WO1999030590A1

WO1999030590A1 - Motorized, rotating hair brush

Info

Publication number: WO1999030590A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/026997
Authority: WO
Inventors: Claudio Marino
Original assignee: Claudio Marino
Priority date: 1997-12-18
Filing date: 1998-12-18
Publication date: 1999-06-24
Also published as: AU2003799A

Abstract

A rotating hair brush (10) has several dividers (50) between some of the rows of bristles (40). The dividers (50) prevent hair from being tangled in the bristles (40) as the brush (10) rotates. The dividers (50) also help smooth the hair, absorb, and transfer back to the hair heat from a blow dryer. The dividers (50) may be of many different shapes, and may extend longitudinally or curve along the brush (10). The handle (12) of brush (10) contains a motor (24), and a battery (14). The brush (10) also may have a guide (204) covering part of the bristles (40).

Description

MOTORIZED, ROTATING HAIR BRUSH

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention: This invention relates to a hair brush, primarily one that rotates. The movement of the bristles through the hair as the brush rotate and other features of the invention make blow drying more effective.

2. State of the Art: When blow drying hair, one achieves the best results by holding and then pulling the bristles of a hair brush such that the bristles are under a region of hair below the hair dryer. Best way to accomplish this manually is to rotates the brush partially so that the bristles move through the hair. One normally can rotate a brush about one half turn manually. After each half turn, the user pulls the brush from the hair. The brush is then replaced in a new location, usually adjacent the proceeding location.

Accomplishing rotation evenly over all regions of the scalp is very difficult because the necessary hand positions are difficult to achieve. Barbers and hair stylists can accomplish these moves more easily because they can move relative to the person's head. Blow drying one's own hair requires reaching around the head with the arms raised. Providing the proper twist or rotation to the brush is very difficult in that position. Coordinating brush movement while aiming the dryer adds to the difficulty. The state of the art recognizes that one can rotate a hairbrush mechanically. Using such a rotating hair brush avoids the problem of having to rotate it manually in awkward positions. It is quite easy, however, with a rotating hair brush to have the brush bristles tangle the hair. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of this invention is to provide a motorized, rotating hair brush that decreases tangling of the hair in use, that provides blow drying to the hair as good as a hair stylist provides and that increases the heat transfer from the blow dryer to the hair. Another object is to provide a hair brush that draws oils from hair close to the scalp to the length of the hair, which ads luster as well as body to the hair. One will understand additional objects from of this specification.

To accomplish the objects, the brush of the present invention has a central core with bristles projecting outward from the core. In the principal embodiment, the bristles are arranged in longitudinal spaced rows. In place of some rows of bristles, dividers extend longitudinally between some of the remaining rows of bristles. These dividers project outward from the core and have relatively smooth upper surfaces that preferably are below the tops of the bristles. These dividers prevent the hair from tangling in the bristles as the hair brush rotates.

Ideally, the materials of the divider are such that they warm when subjected to the heat of a blow dryer. They then transfer this heat to the hair to speed the drying process. The dividers may be of different shapes and have different placements relative to the bristles.

The invention also contemplates having thin, solid disks at the ends of the brush to keep the hair from being tangled. Because the brush rotates, the ends of the hair could pass by the end of the brush and be twisted together. The disks keep the ends of the hair within the brush. These and other objects of the invention may be seen more clearly from the drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment that follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the rotating hair brush of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the present invention taken through plane 2-2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3. is a side sectional view of the present invention taken through plane 3-3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an end sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the handle of the rotating hair brush of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is another side view of an alternate embodiment of the handle. This handle allows pivoting relative to the hair brush.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment for the rotating hair brush of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side, sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the brush components of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of the present invention taken through plane 11 in FIG. 10. Hair brush 10 of the present invention has a handle end 12 and a brush end or brush portion 30. The handle can be any convenient shape. Preferably, it will be made from a lightweight plastic material or other material that is resistant to corrosion and is an electrical insulator. As FIG. 3 shows, handle 12 houses an internal battery 14, which is preferably rechargeable. The base 16 of handle 12 has appropriate structure 18 for mating with a recharging station (not shown). A conveniently located switch 20 on handle 12 controls power to the brush's motor.

