Hair treatment apparatus and method

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for treating hair including a handle (12), hair separation apparatus (22) associated with the handle and extending longitudinally along an axis, apparatus (14-16) for oscillating the hair separation apparatus about the axis so as to bring the hair separation apparatus (22) into repeated engagement with a group of hairs so as to ease passage of the separation apparatus therethrough, and apparatus for preventing the hair separation apparatus from striking a portion of skin to which the hairs are attached. The hair separation apparatus (22) is oscillated about the axis axis at a relatively high frequency, of, typically, greater than 4,000 cycles per minute and preferably greater than 10,000 cycles per minute, and at a relatively small amplitude, of, typically, no larger than about 5° and, preferably, no larger than 2°. A method of delousing hair includes the steps of placing hair separation apparatus (22) in a group of hairs and oscillating the hair separation apparatus at high frequency, so as to bring the hair separation apparatus into repeated engagement with the group of hairs in a direction generally transverse to the length of the hairs, thereby also bringing the hair separation apparatus into repeated engagement with lice and lice eggs located among the hairs, so as to cause fatal injury to the lice and lice eggs.

Description: The invention relates to an apparatus for treating hair according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method of treating hair according to the preamble of claim 21. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many different types of device are available for combing the hair, whether for grooming purposes or for purposes of treating hair and/or scalp conditions, such as removal of lice and dandruff. Disclosed in US-A-4 532 707 to Allen is an animal hair shear and cutting device. The device comprises an electrically operated animal hair shear or cutting apparatus including an electric motor and housing therefor, a hair cutting blade for reciprocal motion by the electric motor, a conventional toothed comb carried by the apparatus and a second comb carried by the apparatus together with the first comb, the first comb being disposed in spaced relation between the blade and the second comb. A pet groomer and flea annihilator is disclosed in US-A-4 729 147 to Armbruster. This device is portable and includes a comb for grooming, removing loose hair, dirt, dandruff and the like and a vacuum device associated with the comb. Disclosed in US-A-4 632 135 to Lenting is a hair grooming device comprising a hollow elongate holder having a comb or brush attachment fitted into one end portion thereof. A high voltage source is enclosed in the holder for ion generation. An elongate conductive support is mounted in and insulated from the holder and electrically connected to the high voltage source, such support extending parallel to and opposite the brush or comb attachment. At least one row of electrodes extends outwardly from the support towards the holder. There is a slot-like opening in the holder in registration with each row of electrodes so as to facilitate escape of the generated ions to the exterior of the holder. US-A-3 474 795 to Hantman et al. discloses an apparatus for treating hair comprising: a handle; hair separation means associated with said handle and extending longitudinally along an axis and having teeth; means for oscillating said hair separation means about its axis into repeated engagement with a group of hairs so as to ease passage of said separation means therethrough. Furthermore, this document discloses a method of treating hair comprising the following steps: providing a hair separation apparatus having teeth; placing the hair separation apparatus in a group of hairs, each having a length in a given direction; and moving the hair separation apparatus through the hairs. In detail US-A-3 474 795 describes and shows a hair dressing device having an electric motor and drive mechanism releasably connected to a comb for rapidly oscillating the comb. The comb defines a relatively wide, elongate portion and a plurality of teeth extending transversely from the elongate portion. The comb is arranged so as to be oscillated by the drive mechanism about an axis extending parallel to the elongate portion and also extending through the junction points of the teeth and the elongate portion, or through the teeth at a location somewhat spaced from the junction points. As the comb is oscillated, no force is imparted to hairs it may be sought to separate along the axis, portions of the comb lying along the axis thus defining 'dead points'. At a distance from the axis a force is, however, delivered by the teeth in proportion to the distance from the axis. It will thus be appreciated that the device according to US-A-3 474 795 is inefficient, as at least a portion of each tooth serves no useful purpose in freeing knots and tangles in the hair it engages. Furthermore, the amplitude of oscillation of the teeth and thus the force delivered thereby is directly proportional to their perpendicular distance from the axis. Thus, in order to obtain even a relatively small amplitude of oscillation at a point on each tooth element relatively close to the axis, the amplitude of oscillation of the points furthest from the axis and thus the force delivered thereat is unacceptably large. The amplitude of oscillation typically employed is relatively large, a preferred range being from 20° to 40°, while "... useful results may generally be obtained in the range 5° to 150° ...". The relatively large amplitude employed in US-A-3 474 795 is combined with a relatively low frequency of oscillation which may vary between 100 and 4,000 cycles per minute. As the scalp is a relatively sensitive portion of the skin, particularly when being struck at a relatively low frequency, use of the device of US-A-3 474 795 would be, therefore, very uncomfortable, due to the repeated low frequency striking of the scalp with a relatively large force that would invariably occur. Disclosed in US-A-3 850 181 to Baker is a hair detangling device which has a pair of fixed combs spaced about an axis, and a movable comb which is aligned along the axis and is reciprocated therealong so as to detangle hair with which the combs are engaged. The teeth of the combs extend perpendicular to the axis and, in order to permit access of the movable member to the scalp, the teeth of the movable member are longer, and thus protrude beyond the teeth of the fixed combs. As the reciprocating movement of the movable comb is along the axis and not transverse to it, the problem outlined above, of repeated striking of the scalp, is not present with the hair detangler. Disclosed in US-A-3 384 096 to Paccione is an oscillatory teasing comb comprising a housing having an annular portion at one end and a flat and open longitudinal portion extending for substantially the length of a comb and terminating in a raised portion. Means are provided for pivotally mounting the frame in the housing, on the inner face thereof, in order to permit an oscillating movement of the frame in the housing. A