Patent Publication Number: US-2010116283-A1

Title: Hair Treatment Applicator

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
     The present invention relates to relates to hair treatment applicators and in particular to the application head for such applicators for applying hair compositions to the hair. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Applicators for the application of a fluid to the hair or the scalp of humans and animals are known. Such devices generally comprise a reservoir for the fluid to be dispensed, a head, and a communication with the reservoir. The head can be in the shape of a comb with a number of apertures in the area of the comb teeth or in the teeth themselves. During the combing fluid is forced from the reservoir through the passage and apertures and onto the hair. Examples of such devices are described in U.S. Pat. No. 1,004,371, U.S. Pat. No. 2,062,376, U.S. Pat. No. 4,566,472, U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,243, U.S. Pat. No. 5,146,936, U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,178 and many others. The head of the applicator can also have the shape such as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,157 in which the head is constituted of two members hinged together at one end, that hold the strands of hair to which the fluid is to be applied. 
     Previously known applicators such as those discussed above have a number of disadvantages that may include cost of manufacture, messy and difficulty in respect of use. 
     OBJECT OF THE INVENTION  
     It is the object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least one of the above disadvantages. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     There is disclosed herein an applicator to apply a liquid to hair, said applicator including: 
     a handle to be gripped in a user&#39;s hand, the handle providing a chamber to receive the liquid to be dispensed by the dispenser; 
     a stem fixed to the handle so as to extend longitudinally therefrom, the stem having a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal passage communicating with said chamber so that in use liquid from the chamber can flow longitudinally of the stem, said stem further including a socket communicating with said passage; and 
     an applicator portion located in said socket, said portion including a surface over which the hair is to pass and a duct extending from the passage to an aperture in said surface to which the liquid can be delivered, said portion being formed of resilient material so that said aperture is urged to a substantially closed configuration, with said portion when engaged by hair being resiliently deformed to cause the aperture to open to aid in the delivery of the liquid to said surface for the application to hair passing over said surface. 
     Preferably, said stem is substantially rigid. 
     Preferably, said handle is substantially rigid. 
     In an alternative preferred form, said handle is resiliently deformable so that a is user may apply pressure to the liquid in said chamber by resilient deformation of the handle. 
     In a first preferred form, said portion includes a plurality of teeth extending outwardly with respect to the stein, and said duct is one of a plurality of ducts extending from the passage, and said aperture is one of a plurality of apertures, each aperture being associated with a respective one of the ducts so as to receive the liquid therefrom, the apertures being located between adjacent teeth so that liquid can be delivered to between the teeth. 
     Preferably, each aperture is a slit, with the slits being oriented generally longitudinally parallel to said axis so as to extend substantially longitudinally of said stem. 
     In an alternative preferred form each aperture is a slit, with said slits being oriented so as to extend generally transverse relative to said axis so as to extend generally transverse relative to said stem. 
     Preferably, said slits are between a pair of adjacent teeth. 
     Preferably, said teeth are a first set of teeth, and said stem includes a second set of teeth extending outwardly relative to said axis in a direction generally opposite said first set of teeth. 
     In a still further alternative preferred form, said aperture is an elongated slit, with said portion having a longitudinal length and said slit extending a substantial portion of said longitudinal length. 
     Preferably, said portion is removably located in said socket. 
     Preferably, adjacent the or each slit there is a slit edge portion projecting from said surface away from said axis, said edge portion being provided to aid in engaging hair to facilitate resilient deformation of said applicator portion to aid in opening the or each slit. 
     In a further preferred form, the or each slit is located between a pair of edge portions, the edge portions extending from said surface away from said axis and being provided to aid in resiliently deforming said applicator portion to engage the hair to aid in opening the or each slit. 
     In a still further preferred form, said applicator includes a bar attached to the stem and to extend longitudinally relative thereto and spaced therefrom so as to provide a is gap between which hair may pass to aid in causing hair to pass over said surface. 
     Preferably, said bar is pivotally attached to said stem for angular movement about an axis generally transverse of the stem. 
     Preferably, said applicator includes a driven member located in the stem passage, and a motor operatively associated with said driven member and operated by a user to activate said driven member to cause movement of the liquid to the or each aperture. 
     Preferably, said driven member is a spiral extending along the stem passage and having a longitudinal axis generally parallel to the stem longitudinal axis, with said motor being located in said handle and operable to cause rotation of the driven member. 
