WO2008052219A2 - Therapeutics styling tool with infusion delivery - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure is generally directed to styling tools having a therapeutic agent embedded in the bristles of the styling tool, or distributed via a porous material that is affixed to the styling tool.

Description

THERAPEUTIC STYLING TOOL WITH INFUSION DELIVERY

Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application serial number 60/863,234 under 35 USC §119 or 120, filed 27 October 2006, US Non-Provisional Patent Application serial number ll/925,301filed on October 26, 2007, and US Non- Provisional Patent Application serial number 11/925,395 filed October 26, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated by reference as if fully expressed fully herein.

Field of the Disclosure

[0002] The present disclosure is generally directed to styling tools having a therapeutic agent embedded in the bristles of the styling tool, or distributed via a porous material that is affixed to the styling tool.

Background of the Disclosure

[0003] Use of brushes and/or combs to deliver therapeutic agents to the hair or skin (e.g, scalp) is generally well known in the art, as a means to treat a variety of conditions, including hair color fade, dry hair, dandruff, and the like. For example, Ikemoto et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,483,719 discloses a brush having a replaceable rod that is placed into the head of the brush and allows delivery of a therapeutic agent to the hair, where the rod holds the therapeutic agent. However, such brushes allow for only one therapeutic agent to be delivered and the large rod is prone to having pieces break off into the user' s hair. Furthermore, the design modifications necessary to protect the rod when not in use can catch in the user's hair and make the brush cumbersome to operate. These devices and others teach an additional component of the brush that releases the agent during use.

[0004] Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for improved delivery mechanisms for a therapeutic agent using a brush or comb without adding cumbersome or fragile structural components. It is to such solutions that the present invention is primarily directed.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The invention is directed to a styling tool capable of distributing a therapeutic agent via bristles, teeth, or a porous material. In some embodiments, a brush comprises bristles having more than one therapeutic agent. In a specific embodiment, the same bristle has more than one therapeutic agent, while in a different specific embodiment, a brush has a first bristle having a first therapeutic agent and a second bristle having a second therapeutic agent, wherein the first and second therapeutic agents are different. In various embodiments, the brush or comb has removable and/or replaceable bristles or bristle rows embedded or infused with, or otherwise storing, a therapeutic agent.

[0006] In other embodiments the styling tool may distribute a therapeutic agent via a porous material. In a specific embodiment, the styling tool may distribute more than one therapeutic agent which may be replaceable/rechargeable in the porous material. In various embodiments, the brush or comb has a removable and/or replaceable plastic porous material containing one or more therapeutic agents. These agents may include jojoba oil, carrot oil, tea tree oil, olive oil, ceramide, questamide, scented oil, ceramics, carbon, silver flake, salicylic acid, behentrimonium methosulfate, cetearyl alcohol, lactamide MEA, wheat amino acids, burdock root citrus bioflavinoids, meadowfoam oil, stearalkonium chloride, PVP/VA copolymer, dimethicone copolyol, cyclomethicone, polysorbate-20, chamomile extract, and birch bark extract, copper, copper oxide or lecithin.

[0007] In a related embodiment, one or more of the therapeutic agents may be replaceable. In still another embodiment, the porous material may be rod-shaped and may lie parallel to the surface of the brush in a C-shaped cavity.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] FIG. 1 is an image of a hair strand, showing the cuticle of the hair after a normal shampoo wash and blow dry.

[0009] FIG. 2 is an image of a hair strand, showing the cuticle of the hair after 100 brush strokes using a standard rubber brush pad.

[0010] FIG. 3 is an image of a hair strand, showing the cuticle of the hair after 100 brush strokes using a rubber brush pad having ceramide infused bristles.

[0011] FIG. 4 is an image of a hair strand, showing the cuticle of the hair after 100 brush strokes using a rubber brush pad having jojoba oil infused bristles. [0012] FIGS. 5A- 5E are plan views of a brush with a replaceable pad according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the process of displacing a retainer cap and removing the replaceable brush head pad.

[0013] FIG. 5F is a longitudinal cross section view of the top end of the brush head, without the pad, in the position shown in FIG. 5A.

[0014] FIG. 5G is a longitudinal cross section view of the top end of the brush head in the position shown in FIG. 5E.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a brush according to another embodiment of the present invention in which the brush head pad is replaceable.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a side view of a portion of a brush head according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing individual bristles removably attached to the pad.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a top view of a portion of a brush head according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing bristle pad sections removably mounted to the brush head.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a cross section view of the brush head of FIG. 8 taken at line 9-9.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention, in which the brush is a round-type brush.

[0020] FIG. 11 shows a detailed perspective view of the brush head of FIG. 10. [0021] FIG. 12 shows the brush of FIG. 10 in a disassembled state.

