THE MELTING BRUSH AND METHODS OF USING SAME
A melting brush for applying hair color, including a handle having a first end and a second end, a brush paddle having a first end, a second end and a first side located between the first end and the second end such that the first end of the brush paddle is operatively connected to the second end of the handle, a first hair color application surface operatively connected to the first side of the brush paddle, and a second hair color application surface operatively connected to the second end of the brush paddle.
The present invention is generally related to a hair color applicator, in particular, a melting brush. The melting brush includes an additional surface to color hair which allows the colorist to move the color in a different way, in addition to the traditional hair color application brush, thereby giving the colorist at least two (2) ways to create with color in one brush.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONPrior to the present invention, as set forth in general terms above and more specifically below, it is known, to employ various types of hair color applicators. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,231 by De Laforcade, U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,535 by Moore, U.S. Pat. No. 8,118,037 by Cardenas et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 9,655,426 by Bremner. While these various hair color applicators may have been generally satisfactory, there is nevertheless a need for a new and improved hair color application brush or melting brush which includes an additional surface to color hair which allows the colorist to move the color in a different way, in addition to the traditional hair color application brush, thereby giving the colorist at least two (2) ways to create with color in one brush.
It is a purpose of this invention to fulfill these and other needs in the hair color applicator art in a manner more apparent to the skilled artisan once given the following disclosure.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA first aspect of the present invention is a melting brush for applying hair color, including a handle having a first end and a second end, a brush paddle having a first end, a second end and a first side located between the first end and the second end such that the first end of the brush paddle is operatively connected to the second end of the handle, a first hair color application surface operatively connected to the first side of the brush paddle, and a second hair color application surface operatively connected to the second end of the brush paddle.
In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the handle, the brush paddle, the first hair color application surface and the second hair color application surface include a durable, flexible polymeric material.
In another embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the first hair color application surface includes a plurality of extensions.
In another embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of extensions includes a plurality of bristles.
In another embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of extensions is between 1/16 inch to 2 inches in length.
In still another embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the second hair color application surface includes another plurality of extensions.
In an even further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the another plurality of extensions includes another plurality of bristles.
A second aspect of the present invention is a hair color applicator for applying hair color to hair in at least two different directions, including a handle having a first end and a second end, a brush paddle having a first end, a second end and a first side located between the first end and the second end such that the first end of the brush paddle is operatively connected to the second end of the handle, a first hair color application surface operatively connected to the first side of the brush paddle, and a second hair color application surface operatively connected to the second end of the brush paddle.
In one embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the handle, the brush paddle, the first hair color application surface and the second hair color application surface include a durable, flexible polymeric material.
In another embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the first hair color application surface includes a plurality of extensions.
In another embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the plurality of extensions includes a plurality of bristles.
In another embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the plurality of extensions is between 1/16 inch to 2 inches in length.
In still another embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the second hair color application surface includes another plurality of extensions.
In an even further embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the another plurality of extensions includes another plurality of bristles.
A third aspect of the present invention is a method of using a melting brush to apply hair color to strands of hair, including the steps of: employing a melting brush which includes a handle having a first end and a second end, a brush paddle having a first end, a second end and a first side located between the first end and the second end such that the first end of the brush paddle is operatively connected to the second end of the handle, a first hair color application surface operatively connected to the first side of the brush paddle, and a second hair color application surface operatively connected to the second end of the brush paddle; using the second hair color application surface to apply a hair color in a first direction to the strands of hair; and using the first hair color application surface to move the hair color in a second direction on the strands of hair.
In one embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention, the step of using the second hair color application surface to apply a first hair color in a first direction to the strands of hair further includes the steps of: submersing the second hair color application surface into a container of the first hair color; and applying the hair color with the second hair color application surface in the first direction to the strands of hair.
In another embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention, the step of using the first hair color application surface to move the hair color in a second direction on the strands of hair further includes the step of: moving the hair color with the first hair color application surface in the second direction on the strands of hair.
In a further embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention, the step of submersing the second hair color application surface into a container of the first hair color is further includes the steps of: providing the second hair color application surface with a plurality of bristles; and submersing the plurality of bristles into the container of the first hair color.
In a yet further embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention, the step of moving the hair color with the first hair color application surface in the second direction on the strands of hair further includes the step of: providing the first hair color application surface with another plurality of bristles.
