Method and apparatus device for hair removal and collection

Abstract

A system and apparatus for hair removal and collection according to various aspects of the present technology comprise a body having a plurality of hair removal tabs positioned at a first end of the body and a handle disposed at a second end of the body. The hair removal tabs extend outwardly around a periphery of the body and may form individual loops configured to provide a larger surface area for collecting hair and lint. The loops may be formed of a material having an inherent electrical charge that is opposite that of hair and lint to further increase an attractive force between the hair removal tabs and the hair / lint.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 744,630, filed Jan. 13, 2025 and incorporates the disclosure by reference.BACKGROUND OF TECHNOLOGY

[0002] Loose hair and lint often falls and collects on objects such as clothing and furniture. Many devices have been created to try and effectively remove hair from these objects. Some representative devices resemble brush and comb-like devices having teeth or bristles that are intended to grab hair and remove it from the object being cleaned. These types of devices have a tendency to align hair and lint in the direction the device is moved along the object but are not often effective at removing hair / lint in an efficient manner. Attempted solutions to this negative aspect have included various attempts to coat the teeth or bristles with materials that may better adhere to or attract hair / lint. In Some instances a glove with bristles or teeth have tried to use statis electricity to better adhere lint and hair to the teeth or surface of the glove. These treatments also have varying degrees of successfully removing hair from the object in a fast and efficient manner. Another common apparatus for removing hair is a roller device having an adhesive layer intended to remove hair and lint by sticking to it and transferring the hair / lint from the object being cleaned to the roller. These adhesive layers may then be removed from the roller and discarded. Roller / adhesive devices have proven to be effective at quickly removing hair and lint from objects, but they generate waste and require the purchase of additional adhesive layers.

[0003] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of hair and lint removal devices in the prior art, there is a need for an effective hair and lint removal apparatus that can quickly remove hair and lint from an object and not require the purchase of costly refills. A hair and lint removal device that does not generate waste would provide an additional benefit over the known prior art.SUMMARY OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0004] A system and apparatus for hair removal and collection according to various aspects of the present technology comprise a body having a plurality of hair removal tabs positioned at a first end of the body and a handle disposed at a second end of the body. The hair removal tabs extend outwardly around a periphery of the body and may form individual loops configured to provide a larger surface area for collecting hair and lint. The loops may be formed of a material having an inherent electrical charge that is opposite that of hair and lint to further increase an attractive force between the hair removal tabs and the hair / lint.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] A more complete understanding of the present technology may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the following figures, like reference numbers refer to similar elements and steps throughout the figures.

[0006] FIG. 1 representatively illustrates a side view of a hair removal device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;

[0007] FIG. 2 representatively illustrates an alternative view of the hair removal device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;

[0008] FIG. 3 representatively illustrates a method of forming a set of hoop portions at an end portion of the hair removal device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;

[0009] FIG. 4 representatively illustrates a method of forming the set of hoop portions at a mid-portion of the hair removal device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology; and

[0010] FIG. 5 representatively illustrates a method of forming the set of hoop portions at a mid-portion of the hair removal device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The present technology may be described in terms of functional block components and various processing or procedural steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of components configured to perform the specified functions and achieve the various results. For example, the present technology may employ various types of processing methods for manufacturing the disclosed apparatus. In addition, the present technology may be used with any suitable materials to remove hair or lint, and the technology described is merely one exemplary application for the technology. Methods and apparatus for a hair removal and collection device according to various aspects of the present technology may be used to remove or otherwise collect hair, lint, or other materials from objects such as clothing, furniture, or other fabrics.

[0012] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a hair removal and collection device 100 in accordance with the present technology may provide a hand-held device that is configured to assist with the removal of hair, lint, and other materials from objects such as clothing, furniture, and the like. The device 100 may comprise a plurality of hair removal tabs 104 coupled to a first end of a body 101. A handle 102 may be positioned at a second end of the body. The second end of the body may also comprise a hanger 106 to allow the device 100 to be hung while not in use.

