Patent Publication Number: US-6213129-B1

Title: Cradle cap kit

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to hairbrushes and, more specifically, to a baby care product used to treat a condition in newborns commonly referred to as cradle cap. The present invention incorporates means for applying baby oil to loosen the thick, crusty epidermal layer of the scalp, means for massaging the scalp area and means for removing the scaly skin particles from the scalp using a hairbrush-like device. 
     The hairbrush-like device has a contoured cylindrical housing conforming to the shape of said device wherein said device can be stored until desired use. Thereby preventing contamination of said device by dust and dirt. 
     The hairbrush-like device has a fine toothed comb and an oppositely opposed soft bristled hairbrush on the distal end and a handle on the proximal end. 
     At the proximal end extending away from the handle is a spray attachment capping the handle having fluid connection with a cavity within the handle wherein is stored a quantity of baby oil which can be selectively dispensed onto the scalp of an infant. The cavity within the handle can be accessed for cleaning and refilling by removing the spray attachment. 
     Further said hairbrush-like device has an extendable retractable applicator housed within a cavity within the device housing at the distal end from said spray attachment. Said applicator can be extended or retracted by means of a slidable member located exteriorly on the housing having connection means with said recessed applicator. 
     The user of the present invention removes the hairbrush-like device from within the storage container and while holding the infants head in one hand applies a predetermined amount of baby oil using the spray applicator to the infants scalp. The user will then rotate the hairbrush-like device and selectively massage the baby oil into the scalp before removing the loosened skin particles by means of combing and/or brushing the scalp of the infant. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     There are other hairbrush applicator devices designed for applying liquids to the head area Typical of these is U.S. Pat. No. 4,090,522 issued to Donley et al. on May 23, 1978. 
     Another patent was issued to Busch et al. on Sep. 19, 1989 as U.S. Pat. No. 4,867,183. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,621 was issued to Pyrozyk on Jul. 3, 1990 and still yet another was issued on Mar. 1, 1994 to McDonald as U.S. Pat. No. 5,289,833. 
     Another patent was issued to Hogan et al. on Sep. 12, 1995 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,006. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,130 was issued to Kluge et al. on Mar. 10, 1998. Another was issued to Izhak on May 5, 1998 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,531 and still yet another was issued on Nov. 11, 1952 to Gaspari as U.S. Pat. No. 2,617,431. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,090,522 
     Inventor: Virgil L. Donley et al. 
     Issued: May 23, 1978 
     A comb for applying medication to the hair and scalp; the comb being hollow so to contain the medication, and the comb teeth each having a central opening extending to the tooth tip so that as the comb is combed through the hair, the medication is dispensed out of the tip of the teeth and massaged into the scalp. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,867,183 
     Inventor: Peter Busch et al. 
     Issued: Sep. 19, 1989 
     There is disclosed a dispenser for hair treating solution and the like in the form of a comb or brush having a hollow spine and teeth of absorbent material inserted therein in capillary-active communication with treatment solution in a reservoir in the spine, the flow of solution from the spine through the teeth to the hair being dependent solely on the quantity of solution applied to the hair through capillary action. Spacers may also be provided to hold the teeth in spaced relation to the scalp. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,621 
     Inventor: Ronald R. Pyrozyk 
     Issued: Jul. 3, 1990 
     A hairbrush and mousse dispensing device comprises a body portion having a top end and a bottom end. The body portion includes a mechanism for connecting the device to a pressurized mousse dispensing cylinder, the mechanism for connecting being adjacent the bottom end. The top end of the body portion has a styling brush including a plurality of bristles or teeth spaced there around. The device includes a mechanism for dispensing the mousse from the device which is disposed between a dispensing tip of the pressurized mousse dispensing cylinder and a dispensing aperture in the body portion. The device further includes a mechanism for providing access to the dispensing tip of the pressurized mousse dispensing cylinder. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,289,833 
     Inventor: Charles E. McDonald 
     Issued: Mar. 1, 1994 
     A device for dispensing and applying chemicals onto hair or other multi-fiber composition, consisting of a deformable container, a comb having a hollow spine in fluid communication with the deformable container, and a separator with a dispenser in fluid communication with the hollow spine of the comb. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,006 
     Inventor: Gary L. Hogan et al. 
