hairbrush

Abstract

The hairbrush includes a body and a handle, the body including a front and a rear portion including a plurality of bristles, the handle slidably engaged to the body so as to be movable between an extended position in which the handle can be grasped by a user and a retracted position in which the handle is substantially retracted within the body, and the body includes at least one guide rail that interfaces with an end of the handle to guide the handle between the extended and retracted positions.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to hairbrushes, and in particular, but not exclusively, to hairbrushes that include a retractable handle. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the cost of shipping has increased significantly, and as a result, it is desirable to reduce shipping costs by downsizing the product and reducing the amount of packaging required. Accordingly, the present invention aims to reduce the size of hairbrushes, at least during shipping. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It is also desirable to have products that are configurable with parts that are easily interchangeable by the end user or during assembly, etc. This can maximize the number of possible combinations while minimizing the number of parts required. It is also desirable for hairbrushes to be rigid so that they are easy to use, but as the size of the configurable hairbrush can be reduced, there is a risk that the rigidity will be reduced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hairbrush including a body and a handle, The body includes a front portion and a rear portion including a plurality of bristles; The handle is slidably engaged to the body such that the handle is movable between a deployed position in which the handle can be grasped by a user and a retracted position in which the handle is substantially retracted within the body.

[0005] The body may include at least one guide (eg, a guide rail) that may interface with an end of the handle to guide the handle between the deployed and retracted positions.

[0006] At least one of the guide portions may be resiliently flexible.When the handle is moved to the deployed position, the handle and the at least one resiliently flexible guide may interact to provide a snap-fit.

[0007] When the handle is moved to the retracted position, the at least one resiliently flexible guide or at least one further resiliently flexible guide may interact with the handle to provide a snap fit.

[0008] The resiliently flexible guide rails may be elongated cantilevers having fixed proximal ends and free distal ends, the free distal ends being adapted to interact with the handle to provide the snap fit.

[0009] The body may include a first pair of guide rails, the first pair of guide rails may be provided on either side of the end of the handle, and at least one (e.g., both) of the first pair of guide rails may be resiliently flexed laterally relative to the handle to provide a snap fit when the handle is moved to the deployed position.

[0010] The body may include a second pair of guide rails disposed on either side of the end of the handle, and at least one (e.g., both) of the second pair of guide rails may be resiliently flexed laterally relative to the handle to provide a snap fit when the handle is moved to the retracted position.

[0011] The second pair of guide rails may be spaced longitudinally (e.g., longitudinally of the handle) from the first pair of guide rails. The free extremities of the at least one resiliently flexible guide rail of the first pair of guide rails and the at least one resiliently flexible guide rail of the second pair of guide rails may be located at opposite ends of the body.

[0012] The handle may include a ramp portion at the end thereof, the ramp portion being positioned to interact with at least one resiliently flexible guide rail to cause the resiliently flexible guide rail to bend, and the ramp portion may interact with both the first and second pairs of guide rails as the handle moves between the deployed and retracted positions.

[0013] All or each of the resiliently flexible guide rails may include a protrusion or recess that cooperates with a corresponding recess or protrusion on the handle. The protrusion and the recess may be configured to engage with one another when the handle is in the deployed and / or retracted position. The interaction of the protrusion and the recess may contribute to a snap fit.

[0014] The body may include at least one rigid guide rail for guiding the handle between the deployed and retracted positions. The handle may include at least one slot. The slot and the rigid guide rail may interlock with each other.

[0015] The body may include a pair of rigid guide rails and the handle may include a corresponding pair of slots, one of the rigid guide rails and its corresponding slot may have a generally rectangular cross-section and the other of the rigid guide rails and its corresponding slot may have a generally triangular cross-section.

[0016] An end of the handle may include a tapered portion. The body may include a corresponding tapered region that receives the tapered portion of the handle when the handle is in the deployed position. The tapered portion of the handle and the tapered region of the body may provide an interference fit when the handle is in the deployed position.

[0017] The body may include a bridge portion extending above the handle. The bridge portion may hold the handle relative to the body. The bridge portion may at least partially define the tapered region of the body. The bridge portion may be adjacent an opening in a wall of the body through which the handle passes.

[0018] At least one of the front and rear portions may include at least one tab. An end of the handle may include a shoulder. The tab and the shoulder may interact to prevent the handle from coming off the body when assembling the hairbrush.

