Animal grooming device with features for topical application of therapeutic material

Abstract

An animal grooming device includes a body, a plurality of grooming elements, an upper peripheral rim extending around a periphery of the body. The upper peripheral rim and a top side of the body form a reservoir to hold a treatment material therein. An absorbent applicator pad is placed within the reservoir to selectively control dispensing of the material through an exposed surface of the applicator pad. Another embodiment includes a plurality of passageways formed through the body, wherein the material is dispensed through the passageways from the reservoir or the applicator pad into a location on a bottom side of the body adjacent to the grooming elements. A method of delivering a treatment material is by filling the reservoir and then applying pressure to the applicator pad to cause the material to be dispensed through the passageways onto the animal. Another method includes preventing or alleviating stress experienced by an animal by selectively delivering a treatment material to the animal.

Description

[0001] Citations of relevant applications

[0002] This international application claims the interests and priorities of U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 18 / 476,230, filed September 27, 2023, and U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 18 / 493,449, filed October 24, 2023. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to combs or brushes for animals, and more specifically to pet or animal grooming devices that can selectively deliver therapeutic materials while grooming or cleaning the animal. Background Technology

[0004] Animal brushes and combs are generally similar to those used by humans. A standard comb or brush typically has a shaft or body and multiple teeth extending linearly along the length of that body. A handle is attached to the body. Combs have teeth that are generally the same size, shape, and spacing as each other. A standard brush consists of multiple bristles made of a flexible material and attached to the brush body. Brushes and combs are typically designed for a single purpose. Grooming kits can include various types of brushes and combs to provide users with functional options for grooming.

[0005] Some breeds of dogs have short coats of uniform length and texture, while others may have longer coats and a double coat with two different textures and lengths. Some dogs have an undercoat consisting of soft, dense hair and an outer coat consisting of longer, harsher hair. As should be understood, to meet the grooming needs of many different types of animal coats, a relatively large number of grooming tools may be required, which is one of the reasons why grooming kits are sold.

[0006] One aspect of grooming can also include animal washing. Specific animal shampoos and conditioners are available for sale for pets such as dogs and cats. Shampoo is typically applied to the animal by the owner's hands or using a towel. The same applies to the application of conditioner; conditioner is usually applied to the animal's fur by hand or using a towel.

[0007] Over time, the types and quantities of products available for grooming animals have increased significantly. This expansion of grooming products mirrors the expansion of health products also available for animals. A robust coat is essential for the basic health maintenance of dogs and cats. While grooming, starting with washing and then brushing or brushing, is the most common animal coat maintenance activity, products designed to enhance traditional grooming have been introduced to the market. For example, grooming supplements made with coconut oil and oatmeal shampoo are available for pets to help maintain a robust coat. Pheromone sprays are known to help reduce anxiety in animals.

[0008] A problem associated with the use of supplements applied to an animal's skin and fur is that there is no reliable way to evenly distribute the supplement if pet owners simply use a regular comb or brush. While owners may attempt to spray or otherwise pour the supplement evenly onto the animal, the specific location where the supplement was initially applied is most likely to have the highest concentration of the supplement. Furthermore, even with special effort from the owner to try to distribute the supplement evenly on the animal, it remains difficult to apply a known amount of supplement evenly and controllably to the desired area of ​​the animal.

[0009] In view of the existing drawbacks of having to use multiple grooming devices and the inability to controllably apply supplements, there is a need for a multi-purpose grooming device that not only facilitates the traditional grooming function of applying shampoo and conditioner, but also allows for the controlled delivery of supplements to the animal's skin and fur.

[0010] Relative orientation or geometric terms may be used herein to describe specific parts of the apparatus of the present invention. For example, the terms “upper” and “lower” or “side” or other terms may be used herein, but it should be understood that these are merely relative terms and are provided for ease of understanding of the various preferred embodiments depicted in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the invention is not limited to any particular spatial or geometric orientation relative to any particular spatial or geometric orientation relative to the relative terms used to describe the invention.

