Abstract:
One embodiment of an aperture for a scalp brush that does not cut hair is defined by the aperture&#39;s diameter and design of the aperture&#39;s perimeter. The aperture has a diameter of between 0.51 mm and 1.27 mm. The outside area beyond the aperture ( 20 ) being the aperture&#39;s perimeter can be no greater than 2.0 mm in diameter. The perimeter of aperture ( 20 ), part of tube ( 22 ), has a round contour ( 84 ) on the outside edge of tube brushing end ( 68 ). The tube length being predetermined for working efficiency. The rounded outside edge of tube brushing end ( 68 ) does not allow hair cutting. Other embodiments using aperture ( 20 ), contour ( 84 ), and tube ( 22 ) are described and shown.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/960,513, filed Sep. 20, 2013 by the present inventor. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    This application relates to scalp brushes that remove dead skin cells. 
       BACKGROUND 
     Prior Art 
       [0005]    Many products have been employed in an attempt to remove dead skin cells from the scalp before becoming dandruff. Shampoo, special chemicals compounds, hair brushes and scalp scrubbers are some examples. 
         [0006]    One prior art reference can be made of a pharmaceutical hair device having “hollow teeth” U.S. Pat. No. 3,053,264 filed May 18, 1959 by inventor Alex T. Breton. This and other devices having “hollow teeth” (tubes) might have ends that are sharp enough to cut hair. These tube designs do not protect the user from hair loss due to a sharp or rough surface on the brushing ends of the tubes. 
         [0007]    The possibility of cutting hair places the tube design in need of some modification. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    In accordance with one embodiment an aperture for a scalp brush that removes and retains dead skin cells without cutting hair defined by the aperture&#39;s diameter and perimeter design. 
       Advantages 
       [0009]    One advantage of an aperture for a scalp brush that does not cut hair is that tubes can be used safely as part of a dead skin cell removing device for the scalp. Another advantage is the aperture contains the dead skin cells and can be used as a tool to measure quantities removed. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       Figures 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the aperture and tube. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  shows a side view of the aperture and tube as part of a scalp brush using one aperture. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  shows a similar brush without a rod. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of an embodiment using a plurality of apertures. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of the location of the opening in the top half of the handle. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  shows a side view of the brush using rods inside tubes. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  shows a side view of the brush using a vacuum design with no rods. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  shows a side view of the brush using pneumatics and rods. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  shows a side view of the brush using pneumatics and no rods. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  shows a side view of the brush using hydraulics and rods. 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  shows a side view of the brush using hydraulics and no rods. 
       
    
    
     DRAWINGS 
     Reference Numerals 
       [0000]    
       
           20  Aperture 
           22  Tube 
           24  Rod 
           26  Spring 
           28  Neoprene disc 
           30  Neoprene plate 
           32  Handle (second embodiment) 
           34  Handle (third embodiment) 
           36  Butyl rubber sealer 
           38  Flexible sheeting for air and fluid chamber 
           40  One way air and fluid valve 
           42  Decorative top push plate 
           44  Push plate attached to rod top ends 
           46  Push plate without rod attachments 
           48  Fluid reservoir 
           50  Top half of handle 
           52  Bottom half of handle 
           54  Handle attachment plate 
           56  Top twistable plate 
           58  Twistable plate swivel pin 
           60  Plunger 
           62  Inside cylinder 
           64  Outside cylinder 
           66  Fluid fill opening 
           68  Tube brushing end 
           70  Predetermined point of arc intersect with outside of tube wall 
           72  Catch for top twistable plate 
           74  Bottom plate for top plate ( 56 ) 
           76  Partially drilled hole in neoprene plate for spring 
           78  Hole for air and fluid passage into air and fluid chamber 
           80  Tube end plate 
           82  Plunger end plate 
           84  Contoured edge of brushing end of tube 
           86  Holes in handle for tubes 
           88  Hole in end plate ( 80 ) 
           90  Hole in end plate ( 82 ) 
           92  Plunger rod end hole 
           94  Hole for spring 
           96  Opening in top half of handle ( 34 ) 
           98  Predrilled screw hole 
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     First Embodiment 
     FIG.  1   
       [0061]    In  FIG. 1  (perspective view) the first embodiment of aperture ( 20 ) is shown as part of tube ( 22 ) made of stainless steel. Tube ( 22 ) has an outside diameter of 1.59 mm, an inside diameter of 0.81 mm and a length of 28.6 mm. 
