Abstract
A dandruff removal device includes a body having a motor configured to generate motion, and a brush head extending from the body and including a transmission to convert the motion provided by the motor into a reciprocating motion at a brush connection interface along a reciprocating motion axis, and a brush base having a plurality of teeth or bristles attached on an outer surface of the brush base, wherein the plurality of teeth or bristles are substantially aligned along a first direction, and wherein the brush base is coupled to the brush connection interface, and is configured to be moved by the brush connection interface, and responsively move the plurality of teeth or bristles in a reciprocating manner along the reciprocating motion axis, wherein the first direction is substantially parallel with the reciprocating motion axis. A corresponding method of removing dandruff is also disclosed.
Claims
1. A dandruff removal device, comprising: a body, comprising: a motor configured to generate motion; and a brush head extending from the body, comprising: a transmission configured to convert the motion provided by the motor into a reciprocating motion at a brush connection interface along a reciprocating motion axis; and a brush base having a plurality of teeth or bristles attached on an outer surface of the brush base, wherein the plurality of teeth or bristles are substantially aligned along a first direction, wherein the brush base is coupled to the brush connection interface, and is configured to be moved by the brush connection interface, and responsively move the plurality of teeth or bristles in a reciprocating manner along the reciprocating motion axis, wherein the first direction is substantially parallel with the reciprocating motion axis.
2. The dandruff removal device of claim 1, wherein the motor is a rotary motor, a magnet motor, or a pivot motor.
3. The dandruff removal device of claim 1, wherein the brush head comprises both teeth and bristles.
4. The dandruff removal device of claim 1, wherein the teeth or bristles are made of metal, rubber, nylon, silicon, wood, plastic, or a combination thereof.
5. The dandruff removal device of claim 1, wherein the brush base has a shape of a cylinder, a sphere, an ellipsoid, or a plate.
6. The dandruff removal device of claim 1, wherein the brush head comprises two or more brush bases.
7. The dandruff removal device of claim 6, wherein each brush base of the two or more brush bases is movable in different directions.
8. The dandruff removal device of claim 6, wherein each brush base of the two or more brush bases has different shapes from each other.
9. The dandruff removal device of claim 6, wherein each brush base of the two or more brush bases is made of different materials from each other.
10. The dandruff removal device of claim 1, wherein all the outer surface of the brush base is substantially covered by the teeth or bristles.
11. The dandruff removal device of claim 1, wherein the brush head is adapted to be attached to and detached from the body.
12. The dandruff removal device of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a controller configured to control the motor to switch between an operating state and a stopped state and/or to adjust a speed of the motion of the motor.
13. The dandruff removal device of claim 1, further comprising a vibrating actuator connected to the brush base so that the plurality of teeth or bristles performs a vibrating motion simultaneously or separately from the reciprocating motion.
14. The dandruff removal device of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises a rat tail comb configured to separate and lift sections of hair.
15. The dandruff removal device of claim 1, further comprises a heater configured to heat the brush base.
16. A method for removing dandruff from scalp, comprising: providing the dandruff removal device of claim 1, positioning the dandruff removal device on hair or scalp in a manner such that at least part of the teeth or bristles directly contacts the hair and the scalp; and operating the motor to drive the teeth or bristles in a reciprocating motion, thereby removing dandruff.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising separating and lifting sections of hair with a tail attached to the body of the dandruff removal device.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising applying a cosmetic comprising tea tree oil or hemp seed oil either before or after a combing process.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 shows an example dandruff removing device in accordance with various embodiments.
[0008] FIG. 2 shows an example brush head in accordance with various embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 3 shows another example brush head in accordance with various embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 4 shows a sectioned view of the brush head of FIG. 2 in accordance with various embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 5 shows another example brush head in accordance with various embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 6 shows another example brush head in accordance with various embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 7 shows another example brush head in accordance with various embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 8 shows a sectioned view of the brush head of FIG. 5 in accordance with various embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 9 shows another example brush head in accordance with various embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 10 shows another example brush head in accordance with various embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 11 shows a sectioned view of the brush head of FIG. 9 in accordance with various embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 12 shows another example dandruff removing device in accordance with various embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 13 shows another example dandruff removing device in accordance with various embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 14 shows a sectioned view of the example dandruff removing device of FIG. 13 in accordance with various embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 15 shows another example brush head in accordance with various embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 16 shows another example brush head in accordance with various embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 17 shows another example brush head in accordance with various embodiments.
[0024] FIG. 18 shows another example brush head in accordance with various embodiments.
[0025] FIG. 19 shows a sectioned view of the brush head of FIG. 15 in accordance with various embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 20 shows an example body in accordance with various embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] With reference to the figures, FIG. 1 shows an example dandruff removing device 100 in accordance with various embodiments. In certain embodiments, the device 100 includes a body 102 and a brush head 104 extending from the body 102. The body 102 is illustrated in FIG. 1 with a portion of the outer housing removed so as to show various portions of the internals of the body 102, but it is to be understood that the body 102 would include an outer housing to encompass substantially the entirety of the body 102. As illustrated in FIG. 1, in certain embodiments, the brush head 104 is adapted to be attached to and detached from the body 102, and other brush heads (as are illustrated in other figures) may be attached to the body 102 instead. In such an approach, the body 102 may be utilized to provide power for movement of the various forms of brush heads, as is discussed in detail below.
