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(11) | EP 2 862 474 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Phone case hair brush |
| (57) A combined hair brush and mobile phone case. In particular, an improved device that
is uniquely configured to allow a user to brush his/her hair and protect his/her mobile
phone. The phone case hair brush has a head portion, a handle portion, a plurality
of bristles extending from the front of the head portion, an outer rim on the back
of the head portion, and a hollow body defines by the outer rim for securely receiving
the mobile phone therein.
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[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application serial number 61/886,758 filed on October 4, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a brush. In particular, an improved device that combines a brush and a case, namely a case sized to allow a mobile phone to fit securely therein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Hair brushes and combs are commonly designed to untangle hair. It is ordinary for woman and men to carry a brush or comb with them to untangle or smooth out their hair throughout the day. Recently mobile telephones have become very popular. It is common for mobile telephone users to protect their mobile telephone by putting it in a case. Some prior art phone cases also improve the gripping of the mobile phone since most mobile phones have smooth surfaces that often slide off a user's hand. Secure gripping is more important when a user takes his/her own photograph with the phone. However, prior art phone cases have some limitations as they only serve limited purposes.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a unique mobile telephone case that provides secure gripping and incorporates a hair brush to eliminate the number of devices or tools that one carries around.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is a hair brush mobile phone case for gripping and protecting the phone and untangling hair.
[0006] The phone case hair brush of the present invention comprises a head portion and a handle portion. The head portion has a front, a back, a right side, a left side, a top side and a bottom side. The handle portion extends from the bottom side of the head portion. The front of the head portion has bristles. Extending from the back of the head portion is an outer rim which extends around the circumference of the head portion and defines a hollow body formed from the right, left, top and bottom sides. The outer rim is sized to correspond to the perimeter of a mobile phone. The hollow body is sized to correspond to the size and shape of and to receive a mobile phone.ln an alternate embodiment, the outer rim has a mirror adjacent the hollow body. In another alternate embodiment, no handle portion is required.
[0007] The hair brush phone case of the present invention not only advantageously combines a brush and a case, but also provides a convenient handle for secure gripping of the mobile phone, especially when a user takes his/her own photograph with a phone installed in the phone case.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been chosen for purposes of illustration and description and are shown in the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specification wherein:
Figure 1 is a front view of the hair brush case of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a back view of the hair brush case of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a back view of the hair brush case of the present invention with a phone installed in the case.
Figure 4 is a back view of the hair brush case of the present invention with a phone being installed in the case.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the hair brush case of the present invention.
Figure 6 is an alternate perspective view of the hair brush case of the present invention with the specific section enlarged.
Figure 7 is a right view of the hair brush case of the present invention with the specific section enlarged.
Figure 8 is a back view of a second embodiment of the hair brush case of the present invention with a phone installed in the case.
Figure 9 is a back view thereof without a phone in the case.
Figure 10 is a perspective view thereof with a phone installed in the case.
Figure 11 is a back view of a third embodiment of the hair brush case of the present invention with a phone installed in the case.
Figure 12 is a back view thereof without a phone installed in the case.
Figure 13 is a perspective view thereof with a phone installed in the case.
Figure 14 is a back view of the hair brush case of a fourth embodiment of the present invention with a phone installed in the case.
Figure 15 is a perspective view of an adaptor of the present invention without a phone installed in the adaptor.
Figure 16 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention having a mirror with a phone installed in the case.
Figure 17 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention with a phone installed in the case.
Figure 18 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the present invention with a phone installed in the case.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0009] With reference to the drawings, wherein the same reference number indicates the same element throughout, there is shown in Fig. 1 a front view of the hair brush case of the present invention. As shown in Figs. 1-7 the hair brush case 100 comprises a head portion 8 and a handle portion 10. The head portion 8 has a front, a back, a right side, a left side, a top side and a bottom side. The handle portion 10 extends from the bottom of the head portion 8. The front of the head portion 8 has a plurality of bristles 5. The back of the head portion 8 has an outer rim 25 which extends around the circumference of the head portion 10 and defines a hollow body 20 therein and formed from the left, right, top and bottom sides. The outer rim 25 is sized to correspond to the perimeter of a mobile phone 50. The hollow body 20 is sized and shaped to securely receive a mobile phone 50 therein. When a mobile phone 50 is installed in the hair brush case 100, the head portion 8 encases the mobile phone 50 while allowing usage of the mobile phone 50 and access to the screen of the mobile phone 50.
[0010] The top of the head portion 8 of the hair brush case 100 has a first aperture 30. The first aperture 30 is sized to allow a mobile phone 50 to slide therethrough as shown in Figure 4. When the mobile phone 50 is installed within the hair brush case 100, the top of the phone 55 is accessible through the first aperture 30. As shown in Figure 6, the bottom of the head portion 8 has a third aperture 35. A plurality of third apertures 35 may be provided on the bottom of the head portion 8, adjacent to one or both sides of the handle portion 8. The third aperture 35 allows any sound transmitted by the speaker (not shown) of the mobile phone 50 to be heard while a phone is installed in the hair brush case 100. The right side of the head portion 8 has a button access 40. The button access 40 is positioned to overlap the button, switch or other features (not shown) of the mobile phone 50 such as volume control, lock switch, etc. The button access 40 allows control of the button, switch or other features of the mobile phone 50 while the phone is installed in the hair brush case 100. In the preferred embodiment, the second aperture 40 is rectangular.