[0019] The body may define a cavity, and the at least one guide rail may extend across at least a portion of the cavity. The at least one guide rail may be supported at an end of the guide rail. The at least one guide rail may be coupled to a wall of the body at an end of the guide rail. The at least one guide rail may be free-hanging within the cavity, for example by not otherwise contacting a wall of the body. The handle may retract into the cavity when in the retracted position.

[0020] The at least one guide rail may be elastically flexible. The guide rail may, for example, be elongate extending in the direction of travel of the handle. The at least one guide rail may be flexible in a lateral direction of the guide rail, for example perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the guide rail.

[0021] The body may include a pair of guide rails, one on either side of the end of the handle, and at least one of the guide rails may be resiliently bent laterally away from the end of the handle.

[0022] At least one of the guide rails may include a ramp portion that may be positioned such that when the handle is moved to the deployed position, interaction between the end of the handle and the ramp portion forms an interference fit between the end of the handle and the guide rail. Interaction between the end of the handle and the ramp portion may cause the at least one guide rail to resiliently flex, for example laterally.

[0023] One of the end of the handle and the at least one tab may include a recess and the other of the end of the handle and the at least one tab may include a protrusion. The recess and the protrusion may be configured to interlock when the handle is in the deployed position. The interlocking of the recess and the protrusion may provide a snap fit when the handle is moved to a fully deployed position. The interlocking of the recess and the protrusion may resist relative movement between the handle and the body.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, one of the end of the handle and the at least one guide rail may include a recess and the other of the end of the handle and the at least one guide rail may include a protrusion, the recess and the protrusion may be configured to interlock when the handle is in the deployed position.

[0025] The end of the handle may include protrusions. The protrusions may interface with the guide rails. For example, a pair of protrusions may be provided to define a slot that receives at least a portion of the guide rail. A pair of protrusions may be provided on either side of the end of the handle. Each pair of protrusions may interface with a corresponding guide rail.

[0026] The protrusions may be sized to fit into gaps between the tabs and the guide rails. The gaps between the tabs and the guide rails may have approximately the same thickness as the protrusions. Each protrusion may be provided with a tab. For example, the front portion may include a pair of tabs that face corresponding protrusions on either side of the end of the handle. The rear portion may include a pair of tabs that face corresponding protrusions on either side of the end of the handle.

[0027] The protrusions may be provided on the protrusions and the recesses may be provided on the tabs. Each protrusion may include a protrusion. Each of the corresponding tabs may include a recess.

[0028] The body may include an elongated element extending into an elongated slot of the handle. The elongated element and the elongated slot may have a cross-shaped cross section. The body may include a pair of guide rails, and the elongated element may be disposed between the guide rails. The elongated element may extend across the cavity of the body. Only one end of the elongated element may be connected to a side wall of the body. The other end of the elongated element may be received in the elongated slot of the handle.

[0029] When the handle is moved to the deployed position, the handle and body may interact to provide a snap fit, which may be provided by resilient guide rails and / or interaction between the interlocking protrusions and recesses.

[0030] The front and / or rear section may be separate from a chassis of the main body. The front section may, for example, be replaceable with another front section of a different type. The rear section may, for example, be replaceable with another rear section of a different type.

[0031] The body may define the cavity and may include an outer wall extending around the cavity, the outer wall may include an opening for the handle to pass through, the body may include a pair of guide rails connected to the outer wall on either side of the opening.

[0032] The outer wall may have a region of thinning, e.g., bent about the region of thinning. The thickness of the outer wall in this region may be measured in the direction of movement of the handle (or longitudinal direction of the handle). The region of thinning may be adjacent to the opening. The region of thinning may be longitudinally spaced from the ramp portion (e.g. longitudinally spaced along the longitudinal direction of the handle).

[0033] The hairbrush may further include a removable lid, the lid being configured to protect the bristles.

[0034] The hairbrush assembly may include the body (or a portion of the body) and the handle. The hairbrush assembly may further include the lid.

[0035] These and other aspects will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] Exemplary embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings: [Figure 1a] 1a and 1b are perspective views of a hairbrush according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing the hairbrush with the handle in an extended position. [Figure 1b] 1 is a perspective view of a hairbrush according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing the handle in a retracted position; [Diagram 2] 1 is a front view of a chassis portion of a hairbrush according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rear cover according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a front cover according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the handle and chassis portion of the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the handle halfway between the retracted and deployed positions; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional front view of the handle and chassis part according to the first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the interaction between the rails of the chassis part and the handle. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a hairbrush according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing the handle in an extended position. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the hairbrush with the handle in the retracted position and a bristle cover protecting the bristles of the hairbrush. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hairbrush according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing the handle of the hairbrush in an extended position. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a chassis portion of a hairbrush according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a front view of a handle according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first end (eg, the proximal end of the handle relative to the body) of a handle according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a front view of a handle and chassis part according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing the interaction between the rails of the chassis part and the handle. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a handle and chassis portion according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing the handle halfway between the retracted and deployed positions; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] 1, a hairbrush 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a body 20 and a handle 30. The handle 30 is slidably engaged with the body 20 so as to be movable between an extended position shown in Fig. 1a in which the handle 30 can be grasped by a user and a retracted position shown in Fig. 1b in which the handle 30 is substantially retracted within the body 20.

