WO2000008969A2 - A comb and comb teeth - Google Patents

A comb and comb teeth Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000008969A2
WO2000008969A2 PCT/BR1999/000062 BR9900062W WO0008969A2 WO 2000008969 A2 WO2000008969 A2 WO 2000008969A2 BR 9900062 W BR9900062 W BR 9900062W WO 0008969 A2 WO0008969 A2 WO 0008969A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
comb
stage
cross
teeth
section
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/BR1999/000062
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2000008969A3 (en
Inventor
Paulo Roberto De Madureira
Original Assignee
Johnson & Johnson Indústria E Comércio Ltda.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Johnson & Johnson Indústria E Comércio Ltda. filed Critical Johnson & Johnson Indústria E Comércio Ltda.
Priority to AU60719/99A priority Critical patent/AU6071999A/en
Publication of WO2000008969A2 publication Critical patent/WO2000008969A2/en
Publication of WO2000008969A3 publication Critical patent/WO2000008969A3/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D24/00—Hair combs for care of the hair; Accessories therefor
    • A45D24/30—Combs specially adapted for removing dirt or grease

Definitions

  • the present invention refers to a new configuration for comb teeth and to a comb provided with such teeth, generically designed to remove undesirable matter, such as debries, dandruff, lice, fleas, etc., from head and body hair, either human or animal. More specifically and preferably, this invention refers to comb teeth and to a comb provided with such teeth designed to remove lice and their eggs, called nits, from human head and body hair.
  • Patents US4 , 502 , 498 , US4,612,944, US4,692,945, and US4,807,652 disclose combs whose teeth have a triangular or lozenge base-to-tip decreasing cross-section, resulting in a decreasing gap, through which the hair shaft passes, until no gap exists where a tooth touches another adjacent tooth. This configuration makes combing difficult, since the hair shafts are likely to get stuck and cut during the combing operation, upon passing through the sharp edges of adjacent teeth.
  • FR2, 681,228 and FR2,405,042 propose configurations in which the hair shaft has to follow a non-linear path between two adjacent teeth. In other words, it passes through a chicane of close walls, which supposedly helps to remove lice and nits. Combing is impaired by this hair path between the walls of adjacent teeth.
  • Other patent documents, such as US4, 671,303, US5, 261,427, . FR2,410,454, FR2, 661,596, and TJS4,819,670 disclose combs useful to remove lice, having movable parts or other complex features which impair their practical use, in addition to a delicate and expensive manufacture. Disclosure of the Invention
  • the present invention was developed in relation to comb teeth and to a comb provided with such teeth, which effectively improve lice and nit removal from human head and body hair, concurrently with an easy combing not attained up to now, allied with low manufacturing cost, since it can be obtained through traditional manufacturing processes .
  • the present invention refers to comb teeth, which are individually provided with a base end, affixed to the comb body, and a tip end, characterized in that they comprise two or more stages with distinct geometry along the length thereof, said first stage being adjacent to said comb body and provided with two substantially straight, opposite, and parallel sides on the periphery of their cross- section, so that a hair shaft running between said two adjacent teeth is substantially parallel to one straight side of each tooth; said second stage being adjacent to said tooth tip, with a cross-section substantially free from sharp edges; the cross - sectional area of said second stage being smaller than the cross-sectional area of said first stage.
  • the tips of said teeth are preferably rounded.
  • the present invention provides a comb useful to remove lice and nits from human hair, characterized in that it is provided with teeth having the characteristics described above.
  • the several geometric characteristics of the comb teeth according to the invention contribute to the efficient simultaneous removal of lice and nit, as well as improved hair combing.
  • the geometry of the first stage close to the tooth base contributes to remove lice and nits where the hair shaft runs through parallel sides of adjacent teeth the effectiveness is higher than the one obtained with teeth having circular or polygonal cross - sections , where the hair shaft runs through the gap between two sharp edges or sides facing each other.
  • the geometry of the first stage does not impair combing. A limited roughness of the walls in contact with the hair shafts contributes to the proper removal of hair debris, without substantially affecting the combing.