[0013] The body 101 may comprise any suitable device or structure for allowing the device 100 to be held by a user during use. The body 101 may comprise any suitable size or shape and may be formed by any material such as wood, plastic, metal, composite, or 3-D printed polymer. For example, in one embodiment, the body 101 may comprise a wooden rod or dowel having a diameter of between about one-quarter (¼) of an inch and about one inch and a length of between about six inches and about eighteen inches. In an alternative embodiment, the body 101 may comprise a tubular structure formed from metal or plastic and having a diameter of between about one-quarter (¼) of an inch and about one inch and a length of between about six inches and about eighteen inches. In one embodiment, the handle 102 may comprise an ergonomically shaped portion coupled to, covering, or otherwise integrated into the second end of the body 101 that is configured to facilitate single handed use.

[0014] The plurality of hair removal tabs 104 extend outward around an entire periphery of the body to attract and remove hair, lint, and other like materials from another object. The plurality of hair removal tabs 104 may be coupled to the first end of the body 101 by any suitable method. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of hair removal tabs 104 may be coupled to and extend outwardly from an outer peripheral surface of the body 101. For example, the plurality of hair removal tabs 104 may be individually adhered to the body 101 and collectively extend outwardly along at least a portion of the body 101 between the first end and a mid-section of the body 101 such that the remaining portion of the body 101 may form the handle 102 and be gripped by the user. In another embodiment, the hair removal tabs 104 may be formed from a single structure that is configured to be connected to one or more points along the first end of the body 101.

[0015] The hair removal tabs 104 may comprise any suitable structure or shape to facilitate the collection and removal of hair or lint from an object. The hair removal tabs 104 may also be formed from any suitable material that attracts hair / lint as a result of contact or near contact. For example, in one embodiment, the hair removal tabs 104 may comprise a material that tends to build up a negative electrical charge such as polyester, styrene, polyurethane, polyethylene, extruded / expanded polystyrene, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). When brought into the vicinity of objects that may be positively charged, such as human or pet hair, static electricity may allow the hair removal tabs 104 to facilitate the hair removal process from objects such as clothing and furniture by creating an attractive force between the pet hair and the hair removal tabs 104 that is stronger than a force holding the pet hair to the object.

[0016] The hair removal tabs 104 may also be configured to physically “grab” hair and lint particles either alone or in combination with attractive force created by the hair removal tabs 104. For example, in one embodiment, the hair removal tabs 104 may comprise surface features that are more effective at latching onto or otherwise grabbing hair that is on the surface of an article of clothing. The surface features may be an inherent property of the selected materials or they may be specifically formed on the surface of the hair removal tabs 104. For example, the selected material used for the hair removal tabs 104 may comprise a rough (non-smooth) surface having irregularities that are better able to snag and subsequently hang onto hair and lint particles than the object the hair and lint is upon. The coupling force between the hair removal tabs 104 and the snagged hair / lint may be greater than the force holding the hair / lint to the object allowing the hair removal device 100 to effectively remove the hair / lint.

[0017] The surface features may not necessarily present a “rough” surface to the touch. Rather, the surface features may simply form a non-uniform surface such that the irregularities along the surface of the hair removal tabs 104 are sufficiently large enough to grab onto particles having a diameter of between about 1 / 1500 (0.00067) of an inch (17 μm) to about 1 / 100 (0.01) of an inch (254 μm). For example, the hair removal tabs 104 may be formed from an expanded polystyrene foam having an open cell structure with a soft but irregular surface having features that are capable of grabbing or hooking onto hair. When the hair removal tabs 104 are rubbed or otherwise moved across the surface of an object such as clothing or furniture, the irregularities may be sufficient to grab onto and remove any stray hair on the object.

[0018] The hair removal tabs 104 may be arranged in any suitable manner to attract and remove hair / lint. For example, in one embodiment, the hair removal tabs 104 may be arranged around and extend outwardly from a perimeter of the body 101 to form a large surface area for collecting hair / lint. The hair removal tabs 104 may be arranged in a series of repeating rows or columns along a length of the body 101 or the hair removal tabs 104 may be arranged in a generally non-uniform manner along at least a portion of the length of the body 101 tending towards the first end.

