Abstract
A personal grooming tool, more particularly an accessory for grooming facial hair, and more particularly for grooming beards. The tool includes a body, or handle, configured to be grasped by the user. Movably mounted in relation to the handle are at least a pair of combs, each between a retracted position and at least a use position. The tool also includes a brush, the bristles of which are affixed to the handle and which extend away from the handle. In respective retracted positions, each of the first and second combs is retracted within a respective one of two sides of the handle, and in the respective retracted positions, the first and second combs are also between the first side of the handle and bristles of the brush. The tool can also include a cover case configured to be removably affixed to the bristles of the brush.
Claims
1. A facial hair grooming tool comprising: a handle configured to be grasped by a user, the handle having a first side facing a user's hand when grasped; a first comb movably mounted in relation to the handle between a retracted position in relation to the handle and at least one use position; and a second comb movably mounted in relation to the handle between a retracted position in relation to the handle and at least one use position.
2. The tool according to claim 1, further comprising: a brush positioned on a second side of the handle and opposite the first side of the handle.
3. The tool according to claim 2, wherein: in respective retracted positions, each of the first and second combs is retracted within a respective one of two sides of the handle; and in the respective retracted positions, the first and second combs are between the first side of the handle and bristles of the brush.
4. The tool according to claim 3, further comprising: a cover case configured to be removably affixed to the bristles of the brush.
5. The tool according to claim 1, wherein: the first comb has bristles of a first width and the second comb has bristles of a width different from the width of the first comb, the first and second combs thereby having different respective functions.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention which follow, when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 shows, in a perspective view, an exemplary embodiment of a grooming tool according to the invention, with each of two combs positioned away from the handle;
[0020] FIG. 2 shows the grooming tool according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, with both of the combs retracted within the handle and seated within the cover case for the brush;
[0021] FIG. 3 shows the grooming tool according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, with both of the combs retracted within the handle and the brush of the tool facing downwardly and raised above the cover case for the brush;
[0022] FIG. 4 shows the grooming tool according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, with one of the combs retracted within the handle, and another of the combs positioned away from the handle;
[0023] FIG. 5 shows, in a plan view, the grooming tool according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, with the two combs fully extended longitudinally from respective ends of the handle;
[0024] FIG. 6 is an exploded diagram of the grooming tool according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, which shows, with additional clarity, various components of the tool, such as the handle, the wide bristle comb, the thin bristle comb, and the pivot pins for securing the combs within a slot of the handle;
[0025] FIG. 7 shows an end view of the grooming tool according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the grooming tool taken along a vertical plane between lines A-A of FIG. 7;
[0027] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the grooming tool according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the grooming tool taken along a horizontal plane between lines B-B of FIG. 9;
[0029] FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B, FIG. 11C, FIG. 11D, FIG. 11E, and FIG. 11F comprise a drawing sheet of a Multi-Tool Comb Set Up showing several images of a grooming tool according to the invention;
[0030] FIG. 12A, FIG. 12B, FIG. 12C, and FIG. 12D comprise a drawing sheet of another Multi-Tool Comb Set Up showing several images of a grooming tool according to the invention, in which the handle takes a modified shape and the two combs being differently positioned in relation to the handle;
[0031] FIG. 13A, FIG. 13B, FIG. 13C, and FIG. 13D comprise a drawing sheet of another Multi-Tool Comb Set Up showing several images of a grooming tool according to the invention, in which the handle takes on a different ergonomic shape, as does the brush; and [0032] FIG. 14A, FIG. 14B, FIG. 14C, and FIG. 14D comprise a drawing sheet of another Multi-Tool Comb Set Up showing several images of a grooming tool according to the invention, in which the body has a circular shape and the combs slide longitudinally in relation to the sides of the handle between extended and retracted positions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] In a perspective view, FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a grooming tool 1 according to the invention, with each of two combs 2A, 2B having been withdrawn from a respective slot 4 of the handle 3, or body, of the tool 1. Each of the combs 2A, 2B, is pivotally connected to a respective end of the handle/body 3 by way of one of a pivot pin 5A, 5B. The pivot pins can be made of steel or other suitable material for providing the desired strength sought for the grooming tool. The pivot pins are also shown in the exploded diagram of FIG. 6, which are identified as references 5A, 5B. FIG. 6 also shows the holes through which the pivot pins extend in the ends of the handle/body, one of which is shown near reference 2B.
[0034] At the distal end of each of the combs 2A, 2B is a projection 10 shown in various ones of the drawing figures. See FIGS. 1, 4, and 6, for example. To secure a comb in the fully retracted position, the respective projections can be a friction fit, a force-fit, or snap-fit, for example, to a surface of the handle/body 3. See FIGS. 9 and 10, as well as FIG. 6, for example.
[0035] The first and second combs 2A, 2B, can differ in terms of the widths of their bristles.
[0036] The illustrated embodiment of the tool 1 also includes a brush 5, the bristles of which are affixed to, and extend from, a lower side of the body 3. A cover case 6 is provided for the brush 5.
[0037] To use the grooming tool, the user simply selects the desired comb 2A or 2B (wide or narrow) and swings the comb open from the tool's body 3, as is shown in FIG. 4. The brush side can also be used in conjunction with either comb, allowing for flexible grooming techniques. The tool's compact design and dual-functionality make it an ideal choice for individuals seeking a comprehensive beard grooming solution.
[0038] When the user has completed his use of the tool, both combs can be retracted to their positions within the slot 4 as shown in FIG. 2. If the brush 5 had been used, it can be put in position within the cover case 6 from FIG. 3 to either of FIG. 2.
[0039] FIG. 5 shows the tool in a demonstration position in which the two combs 2A, 2B aligned longitudinally extending away from the body/handle 3.
[0040] The exploded diagram of FIG. 6 provides enhanced views of various ones of the parts of the tool.
[0041] Variations to the described and/or shown shapes, materials, and components that can be added to a grooming tool according to the invention. For example, the thickness of the handle/body can be constant along its length or, as shown, tapered from end to end. The bristles of the brush can be made of plastic, boar, animal hair, such as hog or badger or other materials.
[0042] FIGS. 11, 12, 13, and 14 show examples of different comb options according to grooming tools according to the invention. FIGS. 11a-11f include images similar to that which have been described.
[0043] FIGS. 12a-12d show variations in the shape of the handle/body of the grooming tool, whereby the thickness increases from each end to the middle, and a variation of the attachments of the combs to the handle/body.
[0044] FIGS. 13a-13d show variations in the shape of the handle/body of the grooming tool and the relative position of the combs.
[0045] FIGS. 14a-14c show a variation in the manner in which combs move, that is, instead of pivoting in relation to the handle/body, the combs slide in relation to the sides, and the handle/body of the grooming tool has a circular shape.
[0046] The detailed description provided here enables any person skilled in the pertinent art of beard grooming tools to make and use the tool of the invention without the need for extensive experimentation. The design, materials, and functionality have been described in clear and concise terms to ensure complete understanding and implementation of the invention.
[0047] Further, at least because the invention is disclosed herein in a manner that enables one to make and use it, by virtue of the disclosure of particular exemplary embodiments, such as for simplicity or efficiency, for example, the invention can be practiced in the absence of any additional element or additional structure that is not specifically disclosed herein.
