Motorized Brush

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments are directed to a motorized brush. The brush includes a housing and a bristle assembly disposed at least partially within the housing. The bristle assembly includes a support frame, and a bristle belt capable of being actuated to rotate relative to the support frame in a motorized manner.

Claims

1. A motorized brush, comprising: a housing; and a bristle assembly disposed at least partially within the housing, wherein the bristle assembly includes: a support frame; and a bristle belt capable of being actuated to rotate relative to the support frame in a motorized manner.

2. The motorized brush of claim 1, wherein the housing defines a segmented structure including at least a first housing section and a second housing section movably or pivotally disposed relative to each other.

3. The motorized brush of claim 1, wherein the support frame defines a segmented structure including at least a first support frame section and a second support frame section movably or pivotally disposed relative to each other.

4. The motorized brush of claim 3, comprising springs coupling the first and second frame sections to each other.

5. The motorized brush of claim 3, wherein the segmented structure of the support frame allows for conformance of the bristle belt to a user's head.

6. The motorized brush of claim 1, wherein the support frame includes bearings in contact with an inner surface of the bristle belt, allowing the bristle belt to rotate relative to the support frame.

7. The motorized brush of claim 1, wherein the bristle belt includes opposing ends capable of being detached from each other, allowing the bristle belt to be removed from the support frame.

8. The motorized brush of claim 1, wherein the support frame is capable of being detached from the housing or pivoted out of the housing.

9. The motorized brush of claim 8, wherein the support frame includes a hinge at a first end and a locking mechanism at an opposing end.

10. The motorized brush of claim 9, wherein the hinge pivotally couples the support frame to the housing and the locking mechanism allows for selective disengagement and engagement of the support frame to the housing.

11. The motorized brush of claim 10, wherein during disengagement, the support frame is capable of being pivoted out of the housing.

12. The motorized brush of claim 1, comprising a user interface including an on/off actuator and a speed actuator for regulating rotation of the bristle belt relative to the support frame.

13. The motorized brush of claim 1, comprising a motor and a transfer wheel, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the transfer wheel and the transfer wheel is in contact with the bristle belt to rotate the bristle belt relative to the support frame.

14. The motorized brush of claim 1, comprising grip sections on surfaces of the housing, the grip sections providing a high friction surface for holding the housing.

15. The motorized brush of claim 1, comprising a handle extending from the housing.

16. The motorized brush of claim 1, wherein the housing seals electronic components for rotation of the bristle belt in a waterproof manner.

17. The motorized brush of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a depressible surface or actuator for on/off operation of the motorized brush.

18. A method of operating a motorized brush, the method comprising: actuating a bristle belt of a bristle assembly to rotate in a motorized manner relative to a support frame of the bristle assembly; wherein the bristle assembly is disposed at least partially within a housing.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the housing defines a segmented structure and the method comprises flexing the segmented structure of the housing to conform the bristle belt to a user's head.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the support frame defines a segmented structure and the method comprises flexing the segmented structure of the support frame to conform the bristle belt to a user's head.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] To assist those of skill in the art in making and using the disclosed motorized brush, reference is made to the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary motorized brush in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 1 including a bristle assembly in an open or extended position.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 1 including a bristle assembly in an open or extended position and with a bristle belt removed.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 1 including a bristle assembly in a closed or retracted position.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a top view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a rear view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a front view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a left side view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a right side view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a bristle belt of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a side view of a bristle belt of FIG. 11.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary motorized brush in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, including a flexible frame that allows the motorized brush to at least partially conform to an individual's head.

[0027] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 13.

[0028] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 13 including a bristle assembly in an open or extended position and with a bristle belt removed.

[0029] FIG. 16 is a bottom view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 13 with a bristle belt removed.

[0030] FIG. 17 is a top view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 13.

[0031] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 13.

[0032] FIG. 19 is a front view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 13.

[0033] FIG. 20 is a rear view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 13.

[0034] FIG. 21 is a right side view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 13.

[0035] FIG. 22 is a left side view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 13.

[0036] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an exemplary motorized brush in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, including a handle extending from a bristle assembly.

[0037] FIG. 24 is a perspective, partial view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 23 with a bristle belt and cover removed.