[0028] The body 102 may include a motor 106 configured to generate motion. The motor 106 is typically electric and may be operated off of AC power (e.g., from an outlet) or DC power (e.g., from a battery). In a first approach, as is illustrated in FIG. 1, the motor 106 is an electric rotary motor which rotates or spins. In the approach of FIG. 1, a rotating piece is coupled to a rotating axle of the motor 106, wherein the rotating piece includes a member 108 that is offset from the center axis of the axle of the motor 106 such that, when the rotating piece spins, the member 108 rotates in a manner that is offset from the central axis of the axle of the motor 106. When coupled to or received within receiving opening of a mating device (e.g., in the shape of a linear slot or similar), the offset rotational motion from the member 108 can be converted to linear movement as the member 108 interferes with sidewalls of the receiving opening. In other examples, as is discussed with respect to FIG. 14, below, the rotating piece may include a pinion gear with gear teeth, for example, on a peripheral surface thereof, that interface with a one or more other gear with mating teeth.
[0029] In other embodiments, the motor 106 may be a magnet motor, which may operate using AC input power and provides for linear motion, as is commonly found in clippers and similar devices. Another common type of motor 106 may be a pivot motor, which utilizes magnetic pull action, again, via AC input power. Other variations are possible for the motor 106.
[0030] In various embodiments, the body 102 may include a switch 110, which may be used to turn the motor 106 on or off, and/or may be used to control the speed of the motor 106. In some approaches, the body 102 may also include a controller 112 configured (illustrated in FIG. 1 as a control circuit board) to control the motor 106 to switch between an operating state and a stopped state and/or to adjust the speed of the motion of the motor 106. The body 102 may also include an integrated rechargeable battery or space for a replaceable battery within a housing of the body 102.
[0031] In various embodiments, the brush head 104 may include one or more brush bases (see, e.g., FIG. 4, brush base 406; FIG. 5, brush bases 506, 508, etc.) that include a plurality of teeth 114 or bristles (see, e.g., bristles 714 in FIG. 7) attached on an outer surface of the brush base. In various embodiments herein, the plurality of teeth 114 or bristles may be substantially aligned along a first direction. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the teeth 114 are configured as a single row comb, and are aligned along a first direction stretching along the length of the comb. Similar comb-like structures are illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 and 9-14, each of which illustrate a plurality of teeth substantially aligned along a first direction. Similarly, as is illustrated in FIGS. 5-10 and 12-19, a plurality of bristles (e.g., as in a brush) may be substantially aligned along a first direction. Similarly still, as is illustrated in FIGS. 5-6, 8, and 15-19 in examples where a brush base is cylindrical or ellipsoidal, a plurality of teeth (or bristles) may be substantially aligned along a first direction, that is, along a main axis of the cylindrical or ellipsoidal brush base. Other variations are also possible, including spherical brush bases or brush base portions (see FIG. 18), which may include teeth or bristles aligned around all or some of the spherical brush base. In other examples, the brush base may have many different shapes, which may include a shape of a cylinder, a sphere, an ellipsoid, or a plate.
[0032] In various embodiments, through various mechanisms of the various brush heads, discussed in further detail below, the plurality of teeth or bristles may be moved in a reciprocating manner along a reciprocating motion axis. In various embodiments, this reciprocating motion axis is substantially parallel with the first direction, being the direction in which the plurality of teeth or bristles are substantially aligned. With reference to the example brush head 104 of FIG. 1, the teeth 114 in the comb structure are configured to oscillate back and forth in a reciprocating fashion along a reciprocating motion axis or direction that is substantially parallel to the alignment of the teeth 114. In this manner, a relatively narrow and straight area of abrasion and exfoliation can be achieved on the scalp along the line in which the teeth 114 are aligned.
[0033] In practice, hair on the scalp can be sectioned and/or parted to reveal or expose portions of the scalp for treatment by exfoliation. These sections or parts are typically linear and/or relatively straight, providing a narrow exposed line of the scalp for exfoliation operations. By providing the relatively narrow and straight area of agitation, abrasion, and exfoliation of the plurality of teeth or brushes on the brush head 104 of the device 100, targeted agitation, abrasion, and exfoliation of the scalp can be achieved along the linear portions of the exposed scalp where the hair is parted or sectioned. The reciprocating movement of the teeth or bristles along the alignment direction of those teeth or bristles provides for controlled abrasion and exfoliation movement along the part lines within the hair, thereby providing the targeted exfoliation along the part lines. This may also prevent significant interference or interaction with the hair on either side of the part, thereby reducing the likelihood of tangling, pulling out, or otherwise damaging the hair.
[0034] In some embodiments, the brush head 104 may include both teeth and bristles, which may be included on a same or different brush bases within the same brush head 104. The teeth or bristles may be made of metal, rubber, nylon, silicon, wood, plastic, or a combination thereof. Other materials are contemplated for the teeth or bristles, including materials and constructions that are commonly implemented in existing brushes and combs. As a primary purpose of the device 100 is for the removal off dandruff from the scalp, various materials are contemplated, with various hardness or stiffness levels, to achieve different levels of abrasion, agitation, and/or exfoliation on the scalp of the individual. In various examples, the brush bases may be removable from the brush head 104 and replaceable with new brush bases with new teeth or bristles (e.g., in order to replace brush bases having worn or damaged teeth or bristles). In other examples, the brush bases may be removable from the brush head 104 and replaceable with different brush bases made of different materials or having different properties (e.g., lengths, thickness, number of teeth or bristles, etc.) in order to provide different levels of abrasion and/or exfoliation functionalities.
