Hairbrushes for dispensing hair product and related methods

Abstract

An embodiment of a hairbrush includes a brush head including a plurality of bristles and one or more nozzles arranged between the bristles. In addition, the hairbrush includes a handle including a receptacle that is configured to receive a container of hair product therein. The handle includes one or more cantilevered snap-fit connectors that are configured to hook over an end of the container to retain the container in the receptacle such that depression of the one or more cantilevered snap-fit connectors is configured to actuate the container within the receptacle toward the brush head to dispense hair product to the one or more nozzles.

Description

Atty Dkt No. 99530PCTHAIRBRUSHES FOR DISPENSING HAIR PRODUCT AND RELATED METHODSBACKGROUND

[0001] The use of hair products is common. For example, a hair product may include dry shampoo, leave-in conditioner, hair spray, among others. Often, a hair product may be worked or distributed into the hair of an individual using a hairbrush, comb, or other suitable implement so as to ensure adequate coverage of the hair product on the hair of the individual.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0002] Some embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a hairbrush. In some embodiments, the hairbrush includes a brush head including a plurality of bristles and one or more nozzles arranged between the bristles. In addition, the hairbrush includes a handle including a receptacle that is configured to receive a container of hair product therein. The handle includes a plurality of cantilevered snap-fit connectors that are configured to hook over an end of the container to retain the container in the receptacle such that depression of the plurality of cantilevered snap-fit connectors is configured to actuate the container within the receptacle toward the brush head to dispense hair product to the one or more nozzles.

[0003] In some embodiments the hairbrush includes a brush head including a plurality of bristles and one or more nozzles. In addition, the hairbrush includes a handle further including a first end connected to the brush head and a second end projected away from the first end along a longitudinal axis, a receptacle that includes an opening positioned at the second end, and a snap-fit connector. The snap-fit connector is configured to deform radially outward from the longitudinal axis to allow entry of a container of hair product into the receptacle via the opening, and to return radially inward to engage an end of the container when the container is seated in the receptacle such that radially inward depression of the snap-fit connector is configured to actuate the container in the receptacle to dispense hair product from the container to the one or more nozzles.

[0004] Some embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a method. In some embodiments, the method includes (a) inserting a container into a receptacle defined in a handle of a hairbrush and(b) deforming a snap-fit connector formed on the handle during (a). In addition, the method includes(c) seating the container in the receptacle and (d) engaging a shoulder of the snap-fit connector with an end of the container to retain the container in the receptacle. Further, the method includes (e) depressing the snap-fit connector to actuate the container in the receptacle. Still further, the method includes (f) dispensing hair product from the container to one or more nozzles positioned in a brush head of the hairbrush as a result of (e).

[0005] Embodiments described herein comprise a combination of features and characteristics intended to address various shortcomings associated with certain prior devices, systems, and1WBD (US) 4927-3397-7960Atty Dkt No. 99530PCT methods. The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical characteristics of the disclosed embodiments in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. The various characteristics and features described above, as well as others, will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description, and by referring to the accompanying drawings. It should be appreciated that this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes as the disclosed embodiments. It should also be realized that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the principles disclosed herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] For a detailed description of various embodiments, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0007] FIG. 1 is a front, perspective view of a hairbrush that is configured to dispense a hair product according to some embodiments disclosed herein;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a rear, perspective view of the hairbrush of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments disclosed herein;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a side view of the hairbrush of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments disclosed herein;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the hairbrush of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments disclosed herein;

[0011] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded view of the hairbrush of FIG. 1 showing the container of hair product withdrawn from a receptacle in the handle of the hairbrush according to some embodiments disclosed herein;

[0012] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along section A-A in FIG. 4 according to some embodiments disclosed herein;

[0013] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along section B-B in FIG. 4 according to some embodiments disclosed herein;

[0014] FIG. 8 is another cross-sectional view taken along section B-B in FIG. 4, showing the container removed from the receptacle in the handle according to some embodiments disclosed herein;

