MXPA01001478A

MXPA01001478A - A comb and comb teeth

Info

Publication number: MXPA01001478A
Application number: MXPA/A/2001/001478A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Madureira Paulo Roberto De
Original assignee: Madureira Paulo Roberto De; Johnson & Johnson Industria E Comercio Ltda
Priority date: 1998-08-14
Filing date: 2001-02-08
Publication date: 2001-09-07

Abstract

The present invention refers to a comb and to comb teeth useful to remove undesirable matter (such as debris, dandruff, lice, fleas, etc.) from head hair and body hair, either human or animal. Each tooth (1) has at least two stages (4, 5) with distinct geometries along the length thereof. The first stage (4), close to the base (2), has at least a side or a side portion parallel to the hair path, whereas the second stage (5), posterior to the first stage (4) and adjacent to the tooth tip (3), has a cross-sectional area smaller than that of said first stage (4) and a perimeter substantially free from sharp edges.

Description

PEINE AND TEETH FOR PEIN FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a new configuration for teeth for comb and a comb that has said teeth, generally designed to remove undesirable matter, such as remains, dandruff, lice, fleas, etc., hair or body hair. Preferably and more specifically, this invention relates to comb teeth and a comb having said teeth designed to remove lice and their eggs, called nits, hair or body hair. In the following text, to facilitate the understanding of the invention, specific reference is made to the comb teeth and to a comb used against lice and nits in the hair, but it will be understood that this fact in no way limits the broader scope of the invention. invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The use of combs to remove lice and nits from hair is well known. In accordance with an old popular habit, damp hair combs slowly, repeatedly and strongly. It is also used to comb the hair moistened with vinegar and soaked with flour.