  • the second stage particularly contributes to an easy combing because since there are no sharp edges or sides in the cross-section, the hair shafts are easily and freely spaced apart as they flow towards the first stage, and the contact of the second stage with the scalp causes no discomfort.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the first stage of the comb teeth according to the invention may be any, provided that at least one side or a fraction of its periphery in contact with the hair shafts running between two adjacent teeth, is substantially straight. Obviously, since all comb teeth are adjacent to two other teeth (except the one at the beginning and the one at the end of the row of teeth) , the first stage of a comb tooth according to the invention has at least two opposite parallel straight sides.
  • Preferred examples of adequate shapes for the cross-section of the tooth first stage are selected among those presenting sharp edges along their perimeter, such as quadrilateral, hexagonal, octagonal, or with the shape of a cross, the latter being the most preferred.
  • Cross-sections, in which a fraction or fractions of the perimeter present curves and through which no hair passes when combed are not excluded.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the second stage may be any, provided that no substantially sharp edges exist and that the cross -sectional area is smaller than that of the first stage.
  • Proper examples of shapes include the circular, oval, and ellipsoidal shapes, the circular shape being the most preferred.
  • the tooth tip of the present comb does not have a sharp end, that is, it is usually rounded.
  • the comb teeth of the invention comprise only the two already mentioned stages, one consecutive to the other, the first one beginning next to the base and the second one ending at the tip, but being also adequate teeth with intermediary stages.
  • Non-limiting examples of the sequences of stages along the length of the comb teeth (cross-sectional area decreasing at each stage) are listed below: a) 1 st octagonal, 2 nd square, 3 rd ellipsoidal; b) 1 st cross, 2 ncl square, 3 rd circular; c) 1 st octagonal, 2 nd hexagonal, 3 rd ellipsoidal, 4 t -' 1 circular.
  • the present comb teeth should begin with a shape such as that described for the first stage and end as described in relation to the second stage (after which follows a tip which is preferably rounded, as already mentioned) .
  • the superficial transition may range between two extremes, that is, from an abrupt one (such as a square cross -section that becomes a circular cross-section at a specific point lengthwise) occurring a sudden variation of surface continuity, up to a soft one (on the same example cited, the square cross-section changes slowly, until becoming circular) with no discontinuity on the tooth surface .
  • the cross -sectional area along the length of the first stage may optionally be continuously decreasing, following a base-to-tip direction. This optional feature is also applied to the second stage or to any intermediary stages.
  • the cross-sectional area of each stage is uniform along the length thereof, and preferably the cross -sectional area of the second stage is 10% smaller than that of the first stage.
  • the attachment of the base of the comb teeth to the comb body is such that the lateral faces of the teeth are orthogonal to the comb body, so that the comb body surface between two consecutive teeth is substantially flat.
  • it may be provided a V-shaped cut-out or channel on the comb body surface between two consecutive teeth, so that the apex of the V lies on a plane away from that of the tooth base.
  • the material for the comb and comb teeth according to the invention may be any, provided that it is adequate to the function, as someone skilled in the art is able to choose.
  • the material of the teeth is the same as that used for the whole comb.
  • the materials used are thermoplastic polymers, thermoset polymers or metals.
  • non-elastomeric thermoplastic polymers are used, the preferred ones being selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate and acrylic.
  • the material for the comb teeth according to the invention is provided with surface roughness, with texture of less than 40 ⁇ deep, preferably between about 8 ⁇ and 12 ⁇ deep.
  • the space between two adjacent teeth that is, the maximum distance between two consecutive teeth
  • this space ranges preferably from 0.25 mm to 0.45 mm.
  • all comb teeth according to the invention have the same total length and the ratio between the length of two consecutive stages ranges from 2:1 to 1:2; preferably 1:1.