[0038] FIG. 25 is a top view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 23.

[0039] FIG. 26 is a bottom view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 23.

[0040] FIG. 27 is a front view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 23.

[0041] FIG. 28 is a bottom view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 23.

[0042] FIG. 29 is a left side view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 23.

[0043] FIG. 30 is a right side view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 23.

[0044] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an exemplary motorized brush in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, including a sealed motor assembly and a selectively depressible actuation button.

[0045] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 31 with a bristle belt removed.

[0046] FIG. 33 is a perspective, exploded view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 31.

[0047] FIG. 34 is a perspective, exploded view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 31.

[0048] FIG. 35 is a top view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 31.

[0049] FIG. 36 is a bottom view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 31.

[0050] FIG. 37 is a front view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 31.

[0051] FIG. 38 is a rear view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 31.

[0052] FIG. 39 is a left side view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 31.

[0053] FIG. 40 is a right side view of an exemplary motorized brush of FIG. 31.

[0054] FIG. 41 is a top view of an exemplary motorized brush in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, including a handle extending from a bristle assembly.

[0055] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a comb belt of an exemplary motorized brush in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, including small teeth.

[0056] FIG. 43 is a side view of a comb belt of FIG. 42.

[0057] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a comb belt of an exemplary motorized brush in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, including wide teeth.

[0058] FIG. 45 is a side view of a comb belt of FIG. 44.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] FIGS. 1-10 are perspective, top, bottom, front, rear, and side views of an exemplary motorized brush 100. As discussed herein, the brush 100 is handheld in size and includes a user interface for selectively operating rotation of a bristle belt of the brush 100. Although discussed herein as being used for humans, in some embodiments, the brush 100 can be used for brushing animals, e.g., dogs. In such embodiments, the brush 100 can be dimensioned greater to allow for brushing the animal. The user interface includes various features for customizing the speed of rotation, as well as the direction of rotation of the bristle belt. The brush 100 provides for a convenient means of brushing an individual's hair without repetitive hand motion, and allows for convenient cleaning of the bristle belt during and after use.

[0060] The brush 100 generally includes a housing 102 configured to enclose electronics for operation of the brush 100, and at least partially enclose a bristle assembly 104. In some embodiments, the housing 102, can be fabricated from, e.g., plastic, metal, or the like. The housing 102 can define a substantially rectangular configuration, including a top surface 106, an opposing bottom surface 108, a front surface 110, a rear surface 112, and opposing side surfaces 114, 116. In some embodiments, the side surfaces 114, 116 can include grip sections 118, 120 formed from a higher friction material than the housing 102, e.g., rubber, or the like, to allow for improved gripping of the brush 100 during use. The grip sections 118, 120 can help the user maintain a strong grip on the brush 100 and prevent slippage of the user's fingers.

[0061] The bottom surface 108 includes an opening 122 formed therein and extending into a hollow interior of the housing 102. The opening 122 allows for the bristle assembly 104 to be selectively pivoted out of the housing 102 for cleaning and/or maintenance. In some embodiments, at the side edges of the opening 122 and extending into the interim of the housing 102, the brush 100 can include cleaning features 124, 126 configured to engage with the bristles 128 of the bristle assembly 104 to clean hair or any other particles off of the bristles 128. The cleaning features 124, 126 can be in the form of spaced apart teeth, for example, that extend into the interior of the housing from the side edges of the opening 122. In some embodiments, the cleaning features 124, 126 can curve inwardly toward each other in a manner complementary to the curvature of the bristle assembly 104, thereby increasing the engagement time between the cleaning features 124, 126 and the bristles 128.

[0062] The bristle assembly 104 generally includes a bristle belt 130. (See, e.g., FIGS. 11 and 12). The bristle belt 130 includes a base support layer 132 formed from a flexible material, e.g., a woven material, a cloth material, a rubber material, combinations thereof, or the like. In some embodiments, the base support layer 132 can include multiple openings 134 formed in a top or outward facing surface such that the individual bristles 128 can be engaged with the openings 134 (and thereby engaged with the belt support layer 132). In some embodiments, other means of attachment or engagement of the bristles 128 with the support layer 132 can be used. Although some figures show the support layer 132 having long strips of empty areas without bristles 128, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, it should be understood that the bristles 128 cover the entire (or substantially entire) surface of the supper layer 132. The bottom surface of the support layer 132 defines a substantially flat or planar configuration.

