Hair care device

Abstract

A hair care device comprising a body portion 2,3 and projecting therefrom an array of flexible bristles is provided. The bristles 4,5 have at least two different lengths. The hair care device or the a

Description

Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hair care device. In particular the invention relates to a hair care device that is well suited to detangling bleached and / or damaged hair. Background to the Invention Hair care devices, such as brushes, for detangling hair have been known for some time. One very successful hairbrush for detangling hair is described in GB2447692B assigned to Tangle Teezer Limited. This brush has two heights of bristles interspersed across the surface of the brush, the bristles are tapered and made from flexible plastic material, such as Hytrel ® and the long bristles bend at approximately the height of the shorter bristles, so as to achieve a differential brushing action. In use of the device, when it is applied to the head and gentle pressure is applied towards the head the longer bristles bend sideways initially whereupon the shorter bristles come into more intimate contact with the hair. When the longer bristles have flexed and bent and are no longer capable of picking up any more hair, it is then that the shorter bristles start to catch further strands of hair. This gives two independent actions to detangle the hair that are both working at the same time. These brushes have proved extremely popular. Various version have been developed for different hair types, for example, one with thicker bristles for “Thick and Curly” hair and a version with thinner more flexible bristles for “Fine and Fragile” hair. Nonetheless, it is considered that not all hair types are served by these brushes. In particular, the inventors have determined that a brush for bleached and damaged hair, which may be especially sensitive to damage, or other hair prone to damage, such as for people going through the menopause, or during / following cancer treatment would be beneficial. It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to at least partially overcome or alleviate the above problems and / or to provide an improved or alternative hair care device. Summary of the Invention According to a broad aspect of the invention, there is provided a hair care device (such as a hairbrush, or brush portion of a hair dryer). The hair care device may comprise a body portion and projecting therefrom an array of flexible bristles. The bristles may have at least two different lengths. The hair care device or the array may have a longitudinal axis / centreline. Bristles may be arranged in arcing lines. The arcing lines of bristles may arc away from the longitudinal axis / centreline. The arcing lines of bristles may arc towards the lateral edges of the array / hair care device. Bristles closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline may have a smaller distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles further from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle. Bristles closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline may have a smaller lateral component of the distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles further from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a hair care device comprising a body portion and projecting therefrom an array of flexible bristles; the bristles having at least two different lengths; the hair care device or the array having a longitudinal axis / centreline; wherein bristles closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline have a smaller distance and / or a smaller lateral component of the distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles further from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle. In other words, the density of the bristles is greater closer to the longitudinal axis than the density of the bristles further (laterally) from the longitudinal axis (towards the lateral edges of the array / hair care device). In one embodiment, there is provided a hair care device comprising a body portion and projecting therefrom an array of flexible bristles; the bristles having at least two different lengths; the hair care device having a longitudinal axis; wherein bristles closer to the longitudinal axis have a smaller distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles further from the longitudinal axis have to their nearest adjacent bristle. In another embodiment there is provided a hair care device comprising a body portion and projecting therefrom an array of flexible bristles; the bristles having at least two different lengths; the hair care device having a centreline; wherein bristles closer to the centreline have a smaller distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles further from the centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle. In one embodiment, there is provided a hair care device comprising a body portion and projecting therefrom an array of flexible bristles; the bristles having at least two different lengths; the array having a longitudinal axis; wherein bristles closer to the longitudinal axis have a smaller distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles further from the longitudinal axis have to their nearest adjacent bristle. In another embodiment there is provided a hair care device comprising a body portion and projecting therefrom an array of flexible bristles; the bristles having at least two different lengths; the array having a centreline; wherein bristles closer to the centreline have a smaller distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles further from the centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle. According to one embodiment there is provided a hair care device comprising a body portion and projecting therefrom an array of flexible bristles; the bristles having at least two different lengths; the hair care device or the array having a longitudinal axis / centreline; wherein bristles closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline have a smaller lateral component of the distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles further from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle. Because, the lateral component of the distance from bristles closer to the longitudinal axis to their nearest neighbours is smaller than the lateral component of the distance from bristles further from the longitudinal axis to their nearest neighbours , the density of the bristles is greater closer to the longitudinal axis than the density of the bristles further (laterally) from the longitudinal axis (towards the lateral edges of the array / hair care device). In one embodiment, there is provided a hair care device comprising a body portion and projecting therefrom an array of flexible bristles; the bristles having at least two different lengths; the hair care device having a longitudinal axis; wherein bristles closer to the longitudinal axis have a smaller lateral component of the distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles further from the longitudinal axis have to their nearest adjacent bristle. In another embodiment there is provided a hair care device comprising a body portion and projecting therefrom an array of flexible bristles; the bristles having at least two different lengths; the hair care device having a centreline; wherein bristles closer to the centreline have a smaller lateral component of the distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles further from the centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle. In one embodiment, there is provided a hair care device comprising a body portion and projecting therefrom an array of flexible bristles; the bristles having at least two different lengths; the array having a longitudinal axis; wherein bristles closer to the longitudinal axis have a smaller lateral component of the distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles further from the longitudinal axis have to their nearest adjacent bristle. In another embodiment there is provided a hair care device comprising a body portion and projecting therefrom an array of flexible bristles; the bristles having at least two different lengths; the array having a centreline; wherein bristles closer to the centreline have a smaller lateral component of the distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles further from the centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle. Of course, typically, the longitudinal axis of the array will be the same as the longitudinal axis of the hair care device, and will run along the same line as centreline of the array and the hair care device. The bristles of the first aspect of the invention