HAIR COLLECTION DEVICE

Abstract

An exemplary device for collecting hair according to the present disclosure comprises a base portion and a brush portion attached to one side of the base portion. The brush portion can comprise one or more prongs extending from the brush portion. The brush portion can snap into one side of the base portion and the brush portion can comprise one or more suction cups on another side. The base portion can be made of rubber and/or silicone.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/376,952, entitled “Hair Collection Device”, filed Aug. 19, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to devices and methods for collecting hair, in particular, devices for collecting hair including a base portion and a brush portion.

BACKGROUND

There is currently a natural hair movement going on where women and men are embracing their natural kinks and curls. This movement is currently driving the growth of the black hair industry, which according to a Mintel consumer study, is expected to reach 761 million by 2017. Few companies are addressing the very real need for styling products developed specifically for this natural hair consumer.

People who wear their hair in a natural style may not comb or brush their hair regularly due to the fear of accelerating hair breakage and loss. These people may style and wash their hair using their fingers. When combined with creams, gels and conditioners, peoples' hands become sticky traps for hair that may naturally fall out during the process of hair maintenance. The task of removing this hair from peoples' hands, either with wet hands or dry sticky hands, can be an obstacle to completing the style procedure quickly and efficiently.

Everyday hair loss is a normal occurrence; indeed the average woman can lose between 50 to 100 strands of hair from her head per day, even up to 150 strands in some cases. Typically, hair will come off as a person runs his or her fingers or hands through his or her head, especially in the shower or when the head is wet. The hair strands are gathered in a person's hand(s) and are then typically washed down a shower or sink drain. This can result in a clogged shower or sink drain, which may have to be unclogged periodically as hair collects in the drain, costing time, money and even damaging the drain.

What is needed is a device and method designed to make hair maintenance easier and faster, for example by offering a way to remove wet and sticky hair in a quick and easy way. What is desired is a device and method for collecting hair that includes, among other things, a base portion and a brush portion that facilitate hair collection and can be attached to a surface or wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary and the following detailed description are better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. Exemplary embodiments are shown in the drawings, however, it is understood that the embodiments are not limited to the specific structures depicted herein. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front, exploded perspective view of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a back perspective view of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5a is a technical drawing of a front view of a brush portion of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5b is a technical drawing of a side view of a brush portion of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5c is a technical drawing of a top view of a brush portion of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6a is a technical drawing of a front view of a base portion of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6b is a technical drawing of a side view of a base portion of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6c is a technical drawing of a top view of a base portion of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B is a front view of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7C is a side view of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7D is a front perspective view of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7E is a back view of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A is a technical drawing of a front view of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B is a technical drawing of a front view of an attachment portion of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8C is a technical drawing of a side view of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for collecting hair.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a front, exploded perspective view of an exemplary device for collecting hair 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown. Device 100 can comprise a base portion 101 and a brush portion 102. The brush portion 102 can be attached to one side 110 of the base portion 101. Side 110 can be the front side of the base portion 101. In one embodiment, the brush portion 102 can snap into side 110 of the base portion 101. The brush portion 102 can snap into a lip 106 on the base portion 101.

In another embodiment, the device can comprise three (3) portions: a brush portion, a base portion, and an attachment portion. The brush portion can attach to (e.g., snap into) the base portion and the base portion can attach to (e.g., snap into) the attachment portion. The attachment portion can be the portion that attaches to a surface or wall, for example via suction cups or any other means for attaching to a surface.

In one embodiment, once the device 100 is assembled (i.e., the brush portion 102 is attached to the base portion 101), it cannot be easily disassembled. In another embodiment, the brush portion 102 can be easily replaced by removing the brush portion 102 from the base portion 101 and attaching a new brush portion to the base portion 101.

