Patent Publication Number: US-2023149952-A1

Title: Spray bottle assembly for use with an atomized-spray dispensing device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit of priority with commonly owned U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/570,898, filed Oct. 11, 2017; the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to systems and devices for delivering cosmetic compositions to a user; and more particularly, to a device for dispensing an atomized spray of such cosmetic compositions. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Conventional devices and systems for dispensing cosmetic compositions, such as, for example, tanning compositions, sunblock compositions, skin moisturizing lotions, and other cosmetic compositions, are generally too large to operate in the home of an individual user and lack other modern technological features for improving the overall experience of one who utilizes such devices and systems. 
     There is a need for improved devices configured to dispense an atomized spray of various cosmetic compositions. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a device for dispensing an atomized spray of a cosmetic composition is disclosed. The device is capable of individual or commercial use, and provides yaw and pitch actuation of an operational head, along with the atomized spray to deliver the cosmetic composition to the body of a user. Electronics are configured to acquire data from a disposable spray bottle assembly, and to approximate remaining volume or spray-time according to the data. A linear laser provides guidance to the user for standing in order to receive optimal spray coverage. 
     In another embodiment, a spray bottle assembly for use with a dispensing device is disclosed. The spray bottle assembly generally comprises a bottle portion containing a cosmetic composition, a release mechanism and port thereof for releasing the cosmetic composition from the bottle portion, an insert for receiving and communicating each of the cosmetic composition and an amount of compressed air to a mixing chamber, wherein a nozzle-portion is coupled to the insert at a terminal end thereof, and the cosmetic composition is expelled from the nozzle-portion to form a compressed stream, and amount of compressed air is mixed with the compressed stream and atomized at a mixing chamber prior to expulsion through a spray aperture. The nozzle-portion, or nozzle-portion and insert combination, can be selected by a user to achieve desired spray pattern characteristics. A shell is generally provided which encapsulates and protects the nozzle-portion and insert. 
     Other embodiments are further described herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features and benefits will be appreciated by one with skill in the art upon a thorough review of the appended detailed descriptions and drawings, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    shows a perspective view of a front-side of a device for dispensing an atomized spray of cosmetic compositions. 
         FIG.  2    shows a perspective view of a rear-side of the device. 
         FIG.  3    shows a section view of the device including a base and an operational head. 
         FIG.  4    shows another section view of the base of the device. 
         FIG.  5    shows another section view of the operational head of the device. 
         FIG.  6    shows a perspective view of a spray bottle assembly for use with the device. 
         FIG.  7    shows a section view of the spray bottle including a bottle portion and a spray nozzle assembly. 
         FIG.  8    shows another section view of the spray nozzle assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments, including certain variations or alternative combinations that depart from the explicit disclosure of the embodiments illustrated herein. The illustrated examples are intended to enable those with skill in the art to practice the invention, but such examples shall not reasonably be construed as limiting the spirit and scope of the invention as-claimed. 
     General Embodiments 
     In one embodiment, with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 5   , a device ( 100 ) for dispensing an atomized spray is disclosed and illustrated in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The device generally comprises: a device housing ( 111 ); a post ( 112 ) extending from the device housing to an operational head ( 120 ); a vertically-articulating arm ( 113 ), the vertically-articulating arm being coupled to the post at a horizontally-articulating joint ( 121 ); a plurality of stepper motors ( 114   a ;  114   b ), each of the stepper motors being individually adapted to rotate one of: the horizontally-articulating joint and the vertically-articulating arm; a compressed-air source ( 115 ); a compressed-air channel ( 116 ) extending from the compressed-air source to the operational head; a receptacle portion ( 117 ) disposed at the operational head and configured to receive a spray bottle assembly ( 200 ), wherein a bottle portion ( 201 ) of the spray bottle assembly is configured to contain at least one cosmetic composition ( 203 ) therein; characterized in that the device is configured to: actuate components of the operational head for engaging a release mechanism ( 202 ) of the spray bottle assembly, thereby communicating the cosmetic composition through an insert lumen ( 215 ) and a nozzle-portion ( 213 ), mix the cosmetic composition with compressed air from the compressed air source to form a cosmetic composition mixture, and deliver an atomized spray containing the cosmetic composition mixture through a spray aperture ( 275 ). 