The preferred melting brush, according to various embodiments of the present invention, offers the following advantages: ease of use; lightness in weight; durability; the ability to use of an additional surface to color hair which allows the colorist to apply and move the color in a different way; the ability to provide the colorist with at least two (2) ways to create with color in one brush; portability; and improved hair coloring characteristics. In fact, in many of the preferred embodiments, these advantages are optimized to an extent that is considerably higher than heretofore achieved in prior, known hair color applicators.
The above-mentioned features and steps of the invention and the manner of attaining them will become apparent, and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like characters represent like parts throughout the several views and in which:
In order to address the shortcomings of the prior, known hair color applicators, as discussed above, reference is made now to
As shown in
With respect to melting brush 2, preferably, melting brush 2 is to be constructed in one piece using a durable, flexible polymeric material. However, it is to be understood that melting brush 2 can also be constructed of a metallic, wood or other suitable material. Also, melting brush 2 can be formed into one piece through conventional forming techniques such as molding, forming, thermoforming, and the like. It is to be further understood that the components of melting brush 2 can constructed of individual pieces and the components of melting brush 2 are then conventionally attached together to form melting brush 2.
Regarding handle 4, preferably, handle 4 is constructed such that handle 4 can be easily grasped by the end user (hair colorist). Also, handle 4 should be able to provide adequate support for additional hair color application surface 6, brush paddle 8, and primary hair color application surface 10. Finally, handle 4 should be flexible enough to allow the end user to easily apply the hair color to hair. As discussed above, handle 4, preferably, is constructed of any suitable, durable, flexible polymeric material.
With respect to additional hair color application surface 6, additional hair color application surface 6, preferably, is constructed such that additional hair color application surface 6 includes a plurality of extensions or bristles 7. As discussed above, additional hair color application surface 6, preferably, is constructed of any suitable durable, flexible polymeric material. While extensions or bristles 7 are shown as being arranged in a series of parallel columns and rows, extensions or bristles 7 can be arranged in a variety of configurations including staggered columns and/or rows. Preferably, extensions or bristles 7 are between 1/16 inch to 2 inches in length with the most important factor being that extensions or bristles 7 must be able to readily move the hair color in a direction through the hair that is different than the direction that the primary hair color application surface 10 is used to move hair color through the hair. It is to be understood that extensions or bristles 7 (and/or extension or bristles 16) can also be constructed of Velcro®, fabric, textured rubber or the like. As will be discussed in greater detail later, a unique aspect of the present invention is that the additional hair color application surface 6 includes the extensions or bristles 7 which allow the colorist to move the color in the hair in a different way, in addition to the primary hair color application surface 10, thereby giving the colorist at least two (2) ways to create with color in one brush.
As shown in
It is to be further understood that while the extensions or bristles 7 of additional hair color application surface 6 and bristles 16 of additional hair color application surface 14 are shown as being of a uniform length, the length of the extensions or bristles 7 and 16 can be varied to achieve a variety of different lengths. For example, the length of the extensions or bristles 7 and 16 can be made progressively longer towards the middle of additional hair color application surface 6 and/or additional hair color application surface 14 so as to provide a raised area in the middle of additional hair color application surface 6 and/or additional hair color application surface 14. In this manner, the additional hair color application surface 6 and/or additional hair color application surface 14 will have a tapered appearance. Also, the lengths of the extensions or bristles 7 and/or 16 at one side of additional hair color application surface 6 and additional hair color application surface 14, respectively, can be made longer than the lengths of the extensions or bristles 7 at the other side of additional hair color application surface 6 and/or extensions or bristles 16 at the other side of additional hair color application surface 14. In this instance, the additional hair color application surface 6 and/or additional hair color application surface 14 would have an inclined appearance.
It is to be even further understood that while the layout of additional hair color application surface 6 is that of a square or rectangle (
Finally, it is to be understood that while extensions or bristles 7 and 16 are being shown as being of a uniform cylindrical shape, extensions or bristles 7 and/or 16 can be constructed of a variety of different sizes and shapes. For example, the diameter of extensions or bristles 7 and/or 16 can be varied so that extensions or bristles 7 and/or 16 appear to be tapered. Also, some of the extensions or bristles 7 and/or 16 can be constructed of a different diameter and length than other extensions or bristles 7 and 16. Finally, some of the extensions or bristles 7 and/or 16 can be placed on brush paddle 8 at an angle that is different than the attachment angle of the other extensions or bristles 7 and 16 to brush paddle 8.