may be arranged in lines (optionally arcing lines) each extending from the longitudinal axis / centreline towards a lateral edge of the array / hair care device. This arrangement in which the density of the bristles (i.e. the number of bristles over a given area of bristles) is greater closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline than the density of the bristles further from the longitudinal axis / centreline (i.e. laterally away from the longitudinal axis / centreline), supports gentler detangling. In particular, by providing a denser concentration of bristles in the centre, sufficient tension can be provided to the hair, whilst having a lower density away from the centreline, allows a reduced overall density, which can produce a gentler detangling action According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a hair care device comprising a body portion and projecting therefrom an array of flexible bristles; the bristles having at least two different lengths; the hair care device or the array having a longitudinal axis / centreline; wherein bristles are arranged in arcing lines arcing away from the longitudinal axis / centreline towards a lateral edge of the array / hair care device. In one embodiment, there is provided a hair care device comprising a body portion and projecting therefrom an array of flexible bristles; the bristles having at least two different lengths; the hair care device having a longitudinal axis; wherein bristles are arranged in arcing lines arcing away from the longitudinal axis towards a lateral edge of hair care device. In another embodiment, there is provided a hair care device comprising a body portion and projecting therefrom an array of flexible bristles; the bristles having at least two different lengths; the hair care device having a centreline; wherein bristles are arranged in arcing lines arcing away from the centreline towards a lateral edge of hair care device. In one embodiment, there is provided a hair care device comprising a body portion and projecting therefrom an array of flexible bristles; the bristles having at least two different lengths; the array having a longitudinal axis; wherein bristles are arranged in arcing lines arcing away from the longitudinal axis towards a lateral edge of the array. In another embodiment, there is provided a hair care device comprising a body portion and projecting therefrom an array of flexible bristles; the bristles having at least two different lengths; the array having a centreline; wherein bristles are arranged in arcing lines arcing away from the centreline towards a lateral edge of the array. This arrangement of the bristles in arcing lines, rather than the rows of GB2447692B also supports a more gentle detangling action. In particular, the provision of arcing rows, avoids the in-line conformity of the bristles, as seen in the rows of GB2447692B, which means that even with relatively few bristles, or a lower density of bristles, hair passing through the array is likely to interact with bristles of both lengths, regardless of the angle at which the brush is used. In contrast with reduced density and the rigid conformity of alternating linear rows of GB2447692B, there would be a greater chance of hair passing through the linear gaps between rows of bristles and not interacting with the bristles, or at least not with both long and short bristles. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a hair care device comprising a body portion and projecting therefrom an array of flexible bristles; the bristles having at least two different lengths; the hair care device or the array having a longitudinal axis / centreline; wherein bristles are arranged in arcing lines arcing away from the longitudinal axis / centreline towards a lateral edge of the array / hair care device and wherein bristles closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline have a smaller distance and / or a smaller lateral component of the distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles further from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle. Naturally including both the features of the first and second aspects of the invention, as in the third aspect of the invention, supports a particularly gentle detangling action. The optional / preferred features set out below apply to any / all of the aspects of the invention set out above. The bristles may be tapered. Longer bristles may be more tapered than shorter bristles, i.e. the average angle of taper of the longer bristles may be more than that of the shorter bristles. For example, opposing sides of the shorter bristles may taper at about 2 degrees towards one another. The longer bristles may have a different taper structure from the shorter bristles, e.g. the taper of the shorter bristles may be substantially uniform and the taper of the longer bristles may not be uniform. For example, opposing sides of the lower part (e.g. the lower third, or lower 7 / 18) of the longer bristles may taper more than the upper part (e.g. the upper third, upper half or upper 11 / 18). For example opposing sides of the lower part of the longer bristles may taper at about 4 to 5 degrees (e.g. 4.4 degrees) whilst opposing sides of the upper part may taper at about 2 degrees towards one another. The lateral cross section of the bristles may be circular. Chamfers may be provided at the base of the bristles. The bristles may be formed of a resiliently flexible material, e.g. a resiliently flexible plastics material. The bristles may have only two different lengths. The shorter bristles may be between 1 / 3 and 2 / 3 the height of the longer bristles, preferably about half the height of the longer bristles. The point of bend of the longer bristles (i.e. the height of the tip of the bristles when the bristles are bent sideways) may be approximately the height of the shorter bristles. The long bristles may have a height of between 16 and 20mm, e.g. 17 to 19mm, such as 18mm. The short bristles may have a height of between 7 and 11 mm, e.g. 8-10mm, such as 9mm. At least some or all of the shorter bristles may not be centrally disposed between four long bristles. At least some or all of the shorter bristles may not be offset with respect to longer bristles. This contrasts with the disclosure of GB2447692B, where shorter bristles are deliberately offset with respect to long bristles. At least some, or all, of the shorter bristles may be arranged in-line with long bristles. In particular, at least some, or all, of the shorter bristles may be arranged in-line with long bristles when viewed parallel to the longitudinal axis / centreline of the array / hair care device. As noted above, this arrangement can improve the prospect of hair interacting with both long and short bristles, even when bristles are arranged at a lower density, to maintain the beneficial detangling action of two tiers of bristles whilst detangling more gently on account of the reduced density. The hair care device may have a handle. The hair care device may have a tip, which is distal from the handle. The longitudinal axis / centreline of the hair care device may extend from the handle to the tip. The longitudinal axis / centreline of the array of bristles may also extend from the handle to the tip. The arcing lines of bristles may arc upwards and outwards, extending from the longitudinal axis / centreline towards the tip and towards the lateral edges. The arcing lines of bristles may arc convexly upwards and outwards, that is to say, bristles (in an arcing line) closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline may arc more upwards than bristles (in an arcing line) further outwards, towards the lateral edges. The array of bristles may be symmetrical about the longitudinal axis / centreline. The array of bristles may include lines (e.g. arcing lines) of bristles on either side of the longitudinal axis / centreline. As such generally v-shaped lines may be provided. The apex of the v-shape may be aligned with the longitudinal axis / centreline. The apex of each v-shaped line may be closer to the handle than the other bristles in each line. The array of bristles may include alternating (e.g. arcing and / or v-shaped) lines consisting of (or mainly including) short bristles and (e.g. arcing and / or v-shaped) lines consisting of (or mainly including) long bristles. In one or more or each line (preferably an arcing line that arcs away from the longitudinal axis / centreline and / or a v-shaped line), bristles closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline may have a smaller distance and / or a smaller lateral component of the distance their nearest neighbour than bristles further from the longitudinal axis / centreline. In one or more or each line (preferably an arcing line