[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective view a photograph of another embodiment of the present invention in which a vent- style brush head is shown without bristles.

[0023] FIG. 14 shows detailed perspective view of the end of the brush head of FIG. 13 in a disassembled state.

[0024] FIG. 15 shows a detailed perspective view of the end of the brush head shown in FIG. 14.

[0025] FIGS. 16A-16E show views of another embodiment of the present invention, in which the brush is a rattail comb. [0026] FIGS. 17A-17D show views of another embodiment of the present invention, in which the brush is a handle comb.

[0027] FIGS. 18A-18E show views of another embodiment of the present invention, in which the brush is a rake comb.

[0028] While the method and device described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Detailed Description of the Disclosure

[0029] Disclosed herein are styling tools having therapeutic agents embedded, infused, or otherwise stored on or in the bristles of the brush or teeth of the comb, the brush-head pad of a brush, or both, or in a porous material affixed to a styling tool, where the therapeutic agent is released or deposited into the hair when the hair is brushed.

[0030] As used herein, the term "therapeutic agent" means any agent capable of improving a condition of the hair and/or skin of the user. Nonlimiting examples of such agents include jojoba oil, tea tree oil, olive oil, carrot oil, ceramide, questamide, scented oils, ceramics, color protectants, antidandruff agents, antistatic agents, conditioning agents, agents that increase shine of the hair, carbon and/or other agents that decrease odor of the hair, silver flake, salicylic acid, copper oxide, and copper. Some or all of these agents may include ingredients that are heat activated, such as, for example, wax, powder, or other transitional state substances.

[0031] Conditioning agents that may be used typically fall within a group of several major categories: moisturizers, reconstructors, acidifiers, detanglers, thermal protectors, glossers, and oils, such as EFAs - essential fatty acids. Moisturizers can be concentrated with humectants or reconstructors. Humectants are compounds that attract and hold moisture into the hair. Reconstructors normally contain protein. Hydrolyzed human hair keratin protein is a preferred source of protein because it contains all 19 amino acids found in the hair. Human hair keratin protein also has a low molecular weight, which enables it to penetrate the hair shaft (the cortex). A reconstructor is often used to strengthen the hair. Nonlimiting examples of reconstructors include behentrimonium methosulfate, cetearyl alcohol, lactamide MEA, wheat amino acids, burdock root citrus bioflavinoids, meadowfoam oil, stearalkonium chloride, and lecithin.

[0032] Acidifiers may be used to create shine and add elasticity without weighing down the hair, making acidifiers important for people with fine-textured hair. Hair is elastic because of hydrogen bonds (H-bonds), which are electromagnetic bonds and may be broken by nearly any aqueous substance or compound. Hydrogen bonds are also affected by pH and electrolytes. Water breaks H-bonds and causes them to be in a "beta" state (point of greatest weakness); H-bonds devoid of most moisture arrive at an "alpha" state (point of greatest strength). Acidic solutions also add a positive electron to the bonds, creating elasticity. Electrolytic solutions such as potassium, magnesium, sodium, and many others add a positive electron to the H-bond that creates this elasticity. Behentrimonium Methosufate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Lactimide MEA, Panthenol, Wheat Amino Acids, Burdock Root, Citrus Bioflavinoids, Meadowfoam Oil, Stearealkonium Chloride, Lecithin, are possible ingredients for Acidifiers.

[0033] Detanglers are typically acidifiers with a low pH of about 2.5 to about 3.5. They close the cuticle of the hair, which prevents tangles. Wheat protein, botanicals, and lipids are examples of detanglers. Some detanglers "shield" the hair shaft with polymers. Most detanglers are categorized as acidifiers due to their lower pH value but may also contain polymers that prevent individual hairs from tangling up with one another. Additives such as silicone and propylene glycol allow the hair to avoid tangling. Some detanglers are instant, while others may need about 1-5 minutes to be effective.

[0034] Thermal protectors safeguard the hair against heat. Use of thermal protectors is of particular importance in instances where hair is exposed to heat from hairdryers, curling irons, flat irons, hot rollers or similar techniques. Thermal protectors are normally heat absorbent polymers that distribute heat to minimize heat damage to hair. Nonlimiting examples of thermal protectors include PVP/VA copolymer, dimethicone copolyol, cyclomethicone, polysorbate-20, chamomile extract, and birch bark extract.

[0035] Glossers typically contain dimethicone or cyclomethicone. Used in small amounts, glossers reflect light and/or can control "frizzies." A nonlimiting example of a glosser includes oils (EFAs), as they are similar in nature to the scalp's sebum (natural oil secretion of the scalp), and sebum contains EFAs. Dry hair, especially dry hair due to chemical treatment of the hair, e.g., hair color, perms, and relaxers, typically is lacking in natural oils or sebum. EFAs can transform very dry and porous hair into soft pliable hair. Vanilla bean is an example of this conditioner type.

