members provided a. spaced distance apart from each other.

Preferably the first handle support member or two or more handle support members are elongate in form.

Preferably the two or more handle support members are arranged to be resiliently biased in an outwardly direction to each other. 't his allows the two or more handle support members to be pushed towards each other when fitting the same in an interior of the handle portion. 'the outward resilient bias of the handle support members forces the same against the interior walls of the handle portion when fitted to maintain the handle support members in an engaged position with the handle portion in use.

Preferably at least part of the styling portion support member is located in an interior of the styling portion or barrel and/or the styling portion or barrel is engaged to or located around at least part of the styling portion support member.

Preferably the styling portion support member has an outer surface that forms part of the outer surface of the body of the brush between the handle portion and the styling portion.

Preferably the outer surface of the styling portion support member has a narrowing taper from the styling or barrel portion end towards the handle portion end.

Preferably engaging means are provided on or associated with the styling portion support member for allowing engagement between the same and the styling portion or barrel in use.

Preferably the engaging means are located on or associated with an inner surface of the styling portion support member.

Preferably engaging means are provided on the styling portion of the brush for engaging with the styling portion support member.

Preferably the engaging means includes any (Jr any combination of one (Jr more ribs, protrusions, recesses, liner-engaging members, clips, friction fit, adhesive and/or the like.

Preferably the styling portion support member includes one or more ribs that engage with one or more slots provided on the styling portion.

Preferably securing means a.re defined on, associated with, or provided in the interior of the styling portion support member for engagement with the support member on which one end of the plurality of bristles; teeth; outwardly protruding members; arms or fibres, and/or the like are provided.

Preferably the securing means includes any (Jr any combination of one (Jr more sleeve members, closed end channel portions, ribs, protrusions, recesses, inter-engaging members, clips, friction fit, adhesive and/or the like.

In one embodiment stop means are provided at one or both ends of the styling portion. The stop means help to maintain hair within the styling portion in use.

Preferably the stop means can include one or more clips, flanges, chamfered surfaces, angled surfaces, steps, right angled surfaces and/or the like.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a styling brush, said styling brush including a body portion, and wherein said method includes locating a handle portion at, towards or adjacent a first end of the body portion, and locating a styling portion at, towards or adjacent a second end of the body portion, characterised in that the ratio of the length of the handle portion to the length of the styling portion of the styling brush is formed so as to be approximately between 3:1-2:1.

Preferably the shape, density and/or weight of the material used to form the brush is arranged such that the centre of balance of the brush is located centrally or substantially centrally along the length of the brush in a longitudinal direction or axis.

I further preferably the shape, density and/or weight of the material used to form the brush is arra.nged such that the centre of balance of the brush is located at, or substantially at, a gripping means of the styling brush.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a. method of using a styling brush, said styling brush including a body portion, and wherein said method includes holding a handle portion at, towards or adjacent a first end of the body portion, moving a styling portion at, towards or adjacent a second end of the body portion in and/or relative to a user's hair, characterised in that the ratio of the length of the handle portion to the length of the styling portion of the styling brush is formed so as to be approximately between 3:1-2:1.

Preferably gripping means are arranged on the styling brush at or substantially at the centre of balance of the brush and the user holds the handle in a hand and locates a thumb or finger of the same kind on the gripping means. Thus, the styling brush is arranged such tha.t at least one finger or thumb of the user is located at, or substantially at, the centre of balance of the brush in use.

According to a. further a.spect of the present invention there is provided a styling brush, said styling brush including a body, a handle portion located a.t, towards or adjacent a first end of the body, and a. styling portion located at, towards or adjacent a second end of the body, characterised in that a centre of balance of the brush is located centrally or substantially centrally of the length of the brush in a direction parallel to a. longitudinal axis of the brush.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, wherein: Figures la-Id show a perspective view, a first side view, a second side view and a plan view of a styling brush according to an embodiment of the present invention respectively; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the styling brush shown in figures la-id; Figure 3 is a perspective cross sectional view taken through the styling brush in figures la-2 without the bristles shown; Figures 4a-4b show a side view and a cross sectional view of a styling brush according to another embodiment of the present invention respectively; Figures 5a-5b show a side view and a cross sectional view of a styling brush according to a further embodiment of the present in. vention respectively; and Figure 6 shows a styling portion of the styling brush in figures 5a-5b with the nozzle of a hair. dryer.

Referring toto figures la-3, there is illustrated a styling brush 2 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The styling brush 2 includes a body portion 4, a handle portion 6 and a styling portion 8.

The body portion 4 includes a styling portion support member 10 having a first end 12 and second end 14. '1Wo handle support members 16, 18, are joined to the second end 14 of the styling portion support member 10 and protrude outwardly therefrom.

