Customizable hairbrush

Abstract

A hairbrush includes a base having a handle and an elongated end connected to the handle. The elongated end includes a plurality of slots extending inwardly from a front side surface of the elongated end and a cavity extending inwardly from a lateral side surface of the elongated end. The cavity and the slots extend in different directions and intersect each other inside the elongated end of the base. The hairbrush further includes a locking lever having a through-hole extending in the cavity and movable between a first position and a second position inside the cavity. The hairbrush may further include a plurality of bristle structures that can be inserted into the slots and the through-hole of the locking lever and selectively coupled to the elongated end of the base by moving the locking lever to one of its first position and second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hairbrush, and more particularly, to a hairbrush that can be customized by selectively attaching a bristle structure thereto. Background Art

[0002] Hairbrushes come in different types, shapes, and sizes. Some hairbrushes on the market are adjustable, but their degree of adjustability is limited. For example, known customization mechanisms typically involve removing the entire head of the brush handle and replacing it with a different type of brush head. Other customizable hairbrush configurations have detachable pads with bristles permanently attached thereto. In this case, the pad can be detached together with the bristles and replaced with a different pad having different bristles.

[0003] Therefore, when a user wants to change his or her hairstyle, the user can replace the entire hairbrush head or only the pad portion of the hairbrush with a hairbrush head or the pad portion of the hairbrush that is most suitable for the user's specific hairstyle needs. Professional hair stylists need to stock a relatively large number of different hairbrush heads or pads with different bristles in order to meet the needs of different customers.

[0004] However, due to the significant expense associated with purchasing a large number of brush heads and / or pads with bristles, this method may not be economically feasible. Additionally, since the user can only use one hairbrush head or pad with bristles at a time, the remaining portions of the brush head or pad need to be stored, thus requiring a large amount of storage space. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a highly customizable hairbrush that includes a base and a plurality of bristle structures selectively connectable to the base. The base includes a handle and an elongated receiving end connected to the handle. The elongated receiving end extends transversely to the length direction of the handle.

[0006] The receiving end of the base has a plurality of insertion slots that extend inwardly into the base (e.g., toward the handle) from the front side surface of the receiving end (e.g., from the side surface of the receiving end facing the bristle structure), and a cavity having a closed end that extends inwardly into the base from the lateral side surface of the receiving end (e.g., the left or right side of the receiving end). The insertion slots and the cavity extend in different directions inside the receiving end of the base and intersect with each other inside the receiving end of the base.

[0007] Each bristle structure may have an elongated body and an elongated tail end (or an elongated member, as mentioned below), the elongated body having a plurality of bristle elements attached thereto, and the elongated tail end connected to the body. The tail end of each bristle structure is configured to be inserted into any one of the insertion slots of the receiving end of the base. The tail end of each bristle structure includes at least one notch along its length.

[0008] The base of the hairbrush further includes a locking lever inserted into a cavity of the receiving end of the base. The locking lever is slidable between a first position and a second position in the longitudinal direction of the cavity to selectively allow the tail end of the bristle structure to be inserted into or removed from the insertion slot, and to selectively lock the inserted bristle structure to the receiving end of the base. The locking lever has a plurality of cutout windows (or through holes) along its length, and wall portions provided between the cutout windows (or on one side of each cutout window).

[0009] When the locking lever is in the first position, the cutout windows are aligned with the insertion slot, so that the tail end of the bristle structure can be inserted into or removed from the insertion slot (and through the cutout windows).

[0010] When the locking lever is in the second position, the cutout windows are displaced relative to their positions when the locking lever is in the first position, and this displacement causes the wall portions of the locking lever to protrude into their corresponding insertion slots and into the notches of each tail end of each bristle structure inserted into each slot. When the wall portions of the locking lever are inserted (or protruded) into the notches, the wall portions prevent the bristle structure from being removed from the base.

[0011] The locking lever may further include a spring that biases it towards the second position. Thus, during normal operation, the bristle structure will be selectively locked to the receiving end of the base. The locking lever may also be provided with a thumb button accessible from the lateral side surface of the receiving end, such that when the user wants to remove or add a bristle structure to the base, the user can press the button to slide the locking lever to the first position.

[0012] Accordingly, the hairbrush of the present invention can be selectively loaded with a desired number of bristle structures or different types of bristle structures to customize the hairbrush for use with different hair styles, types, textures, etc.

[0013] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0015] Figure 1 A perspective view of a hairbrush showing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 Showing Figure 1 A partially exploded perspective view of the hairbrush, omitting some bristle structures;

[0017] Figure Figure 3 Showing Figure 2 A perspective view of the enlarged area A;

[0018] FigureFigure 4 Shows Figure 3 an exploded perspective view of a hairbrush, with some bristle structures omitted;

[0019] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 a side view of the bristle connection mechanism of the hairbrush in a first state;

[0020] Figure 6 Shows Figure 1 a side view of the bristle connection mechanism of the hairbrush in a second state;

[0021] Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 a perspective view of a cut-away portion of the hairbrush, with some bristle structures omitted;

[0022] Figure 8 Shows Figure 1 a perspective view of a part of the hairbrush;

[0023] Figure 9 Shows a perspective view of a bristle structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 10 Shows a perspective view of a part of a hairbrush according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 11 Shows a perspective view of a bristle structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 12 Shows a perspective view of a bristle structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0027] Figure 13 Shows a perspective view of a bristle structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals may refer to like elements. For clarity, the dimensions and / or proportions of the elements shown in the drawings may be exaggerated.

