GB2244232A

GB2244232A - Brushes and handles therefor

Info

Publication number: GB2244232A
Application number: GB9102391A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Young-Soo Park
Original assignee: Y S Park New York KK
Current assignee: Y S Park New York KK
Priority date: 1990-05-01
Filing date: 1991-02-05
Publication date: 1991-11-27
Anticipated expiration: 2011-02-05
Also published as: FR2661597A1; GB9102391D0; FR2661597B1; FR2661808B1; FR2661808A1; GB2244232B

Abstract

Through-holes (23) are provided at intervals on and along the handle (21) of a brush to avoid slipping. Brush bristles and protrusions of hard material may be implanted in a brush bristle implantation portion of the brush to facilitate the circulation of blood. A styling brush having a base (51) and handle (52) connected by latches (57, 58) in opposite directions whereby rotating directions can be selected at will is also disclosed. A passage (63) is formed along the central axis of the brush base (51) and a plurality of connecting holes (65) connect the passage and an outside round surface (64) of the brush base (51). Brushes in which the implantation density of the bristles in the bristle implantation portion is not uniform are also disclosed. <IMAGE>

Description

BRUSHES This invention relates generally to a brush, such as for example a body brush, a hair brush or a styling brush.

It should be noted that the term "bristle" used hereinafter is intended to include bristles of hair, wire, plastics or any other suitable material.

When using a conventional body brush or the like, liquid soap etc. bubbles onto the brush bristles, and the body of the user is washed by the bristles. In this case, the handle of the brush is generally grasped by the hand of the user, covered with soap. Accordingly, it is easy for the hand to slip and thus the brush is not easy to use. Such a problem also occurs with a hair brush when the hand of the user is covered with hair cream etc.. In one proposed solution, the handle of the brush is made uneven to avoid slipping, and this is effective if used by a hand not covered by soap.

However, this is not sufficient to avoid slipping if grasped by a hand covered by soap. In order to increase this effect to avoid slipping by unevenness, the unevenness must be made sharper, and accordingly the brush becomes uncomfortable or even unsafe to use.

In a conventional body brush, brush bristles made of horse hair etc. are implanted in a brush bristle implanted or portion, and the user's body is washed by the brush bristles with soap. Since only brush bristles are implanted on the brush bristle implantation portion, they cannot give strong stimulus to the surface of the user's body, and accordingly it is used solely to wash the body and has no function to facilitate circulation of blood.

One example cf a conventional styling brush is shown in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5441835. In such a conventional styling brush, as shown in Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings, a heater and a fan are set inside a handle portion. Air from the fan exits from a portion 5 which is arranged around a connecting portion 4 coupled to a brush base 3 on which a number of brush bristles 2 are implanted, and warm air blows from the portion 5 to the hair.

As shown in Fig. 2, latches 6 and 7, having sawshaped teeth angled in opposite directions, are fixed at the end of the brush base 3. A support 8 projecting from the handle portion 1 is inserted in an insertion hole extending along the central axis of the brush base 3. The brush base 3 is rotated in one direction together with the handle portion 1 by operating a direction changing switch 9. In the other direction of rotation only the handle portion 1 is rotated and the brush base 3 does not move.

As shown in Fig. 3, obstructing piece 10 projecting from the direction changing switch 9 contacts the sawshaped teeth 12, and the latches 6 and 7 rotate together in direction Q with the handle portion 1, but the latches do not rotate with the handle portion 1 when it is moved in direction P. The converse is true when obstruction piece 11 contacts the teeth of the other latch.

Numeral 13 is a supporting pin of the direction changing switch 9. In a conventional styling brush, however, since the air exit portion 5 is placed at the end of the brush base 3, warm air blows to hair only from one direction, and it is not easy to blow equally on all the hair rolled onto the brush bristles 2.

Accordingly, a balance for styling hair can not be achieved because of the change in temperature of the warm air along the length of the brush.

In order to achieve such a balance, the position of the brush bristles 2 must be changed frequently, and accordingly it takes a long time to style the hair and the hair is easily damaged because warm air blows on the hair for a long time. In this conventional styling brush, furthermore, warm air blows from around the end of the brush base 3, and accordingly the diameter of the handle portion 1 is large and thus not easy to grasp.

Professionals who use the brush for a long time are easily tired.

Various kinds of brushes for hair have been made.

In general, in a conventional brush, the implantation density of brush bristles in a brush bristle implantation portion of the brush is uniform.

