COMBING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE

A combing device comprising a first comb having a plurality of first comb tines and a plurality of first comb tine spacings, wherein adjacent tines of the plurality of first comb tines are spaced from each other by one of the first comb tine spacings located between the adjacent first comb tines, respectively; a second comb having a plurality of second comb tines; wherein the second comb is movable with respect to the first comb such that each one of the second comb tines of the plurality of second comb tines is movable in the first comb tine spacings located between the adjacent first comb tines, respectively.

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Description
FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a combing device, and more particularly a combing device with an adjustable number of tines, for grooming of pets, particularly household pets such as cats and dogs.

BACKGROUND

Grooming a pet's fur may provide benefits such as removing and detangling loose fur, removing dirt, inserts and other foreign matter from the fur, and overall promoting good hygiene.

Certain pets may also grow two fur coats, which may be referred to as the topcoat and undercoat. The topcoat may generally be longer than the undercoat and grow slower than the undercoat. The topcoat may shed once a year, while the undercoat may shed twice a year.

Grooming with a comb may remove loose fur from a pet, particularly when shedding. It may be desirable to make use of a comb with adjustable tines to better facilitate hair removal.

SUMMARY

A combing device comprising a first comb having a plurality of first comb tines and a plurality of first comb tine spacings, wherein adjacent first comb tines of the plurality of first comb tines are spaced from each other by one of the first comb tine spacings located between the adjacent first comb tines, respectively; a second comb having a plurality of second comb tines; and wherein the second comb is movable with respect to the first comb such that each one of the second comb tines of the plurality of second comb tines is movable in the first comb tine spacings located between the adjacent first comb tines, respectively.

In at least embodiment, the second comb is movable with respect to the first comb such that each one of the second comb tines of the plurality of second comb tines is extendable and retractable between the adjacent first comb tines, respectively.

In at least embodiment, the second comb tines are movable substantially parallel to the first comb tines.

In at least embodiment, the combing device further comprises a housing having a housing cavity; wherein the first comb has a fixed position relative to the housing; and wherein the second comb is extendable from the housing cavity and retractable into the housing cavity.

In at least embodiment, the combing device further comprises a mechanical actuator arranged to move the second comb with respect to the first comb; wherein the actuator comprises a slider movable in a first slider direction and a second slider direction opposite the first slider direction; wherein, upon movement of the slider in the first slider direction, the actuator extends the second comb from the cavity; and wherein, upon movement of the slider in the second slider direction, the actuator retracts the second comb into the cavity.

In at least embodiment, upon movement of the slider in either the first slider direction or the second slider direction, the actuator moves the second comb substantially perpendicular to the movement of the slider.

In at least embodiment, the slider is movable in a slider receptacle formed in the housing.

In at least embodiment, the slider comprises a pivot axle; wherein the slider receptacle comprises an axle slot formed in the housing; and wherein the pivot axle is movable along the axle slot.

In at least embodiment, the axle slot is provided by a through-hole formed in the housing.

In at least embodiment, the axle slot comprises an elongated segment and at least one detent segment, wherein the at least one detent segment retains the pivot axle in a predetermined holding position.

In at least embodiment, the slider comprises a button knob disposed at an end of the pivot axle; wherein the slider receptacle comprises a knob recess formed in the housing; and wherein the button knob is movable along the knob recess.

In at least embodiment, the slider comprises two button knobs disposed at an opposite end of the pivot axle, respectively; wherein the slider receptacle comprises two knob recesses formed in opposite sides of the housing, respectively; and wherein the button knobs are movable along the knob recesses, respectively.

In at least embodiment, the actuator comprises a linkage; wherein the linkage mechanically couples the slider and the second comb; wherein the linkage couples to a pivot of the slider such that the linkage is rotatable about the slider pivot; and wherein the linkage couples to a pivot of the second comb such that the linkage is rotatable about the second comb pivot.

