ANIMAL FORM HAIRBRUSH

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an animal form and a hairbrush member. The animal form includes an outer material. The animal form also includes a body portion formed in the outer material. The animal form also includes a head portion formed in the outer material and coupled to the body portion. The hairbrush member is coupled to the animal form. The hairbrush member includes a support member and a plurality of brushing members coupled to the support member. The animal form is coupled to the hairbrush member.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to hairbrushes. In particular, the disclosure relates to hairbrushes for children.

BACKGROUND

Brushing a child's hair can be a difficult event from a caregiver and for a child. At times, removing tangles from the hair can be uncomfortable or even painful. A child may come to associate the unfriendly and strange appearance of the hairbrush with the discomfort of the hair brushing event.

SUMMARY

An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an animal form and a hairbrush member. The animal form includes an outer material. The animal form also includes a body portion formed in the outer material. The animal form also includes a head portion formed in the outer material and coupled to the body portion. The hairbrush member is coupled to the animal form. The hairbrush member includes a support member and a plurality of brushing members coupled to the support member. The animal form is coupled to the hairbrush member.

A system is also disclosed. The system includes a body and a hairbrush member. The body includes a flexible outer material enclosing a deformable fill. The body forms a caricature of an animal. The hairbrush member is coupled to the body. The hairbrush member includes a support member and a plurality of brushing members coupled to and extending from the support member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts a side perspective view of one embodiment of the apparatus;

FIG. 1B depicts a side perspective view of one embodiment of the apparatus with a handle extended;

FIG. 2 depicts a front perspective view further illustrating the apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 depicts a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1A, in which the animal form further includes a cavity and an opening;

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the support member of the apparatus of FIG. 1A in a concave position;

FIG. 5 depicts a cross-section view of one embodiment of the support member of the apparatus of FIG. 1A in a convex position;

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a ladybug model;

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of one embodiment of a turtle model;

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a puppy dog model; and

FIG. 9 depicts a front view of one embodiment in which the animal form is deformable under gripping strength.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1A depicts a side perspective view of one embodiment of the apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 comprises an animal form 102 and a hairbrush member 104.

The animal form 102 comprises an outer material 106, a head portion 108, and a body portion 110. Some embodiments additionally include at least one appendage portion 112.

The outer material 106 can comprise a variety of materials. In some embodiments, the outer material 106 comprises a soft, plush material. This provides the user with a more pleasant experience during use. If the user is grooming another person with the apparatus 100, the other person also enjoys a more pleasant experience. In other embodiments, the outer material 106 comprises plastic, fabric, or other material with properties suitable for the functionality described herein.

In some embodiments, the animal form 102 may also comprise a fill material to provide structure and support to the animal form 102. In some embodiments, the fill is soft, providing comfort to the user and facilitating gripping of the animal form 102 during use, especially if the animal form 102 is deformable. A fill material that may be compressed yet still maintain the shape of the animal form when released 102 is ideal. In some embodiments, the fill material comprises a conventional polyester fiber stuffing material, commonly found in stuffed animals. In other embodiments, the fill material comprises an alternative material, such as polyester pellets, microbeads, beanbag filler, down, wool or other material. The fill material should be packed densely enough to maintain the shape of the animal form 102.

In some embodiments, the animal form 102 is configured to significantly extend away from the hairbrush member 104 in a substantially perpendicular direction. Such an arrangement provides for easy grasping of the apparatus 102, and a more comfortable arrangement than conventional hairbrushes, which generally comprise a handle extending away from the brushing area in a substantially parallel direction.

The animal form 102 is also sized to comfortably fit a variety of human hands. Because the apparatus 100 is designed for both adults and children to use, the animal form 102 is designed to be a size that is easily graspable by children, yet not too small to be difficult or uncomfortable for adults to grasp. Furthermore, when the outer material 106 comprises a flexible material, the apparatus 100 is much easier to grasp for a wider variety of persons with varying hand sizes. Even if the apparatus 100 does not fit completely within the user's hand (with a child, for example), the deformable nature allows a positive purchase to be made upon the apparatus 100 by smaller hands.

In some embodiments, the appendage portions 112 of the animal form 102, when they are simulating an arm, leg, fin or other similar appendage of an animal, are coupled to the body portion 110 at or below the midpoint of the body portion 110, so as not to interfere with obtaining a positive purchase on the animal form 102 during use. In other embodiments, the appendage portions 112 of the animal form that simulate an arm, leg, fin or other similar appendage of an animal may be coupled to the body portion 110 at any point.