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates an example brush head 204 in accordance with various embodiments. The brush head 204 includes a plurality of teeth 214 that are substantially aligned along a first direction (side to side, in this case). Similarly, FIG. 3 illustrates another example brush head 304 in accordance with various embodiments. The brush head 304 also includes a plurality of teeth 314 that are substantially aligned along a first direction (side to side, in this case). The brush head 304 of FIG. 3 is the same as the brush head 204 of FIG. 2 with the exception that the plurality of teeth 314 are slightly different from the plurality of teeth 214 of FIG. 2. Whereas the plurality of teeth 214 in FIG. 2 are relatively long and narrow and are relatively uniform, the plurality of teeth 314 in FIG. 3 are shorter, wider, and are not uniform (e.g., the teeth toward the ends taper slightly compare to those in the middle). Other variations in teeth or bristles are contemplated by the present disclosure. While the brush head 104 of FIG. 1 (and FIGS. 9-19) illustrates an example where the reciprocating motion axis is more closely aligned to a longitude axis of the body 102, the brush heads 204 and 304 of FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate examples where the reciprocating motion axis is perpendicular (e.g., side to side) to the longitude axis of the body 102. The reciprocating motion axis is again substantially parallel to the direction of alignment of the plurality of teeth 214 and 314.
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a sectioned view of the brush head 204 of FIG. 2 in accordance with various embodiments. In this embodiment, in order to provide the reciprocating motion of the plurality of teeth 214 (e.g., in the lateral or side-to-side direction), the brush head 204 includes a transmission 402 configured to convert the motion provided by the motor 106 into a reciprocating motion at a brush connection interface 404 along the reciprocating motion axis (e.g., in the lateral direction). In the example of FIG. 4, the transmission 402 includes a lower motor interface 408 configured to interface with and receive force and/or motion from the movement of the motor 106 of the body 102. The transmission 402 may also include a pivot 412, which may be connected to the lower motor interface 408 such that the lower motor interface 408 may pivot or rotate about the pivot 412. The transmission 402 may also include an upper member 414 (illustrated as a spherical end) that is likewise connected to the pivot 412 on an opposite side of the pivot 412 as the lower motor interface 408 so that the upper member 414 may pivot or rotate about the pivot 412. In this manner, motion of the lower motor interface 408 about the pivot 412 is directly translated to motion of the upper member 414 about the pivot 412.
[0037] As discussed with reference to FIG. 1, the motor 106 may include a rotating piece, which may include a member 108 that is offset from the center axis of the axle of the motor 106 such that, when the rotating piece spins, the member 108 rotates in a manner that is offset from the central axis of the axle of the motor 106. As this member 108 rotates, it will move side to side from the perspective of the plane of the section of FIG. 4. The motor interface 408 may include sidewalls forming an opening 410 configured to receive the member 108 of the rotating piece of the motor 106. As the member 108 rotates, it will interact with the sidewalls of the lower motor interface 408 within the opening 410, thereby imparting a lateral force on the inner sidewalls of the motor interface 408, causing the motor interface 408 to pivot from side to side about the pivot 412. This in turn causes the upper member 414 to also pivot from side to side about the pivot 412.
[0038] The upper member 414 may be configured to interact with a brush connection interface 404. In various embodiments, the brush connection interface 404 may include a plate or member having receptacle sidewalls 418 projecting from a bottom surface thereof and configured to interact with and receive force and/or movement from the upper member 414. In the example of FIG. 4, the receptacle sidewalls 418 contact the spherical end of the upper member 414. In this manner, the side-to-side pivoting of the upper member 414 is translated into side-to-side reciprocating motion of the brush connection interface 404 along a reciprocating motion axis (here, in the lateral side-to-side direction).
[0039] As mentioned the brush head 204 includes a brush base 406, to which the plurality of teeth 214 (or bristles in other embodiments) are directly coupled. In this example, the brush base 406 has a flat plate shape. The brush base 406 is coupled or directly connected to the brush connection interface 404 (e.g., via pins, slots, screws, welding, adhesives, etc.). The brush base 406 is thus configured to be moved by the brush connection interface 404, and responsively move the plurality of teeth 214 (or bristles) in a reciprocating manner along the reciprocating motion axis (e.g., laterally side-to-side in this example). As is seen in this example, the reciprocating motion axis is substantially parallel with the direction in which the plurality of teeth 214 (or bristles) are aligned (e.g., the first direction).
[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates another example brush head 504 in accordance with various embodiments. In various embodiments, a brush head may have two or more brush bases. The example brush head 504 of FIG. 5 includes two brush bases-a first brush base 506 and a second brush base 508. The first brush base 506 includes a first plurality of teeth or bristles 514, and the second brush base 508 includes a second plurality of teeth or bristles 516. In this example, the first brush base 506 and the second brush base 508 are each generally cylindrical in shape, and all of the outer surface of the brush bases 506, 508 are substantially covered by the teeth or bristles 514, 516. The teeth or bristles 514, 516 are substantially aligned along a first direction, in this example, being along a longitudinal axis of each cylindrical brush base 506, 508. In various examples, the cylindrical brush bases 506, 508 may each be situated within a brush connection interface 804, 805 (see FIG. 8). In various examples, the cylindrical brush bases 506, 508 may be configured to rotate within their respective brush connection interfaces 804, 805, while in other examples they may be fixed within the respective brush connection interfaces 804, 805.
[0041] Similarly, FIG. 6 illustrates another example brush head 604 in accordance with various embodiments. The brush head 604 is similar to the brush head 504 of FIG. 5. The brush head 604 includes two brush bases-a first brush base 606 and a second brush base 608. The first brush base 606 includes a first plurality of teeth or bristles 614, and the second brush base 608 includes a second plurality of teeth or bristles 616. Similar to FIG. 5, in this example, the first brush base 606 and the second brush base 608 are each generally cylindrical in shape, and all of the outer surface of the brush bases 606, 608 are substantially covered by the teeth or bristles 614, 616. The teeth or bristles 614, 616 are substantially aligned along a first direction, in this example, being along a longitudinal axis of each cylindrical brush base 606, 608. Again, in various examples, the cylindrical brush bases 606, 608 may be configured to rotate within their respective brush connection interfaces 804, 805 (see FIG. 8), while in other examples they may be fixed within the respective brush connection interfaces 804, 805. While the teeth or bristles 514, 516 in the example of FIG. 5 may have a generally convex shape (meaning, the teeth or bristles in the center are generally longer than those on the ends), the teeth or bristles 614, 616 in the example of FIG. 6 may have a generally concave shape (meaning, the teeth or bristles in the center are generally shorter than those on the ends). Other variations are possible for the plurality of teeth or bristles.
[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates another example brush head 704 in accordance with various embodiments. The brush head 704 includes two brush bases-a first brush base 706 and a second brush base 708. The first brush base 706 includes a first plurality of bristles 714, and the second brush base 708 includes a second plurality of bristles 716. In this example, the bristles 714, 716 are substantially aligned along a first direction, and extend outward in a same or similar direction from the brush bases 706, 708, much like a hairbrush or toothbrush.
[0043] In different embodiments, each brush base of the two or more brush bases, and/or the plurality of teeth or bristles of each brush base may have different shapes from each other, or be made of different materials from each other. For example, one brush base could utilize a shape as shown in FIG. 5 or 6, while another brush base could have a shape as shown in FIG. 7.
[0044] FIG. 8 illustrates a sectioned view of the brush head 504 of FIG. 5 in accordance with various embodiments. The concepts disclosed in this sectioned view may be generally applicable to the brush heads 604 and 704 of FIGS. 6 and 7, as well. In this embodiment, in order to provide the reciprocating motion of the plurality of teeth or bristles 514, 516 (e.g., in the lateral or side-to-side direction), the brush head 504 includes a transmission 802 configured to convert the motion provided by the motor 106 into a reciprocating motion at a first brush connection interface 804 and a second brush connection interface 805 along the reciprocating motion axis (e.g., in the lateral direction in this example). In the example of FIG. 8, the transmission 802 includes a lower motor interface 808 configured to interface with and receive force and/or motion from the movement of the motor 106 of the body 102. As discussed with reference to FIG. 1, the motor 106 may include a rotating piece, which may include a member 108 that is offset from the center axis of the axle of the motor 106 such that, when the rotating piece spins, the member 108 rotates in a manner that is offset from the central axis of the axle of the motor 106. As this member 108 rotates, it will move side to side from the perspective of the plane of the section of FIG. 8. The lower motor interface 808 may include sidewalls forming an opening 810 configured to receive the member 108 of the rotating piece of the motor 106. As the member 108 rotates, it will interact with the sidewalls of the lower motor interface 808 within the opening 810, thereby imparting a lateral force on the inner sidewalls of the motor interface 808, causing the motor interface 808 to move from side-to-side.
[0045] This side-to-side movement is communicated upward through a central member 812 to a pivot assembly. The pivot assembly may include a first pivot connection 814 that is coupled in a pivoting manner to the first brush connection interface 804, and a second pivot connection 815 that is coupled in a pivoting manner to the second brush connection interface 805. The side-to-side movement of the lower motor interface 808 and the central member 812 is thus communicated to the first brush connection interface 804 and the second brush connection interface 805 through the first pivot connection 814 and the second pivot connection 815. In this manner, the first and second brush connection interfaces 804, 805 move each respective brush base 506, 508 in a side-to-side reciprocating motion along a reciprocating motion axis (here, in the lateral side-to-side direction). In this example, the reciprocating motion axis is substantially parallel with the direction in which the plurality of teeth or bristles 514, 516 (or 614, 616 of FIG. 6, or 714, 716 of FIG. 7) are aligned (e.g., the first direction).
[0046] In this example, the transmission 802 includes resilient members 816 coupled between the transmission 802 (e.g., at the lower motor interface 808 and/or central member 812) and a housing sidewall or internal mounting structure of the brush head 504. In various embodiments, the resilient members may be made of a same material as the transmission 802 (e.g., plastic or metal), or may be separate members or springs, which may exhibit a resilient spring-like force. The resilient members 816 allow for side-to-side movement of the transmission 802, while generally holding the transmission 802 within the brush head 504 and centered when not being moved by the motor 106.
[0047] Because each brush connection interface 804, 805 is independently coupled to the transmission 802, each brush base 506, 508 may move identically, or may move independently of each other. As such, in certain embodiments and applications, each brush base 506, 508 may move in a matching or nearly identical manner. However, in other embodiments and applications, each brush base 506, 508 may be movable in different directions. For example, due to the pivoting design, each brush connection interface 804, 805 may pivot or move at different angles from each other, thereby causing the brush bases 506, 508 to move in different directions or in directions that are at angles to one another. The first and second picot connections 814, 815 are shown here as being centrally located with respect to each brush connection interface 804, 805. However, in other examples, they may be laterally spaced apart from each other (e.g., one to the left of a center line of the brush connection interfaces 804, 805, and one to the right of the center line), which may help provide differing reciprocating movement for each brush connection interface 804, 805, and thus for each brush base 506, 508. Other variations are possible.