Accordingly when density is low (brush bristles are thin), the hair is smoothly brushed but is difficult to be made glossy or voluminous. On the other hand, when the density is high (brush bristles are thick), the hair can be made glossy or voluminous but is not smoothly brushed, leading to increased falling out of hair.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a brush comprising a handle which has a brush bristle implantation portion at an end thereof, and wherein a plurality of through-holes are provided in the handle, spaced along the same.

Thus the brush can be grasped without slipping, even by a hand covered with soap.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a brush comprising a handle and a brush bristle implantation portion connected thereto, wherein a plurality of brush bristles and a plurality of harder material protrusions are implanted on the brush bristle implantation portion.

This brush can be constructed easily and at a low price and can wash a user's body and facilitate circulation of blood at the same time.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a styling brush comprising a brush base and a handle portion which are relatively rotatable and are coupled by latches operating in opposing directions, a passage extending along a central axis of the brush base, and a plurality of connecting holes arranged between the said passage and an outside round surface of the brush base.

A styling brush embodying the invention can blow warm air equally to hair rolled on the brush from a brush base. Thus hair can be styled speedily without damage to the hair, and since the brush is easy to grasp it is not tiring to the user even when the brush is in use for a long time.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a brush comprising a handle coupled to a brush bristle implantation portion on an outside round surface of which a number of brush bristles are implanted, wherein the implantation density of the brush bristles on the brush bristle implantation portion is non-uniform.

Thus embodiments of the invention can provide a brush which has a small implantation density portion and a large implantation density portion, with which hair can be smoothly brushed as well as easily made glossy or voluminous. Further, hair is not damaged and does not fall out.

Some embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are perspective views showing a conventional styling brush; Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing an example of connection by latches of the conventional styling brush; Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the structure of a body brush according to the invention, a part of which is omitted; Fig. 5 is a plan view showing the body brush of Figure 4; Fig. 6 is a front view showing the body brush of Figure 4; Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the structure of a hair brush according to the invention; Fig. 8 is a magnified sectional view showing a handle of the hair brush of Figure 7; Fig. 9 is a side view showing another brush according to the invention;; Fig. 10 is a front view showing an example of implantation of brush bristles in the brush of Figure 9; Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a styling brush according to the invention; Fig. 12 is a sectional view showing an inside structure of the styling brush of Figure 11; Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing yet another brush according to the invention; Fig. 14 is a front view showing an example of implantation of brush bristles in the brush of Figure 13; and Fig. 15 is a front view showing another example of implantation of the brush bristles in the brush of Figure 13.

Figs. 4-6 show a body brush 20. The body brush 20 in this embodiment comprises a handle 21 made of synthetic resin or wood and having a shape for easy gripping, and a brush bristle implantation portion on an upper surface of an end of the handle 21.

As shown in Fig. 5, the shape of the handle 21 in plan view is a continuing wave plane board, i.e., the sides of the handle have an undulating shape. As shown in Fig. 6, the shape thereof in side view is curved like a bow. Through-holes 23 pass through in a vertical direction and are placed at each broader portion 21a of the handle 21. The through-holes 23 can be placed at the narrower portions 21b of the grip 21, as well as or instead of those at the broad portion 21a.

As shown in Fig. 6, the through-holes 23 are slightly broadened at both ends of the through-hole portions 23b. When the handle 21 is grasped by the hand of a user and the hand is covered with soap, broadened portions 23a of the through-holes 23 cause the removal of soap stuck t the palm, and the handle 21 is adsorbed on the palm because of the through-holes 23.

Accordingly the handle 21 does not easily slip even when grasped by a soapy hand, and washing is smoothly done.

In this embodiment, the shape of the brush bristle implantation portion .'2, in plan view, is an approximate circle, and the handle 21 is formed as above. However, variations are possible. The shape of the brush bristle implantation portion 22, in plan view, can be approximately oval, or the handle 21 can be formed in various shapes, such as a tr, etc.

Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 show a hair brush 30. In the hair brush 30 of this embodiment, a brush bristle implantation portion 33 is formed at an end of a handle 32. The handle has a rod shape, and vertical throughholes 34 passing through in a vertical direction and horizontal through-holes 35 passirg through in a horizontal direction.

As shown in Fig. 8, the vertical through-holes 34 and the horizontal through-holes 35 f;srm a cross in sectional view, and both ends of through-holes portions 34b and 35b of the through-holes 34 and 35 are slightly broadened, similarly to the embodiment shown in Figs. 46. When the handle 32 is grasped by a hand covered with hair cream etc., broadened portions 34a and 35a of the through-holes 34 and 35 work to remove the hair cream, etc. stuck to the palm, and the handle 32 is adsorbed on the palm because of the through-holes 34 and 35.

