Hairbrush

Abstract

The present invention provides a hairbrush that can direct more airflow to a brushing position.　A hairbrush (1) comprises a base part (10) and a plurality of pins (51) erected from a front surface (10A) of the base part (10). The base part (10) forms a ventilation channel (40) penetrating through from a rear surface (10B) to the front surface. The size of the opening at the rear end of the ventilation channel (40) is larger than the size of the opening at the front end.

Description

hairbrush

[0001] The present invention relates to a hairbrush.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional hairbrush. This hairbrush includes a brush body with first and second sides formed on both sides, and a plurality of pins extending from the first side of the brush body. The brush body has a guide hole that extends from the first side to the second side. With this configuration, when combing hair while blowing air from a hair dryer, for example, this hairbrush can direct the air from the hair dryer through the guide hole to the position of the pins on the first side, which is the combing position.

[0003] Utility Model Registration No. 3229123

[0004] It is desirable for this type of hairbrush to be able to introduce as much airflow from the hair dryer as possible into the brushing position.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and has an object to provide a hairbrush that can guide more air to the brushing position.

[0006] A hairbrush according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a base portion and a plurality of pins erected from the front surface of the base portion, wherein the base portion forms an air passage that penetrates from the rear surface to the front surface, and the size of the opening at the rear end of the air passage is larger than the size of the opening at the front end.

[0007] In this hairbrush, the rear end opening of the air passage that passes through the base is larger than the front end opening, making it easier for this hairbrush to take in air from the rear end opening into the air passage compared to when the rear end opening is the same size as the front end.

[0008] In addition, a hairbrush according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises a base portion and a plurality of pins erected from the front surface of the base portion, wherein the base portion forms an air passage that penetrates from the rear surface to the front surface, and the rear end of the wall surface of the base portion that forms the air passage is located further rearward toward the center than the outside of the base portion.

[0009] In this hairbrush, the wall surface of the base portion that forms the air passage is located further back than the wall surface located on the outside of the base portion. For example, when blowing air from a hair dryer from the outside of the hairbrush toward the center, the flow of air can be received by the wall surface located on the center side. Therefore, in other hairbrushes of the present invention, air can be more easily drawn into the air passage through the opening at the rear end compared to when the rear end positions of the wall surfaces of the base portion that form the air passage are the same on the center side and the outside of the base portion.

[0010] Therefore, the hairbrush of the present invention can direct more airflow to the brushing position.

[0011] 1 is a front view of the hairbrush according to Example 1. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the hairbrush according to Example 1. FIG. 3 is a side view of the hairbrush according to Example 1. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the hairbrush according to Example 1. FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the hairbrush according to Example 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the hairbrush according to Example 1, showing a schematic representation of a main part of an end surface corresponding to line VI-VI of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the hairbrush according to Example 1, showing a schematic representation of a main part of an end surface corresponding to line VII-VII of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the hairbrush according to Example 1, showing a schematic representation of a state after elastic deformation has occurred in the connecting portion from the state shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the hairbrush according to Example 1, showing a schematic representation of a state after elastic deformation has occurred in the connecting portion from the state shown in FIG.

[0012] First, embodiments of the present invention will be listed and described. Any combination of the following multiple embodiments within a range that does not cause contradictions is also included in the description of the present invention.

[0013] [1] A hairbrush according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a base and a plurality of pins extending from the front surface of the base. The base forms an air passage extending from the rear surface to the front surface, and the rear end opening of the air passage is larger than the front end opening. In this hairbrush, the rear end opening of the air passage extending through the base is larger than the front end opening. Therefore, this hairbrush is more likely to draw air into the air passage through the rear end opening than if the rear end opening were the same size as the front end opening. Furthermore, because the front end opening of the air passage is smaller than the rear end opening, this hairbrush can blow air out of the air passage at a faster flow rate than the inflow rate. [2] A hairbrush according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a base and a plurality of pins extending from the front surface of the base. The base forms an air passage extending from the rear surface to the front surface, and the rear end of the wall of the base forming the air passage is located further rearward toward the center than the outside of the base. In this hairbrush, the wall surface of the base portion forming the air passage is located further back than the wall surface located on the outside of the base portion. For example, when blowing air from a hair dryer from the outside of the base portion toward the center, the airflow can be received by the wall surface located on the center side. Therefore, this hairbrush more easily draws air into the air passage through the rear end opening compared to when the rear end positions of the wall surfaces of the base portion forming the air passage are the same inside and outside of the base portion. Furthermore, with this configuration, no matter which direction the airflow from the hair dryer is directed from on the outside of the base portion, the wall surface located on the center side of the base portion can receive the air and introduce it into the air passage. [3] In either of the hairbrushes [1] and [2] above, the length of the wall surface of the base portion forming the air passage in the front-to-back direction is longer at the center side than at the outside of the base portion. In this hairbrush, the front opening of the air passage formed by the wall surface with a longer front-to-back length can be positioned closer to the scalp compared to when the wall surfaces of the base portion forming the air passage have a uniform front-to-back length. Therefore, this hairbrush can send air closer to the scalp near the center of the hairbrush in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction.For example, by combining the above-mentioned configuration [2], in which the rear end of the wall of the base portion forming the air passage is located further rearward toward the center than toward the outside of the base portion, the length of the wall of the base portion toward the center is made longer than that of the outside, and the front end of the wall of the front center is positioned close to the front end of the wall of the outer wall, thereby equalizing the distance between the front end opening and the scalp. [4] In any of the hairbrushes [1] to [3] above, the rear end of the wall of the base portion forming the air passage on the center side is inclined toward the outside of the base portion. For example, when blowing air from a hair dryer from the outside toward the center of the hairbrush, this hairbrush can guide the air flow forward using the wall on the center side that receives the air. [5] In any of the hairbrushes [1] to [4] above, the wall of the base portion forming the air passage has ridges extending in the front-to-rear direction. In this hairbrush, the ridge-like undulations guide and regulate the airflow flowing through the air passage in a forward and backward direction, allowing the airflow introduced into the air passage to be efficiently directed forward.