[0036] Contemplated specific embodiments for brushes according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, the following:

1) a brush having bristles and/or a pad embedded with at least one therapeutic agent;

2) a brush having alternating or intermingled bristles with different therapeutic agents via: a) different bristles within the same tuft; b) intermingled tufts; c) alternating rows of bristles;

3) a brush with one or more replaceable pads placed in the brush head;

4) a brush with replaceable bristles (e.g., all bristles replaced at one time; individual rows replaced individually; and/or individual bristles or tufts replaced);

5) a brush embedded with at least one porous material capable of distributing at least one therapeutic agent;

6) a brush having alternating or intermingled porous materials with different therapeutic agents; and

7) a brush with replaceable heads and/or porous materials (e.g., all materials replaced at one time; and/or individual materials replaced individually.

[0037] In an embodiment in which therapeutic agents are distributed via bristles, the amount of therapeutic agent embedded in the bristles is selected based on the type of agent, the desired end use, expected useful life, expected time from manufacture to sale, and the like. Typically, the therapeutic agent or agents are mixed into a resin before injection molding of the bristles, with the amount of therapeutic agent ranging from about 0.5% to about 20% by weight of the total composition (including the resin) that the bristles are made of. In some embodiments, the amount of therapeutic agent is about 0.5% to about 5% by weight of the total composition, and preferably about 1% to about 2%. In embodiments where more than one therapeutic agent is embedded in a single bristle, the total amount of all the therapeutic agents is preferably less than about 20% by weight of the total composition, but each individual therapeutic agent can be about 0.5% to about 15%, preferably about 0.5% to about 5%. In a specific embodiment, in which jojoba oil is used, the bristles and/or pad material base stock preferably has a composition of 90% TPE, 5% EVA, and 5% jojoba oil. In another embodiment, the composition may be 85% PE, 5% EVA, and 5% jojoba oil.

[0038] The therapeutic agents can be embedded into the bristle of the brushes by mixing with the appropriate resin prior to molding of the bristle. Appropriate resin composition choice is within the knowledge of one of skill in the art and will depend upon the end use of the bristle and/or brush and their desired properties, such as heat resistance, brittleness, and the like. Bristles chosen from animals (boar, sable, goat, etc. ) can also be treated with these therapeutic agents.

[0039] Typical bristles can be made of one or more polymers, such as polyethylene (PE), Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) & Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene, polycarbonate, styrenes (HIPS- High impact polystyrene), Styrene-Acrylonitrile (SAN), polyurethane rubber (PU), polyacetates, polyesters, polyamides, polyolefins, fluoropolymers, polyvinylchloride, polyurethane, polyvinylidene chloride, Acrylonitrile- Butadiene- styrene (ABS), Kostrate, Propionate, Nylon, Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), Cholorprene (CR), Acrylate-Butadiene (ABR), Isoprene (IR), Natural Rubber (PBR), Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TPV - Santoprene), mixtures thereof, and the like. Typically, the amount of polymer forming the bristle is about 80 to about 98% by weight of total composition. Alternatively, natural bristles produced from animal hair such as boar, squirrel, horse, pony, goat, and sable may be treated with these additives through spraying or dipping the desired additive. [0040] The bristle may further include a softening agent (alternatively called a plasticizer). Typically, the softening agent is about 1 to about 5% of the total composition. Ethylene vinyl Acetate (EVA), Ethylene-Propylene Copolymer (EPM), Chloroprene (CR-Neoprene), Nitrile- butadiene (NBR), Nitrile-Chloroprene (NCR), Silicone(MQ, PMQ₅VMQ, PVMQ), Styrene- Butadiene (SBR), Styrene-Chloroprene (SCR), Styrene-Isoprene (SIR), Pyridine-Butadiene (PBR), Pyridine-Styrene-Butadiene (PSBR) are all possible polymer additives that may "soften" the properties of the resins listed earlier. Plasticizers such as Dioctyl Phthalate, Butyl Benzyl phthalate, Butyl Cycloheyxl phthalate, Butyl Decyl phthalate, Butyl Octyl phthalate, Diphenyl phthalate, Cresyl Diphenyl phosphate, Methyl Phthaly ethyl glycollate, Chlorinated biphenyls, Chlorinated Paraffins, Didecyl Adipate, Dioctyl Adipate, Dioctyl Azelate, Dioctyl Sebacate may also be used to soften the polymer.