In at least embodiment, the slider pivot is provided by a pivot axle of the slider; and wherein the second comb pivot is provided by a pivot pin of the second comb.

In at least embodiment, the linkage comprises a bifurcated extension region having two forks spaced by a gap, which merge into a singular extension region; wherein the singular extension region comprises a singular extension region through-hole, wherein the pivot axle is disposed in the pivot axle through-hole; and wherein the bifurcated extension region comprises a bifurcated extension region through-hole disposed on each fork, respectively, wherein the pivot pi is disposed in the bifurcated extension region through-hole of each of the two forks.

In at least embodiment, the second comb has a second comb spine having a spine through-hole; and wherein the pivot pin is disposed in spine through-hole.

In at least embodiment, the first comb has a first comb spine having a plurality of tine though-holes; and wherein the second comb tines are movable in the tine though-holes.

In at least embodiment the second comb has a second comb spine; and wherein the second comb spine is movable substantially parallel to the first comb spine.

In at least embodiment, the first comb spine and the second comb spine are coupled by a least one guide post, with the guide post fixed to the first comb spine and extending through a guide post through hole in the second comb spine; and wherein the second comb spine is movable along the guide post.

In at least embodiment, the combing device further comprises at least one bias member; and wherein the at least one bias member is arranged to urge the second comb tines out of the first comb tine spacings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description below may be better understood with reference to the accompanying figures which are provided for illustrative purposes and are not to be considered as limiting any aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of a combing device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded three-dimensional view of the combing device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an internal view of the combing device of FIG. 1, with one side of the outer housing removed and a movable comb thereof in a fully retracted position;

FIG. 4 is an internal view of the combing device of FIG. 1, with one side of the outer housing removed and a movable comb thereof in a partially extended/partially retracted position;

FIG. 5 is an internal view of the combing device of FIG. 1, with one side of the outer housing removed and a movable comb thereof in a fully extended position;

FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional view of one of the housing half members;

FIG. 7 is a close-up three-dimensional view of a section of FIG. 6 as bounded by rectangle 7;

FIG. 8 is a three-dimensional view of one of the housing half members;

FIG. 9 is a close-up three-dimensional view of a section of FIG. 8 as bounded by rectangle 9;

FIG. 10 shows a side view of the tines of the combing device; and

FIG. 11 shows a close-up side view of a distal end portion of the tines of FIG. 10.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It may be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments herein may be capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it may be appreciated that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a fur (or hair) combing device 10 according to the present disclosure. As shown, combing device 10 comprises a clamshell housing 12 formed by opposing, mating housing half members 14, 16, which define a cavity 18 therein. Also as shown, combing device 10 further comprises a first comb 40 and a second comb 60.

First comb 40 comprises a first comb (elongated) spine 42 with a plurality of first comb tines 46 (which may also be referred to as teeth) extending substantially perpendicular (e.g. within 5 degrees of being perpendicular inclusive of perpendicular) from the first comb spine 42 relative to a longitudinal axis 44 of the first comb spine 42. As shown, the adjacent first comb tines 46 are spaced from each other by a first comb tine spacing 50 located between the adjacent first comb tines 46, respectively. The first comb tines 46 are shown to be uniform (e.g. length, diameter, taper, as well as the first comb tine spacings 50.

Second comb 60 comprises a second comb (elongated) spine 62 with a plurality of second comb tines 66 (which may also be referred to as teeth) extending substantially perpendicular (e.g. within 5 degrees of being perpendicular inclusive of perpendicular) from the second comb spine 62 relative to a longitudinal axis 64 of the second comb spine 62. As shown, the second comb tines 66 are disposed in/movable through second comb tine through-holes 48 in the first comb spine 42.