[0019] The hair removal tabs 104 may also comprise any suitable size or shape. For example, in one embodiment, the hair removal tabs 104 may be formed in a plurality of loops having a wider outwardly facing surface as compared to a thickness of each loop. The loops may help increase a rigidity of the hair removal tabs 104 during use allowing individual hair removal tabs 104 to generally maintain their shape and extend outwardly rather than lay flat against the body 101. Each loop may extend outward from the outer surface of the body 101 by between about one-half an inch and about four inches and comprise an open interior of between about one-quarter of an inch and about one inch in diameter.

[0020] The hair removal tabs 104 may be formed as individual elements connected to the handle 102 or the hair removal tabs 104 may be formed from a single sheet of material. For example, and referring now to FIGS. 3-5, in one embodiment a single sheet 302 of semi-rigid but flexible sheet of open-celled foam having a length greater than its width may be used to form the plurality of hair removal tabs 104. A series of slits 304 may be cut into a middle portion of the sheet 302 such that each slit 304 extends part way across the width of the sheet between opposing side edges 306. The series of slits 304 may be cut along the length of the sheet.

[0021] Beginning at one end of the sheet, a first pair of opposing side edges 306a, 306b may be brought together to form a first loop that is attached to a distal most point at the first end of the body 101 by any suitable method. A second pair of opposing side edges 306c, 306d may then brought together to form a second loop that is attached to the body 101 proximate to the first loop. The second loop may be attached to the outer surface of the body 101 by a predetermined angle about a periphery of the body 101 so that the first and second loops are not aligned along the length of the body 101. Similarly, the first and second loops may not be aligned along the periphery of the body but rather be offset by some distance.

[0022] The point of connection for each subsequently formed loop may then be coupled to the body 101 to secure the loop in position. Each immediately adjacent loop may then be coupled to the body 101 at a point positioned inward from the distal most point of the first end of the body 101 and along a different position along a circumference of the body 101 such that each progressive loop is not aligned with the immediately preceding loop. Each subsequent loop may be similarly coupled around the circumference and length of the body 101 such that the plurality of hair removal tabs 104 collectively extend outwardly from the body 101 around the entire circumference or periphery of the body 101.

[0023] Spacing between adjacent loops may comprise any suitable distance and may be determined according to any suitable criteria. For example, longer loops may be spaced further apart than shorter loops. Alternatively, a larger spacing between the loops may be used such that a larger surface area of each loop is exposed to the object intended to be cleared of hair and lint.

[0024] The particular implementations shown and described are illustrative of the technology and its best mode and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the present technology in any way. Indeed, for the sake of brevity, conventional manufacturing, connection, preparation, and other functional aspects of the system may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and / or steps between the various elements. Many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system.

[0025] In the foregoing description, the technology has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made, however, without departing from the scope of the present technology as set forth. The description and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather than a restrictive one and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present technology. Accordingly, the scope of the technology should be determined by the generic embodiments described and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the specific examples described above. For example, the steps recited in any method or process embodiment may be executed in any appropriate order and are not limited to the explicit order presented in the specific examples. Additionally, the components and / or elements recited in any system embodiment may be combined in a variety of permutations to produce substantially the same result as the present technology and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the specific examples.

[0026] Benefits, other advantages and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments. Any benefit, advantage, solution to problems or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage or solution to occur or to become more pronounced, however, is not to be construed as a critical, required or essential feature or component.

[0027] As used herein, the terms “comprises,”“comprising,” or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition or apparatus. Other combinations and / or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials or components used in the practice of the present technology, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same. Any terms of degree such as “substantially,”“about,” and “approximate” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. For example, these terms can be construed as including a deviation of at least ±8% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0011]The present technology may be described in terms of functional block components and various processing or procedural steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of components configured to perform the specified functions and achieve the various results. For example, the present technology may employ various types of processing methods for manufacturing the disclosed apparatus. In addition, the present technology may be used with any suitable materials to remove hair or lint, and the technology described is merely one exemplary application for the technology. Methods and apparatus for a hair removal and collection device according to various aspects of the present technology may be used to remove or otherwise collect hair, lint, or other materials from objects such as clothing, furniture, or other fabrics.

