Abstract:
A hair coloring system for hair coloring applications such as touch-up and highlighting. The system comprises a multi-component hair color and a closed container that separately stores the hair color components, and provides for mixing the components prior to use within the same container, and then for applying the mixed components directly from the container to hair to be colored through passage(s) in the container that are opened after the components have been mixed. The passage(s) may be configured, for example by an attachment, such as a spatula, brush or sponge, for direct application of the hair color to hair. A closed system is provided that eliminates the risk of spillage during storage, preparation and use of multi-component hair colors. The system is self-contained in the sense that the hair color is supplied as part of a device that stores components of the hair color, mixes the components and provides for directed delivery of the mixed hair color.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 60/358,449, filed Feb. 20, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The invention disclosed herein relates to hair-coloring and a system for storing, mixing and applying a multi-component hair color directly to hair to be colored. The invention provides both a system or device and a method.  
         [0003]     The invention is concerned with the storage, mixing and direct application to hair to be colored of limited amounts of multi-component hair colors for touch-up (e.g., a minor interim treatment that is performed between full color treatments at the hair roots or elsewhere), highlighting, facial hair coloring and other applications other than a full treatment hair coloring.  
         [0004]     U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,247,586, 5,778,902 and 5,937,864 disclose devices that hold two components of a two-component hair color separately, and provide for mixing the components prior to application thereof to hair to be colored.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     The invention provides a hair coloring system for hair coloring applications such as touch-up, highlighting, coloring facial hair and the like. The system comprises a multi-component hair color and a device that includes a closed container that separately stores therein the components of the multi-component hair color hair, and provides for mixing the components prior to use within that same closed container (without opening the container), and then applying the mixed components directly from that same previously closed container to hair to be colored through an opening made that can be made in the container after the components have been mixed. In preferred embodiments, the opening is configured for a directed application of the hair color directly to hair, and may include an applicator such as a spatula, brush or sponge, for example.  
         [0006]     The closed system provided by the invention eliminates the risk of spillage while storing the multi-component hair color and while preparing the multi-component hair color for use. With a configured opening, the system also reduces the risk of spillage during application of the hair color as well as facilitates application and enables improved application of hair color for the concerned hair coloring applications.  
         [0007]     Also, devices according to the invention can be manufactured relatively inexpensively so as to be marketable as disposable, single application or use devices.  
         [0008]     In the preferred embodiments, the container is elongated, self-supporting, e.g., does not collapse or excessively bend under its own weight, and sized to be grasped by a fingers of a hand or against the palm of a hand, e.g., approximately the size of a pencil, pen, or cigar.  
         [0009]     The invention provides for application of hair color to all hair types, and for both men and women. Examples of hair color changes that may be achieved include color variations within a wide range of the color and shade spectrum, highlighting, total gray coverage, and partial or selective color changes. A consumer may touch up selected hairs that are gray, for instance. The invention may also be used to paint out gray streaks that typically occur in certain areas of the scalp.  
         [0010]     Any suitable hair color may be used as the multi-component hair color, for example, hair colors that comprises at least one dye and at least one an activator, e.g., peroxide. Multi-component hair colors are known in the art of hair coloring. The hair color may be conventional, and the viscosities of the hair color components may be selected to produce, when mixed, a hair color that has desired flow characteristics for a particular application. For example, for touch-up applications, the viscosities may be selected to produce a mixture that does not quickly run and yet is easily spread, preferably by an applicator associated with the container. However, for highlighting applications, the viscosities may be selected to produce a mixture that can be smoothly ejected from the container, perhaps more quickly than for root touch-up applications as the device is passed more quickly over longer stretches of hair.  
         [0011]     In the preferred embodiments, the components of the hair color are liquids, but may be gels or creams, or one of the components may be a powder that is dissolved by or mixed with another component that is a liquid or gel, etc.  