[0038] 2-4, the main body 20 includes a chassis portion 40 (shown in FIG. 2), a rear portion 50 (shown in FIG. 3), and a front portion 60 (shown in FIG. 4). The front portion 60 includes a plurality of bristles 61 disposed on a surface of the front portion 60. The front portion 60 may include structural ribbing 63 on its inner surface. The ribbing 63 may be absent when the handle 30 is in the retracted position.

[0039] The chassis portion 40, rear portion 50 and front portion 60 together may define a cavity 70 that receives at least a substantial portion of the handle 30 when retracted. The chassis portion 40 may include an outer (e.g., perimeter) wall 41 that extends around the cavity 70. The rear portion 50 and front portion 60 may be coupled to the chassis portion 40, and in particular to the outer wall 41 of the chassis portion. For example, the rear portion 50 may include a resilient retention hook 52 that engages a corresponding abutment 42 on the outer wall 41 of the chassis portion 40. Similarly, the front portion 60 may include a resilient retention hook 62 that engages a corresponding abutment 42 on the outer wall 41 of the chassis portion 40. The resilient retention hooks 52, 62 may provide a snap fit with the chassis portion 40.

[0040] As shown, the rear portion 50 and the front portion 60 are separate from the chassis portion 40. The front portion 60 and the rear portion 50 may be coupled to the chassis portion 40 during assembly of the hairbrush 10 and secured to the chassis portion 40 by the resilient retention hooks 52, 62. A series of different rear portions 50 and / or front portions 60 may be provided and coupled to the chassis portion 40, for example, during manufacture or by the end user. However, it is envisioned that the rear portion 50 and / or front portion 60 may also be integral with the chassis portion 40.

[0041] The body 20 may include at least one guide rail 80 that interfaces with a portion or first end 30a of the handle 30 (e.g., the proximal end of the handle 30 relative to the body 20). The guide rail 80 is configured to guide the handle 30 as it slides between the deployed and retracted positions. The guide rail(s) 80 may be straight, such that the handle 30 may slide in a straight line. However, it is also envisioned that the guide rail(s) 80 may be curved, such that the handle 30 may slide in an arc that follows the contour of the body 20, for example.

[0042] As shown in Figures 2, 6 and 7, the chassis part 40 may include a pair of guide rails 80a, 80b. The guide rails 80a, 80b may be elongated, for example, with their longitudinal axes extending in the direction of movement of the handle 30. The guide rails 80a, 80b may straddle the handle 30, for example, with one guide rail 80a, 80b on each side of the handle 30. The guide rails 80a, 80b may be substantially parallel to each other. The guide rails 80a, 80b may extend across the cavity 70. The ends of the guide rails 80a, 80b may be connected to the outer wall 41 of the chassis part 40. The guide rails 80a, 80b may be freely suspended within the cavity 70 in other ways.

[0043] 6 and 7, the outer wall 41 of the chassis portion may include an opening 43 for the handle 30 to pass through. Guide rails 80a, 80b may connect with the outer wall 41 on either side of the opening 43.

[0044] As best shown in FIG. 5, the first end 30a of the handle 30 may include a first pair of projections 34a, 34b on a first side of the handle 30 and a second pair of projections 34c, 34d on a second side of the handle 30. The first pair of projections 34a, 34b may define a first slot 35a therebetween that receives at least a portion of the guide rail 80a. The second pair of projections 34c, 34d may define a second slot 35b therebetween that receives at least a portion of the guide rail 80b. The projections 34a-34d (and the slots 35a, 35b) extend longitudinally and laterally at the first end 30a of the handle. The slots 35a, 35b may interface with corresponding guide rails 80a, 80b such that the handle 30 slides relative to the guide rails 80a, 80b.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the chassis portion 40 may further include an elongated element 90 that extends into the elongated slot 33 of the handle 30. The elongated element 90 may be disposed between the guide rails 80a, 80b and may be generally parallel to the guide rails. In this manner, the elongated element 90 may extend across the cavity 70 of the body 20. The elongated element 90 may be coupled to the outer wall 41 at only one end thereof. The other end of the elongated element 90 may be received in the elongated slot 33 of the handle 30. The elongated element 90 may help guide the handle 30 as it moves between the deployed and retracted positions.