[0048] FIG. 9 illustrates another example brush head 904 in accordance with various embodiments. The example brush head 904 includes a brush base 906, which includes a plurality of teeth or bristles 914. In this example, the brush base 906 is generally planar or plate-like in shape. The plurality of teeth or bristles 914 are substantially aligned along a first direction, in this example, being along an edge of the brush base 906.
[0049] FIG. 10 illustrates another example brush head 1004 in accordance with various embodiments. The example brush head 1004 includes a brush base 1006, which includes a plurality of teeth or bristles 1014. The plurality of teeth or bristles 1014 are substantially aligned along a first direction, in this example, being along an edge of the brush base 1006. The brush head 1004 of FIG. 10 is similar or identical to the brush head 904 of FIG. 9, save for a shape, size, or material of the plurality of teeth or bristles 1014. Other variations are possible and are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0050] FIG. 11 illustrates a sectioned view of the brush head 904 of FIG. 9 in accordance with various embodiments. This concepts disclosed in this sectioned view may be generally applicable to the brush head 1004 of FIG. 10, as well. In this embodiment, in order to provide the reciprocating motion of the plurality of teeth or bristles 914 (e.g., in a direction aligned with, or at least somewhat aligned with a longitudinal axis of the body 102 to which the brush head 904 attaches), the brush head 904 includes a transmission 1102 configured to convert the motion provided by the motor 106 into a reciprocating motion at a brush connection interface 1104 along the reciprocating motion axis. The reciprocating motion axis in this example is in the direction that is aligned with, or at least somewhat aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body 102 (e.g., generally up and down in the example of FIG. 11).
[0051] In the example of FIG. 11, the transmission 1102 includes a lower motor interface 1108 configured to interface with and receive force and/or motion from the movement of the motor 106 of the body 102. In this embodiment, the lower motor interface 1108 may be attached to the housing or an internal structure of the brush head 904 at a first pivot 1112. As discussed with reference to FIG. 1, the motor 106 may include a rotating piece, which may include a member 108 that is offset from the center axis of the axle of the motor 106 such that, when the rotating piece spins, the member 108 rotates in a manner that is offset from the central axis of the axle of the motor 106. As this member 108 rotates, it will move side to side from the perspective of the plane of the section of FIG. 11. The lower motor interface 1108 may include sidewalls forming an opening 1110 configured to receive the member 108 of the rotating piece of the motor 106. As the member 108 rotates, it will interact with the sidewalls of the lower motor interface 1108 within the opening 1110, thereby imparting a lateral force on the inner sidewalls of the motor interface 1108. This lateral force causes the lower motor interface 1108 to pivot back and forth around the first pivot 1112. The lower motor interface 1108 may also be pivotally connected to an extension member 1114, which pivoting connection point to the extension member 1114 may be at a distance from the first pivot 1112. The extension member 1114 extends generally upward and pivotably connects to the brush base 906 at the brush connection interface 1104.
[0052] The brush base 906 may be held within position by a spring plate 1116 or other similar mechanism. The brush base 906 may be limited in movement only along one reciprocating motion axis (e.g., the direction that is aligned with, or at least somewhat aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body 102, e.g., generally up and down in the example of FIG. 11). This movement limitation may be achieved, for example, by guides that interact with the brush base 906 and/or the spring plate 1116 within the housing of the brush head 904, or by other structures.
[0053] As the lower motor interface 1108 is caused to pivot back and forth around the first pivot 1112, the extension member 1114 is caused to reciprocally move in a generally vertical manner due to the distance between the connection point of the extension member 1114 and the first pivot 1112. This generally vertical movement of the extension member 1114 in turn causes the brush connection interface 1104 and the brush base 906 to move in a reciprocating manner along the reciprocating motion axis (e.g., generally up and down in the example of FIG. 11). In this example, the reciprocating motion axis is substantially parallel with the direction in which the plurality of teeth or bristles 914 are aligned (e.g., the first direction).
[0054] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate two additional example brush assemblies 1200 and 1300, respectively (e.g., dandruff removal devices), in accordance with various embodiments. The example brush assemblies 1200 and 1300 each include a brush head 1202 or 1302 integrated directly with an elongated body 1204, which serves as a handle in this example, in a single assembly rather than separable as discussed in other embodiments above. The body 1204 includes an outer housing 1212, which houses various mechanical and electrical components discussed below. The body 1204 may also include an on/off switch or button 1214 or other actuators (e.g., speed control, etc.).
[0055] In the example shown in FIG. 12, the brush head 1202 includes a brush base 1206, which includes two brushes on opposite sides, each with a plurality of teeth or bristles 1208 and 1210. In this first example, a set of longer bristles 1208 are provided on a left side, while a set of teeth 1210 are provided on an opposite right side. In this example, the brush base 1206 is generally planar or plate-like in shape. The plurality of teeth or bristles 1208 and 1210 are substantially aligned along a first direction, in this example, being along an edge of the brush base 1206. The brush base 1206, and thus the two brushes, are configured to move (e.g., vibrate and/or reciprocate) along a reciprocating motion axis that is substantially aligned and parallel with the direction in which the plurality of teeth or bristles 1208 and 1210 are aligned (e.g., the first direction).