         [0012]     Various structures may provide for separate storage of the components and mixing of the components within the closed container, and for applying the mixed components directly from the container to hair to be colored. Suitable structures (a) maintain the hair color components separate under handling expected for a product of this type prior to the time the hair coloring system is to be used, e.g., during shipment after manufacture, while stored in inventory, while on the shelf for sale, while transported and stored by a consumer, etc., (b) communicate the components within the closed container in response to manual actions applied to the unitary container, e.g., manual squeezing, twisting, bending actions, etc., and (c) permit mixing of the communicated components within the closed container in response to manual actions applied to the container such as shaking, kneading, etc. Examples of suitable structures are disclosed herein. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,061,910, 5,043,851, 5,067,051, 5,488,544, 6,283,933, and 6,189,688 disclose subject matter, outside the field of hair coloring, that may have application to the devices disclosed herein. The disclosures of these patents are incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0013]     In one embodiment, two parts of the container, separated by a movable or breakable (rupturable, fracturable, frangible, etc.) sealing member(s) (or sealed wall(s)) of the container, each hold a component of the hair color. In another embodiment, a breakable glass, plastic, film or foil ampoule, vial, packet or pouch, holding one component, occupies part of the container interior. (The term “ampoule” is used herein in a broad sense and encompasses vials, pouches, sealed plastic film and foil packets as well as thin glass and plastic containers, etc., and is not limited to containing only a single dose or use of a component.) Another component is held in the container interior either in another breakable ampoule or directly such that breaking the ampoule or ampoules communicates the two components in the interior of the container. To facilitate breaking, an ampoule may be provided with a weakened portion or fracture area, etc.  
         [0014]     The container may itself be flexible or deformable, or include a region that is flexible or deformable, so that a manual action applied thereto can move a sealing member or break a sealing member or an ampoule. The interior of the container is sized and the degree of component filling is selected to permit mixing of the communicated components under the application of manual actions such as shaking or kneading, etc. Since the inventive hair coloring system is self-contained, and the components are stored, communicated and mixed entirely within a closed container, and then applied directly through a preferably directed opening made in the container to hair to be colored, with the exercise of routine care, there is little risk that any of the hair color will leak onto ones hands or clothing or on anything else.  
         [0015]     The container is thus reconfigurable by a user from a storage configuration, in which the ingredients are maintained separately in the container and are precluded from mixing, to a ready-to-use configuration, in which the ingredients are allowed to mix within the container to form the hair color.  
         [0016]     In the preferred embodiments, when the components are communicated, all of the components stored in the container are exposed to each other. Thus, in the preferred embodiments, the hair coloring system is a single use system, and preferably includes a single use amount of the components. The system is preferably not refillable and thus is disposable. However, hair color in a device according to the invention need not be used in one application and can be saved in the device and used at a later time while the hair color is still effective.  
         [0017]     The invention provides various directed release structures for applying the hair color to the hair, including single and multiple spout or nozzle embodiments, as well as applicators such as a brush, spatula, or sponge that can be unitary with or attachable to an inventive container.  
         [0018]     In one embodiment, a portion of the walls of the container are sealed together in a sealing region using, e.g., an adhesive or a heat seal or ultrasonic weld, to form separate chambers in the container for separately maintaining the hair color components. In this embodiment, the container is reconfigured into the ready-to-use configuration by breaking the seal in the sealing region, thereby enabling the hair color components to be mixed in the closed container The seal can be broken by the application of pressure applied by fingers of a hand, for example.  
         [0019]     In another embodiment, the container houses a pouch or bag, e.g., made of plastic or foil, having separate chambers for maintaining the hair color components separately, which is reconfigured into the ready-to-use configuration by rupturing a seal in the pouch between the two chambers. The pouch may be formed by two sheets that are sealed at their edges, e.g., by a heat seal that is stronger than the seal in the sealing region so that the seal in the sealing region breaks before the seal along the edges of the sheets can break. The seal in the sealed region may use be formed by a sealing member or material, e.g., wax or paraffin material, that can be dislodged before the seal along the edges of the sheets breaks.  
         [0020]     In one embodiment, a self-supporting outer container and an inner container (self-supporting or not) are provided. Directed delivery may occur directly from the inner container through an opening in the outer container, or from the inner container to the outer container, and from the outer container through an opening thereof.  
         [0021]     In some embodiments, a plurality of containers are attached together to provide a system with a plurality of hair colors that may be the same, partially different or entirely different. The plurality of attached containers may be provided as inner containers in an outer container. Inner containers may be self-supporting or not. Non-self-supporting containers may be made of plastic film or foil similar to condiment packages, such as ketchup, for take out food.  
         [0022]     The container may be formed in different ways, such as by extrusion or injection molding, and the hair color components may be provided in the container in various ways, e.g., discussed below.  
