Abstract
A grooming device includes a plurality of flexible tines, each having a grooming element mounted to the distal end thereof. The tines are spaced from one another laterally and may be the same or different lengths. The grooming elements may be described as blades in which each have a planar body with a plurality of teeth or other features that enable grooming of an animal by contact with the teeth. The handle of the grooming device may be ergonomically configured to fit comfortably in a user's hand. The handle may have a plurality of indentations or grooves that enable the fingers to be comfortably placed in the indentations/grooves.
Claims
1. A grooming device comprising: a handle; a plurality of tines each having a proximal end secured to said handle and a distal end extending away from the handle; a bend incorporated at the distal end of each tine; the plurality of tines being spaced from one another laterally; a pocket formed at each distal end of said plurality of tines; a replaceable grooming element secured within a corresponding pocket of each tine, said grooming element having an exposed end with a plurality of teeth formed thereon; and wherein a first group of tines and corresponding grooming elements form a first row and a second group of tines and corresponding grooming elements form a second row that is longitudinally spaced from said first row.
2. The grooming device of claim 1, wherein: said plurality of tines have an arc shape.
3. The grooming device of claim 1, wherein: said bend forms an angle of between about 60 to 90 degrees.
4. The grooming device of claim 1, wherein: said handle has a plurality of grooves formed on opposite side edges thereof.
5. The grooming device of claim 1, wherein: said plurality of tines are substantially uniformly spaced from one another.
6. The grooming device of claim 1, wherein: said plurality of tines are spaced from one another non-uniformly.
7. The grooming device of claim 1, further including: a mid-support extending laterally across and connected to said tines.
8. The grooming device of claim 1, wherein: said plurality of teeth each have a pointed shape.
9. The grooming device of claim 1, wherein: said plurality of teeth each have a rectangular shape.
10. The grooming device of claim 1, wherein: said plurality of teeth each have a curved shape.
11. The grooming device of claim 1, wherein: said plurality of teeth each have a curved shape and adjacent teeth of said plurality of teeth extend laterally beyond opposite side edges of said grooming element.
12. A grooming device comprising: a handle; a plurality of tines each having a proximal end secured to said handle and a distal end extending away from the handle; a pocket formed at each distal end of said plurality of tines; the plurality of tines being spaced from one another laterally; and a replaceable grooming element secured within a corresponding pocket of each tine, said grooming element having an exposed end with a plurality of teeth formed thereon.
13. The grooming device of claim 12, wherein: said grooming element has a height of approximately 2.03 centimeters (0.80 inches).
14. The grooming device of claim 12, wherein: said grooming element has a width of between about 1.27 to 2.54 centimeters (0.50 to 1.0 inch).
15. The grooming device of claim 12, wherein: a first group of plurality of tines and corresponding grooming elements form a first row and a second group of plurality of tines and corresponding grooming elements form a second row that is longitudinally spaced from said first row.
16. The grooming device of claim 12, wherein: each said replaceable grooming element has between about 7-9 teeth per centimeter (18-24 teeth per inch).