[0012]Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a hair removal and collection device 100 in accordance with the present technology may provide a hand-held device that is...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 744,630, filed Jan. 13, 2025 and incorporates the disclosure by reference.BACKGROUND OF TECHNOLOGY

[0002] Loose hair and lint often falls and collects on objects such as clothing and furniture. Many devices have been created to try and effectively remove hair from these objects. Some representative devices resemble brush and comb-like devices having teeth or bristles that are intended to grab hair and remove it from the object being cleaned. These types of devices have a tendency to align hair and lint in the direction the device is moved along the object but are not often effective at removing hair / lint in an efficient manner. Attempted solutions to this negative aspect have included various attempts to coat the teeth or bristles with materials that may better adhere to or attract hair / lint. In Some instances a glove with bristles or teeth have tried to use statis electricity to better adhere lint and hair to the teeth or surface of the glove. These treatments also have varying degrees of successfully removing hair from the object in a fast and efficient manner. Another common apparatus for removing hair is a roller device having an adhesive layer intended to remove hair and lint by sticking to it and transferring the hair / lint from the object being cleaned to the roller. These adhesive layers may then be removed from the roller and discarded. Roller / adhesive devices have proven to be effective at quickly removing hair and lint from objects, but they generate waste and require the purchase of additional adhesive layers.

[0003] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of hair and lint removal devices in the prior art, there is a need for an effective hair and lint removal apparatus that can quickly remove hair and lint from an object and not require the purchase of costly refills. A hair and lint removal device that does not generate waste would provide an additional benefit over the known prior art.SUMMARY OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0004] A system and apparatus for hair removal and collection according to various aspects of the present technology comprise a body having a plurality of hair removal tabs positioned at a first end of the body and a handle disposed at a second end of the body. The hair removal tabs extend outwardly around a periphery of the body and may form individual loops configured to provide a larger surface area for collecting hair and lint. The loops may be formed of a material having an inherent electrical charge that is opposite that of hair and lint to further increase an attractive force between the hair removal tabs and the hair / lint.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] A more complete understanding of the present technology may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the following figures, like reference numbers refer to similar elements and steps throughout the figures.

[0006] FIG. 1 representatively illustrates a side view of a hair removal device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;

[0007] FIG. 2 representatively illustrates an alternative view of the hair removal device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;

[0008] FIG. 3 representatively illustrates a method of forming a set of hoop portions at an end portion of the hair removal device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;

[0009] FIG. 4 representatively illustrates a method of forming the set of hoop portions at a mid-portion of the hair removal device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology; and

[0010] FIG. 5 representatively illustrates a method of forming the set of hoop portions at a mid-portion of the hair removal device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The present technology may be described in terms of functional block components and various processing or procedural steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of components configured to perform the specified functions and achieve the various results. For example, the present technology may employ various types of processing methods for manufacturing the disclosed apparatus. In addition, the present technology may be used with any suitable materials to remove hair or lint, and the technology described is merely one exemplary application for the technology. Methods and apparatus for a hair removal and collection device according to various aspects of the present technology may be used to remove or otherwise collect hair, lint, or other materials from objects such as clothing, furniture, or other fabrics.

[0012] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a hair removal and collection device 100 in accordance with the present technology may provide a hand-held device that is configured to assist with the removal of hair, lint, and other materials from objects such as clothing, furniture, and the like. The device 100 may comprise a plurality of hair removal tabs 104 coupled to a first end of a body 101. A handle 102 may be positioned at a second end of the body. The second end of the body may also comprise a hanger 106 to allow the device 100 to be hung while not in use.

