LU88734A1 - Method and device for promoting hair regrowth - Google Patents

Description

Method and device for promoting hair regrowth

Field of invention

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for promoting hair regrowth and for alleviating hair loss in humans.

Background of the invention

Many people suffer from premature baldness, receding hair rows or other conditions in which scalp hair falls out. Over the years, various chemicals have been offered as a growth medium, but with mixed, essentially disappointing results. Many people have invested considerable sums in artificial hair pieces. Some people have even undergone surgical hair implantation procedures that require the use of highly qualified medical expertise, which is generally not possible for a wide range of potential users. It should therefore be recognized that there is a need for an appropriately inexpensive cosmetic hair growth process that can be used by relatively untrained personnel and with which

Hair growth of the largest possible cross-section of the population can be increased.

The prior art discloses that various electrical stimulation methods to increase hair growth have been tried. For example, U.S. Patent No. 861,349, published July 30, 1907, for an invention by R.E. Beaubien with the name "Procedure for the treatment of the scalp" discloses a "device for promoting hair growth on the human head". The device appears to be based on a combination of pneumatic, vacuum technology and electrical effects, in combination with the use of medical lotions and a scalp massage. According to Beaubien, any desirable form of an electrical battery or a current can be used. The present applicant, on the other hand, believes that this is not the case and that specific electrical signals must be used to promote hair growth.

U.S. Patent No. 735,581, published August 4, 1903, for an invention by Pollacsek et al entitled "Therapeutic Device" discloses a device "capable of producing vibrations of diseased parts of the head". Pollacsek et al indicate that the device can be shaped as a cap that can be placed on the head and that the cap can be introduced into a magnetic field generated by a current flowing through the turns of an iron core. However, there is no indication of the specific nature of the electrical or magnetic fields or signals used, nor is there any suggestion that Pollacsek et al have considered using their method to promote hair growth.

U.S. Patent No. 740,385, issued October 6, 1903 for an invention by W.B. Bassel, entitled "Electrotherapeutic Device", creates another device "designed to expose the wearer to the effects of an electrical current for healing purposes". Bassel explains that the invention for the relief and healing of nerve

Insomnia, headgear and other related ailments. He proposes to achieve this by exposing the wearer's head to the effect of a comparatively small current, that of a small one. Battery is generated. However, there is again no indication that Bassel would have considered using this device to promote hair growth, nor are any specific signals being discussed.

U.S. Patent No. 3,872,859, issued March 25, 1375, to an invention by Pitzen et al entitled "Method and Apparatus for Stimulating the Organs Associated with the Human Scalp" to some extent examines the problem of promoting hair growth. Pitzen et al create a method and an apparatus in which a plurality of waveform generators output signals whose frequency varies between 230 and 2650 Hertz. The waveform generators are also pulsed at repetition rates that vary between 3 and 26 times per second. The signals generated in this way are passed to hand-held massage electrodes, which in turn feed them to the scalp of the user.

Published French patent application No. 2,484,262 by Paul Maurice Viallis provides another electrical device and method for treating the human scalp to combat sebborrhea, hair loss, dandruff, etc. A conductive electrode cap is patted over the scalp and another electrode becomes brought into contact with another area of the body. A current of 8 - 15 mA is applied for a period of 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the nature of the complaints and the prescribed application. The aim of Vialli's invention is evidently the ionization of the scalp area, so that ointments and other treatment mixtures of the scalp can be exposed with greater efficiency.

Published West German Patent Application No. 3,618,933 discloses an invention by Masaki et al which relates to an electro-therapeutic device for promoting eyebrow hair growth. The device is adapted to the shape of a patient's head. Electrodes are placed on the eyebrows. A pulsed S. current is applied to the electrodes, preferably with a square or trapezoidal wave form and with a two-phase mode of operation. Potential-like oscillations with a frequency in the range of 1/500 to 1/200 seconds and pulsed with a frequency of 0.5 to 2 seconds are preferably applied to the electrodes.

Two published British patent applications, Nos. 2,160,426A and 2,160,427a by Masaki, apparently correspond to the aforementioned West German application, although the British applications do not appear to be restricted to the growth of eyebrow hair.