  • the total length of a comb tooth according to the invention may range from 1 cm to 5 cm; more preferably from 1.5cm to 2.5cm.
  • the comb body whereto the teeth are attached by their bases, presents any kind of shape, being preferred the shapes that facilitate comb handling.
  • the comb body is rectangular, being approximately (transversely to tooth length) 8 cm long, 4 cm wide (in the parallel direction to the tooth length), and 2.5 mm thick.
  • the thickness optionally decreases continuously along the width, between the free edge and the edge where teeth begin, for example from 2.5 mm to 1.5 mm between one said edge and the other said 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 length refers to the maximum longitudinal dimension of a comb tooth, as well as width refers to the maximum transversal dimension of a comb tooth) .
  • the width and length of the cross -section are preferably equal and vary from 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.
  • the width and length are also preferably equal and range from 1.4 mm to 2.0 mm.
  • a comb with body and teeth substantially contained in the same plane may additionally comprise a barrier close to the tooth base to help remove lice and nits . It is adequate to this purpose a fin forming an angle of about 45° with respect to the comb plane, having a length substantially equivalent to the length of the row of teeth, about 2 mm wide and about 0.2 mm thick, and having rectangular or triangular cross- sectio . Such barrier may optionally end in small teeth that point to the same direction as the comb teeth.
  • the comb according to the invention may comprise such barriers on both opposite surfaces thereof.
  • the row of teeth as herein described may be straight or u- curved, or have any other configuration. The comb body tends to have an adequate configuration to support or contain the row of teeth. Preferably, the row of teeth is straight.
  • the comb may have two or more parallel rows of teeth with the geometry as claimed herein.
  • the comb according to this invention is light colored, allowing a good view of lice and nits removed. Desirably, light beige or cream is the color used. It is also a preferred embodiment of the present invention the one in which the comb teeth show the cross-section of said first stage with sharp corners and a texture - at least on the surfaces of the straight sides of the first stage - preferably from about 8 ⁇ to 12 ⁇ deep.
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a comb tooth according to this invention
  • Figure 2A shows an end view of the comb tooth shown in figure 1;
  • Figure 2B shows an end view of two comb teeth according to figure 1, positioned side by side in a comb according to this invention
  • Figure 3A shows a front perspective view of a comb provided with the teeth of figure 1;
  • Figure 3B shows a sectional view taken along line X-X of figure 3A
  • Figure 4 shows, in a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, the attachment of the teeth of figure 1 with the comb body which contains them;
  • Figure 5 shows, in a perspective view, an alternative embodiment of the barrier attached to the comb body.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a comb tooth 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 stages 4 and 5 : a first stage 4 that begins at base 2 and a second stage 5 extending to tip 3.
  • the cross-section of stage 4 is cross-shaped and the cross-section of stage 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 the dimensions of segment BAB.
  • the diameter of the circular cross- section of the second segment 5 is C. It is clearly seen that the cross- sectional area of stage 4 is larger than that of stage 5.
  • Figure 2B shows two teeth 1 placed side-by-side, with two of their straight sides being parallel to each other.
  • a channel P is formed, which corresponds to space D between two teeth 1 through which the hair shaft 20 with nits pass.
  • the dimensions of nit 30 are larger than space D, so that 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 teeth 1 are attached by their bases 2, with length 7 presenting consecutive stages 4 and 5 towards the tip 3.
  • the comb 10 has length L and thickness R.
  • the comb 10 further comprises a barrier, 6 which forms an angle ⁇ with the plane of 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 this invention, the junction between teeth 1 and body 8 of the comb 10.
  • a V-shaped channel is formed between every two teeth.
  • Figure 5 shows, in detail, an alternative embodiment of the barrier 6 of the comb 10 with length L, width 9, triangular cross-section with base H and apex J, thickness R on its base J, through which it is attached to the body 8 of comb 10, and serrated teeth 11 on apex J.

