Abstract:
The device combines the detangling capability of a comb or brush with the ability to massage lotions and other hair treatments into the hair follicles and through the entire length of each hair strand. A two-jaw clamping or clamshell design is provided with an interchangeable brush or comb element attached to one of the jaws and a pair of soft rollers extending from the other jaw element. The two jaws are detachable from one another in order to permit the user to operate the comb or brush portion separate from the rollers. When fully assembled, the comb or brush protrudes through the pair of rollers when the jaws of the device are clamped together. There may be an additional mechanism within the device to provide internal vibrations in the housing to propagate through the entire device and into the user&#39;s hair in order to aid in the detangling, smoothing and treatment application processes. One or more additional versions may also include vibrating or oscillating rows of bristles in the brush or comb element. Another embodiment provides a combination motor and offset weight on the end of the upper jaw assembly. In another form, the upper housing and jaw assembly are separable from the lower jaw assembly and housing, so as to provide a vibrating comb/brush without the need to use the rollers on the lower jaw assembly.

Description:
[0001]    This application is filed within one year of, and claims priority to Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/133,195, filed Mar. 13, 2015. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates generally to combs and brushes for hair beautification and, more specifically, to a Hair Massage Device. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Hair styling and beautification has been a major focus of the personal care product industry for many years. The evolution of the industry has produced products ranging from lotions and treatments to devices and methods. Some products are intended to cure perceived hair defects or problem areas, and some others are for achieving particular styling choices and options. Furthermore, other products seek to maintain high quality and healthy hair condition. 
         [0006]    Uwano, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2012/0312319 is a “Vibrating Hair Iron with Noncontact Switch.” The Uwano device is clamped over a user&#39;s hair. Heat is applied by opposing heating plates as the user draws the device down the clump of hair. The Uwano device has an internal mechanism that creates vibrations within the device as it is being drawn down the hair for the articulated purpose of assisting the heated plates in straightening the user&#39;s hair. 
         [0007]    Imai et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,597,107 is a “Hair Styling Appliance” that combines a heated hair iron (like Uwano) with brush bristles located alongside the heating plates. The Imai device also has a mechanism for generating internal vibrations through a “sonic vibration horn.” 
         [0008]    Habibi, U.S. Pat. No. 7,540,289 for “Hair Styling Device and Method of Operation.” The Habibi device also is a hair iron. The Habibi device includes safety features related to the prevention of harm from the user burning themselves, and further discloses a the ability to generate vibrations in the device from an offset weight coupled with a rotating motor within the handle housing of the device. 
         [0009]    Nunomura I, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2009/0266378 is an “Ultrasonic Wave Hair Set Apparatus.” Nunomura II, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2009/0288675 is a “Ultrasonic Vibration Device for Hairstyling and Hair Styling Apparatus Having the Same.” Both Nunomura devices incorporate a sonic vibration horn similar to the Imai device, as well as heated plates for straightening the user&#39;s hair. 
         [0000]    is an iron for clamping around a clump of the user&#39;s hair 
         [0010]    While each of these prior devices may perform the hair straightening function that they articulate is their intention, none of these devices suggests that the use of their product will actually improve the health of the user&#39;s hair. While they all seem to be able to apply heated plates to clumps of the user&#39;s hair, none are capable to assisting the user in spreading lotions or treatments to the hair in a way that will improve the condition of the hair when the user does not wish to heat and/or straighten their hair. 
         [0011]    What is needed is a comb or brush that permits the user to electively comb or brush their hair where the device also has treatment rollers that the hair will pass over to apply and/or distribute lotions or conditioners to the hair. The application of a massaging and/or vibrating motion within the device as well as oscillating motion in the brush bristles or comb teeth would improve the conditioning effect to the hair while also stimulating the production of Keratin in the hair. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    In light of the aforementioned problems associated with the prior devices, it is an object of the present invention to provide a Hair Massage Device. The device should combine the detangling capability of a comb or brush with the ability to massage lotions and other hair treatments into the hair follicles and through the entire length of each hair strand. A two-jaw clamping or clamshell design would be preferred with an interchangeable brush or comb element attached to one of the jaws and a pair of soft rollers extending from the other jaw element. The two jaws should be detachable from one another in order to permit the user to operate the comb or brush portion separate from the rollers. When fully assembled, the comb or brush should protrude through the pair of rollers when the jaws of the device are pushed together. There should be additional mechanical apparatus within the device to provide internal vibrations in the housing to propagate through the entire device and into the user&#39;s hair in order to aid in the detangling, smoothing and treatment application processes. One or more additional versions may also include vibrating or oscillating rows of bristles in the brush or comb element. Additional embodiments should also be available. One such embodiment should provide a combination motor and offset weight on the end of the upper jaw assembly. In another form, the upper housing and jaw assembly should be separable from the lower jaw assembly, so as to provide a vibrating comb/brush without needing to use the rollers. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The objects and features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, of which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the hair massage device of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a second side view of the device of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is an end view of the device of  FIGS. 1-3 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a partial exploded perspective view of the upper portion of the device of  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a partial exploded perspective view of the lower portion of the device of  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a second partial exploded perspective view of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a cutaway side view of the device of  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
           [0022]      FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C  are top views of optional bristles modules for the device of  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a partial perspective view of the device of  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a cutaway side view of an alternate embodiment of the device of  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  are side views of a second alternate embodiment of the hair massage device of the present invention; and 
           [0026]      FIGS. 13A-13D  are side views of the steps to convert the device from the original embodiment to the second alternate embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0027]    The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined herein specifically to provide a Hair Massage Device. 