[0056] FIG. 13 illustrates a slightly different brush assembly 1300, which also utilizes the body 1204, but includes a different, smaller brush head 1302, having a smaller brush base 1306 with smaller brushes than in FIG. 12. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the brush head 1302 includes the brush base 1306, which includes two brushes on opposite sides, each with a plurality of teeth or bristles 1308 and 1310. In this example, and opposite to the example of FIG. 12, a set of shorter teeth 1308 are provided on a left side, while a set of shorter bristles 1310 are provided on the opposite right side. In this example, the brush base 1306 is again generally planar or plate-like in shape. The plurality of teeth or bristles 1308 and 1310 are substantially aligned along the first direction, in this example, being along an edge of the brush base 1306. Again, the brush base 1306, and thus the two brushes, are configured to move (e.g., vibrate and/or reciprocate) along a reciprocating motion axis that is substantially aligned and parallel with the direction in which the plurality of teeth or bristles 1308 and 1310 are aligned (e.g., the first direction). In other examples, a brush base may only include one brush on one side, rather than two brushes.
[0057] FIG. 14 illustrates a sectioned view (from the reverse side) of the brush assembly 1300 of FIG. 13 in accordance with various embodiments. The concepts disclosed in this sectioned view may be generally applicable to the brush assembly 1200 of FIG. 12, as well. As shown, the housing 1212 may include therein the motor 106, a transmission 1402, a battery space 1410, as well as other components (e.g., circuitry or control elements). In this embodiment, in order to provide the reciprocating motion of the plurality of teeth or bristles 1308, 1310 (e.g., in a direction aligned with, or at least somewhat aligned with a longitudinal axis of the body 1204), the brush assembly 1300 includes the transmission 1402 configured to convert the motion provided by the motor 106 into a reciprocating motion at a brush connection interface 1404, and thus at the brush base 1306, along the reciprocating motion axis. The reciprocating motion axis in this example is in the direction that is aligned with, or at least somewhat aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body 1204 (e.g., generally up and down in the example of FIGS. 12-14).
[0058] In the example of FIG. 14, the transmission 1402 includes a pinion gear 1406, a face gear 1408 (also called a crown gear or ring gear), and an extension member 1414. The pinion gear 1406 may be oriented such that its axis of rotation, which is also aligned with the axis of rotation of the motor 106, is vertical, e.g., aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body 1204 (e.g., generally up and down in the example of FIGS. 12-14). The face gear 1408 may be oriented such that its axis of rotation is oriented perpendicularly (or at another angle) relative to the axis of rotation of the pinion gear 1406. The pinion gear 1406 rotates under force of the motor 106, and teeth thereof interface with corresponding teeth on the face gear 1408, thereby causing the face gear 1408 to rotate about its axis of rotation.
[0059] In this example, on a back side of the face gear 1408 (opposite the side with the teeth), the face gear 1408 includes a pivot connection point is provided and is offset from the center of the face gear 1408, such that the pivot connection point rotates about the axis of rotation of the face gear 1408 as the face gear 1408 rotates. A first, lower end of the extension member 1414, is rotationally coupled to the pivot connection point such that, as the face gear 1408 rotates, the first, lower end of the extension member 1414 likewise rotates about the axis of rotation of the face gear 1408 with the pivot connection point. The extension member 1114 extends generally upward and pivotably connects to the brush base 1306 at a brush connection interface 1404.
[0060] The brush base 1306 may be held within position by a plate 1416 or another similar mechanism. The brush base 1306 may be limited in movement only along one reciprocating motion axis (e.g., the first direction, which may be aligned with, or at least somewhat aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body 1204, e.g., generally up and down in the example of FIGS. 12-14). This movement limitation may be achieved, for example, by guides that interact with the brush base 1306 and/or the plate 1416 within the housing of the brush head 1302, or by other structures.
[0061] As the first, lower end of the extension member 1414 rotates with the face gear 1408, the second, upper end of the extension member 1414 is caused to reciprocally move in a generally vertical manner due to its connection point 1404 with the brush base 1306, which limits the motion of the second, upper end of the extension member 1414 (at least at the connection point 1404) to the reciprocating motion axis. This generally vertical movement of the extension member 1414 at the second, upper end thus causes the brush base 1306 to move in the reciprocating manner along the reciprocating motion axis (e.g., generally up and down in the example of FIG. 14) as the first, lower end of the extension member 1414 rotates with the face gear 1408. Other variations are possible to achieve the reciprocating motion along the reciprocating motion axis, including other approaches disclosed herein.
[0062] FIGS. 15-18 illustrate four additional example brush heads in accordance with various embodiments. The brushes each include a plurality of bristles or teeth. The example brush heads are each connectable with body 102, as discussed in other embodiments above. In each example brush head of FIGS. 15-18, the brushes are configured to move (e.g., vibrate and/or reciprocate) along a reciprocating motion axis that is substantially aligned and parallel with the direction in which the plurality of teeth or bristles are aligned (e.g., the first direction), which is also aligned with, or at least somewhat aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body 102, e.g., generally up and down in the examples.
[0063] In the example shown in FIG. 15, the brush head 1502 includes a brush base 1506, which includes a plurality of teeth or bristles 1508. In this first example, the brush base 1506 is relatively straight and cylindrical, and is aligned with the reciprocating motion axis. The plurality of teeth or bristles 1508 extend radially therefrom perpendicular to the axis of the brush base 1506. The plurality of teeth or bristles 1508 may have the same length, or may have different lengths to give an outer form of the ends of the plurality of teeth or bristles 1508 a shape such as a curved shape, as is shown in FIG. 15.
