A hair apparatus

Abstract

A hair apparatus (10) comprising a bed (11) and a plurality of bristles (12) attached to the bed. At least one of the bristles comprises a stem (15) having a proximal end (16) attached to the bed and an opposite distal end (17). The at least one bristle further comprises a head (18) provided at the distal end of the stem. The head comprises an aperture (19) extending through the head to allow inward deformation of the head.

Description

[0001] A HAIR APPARATUS

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] Some hair apparatuses, such as hairbrushes, include bristles. Bristles can aid in smoothing and detangling hair, as well as applying tension to a tress of hair for e.g. styling. Hair apparatuses having bristles can take a variety of forms. For example, the hair apparatus may be a standalone apparatus or it may take the form of an attachment for mounting to a haircare appliance.

[0004] SUMMARY

[0005] In a first aspect, there is disclosed a hair apparatus comprising a bed and a plurality of bristles attached to the bed, wherein at least one of the bristles comprises: a stem having a proximal end attached to the bed and an opposite distal end, and a head provided at the distal end of the stem, the head comprising an aperture extending through the head to allow inward deformation of the head.

[0006] Due to the ability of the head to inwardly deform, the hair apparatus of the first aspect can provide a more comfortable user experience, while also minimising damage to a user’s hair in use.

[0007] Bristles are often narrow and elongate. While this can be beneficial for e.g. smoothing and detangling hair, the narrow (e.g. pointed) end of a bristle can cause discomfort to a user when the bristle contacts a user’s scalp in use.

[0008] One option to address this issue, is to increase the size of the head of a bristle (i.e. providing a more comfortable experience for a user). However, doing so can mean the head presents an obstacle to strands of hair sliding over the end of the bristle. In use, it is common for strands of hair to loop about the bristles of a hair apparatus. As may be appreciated, when a strand of hair is looped about the stem of a bristle, and the bristle is moved (e.g. due to movement of the hair apparatus along a tress of hair), the looped strand of hair will move along the stem of the bristle towards the head. When the head of the bristle is enlarged, there is an increased chance that such a looped strand of hair will be caught (i.e. snagged) on the head of the bristle. That is, a looped strand can be impeded from simply sliding off the end of such a bristle. Snagging can cause discomfort to a user because it causes the hair to be pulled away from the user’s scalp, and in some cases can cause damage to a user’s hair.

[0009] The at least one bristle of the first aspect (in which an aperture is provided through the head of the bristle) reduces or eliminates this problem. The ability of the head to deform inwardly (due to the presence of the aperture) makes it easier for strands of hair (especially those looped about the bristle) to move over the head of the bristle. This reduces snagging of hair, which improves comfort for a user and reduces the likelihood of damaging a user’s hair.

[0010] As may be appreciated, depending on how the hair is wrapped about the bristle, such inward deformation could occur on one or both sides of the head. For example the head may be “squeezed” such that the head deforms inwardly on both sides. Alternatively, if hair, in use, strands of hair apply a force to one side only (e.g. being pulled over one side of the head), one side of the head may deform inwardly, and the other side may bulge outwardly.

[0011] In a similar manner, the inward deformability of the head of the at least one bristle of the first aspect can allow the head to be larger (i.e. with minimal increase to the likelihood of snagging). This can reduce (or eliminate) discomfort for a user when the at least one bristle comes into contact with a user’s scalp in use.

[0012] Yet a further benefit of providing a head that is able to inwardly deform is that when the head comes into contact with a user’ s scalp it may be able to deform to increase scalp comfort (i.e. rather than pressing into the user’s scalp). That is, the tip / end of the head may deform to reduce the pressure applied to a user’s scalp upon contact.

[0013] Accordingly, in at least some embodiments of the apparatus the inward deformation may occur at the sides of the head (e.g. to reduce incidences of snagging) and / or at the end / tip of the head (e.g. to minimise discomfort upon contact with a user’s scalp).

[0014] Optional features of the first aspect will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination with any aspect.

[0015] As may be appreciated, in some embodiments each bristle may be as described with respect to the at least one bristle of the first aspect. That is, each bristle may comprise a stem having a proximal end attached to the bed and an opposite distal end, and a head provided at the distal end of the stem. Likewise the head of each bristle may comprise an aperture extending through the head to allow inward deformation of the head.

[0016] For brevity, the optional features below are described in relation to a single bristle (i.e. the at least one bristle). It should, however, be appreciated that each of the bristles of the hair apparatus may be as described below (i.e. may include one or more of the optional features described below).

