Folding Patents (Class 15/203)
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Patent number: 9021598Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for managing application events are provided. In embodiments, a notifier is received that indicates a usage of an application installed on a user device and a date associated with the usage. A verification notifier is also received that verifies that the user device is registered in association with the application and indicates a date associated with the verification. The date associated with the usage and the date associated with the verification are compared to determine whether the dates occur within a predetermined time period relative to one another. In such a case, it might be determined that a provider of the application installed on the user device should be rewarded.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.Inventors: Steven Duane Myers, Terry Gene Rayburn, Raymond Emilio Reeves, Ryan Alan Wick
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Patent number: 8881334Abstract: In one particular embodiment, a basting device incorporates a handle body, having a handle portion and a working portion, and a bristle cartridge removably coupled to the working portion of the handle body. The bristle cartridge has a set of first bristles projecting outwardly from the cartridge in a first direction and a set of second bristles projecting outwardly from the cartridge in a second direction different from the first direction. At least one of the first and second bristles has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being attached to the bristle cartridge and the distal end having a slit therein extending from the distal end toward the proximal end. The slit has a width sized to cause fluid to be drawn into the slit through capillary action when the distal end of the bristle is submerged in the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2012Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Chef'n CorporationInventors: Adam A. Jossem, Theresa H. Lee, David Hull
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Patent number: 8402592Abstract: A brush includes a first tuft holder having at least one tuft, a second tuft holder having at least one tuft, a support structure having a handle to grasp and use the brush, an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the brush between (1) a first condition where the first and second tuft holders are not movable with respect to each other; and, (2) a second condition where the first tuft holder is movable with respect to the second tuft holder, and wherein the first and second tuft holders remain attached to the support structure in the first and second conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2009Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: The Wooster Brush CompanyInventors: James M. Byrne, Michael Zimmerman
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Patent number: 8302246Abstract: A hair brush includes a brush head and a bristle/handle assembly. The head includes a cylindrical barrel with a plurality of apertures in it, and the bristle/handle assembly includes a handle and a bristle tree assembly. The bristle tree assembly includes a central bristle rod, a plurality of bristles radially extending from the rod, and a connecting rod extending between the bristle rod and the handle. The bristle rod is positioned within the barrel, and the bristles extend through the barrel apertures in an extended position. The brush head and the bristle/handle assembly are not attached to each other, and instead they slide longitudinally relative to each other. When the handle and the barrel are slid apart from each other, the bristle rod travels with the handle to retract the bristles to a retracted positioned further within the barrel.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2009Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Goody Products, Inc.Inventors: Stan Chudzik, Michael Defenbaugh
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Patent number: 7798156Abstract: Brushcards are provided. The brushcards include a planar member having a plurality of sections, each separated by lines of weakness, each section having a handle region and a bristle region. The planar member includes at least one recess, and the member is configured to fold into a toothbrush.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2006Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Inventor: Robert Kelly
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Publication number: 20090019653Abstract: A hairbrush 10 has rounded outer surfaces 23, 25 of hinged heads 22, 24 that, when the brush is closed, achieve a closed form that is generally round or spherical in cross-sectional shape. Another aspect of the present invention includes inner head surfaces 26, 28 that support bristles and that are complementarily shaped concave and convex, respectively, to hold a tuft of hair in a curved position as the tuft is pulled through the closed heads.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2008Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: CONAIR CORPORATIONInventor: Ronald Teddy Diamond
