Device which can be applied to a head to stimulate the scalp

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a device which can be applied to a head to stimulate the scalp.

The present invention relates to the technical field of apparatuses for stimulating and massaging the skin.

Background Art

These devices usually have two objectives, the first being to prevent hair loss or to promote hair growth (also promoting the penetration of lotions or creams), the second being to give a sensation of wellbeing and relaxation to the person thanks to the skin and skull massage.

In light of this, there are prior art caps (for example in patent document WO03065965) having inner projections which act as elements for stimulating the skin. Said caps are fitted on the head, then the person massages himself by applying pressure with his hands on the upper part of the cap.

The disadvantage of said devices is that they involve a physical effort for the massage, obliging the person to keep his arms in an uncomfortable position for a lengthy period. Moreover, another disadvantage is the fact that people who use such caps are not usually experienced in performing massages, meaning that an incorrect action could even be counterproductive.

There are also prior art helmets (for example in US3763853 or US5188097) or rigid structures comprising a plurality of vibrating fingers put into contact with the skull to stimulate it.

Said apparatuses are disadvantageous because they are uncomfortable to use and even dangerous, since they comprise rigid structures in direct contact with the skull, which risk transmitting excessive and harmful vibrations. In addition, it is known form FR-A- 1092977 a cap comprising an outer rigid helmet, an inner shell having protrusions suitable for acting on the skull to massage it and a single vibrator interposed between the outer helmet and the inner shell. Said cap is disadvantageous, because it does not allow a uniform distribution of the massage on the skull surface, thus entailing the risk of performing an excessive action on some parts of the skull and, conversely, an insufficient action on other parts of the skull.

Furthermore, said cap is disadvantageous in that it lacks adaptability and practical usability, because it is not suitable for adapt to the shape and size of the skull of the person wearing the cap itself.

Disclosure of the Invention The present invention has for an aim to provide a device which can be applied to a head to stimulate the scalp which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

In particular, the present invention has for an aim to provide a device which can be applied to a head to stimulate the scalp which is able to promote hair growth and to offer a relaxing skull massage, without the person having to make any effort and without the risk of excessive stimulation.

The present invention also has for an aim to propose a device for stimulating the scalp and massaging the skull which is particularly comfortable and versatile.

Said aims are fully achieved by the device in accordance with the present invention, with the characteristics described in the claims herein and in particular comprising a vibrating system which is operatively connected to an outer surface of the cap so as to cause the projections to vibrate automatically.

Brief Description of the Drawings This and other features are more apparent in the following description of a preferred embodiment, provided by way of example only and without limiting the scope of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a side view in cross-section of the device in accordance with the present invention; - Figure 2 is a front view of the device of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 3 is a rear view of the device of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the detail A of Figure 1.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention In the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes a device which can be applied to a head to stimulate the scalp and/or to massage the skull.

The device 1 comprises a cap 2 shaped in such a way that it can be fitted on the head.

The cap 2 has an inner surface, facing towards the head when the cap is fitted on the head, and an outer surface.

On its inner surface, the cap 2 has inward projections 3 for interacting with the scalp.

There are various embodiments of the projections 3, with reference to their length and flexibility (the projections 3 are preferably made of plastic material), depending on the main use for which the device 1 is intended,

In particular, the projections 3 are longer and less flexible for the skull massage (in said case the device 1 is also intended for use by people with long hair).

Vice versa, the projections 3 are shorter and more flexible for stimulating the scalp (in said case the device 1 is intended for use mainly by people with short hair or with problems concerning baldness).

The cap 2 is shaped in such a way that it can adapt to the shape of the head. Therefore, the cap 2 is deformable, preferably elastically deformable.

In an original way, the device also comprises a vibrating system 4 operatively connected to an outer surface of the cap 2 for making the projections 3 vibrate. Therefore, the projections are moved automatically by the vibrating system 4.

The vibrating system 4 comprises a plurality of vibrating elements 5 located on the outer surface of the cap and operatively connected to an electric power source.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, each vibrating element 5 comprises an electric vibrator 6 inserted in a housing 7 formed by the cap 2. In particular, the cap 2 forms on its outer surface a plurality of housings 7 (that is to say, recesses) intended to receive the same number of electric vibrators 6. Moreover, the vibrating element 5 comprises an upper shell 8 covering the vibrator 6. The shell 8 preferably forms a lateral opening for insertion of the vibrator 6 using pressure, that is to say, the shell 8 forms a casing for containing the vibrator.

