Ouchless comb

Abstract

A comb includes an elongate slender main body, a slot, and a plurality of bristles. The elongate slender main body has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The slot is disposed in the main body and extends substantially along the entire length of the main body. The main body is separated into a rigid handle portion and a flexible spine portion, such that the rigid handle portion is connected to the flexible spine portion at the first and second ends of the main body. The plurality of bristles extend from the spine portion in a direction opposite the handle portion.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

The present application is a non-provisional application based on, and claiming the priority benefit of, co-pending U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/691,119, which was filed on Jun. 16, 2005, and is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure generally relates to combs and, more particularly, to combs having a cushioned or flexible spine able to contour to a user's head.

2. Brief Description of Related Technology

Combs and comb-like devices are readily used and have been around for many years. Such combs and comb-like devices may be configured to perform functions in addition to the ability to comb and/or style hair, such as dandruff removal and dispending medication.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,090,522 to Donley et al. discloses a medicated comb for applying medication to the hair and scalp of a user. The comb includes a hollow portion for receiving medication that is connected to ends of bristles. During use, the medication is dispensed from the hollow portion through tips of the bristles such that the medication is massaged into the scalp.

In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,362,175 to Garvey discloses a comb for removing dandruff. The comb includes two inclined combs connected to a holder for a blade having a non-cutting edge. The blade is arranged to be extended against the pressure of a spring into a cleaning position between the teeth of the combs.

In yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,395 to Tiramani et al. discloses a cushion brush. The cushion brush includes a rigid portion and a flexible portion mounted to the rigid portion. A plurality of bristles are secured to and extend from the flexible portion. More specifically, the flexible portion is connected to the rigid portion via first and second hinges disposed at first and second ends of the flexible portion. Contact of the bristles with a surface of sufficient rigidity will cause the hinges to pivot and the flexible portion to flex inwardly, bringing a substantial number of parallel rows of bristles into conforming contact with the user's head.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure provides a comb having an elongate slender body, a slot, and a plurality of bristles. The body includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The slot is disposed in the main body of the comb and extends substantially along the entire length thereof. The slot separates the main body into a rigid handle portion and a flexible spine portion. The rigid handle portion is connected to the flexible spine portion at the first and second ends of the main body. The plurality of bristles extend from the spine portion in a direction opposite the handle portion, such that the flexible spine portion deflects toward the rigid handle portion when sufficient force is applied to tips of the bristles in a direction of the slot.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a comb having a rigid handle portion, a flexible spine portion, and a plurality of bristles. The rigid handle portion and the flexible spine portion each include first and second ends, wherein the respective first and second ends of the rigid handle portion and the flexible spine portion are attached, thereby providing a slot. The plurality of bristles extend from the spine portion in a direction opposite the handle portion, such that the flexible spine portion deflects toward the rigid handle portion when sufficient force is applied to tips of the bristles in a direction of the slot.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a comb having a body, a plurality of bristles, and a housing. The body includes a rigid handle portion having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and a flexible spine portion having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, such that the respective first and second ends of the rigid handle portion and the flexible spine portion are attached, thereby providing a slot there between. The plurality of bristles extending from the spine portion in a direction opposite the handle portion, and the housing slidably receives the body between a retracted and an extended position.

Further aspects and advantages may become apparent to those skilled in the art from a review of the following detailed description. While the invention is susceptible of embodiments in various forms, described hereinafter are specific embodiments with the understanding that the disclosure is illustrative, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of one exemplary embodiment of a comb according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the comb through line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2a is a cross-sectional view of the comb through line 2-2 of FIG. 1, with bristles flexed outwardly;

FIG. 2b is a detailed side view of a plurality of bristles of FIG. 1 including a retaining channel;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the comb of FIG. 1, with a spine portion in a flexed position;

FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of a comb having a flex limiting member;

FIG. 5 is a side view of another embodiment of a comb;

FIG. 6 is a side view of another embodiment of a comb;

FIG. 7 is a side view of another embodiment of a comb;

FIG. 8 is a side view of another embodiment of a comb;

FIG. 9 is a side view of another embodiment of a comb;

