Abstract
An animal grooming tool is disclosed that includes a handle and one or more grooming devices, each functionally similar to any of a number of standard animal grooming hand tools, such as a shedding blade, rake, de-matting tool or de-shedding tool. The ability to adjust the angle of a grooming device to its handle is disclosed. The handle may comprise a hollow body effectuating a vacuum nozzle attachable to a vacuum source and a mouth opening that spans the one or more grooming devices. The vacuum nozzle is positioned such that the airflow created by the vacuum source flows over at least one side of a grooming device. The ability to adjust the magnitude of vacuum-induced airflow through an animal grooming tool handle comprising a hollow body is disclosed. A vacuum cleaning tool for removing animal hair from a grooming tool is also disclosed.
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a handle; one or more animal grooming devices configured to remove loose hair from an animal's coat by snagging; and one or more fasteners positioned to secure the handle to the one or more animal grooming devices in a manner allowing the angle formed between the handle and the one or more animal grooming devices to be set to one of a plurality of orientations.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more animal grooming devices are fixable to a vacuum nozzle, having a hollow body terminating in a mouth opening and attachable to a vacuum source, configured such that: the mouth opening spans the one or more animal grooming devices; and the airflow created by the vacuum source flows over at least one side of at least one animal grooming device.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the vacuum nozzle additionally functions as a means to hold and manipulate the apparatus, thus effecting a handle.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least two grooming devices are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the animal grooming devices comprises a shedding blade having a serrated edge.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the animal grooming devices comprises a blade formed with faceted teeth.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the blade formed with faceted teeth is configured to function similarly to the blade of a stripping knife.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the animal grooming devices comprises a plurality of stripping blades.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the animal grooming devices comprises a de-shedding blade.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the de-shedding blade comprises a plurality of individual blades.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the animal grooming devices is configured for pet carding.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the animal grooming devices comprises a comb with a plurality of teeth on the sides of each of which are formed at least one sharp edge.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the animal grooming devices comprises a de-matting tool with a plurality of teeth on the sides of each of which are formed at least one sharp edge.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the animal grooming devices comprises a grooming rake.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the animal grooming devices comprises a plurality of stiff wires configured to function similarly to the wires of a slicker brush to snag hair.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the animal grooming devices comprises a plurality of pins configured to snag hair.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the animal grooming devices comprises a plurality of rubberized conical spikes, configured to function similarly to those used in common animal bathing brushes but for dry use to snag hair.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the animal grooming devices comprises a plurality of plasticized spikes, configured to function similarly to those used in common animal bathing devices but for dry use to snag hair.
19. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the vacuum nozzle defines a vent on the hollow body for reducing suction at the mouth opening.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a valve positioned to regulate airflow through the vent.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:
[0012] FIG. 1A is a bottom view showing two parallel shedding blades extending a short distance out from a vacuum plenum mouth opening;
[0013] FIG. 1B is a bottom view showing two parallel shedding blades extending a medium distance out from a vacuum plenum mouth opening;
[0014] FIG. 1C is a bottom view showing two parallel shedding blades extending a long distance out from a vacuum plenum mouth opening;
[0015] FIG. 1D is a bottom view showing a single shedding blade extending out from a vacuum plenum mouth opening;
[0016] FIG. 1E is a bottom view showing four parallel shedding blades extending out from a vacuum plenum mouth opening;
[0017] FIG. 1F is a front view showing a type of shedding blade comprising a serrated edge that may be formed by way of metal stamping;
[0018] FIG. 1G is a back view showing a type of shedding blade that may be formed by machining, casting or molding metal or plastic material;
[0019] FIG. 1H is a side view showing a shedding blade positioned geometrically coincident with or set at a plurality of angles with respect to a theoretical plane perpendicular to a theoretical plane defined by the vacuum plenum mouth opening, also relevant to a handle not comprising a vacuum nozzle;
[0020] FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing two parallel shedding blades extending a short distance out from a vacuum plenum mouth opening;
[0021] FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing two parallel shedding blades extending a medium distance out from a vacuum plenum mouth opening and defining a handle angle;
[0022] FIG. 2C is a perspective view showing two parallel shedding blades extending a long distance out from a vacuum plenum mouth opening;