         [0062]    The perimeter of aperture ( 20 ) at tube brushing end ( 68 ) of tube ( 22 ) has a contour ( 84 ) on the outside edge of the end of the tube wall. This contour is created by rounding off the outer corner of tube brushing end ( 68 ) with 320 grit sandpaper. 
         [0063]    The sanding process establishes the predetermined point ( 70 ) where contour ( 84 ) from tube brushing end ( 68 ) intersects the outside of the tube wall away from tube brushing end ( 68 ). 
         [0064]    The sanded contour ( 84 ) is buffed to a polished surface. The inside edge of tube brushing end ( 68 ) is also polished to remove any rough surfaces and to unsharpen the inside edge of the end of the tube wall. This is done by using a round toothpick dipped in a regular course rubbing compound. This compound can be acquired at most auto body supply stores. The toothpick with compound applied is placed inside of the aperture end of the tube and rotated to polish the inside edge removing any sharpness that can cut hair. 
         [0065]    The first embodiment comprising the combination of aperture ( 20 ), contour ( 84 ) and tube ( 22 ) is a scalp brush that can be held between a finger and the thumb. 
       Operation 
     First Embodiment 
     FIG.  1   
       [0066]    To operate the first embodiment brush aperture ( 20 ) on the scalp repeatedly. When the aperture has removed enough dead skin cells to fill tube ( 22 ), dead skin cells will be seen at the opposite end from aperture ( 20 ). 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Second Embodiment 
     FIG.  2   
       [0067]    In  FIG. 2  aperture ( 20 ), contour ( 84 ), and tube ( 22 ) will be attached to handle ( 32 ) after all of the parts of the second embodiment are created. 
         [0068]    In  FIG. 2  handle ( 32 ) is made of two brass cylinders. Inside cylinder ( 62 ) and outside cylinder ( 64 ) are both 4 cm in length. Cylinder ( 62 ) has a 0.38 mm thick wall and an outside diameter of 1 cm. Cylinder ( 64 ) has a 0.38 mm thick wall and an outside diameter of 1.7 cm. 
         [0069]    A 7 mm thick neoprene disc ( 28 ) is cut to fit the inside of one end of cylinder ( 62 ). A 1.59 mm hole is drilled in the center of this disc. 
         [0070]    A plunger ( 60 ) is made from an 8 mm diameter aluminum rod that is 3.5 cm long. One half of this rod is milled down to the diameter of 4 mm. The large end of plunger ( 60 ) has a 1.6 mm hole ( 92 ) drilled 3 mm deep in the center. This end of the plunger is sanded with 120 grit sandpaper for an epoxy bond later. 
         [0071]    Two end plates ( 80 ) and ( 82 ) are discs made of brass. The end plates are 1.7 cm in diameter and have a thickness of 0.38 mm. End plate ( 80 ) has a 1.59 mm hole ( 88 ) in its center. End plate ( 82 ) has a 4.1 mm hole ( 90 ) in its center. 
         [0072]    A rod ( 24 ) made of stainless steel with a diameter of 0.79 mm is cut to the length of 3.5 cm. One end of rod ( 24 ) is sanded with 120 grit sandpaper for an epoxy bond later. 
         [0073]    A coil spring ( 26 ) with a diameter of 8 mm and an uncompressed length of 2 cm is used to retract plunger ( 60 ). Spring ( 26 ) has a load of 0.712 kilograms at full deflection. This spring is made of stainless steel. 