As shown, the longitudinal axis 44 of the first comb spine 42 and the longitudinal axis 64 of the second comb spine 62 are substantially parallel (e.g. within 5 degrees of being parallel inclusive of parallel). First comb spine 42 and second comb spine 62 are coupled by guide posts 80 disposed at the end regions thereof. The guide posts 80 are fixed to first comb spine 42, and are disposed in/extending movably through guide post cylindrical through-holes 68 in the second comb spin 62.

First comb 40 may further described as a fixed position comb (which is non-retractable/non-extendable relative to the housing 12), while second comb 60 may be further described as a movable position comb (which is retractable/extendable relative to the housing 12). First comb 40 is fixed in position relative to the housing 12 by threaded (screw) fasteners 56. Second comb 60 is movable with respect to the first comb 40 such that each one of the second comb tines 66 of the plurality of second comb tines 66 is movable in the first comb tine spacings 50 located between the adjacent first comb tines 46, respectively. The second comb tines 66 are movable substantially parallel (e.g. within 5 degrees of being parallel inclusive of parallel) to the first comb tines 46.

More particularly, the second comb 60 is movable with respect to the first comb 40 such that each one of the second comb tines 66 of the plurality of second comb tines 66 is extendable and retractable between the adjacent first comb tines 46, respectively. The second comb 60 is also extendable from the housing cavity 18 and retractable into the housing cavity 18.

Combing device 10 further comprises a mechanical (slide) actuator 88 arranged (physically) to move the second (retractable) comb 60 relative to the first comb 40/housing 12. Actuator 88 comprises a slider 90, which moves/slides in a slider receptacle 92. Slider 90 comprises a pivot 95, provided by a pivot axle 94, having two roller button knobs 96 disposed at its opposing ends. Pivot axle 94 moves in an elongated axle slot 30 of the slider receptacle 92, formed by a through-hole in housing members 14, 16, which has an elongated segment 32 which extends along a longitudinal axis 34. Longitudinal axis 34 is substantially parallel (e.g. within 5 degrees of being parallel inclusive of parallel) to the longitudinal axis 44 of the first comb spine 42 and the longitudinal axis 64 of the second comb spine 62.

A circular (cylindrical) head 98 of the button knobs 96 moves in an elongated knob recess 20 (along the longitudinal axis 34) of the slider receptacle 92 formed opposite sides of the housing 12 (in each housing member 14, 16) formed by substantially perpendicular wall sections 22 and 24 (e.g. within 5 degrees of being perpendicular inclusive of perpendicular), while a circular (cylindrical) neck 100 of the button knobs 96 also travels in the slot 30. In the foregoing manner. The pair of button knobs 96 keep the pivot axle (94) in proper orientation and alignment with the housing 12.

Actuator 88 further comprises an elongated Y-shaped rigid linkage (bar) 110, which mechanically couples to the slider 90 and the second comb 60. Linkage 110 comprises a bifurcated extension region 112, which straddles the second comb spine 62, comprising two side-by-side forks 114 spaced by a gap 116 (similar to a bicycle fork), which merge into singular extension region 118.

Linkage 110 also comprises a singular extension region (pivot axle) cylindrical through-hole 120 to receive pivot axle 94 therein, between button knobs 96. At the opposite end of linkage 110, bifurcated extension region 112 includes a bifurcated extension region (pivot pin) cylindrical through-hole 122 in each fork 114. A pivot 131 of the second comb 60, provided by pivot pin 130, extends through both through-holes 112, as well as a spine (pivot pin) cylindrical through-hole 70 in the second comb spine 62, which is disposed in the gap 116 between the forks 114 of the linkage 110. When connected, the linkage 110 couples to the pivot 95 of the slider 90, provided by pivot axle 94, such that the linkage 110 is rotatable about the slider pivot 95, and couples to a pivot 131 of the second comb 60, provided by pivot pin 130, such that the linkage 110 is rotatable about the second comb pivot 131.

With regards to operation of combing device 10, as shown in FIG. 3, the movable second comb 60 is shown in a fully retracted position, in which the tines 66 of the second comb 60 are completely disposed in the cavity 18 of the housing 12.