         [0023]     An applicator, such as a brush, sponge or spatula, may be associated with the directed release portion of the container for applying the hair color directly to hair. The applicator may be unitary with the container, or the container may have structure for attaching an applicator thereto.  
         [0024]     The directed release portion of the container may have different configurations, such as a nozzle having a tab that is adapted to be ruptured by the user by bending, a score line that is adapted to be ruptured by the user by tearing, or a cut line that is adapted to be ruptured by the user by cutting.  
         [0025]     A method according to the invention comprises separating hair color components in a closed container, communicating the hair color components in the closed container, mixing the communicated hair color components in the closed container and providing an opening in the closed container through which the mixed components can be directly applied to hair. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0026]     The invention is illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings, which are exemplary, in which like and corresponding references in different figures indicate like, similar or corresponding parts, and in which:  
         [0027]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a hair coloring device or system according to the invention showing a tubular container in which a sealing member separates two parts of the container, each holding a different hair color component;  
         [0028]      FIG. 2  is a cross section view of the device depicted in  FIG. 1  taken along line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1  and also showing the container being compressed to move the sealing member and communicate the two parts of the container;  
         [0029]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the device depicted in  FIG. 1 , after the sealing member has been moved and the end of the tubular member snipped to open a spout or nozzle thereat, in use applying hair color to hair at the roots thereof in a touch-up application;  
         [0030]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a hair coloring device or system according to another embodiment of the invention showing a tubular container in the interior of which is an ampoule that holds one component of a hair color and a different component of the hair color outside of the ampoule;  
         [0031]      FIG. 5  is a cross section view of the device depicted in  FIG. 4  taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4  and also showing the container being compressed to rupture the ampoule and communicate the two components of the hair color;  
         [0032]      FIG. 6  is an exploded side view of a hair coloring device or system according to another embodiment of the invention similar to the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4 , also including an attachable brush applicator;  
         [0033]      FIG. 7  is a side view of an attachable sponge applicator for the device depicted in  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0034]      FIG. 8  is a longitudinal section view of a hair coloring device or system according to another embodiment of the invention showing two attached devices, each of which is similar to the device depicted in  FIG. 1  and can hold a different (or the same) hair color;  
         [0035]      FIG. 9  is a cross section view of the device depicted in  FIG. 8  taken along lines  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 10  is a longitudinal section view of a hair coloring device or system according to another embodiment of the invention similar to the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4 , except that a grate is provided to hold the ampoule in place and prevent passage of broken parts of the ampoule therethrough and structure is provided in the container that assists in breaking the ampoule;  
         [0037]      FIG. 11  is a cross section view of the device depicted in  FIG. 10  taken along lines  11 - 11  in  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0038]      FIG. 12  is a side view of a hair coloring device or system according to another embodiment of the invention showing an outer container holding an inner container similar to the container depicted in  FIG. 4  except that the ampoule is held in a forward or downstream part of the container, and the container is shaped;  
         [0039]      FIG. 13  is an right end view of the device depicted in  FIG. 12 ;  
         [0040]      FIG. 14  is a side view, partly broken away, of a hair coloring device or system according to another embodiment of the invention showing a shaped container similar to the container within the outer container depicted in  FIG. 12 ;  
         [0041]      FIG. 15  is an exploded side view of a hair coloring device or system according to another embodiment of the invention showing a container similar to the container depicted in  FIG. 14  also including an attachable brush applicator similar to the applicator depicted in  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0042]      FIG. 16  is a side view of a hair coloring device similar to the device depicted in  FIG. 14  and including structure on the outer container for attaching an attachable applicator device;  
         [0043]      FIG. 17  is a right side view of the device depicted in  FIG. 16 ;  
         [0044]      FIG. 18  is an axial cross section view of the device depicted in  FIG. 16 ;  
         [0045]      FIG. 19  is a side view of the device depicted in  FIG. 16  with a sponge applicator attached thereto;  
         [0046]      FIG. 20   s  a side view of the device depicted in  FIG. 12  having three spouts at the end thereof instead of one spout;  
         [0047]      FIG. 21  is a side view of a hair coloring device or system according to another embodiment of the invention showing two interior containers similar to the container depicted in  FIG. 12  but attached similar to the containers depicted in  FIG. 8  in an outer container similar to the container depicted in  FIG. 12 ;  
         [0048]      FIG. 22  is a longitudinal section view of a hair coloring device or system similar to the device depicted in  FIG. 1  showing a different sealing member arrangement;  
         [0049]      FIG. 23  is a cross section view of the device depicted in  FIG. 22  taken along line  23 - 23  in  FIG. 22 ;  
         [0050]      FIG. 24  is a longitudinal section view of a portion of the device depicted in  FIG. 22  showing displacement of the sealing member cause by squeezing the container; and  
         [0051]      FIG. 25  is a cross section view of the dispensing end of the device depicted in  FIG. 24  according to another embodiment. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0052]     Many formulations for hair color provide a color to the hair that can last up to several weeks, depending on factors such as the hair type, dye color, exposure to sunlight and chlorine and other factors. Generally, such hair colors comprise two or more components that are stored separately until the hair color is to be used, and typically include a dye or colorant component and an activator component, e.g., developer, such as hydrogen peroxide. When the hair color is to be applied, the components are mixed together and applied to the hair to be colored. Such hair colors are typically referred to as “permanent” hair colors. The invention is applicable to such hair colors and other hair colors which comprise two or more components that are stored separately and are mixed together at the time the hair color is to be applied to the hair to be colored.  