     In the embodiment as-illustrated herein, the operational head includes a combination of the vertically-articulating arm and the horizontally-articulating joint. 
     While an illustrated embodiment shows a horizontally-articulating joint coupled to the post via a stepper motor therebetween, it is within contemplation of this disclosure to alternatively provide a stepper motor between the post and the housing such that the entire post is configured to rotate horizontally (i.e. left to right and vice versa about a vertical axis), in which embodiment the horizontally-articulating joint may not be required. 
     The compressed air source may comprise an internal air compressor, or a port for receiving compressed air from an external source. 
     While a distinct nozzle-portion is shown as being coupled to the insert in the illustrated embodiment, it is contemplated that the nozzle-portion may be integrated with the insert as a single monolithic piece, for example by molding the insert and drilling the nozzle-portion cavity therein. In yet another embodiment, the nozzle-portion, insert, and shell may be provided as a single monolithic piece as opposed to an assembly. With this in mind, it is preferred to provide the nozzle-portion, insert, and shell as separate and integrated assembly. 
     The nozzle-portion can be configured to deliver the atomized spray in accordance with a desired spray pattern. 
     The spray pattern may comprise spray pattern characteristics, such as: spray pattern, capacity, spray impact, spray angle, droplet size, or a combination thereof. 
     The plurality of stepper motors may comprise: at least one yaw-rotation motor ( 114   a ) and at least one pitch-rotation motor ( 114   b ). In this regard, the operational head can be configured for yaw- and pitch-articulation during dispensing of the atomized spray. 
     Each of the bottle portion and a spray nozzle assembly can be independently selected and combined to provide the cosmetic composition and spray pattern characteristics as desired by a user. For purposes herein, the “spray nozzle assembly” includes a combination of the insert and nozzle-portion. Moreover, as used herein the “spray bottle assembly” includes at least the spray nozzle assembly coupled to the bottle portion. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the spray bottle assembly further comprises a shell portion ( 220 ), the shell portion being configured to encapsulate and protect the nozzle-portion and insert of the spray nozzle assembly. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the spray bottle assembly may comprise the insert, nozzle-portion, shell, and bottle portion. 
     The receptacle portion can be configured for button-actuated release to open the receptacle portion for changing the spray bottle assembly or components thereof. 
     The device housing can be configured for button-actuated release to translate at least a portion of the post into a volume of the device housing for collapsibility and improved storage. 
     The operational head may comprise a circuit, which may be referred to as a “second circuit” (distinct from the first circuit which is disposed within the device housing), wherein the second circuit is configured for one or more of: powering at least one of the stepper motors, reading information from the spray bottle (RFID, barcode, etc.), and powering the triggering solenoid for engaging the release mechanism. 
     In some embodiments, the RFID tag of the spray bottle assembly can be written to store information related to remaining volume of cosmetic composition therein. For example, the device can determine an initial volume within the spray bottle assembly according to information from the RFID tag, and as the device is used it can calculate the volume of cosmetic composition used, then the device can rewrite or update the RFID with current volume data prior to releasing the spray bottle assembly. In this regard, a first bottle can be used and stored while a second bottle is used, then the first bottle may be re-inserted for continued use, each time the machine tracking data associated with the remaining volume within the spray bottle assembly. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the post is hermetically sealed with the compressed air channel for communicating compressed air to the operational head, without loss and without cosmetic composition ingress. 
     The insert preferably includes a compressed air chamber for communicating the compressed air from the compressed air channel of the device to the mixing chamber of the spray nozzle assembly. 
     The device can include a computerized control unit, the computerized control unit comprising at least one circuit containing a processor and memory, wherein the at least one circuit is configured to acquire and store spray bottle data. The computerized control unit can be configured to receive the spray bottle data from the spray bottle assembly. For example, the computerized control unit can be configured to receive the spray bottle data form a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag of the spray bottle assembly. Alternatively, a barcode reader can be implemented at the receptacle portion and configured to scan a corresponding barcode affixed to the bottle portion of the spray bottle assembly. The spray bottle data can comprise one or more from the group consisting of: bottle indicia, cosmetic composition indicia (formulation, viscosity, etc.), volume indicia, date, and time. In some embodiments, the computerized control unit may comprise a first circuit housed within the device housing and configured as the primary circuit, and a second circuit disposed within the operational head and configured as a limited circuit for powering at least one of the stepper motors, reading information from the spray bottle (RFID, barcode, etc.), and powering the triggering solenoid for engaging the release mechanism of the spray bottle assembly. 