[0046] The elongated element 90 and the elongated slot 33 may have corresponding cross-sections that resist relative rotation between the chassis portion 40 and the handle 30. For example, the elongated element 90 and the elongated slot 33 may both have a cross-shaped cross-section.

[0047] As shown in Figures 2 and 7, the guide rails 80a, 80b may each have a ramp portion 81a, 81b. The ramp portions 81a, 81b of the individual guide rails 80a, 80b may face each other to reduce the spacing between the guide rails 80a, 80b. The ramp portions 81a, 81b may be provided at ends of the guide rails 80a, 80b closest to the opening 43. The ramp portions 81a, 81b may be positioned such that when the handle 30 moves into the deployed position, interaction between the handle first end 30a and the ramp portions 81a, 81b creates an interference fit between the handle first end 30a and the guide rails 80a, 80b.

[0048] Also, the guide rails 80a, 80b may be elastically flexible in a lateral direction of the guide rails (e.g., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide rails and away from the guide rails). Interaction between the first end 30a of the handle and the ramp portions 81a, 81b may cause the guide rails 80a, 80b to elastically bend in the lateral direction. The guide rails 80a, 80b may be sufficiently thin to accommodate such lateral bending. The guide rails 80a, 80b may be formed of a plastic material that facilitates such bending. The chassis portion 40 may be formed of the same plastic material (e.g., the chassis portion and the guide rails may be integral). Other portions of the hairbrush 10 may be formed of the same plastic material.

[0049] As best shown in FIG. 2, the outer wall 41 of the chassis portion may have a region 44 of reduced thickness that is less than other regions of the outer wall 41. (The thickness of the outer wall 41 is measured across the wall, e.g., toward the cavity 70.) The region of reduced thickness 44 may allow the outer wall to flex about the region of reduced thickness 44. The region of reduced thickness 44 may be disposed at the opening 43, for example, in such a manner that the thickness of the outer wall 41 is reduced on either side of the opening 43. The region of reduced thickness 44 may be spaced apart (e.g., spaced apart longitudinally along the length of the handle 30) from the ramp portions 81a, 81b. This spacing may further aid in the flexing of the ramp portions 81a, 81b.

[0050] 3, 4 and 8, the rear portion 50 includes at least one tab 54 and the front portion 60 includes at least one tab 64. In the illustrated example, the rear portion 50 includes a pair of tabs 54a, 54b and the front portion 60 includes a pair of tabs 64a, 64b. The tabs 54, 64 may extend into the cavity 70 and face corresponding ones of the protrusions 34a-34d at the first end 30a of the handle. As shown in FIG. 5, the handle 30 may include a shoulder 36 at its first end 30a. Each of the protrusions 34a-34d on the handle 30 may include a corresponding shoulder 36a-36d. The tabs 54, 64 and the shoulder 36 may interact to prevent the handle 30 from moving beyond the deployed position. During assembly, the first end 30a of the handle may be inserted into the opening 43. However, when rear portion 50 and / or front portion 60 are coupled to chassis portion 40 , shoulder 36 abuts tabs 54 , 64 , preventing handle 30 from being removed from body 20 .

[0051] 8, protrusions 34a-34d may be sized to fit into gaps between corresponding tabs 54, 64 and guide rails 80a, 80b. The gaps between tabs 54, 64 and guide rails 80a, 80b may have approximately the same thickness as protrusions 34a-34d, for example, to provide an interference fit.

[0052] With reference to FIG. 8, each of the projections 34a-34d may be provided with a protrusion 37a, 37b (the protrusion 37d on the projection 34d is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6). Each of the tabs 54, 64 may include a recess 57, 67 corresponding to one of the protrusions 37a, 37b. In an alternative configuration, the projections 34a-34d may include a recess and the tabs 54, 64 may include a protrusion. In either case, the recesses 57, 67 and the protrusions 37a, 37b may correspond in shape to fit each protrusion 37a, 37b into a corresponding recess in the recesses 57, 67. The recesses 57, 67 and the protrusions 37a, 37b may be configured to interlock when the handle is in the deployed position. The interlocking of the recesses 57, 67 and the protrusions 37a, 37b may provide a snap fit when the handle 30 is moved into the fully deployed position. The interlocking of recesses 57, 67 with protrusions 37a, 37b may resist relative movement between handle 30 and body 20.