         [0053]     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , a hair coloring device or system  30  according to one embodiment of the invention comprises an elongated container  32  in which two components  34  and  35  ( FIG. 2 ) are stored separated from each other in container parts  38  and  39  of the container  32 . In a preferred embodiment, the container  32  is tubular, but the container can have any suitable shape, for example, contoured shapes as exemplified by the device depicted in  FIG. 15 , or of rectangular, polygonal, oval, etc. cross section. Generally, the container  32  has a shape that can be easily held and manipulated by a user in one hand. The container  32  is self-supporting, e.g., does not appreciably fold or flop under its own weight. The device  30  depicted in  FIGS. 1-3  is sized to be grasped between fingers of a hand, as illustrated by  FIGS. 2 and 3 , but can be larger or smaller. For example, the device  30  may be of pencil, fountain pen, or cigar size. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the container  32  does not appreciably bend when supported between fingers of a hand or when pressed against the hair or scalp during application of hair color to the hair.  
         [0054]     Although containers used in the invention may have any suitable shape, the following description discusses containers of tubular or generally tubular shape with the understanding, however, the description applies directly or correspondingly to containers of other shape and that the use in the invention of containers of other shapes will be apparent to those of skill in the relevant art.  
         [0055]     In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 , a disc-shaped sealing member  42  seals against the interior periphery (circumference) of the container  32 . A seal may be provided in any suitable way. In the preferred embodiment, the container  32  and the member  42  are made of plastic, e.g., a monolayer polyethylene, PTFE (Teflon) or any other suitable material, and a seal of member  42  in the container may be made by, e.g.: a tight or interference mechanical fit of the member  42  obtained for example by forcing a member having a larger diameter than the inner diameter of the container into position or by reducing the inner diameter of the container along the periphery of the member  42  after the member is in position; heat weld or seal; an ultrasonic weld; an adhesive; forming the member  42  unitary with the container  32 ; etc. (Filling the container with components  34  and  35  is discussed below.) In one embodiment, the sealing member  42  may comprise a generally rigid piece of plastic such as a washer or disk, which may be referred to as a “flip disk,” that is sealingly held in place against the inner container wall. The container wall may have a circumferential groove or recess in which the outer periphery of the sealing member  42  is engaged and sealed.  
         [0056]     The sealing member  42  forms a fluid-tight seal (with respect to the components  34  and  35 ) against the container and thereby separates the components  34  and  35  in the container  32 . The container  30  is similarly made of a material that fluid-tight with respect to air and the components  34  and  35 . In other words, member  42  and container  32  are essentially impermeable to air and the components  34  and  35  over at least the expected shelf life of the device  30 . (The terms “fluid-tight” and “impermeable” are meant in a relative sense, as discussed above, unless the context indicates otherwise.)  
         [0057]     The ends  44  and  45  of the container  32  are closed fluid-tight in any suitable manner, e.g., crimping, heat weld or seal, an ultrasonic weld, by an adhesive, etc. The container  32  may be filled with components  34  and  35  in any suitable manner, e.g., by sealing an end, dispensing on of the component into the part  38  or  39  adjacent the sealed end to a level below the position of member  42 , sealing member  42  against the container, filling the other part of the container and sealing the other end of the container. The container may be filled from one end after the member  32  has been sealed against the container followed by sealed that end, and filling from and sealing the opposite end. The container may also be filled after it has been fully closed by injecting the components into the parts  38  and  39  and thereafter sealing the injection holes.  
