Abstract:
An apparatus for applying a fluid to hair is provided. The apparatus includes a reservoir for containing a fluid, sidewalls for defining the reservoir. The sidewalls form an elongate curvilinear cavity along an interior surface and forming an exterior surface, wherein the cavity includes the reservoir and having a top portion and a bottom portion and the cavity having a longitudinal axis. The applicator also includes a top endwall located at the top portion of the sidewalls and the endwall includes an elongate cavity for dispensing a fluid. A flexible lip is located adjacent the cavity for assistance in dispensing a fluid from the elongate cavity is also included in the applicator. The applicator includes a movable bottom endwall for containing the fluid within the reservoir and advancing fluid and a rotatable smoothing rod attached to the exterior surface of the sidewalls.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/566,538, filed May 8, 2000, U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,101. 
     
    
     
       FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
         [0002]    Not Applicable  
         MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE  
         [0003]    Not Applicable  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    The present invention relates to devices for applying a fluid, and in particular to devices for applying fluid to hair.  
           [0005]    In the past, there has been a great need applicators for applying fluid to hair. For example, many people desire to have their hair straightened. One fluid used for straightening hair is Sodium Hydroxide, or lye. When applying hair straightening fluids (commonly called “relaxers”) to the hair, the hairdresser applies relaxer one section of the hair at a time and uses his fingers or the backside of a brush to smooth the hair. Due to the chemicals in the relaxer and the smoothing technique, the hair thus becomes straightened. This procedure is desirable for people with curly hair who wish to have straight hair. The procedure is particularly desirable for people with ethnic or racial backgrounds having very curly hair, for example African-Americans.  
           [0006]    While other applicators exist, there exists a need for a self-contained applicator with a well-controlled dispensing slot and an apparatus for smoothing integral with the applicator. Moreover, it is desirable to have an applicator that has the capability of being connected to several different sizes of combs (for varying thicknesses of hair). For example, different types of hair have varying thicknesses of hair, such as round-celled hair (straight), oval shaped hair (wavy) and flat cell hair (curly). Different combs are desirable to be used with these varied thicknesses.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved applicator for applying relaxer or other fluids to hair.  
           [0008]    It is another objection of the invention to provide a self-contained applicator.  
           [0009]    It is a further object of the invention to provide an applicator capable of both applying and smoothing a fluid onto hair.  
           [0010]    In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a reservoir for containing a fluid, sidewalls defining the reservoir, the sidewalls forming an elongate curvilinear cavity along an interior surface and forming an exterior surface. The cavity includes the reservoir and has a top portion and a bottom portion and the cavity also has a longitudinal axis. The applicator also includes a top endwall located at the top portion of the sidewalls, wherein the endwall includes an elongate cavity for dispensing a fluid. A flexible lip is located adjacent the cavity for assistance in dispensing a fluid from the elongate cavity is also included in the applicator. The applicator also includes a movable bottom endwall for containing the fluid within the reservoir and advancing fluid and a rotatable smoothing rod attached to the exterior surface of the sidewalls. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1 is a side view of an applicator according to a particular embodiment of the invention.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2 is top view of a cross-section of an applicator according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3 is a top view of a dispensing end of the applicator according to three alternative embodiments of the invention.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4 is a partially exposed side view of an applicator according to a particular embodiment of the invention.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a rattail comb according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a rattail comb according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 7 is a diagrammatical top view of an applicator according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 8 is a diagrammatical top view of an applicator according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of an applicator according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of an applicator according to a particular embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0021]    Referring to FIG. 1, the preferred applicator  100  is shown. The applicator  100  includes a body  102  having sidewalls  104 , a dispensing end  106  and a non-dispensing end  108 . A driver  109  is located adjacent the non-dispensing end  108 . The top surface  106  includes an elongated slot out  110  and a lip  112  adjacent the slot  110 , protruding from the dispensing end  106 . The applicator  100  also includes a comb or brush  112  having a rattail  113 . The comb  112  is secured to the applicator  100  by two retaining tracks  114 ,  115 . The preferred applicator further includes a roller  116  attached to the applicator using two similarly constructed supports  118 .  
         [0022]    In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the sidewalls  102  form an elongate curvilinear-shaped object with an oval cross-section. In this illustrated embodiment, the sidewalls  102  actually form one continuous wall extending the perimeter of the applicator. The interior of the applicator  100 , and thus inside the sidewalls  102 , contains the fluid sought to be dispensed from the slot  110 . Attached to the sidewall  102  of the preferred applicator  100  are two supports  118 ,  119  for securing a smoothing rod  116  to the applicator  100 . The function of the smoothing rod  116  will be further discussed below. Attached to the other side of the sidewall  102  in the preferred embodiment are vertically aligned tracks  114 ,  115  for securing a comb or brush  112  to the applicator  100 . The location of the tracks  114 ,  115  is preferably opposite the supports  118 ,  119  and smoothing rod  116  in order to allow free movement of the rod  116  and freedom to use the comb  112  without interference. A lip  112  is preferably attached to the top surface  106  of the applicator  100 . The lip  112  is located adjacent the dispensing slot  110  for reasons that will be further discussed below.  