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Publication number: 20090000049Abstract: A hairbrush includes a handle, a bristle carrier holder, which is hinged to the handle and has two sliding grooves arranged in parallel at the top and two raised retaining portions protruded from the top wall and projecting into the sliding grooves and two protruding blocks with a respective sloping face respectively disposed inside the sliding grooves, a bristle carrier, which has a flexible pad holding a plurality of metal bristles and two rod-like flanges with a respective recessed retaining portion formed integral with the flexible pad at two sides by insertion molding for insertion into the sliding grooves to secure the bristle carrier to the bristle carrier holder base. The rod-like flanges are forced outwards by the sloping faces of the protruding blocks when inserted into the sliding grooves of the bristle carrier holder base, and therefore the recessed retaining portions of the rod-like flanges are forced into engagement with the raised retaining portions of the bristle carrier holder base.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventor: Bi-Chih Liao
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Patent number: 7320148Abstract: A hairbrush assembly includes an elongated first cylinder having a first end and a second end. An elongated second cylinder is positioned on and is rotatable with respect to the first cylinder. The second cylinder has a distal end and a proximal end with respect to the second end of the first cylinder. The second end extends outwardly from the distal end of the second cylinder. The second cylinder has a plurality of rows of aligned apertures extending from the proximal end and toward the distal end. A plurality of bristle assemblies is provided and each is positioned between the first and second cylinders adjacent to the first end of the first cylinder. Each of the bristle assemblies is selectively positioned in an extended position extending outwardly of the apertures or in a retracted position positioned within an interior space defined between the first and second cylinders.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Inventor: Peter A. Willette
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Patent number: 7051395Abstract: A disposable toothbrush that can folded and unfolded upon it self is shown and described. The toothbrush is constructed of two folding sections that each contain bristles each half can join to the other half and so provide a rigid toothbrush for brushing. Prior to use, the toothbrush is in the unfolded position so that the bristles in each of the brush lie flat. This orientation presents a toothbrush with very narrow width for ease of storage.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Inventor: Todd Philip Domke
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Patent number: 6631831Abstract: A self-cleaning hairbrush system has a housing with a wall formed with apertures and with a hollow interior with an open end and a closed end. A core has an interior end positionable adjacent to the closed end and an exterior exposed end extending through the open end of the housing. A plurality of resilient bristles have fixed ends extending radially outward from the core and free ends extending through the apertures of the housing. A handle is operatively coupled to the closed end of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2002Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Inventor: David J. Loiselle
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Patent number: 6477732Abstract: An ultra-thin folding bristle hairbrush, capable of being operated with one hand, suitable for back-pocket storage. A base enclosure comprising a plurality of spaced transverse bristle bars, each bristle bar pivotally mounted within the base enclosure. At one end, the base enclosure is pivotally attached to a handle member. A kinematical linkage assembly adjoins the handle with the plurality of bristle bars whereby the opening and closing motion of the handle results in a synchronized articulation of the bristles from a stowed, generally horizontal, position, to a generally vertical position of use. The linkage lends itself to contouring the base enclosure and handle for ergonomic consideration such as back-pocket storage. The handle can also operate as a cover element. A unique one-handed “switchblade” action can be employed to flip open the brush, installing the bristles into their position of use.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2000Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Inventors: Kevin W. Cline, John A. McCurdy
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Patent number: 6345405Abstract: The two-in-one toothbrush provides for dual sets of brushing bristles facing in opposing directions to allow the toothbrush to clean both the upper and lower teeth simultaneously. Another form of the toothbrush design allows for the movement of at least one set of brushing bristles between extended and retracted positions, for use and hygienic storage of the brushing bristles. In another form, the toothbrush design allows for the independent movement of dual sets of brushing bristles between extended and retracted positions, for use and hygienic storage of the brushing bristles.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2000Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Inventor: Rickie Brackin