that arcs away from the longitudinal axis / centreline and / or a v-shaped line), each bristle closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline may have a smaller distance and / or a smaller lateral component of the distance to its nearest neighbour than the adjacent bristle further from the longitudinal axis / centreline has to its nearest (other) neighbour. That is to say, the distance between bristles and / or the lateral component of the distance between bristles in one or more or each (e.g. arcing and / or a v-shaped) line may increase (e.g. incrementally) from the longitudinal axis / centreline towards an edge of the array / hair care device. The distance and / or the lateral component of the distance from a first bristle (closest to, or on, the longitudinal axis / centreline) to a second (i.e. next) bristle in the line, may be less than the distance and / or the lateral component of the distance from the second bristle to a third (i.e. next) bristle in the line; and / or be less than the distance and / or the lateral component of the distance from the third bristle to a fourth (i.e. next) bristle in the line; and / or be less than the distance and / or the lateral component of the distance from the fourth bristle to a fifth (i.e. next) bristle in the line A bristle may be provided on the longitudinal axis / centreline of the array / hair care device. A row of alternating long and short bristles may be provided along the longitudinal axis / centreline of the array / hair care device. Lines of bristles (preferably arcing lines that arc away from the longitudinal axis / centreline and / or v-shaped lines) may extend laterally either side of the row of bristles on the longitudinal axis / centreline. Lines of bristles (preferably arcing lines that arc away from the longitudinal axis / centreline and / or v-shaped lines) extending laterally from each bristle in the longitudinal axis / centreline, may be the same height as the respective bristle in the longitudinal axis / centreline. The hair care device may comprise at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9 or at least 10 lines (preferably arcing lines that arc away from the longitudinal axis / centreline) of bristles extending from the longitudinal axis / centreline. The hair care device may comprise no more than 20, no more than 18, no more than 15, no more than 12 or no more than 10 lines (preferably arcing lines that arc away from the longitudinal axis / centreline) of bristles extending from the longitudinal axis / centreline. Preferably the hair care device comprises at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9 or at least 10 lines (preferably arcing lines that arc away from the longitudinal axis / centreline) extending on either side of the longitudinal axis / centreline (preferably forming v-shaped lines). Preferably the hair care device comprises no more than 20, no more than 18, no more than 15, no more than 12 or no more than 12 lines (preferably arcing lines that arc away from the longitudinal axis / centreline) extending on either side of the longitudinal axis / centreline (preferably forming v-shaped lines). The hair care device may comprise at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, or at least 5 lines (preferably arcing lines) of short bristles extending from the longitudinal axis / centreline. The hair care device may comprise at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, or at least 5 lines (preferably arcing lines) of long bristles extending from the longitudinal axis / centreline. Preferably the hair care device comprises at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, or at least 5 lines (preferably arcing lines) of long bristles and at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, or at least 5 lines (preferably arcing lines) of short bristles extending on either side of the longitudinal axis / centreline (preferably forming v-shaped lines). The hair care device may comprise no more than 10, no more than 9, no more than 8, no more than 7. no more than 6 or no more than 5 lines (preferably arcing lines) of short bristles extending from the longitudinal axis / centreline. The hair care device may comprise no more than 10, no more than 9, no more than 8, no more than 7, no more than 6 or no more than 5 lines (preferably arcing lines) of long bristles extending from the longitudinal axis / centreline. Preferably the hair care device comprises no more than 10, no more than 9, no more than 8, no more than 7, no more than 6 or no more than 5 lines (preferably arcing lines) of long bristles and no more than 10, no more than 9, no more than 8, no more than 7, no more than 6 or no more than 5 lines (preferably arcing lines) of short bristles extending on either side of the longitudinal axis / centreline (preferably forming v-shaped lines). The average spacing between short bristles in a line may be smaller than the average spacing between long bristles in a line. Preferably the hair care device comprises no more than 300, no more than 200, no more than 150, or no more than 100 bristles, for example between 50 and 150 bristles, between 75 and 125 bristles, or between 90 and 110 bristles. Preferably the overall density of bristles in the array is no more than 6 bristles per cm2; no more than 5 bristles per cm2; no more than 4 bristles per cm2; no more than 3 bristles per cm2; or no more than 2 bristles per cm2. Preferably in a region around the longitudinal axis / centreline of the hair care device, the density of bristles is at least 3 bristles per cm2; at least 4 bristles per cm2; or at least 5 bristles per cm2. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that it may be that only at least some of the bristles closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline have a smaller lateral component of the distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than at least some of the bristles further / furthest from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle. However, preferably a majority (i.e. at least half) of the bristles closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline have a smaller lateral component of the distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than a majority of bristles further / furthest from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle. More preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of bristles closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline have a smaller lateral component of the distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of bristles further / furthest from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle. Most preferably all bristles closest to the longitudinal axis / centreline have a smaller lateral component of the distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than all the bristles furthest from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that it may be that only at least some of the bristles closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline have a smaller distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than at least some of the bristles further / furthest from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle. However, preferably a majority (i.e. at least half) of the bristles closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline have a smaller distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than a majority of the bristles further / furthest from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle. More preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of bristles closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline have a smaller distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles further / furthest from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle. Most preferably all bristles closest to the longitudinal axis / centreline have a smaller distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles furthest from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle. Preferably the bristles are arranged in rows (preferably arcing rows) and a majority (i.e. at least half) of the bristles closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline have a smaller lateral component of the distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles in the same row further / furthest from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle in the same row. More preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of bristles closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline have a smaller lateral component of the distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles in the same row further / furthest from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle in the same row. Most preferably