COMPACT PERSONAL GROOMING DEVICE

Abstract

A compact personal grooming device for holding a plurality of grooming articles is presented. The personal grooming device features first and second interlocking portions being compressed into a locking relationship thereby engaging the snap locking mechanisms into a locked configuration to secure a series of protruding pins therein. The device further features grooming articles with adhesive backings that are attachable to latch areas provided on the sidewalls of the first and the second interlocking portions.

Claims

1. A compact personal grooming device for holding a plurality of removable grooming articles having adhesive backings, the personal groom device further comprising, a first and a second interlocking portion; the first interlocking portion having a top, a bottom, sidewalls, a left side, and a right side having a flat inner complimentary edge having a width, a length, and a receiving compartment provided therein and wherein the receiving compartment having an inner marginal portion and an interior housing extending therefrom; the second interlocking portion having a top, a bottom, sidewalls, a right side, and a left side having a flat inner complimentary edge with an outer ledge having top and bottom portions and a width and a length corresponding to the width and the length of the receiving compartment of the first interlocking portion; the outer ledge of the second interlocking portion having a series of protruding pins on the inner complementary edge thereof and wherein the series of protruding pins are arranged in a parallel configuration for placement into the receiving compartment provided on the complementary edge of the first interlocking portion thereof; wherein the inner complimentary edge of the second interlocking portion slidably engages with the inner complimentary edge of the first interlocking portion and the first and the second interlocking portion are held in place by snap locking mechanisms wherein the second interlocking portion includes locking tabs centrally provided on the top and bottom portions of the outer ledge thereof for locking into centrally provided slots on the inner marginal position of the first interlocking portions, and wherein the snap locking mechanisms retain the first interlocking portion to the second interlocking portion at the inner marginal position of the receiving compartment thereof and wherein the locking tabs remain in a nestled position in the centrally provided slots thereof; wherein the sidewalls of the first and the second interlocking portions include latch areas positioned thereon and wherein each latch area is adapted to accept and secure at least one grooming article thereon and wherein the top and the bottom sides of the first and the second interlocking portion form a substantially continuous flat surface once the plurality of grooming articles are attached thereon; and wherein the compact grooming device having a length and a width equal to a standard credit card.

2. The compact personal grooming device of claim 1 wherein the compact personal grooming device is pushed into a locked compact position once the series of protruding pins of the second interlocking portion goes into sliding engagement with the receiving compartment of the first interlocking portion and the locking tabs of the second interlocking portion are pushed into the centrally provided slots of the first interlocking portion.

3. The compact personal grooming device of claim 1 wherein the second interlocking portion releasably retains the locking tabs in the centrally provided slots in the outer marginal position of the outer ledge of the first interlocking portion.

4. The compact personal grooming device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of removable grooming articles of the compact personal grooming device incudes at least one reflective material.

5. The compact personal grooming device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of removable articles of the compact personal grooming device incudes at least one abrasive material.

6. The compact personal grooming device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of removable articles of the compact personal grooming device includes at least one brush assembly.

7. The compact personal grooming device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of removable articles of the compact personal grooming device incudes at least one fabric cleaning material.

8. The compact personal grooming device of claim 1 wherein the series of protruding pins on the inner complementary edge of the first interlocking portion is a hair maintenance tool.

9. The compact personal grooming device of claim 1 wherein the series of protruding pins on the inner complementary edge of the first interlocking portion is accessed by pulling the first and the second interlocking portions towards each other.

10. The first and second interlocking portions of claim 1 wherein the sidewalls of the first and second interlocking portion receive at least one grooming article.

11. The second interlocking portion of claim 1 wherein the receiving compartment of the first interlocking portion is shaped to receive the series of protruding pins of the second interlocking portion.

12. The first interlocking portion of claim 1 wherein the receiving compartment of the first interlocking portion having a depth corresponding to the length of the series of protruding pins of the second interlocking portion.