[0041] The bristles may be made in any manner now known or later developed. Typically, the bristle is made using an injection mold process or extrusion process. The bristles may be fabricated such that individual rows may be replaced on a brush head, the entire brush head may be replaced, the brush pad may be replaced on the brush head and/or individual bristles may be replaced. This design may allow for individualized brushes dependent upon the user's desired purpose. For example, a user may wish to use a brush which may deliver a conditioning agent as well as an antidandruff agent. Bristles having a conditioning agent and bristles having an antidandruff agent may be placed in the brush. Additionally and alternatively, these removable bristles may be used in the event a therapeutic agent is diminished. Replacement bristles may be placed in the brush head, giving the user a brush having a usable amount of therapeutic agent.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 5A-5E, in an embodiment in which the pad is replaceable, the pad and bristles may be a single injection-molded component (the bristle/pad unit) molded in the desired resin. One desired resin may be of a 90% TPE, 5% EVA, with 5% Jojoba oil additive composition. The pad can be inserted into the brush head in various design and installation methods. One example design is depicted. The depicted brush 10 includes a handle 20 and a brush head 30 with a pad 35 of integral bristles 40 (the bristle/pad unit 38). The bristle/pad unit 38 is removably mounted to brush head 30 with the bristle/pad unit held securely in place for use and easily removable for replacement, as desired. In the depicted embodiment, for example, the brush head 30 includes a displaceable member such as a hinged cap 60, and the brush head and the hinged cap include retaining elements such as lip surfaces 80. When the cap 60 is in a closed position (see FIGS. 5 A and 5F), the lip surfaces 80 engage the peripheral edges of the pad 35 to secure the bristle/pad unit 38 to the brush head 30 while the bristles 40 extend through the central opening defined by the lip surfaces. In addition, the brush head 30 preferably has one or more support surfaces 84 that cooperate with the retaining lip surfaces 80 to define a channel 86 that receives the peripheral edges of the pad 35 with a snug fit, thereby helping to secure the bristle/pad unit 38 in place. The cap 60 and the brush head 30 have mating couplings such as snap-fit elements for releasably securing the cap in the closed position. Also, the cap 60 can be hinged relative to the brush head 30 by providing the cap hinged to a base 62 and the base attached to the brush head, with the base and the cap an integral piece of resilient material such as plastic. In any case, when the cap 60 is swung to an open position (see FIGS. 5B and 5G), the lip surface 82 of the cap no longer engages the adjacent peripheral edge of the pad 35, so the bristle/pad unit 38 can be grasped and pulled out of engagement with the lip surfaces of the brush head 30 (see FIGS. 5C-5E). A fresh bristle/pad unit 38 can then be inserted, with its peripheral edges inserted into the channel 86, and the cap 60 can be returned to the closed position, so that the brush 10 is ready for further use.

[0043] In alternative embodiments, the displaceable member is a cap, panel, pin, tab, or other member that engages and retains the pad in place in the closed position, and that slides, unscrews, pivots, or is otherwise displaceable up, out, or laterally to an open position out of retaining engagement with the bristle/pad unit. In other alternative embodiments, the cap and the brush head mating couplings are provided by mating threads, detents, a bayonet fitting, or other conventional couplings for releasably securing the cap in the closed position. In still other alternative embodiments, the retaining elements of the brush head and displaceable member are provided by non-continuous lips (i.e., a scalloped edge), tabs, spring-biased elements, or other conventional retaining elements adapted for holding the pad on the brush head. And in yet other alternative embodiments, the cap is hinged relative to the brush head by a pin or other conventional hinging structure. [0044] In Addition, one method of installation is snapping open a "cap" on the top of the brush head exposing the top of the bristle pad as shown in FIGS. 5 A and 5B. The pad can then be removed by sliding it out of the grooves of the brush head as shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D. Reversing the operation, to reinstall the pad, the bristle pad perimeter edge is inserted into the molded grooves of the brush head and then the top "cap" may closed to secure the bristled pad in the brush head as shown in FIG. 5E.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 6, in another embodiment the cap is fixed in place and not displaceable, so the retaining lip surfaces of the cap are not displaceable from retaining engagement with the bristle/pad unit. However, the pad is fabricated of materials having sufficient elasticity that the pad can be grasped, deformed from its neutral shape, and pulled from the brush head

[0046] In another embodiment the method of installation of the brush head may comprise inserting the bristled pad into grooves or channels of the brush head. This assembly may be used for brush head/bristle pad assemblies for any brush head design, such as, for example, square, oval, or rectangular. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the top cap does not open.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 7-9, in other embodiments individual bristles are replaceable or rows or other sections of bristles are replaceable. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, for example, the brush pad 235 has apertures 232 that receive the bristles 240 and the bristles have protrusions 242 that removably retain them in the apertures with a snap fit so that the bristles can be individually removed and replaced. In alternative embodiments, the bristles and the brush pad include mating threads, spring-biased retainers, or other conventional couplings for removably attaching each individual bristle to the brush pad.