     There is further disclosed herein an applicator to apply liquid to hair, said applicator including: 
     a hollow stem providing a passage to receive said liquid, the stem having a socket communicating with said passage; and 
     an applicator portion located in said socket, said portion including a surface over which the hair is to pass, an aperture in said surface in liquid communication with said passage so as to receive the liquid therefrom, with said portion being formed of resilient material so that said aperture is urged to a substantially closed position, with said portion when engaged by hair being resiliently deformed to cause the aperture to open to aid in delivery of the liquid to said surface for application to hair passing over said surface. 
     Preferably, said stem is adapted to be gripped by a user so the user may pass said surface over said hair. 
     Preferably, said stem is deformable by a user so as to apply pressure to said liquid to cause the liquid to flow to said aperture. 
     Preferably, said aperture is a first aperture, and said applicator portion has further apertures so as to have a plurality of apertures, with each aperture communicating with said passage. 
     Preferably, said applicator portion is elongated so as to extend in a direction generally transverse of an intended direction of travel over hair. 
     Preferably, each aperture is a slit extending generally transverse of the applicator portion. 
     In an alternative preferred form, each aperture is a slit extending generally is longitudinally of the applicator portion. 
     Preferably, said applicator portion in transverse cross-section extends from said stem to a longitudinally extending peak. 
     Preferably, the applicator includes a handle attached to said stem, the handle being hollow so as to receive said liquid for delivery to said stem. 
     Preferably, said handle is resiliently deformable so that pressure may be applied to said liquid to cause it to flow to said stem. 
     Preferably, said applicator portion is concave so as to provide a cavity communicating with said passage, with each aperture communicating with said cavity. 
     Preferably, said applicator portion includes a longitudinally extending ridge within which each aperture is provided. 
     Preferably, said applicator includes a comb portion fixed to said stem and providing a plurality of teeth extending generally transverse relative to said applicator portion, with the teeth being located relative to said applicator portion so that hair passes between said teeth and over said surface. 
     Preferably, said surface extends longitudinally relative to said stem and faces away from said stem in a predetermined direction, and said stem has projecting from it a plurality of comb-teeth that extend in a direction away from the stem. 
     Preferably, said stem has a longitudinal axis, and the direction of said comb-teeth includes a direction component normal to said longitudinal axis. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Preferred fauns of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic side elevation of an applicator to apply liquid to hair; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic side elevation of a modification of the applicator of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic plan view of the applicator of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic parts sectioned side elevation of the applicator of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic plan view of an applicator portion employed in the applicator of  FIG. 1  or  2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic side elevation of the portion of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic sectioned side elevation of the portion of  FIG. 5  sectioned along the line  7 - 7 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic bottom plan view of the portion of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic sectioned end elevation of the portion as shown in  FIG. 6  sectioned along the line  9 - 9 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic sectioned end elevation of the portion of  FIG. 6  sectioned along the line  9 - 9 , being a modification of the section as shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic end elevation of the applicator of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic sectioned end elevation of the applicator of  FIG. 2  sectioned along the line  12 - 12 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic sectioned end elevation of the applicator sectioned along the line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 2  with the applicator portion removed; 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic sectioned end elevation of a modification of the applicator of  FIG. 1 , section along the line  12 - 12 , with a heating element added; 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic side elevation of a modification of the applicator of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 16  are schematic illustrations of use of the applicator of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic plan view of a modification of the applicator portion of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic plan view of a still further modification of the applicator portion of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a schematic sectioned side elevation of the applicator portion of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a schematic bottom plan view of the applicator portion of  FIG. 17  and  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a schematic sectioned side elevation of a modification of the applicator portion of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a schematic sectioned side elevation of a modification of the applicator portion of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a schematic sectioned side elevation of a modification of the applicator of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a schematic side elevation of a modification of the applicator portion of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a schematic bottom plan view of the applicator portion of  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a schematic top plan view of the applicator portion of  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIGS. 27 and 28  are schematic end elevations of the applicator portion of  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a schematic sectioned end elevation of the applicator portion of  FIG. 24  sectioned along the line  29 - 29 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a schematic front elevation of a further applicator; 
         FIG. 31  is a schematic side elevation of the applicator of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a schematic front elevation of a modification of the applicator of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a schematic side elevation of the applicator of  FIG. 32 ; 
         FIG. 34  is a schematic sectioned end elevation of a modification of the applicator of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 35  is a schematic side elevation of a further applicator; 
         FIG. 36  is a schematic parts exploded side elevation of the applicator of  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 37  is a schematic sectioned end elevation of the applicator as shown in  FIG. 36  sectioned along the line  37 - 37 ; 
         FIG. 38  is a schematic top plan view of the applicator as shown in  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 39  is a schematic side elevation of the applicator portion of the applicator of  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 40  is a schematic sectioned end elevation of the applicator portion as shown in  FIG. 39  sectioned along the line  40 - 40 ; and 
         FIG. 41  is a schematic end elevation of the applicator portion as shown in  FIG. 39  sectioned along the line  41 - 41 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In  FIGS. 1 to 29  of the accompanying drawings there is schematically depicted is an applicator  10  to apply liquid  32  to hair. For example, the liquid  32  may be a dye or other hair treatment liquid. In this embodiment, the applicator  10  includes a handle  11  that is hollow so as to provide a chamber  12  to store the liquid  32  that is to be delivered to the hair. The handle  11  includes a longitudinal side wall  13  which for example may be cylindrical in configuration. In one embodiment the side wall  13  is generally rigid, while in another embodiment the side wall  13  is resiliently deformable so that a user gripping the handle  11  may resiliently deform the wall  13  to apply pressure to the liquid  32  within the chamber  12 . The handle  11  has a longitudinal axis  14 . 