13. A method of construction of a compact personal grooming device for holding a plurality of removable grooming articles having adhesive backings, the method of construction comprising the steps of: providing a first and a second interlocking portion; providing the first interlocking portion with a top, a bottom, sidewalls, a left side, and a right side having a flat inner complimentary edge with a width, a length, and a receiving compartment provided therein with an inner marginal portion and an interior housing extending therefrom; providing the second interlocking portion with a top, a bottom, sidewalls, a right side, and a left side having a flat inner complimentary edge with an outer ledge having top and bottom portions and a width and a length corresponding to the width and the length of the receiving compartment of the first interlocking portion; providing the outer ledge of the second interlocking portion with a series of protruding pins on the inner complementary edge thereof and arranging the series of protruding pins in a parallel configuration for placement into the receiving compartment provided on the complementary edge of the second interlocking portion thereof; slidably engaging the inner complimentary edge of the second interlocking portion with the inner complimentary edge of the first interlocking portion and holding the first and the second interlocking portion in place by a snap locking mechanisms wherein the second interlocking portion includes locking tabs centrally provided on the top and bottom portions of the outer ledge thereof for locking into centrally provided slots on the inner marginal portion of the first interlocking portions, and wherein the snap locking mechanisms retain the first interlocking portion to the second interlocking portion at the inner marginal position of the receiving compartment thereof and wherein the locking tabs remains in a nestled position in the centrally provided slots thereof; providing the sidewalls of the first and the second interlocking portions with latch areas positioned thereon and wherein each latch area accepts and secures an adhesive bottom portion of at least one grooming article thereon and wherein the top and the bottom sides of the first and the second interlocking portion form a substantially continuous flat surface once the plurality of grooming articles are attached thereon.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The present embodiments are illustrated by way of the figures of the accompanying drawings, which may not necessarily be to scale, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 shows the personal grooming device in an opened position;

[0020] FIG. 2 shows the personal grooming device with two grooming articles attached to the interlocking portions;

[0021] FIG. 3 depicts the personal grooming device in an exploded view and showing the modular assembly of the grooming articles;

[0022] FIG. 4 shows a removable grooming article in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the personal grooming device of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 5 shows the detached brush assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the personal grooming device of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 6 shows the receiving compartment in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the personal grooming device of the present invention; and

[0025] FIG. 7 shows the flat inner complimentary edge of the second interlocking portion in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the personal grooming device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following detailed description is a contemplated mode of carrying out a compact personal grooming device 10 and method of manufacture as described herein. Although the compact personal grooming device 10 and method of manufacture are explained in relation to an illustrated embodiment, it is understood that many possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0027] Therefore, the compact personal grooming device 10 is designed for use in a variety of settings, making it an essential tool for individuals seeking to organize and enhance their grooming routines. This innovative device can be utilized in residential environments for personal care, travel scenarios for convenience, and professional settings, such as salons and spas, where efficient organization of grooming articles 12 is paramount. The design accommodates a wide range of users, including busy professionals, travelers, and grooming enthusiasts who value both accessibility and aesthetics.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the device includes a flat body with interlocking portions 16, 18 so that the device as a whole can have an advantageous compact design with a credit card-sized platform wherein the overall dimensions of the device in its compact state are approximately equal to a standard credit card. Therefore, the grooming device 10 can have a length and width of about 85.6 mm by 54 mm (3.37 inches by 2.13 inches), and a thickness of approximately 3 to 5 mm. These dimensions are sufficient to accommodate the at least one series of protruding pins 76 within its interior housing 46 while maintaining a slim and portable profile suitable for easy storage and carrying in a wallet or pocket. For example and without limitations, the top 22 and bottom 24 sides of the interlocking portions 16, 18 are generally flat and would generally orient the grooming articles 12 as flattened elements on opposite sides. A compact design of the device is relevant for usage in situations where there is a significant lack of space, without compromising its efficiency and accessibility.

[0029] The various parts of the device 10 as provided herein can be constructed from materials that provide strength and resistance to withstand continued use. For example and without limitations, the device 10 can be constructed from durable materials such as high-quality plastic, aluminum, or the same to provide the strength and structural integrity as desired herein and to ensure that the device remains stable during use and when the grooming articles 12 are attached thereon.