Also, for this purpose, thin X combs are found in the market, that is, the combs with teeth separated by sufficiently small distances to retain lice and nits, whose sizes are greater than the space between the teeth of the comb. In some references of the prior art, attempts have been made to configure the tooth geometry for anti-lice combs. The patents of E.U.A. Nos. 4,502,498; 4,612,944; 4,692,945 and 4,807,652 describe combs whose teeth have a cross section that decreases from the base to the tip and has a triangular or rhombus shape, which produces a diminishing space, through which the hair passes, until there is no space where One tooth touches another adjacent tooth. This configuration makes combing difficult, since the hair is likely to get stuck and cut during the combing operation as it passes through the sharp edges of the adjacent teeth. Other patent documents, for example French patents 2,681, 228 and 2,405,042 propose configurations in which the hair has to follow a non-linear path between two adjacent teeth. In other words, they pass through a set of closed walls, which supposedly helps to remove lice and nits. The hairstyle is detrimental to this path of hair between the walls of adjacent teeth. Other patent documents, such as U.S. Patent Nos. 4,671, 303 and 5,261, 427; French patents 2,410,454 and 2,661, 596 and the , S, w Jg &% MJt aS patent of E.U.A. 4,819,670 describe combs useful for removing lice, which have movable parts or other complex characteristics that alter their practical use, as well as a delicate and expensive manufacture. *F DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Since the prior art could not provide a simple, effective and inexpensive comb, the present invention was developed with respect to comb teeth and a comb having said teeth, which effectively improves the removal of lice and nits from the hair and from the hair. body hair, concurrently with an easy hairstyle that has not been obtained so far, coupled with a low manufacturing cost, since it can be obtained through traditional manufacturing procedures. In a first aspect, the present invention relates to comb teeth, which individually have a base end fixed to the body of the comb and a tip end, characterized in that they comprise two or more levels with distinctive geometry along the length thereof, said first level is adjacent to the body of the comb and has two substantially straight sides, opposite and parallel to the periphery of the cross section, so that the hair passing between the two adjacent teeth is substantially parallel to one side straight of each tooth; the second level is adjacent to the tip of the tooth, with a cross section that substantially does not have sharp edges; the cross-sectional area of the second level is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first level. The tips of the teeth are rounded preferably. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a comb useful for removing lice and nits from the hair, characterized in that it has 5 teeth that have the characteristics described above. The various geometrical characteristics of the teeth of the comb according to the invention contribute to the simultaneous and effective elimination of lice and nits, as well as to the improvement of the combing of the hair. The geometry of the first level near the base of the teeth contributes to removing lice and nits where the hair passes through the parallel sides of the adjacent teeth; the effectiveness is greater than that obtained with teeth that have circular or polygonal cross sections, where the hair passes through the space between two sharp edges or sides that face each other. The geometry of the first 15 level does not harm the hairstyle. A limited roughness of the walls in contact with the hair contributes to the proper removal of the hair remnants, without substantially affecting the hairstyle. The second level contributes in particular to a simple hairstyle, since there are no sharp edges or sides in cross section, the hairs 20 are separated with ease and freedom, when they flow towards the first level, and the contact of the second level with the scalp It does not cause discomfort. The cross-sectional shape of the first level of the teeth of the comb according to the invention can be any, always and when at least one side or a fraction of its periphery, in contact with the hairs passing between two adjacent teeth, is substantially straight. Of course, since all the teeth of the comb are adjacent to two other teeth (except the one at the beginning and at the end of the row of teeth), the first level of a comb tooth according to the invention has at least two teeth. straight sides parallel and opposite. Preferred examples of suitable shapes for the cross section of the first level of the tooth are selected from those having sharp edges along its perimeter, such as, for example, quadrilateral, hexagonal, octagonal, or with the form of a cross; the latter is the most preferred. The cross sections, in which a fraction or fractions of the perimeter have curves and through which the hair does not pass when combing, are not excluded. The cross-sectional shape of the second level can be any, as long as there are no substantially sharp edges, and that the area in cross section is smaller than that of the first level. Suitable examples of shapes include the circular, oval and ellipsoidal shapes, most preferably the circular form. For convenience and preference, the tip of the teeth of This comb does not have a sharp end, that is, it is usually rounded. Preferably, but not exclusively, the teeth of the comb of the invention include only the two levels already mentioned, one • j.aef; , fc < i consecutive to the other, the first starts together aseá ase and the second ends at the tip, but they are also suitable teeth with intermediate levels. Non-limiting examples of the sequences of levels along the length of the teeth of the comb (the cross-sectional area decreasing at each level) are listed below: a) 1 or octagonal, 2 ° square, 3 ° ellipsoidal; b) 1 or cross, 2nd square, 3rd circular; c) 1 or octagonal, 2 ° hexagonal, 3 ° ellipsoidal, 4 ° circular. It can be seen that, regardless of the number of levels from the base of the teeth towards the tip of the teeth, the teeth of this comb must start with a shape as described for the first level, and must end as described in relation to the second level (after which, it follows a tip that is preferably rounded, as already mentioned). Between two consecutive levels, the surface transition can oscillate between two extremes, that is from a rough one (like a cross section that becomes a circular cross section at a specific point in the direction of the length), which causes a sudden variation of the continuity from the surface, to a smooth one (in the same example mentioned, the square cross section changes slowly until it turns) without discontinuity on the surface of the teeth. The area in cross section along the length of the first level as an option may have a continuous decrease following a direction from base to tip. ^^^^ ai »^ é ^^^»? This optional feature also applies to the second level or any intermediary level. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of each level is uniform along the length thereof, and preferably the cross-sectional area of the second level is 10% less than that of the first level. It is also appropriate that, alternatively, either only at the first level or only at the second level there is a continuous reduction in the cross-sectional area of the tooth along its length towards the tip. In case there are three or more levels with different geometries along the length of the tooth, none, one or more of a level, whether consecutive or not, may have a continuous reduction in the cross-sectional area throughout of the length. Preferably, but not exclusively, all the teeth in the same comb are substantially equal, but the presence of different teeth with different geometries in the same comb is also adequate, including less preferred embodiments, in which the teeth according to the invention and the teeth according to the prior art are mixed in the same comb. The union of the base of the teeth of the comb with the body of the comb is such that the lateral faces of the teeth are orthogonal with respect to the body of the comb, so that the surface of the body of the comb between two consecutive teeth is substantially flat. As an alternative, a V-shaped duct or channel may be provided on the surface of the comb body between two consecutive teeth, so that the apex of the V lies on a plane remote from that of the tooth base. The material for the comb and the teeth of the comb according to the invention can be any, as long as it is suitable for the function, as can be chosen by one skilled in the art. For convenience, the material of the teeth is the same as that used for the entire comb. Almost always, the materials used are thermoplastic polymers, thermo-hardened polymers or metals. Preference is given to using non-elastomeric thermoplastic polymers, the preferred ones being selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate and acrylic. Preferably, the material for the teeth of the comb according to the invention has a surface roughness with texture less than 40μ in depth, preferably between 8μ and 12μ in depth approximately. With respect to the first level, the space between two adjacent teeth (ie, the maximum distance between two consecutive teeth) varies preferably from 0.12 mm to 0.30 mm, while for the second level this space of preference varies from 0.25 mm to 0.45 mm. mm. Preferably but not exclusively, all the teeth of the comb according to the invention have the same total length, and the ratio between the length of two consecutive levels varies from 2: 1 to 1: 2, preferably 1: 1.

