Patent Application
20220133582
The present invention relates generally to a new and improved scalp massaging device. More specifically, the invention relates to a wireless scalp massaging device that has a plurality of vibrating nubs that engage and massage the scalp of the user, wherein the vibration intensity, pressure and speed of the nubs are controllable and variable by the user through a controller. The scalp massaging device further comprises a plurality of apertures that allow air to exit the massage head of the device in a distributed manner to simultaneously dry the hair of the user while also massaging the user's scalp, and a wireless charging station that has a plurality of LED indicators that display the charging and power status of the device. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
According to several studies, four to five-minute scalp massages may increase hair thickness by stretching the cells of hair follicles, which in turn stimulates the follicles to produce thicker hair. Further, scalp massages have shown that they may aid in the dilation of blood vessels under the scalp, which can also encourage hair growth. In addition, many users simply find scalp massages to be both relaxing and therapeutic.
A traditional scalp massage involves an individual utilizing their fingertips to apply pressure to their scalp, or the scalp of another, in a generally circular motion for approximately four to five minutes. Alternatively, a scalp massage may be performed in a more efficient and time-saving manner while an individual is concurrently washing or drying his or her hair. However, after a prolonged period of time, the individual's fingers may become fatigued, or the individual may experience pain and/or discomfort in the fingers, hands or wrist area as a result of performing prolonged or repetitive massages.
Alternatively, and in an effort to avoid the above referenced disadvantages associated with manual scalp massages, an individual may utilize a scalp massaging device. However, such devices suffer from a number of inherent limitations. For example, difficulty arises when an individual attempts to use a scalp massaging device in conjunction with the act of blow drying their hair. For many users, blow drying their hair serves as a natural time to also massage the scalp. Currently, this process typically involves using a scalp massaging device with one hand and a blow dryer with the other hand. However, this process is fundamentally problematic, as it does not allow the user to use any kind of hairbrush or comb while drying their hair as they have no free hand (e.g., one hand is occupied with the scalp massager and the other is occupied with the blow dryer). It is virtually impossible for a user to brush, comb or style their hair when both hands are already in use massaging and drying their hair.
Further, existing scalp massaging devices typically lack settings to control the speed and intensity of the massage. Stated differently, the user is unable to vary the speed and the strength of the massage device. Moreover, by virtue of the fact that an electrical outlet is needed, many individuals are constrained to using a hair dryer and/or a scalp massager forces only where there is a nearby electrical outlet. This is undesirable as it prevents individuals from massaging and/or drying their hair in various locations that do not contain nearby power outlets.
Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for an improved scalp massaging device the use of which does not cause undue pain or stiffness in the user's hands, fingers and wrist area. There is also a long felt need in the art for an improved scalp massaging device that allows a user to massage and blow dry their hair and scalp using only one handheld device, such that their other hand may be free to use a brush or comb or perform other tasks. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a combination scalp massaging device and blow dryer that does not require an electrical connection to a traditional electrical wall outlet, thereby allowing a user to both massage his or her scalp and blow dry his or her hair virtually anywhere. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a combination scalp massaging device and blow dryer that allows the user to easily control the speed and intensity of the scalp massage. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a combination scalp massaging and blow dryer device that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and safe and easy to use.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, discloses a personal grooming device. The grooming device comprises a cordless body and a massaging head that has a plurality of speed, pressure, and intensity-selectable scalp massaging nubs that vibrate, stimulate, and massage the scalp of the user. The massaging head also has a plurality of continuous apertures serviced by an internal baffle system that allows hot or cold air to exit the massage head to dry the hair of the user simultaneously while also massaging the scalp. The handle of the grooming device includes a temperature selection control to allow the user to change the temperature of the air exiting the device to suit user need and/or preference. The personal grooming device is preferably powered by a rechargeable integrated battery that may be charged via a wireless charging station. Alternatively, the personal grooming device may be powered by one of an alternating electrical current or a direct current. Finally, the personal grooming device may comprise a means to allow the user to change the pressure, speed, and intensity of the vibrating nubs for a customizable massage experience.
In this manner, the personal grooming device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, and enables an individual to both massage and dry his or her hair with a single device that can be held with one hand while leaving the other hand free to, for example, brush or comb the hair. The personal grooming device also allows a user improved mobility due to its cordless nature, and provides a massage experience that can be customized to the user's preferences.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, is an improved personal grooming device comprised of a handle and massage head. The front surface of the massage head contacts the head and scalp surface of a user, and has a plurality of vibrating rubber nubs that massage the scalp of the user during use. The nubs are powered by an internal electric motor. In differing embodiments of the device, the nubs may be fixedly or removable attached to the massage head so as to allow different nub configurations to be inserted in the head by the user. The nubs may also be comprised of a plurality of different shapes, such as a triangular prism shape or cone shape, or other geometric configurations which may include a tip that is rounded, blunt, spherical, or some other shape to further customize the massage experience. A further embodiment of the personal grooming device may also include a kit having differing nub shapes, sizes, and constructions.
The front surface of the massage head of the personal grooming device further comprises a plurality of continuous apertures therein that allow warm or cold hair to exit the device to dry the hair of the user in concert with the scalp massaging action. The air is supplied by an internal fan through a series of passages disposed in the interior body of the device. The temperature of the expelled air may be controlled by the user via a temperature selection mechanism that may be located on the handle of the device. In differing embodiments of the personal grooming device, the temperature selection mechanism may be comprised of a button or other switch, a grooved channel and slider means, or an LCD touch screen. Further, the temperature selection mechanism may have a plurality of indicia that corresponds to varying power and temperature levels. Additionally, the personal grooming device may include a means to control the intensity, speed, and pressure of the vibration nubs that may be located on the handle or in another location along the device body for easy access by the user.
The personal grooming device further comprises a corresponding wireless charging station that has a plurality of red/green LED indicators that inform the user whether the device is fully charged or not. The wireless charging station is comprised of a recessed charging area that receives the handle of the personal grooming device, wherein the handle comprises a female charging member that matingly engages a male charging member in the recessed charging area of the charging station. Nonetheless, the charging station may be further comprised of an integrated power cord to allow the power station to be powered by a standard wall outlet when the same is available.
In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a kit for a personal care product is presented and includes a package for holding a personal care product and its accessories. The personal care product includes a handle attached to a shaped head, with the shaped head having a plurality of air flow apertures and a pattern of spaced apart protrusions on a face of the head. The pattern of air flow apertures and pattern of protrusions alternate with one another, and the pattern of protrusions is driven by a motor to vibrate the protrusions at a frequency of between 20 to 100 Hz per second. Further, the plurality of air flow apertures emit an air flow ranging from between 4 m/s to 7 m/s, and is distributed at a temperature preferably between about 100° F. to about 140° F. The above referenced frequency of vibration of the pattern of protrusion stimulates blood flow and promotes hair growth.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.
As noted above, there exists in the art a long felt need for a personal grooming device that enables the user to both massage and dry their hair and scalp using only one handheld device, such that their other hand may be free to use a brush or comb or perform other tasks, such as styling. There is also a long felt need in the art for a combined personal grooming device whose operation is not dependent on the close proximity of an electrical wall outlet. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for an scalp massaging device the use of which does not cause undue pain or stiffness in the user's hands, fingers and wrist area, and that allows the user to easily control the speed and intensity of the scalp massage.
The personal grooming device of the present invention is designed to allow a user to easily massage their scalp while simultaneously drying their hair. In addition, by applying the air directly to the roots of the hair (versus the ends of the hair), the user's hair will not dry out, avoids heat damage and remains easily manageable. As a result, the personal grooming device increases efficiency by allowing a user to complete two simultaneous tasks with a single hand, wherein two hands would normally be required. Therefore, a user has the opportunity to use their free hand to comb or brush their hair (a common practice) while drying and massaging their scalp or use the same to complete any other task. In addition, the personal grooming device provides improved mobility, and allows a user to utilize the device anywhere due to its cordless nature.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The handle portion 120 is generally cylindrical in shape and may, in differing embodiments, include a plurality of grooves 122 or finger contours to aid a user in gripping the handle 120. The handle 120 is further fixedly attached (e.g., molded in a one-piece construction) to the massage head 111, which may be generally oval or oblong in shape, but may also be generally square, triangular, circular, trapezoidal, etc. in differing embodiments of the personal grooming device 100. As stated above, the massage head 111 is comprised of a front surface 112 that contacts the head/scalp 12 of a user (which will be discussed more fully below) to massage the scalp and dry the user's hair. The body portion 110 is preferably comprised of a relatively lightweight and durable plastic, but may be manufactured from any other suitable materials, such as aluminum, stainless steel, etc.
As also noted above, the front surface 112 is comprised of a plurality of scalp massaging protrusions or nubs 1120. The nubs 1120 may have a plurality of different shapes or sizes and may be manufactured from the same material as the body portion 110, or another suitable material. For example, the nubs 1120 may be in the general shape of cones, triangular prisms, spheres, etc., and may be comprised of a relatively soft, flexible silicone or similar type of material. The nubs 1120 may also have a pointed (with a rounded edge) or blunted (e.g. flat) tip to engage the scalp of the user, without damaging the same, and may be of varying lengths when compared to one another.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the personal grooming device 100 may further comprise a motor (not shown) that is positioned in the handle portion 120 or the body portion 110 and that is in mechanical communication with each of the plurality of nubs 1120. The motor allows the plurality of nubs 1120 to pulse or vibrate to stimulate the user's scalp. The frequency of the vibrations range from about 20 to 100 Hz per second, with about 20-60 Hz per second being preferred. The preferred range provides a level of vibration that both relaxes the muscles and stimulates blood flow, and may also expedite the healing of any wounds that may be present on the surface being massaged.
The personal grooming device 100 allows the user to control the frequency range of the vibrations in increments of 10 Hz. More specifically, the vibration means of the nubs 1120 may be variable and/or user-selected by a control that will be discussed more fully below when discussing the temperature selection mechanism 1202. The variability allows the user to control the vibration intensity, speed, and pressure of the nubs 1120 against the surface of a user's scalp. In an additional embodiment, the nubs 1120 may also undulate (while being powered by the electric motor) to further produce a differing massage experience for the user's scalp. Nonetheless, the nubs 1120 are not required to vibrate, and may simply be fixedly attached to the front surface 112 or removably attached to aid in cleaning. Also, as discussed more fully below in relation to
The exit flow rate of the air at the aperture 1122 preferably ranges from about 4 m/s to 7 m/s depending on the speed selected by the user of the personal grooming device 100, and the temperature of the air preferably ranges from about 100° F. to about 140° F. The apertures 1122 are preferably arranged in a row and column-like fashion in between rows and columns of nubs 1120, which are also preferably arranged in a row and column-like fashion to form a pattern across substantially the entire front surface 112. In this manner, a maximum amount of surface area of the front surface 112 is utilized and is available for contact with the user's scalp and hair, thereby shortening the amount of time required to complete the massaging/drying and improving the overall efficiency of the device 100. Notwithstanding, in differing embodiments of the grooming device 100, the nubs 1120 and apertures 1122 may be arranged in a plurality of differing configurations or patterns such as, but not limited to, radially, spirally, or in a random configuration or any other pattern.
The handle 120 further comprises a temperature selection mechanism 1202 that allows a user to select the power setting and air temperature that the device 100 outputs via the massage head 111 apertures 1122. In a preferred embodiment of the grooming device 100, the temperature selection mechanism 1202 is a grooved channel 12020 that retains a slider 12022 which can be slid to the corresponding indica 12024 (e.g. “warm”, “cool”, “off”) to allow the air temperature or power setting of the device 100 to be controlled by the user. Notwithstanding, in another embodiment of the grooming device 100, the temperature mechanism 1202 may be in the form of a button, switch, or an LCD touch screen. In still another embodiment of the personal grooming device 100, the selection mechanism 1202 may also allow a user to vary the speed, pressure, and intensity of the vibrating nubs 1120. For example, the selection means may be a grooved channel, slider, and indicia similar to that which is described above, or may include a series of buttons or dials (not shown). Additional indicia 12024 may also be provided on the handle portion 120 that corresponds to specific settings or levels of speed, pressure, or intensity variability of the nubs 1120. It is also contemplated that the vibration nub selection mechanism may be used to control all of the nubs 1120, or only a select portion thereof. Importantly, the massaging and blow drying features of the personal grooming device 100 may be operated simultaneously, or independent of one another.
The charging station 150 is comprised of a generally rectangular body 152 having a top surface 154 and rounded edges or corners, one or more LED indicators 156, a charging port 158, a bottom surface 160 and a plurality of sidewalls 162 extending between the bottom surface 160 and the top surface 154. Notwithstanding, the charging station 150 is not so limited, and may be comprised of other shapes and configurations as well. In the preferred embodiment 100, the LED indicators 156 are red and green indicators which serves to inform the user when the device 100 is fully charged (e.g., the green indicator is illuminated) or not fully charged (the red indicator is illuminated). However, in a differing embodiment, the charging station 150 may have an accompanying mobile application (not shown) that allows a user to view the charging status of their smartphone, as well as change the temperature setting and nub vibration speed, intensity, and pressure settings of the personal grooming device 100.
The charging port 158 is preferably cylindrical in shape and is comprised of a top surface 1580, a side surface 15802, a male charging member 15804 is positioned in, and extends outwardly from, the recessed area 15806 to engage a corresponding female charging member on the bottom of the handle 120 to allow the device to charge wirelessly by placing the handle 120 into the charging port 158. Nonetheless, in an alternative embodiment, the male charging member 15804 may be alternatively placed on the side surfaces 15802 of the charging port 158, or the charging port 158 may have a fixed male USB charging member such as USB-A, USB-C, USB-Micro, etc. and the handle 120 may have a corresponding female USB connection. Additionally, one sidewall 1582 of the charging station 150 may further include a fixedly or removably attached power cord 1620 that has a male outlet member 1622 which allows the power station to be powered by a traditional electrical wall outlet 10.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the personal grooming device 100 and its various components may be any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that the same accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the personal grooming device 100 and its various components, as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the personal grooming device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the personal grooming device 100 and its components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the personal grooming device 100 and its various components may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/110,038 filed on Nov. 5, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63110038 | Nov 2020 | US |