[0030] The inventor envisions a user-friendly design which would provide users of all skill levels to easily use and adjust the grooming device 10 as needed. Each interlocking portion 16,18 includes latch areas 84 positioned on the top 22, 48 and bottom sides 24, 52 that are adapted to accept and secure various grooming articles 12. For example and without limitation, grooming articles 12 such as hairbrushes, nail files, mirrors, lint brushes, or other personal care items can be securely attached to the sidewalls 26, 54 of the interlocking 16, 18 portions. The resulting flat surface, once the grooming articles 12 are affixed, provides a visually appealing and functional setup that enhances the grooming experience.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the protruding pins 76 on the flat inner complementary edge 62 of the second interlocking portion 18 can function as comb teeth that are arranged such that the interlocking portions 16, 18 are parallel to one another, and the plurality of the comb teeth are provided so as to be lined up with the corresponding space in the inner complementary edges 34, 62 of the first and the second interlocking portions 16,18. This lining up of the interlocking portions 16,18 allows for an interlocking fit that would avoid a pullout of the series protruding pins 76 when the device 10 is not being used. Pulling or tugging with respect to the first and the second interlocking portions 16,18, thereby allows removal and usage of the protruding pins 76.

[0032] For example, and without limitations, FIGS. 1-4 show the compact personal grooming device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure for holding a plurality of grooming articles 12 having adhesive backings 14. The personal grooming device 10 further comprising a first and a second interlocking portion 16,18. The first interlocking portion 16 having a top 22, a bottom 24, sidewalls 26, a left side 28, and a right side 32 featuring a flat inner complimentary edge 34.

[0033] The flat inner complimentary edge 34 having a width 36, a length 38, and a receiving compartment 42 provided therein and wherein the receiving compartment 42 having an inner marginal position 44 and an interior housing extending therefrom. The second interlocking portion 18 having a top 48, a bottom 52, sidewalls 54, a right side 56, and a left side 58 having a flat inner complimentary edge 62 with an outer ledge 64 having top 66 and bottom portions 68 and a width 72 and a length 74 corresponding to the width 47 and the length 49 of the receiving compartment 42 of the first interlocking portion 16.

[0034] The outer ledge 64 of the second interlocking portion 18 having a series of protruding pins 76 on the inner complimentary edge 62 thereof and wherein the series of protruding pins 76 are arranged in a parallel configuration for placement into the receiving compartment 42 provided on the inner complimentary edge 34 of the first interlocking portion 16 thereof. The inner complimentary edge 62 of the second interlocking portion 18 slidably engage with the inner complimentary edge 34 of the first interlocking portion 16 and the first and the second interlocking portions 16,18 are held in place by a snap locking mechanisms wherein the second interlocking portion 18 includes locking tabs 78 centrally provided on the top 66 and bottom 68 portions of the outer ledge 64 thereof for locking into the centrally provided slots 82 on the inner marginal position 44 of the first interlocking portion 16. The snap locking mechanisms retain the first interlocking portion 16 to the second interlocking portion 18 at the inner marginal position 44 of the receiving compartment 42 thereof and the locking tabs 78 remain in a nestled position in the centrally provided slots 82.

[0035] The sidewalls 26, 54 of the first and the second interlocking portions 16,18 include latch areas 84 positioned thereon and each latch area 84 is adapted to accept and secure at least one grooming article 12 thereon.

Compact Configuration

[0036] The top 22, 48 and the bottom sides 24, 52 of the first and the second interlocking portions 16,18 form a substantially continuous flat surface once the plurality of grooming articles 12 are attached thereon. The device is in a compact state when the first and the second interlocking portions 16,18 are compressed in position towards each other wherein the series of locking tabs 78 are pushed into the interior housing 46 of the receiving compartment 42.

[0037] The grooming device is designed to transition into a compact portable state when the first and second interlocking portions 16,18 are brought together and compressed toward each other. In this state, the top 22, 48 and bottom sides 24, 52 of both interlocking portions 16, 18 align to form a substantially continuous and flat surface which provides a streamlined profile for easy storage and transport. During this process, the series of protruding pins 76 on the outer ledge 64 of the second interlocking portion 18 engage with the interior housing 46 within the receiving compartment 42 of the first interlocking portion 16. As the interlocking portions 16, 18 are pressed together, the series of protruding pins 76 slide smoothly into the interior housing 46. This applied pressure secures the opposing interlocking portions 16,18 in place. The locking tabs 78 of the second interlocking portion 18 then engage with the centrally provided slots 82 on the first interlocking portion 16. This engagement effectively locks the device 10 in its compact state and ensures that the device 10 remains securely closed during storage or travel. This further prevents accidental disassembly of the device 10 and helps maintains a neat and flat profile.

