HAIR BRUSH SYSTEMS

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to hair brush systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to novel hair brushes having detachable handles. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to novel systems for hair brush displays and sales.

No system exists that provides a zero-insertion-force and/or non-indexed attachment between a hair brush and a hair brush handle. Further, no system exists that provides a zero- removal-force attachment between a hair brush and a hair brush handle. Also, no system exists for making and selling custom kits of hairbrushes with removable handles for curling hair.

Therefore, a need exists for a system that provides a zero-insertion-force, non-indexed attachment between a hair brush and a hair brush handle. Further, a need exists for a system that provides a zero-removal-force attachment between a hair brush and a hair brush handle. Also, a need exists for a system for making and selling custom kits of hairbrushes with removable handles for curling hair.

OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION

A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide hair brush systems.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system having a zero-insertion-force, non-indexed attachment between a hair brush and a hair brush handle. It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system having a zero-removal-force attachment between a hair brush and a hair brush handle. It is another further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system having a rod-and-ratchet attachment between the hairbrushes and the hairbrush handles.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system comprising a method for making and selling custom kits of hairbrushes with removable handles for curling hair. It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system comprising a method of providing clients with custom hairbrush kits adapted to the customer's personal hairstyle.

A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and handy. Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a hair brush system, comprising: brush means for brushing hair; handle means for handling such brush means; ratchet connector means for securely ratchet-connecting such brush means to such handle means; and ratchet releaser means for releasing such ratchet connector means.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a hair brush system, comprising: at least one brush adapted to brush hair; at least one handle adapted to handle such at least one brush; at least one ratchet connector adapted to securely ratchet-connect such at least one brush to such at least one handle; and at least one ratchet releaser adapted to release such at least one ratchet connector.

Moreover, it provides such a hair brush system, wherein such at least one ratchet connector comprises at least one spring-biaser adapted to spring-bias such at least one ratchet connector in at least one gripping configuration. Additionally, it provides such a hair brush system, wherein such at least one ratchet releaser comprises at least one spring-bias releaser adapted to release such at least one spring-biaser. Also, it provides such a hair brush system, further comprising at least one spin-resister adapted to resist such at least one brush spinning on such at least one handle. In addition, it provides such a hair brush system, wherein such at least one brush comprises at least one curler adapted to curl hair.

And, it provides such a hair brush system, further comprising at least one container adapted to contain such at least one brush. Further, it provides such a hair brush system, wherein such at least one container comprises at least one tray. Even further, it provides such a hair brush system, wherein such at least one brush comprises at least one container connector adapted to connect such at least one brush to such at least one container. Moreover, it provides such a hair brush system, wherein such at least one brush is substantially cylindrical.

Additionally, it provides such a hair brush system, wherein such at least one ratchet connector comprises: at least one rod; at least one clamp structured and arranged to clamp upon such at least one rod; and at least one spring structured and arranged to hold such at least one clamp clamped upon such at least one rod. Also, it provides such a hair brush system, wherein such at least one ratchet releaser comprises at least one rotator structured and arranged to rotate such at least one clamp wherein such at least one clamp is undamped from such at least one rod. In addition, it provides such a hair brush system, wherein such at least one rod comprises at least one catch structured and arranged to prevent such at least one rod

from being pulled longitudinally out of such at least one clamp when such at least one clamp is clamped upon such at least one rod.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a hair brush kit, comprising: a plurality of brushes adapted to brush hair; at least one handle adapted to handle such plurality of brushes wherein such at least one handle comprises at least one ratchet connector adapted to securely ratchet-connect such plurality of brushes to such at least one handle; and at least one ratchet releaser adapted to release such at least one ratchet connector; and at least one container adapted to contain such plurality of brushes and such at least one handle.

And, it provides such a hair brush kit, further comprising at least one rotation preventer structured and arranged to prevent axial rotation between such at least one handle and at least one of such plurality of brushes when such at least one of such plurality of brushes is connected to such at least one handle. Further, it provides such a hair brush kit, wherein each of such plurality of brushes comprises at least one container connector adapted to connect each of such plurality of brushes to such at least one container.