         [0028]    The present invention can best be understood by initial consideration of  FIG. 1 . 1    FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the hair massage device  10  of the present invention. The major components of the device  10  are the upper housing  12  and the lower housing  14 . These housings  12 ,  14  are interconnected by a pivot hinge  16 . An upper jaw assembly  18  extends from the distal end of the upper housing  12 . In some versions, the upper housing  12  may actually incorporate all or part of the upper jaw assembly  18 .  1  As used throughout this disclosure, element numbers enclosed in square brackets [ ] indicates that the referenced element is not shown in the instant drawing figure, but rather is displayed elsewhere in another drawing figure. 
         [0029]    The lower jaw assembly  20  extends from the distal end of the lower housing  14 . In some versions of the device  10 , the lower housing  14  may incorporate all or part of the lower jaw assembly  20 . A control button  22  provides the user with the control of the mechanised features of the device  10 , as will be discussed in more detail below. 
         [0030]    The upper housing  12  is detachable from the lower housing  14  (i.e. the pivot hinge  16 ) is only permanently attached on one housing ( 14  or  16 ), but is detachable from the other housing. The user may wish to detach the housings from each other so that they can comb or brush their hair without clamping it between the upper jaw assembly  18  and lower jaw assembly  20 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the device  10  of  FIG. 1 . The top surface of the upper housing  12  is defined by an upper grip wall  24 . Similarly, the bottom surface of the lower housing  14  is defined by lower grip wall  26 . The grip walls  24 ,  26  preferably have ridges formed along the surface (potentially made from soft, rubberized material) in order to provide the user with a non-slip grip of the device  10 . 
         [0032]    There is a biasing assembly  30  between the lower housing  14  and the upper housing  12 , adjacent to the pivot hinge  16 . The biasing assembly  30  urges the housings  12 ,  14  away from one another (in direction F), which causes the jaws to open as shown in  FIG. 3 . From the side, it can be seen that the bristle element tips  28 A (which extend from the upper jaw assembly  18 ) protrude through the lower jaw assembly  20 . There is an interlocking joint  17  between the pivot hinge  16  and either the lower housing  14  or the upper housing  12 . The joint  17  allows the two housing  14 ,  16  to be detached from one another either for storage/maintenance, or so that the user can use the upper jaw assembly  18  as a standalone comb/brush (potentially having vibrating or moving bristles).  FIG. 3  illuminates the construction that provides this functionality. 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  is a second side view of the device  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  in the opened condition. Biasing element  34  (a spring, cushion or pad) has urged the upper housing  12  and lower housing  14  to pivot away from one another. The user can then use his or her grip on the housings  12 ,  14  to press the housings  12 ,  14  back together on the hair to be massaged. In this way, the upper and lower jaw assemblies  18 ,  20  can move in direction “M.” A stop element  36  is provided between the upper and lower jaw assemblies  18 ,  20  in order to prevent the user from pinching his or her hair between them. It also prevents the user&#39;s hair from getting pinched between the upper and lower housings  12 ,  14 . 
         [0034]    In this version, a brush-type bristle element  32 A is fitted onto the upper jaw assembly  18 . The bristle elements  40 A extend downward from the upper jaw assembly  18  such that they extend past the lower jaw assembly  20  when the jaw assemblies  18 ,  20  are closed as depicted in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 4  provides additional detail regarding the arrangement of the elements. 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  is an end view of the device  10  of  FIGS. 1-3  having the end cap [ 52 ] removed. The bristle module  32  attaches to an elongate channel that runs longitudinally along substantially the entire length of the upper jaw assembly  18 . This T-shaped channel  38  allows the various bristle modules  32  to be slid on and off of the upper jaw assembly  18 , as will be discussed further below in connection with  FIG. 5 . 
         [0036]    The lower jaw assembly  20  has a pair of roller elements  48 A,  48 B that extend over the length of the upper jaw assembly  18 . These roller elements  48 S,  48 B are preferably made from flocked natural or synthetic material, however, other materials are possible, including sponge (natural or synthetic), padded nylon, and other materials. 
         [0037]    In order to use the device  10 , the user allows the biasing element [ 34 ] to urge the upper and lower housings  12 ,  14  to pivot apart. The hair is then clamped between the upper and lower jaw assemblies  18 ,  20  (near the user&#39;s scalp) so that it is running between the bristle elements  40 A and the roller elements  48 A,  48 B. The user then draws the device  10  down their hair in order to stimulate the Keratin composition in the hair so that it will absorb hair treatment formulations. The roller elements  48 A,  48 B are free to roll as the user draws the device  10  down their hair. In addition to stimulating the Keratin in the hair, it will also cause a smoothing/polishing effect to the hair, as well as assisting in the smooth distribution of the hair treatment formulations applied to the hair.  FIG. 5  provides more information about this device  10 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  is a partial exploded perspective view of the upper portion of the device [ 10 ] of  FIGS. 1-4 . The upper housing  12  terminates in the tip housing portion  44 . The biasing element guide  46 A is adjacent to the pivot hinge  16  and contains a central pin that serves to center and retain the biasing element [ 34 ]. The biasing element guide  46 A prevents the upper and lowerjaw assemblies from being pinched to closely together. 
         [0039]    The bristle element  32 A depicted here comprises a substrate element  42 A that has a plurality of soft (or stiff) bristle elements  40 A extending upwardly from it. The elongate channel  38  that runs along a substantial portion of the tip housing portion  44 , and is configured to accept the substrate element  42 A to be slid onto it. 
         [0040]    Alternatively, a the bristle module  32 A could be exchanged with a comb module  32 B. The comb module  32 B has a plurality of rigid or semi-rigid tooth elements  40 B extending from its substrate element  42 B. Other configurations for the modules (e.g.  32 A,  32 B) are contemplated, including designs that provide with moving bristle or tooth elements. In such configurations, the elongate channel  38  may be replaced with another mounting design for the modules (e.g.  32 A,  32 B).  FIG. 6  focuses on the other major assembly comprising the device [ 10 ]. 
         [0041]      FIG. 6  is a partial exploded perspective view of the lower portion of the device [ 10 ] of  FIGS. 1-4 . A biasing element guide  46 B mates with the guide [ 46 A] on the upper portion. As should be apparent, the biasing element [ 34 ] is captured between the cup forms of the two guides [ 46 A],  46 B. The lower housing  14  extends from the pivot hinge  16  to the lower jaw assembly  20 . The stop element  36  is positioned at the end of the lower housing  14  closest to the lower jaw assembly  20 . 
         [0042]    The lower jaw assembly  20  has a pair of roller elements  48 A,  48 B extending from the distal end of the lower housing  14 . The roller elements  48 A,  48 B slip onto individual roller armatures  50 A,  50 B, and are allowed to rotate thereon (i.e. while the user pulls their hair through the device [ 10 ] between the brush/comb and the rollers  48 A,  48 B). The roller elements  48 A,  48 B are retained on the armatures  50 A by end cap  52 , which snaps onto the armatures  50 A,  50 B. The end cap  52  must be removed in order to remove/replace the roller elements  48 A,  48 B.  FIG. 7  provides an exploded view of a pair of roller elements  48 A,  48 B being slipped onto the armatures  50 A,  50 B. As shown, the central bores  54  of the roller elements  48 A,  48 B are designed to cooperate with the armatures  50 A,  50 B so that the roller elements  48 A,  48 B will rotate without binding, but also without excess space which would result in a sloppy fit between the elements. 
         [0043]      FIG. 8  is a cutaway side view of the device  10  of  FIGS. 1-4 . In this version, a mechanism is included that will provide cause the device  10  to vibrate while the user is combing their hair. This vibrating motion is intended to stimulate the hair&#39;s Keratin composition, as well as to increase luster and shine. There are batteries  58  contained within the upper housing  12 . These batteries  58  could be simple alkaline batteries, or they could be rechargeable by an internal or external battery charger. A drive motor  56  is powered by the batteries  58  to drive shaft  60  to rotate. An offset weight  62  is provided near the end of the shaft  60  to create an off-balance force as the shaft  60  is driven to rotate by the drive motor  56 . This creates the vibrations in the device  10 . It should be noted that the offset weight  62  is positioned in spaced relation to the drive motor  56 . This serves to focus the vibrations at or near to the midpoint of the tip housing portion, so that user gripping the upper  12  and lower [ 14 ] housings does not dampen the vibration, and therefore the maximum vibrating force is imparted where the user&#39;s hair is being drawn though the device  10 . 