[0063] In some embodiments, the bristle belt 130 can be secured in a non-removable manner to a support frame 136. In some embodiments, the bristle belt 130 can be removably secured to the support frame 136 such that the belt 130 can be removed from the brush 100 for cleaning and/or replacement. In such embodiments, one edge 138 of the support layer 132 can include a first engagement mechanism 140 along the top surface of the support layer 132, and the opposing edge 142 of the support layer 132 can include a second engagement mechanism 144 complementary to the first engagement mechanism 140 along the bottom surface of the support layer 132. In some embodiments, the engagement mechanisms 140, 144 can be, e.g., a hook and loop mechanism (such as VELCRO), snap buttons, heavy duty magnets, or the like. This arrangement allows for the belt 130 to be wrapped around the support frame 136 such that the opposing engagement mechanisms 140, 144 can be engaged with each other to tightly secure the belt 130 over the frame 136.

[0064] The support frame 136 generally defines a substantially triangular cross-section. However, in some embodiments, the frame 136 can define another cross-section configuration, such as rectangular, oval, circular, or the like. The frame 136 can include various steps and/or curvatures of the outer surface to accommodate components that allow the belt 130 to rotate and/or to provide clearance for the belt 130 to rotate around the frame 136. The frame 136 can be oriented such that the peak of the triangular shape defines the top surface of the frame 136, and the substantially flat surface opposing the peak defines the bottom surface of the frame 136.

[0065] At the peak of the frame 136 (e.g., at substantially the central section of the top surface), the frame 136 includes openings formed in the sides of the frame 136 to accommodate motors 146, 148 on either side of the frame 136. The motors 146, 148 can define a substantially cylindrical configuration, and are secured to the frame 136 such that their respective central longitudinal axes align. Each motor 146, 148 is positioned adjacent and drives rotation of a respective transfer wheel 150, 152. The transfer wheels 150, 152 define a diameter greater than the motors 146, 148 such that a portion of the transfer wheels 150, 152 extends above the peak of the frame 136 and defines the highest edge of the frame 136. The edge surface of the transfer wheels 150, 152 can include a high friction coating or material. During assembly, the transfer wheels 150, 152 contact the bottom surface of the bristle belt 130, and rotation of the transfer wheels 150, 152 with the motors 146, 148 drives rotation of the belt 130 about the frame 136. In some embodiments, rather than the transfer wheels 150, 152 having the high friction coating or material along their edge, the bottom surface of the belt 130 can be formed from a high friction material to allow for engagement with the transfer wheels 150, 152.

[0066] At the opposing edges 158, 160 aligned with the bottom surface of the frame 136, the frame 136 includes bearings 154 mounted on opposing ends of an axle 156. The bearings 154 define the outermost points of the edges 158, 160 of the frame 136, along with the edges of the transfer wheels 150, 152. These outermost points maintain the bottom surface of the belt 130 spaced from the frame 136 itself, providing clearance for rotation of the belt 130 when the transfer wheels 150, 152 are actuated to rotate.

[0067] One end of the frame 136 includes a hinge 162 movably or pivotally engaging the frame 136 with the housing 102 at the rear surface 112, which allows the bristle assembly 104 to be selectively (at least partially) pivoted out of the housing 102 for cleaning and/or maintenance. The opposing end of the frame 136 includes a locking mechanism which allows for the frame 136 to be selectively engaged and disengaged with an opposing end of the housing 102. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism can be in the form of an extension 166 protruding from the frame 136 side edge. A V-shaped flexible section 168 can extend downwardly from the extension 166. A tab or flange 170 can extend from the end of the flexible section 168 in a direction parallel to the extension 166. The flange 170 is configured and dimensioned complementary to a slot 172 formed in the front surface 110 of the housing 102 at or near the bottom edge. During use, the user can press on the flexible section 168 towards the frame 136 to depress the flexible section 168, which slides the flange 170 out of the slot 172 of the housing 102 and allows the bristle assembly 104 to be pivoted away from the housing 102. A similar process can be used to engage the flange 170 with the slot 172 when positioning the bristle assembly 104 in the closed or retracted position within the housing 102.