[0011] As set forth herein, the combing apparatus of the present invention offers many advantages over existing combing apparatuses, as will be understood from the following description and the accompanying drawings of the invention. Summary of the Invention

[0012] This invention relates to a grooming device, particularly suitable for grooming animal fur and selectively and controllably delivering or applying desired material to the animal's skin and fur. According to a preferred embodiment, the grooming device includes a body shaped to allow gripping in a user's hand. The body has a plurality of grooves or recesses formed on the outer edges of the body. For example, according to a preferred embodiment, at least three recesses are present on opposite side edges of the body, arranged to conveniently accommodate some of the user's fingers on one side of the body and the user's thumb on the other side. The two ends of the body may also include recessed structures for receiving one or more of the user's fingers or thumb, allowing the user to control the grooming device not only along the side edges of the body but also at both ends of the body. In short, the grooves / recesses and recesses are intended to provide an ergonomic grooming device that is easily gripped and held by the user, allowing the grooming device to move in any desired direction. The lower surface of the grooming device includes a plurality of grooming elements. These combing elements are preferably flexible and elastic, allowing them to not only bend but also extend and contract when in contact with the animal's fur. According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is desirable for the combing elements to be made of a material having a specified DuPont hardness range that contributes to optimal or targeted combing function. The combing element may have a truncated cone shape, wherein the larger end of the truncated cone is positioned and connected to the lower surface of the body.

[0013] The device according to the first embodiment further includes an opposing upper surface and an outwardly extending peripheral wall. The peripheral wall and the upper surface form a reservoir or enclosure structure having a plurality of functions as described below. The peripheral wall can be considered as an extension of the side surface, such that the recessed structure is continuously formed along the side surface of the body.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the invention, an absorbent pad or applicator is provided, which can be placed within a reservoir or enclosure of the body. The applicator may be made, for example, of a sponge-like material capable of holding a certain amount of liquid (such as shampoo or conditioner). The shape of the applicator may conform to the outer wall, allowing it to fit conveniently within the reservoir and without significant misalignment or movement when pressure is applied to the applicator by the user. Therefore, the applicator may also have a plurality of grooves and recesses that match grooves and recesses located on the outer wall.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the applicator can be made of a single material. According to another embodiment, the applicator can be made of multiple layers of material; for example, the applicator can be made of an absorbent sponge-like material, and the upper exposed surface of the applicator can include a second layer of less porous material having a rough texture that can be used for scrubbing.

[0016] According to the method of the invention, the liquid placed in the reservoir can be used to selectively deliver therapeutic materials to the skin and fur of an animal. The materials may include shampoos, conditioners, pharmaceuticals, pheromones, plant materials, and other materials that may be beneficial when applied to the animal.

[0017] In use, the user applies the desired amount of treatment material to the applicator or fills the reservoir with the material. The user grasps the device with the applicator placed in the reservoir and then selectively applies the treatment material to the animal by bringing the exposed upper surface of the applicator into contact with the animal's fur. At different times, the device can be flipped and the user performs a brushing motion, causing the combing element to contact the fur and help the material penetrate the animal's fur and / or massage the animal's skin. The applicator is able to hold a certain amount of treatment material, allowing repeated contact with the applicator to be made along different parts of the animal's fur.

[0018] It should be understood that the device of the present invention provides multiple functions because opposite sides of the device have corresponding functions, and therefore the user does not need to separately pour or spray the material onto the animal. Regarding embodiments of the applicator that may have a second layer of material, this layer can be used to help scrub the animal's skin or otherwise apply additional friction to certain parts of the animal. For example, it may be necessary to scrub the animal's legs and feet more vigorously; in this case, because a separate device is not required, the second layer of the applicator becomes an ideal solution.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, a second applicator may be provided, which is fixed to the surface of the device having a combing element. The second applicator has a plurality of holes that match the size and configuration of the combing element. The second applicator is fixed to the device by aligning the holes of the second applicator with the comb and then pushing the applicator against the lower surface of the body. The size of the holes is set such that the combing element can engage the applicator with frictional force, thereby holding the second applicator in place during use. Similar to the first applicator, the second applicator may be made of a porous material and may have one or more layers. Therefore, the second applicator can be used to selectively apply therapeutic materials to the skin and fur of an animal.

