The patent by Lyda D. Newman of New York, N.Y., describes a new and improved Brush (Patent No. 614,335, 1898), specifically a hair-brush. The objective is to provide a brush that is simple, durable, and, critically, arranged to permit of conveniently cleaning the brush whenever desired.
Inventor Background: Lyda D. Newman
Lyda D. Newman was an African-American inventor who contributed a significant sanitary improvement to a common domestic and commercial grooming tool. Her invention addressed the issue of hygiene and efficiency in brush maintenance, a necessary concern in both households and hair-dressing establishments. Her work reflects a focus on improving everyday items through practical mechanical design.
Invention and Mechanism
The brush features a two-part body with a detachable bristle-holder, allowing the bristles to be easily accessed and cleaned.
1. Frame and Bristle Holder
- Back (A) with Handle (B): The main body of the brush, featuring a central handle. The underside is formed with a recess ().
- Bristle-Holder (C): A separate component carrying the bristles (D). The holder is constructed with a series of parallel longitudinal bars () connected by transverse bars (
).
- Ventilation: The longitudinal bars (
) are spaced apart, forming slots or openings that lead to the recess (
) in the back (A). The recess (
) is deeper than the holder (C).
- Function: This arrangement ensures proper ventilation and allows air to circulate between the bristle-holder and the brush back.
2. Locking and Quick-Release Mechanism (Key Innovation)
- Shoulder and Flange: The bristle-holder (C) has a transverse shoulder () that fits upon a flange () on the outer end of the brush back (A).
- Sliding Bolt (E): The opposite end of the holder has a recess engaged by a sliding bolt (E), which is fitted to the back (A) and handle (B).
- Button (F): A button (F) extends from the bolt (E) on the handle’s upper side, placing it under convenient control of the operator.
- Operation (Cleaning):
- The operator moves the button (F) to slide the bolt (E) outward.
- The bristle-holder (C) is unlocked and can be readily taken out of the recess (
).
- The separated holder provides ready access to the bunches of bristles to permit cleaning (removing hair, lint, and residue) whenever necessary.
Concepts Influenced by This Invention
Newman’s brush influenced subsequent consumer product design by establishing a standard for sanitary, quick-release components in personal care items.
- Quick-Release for Sanitation: The core principle of a detachable working element secured by a simple sliding lock/latch is foundational to modern product design focusing on hygiene and easy cleaning. This mechanism influenced the design of:
- Electric Toothbrushes/Heads: Which use a snap-fit mechanism to detach the cleaning element.
- Vacuum Cleaner Components and Filters: Which use latches and release buttons to separate filters and nozzles for maintenance.
- Detachable Brush Heads for hair-dryers and styling tools.
- Passive Ventilation: The use of spaced bars and an air chamber () to promote airflow and prevent moisture buildup is a principle used in modern materials and ergonomic designs for gym equipment, footwear, and consumer goods to enhance comfort and discourage mold/bacteria growth.
- Minimalist Latching: The use of a simple sliding bolt (E) controlled by an external thumb button (F) as the primary fastening mechanism influenced the design of tool-less, consumer-friendly latches for small electronic and domestic appliances.
