Hair loss abstract
Removable headwear is provided for therapeutically applying a permanent
magnetic field to hair follicles located in the scalp to retard
hair loss and promote hair re-growth. A flexible sheet of magnetic
material having a plurality of alternating north-south poles is
placed with a head covering that is in turn placed upon the head
of a subject. Such head covering, while suitable for nighttime wear,
may not be deemed socially acceptable for wear during the day. To
enable the subject to maximize the exposure of the scalp to the
magnetic fields, the head covering is configured to permit an item
of conventional headwear to be placed over and cover the inner head
covering.
Hair loss claims
We claim:
1. A removable headwear assembly of an inner applicator cap and
an outer cosmetic cap for therapeutic use by application of static
magnetic fields to a human scalp of a subject comprising:
permanent magnetic means for stimulation of the scalp;
an inner applicator receiving said magnetic means in a manner forming
a treatment surface therein, said applicator having a peripheral
edge that defines a headband, said headband and said applicator
together forming a head-receiving cavity;
attachment means for securing the magnetic means to the applicator;
means for adjusting the fit of the applicator to the head; and
means for attaching the outer cap to the applicator to form a cosmetic
assembly suitable for daytime wear.
2. A removable headwear assembly according to claim 1 wherein the
magnetic means is a flexible sheet of magnetic material, magnetized
to create a pattern of alternating magnetic polarities that extend
substantially across the surface of said flexible sheet.
3. A removable headwear assembly according to claim 2 comprising
only the head-worn inner cap having permanent magnetic means for
stimulation of the scalp, suitable for nighttime wear, attachment
means for securing the magnetic means to the inner cap, and means
for adjusting the fit of the inner cap to the head.
4. A removable headwear assembly according to claim 1 comprising
only the outer cap having permanent magnetic means for stimulation
of the scalp, suitable for cosmetic daytime wear, attachment means
for securing the magnetic means to the outer cap, and means for
adjusting the fit of the outer cap to the head.
5. A removable headwear assembly according to claim 1 wherein the
magnetic means is a flexible sheet of magnetic material, magnetized
to create a uniform magnetic polarity that extends substantially
across the surface of said flexible sheet.
6. A removable headwear assembly according to claim 5 comprising
only the head-worn inner cap having permanent magnetic means for
stimulation of the scalp, suitable for nighttime wear, attachment
means for securing the magnetic means to the inner cap, and means
for adjusting the fit of the inner cap to the head.
7. A removable headwear assembly according to claim 5 comprising
only the outer cap having permanent magnetic means for stimulation
of the scalp, suitable for cosmetic daytime wear, attachment means
for securing the magnetic means to the outer cap, and means for
adjusting the fit of the outer cap to the head.
8. A removable headwear assembly according to claim 1 wherein the
magnetic means is a flexible sheet of substantially non-magnetic
material which secure a pattern of individual magnets, with each
magnet adjacent to a magnet of opposite polarity, with said pattern
extending substantially across the surface of said flexible sheet.
9. A removable headwear assembly according to claim 8 comprising
only the head-worn inner cap having permanent magnetic means for
stimulation of the scalp, suitable for nighttime wear, attachment
means for securing the magnetic means to inner cap, and means for
adjusting the fit of the inner cap to the head.
10. A removable headwear assembly according to claim 8 comprising
only the outer cap having permanent magnetic means for stimulation
of the scalp, suitable for cosmetic daytime wear, attachment means
for securing the magnetic means to the outer cap, and means for
adjusting the fit of the outer cap to the head.
11. A removable headwear assembly according to claim 1 wherein
the magnetic means is a flexible sheet of substantially non-magnetic
material which secure a pattern of individual magnets, with each
magnet adjacent to a magnet of like polarity, with said pattern
extending substantially across the surface of said flexible sheet.
12. A removable headwear assembly according to claim 11 comprising
only the head-worn inner cap having permanent magnetic means for
stimulation of the scalp, suitable for nighttime wear, attachment
means for securing the magnetic means to the inner cap, and means
for adjusting the fit of the inner cap to the head.
13. A removable headwear assembly according to claim 11 comprising
only the outer cap having permanent magnetic means for stimulation
of the scalp, suitable for cosmetic daytime wear, attachment means
for securing the magnetic means to the outer cap, and means for
adjusting the fit of the outer cap to the head.
14. A removable headwear for therapeutic use by application of
a magnetic field to a human scalp of a subject comprising:
a flexible sheet of a permanent magnetic material having a plurality
of north and south poles formed thereon; and
an applicator receiving said flexible magnetic sheet in a manner
forming a treatment surface therein.
15. A removable headwear according to claim 14, wherein said plurality
of north and south poles on said flexible sheet comprise an array
of alternating magnetic polarities.
16. A removable headwear according to claim 15, wherein said array
of alternating magnetic polarities extends substantially across
an entire surface of said flexible sheet.
17. A removable headwear according to claim 15, wherein an inner
surface of said applicator forms a receiving pocket with an outer
surface of said receiving pocket defining said treatment surface.
18. A removable headwear according to claim 17, wherein a peripheral
edge of said applicator defines a headband, said headband and said
applicator together defining a head-receiving cavity.
19. A removable headwear according to claim 18, and further comprising
an in-line fastener attached to said headband enabling a selective
linear adjustment therein.
20. A removable headwear according to claim 19, wherein said in-line
fastener is a hook and loop fastener.
21. A removable headwear according to claim 18, and further comprising
an outer cap of suitable dimension to be received by and overlie
said applicator.
22. A removable headwear according to claim 21, wherein said outer
cap is a baseball-type cap.
23. A method of stimulating hair follicles about the head of a
subject comprising the steps of:
enwrapping a flexible sheet having permanent magnetic elements
within a covering for a head;
placing said covering for a head with said enwrapped magnetic sheet
upon the head of said subject;
wearing said covering for a head upon the head of said subject
over an extended period of time after placement thereon; and
removing said covering for a head from the head of said subject
upon the elapse of said extended period of time.
24. A method of stimulating hair follicles according to claim 23,
and further comprising the step of:
placing an additional cover for a head upon the head of said subject
in a manner to overlie the initial covering for a head with said
enwrapped flexible sheet having permanent magnetic elements, said
additional cover for a head embodying design characteristics deemed
of greater social acceptability by said subject.
Hair loss description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to therapeutic devices and, more
particularly, to such devices as utilize the application of a static
magnetic field to stimulate the operation and repair of damaged
human tissue. More specifically, the present invention relates to
a head covering that includes a bipolar magnetic sheet that when
worn by a user stimulates hair follicles to retard further hair
loss and/or stimulate additional hair growth.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Electromedicine is a type of "energy medicine" (also
known as "vibrational medicine") employing electromagnetic
fields that is based upon the belief that such fields control or
influence all living organisms. The health benefits of electromedicine,
including the use of magnets, have been touted for centuries. As
early as 200 B.C. the Greek physician Galen described medical applications
using "static" or "permanent" (non-time varying)
magnets. Around 1000 A.D. Ali Abbas, a Persian physician, used magnetism
to relieve "spasms" and "gout." (See, Buryl
Payne, The Body Magnetic, 5th Edition, 1991). In 1766 Anton Mesmer
wrote of the benefits and anecdotal experiences of using magnets
for a wide variety of ailments.
Magnetic fields are related to electric fields, as was first shown
by Hans Oersted in 1819. James Clerk Maxwell later formalized this
relationship between magnetic and electric forces in four elegant
equations. For purposes of the present application, the most important
of these relationships of Maxwell speaks to the generation of an
electric current within a conductor where the conductor is moved
through a static magnetic field created by a permanent magnet.
This relationship is crucial to the present invention, because
most historical applications of electromedicine have been directed
towards or make use of time-varying electric fields. Health applications
of magnetic fields, particularly permanent magnetic fields, have
been essentially ignored, remaining as "folk remedies"
or anecdotal healing aids.
This backwater status is difficult to understand, since a time-varying
electric field engenders a time-varying magnetic field. While science
has yet to determine if there is a separate beneficent effect owing
to either the electric or magnetic fields, the use of these pulsed
electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) is the primary focus of electromedicine
today.
This work has progressed to the utilization of PEMFs for the prevention
of hair loss and stimulation of hair re-growth using a process called
Electrotrichogenesis (ETG) For a further discussion, see Maddin,
et al., "The Biological Effects of a Pulsed Electrostatic Field
with Specific Reference to Hair: Electrotrichogeneisis", University
of British Columbia, Division of Dermatology, July-August, 1990,
Vol 29, No. 6. ETG clinical trials at the University of British
Columbia in 1989, and repeated again in 1992, were successful: Of
the 30 men enrolled in the trial with the ETG machine, 29 either
experienced no further hair loss or some re-growth after 36 weeks
of trials. (See Maddin, et al, "Electrotrichogenesis: Further
Evidence of Efficacy and Safety on Extended Use", International
Journal of Dermatology, Vol, 31, No. 12, December 1992.)
The principal researcher, however, acknowledges that the exact
beneficial mechanism is unclear. The researcher proposes an extension
of the work in non-united fractures of Becker and Selden (Becker,
R.O Selden, G., The Body Electric: Electromagnetism and the Foundation
of Life, New York, Quill 1985, 163-180), wherein certain cell groups
were sensitive to certain frequencies and strengths of PEMFs and
exhibited re-growth of bone and tissue. The extension suggested
by the researcher was that the dormant follicle cells groups are
similar to the fibroblast cell groups identified by Becker and Selden,
and are thus capable of regeneration.
The present invention proposes a similar extension of the work
of Becker and Selden. A static magnetic field from a permanent magnet,
and specifically a "bi-polar" permanent magnet, meaning
spatially alternating north and south magnets or magnetized areas,
creates an electrophysiologic process in which the stimulation of
follicle cell groups may retard loss and promote re-growth.
Prior art in the arena of reduction of hair loss and hair re-growth
is for the most part directed to chemical solutions, such as minoxidil,
a topical ointment applied to the affected areas of hair loss. The
alternating electromagnetic field (ETG) solution is proposed by
Groux, et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,251,623 and in Pinna, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,595,564.
In '623 Groux and '564 Pinna claim a system which is based on an
electrical pulse generator, and not a permanent magnet. Other prior
art devices similar to Penna '564 are Kraus (U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,617),
wherein an applicator coil is proposed for alternating field electromagnetic
therapy of a shoulder or an arm; Cadwell (U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,304)
proposing a skullcap-shaped coil that is energized to produce an
alternating electromagnetic field for stimulating deeply located
neurons of a human cranium. There is no suggestion or disclosure
in any of this prior art towards using a permanent magnetic field
as the primary efficacious element.
The inventors are aware of at least one other patent relating to
a permanent magnet application to the human head. In U.S. Pat. No.
5,092,835 to Shurig, et al., an integrated auditory/visual/electrode
system is described having a cap that is provided with a number
of permanent magnets. These magnets generate a magnetic energy strength
that is designed to apply a " . . . magnetic field of constant
intensity to the brain of said subject . . . ". This differs
from the present invention in a number of respects.
The present invention has no requirement or need to have any magnetic
field penetrate the skull, or to provide stimuli to the brain. The
structure of Shurig, et al., (the '835 patent) is intended to stimulate
the brain with magnetic energy, which may or may not provide stimulation
of the hair follicles as is taught by the present invention. A magnetic
field proposed by the '835 patent may not be of sufficient gauss
strength, north/south pole alignment or of physical orientation
to provide the magnetic energy required to regenerate the cell groups
in the hair follicles in those common areas of human hair loss.
Another permanent magnet-related patent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,549,532,
suggests a flexible magnetic sheet having magnetic poles of alternating
polarities for therapeutic use. This is taught as an improvement
over earlier magnetic sheets, the alternating polarities making
placement and orientation on the body less important. Such alternating
polarities of the magnetic fields are said to be particularly beneficial
in peripheral skin regions. There is no suggestion to placement
on or about the scalp, or suggestion for the therapeutic application
of magnetic energy towards the retardation of hair loss or promotion
of hair re-growth. Such "therapeutic use" as is defined
in the '532 patent is " . . . characterized by alleviation
and removal of pain . . . ".
Discounting the "snake oil" remedies, there are multiple
problems posed by the presently used techniques for addressing the
problem of hair loss. The demand for a solution is so great, that
any technique showing a documentable sign of promise seems to bear
a high price tag. Whether through drug therapy or surgical technique(s),
such treatments are expensive, and, in the case of surgery, involve
great inconveniences for the patient. Drug therapy is less site
specific, and presents the hazards of documented side effects. It
would be desirable to provide an inexpensive treatment regime to
retard or reverse hair loss that is non-invasive, and that does
not require reliance on the taking or topical application of pharmaceutical
preparations having possible systemic affects.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-consumable,
non-invasive product that is adaptable to be worn by any user during
the day or at night--or both. In this regard, a bi-polar magnetic
insert is sewed into the crown of a soft mesh cap. When worn in
public, the insert and cap are dimensioned to allow an outer cap,
such as a baseball cap, to be placed over and conceal the inner
mesh cap.
Use of the cap/magnetic insert combination enables the user to
maintain the magnetic field in close proximity over extended periods
of time to those areas of the body that are at risk of hair loss,
with a minimal disruption to the user's lifestyle.
In use, the soft mesh cap is placed over the head of a user, and
is worn in much the same manner as were night caps in earlier times.
While being worn, the magnetic sheet lies in close proximity to
the wearer's scalp, maintaining in place the magnetic fields of
alternating polarities with respect to those layers of the outer
skin having the hair follicles and supportive circulatory system.
The mesh cap is considered acceptable by most people for nighttime
wear, and, as mentioned previously, a baseball-type cap can easily
cover the soft mesh cap during the day. The ability to wear the
magnetic sheet in close proximity to the scalp for virtually the
entire day greatly increases the likelihood of obtaining a desired
result over the significantly less convenient treatment regimens
of the prior art.
Some further objects and advantages of the present invention shall
become apparent from the ensuing description and as illustrated
in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a magnetic sheet of alternating
polarity as received within a pair of caps suitable for being worn
on an around-the-clock basis by a user in accordance with the present
invention;
FIG. 2 is a partial, enlarged plan view, with schematics added,
taken within circle 2 of FIG. 1 showing a magnetic sheet of alternating
polarities in accordance with the present invention; and
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a user having in place the
caps and magnetic sheet in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer
to like parts throughout. In FIG. 1 a magnetic sheet 12 is received
within an inner cap 16. Although not shown in the Figures, the magnetic
sheet 12 can be directly attached to a lining of the inner cap 16
or, more preferably, is placed within an inner sleeve 18 formed
in an inner lining of the inner cap 16. Upon such placement, that
portion of the inner cap lining underlying the inner sleeve 18 forms
a treatment surface 20. In any event, regardless of its manner of
attachment or enclosure, for purposes of the present invention the
magnetic sheet 12 is received by and held within the inner cap 16
to obtain proper positioning of the magnetic fields associated with
the magnetic sheet 12.
The inner cap 16 is preferably provided with an adjustable headband
22, permitting its use over a variety of different head sizes. In
the depiction of FIG. 1, a hook-and-loop fastening system can provide
such adjustability, consisting of a loop section 24 formed on an
outer surface of the headband 22 with a hook section 26 located
on an adjustment band 28.
As is also shown in FIG. 1, an outer cap 32 may optionally be placed
over the inner cap 16 on such occasions where the appearance of
the inner cap 16 is not deemed to be appropriate by a user (not
shown in FIG. 1). The style of the outer cap 32 can be of any conventional
cap or hat design, with a baseball-type design shown in FIG. 1.
Regardless of the particular design chosen, the purpose of the outer
cap 32 is one of concealment--relative to the inner cap 16.
FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged view of the magnetic sheet 12, with
the polarities of the magnetic fields schematically depicted. A
plurality of magnetized areas are formed over the magnetic sheet
12 in a manner whereby adjacent areas are of opposite magnetic polarity.
As is illustrated in FIG. 2, areas showing "North" polarity
lay adjacent areas of "South" polarity.
In FIG. 3 a user 36 is shown wearing the outer cap 32. As previously
noted, the purpose of the outer cap 32 is to conceal use of the
inner cap 16 holding the magnetic sheet 12. To all outward appearances,
the user 36 in FIG. 3 looks identical with any number of persons
in our society that embody the "baseball cap" look. Of
course, in other situations, a different outer cap might be more
appropriate, such as a "cowboy" hat, a derby, or beret.
It is also possible, although not shown in the Figures, to make
use of a toupee as the inner (and only) "covering" or
"applicator"--with the magnetic sheet 12 held within the
inner lining or otherwise attached to the toupee.
The present invention preferably uses a magnetic sheet fabricated
out of ELASTOMAG.TM. such as that manufactured by Nikken, Inc.,
of Irvine, Calif., under the name Elastomag.TM. Vest, Model 1668.
For most applications, the magnetic sheet will measure 3" by
43/4" and is 11/16" in thickness. The inner cap 16 is
preferably a multi-layer mesh cap, such as a custom made pro-style
polymesh seamed front offered by Headmaster, Inc., of Santa Ana,
Calif. As mentioned previously, the preferred manner of pairing
the magnetic sheet and the inner cap is by placement of the magnetic
sheet into a sleeve formed in a lining of the inner cap. The outer
cap is of conventional design and size(s), such as the models manufactured
by Headmaster, Inc. (see above).
Our invention has been disclosed in terms of a preferred embodiment
thereof, which provides an improved manner of applying magnetic
fields of alternating polarities to the scalp of a user to retard
or reverse hair loss that is of great novelty and utility. Various
changes, modifications, and alterations in the teachings of the
present invention may be contemplated by those skilled in the art
without departing from the intended spirit and scope thereof. It
is intended that the present invention encompass such changes and
modifications. |