ZA200601203B

ZA200601203B - Hair parasite eradication

Info

Publication number: ZA200601203B
Application number: ZA200601203A
Authority: ZA
Inventors: Marthinus Pienaar
Original assignee: Marthinus Pienaar
Priority date: 2004-11-29
Filing date: 2006-02-01
Publication date: 2007-05-30

Description

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA FORM P7

PATENTS ACT 1978

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(Section 30(1) - Regulation 28)

Official Application Number Lodging Date 21 ou 22

International Classification 51]

AB61H

Full Name(s) of Applicant(s 71)

Marthinus PIENAAR

Full Name(s) of Inventor(s 72]

Marthinus PIENAAR

Title of Invention 54

HAIR PARASITE ERADICATION

- | 2 (1) TITLE OF THE INVENTION

HAIR PARASITE ERADICATION

(2) FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a body surface area environment shielder involved in treating bodily externally affecting treatment responsive parasitical conditions, to a kit used for such treatment and to steps taken in performing such treatment. Although not so limited the invention finds useful application in the treatment of head lice. (3) BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Conventional head louse treatment agent is quite toxic with the accompanying health affecting danger if used regularly, which is normally a requirement owing to the remaining effect of unhatched eggs and nit after a treatment routine. The application of the conventional treatment technique is also cumbersome, as the agent must be left on the hair and scalp as fully wetted. It is, amongst others, an object of this invention to at least alleviate these problems. (4) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided a body surface area environment shielder involved in treating bodily externally affecting treatment responsive parasitical conditions comprising covering means constituted to cover a body part intended for bodily surface parasite removal against undesired agent release once operatively fitted while permitting the removal of air from a treatment zone formed between the covering means and such body part once so fitted, the covering means also being formed with an aperture incorporating closure means to

3 22006701203 . enable at least the charging of agent to such treatment zone if not also being involved in the removal of air from such treatment zone once formed.

The closure means may preferably be in the form of an at least one-way non-return closure type facility.

The covering means may be of flexible material.

In a specific embodiment the covering means may be in the form of a bag of flexible material sized to comfortably fit a body part intended for bodily surface parasite removal treatment.

The inlet of the bag may be formed to fit such body part against undesired agent release by being elastically formed.

Ina specific embodiment the bag may be sized to fit the head of a person in covering the scalp and hair without impairing other head associated body functions.

The covering means may be fitted with liquid agent absorbing and releasing means situated on the inside of the aperture as regards the forming of a treatment zone, onto which such agent is depositable for subsequently forming a vapour as brought about by the body heat generated inside such treatment zone once the shielder is in use while being fitted in a way that does not affect the operation of the closure means.

The absorbing and releasing means may preferably be in the form of a sponge.

Further according to the invention there is provided a treatment kit for treating bodily externally affecting treatment responsive parasitical conditions comprising covering means of flexible material constituted to cover a body part intended for bodily surface parasite removal against undesired agent release once operatively fitted while permitting the removal of air from a treatment zone formed between the covering means and such body part once so fitted and which covering means is also formed with an aperture incorporating closure means to enable at least the charging of agent to such treatment zone if not also being involved in the removal of air from such treatment zone once formed, and a pressurised container containing pressurised agent for use in performing a parasite demise promoting function and of which the discharge nozzle matches the aperture incorporating the closure means of the covering means for discharging agent into a treatment zone formed between the closure means and a body part involved in such operation once the kit is in use.

The covering means may be as described above.

- | 4 . Even further according to the invention there is provided equipment for use in treating bodily externally affecting treatment responsive parasitical conditions by way of the steps of appropriately pre-enclosing an affected area in forming a treatment zone that is separated from the environment, removing the bulk of air from the treatment zone to effectively starve the parasites of access to oxygen, and charging the zone at the latest once the bulk of air has been removed with parasite demise promoting agent resulting in their effective eradication once being denied oxygen for the appropriate length of time while simultaneously being exposed to the operation of the agent with final parasite remains removal from the treatment zone, where applicable, being achieved by way of a physical action that not necessarily causes the treatment zone to stay intact.

The equipment may be used via the steps of removing parasite remains from the treatment zone comprises the at least extensive exposure of the treated area to the environment again followed by a physical removal action.