all bristles closest to the longitudinal axis / centreline have a smaller lateral component of the distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles in the same row furthest from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle in the same row. Preferably the bristles are arranged in rows (preferably arcing rows) and a majority (i.e. at least half) of the bristles closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline have a smaller distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles in the same row further / furthest from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle in the same row. More preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of bristles closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline have a smaller distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles in the same row further / furthest from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle in the same row. Most preferably all bristles closest to the longitudinal axis / centreline have a smaller distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles in the same row furthest from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle in the same row. According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of brushing hair using a hair care device according to any of the aspects of the invention set out above, optionally including any optional features; the method comprising applying the hair care device to the head and applying gentle pressure towards the head; whereby the longer bristles bend sideways initially whereupon the shorter bristles come into more intimate contact with the hair; preferably wherein when the longer bristles have flexed and bent and are no longer capable of picking up any more hair the shorter bristles start to catch further strands of hair. Definitions: Where distances or components of distances from one bristle to another are discussed, these are measured from the central longitudinal axis of one bristle to the central longitudinal axis of the other. A distance between bristles which are not arranged at the same longitudinal position on the hair care device can be split into a longitudinal component and a lateral component; the longitudinal component is the difference between their longitudinal positions on the hair care device, and the lateral component is the difference between their lateral positions on the hair care device. To determine the lateral and longidinal component of a distance which is at an angle to the longitudinal axis, measurements can be made; or where two distances are known (e.g. the total distance and one of the lateral / longitudinal components) Pythagoras’ theorem can be used; or where a distance and an angle are known, trigonometry can be used. Detailed Description of the Invention In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a plan view of a hair care device according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a side view of a similar hair care device to that of figure 1; Figure 3 shows a plan view of the hair care device of figure 2; Figure 4 shows a cross section through the hair care device along line A-A shown in figure 3; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the hair care device of figures 2 to 4; Figure 6 shows an enlarged plan view part of the hair care device of figures 2-5; Figures 7a-7m show side views of the hair care device of figures 2-5 at various angles; and Figure 8 shows an enlarged part of the plan view of a modified version of the hair care device of figure 1. With reference to Figures 1 to 8, a hair care device 1 is provided. The hair care device 1 is a hairbrush with a body portion which includes a handle 2 and a head 3, from which a plurality of substantially parallel resiliently flexible bristles extend. At the opposite end of the head from the handle, is the tip of the hair care device 1, and a longitudinal axis (X-X, see fig 3) of the hairbrush extends from the tip of the head to the opposite tip of the handle. This longitudinal axis extends along the centreline of the brush, and the brush is symmetrical about the centreline. The bristles may be formed from a suitable grade of Hytrel ® for example, but those skilled in the art will easily determine suitable alternative plastics materials; for example elastomers include those sold under the trademark Bexloy by Celanese. Grades of Bexloy such as Bexloy GPV45B5, GPV55B5, NC010, GPV63B5 NC010 and Bexloy GPV72B5 NC010; elastomers sold under the trade marks Pebax and Rnew by Arkema, such as Pebax Rnew 55r53sp01, Pebax Rnew 63r53sp01 and Pebax Rnew 72r53sp01; or elastomers sold under the trade mark Triel by Samyang Corporation, such as Triel 5550 NA, Triel 5590 NA and Triel 5720 NA. The bristles can be formed as part of a bristle pad, which is attached to the head 3 of the brush, or can be formed integral with the head 3. The bristles are made up of two different types, longer bristles 4, and shorter bristles 5, best seen in figure 4. The longer bristles 4 are also thicker at their base and can therefore be identified in the plan view images as they are bigger than the short bristles 5. The bristles are formed in an array, which shares its longitudinal axis with the longitudinal axis X of the brush and likewise has a centreline corresponding to the longitudinal axis, about which the array is symmetrical. It is envisaged that the invention could be used on brushes without a handle (like that of GB2447692B). The bristles, 4, 5 are arranged in the array in lines, specifically arcing lines. The arcing lines of bristles 4, 5 arc away from the longitudinal axis / centreline towards the lateral edges of the array / hair care device 1. Bristles 4, 5 closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline have a smaller distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles further from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle. As such, the density of the bristles 4, 5 is greater closer to the longitudinal axis X than the density of the bristles 4, 5 further (laterally) from the longitudinal axis X (towards the lateral edges of the array / hair care device). This arrangement in which the density of the bristles 4, 5 (i.e. the number of bristles over a given area of bristles) is greater closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline than the density of the bristles further from the longitudinal axis / centreline (i.e. laterally away from the longitudinal axis / centreline), supports gentler detangling. The arrangement in arcing lines also supports a more gentle detangling action. As best seen in figure 4, the bristles 4, 5 are tapered. Longer bristles 4 are more tapered than shorter bristles 5, i.e. the average angle of taper of the longer bristles is more than that of the shorter bristles. In this particular embodiment opposing sides of the shorter bristles 5 taper at about 2 degrees towards one another, whilst the longer bristles 4 have a different taper structure from the shorter bristles 5, in particular, the taper of the shorter bristles 5 is substantially uniform whereas the taper of the longer bristles 4 is not, and in this embodiment opposing sides of the lower part (e.g. lower 7 / 18) of the longer bristles tapers more than the upper part (in particular the upper 11 / 18). Specifically, opposing sides of the lower part of the longer bristles taper at about 4.4 degrees whilst opposing sides of the upper part taper at about 2 degrees towards one another. The lateral cross section of the bristles 4, 5 are circular and chamfers are provided at the base of the bristles, for strength. The bristles 4, 5 in this embodiment have only two different lengths, although it is envisaged that additional bristles of different length might not be significantly detrimental to performance. In this embodiment, the shorter bristles 5 are 9mm tall, and half the height of the longer bristles 4, which are 18mm tall. The point of bend of the longer bristles 4 (i.e. the height of the tip of the bristles when the bristles are bent sideways) is approximately the height of the shorter bristles 5. Of course, it is anticipated that alternative heights of bristle may also be effective. Turning to the arrangement of the bristles, much is common between the embodiment of figure 1, the embodiment of figures 2-6 and the embodiment of figure 8. In particular, each of these embodiments includes a central row, or spine, of bristles which alternate between short and long bristles. In the embodiment of figure 1, there are thirteen bristles in this row; seven short bristles 5 and six long bristles 4 (since the bristles alternate between long and short, the bristle 5 closest to the handle 2 and the bristle 5 closest to the distal tip of the head 3 are both short bristles 5). In the embodiment of figures 2-6 there are twelve bristles in the row along the centreline, six short bristles 5 and six long bristles 4. The bristle closest to the handle 2 is a short bristle 5 and therefore the bristle closest to the distal tip of the head is a long bristle 4. The majority of the bristles 4, 5 in the central row / spine provide a common origin for a row which arcs to the left and a row which arcs to the right. The exceptions are the short bristle 5 nearest the distal tip of the head in the embodiment of figure I (and the embodiment of figure 8) and the long bristle 4 nearest to the distal tip of the head 3 in the embodiment of figures 2-6. These bristles do not form part of lines which arc away from the centreline. In both the embodiments of figures 1 and figures 2-6, the short bristle closest to the handle is the origin of a row of four short bristles 5 arcing upward and outward to the right and four bristles arcing upward and outward to the left. As such, there are three additional short bristles 5 in the arcing line to the left of the short bristle closest to the handle, and three additional short bristles 5 in the arcing line to the right of the short bristle closest to the handle. In an exception to the rule that in general bristles closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline have a smaller distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles further from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle, the distance from the short bristle 5 closest to the handle to its nearest neighbour in each arcing row (i.e. the second bristle in each arcing row) is equal to the distance between the other adjacent short bristles in the row. For example, in these particular embodiments, the distance between the short bristle 5 in the spine and its nearest neighbour on each side may be 6.5mm, and the distance between the other bristles in those arcing lines and their nearest neighbours (other than that in the spine) may also be 6.5mm. However, on account of the fact that the lines arc upwards then away from the longitudinal axis, despite the distance between the bristle on the spine and its nearest neighbour i.e. the second bristle being the same as the distance between the second bristle and the third bristle, the lateral component of the distance between the first bristle (on the spine) and the second is of course less than the lateral component of the distance between the second bristle and the third bristle. Similarly, the lateral component of the distance between the second and third bristles is less than that between the third and fourth bristles. In both the embodiments of figures 1 and figures 2-6, the long bristle 4 closest to the handle is the origin of a row of four long bristles 4 arcing upward and outward to the right and four bristles arcing upward and outward to the left. As such, there are three additional long bristles 4 in the arcing line to the left of the long bristle closest to the handle, and three additional long bristles 4 in the arcing line to the right of the long bristle closest to the handle. In accordance with the rule that in general bristles closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline have a smaller distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles further from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle, the distance from the long bristle 4 closest to the handle to its nearest neighbour in each arcing row (i.e. the second bristle in each arcing row) is less than the distance between the other adjacent long bristles. For example, the distance between the long bristle 4 in the spine and its nearest neighbour on each side may be 8.0mm, whilst the distance between the other bristles in those arcing lines and their nearest neighbours (other than that in the spine) may be larger, e.g. 8.7mm from the second bristle 4 in the line to the third, and 8.7mm from the third to the (outermost) fourth bristle. In both the embodiments of figures 1 and figures 2-6, after the initial arcing lines of four bristles, alternating longer bristles 4 and shorter bristles 5 in the spine act as the origin for arcing lines to the left and right of five bristles each (a total of nine bristles across the brush as the bristles in the spine serve as origin for two lines of five, i.e. the central and four other bristles make up each arcing line, on each of the left and right sides). In both embodiments, after the initial arcing lines of four bristles, there are nine further arcing lines of five bristles to the left and nine further arcing lines of five bristles to the right, which of course share an origin. In every arcing line, the bristles are the same size, i.e. arcing lines whose origin in the spine is a shorter bristle 5 are made up entirely of shorter bristles 5, whilst arcing lines whose origin in the spine is a longer bristle 4 are made up entirely of longer bristles 4. In the same way as the rows of four bristles, the rows of five bristles arc upward and outward to the right to the left respectively. As such, there are four additional bristles in each the arcing line to the left of each origin bristle and four additional bristles in the arcing line to the right of each origin bristle. In the majority of these rows (specifically, all but the row of five long bristles closest to the tip and the row of five short bristles closest to the tip), the distance from the origin bristle to its nearest neighbour in each arcing row (i.e. to the second bristle in each arcing row) is less than the distance between the other adjacent bristles (i.e. the second, third, fourth and fifth bristles in the arcing rows. For example, the distance between each origin short bristle in the spine and its nearest neighbour on each side may be 6.0, whilst the distance between the other short bristles in those arcing lines and their nearest neighbours (other than that in the spine) may be between about 7.5mm and 8.5mm, generally being approximately equal as between the second and third bristle, the third to the fourth bristle and the fourth to the fifth (outermost) bristle. Thus, the density of bristles is highest closest to the central longitudinal axis and lowest towards the edges. As mentioned, above, the row of long bristles and the row of short bristles closest to the tip of the head where the bristles in the spine act as an origin for a line of five bristles to the left and right are an exception from the rule, and for the short bristles, the distance from the bristle at the origin to the second bristle is 6.0mm, the second to the third is 6.1mm; the third to the fourth is 6.1mm, but the fourth to the fifth is 6.0mm moreover, the distance from the origin long bristle in to its nearest neighbour, the second bristle is 7.5mm, whilst the distance from second to third, third to fourth and fourth to fifth are all 7.3mm. This is primarily to accommodate the aesthetics of the shape of the head, which narrows slightly towards the tip. As mentioned above, on account of the manner in which the bristles arc, even though the distance from the origin long bristle in the row of five bristles arcing upward and outward towards the left and right that is closest to the tip, to its nearest neighbour second bristle is 7.5mm, which is greater than the 7.3mm between the second and third bristle, the lateral component of the distance between the origin (first) bristle and its nearest neighbour, the second bristle, is greater than the lateral component of the distance between the second and the third bristles. To be specific, as best seen from figure 6, in the arrangement shown in figures 2-6, the angles between the bristles are such that the lateral component (a) of the 7.5mm distance between the first and second bristles is 4.9mm, whilst the lateral component (b) of the 7.3mm distance between the second and third bristles in the row is 5.9mm. (Obviously the longitudinal component of the distance between the first and second bristles is commensurately greater than the longitudinal component of the distance between the second and third bristles, as can be established using Pythagoras’ theorem.) Similarly, on account of the manner in which the bristles arc, even though the distance from the origin short bristle in the row of five bristles arcing upward and outward towards the left and right that is closest to the tip, to its nearest neighbour second bristle is 6.0mm, which is only very slightly less than the 6.1mm between the second and third bristle, the lateral component of the distance between the origin (first) bristle and its nearest neighbour, the second bristle, is substantially greater than the lateral component of the distance between the second and the third bristles. To be specific, in the arrangement shown in figures 2-6, the angles between the