     In one embodiment, the device is configured to actuate the components of the device for providing an atomized spray of the cosmetic composition only if the bottle indicia meet authentication requirements. In other words, the device is configured to function only with an authentic spray bottle assembly for quality assurance. 
     In one embodiment, the computerized control unit is configured to: approximate a volume of the cosmetic composition contained within the spray bottle, a time of remaining spray according to the volume of the cosmetic composition, or a combination thereof, and communicate the volume, time, or combination thereof to a user. 
     The device may further comprise a laser source disposed at a front side of the device housing (relative to a user receiving the cosmetic composition), the laser source being configured to provide a linear laser light for indicating to a user a position for standing and receiving the atomized spray of the device. 
     In one embodiment, one or more of the plurality of stepper motors, the components of the operational head, or a combination thereof, are each disposed within the compressed air channel for cooling thereof by way of air-flow between the compressed air source and the cooled componentry. 
     Turning now to another aspect of the invention, a spray bottle assembly ( 200 ) for use with an atomized spray dispensing device ( 100 ) is disclosed. The spray bottle assembly comprises: a container ( 201 ) for holding at least one cosmetic composition within an interior volume thereof; a port ( 202 ) extending outwardly from the interior volume of the container and configured to communicate the at least one cosmetic composition therethrough; and a spray nozzle assembly ( 299 ) for dispensing an atomized spray comprising the at least one cosmetic composition, the spray nozzle assembly including: an insert ( 210 ) having a proximal end and a distal end, a nozzle-portion ( 213 ) coupled to the insert at the proximal end thereof, an insert-lumen ( 215 ) extending through the nozzle from the proximal end to the distal end thereof, the insert-lumen being configured to engage at least a portion of the port, and an optional outer shell ( 220 ) configured to surround each of the nozzle-portion, the insert, and the port for providing alignment and protection thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the nozzle-portion and the insert are integrated as a monolithic single piece. In other embodiments, the nozzle-portion is distinct from the nozzle and combined therewith to form at least part of the spray nozzle assembly. 
     The optional, but preferred, outer shell may further comprise one or more radially-disposed apertures. 
     The insert may further comprise one or more radially-disposed openings ( 214 ), the radially disposed openings being accessible through the radially-disposed apertures of the shell. 
     The port can be configured to be actuated via translation of the insert; i.e. the insert is configured to depress the port for releasing the cosmetic composition. 
     The spray bottle assembly may further comprise a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag affixed thereto. Alternatively, a barcode or similar system may be implemented in a similar manner for purposes of identifying the cosmetic composition, volume, and other indicia such that the device may calculate remaining-time, remaining-volume, and other useful information associated with the use of the device. 
     The RFID tag or barcode may comprise spray bottle data. The spray bottle data may comprise one or more from the group consisting of: bottle indicia, cosmetic composition indicia (formulation, viscosity, etc.), volume indicia, date, and time. The spray bottle data may be updated or rewritten to the RFID tag of the spray bottle assembly after each use, or prior to releasing the spray bottle assembly from the operational head. The spray bottle data can be encrypted using conventional techniques in order to prevent counterfeiting. 
     These and other features and benefits are described in the following illustrated examples: 
     Example 1: Device for Dispensing an Atomized Spray 
     Now turning to the drawings,  FIGS.  1  and  2    show a device  100  for dispensing an atomized spray in accordance with an illustrated embodiment. 
     The device  100  generally includes a base  110 , including a device housing  111  and a base handle  119 . Extendable from the device housing is a post  112 , and coupled thereto is an operational head  120 . The operational head is configured with a receptacle portion for receiving a spray bottle assembly  200 . When componentry of the operational head is actuated, a release mechanism of the spray bottle assembly is actuated for releasing an amount of cosmetic composition  203  ( FIG.  7   ) from an inner volume of the spray bottle into an insert-lumen and the nozzle-portion of the spray bottle assembly. The cosmetic composition is mixed with an amount of compressed gas (air) in a mixing chamber, which is disposed between the nozzle-portion and a spray aperture, thereby forming an atomized spray  150 . While an illustrated embodiment is described herein, those with skill in the art will appreciate a myriad of possible mechanical embodiments for generating an atomized spray, and such conventional embodiments appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art are deemed to be incorporated by reference; as such, limited discussion is provided herein. 
