NZ537983A - A grooming device for styling, shaping and rendering hair - Google Patents

Abstract

A grooming device (1) comprising a frame composed of a handle section (2) and a head section (3). The head section includes a flexible body (3a), and bristles (5) extending from the flexible body. The head section includes a metallic cover (6) having a plurality of apertures (7) therein. The cover fully or partially encloses the flexible body and bristles allowing the bristles to penetrate the cover through the plurality of apertures.

Description

Patents Form # 5 INTELLECTUAL property off/ceI i of N.Z. I 2 9 MAR 2006 I MMCElVFnl NEW ZEALAND Patents Act 1953 AFTER PROVISIONAL # DATED : TITLE : COMPLETE SPECIFICATION 537983 31 January 2005 Hair Brush I, CUNNINGHAM, Janalyn Flora Massey Address: 28 Tiri Road, Milford, Auckland, New Zealand Nationality: A New Zealand citizen do hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: - 1 190290NZ_Cap_20060328_l 115_NPB.doc FEE CODE 105( ntellectual property office of n.z. 19 MAR 2006 RECEIVED. 2 FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a grooming device particularly, though not necessarily solely, for use in styling, shaping and/or rendering hair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Hair brushes are an essential tool for grooming. Over time hair brushes and combs have evolved from primitive crude instruments into sophisticated devices incorporating 10 significant applied technology.

There are two main types of brushes; those with fixed bristles and those with flexible bristles.

The fixed bristle has bristles intertwined extending from, or fixed to, a core or base material. The position of the bristles relative to the surface to which they are attached is fixed. In the case of flexible bristles, the bristles are attached to a base but extend through a pad, which allows movement of the bristles relative to that pad portion. An early example of this latter style of hair brush is GB 1914/8334. As can be seen from that 20 disclosure, the advantage is the elastic pad allows the user to apply pressure on the brush without discomfort to the user.

Fixed bristle brushes can be of two types; there can either be a substantially flat base where the bristles are inserted within holes or apertures in that rigid base or they can be of 25 the type where the bristles are intertwined with wire to form a substantially cylindrical brush. These cylindrical brushes are particularly useful for blow drying hair. In addition, as described in US 4,167,192, they can advantageously be surrounded with a tubular element through which the tops of the bristles can extend. The tubular element can be made of metal or from other conductive material. The advantage of this element is that it 30 facilitates use of the brush in combination with the hair dryer to allow blow drying of the hair.

G:\l 90290NZ NK CAP. 106.doc intellectual PROPERTV OFFICF OP W.2 2 9 MAY 2007 RECEIVED 3 • 10 More recently the metal sleeves have included an anodised or ceramic coating. Contact of the hair with the ceramic coated surface is advantageous as negative ions are generated while the device is being used. This is advantageous as it promotes a healthy appearance of the hair.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a grooming device which will go at least some way towards providing an improved hair brush in a simple yet effective manner or which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention consists in a grooming device comprising; a frame composed of a handle section and a head section, said head section including a flexible body, and bristles extending from the flexible body, the head section including a metallic cover having a plurality of apertures therein, the cover fully or partially enclosing said flexible body and bristles, the bristles penetrating the cover through the plurality of apertures.

Preferably, said metallic cover is made of aluminium.

Preferably, said metallic cover has a ceramic finish.

Alternatively, said metallic cover has an anodised finish.

Alternatively, said metallic cover is made of titanium or has a titanium finish.

Preferably, said head section includes a backing cover.

Preferably, said head section includes an end cap.

Alternatively, said head section is enclosed by a single cover, which simple cover forms both the metallic cover and the back cover.

Preferably the apertures are substantially circular in shape.

Alternatively, said apertures are elongated in shape.

OBJECT G:\l 90290NZ NK CAP. 106.doc 4 Preferably, said head section is substantially rectangular in transverse cross sectional shape.

Alternatively, said head section is substantially oval in transverse cross sectional shape. Alternatively, said head section is substantially cylindrical in transverse cross sectional 5 shape.

Preferably, the bristles are made of extruded or moulded nylon.

Alternatively, the bristles are of synthetic fibres.

Alternatively, said bristles are boar bristles.

