A hairbrush with a rotatable part

Abstract

A hairbrush 10 comprises a handhold part 20 and a rotatable part 30 with a plurality of bristles 32. The rotatable part is rotatably coupled to the handhold part about an axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bristles. The bristles are arranged on the rotatable part such that each bristle has a first lateral stiffness in a first lateral direction 33 and a second lateral stiffness in a second lateral direction 35, the first lateral direction being perpendicular to the second lateral direction and the first lateral stiffness being different from the second lateral stiffness. In use, rotation of the rotatable part relative to the handhold part varies a combined lateral stiffness of the bristles in a brushing direction.

Description

The present disclosure relates to a hairbrush, and particularly, but not exclusively, relates to a hairbrush comprising a rotatable part. Background Different people may require different types of hairbrushes for their hair. For example, a person with thick or coarse hair may require a hairbrush with relatively stiff bristles to untangle knots. However, relatively stiff bristles may negatively impact the hair strands, scalp, or hair follicles of a person with thin, fine, or damaged hair. It is inconvenient and expensive to buy one hairbrush per person to accommodate different types or textures of hair, as may be the case in a family household. In addition, the hair type or texture of a person may change as they age. In particular, hair may thin, and as a result a user may be required to find an alternative hairbrush. It may be expensive, time inefficient, and unnecessarily wasteful for the user to have to replace the previous hairbrush. Further, knots or tangles may vary along a length of a person’s hair. In some cases, a person may be required to use a first hairbrush for knotty parts of hair and a second hairbrush for other relatively straight parts of hair. Having to switch between two different hairbrushes may be unergonomic and space inefficient for a user. For all these reasons, it is desirable to provide a hairbrush which is able to function well across different types and / or textures of hair. Summary of the invention According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a hairbrush comprising a handhold part and a rotatable part with a plurality of bristles, the rotatable part being rotatably coupled to the handhold part about an axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of one or more of the bristles, wherein the bristles are arranged on the rotatable part such that each bristle has a first lateral stiffness in a first lateral direction and a second lateral stiffness in a second lateral direction, the first lateral direction being perpendicular to the second lateral direction and the first lateral stiffness being different from the second lateral stiffness, such that rotation of the rotatable part relative to the handhold part varies a combined lateral stiffness of the bristles in a brushing direction. The rotatable part may be rotatable relative to the handhold part between a plurality of distinct positions. The rotatable part may be rotatable relative to the handhold part between a first position and a second position. The rotatable part may be rotatable relative to the handhold part between the first position and a third position. The rotatable part may be rotatable relative to the handhold part between the second position and the third position. The second position may be at an angle of 45° relative to the first position. The third position may be at an angle of 45° relative to the second position and at an angle of 90° relative to the first position. The bristles may be anisotropic. The first lateral stiffness may be at least two times the second lateral stiffness. Each bristle may have a first thickness in the first lateral direction along at least a portion of the bristle. Each bristle may have a second thickness in the second lateral direction along at least the portion of the bristle. The first thickness may be different from the second thickness. Each bristle may have the same first thickness. Each bristle may have the same second thickness. The bristles may be arranged across a front surface of the rotatable part. The bristles may be arranged in rows across the rotatable part and in columns along the rotatable part. The rotatable part may comprise a back portion and the handhold part may comprise a cavity configured to receive the back portion of the rotatable part. The rotatable part may comprise an indicator. The indicator may be configured to indicate a degree of rotation of the rotatable part relative to the handhold part. The rotatable part may comprise a back portion and the back portion may comprise an outward facing surface. The indicator may be formed on the outward facing surface of the back portion of the rotatable part. The handhold part may comprise a cavity configured to receive the back portion of the rotatable part. The cavity may be a through-hole, such that the indicator may be visible when the hairbrush is assembled. The hairbrush may further comprise a static part. The static part may comprise a plurality of bristles. The static part may not be rotatable relative to the handhold part According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a hairbrush comprising a plurality of bristles, the