US2261550A - Comb cleaning device - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 4, 1941. I F. D. HOGG 2,261,550

COMB CLEANING DEVICE Filed April 18, 1940 5 Sheets-Shet 1 INVENTORI FREDERICK memo/v HOGG ATTORNEIKS Filed April 18, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 mvEmTo H my N m K% 5 v. 5 N c m WWW K A m P\ 5y 3 m Nov. 4, 1941. F. D. HOGG COMB CLEANING DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 18, 1940 N HOGG WW5 v. & m MT T A Patented Nov. 4, 1941 Application April 18, 1940, Serial No. 330,298 In Great Britain May 2, 1939 11 Claims.

This invention relates to an improved method of and a device for cleaning hair combs.

The chief object of the invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive device, particularly but not exclusively for use in hairdressing establishments, for enabling a comb to be easily and quickly cleaned in a simple manner by. the use of a particular cleaning medium or fabric, so that the comb can be kept hygienic at practically no cost other than the original cost of the device and the cleaning medium or fabric which is used.

The present invention therefore is concerned not only with the device but with the method which is involved and also the fabric which is used as the cleaning medium.

According to the invention, the device which is provided, is in the form of a clamping frame and it is used in conjunction with a fabric strip having longitudinal or warp threads and transverse or weft threads, in such manner as to hold or clamp the strip at or around its edges or along its borders, but in a stretched or taut condition with the middle part of the strip unsupported so that the comb teeth can be forced through the middle and unsupported part of the strip between the threads which thus encompasses each and every tooth of the comb, the transverse threads passing between the teeth so that the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned from the tips to the roots or bases as the teeth are forced an upward pull over the back of the comb, causes the transverse threads to be forcibly drawn or pulled laterally from between the teeth, thus removing any accumulation of dirt or the like from the closed ends of the spaces between the teeth.

Preferably the fabric strip is folded at one longitudinal edge and the fold serves to hold the transverse 01 weft threads at this edge to enable them to be'freed or separated from the adjacent longitudinal or warp threads at the other edge or side of the strip as'aforesaid. The folded-over strip may be such as to provide two layers of the same width to form a double strip which imparts greater stiffness to the strip and the resistance needed for tearing or pulling it over the back of the comb in the manner aforesaid. Further, the double or folded strip constricts the spaces or openings between the threads as it is almost impossible to obtain registration of the threads and openings in the two layers, with the result that a closer contact of the threads around the teeth from the points upwards, can be effected. The strip may be impregnated with a cleansing preparation having hygienic properties. The comb with the cleaning fabric attached thereto as a result of forcing the comb teeth through it whilst completely through the fabric. As the transverse threads can reach the closed ends of the spaces between the teeth, they can remove any accumulation of dirt or the like at these positions.

The removal of the dirt or the like adjacent the,-

roots or bases of the teeth, the point of accumu lation and the chief source of infection can be more thoroughly effected by the removal of the fabric strip from the teeth as hereinafter more fully set forth, and by reason of the, special form of the fabric which is preferably'used and preferably conforms with what is known as scrim or gauze. The comb with the strip applied therepart, from the adjacent longitudinal threads by 55 held in the clamping frame as herein described, can, when removed from the frame, be used as a combined comb and pad 01' brush which both combs and smooths the hair and can be used for the application of dyes, lotions or the like.

In order that the invention may be clearly understood and readily carried into effect, the

same will now be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective View of one form of the frame of the improved comb cleaning device, which receives the cleaning fabric.

Figure 2 is a side view showing the frame just prior to being closed to clamp the cleaning fabric in the stretched or taut condition.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the frame closed to clamp the cleaning fabric in the stretched condition. I

Figure 4 is a plan view of the said frame as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken on the line VV of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is an enlarged view showing a part of a comb with its teeth forced into the fabric.

Figure '7 isa sectional plan view showing some of the comb teeth with the fabric strands or threads around and between them.

Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the form the fabric strip which is preferably used,

Figure 9 is a sectional view showing the fabric strip removed from the frame but remaining on the comb to form the comb brush or pad hereinbefore referred to.

Figure 10 illustrates the fabric strip after having been removed from the comb.

Figure 11 illustrates additional features hereinafter referred to.

