US20180199699A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20180199699A1
Application number: US15/872,834
Authority: US
Inventors: Michele Quinn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-01-13
Filing date: 2018-01-16
Publication date: 2018-07-19

Abstract

A combination hairstyling product includes a glove, a brush element, and at least one styling element. The glove has separate thumb and forefinger portions and a combined portion for receiving the middle, ring, and pinky fingers. The brush element has a base and a plurality of bristles extending therefrom, disposed on at least a palm side of the glove and occupying a substantial portion of the area corresponding to the combined portion and the palm. The at least one styling element is disposed on either the forefinger portion or the thumb portion of the glove in order to cooperate with the brush portion or be used separately in a styling technique carried out using the product.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/446,101, filed Jan. 13, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a hair care product. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a combination product combining a glove and a hairbrush.

BACKGROUND

Very few things in life beat the feeling of leaving a salon with a professional cut, style, and blow-out. Professional hairstylists just know how to use their hairbrushes and blow-dryers efficiently and effectively to give their client the desired look. In between visits, however, the client becomes a home-stylist, and a self-stylist at that, working on themselves. Often, the home-stylist becomes lost in the plethora of choices of brushes to use, or lack of the right brush, or how to use them. In many cases, the home stylist reverts to a more natural instrument for attempting to get that fresh from the salon look—their hand and/or fingers.

Using their hand and/or fingers provides a level of comfort and control that most home-stylists simply cannot achieve while wielding a brush, particularly while simultaneously using a blow-dryer in the other hand. The process can rekindle the ubiquitous childhood memory of having a round brush wrapped, seemingly permanently, in one's hair. Unfortunately, what the home-stylist gains in comfort and control they lose in other areas, such as, but not limited to, coverage, effect, and other factors. Add to this the fact that the human hand is not adapted to be exposed to the heat of a hair dryer, and the process can result, minimally, in discomfort, but can also lead to dry skin or even a burn.

Simply put, the hand and fingers are relatively crude tools when compared to even a simple hairbrush, even when handled by the home-stylist.

SUMMARY

This disclosure provides a combined glove and hairbrush, which, among other things, combines the advantages of a hairbrush with the comfort, control, and familiarity of your hand.

The combination hairbrush glove described herein include a glove, and an integrated brush occupying a substantial portion of the middle, ring, and pinky fingers as well as the palm below them. In some embodiments, additional bristles or brush-like members are provided on either or both the thumb and forefinger. Some embodiments may further include additional styling implements. The additional styling implements may include, but are not limited to different brush styles, different bristle types, picks, combs, thermal elements (e.g., to emulate a flat-iron or curling-iron), etc.

In some embodiments, the various brush and/or styling implements may be permanent or independently removable and interchangeable. In some embodiments, the glove is right- or left-hand specific. In other embodiments, the brush and/or styling implements can be selectively removed and replaced to facilitate either right- or left-handed use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the following Figures:

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a combination glove and hairbrush in accordance with some embodiments;

FIGS. 2A-E are top views of various combined finger portions of the combination glove and hairbrush according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 2F-J are top views of various forefinger portions of the combination glove and hairbrush according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 2K-L are top views of various thumb portions of the combination glove and hairbrush according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3 a schematic showing styling element sleeves for some embodiments;

FIG. 4 depicts possible locations of flat/curling iron styling elements for some embodiments; and

FIGS. 5A-D are cross-sectional top views of various combined finger portions of the combination glove and hairbrush according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

As will be appreciated from the disclosure below, any number of combinations of brushes or styling elements may be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The drawings and embodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative in nature and are not intended to be limiting.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a combined glove andbrush device10. In an exemplary embodiment, thedevice10 includes abase glove12, abrush element14, and one ormore styling elements16.

Theglove12 forms the foundation for the entire product. In an exemplary embodiment, thebase glove12 resembles what some people refer to as a “shooter's mitten.” That is, it is a mitten having a separate forefinger and thumb, while the middle, ring, and pinky fingers are enveloped together in a mitten-like enclosure, sometimes referred to herein as a combinedportion18. The combinedportion18 is opposed to theforefinger portion20 and thethumb portion22 of theglove12. The combinedportion18 provides amitten area24 for thebrush element14, which may occupy a substantial portion of the area corresponding to the combinedportion18 and the palm of theglove12.