bristles being arranged such that each bristle has a first lateral stiffness in a first lateral direction and a second lateral stiffness in a second lateral direction, the first lateral direction being perpendicular to the second lateral direction and the first lateral stiffness being different from the second lateral stiffness, the hairbrush comprising a plurality of handholds at different angular positions of the hairbrush such that each handhold position has a different combined lateral stiffness of the bristles in a brushing direction. Any feature described herein in respect of the first aspect may apply to the second aspect, in particular the features relating to the bristles. These and other aspects will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter. Brief description of the drawings Exemplary embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hairbrush according to an example of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a hairbrush according to an example of the present disclosure; Figures 3a and 3b (collectively Figure 3) are front views of the hairbrush according to an example of the present disclosure, with Figure 3a showing a hairbrush head in one position and Figure 3b showing the hairbrush head in another position; Figure 4 is a detailed front view of a plurality of bristles of the hairbrush according to an example of the present disclosure; Figure 5 is a detailed front view of a bristle of the hairbrush according to an example of the present disclosure; Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c (collectively Figure 6) are back views of the hairbrush according to an example of the present disclosure, with Figure 6a showing the hairbrush head in a first position, Figure 6b showing the hairbrush head in a second position, and Figure 6c showing the hairbrush head in a third position; Figures 7a, 7b, and 7c (collectively Figure 7) are front views of the head of the hairbrush according to an example of the present disclosure, with Figure 7a showing the hairbrush head in the first position, Figure 7b showing the hairbrush head in the second position, and Figure 7c showing the hairbrush head in the third position; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a hairbrush handle according to an example of the present disclosure; Figures 9a, 9b, and 9c (collectively Figure 9) are front views of the hairbrush according to an example of the present disclosure, with Figure 9a showing the hairbrush head in one position, Figure 9b showing the hairbrush head in another position, and Figure 9c showing the hairbrush head in yet another position; Figures 10a, 10b, and 10c (collectively Figure 10) are front views of the hairbrush according to an example of the present disclosure, with Figure 10a showing a rotatable portion of the hairbrush head in a first position, Figure 10b showing the rotatable portion of the hairbrush head in a second position, and Figure 10c showing the rotatable portion of the hairbrush head in a third position; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the hairbrush according to an example of the present disclosure; and Figure 12 is a side view of the hairbrush according to an example of the present disclosure. Detailed description of embodiments With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a hairbrush 10 according to an example of the present disclosure comprises a handhold part, e.g. handle 20, and a rotatable part, e.g. head 30. The head 30 comprises a plurality of bristles 32. The handle 20 may comprise a first portion 22 and a second portion 24. The first portion 22 may be configured to be grasped by a user. The second portion 24 may be proximate to the head 30. The first portion 22 and the second portion 24 may be unitary. As depicted in Figure 1, the first portion 22 may comprise a slight curve. The first portion 22 may comprise an inner surface 26 and an outer surface 28. The inner surface 26 may be concave. Alternatively, the first portion 22 may be straight or any other suitable shape, including e.g. tapered. The shape of the first portion 22 may improve a graspability of the handle 20 and may also improve a user’s ability to control the head 30. As shown in Figure 9, the handle 20 may comprise an extrusion 29. The extrusion 29 may be of any shape and may cut through at least part of the thickness of the first portion 22. The handle 20 may be made from a wood, metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. It is also considered that the handle 20 may comprise a combination of materials, e.g. the handle 20 may comprise a central metal portion encased in an outer plastic. The material or materials comprising the handle 20 may have an overall stiffness that limits a flex of the handle 20. In other words, the handle 20 may be relatively rigid, such that a transfer of force from e.g. a user’s hand through to the head 30 is maximised. Although not depicted, it is also considered that the inner surface 26 and / or outer surface 28 of the handle 20 may be textured. For example, a pattern may be formed on the inner surface 26 and / or outer surface 28 of the handle 20 to thereby improve a grip of the handle 20. The head 30 is rotatably coupled to the handle 20, i.e. such that the head 30 may rotate relative to the handle 20. For example, the head 30 is rotatably coupled to the handle 20 about an axis substantially or approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis of one or more of the bristles 32. Therefore, as shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the head 30 may be rotated relative to the handle 20, such that an orientation of the plurality of bristles 32 may be rotated relative to the handle 20. The bristles 32 are arranged on the head 30. For example, the bristles 32 may be arranged on a front surface 34 of the head 30. The front surface 34 of the head 30 may face in the same direction as the inner surface 26 of the handle 20. The front surface 34 of the head 30 may be circular. This may improve an ergonomics and a functionality of the hairbrush 10, as an optimal number of bristles 32 for e.g. brushing hair may be disposed on the head, whilst also allowing a user to grip and twist the head 30 with one hand. Alternatively, the front surface 34 of the head 30 may be substantially rectangular, square, triangular, elliptical or any other suitable shape. Further, although the front surface 34 of the head 30 is depicted as being a flat surface, it may alternatively be a concave, convex, or otherwise undulating surface. Referring to Figure 1, each bristle 32 may have the same longitudinal length between a tip 37 and base 39 of the bristle 32. Alternatively, the bristles 32 may have different longitudinal lengths to one another. The head 30 may comprise any number of bristles 32. Referring now to Figure 3 and Figure 4, the bristles 32 may be uniformly distributed across the head 30. The bristles 32 may be arranged in rows across the head 30 and / or may be arranged in columns along the head 30. As shown, alternating rows (or columns) may be offset from neighbouring rows (or columns). Although not depicted, the bristles 32 may be disposed in other arrangements on the head 30, such as in more random and / or more sporadic arrangements. As a further alternative, a spacing between adjacent bristles 32 on the head may vary, such that there may be at least one portion of the head 30 that comprises a higher density of bristles 32 relative to at least one other portion of the head 30. For example, a spacing between adjacent bristles 32 may decrease with a proximity to a central point of the front surface 34 of the head 30. The bristles 32 may be made from any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, or any other material. Each bristle may be made from the same material. Alternatively, some bristles may be made from a first material or materials and others from a different material or materials. It is also contemplated that bristles 32 may comprise a combination of materials, e.g. a bristle 32 may comprise an inner wire strip with an outer plastic coating. As best depicted in Figures 4 and 5, the bristles 32 are arranged on the head 30 such that each bristle 32 has a first lateral stiffness in a first lateral direction 33 of the head 30 and a second lateral stiffness in a second lateral direction 35 of the head 30. The first lateral direction 33 is perpendicular to the second lateral direction 35. The first lateral stiffness is different from the second lateral stiffness. The head 30 is rotatable relative to the handle 20 to thereby vary a combined lateral stiffness of the bristles 32 in a brushing direction. In a first example, as shown in Figure 4, each bristle 32 may comprise a first thickness 36 in the first lateral direction 33 and a second thickness 38 in the second lateral direction 35. The first thickness 36 may be different to the second thickness 38, e.g. across at least a portion of the length of the bristle. Each bristle 32 may comprise the same first thickness 36 and / or each bristle 32 may comprise the same second thickness 38. The variation in thickness of a bristle 32 may result in the bristle 32 exhibiting the first lateral stiffness in the first lateral direction 33 and the second lateral stiffness in the second lateral direction 35. The first thickness 36 of a bristle 32 may be greater than the second thickness 38 of the bristle 32. In this case, the bristle 32 may flex less when a user e.g. pulls the hairbrush 10 through hair in a direction that is substantially parallel to the first lateral direction 33 compared to when they pull the hairbrush through hair in a direction that is substantially parallel to the second lateral direction 35. In other words, a bristle 32 may comprise an upper bound lateral stiffness in a brushing direction that is substantially parallel to the first lateral direction 33, and may comprise a lower bound lateral stiffness in a brushing direction that is substantially parallel to the second lateral direction 35. The bristles 32 may therefore comprise a lateral stiffness range, i.e., the range of lateral stiffnesses between the lower bound lateral stiffness and the upper bound lateral stiffness. Accordingly, by rotating the head 30 relative to the handle 20, a user can change an orientation of the first and second lateral directions relative to a brushing direction, and thereby vary the combined lateral stiffness of the bristles in the brushing direction. Figure 3a shows the head 30 in an orientation in which the bristles 32 present a greater stiffness in the brushing direction than that depicted in Figure 3b. (It will be apricated that the brushing direction is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the handle 20 and the bristles 32.) Although not depicted, in a second example, the first thickness 36 