[0068] In some embodiments, the brush 100 can include a user interface for regulating operation of the brush 100. For example, one surface (e.g., the front surface 110) can include an actuator 174 (e.g., a button) for turning the brush 100 on and off. The actuator 174 can therefore be used to rotate the bristle belt 130 about the bristle assembly 104. In some embodiments, the user interface can include another actuator 176 which can be selectively pressed to regulate the speed of rotation of the bristle belt 130. The actuator 176 can therefore be used to selectively increase or decrease the speed of rotation depending on the preference of the user. In some embodiments, the user interface can include a graphical user interface 180 (e.g., an LED screen, or the like) configured to provide visual information to the user regarding operation of the brush 100, such as the speed of rotation, the battery life, or the like. For example, the brush 100 can include a rechargeable battery 182 within the housing 102, and a port can be used to connect the battery 182 to an electrical source for recharging the battery 182 to allow for operation of the brush 100. The brush 100 therefore provides a convenient, handheld, portable electronic brush.

[0069] FIGS. 13-22 are perspective, side, front, top and detailed views of an exemplary motorized brush 200. The brush 200 can be substantially similar to the brush 100, except for the distinctions noted herein. As such, the same reference numbers are used to refer to the same structures. Rather than a fixed housing 102, as discussed in greater detailed below, the housing 202 of the brush 200 includes a flexible frame that allows the brush 200 to at least partially conform to an individual's head, thereby providing an improved brushing operation.

[0070] The housing 202 defines a segmented design in the form of a central housing 204, a first side housing 206, and a second side housing 208. The housings 204, 206, 208 are pivotally coupled relative to each other to allow for flexing of the housing 202 and the bristle assembly 210 during use of the brush 200. Pivot points 212 connect the respective housing 204, 206, 208 sections to each other, allowing the housings 204, 206, 208 to pivot independently relative to each other. The housing 202 can include two pivot points 212 connecting each of the housings 204, 206, 208 to each other, e.g., one pivot point 212 on each side. In some embodiments, more than two pivot points 212 can be used per housing 204, 206, 208. The gaps between edges of the housings 204, 206, 208 provide clearance for pivoting, and simultaneously act as limits for how much the housing 204, 206, 208 sections can pivot.

[0071] Each housing 204, 206, 208 section includes a top surface and opposing side surfaces, with the side surfaces jointed together at the pivot points 212. The housing 204 defines a front surface 214 of the brush 200, and the housing 206 defines an opposing rear surface 216 of the brush 200. In some embodiments, the front surface 214 can include the user interface for actuation and operation of the brush 200. The rear surface 216 can include a port 218 for charging the rechargeable battery disposed within the housing 202. Each of the housing 204, 206, 208 sections can also define a bottom surface 220 of the brush 200. In some embodiments, the side surfaces of the central housing 206 can include grip sections 222, 224 for providing a stronger grip to the user when operating the brush 200.

[0072] Rather than a single structure, the support frame of the bristle assembly 210 includes multiple support frames 226 movably or pivotally coupled relative to each other. Although four support frames 226 are shown, in some embodiments, more or less than four support frames 226 can be used to provide flexibility of the brush 200. The support frames 226 are spaced from each other by gaps which provide for clearance of pivoting or movement. The respective support frames 226 are connected to each other at the facing surfaces by springs 228, 230. The ends of the springs 228, 230 can be inserted at least partially into openings in the facing surfaces of the support frames 226 to fixate the springs 228, 230 relative to the support frames 226, and the springs 228, 230 bridge the gap between the adjacent support frames 226. The springs 228, 230 provide flexibility which allows the support frames 226 to pivot relative to each other in both a flexing and twisting motion. The springs 228, 230 therefore allow the support frames 226 to confirm to the user's head. The flexibility of the bristle belt allows for the belt to also flex and conform to the user's head during flexure of the support frame.

[0073] At each of the four corners of the respective support frames 226, bearings 232 are rotatably mounted. The bearings 232 includes surfaces that extend beyond the plane of the support frames 226, allowing for unobstructed rotation of the bristle belt around the support frame assembly. The ends of the adjacently positioned bearings 232 maintain the gap between the support frames 226 to ensure flexibility of the support frame is maintained. The opposing ends of the support frame assembly (e.g., ends of the first and last support frames 226) include two fixation posts 234 extending therefrom.

