Lockable bi-stable spring pet accessory device

Abstract

A pet accessory device comprising: a bistable spring having a first equilibrium position and a second equilibrium position, where the bistable spring is in an extended state and in a coiled state at the first equilibrium position; and a hairbrush coupled to the bistable spring, where the hairbrush is positioned to brush hair when the bistable spring is in an extended state and when the bistable spring is in a coiled state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications

[0001] This non - provisional patent application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Publication No. 62 / 500,088, filed May 4, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety to the extent consistent therewith.

[0002] Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an article / pet accessory device having a lockable bistable spring, particularly an article / pet accessory device including a pet accessory such as a brush.

Background Art

[0003] Background

[0003] A bistable spring has two equilibrium positions, which may also be referred to as stable states. As a result, a device equipped with a bistable spring can have two distinct configurations: flat and curled. In the flat and curled states. The most recent widespread use of such a device was the slap bracelet, also known as a slap wrap. A slap bracelet is composed of a layered flexible steel band sealed within a fabric cover. A typical slap bracelet is approximately 1 inch wide by 9 inches long. In the first equilibrium position, they can be flat. The second equilibrium is typically achieved by tapping the flat configuration across the wrist, at which point the bracelet wraps around the wrist and remains relatively fixed in a nearly circular position. Slap bracelets have mainly been used as decorative bracelets. However, other uses include, for example, keeping the leg of pants away from the chain of a person riding a bicycle, or even using a slap bracelet covered with reflective tape to improve the visibility of night - time pedestrians and cyclists. Perhaps most conveniently, this is very easy to wrap around the wrist or leg and conveniently stays in place.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] overview

[0004] In at least one embodiment, the pet accessory device includes a bistable spring having a first equilibrium position and a second equilibrium position, where in the first equilibrium position the bistable spring is extended and in the second equilibrium position the bistable spring is coiled, and a hairbrush coupled to the bistable spring, where in the extended state of the bistable spring the hairbrush is positioned to brush hair and in the coiled state of the bistable spring the hairbrush is positioned within the coil formed by the bistable spring.

[0005]

[0005] In at least one embodiment, the pet accessory device further comprises a polymer body that covers at least partially the bistable spring.

[0006]

[0006] In at least one embodiment, the polymer body is formed of an elastomer.

[0007]

[0007] In at least one embodiment, the polymer body is overmolded onto a bistable spring.

[0008]

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the polymer body has a cavity, and the hairbrush is placed inside the cavity.

[0009]

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the hairbrush includes bristles and a bristle holder, the bristles being coupled to the bristle holder, and the bristle holder being coupled to a bistable spring and / or a polymer body.

[0010]

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the bristles have a conical portion.

[0011]

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the bristles have a spherical distal end.

[0012]

[0012] In at least one embodiment, when the bistable spring is in the extended state, the pet accessory device has a proximal end region and a distal end region, the proximal end region providing a handle for the pet accessory device and the distal end region including a hairbrush.

[0013]

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the bistable spring is made of stainless steel.

[0014]

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the pet accessory device further comprises a locking mechanism for locking the bistable spring in the extended position or unlocking the bistable spring from the extended position.

[0015]

[0015] In at least one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes at least one locking bar that is rotatable relative to the bistable spring.

[0016]

[0016] In at least one embodiment, at least one lock bar is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0017]

[0017] In at least one embodiment, the bistable spring has a longitudinal axis of the bistable spring, and at least one lock bar has a longitudinal axis of the lock bar, and at least one lock bar is rotatable to lock the bistable spring in an extended state when the longitudinal axis of the lock bar is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bistable spring, and at least one lock bar is rotatable to unlock the bistable spring from an extended state when the longitudinal axis of the lock bar is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bistable spring.

[0018]

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the lock bar further includes a plurality of lock bars, each rotatable with respect to the bistable spring.

[0019]

[0019] In at least one embodiment, when the bistable spring is extended, the pet accessory device has a proximal end region and a distal end region, where at least one of the plurality of lock bars is located in the proximal end region, and at least one other of the plurality of lock bars is located in the distal end region.

[0020]

[0020] In at least one embodiment, when the bistable spring is extended, the pet accessory device has a front side and a rear side, and at least one lock bar is located on the rear side of the pet accessory device.