and the second thickness 38 of a bristle 32 may be equal. For example, a cross-section of a bristle 32, wherein the cross-section of the bristle 32 is taken in a plane that is substantially parallel to the front surface 34 of the head 30, may be circular, square, triangular, rectangular, or any other shape, including shapes in which the first thickness 36 and the second thickness 38 are equal. In this example, the first lateral stiffness and the second lateral stiffness may be dictated by a selection and / or orientation of a material or materials from which a bristle 32 is made. For example, the bristles 32 may be made from an anisotropic material such that a deflection of the bristles 32 is at least partly dependent on a direction of loading of the bristles. Each bristle 132 may comprise two or more components that together provide the anisotropic behaviour. For example, as shown in Figure 5, at least one bristle 132 may comprise an inner portion 133 and an outer portion 134. The inner portion 133 of the bristle 132 may comprise a first thickness 135 in the first lateral direction 33 and a second thickness 136 in the second lateral direction 35. The first inner portion thickness 135 may be different to the second inner portion thickness 136, e.g. across at least a portion of the length of the inner portion. The inner portion 133 of the bristle 132 may accordingly comprise a first lateral stiffness in the first lateral direction 33 and a second lateral stiffness in the second lateral direction 35, wherein the first inner portion lateral stiffness of the bristle 132 is different to the second inner portion lateral stiffness of the bristle 132. The outer portion 134 of the bristle 132 may at least partially surround or house the inner portion 133 of the bristle 132. The outer portion 134 of the bristle 132 may be any suitable shape, such as e.g. with a circular cross-section (as depicted in Figure 5), in which a first outer portion thickness 137 in the first lateral direction 33 is equal to a second outer portion thickness 138 in the second lateral direction 35. In this example, the first lateral stiffness of the bristle 132 is different to the second lateral stiffness of the bristle 132 by virtue of the inner portion 133 of the bristle 132. A user is therefore still able to rotate the head 30 relative to the handle 20 to vary a combined lateral stiffness of the bristles in a brushing direction. However, the outer portion 134 of the bristle 132 may advantageously be selected to have any suitable shape, such as one that is more effective for brushing hair and less damaging to scalps. It is noted that the inner portion 133 of the bristle 132 may comprise a first material, and the outer portion 134 of the bristle 132 may comprise a second material. The second material of the outer portion 134 may be the same or different to the first material of the inner portion 133. The first and second lateral stiffnesses of a bristle 32 may be configured such that at the upper bound lateral stiffness the bristles 32 may be easily pulled through knots of thick hair, whilst at the lower bound lateral stiffness the bristles 32 may be used on fine hair, e.g. without damaging the follicles. Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, the head 30 may be rotatable relative to the handle 20 between a plurality of different positions. For example, the head 30 may be continuously rotatable. An interference fit between the head 30 and handle 20 may provide sufficient frictional resistance to resist rotation of the head 30 during brushing. Alternatively, the head 30 may be rotatable relative to the handle 20 between a plurality of discrete stable positions. In a particular example, three stable rotational positions may be provided. Figures 6a and 7a depict a first position; Figures 6b and 7b depict a second position; and Figures 6c and 7c depict a third position. The first position may be at an angle of 90° relative to the third position. The second position may be between the first and third positions. The second position may be at an angle of 45° relative to the first and third positions. In the first position depicted in Figure 7a, the head 30 is in an orientation in which the bristles 32 present a greater stiffness in the brushing direction. In the third position depicted in Figure 7c, the head 30 is in an orientation in which the bristles 32 present a lower stiffness in the brushing direction. In the second position depicted in Figure 7b, the head 30 in an orientation in which the bristles 32 present an intermediate stiffness in the brushing direction. The plurality of discrete stable positions may be provided by successive snap fits between the head 30 and handle 20 as the head rotates. For example, one or more resilient portions on one of the handle 20 or head 30 may successively engage corresponding receiving portions on the other of the handle 20 or head 30. An interaction between a resilient portion and the corresponding engaging portion may permit the head 30 to snap into one of its discrete positions. The snap fit may provide sufficient resistance to resist rotation of the head 30 during brushing. The head 30 may comprise a back portion 40. The back portion 40 may comprise an outward facing surface 42. The outward facing surface 42 of the head 30 may face in the same direction as the outer surface 28 of the handle 20. The head 30 may comprise an indicator 44. The indicator 44 may allow a user to determine which position the head 30 is in relative to the handle 20. Specifically, the outward facing surface 42 of the head 30 may comprise the indicator 44. The indicator 44 may be a shape or sign formed onto the outward facing surface 42 of the back portion 40. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the indicator 44 may be an elongate strip formed, such as e.g. impressed or moulded, onto the outward facing surface 42 of the back portion 40. The indicator 44 may alternatively be any other suitable shape or sign capable of giving an indication of a degree of rotation of the head 30 relative to the handle 20. As shown in Figure 8, the second portion 24 of the handle 20 may comprise a cavity 46. The cavity 46 may be configured to at least partially receive the back portion 40 of the head 30. The cavity 46 may be a through hole formed in the second portion 24 of the handle 20. The back portion 40 of the head 30 may be inserted into the through-hole. As such, the indicator 44 may be visible when the hairbrush 10 is assembled. The indicator 44 may indicate an amount of rotation of the head 30 relative to the handle 20. This may permit a user to quickly determine an orientation of the plurality of bristles 32 relative to the handle 20, and to ergonomically perceive how a rotation of the head 30 results in a variation of the combined lateral stiffness of the bristles in the brushing direction. Although not shown, the indicator may also indicate a bristle stiffness rating. The bristle stiffness rating may be a number and / or adjective and / or indicia that indicates or describes a stiffness of the bristles in the brushing direction. The bristle stiffness rating may be a number in the range of 1: N, N may be the number of discrete stable positions the head is rotatable between. For example, in the first position depicted in Figure 6a, the indicator may indicate a bristle stiffness rating of “1”. Additionally or alternatively, the indicator may indicate a bristle stiffness rating of “stiff” or “high”. In the third position depicted in Figure 6c, the indicator may indicate a bristle stiffness rating of “3”. Additionally or alternatively, the indicator may indicate a bristle stiffness rating of “flex” or “low”. In the second position depicted in Figure 6b, the indicator may indicate a bristle stiffness rating of “2”. Additionally or alternatively, the indicator may indicate a bristle stiffness rating of “medium”. It is further noted, as shown in Figure 9, that rotating the head 30 relative to the handhold part may change a combined exposure of bristles in a direction, such as in the brushing direction. In other words, the number of leading bristles presented to the hair may increase or decrease as the head 30 is rotated relative to the handhold part. A user may rotate the head 30 from a position (e.g. the position shown in Figure 9a) to a different position (e.g. the position shown in Figure 9b), to thereby increase an exposure of bristles in the brushing direction. Similarly, a user may rotate the head from a position (e.g. the position shown in Figure 9b) to a different position (e.g. the position shown in Figure 9c), to thereby decrease an exposure of bristles in the brushing direction. In other words, the number of bristles along a line of sight 48 (e.g. substantially parallel to the brushing direction) may decrease and the number of leading bristles increase when a user rotates the head 30 from the position shown in Figure 9a to the position shown in Figure 9b. On the other hand, the number of bristles along line of sight 48 may increase and the number of leading bristles decrease when a user rotates the head 30 from the position shown in Figure 9b to the position shown in Figure 9c. The variation of the number of leading bristles exposed to the hair is achieved by rotation of the rotatable part. The array arrangement of the bristles with intervening rows or columns offset from neighbouring rows or columns may also contribute to the variation of the number of leading bristles exposed to the hair. In an alternative arrangement, as shown in Figure 10, the hairbrush head 30 may comprise a static portion 230 and a rotatable portion 231. Any of the features described with respect to the hairbrush 100 may apply to the hairbrush 200. The static portion 230 may comprise a plurality of bristles 232. As above, the rotatable portion 231 may comprise a plurality of bristles 234. At least one of the bristles on the static portion 230 may be of a different size, and / or shape, and / or material(s), etc. to at least one of the bristles on the rotatable portion 231. Further, the bristle arrangement on the static portion 230 may be different to the bristle arrangement on the rotatable portion 231. Alternatively, the bristles on the rotatable portion 231 may be arranged in the same way and / or be identical in size, and / or shape, and / or material(s), etc. to the bristles on the static portion 230. The static portion 230 may be rigidly coupled to the handhold part. The rotatable portion 231 may be rotatably coupled to the handhold part and / or rotatably coupled to the static portion 230. The static portion 230 may substantially surround the rotatable portion 231. Alternatively, the rotatable portion 231 may substantially surround the static portion 230. The rotatable portion 231 may be configured to rotate