Unlocking the Grooming Device

(Accessing the Protruding Pins)

[0038] The series of protruding pins 76 on the inner complementary edge 34 of the first interlocking portion 16 are accessed by pulling being the first and the second interlocking portions 16,18 towards each other. In a preferred embodiment, the unlocking process begins by applying a gentle outward force to disengage the locking tabs 78 of the second interlocking portion 18 from the centrally provided slots 82 on the first interlocking portion 16. As the locking tabs 78 are pushed out of the slots 82, the second interlocking portion 18 is released from its locked position, allowing the user to slide or pivot the interlocking portions 16, 18 apart. This action results in the series of protruding pins 76 on the second interlocking portion 18 becoming accessible for use as a comb, grooming tool, or the same as desired by the user.

Grooming Articles

[0039] The first and second interlocking portions 16,18 receive at least one grooming article 12 as provided herein. The plurality of removable grooming articles 12 designed for use with the compact personal grooming device 10 includes a variety of functional materials tailored to different grooming needs. At least one of these articles 12 incorporates a reflective material, such as a mirror, polished metal surfaces, or reflective plastic components, enabling the user to perform facial grooming, makeup application, or other detailed cosmetic tasks. For instance, a polished metal surface or a reflective plastic panel can serve as a mirror, providing a clear reflective surface. Additionally, other reflective materials may be used to enhance reflection and durability.

[0040] Another grooming article 12 may feature an abrasive material, such as a nail file or a similar grooved surface intended for shaping and smoothing nails or rough areas of a user's skin. In accordance with the preferred embodiment provided herein, the compact grooming device also accommodates at least one set of brushes constructed from suitable brush materials, such as nylon bristles, natural fibers, or rubberized components, which are designed for grooming hair, eyebrows, or facial hair. In addition, the plurality of removable grooming articles 12 includes at least one fabric cleaning material, such as a lint brush or lint collection surface. This fabric cleaning material can be constructed from soft, fibrous textiles or specialized cleaning fabrics, to remove lint, dust, or debris from clothing or grooming surfaces. These diverse articles 12 are easily interchangeable and secured within the device's latch areas 84. This feature provides a versatile grooming system tailored to comprehensive personal care routines.

Comb

[0041] The series of protruding pins 76 on the inner complementary edge 34 of the first interlocking portion 16 is a hair maintenance tool. The receiving compartment 42 of first interlocking portion 16 is shaped to receive the series of protruding pins 76 of the second interlocking portion 18. The receiving compartment 42 of the first interlocking portion 16 features a depth corresponding to the length of the series of protruding pins 76 and wherein the series of protruding pins 76 are accessed by pulling the first and second interlocking portions 16, 18 away from each other and thereby unlocking the snap locking mechanism. The comb integrated into the first interlocking portion 16 of the device 10, featuring a series of protruding pins 76 arranged in a parallel configuration, functions as a standard hair maintenance tool. Users can utilize this tool as a comb by pulling or pushing the device to align the protruding pins 76 with the hair or grooming area. This would allow for a convenient detangling, smoothing, or styling of the hair in a manner similar to conventional combs.

[0042] The series of protruding pins 76 as provided herein are designed with appropriate spacing and length to effectively grip and separate hair strands without causing discomfort or snagging. When the device is in an open or unlocked state, the comb can be easily accessed and maneuvered across the scalp or hair surface. The design of the device 10, including the complimentary gripping zones 88 provided on both interlocking portions 16, 18 of the device 10, ensures that the user can hold and guide the comb by applying the necessary pressure to achieve the desired grooming results. Additionally, because the comb is integrated into a compact portable device 10, it allows for convenient on-the-go grooming. Therefore, the design features provided herein provide the functionality of a traditional comb while offering the benefits of a modular design that is easy to use and stored in an interlocking arrangement.

[0043] A number of illustrative embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the various embodiments presented herein. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.