The two handle support members 16, 18 are resiliently biased in an outwardly direction away from each other, the reason for which will be explained in more detail below.

The styling portion support member 10 has an internal cavity 11 with an opening 20 adjacent first end 12. The internal cavity is defined between interior side walls 22 and a base 23.

The interior side walls 22 of the support member 10 include engaging means in the form of a plurality of spaced apart ribs 24 that engage with complementary engaging means provided on the styling portion 8 when assembled. The ribs 24 are arranged to protrude inwardly of the support member 10 and are arranged such that the longitudinal axis of the ribs 24 a.re parallel to the longitudinal axis of the styling brush Securing means in the form of a closed end channel or sleeve member 26 is joined to the base 23 of support member 10 and protrudes outwardly of the base 23 into the internal cavity 11 of the support member 10. The sleeve member 26 is for securing an end 27 of a bristle support member 28 when assembled.

Styling portion support member 10 has a narrowing taper from first end 12 towards second end 14.

The styling portion 8 includes a hollow cylindrical sleeve or barrel 30 having a first end 32 and a second end 34. The barrel 30 is typically formed from or includes an outer coating of a thermally conductive material, such as metal or ceramic, to allow heat to be easily conducted along the barrel 30 in use. The heat typically comes from a hot air. flow emitted from a hair. dryer in use. The heat allows the hair located adjacent the ban-el 30 to be heated and dried in an efficient and effective manner in use.

A plurality of spaced apart apertures 36 are provided around the circumference of the barrel 30 and along a majority of the length of the barrel 30. The apertures 32 serve two purposes; firstly to allow bristles 38 of the brush to protrude through the aperture 36 in use, and secondly to allow hot air from the hairdryer to flow through the hollow interior of the band, thereby increasing the drying efficiency of hair in contact with or adjacent the barrel 30 in use.

An end cap 40 engages with the first end 32 of the barrel 30 to close the open end of the barrel at the first end 32. The end cap 40 can attach to the barrel 30 via friction fit, or other suitable attachment means such as for example, a plurality of spaced apart protrusions defined on the end cap (not shown) engaging with a plurality of spaced apart notches 42 defined at first end 32 of barrel 30.

In the illustrated example, end cap 40 ha.s a flat (Jr substantially flat end 44 but the end cap 40 could be concave, or can be convexed or dome shaped as shown in figures 4a-5b.

Engaging means in the form of a plurality of spaced apart slots 46 are defined at the second end 34 of the barrel 30. A longitudinal axis of the slots 46 are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the styling brush 2. The slots 46 engage with the ribs 24 of the styling portion support member 10 when assembled.

The second end 48 of bristle support member 28 engages with a closed end channel or sleeve 50 defined on the inwardly facing surface 52 of end cap 40. The bristles 38 are engaged to bristle support member 28 and protrude radially outwardly from the same. When brush 2 is assembled, the support member is located in the interior of the barrel 30 such that it is parallel with a longitudinal axis of the brush, and the bristles 38 protrude radially outwardly of the barrel 30 through the apertures 36.

The handle portion 6 is arranged to be gripped by a user in use. 't he handle portion 6 has a first end 53 and a second end 54. An internal cavity 56 is defined in handle portion 6 for the location of the two handle support members 16, 18 in use. jt he handle support members 16, 18 are located through an opening 58 defined at first end 52 of the handle portion. During assembly, the resilient members 16, 18 are pushed towards each other and, when located in cavity 56, the resilient bias of the members 16, 18 pushes them in an outwardly direction for engagement with the handle portion interior walls 60 defining cavity 36. The resilient members 16, 18 are therefore held in position within the handle portion via friction fit.

The handle portion 6 has a. first diameter cd' adjacent first end 53 and a second diameter 'd" arranged at a point between the first and second ends 53, 54. The second diameter d' is wider than the first diameter d. This helps to provide an ergonomic design to the handle portion to increase the ease with which a user can grip or hold the handle portion 6 in use.

Gripping means in the form of a shaped recess 62 is defined on an outer surface of handle portion 6. Recess 62 is located adjacent second end 54 of handle portion 6 and is for the location of a user's finger or thumb in use. 't he shaped recess is of such a shape, design and/or dimensions so as to accommodate a user's thumb in use.

The location of the recess 62 is at the point of centre of balance 64 of the brush 2. The centre of balance of the brush is the point of the brush where the weight of one side of the brush from this point is equal to or substantially equal to the weight of the opposite side of the brush in a. longitudinal direction. 'thus, if a person were to balance the brush on a finger at recess 62, the brush would remain horizontal and equally balanced on both sides. This is an advantageous feature of the present invention as it provides a brush that is well balanced and does not cause strain and risk injury to a user when the brush is held for long periods of time. It also allows easy manipulation and control of the brush without the user having to input significant force from their wrist, arm or shoulder.