Preferably, but not exclusively, the total length of a comb tooth according to the invention can vary from 1 cm to 5 cm; with more preferably 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm. The body of the comb, to which the teeth are joined by their bases, presents any type of shape; the forms that facilitate the handling of the comb are preferred. Preferably, but not exclusively, the body of the comb is rectangular with an approximate length (transverse to the length of the tooth) of 8 cm, a width of 4 cm (in the direction parallel to the length of the tooth), and 2.5 mm of thickness. As an option, the thickness decreases continuously across the width, between the free edge and the edge where the edges begin, for example from 2.5 mm to 1.5 mm between one edge and the other edge. The cross section of a comb tooth has length and width; if the cross section of a comb tooth is not square, it should be understood that the length refers to the maximum length dimension of a comb tooth, as well as the width refers to the maximum transverse dimension of a comb tooth. With respect to the first level of the length of the teeth, the width and length of the cross section are preferably equal and vary from 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. With regard to the second level, the width and length of preference are also the same and vary from 1.4 mm to 2.0 mm. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a comb with body and teeth substantially contained in the same plane also X- **. ** -JL. . < ~ They may comprise a barrier near the base of the teeth to help remove lice and nits. For this purpose, a fin is suitable which forms an angle of approximately 45 ° with respect to the plane of the comb, which has a length substantially equivalent to the length of the row of teeth, about 2 mm in width and plus or minus 0.2 mm in length. thickness, and having a rectangular or triangular cross section. As an option, this barrier can end in small teeth that point in the same direction as the teeth of the comb. The comb according to the invention can include said barriers on both opposite surfaces thereof. In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the row of teeth as described herein may be straight or curved in U or have any other configuration. The body of the comb tends to have a suitable configuration to support or contain the row of teeth. Preferably, the row of teeth is straight. Even in another alternative embodiment of this invention, the comb may have two or more parallel rows of teeth with the geometry claimed herein. Preferably, but not exclusively, the comb according to the invention is light in color, to allow an optimal visualization of the lice and nits that are removed. As a convenience, light beige or cream is used. It is also a preferred embodiment of this invention, that in which the teeth of the comb show the cross section of said first level with sharp corners and attach it to, at least on the surfaces of the straight sides of the first level, of Preference of 8μ to 12μ of approximate depth. The following figures show a preferred embodiment of the invention, without excluding any alternative protection alternative. Said figures are basic schemes, regardless of exact dimensions or proportions, whose sole purpose is the explanation of the variety of characteristics encompassed by the invention.

BRIEF DESCRPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a comb tooth in accordance with this invention; Figure 2A presents a final view of the comb tooth illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 2B shows a final view of two comb teeth in accordance with Figure 1, placed side by side in a comb according to the invention; Figure 3A shows a front perspective view of a comb having the teeth of Figure 1; Figure 3B illustrates a sectional view taken along line X-X of Figure 3A; Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, the joining of the teeth of Figure 1 with the body of the comb containing them; and Figure 5 presents, in a perspective view, an alternative mode of the barrier attached to the body of the comb.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 illustrates a tooth for comb 1 in a preferred embodiment of this invention. The comb tooth has a length 7 from its base 2 to its rounded tip 3 and has two consecutive levels 4 and 5; a first level 4 starting at base 2 and a second level 5 extending to point 3. The cross section of level 4 is cross-shaped and the cross-section of level 5 is circular. Figure 2A illustrates the dimensions of the cross section of the comb tooth 1. The length and width of the cross section of the first segment 4 are the same, regardless of the dimensions of the BAB segment. The diameter of the circular cross-section of the second segment 5 is C. It can be seen clearly that the cross-sectional area of level 4 is larger than the level. Figure 2B shows two teeth 1 placed side by side, with two of their straight sides parallel to each other. A channel P is formed corresponding to the space D between two teeth 1 through which the hair 20 with nits. The dimensions of the nit 30 are greater than the space D, so that the nits tend to be removed. Figures 3A and 3B show a preferred embodiment of a comb 10 with teeth 1, as described in Figures 1, 2A and 2B. The comb 10 has a body 8 to which the teeth 1 are attached by their bases 2, with the length 7 having consecutive levels 4 and 5 towards the tip 3. The comb 10 has a length L and a thickness R. The comb 10 it further comprises a barrier 6 that forms an angle a with the plane of the comb 10 and has approximately the same length L of the comb 10, width 9, and the same thickness R. Figure 4 shows in detail, in an alternative embodiment of the invention , the joint between the teeth 1 and the body 8 of the comb 10. A V-shaped channel is formed between each two teeth. Figure 5 illustrates in detail an alternative embodiment of the bar 6 of the comb 10 with length L, width 9, triangular cross section with base H and vertex J, thickness R at its base J, through which it joins the body 8 of the comb 10, and serrated teeth 11 at the apex J. These and many other alternative modalities can be realized to carry out the objectives of the present invention without departing from the scope of protection thereof.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A comb having teeth for comb 1, which individually has a base end 2 joined to a comb body 8 and a tip end 3, characterized in that it comprises at least two levels 4, 5 with different geometries, said first level 4 is adjacent to the body of the comb 8 and has two substantially straight, opposite and parallel sides, at the periphery of the transverse section, so that the hair passing through the space between two adjacent teeth is placed in a position substantially parallel to the side substantially straight from each tooth, the second level 5 is adjacent to the tip end 3 and with a cross section substantially without sharp edges; the cross-sectional area of the second level 5 is smaller than the cross section of the first level 4, the transition of the surface between two consecutive levels is rough with a sudden variation of surface continuity and the ratio between the lengths of two consecutive stages varies between 2: 1 to 1: 2.