The clamping device illustrated in Figures 1 to comprises an under frame member I which is mounted on supports 2 and is of channel section to provide upstanding side walls 3 as shown in Figure 5, the said frame member I having a longitudinal slot 4 which provides an unobstructed passage from end to end of the frame member I, as shown more clearly in Figure 3. This frame member I has a permanent set which gives it a slightly curved or convex formation as shown in Figures 2 and 3, and the supports 2 are preferably of different heights as shown. At the higher end of the frame are provided lugs 'or the like to receive hinge pins 5 of an upper ber 6 is of such width as to fit closely between the 0 upstanding side walls 3 of the lower member I, and it is of such section as to provide a thicker central part I running along the length of the member 6 and adapted to fit closely in the slot 4 of the lower member, the side portions of this frame member 6 bearing on the upper surface of the channel sectioned lower member I Along the length of the upper member 6 and extending completely through the thickened part I is a slot 8 which is of such dimensions that any type or size of combs now in use can pass completely through it. The upper frame member 6 is straight and therefore normally rests on the lower member with its free end spaced away from the member I, but by pressing on this free end, the member 6 can be caused to conform with and fit in the lower memberto take up the curved or convex formation and can be held in this position by a catch device which in the example shown is in the form of a slidable loop 92 6 to engage with stops I0 on the upper part of the said member 6.

Having generally set forth the construction ofij the clamping device, the manner in which it is used and the improved method of cleaning a comb will now be described. A fabric strip indicated at H is provided for the actual cleaning of the comb and it is preferably of a gauze-like character as hereinbefore referred to. Preferably a double thickness of the material is used, for instance, by folding the material lengthwise as indicated at Ha in Figure 8. The doubled fabric strip II is first placed to lie on the lower and upper frame members, may be serrated or otherwise formed or roughened to increase the grip around the edges of the fabric when it is clamped between the frame members. The comb to be cleaned is now placed in the slot 8 with some of the ends of its teeth resting upon the stretched gauze material or fabric II. By forcing the comb downwardly its teeth penetrate the unsupported middle part of the fabric strip and as a result the capacity between the teeth, according to their fineness, will in every case have a full complement of transverse threads (see Figure 7). In this connection be it noted that the folding or doubling of the cleaning medium or fabric as mentioned above, constricts the openings of the underfold of the fabric, as precise and exact overlapping or registration is not practicable, thus assuring forcible contact with and around the comb teeth from tip to root and ensuring an effective cleaning of the teeth. By releasing the clip 9, the upper member 6 can be opened on its hinge to enable the comb with the fabric strip H remaining thereon to be removed. Figure 9 shows the comb with the strip ll thereon, after having been removed from the said frame device. By tearing the strip lengthwise from the comb, over the back thereof, the transverse threads llb in proximity to the free edges of the doubled or folded strip are forcibly dragged or drawn between the teeth at the roots and are separated from the longitudinal threads Hc thereby effecting thorough cleaning as the free portions of the transverse threads are pulled or drawn between the teeth in being separated from the longitudinal or warp threads at the free or outer edges of the strip. Figure 10 shows the double strip after having been drawn over the comb back, the separated longitudinal and transverse threads being clearly illustrated. The warp may have say 25 double threads, whereas the weft has say about 25 single threads, and it is this construction, plus the doubling over of the strip making approximately 50 weft threads but differently spaced with respect to the warp threads, plus the proper sizing that makes the hold on the weft threads at 'one edge or side strong enough to pull them clear of the longitudinal threads and of the comb teeth as well. The fold-over of the strip could be on the diagonal or on a bias. The fabric strip may be suitably impregnated with a hygienic substance, and it may be used in a moist condition or in a dry state. By using the device in the manner aforesaid and carrying out the method described, a comb can be readily cleaned after use, and in this way a comb can be kept hygienic and fresh with a minimum of trouble and very little cost. The fabric which may be folded or doubled as aforesaid can be supplied in out lengths or strips ready for insertion in the device and used in the manner specified, or it may be supplied in spool or roll form and cut as required. Figure 11 illustrates an arrangement comprising a clamping frame as aforesaid, having a bracket or the like l2 for carrying a spool or roll l3 of material at the hinged part of the device. The strip preferably doubled or folded as aforesaid can be drawn from the roll and placed along the upper part of the member I. After being clamped or held in the stretched condition by retaining the end of the upper member by the clip device 9, the strip can be cut at at a position adjacent the hinge by means of a guillotine cutter I4 which severs the strip, leaving an end ready to be drawn from the spool for use in the manner aforesaid. The device may be provided with clips Za'on the supports 2 to enable a comb to be inserted between the clips and the supports and thus be conveniently held on the device ready for use. 1

If desired, a fabric strip can be applied to the combin a frame as aforesaid and the'comb when removed from the cleaning device with the fabric strip thereon, as indicated in Figure 9, can be used as a comb brush, the comb teeth being passed through the hair in the usual way so that the strip II is caused topass over andsmooth the hair as it is combed. This is primarily a hygienic measure with the object of providing an alternative to the public hair brush and this same system may be hygienically employed in the application of dyes, lotions, or the like, as for one thing the retaining of the cleaning medium or fabric on the comb prevents the dirt or the like reaching the root of the teeth and for another when the same has served its purpose it is destroyed.