[0064] In the example shown in FIG. 16, the brush head 1602 includes a brush base 1606, which includes a plurality of teeth or bristles 1608. In this second example, the brush base 1606 is relatively straight and cylindrical, and is aligned with the reciprocating motion axis. The plurality of teeth or bristles 1608 extend radially therefrom perpendicular to the axis of the brush base 1506. The plurality of teeth or bristles 1608 have different lengths to give an outer form of the ends of the plurality of teeth or bristles 1608 a shape such as a profiled shape, as is shown in FIG. 16.
[0065] In the example shown in FIG. 17, the brush head 1702 includes a brush base 1706, which includes a plurality of teeth or bristles 1708. In this third example, the brush base 1706 is relatively straight and cylindrical, and is aligned with the reciprocating motion axis. The plurality of teeth or bristles 1708 extend radially therefrom perpendicular to the axis of the brush base 1706 along a majority of the length of the brush base 1706. However, a distal end may have a bristles or teeth that extend in other directions, for example, extending outward from the end point of the brush base 1706. Those bristles or teeth at the end point may be the same, shorter, or longer than those that extend along the length of the brush base 1706. The plurality of teeth or bristles 1608 have different lengths to give an outer form of the ends of the plurality of teeth or bristles 1608 a shape such as a profiled shape, as is shown in FIG. 17.
[0066] In the example shown in FIG. 18, the brush head 1802 includes a brush base 1806, which includes a plurality of teeth or bristles 1808. In this fourth example, the brush base 1806 has a tapering cylindrical shape, and is aligned with the reciprocating motion axis. An end portion of the brush base 1806 may include a cylindrical, ellipsoidal, or spherical portions. The plurality of teeth or bristles 1808 extend radially therefrom perpendicular to the axis of the brush base 1806 along a majority of the length of the brush base 1806, for example along the tapering cylindrical portion. However, the bristles or teeth at the distal end of the brush base 1806 may extend in other directions, for example, extending outward from the end point of the brush base 1806, thereby forming a discernable sphere, oval, or ellipsoid shape. Many other variations of brushes are possible.
[0067] FIG. 19 illustrates a sectioned view of the brush head 1502 of FIG. 15 in accordance with various embodiments. The concepts disclosed in this sectioned view may be generally applicable to the brush heads of FIGS. 16-18, as well. In this embodiment, in order to provide the reciprocating motion of the plurality of teeth or bristles 1508 (e.g., vertically), the brush head 1502 includes the transmission 1902 configured to convert the motion provided by the motor 106 in the body 102 into a reciprocating motion of the brush base 1506 along the reciprocating motion axis. The reciprocating motion axis in this example is in the direction that is aligned with, or at least somewhat aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body 102 (e.g., generally up and down in the examples of FIGS. 15-19).
[0068] In the example of FIG. 19, the transmission 1902 includes a motor interface 1908 configured to interface with and receive force and/or motion from the movement of the motor 106 of the body 102. The motor interface 1908 may be coupled to the housing of the brush head 1502, for example, by springs 1906, which allow the motor interface 1908 to move from side to side. As discussed with reference to FIG. 1, the motor 106 may include a rotating piece, which may include a member 108 that is offset from the center axis of the axle of the motor 106 such that, when the rotating piece spins, the member 108 rotates in a manner that is offset from the central axis of the axle of the motor 106. As this member 108 rotates, it will move side to side from the perspective of the plane of the section of FIG. 19. The motor interface 1908 may include sidewalls forming an opening 1910 configured to receive the member 108 of the rotating piece of the motor 106. As the member 108 rotates, it will interact with the sidewalls of the lower motor interface 1908 within the opening 1910, thereby imparting a lateral force on the inner sidewalls of the motor interface 1908, causing the motor interface 1908 to move from side to side.
[0069] The motor interface 1908 may also include a sloped top surface 1912, which may be angled with respect to the side-to-side movement of the motor interface 1908. The sloped top surface 1912 is configured to interface directly with an end 1914 of a lower extended portion of the brush base 1506. The brush base 1506 may be biased downward toward the sloped top surface 1912 by a biasing member 1916, such as a spring. The biasing member may be a compression spring that is compressed between a top support member 1918 that is connected to the housing of the brush head 1502, and a bottom support member 1920 that is connected to the lower extended portion of the brush base 1506. However, an extension spring may be used, where the top support member 1918 is connected to the brush base 1506 and the bottom support member is connected to the housing of the brush head 1502. Other variations are contemplated to bias the brush base 1506 downward.
[0070] As the motor interface 1908 moves from side to side due to the motor 106, the sloped top surface 1912 will move up and down relative to the point where the end 1914 of the lower extended portion of the brush base 1506 contacts the sloped top surface 1912. For example, as the motor interface 1908 moves to the left in FIG. 19, the biasing force of the biasing member 1916 will cause the end 1914 of the lower extended portion of the brush base 1506 to move downward, thus causing the brush base 1506 and the bristles or teeth 1508 to move downward. However, as the motor interface 1908 moves to the right in FIG. 19, the upward wedging force imposed by the sloped top surface 1912 will overcome the biasing force of the biasing member 1916, and will cause the end 1914 of the lower extended portion of the brush base 1506 to move upward, thus causing the brush base 1506 and the bristles or teeth 1508 to move upward. This process repeats itself to cause the vertical reciprocating movement.
[0071] In another example, the sloped top surface 1912 may have therein a channel that receives the end 1914 of the lower extended portion of the brush base 1506 such that the end 1914 is captured in the channel, such that movement to the left or right of the motor interface 1908 directly translates into upward and downward movement of the brush base 1506 as the end 1914 travels within the channel. Other examples are contemplated to translate rotational movement of the motor 106 into reciprocating movement, including the other mechanisms disclosed herein.