If the appendage portion 112 is simulating a tail, it is attached at an appropriate place on the animal form 102 as determined by the anatomy of the model animal. The appendage portions 112 simulating arms, legs or fins are, in some embodiments, sized as to not interfere with the function of the hairbrush member 104, and are shorter than the brushing members 114 of the hairbrush member 104. In some embodiments, (especially in, though not limited to, the case of an appendage portion 112 simulating a tail) the appendage portions 112 are rigid enough to support themselves while extending away from the animal form 102, and not interfere with the function of the hairbrush member 104 despite, in some embodiments, being long enough to interfere with the function of the hairbrush member 104 were it not rigid.

The specific forms and features of the head portion 108, body portion 110, and appendage portions 112 vary depending on the specific embodiment, as different animals can be used as the model for the animal form 102. Also, the animal form 102 is not configured to provide an anatomically correct representation of the animal used as the model for the apparatus 100. To the contrary, the design and form of the head portion 108, body portion 110, and appendage portions 112, are dictated by functional considerations in addition to aesthetic considerations. For example, were the appendage portions 112 shown in FIG. 1A longer and more anatomically correct, they would interfere with the normal function of the hairbrush member 104. Were the body portion 110 anatomically correct, it would be difficult for the user to grasp, as the shape of a lion (the model animal used in the embodiment picture in FIG. 1A) does not lend itself to grasping with the hand as well as the body portions 110 in the various embodiments. Also, anatomically correct features likely do not appeal to children as well as caricatures of those features.

FIG. 2 depicts a front perspective view further illustrating the apparatus 100 depicted in FIG. 1A in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. In some embodiments, the head portion 108 comprises a representation of the model animal's head, comprising eyes, a mouth, and a nose. Just as with the other features of the apparatus 100, these are not meant to be anatomically correct; rather they are caricatures of the model animal's features.

In some embodiments, the head portion 108 may also comprise additional elements, such as antennae, ears or other features as required by the model animal. For example, an elephant model would likely require a trunk and large ears to be recognizable as an elephant, whereas a seal or a turtle may only require minimal ears, or no ears at all. The various embodiments of the present invention contemplate a variety of animals and their respective features.

In some embodiments, wherein animal forms 102 based on animals that have tails of sufficient length, the appendage portion 112 representing the tail may be used as a handle for the user to grasp, as shown in FIG. 1B. In the illustrated embodiment, the appendage portion 112 representing the tail additionally comprises a handle member 113 disposed within the appendage portion 112 representing the tail. The handle member 113 may optionally be retractable within the body portion 110, so that it may be stored when not in use. Different embodiments will use a variety of methods of extension/retraction and retention in the extended position. For example, the handle member 113 may be a solid piece and may simply move between positions substantially inside the body portion 110 and substantially outside the body portion 110 or it may comprise telescoping sections that extend and collapse. The preceding examples are illustrative in nature, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the configurations just described.

In other embodiments, the appendage portion 112 representing the tail comprises no separate handle member, and the appendage portion 112 itself is rigid enough to serve as the handle member. In some of these embodiments comprising a rigid appendage portion 112 representing a tail, the appendage portion 112 representing the tail retracts within the animal form 102 for portability and extends outward from the animal form 102 to be easily grasped and function as a handle during use. In other of these embodiments, the appendage portion 112 representing the tail comprises a plurality of telescoping pieces that allow the appendage portion 112 representing the tail to retract to a compact position near the animal form 102 and extend outwards from the animal form 102 to be easily grasped and function as a handle during use. The function and configuration of the appendage portion 112 representing the tail of certain model animals as a handle are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Alternative mechanisms and designs additionally fall within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 3 depicts a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the apparatus, in which the animal form 102 further comprises a cavity 116 and an opening 118 (shown with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5). The hairbrush member 104 is retained and held in the cavity 116 with the brushing members 114 extending away from the animal form 102.

The hairbrush member 104 comprises a support member 120 and a plurality of brushing members 114. The support member 120 may be any one of a variety of different shapes to accommodate different desired configurations of the animal form 102 or hairbrush member 104. For example, if the embodiment calls for a large hairbrush member 104 with as much area as possible for brushing, the support member 120 can be configured as such, and the plurality of brushing members 114 can include a greater number of individual brushing members 114. Yet other embodiments may call for a small, dense area for brushing. Such an embodiment would then comprise a narrowly shaped support member 120 with densely packed brushing member 114 to meet the desired configuration. The preceding examples are illustrative only, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to just those examples.