In FIG. 4, the movable second comb 60 is shown in a partially retracted/partially extended position. As shown, second comb 60 is moved into the partially retracted/partially extended position by moving the slider 90 of actuator 88 horizontally (linearly) along longitudinal axis 34. During such movement, the pivot axle 94 of the slider 90 moves along through-hole slot 30, while each button knob 96 moves along a respective recess 20 in housing members 14, 16. As the slider 90 moves horizontally relative to the housing 12, the second comb 60 moves vertical relative to the housing 12, with the linkage 110 rotating about the pivot axle 94 and the pivot pin 130. More particularly, the movement direction of the second comb 60 is substantially perpendicular (e.g. within 5 degrees of being perpendicular inclusive of perpendicular) to the movement direction of the slider 90, with the second comb 60 moving with linear (translational) motion relative to the first comb 40.

Referring to FIG. 3 as well as FIG. 4, housing 12/slot 30 includes a first detent (catch) segment 36 into which pivot axle 94 may be disposed which retains the pivot axle 94 in a first predetermined detent holding position when the second comb 60 is disposed in a partially retracted/partially extended position. The pivot axle 94 may be removed from the first detent segment 36 and back into the elongated segment 32 by forcing (pushing) the slider 90 towards the extended position, against the bias force of bias members 82 (shown as helical compression springs), which are arranged concentric the guide posts 80.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the movable second comb 60 is shown in a fully extended position, in which the slider 90 is further moved horizontally relative to the housing 12, and the second comb 60 is further moved vertical relative to the housing 12. As shown, the housing 12/slot 30 includes a second detent (catch) segment 38 into which pivot axle 94 may be disposed which retains the pivot axle 94 in a second predetermined detent holding position when the second comb 60 is disposed in a fully extended position. As with the first detent segment 36, the pivot axle 94 may be removed from the second detent segment 38 and back into the elongated segment 32 by forcing (pushing) the slider 90 towards the extended position, against the bias (compression) force of bias members 82 (shown as helical compression springs), which are arranged concentric the guide posts 80.

As such, the second comb 60 is movable with respect to the first comb 40 such that each one of the second comb tines 66 is disposable in one of the first comb tine spacings 50 located between the adjacent first comb tines 46, respectively.

Once the pivot axle 94 is returned to the elongated segment 32 of the through-hole/slot 30, the second comb 60 may be moved back to the partially retracted/partially extended position, the fully retracted position (or any position therebetween) by moving the slider 88 of actuator horizontally (linearly) along longitudinal axis 34 in the opposite direction. Again, the slider 88 is urged/biased towards the fully retracted position of the second comb 60, and the second comb tines 66 urged out of the first comb tine spacing 50, by a decompression force of the bias members 82.

As such, the slider 88 is movable in a first slider direction and a second slider direction opposite the first slider direction. Upon movement of the slider 90 in the first slider direction, the actuator 88 extends the second comb 60 from the cavity 18, and, upon movement of the slider 90 in the second slider direction, the actuator 88 retracts the second comb 60 into the cavity 18. Moreover, upon movement of the slider 90 in either the first slider direction or the second slider direction, the actuator 88 moves the second comb 60 substantially perpendicular (e.g. within 5 degrees of being perpendicular inclusive of perpendicular) to the movement of the slider 90.

In the foregoing manner, the on-center spacing of the tines of the combing device 10 may be changed, and more particularly reduced, by introducing the second comb tines 66 between the first comb tines 46 by extending the second comb 60. Alternatively, the manner, the on-center spacing of the tines of the combing device 10 may be increased by removing the second comb tines 66 from between the first comb tines 46 by fully retracting the second comb 60. Such change is tine spacing may be used to accommodate different dogs and/or different fur coat characteristics.