[0029] When an element is referred to as being "disposed on" another element, intervening elements may be disposed therebetween. Additionally, elements, components, parts, etc. that are not described in detail with respect to a particular drawing or embodiment may be assumed to be similar or identical to the corresponding elements, components, parts, etc. described elsewhere in the specification. Additionally, the dimensions shown in the drawings are non-limiting.

[0030] Figures 1 - 8A perspective view of a hairbrush according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0031] Referring Figure 1 to Figure 2 , the hairbrush 10 includes a base 100 and a plurality of bristle structures 200 that are selectively connectable to the base 100. Referring

[0032] As Figure 2 shown, the base 100 includes a handle 110 that extends substantially in a first direction X and an elongated end portion 120 connected to the handle 110. Figure 2 As

[0033] shown, the end portion 120 of the base 100 extends substantially in a second direction Y. As

[0034] shown, the first direction X and the second direction Y intersect each other. For example, the first direction X and the second direction Y are orthogonal to each other. Figures 1 - 8 However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the handle 110 and the end portion 120 of the base 100 may be arranged to extend at an angle other than 90 degrees relative to each other. For example, the handle 110 and the end portion 120 may be configured to extend at an inclined angle relative to each other. Figure 2

[0035] Referring Figure 2 Figure 2 to

[0036] Figure 2 Figure 2 As shown, the side wall 216 of the hollow body 210 of each bristle structure 200 may have an outer surface 218 and may define a through hole 219 in the hollow body 210.

[0037] As

[0037] In each bristle structure 200, as Figure 2 shown, the bristle elements 260 may be spaced apart from each other and may be continuously arranged along the length of the side wall 216 (e.g., arranged in the first direction X).Figure 2 As shown, the bristle elements 260 of each bristle structure 200 can be connected to the outer surface 218 and can extend substantially perpendicular to the outer surface 218. For example, as Figure 2 shown, the bristle elements 260 can extend substantially in a third direction Z. The third direction Z intersects the first direction X and the second direction Y and can be, for example, perpendicular to each of the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0038] Each bristle element 260 on each bristle structure 200 can include a single bristle tip, or a tuft of bristles (e.g., multiple wild boar hairs bundled together), or a combination of different types of bristle elements.

[0039] When the bristle element 260 includes a single bristle tip, the bristle tip can be made of natural or synthetic materials. When the bristle element 260 includes a tuft of bristles, the tuft can contain bristles made of natural materials, bristles made of synthetic materials, or a combination of natural and synthetic bristles.

[0040] Examples of natural materials that can be made into bristles include animal hair, wood, plant materials (e.g., plant fibers), and feathers. Suitable types of animal hair for making bristles include, for example, horsehair (e.g., horsehair or zebra hair), cow hair, goat hair, donkey / mule hair, camel hair, alpaca hair, wild boar / pig hair, badger hair, mink hair, sable hair, etc.

[0041] Bristles made of synthetic materials can include, for example, nylon, polyester, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc. or mixtures thereof. The present invention is not limited to the above examples of natural and synthetic bristles.

[0042] Although as Figures 1 - 4 and Figures 7 - 8 shown, all the bristle elements 260 in the bristle structure 200 can be the same as each other, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, any bristle structure 200 can also be manufactured to include bristle elements 260 that are different from each other. For example, the first bristle element 260 in the bristle structure 200 can include bristles that are longer or shorter, thicker or thinner, harder or more flexible, have different cross-sectional shapes, different profile shapes, and / or are made of different materials, rather than the bristles of the second bristle element 260 in the same bristle structure 200.

[0043] The material, shape, and size of each bristle included in each bristle element 260 of each bristle structure 200 can vary as needed to achieve a bristle element 260 having a desired length and a desired degree of flexibility.

[0044] Although the spacing between the bristle elements 260 can be uniform, as Figures 1 - 4As shown, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the spacing between the bristle elements 260 in each bristle structure 200 can be varied as needed. As an example, each bristle structure 200 can have a first pair of bristle elements 260 disposed adjacent to each other (e.g., not spaced apart from each other) and a second pair of bristle openings spaced apart from each other.

[0045] Figures 1 - 4 and Figures 7 - 8 shows that the bristle structure 200 can have twelve bristle elements 260, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, each bristle structure 200 can include fewer than twelve bristle elements 260 or more than twelve bristle elements 260 as needed.

[0046] Referring Figures 1 - 4 and Figures 7 - 8 , the elongate member 240 can have an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape extending substantially in the first direction X and can be connected to the side wall 216 of the hollow body 210 of each bristle structure 200.

[0047] As Figure 3 more clearly shown in, the elongate member 240 can have a first end 242, a second end 244, and a body 246 extending substantially in the first direction X between the first end 242 and the second end 244. In other words, the length of the body 246 can be measured in the first direction X. The body 246 has a height H1 measured in the third direction Z.

[0048] Referring Figure 3 , the body 246 of the elongate member 240 can include a first body portion 248 disposed adjacent to the first end 242, a second body portion 250 disposed adjacent to the second end 244, and a third portion 252 disposed between the first body 248 and the second body 250.