[0015] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of a snap-fit connector of the hairbrush of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments disclosed herein; and

[0016] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method of applying and distributing hair product in an individual hair according to some embodiments disclosed herein.2WBD (US) 4927-3397-7960Atty Dkt No. 99530PCTDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Hair products may be distributed in the hair of an individual using a hairbrush, comb, or other suitable implement so as to ensure adequate coverage of the hair product. Thus, when an individual wishes to utilize a hair product, they typically engage in a multi-step process of first dispensing the hair product onto the surface of the hair, and then separately using a brush or other implement to then distribute the applied hair product on the hair. This multi-step process adds time and complexity to the task of properly applying hair product. In addition, the use of multiple, independent tools or implements (e.g., such as a container of hair product and a hairbrush / comb / etc.) reduces an ability of an individual to apply such hair care products on the go. Specifically, an individual wishing to apply hair care product while away from home must transport both the container of hair care product and the application implement for distributing the applied hair care product on the hair which may be difficult and inconvenient.

[0018] Accordingly, embodiments disclosed herein include hairbrushes that are configured to both dispense and distribute a hair product onto a user’s hair. The hairbrushes according to the embodiments disclosed herein may allow a user to dispense hair care product onto the hair and simultaneously distribute the hair care product onto the hair using a single implement or tool. Thus, the embodiments disclosed herein may greatly simplify the process of applying hair care product by reducing the steps of the actual application process and promoting portability via a reduction of the number of tools or implements involved in the hair product application process.

[0019] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, a hairbrush 10 dispensing a hair product is shown according to some embodiments. The hairbrush 10 includes a handle 100 and a brush head 20. As is described in more detail herein, the handle 100 may retain a container 200 of hair product therein so that the hair product may be dispensed from the container 200 to and through one or more nozzles 30 defined on the brush head 20 so that a user may apply and distribute the hair product into their hair simultaneously.

[0020] The brush head 20 includes an elongate body 22 having a central or longitudinal axis 25 (or more simply “axis 25”), a first or proximal end 22a, and a second or distal end 22b. The ends 22a, 22b may be spaced from one another along the axis 25. In addition, the body 22 may have a front side 21 and a rear side 23 that is radially opposite the front side 21 about the axis 25.

[0021] A plurality of bristles 24 are positioned along the front side 21 of the body 22. Specifically, the bristles 24 are arranged in a plurality of rows 26 that are axially spaced from one another along the axis 25 and positioned between the ends 22a, 22b. The bristles 24 may be engaged with and pushed / pulled through the hair of a user during operation and may comprise any suitable material and / or shape for such purposes.

[0022] The brush head 20 may also include the one or more nozzles 30 arranged thereon. For instance, as shown in FIG. 1 , the brush head 20 may include a plurality of nozzles 30 that are axially spaced along the axis 25 and arranged axially between adjacent rows 26 of bristles 24 relative to 3WBD (US) 4927-3397-7960Atty Dkt No. 99530PCT axis 25. As will be described in more detail below, the nozzles 30 may dispense hair product onto the hair of a user during operations.

[0023] Referring still to FIGS. 1-4, the handle 100 may be a generally cylindrical member; however, other shapes and cross-sections (e.g., rectangular, square, triangular, polygonal, elliptical, irregular, etc.) are contemplated for the handle 100 in other embodiments. For the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the handle 100 includes central or longitudinal axis 105 (or more simply “axis 105”), a first or proximal end 100a, and a second or distal end 100b. The ends 100a, 100b may be spaced from one another along the axis 105. The handle 100 may include a font side 101 , a rear side 103, and a pair of lateral sides 107, 109. The front side 101 and rear sides 103 are radially opposite one another about the axis 105, the lateral sides 107, 109 are radially opposite one another about the axis 105, and the lateral sides 107, 109 may be circumferentially positioned between the front side 101 and rear side 103 about axis 105.

[0024] A receptacle 102 is defined in the handle 100 that extends from an opening 104 defined at the distal end 100b toward the proximal end 100a along the axis 105. A plurality of openings 106 are defined in the handle 100 that extend into the receptacle 102 that may reduce the material forming the handle 100 and to allow a user to readily see into the receptacle 102 during operations. The openings 106 may have an obround shape; however, other shapes (e.g., rectangular, square, triangular, polygonal, irregular, etc.) are contemplated herein. In addition, a first access opening 108 is defined on the handle 100 on the front side 101 at proximal end 100a (FIG. 1), and a pair of second access openings 110 are defined on the handle 100 on the back side 103 at proximal end 100b (FIG. 2). As will be described in more detail below, the access openings 108, 110 may provide access to the receptacle 102 to facilitate removal of a container 200 from the receptacle 102 during operations.

[0025] A pair of snap-fit connectors 150 are defined on the lateral sides 107, 109 of the handle 100. The snap-fit connectors 150 are described in more detail herein; however, it should be appreciated that during operations, the snap-fit connectors 150 may bias radially inward (toward the axis 105) to hook over and thus retain a container 200 of hair product in the receptacle 102, and may be depressed radially inward (toward axis 105) to actuate the container 200 and thereby dispense hair product therefrom.

[0026] Referring specifically to FIG. 3, the proximal end 100a of the handle 100 is connected to the proximal end 22a of the body 22 of brush head 20. The axis 25 of the brush head 20 may be misaligned from the axis 105 of handle 100 so that the body 22 of brush head 20 may be canted relative to the handle 100. For instance, in some embodiments, the axis 25 of brush head 20 may be offset at about 10° or less (such as 5° or less, 3° or less, 2° or less) from the axis 105 of handle 100. In some embodiments, the axis 25 of brush head 20 may be offset at about 2.5° from the axis 105 of handle 100. However, other offset values are contemplated herein. In some embodiments, the axes 25, 105 may be coaxially aligned with one another. In addition, the brush head 20 may be 4WBD (US) 4927-3397-7960Atty Dkt No. 99530PCT connected to handle 100 so that the front side 21 of body 22 is generally aligned with the front side 101 of handle 100.

[0027] In some embodiments, the body 22 (or a portion thereof) of brush head 20 and the handle 100 (or again, a portion thereof) may be formed as a single-piece monolithic body. For instance, the handle 100 and body 22 of brush head 20 (or portions thereof) may be formed of a polymer material via a molding process (e.g., press molding, vacuum molding, extrusion molding, injection molding, etc.). Thus, in some embodiments, the proximal ends 100a, 22a of the handle 100, body 22 may be at least partially integrated with one another.

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 5, as previously described, a container 200 of hair product may be inserted into (and retained within) the receptacle 102 of the handle 100 via the opening 104 on distal end 100b. The container 200 may comprise a generally cylindrical can or other receptacle of pressurized hair product, such as dry shampoo or other suitable hair product. The container 200 may include a first or top end 200a, a second or bottom end 200b opposite the top end 200a, and a radially outer generally cylindrical surface 200c extending between the ends 200a, 200b. A lid 202 may be positioned at the top end 200a that includes an outlet nozzle 204. The outlet nozzle 204 may be actuated to dispense hair product out of the container 200 during operation. Specifically, in some embodiments, the outlet nozzle 204 may be depressed into the lid 202 to dispense the pressurized hair product out of the container 200.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 6 and 7, the handle 100 and / or the body 22 of brush head 20 may include a port 32 defined internally at or proximate to the proximal ends 100a, 22a that may be opened to the receptacle 102. The port 32 may include an internal shoulder 34 (or other suitable geometry) therein. When the container 200 is inserted into the receptacle 102, the outlet nozzle 204 of container 200 may be received into the port 32 such that the internal shoulder 34 may abut or closely approach the outlet nozzle 204 in the port 32. When the container 200 is urged into the port 32 along the axis 105, the internal shoulder 34 may engage with and depress the outlet nozzle 204 so that hair product may be dispensed out of the outlet nozzle 204 as previously described.