[0014] Further embodiments of the present invention are listed below. Note that the embodiments of the present invention also include any combination of any of the above-described embodiments with any of the following embodiments, provided that no contradictions are present. [6] A hairbrush according to yet another embodiment of the present invention comprises a base portion and a plurality of pins extending from the front surface of the base portion. The base portion includes a first base portion, a second base portion circumferentially surrounding the first base portion in a direction intersecting the front-to-rear direction, and an elastically deformable connecting portion connecting the first base portion to the second base portion. In this hairbrush, a space is formed between the first and second base portions of the base portion. Therefore, during brushing, for example, the air from a hair dryer can flow from the rear side to the front side through this space, ensuring breathability between the front and rear sides. Furthermore, in this hairbrush, the connecting portion between the first and second base portions is elastically deformable. Therefore, the first and second base portions can move independently of each other, with the connecting portion as a boundary. As a result, this hairbrush allows the pins extending from the first base portion and the pins extending from the second base portion to easily contact the scalp, improving the fit. [7] In the hairbrush of [6] above, the first base portion has a through-hole extending in the front-to-rear direction. In this case, the hairbrush allows air to circumferentially pass through this through-hole, not only through the space between the first and second base portions. [8] In either of the hairbrushes of [6] and [7] above, the connecting portion is a first connecting portion, and the base portion has a third base portion that circumferentially surrounds the second base portion in a direction intersecting the front-to-rear direction, and an elastically deformable second connecting portion that connects the second base portion and the third base portion. In this case, the pins can fit to a wider range of scalp shapes than when the base portion has only the first base portion, the second base portion, and the first connecting portion, further improving the fit. [9] In the hairbrush of [8] above, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are provided at equal positions in the circumferential direction.In this case, the directions of elastic deformation of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion can be aligned, so that the directions of movement of the first base portion and the second base portion can be aligned, thereby further improving the fit.

[10] The hairbrush of either of [8] and [9] above has a handle portion extending from the outer edge of the third base portion in a direction intersecting the front-to-rear direction, and the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are provided at positions equivalent to the positions of the handle portion in the circumferential direction. In this case, it is easier to apply force for elastic deformation compared to when each connecting portion is located farther from the handle portion, thereby further improving the fit.

[0015] Example 1 A hairbrush according to Example 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for convenience, directions in the hairbrush are defined as follows. The front-to-back direction in the hairbrush is parallel to the direction in which the pins protrude, with the direction toward the protruding ends of the pins defined as the front and the direction toward the base ends defined as the rear. Regarding the up-down and left-to-right directions in the hairbrush, the direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction is the direction in which the handle extends, and the directions perpendicular to the front-to-back and up-to-down directions are defined as the left-to-right directions. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis in each drawing indicate the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-to-down directions, with the positive X-axis direction being the front, the positive Y-axis direction being the left, and the positive Z-axis direction being the up. Note that these directions do not define the actual directions of the hairbrush when in use.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the hairbrush 1 according to Example 1 comprises a base portion 10, a brush portion 20, and a handle portion 30. When viewed from the front of the brush surface 10A, which is one surface of the base portion 10, the base portion 10 has an elliptical outer shape with its major axis extending in the vertical direction. The brush surface 10A corresponds to the front surface of the base portion according to the present invention. The surface of the base portion 10 opposite the brush surface 10A is the back surface 10B. The back surface 10B corresponds to the rear surface of the base portion according to the present invention.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 6 , the brush surface 10A has a curved shape in which the center is concave toward the rear in the vertical direction (i.e., the longitudinal direction). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7 , the brush surface 10A has a curved shape in which the center is slightly convex toward the front in the horizontal direction (i.e., the lateral direction). The brush surface 10A has a first brush surface 11A, a second brush surface 12A, and a third brush surface 13A (described below). As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the back surface 10B of the base portion 10 has a central portion that convexly protrudes toward the rear in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The base portion 10 forms an air passage 40. The air passage 40 penetrates from the back surface 10B of the base portion 10 to the brush surface 10A. The air passage 40 is composed of a first air passage 41, a second air passage 42, and a third air passage 43 (described below).

[0018] As shown in Figures 1, 3, 4, etc., the brush unit 20 is provided on the brush surface 10A side of the base unit 10. The brush unit 20 has a plurality of first pins 51. The plurality of first pins 51 correspond to the plurality of pins of the present invention. The plurality of first pins 51 are provided upright from the brush surface 10A. Each of the first pins 51 protrudes linearly forward from the brush surface 10A. The plurality of first pins 51 extend parallel to the front-to-rear direction. As described above, the brush surface 10A has a curved shape that curves in different directions in the longitudinal and lateral directions. Therefore, the protruding ends of the plurality of parallel and equal-length first pins 51 are arranged in a curved shape similar to the curved shape of the brush surface 10A. In addition to the plurality of first pins 51, the brush unit 20 is configured with a plurality of second pins 52, which will be described later.

[0019] 1 to 3 , the handle portion 30 extends linearly downward from the lower end of the base portion 10. The handle portion 30 is made of a TPE resin portion integrally molded with the base portion 10 and the brush portion 20, and a cover 31 made of a resin harder than TPE resin, such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) resin, is attached to the TPE resin portion. The surface of the cover 31 is formed with ridges extending in the vertical direction. These ridges function as a non-slip surface when the handle portion 30 is gripped.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, the base portion 10 has a first base portion 11, a second base portion 12, a third base portion 13, a first connecting portion 14, and a second connecting portion 15. The first base portion 11, the second base portion 12, the third base portion 13, the first connecting portion 14, and the second connecting portion 15, along with the brush portion 20 and a portion of the handle portion 30, are integrally molded from a highly elastic thermoplastic elastomer resin (TPE). A separate plate 16 is fitted between the first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15. In the hairbrush 1 according to this embodiment, gate marks formed during molding are formed in the portion covered by this plate 16. The plate 16 conceals the gate marks, improving the design of the hairbrush 1.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first base portion 11, the second base portion 12, and the third base portion 13 each have an elliptical outer shape. The first base portion 11, the second base portion 12, and the third base portion 13 each have an annular shape that penetrates in the front-to-rear direction. In this embodiment, the first base portion 11, the second base portion 12, and the third base portion 13 are arranged substantially concentrically with respect to the center of the base portion 10 in a front view (hereinafter simply referred to as the center) in the order of the first base portion 11, the second base portion 12, and the third base portion 13 from the center. That is, the first base portion 11, the second base portion 12, and the third base portion 13 are arranged such that the second base portion 12 circumferentially surrounds the first base portion 11, and the third base portion 13 circumferentially surrounds the second base portion 12 in a direction intersecting the front-to-rear direction.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1 , the front surfaces of the first base portion 11, the second base portion 12, and the third base portion 13 are the first brush surface 11A, the second brush surface 12A, and the third brush surface 13A that constitute the brush surface 10A. Each of the brush surfaces 11A, 12A, and 13A is formed in an annular shape. Specifically, each of the brush surfaces 11A, 12A, and 13A is an elliptical ring with its major axis extending vertically. The brush surfaces 11A, 12A, and 13A are arranged substantially concentrically in the order of the first brush surface 11A, the second brush surface 12A, and the third brush surface 13A from the center. A plurality of first pins 51 are erected in an annular shape on each of the brush surfaces 11A, 12A, and 13A.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 6, etc., the first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15 connect the first base portion 11, the second base portion 12, and the third base portion 13 to each other. Specifically, the first connecting portion 14 connects the first base portion 11 to the second base portion 12. The second connecting portion 15 connects the second base portion 12 to the third base portion 13. In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15 are provided at approximately equal positions in the circumferential direction of the base portion 10, which has an elliptical outer shape. Specifically, the first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15 are provided at approximately equal positions in the circumferential direction of the base portion 10 as the handle portion 30.