The handle may be made in connected sections that can be pulled apart to allow access to battery 14. Alternately, the handle may be hollow with access through a door. Though the battery is rechargeable, it can wear out after a predetermined number of recharging cycles. Access allows the battery to be changed. The distal end 22 of handle 12 (FIGS. 1 and 3) carries brush portion 30. FIG. 3 shows that motor 24 is in the distal portion of the handle. It also could be mounted in the proximal end of the handle, closer to the battery. See FIG. 9.

In one exemplary embodiment, brush portion 30 comprises a cylindrical housing 32 (FIG. 3) that extends around the distal portion 22 of handle 12. The inside surface 34 of housing 32 and the outside surface 26 of handle portion 12 move against each other. Applicant contemplates friction reduction between the two surfaces by making them smooth, providing low friction materials such as Teflon plastic on one or both surfaces, using external lubricants or a combination of these methods.

End cap 36 closes the end of the brush end 30 (FIG. 3). The end cap has an opening 38, that receives motor shaft 28. The opening and shaft are on the longitudinal axis of the brush portion 30 and the handle portion 12. The inside of the opening and the outside of the shaft have mating surfaces so that shaft rotation rotates the cap and the brush section.

The first exemplary embodiment shows the brush portion surrounding the motor and the shaft intersecting the distal end of the brush.

Many other arrangements also are possible. If the motor is moved proximally into the handle as FIG. 9 shows, its shaft can engage the proximal end of the brush section. In place of or in addition to a shaft, the handle could have a rotating cup or other opening that receives a projection from the brush end. Some alternate embodiments are discussed below.

The exemplary embodiment that FIG. 9 shows is discussed below.

Making the brush section removable from the handle is desirable. One can use different brush designs if each can be removed. Also, one may remove a brush for cleaning it. Furthermore, if bristles break, one can exchange a damaged brush with a new one.

Though the first exemplary embodiment shows no structure for locking the brush end to the motor output, one could be provided. For example, one could use a detent fitting into an indentation. A bayonet fitting also could be used. It is beneficial to make the connection between the handle and the brush section rigid so the brush does not wobble as it rotates.

Instead of switch 20 merely being an on-off switch, the switch could allow for a change of the direction of rotation. For example, pushing the switch could start rotation, but sliding it to either side could specify the direction of rotation. The switch also could control speed of rotation. It can be instant off upon release, or it can be pushed to turn on and pushed again to turn off. These types of switches are common in electric screwdrivers and power tools, and a similar switch could be used with the present invention.

Bristles 40 extend outward from the cylindrical core 33. These bristles would be attached to the core in conventional ways and are arranged in rows, e.g., rows 42, 44 and 46 (FIG. 1). As FIG. 2 shows, the brush has 12 rows of bristles arranged generally circumferentially around the core 33.

In place of the row of bristles that would be between rows 42 and

46, the present invention has an anti-tangle divider element 50 (FIGS. 1-3).

In the exemplary embodiment, the divider is an elastomer such as silicone rubber or TPE. It does not have to be very smooth as some friction between the divider and hair may be desirable. Silicone rubber or TPE are desirable because of their softness. The materials also help pull oils from the scalp and the hair close to the scalp to the ends of the hairs.

Professionals brushing properly can spread the oil on each hair. Brushing each hair many times in sucession also spreads the oil and is the basis for brushing each strand 100 times. The transfer of oil along each hair to the end is one reason that hair looks better after professional brushing.

Divider 50 extends the entire length of a row of bristles. Flange 52 and end cap 36 secure divider 50 in its location between the rows of bristles and against the cylindrical core. The divider could rotate about its supports, but the divider is stationary in the exemplary embodiment.

Each divider in the exemplary embodiment has a rounded distal surface. The dividers are cylindrical in FIG. 2, but they have different shapes in FIG. 4. Also, FIG. 2 has three dividers, but FIG. 4 has four dividers. The number of dividers is a matter of choice. They should not be so numerous as to eliminate all bristles. However, there should be enough to perform their function.