U.S. Patent No. 3,946,745, Hsiang-Lai et al, teaches a system in which electrical impulses are delivered directly to a living body, for example by attaching electrodes to the body using an acupuncture needle or a spring loaded earring.

The German patent application DE 29 52 850 Al teaches the use of electromagnetic, pulsating fields for stimulating the body functions that promote hair growth. Frequencies in the range of 400-420 hertz are mentioned, where the user is continuously exposed to the fields, for example by carrying a battery-operated device with him.

French Patent No. 1,350,890 teaches one. Hair dryer with an electrode structure, to which a high-frequency generating generator is electrically coupled, in order to expose the hair to an intense, high-frequency electrical field, to heat it and to evaporate water from the hair. The patent mentions that the electric field also has a stimulating effect on the skin cells and stimulates blood circulation, which is beneficial for the metabolism and healthy hair growth.

Without wishing to be bound by any theory, the inventors believe that dormant body hair cells (i.e., hair cells that do not produce active hair growth) can be electrically stimulated to promote active hair growth. More specifically, the inventors believe that hair growth can be promoted if the human hair cells are stimulated by exposure to a low voltage pulse train with a pulse repetition rate in the range of about 5 to 35 Hertz. The higher proportion of this frequency range seems to be suitable for people who have normal or hyperactive energy levels. The lower part of the frequency range is considered suitable for people who have hypo- or underactive or low metabolic energy levels.

Summary of the invention

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of promoting hair regrowth and / or alleviating hair loss in which two or more electrodes are placed near but not in contact with the person's scalp. A low voltage pulse train signal with a pulse repetition frequency in the range of 5 to 35 Hertz is continuously applied to the electrodes for approximately 12 minutes. The polarity of the signal can be either positive or negative. A complete hair regrowth application cycle spans about 32 weeks during which the subject undergoes the above 12-minute applications. During the application cycle, the person undergoes one or two twelve-minute applications per week, with application frequency, signal polarity, and voltage level being varied according to the following scheme:

Number of voltage

Applications_Polarity level

Week 1 2 positive HO v

Week 2 - 2 positive no V

Week 3 1 negative 110 V.

Week 4 1 negative 110 BC

Week 5 1 negative 110 V.

Week 6 1 negative 110 V.

Week 7 1 negative HO V

Week 3 1 negative 110 V.

Week 9 1 negative 110 V.

Week 10 1 negative 110 V.

Week 11 1 negative HO V

Week 12 1 negative HO V

Week 13 1 negative HO V

Week 14 1 negative HO V

Week 15 1 negative HO V

Week 16 1 negative HO v

Week 17 2 positive 55 V.

Week 18 2 positive 110 V.

Week 19 1 negative 55 V.

Week 20 1 negative 110 V.

Week 21 1 negative 55 V.

Week 22 1 negative 110 V.

Week 23 1 negative 55 V.

Week 24 1 negative 110 V.

Week 25 1 negative 55 V.

Week 26 1 negative 110 V.

Week 27 1 negative 55 V.

Week 28 1 negative 110 V.

Week 29 1 negative 55 V.

Week 30 1 negative 110 V.

Week 31. 1 negative 55 V

Week 32 1 negative 110 V.

The invention further provides a hair regrowth device with at least two electrodes designed to be placed near but not in contact with a person's scalp. A voltage pulse generator is electrically coupled to the electrodes to deliver a low voltage pulse train to the electrodes. A frequency selector is electrically coupled to the voltage pulse generator in order to vary the pulse repetition frequency of the pulse train. A polarity selector is electrically connected between the voltage pulse generator and the electrodes in order to be able to vary the polarity of the pulse train. A voltage selector is electrically connected between the voltage pulse generator and the electrodes in order to be able to change the voltage of the pulse train.

A plurality of electrodes is advantageously provided. The electrodes are mounted in a cap that can be positioned on the head of a person, the electrodes forming an arrangement or an array of concentric, electrically conductive rings. The array can rest on an outer surface of an electrically insulating insert that can be placed in the cap. The array preferably has five rings which are mounted in the cap and form a 90 ° angle on both sides of a central, right-angled axis of the cap. The four upper electrodes each form an approximately 15 ° angle and a fifth (lower) electrode extends over a 6Q angle, with angular gaps of 6 ° between each. A pair of electrodes lie on each side of the central right-angled axis. The output signal of the device for generating voltage pulse trains is supplied via the upper two pairs of electrodes, the electrodes being connected alternately to one of the two output connections of the voltage pulse generator. A voltage divider leads a reduced voltage signal to the lower electrode.