[0024] The first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15 are each elastically deformable. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15 are integrally formed of TPE together with the first base portion 11, the second base portion 12, and the third base portion 13. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 , the first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15 are formed so that their front-to-rear dimension (thickness) is smaller than their left-to-right dimension (width). This makes each connecting portion 14, 15 more susceptible to elastic deformation in the front-to-rear direction than in the left-to-right direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 6 , the front-to-rear dimension (thickness) of each connecting portion 14, 15 is smaller than the front-to-rear dimension of each base portion 11, 12, and 13. That is, each connecting portion 14, 15 is formed thinner in the front-to-rear direction than each base portion 11, 12, and 13. This makes each connecting portion 14, 15 more susceptible to elastic deformation than each base portion 11, 12, and 13. Furthermore, the connecting portions 14, 15 are connected to the rear ends of the base portions 11, 12, 13. This forms a space on the front side of each connecting portion 14, 15. The spaces on the front side of each connecting portion 14, 15 communicate in the left-right direction with a second ventilation passage 42 and a third ventilation passage 43, which will be described later.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the first base portion 11 has a cylindrical shape with a through-hole formed therethrough in the front-to-rear direction. Specifically, the first base portion 11 has a funnel-like cylindrical shape that narrows from the rear end to the front end. The inner diameter of the first base portion 11 is larger at the rear end than at the front end. The first base portion 11 has a cross-sectional shape that curves gradually toward the center from the rear end to the front end. The inner circumferential surface 11B of the first base portion 11 forms the first air passage 41. In the following description, the inner circumferential surface 11B of the first base portion 11, which serves as the wall surface forming the first air passage 41, is also referred to as the inner wall surface 41A. The inner circumferential surface 11B of the first base portion 11 has a generally arcuate cross-section whose curvature gradually decreases from the rear end to the front end. The inner circumferential surface 11B of the first base portion 11 is continuous without any steps from the rear end to the front end. The outer peripheral surface 11C of the first base portion 11 forms a second air passage 42 between itself and the inner peripheral surface 12B of the second base portion 12. The outer peripheral surface 11C of the first base portion 11 corresponds to the central wall surface of the base portion 10 that forms the second air passage 42. Hereinafter, the outer peripheral surface 11C of the first base portion 11, which serves as the wall surface that forms the second air passage 42, will also be referred to as a second central wall surface 42A. Like the inner peripheral surface 11B, the outer peripheral surface 11C of the first base portion 11 is formed in a generally arc-shaped cross section whose curvature gradually decreases from the rear end to the front end, and is continuous without any steps.

[0026] The front surface of the first base portion 11 is the first brush surface 11A. A plurality of first pins 51 are erected on the first brush surface 11A. The first pins 51 on the first brush surface 11A are arranged in a ring shape along the first brush surface 11A. The inner edge of the first brush surface 11A forms the front opening of the first air passage 41. The outer edge of the first brush surface 11A forms the front opening of the second air passage 42. As shown in FIG. 1 , the first brush surface 11A is formed in an elliptical ring shape at the front end of the first base portion 11, which has an elliptical ring shape. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the vertical ends of the first brush surface 11A are located slightly forward of the horizontal ends.

[0027] The rear end of the first base portion 11 is inclined outward. Specifically, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the inclination of the rear end of the first base portion 11 is a curved inclination in cross section that continues from the front end side. The first base portion 11 widens so as to warp back into an arc-like cross section toward the rear end. As a result, the rear end of the first base portion 11 protrudes outward like a canopy. In this first base portion 11, the rear end surface 11D faces outward.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2, 6, and 7, the inner peripheral surface 11B of the first base portion 11 has ridge-like undulations 60 formed thereon. The undulations 60 extend on the inner peripheral surface from the rear end to the front end of the first base portion 11. A plurality of the undulations 60 are formed in a line in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface 11B. The undulations 60 not only guide the dryer airflow that flows into the first air passage 41 from the rear end opening toward the front end, but also contribute to improving the design of the hairbrush 1. Similar undulations 60 are also formed on the inner peripheral surfaces of the second base portion 12 and the third base portion 13.

[0029] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the second base portion 12 is concentrically disposed on the outside of the first base portion 11. The second base portion 12 has a cross-sectional shape that curves gradually toward the center from the rear end to the front end. The inner circumferential surface 12B of the second base portion 12 forms a second air passage 42 between itself and the outer circumferential surface 11C of the first base portion 11. The inner circumferential surface 12B of the second base portion 12 corresponds to the outer wall surface of the base portion 10 among the wall surfaces that form the second air passage 42. Hereinafter, the inner circumferential surface 12B of the second base portion 12, which serves as the wall surface that forms the second air passage 42, will also be referred to as the second outer wall surface 42B. Similar to the inner circumferential surface 11B of the first base portion 11, the inner circumferential surface 12B of the second base portion 12 has a plurality of ridge-like undulations 60 arranged circumferentially and extending in the front-rear direction.

[0030] 6 and 7 , the rear end of the inner circumferential surface 12B of the second base portion 12 is located forward of the rear end of the outer circumferential surface 11C of the first base portion 11. That is, the rear end of the outer circumferential surface 11C of the first base portion 11, which corresponds to the central wall surface of the base portion 10 that forms the second air passage 42, is located rearward of the rear end of the inner circumferential surface 12B of the second base portion 12, which corresponds to the outer wall surface. The length of the second base portion 12 in the front-to-rear direction is shorter than that of the first base portion 11, which corresponds to the central wall surface of the base portion 10 that forms the second air passage 42. That is, the length of the outer circumferential surface 11C of the first base portion 11, which corresponds to the central wall surface of the base portion 10 that forms the second air passage 42, in the front-to-rear direction is longer than that of the inner circumferential surface 12B of the second base portion 12, which corresponds to the outer wall surface.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the inner circumferential surface 12B of the second base portion 12 forms a continuous surface with a generally arc-shaped cross section whose curvature gradually decreases from the rear end to the front end. The inner diameter of the inner circumferential surface 12B of the second base portion 12 is larger at the rear end than at the front end. The outer circumferential surface 12C of the second base portion 12 forms a third air passage 43 between itself and the inner circumferential surface 13B of the third base portion 13. The outer circumferential surface 12C of the second base portion 12 corresponds to the wall surface forming the third air passage 43 that is closer to the center of the base portion 10. Hereinafter, the outer circumferential surface 12C of the second base portion 12, which serves as the wall surface forming the third air passage 43, will also be referred to as the third center-side wall surface 43A. Like the inner circumferential surface 12B, the outer circumferential surface 12C of the second base portion 12 is formed with a generally arc-shaped cross section whose curvature gradually decreases from the rear end to the front end, and is continuous without any steps.