Even further, it provides such a hair brush kit, wherein such at least one container comprises a plurality of holes; and wherein such at least one container connector comprises at least one peg adapted to fit connectively into at least one of such plurality of holes. Moreover, it provides such a hair brush kit, wherein such plurality of brushes comprises at least one brush comprising at least one first diameter and at least one brush comprising at least one second diameter. Additionally, it provides such a hair brush point-of-sale display, wherein such alo container comprises at least one tray. Also, it provides such a hair brush point-of-sale display, wherein a plurality of such at least one trays are structured and arranged to interlock with each other.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a hair brush point-of-sale display, comprising: a plurality of brushes adapted to brush hair; a plurality of handles each adapted to removably connect to such plurality of brushes; and a plurality of containers each adapted to contain a portion of such plurality of brushes and a portion of such plurality of handles.

In addition, it provides such a hair brush point-of-sale display, wherein each of such plurality of brushes comprises at least one container connector adapted to connect each of such plurality of brushes to at least one of such plurality of containers. And, it provides such a hair brush point-of-sale display, wherein such plurality of containers comprises a plurality

of trays. Further, it provides such a hair brush point-of-sale display, wherein such plurality of trays are structured and arranged to interlock with each other. Even further, it provides such a hair brush point-of-sale display, wherein such plurality of containers each comprise a plurality of holes; and wherein such at least one container connector comprises at least one peg adapted to fit connectively into at least one of such plurality of holes. Even further, it provides such a hair brush point-of-sale display, wherein such plurality of brushes comprises at least one brush comprising at least one first diameter and at least one brush comprising at least one second diameter.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a hair brush sales method, comprising the steps of: styling at least one customer's hair into at least one hairstyle using a plurality of brushes having detachable handles; identifying the types of brushes having detachable handles used to style such at least one customer' s hair; selecting new brushes of the same types as the brushes used to style such at least one customer's hair; and selling such new brushes to such at least one customer.

Even further, it provides such a hair brush sales method, further comprising the steps of selecting at least one detachable handle adapted to handle such new brushes and selling such at least one detachable handle to such at least one customer. Even further, it provides such a hair brush sales method, further comprising the step of selling at least one container for such new brushes to such at least one customer. Even further, it provides such a hair brush sales method, further comprising the step of compiling at least one kit comprising such new brushes, at least one detachable handle, and at least one container and selling such at least one kit to such at least one customer. Even further, it provides such a hair brush sales method, further comprising the step of inserting at least one portion of such new brushes into holes in such at least one container for storage.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a hair brush system, comprising: at least one brush adapted to brush hair; at least one handle structured and arranged to handle such at least one brush; wherein such at least one handle is attachable to and detachable from such at least one brush; and at least one container adapted to contain such at least one brush and such at least one handle; wherein such at least one container comprises a plurality of holes; wherein such at least one brush is structured and arranged to fit connectively into at least one of such plurality of holes; and wherein such at least one handle is structured and arranged to fit connectively into at least one of such

plurality of holes. Even further, it provides such a hair brush system, wherein such at least one container comprises at least one tray.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front view illustrating a hair brush according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a front view illustrating the hair brush according to FIG. 1 disassembled into a handle and a brush.

FIG. 3 shows a side view illustrating the attachment mechanism of the hair brush according to FIG. 1 during handle insertion.

FIG. 4 shows a side view illustrating the attachment mechanism of the hair brush according to FIG. 1 during use.

FIG. 5 shows a side view illustrating the attachment mechanism of the hair brush according to FIG. 1 during handle removal.

FIG. 6 shows a front view illustrating a set of brushes according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows a front view illustrating the components of a kit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a top view illustrating the kit according to FIG. 7 fully assembled.

FIG. 9 shows a front view illustrating a point-of-sale display according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a block diagram illustrating a method according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows a front view illustrating another hair brush according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows a front view illustrating the hair brush according to FIG. 11 disassembled into a handle and a brush.

FIG. 13 shows an exploded perspective view illustrating the brush according to FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 shows a top view illustrating the brush according to FIG. 11 without bristles.

FIG. 15 shows a bottom view illustrating the brush according to FIG. 11 without bristles.

FIG. 16 shows an exploded perspective view illustrating the handle according to FIG. 11.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view illustrating the handle cap according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view illustrating the ratchet actuator according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 shows a top view illustrating a storage tray according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 shows a front view illustrating the storage tray according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 shows a top view illustrating a plurality of storage trays according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 19 in an interlocking array.