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

A COMB AND COMB TEETH
Field of the Invention
The present invention refers to a new configuration for comb teeth and to a comb provided with such teeth, generically designed to remove undesirable matter, such as debries, dandruff, lice, fleas, etc., from head and body hair, either human or animal. More specifically and preferably, this invention refers to comb teeth and to a comb provided with such teeth designed to remove lice and their eggs, called nits, from human head and body hair.
In the text that follows, to facilitate the understanding of the invention, reference is specifically made to comb teeth and to a comb used against lice and nits in the human head hair, but it is to be understood that this fact does not in any way limit the broadest scope of the invention. Background of the Invention The use of combs to remove lice and nits from human hair is well known. According to an old popular habit, the wet hair is combed slowly, repeatedly, and vigorously. Combing hair moistened with vinegar or soaked with flour is also known. Also to this purpose, thin combs are found in the market, that is, combs with teeth spaced apart by distances sufficiently small to retain lice and nits, whose sizes are larger than the gap existing between the comb teeth . In some references of the prior art, attempts have been made to configure the geometry of the anti-lice comb teeth. Patents US4 , 502 , 498 , US4,612,944, US4,692,945, and US4,807,652 disclose combs whose teeth have a triangular or lozenge base-to-tip decreasing cross-section, resulting in a decreasing gap, through which the hair shaft passes, until no gap exists where a tooth touches another adjacent tooth. This configuration makes combing difficult, since the hair shafts are likely to get stuck and cut during the combing operation, upon passing through the sharp edges of adjacent teeth.
Other patent documents, for example FR2, 681,228 and FR2,405,042 propose configurations in which the hair shaft has to follow a non-linear path between two adjacent teeth. In other words, it passes through a chicane of close walls, which supposedly helps to remove lice and nits. Combing is impaired by this hair path between the walls of adjacent teeth. Other patent documents, such as US4, 671,303, US5, 261,427, . FR2,410,454, FR2, 661,596, and TJS4,819,670 disclose combs useful to remove lice, having movable parts or other complex features which impair their practical use, in addition to a delicate and expensive manufacture. Disclosure of the Invention
Since the prior art could not provide a simple, effective, and cheap comb, the present invention was developed in relation to comb teeth and to a comb provided with such teeth, which effectively improve lice and nit removal from human head and body hair, concurrently with an easy combing not attained up to now, allied with low manufacturing cost, since it can be obtained through traditional manufacturing processes . In a first aspect, the present invention refers to comb teeth, which are individually provided with a base end, affixed to the comb body, and a tip end, characterized in that they comprise two or more stages with distinct geometry along the length thereof, said first stage being adjacent to said comb body and provided with two substantially straight, opposite, and parallel sides on the periphery of their cross- section, so that a hair shaft running between said two adjacent teeth is substantially parallel to one straight side of each tooth; said second stage being adjacent to said tooth tip, with a cross-section substantially free from sharp edges; the cross - sectional area of said second stage being smaller than the cross-sectional area of said first stage. The tips of said teeth are preferably rounded.
In a second aspect, the present invention provides a comb useful to remove lice and nits from human hair, characterized in that it is provided with teeth having the characteristics described above. The several geometric characteristics of the comb teeth according to the invention contribute to the efficient simultaneous removal of lice and nit, as well as improved hair combing. The geometry of the first stage close to the tooth base contributes to remove lice and nits where the hair shaft runs through parallel sides of adjacent teeth the effectiveness is higher than the one obtained with teeth having circular or polygonal cross - sections , where the hair shaft runs through the gap between two sharp edges or sides facing each other. The geometry of the first stage does not impair combing. A limited roughness of the walls in contact with the hair shafts contributes to the proper removal of hair debris, without substantially affecting the combing. The second stage particularly contributes to an easy combing because since there are no sharp edges or sides in the cross-section, the hair shafts are easily and freely spaced apart as they flow towards the first stage, and the contact of the second stage with the scalp causes no discomfort. The cross-sectional shape of the first stage of the comb teeth according to the invention may be any, provided that at least one side or a fraction of its periphery in contact with the hair shafts running between two