Another function for the dividers is to prevent hair from tangling in the bristles. Especially when hair is wet, brush rotation can carry ends of the hair around the brush. The hair ends can then get under other parts of the hair and tangle. The dividers tend to smooth the bottom of the hair and push it outward to make it less likely to tangle.

The dividers also retain heat. As the blow dryer hits the hair and the divider, the divider warms, and its heat transfers back to the hair even when hot air from the blow dryer is directed elsewhere. One could preheat the dividers by aiming the hair dryer at the dividers before directing air to the hair.

In FIG. 4, the proximal surfaces of dividers 54 and 56 conform to the cylindrical housing 32. They may be attached by adhesive, mechanical fasteners or interlocking press fit. See FIGS. 9 and 10 and their associated discussion for an exemplary embodiment that uses an interlocking press fit attachment. Using this alternative attachment methods avoids having to use a flange such as flange 52, to anchor the dividers to the cylindrical core. In all embodiments shown, the dividers are continuous, extending along the entire length of the bristles. Though not shown in the drawings, it may be desirable to have spaces between sections of the divider. These spaces also may be staggered so that adjacent dividers do not have spaces aligned with each other. The end cap 36 may have a disk portion 58, which extends to the ends of bristles 40 (FIGS. 1 and 3). The disk may also extend slightly beyond the bristle ends. The disk helps prevent hair from falling over the end of the brush where brush rotation could twist the hair. The brush also may have an additional disk at its other end. That disk also could provide anchoring in lieu of the flanges 52 for the divider members.

In FIGS. 1 through 4, each divider extends longitudinally in a straight line. The dividers 70 in the FIG. 5 embodiment are curved. The rows 72 of bristles also are curved to accommodate the curved dividers.

All the dividers shown in the exemplary embodiment have rounded surfaces. The invention also contemplates having a divider with a distal edge.

Because preheating the dividers may be desirable, each divider may have an electric coil to heat the divider. This coil can receive power while the battery 14 is recharging. Alternately, the brush portion 30 could have its own connection to electricity. Before use, one could close a circuit to direct power into the coil.

FIGS. 1 and 3 show an aligned brush end on the handle so that the brush rotates around the longitudinal axis of the handle. Some may find it awkward to position the brush properly if the brush is aligned with the handle. Therefore, the embodiment in FIGS. 6 and 7 has the ability to pivot the brush end and handle relative to each other.

Handle 80 (FIGS. 6 and 7) has a proximal portion 82 and a distal portion 84. They pivot with respect to each other about pin 86. A portion of the distal end 84 has a series of indentations 88 along an arc of a circle 90 whose center is at the shaft 86. The proximal end 82 of handle 80 has a detent mechanism for engaging one of the indentations 88. The detent mechanism in the exemplary embodiment has a short shaft 92 extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle. A compression spring 94 urges the shaft 92 outward. A flange intersects with a shoulder (not shown) on the inside of handle bore 96 to prevent removal of the shaft from the handle. A ball detent 97 (FIG. 7) mounts in an opening 98 between shaft 92 and indentations 88. Shaft 92 has spaced surfaces with different outside diameters. When the pin is in its out-most position, a wider diameter portion 100 prevents ball detent 96 from moving (to the left in FIG. 7) out of one indentation. When the user pushes downward on shaft 92, the pin presents a smaller diameter portion 102 over the ball detent 97. The ball detent can then move out of one indentation. When the ball detent is locked in an indentation, one cannot rotate the proximal portion 82 of the handle with respect to the distal end 84. Rotation is possible when the ball detent is not within one indentation 90. Many other ways of pivoting and locking the two handle portions relative to each other are known to those of ordinary skill.

Having the motor in the brush portion as FIG. 3 shows offers advantages when the two handle sections pivot relative to each other. The electrical wires between the battery and the motor can accommodate the pivoting of the sections of the handle. If the motor is in the proximal section of the handle, an intermediate universal mechanism or a flexible drive will be necessary to accommodate the pivoting.