[0074] The bottom surface 220 of the housing 202 includes slots or openings 236 formed on opposing sides, with a central post 238 extending therethrough. The central post 238 separates the openings 236 into two slots configured to receive therethrough the fixation posts 234 of the support frame assembly. In particular, the fixation posts 234 are configured to be pushed or press fit through the slots of the openings 236 to secure the support frame assembly to the housing 202. If removal of the support frame assembly from the housing 202 is needed for cleaning and/or maintenance, one or more of the fixation posts 234 can be removed from the openings 236. In some embodiments, removal of one of the fixation posts 234 on either side of the support frame assembly can allow the bristle assembly 210 to pivot partially out of the housing 202. Removal of both fixation posts 234 on both sides of the support frame assembly allows the entire bristle assembly 210 to be removed from the housing 202.

[0075] With reference to FIG. 14, operation of the bristle assembly 210 can be performed using motors 238 and transfer wheels 240 associated with each of the motors 238. The motors 238 can be electrically connected to the rechargeable battery inside of the housing 202. Actuation of the motors 238 via the user interface causes rotation of the transfer wheels 240 which are in contact with the bristle belt. Thus, rotation of the transfer wheels 240 results in rotation of the bristle belt about the support frame assembly. The bearings 232 allow for the bristle belt to rotate about the support frame assembly unobstructed to allow for convenient brushing of the user's hair.

[0076] FIGS. 23-30 are perspective, side, front, top and detailed views of an exemplary motorized brush 300. The brush 300 can be substantially similar to the brush 100, 200 except for the distinctions noted herein. As such, the same reference numbers are used to refer to the same structures. Rather than being gripped entirely by the user, the brush 300 defines a shape substantially similar to a traditional hairbrush, with a motorized bristle assembly 302 incorporated therein.

[0077] The brush 300 includes a substantially rectangular or square housing 304 including an opening configured to partially receive the bristle assembly 302. At least half of the bristle assembly 302 therefore extends from the housing 304, allowing the user to position the bristle assembly 302 against their head for brushing. An elongated handle 306 extends from the bottom edge of the housing 304, and provides a gripping structure for holding the brush 300 during use. In some embodiments, an actuator 308 can extend from a corresponding opening in the handle 306 and allows the user to regulate turning on and off of the brush 300. In some embodiments, the brush 300 can include additional actuators or buttons usable to selectively regulate the speed of rotation of the bristle belt. In some embodiments, an endpoint of the handle 306 can include a port 310 for charging a rechargeable battery disposed inside of the brush 300. In some embodiments, the opposing surface of the housing 304 can include a panel or door 312 capable of being opened to provide access to the interior of the housing 304.

[0078] The bristle assembly 302 includes a support frame 314 disposed within the interior space 316 of the housing 304 with components configured to rotate the bristle belt relative to the support frame 314. In some embodiments, the support frame 314 can define a substantially I-shaped configuration (or a Roman numeral II configuration) including top and bottom flanges 318, 320 connected by a central structure 322. The central structure 322 can include a slot configured to receive a motor 324. Around the central structure 322 and mounted to the flanges 318, 320, the assembly includes bearings 326 and transfer wheels 328 configured to transfer rotational motion to the bristle belt. The motor 324 actuates rotation of the transfer wheels 328 which, in turn, actuate rotation of the bristle belt. The handle 306 can include a rechargeable battery 330 and electronics 332 for the actuator 308. The brush 300 therefore provides the advantage of a motorized functionality, while also including a handle 306 for improved reach for the user.

[0079] FIGS. 31-40 are perspective, side, front, rear and detailed views of an exemplary motorized brush 400. The brush 400 can be substantially similar to the brush 100, 200, 300 except for the distinctions noted herein. As such, the same reference numbers are used to refer to the same structures. The brush 400 includes a housing 402 that encases all electronics associated with operation of the brush 400, ensuring the brush 400 is water resistant or water proof (e.g., allowing for the brush 400 to be used in a shower or similar environment). The bristle assembly 404 of the brush 400 cannot be removed or pivoted relative to the housing 402.

