Patent Description:
The present invention relates to a device for application of a hair formulation according to the preamble of claim <NUM>, such as it is e.g. known from <CIT>.

In view of <CIT>, improvement is needed how to uniformly clean the hair and the scalp of a user and how to balance the device weight for more comfortable use.

In order to solve these problems,the present invention provides a device for application of a hair formulation according to claim <NUM> as well as a method for cleansing hair according to claim <NUM>. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments.

Typically, most persons will use shampoo while taking a shower because it is easier to use water to lather up and then rinse the shampoo out of the hair. Such shampoo is best for cleansing but since persons prefer to shower every day, daily use of shampoo can be damaging to hair. Dry shampoo offers an alternative to washing hair while showering in order to refresh the hair between showers but does not provide as effective cleansing compared to the shampoo used in the shower.

This disclosure relates to a device for cleansing hair while out of the shower that can be used with hair cleansing formulations. In one embodiment, the device provides cleansing on par with shampoo used in the shower, and convenience on par with dry shampoo so as not to have to step into the shower in order just to wash hair. In one embodiment, the device uses a brush- or comb-like architecture that relies on a combination of mechanical and chemical action to deposit desired formulations for cleansing, removing the formulations with unwanted particulates, and further provides additional cosmetic or health attributes. The comb-like action provides a familiar gesture easy to incorporate into current beauty and haircare routines. Further, the device includes an electrostatic charger to charge the scalp or hair with positive or negative charges that will attract hair formulations to the charged areas.

In one embodiment, the device removes more than "macro" particulates like dandruff. The device provides a cleansing formulation along with agitation to dissolve and absorb oils, sebum, and other odor trapping items to leave the hair with signifiers of being clean/refreshed. The device creates a mist for formulation dispersal, includes tines for mechanical agitation, and vacuum removal to accomplish the goal of cleansing.

Because the device can clean hair on par with shampoo used in the shower, the hair is easy to style afterwards, resulting in longer term healthier hair.

Referring to <FIG>, a device <NUM> for shampoo application and removal is illustrated. The device <NUM> is an electrically powered device including a nebulizing component for misting, spraying or atomizing a shampoo formulation, and a vacuum component for removing the used shampoo formulation and any debris or oils washed out with the shampoo formulation, and an electrostatic charger for electrostatically charging an area of the scalp or hair to attract charged shampoo formulations. In one embodiment, the shampoo formulation is a liquid shampoo formulation.

In one embodiment, the device <NUM> exterior shape includes one or more geometric forms, including regular or irregular forms, having cross-sections of substantially any geometric shape including circular, elliptical, conical, triangular, square, rectangular polygonal, regular or irregular shapes, or the like, as well as other symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes, or combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the device <NUM> is shaped in the style of well-recognized familiar hair appliances to inspire trust and confidence in the device leading to intuitive use and gestures when using.

In one embodiment, the device <NUM> exterior housing can be constructed out of a variety of materials including, for example, metals and plastics, or combinations thereof.

Referring to <FIG>, in one embodiment, the device <NUM> includes a handle <NUM> connected to the device <NUM> at the substantially cylindrical section <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is connected to the device <NUM> at an obtuse angle with respect to the front end of the device <NUM>. Stated differently, the center longitudinal axis of the handle <NUM> intersects, at an obtuse angle, the horizontal plane on which all of the tines <NUM> lie. The handle <NUM> helps balance the device weight for more comfortable use.

Still referring to <FIG>, at the back side, the device <NUM> can include a smaller diameter cylindrical shaped rear housing <NUM> that accepts a removable cartridge <NUM> containing a shampoo formulation. The cartridge <NUM> can be configured to be a re-fillable cartridge or a disposable cartridge. In one embodiment, the device <NUM> can be configured to hold more than one cartridges.