drive shaft is rotatably mounted relative to the housing having eccentric means on the drive shaft, and means for automatically selectively oscillating the drive shaft are provided, as well as a plate for operatively connecting the drive shaft with the frame for oscillating movement of the latter, and a teasing comb removably secured in the frame and joining the oscillating movement of the latter. The teasing comb has a plurality of teeth spaced from an axis and operative to be oscillated thereabout. The spacing of each tooth from the axis is relatively small, however, being approximately one-tenth of the length of a tooth, and does not provide a satisfactory solution to the 'dead point' described above in connection to the device of US-A-3 474 795. Furthermore, US-A-3 384 096 does not disclose a preferred amplitude of oscillation of the comb about the axis nor does it disclose a preferred frequency of oscillation. Various additional powered hair treatment devices are disclosed in US-A-2 479 253, US-A-3 204 469, US-A-3 252 175, US-A-3 272 023, US-A-3 349 782, US-A-3 358 309, US-A-3 421 522, US-A-3 427 674, US-A-3 750 680, US-A-3 794 050, US-A-3 840 030, US-A-3 853 133, US-A-3 863 652, US-A-3 870 056, US-A-3 894 547, US-A-3 894 549, US-A-3 897 794, US-A-3 942 538, US-A-3 964 502 and US-A-4 139 014. There are available a number of different types of treatment for the removal of parasites, such as lice, that live in human hair. Among these treatments are chemical treatments such as special types of shampoo and mechanical treatments provided by purpose-made combs. These are often used in combination. Combing the hair as a means of killing and/or removing lice from the hair is well known. For example, in an article by K.A. Saunders, BPharm., MPS, entitled 'Treatment of Head Lice', published in The Pharmaceutical Journal , issue date September 22, 1984, the author states that the head louse cannot recover from injury, loss of a leg being fatal injury to the head louse. The author further recommends that regular thorough grooming of the hair with a comb is, therefore, the best way to prevent infestation with head lice. A similar statement is made in an article by J.W. Maunder, MSc, BSc, entitled 'Parasites and Man, Human Lice - Biology and Control', published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Health in 1977. Disclosed in US-A-4 612 944 to Bachrach and Teale and in US-A-4 612 945 to Bachrach is a comb for removing lice and nits from the hair. The comb comprises a base and a plurality of teeth extending from the base in substantially the same direction. The longitudinal axes of the tooth are parallel to each other. Each tooth has a polygonal cross section shape, this being a diamond shape in US-A-4 612 944 and a triangle shape in US-A-4 612 945. The cross-sectional dimensions of each tooth enlarge from the free and thereof toward the base so that the spacing between adjacent teeth narrows toward the base. The facing edges of adjacent teeth interact with each other to capture, in a scissor-like manner, lice and nits therebetween. Among disadvantages of the recommended conventional combing and use of the comb of US-A-4 612 944 and of US-A-4 612 945 is that individual hairs tend to become tightly knotted together or stuck together and thorough combing of the hair may, therefore, be extremely painful and difficult to do efficiently and, over a long period of time, the combing treatment may be ceased. It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for fast, efficient and comfortable grooming of the hair of humans and animals. It is a further object of the invention to provide an apparatus and a method for dislodging and removing from the hair lice, lice eggs, dirt and other unwanted particulate matter. It is an additional object of the invention to provide an apparatus and a method for elimination of head lice by fatally injuring them. The above and further objects are achieved according to the invention by the apparatus as defined in claim 1 and by the method as defined in claim 21, with the dependent claims defining further developments of the invention. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the hair separation means includes hair combing means including generally elongate base means arranged along the axis; and a plurality of teeth lying transversely to the axis and attached to the base means so as to be separated from the axis. Further in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the means for partially preventing contact includes a generally elongate static member arranged parallel to the axis. Additionally in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus for oscillating is operative to cause oscillation of the plurality of teeth within a predetermined area, and the elongate static member has a comb-like configuration and includes a generally elongate base portion; and a plurality of spaced apart tooth-like transverse protrusions fixed to the base portion, the protrusions extending beyond the area of movement of the plurality of teeth so as to partially or completely prevent contact of the skin by the plurality of teeth. Further in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the transverse protrusions are wider than the teeth in a direction taken perpendicular to the axis, and the apparatus for oscillating is operative to oscillate the hair separation apparatus between predetermined limits such that in a direction taken parallel to the axis, the free ends of the teeth always overlap the protrusions. Additionally in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus for treating hair also includes apparatus for dispensing a liquid in association with some or all of the plurality of teeth. Further in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the oscillation of the hair separation apparatus is operative to ease passage of the hair separation apparatus through the group of hairs by repeatedly striking the hairs so as to remove therefrom knots and tangles, the apparatus for treating hair also including apparatus for absorbing the striking force applied to the hairs so as to prevent the force from being transmitted to the portion of skin to which the hairs are attached. According to an additional embodiment of the invention, there is provided hair treatment apparatus having a handle; hair combing apparatus including generally elongate base apparatus arranged along an axis, and a plurality of teeth lying transversely to the axis and attached to the base apparatus so as to be separated from the axis; and apparatus for oscillating the hair combing apparatus about the axis at a relatively high frequency, of, typically, greater than 4,000 cycles per minute and preferably greater than 10,000 cycles per minute, and at a relatively small amplitude, of, typically, no larger than about 5° and, preferably, no larger than 2°, so as to bring the hair separation apparatus into repeated engagement with a group of hairs, thereby to ease passage of the hair combing apparatus therethrough. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, there is provided apparatus for treating hair including a handle; hair separation apparatus associated with the handle and extending longitudinally along an axis; apparatus for oscillating the hair separation apparatus in a direction having a component along the axis so as to bring the hair separation apparatus into repeated engagement with a group of hairs so as to ease passage of the separation apparatus therethrough by repeatedly striking the hairs so as to remove therefrom knots and tangles; apparatus for absorbing the striking force applied to the hairs so as to prevent the force from being transmitted to a portion of skin to which the hairs are attached; and apparatus for preventing the hair separation apparatus from striking the portion of skin to which the hairs are attached. According to yet a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of delousing hair including the steps of placing hair separation apparatus in a group of hairs; oscillating the hair separation apparatus at high frequency, so as to bring the hair separation apparatus into repeated engagement with the group of hairs in a direction generally transverse to the length of the hairs, thereby also bringing the hair separation apparatus into repeated engagement with lice and lice eggs located among the hairs, so as to cause fatal injury to the lice and lice eggs. The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: Figs. 1A, 1B and 1C are respective schematic side, top and end views of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1D and including a scalp guard constructed according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 1D is a schematic representation of hair treatment apparatus operative to produce rotational reciprocal motion of the hair separation element about an axis defined thereby; Fig. 2 is a schematic, partially cut-away view of hair treatment apparatus constructed according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 shows a pair of drive wheels shown in Fig. 2, as viewed from line XI-XI therein; Fig. 4 shows a transmission element shown in Fig. 2, as viewed from line XII-XII therein; Fig. 5 shows the transmission element of Fig. 4, as viewed from line XIII-XIII therein; Fig. 6 shows a shaped groove defined by a wall portion of the apparatus of Fig. 2, as viewed from line XIV-XIV therein; Fig. 7 is a view taken along line XV-XV in Fig. 2; Fig. 8 is a view taken along line XVI-XVI in Fig. 2; Fig. 9 is a schematic, partial cut-away view of hair treatment apparatus constructed according to a further alternative embodiment of the invention; Fig. 10 shows the apparatus of Fig. 9, as viewed from line XVIII-XVIII therein; Fig. 11 is a partial side view of the apparatus of Fig. 9, as viewed from line XIX-XIX therein, but whereby, in contrast to figure 9, the relative lengths of the hair separation member and scalp guard member are not as in claims 1 and 21; Fig. 12A is a schematic, partial cut-away view of hair treatment apparatus constructed according to an additional embodiment of the invention; Fig. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Fig. 12A, taken along line XXB-XXB therein; Fig. 13A is an exploded, partially cut-away view of the apparatus of Fig. 12A; Fig. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Fig. 13A, taken along line XXIB-XXIB therein; Fig. 14 shows a head portion useful with the apparatus of Figs. 13A-13B, wherein the head portion has been constructed so as to permit the dispensing of liquids therefrom; Fig. 15 is a schematic, enlarged, perspective view of a portion of a conduit system used in the modified head of Fig. 14; Fig. 16 is a detailed, side-sectional view of the liquid container shown in Fig. 14; Fig. 17A is a cross-sectional view of the container shown in Fig. 16, taken along line XXVA-XXVA therein, wherein passage of the liquid from the container into the conduit system is permitted; and Fig. 17B is a view similar to that of Fig. 17A, but wherein passage of the liquid from the container into the conduit system is prevented. Reference is now made to Figs. 1A-1D, in which there is shown an apparatus 10 including a scalp guard element 100 (Figs. 1A and 1B) constructed according to an embodiment of the invention. There is shown hair treatment device 10, wherein transmission 15 causes a reciprocal rotation of arm 20, typically of no more than about ten degrees, about axis 18, producing a similar reciprocal rotation of element 22. According to one embodiment of the invention, element 22 is a lice comb. Handle 12 is typically made from plastic. The motor 14 may be powered by any suitable power source (not shown), such as batteries, rechargeable batteries or, together with suitable transformer apparatus, an A.C. mains current source. An elongate member 16 associated with transmission 15 lies along an axis 18 and is connected to an elongate arm 20 made typically from a rigid plastic and to which is connected a hair separation element 22, arranged for predetermined reciprocal movement in relation to axis 18. The connections between element 22 and arm 20, shown at 23, and arm 20 and member 16, shown at 24, may be bayonet connections or any other suitable, preferably detachable connection. Hair separation element 22 is intended to be passed through the hair in a direction generally transverse to the length of the hair. In the ensuing description, therefore, unless otherwise stated, passage of element 22 through the hair or engagement of hairs thereby is taken to be generally transverse to the length of the hair. There is also provided a selector 26, typically a slidable switch, mounted onto handle 12 and having typically a single OFF position and one or more ON positions. In the shown example, three different ON positions are shown, each of which represents a different motor speed. The selection of different motor speeds may be provided by any suitable means, such as a rheostat (not shown). Hair separation element 22 comprises a plurality of preferably parallel elongate elements 28, lying transversely, preferably perpendicular, to axis 18. Element 22 is, as described, removable from arm 20 and, according to different embodiments of the invention, representing different applications of device 10, element 22 may be a metal or plastic lice comb, such as disclosed in either US-A-4 612 944 or US-A-4 612 945, a conventional metal or plastic pocket comb, a brush head or any other type of apparatus useful in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. It is of importance that the points where elements 28 are joined to the remainder, or base, of element 22, are spaced from axis 18. Thus, there is no 'dead point', whereat no force is delivered by elements 28, such as would be the case if the axis were to extend through the elements 28. According to a preferred embodiment, the junction points of the elements 28 with the remainder of element 22 are spaced from the axis by a distance equal to at least about one-quarter of the length of elements 28. In addition to the effective use of the entire length of each element 28, although the force delivered at the free end of each element 28 is greater than that delivered at the beginning of each element 28, the additional force delivered at the free end of each element 28 does not have to be excessive in order to generate at least a minimum required force at the opposite end. It will be appreciated that the