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Patent number: 6283930Abstract: The disclosed travel massage brush is an ultra-compact vibrating hair brush that comfortably fits an average woman's or man's hand in the hair brushing or massage modes. It is light in weight and portable permitting grooming and/or soothing scalp or body massage anywhere, at any time. Pivotally connected vibratory brush-head and handle subassemblies provide maximum space saving portability, making the travel massage brush ideal for taking along to the gym, to work, or while traveling. The vibratory brush-head subassembly includes a bristle carrier that is removably attached to a base member thereof and preferably slides on and off the base member to allow for convenient bristle cleaning and to access the battery compartment. Gentle ball-tipped bristles stimulate circulation to hair follicles.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1997Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Headwaters Research & Development, Inc.Inventors: Grant David Purvis, David M. Raffo, Troy Gene Anderson, Rudy Anthony Vandenbelt
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Patent number: 6088868Abstract: A cleaning implement such as a broom which has a head divided into multiple sections which are hinged together with a hinge that will remain in an open position. It also has a handle which is made in multiple sections, and which are hinged together.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1998Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Inventor: William J. Cerveny
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Patent number: 6070594Abstract: A retractable brush for brushing, cleaning and curling hair comprises an outer tubular member having a pattern of bristle apertures, and an inner tubular member extending lengthwise within the outer tubular member and being mounted to undergo angular displacement in opposite directions within the outer tubular member. A plurality of bristle supports each extend lengthwise within the outer tubular member and support a series of bristles. The bristle supports have opposite end portions turnably mounted on flanges on the inner tubular member to undergo angular displacement in forward and reverse directions to effect extension and retraction of the bristles through the bristle apertures of the outer tubular member in response to angular displacement of the inner tubular member.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1998Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Arich, Inc.Inventor: Christopher Mears
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Patent number: 5943727Abstract: A foldable cleaning implement is foldable into a compact form for ease in transporting and storing. The cleaning implement has a handle and a head. The handle may be formed from a plurality of segments coupled together by foldable elements. The head is attached to the handle, preferably by a pivotable or universal joint, and is formed from segments which are displaceable relative to one another so as to selectively be oriented in a coplanar relationship relative to one another, angular disposed relative to one another, and in opposing directions relative to one another.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Inventor: David Freer
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Patent number: 5815877Abstract: A compact, self-cleaning brush having minimal number of components and being easier to assemble which makes the design more cost effective. The bristles of the brush are mounted between a base and a sliding actuating member which are constructed so that as the sliding member is moved along the base, the bristle components are extended and spread so as to be fanned out.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1996Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Inventor: William R. Heneveld
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Patent number: 5511274Abstract: There is disclosed therein a tufted construction formed of a thermoplastic sheet which defines a two-dimensional projection of a three-dimensional tufted construction design which has integrally mutually spaced prefused tufts mounted at preselected areas on one surface thereof. The three-dimensional design includes a radial surface having said tufts thereon and a handle portion so that when the projection is assembled and the edges thereof joined, the three-dimensional design will be complete.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1993Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Assignee: Tucel Industries, Inc.Inventor: John C. Lewis, Jr.
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Patent number: 5432971Abstract: A toothbrush split axially into two halves which are hinged together along their length. The toothbrush can be used in a first position as a conventional toothbrush and can be pivoted to a second position wherein the bristles on the heads extend towards one another.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1994Date of Patent: July 18, 1995Inventor: Angelika Y. B. Chung
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Patent number: 5335390Abstract: An improved structure of a foldable comb having a handle and a hollowed frame pivotally connected therewith, the hollowed frame has an elastic member for implanting thereon a plurality of brush pins. The handle provides an eccentric wheel at the pivotal connection thereof, a push rod having a block thereon can be moved with the eccentric wheel and having an elongated shank thereof inserted into a rod sheath beneath an elastic member in a cavity of the hollowed frame to move therewith; therefore a plurality of brush pins on the elastic member being capable of stretching automatically when the handle and the hollowed frame being spreaded and being capable of contracting automatically for storage when the handle and the hollowed frame being folded.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1993Date of Patent: August 9, 1994Assignee: Jong Ching Brushes Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chin-Yan Chen