       Assembly Instructions 
     Second Embodiment 
     FIG.  2   
       [0074]    Place rod ( 24 ) and plunger ( 60 ) in a support for gluing the sanded end of rod ( 24 ) to hole ( 92 ). The support must hold rod ( 24 ) 90 degrees to the end surface of plunger ( 60 ). Glue with an epoxy glue. 
         [0075]    Place the non-contoured end of tube ( 22 ) into the hole in neoprene disc ( 28 ). Only insert the tube to the point at which tube ( 22 ) is flush with the opposite side of disc ( 28 ). 
         [0076]    Place disc ( 28 ) with its tube ( 22 ) into one end of cylinder ( 62 ) with aperture ( 20 ) away from cylinder ( 62 ). Disc ( 28 ) should be flush with the end of cylinder ( 62 ). 
         [0077]    Place end plate ( 80 ) over tube ( 22 ) and against the end of cylinder ( 62 ). Place cylinder ( 64 ) over cylinder ( 62 ) against end plate ( 80 ). Place spring ( 26 ) inside of cylinder ( 62 ). Place plunger ( 60 ) with its rod ( 24 ) inside cylinder ( 62 ) against spring ( 26 ). Push rod ( 24 ) inside tube ( 22 ). Place end plate ( 82 ) over the end of plunger ( 60 ). 
         [0078]    Apply and epoxy glue to both ends of cylinder ( 64 ) and compress end plate ( 80 ) and end plate ( 82 ) against cylinder ( 64 ) with a clamp until the epoxy is cured. 
       Operation 
     Second Embodiment 
     FIG.  2   
       [0079]    Operate the scalp brush by brushing the aperture end of tube ( 22 ) on the scalp. 
         [0080]    To remove the dead skin cells from the aperture push plunger ( 60 ) once expelling the dead skin cells out of aperture ( 20 ). 
       Second Embodiment 
     Alternative Embodiments 
     FIG.  3   
       [0081]    In  FIG. 3  an alternative to the use of rod ( 24 ) to expel dead skin cells is presented. The use of pneumatic pressure or air pressure can be effective in forcing out the dead skin cells. By making a close tolerance between plunger ( 60 ) and the inside of cylinder ( 62 ) air will be forced out of aperture ( 20 ) when plunger ( 60 ) is pushed. 
       Operation 
     Second Embodiment 
     Alternative Embodiments 
     FIG.  3   
       [0082]    With plunger ( 60 ) ( FIG. 3 ) in its normal un-pushed position brush aperture ( 20 ) on the scalp collecting dead skin cells. To expel dead skin cells from the aperture push rapidly once on plunger ( 60 ). Air will force out the dead skin cells. 
         [0083]    With the same embodiment hydraulics may be used as means for removing dead skin cells from aperture ( 20 ). To operate hydraulically, hold down plunger ( 60 ), place aperture ( 20 ) in water and then release plunger ( 60 ). This will charge cylinder ( 62 ) with a quantity of water that can be expelled when dead skin cells are to be removed from aperture ( 20 ) by pushing on plunger ( 60 ). 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Third Embodiment 
     FIGS.  4 , 5 , 6   
       [0084]    In  FIG. 4  the third embodiment uses a plurality of apertures ( 20 ) and tubes ( 22 ). Some parts used for the first and second embodiments ( FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 ) are used in the third embodiment ( FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  6 ). 
         [0085]    A handle ( 34 ) is made from a fiberglass composite in the form of a shell. This shell has a top half ( 50 ) and a bottom half ( 52 ). The bottom half is used to mount parts. The fiberglass handle is created using standard manufacturing processes for fiberglass parts manufacturing. 
         [0086]    The bottom half ( 52 ) has 15 holes ( 86 ) with the diameter of 1.59 mm drilled in a 3 hole by 5 hole pattern in the center region of the large end of handle ( 34 ). 
         [0087]    A 7 mm thick neoprene plate ( 30 ) ( FIG. 6 ) has the same hole pattern as the bottom half of the handle with the same diameter holes. Two holes ( 94 ) for springs ( 26 ) are drilled in locations between the 15 tube holes that balance spring forces evenly. 