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view illustrating another kit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a front view illustrating hair brush 105 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, hair brush system 100 comprises hairbrush 105, as shown. Preferably, hairbrush 105 comprises brush 110 and handle 130, as shown. Preferably, handle 130 is detachable from brush 110, as shown in FIG. 2. Preferably, hairbrushes 105 are used to style hair by placing brushes 110 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one brush comprises at least one curler adapted to curl hair) in the hair as curlers, preferably while blow-drying the hair. Preferably, multiple brushes 110 of varying diameters are used in order to create unique hairstyles.

Preferably, brush 110 comprises bristles 118, as shown. Preferably, brush 110 comprises brush-head 119, as shown. Preferably, brush 110 comprises end 111 and end 112, as shown. Preferably, bristles 118 comprise nylon bristles. Preferably, brush-head 119 comprises at least one ceramic heat-retaining coating. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, intended hairstyle, manufacturing costs, etc., other types of brushes, such as flat brushes, spherical brushes, oval brushes, combs, curlers without bristles, other types of bristles, etc., may suffice.

Preferably, brush 110 comprises connector 114 on end 111, as shown. Preferably, connector 114 comprises peg 116, as shown. Preferably, peg 116 comprises metal.

Preferably, connector 114 removably attaches brush 110 to container 700, as shown in FIG. 8. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other connectors, such as slots, clips, fittings, other peg shapes, other peg materials, magnets, etc., may suffice.

FIG. 2 shows a front view illustrating hairbrush 105 according to FIG. 1 disassembled into handle 130 and brush 110. Preferably, handle 130 comprises attacher 230, as shown. Preferably, attacher 230 comprises ratchet 232, as shown in FIG. 3. Preferably, ratchet 232 comprises ratchet actuator 234, as shown. Preferably, ratchet actuator 234 actuates ratchet 232 between at least one locked position and at least one unlocked position, as shown in FIGS. 3-5. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other handle components, such as a means for heating the brush, a means for blowing air into the brush, a means for applying styling products to the brush, etc., may suffice.

Preferably, brush 110 comprises attacher 210 on end 112, as shown. Preferably, attacher 120 comprises rod 122, as shown. Preferably, attacher 120 comprises rod support 121, as shown. Preferably, rod 122 comprises metal. Preferably, attacher 210 attaches to attacher 230, as shown in FIG. 4. Preferably, ratchet 232 attaches to rod 122, as shown in FIG. 4. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, manufacturing considerations, intended use, etc., other attacher s, such as hook and loop fasteners, magnets, other clamps, friction fittings, other rotationally indexed connectors, other types of actuators, etc., may suffice.

FIG. 3 shows a side view illustrating attacher 230 of hairbrush 105 according to FIG. 1 during handle 130 insertion. Preferably, attacher 210 and attacher 230 together comprise attacher 300 (at least embodying herein at least one ratchet connector adapted to securely ratchet-connect such at least one brush to such at least one handle), as shown. Preferably, ratchet 232 comprises clamp 310, lever 312, fulcrum 314, spring 316, and ratchet actuator 234, as shown. Preferably, fulcrum 314 holds clamp 310 and lever 312 while permitting clamp 310 and lever 312 to rotate about fulcrum 314, as shown. Preferably, clamp 310 and lever 312 comprise one continuous piece of metal bent about fulcrum 314, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now

understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, ease of manufacturing, etc., other ratchet mechanisms, clamping mechanisms, etc., may suffice.

Preferably, clamp 310 comprises aperture 311, as shown. Preferably, clamp 310 (at least embodying herein at least one clamp structured and arranged to clamp upon such at least one rod) is slightly wider than aperture 311, as shown. Preferably, clamp 310 is about one- eighths inch thick. Preferably, aperture 311 is sized and shaped to fit over rod 122, as shown. Preferably, rod 122 is about one-eighths inch in diameter. Preferably, aperture 311 is slightly larger that one-eighths inch in diameter. Preferably, aperture 311 fits over rod 122 at any angle of rotation about axis 330. Preferably, rod 122 is substantially circular, as shown in FIG. 8. Preferably, aperture 311 is substantially circular. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other arrangements, such as the aperture comprising a slot, the aperture comprising a hole placed longitudinally into the end of a lever, the rod and aperture being rotationally indexed, other rod diameters, other aperture diameters, etc., may suffice.

