PET DE-SHEDDING TOOL

Abstract

A de-shedding tool is provided for removal of loose pet hair, and for removal or loosening of matted and tangled pet hair. The de-shedding tool includes a brush base with a plurality of bristles. The de-shedding tool further includes a perforated plate, having a plurality of perforations, wherein each of the perforations is dimensioned to accommodate one of the plurality of bristles. The perforated plate reciprocates relative to the brush base between a retracted position while the de-shedding tool is in use, and an extended position to enable removal of pet hair trapped during use.

Claims

1. A de-shedding tool, comprising: a brush base having a plurality of bristles; and a perforated plate having a plurality of perforations, each of said plurality of perforations dimensioned for accommodating one of said plurality of bristles, and being configured to reciprocate relative to said brush base between a retracted position and an extended position.

2. The de-shedding tool of claim 1, wherein said perforated plate further comprises at least one post extending from a rear surface of said perforated plate through a corresponding opening in said brush base.

3. The de-shedding tool of claim 2, wherein said brush base further comprises at least one post housing extending from a mounting side of said brush base for enclosing said at least one post, said at least one post having a counterbore configured for accommodating insertion of a plug.

4. The de-shedding tool of claim 3, wherein said at least one post housing further includes a biasing spring retained in said housing by said plug, and configured to bias the perforated plate in a retracted position.

5. The de-shedding tool of claim 1, further including an actuation mechanism associated with said brush base, and wherein said perforated plate reciprocates under user actuation between said retracted position and said extended position using said actuation mechanism.

6. The de-shedding tool of claim 5, wherein said actuation mechanism is enclosed by an actuation housing on said brush base and comprises a sliding member fixed to said perforated plate and configured for sliding relative to said actuation housing, a rotating member connected to said sliding member, and a biasing spring engaging said rotating member and urging said rotating member against said sliding member.

7. The de-shedding tool of claim 6, wherein said biasing spring biases said rotating member against said sliding member.

8. The de-shedding tool of claim 6, wherein said actuation housing has an inner wall defining a chamber, said inner wall having a plurality of radially inwardly projecting formations for slidably engaging and defining a travel path for said rotating member and said sliding member.

9. The de-shedding tool of claim 8, wherein each of said plurality of formations has two vertical side walls connected by an arcuate inclined notched landing, and wherein a plurality of vertical channels is defined between opposing side walls of adjacent said formations.

10. The de-shedding tool of claim 9, wherein said sliding member is generally tubular in shape, having an undulating cammed top surface and a plurality of radially projecting sliding lugs, each dimensioned to slidably reciprocate within a selected one of said plurality of vertical channels.

11. The de-shedding tool of claim 10, wherein said rotating member is dimensioned to nest at least partially within said sliding member, said rotating member having a plurality of radially projecting rotating lugs extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of said sliding member and having a shape complementary to said top surface of said sliding member.

12. The de-shedding tool of claim 1, wherein said plurality of bristles includes a plurality of outer bristles disposed about a periphery of said brush base, and a plurality of inner bristles disposed within said plurality of outer bristles.

13. The de-shedding tool of claim 12, further including a rigid band having a plurality of notches defined between adjacent teeth, and being positioned on said brush base between said plurality of inner bristles and said plurality of outer bristles, so that said teeth extend in a same direction as said plurality of bristles.

14. A de-shedding tool, comprising: a brush base having a bristle side with a plurality of bristles and an opposite mounting side; a perforated plate having a plurality of perforations, each of said plurality of perforations dimensioned for accommodating one of said plurality of bristles, and being configured to reciprocate relative to said brush base between a retracted position and an extended position; at least one post housing extending from said mounting side of said brush base for enclosing at least one post, said at least one post extending from a rear side of said perforated plate toward said mounting side; and an actuation housing extending from said mounting side of said brush base for enclosing an actuation mechanism, said actuation mechanism including a cap, a sliding member fixed to said perforated plate and configured for sliding relative to said actuation housing, a rotating member connected to said sliding member, and a biasing spring engaging said rotating member and urging said rotating member against said sliding member.