     Issued: Sep. 12, 1995 
     A hair treatment appliance having improved dispensing capable of multi-faceted operation in the care and treatment of human hair. A body is provided having generally a hollow chamber therein to receive an aerosol container. An opening in a wall of the chamber permits a dispensing valve of the aerosol container residing therein to dispense the contents of the container therethrough. A comb is secured to an end of the body and extends outwardly therefrom, with an optional brush attachment removably secured thereto, while at the opposite end, hair lifters, which are a plurality of spaced apart elongated members, are optionally provided. A cap is generally provided adjacent one end of the hollow body and acts as a closure for the hollow chamber that receives the aerosol container. The aerosol container is actuated by a linear moving trigger secured to the body on the opposite side of the opening. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,130 
     Inventor: Kim C. Kluge et al. 
     Issued: Mar. 10, 1998 
     A comb and dispenser unit for grooming hair or fur. The unit includes a reservoir having an outwardly flared base with a flat bottom surface upon which the reservoir can be stably stored. A handle portion is coupled to the reservoir and includes a pliable pump actuator in communication with the reservoir and has comb teeth extending away from the handle portion in planes substantially parallel to a plane defined by preferred actuation of the pump actuator. A nozzle is contained in a nozzle portion coupled to the comb portion for spraying a fluid pumped from the reservoir into the hair or fur being groomed. The nozzle sprays fluid above the engagement points of the comb teeth and the hair or fur. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,531 
     Inventor: Allan Izhak 
     Issued: May 5, 1998 
     A hairbrush incorporated with a container that dispenses sprays, liquids, gels or other dispensable materials. The core of the hairbrush and the base of the container are joined end to end. The container forms the handle of the hairbrush. The top of the container has a closure cap, a cap with snap open lid or spray nozzle to dispense the contents of the container. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,617,431 
     Inventor: Joseph Gaspari 
     Issued: Nov. 11, 1952 
     This United States patent discloses an implement particularly adapted for the application of dye or other liquid to the hair of the scalp, and is especially directed to a combination implement including a yieldable container for the liquid, an applicator adapted to receive the liquid ejected therefrom for transfer to the hair for dyeing or otherwise subjecting it to treatment, a comb for arranging the hair to receive the treatment and friction means which aid in controlling the speed of travel of the applicator along the hair strands as well as the arrangement of the hair during the treatment. 
     While these comb/hairbrush applicators may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The present invention discloses a device used to treat cradle cap. The device discloses a contoured handle having a cavity inside for containing liquid, e.g., baby oil. Attached to the distal end is a comb member and a hairbrush member having a recessed applicator contained therein which is slidably operated by a switch on the exterior of the device. The handle also has a spray head assembly attached thereto having a spray nozzle and trigger thereon. A storage container is provided for storage of the present invention between uses. Another embodiment discloses the handle having a connection means for connection to a separate member comprising a comb member and a hair brush member. 
     A primary object of the present invention is to provide means for applying and working into the scalp of newborns an amount of oil without getting it on your hands. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide means for applying an amount of baby oil to the scalp area and having a plurality of means for working it into the scalp. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a hairbrush-like applicator having a comb element and brush element oppositely opposed each other on one end and having a handle. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a hairbrush-like applicator having a comb element and brush element oppositely opposed each other on one end and a spray nozzle having a trigger communicating with a quantity of liquid contained within the handle; 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a hairbrush-like applicator having an extendable retractable recessed applicator located between the comb element and the hair brush element within the body of the device. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a hairbrush-like applicator having slidable means for extending and retracting the recessed applicator located within the body of the hairbrush-like applicator. 
     Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds. 
     The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a hairbrush-like applicator for applying baby oil to the scalp area of newborns. The hairbrush-like device has a comb and an oppositely opposed hairbrush on the distal end and a handle on the proximal end. At the proximal end extending away from the handle is a spray attachment capping the handle having fluid connection with a quantity of baby oil contained within the hollow compartment of said handle. 
     Further said hairbrush-like device has a slidable member for extending an applicator, housed within the hollow cavity of the comb brush end of the hairbrush-like device. 
     The user of said hairbrush-like device can hold the infants head in one hand while applying a selective amount of baby oil by means of the spray applicator. The user can then rotate the hairbrush-like device within the hand and select either the comb, hairbrush, or concealed applicator to massage the baby oil into the scalp. 
     The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. 
