US20230015646A1

US20230015646A1 - Product dispensing hairbrush

Info

Publication number: US20230015646A1
Application number: US17/865,110
Authority: US
Inventors: Kylee Heath; Stefan Monsson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-07-14
Filing date: 2022-07-14
Publication date: 2023-01-19

Abstract

A hairbrush for distributing a substance over a user or client's scalp is disclosed. The hairbrush has a head portion having a proximal end, a distal end, an internal portion, and a front face, a plurality of bristles outwardly extending from the front face of the head portion, a handle comprising a hollow interior and at least one side aperture, and a bulb positioned in the hollow interior of the housing. The bulb is configured to house the substance and is exposed at the at least one side aperture to allow the user to apply a pressure to the bulb excrete the substance to the front face of the head portion in response to the pressure being applied to the bulb.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/221,799 filed Jul. 14, 2021, entitled Product Dispensing Hairbrush, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a hairbrush. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hairbrush configured to dispense a substance, for example, dry shampoo powder through a plurality of hollow bristles over the user's scalp during hair combing or brushing. The user may conveniently use the hairbrush for uniformly dispensing the substance over the scalp with minimal effort.

BACKGROUND

Haircare products are part of a multi-billion dollar a year business, which is consistently growing. One product that has specifically experienced growth is dry shampoo, which is a type of shampoo that reduces hair greasiness without the need for water. It may be in powder form and is typically administered from an aerosol can. In addition to cleansing hair, it can also be used as a tool for hairstyling as it can create volume, help tease hair, keep bobby pins in place, and be used in place of mousse in wet hair. Consequently, hairstylists like to use dry shampoo on their clients and consumers often use dry shampoo from their homes or on the go.
When a stylist is working on a client, their hands need to be as free as possible to style the client's hair. As such, it is not ideal to hold both a brush and a bottle of product (e.g., dry shampoo) in their hands because it leaves the stylist with no free hands to assist in the styling process. Furthermore, as salons become increasingly crowded, the space for each station lessens. It is difficult on stylists to use products if they cannot be at the station due to overcrowding of products at the station.
Moreover, both hairstylists and even more so, home users, struggle with the correct usage of shampoo and other products to use (e.g., conditioner). For instance, they are often unaware about the right amount of hair care products that are required for effective hair care. The reason is the erratic distribution of the hair care products on the hair, resulting in piling the hair care product on top and not distributing it to the ends.
While combs and hairbrushes used for grooming and styling of hair are well known dispensing hairbrushes used during the grooming and styling processes, they do not adequately address the above-described problems. The existing hairbrushes and applicators are complex in function and are not able to distribute product appropriately.
In light of the above-mentioned problems, there is a need for an improved hairbrush configured to dispense a substance, for example, dry shampoo powder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally discloses a hairbrush. Further, the present invention discloses a hairbrush configured to dispense a substance, for example, dry shampoo powder over the user's scalp during hair combing or brushing. The user can conveniently use the hairbrush for uniformly dispensing the substance over the scalp with minimal effort.
In one embodiment, the hairbrush is configured to store one or more substances/hair care products and/or substances, for example, dry shampoo powder. In one embodiment, the hairbrush is further configured to allow the user to manually control the amount of the substance which dispenses during hair-brushing via a lever mechanism, or in another embedment, a soft squeeze handle.
In one embodiment, the hairbrush comprises a head portion, a plurality of bristles, and a handle. The head portion comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and an outlet orifice. In one embodiment, the outlet orifice is disposed at the proximal end of the head portion, but in another embodiment, the entire head portion may serve as the outlet orifice. In one embodiment, the bristles are outwardly extended from a front face of the head portion of the hairbrush, wherein at least some of the bristles near to the proximal end of the head portion are hollow bristles or pour bristles with the hollow bristles are connected to the outlet orifice and configured to distribute product therefrom. Further, one pour bristle may be used.