In a further aspect the invention consists in a method of manufacturing a grooming device comprising; providing a frame composed of a handle section and a head section, said head section including a flexible body and bristles extending from the flexible body; the head section including a metallic cover having a plurality of aperture fully or partially 15 enclosing said flexible body, and positions the bristles such that the bristles penetrate the cover through the plurality of apertures.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest 20 themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the description herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

DRAWINGS DESCRIPTION One preferred form of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a grooming device according to one preferred form of 30 the invention, Figure 2 is another perspective view of a grooming device according to one preferred form of the invention, G:\190290NZ NK CAP. 106.doc intellectual property office of n.z. 2 9 MAY 2007 RECEIV-ED. # 10 Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a grooming device according to one preferred form of the invention, Figure 4 is a perspective view of a grooming device according to another preferred form of the invention, Figure 5 is a perspective view of a grooming device according to one preferred form of the invention, Figure 6 is a composite view of a grooming device according to another preferred form of the invention, Figure 7 is a perspective view of a grooming device according to one preferred form of the invention, DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figures 1 to 3 describes a first embodiment of a grooming device 1. The grooming device 1 is comprised of a handle section 2 and a head section 3 which together form a frame 11. There is a neck area 4 intermediate the handle 2 and head section 3. The head section 3 further comprises a plurality of bristles 5 and a metal cover 6 which provides the one surface of the head section 3.

Figure 3 provides a detailed exploded view. The head section 3 is composed of a flexible body 3a which may be formed of a rubber or plastics material. A set of bristles 5, extend from the flexible body 3a, being, for example, integrally formed with the flexible body 3a, or mounted in or on the flexible body 3a. A metallic cover 6 is provided which fits over the flexible body 3a but allows the bristles 5 attached to the flexible body 3a to pass through the cover 6 through a plurality of apertures 7 in the cover 6. The cover 6 fully or partially conceals the flexible body 3a and secures the body 3a and bristles 5 to the frame 11. In addition, the grooming device includes a backing cover plate 8 and an end cap 9. To provide a consistent appearance, if desired, the backing cover plate 8 and the end cap 9 can be made of a similar finish, and/or material as the metallic cover plate 6.

In constructing the grooming device, the flexible body 3a is inserted into the metallic cover 6, with the bristles passing through the apertures 7 within the metallic cover 6. The G:\l 90290NZ NK CAP. 106.doc intellectual property office of n.z. 2 9 MAY 2007 RECEIVED 6 • io metallic cover plate 6 and backing cover plate 8 includes a channel with the frame 11 having a co-operating receiving channel that allows the covers to slide into position. When a metallic cover engages the flexible body 3a with the bristles 5 in position, the cover plates 8, 6 are moved into position and are then secured by the end plate 9. Finally, the handle 2 may include an attachable grip 10 which fits over the handle section of the frame 11. Though this embodiment refers to channels as the means for securing the metallic cover 6 and backing cover 8 to the frame 11, it can be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that other means such as clips or glue could be used instead of channels.

Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, in particular this embodiment shows a double-sided grooming device. Essentially, the backing cover 8 of Figure 3, is replaced with metallic cover plate 6, a flexible body 3a and bristles 5.

Alternatively, grooming device may be formed using a single cover plate, which combines the backing cover 8 and metallic cover 6, with an end cap 9.

As a further alternative, the grooming device may include one cover, integrating the backing cover 8, the metallic cover 6, and the end cap 9 into a single piece.

Figure 6 provides another embodiment of the grooming device 10. The grooming device comprises a frame 14, which includes a handle section 14a, a rubber grip 15, a flexible body 13, which includes a bristles 13a, metallic plate 12 and an end cap 11. As the composite figure indicates the rubber grip 15 would cover the handle section 14a and the flexible body 13 would be inserted into the metallic cover 12 with the bristles 13a penetrating the metallic cover 12. The distinction between the grooming devices illustrated earlier (Fig. 1 to 5) when compared to this particular embodiment resides in the apertures of the metallic cover 12 being elongated slots. The elongated slot provides an easier and convenient means for assembling the grooming device 10. Figure 7 provides an illustration of the components assembled.