     Fixed to an end wall  15  of the handle  11  is a stem  16 . The stem  16  is substantially rigid and may be formed integrally with or merely attached to the handle  11 . As an example the handle  11  and stem  16  may be integrally fouled from plastics material. 
     The stem  16  has a longitudinal axis  17 , which in this embodiment is aligned with the axis  14 . The stem  16  has a plurality of transverse grooves  18 . 
     Extending outwardly from and fixed to the stem  16  is a plurality of teeth  19  spaced so that hair may pass therebetween. In this embodiment the teeth  19  extend generally radially relative to the axis  17  so as to extend away from the stem  16 . 
     The stem  16  is hollow so as to provide a longitudinal passage  20 , the passage  20  communicating with the chamber  12  so that the liquid  32  may pass from the chamber  12  and move longitudinally of the stem  16  via the passage  20 . The stem  16  has a generally cylindrical longitudinal wall  21  that may be formed integral with the handle  11  or alternatively (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) threadably engaged with the wall  13  so as to be fixed thereto. 
     The stem  16  is provided with a socket  22  that is in communication with the passage  20 . Releasably secured in the socket  22  is an applicator portion  23 . 
     The applicator portion  23  is formed of resilient material (such as natural or synthetic rubber or plastics). 
     The portion  23  includes a base  24  within which there is formed a plurality of ducts  25 . The ducts  25  may be square, rectangular or of any desired transverse cross-section. The ducts  25  extend transversely through the base  24  so as to provide for liquid flow between the passage  20  and apertures  26  formed in the surface. In this embodiment the apertures  26  are narrow elongated slits aligned generally parallel to the axis  17 . The base  24  is also formed with a plurality of teeth  27  between which the apertures  26  longitudinally extend. 
     In a modification of the applicator of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the stem  16  may be provided with a longitudinally extending heating element  28 , with the handle  11  being provided with a switch via which electric power is delivered to the element  28 . Typically a regulating device would govern the operating temperature of the element  28 . 
     In a modification of the applicator of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the teeth  19  can be replaced with a bar  29  to aid in retaining the hair against the stem  16  so that liquid may be applied thereto. In this embodiment, the bar  29  has its longitudinal direction of extension along the stem  16 , and is preferably pivotably attached to the stem  16  by means of a pivot assembly  30 . The spring loaded pivot assembly  30  provides a pivoting axis for the bar  29  that is transverse of the stem  16 , that is generally perpendicular to the axis  17 . A trigger  31  is fixed to the bar  29  and is engaged by a user&#39;s finger to cause angular movement of the bar  29  in the direction of the arrow  32 . The assembly  30  urges the bar  29  towards the stem  16 . The bar  29  may be electrically heated. 
     Preferably, the side wall  20  has an aperture  33  via which air may enter the passage  20  and therefore the chamber  12  to aid in equalising pressure within the chamber  12  relative to atmospheric pressure. 
     In  FIG. 17  there is schematically depicted a modification of the applicator portion  23 . In this embodiment the base  24  has a surface  34  over which the hair is drawn to apply the liquid thereto. The surface  34  has an elongated aperture in the form of a slot  35  that extends substantially the entire length of the base  24  and is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis  17 . The slot  35  communicates with a passage  36  that again extends substantially the entire length of the base  24 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 18 , the surface  34  is a plurality of apertures in the form of slots  37  that communicate with the passage  36 . The slots  37  are aligned so as to extend longitudinally and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis  17 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 17 to 20 , again the base  24  is formed of resilient material so that the slot  35  or slots  37  are resiliently urged to close, and are moved to an open position by movement of hair across the surface  34 . 
