GLOVE AND HAIRBRUSH COMBINATION

Abstract

A combination hairstyling product includes a glove, a brush element, and at least one styling element. The glove has separate thumb and forefinger portions and a combined portion for receiving the middle, ring, and pinky fingers. The brush element has a base and a plurality of bristles extending therefrom, disposed on at least a palm side of the glove and occupying a substantial portion of the area corresponding to the combined portion and the palm. The at least one styling element is disposed on either the forefinger portion or the thumb portion of the glove in order to cooperate with the brush portion or be used separately in a styling technique carried out using the product.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/446,101, filed Jan. 13, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to a hair care product. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a combination product combining a glove and a hairbrush.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Very few things in life beat the feeling of leaving a salon with a professional cut, style, and blow-out. Professional hairstylists just know how to use their hairbrushes and blow-dryers efficiently and effectively to give their client the desired look. In between visits, however, the client becomes a home-stylist, and a self-stylist at that, working on themselves. Often, the home-stylist becomes lost in the plethora of choices of brushes to use, or lack of the right brush, or how to use them. In many cases, the home stylist reverts to a more natural instrument for attempting to get that fresh from the salon look--their hand and/or fingers.

[0004] Using their hand and/or fingers provides a level of comfort and control that most home-stylists simply cannot achieve while wielding a brush, particularly while simultaneously using a blow-dryer in the other hand. The process can rekindle the ubiquitous childhood memory of having a round brush wrapped, seemingly permanently, in one's hair. Unfortunately, what the home-stylist gains in comfort and control they lose in other areas, such as, but not limited to, coverage, effect, and other factors. Add to this the fact that the human hand is not adapted to be exposed to the heat of a hair dryer, and the process can result, minimally, in discomfort, but can also lead to dry skin or even a burn.

[0005] Simply put, the hand and fingers are relatively crude tools when compared to even a simple hairbrush, even when handled by the home-stylist.

SUMMARY

[0006] This disclosure provides a combined glove and hairbrush, which, among other things, combines the advantages of a hairbrush with the comfort, control, and familiarity of your hand.

[0007] The combination hairbrush glove described herein include a glove, and an integrated brush occupying a substantial portion of the middle, ring, and pinky fingers as well as the palm below them. In some embodiments, additional bristles or brush-like members are provided on either or both the thumb and forefinger. Some embodiments may further include additional styling implements. The additional styling implements may include, but are not limited to different brush styles, different bristle types, picks, combs, thermal elements (e.g., to emulate a flat-iron or curling-iron), etc.

[0008] In some embodiments, the various brush and/or styling implements may be permanent or independently removable and interchangeable. In some embodiments, the glove is right- or left-hand specific. In other embodiments, the brush and/or styling implements can be selectively removed and replaced to facilitate either right- or left-handed use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the following Figures:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a combination glove and hairbrush in accordance with some embodiments;

[0011] FIGS. 2A-E are top views of various combined finger portions of the combination glove and hairbrush according to some embodiments;

[0012] FIGS. 2F-J are top views of various forefinger portions of the combination glove and hairbrush according to some embodiments;

[0013] FIGS. 2K-L are top views of various thumb portions of the combination glove and hairbrush according to some embodiments;

[0014] FIG. 3 a schematic showing styling element sleeves for some embodiments;

[0015] FIG. 4 depicts possible locations of flat/curling iron styling elements for some embodiments; and

[0016] FIGS. 5A-D are cross-sectional top views of various combined finger portions of the combination glove and hairbrush according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0017] As will be appreciated from the disclosure below, any number of combinations of brushes or styling elements may be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The drawings and embodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative in nature and are not intended to be limiting.

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a combined glove and brush device 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the device 10 includes a base glove 12, a brush element 14, and one or more styling elements 16.

[0019] The glove 12 forms the foundation for the entire product. In an exemplary embodiment, the base glove 12 resembles what some people refer to as a "shooter's mitten." That is, it is a mitten having a separate forefinger and thumb, while the middle, ring, and pinky fingers are enveloped together in a mitten-like enclosure, sometimes referred to herein as a combined portion 18. The combined portion 18 is opposed to the forefinger portion 20 and the thumb portion 22 of the glove 12. The combined portion 18 provides a mitten area 24 for the brush element 14, which may occupy a substantial portion of the area corresponding to the combined portion 18 and the palm of the glove 12.

