GB2513382A - A lice removal device - Google Patents

Abstract

A device suitable for removing lice comprises a body 3, a suction apparatus in the form of impeller (11 fig.6) and a control mechanism for controlling the suction apparatus. A comb 7 is attached to the body proximate to the suction apparatus. The device preferably comprises an energy source, such as a battery (5, fig.6) contained within the body. A collection means in form of bag (13, fig.7) may be provided to collect debris removed from the hair. The bag (13, fig.7) may be disposable or reusable, and it allows air but not debris to pass through it. The comb 7 may be removed and replaced by an alternative comb of a different size.

Description

A LICE REMOVAL DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a lice removal device, mare particularly but not exclusively a device for removal of items from hair.

Background

There is often a requirement or desire to remove objects from hair such as lice and dandruff. Typically topical applications such as shampoo may be used in order to rid the hair of most objects. Additionally the hair may be combed with a fine tooth comb to remove some objects such as lice and their eggs. However combing may be timely, near impossible in some hair types and distressing for some, especially young children, Furthermore it may be desirable to perform such activities in a location where the objects removed can be readily disposed of, for example in a shower, however this may not always be possible. Therefore a user riiay have to extensively clean surrounding surfaces in order to collect and dispose of any residue in particular so as to limit or prevent re-infection.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: European patent application EP 2 326 200 (SIMON et al) discloses a method for treating an animal having a lice infestation to substantially eliminate both lice and lice eggs from the animal, the method comprising: obtaining an applicator, wherein at least a portion ol the applicator is disposable, and wherein the applicator is configured for delivering heated airflow to a treatment site on the animal; connecting the applicator to a heated airflow source; delivering a heated airflow through the applicator to the treatment site to substantially eliminate the lice and lice eggs from the treatment site; moving the applicator to a second treatment site; delivering a heated airflow through the applicator to the second treatment site to substantially eliminate the lice and lice eggs from the second treatment site; repeating the delivering and moving steps until substantially all lice and lice eggs have been eliminated; removing at least a portion of the applicator from the heated airflow source; disposing of at least a portion of the applicator; obtaining a second applicator, wherein at least a portion of the second applicator is disposable, and wherein the second applicator is configured for delivering airflow to a treatment site on the animal; and connecting the second applicator to the heated airflow source.

International patent application WO 9 952 410 (ANDERSON) discloses a method for removing Louse and nits from hair, skin and scalp, said method comprising the steps of a. providing a removal device having a first end adapted to be connected to a vacuum hose and a second end having a plurality of closely spaced teeth; said removal device being hollow and open at said first and second ends to permit a suction to be drawn through said removal device and through said closely spaced teeth; b. providing a vacuum device to draw a vacuum through said hose and said removal device; c. connecting said hose and removal device and vacuum; d.

creating a vacuum in said removal device; e. drawing said removal device through hair and across scalp and pulling the hair between said teeth dislodging nits and louse from the hair strands and scalp; f. sucking the dislodged lice and nits through said removal device, said hose and into said vacuum.

International patent application WO 200 048 529 (SHOEMAKER) discloses an assembly for removing fleas from the outer skin of animals while protecting an animal caretaker from becoming a host for separated fleas, said assembly comprising: a) housing means defining material collection chamber means having air inlet means at one end thereof and air outlet means at the other end thereof, b) comb means externally disposed at said one end of the housing means adjacent the air inlet means for separating fleas from the outer skin of an animal, c) flea disposal means removably disposed within the housing means for entrapping separated fleas within said chamber means, d) said flea disposal means including support base means, air pervious means, and adhesive surface carrier means mounted to said support base means to adhesively capture said separated fleas upon contact within said housing means, e) air current producing means and connecting means for removably attaching said housing means to said air current producing means for causing an air current to flow into said material collection chamber means through the air inlet means and out of said air outlet.means, said support base means being removably mounted to said air producing means and said air pervious means being effective to allow said current of air to flow through said flea.disposal means.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a lice removal device comprising a body comprising an attachment means, a suction apparatus and a control mechanism for controlling the suction apparatus, in which the attachment means is arranged in use to receive a comb proximate to the suction apparatus.

In preferred embodiments an energy source is contained within the body and the device is dimensioned appropriately to fit in either or both hands entirely and consequently greater ease of manipulation and targeted application of pressure is facilitated, in order that precise use of the device may be achieved, so as to minimise discomfort to a scalp.

The attachment means may allow addition of a rigid comb, wherein the body may comprise in addition a rigid or flexible collecting part, for example fixedly attached to said body. Said rigid comb may be disposed and provided according to necessity, wherein lice removal is liable to require specific tine disposal and rigidity and said combs are simply removed as a part from the body.

Said comb in preferred embodiments is a fine tooth comb attachment, used for break up and dislodging of lice and/or eggs.

In this way combs may be purchased as adapted for and customised for certain users, for example children or those with thicker or thinner hairs.