[0049] Referring Figure 3 , the first body portion 248 can have a width W2 and the second body portion 250 can have a width W3, both measured in the second direction Y. Referring Figure 3 , the width W2 and W3 can be the same as each other, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, in different configurations, the width W2 of the first body portion 248 can be less than the width W3 of the second body portion 250.

[0050] Referring Figure 3, the height H1 can be uniform along the length of each elongate member 240. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, in a different configuration, the height H1 of the body 246 of the elongate member 240 of any one of the bristle structures 200 can vary at different points along the length of the body 246. As an example, the height (e.g., H1) of the second body portion 250 can be equal to or greater than the height of the third body portion 252 (both heights are measured in the third direction Z), and the height of the third body portion 252 can be equal to or greater than the height of the first body portion 248 (both measured in the third direction Z).

[0051] Reference Figure 3 , the third body portion 252 can include a first notch 254 having a forward surface 254A and a second notch 256 having a forward surface 256A. Reference Figure 3 , the notches 254 and 256 can extend inwardly into the third body portion 252 in the width direction of the elongate member 240. As Figure 3 shown, the notches 254 and 246 can extend through the entire height of the third body portion 252 in the third direction Z.

[0052] Reference Figure 3 , due to the notches 254 and 256, the third body portion 252 can have a width W4 that is less than the widths W2 and W3. The notches 254 and 256 in the third body portion 252 of the elongate member 240 of each bristle structure 200 are for holding the end 120 to which each bristle structure 200 can be selectively connected to the base 100, as will be described below.

[0053] Reference Figures 1 - 8 It can be appreciated that the end 120 of the base 100 is configured to receive a portion of the plurality of bristle structures 200 therein such that the bristle structures 200 can be selectively connected to the base 100.

[0054] Although Figure 1 shown that all the bristle structures 200 can be identical to each other, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The configuration of the bristle structures 200 can be changed as needed, and a plurality of bristle structures 200 having different bodies 210 (e.g., bodies 210 having different shapes, sizes, and / or lengths from each other) can be coupled to the base 100. Additionally, different bristle structures 200 can have bristle elements 260 that are the same as or different from each other. In other words, the number, length, type, and spacing of the bristle elements 260 that can be connected to the base 100 can be changed according to the needs of the user. Thus, the hairbrush of the present invention can be precisely customized according to the needs of each specific user or use.

[0055] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 7, the end 120 of the base 100 includes a first body portion 140 extending substantially in the second direction Y, a second body portion 160 extending substantially in the second direction Y, and a locking lever 180.

[0056] Reference Figures 4 - 6 , an internal cavity 150 is formed in the end 120 of the base 100 between the first body portion 140 and the second body portion 160. Reference Figure 4 , the internal cavity 150 extends substantially in the second direction Y and has an open end accessible from the lateral side surface of the end 120 and a closed end 152 opposite to the end 120.

[0057] As Figure 4 and Figure 7 shown, the locking lever 180 can be slidably disposed in the internal cavity 150 and can extend substantially in the second direction Y inside the cavity 150.

[0058] The first body portion 140, the second body portion 160, and the locking lever 180 can be made of, for example, metal, polymeric material, wood, or a combination thereof. Metals that can be used to construct the first body portion 140, the second body portion 160, and the locking lever 180 include, for example, aluminum, copper, zinc, tin, iron, titanium, magnesium, etc., or their alloys (such as brass).

[0059] Polymeric materials that can be used to construct the first body portion 140, the second body portion 160, and the locking lever 180 include, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate, PET, polyurethane, etc., or their mixtures.

[0060] Reference Figure 4 , the first body portion 140 can include a first end 145, a second end 147, an outer side surface 149 extending between the first end and the second end 147, a plurality of recesses 142 extending inward from the outer surface 149 (e.g., extending in a direction opposite to the first direction X) into the first body portion 140, and a coupling member 146 protruding from the outer side surface 149 in the first direction X along a major portion of the outer periphery of the outer side surface 149.

[0061] As Figure 4 shown, the recesses 142 can be spaced apart from each other and can be arranged sequentially in the second direction Y (e.g., in the length direction of the end 120 of the base 100). For example, the recesses 142 can be evenly spaced apart from each other.

[0062] Reference Figure 4 , each recess 142 can have a plurality of side surfaces 144. The side surfaces 144 define a height H2 (measured in the third direction Z), a width W5 (measured in the second direction Y), and a depth D1 of each recess 142 (measured in the first direction X, seeFigure 7 depth D1). Each recess 142 is configured to receive the first body portion 248 of the elongate member 240 therein and may form a non-sway fit with the first body portion 248. Each recess 142 may be configured, for example, to form an interference fit with the first body portion 248 inserted therein. However, if desired, each recess 142 may also have a larger size than its corresponding first body portion 248 to loosely receive the first body portion 248 therein.

[0063] In an example, the height H2 and width W5 of each recess 142 may be substantially equal to or slightly greater than the height H1 and width W2 of the first body portion 248, respectively. The depth Dl of each recess 142 may be made long enough to accommodate the length of its corresponding first body portion 248.

[0064] The recess 142 is shown as having a substantially square shape (or square cross-sectional shape), but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the recess 142 may have a polygonal shape, or an opening with a polygonal cross-sectional shape (e.g., triangular cross-sectional shape, rectangular cross-sectional shape, pentagonal cross-sectional shape, etc.), a circular cross-sectional shape, an elliptical cross-sectional shape, an oval cross-sectional shape, or an irregular cross-sectional shape.