15. A de-shedding tool, comprising: a brush base having a plurality of outer bristles disposed about a periphery of said base and a plurality of inner bristles disposed within said plurality of outer bristles; a rigid band having a plurality of notches defined between adjacent teeth, positioned between said plurality of inner bristles and said plurality of outer bristles; and a perforated plate having a plurality of perforations, each of said plurality of perforations dimensioned for accommodating one of said plurality of inner bristles, and being configured to reciprocate relative to said brush base under user control between a locked retracted position and a locked extended position.

16. The de-shedding tool of claim 15, wherein, when in said retracted position, said perforated plate is dimensioned to fit within a space defined by said rigid band.

17. The de-shedding tool of claim 15, wherein said plurality of inner bristles has a uniform length and said plurality of outer bristles have varying lengths.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of the present de-shedding tool;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary top perspective view of the present de-shedding tool;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary exploded top perspective view of the present de-shedding tool;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary exploded bottom perspective view of the present de-shedding tool;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side elevation view of the present de-shedding tool;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a partially exploded vertical cross-section of the present de-shedding tool;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary exploded vertical cross-section of the present de-shedding tool;

[0022] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary exploded vertical cross-section of the present de-shedding tool;

[0023] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary exploded vertical cross-section of the present de-shedding tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of the present pet de-shedding tool is indicated generally at 10, and includes a brush base 12 having a bristle side 14 and a mounting side 16, opposite the bristle side. In this embodiment, the brush base 12 is generally rectangular and made from a rigid plastic. However, other shapes and materials are also considered. The brush base 12 includes a plurality of bristles that extend from the bristle side 14 of the brush base. A plurality of outer bristles 18 are disposed about a periphery of the brush base 12, and a plurality of inner bristles 20 are disposed within the plurality of outer bristles. Preferably, the inner bristles 20 have a uniform length, while the outer bristles 18 have varying lengths; however, the length or height of the bristles 18, 20 may vary to suit the application. Positioned between the outer bristles 18 and inner bristles 20 is a rigid band 22, preferably metallic, which has a plurality of notches 23. A plurality of teeth 24 are formed between the plurality of notches 23, that extend in the same direction as the inner and outer bristles.

[0025] Referring more specifically to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, in the present embodiment, the rigid band 22 is formed from a pair of semi-circular halves 22a, 22b; however, a rigid band formed from a single, solid piece is also contemplated. The rigid band 22 has a smooth edge 26, opposite the plurality of teeth 24, for enabling installation within a track 28 on the brush base 12. In the preferred embodiment, the track 28 is formed between two side walls 30 (FIG. 6), preferably made from the same rigid material as the brush base 12 as by injection molding or the like, that extend from the bristle side 14 of the brush base in the same direction as the inner bristles 20 and outer bristles 18. The smooth edge 26 of each semi-circular half 22a, 22b of the rigid band 22, is installed within the track 28, and then preferably held in position using chemical adhesives, ultrasonic welding, or other equivalent techniques well known in the art. Opposing ends 32 of the semi-circular halves 22a, 22b are then secured to the brush base 12 at attachment formations 34.

[0026] The present de-shedding tool 10 also includes a perforated plate 36, which reciprocates relative to the brush base 12 under user actuation. Included on the plate 36, is a plurality of perforations 38, each of which is dimensioned to slidingly accommodate one of the inner bristles 20. Preferably, the perforations 38 are dimensioned to allow only a small clearance for the inner bristles 20, so that trapped hair is readily removed from the bristles by the plate 36. To enable pet hair to become trapped in the inner bristles 20 and the notches 23 of the rigid band 22, the perforated plate 36 remains in a locked retracted position during use.

[0027] When in the retracted position, the perforated plate 36 is dimensioned to fit within a space defined by the rigid band 22. As such, the inner bristles 20 are preferably made from a material sufficiently rigid enough to support the reciprocation of the plate. When in the extended position, a front surface 40 of the perforated plate 36 preferably extends beyond tips 42 of the inner bristles 20, to enable quick and easy removal of collected pet hair from the front surface of the perforated plate.

[0028] Also included on the perforated plate 36 is a button cap 44, which defines a space free from the perforations 38 and the inner bristles 20 for the user to engage during actuation, to activate reciprocation of the perforated plate 36 relative to the brush base 12. As best seen in FIG. 1, the button cap 44 preferably includes the word PRESS to help the user identify the proper area to engage during actuation, although other designations, designs or logos are also contemplated.