Preferably, when ratchet actuator 234 is compressed, ratchet 232 is moved into an unlocked position where aperture 311, as shown. Preferably, when ratchet actuator 234 (at least embodying herein at least one ratchet releaser adapted to release such at least one ratchet connector) is compressed, aperture 311 is moved into an alignment approximately perpendicular to rod 122, whereby rod 122 is insertable into aperture 311 without binding, as shown. Preferably, when ratchet actuator 234 is compressed, rod 122 is insertable into aperture 311 without applying substantially any pressing force to rod 122, as shown. This technique is useful for quickly attaching brush 110 to handle 130 when brush 110 is in a customer's hair, because handle 130 can be attached to brush 110 without the necessity of the stylist holding brush 110 in his or her other hand.

Preferably, at the stylist's choice, rod 122 may be pressed into aperture 311 without the stylist compressing ratchet actuator 234, as shown. This technique is useful for quickly attaching brush 110 to handle 130 prior to use in a customer's hair.

FIG. 4 shows a side view illustrating attacher 210 of hairbrush 105 according to FIG. 1 during use. Preferably, when ratchet actuator 234 is released, ratchet 232 is moved into the locked position, as shown. Preferably, when ratchet actuator 234 is released, spring 316 (at least embodying herein at least one spring structured and arranged to hold such at least one

clamp clamped upon such at least one rod) moves aperture 311 over rod 122 (by moving lever 312 and clamp 310), as shown, and applies clamping pressure whereby rod 122 is securely held by aperture 311. Preferably, spring 316 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one ratchet connector comprises at least one spring-biaser adapted to spring-bias such at least one ratchet connector in at least one gripping configuration) comprises a metal coil spring.

Preferably, spring 316 (at least embodying herein at least one spin-resister adapted to resist such at least one brush spinning on such at least one handle) provides sufficient clamping pressure that aperture 311 resists rotating about rod 122 as hair brush 105 is used. Preferably, rod 122 and/or the interior wall of aperture 311 comprise at least one slip-resistant texture. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other means of preventing brush rotation, such as indexing, sloping the walls of the aperture to provide greater contact area between the aperture and the rod, applying a non-slip coating to the rod, applying a non-slip coating to the aperture, etc., may suffice.

FIG. 5 shows a side view illustrating attacher 210 of hairbrush 105 according to FIG. 1 during handle 130 removal. Preferably, when ratchet actuator 234 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one ratchet releaser comprises at least one rotator structured and arranged to rotate such at least one clamp wherein such at least one clamp is undamped from such at least one rod) is compressed, ratchet 232 is moved into the unlocked position, as shown. Preferably, when ratchet actuator 234 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one ratchet releaser comprises at least one spring-bias releaser adapted to release such at least one spring-biaser) is compressed (simultaneously compressing spring 316), aperture 311 is moved into an alignment approximately perpendicular to rod 122, as shown, whereby rod 122 is removable from aperture 311 without binding. Preferably, when ratchet actuator 234 is compressed, rod 122 (at least embodying herein at least one rod) is removable from aperture 311 without applying substantially any pulling force to rod 122. This technique is useful for quickly removing brush 110 from handle 130 when brush 110 is in a customer's hair, because handle 130 can be removed from brush 110 without the necessity of the stylist holding brush 110 in his or her other hand.

FIG. 6 shows a front view illustrating a set of brushes 110 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. Preferably, brushes 110 comprise multiple sizes, as shown.

Preferably, brushes 110 comprise smallest brush 610 and largest brush 616, as shown. Preferably, brushes 110 comprise medium brush 612, as shown. Preferably, brushes 110 comprise small brush 614, as shown.

Preferably, brushes 110 are about seven inches long. More preferably, the portion of brush 110 comprising bristles 118 is about four inches long. Preferably, largest brush 616 is about two and one half inches in diameter. Preferably, smallest brush 610 is about one inch in diameter. Preferably, brushes 110 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one brush is substantially cylindrical) are substantially cylindrical for use as curlers, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other brush sizes, shapes, bristles, combinations of sizes in a set, etc., may suffice.

