The present disclosure generally relates to spray hair washer imbedding head massaging features and, more specifically, to an assembly of combined head massager and spray hair washer designed for effective washing of hair extensions and hairpieces secured on a human head.
Washing human hair and scalp for those who have hair extensions and hairpieces may be a difficult or sometimes impossible task. Today, most hair extensions or hairpieces can be attached to the naturally growing hair by braiding or gluing, which may create problems with maintaining and keeping the scalp and the hair extensions clean. The washing devices currently in the market may not provide effective and efficient results when washing scalp, due to the layers between the hair and scalp.
In one aspect, a massage showerhead is disclosed including: a main body container having at least one surface, the main body container is configured to be connected to a water supply source; a plurality of hollow bristles projecting outwards from the at least one surface; a plurality of hollow projections extending outward from the at least one surface, wherein each hollow projection is slidably mounted within one of the plurality of hollow bristles, the plurality of hollow projections being in water communication with the water chamber; a turbine mechanism positioned in the main body container and having at least one shaft, wherein the turbine mechanism is configured to rotate the at least one shaft by water entering the main body container. In some embodiments, the shaft is further configured to periodically move the plurality of hollow projections within the plurality of hollow bristles back and forth.
In some embodiments, the plurality of hollow projections is further configured to transmit the water flow from the main body container outwards. In some embodiments, the plurality of hollow bristles includes bristles of variable length. In some embodiments, the plurality of hollow bristles includes bristles of variable curvature. In some embodiments, the plurality of hollow projections includes projections of variable length. In some embodiments, the plurality of hollow projections includes projections of variable curvature.
In some embodiments, the at least one surface of the main body container has a curved shape.
In some embodiments, the turbine mechanism includes at least one water turbine, which is configured to rotate the at least one shaft when affected by the action of the water flow.
Some embodiments include a water channel for producing rotary water motion within the main body container.
In some embodiments, the at least one shaft further includes a crankshaft. In some embodiments, the crankshaft includes a plurality of pistons being in communication with the plurality of plurality of hollow projections.
Some embodiments include a sealing member for sealing a space between the plurality of bristles and corresponding hollow projections positioned therein.
Some embodiments include a water pressure regulator or a faucet.
Some embodiments include one or more receptacles for holding liquid shampoo, conditioning or treatment liquids.
Some embodiments include a liquid dispenser, which includes a dispensing valve, which when urged under an elastic biasing force, provides a liquid communication from the one or more receptacles to the main body container.
Some embodiments include a nozzle for coupling to a faucet.
In some embodiments, the main body container is in liquid communication with the plurality of hollow projections.
Some embodiments include a hose and/or a handle.
In another aspect, a massage showerhead is disclosed including: a main body container having at least one surface, the main body container is configured to be connected to a water supply source; a plurality of hollow bristles projecting outwards from the at least one surface; a plurality of hollow projections extending outward from the at least one surface, where each hollow projection is slidable and mounted within one of the plurality of hollow bristles, the plurality of hollow projections being in water communication with the water chamber; a turbine mechanism positioned in the main body container and having at least one shaft, wherein the turbine mechanism is configured to rotate the at least one shaft by water entering the main body container. In some embodiments, the shaft is further configured to circularly move the plurality of hollow projections within the plurality of hollow bristles.
In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed including: a brush member including a brush member input in fluid communication with plurality of hollow bristles; and an expandable member. In some embodiments, the expandable member includes an expandable member input configured to receive a pulsating fluid flow from a fluid supply source; and a conduit that defines a fluid flow path from the expandable member input through the conduit to the brush member input. In some embodiments the expandable member is configured to expand and contract in response to the pulsating fluid flow to cause a reciprocating motion of the brush member.
Some embodiments include a connector configured to attach the expandable member input to the fluid supply source.
In some embodiments, the connector includes a rigid member. In some embodiments the connector includes a ring clamp adapted to clamp the expandable member to one or more surfaces of the fluid supply source.
In some embodiments the expandable member is an elastic member. In some embodiments, the expandable member includes a pleated accordion feature.
In some embodiments the fluid supply source includes a showerhead including a pulsation device configured to generate the pulsating fluid flow. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes the showerhead.
In some embodiments, the brush member includes a main body having at least one surface, and where each one of the bristles from the plurality of bristles project outward from the surface. In some embodiments, the plurality of hollow bristles includes bristles of variable length. In some embodiments the plurality of hollow bristles includes bristles of variable curvature. In some embodiments the at least one surface of the main body of the brush member has a curved shape.
In some embodiments, the expandable member includes a diaphragm adapted to receive the main body of the brush member, where the diaphragm includes a plurality of holes through which each of the plurality of hollow bristles extends.
In some embodiments, the brush member is a rigid member.
In some embodiments, the connector, expandable member, and brush member are disposed about a longitudinal axis extending from a first end proximal the fluid supply source to a second end distal the fluid supply source, and the reciprocating motion of the brush member includes reciprocation towards and away from the first end proximal the fluid supply source.