[0072] With reference to FIG. 20, in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein, additional variations are disclosed. In various embodiments, the body 102 may include a rat tail comb 2002, also called a parting comb, which may be a rigid metal or plastic extended pick comb that is used, for example, to separate and lift sections of hair along the length of the rat tail comb 2002. The rat tail comb 2002 may be built into or otherwise attached to or on the body 102. The rat tail comb 2002 may be configured to extend outward from the body when in use. When not in use, the rat tail comb 2002 may be folded or inserted back into the body 102 or into close proximity to the body 102. For example, the rat tail comb 2002 may be connected to the body 102 by a hinge mechanism at one end so that it can pivot about the hinge and be extended out away from the body for use, and be pivoted back toward the body 102 for storage when not in use. The body 102 may include a recess 2004 in the outer housing into which the rat tail comb 2002 may be located when not in use. In other examples, the rat tail comb 2002 may linearly extend outward (e.g., downward) from the body 102 during use, and be slid back the opposite way for storage when not in use. Other variations are possible and contemplated.
[0073] In another example, the body 102 may include a liquid reservoir, for example, for storing fluids or liquids such as cosmetic oil, moisturizer, or other liquids or fluids that may be suitable for use on the hair or skin (e.g., tea tree oil, hemp seed oil, etc.). This fluid may be applied either before, during, or after a combing process. In various approaches, a fluid dispensing opening 2006 may be included on the body 102 to allow the liquid or fluid to be dispensed onto the hair or skin. In one specific example, the fluid dispensing opening 2006 may be located at a distal end of the rat tail comb 2002 so that the fluid or liquid can be specifically placed where desired. In this example, the rat tail comb 2002 is hollow and includes a channel running therethrough that is fluidically coupled to the liquid reservoir so that the fluid or liquid can travel through the channel and be dispensed out of the fluid dispensing opening 2006 at the distal end of the rat tail comb 2002. A pump actuator 2008 or other mechanism may be included on the body 102. When actuated (e.g., depressed), the pump actuator 2008 may create pressure within the fluid system (e.g., the liquid reservoir and other fluid lines connected to the fluid dispensing opening 2006) to dispense the fluid or liquid out of the fluid dispensing opening 2006. Other variations are possible, including the use of other manually actuated pressure devices, as well as electric pumps or motors that may be actuated by the pump actuator 2008. A fluid refilling port 2010 may also be included, which provides access to the liquid reservoir to allow for refilling of the liquid reservoir.
[0074] In other examples, the device may include a vibrating actuator connected to the brush base so that the plurality of teeth or bristles performs a vibrating motion simultaneously or separately from the reciprocating motion. In another example, the device may not include a motor 106, but may instead only include a vibrating device that vibrates the teeth or bristles. In other approaches, for example when a brush head includes two or more sets of teeth or bristles, one set of teeth or bristles (e.g., a brush with bristles) may be subject to reciprocating mutation via one or more of the mechanisms discussed above, while another set of teeth or bristles (e.g., a comb with teeth) are only subject to vibration via the vibrating actuator. Other variations are possible and contemplated.
[0075] In other examples, the device may include a heater configured to heat the brush base. For example, resistance heater elements may be coupled to the brush base and may be activated with current from the battery so as to heat up the brush base and thus heat the teeth or bristles of the brush. For example, a metallic flexible thin film heating element may be incorporated into or onto the brush base. In particular examples, the heating element may include a substrate (e.g., about 50 um), with thin metal films (e.g., below 1 um), an adhesive layer (e.g., about 50 um), a protective film (e.g., about 50 um), and terminals. The terminals may connect to an inner housing metallic port, and transfer connection to a corresponding metallic port to the base and then finally down to the motherboard to manage temperature and power. Other variations are possible and contemplated.
[0076] In accordance with various embodiments, a method for removing dandruff from the scalp is disclosed. The method may include providing the electric brush device as disclosed herein (e.g., any of the various example electric brush devices disclosed herein). A user may then position the electric brush device on the hair or scalp in a manner such that at least part of the teeth or bristles directly contacts the hair and the scalp. The user may then operate the motor to drive the teeth or bristles in a reciprocating motion, thereby removing dandruff. The method may also include the user separating and lifting sections of hair with a tail attached to the body of the electric brush device. The method may also include applying a cosmetic comprising tea tree oil or hemp seed oil either before or after the combing process.
[0077] So configured, a dandruff removal device provides for manual manipulation and exfoliation of the scalp in a efficient and effective manner, thereby improving the process of exfoliation and dandruff removal from the scalp, and improving the overall quality of life of the affected individual.
[0078] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the claims. One skilled in the art will realize that a virtually unlimited number of variations to the above descriptions are possible, and that the examples and the accompanying figures are merely to illustrate one or more examples of implementations. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other modifications can be made, and equivalents can be substituted, without departing from claimed subject matter. Additionally, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation to the teachings of claimed subject matter without departing from the central concept described herein. Therefore, it is intended that claimed subject matter not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that such claimed subject matter can also include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims, and equivalents thereof.
[0079] In the detailed description above, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of claimed subject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that claimed subject matter can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, devices, or systems that would be known by one of ordinary skill have not been described in detail so as not to obscure claimed subject matter.
[0080] Various implementations have been specifically described. However, many other implementations are also possible.