The arrangement of theglove12 provides freedom of movement for the thumb and forefinger while providing a relatively large (in width and length) area for thebrush element14 on themitten area24. This arrangement is particularly useful for emulating a paddle brush.

While we characterize the combinedportion18 as mitten-like, it need not be a conventional mitten construction.FIGS. 5A-D illustrate various cross-sectional top views of an internal portion of the combinedportion18. As shown inFIG. 5A, the combinedportion18 could be a conventional mitten structure having a single opening and internal area to accommodate the three fingers. In other embodiments, such asFIG. 5B, the internal area can be provided with rings, loops, or similar elements to provide separate areas for each finger. In the embodiment ofFIG. 5C, the internal area can be divided by internal “walls” to provide individual slots for each finger. In the embodiment ofFIG. 5D, the “mitten” area can actually be made by individual fingers which may be connected together by stitching, adhesive, or other means, such as securing them to a brush backer as discussed below.

Theglove12 may be made of any suitable material from cotton to silicone. Theglove12 may be constructed of conventional materials that are used for various types of gloves, particularly heat-resistant gloves which are known and used in many fields, including for hairstyling. In some embodiments, particularly those for use by professionals or during hair treatments, the material may also be chemical-resistant.

It will be appreciated that theglove12 may also be provided with other features such as, but not limited to padding, insulation, ventilation, a wrist enclosure (e.g., elastic, strap, hook and loop, etc.), and other features or combination of features. Theglove12 could also be of various sizes to accommodate different sized users.

As described above, the glove provides12 a relatively large surface for themitten area24, upon which thebrush element14 may be placed. This area generally occupies substantially all or a portion of the area generally identified as themitten area24, which includes the area of the middle, ring, and pinky fingers, as well as a portion of the palm. In some embodiments, thebrush element14 may also extend to the outer edge of the hand, and may even wrap around to the top side of the hand (opposite the palm).

The relative stiffness or flexibility of thebrush element14 can be designed to accommodate the user's preference. In some embodiments, thebrush element14 can be relatively stiff, truly emulating a stiff brush. In others, thebrush element14 can be flexible, adding comfort to thedevice10, and allowing the user to mirror the shape of their head. Of course, in most instances, somewhere in-between will probably strike the right balance.

Thebrush area14 may be configured to emulate traditional brush types or hybrid variants thereof. For example, the brush area can be configured to emulate a paddle brush, a half-round radial brush, a round brush, or hybrids thereof. Through the years, many brush styles have evolved, each implementing different characteristics to achieve desired effects. Any of these may be used or the concepts behind the design incorporated into the disclosed combined glove and hairbrush; that is, the brush and styling elements can be made to achieve the desired purposes of the various existing brush styles. Brushes are typically designed to straighten and smooth the hair, to create volume, to tease the hair (volume), or for detangling.FIGS. 2A-2E are top views of the combinedportion18 and provide non-limiting examples ofpossible brush elements14 that may be used in combination with thedevice10.

In one example (e.g.,FIG. 2A), thebrush element14 can be configured to emulate a paddle brush by providing a plurality ofbristles26 on a relativelystiff base28, which is located in the brush area, typically occupying a substantial portion of the mitten area and the palm. The stiffness of the base28 can vary depending on the need, and desired comfort level. One of the styling purposes of the paddle brush is to straighten hair, particularly longer hair. This is facilitated, in part by the bristles grabbing (and separating) the hair and forcing the hair against the relatively flat, stiff base of the paddle brush. As the hair passes through the bristles and is pressed against the base, it is straightened and flattened, aided by the effects of the heat from a blow dryer, when used.