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the grooming device of the invention;
(2) FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;
(3) FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of a distal portion of the grooming device of FIG. 1 showing the arrangement of the tines and mounted grooming elements;
(4) FIG. 4 is a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;
(5) FIG. 5 is a greatly enlarged partial top view of the tines and grooming elements of FIG. 1;
(6) FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of another preferred embodiments showing the grooming device with a fewer number of tines and an intermediate tine support located between the proximal and distal ends of the tines;
(7) FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 6;
(8) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment, similar to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 6 but having fewer tines;
(9) FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 8;
(10) FIG. 10 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the distal ends of a plurality of tines and grooming elements, showing a pocket for each tine that receives a corresponding grooming element;
(11) FIG. 11 is a greatly enlarged perspective view of one example of a replaceable grooming element or blade according to the invention;
(12) FIG. 12 is a greatly enlarged perspective view of another example of a replaceable grooming element or blade according to the invention
(13) FIG. 13 is a greatly enlarged perspective view of another example of a replaceable grooming element or blade according to the invention
(14) FIG. 14 is a greatly enlarged perspective view of another example of a replaceable grooming element or blade according to the invention
(15) FIG. 15 is a greatly enlarged perspective view of another example of a replaceable grooming element or blade according to the invention;
(16) FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the teeth arrangement of FIG. 15;
(17) FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the grooming device of the invention;
(18) FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the grooming device of the invention;
(19) FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 18;
(20) FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the grooming device of the invention;
(21) FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the grooming device of the invention;
(22) FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 21;
(23) FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the grooming device of the invention;
(24) FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the grooming device of the invention;
(25) FIG. 25 is an enlarged perspective view of another example of a replaceable grooming element or blade according to the invention;
(26) FIG. 26 is a front elevation view of the replaceable grooming element or blade of FIG. 25;
(27) FIG. 27 is a top plan view of the teeth arrangement of FIG. 25; and
(28) FIG. 28 is another illustration of FIG. 4 and further showing the grooming device that has captured hair or fur after grooming being conducted on an animal.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(29) FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the grooming device of the invention. The device 10 comprises a handle 12, a plurality of tines 30 and a corresponding plurality of grooming elements 50 secured to the distal ends of the tines. Each tine 30 can be further defined as having a shaft or body 32. Also referring to FIG. 2, the bodies 32 are shown as having a uniform shape including substantially full thicknesses and widths. The lengths of the bodies 32 of the tines can be selected to provide variable contact of the grooming elements 50 with the animal. In other words, the tines may present a staggered arrangement of the grooming elements in contact with the animal or the tines may present a linear or straight arrangement of grooming elements in contact. Further, the tines can be arranged to present a collective flat or linear arrangement of the grooming elements in contact; or the tines can be arranged to present a curved or arc shaped arrangement of the grooming elements in contact. According to the embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tines are arranged to present a linear arrangement of the grooming elements 50.
(30) The handle 12 may include a plurality of indentations or grooves 14 which enable the fingers of the user's hand to be conveniently placed as desired in the grooves in order to enhance gripping and control of the grooming device. The gripping end 26 of the device may have a through hole 16 to allow the grooming device to be hung for storage. The handle may further include a plurality of support ribs 18 to add sufficient strength and rigidity to the handle, as well as to add some ornamentality to the appearance of the device. One or more center ornamentation areas 20 may be devoid of support ribs to allow for placement of a desired trademark or design.
(31) FIG. 2 shows the rear side 22 as being substantially flat or planar; however, the rear side may also incorporate support ribs 18 and/or center areas 20 as desired. The side edge 24 defines a thickness of the handle. Referring specifically to FIGS. 2 and 3, the proximal ends of the tines 30 are received and secured in a continuous slot or groove 38 located at a curved receiving end 28 of the handle.
(32) Referring also to FIGS. 3 and 4, the distal ends of the tines 30 have a distinct bend 34 which therefore alters the angular orientation of the tines 30 such that the tines are placed at a near perpendicular angle with respect to a surface of the animal that is to be groomed. As shown, the bend 34 is slightly less than 90° however the particular angle selected could be between about 60° to 90° to place the grooming elements at an optimal position for contact with the animal's fur.
(33) FIG. 3 specifically shows the slight curved or arced arrangement of the distal ends of the tines. The dotted line in this figure extends between the opposite ends of the tines, and one can see the general curvature or arc of the distal ends in relation to this dotted line.