[0053] The protrusions 37a, 37b and the recesses 57, 67 may face each other in a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and lateral directions of the guide rails 80a, 80b (for example, a direction substantially parallel to the bristles 61). The protrusions 37a, 37b and the recesses 57, 67 may also be provided on the protrusions 34a-34d extending laterally from the handle 30, for example, so as to be spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the handle 30. As a result, the twisting force of the protrusions 37a, 37b and the recesses 57, 67 is maximized, thereby further restricting the relative rotational movement between the handle 30 and the main body 20. In addition, the left-right movement of the second (tip) end 30b of the handle 30 is effectively prevented.

[0054] Additionally or alternatively, protrusions or recesses may be provided within slots 35a, 35b and corresponding recesses or protrusions may be provided on guide rails 80a, 80b. Similarly, such recesses and protrusions may be configured to interlock when handle 30 is in the deployed position.

[0055] When the handle 30 is moved to the deployed position, the handle 30 and body 20 may interact to provide a snap fit. The snap fit may be provided by the interaction between the resilient guide rails 80a, 80b and / or the interlocking protrusions 37a, 37b and recesses 57, 67. The locking nature of the snap fit may help provide a more rigid handle 30 when the handle is in the deployed position.

[0056] 9, the hairbrush 10 may further include a removable lid 100. The lid 100 may be configured to protect the bristles 61. The removable lid 100 may be selectively engaged to the body 20, for example, by one or more gripping elements (not shown). The lid 100 may include a mirror on a surface thereof.

[0057] With reference to Fig. 10, a hairbrush 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The hairbrush 200 according to the second embodiment is similar to the hairbrush 10 according to the first embodiment, and the features described above with respect to the first embodiment may be similarly applied to the second embodiment of the hairbrush 200. The hairbrush 200 according to the second embodiment has a different arrangement of guide rails, and the following description will focus on this point.

[0058] 10-13, hairbrush 200 includes a body 220 that slidably receives a handle 230 that moves between a retracted position and an extended position. As best shown in FIG. 11, body 220 includes a chassis portion 240. In a second embodiment, rear portion 250 may be integral with chassis portion 240. Front portion 260, including bristles 261, may be coupled to chassis portion 240.

[0059] Chassis portion 240 may include at least a pair of resiliently flexible guide rails 280a, 280b and 280c, 280d that interface with a portion or first end 230a of handle 230 (e.g., a proximal end of handle 230 relative to body 220). Resilient flexible guide rails 280a-280d are configured to guide handle 230 as it slides between an extended position and a retracted position.

[0060] 11, the chassis portion 240 may include two pairs of resiliently flexible guide rails 280a, 280b and 280c, 280d. The first pair of guide rails 280a, 280b may straddle the handle 230 in a first position, e.g., one guide rail 280a, 280b on each side of the handle 230. The second pair of guide rails 280c, 280d may straddle the handle 230 (when in the retracted position) in a second position, e.g., one guide rail 280c, 280d on each side of the handle 230. The first and second positions may be spaced apart along the length of the handle 230.

[0061] The guide rails 280a-280d may be elongated, for example, with a longitudinal axis extending in the direction of movement of the handle 230. The guide rails 280a, 280b may be generally parallel to one another. Also, the guide rails 280c, 280d may be generally parallel to one another. The first pair of guide rails 280a, 280b may extend across a first end of a cavity 270 defined by the body 220. The second pair of guide rails 280c, 280d may extend across a second end of the cavity 270.

[0062] The resiliently flexible guide rails 280a-280d may be elongate cantilevers each having a fixed proximal end 282a-282d and a free distal end 284a-284d. The fixed ends 282a-282d may be fixed to the body 220. The free ends 284a-284d may bend relative to the fixed ends 282a-282d. The free ends 284a-284d may bend laterally relative to the handle 230. The guide rails 280a-280d may be sufficiently thin to accommodate such lateral bending. The guide rails 280a-280d may be formed of a plastic material that facilitates such bending. The free ends 284a-284b of the first pair of guide rails 280a-280b may be provided at an end of the main body 220 opposite the free ends 284c-284d of the second pair of guide rails 280c-280d. The fixed ends 284a-284b of the first pair of guide rails 280a-280b may be disposed adjacent to the fixed ends 284c-284d of the second pair of guide rails 280c-280d.