further the beginning of the elements 28 is from axis 18, the less significant becomes the additional distance along each element 28 between the two ends thereof. It will be appreciated that the above-mentioned choice of motor speeds cause correspondingly different frequencies of oscillation of element 22. The selected speed will depend upon, inter alia , the type of hair, the type and size of element 22 and size and spacing of elongate elements 28. The frequency of oscillation of element 22 about axis 18 is relatively high typically greater than 3,000 cycles per minute (CPM), preferably greater than 4,000 CPM and, more preferably, between 10, 000 and 15,000 CPM. In combination with the high frequency of oscillation, element 22 is operated a low amplitude of oscillation, typically being confined to an amplitude of no greater than about 5°, and preferably of about 1 - 2°. It will be appreciated that oscillation of element 22 at a high frequency and a low amplitude provides a motion that is both efficient and relatively painless. Element 22 is, as mentioned above, according to an embodiment of the invention, a lice comb. It has been found that the reciprocal motion of the comb when being passed through hair so as to repeatedly strike individual hairs with which it is brought into engagement, causes separation of the individual hairs, whether knotted together, stuck together or otherwise joined. It has been further found that the separation facilitates quick, efficient and comfortable passage of the comb through the hair, generally without uprooting hairs, such as occurs with conventional use of hair combs. When element 22 which, according to the present embodiment is passed through the hair close to the scalp, lice and lice eggs attached to individual hairs or to the scalp are physically engaged by elongate elements 28 so as to be loosened and subsequently removed from the hair. Any live lice that are left behind are almost certainly injured by the physical engagement of elements 28 and, as described in the 'Background of the Invention', subsequently die within a relatively short space of time. It will be appreciated that use of the present invention for lice removal is particularly advantageous when used on young children, as they generally have less patience to sit for a long time while their hair is combed manually. They also generally have a lower resistance to the pain that is generally caused while freeing the knots in their hair. The provision of scalp guard element 100 prevents the discomfort that would otherwise be caused, resulting from the repeated striking of the scalp with an unacceptably large force, as described in the background of the invention with regard to the device of Hantman et al. Element 100 is typically a conventional hair comb and has an end 102 configured for removal insertion into socket 104 defined by handle 12. The connection thereat is, for example, a bayonet connection. The comb-like configuration of element 100, it will be appreciated, is configured for passage through the hair, and provides a barrier between element 22 and the scalp. According to the shown embodiment, there is also provided an additional socket 106 similar to socket 104, so as to permit mounting of element 100 to either side of element 22, as preferred by a user. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the device of the present invention is useful not only for human hair, but may also be used for delousing and otherwise cleaning animals. Reference is now made to Figs. 2 to 8, in which is shown a hand-held, portable hair treatment device, referenced generally 120, and constructed according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. Device 120 includes a hollow handle 122, a motor 124 (similar to motor 14 as described above conjunction with Figs. 1A to 1D), and a transmission system 126. Motor 124 and system 126 are preferably housed within handle 122. Motor 124 is operative to drive a first toothed wheel 126 (Fig. 3) mounted thereon, which, in turn, is operative to drive a second toothed wheel 128, mounted for rotation about a first axis 130. Second toothed wheel 128 defines an eccentrically mounted protrusion 132, which extends through a generally semicircular opening 134 (Fig. 4) in a transmission element 136. A pair of parallel elongate members, namely, a fixed, scalp guard member 137 and a movable hair separation member 138 are mounted in association with handle 122. An intermediate elongate member 139 is movably mounted onto scalp guard member and, as described below, is operative to cooperate therewith so as to momentarily hold a group of hairs, while hair separation member 138 is simultaneously moved away from members 137 and 139 so as to free knots and tangles in the hair. The consequent pulling force that is applied to the hair by hair separation member 138 is transferred to the pair of members 137 and 139 - and not to the scalp - by virtue of the momentary holding of the hairs by the pair of members. Hair separation member 138, which is typically a lice comb or a conventional-type hair comb, defines an end portion 141 by which it is mounted onto an elongate element 140 extending through an opening 142 in handle 122 along a second axis 144. Transmission element 136 is fixedly attached to elongate element 140 Substantially at right angles. As second toothed wheel 128 is rotated, causing eccentric rotation of protrusion 132 relative to first axis 130, the protrusion 132 is operative to move transmission element 136. By virtue of the semicircular shape of the opening 134 of the transmission element 136, the resulting motion of element 136 is a reciprocating rotational movement about second axis 144. As transmission element 136 and elongate element 140 are rigidly attached to each other, element 140 and, consequently, hair separation member 138 are also moved in reciprocating rotational fashion about second axis 144. Fixed scalp guard member 137 is mounted onto handle 122 along a third axis 146 and intermediate elongate member 139 is mounted onto scalp guard member 137 so as to be movable along a fourth axis 148, parallel to third axis 146. Both of members 137 and 139 define parallel teeth 141' at right angles to respective axes 146 and 148. While the teeth are arranged in a generally comb-like fashion, they are relatively widely spaced apart in comparison with the spacing of teeth 143 of hair separation member 138. In the shown 'at rest' position, teeth 141 of members 137 and 139 are in registration with each other, so as to permit relatively easy introduction into a group of hairs. As shown, scalp guard member 137 has a number of fixed, generally transversely arranged elements 150, each defining an opening 152 (Fig. 8 ) through which intermediate member 139 extends. Thus, while member 139 is permitted to move along fourth axis 148, it is secured against movement in any other direction. With particular reference to Figs. 4 to 6, transmission element 136 also defines an end protrusion 154 which is arranged for movement within a groove 156 (Fig. 6 ) defined by a wall portion 158 of handle 122. As element 136 moves in reciprocal fashion as described, end protrusion 154 is moved similarly within groove 156. Groove 156 has