FIG. 7 shows a front view illustrating the components of kit 700 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, hair brush system 100 comprises kit 700, as shown. Preferably, kit 700 comprises a plurality of brushes 110 (at least embodying herein at least one brush adapted to brush hair), at least one handle 130 (at least embodying herein at least one handle adapted to handle such at least one brush), and at least one container 710, as shown. Preferably, all handles 130 attach to all brushes 110 in the same kit 700. Preferably, container 710 (at least embodying herein at least one container adapted to contain such at least one brush) is adapted to hold brushes 110 (at least embodying herein wherein such plurality of brushes comprises at least one brush comprising at least one first diameter and at least one brush comprising at least one second diameter) in a plurality of sizes and at least one handle 130, as shown. More preferably, container 710 is a closable container adapted to contain brushes 110 and handle 130, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other kit components, such as user instructions, brush placement diagrams, replacement parts, hair-styling products, other hair-styling tools, brushes that selectively connect to one handle in the kit but not to another handle in the kit, etc., may suffice.

FIG. 8 shows a top view illustrating kit 700 according to FIG. 7 fully assembled. Preferably, container 710 comprises interior 812, as shown. Preferably, interior 812 comprises holes 814, as shown. Preferably, holes 814 are adapted to friction-fit onto peg 116 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one brush comprises at least one container

connector adapted to connect such at least one brush to such at least one container). Preferably, pegs 116 are inserted into holes 814 in order to conveniently hold brushes 110 in container 710.

Preferably, container 710 comprises slot 820, as shown. Preferably, slot 820 is adapted to friction-fit handle 130. Preferably, handle 130 is inserted into slot 820 for storage. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other storage arrangements, such as a stand, a bag, etc., may suffice.

FIG. 9 shows a front view illustrating point-of-sale display 900 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, hair brush system 100 comprises display 900, as shown. Preferably, a plurality of brushes 110, a plurality of handles 130, and a plurality of containers 710 are provided to consumers in display 900, as shown. Preferably, all handles 130 attach to all brushes 110 in display 900. Preferably, display 900 further comprises display stand 901, as shown. Preferably, display stand 901 is adapted to hold at least such plurality of brushes 110 and such plurality of handles 130 in a consumer-accessible arrangement. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other display components, such as styling guides, styling products, other styling tools, etc., may suffice.

Preferably, consumers select one or more brushes 110, one or more handles 130, and (preferably one) container 710 from display 900, according to type of hairstyle they wish to create. Preferably, consumers create one or more kits 700 from the components of display 900.

FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of method 1000 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, hair brush system 100 comprises method 1000, as shown. Preferably, method 1000 comprises the steps of: styling (step 1010) at least one customer's hair into at least one hairstyle using a plurality of brushes 110 having detachable handles 130; identifying (step 1020) the types of brushes 110 having detachable handles 130 used to style such at least one customer's hair; selecting (step 1030) new brushes 110 of the same types as the brushes 110 used to style such at least one customer's hair; and selling (step 1040) such new brushes 110 to such at least one customer, as shown (at least embodying herein the step of styling at least one customer's hair into at least one hairstyle

using a plurality of brushes having detachable handles; and at least embodying herein the step of identifying the types of brushes having detachable handles used to style such at least one customer's hair; at least embodying herein the step of selecting new brushes of the same types as the brushes used to style such at least one customer's hair; at least embodying herein the step of selling such new brushes to such at least one customer).

Preferably, method 1000 further comprises the step of selecting (step 1050) at least one detachable handle 130 adapted to handle such new brushes 110 and selling (step 1060) such at least one detachable handle 130 to such at least one customer, as shown (at least embodying herein the step of selecting at least one detachable handle adapted to handle such new brushes and selling such at least one detachable handle to such at least one customer). Preferably, method 1000 further comprises the step of selling (step 1070) at least one container 710 for such new brushes 110 to such at least one customer, as shown (at least embodying herein the step of selling at least one container for such new brushes to such at least one customer).

Preferably, method 1000 further comprises the step of compiling (step 1080) at least one kit 700 comprising such new brushes 110 (at least embodying herein a plurality of brushes adapted to brush hair), at least one detachable handle 130 (at least embodying herein a plurality of handles each adapted to removably connect to such plurality of brushes), and at least one container 710 (at least embodying herein a plurality of containers each adapted to contain a portion of such plurality of brushes and a portion of such plurality of handles) and selling (step 1090) such kit 700 to such at least one customer, as shown (at least embodying herein the step of compiling at least one kit comprising such new brushes, at least one detachable handle, and at least one container and selling such at least one kit to such at least one customer). Preferably, method 1000 assists a hairstylist to create a custom hairstyle for a customer and then provide a custom kit 700 to the customer to enable the customer to recreate the custom hairstyle at home. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, intended use, changes in hairstyles, etc., other steps, such as adding new brushes to an existing kit, adding new handles to an existing kit, etc., may suffice.