[0020] The arrangement of the glove 12 provides freedom of movement for the thumb and forefinger while providing a relatively large (in width and length) area for the brush element 14 on the mitten area 24. This arrangement is particularly useful for emulating a paddle brush.

[0021] While we characterize the combined portion 18 as mitten-like, it need not be a conventional mitten construction. FIGS. 5A-D illustrate various cross-sectional top views of an internal portion of the combined portion 18. As shown in FIG. 5A, the combined portion 18 could be a conventional mitten structure having a single opening and internal area to accommodate the three fingers. In other embodiments, such as FIG. 5B, the internal area can be provided with rings, loops, or similar elements to provide separate areas for each finger. In the embodiment of FIG. 5C, the internal area can be divided by internal "walls" to provide individual slots for each finger. In the embodiment of FIG. 5D, the "mitten" area can actually be made by individual fingers which may be connected together by stitching, adhesive, or other means, such as securing them to a brush backer as discussed below.

[0022] The glove 12 may be made of any suitable material from cotton to silicone. The glove 12 may be constructed of conventional materials that are used for various types of gloves, particularly heat-resistant gloves which are known and used in many fields, including for hairstyling. In some embodiments, particularly those for use by professionals or during hair treatments, the material may also be chemical-resistant.

[0023] It will be appreciated that the glove 12 may also be provided with other features such as, but not limited to padding, insulation, ventilation, a wrist enclosure (e.g., elastic, strap, hook and loop, etc.), and other features or combination of features. The glove 12 could also be of various sizes to accommodate different sized users.

[0024] As described above, the glove provides 12 a relatively large surface for the mitten area 24, upon which the brush element 14 may be placed. This area generally occupies substantially all or a portion of the area generally identified as the mitten area 24, which includes the area of the middle, ring, and pinky fingers, as well as a portion of the palm. In some embodiments, the brush element 14 may also extend to the outer edge of the hand, and may even wrap around to the top side of the hand (opposite the palm).

[0025] The relative stiffness or flexibility of the brush element 14 can be designed to accommodate the user's preference. In some embodiments, the brush element 14 can be relatively stiff, truly emulating a stiff brush. In others, the brush element 14 can be flexible, adding comfort to the device 10, and allowing the user to mirror the shape of their head. Of course, in most instances, somewhere in-between will probably strike the right balance.

[0026] The brush area 14 may be configured to emulate traditional brush types or hybrid variants thereof. For example, the brush area can be configured to emulate a paddle brush, a half-round radial brush, a round brush, or hybrids thereof. Through the years, many brush styles have evolved, each implementing different characteristics to achieve desired effects. Any of these may be used or the concepts behind the design incorporated into the disclosed combined glove and hairbrush; that is, the brush and styling elements can be made to achieve the desired purposes of the various existing brush styles. Brushes are typically designed to straighten and smooth the hair, to create volume, to tease the hair (volume), or for detangling. FIGS. 2A-2E are top views of the combined portion 18 and provide non-limiting examples of possible brush elements 14 that may be used in combination with the device 10.

[0027] In one example (e.g., FIG. 2A), the brush element 14 can be configured to emulate a paddle brush by providing a plurality of bristles 26 on a relatively stiff base 28, which is located in the brush area, typically occupying a substantial portion of the mitten area and the palm. The stiffness of the base 28 can vary depending on the need, and desired comfort level. One of the styling purposes of the paddle brush is to straighten hair, particularly longer hair. This is facilitated, in part by the bristles grabbing (and separating) the hair and forcing the hair against the relatively flat, stiff base of the paddle brush. As the hair passes through the bristles and is pressed against the base, it is straightened and flattened, aided by the effects of the heat from a blow dryer, when used.

