Pet grooming device

• US 5,502,873 A
• Filed: 12/12/1994
• Issued: 04/02/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 04/05/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Marianne Hogan
• Original Assignee: Marianne Hogan
• Inventors: Hogan, Marianne
• Primary Examiner(s): MOORE, CHRISTOPHER K
• Application Number:
  US08/355,086
• Time in Patent Office: 477 Days
• Field of Search: 15/393, 15/410, 15/402
• US Class Current: 15/393
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 13/002 Curry-combs; Brushes shearing sheep B26B19/24
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/06 with fixed, e.g. adjustably fixed brushes or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/0613 with means specially adapted for picking up threads, hair or the like, e.g. brushes, combs, lint pickers or bristles pads

Abstract

A device connectable to a vacuum source for loosening, gathering and suction removal of pet hair and the like from the pet and for simultaneous gentle pet massage. The device is molded as a single integral unit formed of resilient elastomeric material such as silicone and includes a plurality of spaced flexible conical shaped members downwardly extending from its main body. The lower tips of these conical members define a lower working surface and serve to simulate and gather loose pet hair, dander, skin flakes and the like while simultaneously massaging the pet. This debris is suctioned into an elongated downwardly open suction channel formed partially into a lower surface of, and extending along substantially the entire length of the main body. The suction channel extends downwardly below the lower surface of the main body toward but not to the working surface to establish a clearance gap for enhanced vacuum suctioning of the debris into the suction channel. One end of the suction channel is closed while the other end thereof is open, extending into a tubular extension to establish suction communication with a vacuum cleaner hose and the like. Enhanced gripping structural features formed into the body are also provided.

Claims

1. A single-piece pet grooming device for loosening, gathering and vacuum removal of pet hair and the like, said device integrally molded of resilient elastomeric material comprising:

a molded main body having a generally flat, oblong plan view configuration;

a generally tubular extension dependent upon and horizontally extending from one end of said main body, an open distal end of extension connectable to a vacuum cleaner hose, said open distal end having a diameter generally equal to an overall height of said device;

said main body including a single elongated centrally positioned, longitudinal extending suction channel formed upwardly into said main body from a lower generally horizontal surface thereof, one end of said suction channel opening into said tubular extension and being closed and terminating at another end of said suction channel adjacent another end of said body;

said suction channel downwardly open and extending downwardly below said lower surface of said main body;

a plurality of spaced conically shaped downwardly extending flexible members each depending from said lower surface of said main body, a generally pointed lower distal tip of each of said plurality of flexible members generally collectively defining a lower working surface;

said flexible members being for loosening and gathering the pet hair and the like and for simultaneously gently massaging the pet;

said suction channel extending downwardly toward but not to said working surface to define a clearance gap therebetween;

a perimeter of said main body arcuately concaved inwardly to enhance stable hand gripping of said device during use;

one longitudinal side portion of said perimeter having inwardly extending arcuate finger tip recesses for added gripping stability.

2. A device as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said tubular extension distal end is positioned and sized vertically to lie generally between said body upper surface and said lower plane.

3. A single-piece pet grooming device for loosening, gathering and vacuum removal of pet hair and the like, said device integrally molded of resilient elastomeric material comprising:

a main body means;

a single elongated suction channel means formed into a lower surface of, and extending longitudinally and centrally along substantially a length of, said main body means;

means extending from one end of said main body means for interconnecting one end of said suction channel means to a vacuum cleaner hose and the like;

a plurality of conical, flexible members depending and downwardly extending from said main body means, a lower distal tip of each of said plurality of flexible members collectively defining a working surface;

said suction channel means extending downwardly below said main body means toward, but not to, said working surface to define a clearance gap therebetween;

concave means formed into a perimeter of said body means for enhanced hand gripping;

finger tip recess means formed into one longitudinal side of said main body means for receiving a user'"'"'s fingertips.