[0017] The stem may extend along a longitudinal axis. The stem may be elongate in a direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0018] The head may be less stiff in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis than in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The head of the bristle may be less stiff in a direction that is normal to a direction of elongation of the stem of the bristle. For the avoidance of doubt, stiffness (as referred to herein) is the ability of the head to resist deformation in response to the application of a given force. Thus, for a given force, the head may more readily deform when the force is applied in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis than when the force is applied in a direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0019] Accordingly, by providing a lower stiffness in the direction normal to the longitudinal axis, the head may more readily deform in this direction. Such an arrangement may be particularly useful for allowing strands of hair to pass over the head of each bristle (i.e. by permitting narrowing the head upon the application of a force by a strand of hair passing over the head).

[0020] The aperture may be elongate. In some cases, providing an elongate aperture may promote inward deformation of the head in a direction that is normal to a direction of elongation of the aperture. The aperture may be elongate along the longitudinal axis (i.e. the longitudinal axis of the stem as described above). This may promote inward deformation of the head in a direction that is normal to the longitudinal axis.

[0021] In other embodiments, the aperture may be elongate in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (i.e. a transverse direction). As may be appreciated, a head having such an aperture may more readily deform in a direction along the longitudinal axis (but will still also deform in the transverse direction). For example, the head may readily deform upon coming into contact with a user’s scalp (which may provide scalp comfort, while also deforming in the transverse direction reduce snagging).

[0022] The aperture may be obround (e.g. racetrack / stadium shaped). The aperture may otherwise be circular, triangular, rectangular, hexagonal, diamond-shaped, etc.

[0023] The head may comprise a proximal end that is proximate to the stem, and an opposite distal end. The distal end may be a free end of the bristle.

[0024] A width of the aperture at the distal end may be greater than the width of the aperture at the proximal end. For the avoidance of doubt, unless otherwise specified, widths referred to herein are taken in a direction that is normal to the longitudinal axis (e.g. normal to a direction of elongation of the stem).

[0025] The aperture may taper in a direction from the distal end to the proximal end of the head. Thus, the width of the aperture may (e.g. gradually) decrease in a direction from the distal end to the proximal end of the head.

[0026] The head may comprise a loop extending about the aperture (e.g. fully extending about the aperture). Thus, the loop may at least partly (e.g. fully) define the aperture. The loop may have a shape that is complementary to the aperture. The loop may have a shape (i.e. may extend along a path) that is e.g. circular, triangular, rectangular, hexagonal, diamond-shaped, etc.

[0027] The head may be less stiff than the stem in a direction that is normal to the longitudinal axis (i.e. the longitudinal axis of the stem as described above). Thus, for example, upon application of a force to the bristle (e.g. to the head) in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis, the head may bend more readily than the stem. This may further facilitate movement of strands of hair over the end of each bristle.

[0028] The head may have a width that is greater than a width of the distal end of the stem. Thus, the head may be enlarged relative to the stem. The connection between the head and the stem (i.e. at the distal end of the stem) may form a neck of the bristle (i.e. a narrowed region of the bristle). The head (e.g. the width of the head) may taper in a direction from the distal end of the head to the proximal end of the head. Thus, the head may be wider at the distal end of the head than at the proximal end of the head.

[0029] The stem (e.g. the width of the stem) may taper in a direction from the proximal end of the stem to the distal end of the stem. Thus, the stem may be wider at the proximal end than at the distal end. The width of the stem may gradually decrease in a direction from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0030] The head may be flat. That is, the head may have thickness that is significantly smaller than the width and length of the head. The length of the head may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stem, and (as set forth above) the width may be taken in a direction that is normal to the longitudinal axis.

[0031] The head may have a substantially uniform thickness. The bristle may have a substantially uniform thickness (of course, in other variations, the bristle and / or head may have non- uniform thickness).

[0032] The head may be flat in a plane that is parallel to the longitudinal axis (i.e. the longitudinal axis of the stem). The aperture may extend between opposite planar faces (e.g. major faces) of the head. The aperture may extend through the head in a direction of the thickness of the head.

[0033] The head may have a planar thickness of between 0.5 mm and 3.0 mm, or e.g. between 1.0 mm and 2 mm, or e.g. between 1.0 mm and 1.6 mm.

[0034] The aperture may have an equivalent diameter of between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm or e.g. between 2.0 mm and 3.0 mm. For the avoidance of doubt, equivalent diameter is the diameter of a nominal circle having the same cross-sectional area as the aperture.