[0021]

[0021] In at least one embodiment, when the bistable spring is in the extended state, the bistable spring has an arch, the front side of the pet accessory device is convex due to the arch, the rear side of the pet accessory device is concave due to the arch, and at least one lock bar is positioned on the concave side of the pet accessory device.

[0022]

[0022] In at least one embodiment, a method for operating a pet accessory device is to acquire the pet accessory device, the device being a bistable spring having a first equilibrium position and a second equilibrium position, in which the bistable spring is in an extended state and in which the bistable spring is in a coiled state; a hairbrush coupled to the bistable spring, in which the bistable spring is in an extended state and in which the bistable spring is in a coiled state; a locking mechanism for locking the bistable spring in an extended state or unlocking the bistable spring from an extended state, the locking mechanism including at least one lock bar rotatable relative to the bistable spring; and to rotate at least one lock bar relative to the bistable spring to lock the bistable spring in an extended state or to rotate at least one lock bar relative to the bistable spring to unlock the bistable spring from an extended state. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0023] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] Reference should be made to the following detailed description to be read in conjunction with the drawings below, in which like numerals represent like parts.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1A]

[0024] A exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of an article having a lockable bistable spring in an extended configuration, particularly a pet accessory device, in accordance with the present disclosure. [Figure 1B]

[0025] A front perspective view of the article / pet accessory device of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C]

[0026] A rear perspective view of the article / pet accessory device of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1D]

[0027] A front view of the article / pet accessory device of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1E]

[0028] A right side view of the article / pet accessory device of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1F]

[0029] A rear side view of the article / pet accessory device of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1G]

[0030] An enlarged end view of the article / pet accessory device of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1H]

[0031] An enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 1D. [Figure 1I]

[0032] A cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1D. [Figure 1J]

[0033] An exploded view of a particular component of the article / pet accessory device of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1K]

[0034] An enlarged view of circle C of FIG. 1I. [Figure 2A]

[0035] Figure 1A is a rear side view of the article / pet accessory device, showing the locking mechanism for the lockable bistable spring in the unlocked position. [Figure 2B]

[0036] Figure 1A is a rear side view of the article / pet accessory device, showing the locking mechanism of the lockable bistable spring in the locked position. [Figure 3]

[0037] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an article / pet accessory device having a lockable bistable spring in a curled configuration. [Figure 4A]

[0038] This is an exploded view of another exemplary embodiment of an article having a lockable bistable spring in an extended configuration, in particular a pet accessory device, consistent with the present disclosure. [Figure 4B]

[0039] Figure 4A is a front view of the item / pet accessory device. [Figure 4C]

[0040] Figure 4A is a right side view of the item / pet accessory device. [Figure 4D]

[0041] Figure 4A is an enlarged end view of the item / pet accessory device. [Figure 4E]

[0042] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view along line BB in Figure 4B. [Figure 4F]

[0043] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 4B. [Figure 5A]

[0044] This is an exploded view of another exemplary embodiment of an article having a lockable bistable spring in an extended configuration, consistent with the present disclosure, particularly a pet accessory device. [Figure 5B]

[0045] Figure 5A is a front view of the item / pet accessory device. [Figure 5C]

[0046] Figure 5A is a right side view of the item / pet accessory device. [Figure 5D]

[0047] Figure 5A is an enlarged end view of the item / pet accessory device. [Figure 5E]

[0048] This is another enlarged end view of the pet accessory device shown in Figure 5A. [Figure 5F]

[0049] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 5B. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025]

[0050] The following detailed description will proceed with reference to exemplary embodiments, many of which will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0026] Detailed explanation

[0051] The terms and expressions used herein are not limiting, but are for illustrative purposes only, and in using such terms and expressions, it is not intended to exclude any equivalents of the illustrated and described features (or any part thereof), and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the claims. Accordingly, the claims are intended to encompass all such equivalents. Various features, aspects and embodiments are described herein. The features, aspects and embodiments are susceptible to combination with one another and to deformation and modification, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, this disclosure should be considered to encompass such combinations, deformations and modifications.