Brief description of the figures

1A shows a side view of a schematically illustrated cap insert carrying an electrode arrangement which is designed for use with the invention; 1B shows a top view. on the structure of Figure IA;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a hair growth device constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a partially schematic / block diagram showing further details of the circuit used for the preferred electrode arrangement;

Figure 4 is an electronic circuit diagram illustrating further details of the preferred device.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2, the outer surface of a cap insert 10 carries a plurality of electrodes 11. When the insert 10 is placed in the cap 13 and the cap is positioned over a person's head, the electrodes 11 are close to Arranged on the person's scalp, but do not touch it.

The device is switched on and off with the aid of a mechanical, electrical or electronic timer 12 (FIG. 2) which is effectively connected to the energy supply source 14, e.g. a conventional transformer from 120 volts AC to 12 volts DC. The 12 volt direct current output of the energy supply 14 is reduced to 8 volts by means of a voltage regulator 16 and the resulting 8 volt direct current signal is used to supply the remaining electronic components shown in FIG. 2 with energy. Instead of connecting a 110 volt AC power source directly to the circuit as indicated above, the power supply 14 can be used to charge a 12 volt DC battery. The charged battery can then be used to meet the energy requirements of the device and the power supply 14 can be disconnected from the 110 volt AC source while the device is being used on a person.

A voltage pulse generating device 18, for example an astable multivibrator, is electrically coupled to electrodes 11. The pulse generator 18 leads a low-voltage train of short duration puise with an adjustable pulse repetition frequency to the electrodes 11. More specifically, a frequency selection switch 20 is electrically coupled to a pulse generator 18, so that the operator is able to determine the pulse repetition frequency to vary in the preferred range from about 5 to 35 Hertz. A lamp driver 30 generates a visual display of the selected pulse repetition frequency via a lamp 32 (i.e. the lamp 32 flashes on and off with the selected frequency).

The low voltage pulse train output of the pulse generator 18 is amplified by a current amplifier 22 and then fed to a pulse transformer 24 which outputs one of two operating voltages (55 volts from peak to peak or 110 volts from peak to peak). A "device for selecting the signal polarity", i.e. a rectifier / filter 26 is electrically connected between the pulse transformer 24 and the electrodes 11 so that the operator can adjust the polarity of the signal output of the pulse transformer 24 by manually selecting one of the two positions of the polarity switch 28. A "device for voltage selection", i.e. a two-position switch 34 enables the operator to select one of the above two operating voltages for the pulse train supplied to the electrodes 11.

Further details of the preferred circuit will now be explained with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The 12 volt direct current output of the energy supply 14 is electrically connected to a voltage regulator 16, which in the preferred exemplary embodiment is an integrated circuit LM7808, an 8 volt regulator with internal current limitation, thermal shutdown possibility and safety zone compensation for the internal pass transistor. Capacitors C4 and C5 each effect low frequency filtering of the input and output of controller 16, which produces an 8 volt DC output signal that is used to power the remaining electronic components.

The astable multivibrator 18 is an NE 555 type pulse generator designed as an integrated circuit. The trigger input of the astable multivibrator 18 is connected to its threshold input (represented by the broken line in the integrated circuit U2 in FIG. 4) around the circuit to retrigger continuously for its astable way of working. Resistors R1, R2 and R5 control together

Potentiometers R3 and R4 and time timer capacitors Cl and C2 the frequency of the pulse train output of the astable multivibrator 18. The output frequency is selected by manually setting the switch SW1 (reference number 20 in FIG. 2), which is a single-pole double switch { think of the design of the device for supplying pulse trains with two different frequencies, comparable switching arrangements can be provided if the device is to be used for three or more frequencies). When the switch SW1 is in the "F1" position, the astable multivibrator 18 generates a low-voltage pulse train with a first frequency. When the switch SW1 is in the "F2" position, the astable multivibrator * 18 generates a low-voltage pulse train with a second frequency. More specifically, when the switch SW1 is in the "F1, T position, the stable state frequency of the voltage pulse train output of the astable multivibrator 18 is determined by:

Fl = 1 / T1 = C, 693 (R2 + R4 + R5) C2.

Accordingly, when the switch SWl is in the "F2" position, the stable state frequency of the voltage pulse train output of the astable multivibrator 18 is determined by: F2 = 1 / T2 = 0.693 (Rl + R3 + R5 ) C2.

The selected frequency is indicated optically by the blinking light-emitting diode D1, which is operated via the current-limiting resistor R7 and an inverting, amplifying transistor Q3. A resistor R8 limits the current of the light-emitting diode D1.

A capacitor C1 connects pin 5 of the astable multivibrator 18 to ground, which suppresses noise that would distort the width of the pulse outputs of the astable multivibrator. Capacitor C3 is a bypass capacitor that eliminates high-frequency noise on the power line.

The low-voltage pulse train output of the astable multivibrator 18 is supplied to a current amplifier 22 with transistors Q1 and Q2, which are designed to operate in a 3-class switching mode in order to create the higher current peaks that enter the pulse transformer 24. To be more precise, when the pulse transformer 24 is switched on, a pulse for the primary winding of the transformer is conducted. Since the transformer provides DC isolation, the higher voltage end of the transformer can be safely used to generate a positive or negative pulse, via the polarity selector with the pulse transformer 24 together with a first rectifier means (ie diode D2 in Fig. 3), a second rectifier means (ie diode D3 in Fig. 3) and polarity switch SW2 (reference numeral 28 in Fig. 1). When this is in the "positive" polarity position, the diode D2 in conjunction with the filter capacitor C6 and a discharge resistor R9 form the pulse output corresponding to the switching of the transformer or converter 24, while negative components of the pulse train are suppressed. Accordingly, diode D3 blocks positive components of the pulse train when the polarity switch SW2 is in the "negative" polarity position. The voltage output. Resistor R9 connects the electrodes in the cap. A limiting resistor RIO and a voltage selection switch SW3 (reference numeral 34 in Figure 1) allow the operator to select one of two operating voltages (55 volts from peak to peak or 110 volts from peak to peak in the preferred embodiment).

According to Figures IA and 1B, the preferred electrode array comprises five electrodes 11, each of which is a thin band of conductive material, e.g. Have copper foil. These bands are designed such that they form approximately concentric rings on the outer surface of the cap-shaped insert 10, which are made of an electrically insulating material such as

There is plastic. The insert 10 picks up the electrode tapes and prevents them from touching the person when the insert is placed inside the cap 13. More specifically, the cap 13 (which may be, for example, a conventional, commercially available hair dryer hood) is placed over the person's head so that the inner (ie, non-electrode) surface of the insert is close to the head the person is arranged. Typically, the person's scalp is separated from the inner surface of the insert by a gap of a few centimeters.

The number of bands, the width of the bands, the space. between the bands and the relative arrangement of each band on the insert 10 is chosen such that the electric fields acting on the scalp of the person under each band are approximately the same size and that the person is not larger electric fields outside the adjacent area -ches, close to the adjacent electrodes 11, is exposed. In the preferred embodiment, the electrodes form a 130 ° angle (ie 90 ° on either side of the central vertical axis of the cap, as seen in Figure 1A), the four upper electrodes each forming approximately a 15 ° angle and the fifth (bottom) electrode (Ξ) extends over a 6 ° angle, with angular gaps of 6 ° between each pair of electrodes on each side of the central vertical axis. i

The entire voltage signal output of the rectifier / filter 26 is applied via the pair of electrodes A and B and the pair of electrodes C and D. A voltage divider 3 6 also supplies a voltage signal of greater strength to the electrode E. As mentioned above, this reduced voltage helps prevent excessive electrical fields from being exposed to the person's scalp in the area adjacent to the electrodes. As shown in Fig. 3, the voltage divider 36 has three resistors Ril, R12 and R13 connected in series. Electrode bands A and C are electrically coupled to the voltage divider point between Ril and R12 and bands B and D are electrically connected to the other end of the resistor R13. In the preferred exemplary embodiment, the resistance values of R11 and R13 - 1.2 Ω and R12 = 0.39 Ω.

