MULTI-FUNCTION HAIR GROOMER

Abstract

A multi-function hair grooming tool is made of a handle with attached comb portion and a removable brush head. The brush head includes a cavity formed therein sized and configured to receive the comb portion of the handle. The removable brush head is attachable to the handle. The brush head can be secured on the handle via a tongue and groove connection, a rotating collar lock, or via retractable flanges with associated notches.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to hair grooming tools. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hair grooming tool with a removable brush head that fits over a comb portion of a handle of the tool.

Most people with hair consider the maintenance and styling of their hair to be one of the most important aspects of both their appearance and how they present themselves to others. Hair can be long or short, straight or curly, thick or thin. Additionally, straight hair can be styled such that it is curly or wavy. Likewise, curly or wavy hair can be styled so that it is straight. Thin hair can be volumized to look thick. Hair can also be affected by environmental factors. For example, wavy hair may become frizzy on a wet or humid day, straight hair may become disheveled on a windy day, or well-styled hair may become flat on a day that is too hot.

As such, achieving the desired look or feel often requires many hair styling tools. The most common hairstyling tools are brushes and combs. But even amongst brushes and combs there are many different types and variations that can be used to achieve different hairstyling techniques. A wide-tooth comb is useful for detangling wet hair or for arranging very thick or curly hair. A standard comb is good for arranging short hair, for creating straight parts within the hair, or for backcombing. A brush can use natural bristles or the synthetic equivalent to natural bristles to smooth hairstyles or to create shine within the hair by dispersing oils from the scalp through the hair shaft. A brush with widely spaced plastic or metal bristles is useful for detangling thick hair or for arranging hair during heat styling.

Additionally, brush heads come in multiple configurations. For example, a brush head may be arranged in a flat paddle configuration which is useful for blow drying long hair straight. Also a brush head may be configured as a round cylinder with bristles lining the outer circumference of that cylinder. This configuration is useful for bending and curling hair with a blow dryer.

A problem therefore exists in that anytime a person desires to use a different maintenance or styling technique, a different tool is required. As such, a person might need to have a wide assortment of brushes and combs on hand at all times. This leads to a host of problems including lack of storage, countertop clutter, misplacing brushes and combs, or simply losing track of what is on hand.

Accordingly, there is a need for a hair grooming tool that can perform multiple functions and can be utilized in many different ways. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention resides in a hair grooming tool that can perform multiple functions and be utilized in many different ways. More particularly, the multi-functional hair grooming tool of the present invention comprises an elongated handle having a comb portion extending from one end thereof and a brush head which is removably attached to the handle such that the comb portion resides within the brush head.

More particularly, the multi-functional hair grooming tool of the present invention comprises an elongated handle having a comb portion extending from one end thereof. The comb portion has a plurality of spaced apart teeth configured to comb hair. The comb portion may include two sets of teeth which extend generally away from one another.

A brush head of the tool includes bristles configured to brush hair which extend outward from at least a portion of an exterior surface of a body of the brush head. The bristles may comprise single bristles or grouped bristles. The bristles may extend outwardly from only one major outer surface of the brush head body, from generally opposite major outer surfaces of the brush head body, or from substantially the entire outer surface of the brush head body, particularly when the brush head body is generally cylindrical.

A cavity is formed in an interior of the body which is sized and configured to receive the comb portion of the handle therein. An opening is formed in an end of the brush head body which is sized and configured to removably receive the comb portion of the handle therethrough and into the cavity.

A lock, typically associated with the elongated handle, securely connects the brush head to the elongated handle. The lock may comprise a recess formed at an end of the handle adjacent to the comb portion and sized and configured to friction fit receive a tongue extending from the brush head body adjacent to the cavity opening. The tongue may comprise a plurality of spaced-apart tongues, such as of a semi-cylindrical configuration, which are sized and configured to be friction fit into at least one recess formed at the end of the handle.