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Patent number: 4847937Abstract: In the case of hair brushes the arcuately shaped bristle members of which are studded with bristles, mounted in the side walls of a housing being U-shaped in cross section, are arranged in a plurality adjacently and with a distance from one another and are pivotable by means of a slide guided in the housing below these bristle members from a position of non-use into a position of use, this pivoting into the position of use and back into the position of non-use is complicated and time-consuming.This disadvantage is eliminated in that the slide has at its longitudinal edges edge cutouts facing one another, the bristle members resting between these edge cutouts on the slide in such a manner so as to be secured against unintended pivot movement. The slide can be approached with its edge cutouts to the ends of the bristle members by sliding movement in such a manner that the bristle members, by a sliding pressure by hand on the bristles, obliquely engage in the edge cutouts in the position of non-use.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1988Date of Patent: July 18, 1989Assignee: Christel MutzeInventor: Elmar Gorski
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Patent number: 4507818Abstract: A collapsible hairbrush comprises a base plate and a plurality of bristle supporting plates arranged in side by side parallel relationship with each other, the bristle supporting plates having upper surfaces and being rotationally situated in the base plate to be moved between a usable position in which the upper surfaces are oriented parallel to the base plate and a folding position in which the upper surfaces are oriented perpendicular to the base plate. A plurality of bristles are attached to the bristle supporting plates to extend substantially upwardly from the upper surfaces of the bristle supporting plates. The hairbrush further includes collapsible means situated in the base plate and is engaged with the bristle supporting plates to move the supporting plates between the usable position and the folding position.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1982Date of Patent: April 2, 1985Inventor: Antonio L. Perdiz
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Patent number: 4498211Abstract: A folding brush comprises a case having parallel first and second walls respectively having first and second interior faces spaced from each other to form a cavity. The first wall includes a matrix of cylindrical like slots extending between the first face and a third face on the exterior of the first wall. A frame slides along a longitudinal axis in the cavity between a first retracted, locked position and a second fully extended, locked position. Multiple of tapered, unifilar, generally straight bristle tufts have bases mounted in the frame so longitudinal axes of the tufts rotate together from a first retracted angle displaced slightly from the frame longitudinal axis to a second fully extended angle approximately at right angles to the frame longitudinal axis in response to the frame sliding between the first and second longitudinal positions.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1984Date of Patent: February 12, 1985Assignee: Michael O'ConnorInventor: Gary Bottolfson
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Patent number: 4494269Abstract: A hairbrush device composed of upper wall, lower wall and movable flat board, and by the back and forth movement of the movable flat board, the brush tips can be raised up or pushed down. A stopper member is provided so as to fix the brush tips vertically for operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1980Date of Patent: January 22, 1985Inventor: Seigo Makabe
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Patent number: 4467491Abstract: A combination hair and clothes brush which exposes only one brush for use at a time, the other brush being folded within the cavity of the body.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1983Date of Patent: August 28, 1984Inventor: Paul R. Dekker
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Patent number: 4346496Abstract: An implement includes first and second elongated legs that are joined by a first hinge between respective one ends thereof to permit those legs to be folded toward and away from one another. The legs are mutually shaped to define a cavity within a handle when folded together about the hinge. Third and fourth elongated legs are each of a size to be nested within the portion of the cavity defined by a respective one of the first and second legs. A second hinge couples one end of the third leg to the other end of the first leg. A third hinge couples one end of the fourth leg to the other end of the second leg. Finally, a fourth hinge couples together the other ends of the third and fourth legs.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1981Date of Patent: August 31, 1982Inventor: Michael L. Murray
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Patent number: 4321723Abstract: A compact hair brush particularly suitable for traveling. A flat housing is provided with a plurality of rows of transversely mounted bristles. Each row of bristles is individually mounted on a pivoted bar. A longitudinal operating rod pivotally connects to each bar above the pivot point. Longitudinal movement of the bar causes a 90.degree. pivotal movement of the bars. A manually engageable portion of the rod extends out of the housing for operating the rod. After the housing is opened to expose the bristles, the rod is operated to pivot the bars and cause the bristles to stand up in vertical operating position. The brush is now ready for use. Reversely, the rod is operated to pivot the bars and cause the bristles to lie flat in the housing. This permits closing the substantially flat housing. The construction lends itself to many variations in the housing. The manually engageable rod may be positioned in various portions of the housing depending on the design used.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1980Date of Patent: March 30, 1982Inventor: Leonard R. Kortick
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Patent number: 4250590Abstract: A cover protected brush with collapsible bristles, more specifically a collapsible brush for ladies, characterized in that the bristles of the brush can be collapsed and protected with a cover so as to reduce its volume and make it easier for a lady to carry in her handbag. The mirror affixed to the cover makes the brush serve also as a handle mirror.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1979Date of Patent: February 17, 1981Inventor: Sherman H. Chiang
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Patent number: 4202361Abstract: An improved and extremely economical brush for hair-brushing and the like folds flat with bristles retracted for pocket carriage; in preferred embodiment the structure includes a plurality of tufts of bristles in unitary ranks, each rank having pivotal connection laterally to opposed walls of an open-top box-shaped casing; a sliding top on the casing has a respective aperture therethrough receiving each tuft; when the top is held at one slidable limit the tufts are pivoted to upright, operative position by the aperture structure, and when the top is held at the other slidable limit, the tufts are folded flat with tips shielded in the apertures by withdrawal into the thickness of the top; lateral extension of the top provides for actuation and a releasible latch holds the top at operative slidable limit.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1978Date of Patent: May 13, 1980Inventor: John E. Bills
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Patent number: 4137596Abstract: A compact portable pocket brush has retractable bristles arrayed in groups attached to a plurality of bristle group holders or supports mounted upon pivot pins in a brush case. The top wall of the case has a plurality of downwardly sloping apertures respectively located in alignment with each bristle group in the brush. The bristle group pivot pins are pivotably mounted upon a slide in the bottom of the case. When the slide is moved between two positions, each bristle group is pivoted between a retracted position in which it is enclosed within the case and an erect position wherein the bristles extend through the openings in the top wall of the case. When in the erect position all of the bristle groups are locked in a rigid vertical position by the engagement between the periphery of the holes and a portion of the bristle group holder so that the brushes can be used.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1976Date of Patent: February 6, 1979Assignee: PDM Consulting and Development Corp.Inventors: John E. Carlson, Richard W. Carlson
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Patent number: 4121314Abstract: A collapsible brush is provided with bristle members having bristles of varying length so that a curved top surface is provided to aid in the brushing of a woman's hair. Also provided is an extension which receives in sliding relationship a sliding handle for holding the collapsible brush. A cover when slid into a tracked recess engages the handle to propell it to an extended position. The sliding handle is provided on its lower surface with a mirror which is visible through an opening formed in the bottom wall of the extension when the sliding handle is in its inward or retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1977Date of Patent: October 24, 1978Inventor: Marcus A. Nathe
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Patent number: 4103387Abstract: A collapsible hair or massage brush has a body divided into two flat, superposed members in the form of slotted plates or frames which are limitedly relatively shiftable in a predetermined direction to swing a multiplicity of bristle carriers, normally retracted into the body, through substantially 90.degree. into a working position in which their bristles project perpendicularly from one of the body surfaces. The bristle carriers are journaled in one of the members by pivotal axles transverse to the shift direction, these axles being either individual to the respective carriers or common to groups of them lying in parallel rows. The carriers or their axles have coupling formations engaging coacting camming formations on the other member.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1976Date of Patent: August 1, 1978Assignee: Leopold Anetseder, Jr.Inventors: Leopold Anetseder, Jr., Leopold Anetseder, Sr.