[0011] Optionally, the right side of the head portion 8 provides a separate volume access 45. The volume access 45 is positioned to overlap the volume buttons (not shown) of the mobile phone 50. The volume access 45 allows a user to adjust the volume of the mobile phone 50 while the phone is installed in the hair brush case 100. In the preferred embodiment the head portion of the hair brush case 100 is made from rubber, silicone or other similar flexible and stretchable materials. It is also contemplated that the hair brush case 100 be made from plastic.
[0012] Figures 8-10 show a second embodiment of the present invention. The hair brush case 200 comprises a head portion 108 and a handle portion 110. The head portion 108 has a front, a back, a right side, a left side, a top side and a bottom side. The handle portion 110 extends from the bottom of the head portion 108. The front of the head portion 108 has a plurality of bristles 105. The back of the head portion 108 has an outer rim 125 that extends around the perimeter of the head portion 108 and defines a hollow body 120 therein and formed from the left, right, top and bottom sides. The outer rim 125 is sized to correspond to the perimeter of a mobile phone 50. The hollow body 120 is sized and shaped to receive a mobile phone 50 therein. The head portion 108 including the outer rim 125 is constructed of rubber, silicone, or a similar material that is flexible and stretchable.
[0013] To install a mobile phone 50 within the hollow body 120, the outer rim 125 is pulled or stretched to allow the mobile phone 50 to fit therein and encase the mobile phone 50. The top of the head portion 108 may have a first aperture (not shown) for accessing various buttons, switches and ports, etc. of the mobile phone 50. When the mobile phone 50 is installed within the hair brush case 200, the top of the phone 55 may be accessible through the first aperture (not shown). The bottom of the head portion 108 may comprise a third aperture (not shown). A plurality of apertures around the outer rim 125 may be provided to allow for any sound transmitted by the speaker (not shown) of the mobile phone 50 to be heard while the phone is installed in the hair brush case 200.
[0014] The hair brush case 200 may have a second aperture (instead of the button access of Figure 7) on the right side of the head portion 108 to allow access to buttons, switches, or other features of the mobile phone 50 such as a media jack, volume control, etc. Optionally, the right side of the head portion 108 provides a separate volume access (or an aperture) to allow a user to adjust the volume of the mobile phone 50 while a phone is installed in the hair brush case 200. In the preferred embodiment, the hair brush case 200 is made from rubber, silicone, or other similar flexible and stretchable material. It is also contemplated that the hair brush case 200 be made from plastic.
[0015] Figures 11-13 show a third embodiment of the present invention without a handle of the previous embodiments. The hair brush case 300 comprises a head portion 208. The head portion 208 has a front, a back, a right side, a left side, a top side and a bottom. The front of the head portion 208 has a plurality of bristles 205. The back of the head portion 208 has an outer rim 225 that extends around the perimeter of the head portion 208 and defines a hollow body 220 therein and formed from the left, right, top and bottom sides. The outer rim 225 is sized to correspond to the perimeter of a mobile phone 50. The hollow body 220 is sized and shaped to receive a mobile phone 50 therein. The head portion 208 including the outer rim 225 is constructed of rubber, silicone or a similar material that is flexible and stretchable. To install a mobile phone 50 within the hollow body 220, the outer rim 225 is pulled or stretched to allow the mobile phone to fit therein and encase the mobile phone 50. The top of the head portion 208 may have a first aperture (not shown). When the mobile phone 50 is installed within the hair brush case 300 the top of the phone 50 may be accessible through the first aperture (not shown) for accessing various buttons, switches, ports, etc. of the mobile phone 50.
[0016] The right side of the head portion of the hair brush case 300 may have a second aperture (not shown) to allow access to features of the mobile phone 50 such as buttons, switches, jacks or ports of the mobile phone 50. The bottom of the head portion 208 may have a third aperture (not shown). A plurality of third apertures may be provided around the outer rim 225to allow any sound transmitted by the speaker (not shown) of the mobile phone 50 to be heard while a phone 50 is installed in the hair brush case 300. Optionally, the right side of the head portion 208 provides a separate volume access (or an aperture) to allow a user to adjust the volume of the mobile phone 50 while the phone is installed in the hair brush case 300. In the preferred embodiment, the hair brush case 300 is made from rubber, silicone or other similar flexible and stretchable material. It is also contemplated that the hair brush case 300 be made from plastic.
[0017] Figure 16 shows another phone case 400 of the present invention. Phone case 400 is similar to phone case 100 of Figures 1-7 except for a mirror 465 on the outer rim 425 and a plurality of fourth apertures 436 (in addition to third apertures 435) that face the back for transmitting sounds from the speaker of the mobile phone 50 installed in the hollow body 420. Mirror 465 is shown to be rectangular and along the left side of the outer rim 425 on the back of the head portion 408. However, the mirror 465 can also be positioned on the right side, top and/or bottom of the outer rim 425, or has different shapes. This embodiment advantageously eliminates another tool (a mirror) that a user needs to carry around by incorporating it on the phone case 400. Mirror 465 also advantageously facilitates taking a photograph of oneself by allowing a user to practice positioning the mobile phone 65 and to check the user's own look prior to actually taking the photos with the mobile phone 65.