     In  FIG. 21  there is schematically depicted a modification of the applicator portion  23 . In this embodiment the applicator portion  23  includes edge portions  38  that are in the form of “lips” and are fixed to the surfaces  34  and project therefrom away from the longitudinal axis  14 . The edge portions  34  aid in engaging the hair to cause resilient deformation of the insert  34  to open the slot  35  and slots  37 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 22  two edge portions  38  are provided that are generally parallel and co-extensive and located on opposite sides of the associated slot  37 . The edge portions  38  would aid in engaging hair irrespective of the direction of movement of the hair over the surface  34 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 22 , only a single edge portion  38  is provided for each slit  37 . 
     In the embodiments of  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the applicator portion  23 , in transverse cross-section, is “U” shaped in configuration. It has two generally parallel and co-extensive side walls  39  joined by a transverse base  40  that has the slot  35  or slots  37  and that provides the surface  34 . A hollow  41  communicates with the passage  20  so that the liquid is delivered to the slot  35  or slots  37 . The walls  34  are received within the socket  22  and frictionally engage the sides thereof to retain the applicator portion  23  secured to the stem  16 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 16 , a user grips the handle  11  and causes hair to curl about the stem  16  and then moves the applicator  10  so that hair passes over the surface  34 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the hair also passes between the teeth  27 , with the hair being forced to pass about the stem  16  by the teeth  26  and  19  or the bar  29 . Hair passing between the teeth  27  engages the applicator portion  23  causing resilient deformation thereof so as to urge the apertures  26  to open. Prior to this the resilient material from which the portion  23  is formed, urges the apertures  26  to a closed configuration. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 23 to 29 , the applicator  10  is modified so that included in the handle  11  is a battery operated motor  42  that receives electric power from batteries located in a battery compartment  43 . Located in the passage  20  is a driven member  44  which in this embodiment is a spiral screw member  45  that extends angularly about and longitudinally of the axis  17 . The driven member  44  is drivingly attached to the motor  42  so that upon rotation of the driven member  44  about the axis  17  the liquid  32  is caused to flow to the apertures  26 . In that regard the handle  11  may be provided with Is an aperture  46  that provides for the venting of air to the passage  20 . In an alternative embodiment, the passage  46  may be attached to a flexible tube  47  that extends to a reservoir of the liquid  32 . Accordingly upon operation of the motor  42 , liquid  32  would be drawn from the reservoir (not depicted) and delivered to the passage  20  from where it flows to the apertures  26 . Typically the handle  11  would be provided with a button or trigger used by an operator to deliver electric power from the batteries to the motor  42 . 
     In this embodiment the applicator portion  23  is elongated longitudinally in the direction of the axis  17 , while each of the apertures  26  is a slit that extends generally transverse of the applicator portion  23 , that is generally transverse relative to the axis  17 . 
     In this embodiment the base  24  provides a pair of generally parallel flanges  48  between which there is a slot  49  that engages the wall  21  so that the wall  21  projects into the slot  49 . 
     The surface  34  is provided by a pair of converging sub-surfaces  50  that converge away from the base  24  to a longitudinally extending peak  51 . 
     The apertures  26  communicate with the passage  20  by means of an elongated cavity  52  formed in the base  24 . 
     Again the applicator portion  23  is formed of resilient material so that upon hair engaging one or both of the sub-surfaces  50 , the applicator portion  23  resiliently deforms to open the apertures  26  to enable hair to enter and/or for liquid to exit. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 30 and 31  there is schematically depicted an applicator  60  to apply a liquid  61  to hair. The applicator  60  includes a stem  62  that is hollow so as to provide a passage  63  that receives the liquid  61 . One end of the stem  62  is provided with a socket  64  that receives an applicator portion  65  that may be identical to any one of the applicator portions  23  previously described. Preferably in this embodiment the applicator portion  65  is identical to the applicator portion  23  of  FIGS. 24 to 29 . Accordingly it has converging surfaces  50  and apertures  26  in the form of transverse slits that extend generally transverse of the applicator portion  65 . As is best seen in  FIG. 30 , the applicator portion  65  is longitudinally elongated. In accordance with  FIG. 25 , the applicator portion  65  has a cavity  52  providing for liquid communication between the passage  63  and the apertures  26 . 
