TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to a Brush Pin Ink Device in the form of an inking transfer stamp with a plurality of inking tips arranged to stamp a pattern of ink marks which appear as natural hair growth marks on the scalp, or any other suitable skin surface, to mimic the appearance of short hair growth or recently trimmed hair regrowth stubble in the color and density of marks as individually desired to mimic the appearance of natural hair growth and minimize the appearance of bald or balding areas of the human body, more specifically to mimic the appearance of natural hair growth and minimize the appearance of bald or balding areas of the head.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Baldness on the head is a physical condition that the person with baldness at times wishes to minimize or cover up thereby hiding the appearance of baldness. There are available all manner of products and solutions to make thinning hair look fuller, and/or to cover up or conceal baldness. There are hair sprays and powders and other products that offer to minimize the appearance of baldness, but the results appear fake and/or cause a mess and, as a result, do not produce the self-confidence sought in a baldness cover-up solution. There is scalp micro-pigmentation treatment, but it requires a trained/certified person to apply, and it is expensive, time consuming, and permanent. There are surgical transplant solutions and permanent tattooing solutions that require a trained/certified person and are fraught with expense and potentially with lifelong complications. And, there are hairpieces, which are known to be frustrating and a position-able cosmetic solution that frequently exacerbates the situation by calling attention to the bald or balding condition that is desired to be minimized by its very use.

[0003] What is needed is a temporary version of scalp micro-pigmentation using ink, similar to mascara type waterproof ink, applied by a brush with a plurality of inking application pins to create temporary, washable, micro-pigmentation-like scalp coverage. What is needed is a way of doing the cover-up yourself that is not permanent, but is easy, inexpensive, and consistent, so as to appear similar from day to day if reapplied daily. The Brush Pins Ink Device is a solution for these existing problems that offers a temporary natural looking appearance of short hair growth that is consistent, repeatable, quick, fast, and easy.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is a Brush Pin Ink Device, a brush, comprising a plurality of hair-follicle shaped ink-applying tips dimensioned and positioned in an arrangement mimicking a realistic density appearance of up to five-day natural hair-growth length thereby enabling a stamping of a plurality of temporary ink-marks creating an appearance of up to five-day natural hair-growth length on a scalp enabling a disguise for a lack of hair growth on said scalp.

[0005] The Brush Pin Ink Device can also be a brush wherein said ink-applying tips are further comprising hollow centers to enable an ink-storage for the purpose of enabling multiple applications of ink-marks without the need to dip said ink-applying tips in an ink.

[0006] The Brush Pin Ink Device can also be a brush wherein said ink-applying tips are further comprising hollow centers to enable ink to flow from said ink-well to said ink-applying tips to enable multiple applications of ink-marks without the need to dip said ink-applying tips in an ink.

[0007] There is a method of concealing hair loss using said brush of the present invention wherein said ink-applying tips are serially first, dipped in an ink and second, applied to a scalp in a rapid repeating sequence applying a plurality of marking strokes on said scalp using brushing, stroking, stamping or combinational ink application motions of said ink-applying tips so as to enable covering a bald or thin hair area on said scalp in a patterned arrangement of ink-marks made to visually appear as realistic natural hair growth by creating a plurality of temporary inkmarks on said scalp to mimic the appearance of three to five day natural hair-growth length in the color and density of marks required to mimic the density and placement appearance of natural hair growth on said scalp thereby minimizing an appearance of bald or balding areas on said scalp.

[0008] There is a method of concealing hair loss using said brush of the present invention, as above, wherein said ink-applying pins are further comprising hollow centers to enable an inkstorage for the purpose of enabling multiple applications of ink-marks without the need to dip said ink-applying tips in said ink.