Moving forward from the rear housing, <NUM>, the device <NUM> exterior shape increases step-wise to a larger outer diameter cylindrical portion <NUM> compared to the rear housing <NUM> diameter. In one embodiment, the device <NUM> includes a body structure that has a substantially cylindrical or minimally tapered conical portion <NUM> from the back end to about the middle of the device length. In one embodiment, the handle <NUM> connects to the back side of portion <NUM>. Then, proximally from the cylindrical or minimally conical portion <NUM>, the device <NUM> takes on a more pronounced conical or decreasing elliptical shape <NUM>, in the top to bottom plane (i.e., viewed from left or right side), from about the middle of the device <NUM> to about a third or fourth of the device length. However, in the side to side plane (i.e., viewed from top or bottom) the device <NUM> does not taper as much, so that the device <NUM> can accomodate three tines in the side to side plane, where the device <NUM> has to accommodate the height of a single tine in the top to bottom plane. Then, distally from the smaller end of the conical or elliptical shape <NUM>, the device <NUM> has a transition portion <NUM> that forms one or more dispensing tines <NUM> at the front end, so that each tine <NUM> is separate from the other tines. In one embodiment, the tine <NUM> length is about one-third to about one-fourth of the device <NUM> length.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, each tine <NUM> has a gradually decreasing conical shape from the initial connection at the transition portion <NUM> section to the end of the tine <NUM> in both the side to side plane and the top to bottom plane. For example, the tine <NUM> decreases in diameter with the forward length. While the tines <NUM> emanate from the same device <NUM> section, each tine <NUM> is separated from its adjacent tines, such that the space between tines <NUM> lengthwise is approximately the same as the average width (average diameter) of a tine or greater. Because the tines <NUM> decrease in diameter progressively to the tip, the space between tines conversely increases from the attachment of the tines <NUM> to the tip of the tines <NUM>. In one embodiment, the device includes three tines <NUM> lying on the same plane, meaning that the lengthwise centerline of each tine passes the same plane. The plane on which the tines <NUM> lie may be viewed as the horizontal plane of the device <NUM>, meaning that the tines <NUM> are centered with respect to the top and bottom of the device <NUM>, not considering the handle <NUM> (<FIG>).

In <FIG>, the tines <NUM> are shown having a rounded tip when viewed from the bottom (or top) plane. However, in <FIG>, the tines <NUM> are shown to have a flat area or chamfer at the bottom of the tine <NUM> at the front end when viewed from the side plane, resulting in a truncated rounded shape. The rounded tips of the tines <NUM> can part the hair for better access to the scalp and hair roots. The rounded tips of the tines include "agitation bumps" and the chamfered angle for cleansing.

In <FIG>, the chamfered section of the tines <NUM> has openings <NUM> for dispensing the shampoo formulation. In one embodiment, the shampoo formulation can be atomized and dispensed as a mist. Additionally, the chamfered section of tines <NUM> has openings <NUM> that lead to a vacuum system for collecting the used shampoo formulation with any debris or oils removed from the hair. The vacuum openings <NUM> are separate from the dispensing openings <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, each tine <NUM> is shown having openings <NUM> for dispensing and openings <NUM> for vacuum removal. However, in one embodiment, there can be dedicated tines that only have openings for dispensing shampoo formulation and dedicated tines that only have openings for vacuum removal. In one embodiment, the device <NUM> is provided with three tines <NUM> for even cleansing coverage. The angle of the handle <NUM> and the tine <NUM> length allows users to reach all areas of the scalp for cleansing.

An electrode <NUM> is placed at the tip of the tines <NUM>. The electrode <NUM> is electrically connected to an electrostatic charger. The purpose of the electrode <NUM> is to charge a portion of the scalp or hair or both by induction or contact. The electrode <NUM> can also electrostatically charge the hair formulation droplets as they are dispensed from the openings <NUM>. The charged hair formulation will then become attracted or repelled, according to the particular charges produced, to the target areas of the scalp or the hair. The electrode <NUM> may be surrounded by electrically insulating material.