In one embodiment, the handle comprises an internal cavity or hollow interior that defines a storage chamber adapted to store a volume of substance, for example, a dry shampoo powder or other hair care product. In one embodiment, the handle is configured to securely connect to the proximal end of the head portion via a latch or lever through a passageway or a tract. In one embodiment, a lever or switch is disposed on, a back portion of the handle but may be disposed on other portions of the brush due to ergonomics. In one embodiment, the lever or switch is mechanically connected to the latch, thereby enabling the user to close and open the passageway for dispensing the stored substance over the user's scalp from the internal cavity of the handle via the passageway and the hollow bristles during hair combing or brushing.
In one embodiment, the hair brush further comprises a removable cap or an end cap, which is threadably secured to a threaded portion at a bottom portion of the handle. In one embodiment, the removable cap is configured to enable the user to fill or refill the internal cavity of the handle with one or more fluids/hair care products and/or substances. In another embodiment, a friction fit, or other type of closure mechanism may be used.
In another embodiment, the hollow bristles may define a hollow cross-section, for example, a substantially circular tube-like cross-section. The length and the distribution of hollow bristles may vary widely, depending on the type of hairbrush design, the aesthetic appeal sought, or the styling effect desired.
In another embodiment, the handle is configured to rotatably connect to the head portion, thereby enabling the user to open and close the passageway for dispensing the stored substance by rotating the handle. In yet another embodiment, the handle is further configured to connect to the head portion using a slidable partition, which is mechanically connected to a slider, thereby enabling the user to open and close the passageway for dispensing the stored substance by moving the slider. In some embodiments, the switch is at least any on-off, but not limited to, a button, a slider, a pushbutton, a lever, a pin, a knob, and a touchscreen. The handle and/or the head portion are provided with the ability to truly control variable amounts of substance, for example, a dry shampoo powder using a slide or rotation handle approach based as a value proposition.
In an embodiment, a hairbrush for distributing a substance over a user or client's scalp is disclosed comprising a head portion having a proximal end, a distal end, an internal portion, and a front face, a plurality of bristles outwardly extending from the front face of the head portion, a handle comprising a hollow interior and at least one side aperture, a bulb positioned in the hollow interior of the housing, wherein the bulb is configured to house the substance, wherein the bulb comprises a body, an opened top end, a lower tube portion and an open bottom end, wherein the body of the bulb is exposed at the at least one side aperture to allow the user to apply a pressure to the bulb, at least one nozzle positioned on the front face at the proximal or distal end of the head portion, wherein the at least one nozzle is configured to excrete the substance to the front face of the head portion in response to the pressure being applied to the bulb.
In an embodiment, a method of applying a substance to the scalp of a user is disclosed, the method comprising providing a hairbrush having a head portion, a proximal end, a distal end, an internal portion, a front face, and a handle comprising a hollow interior and at least one side aperture, a bulb positioned in the hollow interior of the housing, wherein the bulb is configured to house the substance, wherein the bulb comprises a body, an opened top end, a lower tube portion and an open bottom end, wherein the body portion of the bulb is exposed at the at least one side aperture to allow for the user to apply pressure to the bulb, at least one nozzle positioned on the front face at the proximal or distal end of the head portion and applying a pressure to the body of the bulb to eject the substance to the front face of the head portion in response to pressure being applied to the bulb.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and structures disclosed herein. The description of a method step or a structure referenced by a numeral in a drawing is applicable to the description of that method step or structure shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a hairbrush for dispensing a substance, for example, a dry shampoo powder, over a user's scalp during hair combing or brushing in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the hairbrush in one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the hairbrush in one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a side portion of the hairbrush in one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the hairbrush in another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows another perspective view of the hairbrush in another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a handle for the hairbrush in another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a hairbrush for dispensing a substance, for example, a dry shampoo powder, over a user's scalp during hair combing or brushing in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a bulb in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows a bottom internal perspective view of a hairbrush