[0035] The head may have a wall extending about the aperture (e.g. the loop). The wall may have a thickness that is no greater than 1.2 mm, or e.g. 1.0 mm. The thickness may be no thinner than e.g. 0.4 mm, or e.g. 0.6 mm. The thickness maybe about 0.8 mm. Such thicknesses may ensure the wall is able to deform in response to looped strands of hair. The head may have a width of between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm, or e.g. between 2.7 mm and 3.2 mm, or e.g. about 2.9 mm. Such widths may increase the surface area that comes into contact with a user’s scalp so as to help to minimise discomfort in use.

[0036] The head may have a height of e.g. between 3.5 mm and 6.0 mm, or e.g. between 4.0 mm and 5.5 mm.

[0037] An end of the head distal from the stem (i.e. the distal end of the head) may have a radius of curvature of between 1.0 mm and 3.0 mm, or e.g. between 1.0 and 2.0 mm, or e.g. about 1.5 mm. Such curvature may minimise discomfort to a user when the bristle comes into contact with a user’s scalp.

[0038] The bristle may comprise e.g. nylon, polyamide, polypropylene, and / or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0039] The stem and the head may be integrally formed. Thus, the bristle may be a unitary piece. In some embodiments, the bristle may form part of e.g. a bristle assembly (which may be a unitary piece) comprising a plurality of bristles (e.g. a row of a bristles).

[0040] The head may comprise more than one aperture. For example, the head may comprise two, three or four apertures extending therethrough. In one example, the head may comprise a first aperture extending through the head in a first direction and a second aperture extending through the head in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction (both first and second direction may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis).

[0041] The hair apparatus may comprise an elongate handle that extends along a handle axis. The at least one bristle may be oriented such that the head of the at least one bristle (e.g. when flat) is substantially normal to the handle axis. Thus, the head (i.e. the width of the head) may be oriented so as to be substantially parallel to a direction of movement of the bristle in normal use (e.g. along a tress of hair). The aperture may extend through the head in a direction that is parallel to the handle axis. The head may more readily collapse inwardly in a direction normal to the aperture, and thus in a direction that is the same as the direction of movement. The hair apparatus may be a hairbrush. The hair apparatus may be an attachment for a hair care appliance (e.g. a hair dryer). Thus, for example, the hair apparatus may comprise a mounting portion for releasable mounting to a hair care appliance.

[0042] In a second aspect, there is provided a hair apparatus comprising a bed and a plurality of bristles attached to the bed, wherein at least one of the bristles comprises: a stem having a proximal end attached to the bed and an opposite distal end, and a head provided at the distal end of the stem, the head comprising an aperture extending through the head to allow inward deformation of the head; wherein a membrane extends across the aperture to at least partly cover the aperture.

[0043] The hair apparatus of the second aspect may include one or more of the optional features described above with respect to the first aspect.

[0044] In a third aspect, there is disclosed a bristle comprising: a stem having a proximal end configured to connect to a bristle bed and an opposite distal end, and a head provided at the distal end of the stem, the head comprising an aperture extending through the head to allow inward deformation of the head.

[0045] The bristle of third aspect may be as otherwise described in the first aspect. Thus, for example, the bristle may include one or more optional features of the bristle(s) of the first aspect.

[0046] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Figures 1 A and IB are respectively top and front views of a hairbrush;

[0048] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a bristle of the hairbrush of Figures 1A and IB

[0049] Figures 3 A and 3B are diagrammatic views showing the bristle of Figure 2 in use with a strand of hair looped about the bristle;

[0050] Figures 4A and 4B are respectively front and section views of a first variation of the bristle of Figure 2; and

[0051] Figures 5A and 5B are respective front and section views of a second variation of the bristle of Figure 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Figure 1 A and IB illustrate a hair apparatus 10 in the form of a hairbrush that includes a bed

[0053] 11 and a plurality of bristles 12 attached to the bed 11 (the bristles 12 projecting outwardly from the bed 11). The bed 11 forms part of a brush head 13 of the hair apparatus 10 and an elongate handle 14 extends from the brush head 13 (along a handle axis 29), allowing a user to grip the hair apparatus 10 in use.

[0054] The bristles 12 of the hair apparatus 10 are identical to one another. One such bristle 12 is shown in detail in Figure 2 (it should be appreciated that this bristle 12 is representative of each bristle of the hair apparatus 10).

[0055] The bristle 12 comprises a stem 15 that extends along a longitudinal axis 26 from a proximal end 16 (attached to the bed 11 as per Figure IB) to an opposite distal end 17. The bristle 12 also comprises a head 18 provided at the distal end 17 of the stem 15. The stem 15 and the head 18 are integrally formed, such that the bristle 12 is a unitary piece.

[0056] As should be apparent from Figure 2, the bristle 12 is flat (i.e. has a flattened shape) in a plane that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 26 of the stem 15. Thus, the bristle

[0057] 12 includes two (substantially planar) opposite major surfaces 25 (front and back as illustrated) that are spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another. In particular, the major surfaces 25 (i.e. major faces) are spaced apart in the direction of a thickness dimension T of the bristle 12. The flat shape of the bristle 12 means that the thickness T of the bristle 12 is significantly smaller than the length (parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stem 15) and the width (normal to the longitudinal axis) of the bristle 12. In this case, for example, the thickness of the head of the bristle is about 1 mm, the width of the head is about 5 mm, and the length of the bristle is about 18 mm.

[0058] The stem 15 is elongate in a direction along the longitudinal axis 26 and tapers in a direction from the proximal end 16 to the distal end 17 of the stem 15. Accordingly, the stem 15 is wider at the proximal end 16 than at the distal end 17.

[0059] The head 18 tapers in a direction towards the distal end 17 of the stem 15. Thus, a distal end 22 of the head 18 is wider than a proximal end 23 of the head 18 (at which the head 18 connects to the distal end 17 of the stem 15). This means each of the stem 15 and the head 18 of the bristle 12 are narrower where they meet so as to form a neck 24 of the bristle 12.

[0060] The additional width of the head 18 at the distal end 22 of the head 18 can provide more comfort for a user. To further increase comfort, the distal end 22 of the head 22 has a curved form.

[0061] The head 18 comprises an aperture 19 that extends through (i.e. fully through) the head 18 in the thickness T direction (from one major surface 25 to the other of the major surfaces 25). As will be explained further below, the aperture 19 is such that it allows inward deformation of the head 18. The aperture 19 is mostly defined by a loop 21 that extends around the aperture 19. Opposite ends of the loop 21 are connected to the distal end 17 of the stem 15 such that the aperture 19 is fully surrounded by the head 18.

[0062] The aperture 19 is elongate in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the stem 15. The aperture 19 tapers in a direction from the distal end 22 of the head 18 to the proximal end 23 of the head 18. Thus, the aperture 19 is wider towards the distal end 22 than towards the proximal end 23. In general, the shape of the aperture 19 is substantially complementary to the shape of the head 18 (i.e. to a shape of an outer periphery of the head 18).

[0063] Figures 3 A and 3B illustrate the inward deformation of the head 18 that is facilitated by the aperture 19. These figures show the bristle 12 in use and with a strand of hair 20 looped about the bristle 12 (in this case, looped multiple times about the bristle 12).

[0064] In Figure 3 A, the strand of hair 20 is looped about the stem 15 of the bristle 12. This is a scenario that is common (especially with tangled hair) when using a hair apparatus that includes bristles, such as the hair apparatus 10 shown in Figures 1 A and IB.

[0065] In Figure 3B, the bristle 18 has been moved relative to the strand of hair 20 (e.g. by a user moving the hair apparatus 10 along a tress of hair). The movement has caused the strand of hair 20 to move along the stem 15 and onto the head 18 of the bristle 12. Such movement can apply tension to the strand of hair 20 and, in some cases, can cause the loop about bristle 12 to tighten. As may be appreciated, in the absence of any means for deforming the head 18 of the bristle 12 this could result in the strand of hair 20 snagging on the head 18, which could otherwise cause discomfort for a user or even damage to the strand of hair 20. However, as noted above, the provision of the aperture 19 in the bristle 12 means that the head 18 is able to deform inwardly, as is depicted in Figure 3B. That is, in Figure 3B the force applied to the head 18 by the strand of hair 20 has caused the head 18 to collapse inwardly towards the aperture 19 so as to effectively reduce the width of the head 18. Reducing the width of the head 18 in this way makes it easier for the looped strand of hair 20 to pass over the head 18 (so as to be released from the bristle 12).

[0066] Also aiding in the release of the strand of hair 20 from the bristle 12 is the fact that the head

[0067] 18 is able to more readily bend (in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis 26) to a greater extent than the stem 15. That is, the head 18 is less stiff than the stem 15 in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis 26 (in this case, in a direction parallel to the width dimension). This reduction in stiffness of the head 18 is partly achieved by the provision of the aperture

[0068] 19 and is partly achieved by the narrow neck 24 provided at the connection between the stem 15 and the head 18.

[0069] Thus, as is depicted in Figure 3B, the head 18 bends relative to the stem 15 about the neck 24 of the bristle. In particular, the head 18 is able to bend in the direction from which the strand of hair 20 is being pulled (e.g. towards a user’s scalp), which aids in release of the strand of hair 20 from the bristle 12.