relative to the static portion 230 and the handhold part. Accordingly, a combined lateral stiffness of the bristles 232 of the static portion 230 in the brushing direction may be fixed. On the other hand, a user may rotate the rotatable portion 231 relative to the static portion 230 and the handhold part, to thereby increase or decrease a combined lateral stiffness of the bristles 234 of the rotatable portion 231 in the brushing direction. Figure 10a depicts the rotatable portion 231 in a first position; Figure 10b depicts the rotatable portion 231 in a second position; and Figure 10c depicts the rotatable portion 231 in a third position. The first position may be at an angle of 90° relative to the third position. The second position may be between the first and third positions. The second position may be at an angle of 45° relative to the first and third positions. In the first position depicted in Figure 10a, the rotatable portion 231 is in an orientation in which the bristles 234 present a greater stiffness in the brushing direction. In the third position depicted in Figure 10c, the rotatable portion 231 is in an orientation in which the bristles 234 present a lower stiffness in the brushing direction. In the second position depicted in Figure 10b, the rotatable portion 231 is in an orientation in which the bristles 234 present an intermediate stiffness in the brushing direction. The combined lateral stiffness of the bristles 232 of the static portion 231 in the brushing direction may not change as the rotatable portion 231 is rotated. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the handhold part of a hairbrush 300 according to an example of the present disclosure may comprise a strap 310. It is noted that the handhold part is not limited to comprising either a handle 20 or a strap 310, the handhold part may comprise multiple straps, a clasp, a belt, a lace, etc. Any of the features described with respect to either of the hairbrushes 100, 200 may apply to the hairbrush 300. The handhold part may further comprise a rear portion 322. The head 315 may be rotatably coupled to the rear portion 322 about an axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of one or more of the bristles 340. The strap 310 may be coupled to the rear portion 322. For example, a first end of the strap 310 may be coupled to the rear portion 322 at a first point and / or a second end of the strap 310 may be coupled to the rear portion 322 at a second point. The strap 310 may be otherwise connected to the rear portion 322. Although not shown, the strap 310 may be an adjustable strap. For example, a length of the strap between the two points may be increased or decreased, such that the strap is configured to be tightened or loosened about a user’s hand. Additionally or alternatively, the strap 310 may comprise a substantially elastic material, such that the strap 310 is configured to tighten or loosen around a user’s hand. Therefore, a user may slide their hand under the strap 310, such that the rear portion 322 is proximate to their palm. For example, a user may loosen or stretch the strap before sliding their hand under the strap 310. The user may then tighten the strap 310, or the strap 310 may tighten, once their hand is in position under the strap 310. As best shown in Figure 12, the rear portion 322 may be domed. The shape of the rear portion 322 may improve user’s ability to grasp, grip, and / or manipulate the head 315. Although the rear portion 322 is depicted as being domed, it may be otherwise shaped. The rear portion 322 may comprise a textured surface configured to further improve a grip between a user’s palm and the rear portion 322. It is noted that the head 315 may comprise a peripheral surface 330. The peripheral surface 330 may be formed around the plurality of bristles. The peripheral surface 330 may comprise at least one indent 331. The at least one indent 331 may comprise a 5 concave recess formed in the peripheral surface 330. Although not shown, at least one of the indents 331 may alternatively be a raised surface. The at least one indent 331 may improve a user’s ability to grip and twist the head 315, such that the head 315 may rotate relative to the rear portion 322. Where there is a plurality of indents 331, the indents 331 may be equally spaced from one another around the peripheral surface 330. The indents 10 may however be otherwise spaced around the peripheral surface 330. Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the principles and techniques described herein, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or 15 "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A hairbrush comprising a handhold part and a rotatable part with a plurality of bristles, the rotatable part being rotatably coupled to the handhold part about an axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of one or more of the bristles, wherein the bristles are arranged on the rotatable part such that each bristle has a first lateral stiffness in a first lateral direction and a second lateral stiffness in a second lateral direction, the first lateral direction being perpendicular to the second lateral direction and the first lateral stiffness being different from the second lateral stiffness, such that rotation of the rotatable part relative to the handhold part varies a combined lateral stiffness of the bristles in a brushing direction.