In some embodiments the comb is arranged in use to be spaced apart from the body, wherein disposal or arrangement of the comb with reference to the body may be variable to maximise comfort and effectiveness of the device, and wherein in some embodiments the means may comprise flexible or articulated parts wherein movement between the comb and apparatus is allowed and accommodated, for example wherein the apparatus may have resiliently deformable mouth, capable of deforming relative to the comb.

Said body ideally further comprises a compartment, container or bag arranged adjacent or near to the suction apparatus, in order to collect items dislodged by the rigid comb and apparatus, wherein said items may also comprise detritus1 dirt, dry skin or dandruff, and wherein air is allowed through the bag.

In preferred embodiments said energy source comprises a rechargeable battery, wherein said device is thereby arranged to be portable and self-contained in usage and said apparatus comprises a motor and impeller.

In preferred embodiments the attachment means permits attachment of a plurality of different combs or brushes. In this way different functions may be achieved with the device, to include dandruff removal, detritus, as well as nit1 flea, egg or lice removal, or item removal.

In preferred embodiments the device includes a collector, such as a bag, box or container with displaceable portion, which collector allows collection of the items, and ready disposal.

Said device therefore typically comprises a body which accepts a comb for combing and removing items from hair wherein the body houses a motor that drives an impeller so as to create suction for sucking in items through an opening in the body into a bag housed within or on a surface of the body so as to collect the items.

In this way the device may be combed through the hair in order to remove lice and associated items such as their eggs or defecation from the hair and skin.

In preferred embodiments the device is ergonomically dimensioned to be handheld wherein the device has a substantially oval footprint wherein the body is domed and includes a flat base so as to be readily positioned on a surface when not in use.

Therefore the device may be readily and comfortably held in a user's hands.

In some embodiments the device may have a substantially circular footprint.

Ideally the body is moulded from a lightweight, durable material auth as synthetic plastic which may be readily cleaned.

Preferably the body may include some grip portions to assist the user to hold the device. For example the body may include a recess around all or part of the dome or a plurality of recesses so as to allow the user to locate their fingers in use. Typically the recess may textured or include resiliently deformable material such as rubber so as to enhance grip.

Furthermore the body may include a handle such as a loop or strap so that the user may secure the device to their hand for example by passing at least one finger through the loop or under the strap.

Ideally the body may include compartments for parts of the device such as the motor, impeller and a power source such as a battery so as to prevent movement in use and to ensure the parts are optimally positioned so as to be readily connected.

Typically the body may be openable or include an access flap so as to access contents in the body for example the motor or impeller.

Preferably the control mechanism includes a printed circuit board (PCB) also preferably housed within the body to connect the battery and motor so that they may be controlled by a button or switch which activates and deactivates the motor and therefore the suction created. Typically the button is located on the body's outer face so as to be readily accessible to the user.

Preferably the motor is fixed into position for example by a bracket secured by screws so as to limit movement in use therefore reducing vibration which may pass to the user's hands in use. In preferred embodiments the motor is powered by at least one rechargeable battery wherein preferably the at least one rechargeable battery is housed within the body.

In preferred embodiments the device is rechargeable. Preferably the device includes a charging point which is accepted to a docking station or cable so as to be recharged.

In some embodiments the device may be powered by a mains supply having a line and plug thereby providing a greater power source without requirement for larger or more numerous batteries which may make the device too heavy to be readily hand held.

In use the motor drives the impeller which serves to draw air into the body of the device through the openings. Typically both the comb and body include openings to allow air to be drawn in. Preferably the openings are located close to and in line with one another and the impeller for optimal suction. In this way air and any small loose items such as lice are drawn in through the openings and into the bag.

Ideally the body includes at least one outlet vent so as to allow air to be sucked in to the casing or body by the impeller and to be released from the body through the outlet vent thereby allowing throughflow of air. Advantageously the throughflow of air through the body also serves to cool the motor.

In preferred embodiments the bag is arranged on a rim within the comb so thatthe comb may be readily removed in order to access the bag, for example for emptying whereas in other embodiments the bag may be located within the body so that the device may be used with or without the comb.

Ideally the bag is fitted about the rim so as to form a seal which prevents escape of items sucked in. It may be envisaged that the bag includes an elasticated collar which may be stretched over the rim so as to secure it in position, either within the comb or body.

Preferably the bag may be removable so as to be removed and disposed of when full or when no further use of the device is required for a period of time.

In preferred embodiments the collector or bag is porous so as to allow air to readily pass through so as to enable suction but is also of a suitable porosity so as to trap objects such as lice or their eggs.

In some embodiments the bag may be reusable whereas in others it may be a disposable bag, which may have an additional cap(seal to cover before disposal. A single direction displaceable part or non-returnable flap may prevent lice returning or falling back through, wherein said bag comprises a capture solution for removed lice.

In some embodiments the bag, or comb or in other embodiments the device may be used with and, may include pesticide means so as to kill any living items that have been sucked into the bag. Typically in such embodiments the bag may include a pesticide tablet or may be impregnated with pesticide.