In an alternative embodiment, which FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 , the brush portion 110 is removable from the handle 108. The brush portion contains three major parts, a central core 112, distal end cap 114 and proximal cap 116. Core 112 is formed of extruded plastic. It is generally cylindrical with three longitudinal outside grooves 118, 120 and 122. These grooves are above corresponding inward projections 124, 126 and 128. These inward projections create three spaces 130, 132 and 134. Though FIGS. 10 and 11 show three grooves, inward projections and spaces, the core could have a different number of each.

The dividers 140 in this exemplary embodiment have a cylindrical distal portion 142 and an elongated tab 144 (FIGS. 10 and 11). Each tab's shape corresponds to the shape of the grooves 118, 120 and 122. FIG. 11 shows the tabs of three dividers held within the grooves.

Distal end cap 114 in this exemplary embodiment is formed of an elastomeric material. It includes a central inwardly-projecting conical pin 150 and three spaced inwardly-projecting conical pins 152, 154 and 156 (FIGS. 10 and 11).

Distal end cap 114 attaches to the core 112 through a press fit arrangement in which central conical pin 150 is inserted between inward projections 124, 126 and 128. Similarly, each of the three spaced inwardly- projecting conical pins 152, 154 and 156 are inserted and press fit into the space 148 in the cylindrical portion 142 of each divider 140 (FIGS. 10 and 11).

Likewise, proximal end cap 116 has three spaced inwardly- projecting conical pins 162, 164 and 166 (FIG. 10 in phantom). These pins are press fit into the other space 148 in the cylindrical portion 142 of each divider 140 (FIGS. 10 and 11). The end cap 116 also has a central opening 168 (FIG. 10) and an annular wall 172 projecting from the proximal surface of the end cap 116. Shaft 174 (FIG. 9) projects from motor 176 through opening 168 and between inward projections 124, 126 and 128. Shaft 174 can be removed from the inward projections, which allows the remaining structure of the brush section 110 to be removed from the handle 108. Alternatively, the shaft 174 can attach in a removable fashion to an opening 178 in the motor output member 180. In that case, the shaft 174 would stay with the brush portion 110 when the brush is removed from the handle 108. The proximal end of the shaft 174 can have a non-circular shape, and the opening 178 would have a corresponding shape. The shaft 174 or the opening 178 also can be elastomeric so that they can press fit together.

The annular projection 172 fits around the outside of the handle 108 (FIG. 9). This acts to guide the brush portion 110 as it rotates. The handle also houses a battery 180 to drive the motor 176. FIG. 9 also shows structure 182 for recharging the battery.

As in the previous embodiments, bristles 190 attached to the core 112 extend outward from the core (FIG. 11). Three dividers 140 project outward from the core in place of three row of bristles.

Caps 114 and 116 also perform the same function that the disk portion 58 of end cap 38 (FIGS. 1 and 3) performs. The outer surface, which may extend slightly beyond the bristle ends, prevents hair from falling over brush end where brush rotation could twist the hair.

FIG. 8 shows still another embodiment. In it, a flange 206 of guard member 204 attaches to the handle 200. The guard portion 204 is space from the top of the bristles in the brush portion 202. The user normally places one edge 210 against the scalp. This position places the brush's bristles at a preferred distance near the base of each strand of hair. It also allows the user to "feel" the proper positioning of the brush.

Many modifications and alternate embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the applicant intends that the invention is limited only in terms of the appended claims.

Claims

I claim:

1. A brush comprising: a. an elongated core, the core having a longitudinal length and a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of bristles extending outward from the core from a proximal end attached to the core to a distal end; b. a divider between some of the bristles extending from the core to a distal surface adjacent the distal end of the bristles to which the divider is adjacent, the distal end having a curved distal surface.

2. The brush of claim 1 wherein the divider extends at least substantially the entire length of the core.

3. The brush of claim 1 wherein the bristles are arranged in rows extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core, the divider being between at least two of the rows of bristles.