for dispensing a substance in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows a zoomed in bottom internal perspective view of a hairbrush for dispensing a substance in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows another bottom internal perspective view of a hairbrush for dispensing a substance in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows a bottom internal perspective view and flow of product in a hairbrush for dispensing a substance in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 shows a side view of a hairbrush for dispensing a substance in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 shows a side view of a hairbrush for dispensing a substance in an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 16 shows an end view of a hairbrush for dispensing a substance in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a stepwise method diagram in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.
It is expected that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Embodiments of the device are discussed below with reference to the examples. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these examples is for explanatory purposes as the system extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present system, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the system that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the system. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.
It is to be further understood that the present system is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present system. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this system belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present system.
Referring to FIG. 1 , a hairbrush 100 for dispensing a substance, for example, a dry shampoo powder, over a user's scalp during hair combing or brushing in one embodiment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the hairbrush 100 is configured to dispense a substance over the user's scalp during hair combing or brushing and is further configured to store one or more fluids/hair care products and/or substances, for example, a dry shampoo powder in a handle. In one embodiment, the hairbrush 100 is further configured to allow the user to manually control the amount of the substance which dispenses during hair-brushing.
In one embodiment, the hairbrush 100 comprises a head portion 102, a plurality of bristles 104, and a handle 116. In one embodiment, the head portion 102 comprises a proximal end 124, a distal end 126, and an outlet orifice 108. In one embodiment, the outlet orifice 108 is disposed at the proximal end 124 of the head portion 102. In one embodiment, the bristles 104 are outwardly extended from a front face of the head portion 102 of the hairbrush 100, wherein at least some of the bristles near to the proximal end 124 of the head portion 102 are hollow bristles or pour bristles 106. In one embodiment, the hollow bristles 106 are connected to the outlet orifice 108. However, in other embodiments, all bristles may comprise pour bristles 106 and while the orifice as shown is at the proximal end, the orifice may be at the distal end or be disposed on the entirety of the brush and use more pour bristles 106.
Referring still to FIG. 1 , the handle 116 comprises an internal cavity or hollow interior 118 that defines a storage chamber adapted to store a volume of substance, for example, a dry shampoo powder or hair care product. The handle 116 is configured to securely connect to the proximal end 124 of the head portion 102 via a latch or lever 112 through a passageway or a tract 110.
In one embodiment, a switch 114 is disposed on a back portion of the handle 116 but may be located on another section of the brush depending upon ergonomics. In one embodiment, the switch 114 is mechanically connected to the latch 112, thereby enabling the user to close and open the passageway 110 for dispensing the stored substance over the user's scalp from the internal cavity 118 of the handle 116 via the passageway 110 and the hollow bristles 106 or pore during hair combing or brushing. It should be noted the switch 114 may be a button, a slider, a pushbutton, a lever, a pin, a knob, and a touchscreen or other level mechanism, in this embodiment, while in other embodiments, a soft-squeeze mechanism may be employed (as discussed with relation to FIG. 7 ). Importantly, the levers described herein are pressure sensitive meaning that, in operation, the stylist or user can control the amount of product distributed therefrom by using less or more pressure on the lever, which in turn opens and closes less or more to allow less or more substance to pass to the tract.
In one embodiment, the hairbrush 100 further comprises a removable cap or an end cap 120, which is threadably secured to a threaded portion 122 at a bottom portion of the handle 116. In one embodiment, the removable cap 120 is configured to enable the user to fill or refill the internal cavity 118 of the handle 116 with one or more fluids/hair care products and/or substances. While the cap is threaded, other closing mechanisms may be employed.