[0028] A half-round radial brush (e.g., FIG. 2B) can be similarly situated on the mitten and palm areas. To emulate this style of brush, the base 28 is curved away from the palm, in a dome like fashion, to impose a curve or arc. As with the paddle brush, hair is gathered and separated by the bristles and forced against the curved base portion. Again, with the application of optional heat, brushing the hair against this curve imparts a curve to the hair, yielding a curl, flip, or other desired characteristic. In some embodiments, the base portion 28 can be relatively stiff or flexible, depending on the need. In some embodiments, the base portion may be provided with vents to facilitate the movement of air through the hair and the brush.

[0029] Another useful style of brush is the round brush. Typically, these are round brushes having bristles around the full 360 degree circumference of the brush, these are useful in making curls, flips, ringlets, and other curvy styles. Although the brush element 14 may not be identical to the round brush since it is not round, providing bristles 26 on a curved base at the edge of the hand can emulate a round brush and achieve the desired effects, as illustrated in FIG. 2C. In some embodiments, the base 28 is provided on the mitten and palm areas and extended to the edge of the hand and even to the top of the hand. In some embodiments, the mitten and palm area can emulate another style of brush, such as a paddle brush or a half-radial brush. In some embodiments, the round brush can be emulated with any of a variety of diameters, from as small as the edge of the hand will permit to a desired large diameter that can be achieved by providing a rounded based extending from the mitten/palm area around the edge of the hand to the top of the hand. (A round brush can also be emulated on the forefinger, and will be discussed below.) As with other styles, the base can be provided with vents to facilitate air flow.

[0030] These and other brush styles, such as the alternative embodiments shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, can be emulated through appropriate choice of size, shape, location, etc. of any or all of the base, bristles, and other design choices. As is known in the art, the brush style may also be chosen based on hair type, rather than desired style. For example, different brush styles and/or bristles can be chosen for fine or curly hair.

[0031] Any type of bristle, natural, synthetic, hybrid, or combination can be used as the bristles 26, as well as any arrangement. The arrangement, position, size, height, width, flexibility, frequency, distribution, and other bristle properties may be similar to those of currently available brushes, the goal being to emulate existing brush styles or to achieve desired results. The bristles 26 may also include a scalp massaging element which may help promote hair growth. The bristles 26 may be formed integrally with the base or affixed thereto as is well-known in the art.

[0032] Due to the nature of the glove and the movements of the hand, some consideration should be given to the arrangement, position, size, height, width, flexibility, frequency, distribution, and other bristle properties. For example, with respect to size or height of the bristles 26, location may demand that the bristles 26 be of reduced height to facilitate movement of the forefinger or thumb. The consideration balances the need for sufficient height to grab the hair with the need for shorter height to allow for adequate mobility.

[0033] Within the same brush element 14, various bristles 26 could be used to achieve the desired effect. For example multiple different heights of bristles 26 can be used, as can natural and synthetic bristles be used side by side.

[0034] The base 28 can be made of any suitable material including but not limited to metal, plastic, rubber, or combinations thereof. It is contemplated that the base 28 (and thus the brush element 14) can be permanently affixed to the glove 12, or that it may be selectively removable to facilitate either different handedness or the swapping of various brush styles with a single glove.

[0035] For permanently affixed brushes, the base 28 can be permanently affixed by any suitable means, including but not limited to co-molding, stitching, adhesive, or other methods may be employed. For selectively removable brushes, any suitable means, including but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, tongue and groove, or other methods may be employed.

[0036] The forefinger portion 20 of the glove is separate from the remaining fingers (the combined portion 18) and the thumb portion 22. In the case of the forefinger portion 20 and thumb portion 22, some embodiments will allow them to remain at least partially bendable to maintain the natural feel of the hand. The free nature of the forefinger portion 20 allows for comfort, control, and familiarity in use. It also affords the opportunity to provide styling elements 16 separate from that found in the area of the brush element 14. The styling elements may be specialized elements which relate to a selected styling procedure. As with the brush element 14, these styling elements 16 can be permanent or removable/interchangeable, and can be independent of the brush element 14. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2F, the forefinger portion may be flat (i.e., with no accessory portion 16).