[0065] The locking lever 180 is slidable in the cavity 150 to enable the bristle structure 200 to be inserted and selectively coupled to the base 100, and to enable the bristle structure 200 to be selectively detached from the base 100. For example, as can be referred to Figures 4 to 8 It can be appreciated that the locking lever 180 is slidable between a first position and a second position in the cavity 150, the first position being as shown in Figure 6 to allow the bristle structure 200 to be coupled to and detached from the base 100, and the second position being as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 7 to selectively lock the inserted bristle structure 200 to the base 100.

[0066] As Figure 4 shown, the locking lever 180 may include a lever body 182 extending substantially in the second direction Y, a spring member 184 provided at the body of the lever body 182, and a button 186 having a protrusion 188 provided at the second end of the lever body 182.

[0067] As Figure 4 shown, the lever body 182 may include a plurality of through holes 190 along its length and a plurality of wall portions 192 extending between the plurality of through holes 190. Referring to Figure 4, the through holes 190 are configured to allow the first body portion 248 of the elongate member 240 of the corresponding bristle structure 200 to pass through the rod body 182. Additionally, each through hole 190 is configured to receive the third body portion 252 of the elongate member 240 of the corresponding bristle structure 200 therein.

[0068] As Figure 4 shown, each through hole 190 may have a width W6 that is substantially equal to or greater than the width W2 of the first body portion 248, and a height H3 that is substantially equal to or greater than the height H1 of the elongate member 240 of the corresponding bristle structure 200. For example, the through hole 190 may have a shape that is similar to or the same as the shape of the groove 142.

[0069] Referring Figures 4 - 8 it can be appreciated that due to the biasing action of the spring member 184 (e.g., due to the spring member 184 pressing against the end 152 of the cavity 150), the locking lever 180 can naturally rest in the second position (see Figure 5 ).

[0070] For example, by pressing the button 186 inwardly towards the end 152 of the cavity 150 (e.g., pressing the button 186 in the second direction Y), the locking lever 180 can move (e.g., slide) to the first position. The sliding action can cause the spring member 184 to be compressed or deflected closer to the rod body 182, as Figure 6 shown. When the button 186 is released, due to the biasing spring action of the spring member 184 (e.g., due to the decompression of the spring member 184), the locking lever 180 can slide back to the second position.

[0071] The spring member 184 is shown as an elongate curved spring, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the spring member 184 can also be a helical spring. In this case, one end of the helical spring is attached to the rod body 182, while the other end is configured to press against the end 152 of the cavity 150. However, the spring member 184 can also be attached to other positions of the rod body 182 and can be configured to press against other regions of the end 120 surrounding the cavity 150.

[0072] As Figure 4 and Figure 7 more clearly shown in, the protrusion 188 is provided in the cavity 150 and is configured to contact the portion 143 of the first body portion 140 of the end 120 of the base 100 when the locking lever 180 is in the second position, (see as Figure 7 ). By contacting this portion 143, the protrusion 188 prevents the locking lever 180 from popping out of the cavity 150.

[0073] Referring Figure 4 and Figure 7, the second body portion 160 of the end 120 of the base 100 may include a first end 165, a second end 167, an inner surface 163 extending between the first end 165 and the second end 167 (see Figure 5 ), an outer surface 169 extending between the first end 165 and the second end 167 (see Figure 4 ), a plurality of through holes 190 along its length, and a main portion along the outer periphery of the inner surface 163, in a direction opposite to the first direction X, a coupling member 166 protruding from the inner surface 163. The through holes 190 extend in the first direction X between the inner surface 163 and the outer surface 169.

[0074] An internal cavity 150 is formed between the outer surface 149 of the first body portion 140 and the inner surface 163 of the second body portion 160. As Figure 7 shown, the coupling member 146 and the coupling member 166 are configured to selectively connect to each other to keep the first body portion 140 and the second body portion 160 attached to each other.

[0075] For example, the coupling member 146 and the coupling member 166 may form an interference fit, a snap fit, etc. with each other to keep the first body portion 140 and the second body portion 160 attached to each other. Additionally or alternatively, the coupling member 146 and the coupling member 166 may adhere to each other to keep the first body portion 140 and the second body portion 160 attached to each other.

[0076] As Figure 4 and Figure 7 shown, the first body portion 140 and the second body portion 160 of the end 120 of the base 100 may be two separate components that may be selectively connected to each other along their corresponding outer peripheries via various connection mechanisms. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration of the base 100. For example, the first body portion 140 and the second body portion 160 may also be formed as an integral structure. For example, the base 100 may be formed as a one-piece structure by injecting a polymeric material into a mold using an injection molding process.

[0077] As Figure 4 shown, the through holes 162 may be aligned with the grooves 142 of the first body portion 140 of the end 120. Each through hole 162 is configured to allow the first body portion 248 and the third body portion 252 of the elongate member 240 of the bristle structure 200 to pass through the second body portion 160. Additionally, each through hole 162 is configured to receive the second body portion 250 of the elongate member 240 therein.

[0078] Refer to Figure 4, the through-hole 162 may have a width W7 that is substantially equal to or greater than the width W3 of the second body portion 250 of the elongate member 240, and a height H3 that is substantially equal to or greater than the height H1 of the elongate member 240 of the bristle structure 200. For example, the through-hole 162 may have a shape that is the same as or similar to the shape of the groove 142 and / or the through-hole 190 in the locking lever 180.

