The present invention relates to devices and therapies which promote the growth of hair. More specifically, the present invention provides a device which combines multiple therapies which promote hair growth, including multiple types of optical stimulation along with massage therapy.
Hair loss is a troubling issue for many individuals. In response, several therapies and approaches exist to promote the growth of hair for individuals who are dealing with hair loss either naturally or due to various medical conditions. These approaches include the use of lotions, or cremes, surgeries, etc. While several of these approaches provide various levels of success, there exists a continuing need for products which stimulate natural hair growth.
The present invention helps to promote growth of human hair applying multiple therapies including massage or physical stimulation and optical stimulation. Further, the optical stimulation utilized includes a combination of multiple light signals, each designed to produce a specific desired result.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a hairbrush is designed to have three different types of light sources contained therein, in addition to a vibration feature designed to massage the user's scalp. By providing an embodiment that also includes removable bristles, the brush is also appropriate for persons with very little hair, as it can provide therapy without scratching or disturbing existing hair follicles.
The multiple optical signals utilized by the brush include a laser signal, in conjunction with signals of different wavelengths produced by LEDs. A first type of LED is specifically designed to produce a relatively deep penetrating optical signal. In the preferred embodiment, this deep penetrating optical signal is produced by a number of red LEDs, with each producing energy having an approximate wavelength of 660 nm. Similarly, a second set of LEDs is utilized to produce a surface stimulating optical signal. In the preferred embodiment, this second optical signal is produced by a number of blue LEDs, each producing energy at a wavelength of approximately 470 nm. Both the red LEDs and blue LEDs are arranged within the housing of a brush, and positioned in the same general area as a number of combing bristles which extend outwardly. Thus optical therapy can be easily applied while simultaneously brushing existing hair.
In addition to the various types of energy produced by the above mentioned LEDs, the present invention also includes at least one high energy laser for producing a third optical signal. This laser is positioned behind a window within the brush housing which generally applies laser energy to the root of the hair, thus further promoting hair growth.
Lastly, the brush portion is designed to have a selectable vibration feature to provide physical stimulation to the scalp when used. Vibration, and the related massaging of the scalp is intended to increase blood flow and thus further promote the growth of hair in the related areas.
To provide ease of use, the present invention is configured in a generally well accepted brush format, having a handle end and a bristled end. To provide additional flexibility, the bristled end is configured to allow the bristles or brushing extensions to be easily removed. Removal of the bristles allows the various types of stimulation outlined above to also be used on bald or very thin haired individuals without damage to their scalp or existing hair follicles.
By combining the various therapies addressed above, the device of the present invention provides a unique and effective solution for those dealing with hair loss. While each individual therapy alone is known to be beneficial, the combination of all four creates a very effective and valuable device.
Further advantages of the present invention can be seen in the attached drawings and attachments, in which:
The discussion below highlights features of the present invention by describing a preferred embodiment in considerable detail. This discussion is not intended to be limiting in any way, and various features and characteristics may be modified or changed while continuing to be within the scope of the present invention.
Referring now to
Referring more specifically to operative end 14 shown in the figures, several different components and features are evident. As suggested above, the present invention utilizes multiple light sources. in conjunction with vibration mechanisms to provide multiple therapies using one single device. As illustrated in
In one embodiment (as suggested above), these multiple light sources are intended to be blue LEDs producing an optical signal having a wavelength of approximately 470 nm, red LEDs producing an optical signal of approximately 660 nm, and at least one laser producing an optical signal having a wavelength of approximately 650 nm. In this embodiment, the laser is a 4.5 mW Class 3R certified laser having a specified wavelength of 650 nm±5 nm. Similarly, the blue LEDs have a specified wavelength of 470 nm±5 nm and the red LEDs have a specified wavelength of 660 nm±5 nm. Each of these optical signals will provide different types of stimulation when applied to a user's scalp. Specifically, the optical signals of approximately 660 nm wavelength (red LED signals) stimulate deep into the scalp, intending to provide stimulation to the base of hair follicles. In a similar manner, the blue LED signals (optical signals of approximately 470 nm wavelength) are intended to stimulate the user's hair closer to the scalp. Additionally, the high precision laser beam is directed towards the root of the hair and is intended to stimulate the cells of the hair follicles and make hair thicker. This combination of three separate light signals will increase hair strength and stop hair loss by providing multiple types of optical stimulation, with each type strengthening the hair in different manner.
The multi-therapy brush 10 further includes a power switch 32 and a power indicator light 34 positioned on a back side 36. Additionally, a vibration control switch 38 is shown on a side of the device (used to conveniently power the vibration features discussed below). Each of these control switches are conveniently positioned to allow the user to operate the multi-therapy device.
Also contained within multi-therapy brush 10 is a vibration-producing mechanism 56 shown generally in
As shown in the various Figures, multi-therapy device 10 includes a number of brushing extensions or pins 40 which can be utilized in a typical combing or brushing manner. The brushing extensions or pins 40 are positioned on the operative end with no alignment or relation to the light sources. Referring specifically now to
When attached, the removable attachment member 42 is configured to allow optical signals produced by the various light sources to pass through openings 46 or central window 44 and be applied to a user's scalp. When the removable attachment member 42 is removed, the sources of optical energy (LEDs and at least one laser) are exposed and unobstructed. Thus, the device can be utilized without attachment member 42. The removal of attachment member 42 would be helpful for balding individuals, or those with very thin hair. In this particular use the multi-therapy device could simply expose the hair or scalp to the optical signals, thus providing therapy without the brushing capabilities.
Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central attributes thereof. In that the foregoing description of the present invention discloses only exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that other variations are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited in the particular embodiments which have been described in detail herein. Rather, reference should be made to the appended claims as indicative of the scope and content of the present invention.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application 61/078,208 entitled “Hairbrush Providing Multiple Hair Growth Stimulating Therapies” filed on Jul. 3, 2008.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61078208 | Jul 2008 | US |