[0027]

[0052] Throughout this specification, any reference to “one embodiment” or “a certain embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “in a certain embodiment” in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, certain features, structures, or characteristics can also be combined in any preferred manner in one or more embodiments.

[0028]

[0053] As described above, the bistable spring used in so-called "slap bracelets" has two equilibrium positions. This allows the article having the bistable spring to have two distinct configurations: flat and curled. In the first equilibrium position / configuration, the article is positioned flat, which may also be called (linear) stretched or uncurled. In the second equilibrium position / configuration, the article is positioned in a curled state, which may also be called a curled state, in the form of a loop. The transition from the first configuration to the second configuration may be provided by striking the flat position / configuration onto the surface of an object, at which point the bistable spring curls around itself or around the object and remains relatively fixed in the curled position / configuration.

[0029]

[0054] This specification discloses an article / pet accessory device including a lockable bistable spring. The bistable spring of the article / pet accessory device may be covered with a cover / material and may have a pet accessory, such as a pet hairbrush, positioned at one end of the upper (front) surface of the body of the device. In a flat configuration, the pet accessory of the article / pet accessory device is usable, while in a curled (coiled loop) configuration, the pet accessory is inside the curl (coiled loop) of the bistable spring and is therefore protected from damage. The article / pet accessory device also includes a mechanism for locking the device into a flat configuration to make the article / pet accessory device robust for use.

[0030]

[0055] Referring here to the figures, Figures 1A–1K show exemplary embodiments of article 10A, in particular a pet accessory device, having a lockable bistable spring 40 in a first position / configuration consistent with the present disclosure. As shown, article / pet accessory device 10A has a pet accessory 12 in the form of a hairbrush, which is exposed (not concealed) and positioned to brush the fur.

[0031]

[0056] As illustrated, the article / pet accessory device 10A includes an extension spring 40 (individually shown in Figure 1J) disposed within a body 50 that overlaps (or at least partially encloses) the spring 40. As described herein, the extension spring 40 is a bistable spring, otherwise it may be called a bistable band, tape, or blade spring, especially given its geometric shape. In some embodiments, the spring 40 may be made of spring steel (formed from a flat steel sheet). The spring 40 may have a thickness in the range of, for example, 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, more specifically about 0.2 mm (millimeters). In the first configuration, as best illustrated by Figures 1G and 1H, the extension spring 40 has arches 42 extending laterally (perpendicular) to the longitudinal length / axis of the spring 40 from each longitudinal edge of the spring 40. The arch 42 biases the spring 40 to remain in the first (extended) configuration in a known manner similar to that of a slap bracelet. As shown in the figure, the convex side of the arch 42 is positioned on the front side of the article / pet accessory device 10A, and the concave side of the arch is positioned on the rear side of the article / pet accessory device 10A.

[0032]

[0057] In some embodiments, the body 50 may preferably be formed of silicone, which may also be called a polysiloxane polymer. However, in the broad context of this disclosure, other polymer compositions, including thermoplastic polymers and thermosetting polymers, are conceivable. The body 50 is intended to utilize a stretchable / elastic polymer material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which is elastically stretchable / stretchable and elastically resilient, which would enable it to provide the performance characteristics described herein. In some embodiments, the body 50 may be directly overmolded onto the spring 40 by means of insert injection molding or the like. In other embodiments, the body 50 may have an opening that allows the spring 40 to be inserted into the body 50 and assembled with the body 50 after it has been formed separately first.

[0033]

[0058] The article / pet accessory device 10A, along with the spring 40 and the body 50, has a first end region 20 and a second end region 30. The first end region 20 (also called the proximal end region) of the article / pet accessory device 10A provides a handle to the human user of the article / pet accessory device 10A, while the second end region 30 (also called the distal end region) holds the pet accessory 12, such as a hairbrush, or has other means of holding it. The first end region 20 and the second end region 30 can each be understood to define preferably 10% to 20% of the total length L1 of the article / pet accessory device 10A, including the spring 40 and / or the body 50.

[0034]

[0059] The main body 50 includes a cavity 52 at least partially located within a second (distal) end region 30, which provides an insert 80, also called a support frame or bristle holder base, for fitting into the cavity 52. ​​The cavity 52 is surrounded by a raised wall 56, which provides sufficient depth for the insertion of the insert 80.