[0023] FIG. 3A is a side view showing two parallel shedding blades extending a short distance out from a vacuum plenum mouth opening;
[0024] FIG. 3B is a side view showing two parallel shedding blades extending a medium distance out from a vacuum plenum mouth opening and further defining a handle angle;
[0025] FIG. 3C is a side view showing two parallel shedding blades extending a long distance out from a vacuum plenum mouth opening;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of another embodiment of the invention, in which the grooming tool includes a pin brush;
[0027] FIG. 5A is a bottom view of a comb-implemented vacuum grooming tool configured to be used as a rake;
[0028] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a comb-implemented vacuum grooming tool configured to be used as a rake;
[0029] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a comb-implemented vacuum grooming tool configured to be used in a more traditional comb-like fashion;
[0030] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention, in which the grooming tool includes a rake;
[0031] FIG. 6B shows a conventional grooming rake (prior art);
[0032] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of another embodiment of the invention, in which the grooming tool includes a double row rake comprising a plurality of conical spikes;
[0033] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention, in which the vacuum grooming tool includes a first style of de-matting tool blades;
[0034] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a vacuum grooming tool that includes a second style of de-matting tool blades;
[0035] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a conventional slicker brush grooming tool before use (prior art);
[0036] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of a conventional slicker brush grooming tool after use (fouled with hair) before cleaning (prior art);
[0037] FIG. 9C is a perspective view of a conventional rake grooming tool after use (fouled with hair) (prior art);
[0038] FIG. 9D is a first perspective view of a vacuum grooming tool according to the invention after use (fouled with hair) before cleaning;
[0039] FIG. 9E is a second perspective view of a vacuum grooming tool according to the invention after use (fouled with hair) before cleaning;
[0040] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a grooming tool cleaner according to the invention;
[0041] FIG. 10B is a bottom-end perspective view of a grooming tool cleaner according to the invention;
[0042] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the grooming tool cleaner cleaning a standard animal bristle brush according to the invention;
[0043] FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the grooming tool cleaner cleaning a standard animal pin bush according to the invention;
[0044] FIG. 11C is a perspective view of the grooming tool cleaner cleaning a standard animal slicker bush according to the invention;
[0045] FIG. 11D is a perspective view of the grooming tool cleaner cleaning a vacuum grooming tool including a comb, such as that shown in FIG. 5A, or a vacuum grooming tool including a rake, such as that shown in FIG. 6A;
[0046] FIG. 11E is a perspective view of the grooming tool cleaner cleaning a vacuum grooming tool including a shedding blade, such as that shown in FIG. 1D;
[0047] FIG. 11F is a perspective view of the grooming tool cleaner cleaning the vacuum grooming tool shown in FIG. 11D in a different perspective.
[0048] FIG. 12A is a side view of an articulated grooming tool cleaner according to an aspect of the invention;
[0049] FIG. 12B is a top view of an auxiliary vacuum device (AVD), according to an aspect of the invention;
[0050] FIG. 12C is a side view of the articulated grooming tool cleaner shown in FIG. 12A as it would pivot during use;
[0051] FIG. 13A is a side view of an articulated grooming tool cleaner mounting bracket according to an aspect of the invention;
[0052] FIG. 13B is a side view of the articulated grooming tool cleaner shown in FIG. 12A mounted in the articulated grooming tool cleaner mounting bracket shown in FIG. 13A; and
[0053] FIG. 13C is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 13B as it would pivot during use and thereby change vacuum interconnection according to an aspect of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0054] FIG. 1D depicts an animal grooming vacuum tool 100 having an integrated shedding tool blade 110. The device has a suction nozzle 120 having an integrally formed suction pipe 122 to serve as a handle and optionally connect to a source of negative pressure (such as a vacuum). The suction pipe 122 is in physical communication with a hollow body 124 terminating in an integrally formed mouth opening 126. In the preferred embodiment, the mouth 126 is substantially rectangular and is defined by a first pair of integrally formed spaced rectangular walls 128 which are substantially parallel to each other and a second pair of integrally formed spaced rectangular walls 130 which are substantially parallel to each other.
[0055] The apparatus has one or more substantially straight stainless steel grooming blades 110, illustrated in more detail in FIG. 1(F), disposed within the rectangular mouth opening. Each blade 110 has two shaped and smoothed ends 112, each end is attached to one of the second pair of integrally formed spaced rectangular walls 130. Each blade also has a serrated edge 114 extending outside the plane of the rectangular mouth opening 126. In multiple blade implementations, such as those schematically shown in FIGS. 1(A), 1(B), 1(C) and 1(E) each blade 110 is substantially parallel to the other blades 110 and to the first pair of integrally formed spaced rectangular walls. In addition, the blades 110 are positioned to provide an air passage extending from the mouth opening 126 into the hollow body portion 124 of the nozzle 120 between each of the blades 110 and between the blades 110 and the first pair of integrally formed spaced rectangular walls 128. Better results are achieved if the animal hair can be sucked down from both sides of the blade 110.