Referring to <FIG>, the device <NUM> is represented schematically to illustrate the main components. In one embodiment, the device <NUM> includes a nebulizer <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the nebulizer <NUM> produces a mist on demand by depressing the mist switch <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>). In one embodiment, the mist switch <NUM> is placed on the front side of upper part of the handle <NUM> to allow operation with the index finger. In one embodiment, the mist switch <NUM> is a momentary switch with the default position being the off position. Depressing the mist switch <NUM> starts the nebulizer <NUM> and produces mist. The nebulizer <NUM> is supplied shampoo formulation from the cartridge <NUM>. Releasing the mist switch <NUM> stops the nebulizer and the dispensing of shampoo formulation. In one embodiment, the mist switch is a multi-positional, multi-functional, selector switch that requires positively selecting the off position to stop the nebulizer. In one embodiment, the mist switch is a multiple position selector switch that has settings for off and more than one setting for mist production, such as light or heavy mist. In one embodiment, a mist selector switch can include settings for mist and no-mist dispensing.

In one embodiment, the nebulizer <NUM> includes a compressor, pump, or ultrasonic wave generator to generate the mist from the shampoo formulation. In the case of a pump or compressor nebulizer <NUM>, such nebulizer <NUM> causes air or the shampoo formulation to flow at a high velocity which propels the shampoo formulation through a fine nozzle designed for misting at the opening <NUM>. In one embodiment, a hand operated pump mechanism is used to propel the shampoo formulation through the atomizing nozzle at the opening <NUM>. In the case of a pump or compressor nebulizer, a single nebulizer <NUM> can be placed in the body structure of the device <NUM>. Then, the outlet of a compressor or pump nebulizer <NUM> is routed through a system of conduits to each of the tines <NUM> and exits from the nozzle at the openings <NUM>.

An ultrasonic wave nebulizer <NUM> has an ultrasonic wave generator in contact with the shampoo formulation where the frequency of the ultrasonic waves is sufficient to produce the mist. An ultrasonic wave nebulizer also includes a "mesh" nebulizer that has a vibrating mesh just touching the surface of the shampoo formulation to create the mist. Either form of ultrasonic wave nebulizer can use a piezoelectric element. In the case of an ultrasonic wave nebulizer or mesh nebulizer, the nebulizer <NUM> including a piezoelectric element or a piezoelectric element and mesh combination, in essence, the device <NUM> will have three nebulizers, one for each tine <NUM>. In the case of case of an ultrasonic wave nebulizer or mesh nebulizer, the shampoo formulation may be routed to the tip of the tines <NUM> there to make contact with the piezoelectric element or the piezoelectric element and mesh combination, from which the mist is then expelled through openings <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the device <NUM> includes a vacuum system having a vacuum generating motor <NUM> and collector <NUM>. The vacuum motor <NUM> includes the impeller vanes that cause a stream of air to enter through the vacuum inlet openings <NUM> at the tines <NUM>. The stream of air can carry the used shampoo formulation along with any debris and oils washed out of the hair by the shampoo formulation, which then gets captured by the collector <NUM>, and the air is expelled out of the device <NUM>. In one embodiment, the collector <NUM> includes an annular vent <NUM> placed at the back of the device <NUM> and encircling the cartridge <NUM> (<FIG>). The vent <NUM> allows the stream of air to exit the device <NUM>, while the used shampoo and debris become trapped in the collector <NUM>. In one embodiment, the collector <NUM> is removable from the device <NUM> and is dishwasher safe so as to allow cleaning in a dishwasher. In one embodiment, the surface of the collector <NUM>, which contacts the used formulation shampoo, is coated with a hydrophobic or hydrophilic material to facilitate cleaning of the collector.