[0035]

[0060] The insert 80 includes a plurality of slots 82 configured to allow insertion of the bristle holder 100. The bristle holder 100 has a raised structure 102, each of which provides four hollow receptacles 104 for the bristle 110, which are respectively inserted into the slots 82 of the insert 80. As shown in the figure, the insert 80 has eight slots 82 configured to each hold a row of four receptacles 104 for the bristle 110 of the bristle holder 100.

[0036]

[0061] As shown in the figure, each bristle 110 includes a pin 114, and a spherical distal end 115 extends from a conical portion 112 of the bristle 110 that widens toward the pin 114 and the spherical distal end 115. Typically, each bristle 110 in the receptacle 104 of the bristle holder 100 has a single pin 114 positioned close to the center within the bristle 110 / conical portion 112. The figure shows a single injection-molded bristle 110 in each container 104, but in other embodiments, each container 104 may house multiple bristle 110s.

[0037]

[0062] In some embodiments, the bristle holder 100 may be a single component located within the insert 80. As shown, the bristle holder 100 is arranged in eight rows, with each row having four receptacles 104 configured to hold bristle 110. In other embodiments, multiple bristle holders 100 may be located within the insert 80, with each slot 82 of the insert 80 having a single bristle holder 100 located within the slot 82. In these embodiments, each bristle holder 100 includes four receptacles 104 configured to hold bristle 110.

[0038]

[0063] In some embodiments, both the insert 80 and the bristle holder 100 are made of a flexible composition or designed to be flexible by other means, allowing the article / pet accessory device 10A to curl into a second configuration. The insert 80 may be manufactured, for example, from thermoplastic rubber (TPR) or other thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The bristle holder 100 may be manufactured, for example, from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

[0039]

[0064] In some embodiments, the bristle holder 100 may be coupled to the spring 40, the body 50, and / or the insert 80 using a friction fit. In other embodiments, the bristle holder 100 may be coupled to the spring 40, the body 50, and / or the insert 80 using an adhesive to form an adhesive bond. In yet another embodiment, the bristle holder 100 may be coupled to the spring 40, the body 50, and / or the insert 80 using any other suitable method known to those skilled in the art.

[0040]

[0065] In some embodiments, the bristles 110 may be bonded to the bristle holder 100 using friction fitting. In other embodiments, the bristles 110 may be bonded to the bristle holder 100 using adhesive to form an adhesive bond. In yet another embodiment, the bristles 110 may be bonded to the bristle holder 100 using heat to shrink the bristle holder 100 and form an adhesive bond and / or friction fit to the bristles 110.

[0041]

[0066] In some embodiments, the insert 80 may be bonded to the spring 40 and / or body 50 using a friction fit. In other embodiments, the insert 80 may be bonded to the spring 40 and / or body 50 using an adhesive to form an adhesive bond. In yet another embodiment, the insert 80 may be bonded to the spring 40 and / or body 50 using any other suitable method known to those skilled in the art.

[0042]

[0067] The article / pet accessory device 10A also further includes a lock / unlock mechanism 118 for locking / unlocking the device, in particular the bistable spring 40, in a flat configuration. As shown in the figure, the lock bar 120 is located in the first end region 20 and the second end region 30 of the article / pet accessory device 10A, respectively.

[0043]

[0068] The lock bar 120 is rotatably coupled to the body 50 and spring 40 via fasteners 130 inserted through the hole 60. In some embodiments, the fasteners 130 may be rivets. In some embodiments, the fasteners 130 may be made of aluminum, but other suitable materials may be used as are known to those skilled in the art. In other embodiments, the fasteners 130 may be any other device that can rotatably couple the lock bar 120 to the body 50 and spring 40. The operation / function of the lock bar 120 is further described below in Figures 2A and 2B.

[0044]

[0069] Figures 1D to 1I, in particular, show various dimensions of the article / pet accessory device 10A. The overall length dimension L1 of the article / pet accessory device 10A is measured from the first end of the article / pet accessory device 10A or the main body 50 to the second end of the article 10A / main body 50. The overall length dimension L1 may be in the range of, for example, 180 mm to 240 mm, more specifically about 210 mm (millimeters).