FIG. 10 is a side view of another embodiment of a comb;

FIG. 11 is a side view of another embodiment of a comb;

FIG. 12 is a side view of another embodiment of a comb;

FIG. 13 is a side view of another embodiment of a comb;

FIG. 14 is a side view of another embodiment of a comb;

FIG. 15 is a side view of another embodiment of a comb;

FIG. 16 is a side view of another embodiment of a comb;

FIG. 17 is a side view of another embodiment of a comb including a shroud;

FIG. 18 is a side view of another embodiment of a comb partially extending from a housing;

FIG. 19 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a comb partially extending from a housing having a key chain loop;

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a plurality of combs partially extending from a housing;

FIG. 21 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a comb disposed in a housing having a cap;

FIG. 22 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a comb partially extending from a housing having a hook;

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a plurality of combs extending from a single handle; and

FIG. 24 is an isometric view of the comb FIG. 1, as used in a combing operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the following text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that the legal scope of the invention is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of a patent. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment of the invention since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this provisional patent application, which would still fall within the scope of the claims defining the invention.

It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this provisional patent application using the sentence “As used herein, the term ‘______’ is hereby defined to mean . . . ” or a similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this provisional patent application.

A comb as is disclosed herein includes a flexible or cushioned spine able to deflect to conform to the contour of a user's scalp during use. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, in one exemplary embodiment a comb 20 includes a main body 22 having a slot 24 therethrough. The slot 24 may extend length-wise from a first end 26 to a second end 28 of the main body 22 and, as such, may extend along a majority of the length of the main body 22. The slot 24 may separate the main body 22 into a rigid handle portion 30 and a flexible spine portion 32. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the spine portion 32 may be connected to the handle portion 30 near the first and second ends 26, 28 of the main body 22.

A plurality of bristles 34 extend from the spine portion 32 in a direction opposite the slot 24 and/or transverse to the slot 24, the rigid handle portion 30, and the flexile spine portion 32. The slot 24 includes and is at least partially defined by a lower surface 36 disposed adjacent the spine portion 32 and an upper surface 38 disposed adjacent the handle portion 30.

An axial force “F” on the bristles 34 in the direction of the slot 24, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 24, may cause the flexible portion 32 to deflect toward the rigid portion 30. More specifically, as the force “F” is applied to the ends 42 of the bristles 34, such as by placing the comb 20 against a user's scalp for example, the lower surface 36 of the slot 24 may flexibly extend toward the upper surface 38 of the rigid portion 30. Consequently, a distance between the ends 42 of the bristles 34 may be reduced as a radius (or more pronounced radius) is created along the spine portion 32 and the ends 42 of the bristles 34. This movement of the spine portion 32 in response to the force “F” may allow for a greater number of bristles 34 to engage the user's scalp/hair as the ends 42 of the bristles 34 contour to the user's scalp. Additionally and/or alternatively, the movement of the spine portion 32 in response to the force “F” may provide a cushion or cushion-like effect in the comb 20 with respect to the user's scalp.

The comb 20 may be constructed from a variety of materials, including but not limited to, natural rubber, cellulose acetate, acrylic, wood, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, styrene-acrylonitrile (SA), polystyrene, polycarbonate, metal, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), silicone, or a combination thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, the comb 20 may be constructed from a first material which may then be wholly or partially over-molded with a second material such as TPE and silicone (FIGS. 9-12). Material choice may be determined based on the desired function of the product and/or based on the method of manufacture. For example, the comb 20 may be injection molded, blow molded, continuously molded, extruded, vacuum formed, rotation molded, or the like. The manufacturing process or processes can be selected based on feasibility, cost, tooling concerns, as well as other factors for a given application.

Additionally, the comb 20 may include other features or materials. For example, nylon with a Teflon additive in or on the bristles 34 could provide a “slippery” plastic surface for gliding through strands of hair of the user which could provide a “hair knot removing” feature. Similarly, other additives may be blended with a desired plastic to provide the user with other benefits. For instance, a carbon additive could provide odor removing ability from the hair. Similarly, a pyrithium zinc, copper or salicyclic acid additive could provide anti-dandruff capabilities for the user's scalp.