In one embodiment, the vacuum motor <NUM> is operated by the multi-positional, multi-functional, selector switch <NUM> (<FIG>). A selector switch <NUM> can be a slide switch or a dial switch with more than two positions, or a push button switch with more than two positions, for example. In one embodiment, a vacuum selector switch <NUM> includes settings for off and more than one vacuum speed setting, such as high and low. In one embodiment, the vacuum switch <NUM> is placed on the back side of lower part of the handle <NUM> to allow operation with the thumb, for example. The vacuum switch <NUM> can be isolated for uninterrupted vacuum. Light-emitting diodes <NUM> can be used to light up the selected position. The selector switch <NUM> remains in the selected position until moved to another position. In one embodiment, a momentary switch can replace the selector switch, wherein the default position of the momentary switch is the off position, and the momentary switch has to be depressed to start the vacuum motor. In one embodiment, the device <NUM> includes both a vacuum selector switch and momentary switch, wherein the momentary switch is used to operate the vacuum motor when depressed, and at the speed setting on the selector switch.

The device <NUM> includes an electrostatic charger <NUM>. An electrostatic charger can produce a positive or negative charge at a targeted area of the scalp or hair or both. The electrostatic charger <NUM> is connected via an electrical conductor to an electrode <NUM> on the end of one or more tines <NUM>. Suitable electrodes <NUM> are electrically conductive and may include, for example, copper, nickel, stainless steel, aluminum, or any alloys thereof. Electrodes <NUM> may be insulated from surrounding areas by an electrically insulating material, such as plastics, elastomers, and the like.

As the device <NUM> is operated, the electrostatic charger <NUM> can produce a positive or a negative charge on the scalp or hair or both to attract or repel formulations to the charged areas. In one example, positively charged areas are created by repelling electrons from the areas, and in another example, negatively charged areas are created by attracting electrons to the areas. Electrostatic charging may be conducted by contact electrocharging, induction electrocharging, and the like. In one example, the electrode <NUM> is connected to a high voltage source to induce the electrostatic positive or negative charges.

In another example, hair formulations are charged while passing by the charging electrode <NUM>. Negatively charged hair formulation droplets are attracted towards the target which can be at a lower potential.

The device <NUM> includes a power supply <NUM>. In one embodiment, the device <NUM> is powered through common household alternating current that relies on an electrical cord (not shown) to supply power to the device <NUM>. In one embodiment, the device <NUM> is powered through direct current, such as a rechargeable battery that can be charged by plugging into a household alternating current outlet. A direct current powered device <NUM> allows the device to be used without staying or standing in proximity to an electrical outlet.

Cartridges <NUM> are supplied filled with a shampoo formulation. Cartridges <NUM> can be removable from the device <NUM> either to be re-filled or for disposal and replacement with a new full cartridge. As seen in <FIG>, the cartridge <NUM> is inserted through the back side of the device <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> is connected to the nebulizer <NUM> to supply the hair formulation to the nebulizer <NUM> through any suitable conduit to feed the nebulizer <NUM> with shampoo formulation when the nebulizer <NUM> is operated. Advantageously, the hair formulation does not need to be mixed with external water as compared to a shampoo used in the shower.

In one embodiment, the cartridge <NUM> has a product identification tag <NUM> (<FIG>) that can convey instructions for operation of the device <NUM> based on the specific formulation contained in the cartridge <NUM>. The device <NUM> may include a product identification tag reader <NUM> (<FIG>) capable of reading the product identification tag <NUM> and processing the encoded signals into instructions for operation and control of the device based on the particular formulation. Product dentification tags, include for example, bar codes, <NUM>-D bar codes, RFID, and the like. The product identification tag is encoded with a machine readable signals that convey the device settings for the particular formulation. Different formulations may have different device settings. For example, the product identification tags can include the vacuum setting, such as from strong, medium, and soft, and the nebulizer setting from fine, medium, or coarse droplets. In one embodiment, the product identification tag identifies the formulation in the cartridge <NUM> as a containing charged particles, which controls the device <NUM> to turn on the electrostatic charger <NUM>, and the product identification tag further determines the electrostatic setting, such as the particular voltage and the polarity, such as negative or positive. In this manner, the device <NUM> is optimized for the particular formulation, and the user is not guessing and avoids trial and error.