The lock may comprise a detent formed in the end of the handle and configured to receive a protrusion of a tongue extending from the brush head body adjacent to the cavity opening in a releasably locking manner. Typically, the detent comprises a generally L-shaped channel having an open end at an edge of the handle to receive the protrusion in an open state, and a closed end portion for locking the protrusion therein in a closed state. The handle is rotated with respect to the brush head to alternately move the detent from an open to a closed state. In one embodiment, the detent is formed in a rotatable locking ring of the handle.

The lock may also comprise a retractable flange formed on either the handle or the brush head and a corresponding notch configured to receive the flange to lock the handle to the brush head. A switch is used for selectively retracting the flange to unlock the handle in the brush head. Typically, the retractable flange and switch are formed as part of the handle, and the brush head includes a tongue extending from the brush head body with the notch formed therein for receiving the flange.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is an end view of the brush head of the multi-function hair grooming tool of the present invention, illustrating an opening in the end of the brush to a cavity of the brush;

FIG. 2 is a generally opposite end view of the brush head of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 3-3 of FIG. 1, illustrating a comb portion of a handle of the tool of the present invention residing within the cavity of the brush head, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 4-4 of FIG. 2, illustrating the cavity of the brush head;

FIG. 5 is an end view of another brush head embodying the present invention, illustrating an opening to an inner cavity thereof;

FIG. 6 is a generally opposite end view of the brush head of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 7-7 of FIG. 5, illustrating a cavity of the brush head;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 8-8 of FIG. 5, illustrating a comb portion of a handle of the tool within the cavity of the brush head, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a partially sectioned view of a handle and comb portion embodying the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of another handle having a comb portion with only a single set of teeth, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a partially sectioned and diagrammatic view illustrating the insertion of a comb portion into the cavity of the brush head, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a partially sectioned view of the comb portion of the handle inserted within the cavity portion of the brush head, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a partially sectioned view illustrating the insertion of a comb portion of a handle into a corresponding cavity of a brush head, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a partially sectioned view illustrating the comb portion within the cavity and the brush head connected to the handle, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an exploded and partially sectioned view of a handle having a rotatable locking ring, used in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a partially sectioned perspective view with a comb portion partially inserted into a cavity of a brush head;

FIG. 17 is a partially sectioned view illustrating the twisting of the locking ring to secure the brush head to the handle, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 18 is an exploded and partially sectioned view of another handle having a rotatable locking ring;

FIG. 19 is a partially sectioned perspective view, illustrating a comb portion of the handle partially inserted within the cavity of the brush head;

FIG. 20 is a partially sectioned and fragmented perspective view illustrating the rotation of the locking ring to secure the handle to the brush head, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating the insertion of a comb portion of a handle into a cavity of the brush head;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating the comb portion within the cavity of the brush head, and the brush head and handle securely locked to one another, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating the insertion of a brush head over a comb portion of a handle; and

FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating the interconnection of the brush head and the handle, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in the accompanying drawings, for purposes of illustration, the present invention resides in a multi-function hair grooming tool, generally referred to by the reference number 10. As will be more fully explained herein, the tool 10 of the present invention is configured with a brush head having a hollow inner recess or cavity which is configured to fit over a comb portion of an elongated handle, and be attached to the handle. When the brush head and the handle are interconnected to one another, the user is presented essentially with a brush. However, when the brush head is detached and removed from the handle, the user is presented with a comb. As such, multiple hair grooming implements are provided in the same tool or groomer 10.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, a brush head 12 embodying the present invention is illustrated. The brush head 12 includes a body 14 which is comprised of any suitable material, such as wood, plastic, rubber, or other similar material. Bristles extend from at least a portion of an exterior surface of the body 14 of the brush head 12. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, two different types of bristles extend from generally opposite major surfaces of the brush head 12, which is of a flat paddle configuration. With reference to FIG. 1, extending from the upper major surface are grouped bristles 16. Extending from the generally opposite or lower surface are single bristles 18. The bristles 16 or 18 may feature natural, synthetic, plastic or metal bristles. Depending upon the type of hair or style, the user may desire to brush his or her hair with the grouped bristles 16 or the single and spaced apart bristles 18. It will also be appreciated that the brush head 12 may only include one type of bristles 16 or 18 extending from the body 14 thereof or even a single type of bristle 16 or 18 from only a single surface or portion of an exterior thereof. However, the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 provide essentially two different types of brushes in that the grouped bristles 16 can be used by utilizing one surface of the brush head 12, while single bristles 18 can be utilized by the user by using only the other side or surface of the brush head 12.