A half-round radial brush (e.g.,FIG. 2B) can be similarly situated on the mitten and palm areas. To emulate this style of brush, thebase28 is curved away from the palm, in a dome like fashion, to impose a curve or arc. As with the paddle brush, hair is gathered and separated by the bristles and forced against the curved base portion. Again, with the application of optional heat, brushing the hair against this curve imparts a curve to the hair, yielding a curl, flip, or other desired characteristic. In some embodiments, thebase portion28 can be relatively stiff or flexible, depending on the need. In some embodiments, the base portion may be provided with vents to facilitate the movement of air through the hair and the brush.

Another useful style of brush is the round brush. Typically, these are round brushes having bristles around the full 360 degree circumference of the brush, these are useful in making curls, flips, ringlets, and other curvy styles. Although thebrush element14 may not be identical to the round brush since it is not round, providing bristles26 on a curved base at the edge of the hand can emulate a round brush and achieve the desired effects, as illustrated inFIG. 2C. In some embodiments, thebase28 is provided on the mitten and palm areas and extended to the edge of the hand and even to the top of the hand. In some embodiments, the mitten and palm area can emulate another style of brush, such as a paddle brush or a half-radial brush. In some embodiments, the round brush can be emulated with any of a variety of diameters, from as small as the edge of the hand will permit to a desired large diameter that can be achieved by providing a rounded based extending from the mitten/palm area around the edge of the hand to the top of the hand. (A round brush can also be emulated on the forefinger, and will be discussed below.) As with other styles, the base can be provided with vents to facilitate air flow.

These and other brush styles, such as the alternative embodiments shown inFIGS. 2D and 2E, can be emulated through appropriate choice of size, shape, location, etc. of any or all of the base, bristles, and other design choices. As is known in the art, the brush style may also be chosen based on hair type, rather than desired style. For example, different brush styles and/or bristles can be chosen for fine or curly hair.

Any type of bristle, natural, synthetic, hybrid, or combination can be used as thebristles26, as well as any arrangement. The arrangement, position, size, height, width, flexibility, frequency, distribution, and other bristle properties may be similar to those of currently available brushes, the goal being to emulate existing brush styles or to achieve desired results. Thebristles26 may also include a scalp massaging element which may help promote hair growth. Thebristles26 may be formed integrally with the base or affixed thereto as is well-known in the art.

Due to the nature of the glove and the movements of the hand, some consideration should be given to the arrangement, position, size, height, width, flexibility, frequency, distribution, and other bristle properties. For example, with respect to size or height of thebristles26, location may demand that thebristles26 be of reduced height to facilitate movement of the forefinger or thumb. The consideration balances the need for sufficient height to grab the hair with the need for shorter height to allow for adequate mobility.

Within thesame brush element14,various bristles26 could be used to achieve the desired effect. For example multiple different heights ofbristles26 can be used, as can natural and synthetic bristles be used side by side.

The base28 can be made of any suitable material including but not limited to metal, plastic, rubber, or combinations thereof. It is contemplated that the base28 (and thus the brush element14) can be permanently affixed to theglove12, or that it may be selectively removable to facilitate either different handedness or the swapping of various brush styles with a single glove.

For permanently affixed brushes, thebase28 can be permanently affixed by any suitable means, including but not limited to co-molding, stitching, adhesive, or other methods may be employed. For selectively removable brushes, any suitable means, including but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, tongue and groove, or other methods may be employed.

Theforefinger portion20 of the glove is separate from the remaining fingers (the combined portion18) and thethumb portion22. In the case of theforefinger portion20 andthumb portion22, some embodiments will allow them to remain at least partially bendable to maintain the natural feel of the hand. The free nature of theforefinger portion20 allows for comfort, control, and familiarity in use. It also affords the opportunity to providestyling elements16 separate from that found in the area of thebrush element14. The styling elements may be specialized elements which relate to a selected styling procedure. As with thebrush element14, thesestyling elements16 can be permanent or removable/interchangeable, and can be independent of thebrush element14. In one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 2F, the forefinger portion may be flat (i.e., with no accessory portion16).