FIG. 11 shows a front view illustrating another hair brush 1105 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, hair brush system 100 comprises hair brush 1105, as shown. Preferably, hairbrush 1105 is a modification of hairbrush 105, as

shown. Preferably, hairbrush 1105 comprises brush 1110 and handle 1130, as shown. Preferably, handle 1130 is detachable from brush 1110, as shown in FIG. 12.

Preferably, brush 1110 comprises bristles 1118, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 22. Bristles 1118 are not shown in the present figure for clarity. Preferably, brush 1110 comprises brush-head 1119, as shown. Preferably, brush 1110 comprises top end 1111 and bottom end 1112, as shown. Preferably, brush-head 1119 comprises at least one ceramic heat-retaining coating. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, intended hairstyle, manufacturing costs, etc., other types of brushes, such as flat brushes, spherical brushes, oval brushes, combs, curlers without bristles, other types of bristles, etc., may suffice.

Preferably, brush 1110 comprises connector 1114 on top end 1111, as shown. Preferably, connector 1114 comprises peg 1116, as shown. Preferably, top end 1111 and peg 1116 comprise plastic. Preferably, connector 1114 (at least embodying herein wherein each of such plurality of brushes comprises at least one container connector adapted to connect each of such plurality of brushes to such at least one container) removably attaches brush 1110 to container 1900, as shown in FIG. 22. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other connectors, such as slots, clips, fittings, other peg shapes, other materials, magnets, etc., may suffice.

FIG. 12 shows a front view illustrating hair brush 1105 according to FIG. 11 disassembled into handle 1130 and brush 1110. Preferably, handle 1130 comprises attacher 1230, as shown. Preferably, attacher 1230 comprises ratchet 1232, as shown in FIG. 16. Preferably, ratchet 1232 comprises ratchet actuator 1234, as shown. Preferably, ratchet actuator 1234 actuates ratchet 1232 between at least one locked position and at least one unlocked position, substantially as shown in FIGS. 3-5. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other handle components, such as a means for heating the brush, a means for blowing air into the brush, a means for applying styling products to the brush, etc., may suffice.

Preferably, brush 1110 comprises attacher 1210 on bottom end 1112, as shown. Preferably, attacher 1120 comprises rod 1122, as shown. Preferably, rod 1122 comprises

metal. Preferably, attacher 1210 attaches to attacher 1230, substantially as shown in FIG. 4. Preferably, ratchet 1232 attaches to rod 1122, substantially as shown in FIG. 4. Preferably, rod 1122 comprises catch 1233, as shown. Preferably, catch 1233 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one rod comprises at least one catch structured and arranged to prevent such at least one rod from being pulled longitudinally out of such at least one clamp when such at least one clamp is clamped upon such at least one rod) helps to prevent rod 1122 from being pulled longitudinally out of ratchet 1232 while ratchet 1232 is clamped upon rod 1122. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, manufacturing considerations, intended use, etc., other attachers, such as hook and loop fasteners, magnets, other clamps, friction fittings, other rotationally indexed connectors, other types of actuators, etc., may suffice.

Preferably, brush 1110 comprises indexer 1140, as shown. Preferably, indexer 1140 is molded in one piece with bottom end 1112, as shown. Preferably, indexer 1140 comprises at least one cylinder having a non-circular cross-section, as shown. Preferably, indexer 1140 is located adjacent rod 1122, as shown. Preferably, indexer 1140 (at least embodying herein at least one rotation preventer structured and arranged to prevent axial rotation between such at least one handle and at least one of such plurality of brushes when such at least one of such plurality of brushes is connected to such at least one handle) fits into matching indexer socket 1150 (as shown in FIG. 16) on handle cap 1152 thereby preventing axial rotation of brush 1110 on handle 1130. Preferably, indexer 1140 comprises a hexagonal cross-section, as shown in FIG. 15. Indexer 1140 requires brush 1110 and handle 1130 to be properly rotationally aligned with each other in order for handle 1130 to be attached to brush 1110. The preferred hexagonal cross section of indexer 1140 permits the user to rotationally align handle 1130 to a stationary brush 1110 with a small twist of the user's wrist in either rotational direction. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other indexer cross-sections, such as octagonal, heptagonal, square, rectangular, oval, etc., may suffice.

