Animal Brush and Method of Manufacturing Same
An animal brush and method of manufacturing same.
The present invention relates to animal brushes and, more particularly, to an animal brush that has increased utility and ease of operation.
Prior animal brushes tended to be made using a combing surface shaped in a circle with a heavy handle extending laterally therefrom. These animal brushes tend to be heavy and require being held in a particular orientation during use. The restricted orientation between the handle, owner's hand, pet, and the direction of motion of the brush during use often leads to fatigue and can result in incomplete grooming. Furthermore the utilitarian look of existing animal brushes can increase an inexperienced person's reluctance to use the animal brush from grooming.
It may be advantageous to provide an animal brush that preferably has a pleasing aesthetic look, that preferably has an improved comfortable gripping surface for a user, and that is preferably made of a material to allow ready cleaning of the animal brush, and that preferably resembles a flower.
SUMMARYBriefly speaking, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing an animal brush. The method includes: providing a handle formed by a tube section extending along a closed path to define a perimeter of the handle, the path including a plurality of arcuate sections that simulate the shape of petals on a flower to create a floral look for the animal brush, the tube section defining a hollow central portion, the handle having top and bottom sides, the top side and the outer perimeter of the handle being configured for a user to hold the animal brush; and locating a brush wall on the handle to depend from the bottom side thereof, the brush wall extending along the path and being centrally located on the bottom side of the tube section, the brush wall having a distal end adapted to brush an animal.
In a separate aspect, the present invention is directed to an animal brush including a handle formed by a tube section extending along a closed path to define a perimeter of the handle. The path includes a plurality of arcuate sections. The tube section defines a hollow central portion. The handle has top and bottom sides. The top side and the outer perimeter are configured to provide a gripping surface for a user. A brush wall depends from the bottom side of the handle. The brush wall extends along the path and is centrally located on the bottom side of tube section. The brush wall has a distal end adapted to brush an animal.
In a separate aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing an animal brush. The method includes: providing a handle formed by a tube section extending along a closed path to define a perimeter of the handle, the path including a plurality of arcuate sections that simulate the shape of petals on a flower to create a floral look for the animal brush, the handle includes plurality of arcuate sections also forming a plurality of generally V-shaped indentations along the outer perimeter to simplify the holding of the brush by allowing placement of at least one finger in any one of the generally V-shaped indentations, the tube section defining a hollow central portion, the handle having top and bottom sides, the top side and the outer perimeter of the handle being configured for a user to hold the animal brush, wherein the hollow central portion of the handle occupies at least sixty (60%) percent of the area of the handle defined by the tube section when the handle is viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the top side of the handle so that the hollow central portion reduces the weight of the animal brush to simplify use; and locating a brush wall on the handle to depend from the bottom side thereof, the brush wall extending along the path and being centrally located on the bottom side of the tube section, the brush wall having a distal end adapted to brush an animal, wherein the brush wall is configured so that when the top side of the handle is viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the top side, the tubes section prevents viewing of at least the portion of the brush wall that is adjacent to the handle.
In a separate aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing an animal brush. The method includes providing a handle having a bottom side, the handle being formed by a tube section extending along a closed path to define a perimeter of the handle, the path including a plurality of arcuate sections that simulate the shape of petals on a flower to create a floral look for the animal brush, the tube section defining a hollow central portion, the handle having a top side, the top side and the outer perimeter of the handle being configured for a user to hold the animal brush; and locating a brush wall on the handle to depend therefrom and extending along the bottom side of the handle along a closed path including a plurality of arcuate sections, the brush wall having a distal end adapted to brush an animal, the brush wall configured to form a plurality of folds wherein the portions of the brush wall forming the fold generally come to a point at an apex of the fold, each fold creating a potential catch area along the outer surface of the brush wall each adapted to gather at least one of hair and debris while brushing an animal, wherein regardless of the orientation of the animal brush relative to the direction of movement of the brush over an animal at least two potential catch areas are oriented to gather at least one of hair and debris while brushing an animal.
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings an embodiment which is presently preferred. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and instrumentality shown. In the drawings:
Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “top,” and “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the animal brush and designated parts thereof. The term “animal brush”, as used in the claims and corresponding portions of the specification, means “any one or combination of a dog brush, a cat brush, a currycomb, a pet brush, an animal brush, or the like”. The language “at least one of ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’,” as used in the claims and in corresponding portions of the specification, means “any group having at least one ‘A’; or any group having at least one ‘B’; or any group having at least one ‘C’;—and does require that a group have at least one of each of ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’.” Additionally, the words “a” and “one” are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.