[0080] In some embodiments, the housing 402 can define a substantially circular or cylindrical configuration, although other configurations are envisioned. The housing 402 provides a sealed assembly of the electronic contents disposed therein. The top surface of the housing 402 can include a depressible surface 406 (e.g., a flexible or movable button) that allows for regulation of an on/off functionality of the brush 400. The opposing bottom edge or end of the housing 402 can include a narrowed collar 408 configured to seal around an inner assembly of components.

[0081] The bristle assembly 404 includes a support frame 410 including opposing end flanges 412. The support frame 410 can include multiple slots or gaps formed between the end flanges 412, with each of the slots or gaps configured to rotatably receive an elongated bearing 414. The bearings 414 can be mounted on axles 416, with the bearings 414 contacting the inner surface of the bristle belt, allowing the belt to rotate relative to the support frame 410. In some embodiments, three bearings 414 can be used and positioned in an offset manner relative to each other to provide support for the bristle belt. The bottom assembly includes side support flanges 418, 420 on opposing sides of the support frame 410. In some embodiments, mounting fasteners or posts 422 can couple the support frame 410 (and the bristle assembly 404) to the support flanges 418, 420.

[0082] The electronics for operation of the brush 400 can include an actuator button 424 disposed at the top of the electronics assembly and below the depressible surface 406. The electronics can include a printed circuit board (PCB) 426 and a rechargeable battery 428. The electronics can include one or more motors 430, 432 coupled to transfer wheels 434, 436 disposed on opposite sides of the brush 400. The transfer wheels 434, 436 can be in contact with opposing respective sides 438, 440 of the bristle belt, thereby transferring rotational motion to the bristle belt. The brush 400 therefore provides a convenient, handheld device that can be used in any environment, including exposure to moisture.

[0083] FIG. 41 is a top view of an exemplary motorized brush 500. The brush 500 can be substantially similar to brush 300, except for the distinctions noted here. As such, the same reference numbers are used to refer to the same structures. Rather than a single actuator 308 for turning on/off the brush 500, the brush 500 can include additional actuators 502, 504 on the elongated handle 306 for regulating the speed of operation of the brush 500. The actuators 502, 504 can therefore be used to selectively increase or decrease the speed at which the bristle belt of the bristle assembly 302 rotates.

[0084] FIGS. 42-43 are perspective and side views of an exemplary comb belt 600 including small teeth, and FIGS. 44-45 are perspective and side views of an exemplary comb belt 650 including wide teeth. In some embodiments, the comb belts 600, 650 can be used instead of the bristle belt (e.g., bristle belt 130 of FIGS. 11-12). In some embodiments, the bristle belt used with the motorized brush can be a combination of both the comb teeth (wide and/or small) and the bristles. In some embodiments, the bristle belt used can be a combination of wide and small comb teeth. In some embodiments, the bristle belt can include a flexible plastic or other material sewn in that functions as a smoothening tool for the user's hair after brushing occurs. In such embodiments, the bristle belt can both brush the hair and smoothen the hair afterwards.

[0085] In each instance, the comb belt 600, 650 includes a base support layer 602 with opposing edges 604, 606 that can be releasably engaged with each other to secure the comb belt 600, 650 to the structure of the underlying mechanism for rotation of the belt 600, 650. The engagement mechanism at the opposing edges 604, 606 can be, e.g., a hook and loop mechanism, snap buttons, heavy duty magnets, or the like. The support layer 602 can include adjacently disposed rows of keyed slots 608 (e.g., parallel slots) formed therein such that comb teeth supports 610 can be inserted therein and engaged with the support layer 602. For example, the keyed slots 608 can define a substantially I or T-shaped configuration, with the teeth supports 610 defining a complementary shape. The supports 610 can include openings that receive individual comb teeth. For example, the comb belt 600 can receive pairs of small teeth 612, 614 adjacently positioned to form the comb assembly. As another example, the comb belt 650 can receive pairs of wide teeth 616. Different sizes and/or widths of teeth can therefore be used with the motorized brushes discussed herein.

[0086] While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it is expressly noted that these embodiments should not be construed as limiting, but rather that additions and modifications to what is expressly described herein also are included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutations are not made express herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.