FIG. 13 shows an exploded perspective view illustrating brush 1110 according to FIG. 11. Preferably, brush 1110 comprises top end 1111, top connector ring 1312, bristles 1118, brush-head 1119, bottom connector ring 1320, label 1325, bottom end 1112, and rod 1122, as shown.

Preferably, bristles 1118 (shown here simplified as a cylinder) are connected to wire 1115, as shown. Preferably, wire 1115 with bristles 1118 is placed inside brush-head 1119 and is secured in place between top end 1111 and bottom end 1112. Preferably, bristles 1118 extend through apertures 1117 in brush-head 1119, as shown in FIG. 22. Preferably, bristles 1118 comprise nylon bristles. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other brush construction, such as bristles affixed to the exterior of the brush-head, bristles set into sockets, other bristle materials, etc., may suffice.

Preferably, brush-head 1119 is capped with top end 1111 and bottom end 1112, as shown. Preferably, top connector ring 1312 covers the interface between brush-head 1119 and top end 1111. Preferably, bottom connector ring 1320 covers the interface between brush-head 1119 and bottom end 1112, as shown. Preferably, rod 1122 is fixedly connected to bottom end 1112. Preferably, top end 1111, top connector ring 1312, brush-head 1119, bottom connector ring 1320, rod 1122, and bottom end 1112 are held together by the tight frictional fit between them. More preferably, top end 1111, top connector ring 1312, brush- head 1119, bottom connector ring 1320, rod 1122, and bottom end 1112 are held together by adhesive.

Preferably, label 1325 provides a visual indicator of the size of brush 1110. Preferably, label 1325 comprises a disc of paper, plastic, metal, etc., imprinted with a size indicator. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other size indicators, such as no size indicator, embossing the size indicator onto the bottom end and/or the top end, color coding the brush to indicate size, etc., may suffice.

FIG. 14 shows a top view illustrating brush 1110 according to FIG. 11 without bristles 1118.

FIG. 15 shows a bottom view illustrating brush 1110 according to FIG. 11 without bristles 1118.

FIG. 16 shows an exploded perspective view illustrating handle 1130 according to FIG. 11. Preferably, attacher 1210 and attacher 1230 together comprise attacher 1300. Preferably, ratchet 1232 comprises clamp 1310, fulcrum 1314, spring 1316, and ratchet actuator 1234, as shown. Preferably, handle cap 1152 comprises fulcrum 1314, as shown.

Preferably, ratchet actuator 1234 is rotatably connected to handle cap 1152 at fulcrum 1314 by hinges 1153, as shown. Preferably, ratchet actuator 1234 fixedly holds flange 1309 of clamp 1310 in slot 1236. Preferably, ratchet actuator 1234 rotates about fulcrum 1314 when pressed. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, ease of manufacturing, etc., other ratchet mechanisms may suffice.

Preferably, clamp 1310 comprises aperture 1311, as shown. Preferably, clamp 1310 is slightly wider than aperture 1311, as shown. Preferably, clamp 1310 is about one-eighths inch thick. Preferably, aperture 1311 is sized and shaped to fit over rod 1122. Preferably, rod 1122 is about one-eighths inch in diameter. Preferably, aperture 1311 is slightly larger that one-eighths inch in diameter. Preferably, aperture 1311 fits over rod 1122 at any angle of rotation about axis 1330. Preferably, rod 1122 is substantially circular, as shown in FIG. 15. Preferably, aperture 1311 is substantially circular. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other arrangements, such as the aperture comprising a slot, the aperture comprising a hole placed longitudinally into the end of a lever, the rod and aperture being rotationally indexed, other rod diameters, other aperture diameters, etc., may suffice.

Preferably, when ratchet actuator 1234 is compressed, ratchet 1232 is moved into an unlocked position, substantially as shown in FIG. 3. Preferably, when ratchet actuator 1234 is compressed, aperture 1311 is moved into an alignment approximately perpendicular to rod 1122, whereby rod 1122 is insertable into aperture 1311 without binding, substantially as shown in FIG. 3. Preferably, when ratchet actuator 1234 is compressed, rod 1122 is insertable into aperture 1311 without applying substantially any pressing force to rod 122, substantially as shown in FIG. 3.