[0056] Although the mouth 126 of the preferred embodiment is rectangular, those skilled in the art will recognize that other mouth shapes such as ovals may be used, so long as the blades 110, in multiple blade devices, are substantially parallel to each other.
[0057] Each blade 110 can be attached to the mouth opening 126 in a variety of ways. For example the blades 110 can be glued to the walls using commercially available epoxies. For additional stability, receiving slots can be cut in the nozzle housing to receive the ends of each blade 110 or the entire edge of the blade 110 opposite the serrated teeth 114, the latter especially in an alternate embodiment where the handle 122 is not configured to act as an air plenum.
[0058] Blades 110 may be constructed out of stainless steel or a plastic blade may be used provided the mold for the serrated edges of such (or post molding operations) give rise to sharp edges, which may include burrs. The ends 112 of the blades are shaped (and may be smoothed) in order to minimize sharp corners which could cut or scrape an animal's skin when used. These tools are designed to be pushed or pulled on the animal's coat, not side-to-side, which could injure the coat or underlying skin.
[0059] The blade can be formed from a substantially straight piece of the toothed metal, as opposed to trying to maintain a curve in the metal blade. The blade can be integrated with an upholstery nozzle that does not have bristles. The blade can also take the form of any manual shedding blade. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1(G), the blade 140 has faceted teeth 142 with sharply angled channels 144 between the teeth 142 and sharp edges 145 for snagging and pulling hair. A blade similar to the half of a hair clipper blade that is normally held stationary (as opposed to the other half that is moved back and forth by action of the clipper), with teeth that have sharp edges, can also be used.
[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 1(H), the orientation of the blade(s) can be set at an angle 116 relative to the handle and the direction of tool motion 118 during the intended normal use. A vacuum-assisted tool is typically moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rim of the mouth opening 126 so that the vacuuming action is the most efficient. The blade can be perpendicular to the tool motion, or deviate from the perpendicular orientation by an angle 116. Typically, the blade is perpendicular or angled away from the tool motion 118.
[0061] FIGS. 2(A), 2(B) and 2(C) as well as FIGS. 3(A), 3(B) and 3(C) depict, respectively, blades having different heights 210, depending upon the type of animal's coat to be groomed. The angle 220 between the hose attachment point (i.e., suction pipe 122, which serves as the handle) and blade(s) 110 may vary according to customer preference and/or ergonomic design considerations. In the preferred embodiment the blade protrudes between to from the mouth of the nozzle.
[0062] The blade could also be mechanically secured to the mouth using a clip or other fastener. Those skilled in the art will recognize that using a mechanical mechanism allows blades to be exchanged.
[0063] An embodiment of the present invention, where suction pipe 122 effectuates an air plenum, will operate with commercially available wet/dry and standard vacuum cleaners. The greater suction of the wet/dry vacuum (compared to the upright or canister vacuum) tends to be more effective in lifting the animal's coat (its hair), almost to the point of standing upright within the vacuum tool. Nevertheless, care should be taken to ensure that too much suction is not used. In the event a strong vacuum is used, an adjustable vacuum suction hose can be used to reduce the vacuum pressure.
[0064] Other means can be used to reduce suction. For example, a vacuum with a variable-speed motor drive can be used to create variable suction; a vent, with or without a valve, can also be placed on the grooming tool itself.
[0065] Adequate CFM and vacuum pressure is important. In the preferred embodiment, the vacuum pressure should be at least 40 inches of water at or above 90 CFM. Tools may be fabricated with smaller vacuum orifices to accommodate less powerful vacuum cleaners. Similarly, larger tools designed for horses and similar large animals may operate best with greater vacuum pressure and airflow.
[0066] FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show several tools incorporating shedding tool functionality into a vacuum nozzle. The number of blades and overall tool size varies depending upon the type and size of animal, and the characteristics of the animal's hair. For example, Tool E in FIG. 1 is sized for horses and other large animals. The length of the blade 110 is typically a few inches in the preferred embodiment, but may be built larger or smaller to suit the intended use. An example of where a smaller tool may be of value would be one for small dogs and particularly legs of dogs generally. For such a purpose, a tool approximately 1 to 2 in. wide may prove most useful.
[0067] FIG. 4 discloses an alternate embodiment using a pin brush 410 instead of one or more blades. The pin brush 410 has a large number of plastic or metal wire pins 420 held by base 430. Base 430 may be rigid or flexible. The pins allow air flow from a vacuum to suck hair through the slots 440 formed in the base 430 and the mouth 126 of the device.