     The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention. Shown is a hairbrush-like device contained within a storage container providing means for preventing contamination of said device between uses. The hairbrush-like device has a comb element and an oppositely opposed hairbrush element and a recessed applicator, not shown, having a slide switch for extending and retracting said recessed applicator. Also shown is a handle having a spray nozzle and trigger which communicates with a cavity within the handle wherein is stored a quantity of baby oil which is applied to the scalp area of an infant by means of the spray nozzle trigger. The baby oil is worked into the scalp by means of selective use of the recessed applicator and/or comb element and/or soft brush element; 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the present invention. Shown is a hairbrush-like device contained within a storage container providing means for preventing contamination of said device between uses. Said hairbrush-like device has a main body element encompassing a comb element and oppositely opposed hairbrush element and having a recessed applicator having a slide switch for extending and retracting said recessed applicator. Also shown is the handle having a cavity for the storage of various type of liquids. Further having a spray attachment having means for securing said spray attachment to the handle thereby sealing the handle cavity. Further said spray attachment has a spray nozzle connected to a tube which is inserted into the handle cavity and having a pump trigger for removing the liquid contained within the handle cavity and ejecting the liquid through the spray nozzle. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention. Shown is a hairbrush-like device contained within a storage container providing means for preventing contamination of said device between uses. The hairbrush-like device has a comb element and an oppositely opposed hairbrush element and a recessed applicator having a slide switch for extending and retracting said recessed applicator. Also shown is a handle having a spray nozzle and trigger which communicates with a cavity within the handle wherein is stored a quantity of baby oil which is applied to the scalp area by means of depressing the spray nozzle trigger. The baby oil is worked into the scalp by means of selective use of the recessed applicator and/or comb element and/or soft brush element; 
     FIG. 4 is a side view of the present invention. Shown is a hairbrush-like device having a comb element and oppositely opposed hairbrush element and having a recessed applicator, shown retracted in outline and extended using the slide switch. Also shown is a handle having a spray nozzle and trigger which communicates by a tube member with a cavity within the handle wherein is stored a quantity of baby oil which is to be applied to the scalp area by means of the spray nozzle trigger. The spray mechanism has a removable cover providing access to the spray mechanism; 
     FIG. 5 is a side view of the present invention showing another type of concealed applicator. Shown is a hairbrush-like device having a comb element and oppositely opposed hairbrush element and having a recessed applicator, shown extended using the slide switch. Also shown is a handle having a spray nozzle and trigger which communicates by a tube member with a cavity within the handle wherein is stored a quantity of liquid which is to be applied to the scalp area by means of the spray nozzle trigger. The spray mechanism has a removable cover providing access to the spray mechanism; 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of the present invention. Shown is a hairbrush-like device having a comb element and oppositely opposed hairbrush element and having a removable handle. The removable handle has an applicator on one end and a spray attachment of the other. The spray attachment comprises a spray nozzle and trigger which communicates with a cavity within the handle wherein is stored a quantity of liquid which is applied to the scalp area by means of the spray nozzle trigger. The liquid is worked into the scalp by means of selective use of the applicator and/or comb element and/or brush element; 
     FIG. 7 is a side view of the present invention. Shown is a hairbrush-like device having a comb/hairbrush member and a handle member. The comb/hairbrush member has a comb element and oppositely opposed hairbrush element. The handle member has an applicator on one end and a spray attachment of the other. The spray attachment comprises a spray nozzle and trigger which communicates with a cavity within the handle wherein is stored a quantity of liquid which is applied to the scalp area by means of the spray nozzle trigger. The liquid is worked into the scalp by means of selective use of the applicator and/or comb element and/or brush element. 
    
    
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     With regard to reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the drawings: 
       10  present invention 
       12  storage container 
       14  comb element 
       16  hairbrush element 
       18  slide switch 
       20  handle 
       22  spray nozzle 
       24  trigger 
       26  main body element 
       28  recessed applicator 
       30  cover 
       32  cavity 
       34  liquid 
       36  spray head attachment 
       38  means for attaching 
       40  tube 
       42  pump cap 
       44  sanitary cover 
       46  direction arrow 
       48  removable handle 
       50  applicator 
       52  comb/hairbrush member 
       54  connection means 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) 
     In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which FIGS. 1 through 7 illustrate the present invention being a device for treating cradle cap. 
     Turning to FIG. 1, shown therein is a perspective view of the present invention  10 . Shown is a hairbrush-like device  10  contained within a storage container  12  providing means for preventing contamination of the device between uses. The hairbrush like device has a comb element  14  and an oppositely opposed hairbrush element  16  and a recessed applicator (not shown) having a slide switch  18  for extending and retracting the recessed applicator. Also shown is a contoured handle  20  for being held by a user having a spray nozzle  22  and trigger  24  which communicates with a cavity within the handle  20  wherein is stored a quantity of baby oil which is applied to the scalp area of an infant by means of the spray nozzle trigger  24 . The baby oil is worked into the scalp by means of selective use of the recessed applicator and/or comb element  14  and/or soft brush element  16 . Pump cap  42  is also shown. 