The step of pre-enclosing the affected area in using the equipment may involve its pre- enclosure by way of a flexible bag thus involving a body part that can so accommodate the bag and of which the inlet is arranged to fit the relevant body part against release of agent once charged thereto while the bag enables the charging of agent thereto at least once fitted in performing its treatment zone defining function, exposure of the treated area being achieved by removal of the bag.

In a preferred embodiment the step of pre-enclosure of the affected area in using the equipment may be by way of a bag of which the mouth is elastically formed thereby to promote its fitting against effective release of agent.

The step of removal of the bulk of air from the treatment zone in using the equipment may at least be achieved by squeezing it from the bag consequently causing the air to become expelled between the inlet and the body portion against which the bag lies.

The step of treatment zone charging in using the equipment may preferably be via a closable charging opening forming part of the bag that is, depending on its mechanism, also involved in the step of air removal.

The step of treatment zone charging in using the equipment may be via an at least one way non-return closure type facility associated with the charging opening.

. The step of forming the treatment zone in using the equipment may involve its formation about the scalp of a person's head for eradicating head lice from the scalp and hair, in the case of using a bag of which the mouth is elastically formed it is thus fitted to cause its edge to extend to effectively cover the scalp without affecting normal head associated body functions.

The step of charging in using the equipment may involve the charging of the charging zone with an agent in the form of at least one of carbon dioxide and vaporised conventional head lice treating agent.

The step of charging in using the equipment may involve the charging of the charging zone with agent at least comprising conventional liquid type head lice treating agent that is deposited onto absorbing and releasing means appropriately positioned within the treating zone at least during performance of the treatment routine with its progressive release being brought about by the body heat generated inside the treatment zone.

Finally according to the invention there is provided a method of treating bodily externally affecting treatment responsive parasitical conditions comprising appropriately pre-enclosing the affected area in forming a treatment zone that is separated from the environment, removing the bulk of air from the treatment zone to effectively starve the parasites of access to oxygen, and charging the zone at the latest once the bulk of air has been removed with parasite demise promoting agent resulting in their effective eradication once being denied oxygen for the appropriate length of time while simultaneously being exposed to the operation of the agent with final parasite remains removal from the treatment zone, where applicable, being achieved by way of a physical action that not necessarily causes the treatment zone to stay intact.

The method may comprise removing the parasite remains from the treatment zone by at least extensively exposing the treated area to the environment again followed by a physical removal action.

In a preferred embodiment the method may comprise pre-enclosing the affected area by way of a flexible bag thus involving a body part that can so accommodate the bag and of which the inlet is arranged to fit the relevant body part against release of agent once charged thereto while the bag enables the charging of agent thereto at least once fitted in performing

. its treatment zone defining function, exposure of the treated area being achieved by removal of the bag.

The method may preferably comprise pre-enclosing the affected area by way of a bag of which the mouth is elastically formed promoting its fitting against effective release of agent.

The method may comprise removing the bulk of air from the treatment zone is at least achieved by squeezing it from the bag consequently causing the air to become expelled between the inlet and the body portion against which the bag lies.

The method may involve charging the treatment zone via a closable charging opening forming part of the bag that is, depending on its mechanism, also involved in the step of air removal.

The method may preferably involve charging the treatment zone via an at least one-way non- return closure type facility associated with the charging opening.

In a specific embodiment the method may comprise forming the treatment zone about the scalp of a person’s head for eradicating head lice from the scalp and hair, in the case of using a bag of which the mouth is elastically formed its edge thus extending to effectively cover the scalp without affecting normal head associated body functions.

The method may involve charging the zone with agent in the form of at least one of carbon dioxide and conventional head lice treating agent.