[0013] The body 101 may comprise any suitable device or structure for allowing the device 100 to be held by a user during use. The body 101 may comprise any suitable size or shape and may be formed by any material such as wood, plastic, metal, composite, or 3-D printed polymer. For example, in one embodiment, the body 101 may comprise a wooden rod or dowel having a diameter of between about one-quarter (¼) of an inch and about one inch and a length of between about six inches and about eighteen inches. In an alternative embodiment, the body 101 may comprise a tubular structure formed from metal or plastic and having a diameter of between about one-quarter (¼) of an inch and about one inch and a length of between about six inches and about eighteen inches. In one embodiment, the handle 102 may comprise an ergonomically shaped portion coupled to, covering, or otherwise integrated into the second end of the body 101 that is configured to facilitate single handed use.

[0014] The plurality of hair removal tabs 104 extend outward around an entire periphery of the body to attract and remove hair, lint, and other like materials from another object. The plurality of hair removal tabs 104 may be coupled to the first end of the body 101 by any suitable method. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of hair removal tabs 104 may be coupled to and extend outwardly from an outer peripheral surface of the body 101. For example, the plurality of hair removal tabs 104 may be individually adhered to the body 101 and collectively extend outwardly along at least a portion of the body 101 between the first end and a mid-section of the body 101 such that the remaining portion of the body 101 may form the handle 102 and be gripped by the user. In another embodiment, the hair removal tabs 104 may be formed from a single structure that is configured to be connected to one or more points along the first end of the body 101.

[0015] The hair removal tabs 104 may comprise any suitable structure or shape to facilitate the collection and removal of hair or lint from an object. The hair removal tabs 104 may also be formed from any suitable material that attracts hair / lint as a result of contact or near contact. For example, in one embodiment, the hair removal tabs 104 may comprise a material that tends to build up a negative electrical charge such as polyester, styrene, polyurethane, polyethylene, extruded / expanded polystyrene, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). When brought into the vicinity of objects that may be positively charged, such as human or pet hair, static electricity may allow the hair removal tabs 104 to facilitate the hair removal process from objects such as clothing and furniture by creating an attractive force between the pet hair and the hair removal tabs 104 that is stronger than a force holding the pet hair to the object.

[0016] The hair removal tabs 104 may also be configured to physically “grab” hair and lint particles either alone or in combination with attractive force created by the hair removal tabs 104. For example, in one embodiment, the hair removal tabs 104 may comprise surface features that are more effective at latching onto or otherwise grabbing hair that is on the surface of an article of clothing. The surface features may be an inherent property of the selected materials or they may be specifically formed on the surface of the hair removal tabs 104. For example, the selected material used for the hair removal tabs 104 may comprise a rough (non-smooth) surface having irregularities that are better able to snag and subsequently hang onto hair and lint particles than the object the hair and lint is upon. The coupling force between the hair removal tabs 104 and the snagged hair / lint may be greater than the force holding the hair / lint to the object allowing the hair removal device 100 to effectively remove the hair / lint.

[0017] The surface features may not necessarily present a “rough” surface to the touch. Rather, the surface features may simply form a non-uniform surface such that the irregularities along the surface of the hair removal tabs 104 are sufficiently large enough to grab onto particles having a diameter of between about 1 / 1500 (0.00067) of an inch (17 μm) to about 1 / 100 (0.01) of an inch (254 μm). For example, the hair removal tabs 104 may be formed from an expanded polystyrene foam having an open cell structure with a soft but irregular surface having features that are capable of grabbing or hooking onto hair. When the hair removal tabs 104 are rubbed or otherwise moved across the surface of an object such as clothing or furniture, the irregularities may be sufficient to grab onto and remove any stray hair on the object.

[0018] The hair removal tabs 104 may be arranged in any suitable manner to attract and remove hair / lint. For example, in one embodiment, the hair removal tabs 104 may be arranged around and extend outwardly from a perimeter of the body 101 to form a large surface area for collecting hair / lint. The hair removal tabs 104 may be arranged in a series of repeating rows or columns along a length of the body 101 or the hair removal tabs 104 may be arranged in a generally non-uniform manner along at least a portion of the length of the body 101 tending towards the first end.