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Patent number: 4077081Abstract: A sweeper brush section comprising a deformed metal channel with a plurality of outwardly-opening cups or sockets at regularly spaced intervals in which are positioned the inner U-shaped ends of tufts or bunches of wire bristles mounted in non-metallic sleeves. These sleeves are pivoted in the respective cups about transverse axis for limited movement to prevent breakage of the bristle wires, especially at the time of the initial impact of the wires with the surface being swept.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1976Date of Patent: March 7, 1978Inventor: Arthur E. Drumm
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Patent number: 4057867Abstract: A pocket hair brush having a self-contained cover in an integral unit formed of a thermoplastic polymeric resin and includes a backing plate flexible rectangular panel having integrally formed bristles projecting from a face thereof. Rectangular side panels are joined to the backing plate by self-hinges and rectangular wing panels are joined to the side panel outer side edges and form dihedral angles therewith. A short notch is medially formed along the junction between one of the side and wing panels and extensions with enlarged ends are medially formed at opposite sides of the other wing panel. The side and wing panels are swingable between a closed position covering the bristles and releasably locked by coupling of one extension and the slot and an open rearwardly directed handle defining position with the other extension engaging the slot.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1976Date of Patent: November 15, 1977Assignee: Product Resources International, Inc.Inventor: Gene Ballin
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Patent number: 4057868Abstract: A brush frame is provided which supports a slidable handle and a plurality of rotatable bristle-carrying rods arranged with their longitudinal axes parallel to one another. The handle includes projections extending into curved grooves within the rods whereby when the handle is displaced relative to the frame, the rods are rotated about their axes to raise or lower the bristles.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1977Date of Patent: November 15, 1977Inventor: Roger D. Latham
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Patent number: 4028767Abstract: A brush composed of slim rectangular segments hinged together at their edges with bristles protruding from the hinged edges such that when the segments are folded together accordion style the bristles stick out for brushing. Simultaneously the segments act as a backing and grip. When the segments are unfolded, oriented edge to edge, the bristles interdigitate flush against the segments leaving the entire brush thin, flat, flexible, and easily stored or carried, e.g. as in a pants pocket or purse.Furthermore, a covering can be affixed so that it covers the bristles of the brush when it is in a flat or storage mode (configuration). This covering can be very thin and flexible or segmented and hinged in such a way as to enable it to function as a handle to the brush when the brush is in the folded or brushing mode (configuration).Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1975Date of Patent: June 14, 1977Inventor: Ren Judkins
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Patent number: 4028768Abstract: There is provided a collapsible brush structure comprised of a body portion, a bristle bed movable in the longitudinal direction of the body, a plurality of bristles being set in the bristle bed, and means for moving the bristle bed between first and second positions whereby the bristles are in an erect condition and a flattened condition respectively. A feature of the structure is the provision of rotatable guide means through which the bristles pass, the guide means functioning to clean the bristles whenever they are moved from the erect condition to the flattened condition. The brush structure is a very compact one and can easily be carried in a pocket of the user.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1976Date of Patent: June 14, 1977Inventor: Brian W. Pascal
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Patent number: 3967338Abstract: An inexpensive sanitary hairbrush assembly is provided which is equipped with a cover that hinges down over the bristles of the brush when the brush is not in use bending the bristles down into the plane of the base, so as to provide a compact enclosure for the bristles, thereby permitting the brush to be carried in a purse, handbag, pocket, or the like, without exposure of the bristles; and in which the cover serves as a handle for the brush when it is opened.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1975Date of Patent: July 6, 1976Inventor: Marty M. Russell
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Patent number: 3947914Abstract: A collapsible brush includes an open topped housing provided with a removable lid and a plurality of longitudinally spaced transverse bars which are located in the housing and have flat top faces, angularly related front and rear faces gear sector under faces. Stub shafts project from the upper end faces of the bars and are journalled in aligned recesses in the housing side walls and have flat top faces coplanar with the bar top faces. Bristle tufts are anchored in the bar top faces. A longitudinally slidable rack is sandwiched between the housing base and the gear sectors and is connected to a longitudinally movable brush handle either directly or by a lost motion coupling so that extension of the handle extends the bristles and retraction of the handles swings the bristles into collapsed overlapping positions.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1974Date of Patent: April 6, 1976Inventor: Albert Jacoby