In embodiments where the animal form 102 comprises a cavity 116 and an opening 118, and the hairbrush member 104 is to be placed within the cavity 116 and opening 118, the cavity 116 and opening 118 should be similarly shaped to effectively accommodate and retain the hairbrush member 104.

In some embodiments comprising a cavity 116 and opening 118, retention of the hairbrush member 104 in the cavity 116 and opening 118 of the animal form 102 is achieved by permanently mounting the hairbrush member 104 within the animal form 102. Different methods of attachment are used in different embodiments. Sometimes this is done by directly sewing the hairbrush member 104 to the outer material 106, by gluing the hairbrush member 104 to the animal form 102 near the edges of the opening 118, or by other permanent mounting methods.

In other embodiments, the hairbrush member 104 may be removably mounted and retained. Such a removable mounting allows cleaning of the hairbrush member 104 and the animal form 102 separately, as the user may desire to clean them separately or with differing methods. This also allows replacement of the hairbrush member 104 and animal form 102 as needed. One example of such a configuration would include a retention portion with elastic properties coupled to the animal form 102 around the edges of the opening 118 in the animal form 102. The retention member deforms upon introducing the hairbrush member 104 past the retention member into the cavity 116, and once the hairbrush member 104 is fully seated within the cavity 116 and opening 118, the retention member would return to its original position, retaining the hairbrush member 104. Such an arrangement is only one of many possible retention methods available in different embodiments.

In some embodiments, the animal form 102 does not comprise a cavity 116 or opening 118. In such embodiments, the hairbrush member 104 is coupled directly to the outer material 106 of the animal form 102. This coupling may be done through various means, including glue, stitching, rivets or other means. Furthermore, this coupling may be permanent, or it may be removable. For example, the hairbrush member 104 could be coupled to the animal form 102 with a strong hook and loop type fastener attachment, strong enough to withstand forces during use, yet removable when needed.

The brushing members 114 are coupled to the support member 120 and extend away from the support member 120. The exact spacing and configuration of the brushing members 114 may vary between embodiments. Some embodiments may configure the tines in concentric ellipses, whereas others may locate them in a grid pattern. The spacing of the brushing members may also vary between different embodiments. In some embodiments, the brushing members 114 are narrowly spaced. A narrowly spaced configuration offers better performance for relatively straight hair. In contrast, a widely spaced configuration is used in other embodiments. Such a configuration is better suited for thicker, curly hair, or for removing tangles. By spacing the brushing members 114 loosely, comfort is increased, especially when the apparatus 100 is used to remove tangles. Were the brushing members 114 closer together, they would not work as efficiently, and would cause more pain when the apparatus is used to remove tangles. Again, different configurations are used in different embodiments, which may have better applications for different situations. The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific examples mentioned herein.

In some embodiments, the brushing members 114 comprise tines 121, which may additionally comprise a ball end 122. Such an arrangement provides increased comfort when using the apparatus 100, as the rigidity of the tines 121 makes the experience easier and less painful for the user when removing tangles or for grooming wavy or curly hair. Other embodiments include tines 121 with varying degrees of rigidity, suitable for different applications.

In other embodiments, the brushing members 114 comprise bristles made of synthetic materials, and yet other embodiments comprise bristles of natural materials. Examples include boar's hair, other animal hair, nylon or other materials. Different embodiments comprise different compositions of bristles. Bristles offer better performance for removing dirt from the surface of the hair and evening the distribution of natural oils, improving the visual appeal of the hair.

Depending on the individual embodiments, the bristles may be coupled to the support member 120 in groups, or the individual bristles may be uniformly distributed across the surface of the support member that is positioned within the opening 118 of the animal form 102. Other configurations of bristle placement will be recognized by those skilled in the art, and also fall under the scope of the current disclosure.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 depict a perspective view of another embodiment of the apparatus in which the support member 120 is flexible and user configurable between a convex position and a concave position.