[0019] The hair removal tabs 104 may also comprise any suitable size or shape. For example, in one embodiment, the hair removal tabs 104 may be formed in a plurality of loops having a wider outwardly facing surface as compared to a thickness of each loop. The loops may help increase a rigidity of the hair removal tabs 104 during use allowing individual hair removal tabs 104 to generally maintain their shape and extend outwardly rather than lay flat against the body 101. Each loop may extend outward from the outer surface of the body 101 by between about one-half an inch and about four inches and comprise an open interior of between about one-quarter of an inch and about one inch in diameter.

[0020] The hair removal tabs 104 may be formed as individual elements connected to the handle 102 or the hair removal tabs 104 may be formed from a single sheet of material. For example, and referring now to FIGS. 3-5, in one embodiment a single sheet 302 of semi-rigid but flexible sheet of open-celled foam having a length greater than its width may be used to form the plurality of hair removal tabs 104. A series of slits 304 may be cut into a middle portion of the sheet 302 such that each slit 304 extends part way across the width of the sheet between opposing side edges 306. The series of slits 304 may be cut along the length of the sheet.

[0021] Beginning at one end of the sheet, a first pair of opposing side edges 306a, 306b may be brought together to form a first loop that is attached to a distal most point at the first end of the body 101 by any suitable method. A second pair of opposing side edges 306c, 306d may then brought together to form a second loop that is attached to the body 101 proximate to the first loop. The second loop may be attached to the outer surface of the body 101 by a predetermined angle about a periphery of the body 101 so that the first and second loops are not aligned along the length of the body 101. Similarly, the first and second loops may not be aligned along the periphery of the body but rather be offset by some distance.

[0022] The point of connection for each subsequently formed loop may then be coupled to the body 101 to secure the loop in position. Each immediately adjacent loop may then be coupled to the body 101 at a point positioned inward from the distal most point of the first end of the body 101 and along a different position along a circumference of the body 101 such that each progressive loop is not aligned with the immediately preceding loop. Each subsequent loop may be similarly coupled around the circumference and length of the body 101 such that the plurality of hair removal tabs 104 collectively extend outwardly from the body 101 around the entire circumference or periphery of the body 101.

[0023] Spacing between adjacent loops may comprise any suitable distance and may be determined according to any suitable criteria. For example, longer loops may be spaced further apart than shorter loops. Alternatively, a larger spacing between the loops may be used such that a larger surface area of each loop is exposed to the object intended to be cleared of hair and lint.

[0024] The particular implementations shown and described are illustrative of the technology and its best mode and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the present technology in any way. Indeed, for the sake of brevity, conventional manufacturing, connection, preparation, and other functional aspects of the system may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and / or steps between the various elements. Many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system.

[0025] In the foregoing description, the technology has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made, however, without departing from the scope of the present technology as set forth. The description and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather than a restrictive one and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present technology. Accordingly, the scope of the technology should be determined by the generic embodiments described and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the specific examples described above. For example, the steps recited in any method or process embodiment may be executed in any appropriate order and are not limited to the explicit order presented in the specific examples. Additionally, the components and / or elements recited in any system embodiment may be combined in a variety of permutations to produce substantially the same result as the present technology and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the specific examples.

[0026] Benefits, other advantages and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments. Any benefit, advantage, solution to problems or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage or solution to occur or to become more pronounced, however, is not to be construed as a critical, required or essential feature or component.

[0027] As used herein, the terms “comprises,”“comprising,” or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition or apparatus. Other combinations and / or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials or components used in the practice of the present technology, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same. Any terms of degree such as “substantially,”“about,” and “approximate” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. For example, these terms can be construed as including a deviation of at least ±8% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0011]The present technology may be described in terms of functional block components and various processing or procedural steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of components configured to perform the specified functions and achieve the various results. For example, the present technology may employ various types of processing methods for manufacturing the disclosed apparatus. In addition, the present technology may be used with any suitable materials to remove hair or lint, and the technology described is merely one exemplary application for the technology. Methods and apparatus for a hair removal and collection device according to various aspects of the present technology may be used to remove or otherwise collect hair, lint, or other materials from objects such as clothing, furniture, or other fabrics.

[0012]Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a hair removal and collection device 100 in accordance with the present technology may provide a hand-held device that is...

