Folding lice comb easy to clean

Abstract

The invention discloses a folding comb easy to clean. The folding comb is used for removing lice or lice eggs from hair. The comb includes a first member hingedly connected to a second member via a hinge; the first member and the second member each include a hand-held portion and a parallel series of teeth extending outwardly from a tooth retaining end of the hand-held portion.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Israel patent application No. 300889, filed on February 22, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Background

[0003] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, is directed to an easy-to-clean folding comb for removing lice or lice eggs from hair.

[0004] Head lice (Pediculus capitis) are small parasitic insects that are well adapted to live on the scalp and neck hair of their human hosts and are highly contagious.

[0005] Head lice infestation (pediculosis) is a common problem, especially among school-age children. Signs of infestation include small red spots on the scalp caused by lice bites and acute itching. To effectively treat lice, it is important to eradicate not only the adult lice but also the unhatched eggs, or nits, laid by adult female lice on the head. While insecticidal shampoos can help remove adult lice from the scalp, they are not completely effective. Therefore, most treatments also involve manual removal of lice and nits. This is recommended for at least 10 days. This can be a laborious, frustrating, and time-consuming process because nits are very small, typically around 0.3 mm, and adhere to the hair like glue. Each nit must be firmly grasped and slid down the hair shaft to dislodge it.

[0006] Lice can be removed using fingernails, tweezers, or, preferably, a specially developed lice comb with very closely spaced teeth. Lice combs with varying tooth sizes, shapes, and roughness patterns are known in the art. To avoid recontamination, removed lice must be removed from the comb. However, the high density of teeth required for lice removal hinders cleaning.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a comb that can efficiently clean captured matter while also effectively removing lice.

[0008] U.S. Patent No. 11,445,793 teaches a lice comb that includes a first member connected to a second member via a vertical hinge. The location of the hinge in the lice comb taught in U.S. Patent No. 11,445,793 is not conducive to efficient cleaning of the comb teeth. The ability to pry open the comb teeth and release trapped lice and eggs is hampered by the need to hold the comb handle with one hand and ensure the two members remain separated during cleaning.

[0009] Other background technologies include US11445793, US5318051, GB2396104, CN203137397, CN103126269, CN202476777, US1651746, IL219899, ​​US2021212434, US5873374, US2002078972, CN design 303686073, USD854244 and USD770093. Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a collapsible lice comb for removing lice or lice eggs from the hair or scalp, the comb comprising a first member hingedly connected to a second member via a hinge;

[0011] The first member and the second member each include a handle and a parallel series of teeth extending outwardly from a tooth-retaining end of the handle; and

[0012] the hinge being parallel to the series of teeth and being configured to allow the first member to fold toward the second member to obtain a folded configuration and away from the second member to obtain an unfolded configuration,

[0013] The parallel series of teeth are spaced and positioned so that when the comb attains the folded configuration, the parallel series of teeth of the first member are interleaved with the parallel series of teeth of the second member to form a comb configured to remove lice or lice eggs from the hair or scalp, and when the comb attains the unfolded configuration, the teeth of both members are in a continuous direction.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hinge includes a spring hinge, a pivot hinge, a snap hinge and a butt hinge.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the spacing between the teeth of the first member is equal to the spacing between the teeth of the second member.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the invention, the teeth of the first and second members are evenly spaced apart.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the invention, the teeth of the first and second members are tapered.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the toothed belts of the first member and the second member have grooves.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the teeth of the first member and the second member are in the form of spiral grooves.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the teeth of the first member and the second member are made of stainless steel.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the invention, the comb further comprises fixing means for fixing said comb in its folded configuration.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an outer edge of the handheld portion of each of the first member and the second member is rounded.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the invention, the shape and size of the handle of the first member are identical to the shape and size of the handle of the second member, thereby ensuring that when the comb is in its folded configuration the handles lie directly on top of each other to form a single member.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the invention, the hinge is configured to prevent opening beyond 180 degrees in the unfolded configuration.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the invention, the hinge further comprises a stop mechanism preventing opening beyond 180 degrees in said unfolded configuration.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the handle portion of each member includes a front piece facing outward when the comb is in the folded configuration and a rear piece facing inward when the comb is in the folded configuration, and the parallel series of teeth extend outwardly from the tooth retaining end of the rear piece of the handle portion.

[0027] Unless otherwise limited, all technical and / or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present invention, exemplary methods and / or materials are described below. In the event of conflict, the patent specification (including limitation) shall prevail. In addition, these materials, methods and examples are only illustrative and are not meant to be restrictive.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Some embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it should be emphasized that the details shown are exemplary and are intended to facilitate an illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, the description taken in conjunction with the drawings will make it clear to those skilled in the art how to implement the embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] In the attached figure:

[0031] Figure 11 is a lice comb in an unfolded configuration according to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The exterior surface of the lice comb is viewed from above.

[0032] Figure 2 is a lice comb in a folded configuration according to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 The tooth arrangement of a lice comb in the folded configuration (as viewed from below).

[0034] Figure 4 This is a foldable lice comb with an opening mechanism.

[0035] Figure 5A is a lice comb in a folded configuration according to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view (and an enlarged view) of a lice comb showing the securing mechanism that secures the comb in its folded configuration.

[0037] Figure 6 1 is a lice comb in an unfolded configuration according to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The interior surface of the lice comb is viewed from above.

[0038] Figure 7 Exemplary components of a lice comb according to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, is directed to an easy-to-clean folding comb for removing lice or lice eggs from hair.

[0040] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the application of the present invention is not necessarily limited to the details set forth in the following description or listed in the examples. The present invention is capable of other embodiments or can be practiced or implemented in various ways.

[0041] There are many types of combs used to remove lice and nits from hair. These combs are difficult to clean because the removed foreign matter becomes trapped between the closely spaced teeth of the comb. After use, the removed material must be completely removed from the comb to avoid re-contamination of the patient or another patient. The better the comb's ability to capture foreign matter, the more difficult it is to clean.

[0042] The inventors have now devised a comb that effectively removes lice and nits from hair while still efficiently and effectively cleaning trapped material. Effective cleaning is crucial as it prevents re-infestation. The comb comprises two hingedly connected members, each with a series of teeth. In the folded position, the two sets of teeth are staggered to form a single row. The positioning of the teeth in the folded configuration allows for efficient removal of lice and nits. In the unfolded configuration, the gaps between consecutive teeth in the series allow for easy and efficient cleaning without twisting the teeth. This helps extend the life of the comb, which would otherwise require constant prying apart to remove trapped material. The hinge is parallel to the series of teeth, allowing the two members to move toward each other, into the folded configuration, or away from each other, into the unfolded configuration (similar to the opening and closing of a book). This structure is advantageous because it allows the comb to be fully extended in its unfolded configuration. The teeth of the two members, though separated, are parallel to each other, forming a single row and lying in the same plane. This allows for easy removal of trapped material. Furthermore, the hinge is located away from the handpiece of the comb, allowing for ergonomic design of the handpiece without being disturbed by the hinge.

[0043] Figure 1 is a top view of a lice comb 10, which includes two body members 12 and 14, each having a handle 16 and 18 and a series of teeth 20 and 22. The teeth in each series of teeth 20 and 22 are positioned parallel to each other. The teeth of the series 20 and 22 are elongated, with each tooth extending from a tooth-retaining end 24 and 26 of the handle 16 and 18. Typically, the number of teeth in the series 20 is equal to the number of teeth in the series 22. Each series can have 12 to 20 teeth. In one embodiment, each series has 16 teeth. In order to distinguish between the outward-facing surface and the inward-facing surface (folded configuration) of the lice comb 10, the body members 12 and 14 are shown with promotional branding or design elements 58. Such advertising or artwork can be applied using techniques known in the art. It should be understood that this is an optional feature and may or may not be applied to any part of the comb.

[0044] The handles 16 and 18 of the main body members 12 and 14 can be of any shape. In one embodiment, the handles are rounded to facilitate easy gripping of the comb 10. The handles 16 and 18 can be made of materials including metal (e.g., stainless steel), plastic, polymer (molded polymer), etc. In one embodiment, the handles are ergonomically designed to facilitate easy gripping. The height of the handles 16 and 18 is generally no more than two or three times the height of the teeth 20 and 22. In one embodiment, the height of 16 and 18 is generally no more than the height of the teeth 20 and 22. In one embodiment, the lice comb 10 does not have an extended handle. The handles 16 and 18 are generally located above the longitudinal axis of the teeth 20 and 22 (i.e., along the same axis) so that when gripping the lice comb 10, the user's hand is located above the teeth 20 or 22, rather than to the side of the teeth 20 or 22.

[0045] In one embodiment, the spacing between the teeth of the first member 12 is equal to the spacing between the teeth of the second member 14. Furthermore, the teeth of the first member 12 and the second member 14 are evenly spaced.

[0046] Within series 20 and 22, each tooth has a length of about 20 mm to about 90 mm (e.g., about 40 mm). Each tooth has a diameter of about 0.75 mm to 1.5 mm (e.g., about 1.15 mm). The teeth of series 20 and 22 are evenly spaced. The spacing between the teeth of series 20 is the same as that between the teeth of series 22.

[0047] The minimum spacing 30 between each tooth of series 20 and 22 is equal to the width of tooth 34. Preferably, there is an additional gap which is typically twice the target gap 32. Target gap 32 can be defined as the desired gap between the active portions of adjacent teeth when the comb is in the closed position.

[0048] S tooth = T w +2*G ATC

[0049] in,

[0050] S 齿 = the spacing between teeth in the same series

[0051] T w =Width of tooth (34)

[0052] G ATC = The target gap between the active parts of adjacent teeth (34) when the device is in the closed position.

[0053] Figure 2 The target gap 32 is shown in FIG.

[0054] Depending on the size of the particles the device is designed to remove, the present invention can use different target gaps. For lice and lice eggs, the gap is typically between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm.

[0055] In one embodiment, the teeth included in series 20 and 22 may be made of metal, such as stainless steel, with a smooth or grooved (eg, helical) outer surface. In another embodiment, the teeth of series 20 and 22 may be tapered.

[0056] Hinge 28 defines a central axis and connects first body member 12 to second body member 14, thereby allowing the two members to open and close about the central axis. Thus, the lice comb of this aspect of the invention is configured as a book, with the spine of the book analogous to the hinge, the open pages on one side of the spine analogous to the first body member, and the open pages on the other side of the spine analogous to the second body member. Figure 1 The outwardly facing side of the lice comb 10 is shown in an open configuration. In this configuration, the series of teeth 20 is in a continuous orientation relative to the series of teeth 22. The continuous orientation of the teeth allows the teeth to be cleaned with just a light brushing under running water.

[0057] Figure 7 Components of an exemplary hinge according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0058] In this embodiment, hinge pin 46 passes through the through-holes in hinge portions 48, 50, and 52 of first member 12 and through-holes in hinge portions 54 and 56 of second member 14 to connect the two main body members. Thus, hinge pin 46 and hinge portions 48, 50, 52, 54, and 56 form hinge 28.

[0059] The inventors contemplate any type of hinge, including but not limited to external hinges, internal hinges, spring hinges, pivot hinges, snap hinges, and butt hinges.

[0060] In one embodiment, the hinge is configured to prevent opening beyond 180 degrees in the unfolded configuration. Additionally or alternatively, the comb 10 includes an additional stop mechanism that prevents the comb from opening beyond 180 degrees in the unfolded configuration.

[0061] Figure 2 The lice comb 10 is shown in a closed configuration. The first body member 12 is positioned directly on the second body member 14. The handle 16 may be substantially the same shape and size as the handle 18. The first series of teeth 20 is interlaced with the second series of teeth 22 to form a comb configured to effectively remove lice or lice eggs from the hair or scalp.

[0062] Figure 3It shows how teeth A, C, E, G, I, K, M, O, Q, S, U, W, Y, AA, CC, and EE of series 22 are interleaved with teeth B, D, F, H, J, L, N, P, R, T, V, X, Z, BB, DD of series 20 to form a comb having a single series of 36 parallel teeth. In one embodiment, this single series is a row.

[0063] The lice comb 10 can include a securing mechanism for securing the comb in its folded configuration. The securing mechanism can be such that it can be overcome by force (e.g., by prying the handle 16 away from the grip 18). In one embodiment, the securing mechanism is concealed when the lice comb 10 is folded. Other securing mechanisms are also contemplated, including, for example, keys, bolts, clips, levers, springs, and the like.

[0064] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5B An exemplary securing mechanism is described in .

[0065] Figure 4 The lice comb 10 is shown in an open (unfolded) configuration, with the side facing inward shown. The handle 16 of the main body member 12 includes a protrusion 38 that is designed to fit and remain in a cavity 40 on the handle 18 of the main body member 14 when in the folded configuration. In this embodiment, the fixing mechanism can be overcome by prying the two members of the comb apart. The comb can include an opening mechanism (e.g., a clip-like mechanism) that helps to open. In one embodiment, the exterior of one of the handles 16 or 18 may include an extension 42, and the other exterior of the main body member includes a recess 44. Opening can be achieved by moving the thumb and index finger in opposite directions over the opening mechanism. As is known in the art, other opening mechanisms are also conceivable.

[0066] Figure 5A The lice comb 10 is depicted in a closed (folded) configuration. The dashed lines depict Figure 5B The cross-sectional cut shown in FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional cut shown in FIG. 1 . The body member 16 includes a protrusion 38 that fits into a cavity 40 on the body member 18 .

[0067] Figure 6 The lice comb 10 is shown in a closed configuration, with the opening mechanism 42 visible extending from an outer edge of the body member 16 or 18 .

[0068] Figure 7 Components of an exemplary comb according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0069] Body members 12 and 14 include two components, front panels 60 and 62, respectively, that face outward when the comb is in the folded configuration, and rear panels 64 and 66, respectively, that face inward when the comb is in the folded configuration. Parallel series of teeth 20 extend outward from a tooth-retaining end 68 of rear panel 64 of member 12. Parallel series of teeth 22 extend outward from a tooth-retaining end 70 of rear panel 66 of member 14. At least front panel 60 and / or front panel 62 may include promotional branding or design elements 58.

[0070] As used herein, the term "about" refers to 10%.

[0071] The terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "having," and their cognates mean "including but not limited to."

[0072] The term "consisting of" means "including and limited to."

[0073] The term "consisting essentially of" means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and / or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and / or parts do not materially change the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

[0074] Throughout the application, various embodiments of the present invention may be presented in the form of ranges. It should be understood that the description in range form is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be interpreted as an immutable limitation on the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all possible sub-ranges and individual numerical values ​​within the range. For example, the description of a range such as 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed sub-ranges, such as 1 to 3, 1 to 4, 1 to 5, 2 to 4, 2 to 6, 3 to 6, etc., as well as individual numbers within the range, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Regardless of the width of the range, this applies.

[0075] It should be understood that certain features of the invention described in the context of separate embodiments for the sake of clarity may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention described in the context of a single embodiment for the sake of brevity may also be provided individually, or in any suitable subcombination, or in any suitable manner in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments should not be considered essential features of those embodiments unless the embodiment will not function without those elements.

[0076] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with its specific embodiments, it is apparent that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to cover all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

[0077] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein in their entirety, as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference when cited. In addition, the citation or identification of any reference in this application should not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention, and they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims

1. A foldable lice comb for removing lice or lice eggs from the hair or scalp, the comb comprising a first member hingedly connected to a second member via a hinge; The first member and the second member each include a handle and a parallel series of teeth extending outwardly from a tooth-retaining end of the handle; and the hinge being parallel to the series of teeth and being configured to allow the first member to fold toward the second member to obtain a folded configuration and away from the second member to obtain an unfolded configuration, The parallel series of teeth are spaced and positioned so that when the comb attains the folded configuration, the parallel series of teeth of the first member are interleaved with the parallel series of teeth of the second member to form a comb configured to remove lice or lice eggs from the hair or scalp, and when the comb attains the unfolded configuration, the teeth of both members are in a continuous direction.

2. The foldable lice comb according to claim 1, wherein the hinge comprises a spring hinge, a pivot hinge, a snap hinge and a butt hinge.

3. The foldable lice comb of claim 1, wherein the spacing between the teeth of the first member is equal to the spacing between the teeth of the second member.

4. The collapsible lice comb of claim 1 , wherein the teeth of the first and second members are evenly spaced.

5. The foldable lice comb of claim 1 , wherein the teeth of the first and second members are tapered.

6. The folding lice comb of claim 1, wherein the teeth of the first and second members are grooved.

7. The folding lice comb of claim 6, wherein the teeth of the first and second members are in the form of spiral grooves.

8. The folding lice comb of claim 1, wherein the teeth of the first and second members are made of stainless steel.

9. The foldable lice comb of claim 1 , further comprising a securing mechanism for securing the comb in its folded configuration.

10. The foldable lice comb of claim 1, wherein an outer edge of the handheld portion of each of the first and second members is rounded.

11. A foldable lice comb according to claim 1 , wherein the shape and size of the handle of the first member are the same as the shape and size of the handle of the second member, thereby ensuring that when the comb is in its folded configuration, the handles are directly superimposed on each other to form a single member.

12. The foldable lice comb of claim 1, wherein the hinge is configured to prevent opening beyond 180 degrees in the unfolded configuration.

13. The foldable lice comb of claim 1, further comprising a stop mechanism that prevents opening beyond 180 degrees in the unfolded configuration.

14. A foldable lice comb according to claim 1, wherein the handle portion of each member includes a front piece facing outward when the comb is in the folded configuration and a rear piece facing inward when the comb is in the folded configuration, the parallel series of teeth extending outwardly from a tooth retaining end of the rear piece of the handle portion.

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