In one embodiment, hair formulations the include cationic, anionic, or zwitterionic polymers and surfactants can be used to provide a charge to formulations that can interact with hair or scalp. In one embodiment, hair formulations can be charged with other materials, such as, chelating agents that can also function to complex molecules that impede charged interactions between charged materials and their interactions with the hair fiber to allow for more efficient charged interactions to occur.

Given that hair holds a charge ( typically negative at neutral pH), this charge can be influenced by the presence of charged materials (such as the ones mentioned above) in formulation as they are applied to hair allowing for better and more efficient attraction/deposit or repulsion and aided removal.

Shampoo formulations can include, but are not limited to, formulations which include any one or more absorbents in a carrier. Carriers include alcohols or water. Absorbents can include cornstarch or clays, such as kaolinite, montmorillonite, smectite. A surfactant, such as fatty acid anionic surfactants, can be included to prevent lumping. If provided as a foam or aerosol, the shampoo formulation can include a gas propellant.

Referring to <FIG>, one embodiment of cleansing hair with the device <NUM> is illustrated. In block <NUM>, the vacuum system <NUM> is turned on by a user. At this point, the user can be moving the device <NUM> to the area of scalp desired to be cleansed in preparation for dispensing the shampoo formulation. In one embodiment, the same electrostatic charger <NUM> is turned on by the same switch that turns on the vacuum motor. In one embodiment, the electrostatic charger <NUM> has a dedicated on and off switch and a selector knob for positive or negative and voltage.

From block <NUM>, the method enters block <NUM>. In block <NUM>, the nebulizer <NUM> is turned on while the vacuum system <NUM> is operating. Before turning the nebulizer <NUM> on, the user has moved the device <NUM> so that the tines <NUM> are at the desired location on the scalp for cleansing. The electrostatic charger <NUM> creates electrostatic charges on the scalp or hair that can attract the hair formulation. The user can now depress the mist momentary switch <NUM> for a brief time period and then release the switch. From block <NUM>, the method enters block <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, after the user presses and releases the mist switch <NUM> to dispense the shampoo formulation the user can agitate the scalp and hair roots with the tips of the tines <NUM> while the electrostatic charger and vacuum are operating. The electrostatic charger charges the areas of the scalp or hair or the hair formulations to create mutual attraction, while the vacuum is operating. The vacuum removes the used shampoo formulation with any collected debris, such as dead hair or skin cells, and any oils or previously applied hair formulations. From block <NUM>, the method enters block <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, the user moves the tines to a new area on the scalp desired to be cleaned and repeats the misting, agitation, electrostatic charging, and vacuuming operations. When the entire scalp is cleansed, the user can stop the electrostatic charger and vacuum in block <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, one embodiment of cleansing hair with the device <NUM> is illustrated. In block <NUM>, the vacuum system <NUM> is turned on by a user. At this point, the user can be moving the device <NUM> to the area of scalp desired to be cleansed in preparation for dispensing the shampoo formulation.

From block <NUM>, the method enters block <NUM>. In block <NUM>, the nebulizer <NUM> is turned on while the vacuum system <NUM> is operating. Before turning the nebulizer <NUM> on, the user has moved the device <NUM> so that the tines <NUM> are at the desired location on the scalp for cleansing. The user can now depress the mist momentary switch <NUM> for a brief time period and then release the switch. From block <NUM>, the method enters block <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, after the user presses and releases the mist switch <NUM> to dispense the shampoo formulation the user can agitate the scalp and hair roots with the tips of the tines <NUM> while the vacuum is operating. The vacuum removes the used shampoo formulation with any collected debris, such as dead hair or skin cells, and any oils or previously applied hair formulations. From block <NUM>, the method enters block <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, the user moves the tines to a new area on the scalp desired to be cleaned and repeats that misting, agitation and vacuuming operations. When the entire scalp is cleansed, the user can stop the vacuum in block <NUM>.