         [0058]     The end  45  is sealed to so as to provide for an opening and directed delivery of hair color therethrough from within the container  32 . For example, end  45  provides a spout (or nozzle) and/or an applicator  48 . Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the end  45  of the container is sealed flat at least at the outer edge thereof. A spout can be formed in end  45  using e.g., a die plate. When the hair color is to be applied to hair, the end  45  is snipped, cut, broken, etc., along the broken line  50 , which may be marked on the end  45 . The end  45  may be weakened, bent, scored, etc. along line  50  to facilitate breaking the edge of the end  45  off without a scissors or other tool or implement.  
         [0059]     Breaking off the edge of the end  45  either provides a wider, flat spout (or nozzle) in communication with the interior of the container  32 , or a smaller more directed spout or nozzle in the container end  45 . In either case, squeezing the container  32 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , forces hair color out of the container through this spout. (In the case where the end  45  of the container is still sealed, squeezing the container forces the end  45  open.)  
         [0060]     The flat outer part of the end  45  functions as an applicator in the form of a spatula. Referring to  FIG. 3 , the hair color is squeezed out of the spout in the end  45  of the container and spread or applied to hair at the roots thereof near the scalp by the flattened end  45  functioning as a spatula. Other applicators are disclosed below, and particular applicators may be better suited to apply hair color to hair for different applications such as touch-up, highlighting, coloring facial hair, etc. For example, in the device  30   c  depicted in  FIG. 6 , a smaller diameter tubular or conical spout  72  is provided, and similar spouts are provided in the devices depicted in  FIGS. 12-22 . Similarly, different applicators may be communicated with the various spouts. For example, a brush applicator  80  and a sponge applicator  86 , as illustrated, for example, in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , may be used.  
         [0061]     Hair color from the device  30  can be applied in a directed manner by a consumer to the root or other hair portions. Because the device  30  enables a directed application of hair-color, such application can be made, e.g., to root portions. The device  30  as constructed can be run through a person&#39;s hair to apply coloring to the desired hair portions, and a person can apply hair color from a device  30  directly to her or his hair or to the hair of another person.  
         [0062]     As discussed above and illustrated in  FIG. 3 , device  30  is well suited to touch-up applications. Devices having a tubular spout, or a brush or sponge applicator may be better suited to highlighting applications, etc., and devices having a brush or sponge applicator may also be suitable for root touch-up applications, etc.  
         [0063]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the components  34  and  35  of the hair color are maintained separated in container parts  38  and  39 , respectively, by the sealing member  42 . Either component of a two-component hair color may be stored in part  38  and  39 . When it is desired to apply the hair color in device  30  to the hair, the components  34  and  35  are communicated and mixed, i.e., the seal between container parts  38   39  is broken. This may be accomplished in different ways depending upon structure of the sealing member  42  and the nature of the seal between the sealing member  42  and the container  32 .  
         [0064]     In one embodiment, the seal is broken simply by squeezing container part  38 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The force created by squeezing either ruptures the sealing member  42  or dislodges it at least partially from the sealing position depicted in  FIG. 2 . (The container could also be squeezed at container part  39  to break the seal, but this is not preferred because of a risk of prematurely breaking the seal at the end  45  of the container.) In other embodiments, a shearing force may be applied generally longitudinally to the container at the location of the sealing member to cause the sealing member to pivot or rotate about a longitudinal axis, or the container may be stricken against an edge of an object such as a counter top at the location of the sealing member. The container may be marked on the outside to indicate a preferred location to squeeze, manipulate or strike the container.  
         [0065]     After the container parts  38  and  39  have been communicated, the device may be considered reconfigured from a storage configuration to a use configuration. The components  34  and  35  are mixed together by shaking the device  30  and/or by alternatingly squeezing parts of the container, e.g., to produce a kneading action. Although not shown in  FIG. 3 , container parts  38  and  39  may not be completely filled to facilitate mixing. A weighted object such as metal ball may be provided in the container  32  enhance the mixing action. Preferably, the container has optical properties that permit the separation or mixing condition of the components within the container. For example, a transparent container allows the condition of the sealing member  42  to be observed as well as the state of mixing of the components  34  and  35 . After the components  34  and  35  have been mixed, the end  45  is snipped as discussed above, the mixed hair color applied as shown, for example, in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0066]     The components  34  and  35  my both be liquid or gel, or one may be a powder and the other a liquid or gel. The viscosities of liquid and gel components are selected to provide a smooth ejection of mixed hair color from the container from a squeezing action, e.g., as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Particular multi-component hair colors and viscosities of liquid and gel components thereof and will be apparent to those of skill in the art in view of the particular device and the particular hair coloring application. The relative amounts of the two components  34  and  35  will depend upon the hair color and/or the application, and will be known to those of skill in the art. The location of the sealing member  42  will be positioned accordingly.  