         [0088]    Neoprene plate ( 30 ) is cut to fit the inside of handle ( 34 ). Neoprene plate ( 30 ) will be bonded to the inside of the handle with a silicone rubber sealant. 
         [0089]    Neoprene plate ( 30 ) with the silicone rubber applied is placed inside the bottom half of handle ( 34 ). Tubes ( 22 ) with aperture ends away from the handle are inserted into the 15 holes in the bottom half of handle ( 34 ). The tubes are pushed into the 15 holes of neoprene plate ( 30 ) to the point where the ends are flush with the opposite side of neoprene plate ( 30 ). 
         [0090]    The bottom half ( 52 ) of handle ( 34 ) with tubes attached is placed with the aperture end of tubes ( 22 ) facing down on a table. Rods ( 24 ) are placed inside of the top of the tube ends with the bottom of the rods and the tube bottom ends resting against the table surface. Two springs ( 26 ) are placed in their respective holes. 
         [0091]    Push plate ( 44 ) ( FIG. 6 ) has the same hole pattern as the bottom half of handle ( 34 ). Push plate ( 44 ) is placed on top of the 15 rods ( 24 ) and springs ( 26 ). An epoxy glue is applied to the push plate  15  holes to bond to the 15 rods. A piece of waxed paper is used on top of push plate ( 44 ) to not allow a bond to a support used to force down plate ( 44 ) while gluing. This temporary support can be a piece of plywood door skin. A clamp is used to compress the temporary support and springs half way down while bonding rods ( 24 ) to push plate ( 44 ). 
         [0092]    The top half of handle ( 34 ) ( FIG. 5 ) has a large opening ( 96 ) located above push plate ( 44 ) ( FIG. 6 ). This opening exposes push plate ( 44 ) so that it can be moved with the pushing of a finger. 
         [0093]    Before installing the top half of the handle ( 50 ) a decorative plate ( 42 ) made of a fiberglass composite is bonded to the top surface of push plate ( 44 ) with and epoxy glue. 
         [0094]    The top half of handle ( 34 ) has one pre-drilled screw hole ( 98 ) ( FIG. 5 ) in each end to match up to handle attachment plates ( 54 ). The top and bottom halves of handle ( 34 ) are attached to each other by placing one screw in each end of the scalp brush. 
       Operation 
     Third Embodiment 
     FIGS.  4 ,  5 ,  6   
       [0095]    To operate the third embodiment of the scalp brush, place apertures against the scalp and brush on the scalp. To remove collected dead skin cells from the apertures push the decorative top push plate ( 42 ) and the cells will be removed from apertures ( 20 ). 
       Alternative Embodiments 
     FIG.  7   
       [0096]    In  FIG. 7  a vacuum device is shown. No rods ( 24 ) are used. 
         [0097]    A bellows is made with flexible plastic sheeting ( 38 ) creating an air or fluid chamber that can be compressed or used for a vacuum. The flexible sheeting ( 38 ) is bonded to handle ( 34 ) with butyl rubber sealer ( 36 ). This sealer ( 36 ) is used with automobile windshields. 
         [0098]    Neoprene plate ( 30 ) has two holes ( 76 ) partially drilled to hold springs ( 26 ) and not allow air passage. There is a horizontal hole ( 78 ) to allow air or fluid to pass from the air chamber into the back part of handle ( 34 ). There is a one way air and fluid valve ( 40 ) attached to hole ( 78 ). Valve ( 40 ) is designed to allow air out of and not into the air chamber. 
         [0099]    Catch ( 72 ) is a fiberglass block to hold down top twistable plate ( 56 ). Catch ( 72 ) is bonded to the top half of handle ( 34 ) with an epoxy glue. 