a generally curved shape, however, a lower end portion thereof being shown at 159 and an upper end portion being shown at 160. Therefore, as element 136 is moved from side to side, so as to have first components of motion as represented by double-headed arrow 162 (Fig. 6), it is forced along a path similar to that defined by groove 156, so as to have further second components of motion as shown by double-headed arrow 164, orthogonal to the first components of motion and parallel to second axis 144. It will be appreciated, therefore, that hair separation member 138 moves not only about second axis 144, as described, but also along the axis. As shown in Figs. 2 and 7, fixed onto hair separation member 138 and intermediate member 139 are respective first and second transversely arranged, overlapping elements 166 and 168. As hair separation member 138 is displaced axially away from handle 122, as shown by arrow 170, first element 166 is engaged by with second protruding element 168, so as to be axially displaced thereby in a similar direction. In operation, the three elongate members, 137, 138 and 139, are introduced into a group of hairs, with scalp guard member 137 being arranged closest to the scalp. As the motor 124 is activated, as by a switch 125, hair separation member 138 is rotated in reciprocating fashion about second axis 144, and is also simultaneously moved therealong, also in reciprocating fashion, away from handle 122, as shown by arrow 170, and back towards handle 122. As hair separation member 138 is moved away from the handle, intermediate member 139 is displaced in a similar direction, by means of the overlapping elements 166 and 168. Scalp guard member 137 is, however, fixed relative to the handle 122, so that as member 139 moves, its teeth move out of alignment with those of scalp guard member 137 such that any intervening hairs are grasped therebetween. At the same time, hair separation element 138 is rotated about second axis 144, and, as it is moved rotationally away from member 139 and encounters knots and tangles in the hair, the force by which member 138 seeks to free the knots and tangles is transmitted not the scalp, but to the members 137 and 139, which, at that instant, are securely holding the hairs. As the hair separation member 138 moves rotationally back towards intermediate member 139, it also returns axially towards handle 122, and intermediate member 139 is thus free to be moved back into alignment with scalp guard member 137. It will thus be appreciated that, while apparatus 120 provides a way of freeing knots and tangles from hair in a painless manner, any lice or lice eggs that are encountered by the hair separation member 138 will be fatally injured, as described hereinabove. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, transmission system may be replaced by a simpler system providing just axial movement to the separation member 138, with no relative movement thereof occurring about axis 140. Reference is now made to Fig. 9, which is a schematic partial view of a hand-held portable hair treatment device 172, having a handle 174 housing a motor 176 (similar to motor 124 in Fig. 2) which drives a hair separation member 178 and an intermediate member 180 relative to a fixed, scalp guard member 182, via a transmission assembly 184. Members 178, 180 and 182 have a similar arrangement to have similar constructions to the respective hair separation member 138, intermediate member 139 and scalp guard member 137 of the embodiment of Fig. 2 and are, therefore, not described here in detail. Referring additionally to Figs. 10 and 11, transmission assembly includes first and second toothed wheels respectively referenced 185 and 186. First toothed wheel 185 is mounted onto a rotor 187 of the motor and has a first eccentrically mounted protrusion 188 operative to engage a shaped opening 189 of a first transmission element 190 connected to intermediate member 180. Second toothed wheel 186 is arranged for rotation by first toothed wheel 185 and has a second eccentrically mounted protrusion 191 operative to engage a shaped opening 192 of a second transmission element 193 connected to hair separation member 178. Members 178 and 180 are arranged so as to be movable along parallel axes, respectively referenced 194 and 195, while scalp guard member is mounted statically onto handle 174. In operation, motor 176 is operative to cause rotation of the first and second toothed wheels and, therefore, of the first and second eccentric protrusions. Rotation of each protrusion in the opening of each respective transmission element causes oscillation of both the hair separation member 178 and the intermediate member 180 along their respective axes. As with the hair treatment device 120 of Fig. 2, the reciprocal motion of the intermediate member 180 relative to scalp guard member 182 causes intervening hairs to be momentarily gripped and released. The gripping occurs simultaneously with the axial oscillation of hair separation member 178 within the hair, so that member 178 is effective to free knots and tangles from the hair, while any force applied thereto is not transmitted to the scalp, but is instead absorbed by members 180 and 182. Reference is now made to Figs. 12A to 13B, which show a hand-held, hair treatment device, referenced generally 200, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. Device 200 includes a preferably hollow handle 202, in which is housed a motor 204, typically similar to motor 14 as shown and described above in conjunction with Figs. 1A to 1D. Handle 202 is attached to a housing having a base 206 and a cover 208, configured to fit over the base. Base 206 defines a number of openings 210 which are separated by transverse, relatively wide, teeth-like protrusions 212. A plurality of comb elements 214, each having a predetermined number of teeth 216 protruding outwardly from base portions 217, are arranged for insertion into, and are thus supported by, an elongate comb support 218. Comb support 218 is mounted in base 206 for rotation about an axis 220. Protrusions 212 and teeth 216 are arranged perpendicular to rotation axis 220. As shown, each comb element 214 is arranged in one of openings 210 and, as shown in Fig. 12B, teeth 216 are much narrower than protrusions 212. As will be appreciated from the ensuing description, protrusions 212 provide a means of protecting the scalp from the reciprocating motion of 216 (described below), while not interfering with it. Comb support 218 defines, at its end closest to the handle 202, a downwardly extending, transverse portion 222, which defines a pair of similar openings 224. Openings 224 are in mutual alignment in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 220, and they are generally elongate in shape, their long dimension being substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis 220. Openings 224 are arranged for engagement by an eccentric portion 226 defined by a rotation element 228 mounted onto the rotor (not shown) of the motor 204 and extending through an opening 225 provided in a rear portion of cover 208. As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, rotation of rotation element 228 causes eccentric rotation of the eccentric portion 226. The motion of portion 226 may thus be divided into linear components of motion along first and second mutually perpendicular axes (not shown), the first axis being parallel to the direction of teeth 216 and the second axis being perpendicular to the direction of teeth 216 and to the rotation axis 220. As eccentric portion 226 is rotated, its movement is not restricted in the direction parallel to teeth 216,as it is free to reciprocate between the ends of 224. In the direction perpendicular both to the direction of teeth 216 and to the rotation axis 220, however, eccentric portion 226 is operative to reciprocally move the transverse portion 222 and, therefore, comb support 218 and comb elements 214, in a side to side motion about rotation axis 220, as shown by arrow 225 (Fig. 12B). It is a particular feature of the present embodiment that, as shown in Fig. 12B, teeth 216 are shorter and narrower than protrusions 212, and the described reciprocating movement of teeth 216 about axis 220 is confined to a sector defined by the projection of the free end 230 of each protrusions 212. This sector of motion is indicated by arrow 225 and broken lines 234 and ensures that teeth 216 are prevented from striking the scalp when the device 200 is in use. Protrusions 212 constitute, therefore, a scalp guard. Accordingly, when the device 200 of the present invention is used, protrusions 212 are moved along the scalp in combing fashion, but while teeth 216 are nor permitted to strike the scalp, they are brought sufficiently close to the scalp so as to fatally injure lice and lice eggs present in the hair and to loosen and remove dandruff and other unwanted particulate matter from the scalp, as described hereinabove. The motion of teeth 216 is, as with previous embodiments, also effective to free knots and tangles in the hair. As with previously described embodiment of the invention, comb elements may have either a lice comb or a more conventional, pocket comb type of construction. Although the spacing between protrusions 212 may be any preferred spacing, it should not be so great that the comb teeth 216 could strike the scalp. This could happen due to the curvature of the head. The spacing between protrusions 212 is thus typically between 5 mm and 20 mm, although preferably between 10 mm and 15 mm. In addition, the number of teeth provided on each comb element 214 may also be varied, according to the type of comb. Thus, when the construction of comb elements is that of a lice comb, depending on the spacing selected, each comb element preferably has between 15 and 40 teeth. When the construction of the comb elements is that of a more conventional pocket comb, typically 3 to 10 teeth are provided on each comb element. It will also be appreciated that while with a lice comb construction a generally shorter overall length will be sought, such that typically three comb elements are used, with a more conventional construction, a generally longer overall length will be sought, and between three and fourteen comb elements, for example, may be employed. A further feature of the present embodiment is that the entire portion of each tooth 216 that engages the hair is spaced from the rotation axis 220, so that no 'dead point' exists on the tooth, as described above in detail in conjunction with Figs. 1A to 1D. In the shown embodiment, the spacing of each tooth from the rotation axis is approximately equal to the length of the tooth, rather than the minimal one-quarter ratio described above in conjunction with Figs. 1A to 1D. A further advantage of the present embodiment is the high frequency of oscillation of the comb elements, the frequency being typically greater than 3,000 cycles per minute (CPM), preferably greater than 4,000 CPM and, more preferably, between 10, 000 and 15,000 CPM. It will be appreciated that such high frequency oscillations render even a relatively small amplitude of oscillation to be highly effective in achieving the aims of the invention. Accordingly, therefore, the oscillation of the comb elements is typically no greater than about 5°, and preferably about 1 - 2°. Reference is now made to Fig. 14, which shows the head portion 236 of apparatus similar to device 200 (Figs. 12A- 13B), but wherein the head portion is constructed so as to permit the dispensing of liquids therefrom. The use of liquids may include the use of any liquid having a potentially beneficial effect on the hair and/or scalp of the user, and include the use of known chemical preparations for eliminating lice and their eggs as a supplement to the use of the apparatus of the invention. Head portion 236 thus includes a base 238 defining a plurality of protrusions 240, similar to protrusions 212 of base 206 described above in conjunction with Figs. 12A-13B, and a cover 242 for the base. A plurality of teeth 244 are also provided, being shorter and narrower than protrusions 240, and being reciprocally rotatable about an axis 246. The limits of the reciprocal rotation of teeth 244 relative to the protrusions 240, are similar to those described above for teeth 216 relative to protrusions 212 (Fig. 12B) and are thus not described here in detail. Referring additionally to Fig. 23, each tooth 244 is hollow and defines a number of liquid outlet apertures 245, which permit dispensing of a liquid at predetermined points along the length of the teeth 244. Hollow teeth 244 form part of a conduit system 248, whereby each tooth 244 is connected to a container 250 containing a liquid for dispersal in the hair, via a rigid main distribution tube 252, arranged within base 238 and lying along rotation axis 246. Referring also to Figs. 16 - 17B, tube 252 extends through container 250 and is operative to be reciprocally rotated by a motor (not shown), such as motor 204 described in conjunction with the embodiment of Figs. 12A-13B. Container 250 typically is a drum defining an interior annular volume which is arranged about tube 252. Liquid is permitted to enter tube 252 via outlet ports 254 provided in an inner wall 256 of the container and inlet ports 258 provided in a portion of tube 252 surrounded by inner wall 256 of the container. Container 250 is preferably rotatable about tube 252, so that the outlet ports 254 of the container can be moved out of alignment with the inlet ports 258 of the tube 252, as shown in Fig. 17B, so as to prevent undesired flow of liquid. Even when outlet ports 254 and inlet ports 258 are in alignment, as shown in Fig. 17A, liquid will not flow freely unless pressure is applied to the liquid in the container, such as by means of a piston member 260 (Fig. 16). A flow control 262 is provided for selectably moving the piston member (Fig. 16) in the shown direction. Container 250 also includes an opening 264 permitting refilling with a selected liquid. It will be appreciated that the container 250 and piston member 260 used in conjunction therewith constitute just one example of a system for supplying a liquid to teeth 244 for dispersal in the hair, and that any suitable system may be employed for this purpose. It will also be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. The scope of the invention is limited, rather, solely by the claims, which follow.

