FR3108834A1 - SHAMPOO APPLICATOR AND ELIMINATOR TO CLEAN HAIR IN NEARLY DRY CONDITIONS - Google Patents

Abstract

Shampoo applicator and remover for cleaning hair in near-dry conditions. A device for applying a formulation to hair includes a body structure having one or more teeth at a front end, wherein a tip of each tooth includes a first and a second opening, a nebulizer with an outlet connected to the first opening, a vacuum system with an inlet connected to the second opening, and a handle extending the body structure at an obtuse angle to the front end of body structure. Figure: none

Description

SHAMPOO APPLICATOR AND ELIMINATOR TO CLEAN HAIR IN ALMOST DRY CONDITIONS

Summary

In one embodiment, a hair formulation application device comprises, a body structure having one or more teeth at a front end, wherein a tip of a tooth includes a first and a second opening; a nebulizer with an outlet connected to the first opening; a vacuum system with an inlet connected to the second opening; and a handle extending the body structure at an obtuse angle relative to the forward end of the body structure.

In one embodiment, the device further comprises a cartridge containing a hair formulation, wherein the cartridge mounts to a rear end of the body structure, wherein the cartridge is connected to the nebulizer.

In one embodiment, the device further includes a momentary switch that drives the nebulizer, wherein the momentary switch is located on an upper front side of the handle.

In one embodiment, the device further comprises a selector that drives the vacuum system, wherein the selector is located on a rear side of the handle.

In one embodiment, the tip of a tooth includes a chamfer on the low side, in which the first and second openings are placed on the chamfer.

In one embodiment, all the teeth are arranged to fit into a plane.

In one embodiment, the plane is a horizontal plane relative to top and bottom sides of the device.

In one embodiment, the tooth has a conical shape whose diameter decreases with length.

In one embodiment, the device further comprises more than one tooth, wherein adjacent teeth are separated by a gap in length between the teeth that is approximately the same as the average width of one or more teeth.

In one embodiment, the tip of the tooth is a truncated round shape with a flat chamfer on the low side.

In one embodiment, a method of making a device for cleaning hair includes assembling a device to have a body structure having one or more teeth at a front end, wherein a tip of a tooth includes a first and a second opening; a nebulizer with an outlet connected to the first opening; a vacuum system with an inlet connected to the second opening; and a handle extending the body structure at an obtuse angle relative to the forward end of the body structure.

In one embodiment, the method further includes placing a cartridge containing a hair formulation at a rear end of the body structure.

In one embodiment, the method further includes placing the first and second openings on a chamfer on the low side of the tip of a tooth.

In one embodiment, the method further includes placing more than one tooth in a horizontal plane at the forward end of the body structure.

In one embodiment, a method for cleansing hair includes, with a device, applying a hair formulation to hair or scalp or both; with the device, mixing the formulation for the hair; and with the device, vacuuming the used hair formulation to remove any debris or oils from the hair or scalp.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises prior to application of the hair formulation, starting a vacuum system on the device.

In one embodiment, no external water is mixed into the hair formulation after application.

In one embodiment, the applying step further includes generating a mist from the hair formulation.

In one embodiment, the mixing step further comprises bringing the hair or scalp into contact with more than one tooth provided on the device.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises prior to the applying step, placing a cartridge at a rear end of the device, wherein the cartridge contains the hair formulation.

In one embodiment, the device includes, a body structure having one or more teeth at a front end, wherein a tip of a tooth includes a first and a second opening; a nebulizer with an outlet connected to the first opening; a vacuum system with an inlet connected to the second opening; and a handle extending the body structure at an obtuse angle relative to the forward end of the body structure.

This summary is provided to present a selection of concepts in a simplified form which are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key particulars of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Description of the drawings

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the present invention will be more readily appreciated as the same is understood by reference to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a device in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a rear view of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a bottom view of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of components of the device of Figure 1; And

Figure 7 is a flowchart of a method in accordance with one embodiment.