adjacent teeth, is substantially straight. Obviously, since all comb teeth are adjacent to two other teeth (except the one at the beginning and the one at the end of the row of teeth) , the first stage of a comb tooth according to the invention has at least two opposite parallel straight sides. Preferred examples of adequate shapes for the cross-section of the tooth first stage are selected among those presenting sharp edges along their perimeter, such as quadrilateral, hexagonal, octagonal, or with the shape of a cross, the latter being the most preferred. Cross-sections, in which a fraction or fractions of the perimeter present curves and through which no hair passes when combed are not excluded. The cross-sectional shape of the second stage may be any, provided that no substantially sharp edges exist and that the cross -sectional area is smaller than that of the first stage. Proper examples of shapes include the circular, oval, and ellipsoidal shapes, the circular shape being the most preferred. Advantageously and preferably, the tooth tip of the present comb does not have a sharp end, that is, it is usually rounded.
Preferably but not exclusively, the comb teeth of the invention comprise only the two already mentioned stages, one consecutive to the other, the first one beginning next to the base and the second one ending at the tip, but being also adequate teeth with intermediary stages. Non-limiting examples of the sequences of stages along the length of the comb teeth (cross-sectional area decreasing at each stage) are listed below: a) 1st octagonal, 2nd square, 3rd ellipsoidal; b) 1st cross, 2ncl square, 3rd circular; c) 1st octagonal, 2nd hexagonal, 3rd ellipsoidal, 4t-'1 circular.
It may be observed that, no matter the number of stages, from the tooth base towards the tip thereof, the present comb teeth should begin with a shape such as that described for the first stage and end as described in relation to the second stage (after which follows a tip which is preferably rounded, as already mentioned) .
Between two consecutive stages, the superficial transition may range between two extremes, that is, from an abrupt one (such as a square cross -section that becomes a circular cross-section at a specific point lengthwise) occurring a sudden variation of surface continuity, up to a soft one (on the same example cited, the square cross-section changes slowly, until becoming circular) with no discontinuity on the tooth surface .
The cross -sectional area along the length of the first stage may optionally be continuously decreasing, following a base-to-tip direction. This optional feature is also applied to the second stage or to any intermediary stages. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of each stage is uniform along the length thereof, and preferably the cross -sectional area of the second stage is 10% smaller than that of the first stage.
It is also adequate that, alternatively, either only on the first stage or only on the second stage there is a continuous reduction in the cross- sectional area of the tooth along its length towards the tip. In the event there are three or more stages with different geometries along the tooth length, none, one or more than one stage, either consecutive or not, may have a continuous reduction in the cross- sectional area along the length. Preferably, but not exclusively, all 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 teeth according to the invention and teeth according to the prior art are mixed in the same comb .
The attachment of the base of the comb teeth to the comb body is such that the lateral faces of the teeth are orthogonal to the comb body, so that the comb body surface between two consecutive teeth is substantially flat. Alternatively, it may be provided a V-shaped cut-out or channel on the comb body surface between two consecutive teeth, so that the apex of the V lies on a plane away from that of the tooth base. The material for the comb and comb teeth according to the invention may be any, provided that it is adequate to the function, as someone skilled in the art is able to choose. Advantageously, the material of the teeth is the same as that used for the whole comb. Typically, the materials used are thermoplastic polymers, thermoset polymers or metals. Preferably, non-elastomeric thermoplastic polymers are used, the preferred ones being selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate and acrylic.
Preferably, the material for the comb teeth according to the invention is provided with surface roughness, with texture of less than 40μ deep, preferably between about 8μ and 12μ deep. Relatively to the first stage, the space between two adjacent teeth (that is, the maximum distance between two consecutive teeth) preferably ranges from 0.12 mm to 0.30 mm, whereas for the second stage this space ranges preferably from 0.25 mm to 0.45 mm. Preferably, but not exclusively, all comb teeth according to the invention have the same total length and the ratio between the length of two consecutive stages ranges from 2:1 to 1:2; preferably 1:1. Preferably, but not exclusively, the total length of a comb tooth according to the invention may range from 1 cm to 5 cm; more preferably from 1.5cm to 2.5cm. The comb body, whereto