[0020] The first and second applicators can be used separately or simultaneously. Depending on the specific grooming activity being performed, it may be advantageous to keep the respective applicators with different treatment materials.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of passages or openings may be formed through the body of the device. These passages or openings thus allow therapeutic material to be applied to the skin and fur of an animal along the lower surface of the device while the first applicator is held in place. The user may selectively apply pressure to the first applicator, from which the therapeutic material is dispensed and then flows through the passages. The number and size of the passages can be selected to control the rate at which the therapeutic material is dispensed.

[0022] According to embodiments including multiple pathways, a pressure application tool may also be included, covering the upper exposed surface of the first applicator. This pressure application tool is used to apply pressure to the first applicator, thereby selectively metering the amount of therapeutic material desired to be dispensed to the animal.

[0023] Based on the above description of the grooming device, according to one aspect, the present invention relates to an animal grooming device comprising: a body; a plurality of grooming elements fixed to the bottom side of the body, the plurality of grooming elements having substantially similar shapes and being evenly spaced apart from each other along the bottom side; an upper peripheral edge extending around the periphery of the top side of the body, the upper peripheral edge extending above the top side; a plurality of recessed structures formed along the outer edge of the body; at least one recessed structure formed at an end of the body; and wherein the top side of the body and the upper peripheral edge form a reservoir for retaining a certain amount of material therein.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, the invention relates to an animal grooming device comprising: a body; a plurality of grooming elements fixed to the bottom side of the body, the plurality of grooming elements having substantially similar shapes and being evenly spaced apart from each other along the bottom side; an upper peripheral edge extending around the periphery of the top side of the body, the upper peripheral edge extending above the top side; the top side of the body and the upper peripheral edge forming a reservoir; a first applicator pad placed within the reservoir, the first applicator pad holding a certain amount of material therein; and wherein pressure applied to the body or the first applicator pad causes material to be dispensed from the first applicator pad.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, the invention may relate to a method of delivering therapeutic material to an animal via a grooming device, the method comprising: providing a grooming device having: a body; a plurality of grooming elements fixed to a bottom side of the body; an upper peripheral edge extending around a periphery of a top side of the body, the upper peripheral edge extending above the top side; the top side of the body and the upper peripheral edge forming a reservoir; placing a first applicator pad within the reservoir, the first applicator pad holding a certain amount of therapeutic material therein; and applying pressure to the body or the first applicator pad such that material is dispensed from the first applicator pad.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the invention, the invention includes a method for preventing or alleviating stress experienced by dogs or other animals. The method includes providing a grooming device for any of the above embodiments, and then periodically applying a stress-relieving or therapeutic material to the dog's fur. For example, therapeutic materials may be selectively applied to the animal's fur before the dog experiences a potential stressful event, such as loud noise, a busy party with many guests (including guests' dogs), a construction project, a weather event, fireworks, or a trip to the vet or grooming salon. It may be beneficial to use the grooming device for basic grooming of the dog before using therapeutic materials, which can make the dog more comfortable with the grooming device and can make the dog look forward to the grooming experience. Regular brushing of the dog with a grooming device (e.g., once or twice a week) before introducing therapeutic materials can promote bonding and trust with the dog.

[0027] According to a method for preventing or alleviating stress experienced by a dog, the method may more specifically include: providing a grooming device having a body and a plurality of grooming elements fixed to the bottom side of the body and a reservoir on the top side of the body; placing an applicator pad in the reservoir, the applicator pad holding a certain amount of therapeutic material therein, the therapeutic material including at least one of pheromones and plant compounds having a calming effect on dogs; applying pressure to the body of the applicator pad to dispense the therapeutic material from the applicator pad; bringing the dog into contact with the therapeutic material dispensed from the applicator pad; and selectively performing additional events of bringing the dog into contact with the dispensed therapeutic material multiple times.

[0028] According to other aspects of methods for preventing or alleviating stress in dogs, these other aspects may include one or more of the following: acclimating the dog to the treatment material and thereby optimizing the sedative effect by repeatedly exposing the dog to the treatment material over a period of time and then exposing the dog to the treatment material just before a stressful event (such as a veterinary appointment, grooming appointment, or other event where the dog is in a new environment); exposing the dog's face and sides of its head to the treatment material so that the treatment material remains near the dog's nose for a period of time during which the dog can smell the treatment material; grooming the dog by brushing it and then applying the treatment material first to the dog's face and then to the rest of the dog's body; providing a pressure cap placed on an applicator pad, wherein pressure applied to the pressure cap dispenses the treatment material from the applicator pad.