The above exemplary embodiments may be varied to achieve and/or create additional or alternative features. For example, the comb 20 as shown in FIGS. 1-3 is a pocket comb. However, the comb 20 may include, but is not limited to, other types of combs such as, for example, “rat-tail” combs, barber's combs, standard combs, super combs, detangling combs, other pocket combs, and/or shower combs. A comb 120 may also include a limiting member 140 as seen in FIG. 4. The limiting member 140 may limit the amount of travel between the inner surface 136 relative to the outer surface 138 of the slot 124, or may limit the flexibility of the spine portion 132. In addition, the limiting member 140 may provide an area for brand or logo placement and may provide added surface area for gripping the comb 20. The bristles 34 may also be varied in size and shape and may include additional or alternate features. For example, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the bristles 34 may be varied in size and spacing. As seen in FIG. 4, ends 142 of the bristles 134 may include various tips such as ball tips (FIG. 4), TPE covered tips (FIG. 9), and epoxy dipped tips (FIG. 11). The bristles 34 may be fine, medium, and course bristles or a combination thereof. Additionally, as seen in FIG. 2a, the bristles 34 may be flexible enough to bow, bend or flex outwardly which may aid in the detangling of the user's hair.

The bristles 34 in this exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2b, may include a retention channel or slot 35 disposed on one or more of the bristles 34. More specifically, the retention channels 35 may extend along an entire length of the bristles 34 from a top to a bottom of the bristles 34, or may be disposed on only portions thereof. The retention channels 35 may have a generally rectangular, square, triangular, or rounded cross-sectional shape. An overall shape of the retention channels 35 as viewed in FIG. 2b ranges from straight to curvy. Preferably, the retention channels 35 are disposed on an outer portion of the bristles 34 as illustrated in FIG. 2b such that an opening to the channel 35 faces away from the bristles 34. The channels 35 may be adapted to receive and hold a great variety of liquids, including hair color, medicine, and other hair related products, but will herein be described as being used with conditioner.

Specifically, as the user applies hair conditioner to the user's hair, the channels 35 will receive and retain some of the conditioner, either by direct application of the conditioner onto the comb 20, or by indirect application, such as by combing the comb 20 through hair having the conditioner disposed thereon. As a result, as the user pulls the comb 20 through the hair, the channels 35 will accumulate conditioner where it is in excess or not needed, and will disperse the conditioner where it is needed or is not present, such as near distal ends of the hair.

A comb 220 as seen in FIG. 5 may also include a handle extension 244, extending from at least one of a first and second end 226, 228 of a main body 222. The comb 220 may also include a hook 246. The hook 246 may be disposed on the first and/or second ends of the main body 222 and/or may be disposed from an end of the handle extension 244. More specifically, as seen in FIG. 5, the hook 246 may be disposed at an end of the handle extension 244 opposite the second end 228 of the main body 222. Alternatively, as seen in FIG. 8, a hook 546 may be disposed at the first end 526 of the main body 522 with the handle extension 544 extending from the second end 528. The hook 246 may have various uses including improving the aesthetic appearance of the comb 220 and/or providing a means to hang the comb 220 from an object such as, for example, a shower or other bathroom feature.

As seen in FIGS. 6-12 and 14-16, alternate embodiments of a handle extension 344, 444, 544, 644, 744, 844, 944, 1144, 1244, and 1344 may be disposed on combs 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 920, 1120, 1220, and 1320, respectively. Similarly, as seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, alternate embodiments of a hook 346 and 446 may be disposed on the combs 320 and 420, respectively.

The size and shape of the slot 24 may also vary. For example, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the surfaces 36 and 38 defining the slot 24 may be generally parallel and generally straight, thereby creating a straight elongate slot 24. The slot 224, as seen in FIG. 5, however, includes undulations or curves creating a ripple or bubble effect in the slot 224. As seen in FIG. 7, the slot 424 may be dome-shaped and, as seen in FIG. 10, the slot 724 may include one or more portions wherein the portions are not all straight and parallel to each other. The slot 1024, as seen in FIG. 13, once again may include a plurality of portions that in combination create a design or feature that is an alternative to the relatively straight slot 24 as seen in FIGS. 1 and 3. Aside from the shape of the slot 24, the slot 24 may also be filled or may include flexible or other types of resilient materials. For example, the slot 24 may be entirely or partially filled with a rubber or TPE material such that the spine portion 32 retains its flexing ability relative to the handle portion 30.