     The entire spray bottle assembly may be discarded and replaced as needed or desired. The spray bottle assembly may comprise a tanning lotion, sunscreen composition, skin moisturizer, or other cosmetic composition, or a combination thereof. A consumer may purchase a replacement spray bottle assembly, which will include a brand-new spray nozzle assembly (nozzle-portion, insert, and optional shell) for inserting into the receptacle portion of the device. In this regard, the operational head needs significantly less maintenance and cleaning, since, the nozzle is integrated within a disposable portion of the device. Other conventional equipment, in contrast, may require significant disassembly and cleaning at routine intervals. This, the ability to quickly replace a disposable spray nozzle assembly is a significant improvement in the art. 
     The device  100  may further comprise interface componentry  132 , such as, for example, a display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a speaker, and/or other communication means as-appreciated by one with skill in the art. The interface componentry is configured to provide a user with ability to utilize and customize an experience using the device. 
     In addition, the device may preferably include a laser source  130  configured to project a linear laser light  131  for indicating to a user a position for standing in order to receive optimized spray coverage of the cosmetic composition dispensed from the device. 
     The device may further comprise one or more vents  133  for venting exhaust air form the unit. 
       FIG.  3    shows the device separated into its upper portion, herein termed the “operational head  120 ” and the lower portion “base  110 ”. 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , the base  110  generally comprises a device housing  111  for protecting the internal componentry of the device, a compressed air source  115  (here an internal air compressor, though a port for receiving compressed air may be similarly employed), a compressed air channel  116  extending from the compressed air source  115  to the post  112 . O-rings or other seals, along with techniques appreciated in the art, can be employed at an interface of the post and the compressed air channel for maintaining a hermetic seal therebetween. Compressed air is thereby configured for communication from the compressed air source, through the post, and into the operational head for generating the atomized spray. 
     At an upper end of the post is a stepper motor, also referred to herein as a “yaw-rotation motor  114   a ”. The use of stepper motors provides precision control of the spray pattern as it is translated for application of the atomized spray about the body of a user. Stepper motors can be controlled via a computerized control unit  118 . Here, the computerized control unit is housed within the device housing  111 , however, it can be positioned elsewhere about the device or may include multiple sub-units independently disposed about the device. 
     Electronic componentry, such as stepper motors and the like can be positioned within the device, such as within the compressed air channel, for re-using the compressed air for purposes of cooling componentry. 
     The computerized control unit may be configured to identify a spray bottle assembly disposed in a bed (within the receptacle portion) of the operational head. This can be achieved by implementing an RFID tag, for example, on the bottom of the spray bottle. Upon identifying a newly-installed spray bottle assembly, the computerized control unit is adapted to identify spray bottle data, such as: bottle indicia, cosmetic composition indicia, volume indicia, date, and time. For example, by acquiring information relating to volume of the cosmetic composition within the bottle, the computerized control unit can be configured with a software algorithm to relate composition volume with spray time for the purpose of estimating remaining volume in the bottle. In other words, the device can be configured to read a starting volume of the spray bottle assembly upon installation, and track the use thereof to calculate remaining volume of the cosmetic composition within the bottle, or remaining spray time thereof given parameters of the device as pre-programmed in the software. The device may thereby communicate the remaining volume (or spray time) of the installed spray bottle assembly, and may further communicate to a user when it may be time to replace the spray bottle assembly. This can be achieved using the interface componentry  132  ( FIG.  1   ). 
       FIG.  5    shows the operational head  120  of the device  100  according to the illustrated embodiment. 
     Here, the device includes a second stepper motor referred to herein as a “pitch rotation motor  114   b ” which is used to couple the vertically-articulating arm  113  to the horizontally-articulating joint ( 121 ), and to actuate the vertically-articulating arm. The vertically-articulating arm is disposed adjacent to a receptacle portion  117  of the operational head  120 . The receptacle portion is configured to receive and hold the spray bottle assembly  200 . 
