US20170311710A1

US20170311710A1 - Reusable brush cleaning accessory and method of use

Info

Publication number: US20170311710A1
Application number: US15/655,614
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael L. Powell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-04-17
Filing date: 2017-07-20
Publication date: 2017-11-02

Abstract

A brush accessory for fitting over the bristles and head of a brush, such as a hairbrush used for pets or humans. The accessory generally includes a stretchable band surrounding a stretchable mesh web which fits between the bristles of the brush. Optional pull tabs and brush handle loops can be connected to the stretchable band for easy removal and secure attachment to the brush handle, respectively.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/880,488, filed Oct. 12, 2015, which claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/178,704, filed Apr. 17, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a brush cleaning accessory, and more specifically to a reusable accessory which attaches to brushes, such as hairbrushes, for easy cleaning and removing of debris, such as hair, from the brush.

2. Description of the Related Art

Brushes, such as hair brushes for humans and animals, become clogged with hair and other debris through use. It is often difficult to remove this hair and other material without leaving some small amount behind. This also becomes time consuming. What is needed is a reusable device which quickly and easily removes all hair and other debris from a brush in a single action.
Heretofore there has not been available a hairbrush accessory system or method of use with the advantages and features of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides a brush accessory for fitting over the bristles and head of a brush, such as a hairbrush used for pets or humans. The accessory generally includes a stretchable band surrounding a stretchable mesh web which fits between the bristles of the brush. Optional pull tabs and brush handle loops can be connected to the stretchable band for easy removal and secure attachment to the brush handle, respectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof.

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a typical environment affixed to a brush.

FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional isometric view thereof, showing the preferred embodiment of the present invention removed from the brush.

FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional isometric view from an alternative angle of that of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention absent its environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I. Introduction and Environment

As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.

II. Preferred Embodiment Brush Accessory System 2

Referring to the figures in more detail, FIGS. 1-4 show the preferred embodiment brush accessory 4 in its typical environment affixed to a brush 6, such as a hairbrush. As shown in FIG. 1, the elastic band 8 wraps around the head 14 of the brush 6, and the stretchable mesh net 10 weaves between the bristles 18 of the brush. The brush accessory 4 is placed onto the brush 6 before the brush is used, and then can be removed from the brush, which simultaneously removes all hair or other debris caught between the bristles 18.
An optional pull tab 12 may be placed on one or both ends of the elastic band 8. These tabs may be made of the same material as the band or any suitable material. Similarly, the band may be made of any stretchable material other than elastic, such as rubber or spandex. The pull tab 12 shown in FIG. 1 is a simple loop which aids in pulling the accessory 4 from the brush head 14. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, another such pull tab 12 is placed on the other end of the band 8, which tab can be looped around the handle 16 of the brush 6, ensuring that the accessory 4 remains with the brush in the case of accidental removal from the brush head 14, and also helps secure the accessory 4 to the brush head.
FIG. 4 shows a view of the accessory 4 by itself. Here it is shown to have a basically elliptical shape prior to being formed over the head of a brush. However, any shape may be suitable for the accessory 4, including circular, rectangular, or square. The pull tabs 12 similarly may be flat pieces of material, such as leather or rubber, rather than the loops as shown.
In practice, the accessory 4 is placed over the head 14 of the brush 6 by stretching the band 8 around the exterior of the brush head 14. If a pull tab 12 is affixed to the band, it may be looped around the handle 16 of the brush. The mesh web 10 becomes interspaced between the bristles 18 of the brush 6. The brush may then be used for cleaning or for hair brushing. Once finished with the brushing action, the accessory 4 is removed from the brush head 14. As this occurs, all hair and other debris woven between the bristles 18 is pulled away from the brush head 14 along with the accessory 4, thereby cleaning the brush. The elastic band 8 contracts after being removed from the brush head, and the band 8 and webbing 10 cups around at least a majority of the hair and debris, causing the hair to be easily captured for disposal rather than falling to the ground. If a pull tab is affixed to the band 8 and not looped around the handle 16, that pull tab may be used to help pull the accessory 4 from the brush head.
It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.

Claims

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. A method of cleaning a brush, the method comprising the steps:

placing a brush cleaning accessory on the head of a brush, said brush cleaning accessory comprising a stretchable band having an interior area and a stretchable mesh net connecting to said stretchable band and filling said interior area of said stretchable band, said stretchable mesh net configured to be interspaced between bristles affixed to said head of said brush;

brushing an object with said brush; and

removing said brush cleaning accessory from said head of said brush, thereby displacing debris located between said bristles.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps:

looping a pull tab affixed to said stretchable band over a handle of said brush; and

securing said brush cleaning accessory to said brush via said pull tab.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step:

pulling a pull tab affixed to said stretchable band, thereby pulling said stretchable band away from said head of said brush.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said debris comprises hair.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps:

contracting said stretchable band upon removal from said head of said brush;

deforming and displacing said stretchable mesh net; and

cupping said stretchable mesh net about said debris, thereby capturing said debris within said stretchable mesh net.