When the support member 120 is in the convex position, as shown in FIG. 4, the brushing members 114 extend out from the support member 120 and extend beyond the opening 118 in the animal form 102, permitting use of the brushing members 114 for grooming. When the support member 120 is in the concave position, as shown in FIG. 5, the brushing members 114 do not extend substantially beyond the opening 118 in the animal form 102. With such a convertible configuration, the apparatus 100 better serves two of the purposes of the current subject matter: to serve as an effective grooming device, and to serve as a toy for children, as the brushing members 114 can be retracted to prevent injury while the apparatus 100 serves as a toy. Furthermore, this configuration lengthens the usable life of the apparatus 100, in that when the apparatus 100 is not being actively used as a hairbrush, the brushing members 114 may be retracted substantially within the animal form 102, preventing unnecessary wear. This also facilitates ease of transport and retrieval when carried in a purse, bag, backpack etc. as the brushing members 114 are less likely to snag on other objects. This both prevents premature wear on the brushing members 114, and damage to neighboring objects.

FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8 are perspective views depicting other embodiments of the animal form hairbrush using, respectively, a ladybug, a turtle and a puppy dog as models for the animal form 102. The embodiments are not limited to the animal models referenced herein and depicted in the figures; any animal or creature used as a basis for the animal form 102 also falls under the scope of the subject matter presently disclosed. Consequently, the number and design of appendage portions 112, as well as particular features, designs and compositions of the head portion 108, body portion 110, and outer material 106, may vary depending on the type of animal selected for the specific embodiment.

For example, an embodiment caricaturizing a cat may include five appendage portions 112: four appendage portions 112 corresponding to the four legs of a cat, and a fifth appendage portion 112 corresponding to the cat's tail. On the other hand, an embodiment such as a ladybug (shown in FIG. 5), may include six appendage portions 112, to represent four legs and two antennae. By including different animal forms 102 in different embodiments, children can choose which animal they prefer, increasing enjoyment when they might otherwise be dissuaded from grooming themselves or allowing others to groom them. Furthermore, different embodiments include different designs even though they may share the same animal form as a model. For example, one embodiment based on a ladybug may only comprise four appendage portions 112 to represent legs, whereas another embodiment may comprise six appendage portions 112 to represent legs.

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment, wherein the animal form 102 is deformable under gripping strength. Embodiments comprising this feature have the advantage of providing an easily grasped portion of the apparatus. As one grips the animal form 102, the animal form 102 is easily deformed and adjusts to the individual grip of the user. As grip configuration and strength vary from one person to another, especially between adults and children, this allows for comfort and ease of use for a variety of persons, as well as a pleasant tactile experience. Also, as young children sometimes lack the dexterity required to effectively use a traditional hairbrush, the deformable nature of the animal form 102 makes grooming easier for children who may have difficulty using a traditional hairbrush.

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 which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising: an animal form, comprising: an outer material,a body portion formed in the outer material;a head portion formed in the outer material and coupled to the body portion, anda hairbrush member coupled to the animal form, the hairbrush member, comprising: a support member, anda plurality of brushing members coupled to the support member;wherein the animal form is coupled to the hairbrush member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the animal form is deformable.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the animal form further comprises at least one appendage portion.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: at least one of the at least one appendage portions moves between a retracted position and an extended position, andthe at least one of the at least one appendage portions is sized to be gripped by a human hand.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support member is configurable between a substantially convex and a substantially concave shape.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the animal form further comprises a cavity and an opening, andthe support member is coupled to the animal form at the opening.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the animal form further comprises a fill material at least partially contained by the outer material.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of brushing members comprises tines.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the tines further comprise ball ends disposed at an end of each of the tines distal from the support member.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of brushing members comprises bristles.

11. A system comprising: a body comprising a flexible outer material enclosing a deformable fill, the body forming a caricature of an animal; anda hairbrush member coupled to the body, the hairbrush member comprising: a support member; anda plurality of brushing members coupled to and extending from the support member.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the body further comprises at least one of a head portion and an appendage portion.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the body further comprises a cavity and an opening defined in the body.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the support member is coupled to the body to substantially occupy the opening.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the support member is deformably positionable in a convex position, relative to the body, wherein the support member bows outward with the plurality of brushing members extending outward from the support member and protruding beyond the cavity and the body, the support member being further positionable in a concave position with the support member bowing inward, relative to the body, the plurality of brushing members remaining within the cavity without protruding beyond the body.

16. The system of claim 11, wherein the hairbrush member is removably coupled to the body.

17. The system of claim 11, wherein the hairbrush member is permanently coupled to the body.

18. The system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of brushing members comprises tines.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the tines further comprise ball ends disposed at an end of each of the tines distal from the support member.

20. The system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of brushing members comprises bristles.