The paddle configured brush head 12 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 is particularly useful for smoothing hair, blow drying hair straight or untangling hair. Typically, the individual bristles 18 are of plastic or metal, while the grouped bristles 16 may be of boar bristles or other animal bristles as are commonly used in hair brushes. Alternatively, the grouped bristles 16 may be a synthetic equivalent to a natural bristle. The individual bristles 18 are spaced apart from each other so as to provide a better tool for detangling wet hair. The grouped bristles 16, on the other hand, are useful for combing through thin or fragile hair, smoothing thick or unruly hair, or straightening wavy or curly hair with a hair dryer. The paddle brush head body 14 is relatively thin and wide, presenting substantially large opposite outer surfaces from which the bristles 16 and 18 extend, allowing a large volume of hair to be brushed by the bristles 16 or 18 at any given time.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the brush head 12 includes an opening or inlet 20 of a predetermined size and configuration which leads to an inner recess or cavity 22 within the brush head body 14. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the opening 20 and cavity 22 are sized and configured so as to receive a comb portion 26 of a handle 24 of the tool 10, which is illustrated in phantom in FIG. 3. Typically, the opening 20 and cavity 22 are formed through the central axis of the brush head body 14. The opening 20 and cavity 22 are narrow, but wide enough to receive and house the comb head portion 26, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

It is contemplated by the present invention that the brush head body 14 be a multi-component device, such as being in two pieces which are joined together by a gasket 28, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4. However, the brush head 12 can also be comprised of a single and integral piece. The brush head 12 may be constructed from plastic, resin, wood, or any other material suitable for its purpose.

It will be seen in FIGS. 3 and 12 that the cavity 22 is sized and configured so as to receive the comb portion 26 of the handle 24 therein. As such, the opening 20 is of a sufficient width and height so as to allow the comb portion 26 to be inserted therethrough and into the cavity 22, where it is housed or nested. As can be seen in FIG. 4, as the comb portion 26 is typically much wider than it is in thickness or height, the cavity 22 is relatively narrow but wide.

With reference now to FIGS. 9 and 11, the handle 24 includes an elongated handle or grip section 30 which is sufficiently large so as to be grasped by an individual in his or her palm and clenched fist. It can also be seen in FIGS. 9 and 11 that the comb portion 26 includes two sets of teeth 32 and 34 extending generally away from one another. The teeth 32 are generally larger and spaced apart farther from one another than the teeth 34, which are finer and spaced more closely to one another. This enables the user to use the larger spaced apart teeth 32 to detangle thick or wet hair, in that it reduces the amount of pull or wear that the hair experiences. The other side of the double comb head 26 has teeth 34 that are spaced closely together and are used for smoothing certain hair styles, styling thin or fragile hair, or creating straight parts. Providing the user of the tool 10 a double comb configuration, wherein the comb portion 26 has two sets of teeth 32 and 34 extending generally away from one another, provides the flexibility to use either type of comb teeth 32 or 34 for the needed purpose.

With reference now to FIGS. 11 and 12, the insertion of the comb portion 26 into the opening 20 and cavity 22 of the brush head 12 is illustrated. Once again, the opening 20 is of a sufficient width and height to allow the double comb portion 26 to be inserted therethrough and into the relatively wide but thin cavity 22, as illustrated in FIG. 12.