[0030] In addition, the body 22 of brush head 20 also includes a central through-passage 36 (or more simply “internal passage”) that extends along the axis 25 from the port 32 toward the distal end 22b. Each of the plurality of nozzles 30 may be in fluid communication with the central through- passage 36. Thus, when hair product is dispensed from the outlet nozzle 204 of container 200 into the through-passage 36 (via port 32), the hair product is directed along the central through-passage 36 and out of each of the plurality of nozzles 30 during operations.

[0031] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the nozzles 30 may be in a range from about 0.4 millimeters (mm) to about 0.6 mm. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of each of the nozzles 30 is substantially the same; however, in other embodiments, the inner diameter of the nozzles 30 may be different. For instance, in some embodiments, the inner diameter of the nozzles 30 may progressively decrease when moving axially along the axis 25 of brush head 20 toward the 5WBD (US) 4927-3397-7960Atty Dkt No. 99530PCT distal end 22b. Without being limited to this or any other theory, progressively decreasing the inner diameter of the nozzles 30 when moving axially (along axis 25) toward distal end 22b may help to ensure even flow rate of the hair product across the nozzles 30 during operations. In addition, in some embodiments, the length of each of the nozzles 30 may be configured to facilitate flow of the hair product therethrough and to avoid blockages. For instance, in some embodiments, the length of each of the nozzles 30 may be about 2 mm or less. Further, the inner diameter of the central through-passage 36 may be configured to avoid blockages of hair product therein. For instance, in some embodiments, the central through-passage 36 may have an inner diameter of about 2 mm or less.

[0032] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, as previously described, the handle 100 includes a pair of snap-fit connectors 150 that are configured to engage with and retain the container 200 in the receptacle 102 during operations. In particular, each of the snap-fit connectors 150 is integrally formed on the handle 100 and is biased at least partially into the receptacle 102 via a corresponding opening 152.

[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, each snap-fit connector 150 includes a first or fixed end 150a that is connected to the other portions of the handle 100, and a second or free end 150b that is projected away from the fixed end 150a. Thus, the snap-fit connectors 150 may be cantilevered snap- fit connectors that are connected to the other portions of the handle 100 at the fixed ends 150b. In some embodiments, the snap-fit connectors 150 may be integrally formed (e.g., molded) with the handle 100 to form a single-piece, monolithic body.

[0034] Each snap-fit connector 150 includes an elongate first portion 154 that extends from the fixed end 150a along a longitudinal axis 155, and a second portion 156 that defines the free end that extends laterally away from the first portion 154 so that the snap-fit connector 150 generally has an L-shape. In some embodiments, the second portion 156 may extend generally perpendicular to the first portion 154; however, other angles (including less than or greater than 90°) are contemplated.

[0035] The snap-fit connectors 150 may be integrally formed with the handle 100, and thus, the fixed end 150a of each snap-fit connector 150 may define a living hinge that allows the second portion 156 and free end 150b to move into and out of the receptacle 102 via the corresponding opening 152. In some embodiments, the first portion 154 may function as a biasing member that is configured to bias the second portion 156 into the receptacle 102 via the corresponding opening 152.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 8, each snap-fit connector 150 may normally flare outward or away from the axis 105 of handle 100 when moving axially (along axis 105) toward the distal end 100b. As a result, the longitudinal axis 155 may be oriented at an angle p to the axis 105. The angle may be a non-zero angle. In some embodiments, when the snap-fit connectors 150 are a so-called free state and are therefore not deformed or deflected radially inward or outward (e.g., due to depression6WBD (US) 4927-3397-7960Atty Dkt No. 99530PCT by a user, the insertion or withdrawal of a container 200 to or from the receptacle 102, etc.), the angle p may be in a range from about 3° to about 10°, such as about 5°. However, other values or ranges for the angle are contemplated. Also, as described herein, when inserting or withdrawing the container 200 into or out of the receptacle 102 and / or when a user depresses the snap-fit connectors 150 radially inward toward axis 105 to dispense hair product, the values of the angle p may temporarily raise above or fall below the normal range(s) for when the snap-fit connector 150 is in the free state as previously described.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 9, the second portion 156 of one of the snap-fit connectors 150 is shown in greater detail according to some embodiments. The second portion 156 includes a first or inner side 156a and a second or outer side 156b opposite the inner side 156a. As best shown in FIG. 8, the inner side 156a of each snap-fit connector 150 faces the corresponding fixed end 150a and the proximal end 100a of handle 100, and faces away from the distal end 100b of handle 100. In addition, as is also best shown in FIG. 8, the outer side 156b of each snap-fit connector 150 faces toward the distal end 100b of handle 100 and away from both the corresponding fixed end 150a and the proximal end 100a of handle 100.