         [0023]    The dispensing slot  110  is elongated so as to permit the fluid retained within the applicator  100  to be dispensed in a wide path. The lip  112  then assists in spreading the fluid dispensed from the slot  110  uniformly. For example, as fluid is forced out of the slot  110 , as will be further discussed below, the fluid advances onto the lip  112  and is ideally spread evenly across the hair across which the lip  112  and slot  110  move. In alternative embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 a  and  3   b,  brush bristles  302  or teeth  304  may alternatively be attached adjacent the dispensing slot  110 . Bristles  302  may be particularly desirable if bleach or hair color is being applied and teeth  304  may be desirable for use with hair gel. In any event, the slot  110  and structure for assisting in applying the fluid to the hair is preferably located on the dispensing end  106  (which is preferably part of a removable cap), rather than the sidewalls  102 . Having this structure on the dispensing end permits the applicator  100  to be used with multiple endcaps, each containing the different structure, such that one applicator may be used for applying several different fluids.  
         [0024]    The dispensing end  106  is preferably convex in shape so that the dispensing slot  110  is centrally located at the highest spot on the end  106  and the lip  112  is adjacent the slot. The convex shape assists the user in applying the fluid, for example relaxer, to the head because it permits the user to place the curved end  106  onto the hair, allowing a slight separation of the slot  110  from the scalp. The separation is desirable because of the damage relaxer can do if placed directly onto the scalp. In an alternative embodiment, the applicator  100  includes two nobs  306 , which are raised with respect to the dispensing end  106  (as shown in FIG. 3 a ), to achieve separation between the slot  110  and the hair.  
         [0025]    The rod  116  is secured to the applicator  100  by supports  118 ,  119  and preferably extends vertically along the sidewall  102 . The rod  116  is secured by the supports  118 ,  119  such that it is free to spin about its axis. As a result, the user may roll the smoothing rod along the hair after the fluid has been applied to the hair. When straightening hair, for example, this has the desired result of permitting the scalp to be used as the “ironing board” for the hair to be pressed against. This is a significant improvement over the present method in which the user straightens or flattens the hair using his or her thumbs or the backside of a brush.  
         [0026]    Another desired feature of the applicator  100  is the telescoping rattail, or parting wand,  113  extending from the comb  112  or non-dispensing end  108  of the applicator  100 . The rattail or parting wand  113  is used to part hair, for example to separate different sections of hair for relaxer to be applied to the separate portions. The telescoping feature permits the wand  113  to be placed out of the way when a fluid, such as relaxer, is being applied to the hair, and to be extended only when needed. The telescoping feature also permits the wand to be extended to differing lengths, thereby adapting to the user&#39;s preference.  
         [0027]    Turning now to FIG. 2, that Figure provides a look at a cross-section of the sidewalls  102 . The sidewalls  102  have an interior surface  202   a  and an exterior surface  202   b.  A movable endwall  204  and a driving shaft  206  are also shown in FIG. 2. The movable endwall  204  and interior surface  202   a  of the sidewalls  102  forms a reservoir for containing a fluid, such as relaxer, within the applicator  100 . When more fluid is desired to be pushed from the slot  110 , the user may turn the driver  109 , which turns the driving shaft  206 . The driving shaft  206  is threaded like a screw and drives the movable endwall  204  up and down as the driver  109  is turned. When the driver  109  is turned, the movable endwall  204  thus decreases the size of the reservoir and forces fluid toward the dispensing end  106  and out through the slot  110 , preferably onto the subject&#39;s hair. While the driver  109  and driving shaft  206  combination is the preferred structure for advancing fluid to and out of the dispensing slot  110 , other methods for advancing the fluid may be used. For example, the movable wall  204  may be secured within the inner surface  202   a  using a friction fit or other method. The applicator  100  may also use a pushable button or device, for advancing a movable wall, which is located on the sidewall  102 . This arrangement may permit the user to more easily dispense fluid while he or she is applying the fluid. Ultimately, it is desired that the dispensing end  106  include a removable cover to permit replacement of fluid within the applicator  100  when the applicator  100  is empty or low on fluid.  
         [0028]    Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, FIG. 3 presents a top view of the dispensing end  106 , including the elongated dispensing slot  110  and the lip  112 . FIG. 4 illustrates the interior of the preferred applicator, including the driver  109 , shaft  206  and movable endwall  204 . The fluid fills the interior cavity of the applicator  100  and the top surface is shown near the dispensing end  106 .  
         [0029]    During use, the applicator  100  is preferably tipped upside down, causing the fluid sought to be dispensed onto the hair. After the fluid is placed on the hair, the user may tip the applicator  100  on its side and use the smoothing rod  116  to smooth, spread or apply the fluid evenly (if desired) onto the hair. As a result, depending on how the user holds the applicator  100 , he or she may wish to detach the comb  112 , collapse the wand  113 , or not even have the tracks  114 ,  115  present on the applicator  100  for easy holding of the applicator  100 . Moreover, the fluid is preferably viscous enough such that it does not automatically exit the slot  110  when the applicator  100  is held sideways (so the smoothing rod  116  may be effectively used), but rather is dispensed by the user causing the movable wall  204  to be moved. As a result, depending on the substance the applicator is being used with, the slot may be of a width to prevent dispensation of the fluid without the user causing the endwall  204  to move. In an alternative embodiment, the slot is equipped with a structure (not shown) for varying the width of the slot so that different fluids can be accommodated within the same applicator  100  for different applications. The dispensing end  106  is preferably removable to allow the user to fill the applicator  100  with the desired fluid.  
         [0030]    In another alternative embodiment, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a telescoping rattail comb  500  is formed from the rattail  113  and comb  112 . In this embodiment, because it is detached, the telescoping rattail comb  500  is provided separately from the applicator  100 . The telescoping comb  500  may be far more versatile than if it is simply attached to the applicator  100 . For example, a hairdresser may use the comb separately to part hair, comb the hair into place using the comb  112 , and then use the applicator  100  to apply a fluid to the hair. The comb  500  may also be compactly stored and is easier to clean than if left attached to the applicator  100 .  
         [0031]    In one embodiment of the telescoping rattail comb  500 , illustrated in FIG. 6, the telescoping portion includes a proximal end  602  and a distal end  604 , and the comb portion  112  includes a comb attached to a substantially hollow cylinder  606 , and the telescoping rattail comb  500  further includes a detachable plug  608  located at the distal end  604  for retaining the telescoping portion  113  within the substantially hollow cylinder  606 .  
         [0032]    In yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in FIG. 7, the body  102  is shaped like a teardrop along the vertical. In this way, the applicator  100  will fit ergonomically within the user&#39;s hand, thereby avoiding undue stress or strain to the user and preventing cramping of the user&#39;s hand. In particular, the larger curved portion of the sidewalls  102  can be placed closest to the user&#39;s palm, while the tapered portion of the sidewalls  102  can be grasped between the user&#39;s fingers. In this way, the user can have more control over the applicator  100  than with, for example, an ovular shape. The teardrop shape can also be utilized to provide the user improved visibility to the comb  112 , smoothing rod  116 , or other structure included along the apex of the teardrop. Improved visibility makes it easier for the user to achieve a better result when using the comb  112 , smoothing rod  116 , or other structure located at the apex. The teardrop shape can be applied to the entire body  102 , or a portion of the body approximately the width of the user&#39;s hand. The benefits of the teardrop shape can realized even if it is applied only to the area approximately the width of the user&#39;s hand.  
         [0033]    In another alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 8, the applicator  100  is equipped with multiple slots,  800   a,    800   b  and  800   c.  By providing multiple slots, the applicator  100  can be used with more controlled and longer strokes, while avoiding waste. In particular, when the dispensing end  106  is convexly shaped, the single slot  800   c  can be placed at the tallest point of the dispensing end  106 . When a fluid is forced toward the slots  800   a  - c , the fluid will tend to take a path of least resistance, thereby tending initially toward slot  800   c,  with only a smaller portion coming out of slots  800   b  and slots  800   a.  As slot  800   c  lets fluid out, a backup will be created (relative to the time period before no fluid was exiting slot  800   c ) and fluid will move toward slots  800   a  - b  with greater force. As a result, the fluid will “back-up,” or move to exit slots  800   a  - b  as well. Because slots illustrated in FIG. 8 cover an overall smaller surface area as they move away from the pinnacle of the convexly shapped dispensing end  106 , they will let lesser amounts of fluid from them as they get further from the pinnacle. In this way, a user can provide more fluid at one time and without the problems of messiness or unnecessary waste provided if the slots were uniform in coverage, a longer, more controlled stroke is possible. As with other embodiments, the dispensing end  106  may be utilizes with a press-fit, screw-on cap, or through other suitable means.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIGS. 9 and 10 provide alternative embodiments having multiple apertures or cavities for dispensing a fluid. In these Figures, the apertures  902  are provided along the width of the lip  112  and brush or comb bristles  302 .  
         [0035]    While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown, it will be understood, of course, that the invention is not limited thereto since modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. For example, although a preferred use of the applicator  100  is to apply relaxer to hair, the applicator  100  may also be used for dispensing other substances, for example gel, leave-in conditioner, hair color or bleach to the hair. Additionally, an alternative embodiment includes the elongated slot  110  as a slot in the sidewall  102 , adjacent the dispensing end  106  of the applicator. It is, therefore, contemplated by the appended claims to cover any such modifications as incorporate those features which constitute the essential features of these improvements within the true spirit and the scope of the invention.