Alternatively method may involve charging the zone with agent at least comprising conventional liquid type head lice treating agent that is deposited onto absorbing and releasing means appropriately positioned within the treating zone at least during performance of the treatment routine with its progressive release being brought about by the body heat generated inside the treatment zone. (5) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention is now described in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows an environment shielder for treating bodily externally affecting treatment responsive parasitical conditions in the form of a scalp and hair coverable bag,

Figure 2 diagrammatically shows the bag as fitted for use, and

Figure 3 shows in partly cut away view an embodiment of the bag used in conjunction with liquid lice eradicating agent.

a. 7 . (6) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Referring to the drawings an environment shielder used for treating bodily externally affecting treatment responsive parasitical conditions is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

The shielder 10 is in the form of a flexible bag 12 shaped to firmly cover the scalp and hair of a person intended for exposure to a hair louse treatment routine. To achieve such firm fitting the inlet 14 to the bag 12 in fitted with an elastic band 16 or otherwise elastically formed. It can even be formed with an adhesive type material enabling its adhesive securing.

The bag 12 is fitted with an aperture in the form of an upper corner hole 18 incorporating closure means in the form of a non-return closure type facility (not shown in detail) to enable the charging of agent to a treatment zone 20 formed within the bag 12 once fitted as shown in figure 2.

As the retention of all the agent within the zone 20 is not critical the non-return closure type facility can typically be in the form of a flap type layout comprising a series of circumferentially arranged resilient flaps secured via their bases to the body of the bag 12 along the circumference of the hole 18 while their apexes meet at the centre of the hole 18 when unflexed. In being resilient the hole 18 is opened by simply fitting the discharge end of an agent container (not shown) into the hole thus causing the gaining of access to the zone while the resilience of the flaps cause them to close off the hole 18 again once the container is removed. While being resilient the flap type layout will also contribute in the 20 expelling of air from the zone 20 once in use.

In specifically referring to figure 3 and in a developed embodiment in the case of using a liquid agent the bag 12 is fitted with absorbing and releasing means in the form of a sponge 22 straddling the inside of the hole 18 in such a way that agent injected into the zone 20 once the shielder 10 is in use is absorbed by the sponge 22 for gradual release but to prevent its obstructing the operation of the flap layout.

The invention also extends to equipment for use in treating head lice in the form of a kit including the shielder 10 and a container containing pressurised agent and of which the injection end is formed to comfortably inject agent into the zone 20 via the hole 18 once formed.

While the equipment is described in conjunction with its use for eradicating head lice it will be appreciated that it is not limited to such use and even not to only human use.

- | 8 . In use the bag 12 is simply positioned onto the head of a person intended for treatment in forming the zone 20 with the elastic edge running along the forehead, the ears and the lower back part, shown in figure 2, and the air ejected by simply squeezing the bag 12 down onto the head resulting in air becoming ejected between the edge 24 of the bag and the head of the person intended to be exposed to treatment and via the flap layout. This action thus effectively depletes the zone 20 of oxygen. The next step simply involves the charging of agent into the zone 20 via the hole 18.

The agent can simply be in the form of carbon dioxide or a gaseous agent mixture in which case the sponge 22 can be dispensed with or a conventional liquid bases head louse eradication agent. In the latter case the agent as absorbed by the sponge 22 is progressively released into the zone 20 by the head build up there within.

The effect of an oxygen-depleted environment coupled with the relevant agent cause the demise of the lice when the bag 12 is maintained in position for some length of time. Final removal of the parasite remains is achieved by simply brushing it from the hair and scalp once the bag 12 has been removed inclusive of conventionally washing the hair and scalp where required.

While unhatched eggs and nit may remain on the hair and scalp after a treatment routine, as is also found with conventional treatment, the routine can be repeated until the hair and scalp is fully free of head lice.

An advantage of the invention is found in its convenience and safety of application.

Conventional head louse treatment agent is quite toxic with the accompanying health affecting danger if used regularly, which is normally a requirement owing to the remaining effect of unhatched eggs and nit after a treatment routine. In the case of using conventional agent the invention first only requires it in a lower concentration as it is supplemented by the effect of the oxygen depleted atmosphere while, secondly, the hair and scalp is only exposed to the agent in vapour form. The convenience is found in the retained mobility of the person exposed to the treatment as such person can still freely move about during performance of the treatment routine.

Claims

- 9 (=o

. (7) CLAIMS (1) A body surface area environment shielder involved in treating bodily externally affecting treatment responsive parasitical conditions comprising covering means constituted to cover a body part intended for bodily surface parasite removal against undesired agent release once operatively fitted while permitting the removal of air from a treatment zone formed between the covering means and such body part once so fitted, the covering means also being formed with an aperture incorporating closure means to enable at least the charging of agent to such treatment zone if not also being involved in the removal of air from such treatment zone once formed. (2) An environment shielder as claimed in claim 1 in which the closure means is in the form of an at least one-way non-return closure type facility. (3) An environment shielder as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 in which the covering means is of flexible material. (4) An environment shielder as claimed in claim 3 in which the covering means is in the form of a bag of flexible material sized to comfortably fit a body part intended for bodily surface parasite removal treatment. (5) An environment shielder as claimed in claim 4 in which the inlet of the bag is formed to fit such body part against undesired agent release by being elastically formed. (6) An environment shielder as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 in which the bag is sized to fit the head of a person in covering the scalp and hair without impairing other head associated body functions. (7) An environment shielder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the covering means is fitted with liquid agent absorbing and releasing means situated on the inside of the aperture as regards the forming of a treatment zone, onto which such agent is depositable for subsequently forming a vapour as brought about by the body heat generated inside such treatment zone once the shielder is in use while being fitted in a way that does not affect the operation of the closure means. (8) An environment shielder as claimed in claim 7 in which the absorbing and releasing means is in the form of a sponge. (9) A treatment kit for treating bodily externally affecting treatment responsive parasitical conditions comprising

- | 10

. covering means of flexible material constituted to cover a body part intended for bodily surface parasite removal against undesired agent release once operatively fitted while permitting the removal of air from a treatment zone formed between the covering means and such body part once so fitted and which covering means is also formed with an aperture incorporating closure means to enable at least the charging of agent to such treatment zone if not also being involved in the removal of air from such treatment zone once formed, and a pressurised container containing pressurised agent for use in performing a parasite demise promoting function and of which the discharge nozzle matches the aperture incorporating the closure means of the covering means for discharging agent into a treatment zone formed between the closure means and a body part involved in such operation once the kit is in use. (10) A kit as claimed in claim 9 in which the closure means is in the form of an at least one- way non-return closure type facility. (11) A kit as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 in which the covering means is of flexible material. (12) A kit as claimed in claim 11 in which the covering means is in the form of a bag of flexible material sized to comfortably fit a body part intended for bodily surface parasite removal treatment. (13) A kit as claimed in claim 12 in which the inlet is formed to fit such body part against undesired agent release by being elastically formed. (14) A kit as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13 in which the bag is sized to fit the scalp and hair of a person without impairing other head associated body functions. (15) A kit as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 14 in which the covering means is fitted with liquid agent absorbing and releasing means situated on the inside of the aperture as regards the forming of a treatment zone, onto which such agent is depositable for subsequently 25s forming a vapour as brought about by the body heat generated inside such treatment zone once the shielder is in use while being fitted in a way that does not affect the operation of the closure means. (16) A kit as claimed in claim 15 in which the absorbing and releasing means is in the form of a sponge. (17) Equipment for use in treating bodily externally affecting treatment responsive parasitical conditions by way of the steps of

. appropriately pre-enclosing an affected area in forming a treatment zone that is separated from the environment, removing the bulk of air from the treatment zone to effectively starve the parasites of access to oxygen, and charging the zone at the latest once the bulk of air has been removed with parasite demise promoting agent resulting in their effective eradication once being denied oxygen for the appropriate length of time while simultaneously being exposed to the operation of the agent with final parasite remains removal from the treatment zone, where applicable, being achieved by way of a physical action that not necessarily causes the treatment zone to stay intact.

(18) Equipment as claimed in claim 17 in which the step of removing parasite remains from the treatment zone comprises the at least extensive exposure of the treated area to the environment again followed by a physical removal action.

(19) Equipment as claimed in claim 18 in which the step of pre-enclosing the affected area involves its pre-enclosure by way of a flexible bag thus involving a body part that can so accommodate the bag and of which the inlet is arranged to fit the relevant body part against release of agent once charged thereto while the bag enables the charging of agent thereto at least once fitted in performing its treatment zone defining function, exposure of the treated area being achieved by removal of the bag.

(20) Equipment as claimed in claim 19 in which the step of pre-enclosure of the affected area is by way of a bag of which the mouth is elastically formed thereby to promote its fitting against effective release of agent.