[0038] Referring still to FIG. 9, the outer side 156b includes a planar surface 161 that extends generally perpendicularly (approximately 90°) relative to the central axis 155 of the first portion 154. In addition, the outer side 156b includes an outer shoulder 162 that extends from the planar surface 161. The outer shoulder 162 may comprise a planar surface that is oriented at an angle <|) relative to the planar surface 161. In some embodiments, the angle <|) may be greater than 0° and less than 90°. Thus, the angle <|) may be referred to as an acute angle. In some embodiments, the angle <|) may range from about 15° to about 70°, such as from about 20° to about 60°, or from about 30° to about 40°.

[0039] The inner side 156a includes inner shoulder 160. The inner shoulder 160 may comprise a planar surface that extends at an angle 0 relative to the central axis 155 of first portion 154. In some embodiments, the angle 0 may be greater than 0° and less than 90°. Thus, like the angle t|>, the angle 0 may be referred to as an acute angle. In some embodiments, In some embodiments, the angle 0 may range from about 60° to about 80°, such as from about 65° to about 75°, or from about 67° to about 73°. In some embodiments, the angle 0 is not constrained by the angle <|).

[0040] As a result of the angles t|>, 0, the shoulders 160, 162 may generally converge or taper toward one another define a terminal edge 166 at a farthest projected point from the first portion 154. Specifically, a chamfered surface 164 may extend between the inner shoulder 160 and the outer shoulder 162 at the free end 150b, and the leading edge 166 may be defined at the intersection between the chamfered surface 164 and the outer shoulder 162. In some embodiments, the angles <|j, 0 may be adjusted so that the size of the chamfered surface 164 may vary.7WBD (US) 4927-3397-7960Atty Dkt No. 99530PCT

[0041] Referring again to FIG. 7, during operation a container 200 may be inserted into the receptacle 102 via the opening 104. The lid 202 and / or outer cylindrical surface 200c of the container 200 may engage the outer shoulders 162 on second portions 156 of snap-fit connectors 150. The angle (e.g., angle <|)) of the outer shoulder 162 is such that the contact between the container 200 (e.g., on lid 202 and / or outer cylindrical surface 200c) deflects the snap-fit connectors 150 radially away from the central axis 105 of the handle 100 and out of the corresponding openings 152 to allow continued axial advance of the container 200 into the receptacle 102 via opening 104. The axial insertion of the container 200 may continue until the outlet nozzle 204 is received into the port 32 as previously described. As the container 200 is axially advancing into the receptacle 102, the terminal edges 166 of the second portions 156 of the radially outwardly deflected snap-fit connectors 150 may slidingly engage along the cylindrical outer surface 200c of container 200.

[0042] Once the outlet nozzle 204 of container 200 is received into the port 32, the terminal edges 166 of second portions 156 may clear the lower end 200b of container so that the snap-fit connectors 150 may elastically return radially inward toward the axis 105 so as hook over the lower end 200b and thereby retain the container 200 in the receptacle 102. In particular, when the snap-fit connectors 150 return radially inward toward the axis 105 to hook over the bottom end 200b of container, the bottom end 200b may be engaged by the inner shoulders 160 on the second portions 156 of snap-fit connectors 150. Thereafter, radially inward depression of the snap-fit connectors 150 (particularly first portions 154) toward the axis 105 may slide the inner shoulders 160 along the bottom end 200b (or a circumferential outer edge thereof). The angle (e.g., the angle 0) of the inner shoulders 160 is such that radially inward depression of the snap-fit connectors 150 is configured to exert an axial force on the container 200 so that the container 200 is urged axially toward the proximal end 100a of handle 100 and outlet nozzle 204 is actuated (e.g., by shoulder 34) to dispense hair product as previously described.

[0043] Referring again to FIGS. 1-4, thus, a user may grasp the handle 100 of hairbrush 10 and force bristles 24 through the hair (e.g., of the user or other individual). Simultaneously, the user may selectively depress the first portions 154 of snap-fit connectors 150 radially inward toward axis 105 by squeezing the handle 100 to thereby dispense hair product from the container 200 and out of the nozzles 30 onto the hair so as to efficiently apply and work in the hair product. Accordingly, the user may apply and distribute the hair product in the hair (e.g., the user’s hair other individual’s hair) in a single step process utilizing a single integrated implement (e.g., hairbrush).

[0044] When desired or necessary (e.g., such as when the container 200 is empty, or when a different hair product is desired), the user may readily remove the container 200 from the receptacle 102 via one or more of the openings 108, 110 formed at or proximate to the proximal end 100a of handle 100. Specifically, as may be appreciated in FIGS. 1-4, at least a portion of the container 200 (e.g., the upper end 200a, lid 202, etc.) may be at least partially accessible from outside of the8WBD (US) 4927-3397-7960Atty Dkt No. 99530PCT receptacle 102 via one or more of the openings 108, 110. Thus, to remove the container 200 from the receptacle 102, a user may insert a finger or tool into one of the openings 108 and push the container 200 (e.g., on the lid 202) toward the opening 104. The orientation (e.g., the angle 0) of the inner shoulders 160 is such that the axial force exerted on the container 200 during this operation may once, again deflect the snap-fit connectors 150 radially outward away from the axis 105 so as to allow the container 200 to be axially withdrawn from receptacle 102 along axis 105 via opening 104.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 10, a method 250 of applying and distributing hair product in an individual hair is shown according to some embodiments. In describing the features of method 250, continuing reference will be made to the hairbrush 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9 and described herein.

[0046] Initially, method 250 includes inserting a container into a receptacle defined in a handle of a hairbrush at block 252 and deforming a snap-fit connector formed on the handle at block 254. For instance, as previously described for the embodiments of hairbrush 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, a container 200 of hair product may be inserted into the opening 104 of receptacle 102 causing a radially outward deflection of the snap-fit connectors 150 relative to axis 105.

[0047] In addition, method 250 includes seating the container in the receptacle at block 256 and engaging a shoulder of the snap-fit connector with an end of the container to retain the container in the receptacle at block 258. For instance, as previously described for the embodiments of hairbrush 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, once the container 200 is fully seated into the receptacle 102 (e.g., so that the outlet nozzle 204 is received into the port 32), the snap-fit connectors 150 may elastically return radially inward to engage the lower end 200b of container 200 with the inner shoulders 160.

[0048] Further, method 250 includes depressing the snap-fit connector to actuate the container in the receptacle at block 260 and dispensing hair product from the container to one or more nozzles positioned in a brush head of the hairbrush at block 262. For instance, as previously described for the embodiments of hairbrush 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, after the container 200 is seated in the receptacle 102 of handle 100, radially inward depression of the snap-fit connectors 150 toward the axis 105 may axially urge the container 200 toward the proximal ends 100a, 22a of handle 100, body 22, respectively, so as to actuate the outlet nozzle 204 int the port 32 via shoulder 34 and thereby dispense hair product out of the container 200 and out of the nozzles 30 via the central through- passage 36 during operations.