[0048] And in the embodiment of FIGS. 8-9, for example, the brush head 330 has a plurality of channels 386 that each receive one bristle/pad section 335a, the channels extend through the end of the brush head, and the brush head includes a displaceable member such as a hinged cap 360 that is displaceable to the position shown in the figures so that individual bristle/pad sections can be removed and replaced as needed. In alternative embodiments, the individual bristle/pad sections and the brush head include mating threads, snap-fit structures, spring -biased retainers, or other conventional couplings for removably attaching rows or other sections of bristles to the brush head.

[0049] In further embodiments, the brush includes a replaceable pad/bristle unit that is not treated with therapeutic agents, but that still can be easily removed and replaced with a different pad/bristle unit. For example, the brush head can accept any of a variety of different pad/bristle units, each specifically designed for and dedicated to specific styling technique, hair type, etc. In alternative embodiments, the pad/bristle units can be treated with a substance other than the therapeutic agents disclosed herein.

[0050] The bristle density can be manipulated in brushes disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent may increase the brittleness of the bristle or in some way alter the structural integrity of the bristle. In such cases, these effects may be mitigated by increasing the number of bristles on the head of the brush, thereby increasing the bristle density. This determination is within the knowledge of one of skill in the relevant art and can be easily ascertained.

[0051] In an embodiment in which the therapeutic agent or agents is distributed via a porous material, the amount of therapeutic agent loaded into the porous material is selected based on the type of agent, the desired end use, expected useful life, expected time from manufacture to sale, and the like. In addition, the amount of therapeutic agent that can be loaded into the porous material is limited by the porosity and total volume of each section or piece of the porous material. In a typical commercial embodiment the porous material has a porosity of about 40% (meaning it is about 40% air by volume), so the amount of therapeutic agent that could be loaded into the porous material would be about 40% by volume of the porous material. In other embodiments the porous material has a porosity of about 30% to about 90%, so the amount of therapeutic agent that could be loaded into the porous material would be within that range. In still other embodiments the porous material has a porosity of about 5% to about 90%, though the amount of therapeutic agent that is loaded into the porous material is preferably of about 5% to about 40%.

[0052] Styling tools using the disclosed porous materials are preferably injection molded, as the tools themselves may be made of plastic. Wooden styling tools may also be produced. Porous materials may be obtained from Micropore (Atlanta, GA USA) or Poreex (Duluth, GA USA). The porous plastic material may be any thermoplastic polymer with the ability to distribute a liquid or transitional- state substance, preferably in the PE family. Materials such as high density polyethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyvinylidine difluoride, ethylene vinyl acetate and hermoplastic polyurethane may be used. The minimum pore size is preferably about 5 microns (μm). There is no maximum, though at some point the pore size could become too large to effectively retain the therapeutic agent. In a particular embodiment, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene with a 35μm pore size may be used.

[0053] The porous material utilized in the present invention can be formed from any conventional porous material. However, in one aspect, the porous material is a sintered porous material, such as a sintered porous thermoplastic material. Some suitable base materials that can be used to provide the porous thermoplastic substrate are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,608 to Yao and pending U.S. Published Application No. U.S. 2003-0062311- Al, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Suitable thermoplastics for use in forming the porous material of the present invention include, but are not limited to, polyolefins, nylons, polycarbonates, poly (ether sulfones), and mixtures thereof, as well as fluoropolymers, such as pvdf and ptfe. A preferred thermoplastic is a polyolefin. Examples of preferred polyolefins include, but are not limited to: ethylene vinyl acetate; ethylene methyl acrylate; polyethylenes; polypropylenes; ethylene -propylene rubbers; ethylene-propylenediene rubbers; poly (1-butene); polystyrene; poly (2-butene); poly (1-pentene); poly (2-pentene); poly (3-methyl-l-pentene); poly (4-methyl-l-pentene); 1,2- poly-1, 3-butadiene; l,4-poly-l,3-butadiene; polyisoprene; polychloroprene; poly (vinyl acetate); poly (vinylidene chloride); and mixtures and derivatives thereof. A preferred polyolefin is polyethylene. Examples of suitable polyethylenes include, but are not limited to, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and derivatives thereof. In alternative embodiments the material may also be composed of or formed from sintered metal, steel mesh, woven metal, ceramic materials, non-woven materials, bi-component, continuous, or staple fiber media using an extrusion or pultrusion process. [0054] Examples of polyolefins suitable for use in the invention include, but are not limited to: ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA); ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA); polyethylenes such as, but not limited to, low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE); polypropylenes; ethylene -propylene rubbers; ethylene-propylene-dyne rubbers, poly (1-butene); polystyrene; poly (2-butene); poly (1-pentene); l,2-poly-l,3-butadiene; 1,4- poly-l,3-butadiene; polyisoprene; polychloropene; poly (vinyl acetate); poly (vinylidene chloride); and mixtures and derivatives thereof.