Claims: Apparatus (10; 120; 172; 200) for treating hair comprising: a handle (12; 122; 174; 202); hair separation means (22; 138; 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) associated with said handle (12; 122; 174; 202) and extending longitudinally along an axis (18; 144; 194; 220; 246) and having teeth (28; 143; 216; 244); means (14; 124; 176; 204) for oscillating said hair separation means (22; 138, 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) about and/or along its axis into repeated engagement with a group of hairs so as to ease passage of said separation means (22; 138, 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) therethrough; characterized in that said apparatus (10; 120; 172; 200) comprises means (100; 137; 182; 212; 240) extending parallel to and spaced from said hair separation means (22; 138, 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) and having protrusions extending beyond the length of the teeth of the hair separation means (22; 138, 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) so as to prevent contact between said hair separation means (22; 138, 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) and skin to which the hairs are attached when said hair separation means (22; 138, 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) is substantially close to said skin. Apparatus according to claims 1, and wherein said hair separation means (22; 138, 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) comprises hair combing means comprising: generally elongate base means (20; 218; 238) arranged along said axis (18; 144; 194; 220; 246); and a plurality of teeth (28; 143; 216; 244) lying transversely to said axis (18; 144; 194; 220; 246) and attached to said base means (20; 218; 238) so as to be separated from said axis (18; 144; 194; 220; 246). Apparatus according to claim 2, and wherein said means (100; 137; 141; 182) for preventing contact comprises a generally elongate static member arranged parallel to said axis (18; 144; 194). Apparatus according to claim 3, and wherein said means (124) for oscillating is operative to cause oscillation of said plurality of teeth (143) within a predetermined area, and said elongate static member (137, 141) has a comb like configuration and comprises: a generally elongate base portion (137); and a plurality of spaced apart tooth like transverse protrusions (141) fixed to said base portion (137), said protrusions (141) extending beyond an area of movement of said plurality of teeth (143) so as to at least partially prevent striking of the skin by said plurality of teeth (143). Apparatus according to claim 4, and wherein said teeth (143) are arranged parallel to and between said transverse protrusions (141), and said protrusions (141) are longer than said teeth (143). Apparatus according to claim 5, and wherein said teeth (143) have free ends not connected to said elongate base means (137), and wherein said transverse protrusions (141) are wider than said teeth (143) in a direction perpendicular to said axis (144),and said means (124) for oscillating is operative to oscillate said hair separation means (138) between predetermined limits such that in a direction perpendicular to said axis (144), at least the free ends of said teeth (143) always overlap said protrusions (141). Apparatus according to claim 4, and wherein said plurality of teeth (143) is more than twice the number of said plurality of protrusions (141). Apparatus according to claim 3, and wherein said oscillation of said hair separation means (138; 178) is operative to ease passage of said hair separation means (138; 178) through the group of hairs by repeatedly striking the hairs so as to remove therefrom knots and tangles, said apparatus (120; 172) for treating hair also comprising means (139; 180) for absorbing a striking force applied to the hairs so as to prevent the force from being transmitted to the portion of skin to which the hairs are attached. Apparatus according to claim 8, and wherein said means (139) for absorbing comprises means (141) for gripping the hairs at a location relatively close to the skin. Apparatus according to claim 9, and wherein said elongate static member (137) is arranged parallel to said hair separation means (138), and said means for absorbing (139) is an additional, generally elongate member having tooth-like protrusions (141) arranged in similar fashion to said tooth-like protrusions (141) of said static member (137) and slidably mounted onto said static member (137), said apparatus (120) for treating hair also including means (166) for causing repeated momentary displacement of said additional member (139) along said elongate static member (137) simultaneously with said striking of hairs by said hair separation means (138), thereby causing the hairs to become momentarily trapped between said teeth-like protrusions (141) of said static member (137) and said additional member (139). Apparatus according to claim 1, and wherein said means (14; 124; 176; 204) for oscillating is operative to oscillate said hair separation means (22; 138; 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) about said axis (18; 144; 194; 220; 246) at a frequency of greater than 3,000 cycles per minute. Apparatus for treating hair according to claim 1, comprising: a plurality of parallel teeth (28; 143; 216; 244) attached to said hair separation means (22; 138; 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) and extending transversely therefrom, each said tooth (28; 143; 216; 244) having a free end; drive means (14; 124; 176; 204) for oscillating said plurality of parallel teeth (28; 143; 216; 244) at a frequency of at least about 3,000 cycles per minute and within a sector perpendicular to said axis (18; 144; 194; 220; 246) and subtending thereat an angle of no larger than about 5°, and for bringing said plurality of teeth (28; 143; 216; 244) into repeated engagement with a group of hairs attached to skin, thereby to ease passage of said hair separation means (22; 138; 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) through the group of hairs comfortably and relatively painlessly. Apparatus according to claim 12, and wherein each said tooth (28; 143; 216; 244) has a longitudinal axis and said drive means (14; 124; 176; 204) comprises means for oscillating each said tooth (28; 143; 216; 244) in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis. Apparatus according to claim 12, and wherein said drive means (14; 124; 176; 204) also comprises means for oscillating said hair separation means (22; 138; 178; 214, 218; 238; 244) along said longitudinal axis (18; 144; 194; 220, 246). Apparatus according to claim 12, and wherein each tooth of said plurality of teeth (28; 143; 216; 244) is attached to said base means (20; 218; 238) so as to be separated from said longitudinal axis (18; 144; 194; 220; 246) by a distance equal to at least one-quarter of the length of a single one of said plurality of teeth (28; 143; 216; 244). Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and wherein said hair separation means (22; 138; 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) comprises means (28; 143; 216; 244) for engaging at least one of said lice and lice eggs located within the hair. Apparatus according to claim 16, and wherein said means (28; 143; 216; 244) for engaging comprises means for causing fatal injury to at least one of said lice and lice eggs. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and wherein said hair separation means (22; 138; 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) comprises a lice comb. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and also including means (245, 248, 250) for dispensing a liquid in association with said hair separation means (238, 244). Apparatus according to claim 19, and wherein said hair separation means (238, 244) comprises a plurality of teeth (244), at least some of which are at least partially hollow and define liquid outlet ports (245) and said means for dispensing a liquid comprises: liquid reservoir means (250) associated with said handle; and means (248) for permitting the supply of the liquid from said reservoir means (250) to each of said hollow teeth (244), thereby causing dispensing of the liquid through said liquid outlet ports (245). A method of treating hair comprising the following steps: providing a hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) having teeth; placing the hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) in a group of hairs, each having a length in a given direction; moving the hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) through the hairs; characterized by employing means (100; 137; 182; 212; 240) extending parallel to and spaced from said hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) and having protrusions extending beyond the length of the teeth of the hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) so as to prevent contact between said hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) and skin to which the hairs are attached when said hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) is substantially close to said skin; and oscillating the hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) at high frequency, so as to bring the hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) into repeated engagement with the group of hairs in a direction generally transverse to the length of the hairs, thereby also bringing said hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) into repeated engagement with lice and lice eggs located among the hairs, so as to cause fatal injury to the lice and lice eggs. A method according to claim 21, and wherein said step of providing hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 178) comprises the step of providing hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 178) having a generally elongate base (20) arranged along a longitudinal axis (18; 144; 194) and further having a plurality of parallel teeth (28; 143) each attached to the base (20) and oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis (18; 144; 194); said method also including the step, prior to said step of placing, of: imparting to the hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 178) an oscillatory motion having a component along the longitudinal axis (18; 144; 194). A method according to claim 21, and wherein said step of providing hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 214, 218; 238, 244) comprises the step of providing hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 214, 218; 238, 244) having a generally elongate base (20; 218; 238) arranged along a longitudinal axis (18; 144; 204), and further having a plurality of parallel teeth (28; 143; 216; 244) each attached to the base (20; 218; 238) and oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis (18, 144; 204); said method also including the step, prior to said step of placing, of: imparting to the hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 214, 218; 238; 244) an oscillatory motion having a component about the longitudinal axis (18; 144; 204). A method according to claim 21, and wherein said method is a method of delousing the hair which comprises striking said hairs with said hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) thereby also bringing said hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) into repeated engagement with lice and lice eggs located among the hairs, so as to cause fatal injury to the lice and lice eggs. A method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, and wherein said step of oscillating comprises the step of oscillating said hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 214, 218; 238, 244) about an axis (18; 144; 204). A method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, and also including the step of dispensing a liquid in association with said hair separation apparatus (238, 244). A method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, and also including the step of absorbing the force applied to hairs in said step of oscillating, so as to prevent the force from being transmitted to a portion of the skin to which the hairs are attached. A method according to claim 27, and wherein said step of oscillating comprises the step of oscillating said hair separation apparatus (122; 174) along an axis (144; 194). A method according to claim 27, and wherein said step of absorbing comprises the step of gripping the hairs at a location relatively closely to the skin. A method of treating hair according to claim 21 comprising the following steps: providing hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) including a generally elongate base (20; 218; 238) and a plurality of parallel teeth (28; 143; 216; 244) attached to the base (20; 218; 238) and extending transversely therefrom, each tooth (28; 143; 216; 244) having a free end; oscillating the hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) at a frequency of at least 3,000 cycles per minute and within a sector perpendicular to said axis and subtending thereat an angle of no larger than about 5°; placing the hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) in a group of hairs, each having a length in a given direction; and moving the hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) through the hairs in a direction generally parallel to skin to which the hair is attached, thereby easing passage of the hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 178; 214, 218; 238, 244) through the hairs comfortably and relatively painlessly. A method according to claim 30, and wherein the elongate base (20; 218; 238) has a longitudinal axis (18, 144; 194; 220; 246) and said step of oscillating comprises oscillating each tooth (28; 143; 216; 244) in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis. A method according to claim 31, and wherein the step of oscillating comprises the step of oscillating the plurality of teeth (28; 143; 216; 244) between first and second orientations at respective first and second extreme positions. A method according to claim 32, and wherein the base (20) has a longitudinal axis (18; 144; 194), each of the plurality of parallel teeth (28; 143) extending transversely therefrom; and said step of oscillating comprises oscillating the hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 178) along the longitudinal axis (18; 144; 194) of the base (20). A method according to claim 30, and wherein the base (20; 218; 238) has a longitudinal axis (18; 144; 220; 246), each of the plurality of parallel teeth (28; 143; 216; 244) extending transversely therefrom; and the step of oscillating comprises oscillating the hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 214, 218; 238; 244) about the longitudinal axis (18; 144; 220; 246) of the base (20; 218; 238). A method according to claim 30, and wherein the base (20) has a longitudinal axis (18; 144), each of the plurality of parallel teeth (28; 143) extending transversely therefrom; and the step of oscillating comprises imparting to the hair separation apparatus (22; 138) an oscillatory motion having a linear component along the longitudinal axis (18; 144) of the base (20) and further having a rotational component about the longitudinal axis (18; 144) of the base (20). A method according to any one of claims 21 to 29, and wherein said step of placing hair separation apparatus (22; 138; 178; 214,218; 238; 244) comprises the step of placing a lice comb.

Inventors: GILBOA LIORA, GILBOA SHLOMO, GOLAN RUTH, GOLAN ZEEV, GILBOA, LIORA, GILBOA, SHLOMO, GOLAN, RUTH, GOLAN, ZEEV
Applicants: GILBOA LIORA, GILBOA SHLOMO, GOLAN RUTH, GOLAN ZEEV, GILBOA, LIORA, GILBOA, SHLOMO, GOLAN, RUTH, GOLAN, ZEEV
Application year: 1989
Main classification: A45D24
IPC codes: A61H23, A45D24, A01K13