2. The hairbrush of claim 1, wherein the rotatable part is rotatable relative to the handhold part between a plurality of distinct positions.

3. The hairbrush of claim 2, wherein the rotatable part is rotatable relative to the handhold part between a first position and a second position, rotatable between the first position and a third position, and rotatable between the second position and the third position.

4. The hairbrush of claim 3, wherein the second position is at an angle of 45° relative to the first position, and wherein the third position is at an angle of 45° relative to the second position and at an angle of 90° relative to the first position.

5. The hairbrush of any preceding claim, wherein the bristles are anisotropic.

6. The hairbrush of any preceding claim, wherein the first lateral stiffness is at least two times the second lateral stiffness.

7. The hairbrush of any preceding claim, wherein each bristle has a first thickness in the first lateral direction along at least a portion of the bristle and a second thickness in the second lateral direction along at least the portion of the bristle, and wherein the first thickness is different from the second thickness.

8. The hairbrush of claim 7, wherein each bristle has the same first thickness and / or each bristle has the same second thickness.

9. The hairbrush of any preceding claim, wherein the bristles are arranged across a front surface of the rotatable part.

10. The hairbrush of any preceding claim, wherein the bristles are arranged in rows across the rotatable part and in columns along the rotatable part.

11. The hairbrush of any preceding claim, wherein the rotatable part comprises a back portion and a portion of the handhold part comprises a cavity configured to receive the back portion of the rotatable part.

12. The hairbrush of any preceding claim, wherein the rotatable part comprises an indicator, the indicator being configured to indicate a degree of rotation of the rotatable part relative to the handhold part.

13. The hairbrush of claim 12, wherein the rotatable part comprises a back portion and the back portion comprises an outward facing surface, and the indicator is formed on the outward facing surface of the back portion of the rotatable part.

14. The hairbrush of claim 13, wherein a portion of the handhold part comprises a cavity configured to receive the back portion of the rotatable part, the cavity being a through-hole such that the indicator is visible when the hairbrush is assembled.

15. The hairbrush of any preceding claim, wherein the hairbrush further comprises a static part comprising a plurality of bristles, and wherein the static part is not rotatable relative to the handhold part.

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