Typically, most people will use shampoo while showering because it's easier to use water to lather up and then rinse the shampoo out of the hair. Such a shampoo is best for cleansing because since people prefer to shower every day, daily use of shampoo can cause hair damage. A dry shampoo offers an alternative to washing hair in the shower to refresh hair between showers but does not clean as effectively as shampoo used in the shower.

The present disclosure relates to a device for cleaning hair outside of the shower which can be used with hair cleaning formulations. In one embodiment, the device offers cleaning equivalent to shampoo used in the shower, and comfort equivalent to dry shampoo so as not to have to enter the shower in order to wash the hair only. In one embodiment, the device utilizes a brush or comb-like architecture that relies on a combination of mechanical and chemical action to deposit desired formulations for cleaning, removal of formulations with unwanted particles, and additionally provides cosmetic attributes or additional health. The comb-like action creates a familiar gesture that's easy to incorporate into common beauty and hair care routines.

In one embodiment, the device removes more than "macro" particles such as dandruff. The device offers a cleansing formulation in conjunction with a stir to dissolve and absorb oils, sebum, and other odor trapping items to leave hair with signs of cleanliness/refreshment. The device creates a mist for dispersion of the formulation, and includes teeth for mechanical stirring, and vacuum removal to accomplish the purpose of cleaning.

Because the device can clean the hair equivalent to shampoo used in the shower, the hair is easy to comb afterwards, leading to healthier hair in the longer term.

Referring to Figure 1, a shampoo application and removal device 100 is illustrated. Device 100 is an electrically powered device including a nebulizer component for misting, spraying, or atomizing a shampoo formulation and a vacuum component for removing used shampoo and any debris or oils washed away with the formulation. of shampoo. In one embodiment, the shampoo formulation is a liquid shampoo formulation.

In one embodiment, the outer device shape 100 includes one or more geometric shapes, including regular or irregular shapes, having sections of substantially any geometric shape including circular, elliptical, conical, triangular, square, rectangular, polygonal, regular or irregular, or the like, and other symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes, or combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, device 100 is shaped in the style of familiar and well recognized hair appliances to inspire confidence in the device resulting in intuitive use and gestures in use.

In one embodiment, outer device housing 100 may be made of a variety of materials including, for example, metals and plastics, or combinations thereof.

Referring to Figure 3, in one embodiment, device 100 includes a handle 104 connected to device 100 at the substantially cylindrical section. The handle 104 is connected to the device 100 at an obtuse angle relative to the front end of the device 100. In other words, the central longitudinal axis of the handle 104 intersects, at an obtuse angle, the horizontal plane on which all the teeth 108 register. The handle 104 helps balance the weight of the device for more comfortable use.

Referring again to Figure 3, on the rear side, device 100 may include a cylindrically-shaped housing 136 of smaller diameter which accepts a removable cartridge 102 containing shampoo. Cartridge 102 can be configured as a refillable cartridge or a disposable cartridge. In one embodiment, device 100 can be configured to hold more than one cartridge.

Progressing from the housing 136, the outer shape of device 100 increases in steps to a portion 138 of larger outer diameter than the diameter of housing 136. In one embodiment, device 100 includes a body structure which has a minimally tapered substantially cylindrical or conical portion 138 from the trailing end to about the middle of the device length. In one embodiment, the handle 104 merges into the rear side of the portion 138. Next, adjacent the cylindrical or minimally tapered portion 138, the device 100 assumes a more pronounced conical or tapering elliptical shape 140, in the top-down plane (i.e., viewed from the left or right side), from about the middle of device 100 to about one-third or one-quarter of the length of the device. However, in the side-to-side plane (i.e., viewed from above or below), device 100 does not taper as much because device 100 accommodates three teeth in the side-to-side plane, where the device 100 must accommodate the height of a single tooth in the top-down plane. Next, spaced from the smaller end of conical or elliptical shape 140, device 100 has a transition portion 142 which forms one or more dispensing teeth 108 at the front end, such that each tooth 108 is separated other teeth. In one embodiment, the length of tooth 108 is about one-third to about one-quarter the length of device 100.