[0018] Figure 17 shows another phone case 500 of the present invention. Phone case 500 is similar to phone case 100 of Figure 1-7 except the outer rim 525 is thinner than the outer rim 25 due to the larger hollow body 520 for accommodating a larger mobile phone 70. Further, the overall dimension of phone case 500 is larger than the phone case 100 to accommodate the larger phone 70.
[0019] Figure 18 shows another phone case 600 of the present invention. Phone case 600 is similar to phone case 500 of Figure 17 except for the dimension. The overall dimension of phone case 600 is larger than the phone case 500 to accommodate a larger phone 80.
[0020] The bristles 5, 105, 205 shown in the various embodiments may be made of nylon or plastic with an enlarged head. However, it is contemplated that the bristles 5, 105, and 205 can be made from boar hair, nylon composite, plastic, metal or a combination thereof. It is also contemplated that the bristles 5, 105, and 205 can have different shapes, sizes and lengths as known in the art.
[0021] The bristles 5, 105, 205 of the present invention may be shaped and sized in such a manner to allow each embodiment of the hair brush case to act as a stand where the hair brush case is held up and in place on a table or desk by the bristles 5, 105, 205.
[0022] The head portion 8, 108, 208 shown in the various embodiments are shown to be generally rectangular. It is also contemplated that the head portion 8, 108, 208 may have different shapes such as a circle, oval (as shown in Fig. 14), square, other non-geometric shapes etc. Although the head portion may have different shapes, the hollow body is shaped and sized to receive a mobile phone 50.
[0023] The handle portion 10, 110, 210 of the present invention shown in the various embodiments is generally rectangular, thin, long and narrow. It is contemplated that the handle portion 10, 110, 210 may have different shapes known in the art such as cylindrical, round, short, wide, with ridges, with curves, etc. to accommodate or allow gripping by a user. The handle portion of the various embodiments allows a user to have a secure gripping of the phone case while brushing one's hair, talking on the phone, taking photographs and otherwise using the phone.
[0024] Mobile phones 50 come in various versions, models, shapes and sizes. As shown in Figure 15, it is contemplated that an adaptor 60 may be used to allow various phones of different versions, models, shapes and sizes to be able to fit in the hair brush case 100, 200, 300. For example, if the hollow body is sized to encase an Apple® iPhone® 5, an adaptor 60 may be used to fit on an iPhone® 4 (which is shorter than an iPhone® 5) that would provide it with the same measurements as the Apple® iPhone® 5 and thereby allow it to fit within the hollow body 20 of the hair brush case of the present invention.
1. A device for a mobile phone, comprising:
a head portion having a front, a back, a right side, a left side, a top side and a bottom side;
a handle portion extending from the bottom of said head portion;
a plurality of bristles extending from the front of said head portion;
an outer rim on the back of the head portion forms from the left side, right side, top side and bottom side of the head portion; and
a hollow body defines by said outer rim adapted to securely receive the mobile phone therein.
2. The device of claim 1 further comprising at least one aperture on the right side,
left side, top side, or bottom side of the head portion.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein said aperture comprises a first aperture on the top
side of the head portion for slidably inserting the mobile phone into said hollow
body.
4. The device of claim 2 wherein said aperture comprises a third aperture on the bottom
side of the head portion for transmitting sound from the speaker of the mobile phone.
5. The device of claim 2 wherein said aperture comprises at least a second aperture for
accessing buttons or switches of the mobile phone.
6. The device of claim 2 where said aperture is rectangular.
7. The device of claim 1 further comprising at least one button access on the right side,
left side, top side, or bottom side of the head portion, that overlaps a button or
switch of the mobile phone to allow control of the button or switch of the mobile
phone.
8. The device of claim 1 further comprising at least one volume access on the right side,
left side, top side, or bottom side of the head portion, that overlaps a volume button
of the mobile phone to allow control of the volume button of the mobile phone.
9. The device of claim 1 wherein said head portion is made of a flexible and stretchable
material.
10. The device of claim 1 wherein said device is made of plastic.
11. The device of claim 1 further comprising a mirror on said outer rim.
12. The device of claim 1 wherein said mirror is on the left side of said outer rim.
13. The device of claim 2 wherein said aperture comprises a fourth aperture on the bottom
side of the head portion facing the back for transmitting sound from the speaker of
the mobile phone.
14. The device of claim 1 further comprises an adaptor being received in said hollow body,
wherein said adaptor is adapted to receive the mobile phone.
15. A device for a mobile phone, comprising:
a head portion having a front, a back, a right side, a left side, a top side and a bottom side;
a plurality of bristles extending from the front of said head portion;
an outer rim on the back of the head portion forms from the left side, right side, top side and bottom side of the head portion; and
a hollow body defines by said outer rim adapted to receive the mobile phone therein.
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description