[0029] In preparing to brush the pet, the user actuates the perforated plate 36 by depressing the plate until the user receives tactile or audible feedback. Preferably, when the perforated plate 36 has been properly depressed, the user will feel or hear a click, indicating he or she may now release their finger from the button cap 44.

[0030] When the user is finished brushing the pet and wants to remove the collected hair for disposal, the user causes the perforated plate 36 to reciprocate from the locked retracted position into a locked extended position preferably by placing a finger on the button cap 44, and depressing the perforated plate 36 until the user receives tactile or audible feedback. As such, the perforated plate moves away from the brush base 12 and the tight, sliding engagement of the perforated plate 36 on the inner bristles 20, pulls trapped hair away from the inner bristles. Finally, when a user is ready to use the de-shedding tool 10 again, he or she repeats the process described above, namely, depressing the perforated plate 36 until a click is heard or felt, and then releasing the perforated plate. The perforated plate 36 remains in the locked retracted position until it is actuated again by the user.

[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 2-5 at least one post housing 46 extends from the mounting side 16 of the brush base 12. The at least one post housing 46 is dimensioned to enclose at least one post 48 that extends from, and reciprocates with, a rear side 50 of the perforated plate 36, through at least one corresponding opening 52 (FIGS. 7-9) in the brush base 12, and into the at least one post housing 46. As best seen in FIG. 8, each post 48 also has a counter-bore 54 extending from a plug end 56 toward a plate end 58, and configured to accommodate insertion of a plug 60. Each post housing 46 includes a biasing element 62. Preferably, the biasing element 62 is a coiled spring, however other types of springs are contemplated. The biasing element 62 is seated at a base 64 (FIG. 7) of the post housing 46, and is retained in the post housing by the plug 60. In the preferred embodiment, the biasing element 62 is configured to bias the perforated plate 36 in the extended position.

[0032] As best shown in FIG. 2, an actuation housing 66 extends from the mounting side 16 of the brush base 12. Preferably, while variations are contemplated, the actuation housing 66 is located in the center of the brush base 12, and each post housing 46 is located equidistant from the actuation housing. Referring now to FIGS. 3, 7 and 9, the actuation housing 66 includes a cap 68, and houses a sliding member 70 configured for sliding relative to the actuation housing, a rotating member 72 configured to engage the sliding member, and a biasing element 74 configured to engage the rotating member and to urge the rotating member against the sliding member. Preferably, the biasing element 74 is a coiled spring, however other types of springs are contemplated.

[0033] The actuation housing 66 has an interior surface 76 (FIG. 7) that defines a preferably cylindrical chamber, and has a plurality of radially inwardly projecting formations 78. Each of the formations 78 has a pair of vertical side walls 80a, 80b connected by an arcuate inclined notched landing 82. A plurality of vertical channels 84 are formed between opposing side walls 80a, 80b of adjacent formations 78. The channels 84 and landing 82 define travel paths for the sliding member 70 and the rotating member 72.

[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4, 7 and 8, the sliding member 70 has a generally tubular body 86 dimensioned to reciprocate within an opening 88 of the brush base 12. The sliding member 70 has an undulating cammed top surface 90, and a plurality of radially projecting sliding lugs 92. Each sliding lug 92 is dimensioned to slidably reciprocate within one of the vertical channels 84 during reciprocation of the perforated plate 36.

[0035] As best shown in FIG. 4, during assembly of the de-shedding tool 10, the sliding member 70 is fixed to the perforated plate 36 to enable simultaneous reciprocation of both pieces during use. The perforated plate 36 includes a recess area 94 from the front surface 40 of the perforated plate, dimensioned to accommodate the button cap 44, and having a central fastening bore 96, and a plurality of snap openings 98 (FIG. 3) dimensioned to accommodate a plurality of button cap hooks 100. The sliding member 70 is fixed to the perforated plate 36 using a fastener 102, preferably a screw, which is inserted through the central fastening bore 96 and into a fastening bore 104 of the sliding member. Once the perforated plate 36 and the sliding member 70 have been fastened together, the button cap 44 is snappingly engaged on the perforated plate by inserting the button cap hooks 100 into the corresponding snap openings 98 (FIG. 3).