The flexible spine portion 32 and/or the comb 20 may be of a unitary construction, such that the components of the comb 20 such as, for example, the rigid portion 30, the spine portion 32 and the bristles 34, may be integrally formed. Alternatively, as seen in FIG. 14, the spine portion 1132 may be pivotally and/or rotatably connected to the rigid handle portion 1130. As seen in FIG. 16, the comb 1320 may also include a device for parting a hair line of the user such as, for example, a parting pick 1350. The parting member 1350 may be disposed anywhere on the comb 1320, but as seen in FIG. 16, is preferably located at an end of the comb 1320 and/or the handle extension 1344.

In another exemplary embodiment, a comb 1420 may include a shroud or cover 52 disposed over the gap 1424 such that, for example, the shroud 52 prevents the user's fingers from being pinched between upper and lower surfaces 1438, 1436. The shroud 52, as illustrated in FIG. 17, may slidingly engage the comb 1420 and may engage the gap 1424 with additional structure to retain the shroud 52 on the comb 1420, such as tabs or rails (not show). The shroud 52 may attach to a rigid handle portion 1430 and/or to first and second ends 1426, 1428 of a body 1422, thereby allowing a flexible spine portion 1432 to flex during use.

In another exemplary embodiment, a comb 1520 may be disposed in a housing 54 that slidingly receives the comb 1520. The housing 54 may include a slot or track 56 within which a knob or slider 58 is able to traverse. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the slider 58 may be fixedly attached to the comb 1520 near a second end 1526 of a body 1522. The housing 54 may fully encapsulate the comb 1520 with the exception of an opening 60 disposed near a first end 62 of the housing to allow for the extension and retraction of the comb 1520 from and into the housing 54. The user may extend the comb 1520 from the housing 54 by forcing the slider 58 from a first end 56a of the slot 56 toward a second end 56b. In doing so, the slider 58 will track along the slot 56 while simultaneously extending the comb 1520 from the housing 54.

In another exemplary embodiment, a comb 1620 may include a housing 1654 having a loop 66 disposed near an end thereof. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 19, a first end 1664 of the housing 1654 may include an aperture 68 forming the loop 66 through which a keychain or other attachment may be engaged.

In another exemplary embodiment, a plurality of combs 1720 may be disposed in a single housing 1754. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the housing 1754 may include a first comb 1720a and a second comb 1720b. The combs 1720a, 1720b may vary such as, for example, in bristle size, length and/or width. In this exemplary embodiment, the housing 1754 may include a pair of slots 1756 and sliders 1758 disposed on opposite sides of the housing 1754 to accommodate the combs 1720a, 1720b. The sliders 1758 in this exemplary embodiment are each attached to one of the combs 1720a and 1720b, but may each be attached to both of the combs 1720a and 1720b.

In another exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 21, a housing 1854 may include a cap 70 disposed near a first end 1862 of the housing 1854. The cap 70 may be constructed from a TPE material, but may be constructed from any variety of suitable materials. The cap 70 may be pivotally attached to the housing 1854 via a hinge 71 that may be a mechanical hinge or a living hinge, such that the housing 1854 and the hinge 71 may be fabricated as a simple unitary component.

In another exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 22, a housing 1954 may include a hook 1946 disposed near a second end 1964 of the housing 1954.

In another exemplary embodiment a plurality of combs 2020 may be attached to a single handle 72. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 23, combs 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c may each be fixedly attached near their respective second ends 2028a, 2028 b, and 2028c, respectively, to the handle 72. The combs 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c may be oriented generally parallel to each other, and bristles 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c of the respective combs 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c may vary relative to each other.

The following operation may be accomplished in various ways one of which will be described herein. As a result, the below specified operation may include additional or alternate steps, or may be accomplished with some of the steps deleted or combined.