In another aspect a method is disclosed including: providing an apparatus including: a brush member including a brush member input in fluid communication with plurality of hollow bristles; and an expandable member including: an expandable member input configured to receive a pulsating fluid flow from a fluid supply source; and a conduit having that defines a fluid flow path from the expandable member input through the conduit to the brush member input. The method further includes providing a pulsating fluid flow to the expandable member input to cause the expandable member to alternately expand and contract in response to a pulsating fluid flow; and causing a reciprocating motion of the brush member in response to the pulsating fluid flow.
Some embodiments include outputting fluid through the plurality of hollow bristles during the reciprocating motion of the brush member.
Some embodiments include receiving a steady fluid flow from a steady fluid flow source; and generating the pulsating fluid flow from the steady fluid flow.
In some embodiments, the generating the pulsating fluid flow from the steady fluid flow includes: providing a showerhead including a pulsation device; and directing the steady fluid flow to the pulsation device to generate a pulsating fluid flow.
Various embodiments may include any of the above described features or elements, alone or in any suitable combination.
Although
According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a massage showerhead and related devices are provided, which combines a head massager and a spray hair washer for use in, e.g., hair salons and homes. Embodiments disclosed herein are advantageous or ideal for washing heads, hair and scalps for human with or without hair extensions or hairpieces.
The massage showerhead 100 may have a main body container 102, which includes a water chamber 104 therein. The main body container 102 may be in liquid communication with a hollow handle 106, which in turn may be connected to a water source to deliver water from the water source into the water chamber 104. In an example embodiment, the hollow handle 106 may be operatively coupled with a hose (e.g., a 42 inch hose). The hose may be configured to connect to a faucet or water valve (both not shown). For example, the hose or the handle 106 may have a dedicated nozzle for connecting to a faucet. The arrow on
The massage showerhead 100 may have a hemispheric or similar shape and may have at least one water spray surface 108. As shown in
Still referencing
It should be also noted that the plurality of hollow projections 112 may have variable shape, curvature, diameter, and/or length. In some embodiments, however, the plurality of projections 112 may have equal shape, curvature, diameter, and/or length. In the example shown in
Furthermore, it should be noted that in certain embodiments the plurality of hollow projections 112 may have variable elasticity.
In general, the dimensions of the hollow bristles 110 and/or the hollow projections 112 allow for easy penetration of meshes or gaps found between interlocks of hair extensions, or in hair weaves or hair pieces for massaging and washing the users' head scalp. The dimensions and shapes of the hollow bristles 110 and/or the hollow projections 112 should be suitable to fit through various sizes of hair extension meshes and wefting, and the gaps between the interlocks, without damaging them, especially the delicate lace meshes found on men's hairpieces.
Still referencing to
In certain embodiments, the massage showerhead 100 may optionally have a hand strap 118 with an optional hand strap adjustment unit 120. Furthermore, the massage showerhead 100 may optionally have a water pressure regulator, water valve or faucet (not shown) for regulating the pressure of the water flowing through the hollow projections 112 from strong to soft or vice versa.
In certain embodiments, the massage showerhead 100 may optionally have one or more receptacles (not shown) for holding shampoo, conditioning or treatment liquids/products. There may be also an option of liquid type dispenser (not shown) that may have a dispensing valve or a pumping button on top of the main body container 102. When the dispensing valve is urged under an elastic biasing force (e.g., when the button is pressed), the shampoo, conditioning or treatment liquids/products stored in the one or more receptacles may be released and delivered into the water chamber 104 for further supply to the user's hair or scalp.
According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one of the plurality of hollow bristles 110 and/or at least one of the plurality of hollow projections 112 may be replaceable. For example, there may be four sets of bristles 110 and/or projections 112 provided, that can be interchanged by the user. The user may, for example, unscrew the standard bristle/projection size of one quarter inch diameter with other bristle/projection sizes. The other bristle/projection sizes should range from one sixteenth to one eighth to one half inches.
Still referencing to
The crankshaft 208 may include a plurality of pistons 212 which are movably coupled to the plurality of hollow projections 112. Accordingly, when the crankshaft 208 is rotated, the pistons 212 do circulatory motion causing a linear back and forth motion of the plurality of hollow projections 112 within the hollow bristles 110. It should be noted that one group of the hollow projections 112 may move in one direction, while another group of the hollow projections 112 may move in the opposite direction.
The massage shower head 100 may also have sealing members in between various components so as to prevent water leakage. For example, there may be provided a sealing member between the hollow bristles 110 and corresponding hollow projections 112.
In some embodiments the expandable member 310 is configured to expand and contract in response to a pulsating fluid flow from the source 320 to cause a reciprocating motion of the brush member 301. For example, the expandable member 310 may be an elastic member, e.g., made of an elastomeric material such as molded rubber (e.g., a cast urethane rubber). As shown the, the expandable member 310 includes a pleated accordion feature 313 that allows the member to expand and contract (e.g., in the direction indicated by the bold double ended arrow in
In the embodiment shown, the expandable member input 311 includes a portion of material shaped to fit over a portion of the shower head 321, and may include one or may retention features that facilitate attachment of the expandable member 310 to the shower head 321, e.g., using the connector 330 discussed in detail below.