(21) Equipment as claimed in claim 20 in which the step of removal of the bulk of air from the treatment zone is at least achieved by squeezing it from the bag consequently causing the air to become expelled between the inlet and the body portion against which the bag lies. (22) Equipment as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21 in which the step of treatment zone charging is via a closable charging opening forming part of the bag that is, depending on its mechanism, also involved in the step of air removal.

(23) Equipment as claimed in claim 22 in which the step of treatment zone charging is via an at least one way non-return closure type facility associated with the charging opening.

(24) Equipment as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 23 in which the step of forming the treatment zone involves its formation about the scalp of a person’s head for eradicating head

. lice from the scalp and hair, in the case of using a bag of which the mouth is elastically formed it is thus fitted to cause its edge to extend to effectively cover the scalp without affecting normal head associated body functions. (25) Equipment as claimed in claim 24 in which the step of charging involves the charging of the charging zone with an agent in the form of at least one of carbon dioxide and vaporised conventional head lice treating agent. (26) Equipment as claimed in claim 25 in which the step of charging involves the charging of the charging zone with agent at least comprising conventional liquid type head lice treating agent that is deposited onto absorbing and releasing means appropriately positioned within the treating zone at least during performance of the treatment routine with its progressive release being brought about by the body heat generated inside the treatment zone. (27) A method of treating bodily externally affecting treatment responsive parasitical conditions comprising appropriately pre-enclosing the affected area in forming a treatment zone that is separated from the environment, removing the bulk of air from the treatment zone to effectively starve the parasites of access to oxygen, and charging the zone at the latest once the bulk of air has been removed with parasite demise promoting agent resulting in their effective eradication once being denied oxygen for the appropriate length of time while simultaneously being exposed to the operation of the agent with final parasite remains removal from the treatment zone, where applicable, being achieved by way of a physical action that not necessarily causes the treatment zone to stay intact. (28) A method as claimed in claim 27 that comprises removing the parasite remains from the treatment zone by at least extensively exposing the treated area to the environment again followed by a physical removal action. (29) A method as claimed in claim 28 that comprises pre-enclosing the affected area by way of a flexible bag thus involving a body part that can so accommodate the bag and of which the inlet is arranged to fit the relevant body part against release of agent once charged thereto while the bag enables the charging of agent thereto at least once fitted in performing its treatment zone defining function, exposure of the treated area being achieved by removal of the bag.

a 13 . (30) A method as claimed in claim 29 that comprises pre-enclosing the affected area by way of a bag of which the mouth is elastically formed promoting its fitting against effective release of agent. (31) A method as claimed in claim 30 that comprises removing the bulk of air from the treatment zone is at least achieved by squeezing it from the bag consequently causing the air to become expelled between the inlet and the body portion against which the bag lies. (32) A method as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 31 that involves charging the treatment zone via a closable charging opening forming part of the bag that is, depending on its mechanism, also involved in the step of air removal.

(33) A method as claimed in claim 31 that involves charging the treatment zone via an at least one way non-return closure type facility associated with the charging opening. (34) A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims that comprises forming the treatment zone about the scalp of a person's head for eradicating head lice from the scalp and hair, in the case of using a bag of which the mouth is elastically formed its edge thus extending to effectively cover the scalp without affecting normal head associated body functions. (35) A method as claimed in claim 34 that involves charging the zone with agent in the form of at least one of carbon dioxide and conventional head lice treating agent. (36) A method as claimed in claim 35 that involves charging the zone with agent at least comprising conventional liquid type head lice treating agent that is deposited onto absorbing and releasing means appropriately positioned within the treating zone at least during performance of the treatment routine with its progressive release being brought about by the body heat generated inside the treatment zone. (37) A body surface area environment shielder substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings. (38) A body surface area environment shielder substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings. (39) A treatment kit substantially as described including the shielder substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(40) Equipment for use in treating bodily externally affecting treatment responsive parasitical conditions by way of the steps substantially as described.

1 14 » (41) A method of treating bodily externally affecting treatment responsive parasitical conditions substantially as described.

A P S van der Merwe Patent Agent for Applicant