[0029] According to another related aspect of the invention, the invention may include a method of grooming an animal, the method comprising: providing a grooming device having a body and a plurality of grooming elements fixed to a bottom side of the body, the top side of the body having a reservoir formed by an upper peripheral edge extending around and above the periphery of the top side; placing an applicator pad within the reservoir, the applicator pad holding a certain amount of treatment material therein; applying pressure to the body or the applicator pad to dispense the treatment material from the applicator pad; bringing an animal into contact with the treatment material dispensed from the applicator pad; and bringing the animal into contact with the upper peripheral edge of the grooming device, applying pressure to the device against the animal, wherein the upper peripheral edge deforms in response to the pressure, and thereby the upper peripheral edge acts as a scraper to remove liquid from the animal's fur.

[0030] According to other aspects of the method of grooming animals, these other aspects may include one or more of the following: wherein the therapeutic material includes at least one of shampoo, conditioner, medicine, pheromone, and plant compound, and wherein the pheromone or plant compound has a sedative effect on the animal; wherein the grooming device is made of an elastomeric material, and the upper peripheral edge deforms in response to pressure when it contacts the animal, thereby maintaining continuous contact with the animal's fur to optimize liquid removal; and wherein the upper free edge of the peripheral edge is tapered to maximize the use of the upper peripheral edge as a scraper.

[0031] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a top perspective view of the combing device of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a top view of the combing device; Figure 3 This is a side view of the combing device; Figure 4 This is an end view of the combing device; Figure 5 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the combing device; Figure 6 It is a bottom-view perspective view of the combing device; Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of a combing device according to another embodiment of the present invention, which further includes a first absorbent pad or a first applicator. Figure 8 This is a top perspective view of a combing device in another embodiment of the present invention, which further includes multiple dispensing passages; Figure 9 yes Figure 8A vertical cross-sectional view of the combing device, showing the first absorbent pad or first applicator after installation; Figure 10 This is a bottom perspective view of the combing device in another embodiment, showing the second absorbent pad or second applicator; Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A bottom-view perspective view of the combing device, showing the second absorbent pad or second applicator after installation; Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view of a combing device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the combing device further comprising a first absorbent pad or a first applicator and a pressure cap; and Figure 13 yes Figure 12 The diagram shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the combing device, and also shows the first absorbent pad or first applicator and pressure cap after installation. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Figure 1 This is a top perspective view of the combing device 10 of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment. Also refer to... Figure 2 The top plan view of the combing device shows that it includes a body 12 ergonomically shaped to fit comfortably in the user's hand. Conveniently, the body has a set of grooves or recesses 18 formed on the outer edges of the body 12. As shown, five recesses 18 are formed on each outer edge of the body, but it should be understood that fewer or more recesses may be present. When gripping the device, some fingers may be placed on one outer edge of the body and the thumb may be placed on the opposite outer edge. Each end of the device may also include a recessed structure 22 for aiding in gripping the end of the device, wherein the thumb or more fingers may be placed within the recessed structure 22. It should be understood that, based on the number of recesses 18 and recesses 22, the user can conveniently grip the device in a variety of different orientations.

[0034] For example Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the device 10 also includes an upper protrusion or peripheral edge or wall 14. The peripheral wall extends continuously from the outer edge 24 of the body 12, such that the peripheral wall extends above the upper surface 30 of the body. The peripheral wall 14 and the upper surface 30 form a reservoir or enclosure structure with multiple functions. In one aspect, the peripheral wall can be simply considered as an extension of the outer edge 24, such that the recessed structure 18 is continuously formed along the outer edge 24 and the peripheral wall 14. The reservoir or enclosure structure can be positioned as a gap or space within the protruding sidewall 16 of the upper surface 30 of the body and the peripheral wall 14.