In one embodiment, the hollow bristles 106 may define a hollow cross-section, for example, a substantially circular tube-like cross-section. In one embodiment, the length and the distribution of hollow bristles 106 could vary widely, depending on the type of hairbrush design, the aesthetic appeal sought, or the styling effect desired. In another embodiment, the handle 116 is configured to rotatably connect to the head portion 102, thereby enabling the user to open and close the passageway 110 for dispensing the stored substance by rotating the handle 116.
In another embodiment, the handle 116 is further configured to connect to the head portion 102 using a slidable partition, which is mechanically connected to a slider, thereby enabling the user to open and close the passageway 110 for dispensing the stored substance by moving the slider. In one embodiment, the handle 116 and/or the head portion 102 are provided with the ability to truly control variable amounts of substance, for example, a dry shampoo powder using a slide or rotation handle approach based as a value proposition.
Referring now to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , a front view, and a rear view of the hairbrush 100 in one embodiment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the head portion 102 further comprises at least two sections or portion such as an upper portion/section 208 and a lower portion/section 210 and a front face 212 and an outer face 302. In one embodiment, the outlet orifice 108 is disposed at the lower section 210 of the head portion 102. The handle 116 is provided with top depressions (202 and 304) and bottom depressions (204 and 306) to provide a better grip for the user. In one embodiment, the handle 116 comprises a lever 206, which is mechanically connected to the latch 112 (shown in FIG. 1 ), thereby enabling the user to close and open the passageway 110 (shown in FIG. 1 ) for dispensing the stored substance over the user's scalp via the hollow bristles 106 (shown in FIG. 1 ) during hair combing or brushing. In this embodiment, the outlet orifice does not comprise any hollow pour or bristles, and acts to hold and disperse the product during brushing.
Referring to FIG. 4 , a side portion 402 of the hairbrush 100 in one embodiment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the switch 114 disposed on the handle 116 is connected to the latch 112 via a pin 404. When the user presses the switch 114, the latch 112 could be released or unlocked from its position, thereby opening the passageway 110 for dispensing the stored substance from the internal cavity 118 via the hollow bristles 106.
In another embodiment, referring now to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 , a hairbrush 500 according to another embodiment is disclosed. In this embodiment, the hairbrush 500 comprises a head portion 502, a plurality of bristles 504, a straw or an elongated hollow tube 506 with multiple pores 508, a replaceable bottle or storage unit 512, and a handle 514. In one embodiment, the plurality of bristles 504 is upwardly extended from the front face of the head portion 502. In one embodiment, the head portion 502 is configured to receive the straw or elongated hollow tube 506 provided with multiple pores 508. In one embodiment, the multiple pores 508 are configured to dispense the substance, for example, dry shampoo powder 520, which is stored in the replaceable bottle 512.
The replaceable bottle 512 is removably disposed within the handle 514. When the user squeezes the handle 514, the substance, for example, dry shampoo powder 520, stored in the replaceable bottle 512 may be dispensed via the tract 510 through the multiple pores 508 of the straw or elongated hollow tube 506. In this embodiment, the replaceable bottle 512 may be a replaceable soft rubber bottle. In one embodiment, the handle 514 may be a medium soft rubber handle. The cap 518 is threadably secured to a bottom portion of the handle 514 via a threading portion 516. The cap 518 is configured to enable the user to replace the replaceable bottle 512 or refill it with the substance 520 or hair care products. In one embodiment, the handle 512 could be provided with a clear hard plastic 602 on both sides for providing more strength and rigidity to the handle 512. A pin or some other mechanism may be provided on the brush to puncture the cartridge once interested. The cartridge itself may have a puncturing mechanism to puncture the cartridge once inserted as well.
Referring to FIG. 7 , a perspective view of a handle 700 for the hairbrush in yet another embodiment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the handle 700 is formed in a cage-like structure using a single piece or a combination of resilient wires or elements 706. In one embodiment, the handle 700 is configured to securely hold a replaceable bottle 702. In one embodiment, the replaceable bottle 702 could be filled with the substance, for example, dry shampoo powder 704. The replaceable bottle 702 is configured to securely connect to the head portion of the hairbrush via the passageway 510. When the user squeezes the handle 700, the substance, for example, dry shampoo powder, stored in the replaceable bottle 702 could be dispensed via the tract 510 through the multiple pores 508 (shown in FIG. 5 ) of the straw or elongated hollow tube 506 (shown in FIG. 5 ). In one embodiment, a cap 708 is threadably secured to a bottom portion of the handle 700 via a threading portion 710. The cap 708 is configured to enable the user to replace the replaceable bottle 702 or refill it with the substance or hair care products. There may a pin or blade to open the cartridge or bottle in this embodiment as well.