Claims

1. A device for removing hair and lint from an object, comprising:a body having a first end and a second end;a plurality of hair removal tabs disposed between the first end and a mid-portion of the body and extending outwardly around a periphery of the body; anda handled disposed at the second end of the body.

2. A device for removing hair and lint according to claim 1, wherein each hair removal tab from the plurality of hair removal tabs comprises:a loop extending outwardly from an outer surface of the body; anda material configured to attract positively charged particles.

3. A device for removing hair and lint according to claim 2, wherein each hair removal tab is formed from an open celled foam material.

4. A device for removing hair and lint according to claim 3, wherein each hair removal tab from the plurality of hair removal tabs comprises a non-uniform surface having irregularities disposed along the surface, wherein the irregularities are capable of grabbing onto particles having a diameter of between about 1 / 1500 (0.00067) of an inch (17 μm) and about 1 / 100 (0.01) of an inch (254 μm).

5. A device for removing hair and lint according to claim 3, wherein:the plurality of hair removal tabs are formed from a single sheet of open celled foam; andeach loop is affixed to the outer surface of the body.

6. A device for removing hair and lint according to claim 2, wherein each loop extends outwardly from the body by between about one-half inch and about one and one-half inches.

7. A device for removing hair and lint according to claim 1, further comprising a hanger connected to the second end of the body.

8. A device for removing hair and lint from an object, comprising:a body having a first end and a second end;a plurality of loops having an open interior portion disposed between the first end and a mid-portion of the body and extending outwardly around a periphery of the body; anda handled disposed at the second end of the body.

9. A device for removing hair and lint according to claim 8, wherein each loop comprises an outer facing surface comprising a width greater than a thickness of the outer facing surface.

10. A device for removing hair and lint according to claim 9, wherein the outer facing surface of each loop comprises a non-uniform surface having irregularities disposed along the outer facing surface, wherein the irregularities are capable of grabbing onto particles having a diameter of between about 1 / 1500 (0.00067) of an inch (17 μm) and about 1 / 100 (0.01) of an inch (254 μm).

11. A device for removing hair and lint according to claim 8, wherein each loop is formed from an open celled foam material configured to attract positively charged particles.

12. A device for removing hair and lint according to claim 8, wherein each loop extends outwardly from the body by between about one-half inch and about one and one-half inches.

13. A device for removing hair and lint according to claim 8, further comprising a hanger connected to the second end of the body.

14. A method of forming a device for removing hair and lint from an object, comprising:providing a sheet of foam having a length greater its width;providing a body having a first end and an opposing second end;forming a series of slits into a middle portion of the sheet, wherein:each slit extends part way across the width of the sheet between opposing side edges; andthe series of slits extend along the length of the sheet; andpositioning a series of loops along an outer surface of the body between the first end and a mid-portion of the body, wherein each loop is formed by:bringing a pair of opposing side edges disposed between two slits from the series of slits together to form the first loop; andattaching the pair of opposing side edges to the outer facing surface of the body, wherein each immediately adjacent loop is attached to the body at a point positioned inward from a distal most point of the first end of the body and along a different position along a circumference of the body such that each progressive loop is not aligned with an immediately preceding loop.

15. A method of forming a device for removing hair and lint from an object according to claim 14, further comprising attaching a hook to the second end of the body.

16. A method of forming a device for removing hair and lint from an object according to claim 14, further comprising connecting a handle between the mid-portion and the second end of the body.

17. A method of forming a device for removing hair and lint from an object according to claim 14, wherein each loop comprises an outer facing surface comprising a width greater than a thickness of the outer facing surface.

18. A method of forming a device for removing hair and lint from an object according to claim 17, wherein the outer facing surface of each loop comprises a non-uniform surface having irregularities disposed along the outer facing surface, wherein the irregularities are capable of grabbing onto particles having a diameter of between about 1 / 1500 (0.00067) of an inch (17 μm) and about 1 / 100 (0.01) of an inch (254 μm).

19. A method of forming a device for removing hair and lint from an object according to claim 14, wherein each loop extends outwardly from the body by between about one-half inch and about one and one-half inches.

Images