[0079] Each through-hole 162 and its corresponding groove 142 define a slot (or insertion slot) in the elongate end portion 120, and each slot is configured to internally receive the elongate member 240 of the bristle structure 200. The cavity 150 may intersect all of the slots of the elongate end portion 120, as Figure 7 shown. Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 7 , the slots may extend substantially parallel to each other and may be evenly spaced from each other. Thus, the bristle structures 200 connected to the slots may also extend parallel to each other.

[0080] Although Figure 7 it is shown that the insertion slots may extend parallel to each other inside the end portion 120 of the base 100 and may have the same shape and the same length as each other, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the insertion slots may also extend at an inclined angle relative to each other and / or may have different lengths inside the end portion 120 of the base 100. Additionally, the spacing between the insertion slots does not need to be uniform, as Figure 7 shown.

[0081] When the locking lever 180 is in the first position, as Figure 6 shown, the wall portion 192 either does not overlap with the through-hole 162 or overlaps with the through-hole 162 minimally. For example, Figure 6 shows a minimal (or negligible) overlap between the wall portion 192 and the through-hole 162. In other words, the first wall portion 192 of the rod body 182 of the locking lever 180 overlaps with the slot to an extent that is not sufficient to prevent the selective insertion or removal of the elongate member 240 of the first bristle structure 200 into or from its corresponding slot. This position enables the bristle structure 200 to be selectively coupled to the base 100 by inserting the elongate member 240 of each individual bristle structure 200 into the slot of the elongate member 120 of the base 100. The first position of the locking lever 180 also enables the bristle structures 200 to be selectively removed from their slots.

[0082] When the locking lever 180 is in the second position, as Figure 5As shown, in each slot of the end portion 120, each wall portion 192 overlaps its corresponding through hole 162 to an extent sufficient for the wall portion 192 to be inserted into the second notch 256 of the bristle structure 200 inserted into the slot. In other words, when the locking lever 180 is in the second position, the wall portion 192 is inserted into the second notch 256 of the bristle structure 200 coupled to the base 100 to prevent the bristle structure 200 from detaching from the base 100.

[0083] In addition to Figure 4 the upward alignment shown, since each bristle structure 200 may include a pair of notches (e.g., a first notch 254 and a second notch 256), each bristle structure 200 may also be loaded in any one of the slots of the base 100 in an inverted alignment (e.g., the bristle elements 260 point downward, opposite to Figure 4 the alignment shown). When the bristle structure 200 is inserted into the slot of the base 100 in an inverted alignment, the wall portion 192 will be inserted into the first notch 254 of the bristle structure 200.

[0084] Referring to Figure 3 , the first body portion 248 may taper (or chamfer its corners to produce a V-shaped shape with a flat bottom, as more clearly shown in Figure 3 ) at its end corresponding to the first end 242 of the elongate member 240. The tapered end of the first body portion 248 enables the elongate member 240 of the bristle structure 200 to insert its first portion 248 into the slot by grasping the bristle structure 200 and inserting it into any one of the slots of the elongate end portion 120, and pushing the bristle structure 200 (with a certain force) into the slot. In other words, the user does not need to press the button 186 to move the wall portion 192 of the locking lever 180 out of the slot to clear a path for the elongate member 240 to be inserted into the slot interior.

[0085] This is because the inclined surface of one of the chamfers of the first body portion 248 is configured to contact the wall portion 192 inside the slot into which the elongate member 240 is inserted, and when the bristle structure 200 is pressed inward into the slot, it causes the wall portion 192 inside the slot (and thus the entire locking lever 180) to move (e.g., slide) in the Y direction away from the first body portion 248. This in turn enables the first body portion 248 to pass through its corresponding through hole 190 and continue to be inserted deeper into the slot.

[0086] When the first body portion 248 of the bristle structure 200 exceeds the depth of the locking lever 180 inside the slot, due to the action of the spring member 184, the locking lever 180 then snaps back in the -Y direction and engages inside one of the first notch 254 and the second notch 256 of the bristle structure 200 (depending on the specific situation, depending on whether the bristle elements 260 point upward (e.g., in the Z direction) or downward (-Z direction) when the bristle structure 200 is inserted).

[0087] Alternatively or additionally, the user may press button 186 to move wall portion 192 away from the slot (e.g., in the Y direction) so that the elongate member 240 of each bristle structure 200 can be inserted (or removed) into the slot.

[0088] Figure 1 It is shown that the elongate member 240 of each bristle structure 200 is long enough to prevent the outer surface 218 of the hollow body 210 of each bristle structure 200 from contacting the outer side surface 169 of the second body portion 160 of the end 120 of the base 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the length of the elongate member 240 and / or the length of the slot may be modified such that the outer surface 218 of the hollow body 210 of the bristle structure 200 can contact the outer side surface 169 of the second body portion 160 of the end 120.

[0089] When the outer surface 218 of the hollow body 210 of the bristle structure 200 contacts the outer side surface 169 of the second body portion 160 of the end 120, the area where these two surfaces contact each other provides additional structural support for the bristle structure 200. When using the hairbrush 10, the additional structural support results in increased stability of the bristle structure 200, thereby preventing or at least minimizing any left - right or up - down rocking / bending movement of the bristle structure 200 when the hairbrush 10 is in use (e.g., due to the forces applied to the bristle structure 200 during combing / brushing hair).

[0090] The shape and / or size of the outer surface 218 of the hollow body 210 of the bristle structure 200, and the shape and / or size of the outer side surface 169 of the second body portion 160 of the end 120 can be modified as needed to increase the stability of the bristle structure 200. For example, the hollow body 210 can be made wider than that Figures 1 to 8 shown in.

[0091] Additionally, or alternatively, the outer side surface 169 of the second body portion 160 of the end 120 can be made flat or otherwise made to have a shape that matches the shape of the hollow body 210 to increase the contact area between the outer surface 218 of the hollow body 210 and the outer side surface 169 of the second body portion 160 of the end 120.

[0092] Reference Figure 10 shows this configuration. Figure 10 A portion of the hairbrush 20 of the present invention is shown. Reference Figure 10 , the hairbrush 20 includes a base 100B having an end 120B with an outer surface area 169B, and a bristle structure 200B selectively connected to the end 120B.

[0093] Reference Figure 10, the bristle structure 200B includes an elongate member 240B selectively inserted into the end portion 120B, and a body 210B having bristle elements 260B attached to the elongate member 240B.

[0094] Reference Figure 10 , the outer surface 169B may be flat and may have a through-hole 162B with grooves. As Figure 10 shown, the end portion of the body 210B facing the outer surface 169B may be configured to substantially abut against the outer surface 169B when the bristle structure 200B is selectively connected to the end portion 120B.

[0095] As Figure 10 shown, the end portion of the body 210B configured to rest on the outer surface 169B may be flat and may be wider than the size of the through-hole 162B. The area where the end portion of the body 210B overlaps and contacts the outer surface 169B is indicated by Figure 10 the reference numeral 171 in

[0096] The components of the hairbrush 20 not described in detail herein may be assumed to be similar or identical to the corresponding components of the hairbrush 10.

[0097] As described above, the base of the hairbrush (e.g., base 100) may be coupled with different types of bristle structures 200 to best serve the type of hair that the hairbrush will be used to comb / brush. The bristle structures 200 may have different lengths and different bristle configurations. For example, Figure 11 shown is a bristle structure 200C, which includes a plurality of bristle elements 260C1 and a plurality of bristle elements 260C2 alternately arranged with each other along the length of the bristle structure 200C. The bristle elements 260C1 may be individual brush tips, and the bristle elements 260C2 may be bristle clusters (e.g., multiple wild boar hairs or other hairs bundled together).

[0098] Figure 12 shown is a bristle structure 200D, the density of whose bristle elements 260D is half that of the bristle structure 200. For example, the bristle structure 200D may have the same length as the bristle structure 200, but the bristle elements 260D in the bristle structure 200D may be spaced apart from each other by a distance twice the distance between the bristle elements 260 of the bristle structure 200.

[0099] Figure 13 shown is a bristle structure 200E, which has bristle structures on its two opposite sides (e.g., on its top side and bottom side). Reference Figure 13 , the bristle structure 200E includes a plurality of bristle elements 260S1 on its top side and a plurality of bristle elements S2 on its bottom side.Figure 13 The bristle units 260S1 and 260S2 are shown to be the same, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The bristle structure 200E can also be configured to have bristle elements 260S1 that are different from the bristle elements 260S2.

[0100] Although Figures 1 - 8 the hairbrush 10 is shown to have seven slots configured to receive the bristle structure 200, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. If desired, the hairbrush of the present invention can be provided with one slot, or more than one slot.

[0101] Additionally, Figures 1 - 8 the hairbrush 10 can also be made into a double-sided hairbrush by coupling some of the bristle structures 200 in an upward alignment, as Figure 4 shown, (e.g., pointing upward in the Z direction), and by coupling other bristle structures 200 in a downward alignment (e.g., pointing downward in the -Z direction). The symmetric structure of the elongate member 240 and the plurality of slots allows this. The elongate member 240 and the plurality of slots can be asymmetric (e.g., triangular cross-section) such that the bristle structure 200 can only be inserted in one way (e.g., upward Z direction) and not in another way (e.g., downward Z direction). Alternatively or additionally, the hairbrush 10 can be made into a double-sided hairbrush by coupling one or more double-sided bristle structures 200E to the hairbrush 10. For example, the double-sided hairbrush configuration can be useful when loading the hairbrush 10 with different bristle elements on different sides. When the hairbrush 10 is loaded with different bristle elements on both of its sides, a single hairbrush 10 can effectively be used as two separate hairbrushes. This configuration is convenient because it saves the user the cost of purchasing and storing two separate hairbrushes (which would require two separate bases / handles).

[0102] Furthermore, the through-hole 219 in the hollow body 210 of each bristle structure 200 is useful because it reduces the weight of the bristle structure 200 and enables the bristle structure 200 to be hooked to a wall or other support surface by a hook.

[0103] However, the bristle structure of the hairbrush 10 of the present invention does not necessarily need to have the through-hole 219.

[0104] For example, Figure 9 a bristle structure 200A without a through-hole 210 is shown. The bristle structure 200A can be coupled to and detached from the base 100 of the hairbrush 10 as described above for the bristle structure 200. Thus, Figures 1 - 8 the base 100 of the hairbrush 10 can be loaded separately with bristle structure(s) 200, a combination of bristle structure(s) 200 and a plurality of bristle structures 200A, or separately with bristle structure(s) 200A. Figures 1 - 8 the base 100 of the hairbrush 10 can be loaded separately with bristle structure(s) 200, a combination of bristle structure(s) 200 and a plurality of bristle structures 200A, or separately with bristle structure(s) 200A.