[0032] The front surface of the second base portion 12 is the second brush surface 12A. The second base portion 12 has a plurality of first pins 51 extending from the second brush surface 12A. The second brush surface 12A is formed in an elliptical ring shape at the front end of the second base portion 12, which has an elliptical ring shape. The first pins 51 on the second brush surface 12A are arranged in a ring shape along the second brush surface 12A. The inner edge of the second brush surface 12A forms the front opening of the second air passage 42. The outer edge of the second brush surface 12A forms the front opening of the third air passage 43. An inclined surface 12E, which will be described later, is formed on the outside of the second brush surface 12A. The second brush surface 12A concentrically surrounds the first brush surface 11A. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the vertical ends of the second brush surface 12A are located forward of the horizontal ends. In a side view, both ends of the second brush surface 12A in the vertical direction are located forward of the first brush surface 11A, and both ends of the second brush surface 12A in the horizontal direction are located rearward of the first brush surface 11A.

[0033] The rear end of the second base portion 12 is inclined outward. Specifically, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the inclination of the rear end of the second base portion 12 is a curved inclination in cross section that continues from the front end side. As a result, the rear end of the outer circumferential surface 12C of the second base portion 12 also forms a similarly inclined surface. The second base portion 12 widens so that it curves back in a circular arc shape in cross section toward the rear end. As a result, the rear end of the second base portion 12 protrudes outward like a canopy. In this second base portion 12, the rear end surface 12D faces outward.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the outer peripheral surface 12C of the second base portion 12 has an inclined surface 12E. The inclined surface 12E extends obliquely rearward outward from the outer edge of the second brush surface 12A in a C-chamfered cross section. The inclined surface 12E is formed around the entire periphery of the front end of the outer peripheral surface 12C. The second base portion 12 has a plurality of second pins 52 erected on the inclined surface 12E. The second pins 52 are erected in a ring shape from the inclined surface 12E so as to surround the outer periphery of the second brush surface 12A on which the first pins 51 are erected. Like the first pins 51, each second pin 52 is erected approximately parallel to the front-to-rear direction. Because the second pins 52 erect from the inclined surface 12E, the base end of each second pin 52 is located rearward of the front-to-rear position of the base end of the first pin 51 located on the second brush surface 12A. That is, in the brush portion 20, the protruding ends of the plurality of first pins 51 are positioned forward of the protruding ends of the plurality of second pins 52. As a result, the brush portion 20 has a two-step structure in which the protruding ends of the plurality of first pins 51 and the protruding ends of the plurality of second pins 52 are staggered in the front and rear. The second pins 52 are also provided on the outer peripheral surface 13C of the third base portion 13, which will be described later. By providing the protruding ends of the first pins 51 and the second pins 52 in a stepped manner in this manner, the following effect is achieved. That is, the hairbrush 1 can untangle hair near the scalp using the first pins 51, whose protruding ends are positioned further forward, and can untangle hair farther from the scalp than the first pins 51 using the second pins 52. In this way, by blowing air from a hair dryer on hair that is more tangled, it is possible to dry hair more quickly compared to when the hair is relatively tangled.

[0035] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the third base portion 13 is concentrically disposed on the outside of the second base portion 12. The third base portion 13 is curved so as to gradually approach the center from the rear end to the front end. The inner circumferential surface 13B of the third base portion 13 forms a third air passage 43 between itself and the outer circumferential surface 12C of the second base portion 12. The inner circumferential surface 13B of the third base portion 13 corresponds to the outer wall surface of the base portion 10 among the wall surfaces that form the third air passage 43. Hereinafter, the inner circumferential surface 13B of the third base portion 13, which serves as the wall surface that forms the third air passage 43, will also be referred to as the third outer wall surface 43B.

[0036] 6 and 7 , the rear end of the inner circumferential surface 13B of the third base portion 13 is located forward of the rear end of the outer circumferential surface 12C of the second base portion 12. That is, the rear end of the outer circumferential surface 12C of the second base portion 12, which corresponds to the central wall surface among the wall surfaces forming the third air passage 43, is located rearward of the rear end of the inner circumferential surface 13B of the third base portion 13, which corresponds to the outer wall surface. The length of the third base portion 13 in the front-to-rear direction is shorter than that of the second base portion 12, which corresponds to the central wall surface among the wall surfaces of the base portion 10 forming the third air passage 43. That is, the length of the outer circumferential surface 12C of the second base portion 12, which corresponds to the central wall surface among the wall surfaces of the base portion 10 forming the third air passage 43, in the front-to-rear direction is longer than that of the inner circumferential surface 13B of the third base portion 13, which corresponds to the outer wall surface.

[0037] The inner peripheral surface 13B of the third base portion 13 forms a continuous surface with a generally arc-shaped cross section whose curvature gradually decreases from the rear end to the front end. The inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface 13B of the third base portion 13 is larger at the rear end than at the front end. Similar to the inner peripheral surfaces 11B and 12B of the first and second base portions 11 and 12, the inner peripheral surface 13B of the third base portion 13 has a plurality of ridge-like undulations 60 arranged in the circumferential direction and extending in the front-rear direction. Similar to the inner peripheral surface 13B, the outer peripheral surface 13C of the third base portion 13 also has a generally arc-shaped cross section whose curvature gradually decreases from the rear end to the front end, and is continuous without any steps.

[0038] The front surface of the third base portion 13 is the third brush surface 13A. The third base portion 13 has a plurality of first pins 51 extending from the third brush surface 13A. The inner edge of the third brush surface 13A forms the front opening of the third air passage 43. As shown in FIG. 1 , the third brush surface 13A has an elliptical ring shape in a front view of the hairbrush 1, and concentrically surrounds the second brush surface 12A, which concentrically surrounds the first brush surface 11A. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the vertical ends of the third brush surface 13A are located forward of the horizontal ends. In a side view, both vertical ends of the third brush surface 13A are located forward of the second brush surface 12A. Both horizontal ends of the third brush surface 13A are located rearward of the second brush surface 12A.

[0039] The outer peripheral surface 13C of the third base portion 13 is adjacent to the outer edge of the third brush surface 13A. The third base portion 13 has a plurality of second pins 52 standing upright on the outer peripheral surface 13C. The second pins 52 are annularly erected from the outer peripheral surface 13C so as to surround the outer periphery of the third brush surface 13A on which the first pins 51 are erected. Like the first pins 51, each second pin 52 stands upright approximately parallel to the front-to-rear direction. The protruding length of each second pin 52 from the outer peripheral surface 13C is the same as that of the first pin 51. The protruding end of each second pin 52 protruding from the outer peripheral surface 13C, which is set back from the brush surface 13A, is positioned further back than the protruding end of the first pin 51 protruding from the brush surface 13A. The protruding ends of the plurality of second pins 52 standing on the outer peripheral surface 13C form a step with the protruding ends of the plurality of first pins 51 on the adjacent brush surface 13A on the inside.

[0040] The rear end of the third base portion 13 is inclined outward. Specifically, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the inclination of the rear end of the third base portion 13 is a curved inclination in cross section that continues from the front end side. As a result, the outer peripheral surface 13C at the rear end of the third base portion 13 also has a similar inclination. The third base portion 13 widens so that it curves back in an arc-like cross section toward the rear end. As a result, the rear end of the third base portion 13 protrudes outward like a canopy. In this third base portion 13, the rear end surface 13D faces outward.