Turning to FIGS. 6-9, there are shown views of the housing half members 14, 16 with all the other components removed. As shown, housing half member 14 includes protruding snap hooks 26 which engage within hook (latch) receptacles 27 of housing half member 16. Also as shown, housing half member 16 includes (ultrasonic) weld bosses 28 which engage within (ultrasonic) weld boss receptacles 29 of the housing half member 14. With regards to assembly, after all the components are disposed between the housing half members 14, 16, the snap hooks 26 of the housing half member 14 first engage within hook (latch) receptacles 27 of the housing half member 16 to assemble the combing device 10. Simultaneously, the (ultrasonic) weld bosses 28 of the housing half member 16 engage into the ultrasonic) weld boss receptacles 29 of the housing half member 14. Thereafter the weld bosses 28 and weld boss receptacles 29 can be ultrasonically welded in a known matter.

Turning to FIGS. 10-11, the first comb tines 46 and the second comb tines 66 have a same shaft diameter 140, end taper 142, taper length 144 and (hemi) spherical distal end diameter 146. The shaft diameter 140 may be in a range of 0.9 mm to 2 mm, the taper length 142 may have a length in a range of 4 mm to 8 mm and the distal end diameter 146 may be in a range of 1.3 mm to 1 mm.

While particular embodiments of the present invention has been described, it should be understood that various changes, adaptations and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents. Furthermore, it should be understood that the appended claims do not necessarily comprise the broadest scope of the invention which the Applicant is entitled to claim, or the only manner(s) in which the invention may be claimed, or that all recited features are necessary.

LISTING OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

    • 10 combing device
    • 12 housing
    • 14 housing member
    • 16 housing member
    • 18 cavity
    • 20 knob recess
    • 22 housing wall section
    • 24 housing wall section
    • 26 hook
    • 27 hook (latch) receptacle
    • 28 boss
    • 29 boss receptacle
    • 30 axle slot
    • 32 elongated segment
    • 34 longitudinal axis of slot
    • 36 detent segment
    • 38 detent segment
    • 40 first comb
    • 42 first comb spine
    • 44 longitudinal axis of first comb spine
    • 46 first comb tines
    • 48 tine through-hole
    • 50 first tine spacing
    • 56 threaded fastener
    • 60 second comb
    • 62 second comb spine
    • 64 longitudinal axis of first comb spine
    • 66 second comb tines
    • 68 guide post through-hole
    • 70 spine through-hole
    • 80 guide post
    • 82 bias member
    • 88 actuator
    • 90 slider
    • 92 slider receptacle
    • 94 pivot axle
    • 95 pivot
    • 96 button knob
    • 98 knob head
    • 100 knob neck
    • 110 linkage (bar)
    • 112 bifurcated extension region
    • 114 fork
    • 116 gap
    • 118 singular extension region
    • 120 singular extension region through-hole
    • 122 bifurcated extension region through-hole
    • 130 pivot pin
    • 131 pivot

Claims

1. A combing device comprising:

a first comb having a plurality of first comb tines and a plurality of first comb tine spacings, wherein adjacent first comb tines of the plurality of first comb tines are spaced from each other by one of the first comb tine spacings located between the adjacent first comb tines, respectively;
a second comb having a plurality of second comb tines; and
wherein the second comb is movable with respect to the first comb such that each one of the second comb tines of the plurality of second comb tines is movable in the first comb tine spacings located between the adjacent first comb tines, respectively.

2. The combing device of claim 1, further comprising:

wherein the second comb is movable with respect to the first comb such that each one of the second comb tines of the plurality of second comb tines is extendable and retractable between the adjacent first comb tines, respectively.

3. The combing device of claim 1, further comprising:

wherein the second comb tines are movable substantially parallel to the first comb tines.

4. The combing device of claim 1, further comprising:

a housing having a housing cavity;
wherein the first comb has a fixed position relative to the housing; and
wherein the second comb is extendable from the housing cavity and retractable into the housing cavity.