[0105] Reference Figure 9 , the bristle structure 200A may have a bar-shaped body 210A and an elongated member 240A. The bar-shaped body 210A may be solid or hollow inside, but does not have any through holes. When the inside of the body 210A is hollow, all of its end faces may be closed to avoid forming through holes through the body 210A.

[0106] Although the body 210A of the bristle structure 200A is shown as having square ends, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the bristle structure of the present invention can be manufactured to have different end shapes. For example, Figure 2 the circular ends of the bristle structure 200 as shown, Figure 9 the square ends as shown, or ends having other shapes.

[0107] The elongated member 240A may be similar or identical to the above-described elongated member 240.

[0108] It is apparent from the above description that the hairbrush of the present invention is highly customizable. The hairbrush can be provided with the desired number of slots and can be customized by the user by selecting the desired number and type of bristle structures and coupling the selected bristle structures to the desired slots in the base of the hairbrush.

[0109] Although the present invention has been specifically shown and described with reference to its exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hairbrush, comprising: a base having an elongated end portion, wherein the elongated end portion of the base comprises: a body having a front surface and a lateral surface; a plurality of grooves spaced apart from each other, the plurality of grooves extending in a first direction from the front surface inside the body; and a cavity extending in a second direction from the lateral surface inside the body, wherein the first direction and the second direction intersect each other, and wherein the cavity and the plurality of grooves intersect each other inside the body of the elongated end portion; a plurality of bristle structures configured to be selectively coupled to the elongated end portion of the base by insertion into the plurality of grooves; and a device disposed in the cavity for allowing one of the plurality of bristle structures to be selectively inserted into one of the plurality of grooves, for fixedly holding each bristle structure connected to the groove once inserted into one of the plurality of grooves, and for allowing each bristle structure to be selectively removed from one of the plurality of grooves; wherein the body of each bristle structure includes an opening extending therethrough; wherein the device disposed in the cavity includes a locking rod disposed in the cavity, wherein the locking rod is configured to move between a first position and a second position in the cavity, wherein the locking rod includes a rod body having a first end and a second end, wherein the rod body has a length in the second direction between its first end and second end, a width in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and a thickness in the first direction, and wherein the rod body includes a first through hole extending in the first direction and a first wall portion bordering one side of the first through hole, and wherein a first bristle structure of the plurality of bristle structures includes: a body having a plurality of bristle elements; and an elongated member connected to the body of the first bristle structure, wherein the elongated member extends in the first direction and includes a first end opposite to the body of the first bristle structure, a second end connected to the body of the first bristle structure, and a first notch disposed between its first end and second end, wherein, when the locking rod is in the first position and the elongated member of the first bristle structure is inserted into a first groove of the plurality of grooves, the elongated member of the first bristle structure extends through the first through hole of the rod body of the locking rod, and the first wall portion of the rod body of the locking rod is positioned inside the first notch so as to hold the first bristle structure selectively connected to the base, and wherein, when the locking rod is in the second position, the first wall portion of the rod body of the locking rod is positioned outside the first notch to allow the elongated member of the first bristle structure to be selectively removed from the first notch.

2. The hairbrush according to claim 1, wherein the elongated member of the body of the first bristle structure further includes a second notch disposed opposite to the first notch.

3. The hairbrush according to claim 1, wherein the elongated end portion of the base further includes a second groove among the plurality of grooves that is separate from the first groove, wherein the second groove extends in the first direction within the body of the elongated end portion of the base, from the front side surface of the body of the elongated end portion of the base, and wherein the second groove intersects the cavity within the body of the elongated end portion.

4. The hairbrush according to claim 3, further comprising a second bristle structure configured to be selectively coupled to the elongated end portion of the base, wherein the rod body of the locking lever further includes a second through hole extending in the first direction and a second wall portion bordering one side of the first through hole, Among them, The second bristle structure includes: a body having a plurality of bristle elements; and an elongated member connected to the body of the second bristle structure, wherein the elongated member extends in the first direction and includes a first end opposite to the body of the second bristle structure, a second end connected to the body of the second bristle structure, and a notch provided between its first end and second end, wherein, when the locking lever is in the first position and the elongated member of the second bristle structure is inserted into the second groove, the elongated member of the second bristle structure extends through the second through hole of the rod body of the locking lever, and the second wall portion of the rod body of the locking lever is positioned inside the notch of the second bristle structure to maintain the selective connection of the second bristle structure to the base, and wherein, when the locking lever is in the second position, the second wall portion of the rod body of the locking lever is located outside the notch of the second bristle structure to allow the elongated member of the second bristle structure to be selectively removed from the second groove.

5. The hairbrush according to claim 3, wherein the first groove and the second groove extend substantially parallel to each other.

6. The hairbrush according to claim 5, wherein, The first groove and the second groove have the same cross-sectional shape as each other.

7. The hairbrush according to claim 1, wherein the cavity includes a closed end portion located inside the base, Among them, The locking lever further includes a spring member provided at the second end of the rod body, the spring member being configured to contact the closed end portion of the cavity to bias the locking lever towards the first position when the locking lever is in the second position.