The brush head 12 and handle 24 have cooperative means for interconnecting or locking the brush head 12 and the handle 24 to one another. In this embodiment, the end of the handle from which the comb portion 26 extends includes a recess 36 into which one or more tongues 38 can be frictionally fit into. The tongue 38 typically comprises two spaced apart tongues 38, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 which have a generally semi-cylindrical configuration so as to correspond to the recess or portion of the recess 36 of the generally cylindrical handle 30 so as to be received within the recess 36 and form a tight frictional connection, as illustrated in FIG. 12. With the brush head 12 securely connected to the handle 24, the user can use the tool 10 as a brush. However, when removing the handle 30 and comb portion 26 from the brush head 12, the user can use the comb head 26 as a comb by grasping the handle portion 30 and moving the teeth 32 or 34 through his or her hair.

Another embodiment of the multi-function hair tool 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 5-8, 9, 10, 13 and 14. Similar reference numbers will be used for similar structure as that described above. In this case, however, the brush head body 14 is generally cylindrical so as to provide a round brush head 12. As illustrated, the round brush head 12 is generally cylindrical in shape and may be constructed with individual bristles 18 relatively evenly spaced along the outer surface of the round brush head body 12. It will be appreciated, however, that the round brush head 12 may be constructed with grouped bristles 16 spaced along the outer surface thereof. Round brush heads 12 are useful for curling hair with a blow dryer and providing shape and body to hair that might otherwise be limp or flat. Although the brush heads of the present invention are illustrated herein as either a paddle shape or a round shape, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the brush head can be configured in any shape that will allow for the brush head to fit over the comb portion of the handle and be secured to the handle.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the cavity 22 is relatively shallow or of a relatively small height, but sufficiently wide so as to receive the comb portion 26 of the handle 24 therein. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8, 10,13 and 14, the comb portion 26 of the handle 24 is a single comb in that it has a single set of teeth 34 extending from only one side thereof. It will be appreciated, however, that the single teeth could be of the large and relatively widely spaced teeth 32 or the illustrated fine and closely spaced teeth 34. It will also be appreciated that the opening 20 and inner cavity 22 of the round brush head 12 could accommodate the double comb head portion 26 illustrated in FIG. 9. However, the round brush head 12 is typically of a dimension which is better suited for a single comb head 26, as illustrated in FIG. 10 as it typically does not have the width of the paddle brush head configuration of FIGS. 1-4.

With reference now to FIGS. 13 and 14, the insertion of the comb portion 26 of the handle 24 into the opening 20 and recess 22 is shown. It will be seen that the opening 20 is of a sufficient width and height so as to receive the comb portion 26 therethrough and into the cavity 22, which is also configured to receive the comb portion 26 therein. Once again, the tongue projections 38 are configured to slidably fit into the recesses 36, and be snap-fit therein so as to lock the handle 24 to the brush head 12, as illustrated in FIG. 14. In this locked state, the tool 10 is used as a brush. However, when removing the handle 24 from the brush head 12, the comb portion 26 can be used alone, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

Although the comb portion 26 could be removably attached from the handle grip 30, in a particularly preferred embodiment, as illustrated herein, it is permanently affixed to the handle 30 or formed integrally therewith so as to make it a single piece or unit. As such, the grip or handle portion 30 is always gripped by the user to utilize the comb portion 26.

While a frictional fit locking and interconnection means utilizing the tongues 38 of the brush head 12 being inserted into the recesses 36 at the end of the handle 30 have been illustrated and described herein as a way of locking and interconnecting the handle 24 to the brush head 12, other means are contemplated by the present invention. For example, with reference to FIGS. 15-17, the tongue 38, or a portion extending from the brush head 12 may include a protrusion 40 on an outer surface thereof which is configured to be received within a detent 42 at the end of the handle 30. The protrusion 40 is sized and configured so as to be received within the detent 42. Typically, the detent 42 is of an L-shaped configuration and forms a channel having an opening or inlet 44 and a closed end portion 46, as illustrated in FIG. 15. The protrusion 40 is sized and configured so as to be received within the open end 44 of the detent 42 and upon twisting of the handle 30, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the protrusion 40 is moved into the closed portion 46 of the detent channel 42, so as to prevent the brush head 12 from being removed from the handle 24, and thus locking the handle 24 to the brush head 12.