[0035] See Figures 3 to 6Other features of the invention are shown as including a plurality of grooming elements 26. As shown, the plurality of grooming elements 26 may have a truncated conical shape, wherein the larger end of the truncated cone is connected to the lower surface 32 of the body. According to one aspect of the invention, the grooming elements may be flexible and elastic, such that when the device is in use, the grooming elements can bend and otherwise deform as they come into contact with the fur and skin of an animal. The plurality of grooming elements 26 are shown to be evenly spaced from each other along the lower surface 32 of the body. The plurality of grooming elements are also shown to have similar sizes and shapes. However, it should be understood that the plurality of grooming elements may be irregularly spaced and may be of different sizes and shapes. For example, it may be advantageous to increase the density or number of grooming elements located at the ends of the grooming device to help to more easily scrub or clean smaller surface areas of the animal, such as the lower legs and feet. Furthermore, the relative stiffness or flexibility of the plurality of grooming elements may also differ from each other to accommodate desired scrubbing actions when the device is in use.

[0036] The device can be made of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, latex, PVC, or other types of thermoplastic materials. The consideration in choosing materials or combinations of materials is that the device should be relatively flexible, allowing the user to easily grip and move it along the animal's curved body.

[0037] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of a combing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, which further includes a first absorbent pad or a first applicator 40. The first applicator 40 includes a body 48 having a plurality of grooves or recesses 42 that match the configuration of the recessed structure 18 of the body. The first applicator 40 may have a sidewall thickness 46 that substantially matches the height of the peripheral edge 14, such that the upper surface of the applicator pad 40 is substantially flush with the upper edge of the peripheral edge 14. Also shown, the applicator pad has a recessed structure 44 with a large curvature so as to also match the configuration of the sidewall 16.

[0038] The first applicator 40 is designed to hold a quantity of material, such as shampoo, conditioner, medication, pheromones, or other therapeutic material intended for application to the fur and skin of an animal. The material can be applied directly to the applicator 40, which is preferably made of an absorbent material (such as a sponge). Alternatively, the material intended for application to the animal can be placed in a reservoir, and the applicator 40 can be slowly placed into the reservoir to absorb the material.

[0039] The user can set the applicator 40 to contact the animal's fur and skin to distribute and dispense material onto the animal. The user can then flip the device over and bring the grooming element into contact with the animal to scrub the animal's fur and skin with the material or otherwise act on the animal's fur and skin. The reservoir can be refilled with material and / or the material can be applied directly to the applicator pad to supply additional material for contact with the animal.

[0040] The first applicator 40 may be made of a single material or may have multiple layers. For example, the upper exposed surface of the first applicator 40 may have a rougher texture compared to the rest of the applicator 40, which may be made of an absorbent material such as a sponge. The rough texture of the upper exposed surface can be used to scrub and clean the animal more vigorously as needed. If a rough texture is not desired, the user can simply flip the applicator so that the animal is only exposed to the softer, sponge-like material.

[0041] See Figure 8 The figure shows a top perspective view of the combing device 60 of the present invention in another embodiment, which also includes a plurality of dispensing passages 62. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The vertical cross-section of the grooming device also shows the first absorbent pad or first applicator after installation. Another way the therapeutic material can be selectively applied to the animal is through a passage 62 extending through the body 12. According to... Figure 9 In the view shown, multiple passages 62 are oriented substantially vertically, allowing material to flow easily through the passages 62 to a position on the lower surface 32 of the body adjacent to the point where the combing element 26 is attached to the body. Figure 9 Directional arrows are provided to indicate how material is dispensed from within the applicator 40 and through passage 62. The size, distribution, and number of passages are adjustable to selectively meter the desired amount of material within the reservoir and applicator 40.

[0042] Figure 10 The bottom perspective view of the combing device in another embodiment of the present invention shows the second absorbent pad or second applicator 50. Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The bottom perspective view of the combing device shows the second absorbent pad or second applicator 50 after installation. The second applicator 50 has a body 54 with a plurality of openings formed therethrough, which are sized and configured to receive the combing elements 26. Compared to the thickness of the first applicator 40, the second applicator 50 is shown to have relatively thin sidewalls 52. According to one configuration, such as Figure 11As shown, multiple openings 56 can be sized and spaced such that the second applicator 50 can be positioned substantially flush with the lower surface 32 of the body. Furthermore, these openings 56 are sized to create a frictional engagement between the openings and the grooming element, thereby holding the second applicator 50 in place during use. The second applicator 50 has several potential functions. One function could be to apply a final treatment material, such as a pleasantly scented material or pheromone, after the animal has been shampooed and groomed. Another function could be to provide an increased retention time for the material to be applied to the animal, thus slowing down the dispensing of the material onto the animal. For example, if the device to be used includes a passage 62, the second applicator 50 could be used to meter the amount of material being applied by slowing the flow of material through the passage. Depending on how the second applicator is used, it can also be made of a desired absorbent or semi-absorbent material.