2. The comb according to claim 1, further characterized in that the cross section of the first level 4 is selected from the group consisting of quadrilateral, hexagonal, octagonal and cross shapes. ü¿afefe, jfe ¿i¿ ¿< & A < 3¡ ^^, M ^ m ^ ^ £ "X ^ l * ^^^^

3. - The comb according to claim 1, further characterized in that the cross section of the second level 5 is selected from the group consisting of circular, oval and ellipsoidal shapes.

4. The comb according to claim 1, further characterized in that the cross-sectional area of said first level is uniform.

5. The comb according to claim 1, further characterized in that the teeth of the comb are made of a material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate and acrylic, thermo-hardened polymers and metals.

6. The comb according to claim 1, further characterized in that the ratio between the lengths of the two consecutive levels is 1: 1.

7. The comb according to claim 6, further characterized in that the total length 7 of the tooth of the comb varies from 1 cm to 5 cm.

8. The comb according to claim 7, further characterized in that its total length 7 varies from 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm.

9. The comb according to claim 1, further characterized in that the cross section of the first level has a girth length of 1.6 mm to 2.5 mm. -fettJ-n A "-aí ^ j ^ j ?? aSpJ

10. - The comb according to claim 1, further characterized in that the cross section of the second level 5 has a width of 1.4 mm to 2.0 mm.

11. The comb according to claim 1, further characterized in that it is light colored.

12. The comb according to claim 1, further characterized in that all the teeth 1 are substantially equal.

13. The comb according to claim 12, further characterized in that all the teeth 1 have substantially the same total length 7.

14. The comb according to claim 1, further characterized in that a V-shaped cut is defined. (V) between two adjacent teeth 1 on the surface of the comb body 8 of the comb 10.

15. The comb according to claim 1, further characterized in that the comb body 8 of the comb 10 is rectangular and preferably has a approximate length of 8 cm, approximate width of 4 cm and approximate thickness of 2.5 mm.

16. The comb according to claim 15, further characterized in that said thickness decreases continuously across the width.

17. The comb according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises an auxiliary barrier 6.

18. - The comb according to claim 17, further characterized in that said auxiliary barrier 6 is a rectangular fin, which forms an angle of approximately 45 ° with the plane of the comb 10 and whose length is substantially equivalent to the length of the row of teeth 1, about 2 mm long, approximately 0.2 mm thick, and with a rectangular or triangular cross section.

19. The comb according to claim 18, further characterized in that said barrier 6 as an option has serrated teeth 11.

20. The comb according to claim 1, further characterized in that said teeth 1 form a straight row.

21. The comb according to claim 1, further characterized in that the surface at least on the straight sides of the first level 4 of each tooth 1 has a texture less than 40 μm in depth, preferably between 8 μm and 12 μm in depth. depth approximately.

22. The comb according to claim 1, further characterized in that the maximum distance between two adjacent teeth in the first level varies from 0.12 mm to 0.30 mm and in the second levels, said maximum distance varies from 0.25 mm to 0.45 mm