Theforefinger portion20 is particularly well-adapted to have bristles arranged in a 360 degree arrangement to emulate a round brush. As noted above, bristle length is chosen to balance grabbing power with mobility and other concerns. Theforefinger portion20 can be provided with any number ofstyling elements16.

In the case of a brush like element, bristles can be provided on any or all surfaces of theforefinger portion20 to emulate a round brush, a flat brush, a pick, etc. That is, bristles can be provided around the forefinger, on the palm side, the thumb side, between the forefinger and middle finger, or on the top side, as shown in the embodiments ofFIGS. 2G-J.

Thethumb portion22 could be left unadorned to facilitate grasping and other tasks, as shown inFIG. 2K. Alternatively, thethumb portion22 could be outfitted with any of thestyling elements16 discussed herein, to either work in conjunction with thebrush element14 or theforefinger styling element16 or independently as its own styling element. For example,FIG. 2L includes a brush styling element on thethumb portion22.

As with thebrush element14, thestyling elements16 of theforefinger portion20 and thethumb portion22 can be permanently affixed by any suitable means or made removable and interchangeable.FIG. 3 includes an exemplary embodiment of thedevice10 in which thestyling elements16 for theforefinger portion20 are removable and interchangeable. In some embodiments, particularly for the forefinger, thestyling element16 may be provided on a removable sleeve ortube30 that can be placed over the finger, as shown inFIG. 3. In this manner, the forefinger can become whatever tool you need for a particular style.

In other embodiments, such as the embodiment ofFIG. 4, theforefinger portion20 may be provided with ametal element32 as thestyling element16 to emulate a flat iron or a curling iron. For obvious reasons, themetal element32 could be flat or curved. In some such instances, a

mating metal element

34,36 could be provided on a corresponding surface of the middle finger or the thumb to facilitate use. The

metal elements

32,34,36 hold the heat produced by a hair dryer and when applied to the hair help facilitate the desire effect (flattening or curling) much like their namesake devices.

Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the appended claims be construed to cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A combination hairstyling product comprising:

a glove, having separate thumb and forefinger portions and a combined portion for receiving the middle, ring, and pinky fingers;

a brush element comprising a base and a plurality of bristles extending therefrom, disposed on at least a palm side of the glove and occupying a substantial portion of the area corresponding to the combined portion and the palm; and

at least one styling element disposed on either the forefinger portion or the thumb portion.

2. The product ofclaim 1, wherein the styling element is selected from a brush, one or more bristles, a pick, or a flat/curling iron element.

3. The product ofclaim 2, wherein the styling element is removably attached to the glove.

4. The product ofclaim 3, wherein the styling element is formed on a tube or sleeve configured to receive the forefinger portion or the thumb portion of the glove.

5. The product ofclaim 1, wherein the glove is made from material that is heat resistant, chemical resistant, or both.

6. The product ofclaim 1, wherein the brush element is adapted to emulate a brush style selected from a paddle brush, a semi-round brush, a round brush, or a combination thereof.

7. The product ofclaim 6, wherein the brush element is removably attached to the glove.

8. The product ofclaim 1, wherein the brush element extends to an edge portion and or to a top portion of the combined portion.

9. The product ofclaim 8, wherein the brush element extends around to a top side of the hand.

10. The product ofclaim 1, wherein an interior portion of the combined portion is a single opening.

11. The product ofclaim 1, wherein an interior portion of the combined portion is divided into separate openings by rings, loops, or walls.

12. A combination hairstyling product, comprising:

a brush element disposed on at least a palm side of the glove and occupying a substantial portion of the area corresponding to the combined portion and the palm; and

a plurality of removable and interchangeable styling elements configured to be received by one or more of the forefinger portion or the thumb portion, wherein each of the plurality of styling elements includes a different specialized feature for hair styling.

13. The product ofclaim 12, wherein the plurality of styling elements include different brush configurations.

14. The product ofclaim 13, wherein the different brush configurations include different areas that have bristles.

15. The product ofclaim 13, wherein the different brush configurations include different bristle configurations.

16. The product ofclaim 12, wherein the plurality of styling elements include at least one metal element to be used as a flat/curling iron element.