Referring to Figures 2 and 5, each tooth 108 has a gradually tapering taper from the initial connection at the section of the transition portion 142 to the end of the tooth 108 both in the side-to-side plane and in the plane from top to bottom. For example, the diameter of tooth 108 decreases with length. While teeth 108 emanate from the same section of device 100, each tooth 108 is separated from its adjacent teeth, such that the space between teeth 108 in length is approximately the same as the average width (average diameter) of one or more teeth. Because the diameter of the teeth 108 gradually decreases to the tip, the space between the teeth conversely increases from the attachment of the teeth 108 to the tip of the teeth 108. In one embodiment, the device includes three teeth 108 lying on the same plane, meaning that the center line in length of each tooth passes the same plane. The plane on which the teeth 108 inscribe can be seen as the horizontal plane of the device 100, meaning that the teeth 108 are centered with respect to the top and bottom of the device 100, not considering the handle 104 (Figure 4) .

In Fig. 5, teeth 108 are shown having a rounded tip when viewed from the plane below (or above). However, in Figure 3, the teeth 108 are shown as having a flat area or chamfer at the bottom of the tooth 108 at the front end viewed from the side plane, resulting in a truncated rounded shape. The rounded tips of the 108 teeth can separate the hair for better access to the scalp and hair roots. Rounded tine tips include "mashing bumps" and chamfered angle for cleaning.

In Figure 5, the chamfered section of teeth 108 has openings 130 for dispensing shampoo formulation. In one embodiment, the shampoo formulation can be atomized and dispensed as a mist. Additionally, the chamfered section of the teeth 108 has openings 132 that lead to a vacuum system to collect the used shampoo formulation along with any debris or oils removed from the hair. Vacuum openings 132 are separate from dispensing openings 130.

In the illustrated embodiment, each tooth 108 is shown as having apertures 130 for dispensing and apertures 132 for vacuum removal. However, in one embodiment, there may be dedicated teeth that only have openings for dispensing shampoo formulation and dedicated teeth that only have openings for vacuum removal. In one embodiment, device 100 is provided with three teeth 108 for uniform cleaning coverage. The angle of the handle 104 and the length of the tine 108 allows users to reach all areas of the scalp for cleaning.

Referring to Figure 6, device 100 is shown schematically to illustrate the major components. In one embodiment, device 100 includes a nebulizer 112.

In one embodiment, nebulizer 112 produces a mist on demand by depressing mist switch 106 (Figures 1 and 2). In one embodiment, the mist switch 106 is placed on the front side of the upper portion of the handle 104 to allow operation with the index finger. In one embodiment, the mist switch 106 is a momentary switch whose default position is the off position. Depressing mist switch 106 starts nebulizer 112 and produces mist. Nebulizer 112 is supplied with shampoo formulation from cartridge 102. Releasing mist switch 106 stops the nebulizer and shampoo formulation dispensing. In one embodiment, the mist switch is a multi-position, multi-function selector that requires the positive selection of the off position to turn off the nebulizer. In one embodiment, the mist switch is a multiple position selector that has settings for off and more than one setting for producing mist, such as light or heavy mist. In one embodiment, a mist selector may include settings for mist and mist-free delivery.

In one embodiment, nebulizer 112 includes a compressor, pump, or ultrasonic wave generator to generate the mist from the shampoo formulation. In the case of a pump or compressor nebulizer 112, such a nebulizer 112 causes air or shampoo formulation to flow at high velocity which propels the shampoo formulation through a fine nozzle designed to form the mist at the opening 130. In one embodiment, a hand-operated pump mechanism is used to propel the shampoo formulation through the atomizing nozzle at the opening 130. In the case of a pump or compressor nebulizer, a single nebulizer 112 may be placed within the device body structure 100. Then, the output of the pump or compressor nebulizer 112 is routed through a conduit system to each of the teeth 108 and comes out of the nozzle at openings 130.

