Abstract:
Dispensing bottles with an attached adjustable mirror for controllably dispensing a fluid to a location viewable with the adjustable mirror are discussed and illustrated. The mirror may be attached to the dispensing bottle with a mirror support assembly that can allow the mirror to be adjusted so a person using the dispensing bottle can see where they otherwise could not see without having to hold the mirror separately from the dispensing bottle. The mirror support assembly can also be manipulated so as to retract the mirror into a position adjacent and substantially parallel to a sidewall surface of the dispensing bottle.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    This application relates generally to dispensing bottles and in particular, to dispensing bottles adapted for precise application of fluid to a selected location. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Hair care and styling is extremely important to many people who desire to present a certain appearance in public. Hair is one of the most noticeable features of an individual, and as a result, billions of dollars are spent each year on hair-care products and treatments. Additionally, a significant amount of time is spent by many each day in caring for and styling their hair. 
         [0003]    Since it is difficult for a person to see the back of their own head, styling their own hair can involve using multiple mirrors, hair-care products, and hair-care devices, generally at the same time. It can be extremely difficult to simultaneously manage a hand-held mirror, hair care product (such as hairspray, touch-up dye, leave-in conditioner, etc.) and a brush, to style certain portions of the hair. As such, individuals may often be forced to guess about where and how hair-care products are actually being applied. Often, this approach requires additional effort to fix problems caused by not being able to view the area of application of the hair-care product. 
         [0004]    Some hair-care products, such as touch-up hair dye, may require frequent application and can also require two hands to be properly applied without undesired dying of other hair, or wasting or spilling of the product. This causes some people to seek assistance from other people to aid them in properly applying the dye to a selected location, resulting in frequent and costly visits to a stylist or beautician. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Embodiments of a dispensing device for controllably dispensing a fluid to a selectable location may include a dispensing bottle, a mirror, and a mirror support assembly connecting the mirror to the dispensing bottle. The mirror support assembly may be manipulatable so as to hold the mirror at a selectable location and orientation with respect to the dispensing bottle. The mirror support assembly can also be manipulated so as to retract the mirror into a position adjacent and substantially parallel to a sidewall surface of the dispensing bottle. 
         [0006]    In some embodiments, the mirror support assembly includes at least one arm and at least two joints, and the arm may have a variable length. The mirror support assembly may be attached to a shoulder of the dispensing bottle through a joint. At least one of the joints may be a ball and socket joint. Similarly, at least one joint may incorporate sufficient internal friction so as to enable the mirror support assembly to hold the mirror at a selectable location and orientation with respect to the dispensing bottle. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments, the mirror support assembly includes a reinforcing ring affixed to a shoulder of the dispensing bottle. The reinforcing ring may provide a stable and robust point of attachment for a joint of the mirror support assembly, and may be removably affixed to the shoulder. In some embodiments, the mirror may be double sided, with one side having a magnification to improve detailed viewing. 
         [0008]    The dispensing device may be used to apply a hair-care product to a hard-to-view portion of a person&#39;s head by providing a dispensing bottle containing the hair-care product and having a mirror attached to the dispensing bottle via a mirror support assembly, extending the mirror away from the dispensing bottle, orienting the mirror, using the mirror support assembly, and applying the hair-care product to the hard-to-view portion of the head, while viewing the hard-to-view portion of the head with the mirror. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The following description can be better understood in light of Figures, in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a dispensing bottle with an adjustably attached mirror; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of the dispensing bottle of  FIG. 1  with the adjustable attached mirror in an extended position; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2   a  is an illustration of the dispensing bottle of  FIG. 1  with the adjustable attached mirror in an extended position, and with the dispensing bottle in use; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a dispensing bottle with an adjustably attached mirror, the mirror being attached to a ring incorporated on the bottle body; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 4 and 5  are illustrations of a connection mechanism of the dispensing bottle of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is an illustration of a connection mechanism of a dispensing bottle with an adjustably attached mirror; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is an illustration of a connection mechanism of the dispensing bottle with an adjustably attached mirror; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is an illustration of an exemplary linkage between a dispensing bottle and an adjustably attached mirror. 
       
    
    
       [0018]    Together with the following description, the Figures demonstrate and explain the principles of inventive dispensing bottles with attached mirrors and methods for using and making the devices. In the Figures, the thickness and configuration of components may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals in different Figures represent the same component. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    The following description supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan would understand that embodiments of dispensing bottles with attached mirrors and associated methods of using the devices can be implemented and used without employing these specific details. Indeed, exemplary embodiments and associated methods can be placed into practice by modifying the illustrated units and associated methods and can be used in conjunction with any other devices and techniques conventionally used in the industry. For example, while the description below focuses on a dispensing bottle with a flow tip for use with haircare, the apparatus and associated methods could be equally applied with other situations, such as spray bottles, pump bottles, and other dispensing bottles. 
         [0020]    One exemplary dispensing bottle with attached mirror is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2 . In the Figures, dispensing bottle with attached mirror support assembly  100  is shown. Mirror support assembly  100  includes dispensing bottle  110 , attachment  120 , arm  130 , mirror arm  140 , and mirror body  150 . Dispensing bottle  110  may be any dispensing bottle, such as a plastic bottle, a pressurized spray can, or any other dispensing bottle. Dispensing bottle  110  may have any shape, such as cylindrical, rectangular block, triangular block, rounded with stylized contours, or any other dispensing bottle design. Similarly, dispensing bottle  110  may be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic, metals, ceramics, etc., depending on the desired appearance and contents. In the illustrated embodiments, dispensing bottle  110 ,  210  is generally a rectangular block having a generally flat surface  116 ,  216  against which mirror body  150 ,  250  may be closely situated. 
         [0021]    Dispensing bottle  110  may include cap  112  and nozzle  114  for dispensing a product from dispensing bottle  110 . In the illustrated embodiments, nozzle  114  is may be a free-flow nozzle that allows fluid to leave dispensing bottle  110  when nozzle  114  is open and dispensing bottle  110  is inverted. In other embodiments, nozzle  114  may be a pump-spray nozzle, a compressed-gas nozzle, pump-nozzle, or any other desired dispensing nozzle. In some embodiments, cap  112  may be removable, or may be formed as part of dispensing bottle  110 , such as when dispensing bottle  110  is a pressurized spray can. 
         [0022]    Attachment  120  may provide attachment between arm  130  and dispensing bottle  110 . Attachment  120  allows arm  130  and thus mirror body  150  to rotate away from surface  116 , while providing sufficient friction to allow mirror body  150  to be accommodated in any desired extended position, such as that shown in  FIG. 2 , without the need to manually hold arm  130  in a particular position. Attachment  120  may be any type of attachment suitable to function as described. Various embodiments of attachments are described below with respect to subsequent illustrated embodiments. 
         [0023]    Attachment  120  may be placed anywhere on dispensing bottle  110 . In the Illustrated embodiment, attachment  120  is located at the edge of flat surface  116 , near the top of dispensing bottle  120 . In some embodiments, attachment  120  may be located on top  118 , cap  212 , or other portion of dispensing bottle  110 . All or a portion of attachment  120  may be formed in dispensing bottle  110  to provide attachment for arm  130 . In some embodiments, attachment  120  may be affixed to dispensing bottle  120 .  FIG. 3  illustrates attachment  220  on ring  280 , which will be described in further detail below. 
         [0024]    Arm  130  may connect mirror arm  140  with attachment  120 . Arm  130  may have any desired length. Arm  130  as illustrated has a length slightly shorter than the height of dispensing bottle  110 , providing a compact package when arm  130  and mirror body  250  are in a retracted position, as shown in  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, arm  130  may be telescoping such that arm  130  has a variable length. 
         [0025]    Mirror arm  140  may be connected to arm  130  through joint  142  and to mirror body  150 . Mirror arm  140  may have any shape or design desired to allow placement of mirror body  150  when mirror support assembly  100  is used. In some embodiments, additional support assembly elements may be provided to allow mirror body  150  to be extended to a desired length from dispensing bottle  110 . For example, arm  130  may include two or more segments joined by joints to allow for various positioning. 
         [0026]    Mirror body  150  provides a base for mirror  152 . Mirror base  150  and mirror  152  may be of any desirable size. Mirror base  150  may be formed to conform to surface  116  when in a retracted position, such as is shown in  FIG. 1 . This shape may provide for compact and efficient storage and shipment of mirror support assembly  100 . In some embodiments, mirror base may be hinged to provide a larger mirror when in an extended position, similar to that shown in  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, mirror base may be omitted, the mirror being directly connected to mirror the mirror arm, or to arm  130 . Similarly, in some embodiments, mirror base  150  may include mirrors on both sides to provide additional viewing options. In such embodiments, one mirror may magnify the image to allow for more detailed viewing of a desired location. 
         [0027]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 2   a , mirror base  150  may be extended from dispensing bottle  110  by moving the various components as shown in the movement arrows in  FIG. 2 . Dispensing bottle  110  may then be used to dispense product through nozzle  114  onto the user  10  while mirror  152  may be used to see an area being treated. This can allow user  10  to use one hand guiding dispensing bottle  110  and freeing the other hand to use a brush, comb, towel, or some other implement or device to assist in the correct application of the contents of dispensing bottle  110 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  illustrates mirror support assembly  200  in a retracted position, which includes the same general components as mirror support assembly  100 , with corresponding features being similar. Mirror support assembly  200  also includes ring  280 , which is illustrated in  FIGS. 3-5 . Ring  280  may be placed over a portion of dispensing bottle  210 , such as a top portion. Cap  212  and nozzle  214  may extend through hole  282  in ring  280 , allowing ring  280  to be placed over the top of dispensing bottle  210 . 
         [0029]    Ring  280  may be formed such that it has a cooperative fit with the top, or other portion, of dispensing bottle  210 . In some embodiments, hole  282  of ring  280  and cap  212  may be sized such that ring  280  can be placed on dispensing bottle  210  and then held in place by cap  212 , with cap  212  having a larger diameter than the diameter of hole  282 . Ring  280  may also be placed on the bottom of dispensing bottle  210  and shaped accordingly, or in the middle of bottle  210 , as desired. Attachment  220  may be formed into ring  280 , or may be otherwise affixed to ring  280 . 
         [0030]      FIGS. 5-7  illustrate embodiments of attachments similar to attachment  120 . Each of the embodiments may be used as desired with the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-4 .  FIG. 5  illustrates attachment  220  formed into ring  280 . Attachment  220  includes base  224 , shaft  226  and retainer  222 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , arm  230  includes hole  232  that allows passage of retainer  222  therethrough. Retainer  222  may be formed to allow for deformation when being pushed through hole  232 , and then providing a lip to retain arm  230  in place. Shaft  226  may be of a length slightly shorter than the width of arm  230  to provide friction sufficient to hold arm  230  in any desired position. Attachment  220  may allow for rotation of arm  230  about shaft  226 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of attachment  320  that may be used with ring  380 , having similar function and elements to ring  280 . Attachment  320  may include a ball and socket joint that has socket  322 , ball  324 , and shaft  334 . Ball  324  and shaft  334  may be located on linkage  330 . Attachment  320  may provide extensive motion of linkage  320  to be positioned as desired. The fit between ball  324  and socket  322  may be sized to provide sufficient friction to allow linkage  330  to be held in any desirable position. 
         [0032]      FIG. 7  illustrates another embodiment of an attachment for connecting a linkage arm to a dispensing bottle or ring, such as dispensing bottles  110 ,  210  and ring  280 . Attachment  420  is similar to attachment  220 , except that fastener  422  may be inserted into shaft  426  to provide friction between fastener  422  and base  424  and linkage  430 , allowing linkage  430  to be held in a desirable position with respect to ring  480 . Fastener  422  may be a screw to allow for adjustment of the friction. 
         [0033]      FIG. 8  illustrates embodiments of connection relationships between linkage  530 , mirror arm  540 , and mirror base  550 . Each of the features shown in  FIG. 8  may be used, either alone or in combination, with the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-7  and described above. Linkage  530  may be connected to joint  542 , which may be rotate about pin  548 . In some embodiments, joint  142 ,  542  may be a ball and socket joint, or any other type of joint as desired. Joint  542  may be connected to mirror arm  540  with rotational joint  544 . Similarly, rotational joint  546  may connect mirror body  550  to mirror arm  540 , allowing mirror body  550  to be rotated in about different axes, reflected by the rotational arrows in  FIG. 8 . Other connection between various members may include different types of connections and joints, as desired. 
         [0034]    In some embodiments, the mirror may be removable at any of the joints or attachment points discussed above or presented in the Figures. For example, mirror base  550  may be selectively removed from mirror arm  540  at rotational joint  546 , or mirror arm  549  may remain attached to mirror base  559  and be disconnected from linkage  530 , allowing mirror arm  540  to be used as a handle. Similarly, ring  280 ,  480 , may be removed from the bottle to provide for the mirror being positioned separately from the bottle. 
         [0035]    In addition to any previously indicated modification, numerous other variations and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this description, and appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the information has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred aspects, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, form, function, manner of operation and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. Also, as used herein, examples are meant to be illustrative only and should not be construed to be limiting in any manner.