3 also shows locations of the rectifier / filter 26, polarity switch 28 and voltage selection switch 34. In more detail, the rectifier / filter 26 preferably includes a capacitor C6 connected in parallel to a pair of series resistors R9 and RIO where -The capacitance value of C6 = 1.8 pF and the resistance values R9 and RIO = 0.56 Ω. The polarity switch 28 preferably comprises a pair of diodes D2 and D3, which can alternatively be switched into the circuit path that starts from each of the two output lines of the pulse transformer 24. (The polarity of the voltage signal conducted across each of the electrode pairs has the sign of the voltage difference across these electrodes. In the case of the electrode array of Fig. 1, the polarity has the sign of the spanning applied to the electrode band A.} Voltage selection switch 34 is coupled in such a way via R10 that in one position of the switch the voltage across R9 'is applied to voltage divider 36 and in the other position of switch 34 the voltage across the series combination of R9 and RIO is applied to the Voltage divider 36 is placed.

In operation, the person's head is positioned in the cap 13 in such a way that the electrodes 11 are close to the person's skin but do not touch them. Energy is supplied to the circuit and the switches 20, and the switches 20 and 28 are used to manually set a desired output frequency and polarity. Signals of the selected frequency and polarity are applied to electrodes 11 for approximately 12 minutes, whereupon the power is turned off and cap 13 is removed from the subject's head. Repeated applications over many weeks are necessary, depending on the individual characteristics of the person.

A complete hair regrowth / hair loss application cycle typically extends over 32 weeks. ^ During this time, the person undergoes one or two of the twelve-minute applications described above per week. The following table shows the weekly frequency of use, the signal output polarity and the preferred applied voltage strength (according to empirical determination) during each week of the 32-week cycle :

Number of voltage

Applications Pol ar it ___ level

Week 1 2 positive 110 V.

Week 2 2 positive 110 V.

Week 3 1 negative 110 V.

Week 4 1 negative 110 V.

Week 5 1 negative 110 V.

Week 6 1 negative 110 V.

Week 7 1 negative 110 V.

Week 8 1 negative 110 V.

Week 9 1 negative 110 V.

Week 10 1 negative 110 V.

Week 11 1 negative 110 V.

Week 12 1 negative 110 V.

Week 13 1 negative 110 V.

Week 14 1 negative 110 V.

Week 15 1 negative 110 V.

Week 16 1 negative 110 V.

Week 17 2 positive 55 V.

Week 18 2 positive 110 V.

Week 19 1 negative 55 V.

Week 20 1 negative 110 V.

Week 21 1 negative 55 V.

Week 22 1 negative 110 V.

Week 23 1 negative 55 V.

Week 24 1 negative 110 V.

Week 25 1 negative 55 V.

Week 26 1 negative 110 V.

Week 27 1 negative 55 V.

Week 28 1 negative 110 V.

Week 29 1 negative 55 V.

Week 30 1 negative 110 V.

Week 31 1 negative 55 V.

Week 32 1 negative 110 V.

Some people may react more favorably to a different signal polarity than the one indicated above. Accordingly, based on a professional review, the type of treatment may vary. For example, two of the treatments with negative polarity are replaced by two treatments with positive polarity, whereupon one returns to treatments with negative polarity in the sense of the balance of the application cycle.

Claims (16)

1. A method of improving a person's physical appearance, particularly a method of promoting hair regrowth, in which two or more electrodes are placed close to, but not in contact with, the person's scalp, characterized by: (a) applying a low voltage Pulse train to the electrodes, with a pulse repetition frequency in the range of about 5 to 35 Hertz, (b) continuing to apply the signal to the electrodes for about 12 minutes, and (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) in about woe - weekly intervals until a cosmetically beneficial hair regrowth or relief from hair loss is achieved. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized by varying the signal polarity, positive polarity being used for some of the weekly spaced intervals during steps (a) and (b) and wherein in the remaining weekly intervals during the Steps (a) and (b) negative polarity is applied. 3. Kaar regrowth treatment cycle spanning 32 weeks, placing two or more electrodes close to but not in contact with a person's scalp, and each having a sequence of twelve minute treatments to achieve a cosmetic advantageous hair regrowth can be carried out with: (a) applying a low-voltage pulse train with a pulse repetition frequency in the range from 5 to 35 hertz to the electrodes, (b) the applications being carried out once or twice a week in the person , (c) and where the polarity of the signals is either positive or negative and the voltage level of the signals is 110 or 55 volts, in the following order: j number of voltages. q applications polarity level 1 1 positive 110 V week 2 2 positive 110 V week 3 1 negative 110 V week 4 1 negative 110 V week 5 1 negative 110 V week 6 1 negative 110 V week 7 1 negative 110 V week 8 1 negative 110 V week 9 1 negative 110 V week 10 1 negative 110 V week 11 1 negative 110 V week 12 1 negative 110 V week 13 1 negative 110 V week 14 1 negative 110 V week 15 1 negative 110 V week 16 1 negative 110 V Week 17 2 positive 55 V week 18 2 positive 110 V week 19 1 negative 55 V week 20 1 negative 110 V week 21 1 negative 55 V week 22 1 negative 110 V week 23 1 negative 55 V week 24 1 negative 10 V week 25 1 negative 55 V week 26 1 negative 10 V week 27 1 negative 55 V week 28 1 negative 10 V week 29 1 negative 55 V week 30 1 negative 10 V week 31 1 negative 55 V week 32 1 negative 10 V 4. Device for promoting hair regrowth, with at least two electrodes (11), which are designed to be arranged close to but not in contact with a person's scalp, characterized by: (a) a device (18) for generating low-voltage pulses, which is electrically coupled to the electrodes, - uin. to feed them a low-voltage pulse train, (b) a frequency selection means (20) which is electrically coupled to the device for generating low-voltage pulse trains and which is designed to vary the pulse repetition frequency of the pulse train. 5. Hair regrowth device according to claim 4, characterized in that it has a device (26) for selecting the signal polarity, which is' electrically coupled between the device for generating voltage pulse trains and the electrodes / around the polarity of the pulse train to be able to vary. 6. Hair regrowth device according to claim 4, characterized / characterized that it has more of the electrodes. 7. The hair regrowth device according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a device (34) for voltage selection, which is electrically coupled between the device for generating voltage pulse trains and the electrodes in order to increase the voltage of the pulse train vary. 8. Hair regrowth device according to claim 5, characterized in that it has more of the electrodes. 9. The hair regrowth device according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a device (34) for voltage selection, which is electrically coupled between the device for generating voltage pulse trains and the electrodes in order to increase the voltage of the pulse train vary. 10. Hair regrowth device according to claim 5, characterized in that the device for selecting the signal polarity has the following: (a) a voltage transformer (24), (b) a rectifier device {26} zint blocking selected negative or positive running components of the pulse train, (c) a polarity switching device for selectively coupling the rectifier device between the transformer output and the electrodes. 11. Hair regrowth device according to claim 10, characterized in that the electrodes are placed in a cap (13) which can be positioned on the head of a person. 12. The hair regrowth device according to claim 4, characterized in that the electrodes further comprise an arrangement (an array) of concentric, electrically conductive rings which are attached in a cap (13) which can be positioned on the head of a person. 13. Hair regrowth device according to claim 12, characterized in that the rings are attached to an outer surface of an electrically insulating insert (10) which can be placed in the cap. 14. Hair regrowth device according to claim 12, characterized in that the array has five rings (A, B, C, D, E) which are attached in the cap and on both sides of a central, vertical axis of the Form the cap at a 90 “angle. 15. Hair regrowth device according to claim 14, characterized in that the array further comprises four upper electrodes (A, B, C, D), each forming approximately a 15 ° angle and a fifth lower electrode (E) extends over a όβ angle, with angular gaps of 6 ° between each pair of electrodes on each side of the central vertical axis. 16. Hair regrowth device according to claim 15, characterized in that the output signal from the device for generating sperm pulse trains via the pair of electrodes (A, C) and the pair of electrodes (B, D) are supplied, with further voltage divider means Applying a reduced voltage signal to the electrode (E) are provided.