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The animal brush 10 is preferably formed of a durable, lightweight, corrosion resistant material, such as a suitable polymer. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that any suitable material can be used to form the animal brush, For example, the animal brush can be formed of wood, stainless steel, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyphthalate carbonate (PPC), tin, or any suitable material without departing from the scope of the present invention.
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The area occupied by the hollow central portion 48 of the handle 12 can vary without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the area occupied by the hollow central portion can be sixty (60%) percent, seventy (70%) percent, eighty (80%) percent, eight-five (85%) percent, ninety percent (90%) percent or any other amount. Furthermore, the animal brush of the present invention may include a solid handle 12 without departing from the scope of the present invention.
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In step S1 a handle 12 is provided that is formed by a tube section 14 extending along a closed path to define a perimeter 26 of the handle 12. The path includes a plurality of arcuate sections 24 that simulate the shape of petals on a flower to create a floral look for the animal brush 10. The tube section 14 defines a hollow central portion 48. The handle 12 has top and bottom sides 28, 30. The top side 30 and the outer perimeter 26 of the handle 12 are preferably configured for a user to hold the animal brush 10.
During step S2, a brush wall 16 is located on the handle 12 to depend from the bottom side 30 thereof. The brush wall 16 extends along the path and is generally centrally located on the bottom side 30 of the tube section 14. The brush wall 16 has a distal end 34 adapted to brush an animal.
A second preferred method of manufacturing an animal brush 10 according to the present invention is as follows. A handle 12 is provided having a bottom side 30. The handle is formed by a tube section 14 extending along a closed path to define a perimeter 26 of the handle 12. The path includes a plurality of arcuate sections 24 that simulate the shape of petals on a flower to create a floral look for the animal brush 10. The tube section 14 defines a hollow central portion 48. The handle 12 has a top side 28. The top side 28 and the outer perimeter 26 of the handle 12 are configured for a user to hold the animal brush 10.
The method also includes a brush wall 16 being located on the handle 12 to depend therefrom and extending along the bottom side 30 of the handle 12 along a closed path including a plurality of arcuate sections 24. The brush wall 16 having a distal end 34 adapted to brush an animal 10. The brush wall is configured to form a plurality of folds 50 wherein the portions of the brush wall 50 forming the fold 50 generally come to a point at an apex of the fold 50. Each fold 50 creates a potential catch area 42 along the outer surface of the brush wall 16. Each catch area 42 is adapted to gather at least one of hair and debris while brushing an animal. Regardless of the orientation of the animal brush 10 relative to the direction of movement 44 of the brush over an animal 20 at least two potential catch areas 42 are oriented to gather at least one of hair and debris 46 while brushing an animal 20.
While various shapes, configurations, and features have been described above and shown in the drawings for the various embodiments of the present invention, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that any combination of the above features can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is recognized by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the above described embodiments of the animal brush 10 without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover all modifications which are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and/or shown in the attached drawings.
Claims
1. A method of manufacturing an animal brush, comprising:
- providing a handle formed by a tube section extending along a closed path to define a perimeter of the handle, the path including a plurality of arcuate sections that simulate the shape of petals on a flower to create a floral look for the animal brush, the tube section defining a hollow central portion, the handle having top and bottom sides, the top side and the outer perimeter of the handle being configured for a user to hold the animal brush; and
- locating a brush wall on the handle to depend from the bottom side thereof, the brush wall extending along the path and being centrally located on the bottom side of the tube section, the brush wall having a distal end adapted to brush an animal.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of locating further comprises the brush wall and handle being integrally formed as a one piece member.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of providing further comprises the handle includes six arcuate sections to provide a plurality of generally V-shaped indentations along the outer perimeter to simplify the holding of the brush by allowing placement of at least one finger in any one of the generally V-shaped indentations.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of locating further comprises the handle and brush wall comprised of a polymer.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of providing comprises the hollow central portion of the handle occupying at least seventy (70%) percent of the area of the handle defined by the tube section when the handle is viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the top side of the handle, the hollow central portion reducing the weight of the animal brush to simplify use.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of providing further comprises the hollow central portion of the handle allowing a user to see how much hair and debris is gathered by the animal brush within an area bounded by the brush wall during use.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of locating further comprises the distal end of the brush wall comprising serrations.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of locating further comprises the brush wall being configured so that when the top side of the handle is viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the top side, the tubes section prevents viewing of at least the portion of the brush wall that is adjacent to the handle.
9. A animal brush, comprising:
- a handle formed by a tube section extending along a closed path to define a perimeter of the handle, the path including a plurality of arcuate sections, the tube section defining a hollow central portion, the handle having top and bottom sides, the top side and the outer perimeter being configured to provide a gripping surface for a user; and
- a brush wall depending from the bottom side of the handle, the brush wall extending along the path and being centrally located on the bottom side of tube section, the brush wall having a distal end adapted to brush an animal.