[0063] In the illustrated example, the free ends 284a-284d of the guide rails 280a-280d include protrusions 281a-281d configured to interact with corresponding recesses 238a, 238b at the ends of the handle 230a. The interaction of the recesses 238a, 238b at the ends of the handle 230a with the protrusions 281a-281b of the first pair of guide rails 280a-280b provides a snap-fit ​​interaction when the handle 230 is moved to the deployed position. The interaction of the recesses 238a, 238b at the ends of the handle 230a with the protrusions 281c-281d of the second pair of guide rails 280c-280d provides a snap-fit ​​interaction when the handle 230 is moved to the retracted position. In an alternative configuration, the free ends of the resiliently flexible guide rails may include recesses and the ends of the handle 230a may include corresponding protrusions. In other embodiments, further combinations of recesses and protrusions are possible.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 11, the body 220 may include an opening 243 for the handle 230 to pass through. The opening 243 may be formed between the bridge portion 245 and the chassis portion 240 and / or the rear portion 250. The bridge portion 245 may extend above the handle 230 and may hold the handle 230 relative to the body 220. The bridge portion 245 may be separable from the chassis portion 240, which may aid in the assembly and disassembly of the hairbrush 200. The bridge portion 245 may include at least one shoulder 245a, 245b that engages with a corresponding slot 240a, 240b in the chassis located around the opening 243. This arrangement may help restrain the bridge portion 245 and limit rotational movement, such as due to twisting forces, that the bridge portion 245 may experience when using the hairbrush 200.

[0065] 11 and 13, the body 220 may include at least one rigid guide rail 290a, 290b configured to guide the handle 230 between the deployed and retracted positions. The rigid guide rails 290a, 290b may be elongated elements that extend into corresponding elongated slots 231a, 231b in the handle 230. The rigid guide rails 290a, 290b may be disposed in the openings 243 and may extend longitudinally of the handle 230.

[0066] A pair of rigid guide rails 290a, 290b and corresponding elongated slots 231a, 231b may be provided. A first rigid guide rail 290a may be provided in the bridge portion 245. A second rigid guide rail 290b may be provided in the rear portion 250. As shown in FIG. 11, the rigid guide rails 290a, 290b may be disposed opposite one another. The rigid guide rails 290a, 290b may extend into the cavity 270. As shown in FIG. 13, the elongated slots 231a, 231b of the handle 230 may extend longitudinally along the back of the handle 230 on either side of the handle 230.

[0067] The first rigid guide rail 290a and the corresponding slot 231a may have a generally rectangular cross section. The second rigid guide rail 290b and the corresponding slot 231b may have a generally triangular cross section. In other embodiments (not shown), both of the rigid guide rails 290a, 290b may have a rectangular or triangular cross section, or other cross-sectional shapes. On the other hand, when a generally triangular cross section is adopted, the surface contact area between the rigid guide rail 290b and the inner wall of the handle slot 232b is smaller than that of a generally rectangular cross section, and the friction force between the rigid guide rail and the inner wall of the handle slot may be relatively small. On the other hand, when a generally rectangular cross section is adopted, the transmission of lateral forces between the handle 230 and the rigid guide rail 290a may be improved, which may improve the transmission of torsional forces between the handle 230 and the body 220. This is particularly useful, for example, when trying to untangle particularly tangled hair. As shown in FIG. 12, employing both a generally triangular cross-section and a generally rectangular cross-section may be a design compromise that minimizes sliding friction of the handle 230 while maximizing the transmission of lateral forces between the handle 230 and the body 220.

[0068] As best shown in FIG. 12, the handle 230 may include a tapered portion 232 at the first end 230a. As shown in FIG. 12, the tapered portion 232 may increase in width from the thin portion of the handle to the thick portion of the handle at the first end 230a of the handle. When the handle is in the deployed position, the tapered portion 232 of the handle 230 may further form an interference fit with a corresponding tapered region 222 of the body 220, for example, around the opening 243, as shown in FIG. 14. The bridge portion 245 and the chassis portion 240 may together form a tapered region around the opening 243. The interference fit between the tapered portion 232 of the handle 230 and the corresponding tapered region 222 of the body 220 may help provide a rigid connection between the body 220 and the handle 230 when in the deployed position. The interference fit may also prevent a user from accidentally removing the handle 230 from the hairbrush cavity 270.