[0068] The slot configuration of this design also aids blow drying. The slots 440 allow airflow created by the vacuum to help suck hair (and fleas, ticks, dirt, etc.) up into the brush while brushing and to evacuate loosened hair and moisture. Note that hair may wrap around the brush pins (more than the shedding blade) and require additional procedures to remove the hair. Airflow may be induced in reverse (connected to the blower output of a vacuum cleaner for example) to further aid blow drying while brushing the animal.
[0069] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the slot size, shape, number and length of pins may all vary depending on the animal's hair length and the required amount of brushing or drying assistance. Overall size may also vary depending on the size of the animal. Instead of brush pins, bristles can also be used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.
[0070] FIG. 5 discloses an alternate embodiment using combs 510, 530 and 560 instead of a blade. Three styles of vacuum combs are shown, respectively. Two (FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B)) of the depicted embodiments are intended to be used like a rake (moved fore and aft). Pulling the rake works better than pushing. The third vacuum comb (FIG. 5(C)) is designed to be used more like a traditional comb (moved sideways).
[0071] In all cases, airflow (created by vacuum) flows around both sides of the comb to suck hair up into the comb and evacuate loosened hair (along with dirt, dander, fleas, ticks, etc.). The combs may be constructed of metal or plastic. Comb length and pitch (number of teeth per inch), may be varied according to personal preference and the type and length of hair on the animal to be groomed. Hair will accumulate in the teeth during use, requiring removal. Size may vary also (length of teeth) depending on personal preference and the size of the animal.
[0072] FIGS. 6(A) and 7 depict rakes 610 and 710, respectively, of embodiments of the present invention. Conventional rakes comprising spikes (sometimes called tangs in the industry, not to be confused with the usual definition of a tangthe projection on the blade of a tool by which the blade is held firmly in the handle), such as the one 650 shown in FIG. 6(B), are used for some dog breeds. FIG. 7 shows a double row rake 710, comprising conically shaped spikes, integrated into a vacuum hand tool, creating a vacuum rake in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Shown in FIG. 6(A) is a single row Teflon coated rake according to an embodiment of the invention. Again, vacuum causes airflow around the rake so to suck up hair, dirt, fleas, ticks, etc. into the tool. Preferably, air would also flow between the rows of the double row rake 710. The devices were made using metal rakes (some Teflon coated), but can be made of any suitable material, such as metal and plastic. The number of teeth, pitch, length of rake, and length of rake tangs (spikes) may vary, according to the preferences of the user and breed of animal to be groomed. The rake tangs could be made of plastic. In use, hair will build up in the tangs, requiring removal.
[0073] FIG. 8 depicts two vacuum de-matting tools. De-matting tools usually have replaceable blades 820, 860 that are very sharp for cutting hair. The purpose is to cut through hair mats, somewhat shredding such in order to allow a comb to effectively run through the hair. Blades are replaceable in both cases but need not be in either. According to one embodiment, air (from the vacuum) flows around both sides of the blades 820, 860 (the cutting and non-cutting edges), and in one case between the blades 860. A thumb rest 870 is shown on the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8(B). Blades are reversible to accommodate both right and left-handed users. Blades might be made of plastic. Cut hair may accumulate in the blades during use, requiring removal.
[0074] As mentioned above, and illustrated as examples in FIGS. 9(D) and 9(E), the animal hair may accumulate in the tool of the invention during use. FIG. 10 through 13 depict devices that are used to remove accumulated hair from tools during use, thereby eliminating the need for using ones fingers to do so.
[0075] One embodiment is a static vacuum cleaner nozzle 1000 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. A vacuum source (not shown) is adapted to a cleaner head 1010 having an opening 1020 at least the size (length) of most tools. The other dimension (width) is such that maximum airflow is created, yet the opening is adequate to easily accommodate any of the non-brush tools.
[0076] Brush tools are cleaned across the cleaner opening 1020, providing mechanical scrubbing action to facilitate the vacuum action. Non-brush tools are merely held in the vacuum cleaner opening 1020.
[0077] Disconnecting the source of vacuum from the vacuum tool before attempting to remove hair from the tool with the vacuum cleaner typically makes hair removal from said tool easier and more complete (vacuum sources and resultant airflow don't compete).
[0078] FIGS. 12 and 13 show one of many possible implementations of an articulated tool cleaner 1200 according to one aspect of the invention. The tool cleaner 1200 can be activated by placing the tool to be cleaned onto the cleaner opening 1220 of a movable vacuum plenum 1210 and pressing down, causing rotation of the cleaner about a pivot 1230 held in place by channels effectuating a rotational sliding mechanism similar to the action of a standard linear motion blast gate. This rotation effectively switches the vacuum source from a vacuum tool to the cleaner, allowing both the vacuum tool and cleaner to share the same vacuum source, but not simultaneously. This switches the vacuum off to the connected vacuum tool and on to the cleaner, such that the airflow through the cleaner does not have to compete with any vacuum or airflow through the tool to be cleaned (wiped). If a brush is used, the brush is wiped across the cleaner opening, (while pressing down) providing mechanical assistance to assist the vacuum in removing hair. Releasing the downward force causes a spring to return the cleaner to the original position (via counter-rotation about the pivot point).
[0079] An auxiliary vacuum device 1250 (AVD), shown in FIG. 12(B) is designed to split the vacuum source to it in order to provide vacuum outlets 1270 to either side of the movable vacuum plenum 1210. This provides flexibility in mounting the entire unit. The unused outlet port is plugged in normal operation. One of the many alternatives readily appreciated by one skilled in the art is a simple pipe elbow (not shown), providing tool attachment on only one side of the movable vacuum plenum 1210. Such pipe elbow could also be configured such that it could be rotated to provide tool attachment on either side of the movable vacuum plenum 1210.
[0080] Mechanical articulation and rotation can be minimized or eliminated by using a pressure or other switch to activate pneumatic (even vacuum-driven) or electrical motorized opening and closing of respective valves to achieve the same function as that described above.
[0081] In the preferred embodiment, the articulated brush scrubber is made up of the following: a fixed 2 vacuum plenum 1280, to which vacuum is continuously supplied; a moveable vacuum plenum 1210, which rotates up and down around a fixed pivot point 1230. One end of the moveable vacuum plenum 1210 has an opening 1220 having a width just larger than the width of the tool to be cleaned. The other end of the moveable vacuum plenum has a sliding vacuum seal 1290 (shown in FIG. 13(B) sealing off the fixed vacuum plenum).
[0082] The device is activated by pushing the moveable vacuum plenum 1210 down with the tool to be cleaned. This action, as illustrated in FIG. 13(C), rotates the sliding vacuum seal 1290 off the fixed vacuum plenum 1280 and simultaneously rotates the previously open end of the moveable vacuum plenum 1210 to engage a seal with the fixed vacuum plenum 1280. This causes air flow through the moveable vacuum plenum 1210. It also stops or reduces air flow through the AVD 1250. The device being cleaned is then pushed across or inserted into the open end 1220 of the moveable vacuum plenum 1210 to release trapped hair, which is sucked up by the moveable vacuum plenum 1210, through the seal between moveable and fixed vacuum plenums and on to a vacuum source.
[0083] At the completion of the cleaning motion, pressure on the moveable vacuum plenum 1210 by the device being cleaned is released by lifting the device being cleaned. A return spring 1282 biases the moveable vacuum plenum 1210 back to the starting position, sealing off the vacuum from the fixed vacuum plenum 1280 to the moveable vacuum plenum 1210 and restoring full vacuum to the AVD 1250. This device could be used with any standard grooming tool as well as any of the vacuum tools (with vacuum still running to such). In the case of a shedding blade, comb, rake, or de-matting tool, the tool would be cleared of trapped hair simply by engaging the open end of the moveable vacuum plenum 1210, pushing both down. No aft-fore motion of the tool would be requiredthe trapped hair would be just sucked off. As for a non-vacuum assisted slicker, bristle or pin brush, wiping motion of a pin brush style vacuum tool would facilitate clearing of hair from the pins. Cleaning a vacuum tool connected to its vacuum source via the AVD 1250 gains the benefit of having its vacuum supply automatically stopped or reduced through such engagement of the open end of the movable vacuum plenum 1210, effectively disconnecting the AVD 1250, and hence the source of vacuum to the vacuum tool from fixed vacuum plenum 1280.
[0084] In the preferred embodiment, the device has a sufficient seal so that leakage is not a significant source of noise. Also, the seal remains adequate throughout many cycles. In addition the vacuum plenums are designed with aerodynamically smooth inner surfaces to avoid generation of noise. Finally, the entire tool cleaner is designed as a single unit that can easily be attached (with screws, etc.) to either the top or bottom of a grooming table 1302, or to a wall so to provide easy, natural access to such by any tool held in a groomer's hand.
[0085] With this implementation, a vacuum source could easily be shared between the tool cleaner and vacuum tools. Doing so may even make both tools work better. Full vacuum would be available to the vacuum tool when grooming. Activation of the tool cleaner would release some or all of the vacuum from the vacuum tool, making it that much easier for the tool cleaner to suck trapped hair off the vacuum tool. Full vacuum would be restored to the vacuum tool upon release of the tool cleaner. All of this action is accomplished with just the one hand holding the tool that is to be scrubbed of hair.