     Turning to FIG. 2, shown therein is an exploded view of the present invention  10 . Shown is a hairbrush-like device  10  contained within a storage container  12  providing means for preventing contamination of the device between uses. The hairbrush-like device  10  has a main body element  26  comprising a comb element  14  and oppositely opposed hairbrush element  16  and having a recessed applicator  28  with rubber-like cover  30  having a slide switch  18  for extending and retracting the recessed applicator  28 . Also shown is the handle  20  having a first cavity  32  for the storage of various type of liquids  34 . Further the spray attachment  36  has means for securing  38  the spray attachment  36  to the handle  20  thereby sealing the handle cavity  32 . Further the spray attachment  36  has a spray nozzle  22  connected to a tube or conduit  40  which is inserted into the handle cavity  32  and having a pump trigger  24  for removing the liquid  34  contained within the handle cavity  32  and ejecting the liquid  34  through the spray nozzle  22 . Also shown is pump or spray nozzle cap or cover  42  and a sanitary cover  44 . 
     Turning to FIG. 3, shown therein is a perspective view of the present invention  10 . Shown is a hairbrush-like device  10  contained within a storage container (not shown) providing means for preventing contamination of the device between uses. The hairbrush-like device  10  has a comb element  14  and an oppositely opposed hairbrush element  16  and a recessed applicator  28  having a slide switch  18  for extending and retracting the recessed applicator  28  (see direction arrows  46 ). Also shown is a handle  20  having a spray nozzle  22  and trigger  24  which communicates with a cavity within the handle  20  wherein is stored a quantity of baby oil which is applied to the scalp area by means of depressing the spray nozzle trigger  24 . The baby oil is worked into the scalp by means of selective use of the recessed applicator  28  and/or comb element  14  and/or soft brush element  16 . 
     Turning to FIG. 4, shown therein is a side view of the present invention  10 . Shown is a hairbrush-like device  10  having a comb element  14  and oppositely opposed hairbrush element  16  and having a recessed applicator  28  with a ball-like applicator head  28 , shown retracted in outline in a second cavity  35  and having means for being extended using the slide switch  18  being manipulated by a user. Also shown is a handle  20  having a spray nozzle  22  and trigger  24  which communicates by a tube or conduit member  40  within a cavity  32  within the handle  20  wherein is stored a quantity of baby oil  34  which is to be applied to the scalp area by means of the spray nozzle trigger  24 . Conduit  40  communicates between cavity  32  and the spray nozzle  22 . The spray mechanism  36  has a removable cover  42  providing access to the spray mechanism  36 . 
     Turning to FIG. 5, shown therein is a side view of the present invention  10  showing another type of concealed applicator  48  having an elongated applicator head. Shown is a hairbrush-like device  10  having a comb element  14  and oppositely positioned hairbrush element  16  and having a recessed applicator  48 , shown extended using the slide switch  18 . Also shown is a handle  20  having a spray nozzle  22  and trigger  24  which communicates by a tube member  40  with a cavity  32  within the handle  20  wherein is stored a quantity of liquid  34  which is to be applied to the scalp area by means of the spray nozzle trigger  24 . The spray mechanism  36  has a removable cover  42  providing access to the spray mechanism  36 . 
     Turning to FIG. 6, shown therein is a side view of the present invention  10 . Shown is a hairbrush-like device  10  having a comb element  14  and oppositely positioned hairbrush element  16  and having a removable handle  48 . The removable handle  48  has an applicator  50  on one end and a spray attachment  36  on the other. The spray attachment  36  comprises a spray nozzle  22  and trigger  24  which communicates with a cavity  32  within the handle  48  wherein is stored a quantity of liquid  34  which is applied to the scalp area by means of the spray nozzle trigger  24 . The liquid  34  is worked into the scalp by means of selective use of the applicator  50  and/or comb element  14  and/or brush element  16 . 
     Turning to FIG. 7, shown therein is a side view of the present invention  10 . Shown is a hairbrush-like device  10  having a comb/hairbrush member  52  and a handle member  48 . The comb/hairbrush member  52  positioned distally to spray head assembly  36  has a comb element  14  and oppositely positioned hairbrush element  16 . The handle member  48  has an applicator  50  on one end and a spray attachment  36  on the other. The spray attachment  36  comprises a spray nozzle  22  and trigger  24  which communicates with a cavity (not shown) within the handle  48  wherein is stored a quantity of liquid which is applied to the scalp area by means of the spray nozzle trigger  24 . The liquid is worked into the scalp by means of selective use of the applicator  50  and/or comb element  14  and/or brush element  16 . Connection means  54 , e.g., being a threaded or a frictional fitting, are provided for attaching handle  48  to member  52 . 
     What is claimed to be new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims: