WO2015044489A1

WO2015044489A1 - Suction device for removing parasites from hair

Info

Publication number: WO2015044489A1
Application number: PCT/ES2014/070723
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mª Cristina FALOMIR BALLESTER; Maria Eva CARVAJAL ROCA
Original assignee: FALOMIR BALLESTER Mª CRISTINA; Carvajal Roca Maria Eva
Priority date: 2013-09-25
Filing date: 2014-09-25
Publication date: 2015-04-02
Also published as: ES1094613Y; DK3050458T3; EP3050458A1; ES2746275T3; EP3050458A4; CY1122356T1; PT3050458T; EP3050458B1; ES1094613U

Abstract

The invention relates to a suction device for removing parasites (nits, lice etc.) from hair, which allows any type of parasite present in the hair to be removed efficiently and rapidly, in a clean and innocuous manner for the patient, avoiding having to remove said parasites manually, while preventing the hair from being sucked up and damaged. The suction device (1) basically comprises a main hollow body (10) provided with a mouth (11) for coupling to a conventional household vacuum cleaner (A); and at least a pair of combs (20, 30) which are arranged in a substantially parallel and facing manner, each one being provided with a plurality of bristles (21, 31) with a different inter-bristle space (E1, E2) for each comb (20, 30).

Description

ASPIRATOR DEVICE FOR THE ELIMINATION OF PARASITES IN THE

HAIR

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention belongs to the field of hygiene and health, and more specifically to devices or devices for the treatment of pediculosis, especially adapted for the aspiration or suction of parasites present in the hair, such as lice, nits or the like.

The object of the present invention is a vacuum device that allows to eliminate effectively and quickly any type of parasite present in the hair, all this in a clean and harmless way for the patient. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At present, the inconveniences, discomforts, wounds and itching caused by pediculosis or skin condition caused by lice infestation, located mainly in the scalp, and mainly affecting children between 3 to 12 years old, are widely known, although it can affect equally to adults.

The pediculicidal treatments currently on the market do not allow to achieve a total and effective eradication of parasites (lice, nits or similar), being also conventional products used highly toxic and harmful to health, and can also create resistance in the patient by the continued use of them. It is a recognized fact that the use of such products (pills, special lotions, etc.) is not devoid of complications, even becoming contraindicated in young children. Another important drawback to highlight in current pediculicide treatments is that they do not allow their use prophylactically (prevention before the appearance of pediculosis), having to wait until the parasites are visible in order to apply them, which would entail the possibility of continued contagion in the family or school, thus chronifying the problem with progressive reinfestations. In addition to the aforementioned, the really complicated thing in the deworming process is the complete and one-time eradication of the infestation, since nits and other parasites are attached to combs or nits and hair, or they fall into ground or on clothes, remaining alive and being able to reinfest again, with the negative consequences that this implies.

Also, another problem in the devices developed so far, is that they suck the long hair while causing tangles, making the eradication of parasites and nits unmanageable and ineffective.

Finally, another drawback to note is that existing pediculicide treatments do not allow to be used as many times as necessary in the same episode, the patient having to wait three, five or seven days, depending on the active substance in question.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention allows to solve the aforementioned drawbacks by means of an aspiration device for the elimination of parasites (nits, lice, etc.) in the hair, which allows to eliminate effectively, simply and quickly any type of parasite present in the hair, all this in a clean and safe way for the patient, avoiding that these parasites have to be removed manually, while preventing the hair from being aspirated and damaged. In addition, it is worth mentioning that the vacuum device described here is applicable for both long and short hair, regardless of their nature, whether they are straight or curly.

More particularly, the vacuum device of the invention basically comprises a hollow main body, preferably of tubular and ergonomic configuration, provided with a mouthpiece for coupling to a conventional domestic vacuum cleaner; and at least one pair of combs in substantially parallel and opposite arrangement, each provided with a plurality of bristles or barbs with a different inter-bristle space for each comb, so that at least a first comb of the above mentioned is configured to facilitate styling and retain hair without it being vacuumed, and where a second comb is configured to allow the drag and retention of existing parasites in the hair for aspiration through the domestic vacuum cleaner.

Generally, conventional household vacuum cleaners are provided with an inner bag or bag where all sucked materials are deposited, so that the aspirated parasites can be removed and disposed of in a clean and safe way.

Preferably, the aspiration device of the invention comprises two rows of combs facing each other, and these are in convergent arrangement with each other, their bristles inclined at a certain angle with their extreme ends closer to each other with respect to their bases. This angled arrangement facilitates combing, retention and elimination of parasites, preventing damage to the hair. Also preferably, the first comb has a wider inter-bristle space with respect to the second comb, thus allowing said first comb to retain the hair without it getting tangled or sucked, leaving only the parasites that will later be collected. For the second comb. Thus, the first comb (of greater inter-bristle space) has functions of facilitating the hairstyle, and retaining the hair so that it does not get tangled or sucked; while the second comb (of smaller inter-bristle space) is the one that allows a correct drag and retention of the existing parasites in the hair for its final aspiration through the tube or handle of the vacuum cleaner. It should be noted at this point that when reference is made here to a "domestic vacuum cleaner" it also refers to any other suction system equally attachable to the vacuum device of the invention. On the other hand, it is envisioned that the vacuum device may additionally comprise a removable grid that functions as a filter, and that can be easily removed for removal and disposal of nits and parasites. In addition, the possibility is contemplated that said removable grid additionally comprises a magnifying glass lid that facilitates the visualization of parasites and nits extracted from the scalp, in addition to knowing if they have been completely eliminated by not appreciating any, which will avoid lengthening anxieties and doubts in the patient Finally, some of the main advantages obtained by the vacuum device object of the invention are listed below:

- Valid for all types of hair, straight or curly, long or short.

- Attachable to any conventional vacuum cleaner.

- Ergonomic, allowing access to any area of the hair.

- Complete eradication of parasites present in the hair.

- Does not suck or tangle the hair, becoming an effective device based on comb-nits with aspiration (manageable from root to tip).

- Adjustable suction force through the opening control of the device window.

- Does not damage the scalp.

- Applicable for both prophylactic use and treatment of pediculosis.

- Possibility of use as sole treatment, as well as adjuvant with pediculicides.

- Useful for users of all ages.

- Possibility of using the device with dry hair.

- Reusable, both for professional and domestic use.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical implementation thereof, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description. where, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

Figure 1.- Shows a front view of the aspiration device for the elimination of parasites in the hair object of the invention.

Figure 2.- Shows a detailed view showing the two combs and their corresponding rows of bristles.

Figure 3.- Shows a view of the rear area of the device, where appreciates its mouth for coupling to a conventional domestic vacuum cleaner.

Figure 4.- Shows a general view where a conventional vacuum cleaner can be seen with the vacuum device already incorporated and coupled to its suction tube.

Figure 5.- It shows a top view of the vacuum device, similar to figure 2 but configured for short hairs, where a lid is seen on the first comb of larger inter-bristle space.

Figure 6.- Shows a view of the vacuum device according to another preferred embodiment, where a gradual opening groove and a removable grid can be seen.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

An example of a preferred embodiment is described below with reference to the aforementioned figures, without limiting or reducing the scope of protection of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows the vacuum device (1) for the elimination of parasites in the hair object of the invention, which comprises:

- a hollow main body (10) of tubular and ergonomic configuration to favor the user's grip, provided with a flexible mouth (1 1), shown more clearly in Figure 3, for coupling to a conventional domestic vacuum cleaner (A), Y

- a pair of combs (20, 30) or "nits", in opposite and quasi-parallel position, as shown in figure 2, each of said combs (20, 30) being provided with a plurality of bristles (21, 31), defining a different interconnected space (E1, E2) for each comb (20, 30). In accordance with the present embodiment, said bristles (21, 31) are metallic, and more specifically steel stainless, to provide resistance and robustness to them without them being able to deteriorate or oxidize by wet hairs.

More specifically, in Figure 2 it can be seen that the first comb (20) has an inter-bristle space (E1) of greater width with respect to the second comb (30), thus facilitating the combing and preventing the hair from being sucked, leaving only passage to parasites.

On the other hand, the second comb (30) has an inter-bristle space (E2) smaller than the one in the first comb (20), said second comb (30) having a larger number of bristles (31) of smaller section and diameter with respect to the bristles (21) of the first comb (20), and said bristles (31) being closer together.

This special arrangement of the bristles (21, 31) with different inter-sow spaces (E1,

E2) favors the aforementioned functions for each of the combs (20, 30): combing, hair retention and passage to the parasites in the first comb (20); and drag and final suction of the parasites through the vacuum (A) as shown in Figure 4, in the second comb (30).

At this point it should be noted that the fact that the mouth (11) of the hollow main body (10) is made of flexible material allows it to be coupled to handles or vacuum tubes (A) of different dimensions, formats and commercial signatures, thus providing universal suction device (1) described here. In figure 2 it is also observed that the two rows of combs (20, 30) are in convergent arrangement with each other, their bristles (21, 31) being inclined at a certain angle, with their tips closest to each other with respect to their bases . In addition, it is envisaged that the tips of the bristles (21, 31) are blunt and rounded to avoid possible damage to the skin of the scalp.

According to another preferred embodiment, shown in Figure 5, it is provided that, in the case of short or shaved hair of the patient, the aspiration device (1) additionally comprises a dimensionally adapted cover (40) to be fitted in the first comb (20), comb with greater inter-bristle space (E1), thus canceling its action, and acting only in this case the second comb (30). In this way it is possible to handle and provide the vacuum device (1) with a greater angle of inclination, necessary to retain the parasites in said short hair, thus allowing to increase their suction capacity, and where in this case the functions of the first are not necessary Comb (20) (hairstyle and hair retention).

Likewise, as can be seen in Figure 6, it is provided that the vacuum device (1) can comprise a slot (50) with gradual opening to allow the regulation of the suction power or suction force of the vacuum cleaner (A) , said slot (50) also having a microparticle filter (51) to prevent parasites from leaving.

In addition, the possibility is contemplated that the vacuum device (1) may additionally comprise a removable grid (60), shown in Figure 6, which also has a filter (61) that transversely crosses the hollow main body (10) , for subsequent removal and disposal of nits and parasites aspirated. Said removable grid (60) can be disposable or reusable, with or without a magnifying glass lid for the visualization of the extracted parasites. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a location of the removable grid (60) has been chosen in a leading position of the hollow main body (10), and more specifically between the combs (20, 30) and the slot (50) with opening gradual. This will allow more efficient filtration of the parasites at the same time that does not impede or impede the coupling of the mouth (11) of the hollow main body (10) with the vacuum (A) or suction system in question.

Therefore, by means of the present invention there is provided a vacuum device (1) of a harmless and environmentally friendly nature, with access to any part of the scalp, regardless of the length or type of hair of the infested person, allowing the collection by retention, and elimination by suction of the parasites, achieving a total eradication of them at once, being able to be used both in a therapeutic way in infested persons and in a prophylactic way without distinction of age or sex.

Claims

1. - Vacuum cleaner device (1) for the elimination of parasites in the hair, characterized in that it comprises:

- a hollow main body (10) provided with a mouth (11) for coupling to a conventional domestic vacuum cleaner (A), and

- at least one pair of combs (20, 30) in substantially parallel and opposite arrangement, each provided with a plurality of bristles (21, 31) with a different inter-bristle space (E1, E2) for each comb ( 20, 30), so that at least a first comb (20) is configured to facilitate combing and retain the hair without it being vacuumed, giving way to parasites; and where a second comb (30) is configured for the drag and retention of existing parasites in the hair for final aspiration through the vacuum (A).

2. - Vacuum cleaner device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two rows of combs (20, 30) facing each other.

3. - Vacuum cleaner device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the combs (20, 30) are in convergent arrangement with each other, their bristles (21, 31) being inclined at a certain angle, with their extreme tips closer to each other than their bases.

4. - Vacuum cleaner device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first comb (20) has an inter-bristle space (E1) of greater width with respect to the second comb (30).

5. - Vacuum cleaner device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second comb (30) has a greater number of bristles (31) with respect to the first comb (20) and these are closer together between yes.

6. - Vacuum cleaner device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the bristles (31) of the second comb (30) have a smaller section and diameter with respect to of the bristles (21) of the first comb (20).

7. - Vacuum cleaner device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the hollow main body (10) has a tubular and ergonomic configuration.

8. - Vacuum cleaner device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mouth (11) of the hollow main body (10) is made of flexible material.

9. - Vacuum cleaner device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the bristles (21, 31) of the combs (20, 20) have their blunt and rounded tip.

10. - Vacuum cleaner device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the bristles (21, 31) are made of stainless steel.

11. - Vacuum cleaner device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a cover (40) dimensionally adapted to be fitted in the first comb (20), comb with greater inter-bristle space (E1).

12. - Vacuum cleaner device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a slot (50) with gradual opening to allow the regulation of the suction force of the vacuum cleaner (A), said slot (50) ) of a microparticle filter (51) to prevent the outflow of parasites.

13. - Vacuum cleaner device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a removable grid (60) that has a filter (61) that transversely crosses the hollow main body (10) for removal and disposal of nits and parasites aspirated.

14. - Vacuum cleaner device (1) according to claims 12 and 13, characterized in that the removable grid (60) is located in a front position of the hollow main body (10), between the combs (20, 30) and the slot (50) with gradual opening.

15. - Vacuum cleaner device (1) according to any one of the claims 13 or 14, characterized in that the removable grid (60) additionally comprises a magnifying glass lid for the visualization of the parasites.