U.S. patent application number 12/818996 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-22 for vacuum aid system and method for total body cleansing.
Invention is credited to Steven Bangos, J.J. Jack Powers.
Application Number | 20110308034 12/818996 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45327365 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110308034 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Powers; J.J. Jack ; et
al. |
December 22, 2011 |
VACUUM AID SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TOTAL BODY CLEANSING
Abstract
A portable vacuum cleansing system and method having a variable
suction control, multiple cleaning head attachments, and an
oscillating mechanism for exfoliating and deep cleaning various
body parts. The system also preferably includes a UV LED light
source for illumination and antimicrobial treatment. The system may
be used for gentle and stimulating removal of dander, dirt, and
foreign particles from the body and scalp, without irritation.
Interchangeable brush and comb attachments are available for
personal use and are distinguishable by color for use between
family members. The system may also be used for removal of dander,
dirt, and foreign particles from pets.
Inventors: |
Powers; J.J. Jack;
(Anchorage, AK) ; Bangos; Steven; (Anaheim Hills,
CA) |
Family ID: |
45327365 |
Appl. No.: |
12/818996 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/324 ;
15/381 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/30 20130101; A47L
9/2878 20130101; A47L 9/2842 20130101; A47L 9/0673 20130101; A47L
9/0693 20130101; A47L 9/2889 20130101; A01K 13/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/324 ;
15/381 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/00 20060101
A47L009/00; A47L 5/00 20060101 A47L005/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for removing debris from hair, skin and scalp, said
apparatus comprising: a. a hollow handle portion having a first end
adapted to be connected to a vacuum source and a second end adapted
for making an articulating connection to a head portion; a hollow
head portion having a first end in an articulating connection and
fluid communication with the handle portion, and a second end
adapted to slidably receive a flange member; a flange member
slidably mounted in the head portion, the head portion adapted to
removably receive a plurality of grooming attachments; an
oscillation mechanism configured to provide relative oscillation
motion between the flange member and the head portion; and a
plurality of grooming attachments adapted to be removably received
by the flange member.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the oscillation mechanism
comprises an electric motor.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the oscillation mechanism
further comprises a scotch yoke driven by the electric motor.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the head portion comprises a
plurality of light sources.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the light sources are LEDs.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the light sources are UV
LEDs.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the grooming attachments
comprise a brush attachment, a nit comb attachment and a hair comb
attachment.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the handle portion is
configured with an opening and a rotatable suction metering collar
to selectively cover a portion of the opening in the handle.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a system for cleansing the
hair and skin and other body parts of individuals or animals. More
particularly, the present invention hereof relates to the removal
of dirt, debris, dandruff, lice, including eggs and nits, fleas,
vermin, and other unwanted matter from the hair and skin and other
body parts of individuals or animals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a body vacuum device to be
used with a vacuum source to exfoliate skin and cleansing of dirt,
dander and foreign objects from body parts of individuals and
animals. More particularly, the present invention relates to the
total body cleansing without use of water, harsh soaps and lotions,
by means of controlled velocity vacuum suction, and interchangeable
attachments which oscillate to aid in the removal of unwanted
matter and to stimulate the user's skin. Variable speed velocity of
suction from vacuum devices enables the user to experience a fresh
stimulating airflow and massaging action via a diverse selection of
cleansing and grooming attachments. In an effort to contribute to
environmental friendly activity, the present invention prides
itself as a pioneer concept of total body cleansing in an era of
going green by eliminating the necessity for soap and water. Thus,
the present invention may be used in remote areas or under austere
conditions, such as on military operations or in less-developed
countries, where water is scarce and can be most effectively used
for human consumption.
[0003] The system of the present invention may be used for gentle
and stimulating removal of dander, dirt, and foreign particles from
the body and scalp, without irritation. Interchangeable brush and
comb attachments are available for personal use and are
distinguishable by color for use between family members. The system
may also be used for removal of dander, dirt, and foreign particles
from pets.
[0004] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a
portable body vacuum cleansing system and method having a variable
suction control, multiple cleaning head attachments and an
oscillating mechanism for exfoliating and deep cleaning various
body parts. The system also preferably includes a UV LED light
source for illumination and antimicrobial treatment of the user's
skin. The system also preferably includes an articulating
connection between the handle and the head portions to allow
rotational angular adjustment of the orientation between the handle
and the head portion of the body vacuum, thus facilitating access
of the head portion and cleaning head attachments to less
accessible areas of the user's or animal's body.
[0005] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a
portable cleansing device is a unit that may be used with a
portable vacuum system, and provides variable suction velocity and
interchangeable attachments for specific body parts, so that the
entire body may be cleansed with the necessity for soap and water.
The present invention also provides a more efficient approach for
treatment of individuals or animals infested with lice, including
nits. More particularly, the present invention provides an assembly
for dislodging, gathering, and suctioning lice and nits from
individuals and animals.
[0006] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a
portable body vacuum cleansing system with a hollow handle portion
having a first end adapted to be connected to a vacuum source and a
second end adapted for making an articulating connection to a head
portion, a hollow head portion having a first end in an
articulating connection and fluid communication with the handle
portion, and a second end adapted to slidably receive a flange
member, a flange member slidably mounted in the head portion, the
head portion adapted to removably receive a plurality of grooming
attachments; an oscillation mechanism configured to provide
relative oscillation motion between the flange member and the head
portion; and a plurality of grooming attachments adapted to be
removably received by the flange member.
[0007] For a more close understanding of the present invention,
reference is made to the following detailed description and
accompanying drawing. In the drawings, like reference characters
refer to like parts throughout the several views in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the components of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the head portion of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the oscillation
mechanism of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the head portion of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention showing the oscillation
mechanism producing a translation motion of the head attachment
base to the leftmost position in the head portion.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the head portion of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention showing the oscillation
mechanism producing a translation motion of the head attachment
base to the center position in the head portion.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the head portion of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention showing the oscillation
mechanism producing a translation motion of the head attachment
base to the rightmost position in the head portion.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the head portion of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention with a brush
attachment installed.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the head portion of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention with a nit comb
attachment installed.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the head portion of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention with a hair comb
attachment installed.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a schematic circuit diagram of the electrical
system of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the body vacuum 20 of
the present invention comprises a handle portion 22 and a head
portion 24. The handle portion 22 is configured with a vacuum
source adapter 26 which is designed to accommodate the installation
of a hose or other device providing a vacuum source for the
operation of the body vacuum. The vacuum source may be any of a
number of mechanisms, including portable vacuum sources powered by
electrical, jet or internal combustion engines. The body vacuum
device 20 may be formed from any suitable material such as high
density plastic, metal, or the like. In use, the body vacuum device
attaches, as noted above, to a standard vacuum hose of any suitable
vacuum cleaner or other vacuum source.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the handle portion 22 is attached to the
head portion 24 using an articulating connection consisting of a
raised ring 38 on the handle portion which is received in a
recessed circular channel 40 on the head portion 24, preferably by
mating through an interference fit. This articulating connection
allows for fluid communication between the handle and head portions
to facilitate the flow of vacuum through an opening 78 in the
center of the raised ring 38 on the handle portion 32, which mates
to a similar opening 80 in the center of the recessed circular
channel 40 on the head portion 24. Alternatively, fluid
communication between the handle and head portions can be provided
through an opening 32 in the distal end of the handle portion 22
which allows flow into the hollow inside of the head portion 24.
This articulating connection also allows rotational adjustment
between the handle and the head portion of the body vacuum 20, thus
facilitating access of the head portion to less accessible areas of
a user's or an animal's body. Optionally, the raised ring 38 may be
configured with one or more detents comprising raised ridges or
dimples 42 or inverted dimples which may be configured to mate with
similar configurations on the recessed circular channel 40 on the
head portion 24 to facilitate in maintaining a selected angular
orientation between the handle portion 22 and the head portion
24.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, a rotatable suction metering collar 28
is configured with an opening 30 to selectively covers all or
portions of an opening in the handle portion 22 that is in fluid
communication with the vacuum source. When the suction metering
collar 28 is rotated so that the opening 30 of the suction metering
collar 28 is aligned with the opening in the handle portion 22,
vacuum suction is diverted through the openings, thus reducing the
level of vacuum at the head portion 24 of the device.
Alternatively, when the suction metering collar 28 is rotated so
the solid section of the collar 28 completely covers the opening 30
in the handle portion 22, all of the vacuum suction from the vacuum
source is available to the attachments on the head portion 24 of
the device. By metering the size of the opening created by the
opening 30 of the suction metering collar 28 in relation to the
opening in the handle portion 22, any level of suction between low
(fully open) and high (fully closed) can be achieved.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, a charging cord may be attached to the
power adapter jack 44 to convert available alternating supply
current to direct current for charging the battery bank 70.