(34) From a review of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, one should appreciate the enhanced functionality of the grooming device as compared to traditional brushes or combs. First, the plurality of tines 30 with separate and distinct grooming elements 58 enables the grooming device to better follow and engage the animal's fur because there is no surface of the animal which is completely flat. The independent flexing and movement of each of the tine and grooming element combinations can therefore better follow and contact the contours of the animal. Compare this independent operation of the tine/grooming element combinations to a standard comb or brush in which the bristles or teeth are typically secured to a single base surface and therefore, the bristles or teeth cannot be as easily displaced or separated from one another while contacting the contours of the animal. This lack of flexibility results in some bristles or teeth placing much greater pressure on the animal's fur in some locations, while other bristles or teeth place appreciably less pressure on the animal's fur. This inconsistent pressure placement makes it more difficult for the user to selectively apply a substantially uniform amount of pressure across the contours of the animal while grooming.
(35) FIG. 5 is a greatly enlarged view of the tines and grooming elements of the embodiment of FIG. 1. This figure also illustrates the arrangement of the bends 34 at the distal ends of the tine bodies 32 in which the bends are made at approximately 90°. The grooming elements 50 are illustrated so that the teeth of the grooming elements are presented in an essentially perpendicular arrangement with a surface to be groomed.
(36) FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of another preferred embodiments showing the grooming device with a fewer number of tines 30 and an intermediate tine support 62 located between the proximal and distal ends of the tines 30. The support 62 can add additional rigidity and strength to the tines 30. According to this embodiment, there are two separate and distinct flexing actions that are provided: a first flexing action for the portion of the tines between the handle 12 and the intermediate support 62, and a second flexing action for the portion of the tines that extend beyond the intermediate support 62. Therefore, yet further functionality is provided for the grooming device of this embodiment with respect to overall flexibility and rigidity of the tines.
(37) Because there are fewer tines in the embodiment of FIG. 6, this allows the grooming device to engage smaller surface areas on an animal that may be more difficult to reach with a greater number of tines. Such smaller surface areas could include the legs, paws/hoofs and head of the animal. FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 6, noting that the rear side is also flat or planar like the first embodiment.
(38) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment, similar to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 6 but having yet fewer tines 30. FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 8. This embodiment may be particularly useful to groom the smaller surface areas of an animal in which only a few tines can reach the areas of the animal. The same functionality and advantages applied to this embodiment in which there are multiple flexing actions.
(39) FIG. 10 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the distal ends of a plurality of tines 30 and grooming elements 50, showing a pocket 35 for each tine that receives a corresponding grooming element 50. The grooming elements are sized to frictionally engage the pocket 35. Some amount of an adhesive can also be applied to the grooming elements to help secure them within the pockets 35. At which point in time user decides to change the type of grooming element, or if one or more grooming elements become worn or damaged, the grooming elements can be easily replaced. To remove a grooming element, the user could use needle nose pliers to grasp the exposed ends of the grooming elements. FIG. 10 also illustrates another feature of the invention, namely, thickened areas 36 added to the distal ends of the tines in order to provide greater strength and stability for the grooming elements 50. As shown, these thickened areas have a triangular-shaped cross-section. It should be understood that any of the embodiments disclosed herein can adopt the thickened areas 36 for any one or more of the tines 50.
(40) FIGS. 11-16 illustrate details for different types of grooming elements or blades 50. Beginning with FIG. 11, this shows a greatly enlarged perspective view of one example of a replaceable grooming element or blade. This particular grooming element is characterized as having a plurality of serrated or curved teeth 52, a stem 54, and a locking tab 56. With this particular grooming element, it is configured to be placed in a pocket which receives the stem 54, and the locking tabs 56 engage corresponding slots (not shown) within the pocket to therefore secure the grooming element.
(41) FIG. 12 is a greatly enlarged perspective view of another example of a replaceable grooming element or blade according to the invention. The shape of this grooming element is substantially rectangular, and the contact service or working end of the grooming element includes a plurality of tapered teeth 68.
(42) FIG. 13 is a greatly enlarged perspective view of another example of a replaceable grooming element or blade according to the invention. The shape of this grooming element is again substantially rectangular, but the contact surface or working end includes a plurality of rectangular shaped teeth 70.