An ultrasonic wave nebulizer 112 has an ultrasonic wave generator in contact with the shampoo formulation where the frequency of the ultrasonic waves is sufficient to produce the mist. An ultrasonic wave nebulizer also includes a "mesh" nebulizer which features a vibrating mesh just touching the surface of the shampoo formulation to create the mist. Any form of ultrasonic wave nebulizer can use a piezoelectric element. In the case of an ultrasonic wave nebulizer or mesh nebulizer, the nebulizer 112 including a piezoelectric element or a combination of piezoelectric element and mesh, in essence, the device 100 includes three nebulizers, one for each tooth 108. In the case of an ultrasonic wave nebulizer or a mesh nebulizer, the shampoo formulation can be conveyed to the tip of the teeth 108 to make contact there with the piezoelectric element or the combination of piezoelectric element and mesh, from which the mist is then expelled through the apertures 130.

In one embodiment, the device 100 includes a vacuum system having a vacuum generating motor 114 and a manifold 116. The vacuum motor 114 includes impeller vanes which cause a stream of air to enter through the vacuum inlet 132 at teeth 108. The air stream can carry away the used shampoo formulation along with any debris and oils washed from the hair by the shampoo formulation, which is then captured by the manifold 116, and air is expelled from device 100. In one embodiment, manifold 116 includes an annular vent 134 located at the rear of device 100 and surrounding cartridge 102 (Figure 4). Vent 134 allows air to flow out of device 100, while used shampoo and debris are trapped in collector 116. In one embodiment, collector 116 can be removed from device 100 and can be moved to the dishwasher so as to allow cleaning in a dishwasher. In one embodiment, the surface of the collector 116, which is in contact with the used formulation shampoo, is coated with a hydrophobic or hydrophilic material to facilitate cleaning of the collector.

In one embodiment, vacuum motor 114 is driven by multi-position, multi-function selector 110 (Figure 4). A selector 110 can be a slide switch or a dial switch with more than two positions, or a push button switch with more than two positions, for example. In one embodiment, an idle selector 110 includes settings for off and more than one idle speed setting, such as high and low. In one embodiment, the vacuum switch 110 is placed on the rear side of the lower part of the handle 104 to allow operation with the thumb, for example. Vacuum Interrupter 110 can be isolated for uninterrupted vacuum. Light-emitting diodes can be used to illuminate the selected position. The selector 110 remains in the selected position until it is moved to another position. In one embodiment, a momentary switch may replace the selector, wherein the default position of the momentary switch is the off position, and the momentary switch must be pressed to start the motor unloaded . In one embodiment, the device 100 includes both a vacuum selector and a momentary switch, the momentary switch being used to drive the vacuum motor when pressed, and at the speed setting on the selector .

Device 100 includes a power source 118. In one embodiment, device 100 is powered by a common mains alternating current that relies on an electrical cord (not shown) to power device 100. In one embodiment , the device 100 is powered by direct current, such as a rechargeable battery which can be charged by plugging into an AC mains outlet. A DC powered device 100 allows the device to be used without being near an electrical outlet.

Cartridges 102 are supplied filled with a shampoo formulation. Cartridges 102 can be removed from device 100 either for refilling or for dispensing and replacement with a new, full cartridge. As seen in Figure 1, cartridge 102 is inserted through the back side of device 100. Cartridge 102 is connected to nebulizer 112 to supply hair formulation to nebulizer 112 through any suitable conduit to supply the nebulizer. 112 in shampoo formulation when the nebulizer 112 is driven. Advantageously, the hair formulation does not need to be mixed with external water compared to a shampoo used in the shower.