The electric power source comprises for example a battery or a storage cell 9.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the battery 9 is contained in a box- shaped body 10 connected to the cap 2 (in particular connected to the outer surface of the cap 2). The box-shaped body 10 constitutes a housing in which the battery 9 is inserted, the battery being connected to the vibrating system 4 so as to provide it with power.

The device 1 also comprises an electric socket protected by a sealed plug 11, to allow device 1 connection to an electric power source so as to recharge the battery 9.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the device 1 also comprises a flexible covering layer 12 applied to the outside of the cap 2, that is to say, applied to the outer surface of the cap 2. Said covering element 12 (i.e. covering layer 12) covers the vibrating elements 5, which are in this way interposed between the cap 2 and the covering layer 12.

Said configuration is designed to protect the vibrating elements from moisture and to soundproof the device. In particular, the assembly consisting of the cap 2 and the covering element

12 forms an impermeable shell for containing the vibrating system 4, to prevent water from infiltrating into the device 1.

Advantageously, this means that the device 1 can even be used in the bath, in the shower, in a Turkish bath and, more generally, in any environment with a high degree of moisture.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the device 1 comprises an electronic board 13 operatively connected to the vibrating elements 5 for selectively activating them according to a predetermined sequence.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the electronic board 13 is contained in the box-shaped body 10 connected to the cap 2 (in particular connected to the outer surface of the cap 2). The box-shaped body 10 forms a housing in which the electronic board 13 is inserted. In particular, the box-shaped body 10 is shaped in such a way that it forms a plurality of compartments. Of these compartments, one is the housing for the battery 9, another is the housing for the electronic board 13.

The box-shaped body 10 also forms a compartment housing control elements 14 for allowing the person wearing the device 1 to control it from the outside.

Therefore, the device 1 comprises said control elements 14 connected to the electronic board 13 to control its functions.

The device 1 preferably comprises two separate electronic boards 13. A first electronic board is connected to the vibrating elements 5. A second electronic board is connected to the battery 9 and to the control elements 14.

The two boards 13 are preferably inserted in separate housings in the box- shaped body 10.

It should be noticed that at least one group of vibrating elements 5 positioned in contact with a predetermined portion of the cap 2 (corresponding to a predetermined zone of the skull, or of the scalp) is connected to the electronic board 13 in such a way that the vibrating elements 5 of said group are activated and deactivated simultaneously.

Moreover, the electronic board 13 (for controlling the vibrating elements 5) comprises a programmable logic used to save a plurality of predetermined sequences for activation of the vibrating elements, which can be selected using corresponding control elements 14,

The electronic board is positioned in a container separated from the cap.

However, in the preferred embodiment, the device 1 comprises, in a single compact body:

- the battery 9 connected to the vibrating system 4 in order to supply it with power;

- the electronic board (or boards) 13 connected to the vibrating system 4 in order to control it; - a shell (formed by the assembly consisting of the cap 2 and the covering layer 12) connected to the upper part of the cap 2 (therefore integral with the cap 2) and forming corresponding housings for the battery 9 and the electronic board (or boards) 13.

Said shell is impermeable. It should be noticed that the control elements 14 (consisting of a plurality of push-buttons) are also covered by an impermeable flexible sheath.

In this light, it is noteworthy to observe that the device according to the present invention defines (i.e. comprises) a shell for containing the vibrating system 4; said shell is (as a whole) flexible and preferably elastic.

This allows, advantajeously, the device to adapt to the shape and size of the skull of the person wearing the device itself. Moreover, it should be noticed that each of the compartments formed by the box-shaped body 10 comprises a removable lid, allowing the components contained in the compartments to be hermetically sealed and, at the same time, allowing access to the components (for substitution or maintenance).

Alternatively, it is all sealed, without the possibility of opening. Advantageously, this makes the device very versatile.

Moreover, said shell for containing the vibrating system 4 is shaped in such a way as to have a soundproofing action.

Advantageously, this makes the device very comfortable.

Therefore, the device in accordance with the present invention allows the following advantages .

The device allows a skull massage and/or stimulation of the scalp which is particularly effective and absolutely without risks, thanks to the fact that it comprises an automatic vibrating system that acts on the skin indirectly, since it acts on the outside of the cap, which in turn forms the stimulating means (that is to say, the projections 3) on the inside.

Moreover, the device 1 is very versatile, since it can be used in any environment. It is impermeable and completely autonomous, since it forms a helmet which is free of wires or external parts.

Its versatility is also thanks to the fact that the device, as well as being automatic, allows many programming possibilities, even customised, for stimulating specific zones of the scalp (or of the skull) selectively and according to a desired sequence.

The device is also particularly comfortable to use and has an agreeable appearance, thanks to its compact shape and the fact that it has a soundproofing system.