[0049] The embodiments disclosed herein include hairbrushes that are configured to both dispense and distribute a hair product onto a user’s hair. The hairbrushes according to the embodiments disclosed herein may allow a user to dispense hair care product onto the hair and simultaneously distribute the hair care product onto the hair using a single implement or tool. Thus, the embodiments disclosed herein may greatly simplify the process of applying hair care product by9WBD (US) 4927-3397-7960Atty Dkt No. 99530PCT reducing the steps of the actual application process and promoting portability via a reduction of the number of tools or implements involved in the hair product application process.

[0050] While embodiments of hairbrush 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 include a pair of snap-fit connectors 150, it should be appreciated that other numbers and arrangements of snap-fit connectors are contemplated herein. For instance, in some embodiments, handle 100 may include a single snap-fit connector 150, or more than two snap-fit connectors 150. In addition, while the hairbrush 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 includes a plurality of bristles on the body 22 that are arranged in a grid-pattern, in other embodiments, the body 22 may be configured as a comb having a plurality of teeth arranged linearly. In at least some of these embodiments, one or more nozzles (e.g., nozzles 30) may be arranged between adjacent teeth of the comb-configured body 22 to dispense hair product therefrom as described herein. In still other embodiments, body 22 may be configured as a hair pick or other suitable hair-engagement implement.

[0051] The preceding discussion is directed to various exemplary embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the examples disclosed herein have broad application, and that the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary of that embodiment, and not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment.

[0052] The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and components herein may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form and some details of conventional elements may not be shown in interest of clarity and conciseness.

[0053] In the discussion herein and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to ... " Also, the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection of the two devices, or through an indirect connection that is established via other devices, components, nodes, and connections. In addition, as used herein, the terms “axial” and “axially” generally mean along or parallel to a given axis (e.g., central axis of a body or a port), while the terms “radial” and “radially” generally mean perpendicular to the given axis. For instance, an axial distance refers to a distance measured along or parallel to the axis, and a radial distance means a distance measured perpendicular to the axis. Further, when used herein (including in the claims), the words “about,” “generally,” “substantially,” “approximately,” and the like, when used in reference to a stated value mean within a range of plus or minus 10% of the stated value.

[0054] While exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or teachings herein. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting. Many variations and modifications of the systems, apparatus, and processes described herein are possible and are within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited to the embodiments 10WBD (US) 4927-3397-7960Atty Dkt No. 99530PCT described herein, but is only limited by the claims that follow, the scope of which shall include all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the steps in a method claim may be performed in any order. The recitation of identifiers such as (a), (b), (c) or (1), (2), (3) before steps in a method claim are not intended to and do not specify a particular order to the steps, but rather are used to simplify subsequent reference to such steps.11WBD (US) 4927-3397-7960

Claims

Atty Dkt No. 99530PCTCLAIMS1. A hairbrush comprising: a brush head including a plurality of bristles and one or more nozzles arranged between the bristles; and a handle including a receptacle that is configured to receive a container of hair product therein, the handle including a plurality of cantilevered snap-fit connectors that are configured to hook over an end of the container to retain the container in the receptacle such that depression of the plurality of cantilevered snap-fit connectors is configured to actuate the container within the receptacle toward the brush head to dispense hair product to the one or more nozzles.

2. The hairbrush of claim 1 , wherein the handle extends away from the brush head along a longitudinal axis, wherein the plurality of cantilevered snap-fit connectors comprise a pair of cantilevered snap-fit connectors positioned on radially opposite sides of the handle relative to the longitudinal axis, and wherein radially inward depression of the pair of cantilevered snap-fit connectors is configured to actuate the container within the receptacle toward the brush head along the longitudinal axis.

3. The hairbrush of claim 2, wherein each of the pair of cantilevered snap-fit connectors comprises: a fixed end that is connected to the handle; a free end that is projected away from the fixed end; a first portion extending from the fixed end; and a second portion connected to the first portion at the free end.