In one embodiment, cartridge 102 has a product identification tag 154 that may communicate instructions for operating device 100 based on the specific formulation contained in cartridge 102. Device 100 may include a tag reader a product identification tag capable of reading the product identification tag and processing instructions for operating the device according to the particular formulation. Product identification labels include, for example, barcodes, 2-D barcodes, RFID, and the like. The product identification tag 154 is a machine readable tag that communicates the device settings for the particular formulation. Different formulations may have different device settings. For example, product identification labels may include the vacuum setting, such as strong, medium, and soft, and the nebulizer setting among fine, medium, or coarse droplets. In this way, the device 100 is optimized for the particular formulation, and the user does not have to guess by trial and error.

Shampoo formulations can include, but are not limited to, formulations that include any one or more absorbents in a carrier. Carriers include alcohols or water. Absorbents can include cornstarch or clays, such as kaolinite, montmorillonite, smectite. A surfactant, such as anionic fatty acid surfactants, may be included to prevent caking. If supplied as a foam or aerosol, the shampoo formulation may include a propellant.

Referring to Figure 7, one embodiment of hair cleansing with device 100 is illustrated. At block 120, vacuum motor 114 is turned on by a user. At this point, the user can move device 100 to the area of the scalp they wish to cleanse in preparation for dispensing the shampoo formulation.

From block 120, the process enters block 122. At block 122, nebulizer 112 is turned on while vacuum 114 is running. Prior to turning on the nebulizer 112, the user has moved the device 100 so that the teeth 108 are in the desired location on the scalp for cleaning. The user now presses the mist momentary switch 106 for a brief period and then releases the switch. From block 122, the method enters block 124.

At block 124, after the user presses and releases the mist switch 106 to dispense the shampoo formulation, the user can massage the scalp and hair roots with the tips of the teeth 108 while the vacuum is running. The vacuum removes the used shampoo formulation along with any collected debris, such as dead hair or skin cells, and any previously applied hair oil or formulation. From block 126, the method enters block 128.

In block 128, the user moves the teeth to a new area on the scalp they wish to cleanse and repeats these misting, stirring, and vacuuming operations. When the entire scalp is cleansed, the user can stop the vacuum at block 128.

The device 100 allows mechanical actions, including vacuum, "squeegee", and wiping actions and combined with chemical action, such as surfactants and molecules capable of capturing and removing oil from the hair, in order to clean the hair.

Use of device 100 impacts hair styling minimally, the overall shape of the device is familiar from other hair tools, such as a hair dryer, resulting in simple intuitive use of device 100. , the device 100 does not require hand contact with the hair formulations. Device 100 allows people to clean their hair only when needed, to maintain their style for a long time and limit hair damage, as opposed to washing their hair every shower.

While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

Device 100 for applying a formulation to the hair, comprising:
a body structure having one or more teeth 108 at a front end, wherein a tip of a tooth 108 includes first and second openings;
a nebulizer 112 with an outlet connected to the first opening;
a vacuum system 114 with an inlet connected to the second opening; And
a handle 104 extending the body structure at an obtuse angle relative to the front end of the body structure. A device according to claim 1, comprising a cartridge 102 containing a hair formulation, wherein the cartridge 102 fits at a rear end of the body structure, wherein the cartridge 102 is connected to the nebulizer 112. Apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a momentary switch which drives the nebulizer 112, wherein the momentary switch is located on an upper front side of the handle 104. Device according to claim 1, comprising a selector 110 which controls the vacuum system 114, in which the selector is located on a rear side of the handle 104. A device according to claim 1, wherein the tip of a tooth 108 includes a chamfer on the low side, wherein the first and second apertures are located on the chamfer. Device according to claim 1, in which all the teeth 108 are arranged to register in a plane. A device according to claim 6, wherein the plane is a plane horizontal to top and bottom sides of the device. Device according to Claim 1, in which the tooth 108 has a conical shape whose diameter decreases with length. A device according to claim 1, comprising more than one tooth 108, wherein adjacent teeth 108 are separated by a space in length between the teeth which is approximately the same as the average width of one or more teeth. A device according to claim 1, wherein the tip of the tooth 108 is a truncated round shape with a flat chamfer on the low side.