[0009] There is a method of concealing hair loss using said brush of the present invention, as above, wherein said Brush Pin Ink Device is further comprising an ink-well, and said ink-applying pins are further comprising hollow centers to enable ink to flow from said ink-well through said ink-applying tips to enable multiple applications of ink-marks without the need to dip said ink-applying tips in said ink. [0010] There is a method of serially applying said brush of the present invention in a rapid stamping sequence of connected ink stamp locations so as to completely cover a bald or balding area on a head. And, a method of serially applying said Brush Pin Ink Device in a rapid stamping sequence of connected ink stamp locations so as to completely cover a bald or balding area on a head in a pattern of ink marks which appear as natural hair growth creating temporary ink dot marks on the scalp to mimic the appearance of three to five day hair-growth in the color and density of marks as individually desired to mimic the appearance of natural hair growth and minimize the appearance of bald or balding areas of the human head.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention there is a brush pin ink device in the form of an inking transfer stamp with a plurality of inking tips arranged to stamp a pattern of ink marks which appear as natural hair growth marks on the scalp, or any other suitable skin surface, to mimic the appearance of short hair growth or recently trimmed hair regrowth stubble in the color and density of marks as individually desired.

[0012] An advantage of the brush pin ink device is that it can be manufactured in a plurality of sizes anywhere from approximately 10-20% up to the full surface area of the skin surface to be ink stamped. This brush ink device creates a way for both men and women to apply a semi-per- manent microdot ink pattern to their heads for the purpose of reducing the look of thinning hair by rapidly applying a natural looking arrangement of short hair growth appearing ink marks. Or in the case of bald heads, for the purpose of creating the look of hair follicle growth (similar to a several day growth shadow looking appearance) for the head.

[0013] The brush pin ink device has many micro pins capable of excreting ink or touching an ink pad and then being placed on the head, by way of either going through the hair, or directly onto the scalp, and then allowing for proportionally large surface areas of the head to be inked (or marked) with an appearance similar to the micro-pigmentation look to reduce thinning hair or create fake hair follicles for bald spots or areas.

[0014] The ink may be semi-permanent and/or waterproof. The ink may be similar to mascara that is used to create a longer duration mark and to withstand sweat, water, or environmental conditions.

[0015] The best thing about this brush pin ink device is that it makes the process of concealing scalp areas with thinning hair temporary, easy, fast consistent in appearance, and does not require the assistance of a skilled professional.

[0016] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 shows a top view of the Brush Pin Ink Device.

[0018] Figure 2 shows a bottom view of the Brush Pin Ink Device.

[0019] Figure 3 shows a side view of the Brush Pin Ink Device above an inking well.

[0020] Figure 4 shows a three dimensional perspective view of the Brush Pin Ink Device from the bottom to highlight the concave position arrangement of the ink application pin tips so as to align with, or match, the surface of the scalp where the hair stubble ink images are to be applied.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0021] The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. The details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and use the invention.

[0022] References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment," etcetera, indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0023] Furthermore, it should be understood that spatial descriptions (e.g., “above,” “below,” “up,” “left,” “right,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” etc.) used herein are for purposes of illustration only, and that practical implementations of the structures described herein can be spatially arranged in any orientation or manner.

[0024] Referring to the Figures, there is shown in Figure 1, Element 100, which is a Brush Pin Ink Device. Element 10 is a brush pin position retainer cap. Element 20 is a brush grip material that may be added to the brush pin cap (10).

[0025] Referring to the Figures, there is shown in Figure 2, Element 100, which is a Brush Pin Ink Device. Element 20 is a brush grip material that may be added to the brush pin cap (10). Element 40 is a plurality of application pin tips arranged in a natural hair growth pattern. [0026] Referring to the Figures, there is shown in Figure 3, Element 100, which is a Brush

Pin Ink Device. Element 10 is a brush pin position retainer cap. Element 20 is a brush grip material that may be added to the brush pin cap (10). Element 30 is a plurality of ink application pins. Element 40 is a plurality of application pin tips arranged in a natural hair growth pattern. Element 50 is an inking well. Element 60 is an ink transfer pad or cap/lid. Element 70 is an ink reservoir or ink well.

[0027] Figure 4 shows a three dimensional perspective view of the Brush Pin Ink Device from the bottom to highlight the nature of the slightly concave position arrangement, or shape, of the ink application pins, 30, so as to align with, or match, the surface of the scalp where the hair stubble ink images are to be applied.

[0028] The Brush Pin Ink Device is an apparatus for creating micro (hair follicle sized) ink dots on the scalp. It permits users to create temporary hair follicle growth appearance, with any suitable ink, in any density of marks and arrangement of appearance necessary to cover/hide partial baldness thereby creating the look/appearance of fuller hair. The device of the present invention can be used to quickly create the appearance of fuller hair growth, or completely cover a scalp to create the appearance of hair growth.

[0029] The Brush Pin Ink Device is a device for creating temporary hair follicle growth appearance that is inexpensive, easy to use on one's own head without training or previous skills. The Brush Pin Ink Device, or microdot device, is usable right out of the package, ready to create temporary hair follicle growth appearance that can last for hours or perhaps days with proper care. The Brush Pin Ink Device is similar in use and operation to eyebrow pencils or lash makeup that may be long-lasting but not permanent. [0030] In an embodiment, the user removes the device from the package and simply either taps the application tips (40) into the ink pad (50) to get them dampened with ink or hold the tips (40) in the ink pad (50) while pushing a button that applies small suction to draw ink into, or onto, the body of the application pins (30) for later delivery by the application tips (40). The user may then apply the Brush Pin Ink Device to the scalp and press the device and/or the button again to release the small amount of ink onto the scalp and make a small (micro) sized ink dot similar in appearance to short-term growth natural hair follicles.

[0031] In an embodiment, the device's application pins (30) and tips (40) are blunt and not sharp but are made to retain ink and to apply it to the skin or the head after touching the ink pad (50). The application pin tip lengths are varied in a concave curve similar in surface so as to match the curvature of a human head. Once the user touches the device with ink to the head, the application pins (30) release a tiny amount on ink on the spot making an ink mark in the appearance of a hair follicle.

[0032] In an embodiment, the user holds the brush (100) and touches it to the ink pad (50) using the device to uptake and hold a small amount of ink within the tip of the application pins (30) (bristles). Then the user places the brush (100) onto the desired area of the scalp and pushes down gently. This will make the temporary micro ink dots that will create an illusion of hair follicles. The user continues the same process until satisfied with the look.

[0033] In an embodiment, the ink used is similar to waterproof long-lasting mascara enabling the micro ink dots to last up to days in duration depending on the user's personal habits, skin type, and skin care regime. These marks may remain in place anywhere from hours to days. [0034] In an embodiment, the device can be used at any time to reapply the ink or just to refreshen the "look."

[0035] In an embodiment, the body of the brush (100) device holds the ink within an ink reservoir within the body (handle) of the brush (100). In an alternate embodiment, the ink reservoir is replaced with an ink cartridge receiver in the body of the brush (100) that receives replaceable ink cartridges and refills and can supply the application pin tips (40) with ink for use while there is a remaining supply of ink in the replaceable cartridge. In an alternate embodiment, there is a button that is enabled such that with a slight press (depression) of the button, the application tips (40) will release a small amount of ink to be applied to the next skin area to be treated.

[0036] In an alternate embodiment, the brush (100) can contain no ink within the brush (100). The pins (30) of the brush (100) can have specialized tips (40) made of any suitable material to enable the absorption of a small precise amount of ink when touched to an ink pad (50), by attraction or osmosis. In this embodiment of the device, the brush (100) can be simply held by the user, and the tips (40) of the pins (30) can be pushed into a simple ink pad (50), even one designed specifically for the brush (100). The momentary touching of ink absorbing application pins (30) and application tips (40) to the ink pad (50) is sufficient when the application pins (30) and application tips (40) are made of any suitable ink absorbing material for the purpose and amount of ink desired. The material of the inking application pins (30) and application tips (40) will draw enough ink to apply the correct amount of ink to the application pins (30) and application tips (40) for an appropriate application.

[0037] In an embodiment, the body of the brush (100) the device design will be several: 1) the brush (100) will be round for easy all over the head application, or, for certain balding spots. 2) The brush (100) will be rectangular and slightly curved to fit the shape of the curvature of most heads. 3) The brush (100) will be 10-100% of the customized size and shape needed to apply a complete field of hair follicle-like ink marks over the entire head hair surface.