[0069] The tapered portion 232 of the handle (e.g., the widest end of the tapered portion) may interact with at least one of the resiliently flexible guide rails 280a-280d to bend the resiliently flexible guide rails. For example, when the handle 230 is moved to the deployed position shown in FIG. 14, the tapered portion 232 contacts (interacts with) the resiliently flexible guide rails 280a, 280b, which causes the portions of the flexible guide rails that are not secured to the body 220 to bend laterally relative to the handle. Similarly, when the handle 230 is moved to the retracted position, the tapered portion contacts (interacts with) the resiliently flexible guide rails 280c, 280d, which causes the portions of the flexible guide rails that are not secured to the body 220 to bend laterally relative to the handle.

[0070] 11 and 12, the handle end 230a may include at least one leading chamfered surface 239a, 239b configured to assist in guiding the protrusions 281a-281d at the free ends of the resiliently flexible guide rails 280a-280d into corresponding recesses 238a, 238b at the handle end as the handle 230 is moved to its retracted and deployed positions. As shown in FIG. 12, the recesses 238a-238b at the handle end may be formed adjacent the leading chamfered surface 239a-239b. The guide rails 280a-280d configured to resiliently flex laterally (relative to the handle 230) upon interaction with the chamfered surfaces 239a-239b of the handle 230 may provide a spring action to enable a snap fit when the protrusions 281a-281d at the free ends are guided into corresponding recesses 238a-238b on the handle end. FIG. 14 shows the handle 230 in its deployed position, with protrusions 281a-281b at the free ends of the resiliently flexible guide rails 280a-280b in a snap-fit ​​arrangement within corresponding recesses 238a-238b at the ends of the handle.

[0071] The following numbered announcements form part of this invention:

[0072] A1. A hairbrush including a body and a handle, The body includes a front portion and a rear portion including a plurality of bristles; the handle is slidably engaged with the body such that the handle is movable between a deployed position in which the handle can be grasped by a user and a retracted position in which the handle is substantially retracted within the body; the body includes at least one guide rail that interfaces with an end of the handle to guide the handle between the deployed position and the retracted position; A hairbrush, wherein at least one of the front and rear portions includes at least one tab, and the end of the handle includes a shoulder, the tab and the shoulder interacting to prevent the handle from coming off the body when the hairbrush is assembled.

[0073] A2. The hairbrush of claim A1, wherein the body defines a cavity, and the at least one guide rail extends across the cavity.

[0074] A3. The hairbrush of any one of claims A1 to A2, wherein at least one of the guide rails is resiliently flexible.

[0075] A4. The hairbrush according to any one of Appendices A1 to A3, wherein the main body includes a pair of guide rails.

[0076] A5. The hairbrush of Appendix A4, wherein the guide rails are provided on either side of the end of the handle, and at least one of the guide rails elastically bends laterally away from the end of the handle.

[0077] A6. A hairbrush as described in any one of Appendices A1 to A5, wherein at least one of the guide rails includes a ramp portion that is positioned such that when the handle moves into the deployed position, interaction between the end of the handle and the ramp portion results in an interference fit between the end of the handle and the guide rail.

[0078] A7. The hairbrush of claim A6, wherein interaction between the end of the handle and the ramp portion causes the at least one guide rail to resiliently bend.

[0079] A8. A hairbrush as described in any one of Appendices A1 to A7, wherein one of the end of the handle and the at least one tab includes a recess, and the other of the end of the handle and the at least one tab includes a protrusion, and the recess and the protrusion are configured to move together when the handle is in the extended position.

[0080] A9. The hairbrush of any one of Appendices A1 to A8, wherein the end of the handle includes a protrusion sized to fit into a gap between the tab and the guide rail.

[0081] A10. The hairbrush of any one of Appendix A1-A9, wherein the body includes an elongated element that extends into an elongated slot in the handle.

[0082] A11. The hairbrush of claim A10, wherein the elongated element and the elongated slot have a cross-shaped cross-section.

[0083] A12. The hairbrush of any one of claims A10 to A11, wherein the body includes a pair of guide rails, the elongate element being disposed between the guide rails.

[0084] A13. The hairbrush of any one of Appendixes A1 to A12, wherein when the handle is moved to the extended position, the handle and the body interact to provide a snap fit.

[0085] A14. The hairbrush according to any one of Appendices A1 to A13, wherein at least one of the front portion and the rear portion is replaceable with a different front portion and a different rear portion, respectively.

[0086] A15. The hairbrush of any one of Appendices A1 to A14, wherein the body defines a cavity and includes an outer wall extending around the cavity.

[0087] A16. The hairbrush of claim A15, wherein the outer wall includes an opening through which the handle passes.

