US2103949A - Scalp-treating device - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 28, 1937. M. E. KOEHLER SCALP TREATI NQ DEVICE Filed Feb. 15, 1957 Patented Dec. 28, 1937 2,103,949 ,SGALP-TREATING DEVICE Maxemilian E. Koehler, Washington, D. Application February 13, 1937, Serial No. 125,629

1 Claim.

This invention is directed to an improved scalptreating device designed more particularly for manual operation and serving when in use to effect a massaging and cupping influence on the scalp to increase the fiow of blood to stimulate the hair follicles which have become dormant.

The primary object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character designed for manual operation for the production of the vacuum necessary tothe cupping effect and for the direct massaging effect, with a view to providing a. device which may be used as a valuable accessory by the barber or hair treating specialist and which is also designed for and capable of completely effective use by the individual himself whose hair is being treated.

A further object of the invention is the inclusion in a device of the character described of an elastic element which .forms the sole connection with the head of the patient, and which in itself is readily separable from the device proper to permit the use of a thoroughly cleansed and sterilized elastic implement for each person where the device is used in a more or less public way.

A further object of the invention is the provision, in a device of this character, of means for creating the vacuum above the head. of the patient for the cupping operation, solely through the degree of manual manipulation by the operator, whereby each patient may be treated in accordance with his individual needs and overdilation of the blood vessels prevented.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character effectively useable for the heads of all patients, regardless of the size of their heads, without necessitating any adjustment, and in which there are practically no relatively movable parts, and wherein the device as a. whole is of such a simple character as to be readily and economically manufactured.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure l is a perspective view of the improved device.

Figure 2 is a vertical section illustrating the same in applied position.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the device shown from beneath.

Figure 4 is a bottom plan, partly broken out.

Figure 5 is a sectional detail showing a modified form of massage device.

The improved construction comprises a helmet I, fully open on the lower side and preferably fiat on the top, as at 2. The helmet may be constructed of light, thin metal, though obviously any material sufiiciently rigid to prevent collapse under the produced vacuum may be used. The helmet may be round in plan or shaped to conform to the general shape of the head, and is preferably'of such size as to readily receive heads of larger size usually encountered. It is to be understood in this connection that the helmet is not designed to snugly or even remotely fit the head, so that the shape of the helmet is not in any way to be determined or limited by the shape of the head.

Centrally or at other appropriate point in the top 2 is formed an outlet vent 3, controlled by anyconventional valve i, arranged to permit the escape of air from within the helmet and prevent the entrance of air into the helmet. The open lower end of the helmet is formedwith beads 5 and a flexible sealing apron '6 is designed for removable connection with the helmet. This sealing apron comprises an annular section of elastiomaterial, preferably sheet rubber, as l, the diameter of the upper end of which is such as to permit the upper end to be passed over the open end of the helmet and to be secured by a flexible band 8 engaging the helmet between the heads 5.

The lower opening 9 in the sealing apron is of materially reduced diameter, with a marginal length less than that of the smallest head likely to be encountered. The edge of the lower opening is reinforced by a band of relatively soft material ill within Which may be secured an elastic ring H. Arranged within the helmet and secured against the inner surface of the top thereof are sections 12 from which depend elongated semi-rigid massaging fingers It. Both the sec-' tions it and the fingers it may be integrally constructed of rubber, as is more or less conventionally known in massaging implements. The helmet is provided with handles M preferably arranged in diametrically opposed relation and through which the device is manipulated.

The device is applied to the head of a patient by fitting the lower opening of the sealing apron over the head below the hair line to thus seal the interior of the helmet against the admission of air at this. point. In this connection it is to be understood that the elastic grip of the margin is such as to practically seal the juncture between the apron and head without causing any undue compression which might in some instances tend to a congestion of the blood vessels above this point. When so applied, the operator, either the individual on whose head the device is applied or another, grasps the handles I4 and by an up-anddown movement of the helmet produces a rarefaction of the air Within the helmet and a consequent cupping action on the scalp, with the eifect to dilate the minute capillaries and other blood vessels directly underlying the scalp and thus stimulate the hair follicles. During this 7 operation, or subsequent to the production of a free for any and all possible movements necessary to an effective massaging of the scalp while maintaining practically any desired cupping action within the range of the device. The helmet may be operated in all directions with light, heavy or intermediate pressure, and thus provide practically any degree of cupping or any degree of massaging which the knowledge of the expert 'user may find necessary or desirable in the particular instance.

The helmet as a whole is comparatively light and the patient is entirely free to move about with the helmet in position where it is desired to maintain a. cupping influence on the scalp for a considerable period. The sealing apron is readily and conveniently, removable from the helmet proper so that where the device is in public use, as for example in a barber shop or hair treating establishment, the apron used in one instance may be removed for cleaning and sterilizing and a fresh apron applied for another use. With the apron removed, the full interior of the helmet is exposed and may be readily and conveniently cleansed and sterilized after each use.

7 The helmet proper has no relatively movable parts other than possibly the valve and it is to be particularly noted that there are no projections beyond the helmet in any way necessary to carry out its function. Thus, the device as a .whole cannot get out of order and is obviously of extremely simple, economic manufacture.

In Figure 5 there is shown a slightly modified form of massage device in which the helmet, here indicated at I5, is supplied with suction cups l6 removably connected in place and, of course, provided in any desired number, such suction cups obviously serving a purpose similar to that of the massaging fingers I3 previously referred to.

What is claimed to be new is:

A scalp-treating device including a, helmet in the form of a hollow rigid metallic body fully open at the bottom, handles projecting from the body, the interior dimensions of the helmet being materially greater than the similar dimensions of the head of a person with which the helmet is to be used, whereby to permit free manipulation of the helmet in all directions relative to the head of the person without contact'with the head, the

upper end of the helmet being formed with an air vent, a valve controlling the air Vent to permit direct exit from and prevent entrance of airinto the helmet, a flexible elastic apron having an upper edge in removable sealing cooperation with the lower free edge of the helmet and the lower edge formed for sealing cooperation with the head of the person to which the helmet has been applied, the length of theapron from the edge engaging the helmet'to the edge engaging the head of the person being of such length as to permit 'manual manipulation of the helmet in all directions without disturbing the sealing cooperation of the helmet and head, and massage elements secured to the inner surface of the helmet and capable of being brought into contact with the head of the person by manipulation of the helmet by means of the handles to provide a

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