         [0067]     To accommodate the squeezing described above for breaking the seal between container parts  38  and  39 , for mixing the components and for dispensing the mixed hair color, the container is constructed accordingly. For example, the particular material of which the container is constructed, and the thickness of the material are selected to accommodate such squeezing. Alternatively, only portions of the container may be constructed to accommodate such squeezing.  
         [0068]     A plastic container  32  may be formed, e.g., by an extrusion or injection molding process. Extrusion provides low cost tubing that can be cut at sealed at opposite ends, as discussed above. Injection molding allows more freedom in the shape and appearance of the device, but may be more expensive. The particular method by which the container  32  is made will influence the manner in which it is filled, as will be apparent to those of skill in the art. The materials of which the container  32  and member  42  may be made, the manner in which the container may made, sealed and filled will be known to those of skill in the art. Similarly, the materials of which containers of other embodiments and structure associated therewith may be made, the manner in which the containers of other embodiments may made, sealed and filled will be known to those of skill in the art, and only limited description will be made to such details in the descriptions below of the other embodiments.  
         [0069]     The hair color system or device  32   a  depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5  is similar to the device  30  depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 , but includes a breakable or frangible ampoule  92  that defines the container part  38  in which the hair color component  34  is stored. The container part  35  lies outside of the ampoule  92  and stores the hair color component  35 . A stop  94  may be provided to limit movement of the ampoule  90  within the container  32   a  to facilitate breaking the ampoule. Other structure, e.g., a tapered region of the container, or a bonding, e.g., by an adhesive, of the ampoule to the container or other structural or adhesive elements to prevent the vial from shifting, and/or to allow the container to be easily gripped, as discussed further below. A filter  225  made of a mesh or other material may be provided to contain broken fragments of the vial  130  in the container.  
         [0070]     When it is desired to apply hair color, the container  32   a  is squeezed as illustrated in  FIG. 5  until the ampoule  92  breaks. Thereafter, the components  34  and  35  are mixed and dispensed as described above. To facilitate breaking of the ampoule  92 , the ampoule may be provided with a weakened portion (not shown), e.g., scored, etc.  
         [0071]     The ampoule  92  may be made of thin glass or plastic, e.g., a small plastic pouch or tube positioned adjacent end. In either case, the ampoule is constructed to break, rupture, fracture, etc. in response to the squeezing action illustrated in  FIG. 5 , or other action described above. For example, the glass and its thickness may be selected to easily fracture, and the plastic and/or the sealing mechanism to easily rupture. A filter  96 , e.g., a foam sponge, may be provided adjacent end  45  to block or entrain any broken glass of a glass ampoule that progresses to the end  45 . In another embodiment, the ampoule  92  is positioned adjacent end  48 .  
         [0072]     In another embodiment, an ampoule of suitable size similar to ampoule  92  may also be provided for component  35  and positioned adjacent container end  45  to define container part  39 . This ampoule may be broken as described above.  
         [0073]      FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of a hair-coloring device or system  30   c  that includes attachable applicators  80  ( FIG. 6 ) and  86  ( FIG. 7 ). Various applicators, such as applicator  80  having a brush  82 , applicator  86  having a sponge  88 , a spatula (not shown, but similar to end  45  in the device  30 ) may be used to optimally apply the hair color from a hair-coloring device according to the invention. Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , snap-attachment structure may be provided for attaching a desired applicator. Such structure may comprise an annular shoulder or flange near in or adjacent the end  45   a  and socket structure in an open end of the respective applicator opposite the applicator tip. Threaded arrangements and other arrangements may be used to attach the applicators, or an applicator can be a unitary part, e.g., integrally molded, with the container  32   b.    