[0041] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the rear surface 10B of the base unit 10 has a center portion located further rearward than the outer sides. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the rear surface 10B of the base unit 10 has a generally arcuate outer shape in a side view, with the center portion being most convex rearward in the up-down direction. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the rear surface 10B of the base unit 10 has a stepped outer shape in a plan view, with the center portion being most convex rearward in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the base unit 10 has a configuration in which, of the first base unit 11, second base unit 12, and third base unit 13 constituting the base unit 10, the rear end of the first base unit 11, which is located most centrally, is located most rearward, and the rear end of the third base unit 13, which is located most outerward, is located most forward.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 , in the base portion 10, the ventilation passage 40 is configured to include a first ventilation passage 41, a second ventilation passage 42, and a third ventilation passage 43. The ventilation passages 41, 42, and 43 are formed substantially concentrically from the center of the base portion 10 in the order of the first ventilation passage 41, the second ventilation passage 42, and the third ventilation passage 43. The first ventilation passage 41 is formed as a space within the inner circumferential surface 11B (inner wall surface 41A) of a through hole penetrating the first base portion 11. The second ventilation passage 42 is formed as a space between the outer circumferential surface 11C (second center-side wall surface 42A) of the first base portion 11 and the inner circumferential surface 12B (second outer wall surface 42B) of the second base portion 12. The third air passage 43 is formed as a space between the outer peripheral surface 12C (third central side wall surface 43A) of the second base portion 12 and the inner peripheral surface 13B (third outer side wall surface 43B) of the third base portion 13.

[0043] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the rear end openings of each of the air passages 41, 42, and 43 are larger than the front end openings. The rear end openings of each of the air passages 41, 42, and 43 are located further rearward in the order of the first air passage 41, the second air passage 42, and the third air passage 43. That is, the rear end openings of each of the air passages 41, 42, and 43 located closer to the center of the base portion 10 are located further rearward than the air passages located on the outer sides. In addition, in the side cross section shown in Figure 6, the air passages 41, 42, and 43 of the hairbrush 1 are located in the following order from the front: the third air passage 43, the second air passage 42, and the first air passage 41. In the plan cross section shown in Figure 7, the air passages 41, 42, and 43 of the hairbrush 1 are located in the following order from the front: the first air passage 41, the second air passage 42, and the third air passage 43.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the second air passage 42 has an elliptical ring shape (C-shape) in front view, partially cut away at the lower end where the first connecting portion 14 is provided. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the second center side wall surface 42A and the second outer side wall surface 42B that form the second air passage 42 are positioned such that the rear end of the second center side wall surface 42A is located further rearward than the rear end of the second outer side wall surface 42B. The lengths of the second center side wall surface 42A and the second outer side wall surface 42B in the front-to-rear direction are such that the second center side wall surface 42A is longer than the second outer side wall surface 42B. The second center side wall surface 42A is inclined toward the outside of the base portion 10. The rear end of the second center side wall surface 42A is located further outward from the base portion 10 than the front end.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the third air passage 43 has an elliptical ring shape (C-shape) in front view, partially cut away at the lower end where the second connecting portion 15 is provided. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the third center side wall surface 43A and the third outer wall surface 43B that form the third air passage 43 are positioned such that the rear end of the third center side wall surface 43A is located further rearward than the rear end of the third outer wall surface 43B. The third center side wall surface 43A and the third outer wall surface 43B have longer longitudinal lengths than the third outer wall surface 43B. The third center side wall surface 43A is inclined toward the outside of the base portion 10. The rear end of the third center side wall surface 43A is located further outward from the base portion 10 than the front end.

[0046] The operation of the hairbrush 1 configured as described above will now be described along with an example of use. When drying hair after washing, etc., the user of the hairbrush 1 grasps the handle portion 30 and blows air from the hair dryer while brushing the hair with the brush portion 20. The air from the hair dryer passes through the air passage 40 and reaches the brush surface 10A from the back surface 10B of the base portion 10. The hairbrush 1 can direct the air from the hair dryer via the air passage 40 to the brush surface 10A, which is the brushing position.

[0047] As long as the dryer air is directed toward the rear surface 10B of the base unit 10, it can be effectively introduced into either the second air passage 42 or the third air passage 43, which are arranged concentrically around the first air passage 41, and circulate toward the brush surface 10A. Therefore, regardless of where the dryer air is directed toward the rear surface 10B of the base unit 10, the dryer air enters each air passage 41, 42, 43 and circulates toward the brush surface 10A. Of the concentric air passages 41, 42, 43, the second air passage 42 and the third air passage 43 are annular. Therefore, for example, the dryer air flowing in through a portion of the rear-end opening of the second air passage 42 or the third air passage 43 can circumferentially flow through the air passages 42, 43 and be blown out entirely from the front-end opening. In this way, the hairbrush 1 can discharge the dryer airflow that flows in from the rear end opening over a wider area from the front end opening, thereby efficiently drying the hair and scalp.

[0048] Furthermore, a space communicating with the second air passage 42 and the third air passage 43 in the left-right direction is formed on the front side of the first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15. Therefore, the dryer airflow that flows in through a portion of the rear end opening of the second air passage 42 and the third air passage 43 and flows circumferentially through the air passages 42, 43 can flow around the entire circumference without being blocked by the connecting portions 14, 15, and is efficiently blown out from the entire front end opening. In this way, the hairbrush 1 can release the dryer airflow that flows in through a portion of the rear end opening of the second air passage 42 and the third air passage 43 from a wider area at the front end opening. As a result, the hairbrush 1 can dry hair and scalp more efficiently.

[0049] 8 and 9, the opening of the air passage 40 on the rear surface 10B side of the base portion 10 is larger than the opening on the brush surface 10A side, so that the air from the dryer can easily enter the air passage 40. In addition, the air flowing through the air passage 40 is blown out at an increased flow rate from the opening on the brush surface 10A side, which is smaller than the opening on the rear surface 10B side, and is delivered to the hair and scalp with good wind force.

[0050] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, assume that the dryer's airflow is directed from diagonally behind the rear surface 10B of the base unit 10. In this case, the rear end of the second center-side wall surface 42A, which is located toward the center of the base unit 10, is located further rearward than the rear end of the second outer wall surface 42B among the wall surfaces forming the second air passage 42. Therefore, the dryer's airflow is received by the second center-side wall surface 42A and can smoothly enter the second air passage 42. Furthermore, because the rear end of the second center-side wall surface 42A is inclined toward the outside of the base unit 10, the dryer's airflow received by the rear end of the second center-side wall surface 42A is smoothly guided within the second air passage 42 toward the forward brush surface 10A. Furthermore, because the second outer wall surface 42B has ridge-like undulations 60, the dryer's airflow flowing through the second air passage 42 is smoothly guided toward the forward brush surface 10A. Furthermore, since the length of the second central side wall surface 42A in the front-to-back direction is longer than that of the second outer wall surface 42B, the dryer air flowing through the second air passage 42 can reach close to the scalp H along the second central side wall surface 42A effectively.

[0051] Similarly, among the wall surfaces forming the third air passage 43, the rear end of the third center-side wall surface 43A is located further rearward than the rear end of the third outer wall surface 43B, so that the dryer air blown from the dryer blowing from diagonally rearward against the back surface 10B of the base unit 10 is received by the third center-side wall surface 43A and can smoothly enter the third air passage 43. Moreover, because the rear end of the third center-side wall surface 43A is also inclined toward the outside of the base unit 10, the dryer air received by the rear end of the third center-side wall surface 43A is smoothly guided within the third air passage 43 toward the forward brush surface 10A. Moreover, because the third outer wall surface 43B has ridge-like undulations 60, the dryer air flowing through the third air passage 43 is smoothly guided toward the forward brush surface 10A. Furthermore, the dryer air flowing through the third air passage 43 is well guided to the vicinity of the scalp H along the third central wall surface 43A, which has a longer length in the front-to-rear direction than the third outer wall surface 43B.

[0052] The brush unit 20 also has a plurality of first pins 51. The plurality of first pins 51 extend from the brush surface 10A, which is curved so that the center portion is recessed backward in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, as shown in Figure 8, the protruding ends of the first pins 51 can easily be aligned with the curved surface of the user's scalp H in the longitudinal direction of the base unit 10, allowing for good brushing.

[0053] Meanwhile, the brush surface 10A has a curved shape in the short direction, with the center portion protruding slightly forward. This curved shape is curved in the opposite direction to the curved shape of the user's scalp H. However, in the hairbrush 1, the base portion 10 connects the first base portion 11, the second base portion 12, and the third base portion 13 via the elastically deformable first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15. Therefore, when the brush portion 20 is pressed against the scalp H, the first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15 elastically deform. This allows the first base portion 11, the second base portion 12, and the third base portion 13 to be individually displaced in the front-to-rear direction, and the protruding ends of the first pins 51 erected from each base portion can be aligned to the curved shape of the scalp H.

[0054] Furthermore, the first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15 are provided at positions approximately equivalent to the position of the handle portion 30 in the circumferential direction of the base portion 10. Therefore, when the user uses the hairbrush 1 by gripping the handle portion 30, the force that causes elastic deformation of the first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15 is effectively transmitted from the handle portion 30 that the user grips to each connecting portion 14, 15.

[0055] Furthermore, the first base portion 11, the second base portion 12, and the third base portion 13 are integrally molded with the first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15, and are all made of TPE. Therefore, if elastic deformation is further generated in each of the first base portion 11, the second base portion 12, and the third base portion 13 in addition to the elastic deformation of the first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15, the fit to the scalp H is further improved.

[0056] 10 and 11 , when the brush portion 20 of the hairbrush 1 is pressed against the scalp H, the first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15 elastically deform, causing the first base portion 11, the second base portion 12, and the third base portion 13 to move relative to one another in the front-to-rear direction. The first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15 are thinner in the front-to-rear direction than the base portions 11, 12, and 13. This allows the hairbrush 1 to elastically deform well at the first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15. By elastically deforming the first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15 in this manner, the second base portion 12 moves rearward relative to the third base portion 13, and the first base portion 11 moves further rearward relative to the second base portion 12, which has moved rearward relative to the third base portion 13. This widens the rear end openings of the second air passage 42 and the third air passage 43.

[0057] 10 and 11 , the longitudinal size L42A of the rear end opening of the second air passage 42 after the first base 11 has moved rearward relative to the second base 12 due to elastic deformation of the first connecting portion 14 is greater than the longitudinal size L42 of the rear end opening of the second air passage 42 in the natural state where no elastic deformation has occurred in the first connecting portion 14 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 . Similarly, the longitudinal size L43A of the rear end opening of the third air passage 43 after the second base 12 has moved rearward relative to the third base 13 due to elastic deformation of the second connecting portion 15 is greater than the longitudinal size L43 of the rear end opening of the third air passage 43 in the natural state where no elastic deformation has occurred in the second connecting portion 15. In this way, the hairbrush 1 causes elastic deformation in the first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15 so that the brush portion 20 fits the scalp H, thereby widening the rear end openings of the second air passage 42 and the third air passage 43, making it easier for the dryer's wind to enter the second air passage 42 and the third air passage 43.

[0058] In addition to the plurality of first pins 51, the brush section 20 also has a plurality of second pins 52, each of equal length to the first pins 51, standing upright from a surface located rearward of the surface on which the first pins 51 are erected. That is, the brush section 20 of the hairbrush 1 has a two-stage structure having a plurality of first pins 51 erected from the brush surfaces 11A, 12A, and 13A, and a plurality of second pins 52, each of approximately the same length as the first pins 51, erected from a surface rearward of the brush surfaces 12A and 13A. Therefore, by brushing with the first pins 51 in contact with the surface of the scalp H and the second pins 52 not in contact with the scalp H, the hair can be quickly dried while untangling. The first pins 51 can also be bent and brought into contact with the surface of the scalp H, allowing the second pins 52 to come into contact with the scalp H. In this case, the tension of the first pins 51 caused by the bending acts in a direction that straightens the curl of the hair while drying the hair, which also contributes to smoothing the curl of the hair. Furthermore, even when neither the first pins 51 nor the second pins 52 come into contact with the scalp, the steps at the protruding ends of the first pins 51 and the second pins 52 allow the hair to be parted at a position closer to the scalp and at a position further from the scalp and closer to the surface, making it easier to send air to the entire hair. Moreover, because the second pins 52 are closer to the outer periphery of the base portion 10 than the first pins 51, air from the outer periphery of the hairbrush 1 can be easily delivered to the depths of the hair.

[0059] Furthermore, because the length of the second pins 52 is approximately the same as that of the first pins 51, even when the protruding ends of the second pins 52 come into contact with the scalp H, they can bend with approximately the same hardness as the first pins 51. For example, in the case of a brush section with a two-tiered structure in which two types of pins with different protruding lengths are provided, when the protruding ends of the shorter pins come into contact with the scalp, they may feel a different hardness than the longer pins or may cause pain. In contrast, by making the lengths of the first pins 51 and the second pins 52 approximately the same in the hairbrush 1, it is unlikely that the user will feel any discomfort even when the protruding ends of the second pins 52 come into contact with the scalp H.

[0060] As described above, the hairbrush 1 according to Example 1 includes the base portion 10 and a plurality of first pins 51 extending from the brush surface 10A, which is the front surface of the base portion 10. The base portion 10 has a first air passage 41, a second air passage 42, and a third air passage 43 that penetrate from the rear surface 10B, which is the rear surface, to the brush surface 10A. The air passages 41, 42, and 43 have openings at their rear ends that are larger in size than the openings at their front ends.

[0061] In this way, the air passages 41, 42, and 43 in the hairbrush 1 are formed so that the openings on the rear end 10B side of the base portion 10 are larger than the openings on the brush surface 10A side. Therefore, this hairbrush 1 more easily draws air into the air passages 41, 42, and 43 from the rear end openings compared to when the rear end openings of the air passages are the same size as the front end openings. In other words, it is easier for the airflow from a hair dryer applied to the rear end 10B side of the base portion 10 to enter the air passages 41, 42, and 43. This allows the hairbrush 1 to guide more air toward the brush surface 10A, which is the brushing position. Furthermore, because the front end openings of the air passages 41, 42, and 43 are smaller than the rear end openings, the hairbrush 1 can blow air out of the air passages 41, 42, and 43 toward the brush surface 10A at a faster flow rate than the flow rate at the inlet.

[0062] In the hairbrush 1 according to Example 1, the rear ends of the second center wall surface 42A and the second outer wall surface 42B that form the second air passage 42 are located further rearward than the rear end of the second outer wall surface 42B. The rear ends of the third center wall surface 43A and the third outer wall surface 43B that form the third air passage 43 are located further rearward than the rear end of the third outer wall surface 43B. The second center wall surface 42A and the third center wall surface 43A correspond to the wall surfaces located closer to the center than the outside of the base portion according to the present invention. The second outer wall surface 42B and the third outer wall surface 43B correspond to the wall surfaces located outside the center of the base portion according to the present invention.

[0063] Thus, the rear ends of the second and third air passages 42 and 43 that constitute the air passage 40 in the hairbrush 1 are located rearward, with the rear ends of the walls that form the second and third air passages 42 and 43 being closer to the center of the base 10. Therefore, the hairbrush 1 can more easily draw air into the air passages through the rear end openings compared to when the rear ends of the base 10 walls that form the air passages are located at the same positions on both the center and outside of the base. As a result, the hairbrush 1 can direct more air toward the brush surface 10A, which is the brushing position. Furthermore, regardless of which direction the hairbrush 1 is blowing from a hair dryer on the outside of the base 10, the air can be received by the second and third center-side wall surfaces 42A and 43A, which are the more rearward center-side wall surfaces, and can be guided into the second and third air passages 42 and 43.

[0064] Furthermore, in the hairbrush 1 according to Example 1, the outer peripheral surface 11C (second center-side wall surface 42A) of the first base portion 11 and the inner peripheral surface 12B (second outer wall surface 42B) of the second base portion 12, which are the wall surfaces of the base portion 10 that form the second air passage 42, have a longer front-to-rear length for the second center-side wall surface 42A than for the second outer wall surface 42B. Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface 12C of the second base portion 12 and the inner peripheral surface 13B of the third base portion 13, which are the wall surfaces of the base portion that form the third air passage 43, have a longer front-to-rear length for the outer peripheral surface 12C of the second base portion 12 located toward the center than for the inner peripheral surface 13B of the third base portion 13 located outside the base portion 10. Therefore, in the hairbrush 1, the front openings of the air passages 42, 43 can be positioned closer to the scalp H than when the front-to-rear lengths of the walls of the base portion that form the air passages are uniform. Therefore, the hairbrush 1 can send the air from the dryer closer to the scalp H.

[0065] In the hairbrush 1 according to Example 1, the rear end of the outer peripheral surface 11C of the first base portion 11, which is the second central wall surface 42A that forms the second air passage 42, and the rear end of the outer peripheral surface 12C of the second base portion 12, which is the third central wall surface 43A that forms the third air passage 43, are both inclined toward the outside of the base portion 10. Therefore, the hairbrush 1 can guide the air from the dryer received by the rear ends of the second central wall surface 42A and the third central wall surface 43A forward.

[0066] Furthermore, in the hairbrush 1 according to Example 1, the inner peripheral surface 11B of the first base portion 11, the inner peripheral surface 12B of the second base portion 12, and the inner peripheral surface 13B of the third base portion 13 are formed with ridge-like undulations 60 extending in the front-to-rear direction. The inner peripheral surface 11B of the first base portion 11, the inner peripheral surface 12B of the second base portion 12, and the inner peripheral surface 13B of the third base portion 13 correspond to the wall surfaces of the base portions that form the air passages. Therefore, the ridge-like undulations 60 in the hairbrush 1 can guide and straighten the flow of air flowing through each of the air passages 41, 42, and 43 in the front-to-rear direction, allowing the air to flow efficiently forward.

[0067] The hairbrush 1 according to the first embodiment includes a base portion 10 and a plurality of first pins 51 extending from a brush surface 10A, which is the front surface of the base portion 10. The base portion 10 includes a first base portion 11, a second base portion 12 circumferentially surrounding the first base portion 11 in a direction intersecting the front-to-rear direction, and a first connecting portion 14 as an elastically deformable connecting portion that connects the first base portion 11 and the second base portion 12.

[0068] In the hairbrush 1, a space serving as the second air passage 42 is formed between the first base portion 11 and the second base portion 12 in the base portion 10. Therefore, the hairbrush 1 can ensure good ventilation between the front and rear sides, for example, by allowing the air from a hair dryer to circulate through this space from the rear side to the front side during brushing. Furthermore, the hairbrush 1 has a first connecting portion 14 between the first base portion 11 and the second base portion 12 that is elastically deformable. Therefore, the first base portion 11 and the second base portion 12 can move independently, with the first connecting portion 14 as the boundary. As a result, the first pins 51 extending from the first base portion 11 and the second base portion 12 can easily contact the scalp H, improving the fit of the hairbrush 1.

[0069] In the hairbrush 1 according to Example 1, the first base portion 11 has a first air passage 41, which is a through-hole that penetrates in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, the hairbrush 1 can ventilate not only through the second air passage 42, which is the space between the first base portion 11 and the second base portion 12, but also through the first air passage 41.

[0070] Furthermore, in the hairbrush 1 according to Example 1, the base portion 10 has a third base portion 13 that surrounds the second base portion 12 in a direction intersecting the front-to-rear direction, and an elastically deformable second connecting portion 15 that connects the second base portion 12 and the third base portion 13. Therefore, compared to when the base portion 10 has only the first base portion 11, the second base portion 12, and the first connecting portion 14, the pins can be fitted to the scalp H over a wider area, further improving the fit.

[0071] Furthermore, in the hairbrush 1 according to Example 1, the first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15 are provided at equivalent positions in the circumferential direction. This allows the directions of elastic deformation of the first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15 to be aligned, and allows the directions of movement of the first base portion 11 and the second base portion 12 to be aligned when the first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15 elastically deform. As a result, the hairbrush 1 can further improve the fit.

[0072] The hairbrush 1 according to Example 1 also includes a handle portion 30 that extends in a direction intersecting the front-to-rear direction from the outer edge of the third base portion 13. The first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15 are provided at positions in the circumferential direction equivalent to the position of the handle portion 30. This makes it easier to apply force to the connecting portions 14, 15 to cause elastic deformation compared to when the connecting portions are located farther away from the handle portion, further improving the fit of the hairbrush 1.