[0045]

[0070] The bristle length dimension L2 is measured from the outer edge of the bristle 110 at the end of the bristle holder 100 closest to the first end of the main body 50 to the outer edge of the bristle 110 at the end of the bristle holder 100 closest to the second end of the main body 50. The bristle length dimension L2 may be in the range of, for example, 60 mm to 80 mm, or more specifically, about 69.7 mm.

[0046]

[0071] The raised wall length dimension L3 is measured from the outer edge of the raised wall 56 closest to the first end of the main body 50 to the outer edge of the raised wall 56 closest to the second end of the main body 50. The raised wall length dimension L3 may be in the range of, for example, 80 mm to 100 mm, more specifically about 91 mm.

[0047]

[0072] The bristle end length dimension L4 is measured from the outer edge of the bristle 110 at the end of the bristle holder 100 closest to the second end of the main body 50 to the second end of the main body 50. The bristle end length dimension L4 may be in the range of, for example, 20 mm to 30 mm, or more specifically, about 25.7 mm.

[0048]

[0073] The raised wall end length dimension L5 is measured from the outer edge of the raised wall 56 closest to the second end of the main body 50 to the second end of the main body 50. The raised wall end length dimension L5 may be in the range of, for example, 5 mm to 25 mm, more specifically about 15 mm.

[0049]

[0074] In some embodiments, the main body 50 may have a series of protrusions 58 extending laterally with respect to its longitudinal length. The distance between two adjacent protrusions 58 is given by a protrusion spacing length dimension L6. The protrusion spacing length dimension L6 may be, for example, in the range of 1 mm to 6 mm, more specifically about 3 mm.

[0050]

[0075] The lock bar 120 has a width L7 that traverses the longitudinal axis, which may be in the range of, for example, 5 mm to 15 mm, more specifically about 10 mm.

[0051]

[0076] The overall width dimension W1 of the item / pet accessory device 10A is measured between the outer edges of the main body 50 that cross the longitudinal length. The overall width dimension W1 may be in the range of, for example, 24 mm to 36 mm, more specifically about 32 mm. The raised wall width dimension W2 is measured from the outer edge of the raised wall that crosses the longitudinal length. The raised wall width dimension W2 may be in the range of, for example, 25 mm to 35 mm, more specifically about 30 mm.

[0052]

[0077] The article / pet accessory device 10A has a wall thickness H1, for example, in the range of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm, more specifically about 2 mm. The raised portion 58 of the main body 50 has a height H2, for example, in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, more specifically about 0.6 mm. The lock bar 120 has a thickness H3, for example, in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm, more specifically about 1.5 mm. The lock bar 120 has a height including the curvature of the lock bar 120, H4, for example, in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm, more specifically about 1.83 mm.

[0053]

[0078] Figure 1J shows another exploded view of the article / pet accessory device 10A of Figure 1A, consistent with the present disclosure. In Figure 1J, the spring 40 is shown in its entirety.

[0054]

[0079] Figure 1K shows an enlarged view of the region of circle C in Figure 1I. In detail in Figure 1K, the total height of the fastener 130 is dimension H5. The total height dimension H5 of the fastener 10 can be in the range of, for example, 6 mm to 12 mm, more specifically about 9.8 mm. The fastener 130 has a diameter D1 that can be in the range of, for example, 2 mm to 3 mm, more specifically about 2.5 mm.

[0055]

[0080] The height of the raised portion 58 is dimension H6, and can be in the range of, for example, 0.5 mm to 1.25 mm, more specifically about 0.85 mm, while the length of the raised portion 58 is dimension L8, and can be in the range of, for example, 0.25 mm to 1 mm, more specifically about 0.5 mm.

[0056]

[0081] Figure 2A shows a rear view of the article / pet accessory device 10A of Figure 1A. The locking bar 120 and the lockable bistable spring 40 are in the unlocked position / configuration consistent with the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2A, the locking bar 120 is rotated such that its longitudinal axis 122 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 14 of the article / pet accessory device 10A, the spring 40 and the body 50. This position allows the lockable bistable spring 40 to be in a curled configuration.