     Preferably, the stem  62  is formed of deformable material so that the passage  63  may be deformed and thus reduced in volume to cause liquid  61  to flow along the stem  62  to the apertures  26 . Deformation of the stem  62  would be caused by a user gripping the stem  62  and compressing the stem  62 . More preferably the stem  62  is formed of resiliently deformable material. Preferably the passage  63  is closed apart from the apertures  26 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 32 and 33 , the applicator  60  is provided with a comb member  66  fixed to the stein  62  and providing a plurality of teeth  67  through which hair would be drawn to pass over one or both of the surfaces  50  to cause resilient deformation of the applicator portion  65  and therefore opening of the apertures  26  so that hair may enter the apertures  26  and/or liquid to exit the apertures  26 . In this embodiment the user grips the stem  62  to move the applicator  60  along a length of hair. The apertures  26  may extend transverse or parallel to the longitudinal axis  68  of the applicator portion  65 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 34 , the applicator  70  has a stem  72  including a generally arcuate body  71  having longitudinally extending edge portions  73 . Applied to and secured to the edge portion  73  is a flexible resilient applicator portion  74 . The applicator portion  74  has longitudinally extending flanges  75  with longitudinally extending slots  76  within which the edge portion  73  are located so that the applicator portion  74  is fixed to the stem  73 . Extending from the flanges  73  is an apex portion  77  having sides  78  that converge from the flanges  75  to an apex  79 . Typically slits (apertures) would extend from the apex  76 , through the applicator portion  74  to communicate with the passage  80  to which the liquid to be applied is delivered. Fixed to or formed integral with the body  71  are teeth  81 . 
     In  FIGS. 35 to 39  there is schematically depicted an applicator  90 . The applicator  90  is to apply liquid to hair as previously described. The applicator  90  includes a handle  91  that is hollow so as to provide a chamber  92  that stores the liquid to be delivered to the hair. The handle  91  includes a longitudinal extending side wall  93  that would be typically of a cylindrical configuration. In one embodiment the side wall  93  is rigid while in another embodiment the side wall  93  is resiliently deformable so that the liquid contained in the chamber  93  may be caused to pass through the hollow stem  96 . The stem  96  is attached to an end wall  95  of the handle  91 . The handle  91  and stem  96  have a longitudinal axis  94 . The stem is substantially rigid. 
     Attached to or formed integral with the stem  96  (so as to be attached thereto) is a plurality of comb teeth  97  between which a user&#39;s hair may pass. 
     The stem  96  is hollow so as to have a longitudinally extending passage  98  to which the liquid is delivered from the chamber  92 . 
     The stem  96  has a longitudinally extending aperture  99  defined between longitudinally extending edges  100  of the stem  96 . Engaged with the edges  100  so as to close the aperture  99  is an applicator portion  101 . The portion  101  is preferably formed of resilient material and is generally concave so as to provide a cavity  102  that receives the liquid from the passage  98 . 
     The applicator portion  101  has an arcuate body  103  from which there extends a peaked longitudinally extending projection  104  with transverse slits  105 . The slits  105  communicate with the cavity  102  so that liquid may exit via the slits  105  upon pressure being applied to the portion  101  to cause resilient deformation thereof to at least partly open the slits  105  so that the liquid may pass therethrough. 
     The end of the stem  96  is closed by a cap  106  to thereby close the extremity of the passage  98 . 
     In use of the above described applicator  90 , hair passing over the surface  107  of the portion  101  and through the slits  105  to cause the slits  105  to open to provide s apertures via which the liquid may pass from the passage  98 , through the cavity  102  to exit to be applied to the hair. As the portion  101  is formed of resilient material, the slits  105  are urged to a closed position. 
     The edge portions  100 , together with the aperture  99 , provide a socket to which the applicator portion  101  is applied. 
     The portion  104  provides the surface  107  within which the slits  105  are formed. The surface  107  faces away from the stem  96  in the predetermined direction  108 . The comb-teeth  97  also project away from the stem  96 , preferably having a major direction of extension generally normal to the axis  94 . 
     In respect of the above described preferred embodiments it should be appreciated the applicators  10 ,  70  and  90  are intended to be moved angularly about their respective longitudinal axis  14 ,  94  and/or past in a wiping action along a length of hair. More particularly, as is best described with reference to  FIG. 16 , the hair is moved arcuately about the surface containing the apertures  26 ,  105 . In the embodiments of  FIGS. 30 to 33 , the applicator  60  is intended to be moved along a length of hair in a wiping action. In doing so a user grips the stem  61 .