Independent power switches 34 and 36 control the power from the
power adapter jack 44 and/or the battery bank 70 to the oscillation
motor 58 and the ultraviolet lights 50, respectively.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, the head portion 24 is configured with
an opening from which vacuum may be applied to various attachments
which are removably attachable to the head portion 24 by the head
attachment flange 48 of the head attachment base 46 which is
slidably mounted on the head 24. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the head
attachment flange 48 on the head portion 24 is surrounded on the
outside of its perimeter by a plurality of light sources 50,
preferably ultraviolet LED light sources in a recessed
configuration on the head 24. As is known by those of ordinary
skill in the art, these light sources may be selected from a
plurality of available illumination devices, including LED's,
incandescent bulbs, LCD's, lasers, laser LED's, infrared LED's,
fluorescent lamps, etc. These light sources may aid in illuminating
the area to be cleansed by the body vacuum 20, and may additionally
provide a sterilizing, disinfecting, antimicrobial and/or
insecticide effect upon the treated areas.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 4, the head attachment base 46 is slidably
mounted on the head 24 and configured to oscillate in motion
relative to the body vacuum head portion 24. This oscillation
motion is transferred to the head attachment attached to the head
attachment base 46 by the head attachment flange 48. As indicated
in FIG. 4, a pair of detent openings 68 facilitates the attachment
of the head attachments to the head attachment flange 48.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 4, a scotch yoke mechanism provides the
oscillation drive for the head attachments from an electric motor
58. Electric motor 58 is mounted to the motor mount plate 60
portion of the head portion 24 of the body vacuum device. The motor
58 rotates a motor disc 62 with an offset pin 64 attached. The
offset pin 64 is received in a slot 66 in the head attachment base
46. The head portion 24 is configured to constrain the head
attachment base 46 to only allow lateral movement. When the motor
58 is activated, the offset pin 64 drives the head attachment base
46 laterally.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 5 through 7, the rotational movement of
the motor disk 62 causes the offset pin 64 to produce a translation
oscillation motion in the head attachment base 46 due to the
movement of the offset pin 64 in the head attachment base slot
66.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the head portion showing the
oscillation mechanism producing a translation motion of the head
attachment base 46 to the leftmost position in the head portion
24.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the head portion showing the
oscillation mechanism producing a translation motion of the head
attachment base 46 to the center position in the head portion
24.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the head portion showing the
oscillation mechanism producing a translation motion of the head
attachment base 46 to the rightmost position in the head portion
24.
[0030] As is known by those of ordinary skill in the art, there are
a number of alternate oscillation mechanisms which could also be
used. These mechanisms include: a shaker, comprising an offset
mass, as used for cell phone vibration; a motor which turns an
unbalanced weight; a rotary mechanism for rotating or spinning an
attachment; random orbital drives, as used in handheld sanders to
provide a random pattern of movement; planetary gear mechanisms,
similar to commercial stand mixers, employing rotation and circular
movement; electromagnetic mechanisms, similar to a hair clipper or
electric toothbrush, having generally higher frequency (speed)
oscillations; and mechanical movement driven by air flow, which
would oscillate (flap) back and forth due to vacuum flow, as just a
few examples.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 8 through 10, a plurality of attachments
may be used with the body vacuum 20.
[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 8, a brush attachment 52 incorporates
a plurality of bristles 72 for removal of debris from the user's
hair or skin.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 9, the nit comb attachment 54 incorporates
a plurality of nit comb teeth 74 for removal of eggs and other
unwanted items such as lice, debris, or dander.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 10, the hair comb attachment 56
incorporates a plurality of hair combed teeth 76 having a spherical
or other rounded configuration at the ends to minimize irritation
of scalp or other skin surfaces.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 11, the primary power source for the
oscillation motor 58 is a rechargeable battery bank 70. A charging
cord attached to the power adapter jack 44 converts available
alternating supply current to direct current for charging the
battery bank 70. The device 20 can be operated from the charging
cord if the battery 70 is discharged. Independent switches 34 and
36 control the power to the oscillation motor 58 and the
ultraviolet LED lights 50, respectively.
[0036] As is known by those of ordinary skill in the art,
additional components may include circuitry for the light array 50,
potentiometer for ultraviolet LED light brightness, potentiometer
for the oscillation motor 58 speed control, circuitry to control
battery charging, additional status lights, an additional master
power switch, and timers.
[0037] The present invention has been described in accordance with
the relevant legal standards, thus the foregoing description is
exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and
modifications to the disclosed embodiment may become apparent to
those skilled in the art and do come within the scope of this
invention. Accordingly, the scope of legal protection afforded this
invention can only be determined by studying the following
claims.
* * * * *