[0057]

[0082] Figure 2B shows a rear view of the article / pet accessory device 10A of Figure 1A. The lock bar 120 and the lockable bistable spring 40 are in the locked position and are consistent with the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2B, the lock bar 120 is rotated so that its longitudinal axis 122 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 14 of the article / pet accessory device 10A, spring 40 and body 50. This position prevents the lockable bistable spring 40 from folding into a curled configuration. As shown, the longitudinal axis 14 of the article / pet accessory device 10A, spring 40 and body 50 bisects in such a longitudinal direction, and when the longitudinal axis 122 of the lock bar 120 is parallel to it, both the longitudinal axis 14 and the longitudinal axis 122 lie on the longitudinal plane.

[0058]

[0083] In some embodiments, the lock bar 120 and the body 50 have a mechanism to prevent the lock bar 120 from being unintentionally disengaged from a locked or unlocked position. In some embodiments, the mechanism to prevent the lock bar 120 from being unintentionally disengaged from a locked or unlocked position may consist of a series of protrusions on the upper (front) surface of the body 50 and one or two stoppers on the underside of the lock bar 120. In these embodiments, the protrusions on the upper surface of the body 50 engage with the stoppers on the underside of the lock bar 120 when the lock bar 120 is in either a locked or unlocked position, thereby increasing the force required to rotate the lock bar 120. In other embodiments, any other mechanism to prevent undesirable rotation of the lock bar 120 may be used, as is known to those skilled in the art.

[0059]

[0084] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the article / pet accessory device 10A of Figure 1A, with a lockable bistable spring 40 in a second curled position / configuration consistent with the present disclosure. As can be seen from Figure 3, the curled configuration protects the bristles 110 and pins 114 of the pet accessory / hairbrush 12 from damage by concealing the pet accessory / hairbrush 12 within the coil.

[0060]

[0085] Referring here to Figures 4A–4F, Article 10B is another exemplary embodiment of an article, in particular a pet accessory device, having a lockable bistable spring 40 in a first position / configuration consistent with the present disclosure. Article / pet accessory device 10B is similar to Article / pet accessory device 10A in Figures 4A–4F, except that Article / pet accessory device 10B includes only the bristles 100, i.e., does not include the pin 114. Here, the insert 80 and bristle holder 100 are configured to hold only the bristles 110 without the pin 114.

[0061]

[0086] Referring here to Figures 5A to 5F, Article 10C is another exemplary embodiment of an article, in particular a pet accessory device, having a lockable bistable spring 40 in a first position / configuration consistent with the present disclosure. Article / pet accessory device 10C is similar to Article / pet accessory devices 10A and 10B of Article / pet accessory device 10C in Figures 5A to 5F, except that the bristles 110 and pin 114 are replaced with fine wire (metal) bristles 116, which may also be called needles, the bristle holder 100 is replaced with the bristle holder 106, and the insert 80 is omitted.

[0062]

[0087] The wire bristles 116 may be constructed from, for example, stainless steel wire having a diameter in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, more specifically about 0.3 mm. The wire bristles 116 may have a spherical distal end similar to the spherical distal end of the pin 114.

[0063]

[0088] In this exemplary embodiment, the wire bristle holder 106 is directly bonded to the cavity 52 of the body 50. In some embodiments, the wire bristle holder 106 may be bonded to the body 50 using a friction fit, while in other embodiments, the wire bristle holder 106 may be bonded to the body 50 using an adhesive to form an adhesive joint.

[0064]

[0089] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a pet accessory device is provided, the device comprising: a bistable spring having a first equilibrium position and a second equilibrium position; a body covering the bistable spring, having a first end, a second end and a cavity; an insert for fitting into the cavity, the insert being coupled to the body and the bistable spring; and a holder coupled to the insert, configured to hold a plurality of bristles. The cavity is preferably located closer to the first end than to the second end.

[0065]

[0090] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a pet accessory device is provided, the device comprising: a bistable spring having a first equilibrium position and a second equilibrium position; a body covering the bistable spring, the body having a first end and a second end and a cavity; and an insert for fitting into the cavity, the insert configured to hold a plurality of wire bristles. The cavity is preferably located closer to the first end than to the second end.