bristles are such that the lateral component (c) of the 6.0mm distance between the first and second bristles is 3.9mm, whilst the lateral component (d) of the 6.1mm distance between the second and third bristles in the row is 4.6mm. The precise distances described are of course not essential, provided the density is maintained higher towards the central spine and lower towards the edges. Thus, the modification of figure 8 shows an arrangement in which the arcing line of five short bristles closest to the distal tip of the head 3 has a distance of 6.0mm from the origin bristle in the spine to its nearest neighbour and a distance of 7.0mm between each of the other four bristles in the arcing line. In this modification of figure 8, the adjacent line of five bristles (further from the tip), which are long bristles 4 are arranged with a distance of 7.0mm from the origin bristle in the spine to its nearest neighbour (i.e. the second bristle); 7.5mm from the second bristle to the third bristle; 8.3mm between the third and fourth bristles in the arcing line and 8.3mm between the fourth and (outermost) fifth bristles in the arcing line. In the modification of figure 8, the next line (in the direction of the handle) contains six short bristles 5, arranged with a distance of 6.0mm from the origin bristle in the spine to its nearest neighbour (i.e. the second bristle); and 6.5mm between each of the second and third, third and fourth, fourth and fifth, and fifth and (outmost) sixth short bristles 5 in the arcing line. The next line (in the direction of the handle) in the modification of figure 8 reverts to five longer bristles 4, and an incremental increase as between the origin bristle and second bristle (7.0mm), second and third bristle (7.5mm) and third and fourth bristle (9.1mm), with the distance between the third and fourth bristle being repeated as between the fourth and fifth bristles (9.1mm). Thus it can be seen that there are numerous options for arranging longer and shorter bristles in arcing rows, and numerous options for ensuring that the bristle density is greater towards the longitudinal axis / centreline than the lateral edges of the array / hair care device. In all the embodiments, certain additional bristles are included partly for aesthetic reasons and to maintain bristle density at the close to the longitudinal axis / centreline along the entire length of the array. Thus in the embodiment of figures 2-6, closest to the tip of the head, beyond the final arcing lines of five (shorter) bristles on each side, three long bristles 4 are arranged in a triangular fashion. Similarly in the embodiment of figure 1, closest to the tip of the head, beyond the final arcing lines of five (shorter) bristles on each side, a long bristle 4 serves as the origin for lines of three long bristles to the left and right (i.e. two additional long bristles to the left and two additional long bristles to the right), and a final short bristle 5 is provided closest to the tip, not forming part of any arcing line. This arrangement is notable in that instead of having the rows of shorter and longer bristles being offset, with shorter bristles centrally disposed between four' long bristles as in GB2447692B, at least some of the shorter bristles are actually arranged in-line with long bristles when viewed parallel to the longitudinal axis / centreline of the array / hair care device. Notably, however, alternation remains when viewed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. As such, when the brash is pulled through the hair (in a direction roughly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis), the long bristles 4 should not obscure the short bristles 5 and prevent them from interacting with the hair. The manner in which long and short bristles are interspersed such that despite a relatively low density of bristles, especially away from the longitudinal axis / centreline, there are no significant gaps through which hair could pass without interacting with the bristles can be seen from figures 7a-7m, which show side views of the brush lof figures 2-6 at various different angles. Specifically; figure 7a shows a left hand side view of the brush 1 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; figure 7b shows the brush turned 15 degrees clockwise with respect to figure 7 a; figure 7c shows the brush turned 30 degrees clockwise with respect to figure 7a; figure 7d shows the brush turned 45 degrees clockwise with respect to figure 7a; figure 7e shows the brush turned 60 degrees clockwise with respect to figure 7a; figure 7f shows the brush turned 75 degrees clockwise with respect to figure 7a; figure 7g shows the brush turned 90 degrees clockwise with respect to figure 7a; figure 7h shows the brush turned 15 degrees anticlockwise with respect to figure 7a; figure 7i shows the brush turned 30 degrees anticlockwise with respect to figure 7a; figure 7j shows the brush turned 45 degrees anticlockwise with respect to figure 7a; figure 7k shows the brush turned 60 degrees anticlockwise with respect to figure 7a; figure 71 shows the brush turned 75 degrees anticlockwise with respect to figure 7a; and figure 7m shows the brush turned 90 degrees anticlockwise with respect to figure 7 a. As those skilled in the art will readily understand, this arrangement of arcing lines, alternating between short and long bristles means that each strand of hair through which the brush is pulled, has a high prospect of interacting with both long and short bristles, regardless of the angle at which it is pulled through the hair and despite the lower density of bristles. As such, the beneficial detangling action of two tiers of bristles can be maintained whilst detangling more gently on account of the reduced density. The arcing lines of bristles arc convexly upwards and outwards, extending from the centreline towards the tip and towards the lateral edges. That is to say, bristles (in an arcing line) closer to the centreline may arc more upwards than bristles (in an arcing line) further outwards, towards the lateral edges. This results in the provision of generally v-shaped lines, with the apex of the v-shape aligned with the longitudinal axis / centreline, and with the limbs of the v-shape being curved. In the embodiments the array of bristles is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis / centreline and a row of bristles extends along the centreline. However, in other embodiments, the array of bristles may include lines (e.g. arcing lines) of bristles on either side of the longitudinal axis / centreline, but no bristles along the centreline itself. In use, a user, typically with bleached and / or damaged hair will brush their hair using a hair care device of the embodiments. The method involves applying the hair care device to the head and applying gentle pressure towards the head; whereby the longer bristles bend sideways initially whereupon the shorter bristles come into more intimate contact with the hair. When the longer bristles have flexed and bent and are no longer capable of picking up any more hair the shorter bristles start to catch further strands of hair, in much the same way as in GB2447692B. However, by virtue of the distinctions in terms of arcing lines of bristles and variable bristle density, with higher density closer to the centreline, the brushing will be gentler, reducing further damage to the hair. For comparison, the brush 1 of the embodiment of figures 2-6 has a total of 52 short bristles and 46 long bristles, i.e. a total of less than 100 bristles over the entire area of the array, which is an area of roughly 100mm x 50mm (i.e. 50cm2), or approximately 2 bristles per square cm. By contrast, the applicant currently sells a hairbrush under the trade mark The Ultimate Detangler, Fine &Fragile with the same size and shape of body and array, but the arrangement as described in GB2447692B. That has 214 short bristles and 155 long bristles, i.e. a total of 369 bristles over the same area of around 50cm2, i.e. approximately 7 bristles per square cm. Thus the proposed arrangement has less than a third of the number of bristles, which can be expected to substantially reduce damage, but not at the cost of failure to detangle, which could be expected if the arrangement of bristles described in GB2447692B was maintained, but the density lowered commensurately. The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hair care device comprising a body portion and projecting therefrom an array of flexible bristles; the bristles having at least two different lengths; the hair care device or the array having a longitudinal axis / centreline; wherein bristles are arranged in arcing lines arcing away from the longitudinal axis / centreline towards a lateral edge of the array / hair care device.

2. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein the bristles are tapered and longer bristles are more tapered than shorter bristles.

3. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein the longer bristles have a different taper structure from the shorter bristles, wherein the taper of the shorter bristles is substantially uniform and the taper of the longer bristles is not uniform, but opposing sides of the lower third of the longer bristles taper more than the upper half.

4. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein the bristles ae formed of a resiliently flexible plastics material.

5. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein the bristles have only two different lengths; wherein the shorter bristles are about half the height of the longer bristles; and wherein the point of bend of the longer bristles is approximately the height of the shorter bristles.

6. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein the long bristles have a height of between 16 and 20mm and the short bristles have a height of between 7 and 11 mm.

7. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein at least some or all of the shorter bristles are not centrally disposed between four long bristles and at least some, or all, of the shorter bristles are arranged in-line with long bristles when viewed parallel to the longitudinal axis / centreline of the array / hair care device.

8. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein the hair care device has a handle and a tip, which is distal from the handle; wherein the longitudinal axis / centreline of the hair care device extends from the handle to the tip; and wherein the arcing lines of bristles arc convexly upwards and outwards, extending from the centreline towards the tip and towards the lateral edges.

9. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein the array of bristles is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis / centreline and includes lines of bristles on either side of the longitudinal axis / centreline, such that generally v-shaped lines are provided; wherein the apex of the v-shape is aligned with the longitudinal axis / centreline.

10. A hair care device according to any preceding claims including arcing v-shaped alternating lines consisting of short bristles and arcing v-shaped lines consisting of long bristles.

11. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein bristles closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline have a smaller distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles further from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle.

12. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein bristles closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline have a smaller lateral component of the distance to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles further from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle.

13. A hair care device according to claim 9 or 10 wherein in one or more or each line, bristles closer to the centreline are closer to their nearest neighbour than bristles further from the centreline.