[0055] Sinterable thermoplastics other than those recited herein can also be used in this invention. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the ability of a thermoplastic to be sintered can be determined from its melt flow index (MFI). Melt flow indices of individual thermoplastics are known or can be readily determined by methods well known to those skilled in the art. For example, an extrusion plastometer made by Tinius Olsen Testing Machine Company, Willow Grove, Pa. can be used. The MFIs of thermoplastics suitable for use in this invention will depend on the particular porous thermoplastic material and/or the method used to prepare it. In general, however, the MFI of a thermoplastic suitable for use in the materials and methods of the invention is from about 0 to about 15. The temperatures at which individual thermoplastics sinter (i.e., their sintering temperatures) are also well know, or can be readily determined by routine methods such as, but not limited to, thermal mechanical analysis and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis.

[0056] The characteristics of a sintered porous material can depend on the average size and distribution of the particles used to make it as well as the particles' average shape. In one aspect of the invention, the thermoplastic particles are substantially spherical. This shape provides certain benefits. First, it facilitates the efficient packing of the particles within a mold. Second, substantially spherical particles, and in particular those with smooth edges, tend to sinter evenly over a well defined temperature range to provide a final product with desirable mechanical properties and porosity. Typical pore size starting approximately at 5μm and up to approximately 500μm is preferred; however, smaller and larger pore sizes are also possible. For example, the pore sizes can be as low as about lμm and as high as about 500μm, whereas, the porosity can be as low as about 30% and as high as about 90%. Producing porous material with a predetermined pore size and porosity is known to those of ordinary skill in the art and can vary depending on the process used and/or the starting material selected.

[0057] Preferably, a rod or cylinder is molded from sintered porous plastic. According to an embodiment of the invention a mold having a desired configuration can be filled with sintered porous plastic precursor composition, such as for example, a powder batch and the particles can be fused together by heating to form the resulting rod or cylinder in the shape of the mold. The particular sintering conditions are known in the art and will depend, in part, upon the particular sintered porous plastic precursor composition. To this end, one of skill in the art will be able to determine the particular sintering conditions without requiring the undue experimentation. Because of such molding process, any desired shape, configuration, or dimensions may be readily formed from a porous material in one continuous and contiguous piece.

[0058] The particles used to form the porous plastic to be sintered can be formed by several processes known in the art. One such process is cryogenic grinding. Cryogenic grinding can be used to prepare thermoplastic particles of varying sizes. But because cryogenic grinding provides little control over the sizes of the particles it produces, powders are formed using this technique may be screened to ensure that the particles to be sintered are of a desired average size and size distribution.

[0059] Underwater palletizing can also be used to form thermoplastic particles suitable for sintering. Although typically limited to the production of particles having diameters of greater than about 36μm, underwater palletizing offers several advantages. First, it provides accurate control over the average size of the particles produced, in many cases thereby eliminating the need for an additional screening step and reducing the amount of wasted material. A second advantage of underwater palletizing, which is discussed further herein, is that it allows significant control over the particles' shape.

[0060] Referring to FIGS.10-12, one embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which the styling tool is a round-type brush, 1010. The brush 1010 preferably includes a handle 1020 and a brush head 1030. The brush head may be comprised of bristles 1040 and a porous material 1050. [0061] In the depicted embodiment, the porous material 1050 may be a plastic, and may be in the shape of an elongated cylinder or rod. In other embodiments, the porous material may be formed into other shapes, such as knobs, strips or the like. The styling tool may have indentations, channels, or other cavities 1080 in the brush head 1030 that receive and/or grip the piece of porous material 1050. For example, these indentations 1080 may be of a C-shape that generally conforms to the profile of the porous material rods 1050 and receives them with a loose fit, with the brush including retaining elements that hold the rods within the indentations, so that the rods are free to rotate and dispense therapeutic agent as the brush is rotated during styling. Additionally or alternatively, the indentations 1080 may be curved in an arc of over 180 degrees, so that at the surface of the brush head each well is narrowed to form opposing retaining elements that keep the cylinder or rod in place within the indentation on the face of the brush head. These embodiments may include other retaining elements to "trap" the ends of the rods 1050, such as retainer wells 1070. In one embodiment, the styling tool may have a removable brush cap 1060 with a retainer well 1070 that will trap the top end of the rods 1050. In such an embodiment the cap may be removed to replace the porous material rods 1050. For example, a silicone ring/ friction fit may be used to attach the brush cap 1060 to the round-type styling tool or brush, as shown in FIG. 12. Alternatively, detents, other snap-fit couplings, screw-on couplings, or other conventional removable coupling structures may be used to removably secure the brush cap 1060 to the brush head 1030.