10. The animal brush of claim 9, wherein the brush wall and handle are formed as a one piece member.
11. The animal brush of claim 9, wherein the handle includes six arcuate sections.
12. The animal brush of claim 1, wherein the handle and brush wall comprise a polymer.
13. The animal brush of claim 12, wherein the outer perimeter of the handle is at least partially deformable to facilitate gripping of the handle by a user.
14. The animal brush of claim 9, wherein the distal end of the brush wall comprises serrations.
15. The animal brush of claim 9, wherein the hollow central portion of the handle occupies at least seventy (70%) percent of the area of the handle defined by the tube section when the handle is viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the top side of the handle, the hollow central portion reducing the weight of the animal brush to simplify use.
16. The animal brush of claim 1, wherein the brush wall is configured so that when the top side of the handle is viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the top side, the tubes section prevents viewing of at least the portion of the brush wall that is adjacent to the handle.
17. A method of manufacturing an animal brush, comprising:
- providing a handle formed by a tube section extending along a closed path to define a perimeter of the handle, the path including a plurality of arcuate sections that simulate the shape of petals on a flower to create a floral look for the animal brush, the handle includes plurality of arcuate sections also forming a plurality of generally V-shaped indentations along the outer perimeter to simplify the holding of the brush by allowing placement of at least one finger in any one of the generally V-shaped indentations, the tube section defining a hollow central portion, the handle having top and bottom sides, the top side and the outer perimeter of the handle being configured for a user to hold the animal brush, wherein the hollow central portion of the handle occupies at least sixty (60%) percent of the area of the handle defined by the tube section when the handle is viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the top side of the handle so that the hollow central portion reduces the weight of the animal brush to simplify use; and
- locating a brush wall on the handle to depend from the bottom side thereof, the brush wall extending along the path and being centrally located on the bottom side of the tube section, the brush wall having a distal end adapted to brush an animal, wherein the brush wall is configured so that when the top side of the handle is viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the top side, the tubes section prevents viewing of at least the portion of the brush wall that is adjacent to the handle.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of providing further comprises the hollow central portion of the handle allowing a user to see how much hair and debris is gathered by the animal brush within an area bounded by the brush wall during use.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of locating further comprises the distal end of the brush wall comprising serrations.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of locating further comprises the handle and brush wall comprising a polymer.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of providing comprises the hollow central portion of the handle occupying at least seventy (70%) percent of the area of the handle defined by the tube section when the handle is viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the top side of the handle, the hollow central portion reducing the weight of the animal brush to simplify use.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of providing comprises the hollow central portion of the handle occupying at least eighty (80%) percent of the area of the handle defined by the tube section when the handle is viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the top side of the handle, the hollow central portion reducing the weight of the animal brush to simplify use.
23. A method of manufacturing an animal brush, comprising:
- providing a handle having a bottom side, the handle being formed by a tube section extending along a closed path to define a perimeter of the handle, the path including a plurality of arcuate sections that simulate the shape of petals on a flower to create a floral look for the animal brush, the tube section defining a hollow central portion, the handle having a top side, the top side and the outer perimeter of the handle being configured for a user to hold the animal brush; and
- locating a brush wall on the handle to depend therefrom and extending along the bottom side of the handle along a closed path including a plurality of arcuate sections, the brush wall having a distal end adapted to brush an animal, the brush wall configured to form a plurality of folds wherein the portions of the brush wall forming the fold generally come to a point at an apex of the fold, each fold creating a potential catch area along the outer surface of the brush wall each adapted to gather at least one of hair and debris while brushing an animal, wherein regardless of the orientation of the animal brush relative to the direction of movement of the brush over an animal at least two potential catch areas are oriented to gather at least one of hair and debris while brushing an animal.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of locating further comprises that regardless of the orientation of the animal brush relative to the direction of movement of the brush over an animal at least three potential catch areas are oriented to gather at least one of hair and debris while brushing the animal.
25. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of locating includes the brush wall being linear in a direction generally perpendicular to the bottom side of the handle.
26. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of providing comprises the hollow central portion of the handle occupying at least seventy (70%) percent of the area of the handle defined by the tube section when the handle is viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the top side of the handle, the hollow central portion reducing the weight of the animal brush to simplify use.
27. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of providing further comprises the hollow central portion of the handle allowing a user to see how much hair and debris is gathered by the animal brush within an area bounded by the brush wall during use.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 7, 2006
Publication Date: Jun 12, 2008
Inventor: Stacey Singer (San Anselmo, CA)
Application Number: 11/608,135
International Classification: A46B 5/02 (20060101); A46D 3/00 (20060101);