         [0100]    Fiberglass top twistable plate ( 56 ) and bottom plate ( 74 ) are held together with a twistable plate swivel pin ( 58 ) 
         [0101]    When supported by springs ( 26 ) and guided by two catches ( 72 ) the top plate can be pushed down. When pushed down, plate ( 56 ) can be twisted or turned clockwise to catch top plate ( 56 ) on the edges of catches ( 72 ). In the pushed down position the embodiment is ready for use. 
       Operation 
     Alternative Embodiment 
     FIG.  7   
       [0102]    To operate the vacuum embodiment, push down on top twistable plate ( 56 ) and turn the plate clockwise to catch the plate&#39;s corners on catches ( 72 ). Brush apertures ( 20 ) on the scalp. To remove the dead skin cells from the apertures, turn top twistable plate counterclockwise to release the plate from catches ( 72 ). The plate will move up by the push of the springs and a vacuum will be created within the air chamber. This will vacuum dead skin cells from tubes ( 22 ) into the brush interior removing the cells from apertures. ( 20 ). 
       Alternative Embodiments 
     FIGS.  8 ,  9   
       [0103]    In  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9  pneumatic means are used to remove the dead skin cells from apertures ( 20 ). 
         [0104]    In  FIG. 8  rods ( 24 ) are used along with the pneumatic system. The same air chamber of  FIG. 7  and push plate ( 44 ) of  FIG. 6  are used here. Valve ( 40 ) is designed to only allow air into the air chamber. 
         [0105]    In  FIG. 9  no rods ( 24 ) are used. 
         [0106]    In both  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9  spring holes ( 76 ) are used. 
       Operation 
     Alternative Embodiments 
     FIGS.  8 ,  9   
       [0107]    To operate the pneumatic embodiment of the scalp brush, brush apertures on the scalp. To remove the dead skin cells from the apertures, push on push plate ( 42 ) and the dead skin cells will come out of apertures ( 20 ). 
       Alternative Embodiments 
     FIGS.  10 ,  11   
       [0108]    In  FIGS. 10 and 11  hydraulic means are used to remove dead skin cells from apertures ( 20 ). 
         [0109]    In  FIG. 10  rods ( 24 ) are used along with the hydraulic system. 
         [0110]    In  FIG. 11  no rods ( 24 ) are used. 
         [0111]    In  FIGS. 10 and 11  one way valve ( 40 ) is designed to only allow fluid into the air and fluid chamber. 
         [0112]    In  FIGS. 10 and 11  fluid reservoir ( 48 ) is made of a fiberglass composite. Fluid Reservoir ( 48 ) has a fluid fill opening ( 66 ). 
       Operation 
     Alternative Embodiments 
     FIGS.  10 ,  11   
       [0113]    To operate the hydraulic embodiment, submerge the fluid fill opening ( 66 ) under water and push down on push plate ( 42 ). While holding the palm of your other hand against apertures ( 20 ) release push plate ( 42 ) to allow water to be drawn into fluid fill opening ( 66 ) and into fluid reservoir ( 48 ). Repeat until water comes out of tubes ( 22 ). Brush apertures ( 20 ) on the scalp. Remove dead skin cells from the apertures ( 20 ) by pushing on push plate ( 42 ) expelling the cells. 
       CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE 
       [0114]    Accordingly, the reader will see that the aperture for a scalp brush can be used to remove dead skin cells without cutting hair. The embodiment collects and retains dead skin cells that can be measured. 
         [0115]    The aperture, contour, and tube combination can be used as a single tube brush held between a finger and the thumb. The single aperture, contour, and tube combination can be attached to a handle. The aperture, contour, and tube combination can be used in a plurality with multiple tubes attached to a handle. 
         [0116]    The dead skin cells can be removed from the aperture using rods, a vacuum system, pneumatics or hydraulics. 
         [0117]    While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but as exemplifications of various embodiments thereof. Many other ramification and variations are possible within the teachings of the various embodiments. For example, an embodiment using the apertures can be a comb with all the tubes in a single line and attached to a handle using rods to expel dead skin cells from the apertures. 
         [0118]    Thus the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.