5. The combing device of claim 4, further comprising:

a mechanical actuator arranged to move the second comb with respect to the first comb;
wherein the actuator comprises a slider movable in a first slider direction and a second slider direction opposite the first slider direction;
wherein, upon movement of the slider in the first slider direction, the actuator extends the second comb from the cavity; and
wherein, upon movement of the slider in the second slider direction, the actuator retracts the second comb into the cavity.

6. The combing device of claim 5, further comprising:

wherein, upon movement of the slider in either the first slider direction or the second slider direction, the actuator moves the second comb substantially perpendicular to the movement of the slider.

7. The combing device of claim 5, further comprising:

wherein the slider is movable in a slider receptacle formed in the housing.

8. The combing device of claim 7, further comprising:

wherein the slider comprises a pivot axle;
wherein the slider receptacle comprises an axle slot formed in the housing; and
wherein the pivot axle is movable along the axle slot.

9. The combing device of claim 8, further comprising:

wherein the axle slot is provided by a through-hole formed in the housing.

10. The combing device of claim 8, further comprising:

wherein the axle slot comprises an elongated segment and at least one detent segment, wherein the at least one detent segment retains the pivot axle in a predetermined holding position.

11. The combing device of claim 8, further comprising:

wherein the slider comprises a button knob disposed at an end of the pivot axle;
wherein the slider receptacle comprises a knob recess formed in the housing; and
wherein the button knob is movable along the knob recess.

12. The combing device of claim 8, further comprising:

wherein the slider comprises two button knobs disposed at an opposite ends of the pivot axle, respectively;
wherein the slider receptacle comprises two knob recesses formed in opposite sides of the housing, respectively; and
wherein the button knobs are movable along the knob recesses, respectively.

13. The combing device of claim 5, further comprising:

wherein the actuator comprises a linkage;
wherein the linkage mechanically couples the slider and the second comb;
wherein the linkage couples to a pivot of the slider such that the linkage is rotatable about the slider pivot; and
wherein the linkage couples to a pivot of the second comb such that the linkage is rotatable about the second comb pivot.

14. The combing device of claim 13, further comprising:

wherein the slider pivot is provided by a pivot axle of the slider; and
wherein the second comb pivot is provided by a pivot pin of the second comb.

15. The combing device of claim 14, further comprising:

wherein the linkage comprises a bifurcated extension region having two forks spaced by a gap, which merge into a singular extension region;
wherein the singular extension region comprises a singular extension region through-hole, wherein the pivot axle is disposed in the pivot axle through-hole; and
wherein the bifurcated extension region comprises a bifurcated extension region through-hole disposed on each fork, respectively, wherein the pivot pin is disposed in the bifurcated extension region through-hole of each of the two forks.

16. The combing device of claim 15, further comprising:

wherein the second comb has a second comb spine having a spine through-hole; and
wherein the pivot pin is disposed in the spine through-hole.

17. The combing device of claim 1, further comprising:

wherein the first comb has a first comb spine having a plurality of tine though-holes; and
wherein the second comb tines are movable in the tine though-holes.

18. The combing device of claim 17, further comprising:

wherein the second comb has a second comb spine; and
wherein the second comb spine is movable substantially parallel to the first comb spine.

19. The combing device of claim 18, further comprising:

wherein the first comb spine and the second comb spine are coupled by a least one guide post, with the guide post fixed to the first comb spine and extending through a guide post through hole in the second comb spine; and
wherein the second comb spine is movable along the guide post.

20. The combing device of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one bias member; and
wherein the at least one bias member is arranged to urge the second comb tines out of the first comb tine spacings.
Patent History
Publication number: 20240315419
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 21, 2023
Publication Date: Sep 26, 2024
Inventors: Glen S. AXELROD (Colts Neck, NJ), Ajay GAJRIA (Monmouth Junction, NJ)
Application Number: 18/187,381
Classifications
International Classification: A45D 24/04 (20060101);