the teeth are attached by their bases, presents any kind of shape, being preferred the shapes that facilitate comb handling. Preferably, but not exclusively, the comb body is rectangular, being approximately (transversely to tooth length) 8 cm long, 4 cm wide (in the parallel direction to the tooth length), and 2.5 mm thick. The thickness optionally decreases continuously along the width, between the free edge and the edge where teeth begin, for example from 2.5 mm to 1.5 mm between one said edge and the other said 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 length refers to the maximum longitudinal dimension of a comb tooth, as well as width refers to the maximum transversal dimension of a comb tooth) . In relation to the first stage of the tooth length, the width and length of the cross -section are preferably equal and vary from 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. In relation to the second stage, the width and length are also preferably equal and range 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 may additionally comprise a barrier close to the tooth base to help remove lice and nits . It is adequate to this purpose a fin forming an angle of about 45° with respect to the comb plane, having a length substantially equivalent to the length of the row of teeth, about 2 mm wide and about 0.2 mm thick, and having rectangular or triangular cross- sectio . Such barrier may optionally end in small teeth that point to the same direction as the comb teeth. The comb according to the invention may comprise such barriers on both opposite surfaces thereof. In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the row of teeth as herein described may be straight or u- curved, or have any other configuration. The comb body tends to have an adequate configuration to support or contain the row of teeth. Preferably, the row of teeth is straight.
In still another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the comb may have two or more parallel rows of teeth with the geometry as claimed herein.
Preferably, but not exclusively, the comb according to this invention is light colored, allowing a good view of lice and nits removed. Desirably, light beige or cream is the color used. It is also a preferred embodiment of the present invention the one in which the comb teeth show the cross-section of said first stage with sharp corners and a texture - at least on the surfaces of the straight sides of the first stage - preferably from about 8μ to 12 μ deep.
The following figures show a preferred embodiment of the invention, without excluding any other alternative from protection. Such figures are basic sketches, regardless of accurate dimensions or proportions, having as sole purpose the explanation of the variety of features covered by the invention.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a comb tooth according to this invention;
Figure 2A shows an end view of the comb tooth shown in figure 1;
Figure 2B shows an end view of two comb teeth according to figure 1, positioned side by side in a comb according to this invention;
Figure 3A shows a front perspective view of a comb provided with the teeth of figure 1;
Figure 3B shows a sectional view taken along line X-X of figure 3A; Figure 4 shows, in a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, the attachment of the teeth of figure 1 with the comb body which contains them; and
Figure 5 shows, in a perspective view, an alternative embodiment of the barrier attached to the comb body.
Best Mode of Carrying Out the Invention
Figure 1 illustrates a comb tooth 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 stages 4 and 5 : a first stage 4 that begins at base 2 and a second stage 5 extending to tip 3. The cross-section of stage 4 is cross-shaped and the cross-section of stage 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 the dimensions of segment BAB. The diameter of the circular cross- section of the second segment 5 is C. It is clearly seen that the cross- sectional area of stage 4 is larger than that of stage 5. Figure 2B shows two teeth 1 placed side-by-side, with two of their straight sides being parallel to each other. A channel P is formed, which corresponds to space D between two teeth 1 through which the hair shaft 20 with nits pass. The dimensions of nit 30 are larger than space D, so that 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 teeth 1 are attached by their bases 2, with length 7 presenting consecutive stages 4 and 5 towards the tip 3. The comb 10 has length L and thickness R. The comb 10 further comprises a barrier, 6 which forms an angle α with the plane of 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 this invention, the junction between teeth 1 and body 8 of the comb 10. A V-shaped channel is formed between every two teeth. Figure 5 shows, in detail, an alternative embodiment of the barrier 6 of the comb 10 with length L, width 9, triangular cross-section with base H and apex J, thickness R on its base J, through which it is attached to the body 8 of comb 10, and serrated teeth 11 on apex J.
These and many other alternative embodiments for accomplishing the objectives of the present invention may be carried out, without departing from the protective scope thereof.

Claims

1. A comb teeth (1), which are individually provided with a base end (2) attached to the comb body (8) and a tip end (3), characterized in that they comprise two or more stages (4,5) with distinct geometries along the length (7) thereof, said first stage (4) being adjacent to said comb body (8) and having two substantially straight, opposed and parallel sides on the periphery of its cross-section, so that a hair shaft running through the space between two adjacent teeth is placed substantially parallel to one said substantially straight side of each tooth, said second stage (5) being adjacent to said tip end (3) and with a cross-section substantially free from sharp edges; the cross-sectional area of said second stage (5) being smaller than the cross-section of said first stage (4 ) .
2. Comb teeth, according to claim 1, characterized in that said tip end (3) of said teeth (1) is rounded.
3. Comb teeth, according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross-section of said first stage (4) is selected from the group consisting of quadrilateral, hexagonal, octagonal and cross shapes.
4. Comb teeth, according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross -section of said first stage (4) has the form of a cross .
5. Comb teeth, according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross -section of said second stage (5) is selected from the group consisting of circular, oval, and ellipsoidal shapes.
6. Comb teeth, according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross -sectional shape of said second stage (4) is circular.
7. Comb teeth, according to claim 1, characterized in that said comb teeth (1) preferably comprise only two said stages (4,5).
8. Comb teeth, according to claim 1, characterized in that the superficial transition between two consecutive stages is abrupt.
9. Comb teeth, according to claim 1, characterized in that the superficial transition between two consecutive stages is soft.
10. Comb teeth, according to claim 1, characterized in that none, one or any of said stages have a cross- sectional area continuosly decreasing along the length thereof .
11. Comb teeth, according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross-sectional area of each said stage is uniform.
12. Comb teeth, according to claim 1, characterized in that said decrease in the cross-sectional area of said first stage (4) with respect to the cross-section of said second stage (5) is approximately 10%.
13. Comb teeth, according to claim 1, characterized in that they are made of a material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polymers, thermoset polymers and metals .
14. Comb teeth, according to claim 1, characterized in that they are made of a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate and acrylic.
15. Comb teeth, according to claim 1, characterized in that the ratio between the lengths of two said consecutive stages ranges between 2:1 and 1:2.
16. Comb teeth, according to claim 1, characterized in that the ratio between the lengths of two said consecutive stages is 1:1.
17. Comb teeth, according to claim 1, characterized in that their total length (7) ranges from 1 cm to 5 cm.
18. Comb teeth, according to claim 1, characterized in that their total length (7) ranges from 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm.
19. Comb teeth, according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross -section of said first stage (4) and/or of said second stage (5) has substantially the same length and width.
20. Comb teeth, according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross-section of said first stage has length and width preferably from 1.6 mm to 2.5 mm.
21. Comb teeth, according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross -section of said second stage (5) has length and width preferably from 1.4 mm to 2.0 mm.
22. Comb teeth, according to claim 1, characterized in that they are light colored, preferably light beige or cream.
23. Comb (10), characterized in that it comprises comb teeth individually provided with a base end (2) linked to the comb body (8) and a tip end (3), each tooth (1) comprising two or more stages (4,5) with distinct geometries along the length (7) thereof, said first stage (4) being adjacent to said comb body (8) and having two substantially straight, opposed and parallel sides on the periphery of its cross-section, so that a hair shaft running through the space between two adjacent teeth is placed substantially parallel to one said substantially straight side of each tooth, said second stage (5) being adjacent to said tip end (3) and having a cross-section substantially free from sharp edges; the cross -sectional area of said second stage (5) being smaller than the cross-section of said first stage ( 4 ) .
24. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that said tip end (3) of said teeth (1) is rounded.
25. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that the cross-section of said first stage (4) is selected from the group consisting of quadrilateral, hexagonal, octagonal and cross shapes .
26. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that the cross-section of said first stage (4) has the form of a cross .
27. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that the cross-section of said second stage (5) is selected from the group consisting of circular, oval, and ellipsoidal shapes.
28. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that the cross-sectional shape of said second stage (4) is circular.
29. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that said comb teeth (1) preferably comprise only two said stages (4,5) .
30. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that the superficial transition between two consecutive stages is abrupt.
31. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that the superficial transition between two consecutive stages is soft.
32. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that none, one or any of said stages have continuously decreasing cross- sectional area along the length.
33. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that the cross-sectional area of each said stages is uniform.
34. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that said decrease in the cross-sectional area of said first stage (4) with respect to the cross- section of said second stage (5) is approximately 10%.
35. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that it is made of a material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polymers, thermoset polymers and metals .
36. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that it is made of a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate and acrylic.
37. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that the ratio between the lengths of two said consecutive stages ranges between 2 : 1 and 1:2.
38. Comb (1), according to claim 23, characterized in that the ratio between the lengths of two said consecutive stages is 1:1.
39. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that the total length (7) of the tooth (1) ranges from 1 cm to 5 cm .
40. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that the total length (7) of the tooth (1) varies from 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm.
41. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that the cross -section of said first stage (4) and/or of said second stage (5) have substantially the same length and width.
42. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that the cross- section of said first stage has length and width preferably from 1.6 mm to 2.5 mm.
43. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that the cross-section of said second stage (5) has length and width preferably from 1.4 mm to 2.0 mm.
44. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that it is light colored, preferably light beige or cream.
45. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that all teeth (1) are substantially equal.
46. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that all teeth (1) have substantially the same total length (7).
47. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that, in relation to said first stage (4), the space between two adjacent teeth (1) varies preferably from 0.12 mm to 0.30 mm.
48. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that, in relation to said second stage (5), the space between two adjacent teeth (1) varies preferably from 0.25 mm to 0.45 mm.
49. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that a V-shaped cut (V) is defined between two adjacent teeth (1) on the surface of the comb body (8) of the comb (10) .
50. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that the comb body (8) of the comb (10) is preferably rectangular and preferably about 8 cm long, about 4 cm wide, and about 2.5 mm thick.
51. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that said thickness continuously decreases along said width .
52. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that it further comprises an auxiliary barrier (6).
53. Comb, according to claim 52, characterized in that said auxiliary barrier (6) is a rectangular fin, which forms an angle of about 45┬░ with the plane of the comb (10) and whose length is substantially equivalent to the length of the row of teeth (1), about 2mm long, about 0.2 mm thick, and with a rectangular or triangular cross-section.
54. Comb, according to claim 52, characterized in that said barrier (6) is optionally provided with serrated teeth (11) .
55. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that said teeth (1) form a straight row.
56. Comb, according to claim 23, characterized in that it comprises two or more rows of teeth (1) .
57. Comb, according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface, at least on said straight sides of the first stage (4) of each tooth (1) has a texture of less than 40 ╬╝ deep, preferably between about 8 ╬╝ and 12 ╬╝ deep.
PCT/BR1999/000062 1998-08-14 1999-08-10 A comb and comb teeth WO2000008969A2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU60719/99A AU6071999A (en) 1998-08-14 1999-08-10 A comb and comb teeth