Some embodiments include a connector 330 configured to attach the expandable member input to the fluid supply source 320 (e.g., as shown, at shower head 321). In some embodiments, the connector 330 is formed as a rigid member. For example, the connector 330 may be made of a rigid plastic such as a rigid nylon (e.g., formed using injection molding or any other suitable technique). As shown, the connector 330 functions as a ring clamp that clamps the expandable member 310 to the surface of the fluid supply source 320 (e.g., to provide a fluid tight fit). However, it is to be understood that any suitable type of connector may be used including, e.g., a screw on connector, a snap fit connector, a friction fit connector, etc.
Referring to
In the example shown, the plurality of hollow bristles 301 extend transverse to (e.g., perpendicular or is approximately perpendicular to) the surface 308. However, in certain embodiments, the plurality of hollow bristles 303 may have other configurations, e.g., may be inclined towards the surface 308. Furthermore, it should be noted that the plurality of hollow bristles 303 may have variable shapes, curvatures, diameters, and/or lengths. In some embodiments, however, the plurality of hollow bristles 303 may have equal shapes, curvatures, diameters, and/or lengths. Although six bristles are shown, any suitable number or arrangement may be used.
In some embodiments the brush member 301 or a portion thereof (e.g., the main body 305) may be rigid. For example, the e brush member 301 or a portion thereof (e.g., the main body 305) may be made of a rigid plastic such as a rigid nylon (e.g., formed using injection molding or any other suitable fabrication technique). In some embodiments, the hollow bristles 303 may be replaceable or interchangeable.
In various embodiments the plurality of hollow bristles 303 may be rigid, elastic, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, it should be noted that in certain embodiments the plurality of hollow bristles 303 may have variable elasticity.
In various embodiments, the dimensions of the hollow bristles 303 allow for easy penetration of meshes or gaps found between interlocks of hair extensions, or in hair weaves or hair pieces for massaging and washing the users' head scalp. The dimensions and shapes of the hollow bristles 303 may be suitable to fit through various sizes of hair extension meshes and wefting, and the gaps between the interlocks, without damaging them, especially the delicate lace meshes found on men's hairpieces. For example, in some embodiments, each of the bristles 303 may have a diameter in the range of from one sixteenth inch to one half inch or any subrange thereof, e.g., one sixteenth inch to one eight inch.
In the example shown in
As shown in
As shown in
In some embodiments, the showerhead 321 may be integrated with the expandable member 310, brush member 301, and connector 330. In other embodiments, the expandable member 310, brush member 301, and connector 330 may be a detachable accessory that can be easily connected to and disconnected from the shower head 321.
In various embodiments any suitable type of showerhead 321 may be used, e.g., consumer or salon showerheads with a built-in strong pulsation effect. As shown in
In some embodiments, the connector 330, expandable member 310, and brush member 301 are disposed about a longitudinal axis extending from a first end proximal the fluid supply source 320 to a second end distal the fluid supply source, and the reciprocating motion of the brush member includes reciprocation towards and away from the first end proximal the fluid supply source.
In various embodiments, the apparatus 300 (or any component thereof) may include any of the features of the showerhead 100 described in detail above. For example, in certain embodiments, the showerhead 321 may optionally have a hand strap with an optional hand strap adjustment unit (e.g., of the type shown in
In certain embodiments, the apparatus 300 may optionally have one or more receptacles (not shown) for holding shampoo, conditioning or treatment liquids/products. There may be also an option of a liquid type dispenser (not shown) that may have a dispensing valve or a pumping button e.g., on the showerhead 321. When the dispensing valve is urged under an elastic biasing force (e.g., when the button is pressed), the shampoo, conditioning or treatment liquids/products stored in the one or more receptacles may be released and delivered into the fluid flow through the apparatus 300 for further supply to the user's hair or scalp.
In various embodiments, the showerhead 300 may be operated by providing a pulsating fluid flow to the expandable member input 311 to cause the expandable member 310 to alternately expand and contract in response to the pulsating fluid flow which, in turn, causes a reciprocating motion of the brush member 301 in response to the pulsating fluid flow. Some embodiments include outputting fluid through the plurality of hollow bristles 303 during the reciprocating motion of the brush member 301.
Some embodiments include receiving a steady fluid flow from a steady fluid flow source (e.g., a faucet connected to a plumbed water line) and generating the pulsating fluid flow from the steady fluid flow (e.g., using a showerhead 321 that includes a pulsation device). In some embodiments the frequency, amplitude, or other characteristics of the pulsating flow may be adjusted (e.g., using one or more controls integrated in the shower head 321 or one or more external controls such as a footswitch operatively connected to the source 320).
Although the foregoing refers to particular exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not so limited. It will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments and that such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the invention. All of the publications, patent applications and patents cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/776,828, filed Mar. 12, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
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