Preferably the body is arranged to removably accept the comb wherein the comb is accepted on to the casing or attachment means by means of a friction fit or detent mechanism. Preferably the comb is wedge shaped so as to have a pointed tip which forms the guiding edge for the comb. Furthermore the comb is dimensioned to fit to the body so as provide a smooth exterior profile to the device.

In preferred embodiments the comb may be interchangeable so that combs with different grades of teeth may be added to the device for example fine teeth may be used to assist with removal of the lice or eggs from hair strands and may serve to break the lice eggs so they readily detach and are able to be sucked up in the bag.

Wider grade teeth may be used to run through the hair for example to detangle the hair and remove other items such as lice defecation. In some embodiments the comb may include more than one grade of teeth for example the fine tooth comb may be layered on top of the wider toothed comb to improve likelihood of optimal removal of lice and associated objects from the hair. Optionally the teeth may be interchangeable on the comb without requirement to remove the comb from the casing.

In some embodiments the teeth may be wedge shaped, in particular wider grade teeth which travel through the hair more easily. Advantageously this causes greater separation of the hair strands whilst combing which may improve the likelihood of removal of items.

In use the pointed tip is typically placed against the skin from which the hair is growing and is then pull through the hair from root to tip in order to remove items from the hair and suck them into the device.

In preferred embodiments the device is coloured or patterned so as to appeal to users and in particular to whom it may be used on, most commonly to young children. For example the device may be brightly colour, designed to represent an animal such as a bug, include a face or images of characters.

Brief Descrigtion of Figures Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the device with wired energy source and comb extension; Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of the device without wired energy source and comb extension; Figure 3 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 2; Figure 5 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in Figure 2; Figure 6 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 2; and Figure 7 shows an isometric view of a detail of the bag and comb of the embodiment Shown in Figure 2.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures the device is shown with a first hair dividing comb 1 spaced apart from the body 3 on a recharging stand 6.

A cowl part 7 provides storage for the bag 13.

The second comb 2 provides a steel tined item dislodgement comb 2.

The control mechanism consists of a simple activation slider 4 and the power source may be recharged or provided by detachable or permanent wiring 5.

The body 3 includes vents 9 and a sculpted grip 8 which runs around the body 3 so as to aid a user in manipulation, wherein the body 3 fits in a hand and the grip 8 between thumb and fingers, with arcuate sides so as to aid in directional manipulation. The body also comprises a detachable or displaceable part 7 to allow access to the bag.

In the second embodiment the displaceable part 7 may be displaced so as to change the comb ito comb 2.

The body 3 contains apparatus or impeller 11, printed circuit board 10 and energy source S comprising rechargeable batteries and charging socket.

A grate 12 covers the impeller 11 wherein the bag 13 is not sucked into the impeller ii, wherein the bag 13 allows air but not items to pass through it.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims (13)

1. Claims 1. A lice removal device comprising a body comprising an attachment means, a suction apparatus and a control mechanism for controlling the suction apparatus1 in which the attachment means is arranged in use to receive a comb proximate to the suction apparatus.
2. 2. A device according to claim 1 wherein an energy source is comprised within the body.
3. 3. A device according to claims 1 or 2 wherein there is provided a capture solution subsequent to the comb.
4. 4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the capture solution comprises a disposable bag.
5. 5. A device according to claim 3 wherein the capture solution comprises a reusable bag.
6. 6. A device according to claims 3 or 4 wherein the bag includes a seal displaceable in a single-direction.
7. 7. A device for removal of items of hair with reference to the figures and substantially as described herein.Amendments to claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A portable lice removal device comprising: a body housing a suction apparatus and a control mechanism with an electrical energy source to control the suction apparatus; and a snout shaped cowl with a comb extending in front of a mouth accommodating a container arranged to collect lice dislodged by the comb and sucked in through the mouth, wherein the cowl is detachably connected to the body.2, A device according to claim I in which the cowl is detachably connected to the body where suction is created by the suction apparatus.3. A device according to claim 1 wherein the body is shaped with a hand-holdable dome-section to which the snout shaped cowl is detachably connected.4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the dome-section has a substantially oval footprint.* *...* * 20 5. A device according to claim 3 or 4 wherein the body comprises an outlet vent in the domed-section to release air discharged by the suction unit.6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the mouth is * resiliently deformable. *.****: *: 25 * * 7. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the container is porous to allow air to pass though so as to enable suction through the mouth * and also of suitable porosity to trap lice and lice detritus collected.
8. 8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the container comprises single direction displaceable part that prevents return of captured lice or lice detritrus.
9. 9. A device according to any preceding claim whereby disconnecting the cowl permits access to the container.
10. 10. A device according to claim 9 wherein the container is a compartment formed in the cowl.
11. 11. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the container comprises a disposab'e bag.
12. 12. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the capture solution comprises a reusable bag.
13. 13. A device for removal of items of hair device substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.*.fl*. * a *. .# * * * * . a 0 ** -* *