         [0074]     A spout  74  ( FIG. 6 ) formed in the end  45   a  of the container  32   b  communicates with the opening  84  in the applicator  80 ,  86 . The spout  74  is generally tubular or conical and device  70  can be used without an attachable applicator, i.e., the spout  74  may comprise the applicator. The shoulder  72  can be formed with the container  32   b  or subsequently attached thereto. A generally spherical end  45   a  and a generally tubular or conical spout  74  may be formed in an injection molding or extrusion process in known manner.  
         [0075]     The dual hair coloring system or device  30   d  depicted in  FIGS. 8 and 9  includes two hair colors which may be the same or different. For example, two different shades of a color or two different highlights, or dimensional highlights, or a highlight and a lowlight, or a highlight or color and a contour, etc., may be provided in the same device. Interesting effects such as different colored streaks may be achieved when hair color is dispensed from the two containers together, or the hair colors may be dispensed at different times. In construction, device  32  may comprise a pair of containers  32   d , and other containers or devices disclosed herein, attached together.  
         [0076]     In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the hair coloring device or system  30   d  includes two attached devices similar to device  30  (with corresponding reference numbers shown). The two containers  32   d  share a common wall portion  38   a ,  39   a . The sealing members  42   a  are shown as unitary with the respective container  32   d , and have a tapered thickness to facilitate rupturing thereof in response to squeezing the respective container  32   d . The device  30   d  may incorporate any of the applicators, nozzles, component separation structure (e.g., ampoules) disclosed herein in place of the corresponding structure shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . Individual labeling or other markings may be provided for the respective containers  32   d . More than two attached devices may be provided, and the devices need not be attached.  
         [0077]     The hair coloring system or device  30   e  depicted in  FIG. 10  includes an ampoule  92 , a filter  96 , an end  45 , as in device  30   b  depicted in  FIG. 4 , and also includes a screen or grate  42   b , which also functions to restrict movement of the ampoule  92 , and structure for assisting in breaking the ampoule  92 . The break structure  102  projects inwardly from the inner part of the container  32   e  to the ampoule  92 . Squeezing the container  32   e  at the location of the break structure  102 , as indicated by the arrows, assists in breaking the ampoule  92 . The break assist structure  102  may be shaped, e.g., have pointed or sharp tips or edges, to further assist in breaking the ampoule  92 . Ampoules constructed as plastic pouches or films or foils may be more in need of such structure than a glass ampoule to easily break the ampoule. The screen  42   b  functions to maintain the ampoule in place and to prevent the movement of pieces of the ampoule into container part  39   e  after the ampoule has been broken. The screen  42   b  may be seated in a circumferential groove formed in the container wall. Another filter material, such as foam sponge, fabric such as cotton, etc., may be used with or in place of the screen portion  104  of screen  42   b.    
         [0078]      FIGS. 12-13  depict a hair-coloring system or device  30   f  that includes an inner container  32   f  and an outer container  110 . Outer container  110  is self-supporting and has the flexibility or deformability discussed to allow a force, such as from squeezing, to be transmitted to the inner container  32   f . The outer container is sealed at both ends. The inner container may be similar to container  32   a  with respect to the container parts, the hair color components and an ampoule in the container, but the ampoule  92  is positioned adjacent end  45   f , the container  32   f  is distinctively shaped, and the container  32   f  need not be self-supporting. A sealing member  42   f  may also be provided, which also functions to limit movement of the ampoule  92  in the container. To communicate container parts  38   f  and  39   f , the seal provided by the sealing member  42   f  must be broken and the ampoule  92  must be broken.  
         [0079]     The inner container  32   f  ( FIG. 12 ) may be a film or foil container, similar to disposable containers for condiments such as ketchup. The end  45   f  of the inner container may be conically shaped to form a spout  114  that communicates with the flattened end  112  of the outer container  110 . The ends of the outer and inner containers may be snipped or cut along a weakened portion  50  (bend, tear, score) in the respective end. A cap, not shown, may be provided for the spout in the inner container, and inserted through the oval opening  114  ( FIG. 13 ) formed in the end  112  of the outer container. The flattened end  112  of the outer container may function as a spatula.  
         [0080]      FIG. 14  depicts a hair-coloring system or device  30   g  that has a container  32   g  that is similar to container  32   f  depicted in  FIG. 12 , except that it is grasped in use and therefore must be self-supporting. Injection molding may be used to form this and other various designs. The container  32   g  is shown in use being squeezed between two fingers to dispense the hair color, after mixing thereof, through the spout  114 . A weakened portion  50  is provided in the end  45   f  to facilitate opening the spout. A cover  116  is provide to close the spout  114  to prevent leakage after the spout has been opened and while the device is not being used.  