[0043] Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view of the combing device of the present invention in another embodiment, which further includes a first absorbent pad or first applicator 40 and a pressure cap 70. Figure 13 yes Figure 12 The vertical cross-sectional view of the combing device shows the first absorbent pad or first applicator 40 and pressure cap 70 after installation. The purpose of the pressure cap 70 is to assist the user in applying pressure to the first applicator 40 to selectively deliver a certain amount of therapeutic material through passage 62. The pressure cap 70 has a body 74 and a plurality of recessed structures 78 that match the configuration of recessed structures formed on the applicator pad 40 and the body 12. Grip points 72 can be added to the exposed surface 82 of the cap 70 so that the user can place their fingers or palm against the cap 70 to apply pressure to the cap 70.

[0044] The pressure cap 70 is preferably made of a relatively hard material so that when the user grasps the grip point 72 and applies pressure to the cap 70 in the direction of arrow 80, relatively uniform pressure is transmitted across the entire upper surface of the applicator 40 in contact with the pressure cap.

[0045] According to another method of grooming an animal, the method includes: providing a grooming device in which a desired therapeutic material is placed in a reservoir; placing an absorbent applicator pad within the reservoir, the absorbent applicator pad holding a certain amount of therapeutic material; and applying pressure to the body of the device or the applicator pad to dispense the therapeutic material from the applicator pad. According to another related method, a second applicator pad 50 can be used to deliver therapeutic material, wherein the second applicator pad 50 is sold in a sealed package in a predetermined amount or dose of therapeutic material applied to a second applicator. In this configuration, the second applicator pad is intended for a single purpose, wherein a predetermined amount of a specific therapeutic material or a combination of therapeutic materials is delivered. Particularly for pheromones or herbal medicines, it may be desirable to have a known dose or concentration in order to effectively deliver one or more therapeutic materials to a specific size, type, and breed of animal. Alternatively, the therapeutic material can be simply applied manually to the second applicator. Manually applied therapeutic materials may include shampoos and conditioners, which can be poured directly onto the second applicator without particular concern for overdosing or underdosing.

[0046] As should be understood from the above description, together with the accompanying drawings, the grooming device of the present invention has a particularly ergonomic shape that fits comfortably in the user's hand, allowing the user to perform brushing or grooming actions in multiple directions along the animal and along its very different surfaces. For example, the length of the brush in the longitudinal direction is well-designed for grooming narrower areas of the animal, such as the legs, where the user can perform a grooming stroke longitudinally along the legs. To groom larger and flatter surfaces of the animal, the device can be rotated at a desired angle, thus extending the length of the device more horizontally and thereby grooming wider sections of the animal.

[0047] Regarding the use of this device as a scraper, since the upper peripheral edge 14 extends around the periphery of the device, the movement or action of the scraper can be achieved in any angular orientation without requiring the user to adjust their hand in any particular direction. This differs from conventional scrapers with straight blades, which require the user to continuously adjust the angle of their hand to achieve a scraping stroke in a specific direction or angular orientation. According to another embodiment, general dimensions can be described with respect to the height and thickness of the upper peripheral edge. The height of the upper peripheral edge 14 extending above the upper surface 30 of the body can be between 0.075 inches and 1 inch, while the thickness or width of the upper peripheral edge can be between 0.080 and 0.250 inches. Based on testing, these ranges of height and width of the upper peripheral edge make the device acceptable as a scraper.

[0048] According to one particular embodiment, it is generally desirable that the device of the present invention be easy for a user to grip. Therefore, the length and width of the device can be set to fit within a range of hand sizes, from a child's hand to an adult's hand. Thus, in this embodiment, the total length of the device can be between approximately 4 inches and 8 inches, and the total width of the device can be between approximately 1.5 inches and 4 inches.

[0049] Although the invention has been described herein with respect to various preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not strictly limited to these embodiments, and the invention should be interpreted broadly in conjunction with the appended claims.