Referring now to FIG. 8 , a hairbrush 800 for dispensing a substance, for example, a dry shampoo powder, over a user's scalp during hair combing or brushing in one embodiment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the hairbrush 800 is configured to dispense a substance over the user's scalp during hair combing or brushing and is further configured to store one or more fluids/hair care products and/or substances, for example, a dry shampoo powder from an internal bulb located in the handle and squeezable by a user. In one embodiment, the hairbrush 800 is further configured to allow the user to manually control the amount of the substance which dispenses during hair-brushing due to the user squeezing the bulb with the user's fingers.
In one embodiment, the hairbrush 800 comprises a head portion 802, a plurality of bristles 814, and a handle 804 having a hollow interior 806 and two opposing apertures (808, 1204), one of which is shown in FIG. 8 and the other being show in FIG. 12 . In one embodiment, the head portion 802 comprises the bristles 814 are outwardly extended from a front face 816 of the head portion 102 of the hairbrush 800.
The front face 816 comprises an outer edge 820 at which a first nozzle 810 and second nozzle 812 is positioned. The first nozzle 810 may be positioned at the distal end and the second nozzle 812 may be positioned at the proximal end of the head 802. The nozzles, described in further detail with relation to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 , are in internal communication with the hollow interior of the head and the bulb positioned in the handle via multiple offices described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 9 -FIG. 15 . In embodiments, the nozzles are configured to eject product in response to an action of the user, in this case, application of pressure to a bulb at the handle portion. The front face 816 may be manufactured from or coated with a hydrophilic substance so that the product doesn't run off the front face 816 and to ensure the product coats the entire front face while in use.
Referring now to FIG. 9 , a perspective view of a bulb in an embodiment of the present invention is shown generally at 900. The bulb comprises a body 902, an opened top end 904, a tube portion 906 and an open bottom end 908. While in the shape of a bulb, the bulb may be any shape and size and made of any material that exhibits hand-feel that is comfortable to the touch of a user and proper elasticity. For example, rubber may be used because its low modulus of elasticity and its capability of sustaining a deformation of as much as 1000 percent, and after such deformation, quickly and forcibly retracts to its original dimensions. Rubber is just one example, and silicone nitrile, vinyl and neoprene may be used among other materials.
The body 902 of the bulb, on its bottom end, is attached to or coupled with a tube portion 906 that in embodiments is made of a more rigid material than the bulb body 902 to allow a user to easily fill the bulb with product, whether it be potion, powder or the like. The tube portion 906 comprises an opening 908 in its bottom end in this regard. The bulb 900 is dimensioned so that it fits snuggly in the handle 804 and so that the body 902 is depressible by the user via the apertures 808 and 1204. In this way, the body portion “fills in” the apertures so that the body portion is either flush with the handle 804 or protrudes slightly from the handle 804 allowing the user to, in a single gesture with one hand, squeeze product from the brush handle into the brush head and out of the nozzles during use. In this regard, top opening 904 is opened to allows for egress of product into the brush head, and is communication with the internal portions of the tube.
With reference now to FIG. 10 shows a bottom internal perspective view of a hairbrush for dispensing a substance. The internal portion of the brush comprises a first distal cavity 1002 and a second proximal cavity 1004 separated by trammel 1006 that forms the dimensions of the each of the cavities by providing sidewalls therefor. Each of the cavities 1002 and 1004 are dimensioned to retain product introduced from the handle portion when the pressure is applied by the user, and when full, expel product from the nozzles based on additional pressure applied by the user when in use or when product is needed or desired for the client's hair. A cover is provided to cover the back of the brush head and the cavities 1002 and 1004. In operation, the internal portion of the handle and each of the cavities 1002 and 1004 are in internal communication so that product can pass therethrough. While two cavities are shown, a single cavity may be utilized herein.
The trammel 1006 may be a removable plastic piece that acts to separate the cavities, and also to pipe product from one cavity 1002 to another cavity 1004. In this way, having two cavities that are piped together, the flow rate for each of the nozzles is optimized so that product comes out of each of the nozzle roughly equally when the user depresses the handle.