It is preferred to provide a doubled or folded strip as hereinbefore described, but a single or unfolded strip can be used which permits of the separation or freeing of the transverse threads from the longitudinal threads and the drawing of the free portions of the transverse threads through the gaps or spaces between the comb teeth. For this purpose the border or edge of the strip which would be gripped by the hand in tearing the strip over the back of the comb will have a sufficiency of the longitudinal or warp threads to lock or bind the transverse or warp threads and to give purchase in the handling of the strip. The opposite border or edge of the strip would have a less number of longitudinal or warp threads (or weaker warp threads) so that although these are sufficient to support the transverse or weft threads, the said lesser number or weaker warp threads can be readily released or broken away to allow the adjacent portions of the transverse or weft threads to be freed and pulled through the spaces between the comb teeth.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

l. A comb-cleaning device comprising a clamping frame for use in conjunction with a strip of fabric having longitudinal or warp threads and transverse or weft threads, said frame comprising means for supporting the frame on a table, base or the like, and means to grip the fabric around its edges or along its borders with the middle part unsupported and spaced from said table, base or the like, so as to facilitate the comb teeth being forced through said stretched and unsupported middle part between the threads of the fabric and cause said threads to encompass the teeth in contact therewith, with the transverse threads passing into the gaps or spaces between the said teeth.

2. A comb-cleaning device as in claim 1, in which the clamping frame comprises releasable means to free the fabric so as to facilitate removal of the comb with the fabric attached thereto from the frame.

3. A comb-cleaning device comprising a lower frame member having a slot or opening therein across which a cleaning fabric strip can be stretched, an upper frame member adapted to clamp the fabric strip around or at its edges or along its borders in a stretched or taut condition with the middle part unsupported, and having a slot or opening into which the comb can be placed to force its teeth through thestretched fabric at its middle and unsupportedpart.

4. A device as-in" claim 3 in which the upper frame member is'hinged atone end to the lower frame member and in which a clipor the'like is provided at the other end to clamp the hinged upper member in close contact along the length of the frame in order to secure the fabric strip in a stretched or taut condition across the slot or opening, the lower frame member being slightly curved or convex, while the other frame member is straightbut is deformable and thus adapted to conform with the curved or convex form of the lower member when clamped in the closed position.

6. A device as in claim 3, in which the lower frame member has upstanding walls to form a channel serving to receive the upper member, which latter member has a thickened part adapted to enter the slot or opening in the lower frame member and itself having a slot or opening therein to receive the comb so as to facilitate the teeth of the latter being pressed into the stretched fabric extending across the slot or opening.

'7. A device as'in claim 3, in which the fabric engaging surfaces of the frame members are roughened, serrated or similarly formed to increase the grip on the fabric. Y 8. A method of cleaning a comb by employing a fabric strip having longitudinal or warp threads and transverse or weft threads, comprising the steps of stretching a fabric strip and holding it in a taut condition to enable the comb teeth to be pressed between the threads with the transverse threads passing between the teeth, and drawing the applied strip over the back of the comb while breaking and separating the transverse threads from the longitudinal threads along one edge of the strip and one side of the back of the comb, and thus causing these transverse threads first to be forcibly drawn down between the comb teeth and then out at the side of the comb from between said teeth with the dirt or the like which may have accumulated between the teeth.

9. A fabric strip for cleaning a comb, said strip having longitudinal or warp threads and transverse or weft threads, which latter are positively held to the longitudinal threads more securely at one side or edge than at the other, to facilitate said transverse or weft threads at the said other side or edge of the strip being separated or freed from the longitudinal threads at that side or edge so that the freed ends of the transverse threads can be drawn between the comb teeth when the strip is pulled or drawn over and past the back of the comb.

10. A fabric strip for use in cleaning a comb, said strip being folded over at one edge so that the fold provides the requisite hold for the transverse threads at the folded side or edge of the strip, said fabric strip having longitudinal or warp threads and transverse or weft threads, which latter are positively held to the longitudinal threads more securely at said folded side or edge than at the other, to facilitate said transverse or weft threads at the said other side oredge of the strip being separated or freed from the longitudinal threads at that side or edge so that the freed ends of the transverse threads can be drawn sideways between the comb teeth when the strip is pulled or drawn over and past the back of the comb.

11. A fabric strip for use in cleaning a comb, said strip being folded over so that the fold provides the requisite hold for the transverse threads at the folded side or edge of the strip, the fold providing two layers of which the thread spacings are out of register so as to constrict the opening through which the comb teeth can pass to ensure forcible contact with and around the comb teeth, said fabric strip having longitudinal or warp threads and transverse or weft threads, which latter are positively held to the longitudinal threads more securely at said folded side or edge than at the other, to facilitate said transverse or weft threads at the said other side or edge of the strip being separated or freed from the longitudinal threads at that side or edge so that the freed ends of the transverse threads can be drawn sideways between the comb teeth when the strip is pulled or drawn over and past the back of the comb.

FRED. D. HOGG.

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