[0088] A17. The hairbrush of Appendix A16, wherein the main body includes a pair of guide rails, the guide rails being connected to the outer wall on either side of the opening.

[0089] A18. The hairbrush according to any one of Appendices A16 to A17, wherein the outer wall has a thinned region so that the outer wall can bend around the thinned region.

[0090] A19. The hairbrush of claim A18, wherein the area of ​​thinning is adjacent to the opening.

[0091] A20. The hairbrush according to claim A18 or A19, which is dependent on claim A6, wherein the thinned area is spaced apart from the ramp in the longitudinal direction.

[0092] A21. The hairbrush according to any one of Appendices A1 to A20, further comprising a removable lid for protecting the bristles.

[0093] Those skilled in the art embodying the principles and techniques described herein can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments from the drawings, the invention, and the claims. In the claims, the term "comprises" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite forms "a" and "one" do 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 including a body and a handle, The body includes a front portion and a rear portion including a plurality of bristles; the handle is slidably engaged with the body such that the handle is movable between a deployed position in which the handle can be grasped by a user and a retracted position in which the handle is substantially retracted within the body; the body includes at least one guide rail that interfaces with an end of the handle to guide the handle between the deployed position and the retracted position; At least one of the guide rails is resiliently flexible; When the handle is moved to the extended position, the handle and at least one resiliently flexible guide rail interact to provide a snap fit.

2. The hairbrush of claim 1 , wherein when the handle is moved to the retracted position, the at least one resiliently flexible guide rail or the at least one further resiliently flexible guide rail interacts with the handle to provide a snap fit.

3. 3. The hairbrush of claim 1 or 2, wherein the resiliently flexible guide rails are elongated cantilevers having fixed proximal ends and free distal ends, the free distal ends interacting with the handle to provide a snap fit.

4. The hairbrush of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the body includes a first pair of guide rails.

5. 5. The hairbrush of claim 4, wherein the first pair of guide rails are provided on either side of the end of the handle, and when the handle is moved to the extended position, at least one of the first pair of guide rails resiliently bends laterally relative to the handle to provide a snap fit.

6. 6. The hairbrush of claim 4 or 5, wherein the body includes a second pair of guide rails on either side of the end of the handle, and when the handle is moved to the retracted position, at least one of the second pair of guide rails resiliently bends laterally relative to the handle to provide a snap fit.

7. 7. The hairbrush of claim 6, wherein the second pair of guide rails are longitudinally spaced from the first pair of guide rails.

8. A hairbrush as described in claim 6 or 7 dependent on claim 3, wherein the free ends of the at least one resiliently flexible guide rail of the first pair of guide rails and the at least one resiliently flexible guide rail of the second pair of guide rails are located at opposite ends of the body.

9. A hairbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the handle includes a ramp portion at the end thereof arranged to interact with the at least one resiliently flexible guide rail to cause the resiliently flexible guide rail to bend.

10. A hairbrush as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein all or each of the resiliently flexible guide rails includes a convex portion or a concave portion that interlocks with a corresponding concave portion or a convex portion of the handle, the convex portion and the concave portion engaging with each other when the handle is in the deployed position and / or the retracted position.

11. The hairbrush of any preceding claim, wherein the body includes at least one rigid guide rail that guides the handle between the extended and retracted positions.

12. 12. The hairbrush of claim 11, wherein the handle includes at least one slot that interlocks with the rigid guide rail.

13. 13. The hairbrush of claim 12, wherein the body includes a pair of rigid guide rails and the handle includes a corresponding pair of slots, one of the rigid guide rails and its corresponding slot having a generally rectangular cross-section and the other of the rigid guide rails and its corresponding slot having a generally triangular cross-section.

14. A hairbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the end of the handle includes a tapered portion and the body includes a corresponding tapered region that receives the tapered portion of the handle when the handle is in the extended position.

15. A hairbrush according to any preceding claim, wherein the body includes a bridge portion extending above the handle, the bridge portion holding the handle to the body.

16. A hairbrush according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the front and rear portions is interchangeable with a respective alternative front portion and alternative rear portion.

17. The hairbrush of any preceding claim, wherein the body includes an outer wall defining a cavity and extending around the periphery of the cavity.

18. 18. The hairbrush of claim 17, wherein the outer wall includes an opening for the handle to pass therethrough.

19. 19. The hairbrush of claim 17 or 18, wherein at least one of the guide rails extends across at least a portion of the cavity.

20. The hairbrush of any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a removable lid for protecting the bristles.

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