[0062] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the porous plastic material is in the shape of a rod or cylinder. In this embodiment, the rod or cylinder may sit parallel to the surface of the brush head and be arranged coaxially with the brush. Slightly less than half of the rod or cylinder may be exposed to deliver the therapeutic agent. In a related embodiment, each brush may have between two and six rods per styling tool. In still another embodiment, a styling tool may have three rods. In an embodiment in which the styling tool is a comb, the comb may have at least one cylinder or rod. In embodiments with a plurality of the rods or other-shaped porous material pieces, the rods may be spaced apart around the brush head in a parallel arrangement with sections of bristles between them, or some or all of the rods may be placed closely together. In other embodiments, the porous material is formed into one or more strips, rods, or other-shaped pieces having a curvature generally conforming to that of the brush head and they are arranged laterally around the brush head (instead of coaxially). In yet other embodiments, flat strips of the porous material are removably mounted to the brush, bristles extend from the flat strips, and the strips and the bristles are treated with one or more of the therapeutic agents. In other embodiments, the brush is provided with retaining elements to secure the rods to the surface of the brush head, without the need for the indentations, to expose a larger surface area of the rods to the hair during styling and to thereby dispense more of the therapeutic agent into the hair.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 13-15, another embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which the styling tool is a vent-type brush 1110. Similarly to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the brush 1110 preferably includes a handle 1120 and a brush head 1130 with bristles (not shown), a porous material 1150, and a cap 1160. In this embodiment, there are three porous material rods 1150 treated with one or more therapeutic agents and removably mounted in indentations, channels, or other cavities 1180 of the brush head 1130. Retaining elements 1170 are included in the brush head 1130 and the snap-fit brush cap 160, which can be removed to replace the porous plastic material rods 1150 when they are depleted of therapeutic agent. For example, the brush cap 1160 may be removed from the brush head 1130, the used rods 1150 may be slid out, new rods may be slid into the C-shaped channels, and the brush cap replaced.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 16A-16E, still another embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which the styling tool is a rattail comb 1210. Similarly to the embodiments described above, the comb 1210 preferably includes a handle 1220 and a head 1230 with teeth 1240 and a porous material 1250. In this embodiment, the porous material 1250 is formed into a section such as the depicted rod that is received in a channel 1280 formed in the comb head 1230. The channel 1280 is preferably formed at the base of the teeth 1240, where they extend from the comb head 1230. The teeth 1240 are preferable staggered, with every other tooth to the front or back and the channel 1280 routed between them, so that the teeth capture the porous rod 1250 from the front and back. In addition, the base of the teeth 1240 have a thinner section partially defining the channel 1280 for the porous rod 1250 and a thicker section that captures and retains the rod from the side. In this way, the porous rod 1250 is prevented from dislodging from the comb 1210. Furthermore, the channel 1280 extends through the top end of the comb head 1230 so that the porous rod 1250 can be inserted into and removed from the channel therethrough. And a cap 1260 on the top end of the porous rod 1250 removably mates to the top end of the comb head 1230 so that the rod is held in place for use and so that when spent the rod can be removed and replaced with a fresh one. The cap 1260 removably mates to the comb head 1230 by a snap-fit structure, mating threads, or other conventional couplings. The cap 1260 can be integrally mounted or formed on the rod (with replacement rods 1250 including a new cap), or removably mounted on the rod with a friction fit or other conventional coupling structure.

[0065] Referring to 17A-17D, another embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which the styling tool is a handle comb 1310. And referring to FIGS. 18A-18E, yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which the styling tool is a rake comb 1410.

EXAMPLES

[0066] A standard rubber brush pad was used as a control to compare brushes having bristles as described herein. In a control experiment, test hair was shampooed and dried using a hair dryer. The resulting hair was then examined under a microscope at 40Ox magnification. As seen in FIG. 1, the cuticle of the hair is pronounced. The hair was then brushed with 100 strokes using a standard rubber brush pad. FIG. 2 shows that the cuticle of the hair is still noticeable.

[0067] In one test, a brush having bristles embedded with ceramide was used on test hair that had been shampooed and dried using a hair dryer. The hair was then brushed with the ceramide infused bristle brush for 100 strokes and then examined under a microscope at 40Ox magnification. The resulting hair is shown in FIG. 3. The cuticle of the ceramide-bristle treated hair was much less noticeable than that of the control hair (FIG. 2).

[0068] A second test was performed with a brush having jojoba oil infused bristles. After shampooing and drying, the hair was brushed with 100 strokes and examined under a microscope at 400 x magnification. As seen in FIG. 4, the cuticle is not noticeable after brushing with the jojoba oil infused bristle brush.

[0069] While the present invention has been described with reference to specific examples, which are intended to be illustrative only and not to be limiting of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that changes, additions or deletions may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A hair styling tool comprising: a brush head; one or more bristles extending from brush head; and one or more therapeutic agents in communication with said brush head, wherein said agent is distributed to a user' s hair.

2. The tool of claim 1, wherein said agent is distributed via said bristles.

3. The tool of claim 2, wherein said one or more bristles are replaceable.

4. The tool of claim 1, wherein said agent is distributed via a porous material affixed to said brush head

5. The tool of claim 1, where said therapeutic agent is one or more materials selected from the group comprising jojoba oil, carrot oil, tea tree oil, olive oil, ceramide, questamide, scented oil, ceramics, carbon, silver flake, salicylic acid, behentrimonium methosulfate, cetearyl alcohol, lactamide MEA, wheat amino acids, burdock root citrus bioflavinoids, meadowfoam oil, stearalkonium chloride, PVP/VA copolymer, dimethicone copolyol, cyclomethicone, polysorbate-20, chamomile extract, and birch bark extract, copper, copper oxide and lecithin.

6. A hair styling tool comprising: a brush head including a pad; one or more bristles extending from said pad; and one or more therapeutic agents, wherein said agent is embedded in or stored behind said pad, said bristles, or both, and is distributed to a user's hair through said bristles, said pad, or both.

7. The tool of claim 6, wherein said pad and bristles form a replaceable unit.

8. The tool of claim 7, wherein said brush head includes a displaceable member and said brush head and said displaceable member include pad-retaining elements, wherein the displaceable member is displaceable from a first position in which the pad-retaining elements engage the pad/bristle unit to retain it on the brush head to a second position in which the displaceable member pad-retaining elements do not retain the pad/bristle unit on the brush head so that the pad/bristle unit can be replaced.

9. A method of maintaining the tool of claim 8, comprising the steps of: displacing the displaceable member from the first position to the second position; removing the pad/bristle unit; inserting a fresh pad/bristle unit; and replacing the displaceable member in the first position.

10. The tool of claim 6, where said therapeutic agent is one or more materials selected from the group comprising jojoba oil, carrot oil, tea tree oil, olive oil, ceramide, questamide, scented oil, ceramics, carbon, silver flake, salicylic acid, behentrimonium methosulfate, cetearyl alcohol, lactamide MEA, wheat amino acids, burdock root citrus bioflavinoids, meadowfoam oil, stearalkonium chloride, PVP/VA copolymer, dimethicone copolyol, cyclomethicone, polysorbate-20, chamomile extract, and birch bark extract, copper, copper oxide and lecithin.

11. The tool of claim 6, wherein said brush pad has a composition of 90% TPE, 5% EVA, and 5% therapeutic agent.

12. A method of manufacturing the tool of claim 6, comprising the steps of: mixing the one or more therapeutic agents with a resin; putting the agent/resin mix into a mold; and forming the bristles from the agent/resin mix in the mold.

13. A hair styling tool comprising: a brush head including a pad; and one or more bristles extending from said pad; wherein said pad and bristles form a replaceable unit.

14. The tool of claim 14, wherein said brush head includes a displaceable member and said brush head and said displaceable member include pad-retaining elements, wherein the displaceable member is displaceable from a first position in which the pad-retaining elements engage the pad/bristle unit to retain it on the brush head to a second position in which the displaceable member pad-retaining elements do not retain the pad/bristle unit on the brush head so that the pad/bristle unit can be replaced.

15. A hair styling tool comprising: a brush head having one or more sections of a porous material; wherein said porous material is rod-shaped and lies parallel to the surface of the brush in a C- shaped cavity; one or more bristles that extend from said brush head; and one or more therapeutic agents wherein said therapeutic agent is distributed to a user's hair through said one or more sections of porous material in the brush head.

16. A method of manufacturing the tool of claim 6, comprising the steps of: inserting a plurality of thermoplastic particles into a mold; sintering the thermoplastic particles in the mold to form one section of the porous material; treating the porous material section with the one or more therapeutic agents; and mounting the treated porous material section onto the brush head.

17. A hair styling tool comprising: a comb having one or more sections of a porous material; teeth; and one or more therapeutic agents; wherein said therapeutic agent is distributed through one or more sections of said porous material.

18. The tool of claim 17, wherein said one or more materials are replaceable.

19. The tool of claim 17, where said therapeutic agent is one or more materials selected from the group comprising jojoba oil, carrot oil, tea tree oil, olive oil, ceramide, questamide, scented oil, ceramics, carbon, silver flake, salicylic acid, behentrimonium methosulfate, cetearyl alcohol, lactamide MEA, wheat amino acids, burdock root citrus bioflavinoids, meadowfoam oil, stearalkonium chloride, PVP/VA copolymer, dimethicone copolyol, cyclomethicone, polysorbate-20, chamomile extract, and birch bark extract, copper, copper oxide and lecithin.