While using the grooming device, the flexible body in conjunction with the bristles, provides a depression mechanism, so that when pressure is exerted onto the bristles, the flexible body absorbs the pressure applied. When using the grooming device for the G:\190290NZNK CAP.106.doc intellectual property office of m.z. 2 9 MAY 2007 RECEIVED 7 purpose of brushing thick hair, a large force is required so that the bristle can penetrate the thick hair. The flexible body acts like a cushion and provides a mechanism that absorbs pressure exerted upon the scalp, thereby improving comfort of the user. The flexible body and the associated bristles could be made of material with elastic properties 5 such as rubber or plastic.

The metallic cover which encloses the flexible body and bristles also provides a functional purpose to the grooming device. In particular, the metallic cover can be provided with a ceramic finish. The ceramic finish provides a means of generating 10 negative ions and has a polishing effect while the device is being utilised. Preferably, the metallic cover is made of aluminium with a ceramic finish or with an anodised finish. The ceramic finish facilitates the production of negative ions by the contact between the hair and the cover. The benefit of an ion producing device includes added shine and smoothness, and minimises split ends of hair. Without the ceramic finish, friction build 15 up caused by the contact between the hair and grooming device causes a static build up, this produces frizzy or static hair.

Another embodiment of the invention includes using a metallic cover that has a ceramic finish. The properties in the ceramic finish, allow the grooming device to retain heat and 20 allows for an improved heat distribution and eliminates hot/cold spots, especially when is used in conjunction with a hair dryer.

As a further alternative the metal cover 6 may be formed of titanium or have a titanium finish.

As illustrated in the Figs. 1-7, the head section of the grooming device is substantially rectangular in shape, or otherwise referred to as the paddle shape. Though the paddle shape is illustrated in this embodiment of the invention, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that other possible shapes could be utilised such as an oval shape or a 30 cylindrical shape. In addition, the bristles used could vary from nylon or synthetic fibre to a boar bristles.

G:\l 90290NZ NK CAP. 106.doc intellectual property office of n.z. 2 9 MAY 2007 RECEIVED 8 Thus it can be seen that the grooming device hereinbefore described provides a simple and straightforward solution to the problems associated with the prior art. The combination of the flexible body and bristles provide a means that elevates the pressure exerted upon the scalp while the metallic cover assists in producing negative ions 5 transferring heat from a blow dryer to the hair reducing drying time.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word, such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

G:\l 90290NZ NK CAP. 106.doc intellectual property office of m.z. 2 9 MAY 2007 RECEIVED 9

Claims (12)

1. A grooming device comprising; a frame composed of a handle section and a head section, said head section 5 including a flexible body, and bristles extending from the flexible body, the head section including a metallic cover having a plurality of apertures therein, the cover fully or partially enclosing said flexible body and bristles, the bristles penetrating the cover through the plurality of apertures.

2. A grooming device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said metallic cover is made of 10 aluminium.

3. A grooming device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said metallic cover has a ceramic finish.

4. A grooming device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said metallic cover has an anodised finish. 15

5. A grooming device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said metallic cover is made of titanium or has a titanium finish.

6. A grooming device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said head section includes a backing cover.

7. A grooming device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said head section 20 includes an end cap.

8. A grooming device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said head section is enclosed by a single cover, which single cover forms both the metallic cover and the back cover.

9. A grooming device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the 25 apertures are substantially circular in shape.

10. A grooming device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein said apertures are elongated in shape. G:\I90290NZNK CAP.106.doc 29 may 200? 10

11.

12. 5 13. 14. 15. 10 16. 17. 18. 20 19. A grooming device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said head section is substantially rectangular in transverse cross sectional shape. A grooming device as claimed in any one of claim 1 to 10 wherein said head section is substantially oval in transverse cross sectional shape. A grooming device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein said head section is substantially cylindrical in transverse cross sectional shape. A grooming device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the bristles are made of extruded or moulded nylon. A grooming device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the bristles are of synthetic fibres. A grooming device as claimed in any one of claim 1 to 13 wherein said bristles are boar bristles. A method of manufacturing a grooming device comprising; providing a frame composed of a handle section and a head section, said head section including a flexible body and bristles extending from the flexible body; the head section including a metallic cover having a plurality of aperture fully or partially enclosing said flexible body, and positioning the bristles such that the bristles penetrate the cover through the plurality of apertures. A grooming device as claimed in claim 1 and substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A method as claimed in claim 17 and substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. G:\190290NZ NK CAP.106.doc