4. The brush of claim 1 wherein the bristles are arranged in rows extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core, a plurality of dividers, each divider being between at least two of the rows of bristles.

5. The brush of claim 1 wherein at least one of the dividers is cylindrical.

6. The brush of claim 1 wherein the core has a distal end and a proximal end, the brush further comprising a support on each end of the core extending to and attached to the divider for holding the divider to the core.

7. The brush of claim 1 wherein the core has a distal end and a proximal end, the brush further comprising a disk mounted perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core and being mounted at one end of the brush, the disk having an outer surface such that the outer surface of the disk terminates adjacent to distal ends of the bristles.

8. The brush of claim 1 wherein the core has a distal end and a proximal end, the brush further comprising two disks each mounted perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core and being mounted at the distal and proximal ends of the core, the disks each having outer surface such that the outer surface of each disk terminates adjacent to distal ends of the bristles.

9. The brush of claim 8 wherein each divider has a surface adjacent the elongated core, the divider being attached to the core.

10. The brush of claim 1 wherein the core has a distal end and a proximal end, the brush further comprising a support on each end of the core extending to and attached to the divider for holding the divider to the core, at least one of the supports having a portion extending into a portion of a divider.

11. The brush of claim 10 wherein the at least one of the supports further comprising a central portion located near the longitudinal axis of the core, the central section extending into the core.

12. The brush of claim 1 further comprising a guard spaced from the bristles and covering a portion of the bristles.

13. A hair brush comprising: a. a handle and a brush portion mounted for rotation on the handle; b. the brush portion having an elongated core, the core having a longitudinal length and a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of bristles extending outward from the core from a proximal end attached to the core to a distal end; c. a divider between some of the bristles extending from the core to a distal surface adjacent the distal end of the bristles to which the divider is adjacent, the distal end having a curved distal surface.

14. The brush of claim 13 wherein the divider extends at least substantially the entire length of the core.

15. The brush of claim 13 wherein the bristles are arranged in rows extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core, the divider being between at least two of the rows of bristles.

16. The brush of claim 13 wherein the bristles are arranged in rows extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core, a plurality of dividers, each divider being between at least two of the rows of bristles.

17. The brush of claim 13 wherein at least one of the dividers is cylindrical.

18. The brush of claim 13 wherein the core has a distal end and a proximal end, the brush further comprising a support on each end of the core extending to and attached to the divider for holding the divider to the core.

19. The brush of claim 13 wherein the core has a distal end and a proximal end, the brush further comprising a disk mounted perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core and being mounted at one end of the brush, the disk having an outer surface such that the outer surface of the disk terminates adjacent to distal ends of the bristles.

20. The brush of claim 13 wherein the core has a distal end and a proximal end, the brush further comprising two disks each mounted perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core and being mounted at the distal and proximal ends of the core, the disks each having outer surface such that the outer surface of each disk terminates adjacent to distal ends of the bristles.

21. The brush of claim 13 wherein the handle has a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being received within the core of the brush portion.

22. The brush of claim 21 wherein the distal and proximal ends of the handle pivot with respect to each other.

23. The brush of claim 20 wherein each divider has a surface adjacent the elongated core, the divider being attached to the core.

24. The brush of claim 13 wherein the core has a distal end and a proximal end, the brush further comprising a support on each end of the core extending to and attached to the divider for holding the divider to the core, at least one of the supports having a portion extending into a portion of a divider.

25. The brush of claim 13 wherein the at least one of the supports further comprising a portion that extends into the core.

26. The brush of claim 13 further comprising a guard spaced from the bristles and covering a portion of the bristles.

27. A method of brushing hair comprising: a. rotating a series of bristles on a hair brush under the hair, the bristles extending outward from a central core of the brush to a distal end; b. rotating a series of dividers on the hair brush between the bristles under the hair, the dividers extending outward from the central core to a distal surface adjacent the distal end of the bristles to which the divider is adjacent, the distal end having a curved distal surface; and c. blowing hot air toward the hair and the bristles and dividers while rotating the bristles and dividers under the hair.