8. The hairbrush according to claim 1, wherein the locking lever further includes a button provided at the first end of the rod body, wherein the button is accessible from the lateral side surface of the body of the elongated end portion of the base.

9. The hairbrush according to claim 8, wherein the locking lever further includes a protrusion connected to the rod body, wherein the protrusion is provided inside the cavity and is configured to prevent the locking lever from being removed from the cavity.

10. The hairbrush according to claim 9, wherein the protrusion is provided adjacent to the first end of the rod body.

11. The hairbrush according to claim 1, wherein a first bristle structure among the plurality of bristle structures has a plurality of first bristle elements extending upward from a top surface region of the first bristle structure, and a plurality of second bristle elements extending downward from a bottom surface region of the first bristle structure.

12. The hairbrush according to claim 1, wherein the body of the first bristle structure among the plurality of bristle structures includes a first end of the front side surface of the body configured to face the elongated end of the base, and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the first end of the body of the first bristle structure is wider than the slot.

13. The hairbrush according to claim 12, wherein when the first bristle structure is inserted into the first slot, the first end of the body of the first bristle structure is configured to contact the front side surface of the body of the elongated end of the base.

14. A hairbrush, comprising: a base having an elongated end, wherein the elongated end of the base includes: a body having a front side surface and a lateral side surface; a plurality of slots, the plurality of slots being separated from each other and extending in a first direction from the front side surface inside the body; a cavity extending in a second direction from the lateral side surface inside the body, wherein the first direction and the second direction intersect each other, and wherein the cavity intersects the plurality of slots inside the body of the elongated end; a locking rod disposed in the cavity and configured to slide between a first position and a second position in the cavity, wherein the locking rod includes a rod body having a first end and a second end, wherein the rod body has a length in the second direction between its first end and second end, a width in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and a thickness in the first direction, and wherein the rod body includes a plurality of through holes extending in the first direction through the rod body, and a wall portion bordering one side of a corresponding one of the through holes of the rod body; and a plurality of bristle structures configured to be selectively coupled to the elongated end of the base, wherein each of the bristle structures includes: a body having a plurality of bristle elements; and an elongated member connected to the body of the bristle structure, wherein the elongated member of each bristle structure extends in the first direction and includes a first end opposite to the body of the corresponding bristle structure, a second end connected to the body of the corresponding bristle structure, and a first notch disposed between the first end and the second end of the elongated member. Wherein, when the locking lever is in the first position, and the elongated member of each of the plurality of bristle structures is inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of slots and extends through a corresponding one of the plurality of through-holes of the locking lever, a corresponding one of the plurality of wall portions of the rod body of the locking lever is positioned inside the first notch of each of the bristle structures to maintain the plurality of bristle structures selectively connected to the base, and Wherein, when the locking lever is in the second position, the wall portion of the rod body of the locking lever is located outside the first notch to allow the plurality of bristle structures to be removed from the slots.

15. The hairbrush according to claim 14, wherein the elongated member of the first one of the plurality of bristle elements has a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

16. The hairbrush according to claim 14, wherein the elongated member of the first one of the plurality of bristle elements further includes a second notch.

17. The hairbrush according to claim 14, wherein the size of the first one of the plurality of slots is approximately equal to the size of the elongated member of the first one of the plurality of bristle elements, such that the first one of the plurality of slots and the elongated member of the first bristle element among the plurality of bristle elements can form an interference fit with each other.

18. A hairbrush, comprising: A base having an elongated end, wherein the elongated end of the base includes: A body having a front surface and a lateral surface; A plurality of slots spaced apart from each other, the plurality of slots extending in a first direction from the front surface inside the body; and A cavity extending in a second direction from the lateral surface inside the body, wherein the first direction and the second direction intersect with each other, and wherein the cavity and the plurality of slots intersect with each other inside the body of the elongated end; A plurality of bristle structures configured to be selectively coupled to the elongated end of the base by insertion into the plurality of slots; and A device disposed in the cavity for allowing one of the plurality of bristle structures to be selectively inserted into one of the plurality of slots, for fixedly holding each bristle structure connected to the slot once inserted into one of the plurality of slots, and for allowing each bristle structure to be selectively removed from one of the plurality of slots; Wherein the body of each of the bristle structures omits any opening therethrough; The device disposed in the cavity includes a locking lever disposed in the cavity, wherein the locking lever is configured to move between a first position and a second position within the cavity, wherein the locking lever includes a lever body having a first end and a second end, wherein the lever body has a length in the second direction between its first end and second end, a width in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and a thickness in the first direction, and wherein the lever body includes a first through hole extending in the first direction and a first wall portion bordering one side of the first through hole, and wherein a first bristle structure among the plurality of bristle structures includes: a body having a plurality of bristle elements; and an elongate member connected to the body of the first bristle structure, wherein the elongate member extends in the first direction and includes a first end opposite to the body of the first bristle structure, a second end connected to the body of the first bristle structure, and a first notch disposed between its first end and second end, wherein when the locking lever is in the first position and the elongate member of the first bristle structure is inserted into a first slot among the plurality of slots, the elongate member of the first bristle structure extends through the first through hole of the lever body of the locking lever, and the first wall portion of the lever body of the locking lever is positioned inside the first notch so as to hold the first bristle structure selectively connected to the base, and wherein when the locking lever is in the second position, the first wall portion of the lever body of the locking lever is positioned outside the first notch to allow the elongate member of the first bristle structure to be selectively removed from the first notch.

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