[0038] In a customizable embodiment, the brush (100) of the present invention is customized to the individual. The brush (100) may be any dimension, up to the size and shape of the full surface of a human head or other area to be covered. The customization of the design/shape of the application tip at the end of the application pin includes, but is not limited too, mimicking any short hair growth appearance. Mimicking the appearance of short hair growth is accomplished by copying in physical form an image of hair growth either from the individual or from any suitable image/photo and cutting, forming, casting, or otherwise shaping the application tip at the ink transfer end of an application pin to match the appearance of an individual hair follicle, and then arranging a field of individually shaped inking pins (30) in a pattern to match the hair growth pattern displayed in the image. Mimickable short hair growth appearance includes, but is not limited to, the appearance of a person's prior short hair cut, the amount of hair re-growth stubble that grows following a clean shaving, or any other individually desirable hair appearance configura- tion/layout.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the brush (100) of the present invention is comprised of application pins (30) and application tips (40) wherein the application surface dimension of said tips (40) and the arrangement and placement of said tips (40) on said brush (100) are such that the ink application marks made/applied by said tips (40) visually appear as real hair-growth in appearance to include, but not be limited to, a similar variability in application surface dimension between and among said tips (40) so as to mimic the realistic appearance and natural variability of growth length and width that normally occurs between individual hairs, under normal hair growth conditions, and to include similar variability of placement/positioning between said pins (30) on said brush (100) so as to mimic the realistic appearance of individual hairs under normal natural growth conditions, thereby creating the temporary inked impression of real hair both in density (e.g. achieved through the application pins (30) and application tips (40) being similar in size and spatial proximity to each other on said brush (100) so as to appear as small and close together as required to create a look (appearance) of realistic natural hair follicle coverage and density on bald or balding skin.

[0040] In an alternative embodiment, the different application pins (30) and application tips (40) of said brush (100) are made from the combination of multiple inking materials, and/or different densities of the same material, in combination with custom cut end shapes so as to enable the applied inking mark to have a shadowing "three-dimensional" like appearance mimicking realistic natural hair follicle coverage and density on bald or balding skin.

[0041] In an alternative embodiment, the ink used for application may be any suitable humansafe ink, temporary ink, colorant, temporary colorant, or any later developed alternative.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment, a method applying ink in a plurality of color layers using a brush (100) and serially applying it with plurality of ink colors and densities so as to create a more visually realistic viewing effect. For example, any given application of temporary ink with the present invention may implement the use of two, or more, shades or colors of ink so as to apply a base color appearance and a second or more color layer to enhance the "three-dimensional" appearance of highlighting and color differential of the application, thereby mimicking realistic natural hair follicle coverage and density. [0043] In an alternative embodiment, a method applying ink in a plurality of color layers using a brush (100) and serially applying it in variable length short (generally not to exceed hair growth length to be mimicked) brush-strokes with plurality of ink colors and densities so as to create a more visually realistic viewing effect. For example, any given application of temporary ink with the present invention may implement the use of two, or more, shades or colors of ink so as to apply a base color appearance and a second or more color layer to enhance the "three-dimensional" appearance of highlighting and color differential of the application, thereby mimicking realistic natural hair follicle coverage and density.

[0044] In alternative embodiments, there are methods of applying ink in a plurality of color layers using a brush (100) and serially applying it in variable length short (generally not to exceed hair growth length to be mimicked) brush-strokes with a plurality of ink colors and densities so as to create a more visually realistic viewing effect for varying degrees of hair thinning. For example, any given application of temporary ink with the present invention may implement the use one, or more, shades or colors of ink so as to apply a base color appearance and an optional second or more color layer to enhance the "three-dimensional" appearance of highlighting and color differential of the ink application mimicking realistic natural hair follicle coverage and density for varying degrees of hair thinning. Varying degrees of hair thinning occur from fewer or greater number of missing hairs, and/or from lesser or greater density of missing hairs. The brush (100) and method of applying is adjusted as needed to replicate/mimic the desired number and placement of ink applications to create the realistic natural hair follicle coverage and density desired for an application. [0045] The invention has been described by way of examples only. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the claims. [0046] Although the invention has been explained in relation to various embodiments, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.