GB2072009A

GB2072009A - Hair washing apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2072009A
Application number: GB8109037A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Watkins C J; Watkins S R
Current assignee: Watkins C J; Watkins S R
Priority date: 1980-03-22
Filing date: 1981-03-23
Publication date: 1981-09-30

Abstract

The apparatus has support means (6) which extend around the head (3) of the person whose hair is to be washed and carries a plurality of inwardly projecting resilient fingers (14) which are caused to execute periodic motion relative to the person's head. Spray means (not shown) supply water to the hair to be washed. The periodic motion can comprise rotation of the support means back and forth (e.g. by piston/cylinder unit (9)) and/or axial movement of the fingers (14) inwardly and outwardly e.g. by pneumatic operation of flexible diaphragms (13) upon which the fingers (14) are formed. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Hair washing apparatus The present invention relates to apparatus for washing hair.

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for washing hair, comprising support means for extending around the head of the person whose hair is to be washed, the support means having thereon a plurality of inwardly projecting resilient fingers; means for causing periodic motion of the fingers relative to the person's head; and spray means for supplying water to the hairto be washed.

The means for causing periodic motion may comprise (a) means for rotating the support means back and forth; or (b) means for causing generally axial movement of the fingers inwardly and outwardly; or (c) both From a safety viewpoint, it is considered highly undesirable that any electrical equipment be used in the apparatus. Thus the means for rotating the support means preferably is pneumatically or hydraulically operated - e.g. by a pneumatic pistoncylinder unit acting on the support means. The axial movement of the fingers can again be pneumatic, and the apparatus may conveniently comprise a plurality of flexible diaphragms with projecting flexible fingers, with an air chamber behind each diaphragm and means for supplying air to and withdrawing air from the chamber to cause said inward and outward movement.For example the diaphragms may be in the shape of segments of a spherical surface, radiating from the pivot axis of the support means. With this construction, the spray means can conveniently comprise spray pipes located between the diaphragm segments.

One embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure l is a cross-section through a hair washing machine: Figure 2 is a cross-section on line ll-ll of Figure 1, with diaphragms omitted; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a diaphragm mounting member and diaphragm; and Figure 4 is a cross-section on line IV-IV of Figure 2 (with the diaphragms in position).

Referring to Figure 1, the apparatus comprises an outer housing 1, generally spherical in shape with an aperture 2 for receiving the head of a person whose hair is to be washed. The housing 1 is mounted by means of a hinge 4 on a suitable support 5 for adjustment to the individual comfort of the client.

Located within the housing 1 is a support member 6, of similar shape to the housing, but smaller. The support member 6 is pivotally mounted in the housing 1 by means of a pin 7 in a bearing member 8 secured to the housing 1, for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the aperture 2. The support member can be rotated back and forth through a total angle of 35 by means of a double acting piston/cylinder unit 9, mounted on the housing 1, and acting upon an eccentric peg 10 secured to the support member 6. The pivot and piston/cylinder unit are accessible for maintenance purposes via a removable inspection cover 11.

The inner surface of the support member 6 carries six diaphragms 13 of rubber or other flexible resilient material with fingers 14 extending radially inward. The construction and mounting of these will be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 2,3 and 4. Figure 2 is a developed view looking from the interior of the apparatus, with the diaphragms omitted: here it can be seen that there are six mounting members 15, of sheet metal or plastics material secured (e.g. by screws, not shown) to the support member.

Each mounting member 15 (see the perspective view, Figure 3) is in the shape of a truncated segment of the surface of a sphere, with an upstanding peripherally extending side wall 16 which terminates in a laterally extending peripheral flange 17.

In simple terms, the member 15 is roughly "boatshaped". Figure 2 also illustrates part of the rubber diaphragm 13, with upstanding integrally-moulded fingers 14 (although if desired the fingers may be removable for ease of renewal). This construction is not unlike certain types of rubber mat, although here the fingers may be somewhat longer. The sheet 13 is again in the shape of a spherical segment, and has turned-under edges 18 which engage beneath the flange 17 so that the sheet is securely retained on the mounting member 15. This can also be seen in Figure 4.

Between each pair of adjacent sheets 13 is a spray pipe 19 with outlet holes 20 distributed along its length, there being a total of six such pipes extending radially, as seen in Figure 2. The pipes 19 lie well clear of the level of the sheet 13, (see Figure 4), and can be fed via pipes 21 with water and/or shampoo.

Each mounting member 15 has an aperture 22 in its base, communicating with a pipe 23 which is connected to an air/suction supply so that the diaphragms 13 can be made to flex inwardly and outwardly.

A stationary foam rubber or plastics ring 24, secured to the casing 1, extends around the aperture 2, to cushion the user against abrasion and to reduce water loss. A drainpipe 25 is provided for water drainage.

The air pipes 23, water/shampoo pipes 24, and further air pipes 26,27 for the piston/cylinder unit 9 are conducted together (as at 28) to a control unit (not shown).

In operation of the apparatus, a person whose hair is to be washed places his or her head into the aperture 2, as shown in Figure 1. The control unit supplies air alternately via the pipes 26,27 to the piston/cylinder unit 9, so that the support member 6 rotates back and forth as described above. Simultaneously, air is alternately blown into, and sucked out of the cavities behind the diaphragms 13 (i.e. the cavities defined by the diaphragms 13 and mounting members 15), via pipes 23, so that the diaphragms 13, and hence the fingers 14, move radially in and out. This action of the fingers, moving in and out, and tending to splay sideways on meeting the resistance of the hair and head, is similar to the action of the fingers of a hairdresser washing hair.

The rate of periodic rotary motion of the support member 6, and of in-and-out motion of the diaphragms 13, may typically be about one per second. Water for initial wetting of the hair is supplied via the pipes 21 to the spray pipes, and also shampoo, conveniently pre-mixed with the water.

Obviously any other hairdressing agents, such as hair conditioners can, if desired, be introduced through the spray pipes.

After wetting and the application of shampoo, the action of the fingers continues for a sufficient period, selected according to normal hairdressing practice, whereupon plain water for rinsing is supplied to the spray pipes 20. The washing/rinsing procedure can then be repeated as required, and followed by one or more final rinses.

Claims

1. An apparatus for washing hair, comprising support means for extending around the head of the person whose hair is to be washed, the support means having thereon a plurality of inwardly projecting resilient fingers; means for causing periodic motion of the fingers relative to the person's head; and spray means for supplying watertothe hairto be washed.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 in which the means for causing periodic motion comprises means for rotating the support means back and forth.

3. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the means for rotating the support means is pneumatically or hydraulically operated.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3 in which the means for causing periodic motion com prises means for causing generally axial movement of the fingers inwardly and outwardly.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4 in which the means for causing axial movement of the fingers comprises a plurality of flexible diaphragms with projecting flexible fingers, with an air chamber behind each diaphragm and means for supplying air to and withdrawing air from the chamber to cause said inward and outward movement.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5 in which each diaphragm is in the shape of a segment of a spherical surface, radiating from the axis of the support means.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6 in which each diaphragm is supported by a respective mount ing member, in the shape of a truncated segment of the surface of a sphere, having an upstanding peripherally extending sidewall terminating in a laterally extending peripheral flange, each di aphragm having a turned-under edge which en gages beneath the flange of the associated support member, whereby the diaphragm and support mem ber together define said chamber.

8. An apparatus according to claim 6 or 7 in which the spray means comprises spray pipes located between the diaphragm segments.

9. An apparatus for washing hair, substantially as hereinbefore defined with reference to the accompanying drawings.