Preferably, when ratchet actuator 1234 is released, ratchet 1232 is moved into the locked position by spring 1316, substantially as shown in FIG. 4. Preferably, when ratchet actuator 1234 is released, spring 1316 moves aperture 1311 over rod 1122 (by moving ratchet actuator 1234 with attached clamp 1310), substantially as shown in FIG. 4, and applies clamping pressure whereby rod 1122 is securely held by aperture 1311. Preferably, spring 1316 comprises a metal coil spring. Preferably, spring 1316 is held between ratchet actuator 1234 and fixture 1317 on handle cap 1152 which is located opposite ratchet actuator 1234.

Preferably, when ratchet actuator 1234 is again compressed, rod 1122 is removable from aperture 1311 without applying substantially any pulling force to rod 1122.

Preferably, handle 1130 comprises housing 1670, as shown. Preferably, housing 1670 is molded in two pieces which are fitted together lengthwise during assembly. Preferably, handle 1130 comprises ring 1672, as shown. Preferably, ring 1672 assists in holding housing 1670 together.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view illustrating handle cap 1152 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 16. Preferably, handle cap 1152 comprises aperture 1710, as shown. Preferably, aperture 1710 permits rod 1122 to pass through handle cap 1152 to clamp 1310.

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view illustrating ratchet actuator 1234 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 16. Preferably, spring 1316 fits over and is held by fixture 1237. Preferably, ratchet actuator 1234 fixedly holds flange 1309 of clamp 1310 in slot 1236.

FIG. 19 shows a top view illustrating storage tray 1900 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, container 710 comprises storage tray 1900 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one container comprises at least one tray), as shown. Preferably, storage tray 1900 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one container comprises at least one tray) comprises interior 1912, as shown. Preferably, interior 1912 comprises holes 1914 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one container comprises a plurality of holes), as shown. Preferably, holes 1914 are adapted to friction-fit onto connectors 1114 (preferably comprising pegs 1116 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one container connector comprises at least one peg adapted to fit connectively into at least one of such plurality of holes)). Preferably, pegs 1116 are inserted into holes 1914 in order to conveniently hold brushes 1110 in storage tray 1900, as shown in FIG. 22. Preferably, storage tray 1900 comprises plastic.

Optional recesses 1940 adjacent holes 1914 permit brushes 1110 to be more deeply set into storage tray 1900, as shown in FIG. 22.

Preferably, storage tray 1900 comprises slot 1920, as shown. Preferably, slot 1920 is adapted to friction-fit handle 1130. Preferably, handle 1130 is inserted into slot 1920 for storage. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other storage arrangements, such as a stand, a bag, etc., may suffice.

FIG. 20 shows a front view illustrating storage tray 1900 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 19. Preferably, storage tray 1900 comprises tray connectors 2010 (at least embodying herein wherein a plurality of such at least one trays are structured and arranged to interlock with each other), as shown. Preferably, tray connectors 2010 permit a plurality of storage trays 1900 to be connected to each other side-by-side, as shown in FIG. 21. Preferably, tray connectors 2010 clip under an edge 2012 of another storage tray 1900. Preferably, tray connectors 2010 releasably attach a plurality of storage trays 1900 to each other. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other tray connectors, such as locking tray connectors, stacking tray connectors, adhesive connectors, etc., may suffice.

FIG. 21 shows a top view illustrating a plurality of storage trays 1900 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 19 in an interlocking array. Preferably, any number of storage trays 1900 can be connected together for the convenience of the end-user or to form point-of- sale displays. Preferably, point-of-sale display 900 further comprises a plurality of interlocked storage trays 1900, as shown.

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view illustrating another hairbrush kit 2200 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, hair brush system 100 comprises hairbrush kit 2200, as shown. Preferably, kit 2200 comprises at least one storage tray 1900 (at least embodying herein at least one container adapted to contain such plurality of brushes and such at least one handle), at least one handle 1130 (at least embodying herein at least one handle adapted to handle such plurality of brushes wherein such at least one handle comprises at least one ratchet connector adapted to securely ratchet-connect such plurality of brushes to such at least one handle; and at least embodying herein wherein such at least one handle comprises at least one ratchet releaser adapted to release such at least one ratchet connector), and at least two brushes 1110 (at least embodying herein a plurality of brushes adapted to brush hair), as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other kit components, such as instructions, packaging, hair accessories, styling products, etc., may suffice.

Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes modifications such as

diverse shapes, sizes, and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as read in connection with the above specification. Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.