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BRPI9803047-7 1998-08-14
BR9803047A BR9803047A (en) 1998-08-14 1998-08-14 Comb teeth and comb

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000008969A2 true WO2000008969A2 (en) 2000-02-24
WO2000008969A3 WO2000008969A3 (en) 2000-05-18

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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AU (1) AU6071999A (en)
BR (1) BR9803047A (en)
WO (1) WO2000008969A2 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1570761A1 (en) * 2003-11-27 2005-09-07 Carlos Ernesto Lanne Rigid comb for hair cleaning provided with teeth with microtextured extremes
WO2011061354A1 (en) * 2009-11-23 2011-05-26 Assistance S.R.L. Comb for treating pediculosis
CN108477804A (en) * 2018-06-06 2018-09-04 周明 A kind of comb

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB247021A (en) * 1925-03-02 1926-02-11 James Wyndham Meek Improvements in and relating to toilet combs
GB550636A (en) * 1942-04-09 1943-01-18 John Sacker Improvements in or relating to hygienic combs made of metal
CH256705A (en) * 1947-06-05 1948-08-31 Luethi Paul Hair cleaning comb.
US3792707A (en) * 1971-07-30 1974-02-19 Tup Sa Grooming implement
US4671303A (en) * 1985-03-13 1987-06-09 Albert Saferstein Nit comb and method of producing same
US5636646A (en) * 1996-01-16 1997-06-10 Chemotecnica Sintyal S.A. Fine-tooth comb for treating pediculosis

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB247021A (en) * 1925-03-02 1926-02-11 James Wyndham Meek Improvements in and relating to toilet combs
GB550636A (en) * 1942-04-09 1943-01-18 John Sacker Improvements in or relating to hygienic combs made of metal
CH256705A (en) * 1947-06-05 1948-08-31 Luethi Paul Hair cleaning comb.
US3792707A (en) * 1971-07-30 1974-02-19 Tup Sa Grooming implement
US4671303A (en) * 1985-03-13 1987-06-09 Albert Saferstein Nit comb and method of producing same
US5636646A (en) * 1996-01-16 1997-06-10 Chemotecnica Sintyal S.A. Fine-tooth comb for treating pediculosis

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1570761A1 (en) * 2003-11-27 2005-09-07 Carlos Ernesto Lanne Rigid comb for hair cleaning provided with teeth with microtextured extremes
WO2011061354A1 (en) * 2009-11-23 2011-05-26 Assistance S.R.L. Comb for treating pediculosis
US8511321B2 (en) 2009-11-23 2013-08-20 Juan Martin Sanz Comb for treating pediculosis
AU2009355520B2 (en) * 2009-11-23 2015-04-02 Jorge Reinaldo Burchakchi Comb for treating pediculosis
EA021452B1 (en) * 2009-11-23 2015-06-30 Хуан Мартин Санс Comb for treating pediculosis
CN108477804A (en) * 2018-06-06 2018-09-04 周明 A kind of comb
CN108477804B (en) * 2018-06-06 2024-03-12 周明 Comb

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU6071999A (en) 2000-03-06
WO2000008969A3 (en) 2000-05-18
BR9803047A (en) 2000-05-02

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