Accordingly the handle 32 does not easily slip even when grasped by a hand covered with hair cream etc. and brushing is smoothly done.

In this embodiment, the brush bristle implantation portion 33 and the handle 32 are formed in the shape shown in the figures. However, variations are possible.

For example, the brush bristles implantation portion 33 can be formed like various conventional hair brushes, or the handle 32 can be formed with various cross-sectional shapes, such as a square or an oval, etc..

A brush embodying the invention has a plurality of through-holes placed on a handle, as explained above.

Accordingly, when the handle is grasped by a hand coated with soap or hair cream etc., broadened portions of the through-holes cause the removal of the soap or the hair cream, etc. stuck to the palm, and the handle is adsorbed on the palm because of the through-holes.

Accordingly the handle does not easily slip even when grasped by a hand coated with soap or hair cream etc., and washing or brushing is smoothly done.

As shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, another brush comprises a handle and a brush bristle implantation portion 41 formed as a single body, made of plastics or wood etc.

The handle 40 is shaped as a bar or cylinder having a proper thickness. A plurality of through-holes A pass through the handle in a direction intersecting its axis and are placed at a certain interval spacing.

The through-holes A on the handle 40 are formed to cause the removal of shampoo or soap, for example, stuck to the palm, when the handle 40 is grasped by the user's hand therewith, and accordingly the brush is prevented from slipping.

The brush bristle implantation portion 41 is connected to the handle 40, and a number of brush bristles 42 and protusions of a harder materials 43 are implanted on the surface of the brush bristle implantation portion 41.

The brush bristles 42 are made for example, of horse hair, pig hair, or soft synthetic resin, and are slightly longer than the protusions 43, as shown in Fig.

9.

The protusions 43 are made of wood or hard synthetic resin, etc., and edges thereof are beaded so as not to hurt the surface of a user's body.

An example of implantation of the brush bristles 42 and the protrusions 43 is shown in Fig. 10. The brush bristles 42 and the protrusions 43 are implanted alternately. A plurality of protrusions 43 are implanted at a certain interval spacing along the edge of the brush bristle implantation portion 41 which has an approximately circular shape. Brush bristles 42 are implanted at a certain interval spacing inside and along the row of the protrusions 43. Protrusions 43 are implanted at a certain interval spacing inside and along the row of the brush bristles 42, and so on. The implantation conditions can be varied such that the brush bristles 42 and the protrusions 43 are implanted at random (not shown in figures).

Since the brush bristles 42 and the protrusions 43 are implanted on the brush bri.stle implantation portion 41 as above, when the brush bristles 42, covered with soap, etc., are moved against the user's body, the surface of the body is washed by the brush bristles 42.

At the same time, the protrusions 43 are in contact with and press against the body surface, so that circulation of blood is facilitated. The brush bristles 42 are slightly longer than the protrusions 43, to avoid the problem that bubbling of soap is not enough or that sufficient washing has not been done.

In this embodiment, the handle 40 and the brush bristle implantation portion 41 are formed as a single body. However, variations are possible. For example, the brush bristle implantation portion 41 can be connected to the handle 40 by a universal joint to move and rotate freely and to enable the brush bristles 42 and the protrusions 43 to properly contact the body surface.

In this embodiment, protrusions 43 are implanted on the brush bristle implantation portion 41; however, the protrusions 43 and the brush bristle implantation portion 41 can be formed as a single body. Furthermore, this can be applied to brushes other than a body brush, such as a hair brush, etc.

Thus this brush has brush bristles and protrusions implanted on a brush bristle implantation portion, as explained above, and accordingly a desirable effect obtained is that a single brush can not only wash the user's body but also facilitates circulation of the blood at the time as washing. The brush can be provided at a low price because of easy construction.

A styling brush is shown in Figs. 11 and 12, wherein numeral 50 indicates brush bristles, numeral 51 a brush base on which the brush bristles 50 are implanted, numeral 52 a handle portion, and numeral 53 a direction changing switch.

As shown in Fig. 12, two obstructing pieces 55 and 56 are set under a switching part 54 of the direction changing switch 53 which slides as shown by the arrow A B. One of the obstructing pieces 55 or 56 is in contact with one of latches 57 and 58 which have saw-shaped teeth in opposite directions to each other. When the direction changing switch 53 is moved to the left side, the obstructing piece 55 is in contact with the latch 57, and the brush base 51 is rotated counterclockwise together with the handle portion 52. When the handle portion 52 is rotated clockwise the obstruction piece 55 is no longer engaged with latch 57 and thus only the handle portion is rotated. When the direction changing switch is moved to the right side, the obstructing piece 56 is in contact with latch 58 and the brush base 51 is rotated clockwise with the handle portion 52.Thus when the handle portion 52 is rotated counter clockwise, the latch 58 is disengaged from the obstruction piece 58 and only the handle portion 52 is rotated.

When the direction changing switch 53 is placed at a neutral position, the obstructing pieces 55 and 56 are not in contact with the latches 57 and 58, and the brush base 51 and the handle portion 52 are fixed regardless of whether the handle portion 52 is rotated counterclockwise or clockwise. The latches 57 and 58 are fixed at an end of the brush base 51, and the brush base 51 and the handle portion 52 are connected to be rotated by the obstructing pieces 55 and 56 and the latches 57 and 58. To secure the connection, a projecting portion 59 is formed at the end of the brush base 51, and is inserted in a recess 60 of the handle portion 52. A support 61 projecting from the recess 60 is inserted in an insertion hole 62 set at the end of and along the axis of the brush base 51.

A passage 63 is formed along the central axis of the brush base 51, and a plurality of connecting holes 65 connect the passage 63 and an outside round surface 64 of the brush base 51. The holes 65 are placed adjacent rows of the brush bristles 50.

In a styling brush, constructed as above, heater equipment (dryer equipment) is set at each seat in a beauty parlour and a flexible hose which is connected to the heater equipment supplies warm air. The hose is attached to an end of the passage 63 of the brush base 51 and the warm air can blow from the connecting holes 65 to hair. Usually, there is a large distance traversed by the flexible hose from the heater equipment to the connecting holes 65. Accordingly, the temperature of the warm air generated in the heater equipment is slightly lowered when it reaches the air, which prevents the hair from being damaged. The warm air can blow equally to all the rolled hair near the brush bristles 50, and accordingly hair styling is done efficiently and is completed in a short time.

Any materials can be used for the brush base 51; however, it is preferable that wood or a resin coating, etc. is applied on the outside round surface to insulate from the heat. The entire base of the brush may be made of resin, mineral filler, etc. mixed in heat resisting resin, such as polypropylene, polyolefin, etc., to provide a styling brush that is light and easy to use.

An advantage of a styling brush constructed as above is that warm air can blow equally to all the hair rolled on the styling brush, so that hair styling can be finished in a short time and hair can be prevented from being damaged. Since a handle portion of the brush can be made smaller than that of a conventional styling brush in which warm air blows from a handle portion, it becomes very easy to grasp. Fatigue by hair specialists, etc. can be reduced, and so on.

As shown in Fig. 13, the brush of this embodiment comprises a handle 70 and a brush bristle implantation portion 71 formed as a single body, made of plastics or wood etc.

The handle 70 is shaped as a rod or cylinder having a suitable diameter, on which through-holes A passing through in a direction intersecting the axis are placed at a certain interval spacing.

The through-holes A on the handle 70 are formed to cause removal of any, for example, oil or hair cream stuck to the palm when the handle 70 is grasped by the user, and accordingly the brush is prevented from slipping.

The brush bristle implantation portion 71 is connected to the handle 70, and a number of brush bristles B are implanted on the outside round surface of the brush bristle implantation portion 71.

The brush bristles b are implanted in rows along the axis of the brush bristle implantation portion 71, and a small implantation density portion (hereinafter thin portion) bl and a large implantation density portion (hereinafter thick portion) b2 are implanted radially in various forms.

For example, the thin portion bl and the thick portion b2 are implanted alternately along the outside round surface of the brush bristle implantation portion z1, as shown in Fig. 14, or the thin portion bl is implanted on one half and the thick portion b2 is implanted on the other half of the outside round surface of the brush bristle implantation portion 71, as shown in Fig. 15. The cross-sectional shape of the brush bristle implantation portion 71 is not limited to a circle as in the embodiment shown in the figures, but it can be formed as, for example, an oval or a polygon. If the cross-section is formed as a polygon, implantation density of the brush bristles on each surface of the brush bristle implantation portion 71 can be made differently, with for example the thinnest, thinner, thin, the thickest, thicker, and thick portion, arranged respectively.Thus the brush can be used properly according to properties of the hair, etc..