         [0081]      FIG. 15  depicts a hair color system or device  30   h  similar to device  30   g  depicted in  FIG. 14  and including structure  72 , similar to that in device  30   c  in  FIG. 6 , for attaching applicators  80  and  86  described above.  
         [0082]      FIGS. 16-18  depict a hair color system or device  30   i  similar to device  30   f  depicted in  FIG. 12  and including structure  72  on outer container  110   a , similar to that in device  30   c  in  FIG. 6 , for attaching applicators  80  and  86  described above. Additionally, the outer container  110   a  is made from two half cylinder parts  115 ,  116  joined along longitudinal edges  118 ,  119  thereof by a heat weld or ultrasonic weld, or adhesive, etc.  FIG. 19  depicts a device  32   i  with a sponge applicator  86  attached thereto.  
         [0083]      FIG. 18  illustrates an embodiment of a hair-coloring dispenser with multiple directed release nozzles. Here, the plural nozzles  1810  are provided for the container  1800  to allow the hair-coloring solution to be applied to the hair. This embodiment can enable a higher flow volume of the hair-coloring solution as well as a wider flow pattern. The size and number of each nozzle should account for the expected viscosity of the hair-coloring solution and the desired flow rate and width. Additionally, the nozzle may allow the hair coloring solution to be applied in parallel streaks. The container  1800  may otherwise be constructed using the designs discussed elsewhere herein.  
         [0084]     The hair coloring system or device  32   j  depicted in  FIG. 20  comprise an outer container  110  and an inner container  32   j , which is similar to container  32   f  of device  30   f  depicted in  FIG. 12 , except that container  32   f  has multiple spouts  114   a .  FIG. 21  depicts a dual hair coloring system or device  30   k  including an outer container  110 , and a two attached inner containers  32   k . Each of the inner containers  32   k  is similar to inner container  32   f  depicted in  FIG. 12   
         [0085]      FIGS. 22-24  depict a hair-coloring system or device  30   m  having an inner container  120  as flaccid bag or pouch housed within a self-supporting, flexible or deformable outer container  110   m . The inner container  120 , which need not be self-supporting, comprises two chambers  122  and  124  for storing the two hair color components as discussed above. The chambers  122  and  124  are separated by a throat region  126  that is sealed by a sealing member  42   m  or sealing material such as wax or paraffin, or by other means, such as by heat sealing, etc. The bag or pouch  120  may be made of two plastic or foil sheets, for example, that are sealed along their peripheries by any suitable bonding method, e.g., heat sealing (welding), ultrasonic welding, adhesive, etc. The bag or pouch  120  can be restrained within the container, such as by securing it to the container wall using adhesive or a structural element, as discussed above, or the bag or pouch may be unrestrained.  
         [0086]     To communicate chambers  122  and  124 , the seal between the chambers is broken by moving the sealing member  42   m , or opening the sealed throat in response to a squeezing action applied to either chamber (shown in  FIG. 24  being applied to chamber  122 .) Thereafter, the components  34  and  35  are mixed as discussed above. Labeling or other markings, such as a texture or indentation, on the container  110   m  may be used to indicate where to squeeze the container. After mixing, the components  34  and  35  may be expelled via a spout or nozzle  48  formed in end  45   m  opened by cutting the end  45   m  through the outer and inert containers. A wakened portion  50  may be provided to assist opening the spout  48  as discussed above.  
         [0087]     In the end portion  45   n  of the device  30   n  depicted in  FIG. 25 , the end  130  of the inner container  120   a  terminates within a space in the end portion  45   m . The end  130  is constructed to rupture upon the application of a suitable force, as described herein, to release the components within the inner container  120   a  into the end portion  45   n , from which the components are dispensed through an opening  48   n  in the outer container. The inner container is constructed so that the sealing member  42   m  is ruptured, or other seal in the sealing region  126  is broken before the end  130  ruptures.  
         [0088]     While the invention has been described and illustrated in connection with preferred embodiments, many variations and modifications as will be evident to those skilled in this art may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and the invention is thus not to be limited to the precise details of methodology or construction set forth above as such variations and modification are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.