(43) FIG. 14 is a greatly enlarged perspective view of another example of a replaceable grooming element or blade according to the invention. This grooming element does not have a plurality of teeth; rather, this grooming element has a tapered edge 72.
(44) FIG. 15 is a greatly enlarged perspective view of yet another example of a replaceable grooming element or blade according to the invention. This example is similar to the grooming element shown in FIG. 11 with serrated or curved teeth; however, the teeth 74 in this example are offset from one another along a line or axis that extends along the upper or top surface of the grooming element, as shown in the top plan view of FIG. 16. The teeth 74 have upper ends that are offset in an alternating fashion such that one tooth extends laterally beyond one side of the grooming element and the next tooth extends laterally beyond the opposite side of the grooming element. This specific arrangement of the teeth 74 therefore resembles teeth in a cutting device such as a hacksaw blade.
(45) FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of another preferred embodiment 80 of the grooming device of the invention in which the tines 82 are separated into shorter and longer lengths resulting in two rows of spaced grooming elements. The rows are spaced from one another by the distance 84. The two rows of grooming elements are disposed in the illustrated alternating arrangement between adjacent grooming elements.
(46) FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of another preferred embodiment 90 of the grooming device of the invention and FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 18. This embodiment 90 is similar to the embodiment 80 illustrated in FIG. 17 except that the tines 82 are laterally spaced a great distance from one another and the tines 82 have a greater curvature along their respective lengths. The spacing between the rows is slightly less, shown as spacing distance 86.
(47) FIG. 20 is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of the grooming device of the invention having a plurality of grooming elements 50 secured to each tine. The elements 50 in this embodiment are disposed in multiple rows and spaced longitudinally from one another at the distal portion of the respective tines. The grooming elements in this embodiment may be configured as any of those disclosed in FIGS. 11-16. Further, each tine may adopt one or more different types of grooming elements which provides enhanced grooming capabilities for each tine. The perspective view of FIG. 20 also shows that the side of handle facing the animal to be groomed incorporates the support ribs 18 and ornamentation areas 20; it being understood that either side of the grooming brush or both sides may include ribs 18 and ornamentation areas 20.
(48) FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the grooming device of the invention. In this embodiment, the tines 112 are wire-like members disposed in pairs. One pair of tines 112 secures a corresponding connected grooming element 50. The particular shapes of the grooming elements are laterally extended rectangles with a greater length or lateral span as compared to the other grooming elements 50. The grooming elements again are shown in two rows with alternating shorter and longer tines 112 placed adjacent to one another. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 21 further illustrating how the ends of the tines 112 are connected to the grooming elements 50. For this embodiment, a preferred method of replacing the grooming elements involves a replacement also of the connected pair of tines 112. Accordingly, the proximal ends of the tines secured within the continuous groove of the handle are pulled out and replaced with another tine pair and grooming element combination. In this regard, it is contemplated that the proximal ends of each tine member can be frictionally secured with small corresponding holes (not shown) extending into the handle.
(49) FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the grooming device of the invention. This embodiment shows a similar arrangement for the tines 112 and grooming elements 50 but provides a different shaped handle 120. The handle 120 can be generally described as having a spiral configuration in which a cordlike member has a plurality of turns 122 that make up the length of the handle. Ridges and grooves are formed by the turns 120 which provide a reliable gripping surface for the hand of the user.
(50) FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of the grooming device of the invention. A plurality of tine pairs 112 are used to support respective angled grooming elements 132. The grooming elements 132 are shown as v-shaped with legs of the grooming element extending away from one another and the legs joined at bend or fold 134. Teeth 136 are disposed on the free exposed ends of the grooming elements. Accordingly, a v-shaped configuration is achieved for contact by the grooming elements with the fur of an animal. This v-shaped configuration provides a unique placement of teeth in which varying grooming motions can be used to comb, separate, and remove different layers of animal fur.
(51) FIG. 25 is an enlarged perspective view of yet another example of a replaceable grooming element or blade 50 according to the invention. FIG. 26 is a front elevation view. This grooming element 50 is similar to the grooming element shown in FIG. 15 with serrated or curved teeth. The teeth 74 in this example are also offset from one another along a line or axis that extends along the upper or top surface of the grooming element, as best shown in the top plan view of FIG. 27. The element 50 is shown with an opening 73 which can be used to assist in securing the blade to the grooming device in which the grooming device may have a corresponding tab or protrusion (not shown) that is placed through the opening. At least one first tooth 74 has an upper end that is offset in an alternating fashion such that the at least one first tooth extends laterally beyond one side of the grooming element. Another second tooth extends laterally beyond the opposite side of the grooming element, the second tooth not necessarily being the next or adjacent tooth, but the second tooth being one that is separated from the first tooth in the group of teeth. This specific arrangement of the teeth 74 in FIGS. 25-27 also resembles teeth in a cutting device such as a hacksaw blade in which the top view of FIG. 27 provides a wavy appearance for the group of teeth. In other words, from this top view, the teeth 74 are not aligned linearly along an axis but rather, the teeth 74 are disposed in an alternate curving arrangement or the teeth have an undulating appearance.
(52) FIG. 28 is another illustration of FIG. 4 and further showing the grooming device that has captured hair or fur F after grooming being conducted on an animal. The use or action of the brush causes the fur to first collect the hair strands on various locations on the tines, then to clump the hair strands toward the distal ends of the tines where the hair strands will remain. One clear advantage of the grooming device of the invention is that it is capable of collecting the hair/fur near the distal ends of the device so that the other portions of the tines 30 do not become bound up with fur that might otherwise prevent the tines from independently flexing during use. Also, because of the arrangement of the tines and the bends 34, a user can easily clear the device from collected fur/hair by simply striking the handle 12 or tines 30 against a solid object. This striking or flicking motion causes the tines 30 to flex and then rebound or recoil which in turn causes the fur to be dislodged. Contrast this self-cleaning aspect of the invention to a traditional comb or brush in which the user must pick and pull strands of hair/fur from the tines. Particularly for animals with thick fur/hair, this self-cleaning feature enhances effective grooming and saves time.
(53) Although it should be understood that the particular spacing of and dimensioning of the blades 50 and teeth 74 are not expressly limited herein, there are some spacing and dimensions that have been proven to be particularly effective with respect to grooming dogs. According to one preferred embodiment, there can be between about eighteen to twenty-four teeth per inch. According to another preferred embodiment, the height H of a blade 50 (see FIG. 26) can be approximately 0.80 of an inch. The width W of a blade can be between about 0.50 of an inch to 1 inch. According to another preferred embodiment in which there is a wavy pattern such as illustrated in FIG. 27, the teeth 74 can be arranged so that for a first group of teeth, there are about four to six teeth disposed on one lateral side of an axis extending along the width W while a next group of about four to six teeth are disposed on the opposite lateral side of the axis.
(54) According to one mechanism of action for the different types of teeth in the illustrated grooming elements, pressure placed on the fur of the animal by the teeth causes separation of hair strands thereby removing knots or other irregularities in the fur. Another mechanism of action is a tension force placed on the hair strands thereby removing loose strands at the same type of the hair strands is separated. Another mechanism of action is the variable penetration of the grooming elements into the fur whereby upper and lower layers of fur are groomed simultaneously as a result of the independent operation of the grooming elements that are individually supported by separated or spaced tines.
(55) One skilled in the art can clearly appreciate the enhanced functionality achieved by the grooming device of the invention. The tines provide variable pressure for grooming and can therefore be tailored for use with many different types of animal fur. The grooming elements can be selected for a specific grooming purpose and since the grooming elements are replaceable, a single device handle can be used for an extensive array of grooming tasks.
(56) Although the description and figures herein disclose multiple preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not strictly limited to these embodiments. The scope of the invention must be considered as a whole considering the description, figures and claims appended hereto.