Claims

1. An animal grooming device, comprising: ontology; Multiple combing elements are fixed to the bottom side of the body, the multiple combing elements having substantially similar shapes and being evenly spaced apart from each other along the bottom side; The upper outer perimeter extends around the perimeter of the top side of the body, and the upper outer perimeter extends above the top side; Multiple recessed structures are formed along the outer edge of the body; At least one recessed structure is formed on the end of the body; and The top side and the upper outer periphery of the body form a reservoir for holding a certain amount of material.

2. The animal grooming device according to claim 1, wherein: The combing element is tapered.

3. The animal grooming device according to claim 1, wherein: The combing element has a DuPont hardness between approximately 40 and 60.

4. The animal grooming device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one recessed structure includes two recessed structures, one recessed structure being provided at each of the two opposite ends of the body.

5. The animal grooming device according to claim 1, wherein: The combing device is symmetrical along its longitudinal axis extending along the length of the body.

6. The animal grooming device according to claim 1, wherein: The combing device is symmetrical along its transverse axis, which extends transversely to the length of the body.

7. The animal grooming device according to claim 1, wherein: The upper peripheral edge has a plurality of peripheral recessed structures, which correspond to and extend uniformly relative to the plurality of recessed structures formed on the outer edge of the body.

8. The animal grooming device according to claim 1, wherein: The two opposite ends of the body have outwardly curved side edges.

9. The animal grooming device according to claim 1, further comprising: The first applicator pad is placed in the reservoir.

10. The animal grooming device according to claim 9, wherein: A certain amount of material is held in the first applicator pad to selectively dispense the material when the device is used to groom an animal.

11. The animal grooming device according to claim 10, wherein: The material is at least one of shampoo, conditioner, medicine, and pheromones.

12. The animal grooming device according to claim 9, wherein: The first applicator pad has a shape that conforms to the reservoir to hold the first applicator pad within the reservoir by friction.

13. The animal grooming device according to claim 9, wherein: The first applicator pad has a single layer.

14. The animal grooming device according to claim 9, wherein: The first applicator pad has at least two layers.

15. The animal grooming device according to claim 14, wherein: The second layer of the first applicator pad has a rougher texture than the first layer.

16. The animal grooming device according to claim 1, further comprising: Multiple pathways are formed through the body for selectively dispensing material into the reservoir.

17. The animal grooming device according to claim 16, wherein: The plurality of passages are openings having substantially similar dimensions and being substantially uniformly distributed on the body and spaced apart from each other.

18. The animal grooming device according to claim 1, further comprising: A second applicator pad is detachably fixed near or against the bottom side of the body, the second applicator pad having a plurality of openings to receive the plurality of combing elements, such that the second applicator pad is held in place by friction through contact with the plurality of combing elements via the plurality of openings.

19. The animal grooming device according to claim 9, further comprising: A pressure cap is placed on the first applicator pad, wherein pressure applied to the pressure cap causes material to be dispensed from the first applicator pad.

20. An animal grooming device, comprising: ontology; Multiple combing elements are fixed to the bottom side of the body, the multiple combing elements having substantially similar shapes and being evenly spaced apart from each other along the bottom side; The upper outer perimeter extends around the perimeter of the top side of the body, and the upper outer perimeter extends above the top side; The top side and the upper outer periphery of the body form a reservoir; A first applicator pad is placed inside the reservoir that holds a certain amount of material; as well as The pressure applied to the body or the first applicator pad causes the material to be dispensed from the first applicator pad.

21. The animal grooming device according to claim 20, wherein: The material is at least one of shampoo, conditioner, medicine, and pheromones.

22. The animal grooming device according to claim 20, further comprising: Multiple pathways are formed through the body for selective dispensing of material into the reservoir or the first applicator pad.

23. The animal grooming device according to claim 20, further comprising: A second applicator pad is detachably fixed near or against the bottom side of the body. The second applicator pad has a plurality of openings to receive the plurality of combing elements, such that the second applicator pad is held in place by friction through contact with the plurality of combing elements via the plurality of openings.

24. The animal grooming device according to claim 20, further comprising: A pressure cap is placed on the first applicator pad, wherein pressure applied to the pressure cap causes the material to be dispensed from the first applicator pad.

25. A method for delivering therapeutic material to an animal via a grooming device, the method comprising: The combing device is provided, the combing device having: a body; and a plurality of combing elements fixed to the bottom side of the body; The upper outer perimeter extends around the perimeter of the top side of the body, and the upper outer perimeter extends above the top side; The top side and the upper peripheral edge of the body form a reservoir; Place the first applicator pad in the reservoir that holds a certain amount of the treatment material; as well as Pressure is applied to the body or the first applicator pad to dispense the material from the first applicator pad.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein: The treatment material is at least one of shampoo, conditioner, medicine, and pheromones.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein: Forming multiple pathways through the body; and The therapeutic material is selectively dispensed from the first applicator pad or the reservoir to a location adjacent to the plurality of combing elements on the bottom side of the body via the plurality of pathways; and The grooming device is controllably moved along the animal's fur to deliver the therapeutic material to the animal's fur and skin.

28. A method for preventing or alleviating stress experienced by animals such as dogs, said method comprising: A combing device is provided, the combing device having: a body; a plurality of combing elements fixed to the bottom side of the body, the top side of the body having a reservoir formed by an upper peripheral edge, the upper peripheral edge surrounding the periphery of the top side and extending above the periphery of the top side; An absorbent applicator pad is placed in the reservoir containing a certain amount of therapeutic material, the therapeutic material comprising at least one of pheromones that have a calming effect on dogs and plant compounds; Pressure is applied to the body or the applicator pad to dispense the therapeutic material from the applicator pad; Make the dog come into contact with the treatment material dispensed from the applicator pad; and Selectively perform multiple additional events that expose the dog to the assigned treatment material.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising: The sedation effect is optimized by repeatedly exposing the dog to the therapeutic material over a period of time and then exposing the dog to the therapeutic material just before a stressful event, such as a veterinary appointment, a grooming appointment, or other events that put the dog in a new environment.

30. The method of claim 28, further comprising: The treatment material is brought into contact with the sides of the dog's face and head so that it remains near the dog's nose for a period of time during which the dog can smell it.

31. The method of claim 28, further comprising: The dog is groomed by brushing it and then first applying the treatment material to the dog's face and then to the rest of the dog's body.

32. The method of claim 28, further comprising: A pressure cap is placed on the applicator pad, wherein pressure applied to the pressure cap causes the therapeutic material to be dispensed from the applicator pad.

33. The method according to claim 28, wherein: The height of the upper outer perimeter is between approximately 0.075 inches and 1 inch, and the thickness of the upper outer perimeter is between approximately 0.080 inches and 0.250 inches.

34. The method according to claim 28, wherein: The applicator pad is in a sealed package before use, wherein a predetermined amount or dose of the therapeutic material is applied to the applicator pad.

35. A method for grooming an animal, comprising: A combing device is provided, the combing device having: a body; a plurality of combing elements fixed to the bottom side of the body, the top side of the body having a reservoir formed by an upper peripheral edge, the upper peripheral edge surrounding the periphery of the top side and extending above the periphery of the top side; The applicator pad is placed in the reservoir that holds a certain amount of treatment material. Pressure is applied to the body or the applicator pad to dispense the therapeutic material from the applicator pad; Contact the animal with the therapeutic material dispensed from the applicator pad; and The animal is brought into contact with the upper outer edge of the grooming device, and pressure is applied to the device against the animal, wherein the upper outer edge deforms in response to the pressure, and thereby the upper outer edge acts as a scraper for removing liquid from the animal's fur.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein: The therapeutic material includes at least one of shampoo, conditioner, pheromone, and plant compound, wherein the pheromone or plant compound has a sedative effect on the animal.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein: The combing device is made of an elastomeric material, and when the upper outer edge contacts the animal, the upper outer edge deforms in response to the pressure, thereby maintaining continuous contact with the animal's fur to optimize liquid removal.

38. The method of claim 35, wherein: The upper free edge of the upper outer perimeter is tapered to maximize the use of the upper outer perimeter as the scraper.

39. The method according to claim 35, wherein: The height of the upper outer perimeter is between approximately 0.075 inches and 1 inch, and the thickness of the upper outer perimeter is between approximately 0.080 inches and 0.250 inches.

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