[0073] The present invention is not limited to the first embodiment described above and illustrated in the drawings. The following embodiments, for example, are also within the scope of the present invention. (1) In the hairbrush of the present invention, it is not necessary for the base portion, pin, handle portion, and other components to be integrally molded. The base portion, pin, handle portion, and other components may be combined with at least one component formed separately. (2) In the hairbrush of the present invention, the configuration of the base portion is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. For example, the base portion may have only a first base portion, a second base portion, and a first connecting portion, without a third base portion or a second connecting portion. Alternatively, the base portion may have an additional annular base portion circumferentially surrounding the third base portion and an additional connecting portion connecting the additional base portion to the third base portion. Furthermore, the outer shape of the base portion is not limited to the elliptical shape exemplified in the above embodiment, but may also be circular, polygonal, or other shapes. (3) If the hairbrush of the present invention has a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, these may be located circumferentially away from the handle portion. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion may be located at different positions circumferentially. (4) In the hairbrush according to the present invention, it is not essential that the rear end of the central wall surface of the base portion forming the air passage be inclined toward the outside of the base portion. Such an inclination is not limited to a curved cross section, but may be a straight cross section, a combination of curves and straight lines, or a combination of straight lines at different angles. Furthermore, if such an inclined wall surface is formed, the inclination is not limited to the rear end, but may extend from the center to the rear end of the wall in the front-to-rear direction, or may extend continuously from the front end to the rear end. The rear end of the base portion wall forming the air passage may be a portion extending from the rear end of the wall in the front-to-rear direction, for example, a portion having a length ranging from 0.25 to 0.5 times the length of the wall in the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, the rear end of the base portion wall forming the air passage may be the rearmost portion when the wall is divided into three equal parts in the front-to-rear direction. In other words, the rear end, central portion, and front end of the base portion wall forming the air passage may be each of the three equal parts when the wall is divided into three equal parts in the front-to-rear direction.(5) In the hairbrush according to the present invention, the second pin is not a required component. If the hairbrush includes a second pin, the length, arrangement, etc. of the second pin are not limited to those in the above-described embodiment. (6) In the hairbrush according to the present invention, it is not necessary to form ridge-like undulations on the wall surface of the base portion forming the air passage. Furthermore, the hairbrush according to the present invention may have plate-like ribs protruding from the wall surface of the base portion forming the air passage toward the center of the air passage, instead of or in addition to the ridge-like undulations. Similar to the undulations, such ribs can straighten the airflow through the air passage and guide it to a flow along the front-to-back direction. Similar to the undulations, multiple ribs can be formed in a row around the circumferential direction of the wall surface of the base portion forming the air passage. The ribs may protrude in a cantilevered manner from the wall surface forming the air passage, or may be connected at both ends to the wall surface in a doubly supported manner. Furthermore, the undulations, ribs, etc. may be formed, for example, on the wall surface of the base portion forming the air passage that is located outside the base portion. That is, the undulations, ribs, etc. may be formed on at least one of the inner and outer wall surfaces of the base portion that form the air passage. Furthermore, it is desirable for the ridge-like undulations to be formed over the entire circumferential direction of the wall surface of the base portion that forms the air passage. However, at least a plurality of ridges, e.g., two or more, may be formed, and more preferably, they may be formed over at least one-fourth of the entire circumferential direction. (7) In the above-described embodiment, the second and third air passages serving as the air passages are annular. However, the shape of the air passages according to the present invention is not limited thereto. The air passages may be holes having a cross-sectional shape such as a circular, elliptical, oval, or polygonal shape, or slits extending linearly or curvedly in the front-to-rear direction, and may have any shape as long as they penetrate from the rear surface to the front surface of the base portion. Furthermore, the air passages may be open, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction, i.e., in the circumferential direction of the base portion. In the present invention, the term "annular" is not limited to a circular shape, an elliptical shape, etc., but may also be a polygonal shape such as a square, or a shape in which parts of a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, etc. are partially combined in the circumferential direction. (8) The hairbrush according to the present invention may have a plurality of pins standing upright from the rear side of the base portion in addition to a plurality of pins standing upright from the front side of the base portion.In this case, the pins on the rear side may be used for purposes other than brushing, such as massage. By providing such pins, the hairbrush of the present invention can be used for purposes other than brushing, thereby improving usability. Furthermore, the pins erected from the rear side of the base can also function as guide walls that guide air into the air passages when using a hair dryer, allowing more air to be introduced into the air passages. (9) The hairbrush of the present invention may also include a straightening plate on the front side of the base, instead of or in addition to any of the multiple pins. The straightening plate may be formed as a flat plate with its longitudinal direction aligned toward the center of the base. In this case, the straightening plate can straighten the air that blows out from the front end opening of the air passage and becomes turbulent when it hits the hair or scalp, thereby contributing to drying the hair again. (10) The hairbrush of the present invention can also be used effectively for hair washing. That is, by applying a shower to the rear side of the base, the hairbrush of the present invention can eject shower water that has circulated through the air passages from the front side of the base. That is, the air passage in the hairbrush also functions as a water passage.

[0074] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Hairbrush 10...Base portion (11...First base portion, 12...Second base portion, 13...Third base portion) 10A...Brush surface (Front surface of base portion, 11A...First brush surface, 12A...Second brush surface, 13A...Third brush surface) 10B...Back surface (Rear surface of base portion) 11B...Inner peripheral surface (Wall surface of base portion forming air passage) 11C...Outer peripheral surface (Wall surface of base portion forming air passage) 11D...Rear end surface 12B...Inner peripheral surface (Wall surface of base portion forming air passage) 12C...Outer peripheral surface (Wall surface of base portion forming air passage) 13B...Inner peripheral surface (Wall surface of base portion forming air passage) 40...Air passage (41...First air passage, 42...Second air passage, 43...Third air passage) 51...First pin (pin) 60...Ridge-like undulations

Claims

1. A hairbrush comprising: a base portion; and a plurality of pins extending from the front surface of the base portion; wherein the base portion forms an air passage that penetrates from the rear surface to the front surface, and the size of the opening at the rear end of the air passage is larger than the size of the opening at the front end.

2. A hairbrush comprising: a base portion; and a plurality of pins extending from the front surface of the base portion; wherein the base portion forms an air passage that penetrates from the rear surface to the front surface; and wherein the rear end of the wall surface of the base portion that forms the air passage is located further rearward toward the center than the outside of the base portion.

3. The hairbrush according to claim 2, wherein the length in the front-to-rear direction of the wall surface of the base portion that forms the air passage is longer at the center of the base portion than at the outside.

4. A hairbrush as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rear end of the wall surface of the base portion that forms the air passage on the central side is inclined toward the outside of the base portion.

5. A hairbrush as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the wall surface of the base portion that forms the air passage has a plurality of ridge-like undulations extending in the front-to-rear direction.

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