A thin portion bl and a thick portion b2 are thus formed in a single brush in this way, and when using the thin portion bl, hair can be smoothly brushed, and accordingly hair can be prevented from falling out.

When using the thick portion b2, hair can be easily made glossy or voluminous.

Furthermore, since a single brush has a thin portion bl and a thick portion b2, these portions can be used properly by merely rotating the wrist. The brush is very easy to use for professionals, in particular, hair specialists, etc.. Operating cost can be reduced because it is not necessary to provide two brushes having thin and thick brush bristles.

Although not shown in the figures, a brush can be constructed with, for example, the brush bristle implantation portion 71 in the form of a cylinder. One end of a duct, the other end of which is connected to dryer equipment, is attached to an opening made at the end of the brush bristle implantation portion 71. Warm air supplied through the duct blows from a plurality of air supplying holes placed on the brush bristle implantation portion 71. Alternatively, dryer equipment may be set in the handle 70.

In this embodiment, materials such as horse hair, etc. are used as the brush bristles to be implanted on the brush bristle implantation portion 71. However, variations are possible. For example, conventional materials, such as plastics etc. can be used.

Thus a thin brush bristles portion and a thick brush bristles portion are formed in one brush.

Accordingly, hair can be smoothly brushed and easily be made glossy or voluminous, can be prevented from being damaged, from falling out, and so on.

Although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments for a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims are not to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying all modifications and alternative constructions that may occur to one skilled in the art which fairly fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A brush comprising a handle which has a brush bristle implantation portion at an end thereof, and wherein a plurality of through-holes are provided in the handle, spaced along the same.

2. A brush according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the handle, in plan view, is a continuing wave plane board.

3.- A brush according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shape of the handle, in side view, is curved like a bow.

4. A brush according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein both ends of each of the through-holes are slightly broadened with respect to a middle portion thereof.

5. A brush according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle has vertical through-holes passing through in a vertical direction and horizontal through-holes passing through in a horizontal direction.

6. A brush according to claim 5, wherein both ends of the vertical through-holes and of the horizontal through-holes are slightly broadened.

7. A brush comprising a handle and a brush bristle implantation portion connected thereto, wherein a plurality of brush bristles and a plurality of harder material protrusions are implanted on the brush bristle implantation portion

8. A brush according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of through-holes are arranged on the handle.

9. A brush according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the brush bristles are made of horse hair, pig hair, or soft synthetic resin.

10. A brush according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the brush bristles are slightly longer than the harder material protrusions.

11. A brush according to any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the harder material protrusions are made of wood or hard synthetic resin.

12. A brush according to any of claims 7 to 11, wherein the ends of the harder material protrusions are beaded.

13. A brush according to any of claims 7 to 12, wherein the brush bristles and the harder material protrusions are implanted alternately at a given interval spacing.

14. A brush according to any of claims 7 to 12, wherein the brush bristles and the harder material protrusions are implanted at random.

15. A styling brush comprising a brush base and a handle portion which are relatively rotatable and are coupled by latches operating in opposing directions, a passage extending along a central axis of the brush base, and a plurality of connecting holes arranged between the said passage and an outside round surface of the brush base.

16. A styling brush according to claim 15, wherein wood or resin coating is applied on the outside round surface of the brush base.

17. A styling brush according to claim 15, wherein mineral filler is mixed in heat resisting resin of polypropylene or polyolefine to make the brush base.

18. A brush comprising a handle coupled to a brush bristle implantation portion on an outside round surface of which a number of brush bristles are implanted, wherein implantation density of the brush bristles on the brush bristle implantation portion is non-uniform.

19. A brush according to claim 18, wherein the handle has a plurality of through-holes at a given interval spacing.

20. A brush according to claim 18 or 19, wherein a small implantation density portion and a large implantation density portion of the brush bristles are implanted alternately along the outside round surface of the brush bristle implantation portion.

21. A brush according to claim 18 or 19, wherein a small implantation density portion is implanted on one half and a large implantation density portion is implanted on the other half of the outside round surface of the brush bristle implantation portion.

22. A brush according to any of claims 18 to 21, wherein an opening is provided at an end of the brush bristle implantation portion, and a plurality of air supplying holes are placed on the brush bristle implantation portion.

23. A brush substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 4, 5, and 6, or Figures 7 and 8, or Figures 9 and 10, or Figures 11 and 12, or Figures 13 and 14 or 15.