[0037] The forefinger portion 20 is particularly well-adapted to have bristles arranged in a 360 degree arrangement to emulate a round brush. As noted above, bristle length is chosen to balance grabbing power with mobility and other concerns. The forefinger portion 20 can be provided with any number of styling elements 16.

[0038] In the case of a brush like element, bristles can be provided on any or all surfaces of the forefinger portion 20 to emulate a round brush, a flat brush, a pick, etc. That is, bristles can be provided around the forefinger, on the palm side, the thumb side, between the forefinger and middle finger, or on the top side, as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 2G-J.

[0039] The thumb portion 22 could be left unadorned to facilitate grasping and other tasks, as shown in FIG. 2K. Alternatively, the thumb portion 22 could be outfitted with any of the styling elements 16 discussed herein, to either work in conjunction with the brush element 14 or the forefinger styling element 16 or independently as its own styling element. For example, FIG. 2L includes a brush styling element on the thumb portion 22.

[0040] As with the brush element 14, the styling elements 16 of the forefinger portion 20 and the thumb portion 22 can be permanently affixed by any suitable means or made removable and interchangeable. FIG. 3 includes an exemplary embodiment of the device 10 in which the styling elements 16 for the forefinger portion 20 are removable and interchangeable. In some embodiments, particularly for the forefinger, the styling element 16 may be provided on a removable sleeve or tube 30 that can be placed over the finger, as shown in FIG. 3. In this manner, the forefinger can become whatever tool you need for a particular style.

[0041] In other embodiments, such as the embodiment of FIG. 4, the forefinger portion 20 may be provided with a metal element 32 as the styling element 16 to emulate a flat iron or a curling iron. For obvious reasons, the metal element 32 could be flat or curved. In some such instances, a mating metal element 34, 36 could be provided on a corresponding surface of the middle finger or the thumb to facilitate use. The metal elements 32, 34, 36 hold the heat produced by a hair dryer and when applied to the hair help facilitate the desire effect (flattening or curling) much like their namesake devices.

[0042] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the appended claims be construed to cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A combination hairstyling product comprising: a glove, having separate thumb and forefinger portions and a combined portion for receiving the middle, ring, and pinky fingers; a brush element comprising a base and a plurality of bristles extending therefrom, disposed on at least a palm side of the glove and occupying a substantial portion of the area corresponding to the combined portion and the palm; and at least one styling element disposed on either the forefinger portion or the thumb portion.

2. The product of claim 1, wherein the styling element is selected from a brush, one or more bristles, a pick, or a flat/curling iron element.

3. The product of claim 2, wherein the styling element is removably attached to the glove.

4. The product of claim 3, wherein the styling element is formed on a tube or sleeve configured to receive the forefinger portion or the thumb portion of the glove.

5. The product of claim 1, wherein the glove is made from material that is heat resistant, chemical resistant, or both.

6. The product of claim 1, wherein the brush element is adapted to emulate a brush style selected from a paddle brush, a semi-round brush, a round brush, or a combination thereof.

7. The product of claim 6, wherein the brush element is removably attached to the glove.

8. The product of claim 1, wherein the brush element extends to an edge portion and or to a top portion of the combined portion.

9. The product of claim 8, wherein the brush element extends around to a top side of the hand.

10. The product of claim 1, wherein an interior portion of the combined portion is a single opening.

11. The product of claim 1, wherein an interior portion of the combined portion is divided into separate openings by rings, loops, or walls.

12. A combination hairstyling product, comprising: a glove, having separate thumb and forefinger portions and a combined portion for receiving the middle, ring, and pinky fingers; a brush element disposed on at least a palm side of the glove and occupying a substantial portion of the area corresponding to the combined portion and the palm; and a plurality of removable and interchangeable styling elements configured to be received by one or more of the forefinger portion or the thumb portion, wherein each of the plurality of styling elements includes a different specialized feature for hair styling.

13. The product of claim 12, wherein the plurality of styling elements include different brush configurations.

14. The product of claim 13, wherein the different brush configurations include different areas that have bristles.

15. The product of claim 13, wherein the different brush configurations include different bristle configurations.

16. The product of claim 12, wherein the plurality of styling elements include at least one metal element to be used as a flat/curling iron element.