[0070] Returning to Figures 1 A and IB, the bristles 12 are arranged on the bed 11 such that the head 18 of each of the bristles 12 is substantially normal to the handle axis 29. That is, each bristle 12 is oriented such that the width of the bristle 12 is normal to the handle axis 29 (each aperture 19 extending through a respective head 18 in a direction parallel to the handle axis 29). As may be appreciated, in normal use, the hair apparatus 10 will typically be moved (e.g. along a tress of hair) in a direction that is normal to the handle axis 29. Likewise, the heads 18 of the bristles 12, due to the direction of extension of the apertures 19, are configured to inwardly deform and to bend in a plane that is parallel to their width (and normal to their thickness).

[0071] Hence, the bristles 12 are oriented such the heads 18 of the bristles 12 more readily deform in the direction of movement of the hair apparatus 10 in normal use. By orienting the bristles 12 in this way, they may be particularly suited to deforming in response to looped strands of hair passing over the heads 18 of the bristles 12 in normal use. Figures 4A and 4B illustrate a bristle 12’ that is a variation of the bristle 12 described above. As should be appreciated, the bristle 12’ could replace the bristles 12 provided on the hair apparatus 10.

[0072] This bristle 12’ varies from that previously described in that the bristle 12’ includes four apertures 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d formed in the head 18 of the bristle 12’ (as should be appreciated, this could otherwise be considered two apertures that extend normal to one another and cross paths). The four apertures 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d are spaced evenly about the head 18 and extend inwardly to join at a central cavity 27. Rather than comprising a single loop (as per the previously described bristle 12), the head 18 of the bristle 12’ comprises four spaced apart pillars 28 that are arranged in a square pattern and that form the apertures 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d (the central cavity 27 being formed between the pillars 28).

[0073] As per the previously described example, the head 18 is able to deform inwardly due to the provision of the apertures 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d. In this case, such inward deformation can occur in more than one plane, which may be beneficial with respect to release of strands of hair that are looped about the bristle 12’.

[0074] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate a bristle 12” that provides a further variation. In this case, the head 18 of the bristle 12” includes three apertures 19a, 19b, 19c spaced around the head 18 (in a similar manner to that shown in Figures 4A and 4B). The apertures 19a, 19b, 19c extend inwardly into the head 18 and join at a central cavity 27. In this case, the apertures 19a, 19b, 19c are formed by way of three spaced apart pillars 28 (i.e. arranged in a triangular pattern) that surround the central cavity 27.

[0075] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

[0076] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hair apparatus comprising a bed and a plurality of bristles attached to the bed, wherein at least one of the bristles comprises: a stem having a proximal end attached to the bed and an opposite distal end, and a head provided at the distal end of the stem, the head comprising an aperture extending through the head to allow inward deformation of the head.

2. The hair apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stem extends along a longitudinal axis, and the head is less stiff in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis than in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

3. The hair apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aperture is elongate, and wherein optionally the stem extends along a longitudinal axis and the aperture is elongate along the longitudinal axis or the aperture is elongate in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

4. The hair apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head comprises a proximal end proximate the stem and an opposite distal end, and a width of the aperture at the distal end is greater than that at the proximal end, and wherein optionally the aperture tapers in a direction from the distal end to the proximal end of the head.

5. The hair apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head comprises a loop extending about the aperture.

6. The hair apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stem extends along a longitudinal axis, and the head is less stiff than the stem in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis.

7. The hair apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head has a width greater than a width of the distal end of the stem.

8. The hair apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stem tapers in a direction from the proximal end of the stem to the distal end of the stem.

9. The hair apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head is flat, and wherein optionally the stem extends along a longitudinal axis and the head is flat in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis.

10. The hair apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the aperture extends between planar faces of the head.

11. The hair apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the head has a planar thickness of between 0.5 mm and 3.0 mm.

12. The hair apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aperture has an equivalent diameter of between 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm.

13. The hair apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head has a wall extending about the aperture and the wall has a thickness no greater than 1.2 mm and / or no thinner than 0.4 mm.

14. The hair apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head has a width of between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm and / or a height of between 4.0 mm and 6.0 mm.

15. The hair apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an end of the head distal from the stem has a radius of curvature of between 1.0 mm and 3.0 mm.

16. The hair apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hair apparatus comprises an elongate handle that extends along a handle axis, the head of the at least one bristle is flat, and the at least one bristle is oriented such that the head of the at least one bristle is substantially normal to the handle axis.

17. The hair apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aperture is a first aperture, and the head comprises a second aperture extending through the head in a different direction to the first aperture.

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