In operation, as seen in FIG. 24, the user may hold the comb 20 such that the ends 42 of the bristles 34 are disposed near or abut the user's scalp. The comb 20 may be held by the rigid handle portion 30 and/or the extended handle portion 44, such that the spine portion 32 can flex inwardly toward the handle portion 30. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 24, as the comb 20 and, more specifically, the bristles 34 abut the user's scalp, the spine portion 32 may flex, thereby creating a rounded or curved spine portion 32 and a rounded or curved profile of the ends 42 of the bristles 34. The flexure and curvature may, therefore, create a cushion effect to the bristles 34 and/or allow for a better combing operation as the bristles 34 may contour to the user's scalp.

The foregoing description is given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as modifications within the scope of the invention may be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A comb comprising:

an elongate main body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end;

a slot disposed in the main body extending substantially along the entire length of the main body, thereby separating the main body into a rigid handle portion and a flexible spine portion, wherein the rigid handle portion is connected to the flexible spine portion at the first and second ends of the main body; and

a plurality of bristles extending from the spine portion in a direction opposite the handle portion, wherein the flexible spine portion deflects toward the rigid handle portion when sufficient force is applied to tips of the bristles in a direction of the slot.

2. The comb of claim 1, further including a limiting member disposed in the slot configured to engage the handle portion to limit deflection of the flexible spine portion in direction of the handle portion.

3. The comb of claim 2, wherein the limiting member extends into the slot from an inside surface of one of the rigid handle portion and the flexible spine portion.

4. The comb of claim 1, wherein the main body portion including the rigid handle portion, the flexible spine portion, and the bristles are integrally formed.

5. The comb of claim 1, wherein the slot is at least partially filled with a resilient material.

6. The comb of claim 5, wherein the slot entirely filled with one of a rubber and TPE material.

7. The comb of claim 1, further including a handle extension disposed on one of a first and second end of the body portion, wherein a length of the handle extension is at least ⅔ the length of the body.

8. The comb of claim 7, further including a plurality of combs extending from the handle extension.

9. The comb of claim 1, further including one of a hook and pick disposed on one of a first and second end of the body portion.

10. The comb of claim 1, further including a housing that slidably receives the comb, wherein the comb is slidable between a retracted and an extended position.

11. The comb of claim 1, further including a channel disposed in at least one of the plurality of bristles.

12. A comb comprising:

a rigid handle portion having a first end and a second end opposite the first end;

a flexible spine portion having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, each of the respective first and second ends of the rigid handle portion and the flexible spine portion being attached, thereby providing a slot; and

a plurality of bristles extending from the spine portion in a direction opposite the handle portion, wherein the flexible spine portion deflects toward the rigid handle portion when sufficient force is applied to tips of the bristles in a direction of the slot.

13. The comb of claim 12, wherein the spine portion bends during use and abuts the handle portion.

14. The comb of claim 12, wherein the rigid handle portion, the flexible spine portion, and the bristles are integrally formed.

15. The comb of claim 12, wherein the slot is at least partially filled with a resilient material.

16. The comb of claim 12, further including a channel disposed in at least one of the plurality of bristles.

17. A comb comprising:

a body comprising a rigid handle portion having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and a flexible spine portion having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the respective first and second ends of the rigid handle portion and the flexible spine portion are attached, thereby providing a slot there between;

a plurality of bristles extending from the spine portion in a direction opposite the handle portion; and

a housing that slidably receives the body between a retracted and an extended position.

18. The comb of claim 17, wherein the body includes a slider that is received by a track in an outer surface of the housing, the slider being engageable when comb is in the retracted position to slide comb to the extended position.

19. The comb of claim 18, wherein the slider is accessible from an exterior of the housing.

20. The comb of claim 17, wherein housing fully encompasses the body when in the retracted position.

21. The comb of claim 20, wherein the housing includes a cover for closing an opening through which the body enters and exits the housing.

22. The comb of claim 17, wherein the housing covers the slot and leaves the bristles exposed when in the retracted position.

23. The comb of claim 17, further including a channel disposed in at least one of the plurality of bristles.