With reference now to FIG. 11 , a zoomed in bottom internal perspective view of a hairbrush for dispensing a substance is shown. In this embodiment, the internal cavity 1002 is shown. The internal cavity 1002 is in fluid communication with the handle 804 via pipe 1102. The pipe 1102, in embodiments, is a hollow aperture in the handle in which the bulb is positioned so that substance or product may leave fill the cavity 1002. A nozzle feeder 1104, in embodiments, may be provided to connect an inner vertical tube to a nozzle (not shown). In this way, the product can be fed out of the inner cavity 1002 to the nozzles, the face of the brush and ultimately the user or the client's hair. However, by virtue of pressure being applied to the bulb inner tubes may not be used.
With reference now to FIG. 12 , a bottom internal perspective view of a hairbrush for dispensing a substance is shown with both cavities 1002 and 1004 are shown. As can be seen, the internal cavity 1002 is in fluid communication with the handle 804 via pipe 1102, and the cavity 1002 is in communication with the second cavity 1004 via middle piping 1202. The middle pipe 1202, in embodiments, is a hollow aperture in the trammel 1006. A second nozzle feeder (not shown), in embodiments, may be provided to connect an inner vertical tube to a nozzle shown. In this way, the product can be fed out of the inner cavity 1004 to the nozzle, the face of the brush and ultimately the user or the client's hair. However, by virtue of pressure being applied to the bulb inner tubes may not be used.
Referring now to FIG. 13 , a bottom internal perspective view and flow of product in a hairbrush for dispensing a substance in is shown. In operation, a user, whether it be a stylist working on a client or a user brushing their own hair, the user depresses the bulbs at apertures 808 and 1204 as shown by arrows 1302 and 1304, thereby pushing product up through the top of the bulb and through pipe 1102 into first cavity 1002 via arrow 1306 to fill the first cavity 1003. Product may then move through the piping 1302 out of piping 1208 and into second cavity 1004 via arrow 1308 to fill each of the cavities with product.
Referring now to FIG. 14 , a side view of a hairbrush for dispensing a substance having a nozzle is shown. The nozzle 810 that is shown in the distal nozzle (but both nozzles work similarly), and is positioned on the front face 816, and are in internal communication with the hollow interior of the head and the bulb positioned in the handle via the piping and the cavities as described earlier. In embodiments, the nozzles 812 are configured to eject product in response to an action of the user, in this case, application of pressure to a bulb at the handle portion.
The nozzle 810 comprises a hollow curved body 1404 and spout 1402. In operation, product is ejected from the spout 1402 via the hollow curved body when pressure is applied thereto. A hinged cap (not shown) may be provided to automatically close the nozzles when product is not being excreted so that during use product can remain in the cavities. However, no cap may be used and the amount of product that enters the cavities is controlled by the user based on the pressure applied to the bulb via the handle.
Referring now to FIG. 15 , a side view of a hairbrush for dispensing a substance is shown. The nozzle 812 that is shown in the proximal nozzle (but both nozzles work similarly), and is positioned on the front face 816 at the proximal end, and are in internal communication with the hollow interior of the head and the bulb positioned in the handle via the piping and the cavities as described earlier. In embodiments, the nozzles 812 are configured to eject product in response to an action of the user, in this case, application of pressure to a bulb at the handle portion similar to nozzle 810.
Referring now to FIG. 16 , an end view of a hairbrush for dispensing a substance is shown. In one embodiment, the hairbrush 800 further comprises a removable cap or an end cap 1602, which is threadably secured to a threaded portion 1604 at a bottom portion of the handle 804. In one embodiment, the removable end cap 1602 is configured to enable the user to fill or refill the internal cavity 806 of the handle 804 with one or more fluids/hair care products and/or substances. While the cap is threaded, other closing mechanisms may be employed.
Referring now to FIG. 17 , a stepwise diagram in accordance with embodiments of the invention is shown. At step 1702, providing a hairbrush having a head portion, a bulb and at least one nozzle positioned on the front face at the proximal or distal end of the head portion as described above is shown. At step 1704, applying a pressure to the body of the bulb to eject the substance to the front face of the head portion in response to pressure being applied to the bulb by a user of a client is provided.
Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.
The foregoing description comprises illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings in the foregoing descriptions. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used only in generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A hairbrush for distributing a substance over a user or client's scalp, comprising:

a head portion having a proximal end, a distal end, an internal portion, and a front face;

a plurality of bristles outwardly extending from the front face of the head portion;

a handle comprising a hollow interior and at least one side aperture;

a bulb positioned in the hollow interior of the housing, wherein the bulb is configured to house the substance, wherein the bulb comprises a body, an opened top end, a lower tube portion and an open bottom end, wherein the body of the bulb is exposed at the at least one side aperture to allow the user to apply a pressure to the blub;

at least one nozzle positioned on the front face at the proximal or distal end of the head portion, wherein the at least one nozzle is configured to excrete the substance to the front face of the head portion in response to the pressure being applied to the bulb.

2. The hairbrush of claim 1, wherein the internal portion of the head comprises:

a distal cavity;

a proximal cavity;

a trammel separating the distal cavity from proximal cavity and further configured to form dimensions of the each of the cavities by providing sidewalls thereof;

wherein the distal cavity and the proximal cavity are configured and dimensioned to retain the substance introduced from the bulb when the pressure is applied to the bulb by the user.

3. The hairbrush of claim 2, further comprising a back cover configured to cover a back of the brush head and each of the cavities.

4. The hairbrush of claim 2, wherein the trammel comprises a middle pipe configured to connect the distal cavity to the proximal cavity, wherein the middle pipe is a hollow aperture in the trammel and is further configured to pipe the substance from the distal cavity to the proximal cavity when the user applies pressure to the bulb.

5. The hairbrush of claim 2, wherein the distal cavity is in fluid communication with the handle via a handle pipe, wherein the handle pipe is a hollow aperture in the handle so that the handle is in fluid communication with the bulb.

6. The hairbrush of claim 1, wherein the at least one nozzle comprises a distal nozzle and a proximal nozzle, each of which are positioned on the front face of the body and each of which are configured to eject the substance in response to the application of pressure by the user on the bulb.

7. The hairbrush of claim 6, wherein the distal nozzle comprises a hollow curved body in fluid communication with the distal cavity and a spout in fluid communication with the hollow curved body.

8. The hairbrush of claim 6, wherein the proximal nozzle comprises a hollow curved body in fluid communication with the proximal cavity and a spout in fluid communication with the hollow curved body.

9. The hairbrush of claim 1, wherein the front face is coated with a hydrophilic substance so that the product doesn't run off the front face and to ensure the product coats the entire front face while in use.

10. The hairbrush of claim 1, wherein the bulb is formed from a material that has a low modulus of elasticity and is capability of sustaining a deformation and after such deformation, forcibly retracts to its original dimensions.

11. The hairbrush of claim 1, wherein the bulb comprises:

a main body;

a tube portion connected to a bottom end of the main body, wherein the tube portion is made of material that is more rigid than the bulb body, wherein the tube is configured to allow a user to fill the bulb with the substance, wherein the tube portion comprises an opening in its bottom end.

12. The hairbrush of claim 11, wherein the main body of the bulb protrudes slightly from the handle allowing the user to, in a single gesture, squeeze product from the brush handle and out of the nozzles during use.

13. The hairbrush of claim 1, further comprising a removable cap threadably secured to a bottom portion of the handle, wherein the removable cap is configured to enable the user to fill or refill the internal cavity of the handle with one or more hair care products or substances.

14. The hairbrush of claim 7, wherein the spout comprises a hinged cap.

15. A method of applying a substance to the scalp of a user, the method comprising:

providing a hairbrush having a head portion, a proximal end, a distal end, an internal portion, a front face, and a handle comprising a hollow interior and at least one side aperture, a bulb positioned in the hollow interior of the housing, wherein the bulb is configured to house the substance, wherein the bulb comprises a body, an opened top end, a lower tube portion and an open bottom end, wherein the body portion of the bulb is exposed at the at least one side aperture to allow for the user to apply pressure to the bulb, at least one nozzle positioned on the front face at the proximal or distal end of the head portion; and

applying a pressure to the body of the bulb to eject the substance to the front face of the head portion in response to pressure being applied to the bulb.