14. A hair care device according to claim 12 wherein in one or more or each line, each bristle closer to the centreline is closer to its nearest neighbour than the adjacent bristle further from the centreline is to its nearest other neighbour.

15. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein a row of alternating long and short bristles is provided along the centreline of the array / hair care device.

16. A hair care device according to claim 15 wherein lines of bristles extend laterally either side of the row of bristles on the centreline.

17. A hair care device according to claim 16 wherein lines of bristles extending laterally from each bristle in the centreline, are the same height as the respective bristle in the centreline.

18. A hair care device according to any preceding claim comprising at least 10 lines of bristles extending from the centreline.

19. A hair care device according to claim 20 comprising at least 10 lines of bristles extending on either side of the centreline thereby forming v-shaped lines.

20. A hair care device according to any preceding claim comprising at least 5 lines of short bristles extending from the centreline and at least 5 lines of long bristles extending from the centreline.

21. A hair care device according to any preceding claim which comprises no more than 100 bristles.

22. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein the overall density of bristles in the array is no more than 3 bristles per cm2.

23. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein in a region around the longitudinal axis / centreline of the hair care device, the density of bristles is at least 4 bristles per cm2.

24. A method of brushing hair using a hair care device according to any preceding claim; the method comprising applying the hair care device to the head and applying gentle pressure towards the head; whereby the longer bristles bend sideways initially whereupon the shorter bristles come into more intimate contact with the hair; preferably wherein when the longer bristles have flexed and bent and are no longer capable of picking up any more hair the shorter bristles start to catch further strands of hair.AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS17 09 2526CLAIMS1. A hair care device comprising a body portion and projecting therefrom an arrayof flexible tapered bristles; the bristles having at least two different lengths; the hair care device or the array having a longitudinal axis / centreline; wherein 5 bristles are arranged in arcing lines arcing away from the longitudinalaxis / centreline towards a lateral edge of the array / hair care device.

2. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein longer bristles are more tapered than shorter bristles.

3. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein the longer bristles 10 have a different taper structure from the shorter bristles, wherein the taper of theshorter bristles is substantially uniform and the taper of the longer bristles is not uniform, but opposing sides of the lower third of the longer bristles taper more than the upper half.

4. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein the bristles ae 15 formed of a resiliently flexible plastics material.

5. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein the bristles have only two different lengths; wherein the shorter bristles are about half the height of the longer bristles; and wherein the point of bend of the longer bristles is approximately the height of the shorter bristles.20 6. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein the long bristleshave a height of between 16 and 20mm and the short bristles have a height of between 7 and 11 mm.

7. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein at least some orall of the shorter bristles are not centrally disposed between four long bristles 25 and at least some, or all, of the shorter bristles are arranged in-line with longbristles when viewed parallel to the longitudinal axis / centreline of the array / hair care device.

8. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein the hair care device has a handle and a tip, which is distal from the handle; wherein the longitudinal 30 axis / centreline of the hair care device extends from the handle to the tip; andwherein the arcing lines of bristles arc convexly upwards and outwards, extending from the centreline towards the tip and towards the lateral edges.

9. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein the array of bristles is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis / centreline and includes lines of bristles on either side of the longitudinal axis / centreline, such that generally v-shaped lines are provided; wherein the apex of the v-shape is aligned with the 5 longitudinal axis / centreline.

10. A hair care device according to any preceding claims including arcing v-shaped alternating lines consisting of short bristles and arcing v-shaped lines consisting of long bristles.

11. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein bristles closer to 10 the longitudinal axis / centreline have a smaller distance to their nearest adjacentbristle than bristles further from the longitudinal axis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle.

12. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein bristles closer to the longitudinal axis / centreline have a smaller lateral component of the distance 15 to their nearest adjacent bristle than bristles further from the longitudinalaxis / centreline have to their nearest adjacent bristle.

13. A hair care device according to claim 9 or 10 wherein in one or more or each line, bristles closer to the centreline are closer to their nearest neighbour than bristles further from the centreline.20 14. A hair care device according to claim 12 wherein in one or more or each line,each bristle closer to the centreline is closer to its nearest neighbour than the adjacent bristle further from the centreline is to its nearest other neighbour.

15. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein a row of alternating long and short bristles is provided along the centreline of the 25 array / hair care device.

16. A hair care device according to claim 15 wherein lines of bristles extend laterally either side of the row of bristles on the centreline.

17. A hair care device according to claim 16 wherein lines of bristles extending laterally from each bristle in the centreline, are the same height as the respective 30 bristle in the centreline.

18. A hair care device according to any preceding claim comprising at least 10 lines of bristles extending from the centreline.

19. A hair care device according to claim 20 comprising at least 10 lines of bristles extending on either side of the centreline thereby forming v-shaped lines.

20. A hair care device according to any preceding claim comprising at least 5 lines of short bristles extending from the centreline and at least 5 lines of long bristles 5 extending from the centreline.

21. A hair care device according to any preceding claim which comprises no more than 100 bristles.

22. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein the overall density of bristles in the array is no more than 3 bristles per cm2.10 23. A hair care device according to any preceding claim wherein in a region aroundthe longitudinal axis / centreline of the hair care device, the density of bristles is at least 4 bristles per cm2.

24. A method of brushing hair using a hair care device according to any preceding claim; the method comprising applying the hair care device to the head and 15 applying gentle pressure towards the head; whereby the longer bristles bendsideways initially whereupon the shorter bristles come into more intimate contact with the hair; preferably wherein when the longer bristles have flexed and bent and are no longer capable of picking up any more hair the shorter bristles start to catch further strands of hair.20

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