     Generally, the operation head includes a release element  165  configured to engage a combination of the insert  210  and the release mechanism  202  of the bottle assembly  200 . The release element is preferably an internally-embedded feature that is not capable of accidental engagement of the release mechanism such that unwanted release of cosmetic composition is prevented. The release element generally applies force to the nozzle-portion, which in turn depresses the release mechanism of the spray bottle assembly. Other similar variations will be readily appreciated by one with skill in the art and may be implemented to accomplish the same or substantially similar result. 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   , the operational head  120  may comprise a triggering solenoid  164  configured to translate solenoid shaft  166  upon receiving electronic signals from the computerized control unit. Release element  165  is configured with a fulcrum for acting as a lever such that, when solenoid shaft  166  engages a first end of the release element, a second end of the release element moves in an opposite direction, thereby applying translational force on the insert and causing the insert to depress the release mechanism  202  of the spray bottle assembly. Springs can be implemented to bias the home position of the solenoid shaft, release element, or a combination thereof. 
     Also shown in  FIG.  5    is the button-actuated release mechanism, wherein release button  167  is configured to drop release pin  168  upon pushing the release button  167 , thereby releasing the bed such that a new spray bottle assembly may be installed. 
     When the release mechanism  202  is actuated, an amount of the cosmetic composition is expelled from the spray bottle and into an insert lumen  215 , where the cosmetic composition is communicated through the insert lumen and the nozzle-portion  213  into a mixing chamber  212  for mixing with compressed air as it passes through the spray aperture  275 . The result is atomized spray  150  ( FIG.  1   ). 
     Different cosmetic compositions may comprise different viscosity and other physical properties. As such, a distinct nozzle-portion, insert and shell can be provided with each bottle. The combination of the spray bottle, nozzle-portion, insert and shell form the “spray bottle assembly”, and the assembly is configured to be disposable. Similarly, the combination of the nozzle-portion, insert, and shell form a “spray nozzle assembly” as described herein. 
     Example 2: Spray Bottle Assembly for Use with a Dispensing Device 
     In another embodiment, a spray bottle assembly  200  for use with the device as-described above is disclosed with respect to an illustrated embodiment. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  6 - 8   , a spray bottle assembly  200  is shown. The spray bottle assembly includes a spray bottle container  201 , an insert  210  configured to engage a release mechanism  202  of the spray bottle container, a nozzle-portion  213  coupled to the insert at a terminal end thereof, a shell  220  configured to encapsulate and protect the nozzle-portion and insert, and a spray aperture  275  disposed at a proximal end of the spray bottle assembly. 
     The shell comprises one or more radially-disposed apertures for communicating compressed air from the operational head to the insert. The insert further comprises one or more radially-disposed openings  214  for receiving and communicating the compressed air received from the operational head. Silicone or polymer baffles can be implemented at the receptacle portion of the operational head and configured to engage the radially-disposed opening(s) of the insert such that a hermetic seal is maintained for receiving the compressed air. The compressed air is directed through a compressed air chamber of the insert, whereby it is expelled into a mixing chamber for mixing with the cosmetic composition in order to produce the atomized spray. 
     The spray bottle container  201  is shown containing cosmetic composition  203  in  FIG.  7   . A radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag  235  can be applied near a bottom surface of the bottle container, or otherwise attached to the spray bottle assembly in a manner sufficient for reading by the computerized control unit. The cross-section view of  FIG.  7    further shows the nozzle-portion  213 , insert  210 , shell  220 , and spray aperture  275  as-assembled for use. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  8   , the release mechanism  202  of the spray bottle is coupled to the insert lumen  215  of insert  210 . Radially-disposed openings  214  extend through the shell  220  into the compressed air chamber of insert  210  for communicating compressed air from the operational head. The cosmetic composition is communicated form the spray bottle container, through a port of the release mechanism  202  and into the insert lumen  215 , through the nozzle-portion  213 , after which it is mixed with compressed air in mixing chamber  212  and expelled as atomized spray through spray aperture  275 . 
     While various details, features, and combinations are described in the illustrated embodiments, one having skill in the art will appreciate a myriad of possible alternative combinations and arrangements of the features disclosed herein. As such, the descriptions are intended to be enabling only, and non-limiting. Instead, the spirit and scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims.