Shed hair collection device

Abstract

A shed hair collection device includes a substantially planar mat and a gel pad. The mat has multiple substantially cylindrical protuberances with multiple nubs extending therefrom. A gel pad has multiple apertures attached to the mat such that each of the protuberances extends through one of the apertures. A shed hair collection device includes a hairbrush and a gel screen removably attached thereto. The hairbrush has a head with bristles and a handle. The gel screen has multiple apertures encircling the bristles. A shed hair collection device includes a silicone gel pad with multiple apertures and at least one loop formed at the perimeter. The silicone gel pad installs on a hairbrush head with bristles extending through the apertures.

Claims

1. A shed hair collection device, comprising: a) a unitary mat having a plurality of round protuberances extending perpendicularly from a substantially planar surface, each round protuberance having a plurality of parallel projections extending directly axially therefrom; and b) an elastic polymer pad having a plurality of apertures mounted to the unitary mat such that each of the plurality of rounded protuberances extends through one of the plurality of apertures; wherein the unitary mat and the plurality of round protuberances define a monolithic structure.

2. The shed hair collection device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of round protuberances and the at least one projection are effective to remove shed strands of hair from skin.

3. The shed hair collection device of claim 1, wherein the unitary mat further comprises a plurality of suction cups on a surface opposite the plurality of round protuberances.

4. The shed hair collection device of claim 1, wherein the unitary mat further comprises a hook extending from an edge thereof.

5. The shed hair collection device of claim 1, wherein the elastic polymer pad further comprises a grasping tab.

6. The shed hair collection device of claim 1, wherein the unitary mat further comprises a plurality of knobs adjacent to edges thereof.

7. The shed hair collection device of claim 6, wherein the elastic polymer pad further comprises a plurality of loops operative to couple to the plurality of knobs.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shed hair collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention, shown in a storage position;

(2) FIG. 2 is an exploded view thereof;

(3) FIG. 3 is a sectional view thereof, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 4 is a sectional view thereof, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 5 is an enlarged detail view thereof;

(6) FIG. 6 is a shed hair collection device according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

(7) FIG. 7 is an exploded view thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(8) The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

(9) Broadly, one embodiment of the present invention is a hair collection device comprising a mat base and a gel pad. In another embodiment, the hair collection device comprises a gel pad with apertures for removable installation on a hairbrush.

(10) The substantially planar mat base comprises bristles or protuberances extending therefrom, similar to brush bristles. The bristles may be any suitable size, such as about 1 inch in height. The bristle type may vary. In some embodiments, the bristles further comprise fingers or nubs protruding from the bristles.

(11) The gel pad sits in between the bristles of the brush pad. Loops on the gel pad secure it to the mat base. The gel pad may have a handle or grasping tab to pull the pad up.

(12) In some embodiments, the hair collection device further comprises attachment components selected from the group consisting of: suction cups, hook, buttons, loops, and combinations thereof. For example, a hook and suction cups on the bottom of the mat base may be used to hang the mat in the shower and/or on a wall and may also be used on a table or other flat surface. Buttons may be provided on the mat base to secure the gel pad loops.

(13) A method of using the inventive hair collection device may include the following. While washing or styling hair, as shed hairs get trapped on hands, the user may rub a hand across the bristles to remove loose strands of hair from the user's skin. To clean the shed hairs from the bristles, the user may lift the gel pad by the handle.

(14) The materials of manufacture are not particularly limited. The mat base may be an elastic plastic material. The mat, bristles, and gel pad may be silicone-based, for example. The particular shape or configuration of the mat and the gel pad is not particularly limited.

(15) The method of manufacture is not particularly limited. For example, the mat and/or the gel pad may be manufactured using injection molding.

(16) Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, a shed hair collection device is shown comprising a mat having a base 10 with bristles 14 extending therefrom and a silicone gel pad 16 with a handle 18 and a plurality of apertures that surround the bristles 14 at the base 10. The bristles 14 are substantially cylindrical or rounded conical in shape. Nubs or fingers 15 protrude from the end of the bristles 14. The gel pad 16 is removably attached with loops 22 operative to couple to base buttons or knobs 24 extending from the perimeter adjacent to the edges of the mat base 10. FIG. 1 shows the device holding shed hair 26 attached to a shower wall 28 with a mat hook 12 extending from an edge of the base 10 and with suction cups 20 on a surface opposite the bristles 14, as shown in FIGS. 2-4. FIGS. 6 and 7 show another embodiment of the present invention comprising a silicone gel screen 30 with a plurality of apertures which may be removably attached to a hairbrush 32 having a head with bristles to collect shed hair 34.

(17) It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.