A plurality of ribs 66 arc provided on the external surface of handle portion 6 adjacent first end 53 and between the second diameter d' and the recess 62 to improve the grip and non-slip nature of the handle portion. A longitudinal axis of the ribs are provided parallel to the longitudinal axis of brush 2.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the length of the handle portion 6 is between 2-3 tin'ies the length of the styling portion 8 which contains the bristles 38. The styling portion 8 containing the bristles is typically the part measured from end cap 40 to first end 12 of the styling portion support member 10. This is the part which is available for the hair to contact in use and which is directly in fluid communication with the opening of a hair dryer nozzle in use.

The ratio of the length of the handle portion to the length of the styling portion with bristles being between 3:1 and 2:1 allows for all or substantially all of the styling portion with the bristles to be provided adjacent a standard nozzle opening of a hair dryer. This improves the efficiency of the drying and styling of hair captured within the bristles of the styling portion in use.

In addition, this ratio helps to allow the centre of balance of the hair brush to be provided centrally or substantially centrally of the length of the brush.

In the illustration, the length of the styling portion with bristles is 60mm, whereas the length of the handle portion from first end 53 to second end 54 is 140mm, thereby falling within the ratio of 1:2-1:3 of the styling portion: handle portion length.

As shown in figures id, the length of the bristles 38 can be of different lengths. In this particular example, two different length bristles are used.

Referring to figures 4a-4b, a second embodiment of a styling brush 102 according to the present invention is shown. Similar reference numerals have been used to refer to similar features a.s for the first embodiment. In this embodiment the end surface of end cap 40 is convexed in shape rather than flat. In addition, the barrel 30 is engaged to the body portion 4 on an external surface of the same and more of the ban-el is shown externally. However, the length of the barrel with the bristles is typically similar in length to that of the first embodiment. For example, the length of the barrel 30 shown externally is 801-nm but the length of the barrel 30 containing the bristles is 60mm, as with the first embodiment.

The length of the end cap is lOmm Thus, the total length of the styling brush is 255min Preferably the brush has a width of approximately 40mm Furthermore, the ratio of the length of the bristle portion of the styling portion to the length of the handle portion and body portion is 1:2.75 (i.e. at a ratio between 1:2 and 1:3). The length of the bristle portion of the styling portion is 60inna and the length of the handle portion and body portion is 165mm in one example. 'thus, the length of the bristle portion of the styling portion is approximately 0.25 as a fraction of the total length of the brush.

Referring to figures 5a-5b, a second embodiment of a styling brush 202 according to the present invention is shown. Similar reference numerals have been used to refer to similar features a.s for the first embodiment. In this embodiment the end surface of end cap 40 is dome shaped rather than flat. A rubber gripping surface 203 is provided around a part of the handle portion 6 to improve the grip of a. user holding the handle portion in use. 't he ends of the barrel (i.e. the end cap 40 and the end 12 of body portion 10) has chamfered or an angled surface 208 towards the ban-el 30. 't his creates a stop or channel between end cap 30 and end 12 of body portion 10 to improve the capture of hair thereberween or within the bristle section of the barrel 30 in use.

The length of the barrel 30 with bristles is 65mm The length of the exterior of the handle portion and body portion when assembled is 175inm The length of the end cap is 12n-m. 'thus, the total length of the styling brush is 252mm. Preferably the brush has a width of approximately 50mm.

The ratio of the length of the bristle portion of the styling portion to the length of the handle portion and body portion is 1:2.69 (i.e. at a ratio between 1:2 and 1:3). The length of the bristle portion of the styling portion is approximately 0.26 as a fraction of the total length of the brush.

Referring to figure 6, there is shown the styling portion 8 of the hair brush 202 used against the nozzle 204 of a hair dryer. The opening 206 of the nozzle 204 is of approximately the same length as the length of the barrel 30, such that all or significantly all of the hot air Bow from the hair dryer nozzle is directed towards the barrel 30. This increases the efficiency and effectiveness by which any hair caught within the bristles of the barrel 30 can be dried and styled in use.

Thus, it can be seen that the styling brush of the present invention provides a number of unique features which overcomes the problems of the prior art.

It will be appreciated that the styling brush of the present invention can incorporate any or any combination of features disclosed in any of the embodiments described herein.