In either method of <FIG> or <FIG>, the device <NUM> allows a mechanical actions, including vacuum, "squeegee", and wiping actions that are combined with chemical action, such as surfactants and molecules capable of capturing and removing oil from hair, for cleansing the hair.

Use of the device <NUM> minimally impacts the hair style, the overall shape of the device is familiar to other hair appliances, such as a hair dryer, leading to simple intuitive use of the device <NUM>. Further, the device <NUM> does not require hand contact with hair formulations. The device <NUM> allows persons to cleanse hair only when needed, to maintain the hair style longer and limit the damage to hair, as opposed to washing hair at every shower. Representative embodiments include, but are not limited to the following.

A device <NUM> for application of a hair formulation comprises a body structure having one or more tines <NUM> at a front end, wherein a tip of a tine includes a first <NUM> and second opening <NUM>; a nebulizer <NUM> with an outlet connected to the first opening <NUM>; a vacuum system <NUM> with an inlet connected to the second opening <NUM>; and a handle <NUM> extending from the body structure at an obtuse angle with respect to the front end of the body structure.

The device <NUM> can comprise a cartridge <NUM> containing a hair formulation, wherein the cartridge fits at a back end of the body structure, wherein the cartridge is connected to the nebulizer.

The device <NUM> can comprise three tines <NUM> arranged on a horizontal plane, and the tips of the tines include a chamfered section on a bottom side.

A first method for cleansing hair comprises with anyone of the embodiments of the device <NUM>, applying a hair formulation to hair or scalp or both <NUM>; with the device, agitating the hair formulation <NUM>; and with the device, vacuuming used hair formulation to remove any debris or oils from the hair or scalp <NUM>.

The first method can comprise, before applying the hair formulation, starting the vacuum system on the device <NUM>.

In first method no external water is mixed with the hair formulation after applying. The applying step <NUM> can comprise generating a mist from the hair formulation <NUM>.

The device <NUM> for application of a hair formulation can comprise a body structure having one or more tines <NUM> at a front end, wherein a tip of a tine includes an electrode <NUM>; an electrostatic charger <NUM> electrically connected to the electrode; and a handle <NUM> extending from the body structure at an obtuse angle with respect to the front end of the body structure.

The device <NUM> can comprise a nebulizer <NUM> to apply the hair formulation.

The device <NUM> can comprise a cartridge <NUM> containing a hair formulation, wherein the cartridge fits at a back end of the body structure.

The cartridge <NUM> can comprise a product identification tag <NUM>, and the device includes a product identification tag reader <NUM>.

The product identification tag <NUM> can include instructions for the electrostatic charger.

A second method for cleansing hair can comprise, with the device <NUM>, applying a hair formulation to hair or scalp or both <NUM>; with the device, agitating the hair formulation <NUM>; and with the device, creating an electrostatic charge on the hair or scalp or both <NUM>.

In the second method no external water is mixed with the hair formulation after applying.

Claim 1:
A device (<NUM>) for application of a hair formulation, comprising:
a body structure having one or more tines (<NUM>) at a front end, wherein a tip of a tine (<NUM>) includes a first (<NUM>) and second (<NUM>) opening;
a nebulizer (<NUM>)
configured to dispense a hair formulation;
a vacuum system (<NUM>) with an inlet connected to the
second (<NUM>) opening; and
a handle (<NUM>) extending from the body structure at an angle with respect to the front end of the body structure
characterized in that
the nebulizer (<NUM>) comprises an outlet connected to a first opening,
the angle of the handle (<NUM>) with respect to the front end of the body structure is obtuse.