[0036] Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 7, the rotating member 72 has a generally tubular body 106 dimensioned to nest, at least partially, within the sliding member 70. The rotating member 72 has a plurality of radially projecting rotation lugs 108, extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sliding member 70, and having a shape complementary to the undulating cammed top surface 90 of the sliding member. The rotating member 72 also has a cylindrical spring post 110 dimensioned to accommodate the biasing element 74 and extending from a bottom surface 112 of the rotating member toward an opposite top end 114.

[0037] The sliding member 70, the rotating member 72 and the biasing element 74 are retained in the actuation housing 66 by the cap 68, which is fastened to the actuation housing 66 using a plurality of fasteners 116, preferably screws. Each fastener 116 is inserted through a beveled opening 118, and into a corresponding threaded bore 120 in the actuation housing 66. An inner surface 142 of the cap 68 includes a recess 140 dimensioned for seating the biasing element 74. Once the cap 68 is fastened to the actuation housing 66, the biasing element 74 exerts a longitudinal biasing force onto the rotating member 72, which is consequently urged against the sliding member 70.

[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 4, 7 and 8, while the perforated plate 36 is in the locked extended position, the sliding lugs 92 and the rotating lugs 108 are positioned on top of each other in selected channels 84. During actuation of the perforated plate 36 from the extended position to the retracted position, the sliding member 70, the sliding lugs 92, the rotating member 72, and the rotating lugs 108 are urged in the same direction as the perforated plate. Each of the rotating lugs 108 has an angled edge 122 dimensioned to matingly engage both the arcuate incline of the landings 82 and the undulating cammed top surface 90 of the sliding member 70.

[0039] When the user fully depresses the perforated plate 36, the rotating lugs 108 exit the selected channels 84 and, under the biasing force of the biasing element 74, begin to slide against sliding lugs 92. The release of the rotating lugs 108 from the selected channels 84 produces the audible or tactile click, which signals to the user that the perforated plate 36 has been properly actuated. As the user releases the perforated plate 36, the rotating lugs 108 continue to slide along the arcuate landing 82, causing the rotating member 72 to rotate until the rotating lugs 108 contact a notch 124 in the landing surface. The perforated plate 36 is now in its locked retracted position.

[0040] While the perforated plate 36 is in the locked retracted position, the sliding lugs 92 remain in the selected channels 84 and the rotating lugs 108 are positioned against the notch 124 in the surface of the landing 82. During actuation of the perforated plate 36 from the retracted position to the extended position, the sliding member 70, the sliding lugs 92, the rotating member 72, and the rotating lugs 108 are urged in the same direction as the perforated plate. When the user fully depresses the perforated plate 36, the sliding member 70 urges the rotating member 72 toward the cap 68, releasing rotating lugs 108 from the notch 124. Under the biasing force of the biasing element 74, the rotating lugs 108 begin to slide against the landing 82. The release of the rotating lugs 108 from the notch 124 produces the audible or tactile click, which signals to the user that the perforated plate 36 has been properly actuated. As the user releases the perforated plate 36, the rotating lugs 108 continue to slide along the landing 82, causing the rotating member 72 to rotate until the rotating lug 108 enters the selected channel 84. The perforated plate 36 is now in its locked extended position.

[0041] Referring again to FIG. 6, the present de-shedding tool 10 also includes a housing 126, which has an inner wall recess 128 dimensioned to accommodate a complementary ledge 130 extending from the mounting side 16 and beyond a peripheral edge 132 of the brush base 12. The housing 126, which facilitates user gripping and manipulation of the present de-shedding tool 10, also includes a latch tab 134 at an opposite end of the housing from the inner wall recess 128. The latch tab 134 includes an opening 136 dimensioned to accommodate a latch 138 on the brush base 12. To attach the housing 126 to the brush base 12, the ledge 130 is inserted into the corresponding inner wall recess 128, and the latch 138 is snapped into the opening 136 of the latch tab 134.

[0042] While a particular embodiment of the present de-shedding tool has been described herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the invention in its broader aspects and as set forth in the following claims.