Claims

Claims 1. A styling brush, said styling brush having a body portion including a handle portion located at, towards or adjacent a first end of the body portion, and a styling portion located at, towards or adjacent a second end of the body portion, characterised in that the ratio of the length of the handle portion to the length of the styling portion of the styling brush is approximately between 3:1-2:1.
2. The styling brush according to claim 1, wherein a length of the styling portion of the styling brush is, or is approximately 0.25 +/ 0.05 as a fraction of the total length oldie styling brush; or a length of the styling portion of the styling brush is 60mm +/-5mm
3. The styling brush according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of the handle portion of the styling brush is 160-180mm +/-5mm.
4. The styling brush according to any preceding claim, wherein a. centre of balance of the styling brush is located at a central or substantially central point or location of the total length of the styling brush in a longitudinal direction of the styling brush, the centre of balance being a point or location along the length of the brush where the weight of the brush on each side of this point or location is equal or substantially equal.
5. The styling brush according to claim 4, wherein gripping means or digit gripping means are provided at, immediately adjacent to or at least over the centre of balance of the styling brush.
6. 'Hie styling brush according to claims 4 or 5, wherein the centre of balance of the brush is located at a position on the body portion of the brush in between the styling portion and the handle portion; a spaced distance from the styling portion and/or the handle portion; at a position at or adjacent the point where the styling portion ends and the handle portion begins; or at, adjacent or towards a second end of the handle portion.
7. The styling brush according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle portion is made from or includes any or any combination of thermally insulating material, wood, rubber, metal, plastic, a non-slip external surface, or a external gripping surface.
8. The styling brush according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle portion is hollow, or at least partially hollow.
9. The styling brush according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle portion has at least a first diameter at or towards a first and/or second end of the handle portion, and at least a second diameter at a location between the first and second ends of the handle portion; the at least second diameter being larger or significantly larger than the at least first diameter.
10. The styling brush according to any preceding claim, wherein the gripping means or external gripping surface includes any or any combination of a nonslip surface; rubber; silicone; one or more protrusions, ribs, dimples, recesses or concave portions.
11. The styling brush according to any preceding claim, wherein a part of the body portion between the handle portion and the styling portion has a narrowing taper towards the handle portion; or the handle portion has a narrowing taper from an end joining with the styling portion towards an opposite free end of the handle portion; and wherein the gripping means or digit gripping means is located in this narrowing taper part or portion.
12. the styling brush according to any preceding claim, wherein the styling portion includes a barrel; is ban-el shaped; is a sleeve member; and/or is cylindrical (Jr substantially cylindrical in shape.
13. The styling brush according to any preceding claim, wherein the styling portion includes any means or members allowing engagement with or entrapment therebetween of a user's hair in use and/or a plurality of bristles, teeth, outwardly protruding members, arm or fibres.
14. The styling brush according to any preceding claim, wherein the styling portion includes one or more apertures to allow air flow through the styling portion in use.
15. The styling brush according to any preceding claim 13, wherein the plurality of bristles, teeth, outwardly protruding members, arm or fibres are joined at a first end thereof to a support member, and the support member is located internally or in an interior cavity of the styling portion.
16. The styling brush according to any preceding claim, wherein the styling portion, or an outer surface of the same: is made from or includes thermally conductive material, thereby allowing the styling portion or surface to be heated or to retain heat in use; is made from or includes a material that allows ions to be released therefrom in use; and/or is made from any or any combination of metal, aluminium, ceramic or tourmaline.
17. The styling brush according to any preceding claim, wherein the body portion of the styling brush includes at least one handle support member, at least part of which is located in an interior of the handle portion.
18:the styling brush according to claim 17, wherein two handle support members are provided a spaced distance apart from each other.
19. The styling brush according to claim 18, wherein the two handle support members are arranged to be resiliently biased in an outwardly direction to each other, the outward bias of the handle support members allowing engagement with interior walls of the handle portion.
20. The styling brush according to any preceding clatha, wherein the body portion of the styling brush includes a styling portion support member, at least part of which is located in an interior of the styling portion.
21. the styling brush according to claim 20, wherein engaging means are provided on or associated with the styling portion support member for allowing engagement between the styling portion support member and the styling portion.
22. The styling brush according to claim 21, wherein the engaging means includes any or any combination of one or more ribs, protrusions, recesses, inter-engaging members, clips, friction fit or adhesive.
23. The styling brush according to claim 20, wherein securing means are provided on or associated with the styling portion support member for engagement with a support member on which one end of a plurality of bristles; teeth, outwardly protruding members; arms (Jr fibers are provided.
24. The styling brush according to any preceding claim, wherein stop means are provided at one (Jr both ends of the styling portion to help maintain a user's hair. within the styling portion in use.25.1-1 method of manufacturing a styling brush, said styling brush including a body portion, and wherein said method includes locating a handle portion at, towards or adjacent a first end of the body portion, and locating a styling portion at, towards or adjacent a second end of the body portion, characterised in that the ratio of the length of the handle portion to the length of the styling portion of the styling brush is formed so as to be approximately between 3: 1 -2: 1.