In one embodiment, the detent 42 is formed in a rotatable locking ring 48 which is disposed at the end of the handle 30 between the distal end of the handle 30 and the comb portion 26, as illustrated in FIG. 16. In this configuration, it is the locking ring 48 which is rotated, as illustrated in FIG. 17, in order to lock the handle 24 to the brush head 12.

This locking mechanism of a protrusion 40 and detent 42 within a rotatable locking ring 48 is illustrated in FIGS. 18-20, but in the configuration of the round brush head 12 which receives a single head comb portion 26, as illustrated and described above. However, the operation is similar in the sense that the protrusion 40 is received within the detent channel 42 and moved into the closed portion 46 of the detent channel 42 by rotating the handle 30 or rotatable locking ring 48, so as to prevent the protrusion 40 from leaving the detent 42, and thus locking the handle 24 to the brush head 12, until the handle or locking ring 48 are rotated and the brush head 12 removed from the handle 24, removing the protrusion 40 from the detent channel 42.

Yet another locking mechanism is illustrated in FIGS. 21-24. It will be seen that grooves or notches 50 are formed in the end of the brush head 12, typically in the projecting tongues 38. When the comb portion 26 of the handle is inserted into opening 20, and thus into the cavity (not shown) of the brush head 12, flanges 52 are received within the grooves or notches 50. The flanges 52 are biased outwardly and retractable, such as by actuating push-button 54. When the push-button 54 is depressed, the retractable flanges 52 retract into the body of the handle 30. With the flanges 52 thus retracted, the brush head 12 can be slid in place on the handle 30. Then the push-button 54 is released, thereby causing the flanges 52 to extend from the sides of the handle 30. The extended flanges 52 fit within the grooves or notches 50 of the brush head 12, thereby causing the brush head to be securely retained on the handle 30. The assembled brush head 12 and handle 30 tool 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 24. In this state, the tool 10 is used as a brush. However, if the user desires to utilize the comb portion 26 therein, the user depresses button 54, thus retracting the flanges 52, whereupon the brush head 12 can be pulled away so as to remove the brush head 12 and expose the comb head portion 26 to enable the user to comb his or her hair.

Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made to each without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multi-functional hair grooming tool, comprising:

an elongated handle having a comb portion extending from one end thereof, the comb portion having a plurality of spaced apart teeth configured to comb hair;

a brush head including bristles configured to brush hair extending outward from at least a portion of an exterior surface of a body of the brush head, a cavity formed in an interior of the body and sized and configured to receive the comb portion of the handle therein, and an opening formed in an end of the brush head body sized and configured to removably receive the comb portion of the handle therethrough and into the cavity; and

a lock associated with the elongated handle for securely connecting the brush head to the elongated handle.

2. The hair grooming tool of claim 1, wherein the lock comprises a recess formed at an end of the handle adjacent to the comb portion and sized and configured to friction fit receive a tongue extending from the brush head body adjacent to the cavity opening.

3. The hair grooming tool of claim 2, wherein the tongue comprises a plurality of spaced apart tongues of a semi-cylindrical configuration which are sized and configured to be friction fit into at least one recess formed in the end of the handle.

4. The hair grooming tool of claim 1, wherein the lock comprises a detent formed in the end of the handle configured to receive a protrusion of a tongue extending from the brush head body adjacent to the cavity opening in a releasably locking manner.

5. The hair grooming tool of claim 4, wherein the detent comprises a generally L-shaped channel having an open end at an edge of the handle to receive the protrusion in an open state and a closed end portion for locking the protrusion therein in a closed state.