         [0044]    A variety of options related to the bristle/tooth designs are contemplated. Some examples of these options are provided in  FIGS. 9A-9C  and in  FIG. 10 .  FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C  are top views of optional bristles modules for the device [ 10 ] of  FIGS. 1-4 . The version  32 C of  FIG. 9A  includes the mechanism to cause the center row of brush bristles to oscillate back and forth in the direction of the arrows. This mechanism will be located within the upper jaw assembly [ 18 ] and possibly within the upper housing [ 12 ], and is generally an electric drive motor and linkages to create oscillating motion in one or more rows of bristle elements. 
         [0045]    In this version  32 C, the outer rows of bristles will remain stationary. Alternatively  32 D, the center row of bristles may remain stationary, and the outer rows of bristles oscillate back and forth relative to the center row of bristles (and relative to the device housing). These two alternate designs are in contrast to the stationary, yet vibrating bristle modules  32 A,  32 B discussed above in connection with the introduction of the device [ 10 ]. In addition to mechanization, the device  10  may incorporate a variety of bristle configurations. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the center row of bristle elements  40 AC are relatively thin and shorter than the rest of the bristle elements. The main outer rows of bristle elements  40 AB are thicker and perhaps slightly longer than the center bristle elements  40 AC, while the corner bristle elements  40 AA are the longest and thickest of all of the bristle elements. Employing bristle elements having a variety of lengths and thicknesses will create flexibility in how well the bristles work with particular hair types, styles and follicle lengths. 
         [0046]      FIG. 11  is a cutaway side view of an alternate embodiment  10 A of the device of  FIGS. 1-4 . In the interest of simplicity, cost reduction and overall weight reduction, the vibration-producing drive motor has been relocated from the upper housing [ 12 ] and into the housing of the upper jaw assembly  18 A. This can reduce the weight of the upper housing  12 A and/or it could increase the size of the batteries  58 A. The drive motor  56 A has a rotating shaft  60 A extending from it. As can be seen, the shaft  60 A is much shorter than the shaft [ 60 ] of the prior-described version. The offset weight  62 A is essentially the same as that [ 62 ] previously-described. In this depiction, the fine-toothed comb  32 C is shown as being attached to the upper jaw assembly  18 A—the fine-toothed comb  32 C is well-suited for styling of the user&#39;s hair.  FIGS. 12A-13D  describe other optional configurations for the device. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  are side views of a second alternate embodiment  10 B of the hair massage device of the present invention. This device  10 B is the result of the elimination of the lower housing and lower jaw assembly, as will be discussed below. The resulting device  10 B is limited to the upper housing  12 / 12 A and the upper jaw assembly  18 / 18 A (and the internal vibration-generating mechanism). In  FIG. 12A , a tapered, wide-toothed comb element  32 D has been attached to the upper jaw assembly  18 / 18 A. This comb element  32 D has been found to be particularly well suited for treating hair when it is dry. 
         [0048]    In  FIG. 12B , a non-tapered, wide-toothed comb element  32 E has been attached to the upper jaw assembly  18 / 18 A. This comb element  32 E has the tips  70  of the teeth dipped or coated in a pliable or rubberized material. These coated tips  70  have been found to work very well in the treatment of wet hair. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 13A-13D  are side views of the steps to convert the device from the original embodiment [ 10 / 10 A] to the second alternate embodiment  10 B. The lower subassembly (comprising the lower jaw assembly  20 , lower housing  14 , pivot hinge and end cap portion  72  are removed from the power interface portion  76  (at the distal end of the upper housing  12 / 12 A). A simple end cap  74  is then placed over the power interface portion  76  to create the second alternate hair massage device  10 B. 
         [0050]    In summary, the following describes the benefits of the device [ 10 ] to the user&#39;s wet and dry hair: 
       Wet Hair 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
             The housing (elements [ 12 / 14 / 18 / 20 ]) is waterproof so that it can be used with wet hair. 
             Aid in the application of lotions, hair colorings, conditioners (treatments) to the hair follicles. 
             The high frequency vibration and/or oscillation stimulates keratin structure of hair to better absorb and more evenly distribute and to stimulate the absorption of hair treatments. 
             The treatment rollers are made from a material that softens and provides shine to hair and more evenly distribute the treatments. 
           
         
       
     
       Dry Hair 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
             The high frequency vibration and/or oscillation removes the outer layer surrounding the keratin hair structure of dry and flaky oils, residue of treatments and hair sprays previously applied to the user&#39;s hair. This removes dulling residue and makes the user&#39;s hair more full-bodied. 
             The bristles and teeth of the combs and brushes are coated with an Ionic powder in order to provide an anti-frizz effect (i.e. to shine and soften the hair). 
             Treatment rollers made from a material that softens and provides shine to hair and more evenly distributes the hair treatment liquids. 
           
         
       
     
         [0058]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred embodiment can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.