[0066]

[0091] While the above exemplary embodiments illustrate three possible configurations of pet accessories, the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Many other embodiments of articles / pet accessory devices with lockable bistable springs utilizing various other pet accessories are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as is known to those skilled in the art.

[0067]

[0092] As used in this application and claims, a list of items linked by the term "and / or" may mean any combination of the enumerated items. For example, the phrase "A, B and / or C" may mean A;B;C;A and B;A and C;B and C;or A, B and C. As used in this application and claims, a list of items linked by the term "at least one of" may mean any combination of the enumerated terms. For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B or C" may mean A;B;C;A and B;A and C;B and C;or A, B and C.

[0068]

[0093] As used herein, the term “combined” refers to any connection, joint, or link. Such “combined” components are not necessarily directly connected to one another and may be separated by intermediate components or devices.

[0069]

[0094] Unless otherwise specified, the use of the word “substantially” can be interpreted as including exact relationships, states, arrangements, orientations, and / or other characteristics, as well as deviations thereof, to the extent that such deviations do not substantially affect the structure disclosed, as understood by those skilled in the art. Throughout this disclosure, the articles “a” and / or “an” and / or “the” used to modify nouns can be interpreted as being used for convenience and, unless otherwise specified, as including one or more nouns being modified. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be comprehensive and mean that additional elements beyond those listed may exist.

[0070]

[0095] While the structures have been described in relation to their specific embodiments, they are not so limited. Clearly, many modifications and variations may become apparent in light of the teachings above. Many additional changes in the details, materials, and arrangement of the components described and illustrated herein can be made by those skilled in the art. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] List of symbols 10 Items / Pet Accessories and Devices (10A, 10B, 10C) 12 Pet Accessories 14 Longitudinal axis 20 First (proximal) edge region 30. Second (distal) end region 40 springs 42 Arches 50 Main Unit 52 Cavity 56 Wall 58 Ridge 60 holes 80 Inserts 82 slots 100 (bristle) holder 102 Raised structure 104 (Bristly) Undercut 106 (Bristly) Holder 110 Coarse hair 112 Cone section 114 pins 115 Spherical 116 Wire Bristles 118 Locking mechanism 120 Lock Bar 122 Longitudinal axis 130 Fasteners D1 Fastener diameter L1 Overall length L2 Bristle length dimensions L3 Elevated wall length dimension L4 Bristle end length dimension L5 End length dimension of raised wall L6 Length dimension of the raised section L7 Lock bar width dimensions L8 Length of the raised section W1 Overall width dimensions W2 Raised wall width dimension H1 Main body wall thickness dimension H2 Elevation height dimension H3 lock bar thickness dimensions H4 Lock bar height dimension H5 Overall height dimension of fastener H6 Elevation height dimension

Claims

1. Pet accessory devices (10A, 10B, 10C), wherein the devices (10A, 10B, 10C) A bistable spring (40) having a first equilibrium position and a second equilibrium position, wherein at the first equilibrium position, the bistable spring (40) is in an extended state, and at the second equilibrium position, it is in a coiled state, A hairbrush (12) coupled to the bistable spring (40), wherein in the extended state of the bistable spring (40), the hairbrush (12) is positioned to brush hair, and in the coiled state of the bistable spring (40), the hairbrush (12) is positioned within the coil formed by the bistable spring (40). Pet accessory devices (10A, 10B, 10C) equipped with these features.

2. The pet accessory device (10A, 10B, 10C) according to claim 1, further comprising a polymer body (50) that at least partially covers the bistable spring (40).

3. The aforementioned polymer body (50) is formed of an elastomer, as described in claim 2 (10A, 10B, 10C).

4. The pet accessory device (10A, 10B, 10C) according to claim 2, wherein the polymer body (50) is overmolded onto the bistable spring (40).

5. The polymer body (50) has a cavity (52), The hairbrush (12) is placed inside the cavity (52). Pet accessory device (10A, 10B, 10C) according to claim 2.

6. The hairbrush (12) includes bristles (110, 116) and bristle holders (100, 106), The bristles (110, 116) are connected to the bristle holders (100, 106), The bristle holders (100, 106) are coupled to the bistable spring (40) and / or the polymer body (50). Pet accessory device (10A, 10B, 10C) according to claim 2.

7. The bristles (110) have a conical portion (112), as described in claim 6 (10A, 10B, 10C).

8. The pet accessory device (10A, 10B, 10C) according to claim 6, wherein the bristles (110) have a spherical distal end (115).

9. When the bistable spring (40) is in the extended state, the pet accessory devices (10A, 10B, 10C) have a proximal end region (20) and a distal end region (30), The proximal end region (20) provides the handles for the pet accessory devices (10A, 10B, 10C), and the distal end region (30) includes the hairbrush (12). Pet accessory device (10A, 10B, 10C) according to claim 1.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1 (10A, 10B, 10C), wherein the bistable spring (40) is made of stainless steel.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1 (10A, 10B, 10C), further comprising a locking mechanism (118) for locking the bistable spring (40) in the extended state or for unlocking the bistable spring (40) from the extended state.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11 (10A, 10B, 10C), wherein the locking mechanism (118) includes at least one locking bar (120) rotatable relative to the bistable spring (40).

13. The apparatus (10A, 10B, 10C) according to claim 12, wherein at least one lock bar (120) is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

14. The bistable spring (40) has a bistable spring longitudinal axis (44), and the at least one lock bar (120) has a lock bar longitudinal axis (122), The at least one lock bar (120) is rotatable such that it locks the bistable spring (40) in the extended state when the longitudinal axis (44) of the lock bar is parallel to the longitudinal axis (122) of the bistable spring. The at least one lock bar (120) is rotatable to unlock the bistable spring (40) from the extended state when the longitudinal axis (44) of the lock bar is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (122) of the bistable spring. The apparatus (10A, 10B, 10C) according to claim 12.

15. The apparatus according to claim 12 (10A, 10B, 10C), wherein the at least one lock bar (120) further comprises a plurality of lock bars (120) that are each rotatable relative to the bistable spring (40).

16. When the bistable spring (40) is in the extended state, the pet accessory devices (10A, 10B, 10C) have a proximal end region (20) and a distal end region (30), At least one of the plurality of lock bars (120) is located in the proximal end region (20), At least one of the plurality of lock bars (120) is positioned in the distal end region (30). The apparatus according to claim 15 (10A, 10B, 10C).

17. When the bi-stable spring (40) is in the extended state, the pet accessory device (10A, 10B, 10C) has a front side and a rear side, The at least one lock bar (120) is positioned on the rear side of the pet accessory device (10A, 10B, 10C). The apparatus (10A, 10B, 10C) according to claim 12.

18. When the bistable spring (40) is in the extended state, the bistable spring (40) has an arch (42), the front side of the pet accessory device (10A, 10B, 10C) becomes convex due to the arch (42), and the rear side of the pet accessory device (10A, 10B, 10C) becomes concave due to the arch (42). The at least one lock bar (120) is positioned on the recessed side of the pet accessory device (10A, 10B, 10C). The apparatus (10A, 10B, 10C) according to claim 17.

19. A method for operating pet accessory devices (10A, 10B, 10C), The objective is to obtain the aforementioned pet accessory devices (10A, 10B, 10C), wherein the devices (10A, 10B, 10C) are A bistable spring (40) having a first equilibrium position and a second equilibrium position, wherein at the first equilibrium position, the bistable spring (40) is in an extended state, and at the second equilibrium position, the bistable spring (40) is in a coiled state, A hairbrush (12) coupled to the bistable spring (40), wherein, in the extended state of the bistable spring (40), the hairbrush (12) is positioned to brush hair, and in the coiled state of the bistable spring (40), the hairbrush (12) is positioned within the coil formed by the bistable spring (40). A locking mechanism (118) for locking the bistable spring (40) in the extended state or unlocking the bistable spring (40) from the extended state, the locking mechanism (118) includes at least one lock bar (120) rotatable with respect to the bistable spring (40) and Including obtaining, Rotating the at least one lock bar (120) relative to the bistable spring (40) to lock the bistable spring (40) in the extended state, or rotating the at least one lock bar (120) relative to the bistable spring (40) to unlock the bistable spring (40) from the extended state, Methods that include...

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