6. The hair grooming tool of claim 5, wherein the handle is rotated with respect to the brush head to alternately move the detent from an open to a closed state.

7. The hair grooming tool of claim 6, wherein the detent is formed in a rotatable locking ring of the handle.

8. The hair grooming tool of claim 1, wherein the lock comprises a retractable flange formed on either the handle or the brush head and a corresponding notch configured to receive the flange to lock the handle to the brush head, and a switch for selectively retracting the flange to unlock the handle and brush head.

9. The hair grooming tool of claim 8, wherein the retractable flange and switch are formed as part of the handle, and the brush head includes a tongue extending from the brush head body with the notch formed therein for receiving the flange.

10. The hair grooming tool of claim 1, wherein the comb portion includes two sets of teeth extending generally away from one another.

11. The hair grooming tool of claim 1, wherein the bristles comprise single bristles or grouped bristles.

12. The hair grooming tool of claim 1, wherein the bristles extend outwardly from only one major outer surface of the brush head body.

13. The hair grooming tool of claim 1, wherein the bristles extend from generally opposite major outer surfaces of the brush head body.

14. The hair grooming tool of claim 1, wherein the brush head body is generally cylindrical and the bristles extend outwardly from substantially the entire outer surface of the brush head body.

15. A multi-functional hair grooming tool, comprising:

an elongated handle having a comb portion extending from one end thereof, the comb portion having a plurality of spaced apart teeth configured to comb hair; and

a brush head including bristles configured to brush hair extending outward from at least a portion of an exterior surface of a body of the brush head, a cavity formed in an interior of the body and sized and configured to receive the comb portion of the handle therein, an opening formed in an end of the brush head body sized and configured to removably receive the comb portion of the handle therethrough and into the cavity, and a tongue extending from the brush body adjacent to the cavity opening;

wherein the handle includes a recess formed at the end thereof adjacent to the comb portion configured to receive at least a portion of the tongue and securely connect the handle to the brush head.

16. The hair grooming tool of claim 15, wherein the tongue comprises a plurality of spaced apart tongues of a semi-cylindrical configuration which are sized and configured to be friction fit into at least one recess formed in the end of the handle.

17. The hair grooming tool of claim 15, including a detent formed in the end of the handle configured to receive a protrusion of the tongue in a releasably locking manner, wherein the detent comprises a generally L-shaped channel having an open end at an edge of the handle to receive the protrusion in an open state and a closed end portion for locking the protrusion therein in a closed state.

18. The hair grooming tool of claim 17, wherein the handle is rotated with respect to the brush head to alternately move the detent from an open to a closed state.

19. The hair grooming tool of claim 18, wherein the detent is formed in a rotatable locking ring of the handle.

20. The hair grooming tool of claim 15, wherein the comb portion includes two sets of teeth extending generally away from one another.

21. The hair grooming tool of claim 15, wherein the bristles comprise single bristles or grouped bristles which extend outwardly from at least one major outer surface of the brush head body.

22. A multi-functional hair grooming tool, comprising:

an elongated handle having a comb portion extending from one end thereof, the comb portion having a plurality of spaced apart teeth configured to comb hair;

a brush head including bristles configured to brush hair extending outward from at least a portion of an exterior surface of a body of the brush head, a cavity formed in an interior of the body and sized and configured to receive the comb portion of the handle therein, and an opening formed in an end of the brush head body sized and configured to removably receive the comb portion of the handle therethrough and into the cavity; and

a lock for securely connecting the brush head to the elongated handle, including a retractable flange formed on either the handle or the brush head and a corresponding notch configured to receive the flange to lock the handle to the brush head, and a switch for selectively retracting the flange to unlock the handle and brush head.

23. The hair grooming tool of claim 22, wherein the comb portion includes two sets of teeth extending generally away from one another.

24. The hair grooming tool of claim 22, wherein the bristles comprise single bristles or grouped bristles which extend outwardly from at least one major outer surface of the brush head body.