The brush portion 102 can comprise one or more prongs 103. The one or more prongs 103 can extend from the brush portion 102. The one or more prongs 103 can be angled in any direction to facilitate removal of hair from a user's hand(s). In one embodiment, the one or more prongs 103 are angled in an upward direction, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Each of the one or more prongs 103 can be angled at the same or different degrees. In one embodiment, the one or more prongs 103 are angled upward at a 40 to 50 degree angle, for example a 45 degree angle. The brush portion 102 and the one or more prongs 103 can comprise any material(s) suitable for the purposes described herein, for example (without limitation), rubber, nylon, silicone and/or any other suitable waterproof, water resistant, rustproof, and/or rust-resistant material. The one or more prongs 103 can be of varying lengths.

The base portion 101 can comprise means for attaching to a surface. The surface can be any surface suitable for the base portion 101 to attach to, for example (without limitation), any kind of wall, a shower wall, a bathroom wall, drywall, a tiled wall, any smooth surfaces or even rough surfaces. For rough surfaces, for example, in an outdoor wooden shower, the attachment means may include screws or nails for permanent or semi-permanent attachment using an appropriate base portion designed to accommodate same. In one embodiment, the base portion 101 comprises one or more suction cups 104 on side 120. Side 120 can be the back side of the base portion 101 (i.e., the opposite of side 110). The base portion 101 can be attached to a surface or wall via the one or more suction cups 104. The base portion 101 can comprise any material(s) suitable for the purposes described here, for example (without limitation), rubber, silicone, and/or any other suitable waterproof, water resistant, rustproof, and/or rust-resistant material. Base portion 101 can comprise a design 105, for example located near the bottom of base potion 101. The design 105 can be an engraved or embossed design.

The device 100 can have a shape suitable for the purposes described herein, for example (without limitation), an oval, circle, rectangle, square, irregularly shaped, hand-shaped etc. In one embodiment, device 100 is shaped generally like a hand. The device 100 and/or any of its separable portions can be washed by hand or by machine, e.g., in a dishwasher.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a front perspective view of an exemplary device for collecting hair 200, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown. Device 200 can comprise a base portion 201 and a brush portion 202. The brush portion 202 can comprise one or more prongs 203 of varying lengths. The base portion 201 can comprise one or more suction cups 204 for attaching to a surface or wall.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a side view of an exemplary device for collecting hair 300, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown. Device 300 can comprise a brush portion 302 comprising one or more prongs 303 and a base portion 301 comprising one or more suction cups 304. The one or more prongs 303 can be of varying lengths, for example, prongs 330 toward an outer edge of the brush portion 302 can be of a shorter length than prongs 331 toward the middle of the brush portion 302. The one or more suction cups 304 on the base portion 301 can be of the same, or substantially the same, dimensions so that even suction (e.g., adherence) of the device on a wall or surface can be achieved.

Turning now to FIG. 4, a back perspective view of an exemplary device for collecting hair 400, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown. Device 400 can comprise a base portion 401 comprising one or more suction cups 404. The one or more suction cups 404 can be spaced apart in any manner suitable to attach base portion 401 to a surface or wall. In one embodiment, the one or more suction cups 404 are spaced apart evenly on the base portion 401. In another embodiment, there can be more suction cups 404 toward the outer edge of base portion 401 than toward the middle of base portion 401. In another embodiment, there can be more suction cups 404 toward the middle of base portion 401 than the outer edge of base portion 401.

Turning now to FIG. 5a, a technical drawing of a front view of a brush portion 500 of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown. Brush portion 500 can comprise one or more prongs 503. The one or more prongs 503 can be spaced apart evenly on the brush portion 500. In another embodiment, there can be more prongs 503 toward an outer edge of brush portion 500 than toward the middle of brush portion 500. In another embodiment, there can be more prongs 503 toward the middle of brush portion 500 than the outer edge of brush portion 500. Brush portion 500 can be in the general shape of a hand.

Turning now to FIG. 5b, a technical drawing of a side view of a brush portion 500 of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown. FIG. 5b illustrates the varying lengths of the one or more prongs 503 according to an exemplary embodiment. The one or more prongs 503 can be of varying length, for example, prongs 530 toward an outer edge of the brush portion 500 can be of a shorter length than prongs 531 toward the middle of the brush portion 500.

Turning now to FIG. 5c, a technical drawing of a top view of a brush portion 500 of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown. FIG. 5c illustrates the varying lengths of the one or more prongs according to an exemplary embodiment. As described above with respect to FIG. 5b, prongs 530 can be of a shorter length than prongs 531.

The dimensions illustrated in FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c are exemplary dimensions. Any suitable dimensions for the brush portion 500 and any features described herein can be used.

Turning now to FIG. 6a, a technical drawing of a front view of a base portion 600 of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown. As illustrated in FIG. 6a, base portion 600 can be in the general shape of a hand.

Turning now to FIG. 6b, a technical drawing of a side view of a base portion 600 of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown. Base portion 600 can comprise one or more suction cups 604. As illustrated in FIG. 6b, the one or more suction cups 604 can be of the same, or substantially the same, dimensions so that even suction (e.g., adherence) of the base portion 600 on a surface or wall can be achieved.

Turning now to FIG. 6c, a technical drawing of a top view of a base portion 600 of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown. As illustrated in FIG. 6c, base portion 600 can comprise an embossed design 605, for example located near the bottom of base potion 600.

The dimensions illustrated in FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c are exemplary dimensions. Any suitable dimensions for the base portion 600 and any features described herein can be used.

Turning now to FIGS. 7A-7E, various views of an exemplary device for collecting hair, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, are shown. FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of an exemplary device for collecting hair 700A, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B is a front view of an exemplary device for collecting hair 700B, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7C is a side view of an exemplary device for collecting hair 700C, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7D is a front perspective view of an exemplary device for collecting hair 700D, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7E is a back view of an exemplary device for collecting hair 700E, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Devices 700A-E can comprise a base portion 701 and a brush portion 702. The base portion 701 can comprise a first side 710 and a second side 711. The brush portion 702 can be attached to a first side 710 of the base portion 701. Second side 711 can face a surface or a wall. Side 710 can be the front side of the base portion 701 and side 711 can be the back side of the base portion. The brush portion 702 can comprise one or more prongs 703. The one or more prongs 703 can extend from the brush portion 702, in any length, manner and angle as described herein with respect FIGS. 1-8.

The base portion 701 can comprise any suitable shape, for example the irregular rectangular shape illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7E. The base portion 701 can comprise one or more attachment portions 720. The base portion 701 can removably attach to a wall, for example a shower wall, via the one or more attachment portions 720. The one or more attachment portions 720 can comprise any suitable attachment means for removably attaching to a surface, for example a wet or tiled surface or any other type of wall, so that even adherence of the device on a wall or surface can be achieved. In one embodiment, the base portion 701 attaches to a wall via one or more suction cups 721. The attachment means, for example one or more suction cups, can be on one or more side 710 or 711 of the device 700. In one embodiment, the attachment means, for example one or more suction cups, is on side 711. The base portion 701 can comprise one or more openings or slits 730. The openings or slits 730 can (among other things) help with draining of water from the device 700. Base portion 701 can comprise any suitable materials for the purposes described herein, for example any of the materials described herein with respect to FIGS. 1-8. Brush portion 702 and prongs 703 can comprise any suitable materials for the purposes described herein, for example any of the materials described herein with respect to FIGS. 1-8.

Turning now to FIGS. 8A-8C, technical drawings of various views of an exemplary device for collecting hair are shown. FIG. 8A is a technical drawing of a front view of an exemplary device for collecting hair 800A, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown. FIG. 8B is a technical drawing of a front view of an attachment portion 850 of an exemplary device for collecting hair (not shown), according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8C is a technical drawing of a side view of an exemplary device for collecting hair 800C, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Devices 800A and C can comprise a base portion 801 and a brush portion 802. The base portion 801 can comprise a first side 810 and a second side 811. The brush portion 802 can be attached to a first side 810 of the base portion 801. Second side 811 can face a surface or a wall. Side 810 can be the front side of the base portion 801 and side 811 can be the back side of the base portion. The brush portion 802 can comprise one or more prongs 803. The one or more prongs 803 can extend from the brush portion 802, in any length, manner and angle as described herein with respect FIGS. 1-8.

The base portion 801 can removably attach to a wall, for example a shower wall, via one or more attachment portions 820. The attachment portions 820 can comprise any suitable attachment means as described herein with respect to FIGS. 1-8, for example via one or more suction cups so that even adherence of the device 800 on a surface of wall can be achieved.

FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of an attachment portion 820, for example enlarged from portion X in FIG. 8A. Attachment portion 820 can comprise any suitable means for removably attaching or adhering the base portion 801 or the device 800 to a surface or wall. For example, attachment portion 820 can comprise a portion 822 for receiving an attachment means, for example a suction cup. The attachment means, for example suction cup, can have dimensions such that even suction (e.g., adherence) of the base portion 801 or the device 800 on a surface or wall can be achieved, for example on a wet or tiled wall. Attachment portion 820 can comprise an opening or slit 830. Opening or slit 830 can (among other things) help drainage of water from device 800.

The dimensions illustrated in FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are exemplary dimensions. Any suitable dimensions for device 800 and any features described herein can be used.

In one embodiment, a method for collecting hair is provided. The method comprises providing a device for collecting hair. The device for collecting hair can be any one of the devices described herein and/or illustrated in FIGS. 1-8. The method further comprises collecting hair on one or both of a user's hands and rubbing the one or both of the user's hands on the brush portion of the device. The rubbing can be in any motion suitable for removing the hair from the user's hand(s), for example in a downward motion. Some, all, or substantially all of the hair is transferred from the one or both of the user's hands to the brush portion of the device. In this way, the hair can be collected in the brush portion of the device instead of going down a drain (e.g., a shower drain), reducing the risk of clogging the drain. The hair collected on the brush portion of the device can be discarded.

While the present disclosure has been discussed in terms of certain embodiments, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not so limited. The embodiments are explained herein by way of example, and there are numerous modifications, variations and other embodiments that may be employed that would still be within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A device for collecting hair comprising:

a base portion, and

a brush portion attached to one side of the base portion.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the brush portion comprises one or more prongs extending from the brush portion.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the brush portion snaps into one side of the base portion.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises one or more suction cups on another side.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the base portion is attached to a wall via the one or more suction cups.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises rubber.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises silicone.

8. The device of claim 2, wherein one or more of the prongs are angled in an upward direction.

9. The device of claim 2, wherein the one or more prongs comprise nylon.

10. The device of claim 2, wherein the one or more prongs comprise rubber.

11. The device of claim 2, wherein the one or more prongs are of varying length.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is in the general shape of a hand.

13. A method for collecting hair comprising:

providing a device comprising: a base portion, and a brush portion attached to one side of the base portion;

collecting hair on one or both of a user's hands; and

rubbing the one or both of the user's hands on the brush portion of the device.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the rubbing is in a downward motion.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the hair is transferred from the one or both of the user's hands to the brush portion of the device.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the brush portion comprises one or more prongs extending from the brush portion.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the hair is transferred from the one or both of the user's hands to the one or more prongs extending from the brush portion.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the brush portion snaps into one side of the base portion.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein the base portion comprises one or more suction cups on another side.

20. The method of claim 13, wherein the base portion is attached to a wall via the one or more suction cups.

21. The method of claim 13, wherein the base portion comprises rubber.

22. The method of claim 13, wherein the base portion comprises silicone.

23. The method of claim 16, wherein one or more of the prongs are angled in an upward direction.

24. The method of claim 16, wherein the one or more prongs comprise nylon.

25. The method of claim 16, wherein the one or more prongs comprise rubber.

26. The method of claim 16, wherein the one or more prongs are of varying length.

27. The method of claim 13, wherein the device is in the general shape of a hand.