Regarding brush paddle 8, preferably, brush paddle 8 is constructed such that additional hair color application surface 6 can be easily attached or retained by brush paddle 8. Also, brush paddle 8 must be capable of easily retaining primary hair color application surface 10. As discussed above, brush paddle 8, preferably, is constructed of any suitable, durable, flexible polymeric material.
With respect to primary hair color application surface 10, primary hair color application surface 10 is used to apply the hair color to the hair in a similar manner as set forth in the prior art. Preferably, primary hair color application surface 10 includes a plurality of extensions or bristles 12. It is to be understood that primary hair color application surface 10 is used as a brush to conventionally apply the hair color to the hair. In this manner, the hair color is applied to the hair by primary hair color application surface 10 along the lengths of the strands of hair.
With reference now to
Once the color or colors to be applied to the client's hair have been determined and the direction(s) in which each color is to be applied to the client's hair has been determined, the end user then begins using the melting brush 2 in order to apply the color or colors.
Typically, the end user will first apply the color to the client's hair using the primary hair color application surface 10. In particular, the end user dips or otherwise submerses the extensions or bristles 12 of primary hair color application surface 10 into the hair color container (not shown). The end user then conventionally applies the hair color along the lengths of the strands of hair of the client through the use of the extensions or bristles 12 of primary hair color application surface 10, as is well known in the art of applying hair color.
If hair color is to be applied to the client's hair in a different direction, the end user will then use the additional hair color application surface 6. In particular, the end user conventionally applies the hair color through the use of a conventional applicator bottle (not shown). It is to be understood that the applicator bottle may also be used to apply a different color to the client's hair. After the end user has conventionally applied the hair color, the end user can then use additional hair color application surface 6 to move the hair color on the client's hair in a different way on the hair that is different than the direction that the primary hair color application surface 10 was used to apply the hair color. For example, if the primary hair color application surface 10 was used to apply the hair color along the lengths of the strands of hair of the client then the additional hair color application surface 6 can be used to move the same color or a different color on the hair in a direction that is perpendicular to the lengths of the strands of hair of the client. It is to be understood that while the additional hair color application surface 6 can be used to move the same color or a different color on the hair in a direction that is perpendicular to the lengths of the strands of hair of the client or without color, a unique aspect of the present invention is that the additional hair color application surface 6 can be used to move the color or a different color on the hair in any direction that is different than the direction of the color that was applied to the client's hair by the primary hair color application surface 10.
With respect to
If hair color is to be applied to the client's hair in at least two (2) different directions, the end user will then use the additional hair color application surfaces 6 and 14. In particular, the end user conventionally applies the hair color through the use of a conventional applicator bottle (not shown). It is to be understood that the applicator bottle may also be used to apply a different color to the client's hair. After the end user has conventionally applied the hair color, the end user can then use additional hair color application surface 6 to move the hair color on the client's hair in a direction to the hair that is different than the direction that the primary hair color application surface 10 was used to apply the hair color. The end user may then use additional hair color application surface 14 to move the hair color on the client's hair in a different way to the hair that is different than the direction that the primary hair color application surface 10 and additional hair color application surface 6 were used to apply the hair color. For example, if the primary hair color application surface 10 was used to apply the hair color along the lengths of the strands of hair of the client then the additional hair color application surface 6 can be used to move the same color or a different color on the hair in a direction that is perpendicular to the lengths of the strands of hair of the client, then additional hair color application surface 14 can be used to move the same color or a different color on the hair in a way that is different than the direction that the color was applied by primary hair color application surface 10 and moved by additional hair color application surface 6. Therefore, a unique aspect of the present invention is that the additional hair color application surface 14 can be used to move the color or a different color on the hair in any way that is different than the direction of the color that was applied to the client's hair by the primary hair color application surface 10 and moved by additional hair color application surface 6.
With respect to
It is to be understood that melting brush 2 is to be constructed in substantially the same manner as melting brush 2. A further unique aspect of the present invention is that melting brush 2 includes additional hair color application surfaces 6 and 14 but does not include primary hair color application surface 10. In this embodiment, the end user conventionally applies the hair color to the hair through the use of an applicator bottle or other well-known hair color applicator device. The additional hair color application surfaces 6 and 14 are then used to move the hair color in different directions, as previously discussed with respect to
The preceding merely illustrates the principles of the invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples and conditional language recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes and to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventors to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.
This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the figures of the accompanying drawing, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.
All patents, publications, scientific articles, web sites, and other documents and materials referenced or mentioned herein are indicative of the levels of skill of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, and each such referenced document and material is hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if it had been incorporated by reference in its entirety individually or set forth herein in its entirety. Applicants reserve the right to physically incorporate into this specification any and all materials and information from any such patents, publications, scientific articles, web sites, electronically available information, and other referenced materials or documents to the extent such incorporated materials and information are not inconsistent with the description herein.
The written description portion of this patent includes all claims. Furthermore, all claims, including all original claims as well as all claims from any and all priority documents, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into the written description portion of the specification, and Applicant(s) reserve the right to physically incorporate into the written description or any other portion of the application, any and all such claims. Thus, for example, under no circumstances may the patent be interpreted as allegedly not providing a written description for a claim on the assertion that the precise wording of the claim is not set forth in haec verba in written description portion of the patent.
The claims will be interpreted according to law. However, and notwithstanding the alleged or perceived ease or difficulty of interpreting any claim or portion thereof, under no circumstances may any adjustment or amendment of a claim or any portion thereof during prosecution of the application or applications leading to this patent be interpreted as having forfeited any right to any and all equivalents thereof that do not form a part of the prior art.
All of the features disclosed in this specification may be combined in any combination. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only an example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Thus, from the foregoing, it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for the purpose of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims and the present invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.
The specific methods and compositions described herein are representative of preferred embodiments and are exemplary and not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention. Other objects, aspects, and embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of this specification, and are encompassed within the spirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the claims. It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that varying substitutions and modifications may be made to the invention disclosed herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The invention illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, or limitation or limitations, which is not specifically disclosed herein as essential. Thus, for example, in each instance herein, in embodiments or examples of the present invention, the terms “comprising”, “including”, “containing”, etc. are to be read expansively and without limitation. The methods and processes illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in differing orders of steps, and that they are not necessarily restricted to the orders of steps indicated herein or in the claims.
The terms and expressions that have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intent in the use of such terms and expressions to exclude any equivalent of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as claimed. Thus, it will be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by various embodiments and/or preferred embodiments and optional features, any and all modifications and variations of the concepts herein disclosed that may be resorted to by those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.
The invention has been described broadly and generically herein. Each of the narrower species and sub-generic groupings falling within the generic disclosure also form part of the invention. This includes the generic description of the invention with a proviso or negative limitation removing any subject matter from the genus, regardless of whether or not the excised material is specifically recited herein.
It is also to be understood that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the term “X and/or Y” means “X” or “Y” or both “X” and “Y”, and the letter “s” following a noun designates both the plural and singular forms of that noun. In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, it is intended and those skilled in the art will recognize, that the invention embraces and is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
Other embodiments are within the following claims. Therefore, the patent may not be interpreted to be limited to the specific examples or embodiments or methods specifically and/or expressly disclosed herein. Under no circumstances may the patent be interpreted to be limited by any statement made by any Examiner or any other official or employee of the Patent and Trademark Office unless such statement is specifically and without qualification or reservation expressly adopted in a responsive writing by Applicants.
Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.
Other modifications and implementations will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the description hereinabove is not intended to limit the invention, except as indicated in the appended claims.
Therefore, provided herein are a new and improved hair color applicator or melting brush. The preferred hair color applicator or melting brush, according to various embodiments of the present invention, offers the following advantages: ease of use; lightness in weight; durability; the ability to use an additional surface to color hair which allows the colorist to apply and move the color in a different way; the ability to provide the colorist with at least two (2) ways to create with color in one brush; portability; and improved hair coloring characteristics. In fact, in many of the preferred embodiments, these advantages of ease of use, lightness in weight, durability, the ability to use an additional surface to color hair which allows the colorist to apply and move the color in a different way, the ability to provide the colorist with at least two (2) ways to create with color in one brush, portability, and improved hair coloring characteristics are optimized to an extent that is considerably higher than heretofore achieved in prior, known hair color applicators.
The following is a parts list for each of the component parts identified in the detailed specification and the drawings:
2—melting brush
4—handle
6—secondary hair color surface
—bristles
8—brush paddle
10—primary application surface
12—extension or bristles of primary color surface
14—additional secondary hair color surface
16—bristles on additional secondary hair color surface
Claims
1. A melting brush for applying hair color, comprising:
- a handle having a first end and a second end;
- a brush paddle having a first end, a second end and a first side located between the first end and the second end such that the first end of the brush paddle is operatively connected to the second end of the handle;
- a first hair color application surface operatively connected to the first side of the brush paddle; and
- a second hair color application surface operatively connected to the second end of the brush paddle.
2. The melting brush, according to claim 1, wherein the handle, the brush paddle, the first hair color application surface and the second hair color application surface are further comprised of:
- a durable, flexible polymeric material.
3. The melting brush, according to claim 1, wherein the first hair color application surface is further comprised of:
- a plurality of extensions.
4. The melting brush, according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of extensions is further comprised of:
- a plurality of bristles.
5. The melting brush, according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of extensions is between 1/16 inch to 2 inches in length.
6. The melting brush, according to claim 1, wherein the second hair color application surface is further comprised of:
- another plurality of extensions.
7. The melting brush, according to claim 6, wherein the another plurality of extensions is further comprised of:
- another plurality of bristles.
8. A hair color applicator for applying hair color to hair in at least two different directions, comprising:
- a handle having a first end and a second end;
- a brush paddle having a first end, a second end and a first side located between the first end and the second end such that the first end of the brush paddle is operatively connected to the second end of the handle;
- a first hair color application surface operatively connected to the first side of the brush paddle; and
- a second hair color application surface operatively connected to the second end of the brush paddle.
9. The hair color applicator, according to claim 8, wherein the handle, the brush paddle, the first hair color application surface and the second hair color application surface are further comprised of:
- a durable, flexible polymeric material non-slip fabric.
10. The hair color applicator, according to claim 8, wherein the first hair color application surface is further comprised of:
- a plurality of extensions.
11. The hair color applicator, according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of extensions is further comprised of:
- a plurality of bristles.
12. The hair color applicator, according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of extensions is between 1/16 inch to 2 inches in length.
13. The hair color applicator, according to claim 8, wherein the second hair color application surface is further comprised of:
- another plurality of extensions.
14. The hair color applicator, according to claim 13, wherein the another plurality of extensions is further comprised of:
- another plurality of bristles.
15. A method of using a melting brush to apply hair color to strands of hair, comprising the steps of:
- employing a melting brush which includes a handle having a first end and a second end, a brush paddle having a first end, a second end and a first side located between the first end and the second end such that the first end of the brush paddle is operatively connected to the second end of the handle, a first hair color application surface operatively connected to the first side of the brush paddle, and a second hair color application surface operatively connected to the second end of the brush paddle;
- using the second hair color application surface to apply a hair color in a first direction to the strands of hair; and
- using the first hair color application surface to move the hair color in a second direction on the strands of hair.
16. The method of using the melting brush to apply hair color, according to claim 15, wherein the step of using the second hair color application surface to apply the hair color in a first direction to the strands of hair is further comprised of the steps of:
- submersing the second hair color application surface into a container of the hair color; and
- applying the hair color with the second hair color application surface in the first direction to the strands of hair.
17. The method of using the melting brush to apply hair color, according to claim 15, wherein the step of using the first hair color application surface to move the hair color in a second direction on the strands of hair is further comprised of the step of:
- moving the hair color with the first hair color application surface in the second direction to the strands of hair.
18. The method of using the melting brush to apply hair color, according to claim 16, wherein the step of submersing the second hair color application surface into a container of the first hair color is further comprised of the steps of:
- providing the second hair color application surface with a plurality of bristles; and
- submersing the plurality of bristles into the container of the first hair color.
19. The method of using the melting brush to apply hair color, according to claim 17, wherein the step of moving the hair color with the first hair color application surface in the second direction to the strands of hair is further comprised of the step of:
- providing the first hair color application surface with another plurality of bristles.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 23, 2017
Publication Date: Mar 28, 2019
Inventor: Patrick J. McIvor, JR. (Nazareth, PA)
Application Number: 15/713,637