4. The hairbrush of claim 3, wherein the second portion of each snap-fit connector includes a shoulder that is configured to engage the end of the container when the container is seated in the receptacle such that radially inward compression of the snap-fit connector is configured to slide the shoulder against the end of the container to displace the container axially toward the brush head.

5. The hairbrush of claim 4, wherein the second portion of each snap-fit connector tapers to a terminal edge, and wherein the terminal edge is configured to slide along a side of the container as the container is inserted or withdrawn from the receptacle.

6. The hairbrush of claim 5, wherein the one or more nozzles comprises a plurality of nozzles that are arranged between the plurality of bristles.12WBD (US) 4927-3397-7960Atty Dkt No. 99530PCT7. The hairbrush of claim 6, wherein the plurality of nozzles are in fluid communication with an internal passage of the brush head that is in fluid communication with the container when the container is seated in the receptacle of the handle.

8. A hairbrush comprising: a brush head including a plurality of bristles and one or more nozzles; and a handle including: a first end connected to the brush head and a second end projected away from the first end along a longitudinal axis; a receptacle that includes an opening positioned at the second end; and a snap-fit connector that is configured to: deform radially outward from the longitudinal axis to allow entry of a container of hair product into the receptacle via the opening; and return radially inward to engage an end of the container when the container is seated in the receptacle such that radially inward depression of the snap-fit connector is configured to actuate the container in the receptacle to dispense hair product from the container to the one or more nozzles.

9. The hairbrush of claim 8, wherein the snap-fit connector is integrally formed on the handle such that the handle and snap-fit connector forms a single-piece monolithic body.

10. The hairbrush of claim 8, wherein the snap-fit connector comprises a cantilevered snap-fit connector, including: a fixed end that is connected to the handle; a free end that is projected away from the fixed end; a first portion extending from the fixed end; and a second portion connected to the first portion at the free end.

11. The hairbrush of claim 10, wherein the second portion includes a shoulder that is configured to engage the end of the container when the container is seated in the receptacle such that radially inward compression of the snap-fit connector is configured to slide the shoulder against the end of the container to displace the container axially toward the brush head within the receptacle.13WBD (US) 4927-3397-7960Atty Dkt No. 99530PCT12. The hairbrush of claim 11 , wherein the second portion tapers to a terminal edge, and wherein the terminal edge is configured to slide along a side of the container as the container is inserted or withdrawn from the receptacle.

13. The hairbrush of any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the one or more nozzles comprises a plurality of nozzles that are arranged between the plurality of bristles.

14. The hairbrush of claim 13, wherein the plurality of nozzles are in fluid communication with an internal passage of the brush head that is in fluid communication with the container, when the container is seated in the receptacle of the handle.

15. A method comprising:(a) inserting a container into a receptacle defined in a handle of a hairbrush;(b) deforming a snap-fit connector formed on the handle during (a);(c) seating the container in the receptacle;(d) engaging a shoulder of the snap-fit connector with an end of the container to retain the container in the receptacle;(e) depressing the snap-fit connector to actuate the container in the receptacle; and(f) dispensing hair product from the container to one or more nozzles positioned in a brush head of the hairbrush as a result of (e).

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the snap-fit connector comprises a cantilevered snap-fit connector defines the shoulder and a terminal edge at a free end thereof, and wherein the method further comprises sliding the terminal edge along a side of the container during (a).

17. The method of claim 16, wherein (e) comprises sliding the shoulder along the end of the container to actuate the container in the receptacle.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the handle extends outward from the brush head along a longitudinal axis, and wherein (e) comprises depressing the snap-fit connector radially inward toward the longitudinal axis.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein (a) comprises inserting the container axially into the receptacle relative to the longitudinal axis via an opening formed on an end of the handle.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:(g) urging the container axially out of the receptacle via the opening; and14WBD (US) 4927-3397-7960Atty Dkt No. 99530PCT(h) deflecting the snap-fit connector radially outward from the longitudinal axis during (g).WBD (US) 4927-3397-7960

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