Patent Publication Number: US-2005133055-A1

Title: Fluid dispensing brush

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
      The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/223,584, filed 19 Aug. 2002. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to a dispensing brush. More specifically, the present invention relates to a dispensing brush having a reservoir for retaining a predetermined fluid, such as a hair-coloring product. The predetermined fluid is dispensed through dispenser apertures.  
      2. Description of the Prior Art  
      The idea of applying a viscous liquid to the hair or scalp is not new. Many coloring products, hair gels, and conditioners are used to manage or style a head of hair. Dispersal of the product evenly over the hair is of concern during application to the hair. Many known applicator devices do not give the control necessary to evenly disperse a liquid while styling hair. Other devices may disperse liquid evenly, but do so in limited amounts such that multiple applications may be needed. Further, some devices are limited to dispersal of liquid having viscosity within a narrow range.  
      For example, Thiruppathi (U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,290) teaches dispersing liquids onto the hair by way of a spray pump and nozzle incorporated within a hairbrush. However spray nozzles, such as those disclosed therein, accommodate liquids of moderate viscosity, rather than more viscous fluids that may be needed in hair coloring, for example. Furthermore, a spray nozzle may cover an area larger than required, leading to excess use of the liquid, and a lack of control over dispersal.  
      Another dispensing brush is disclosed in Velardi (U.S. Pat. No. 3,868,188). This disclosure suggests a toothbrush in which liquid is dispensed through bristles. However, the bristles of this design may become clogged, leading to uneven dispersal of the fluid. Also, since the fluid flow is manually controlled, this device does not easily lend itself to application of a hair product. While brushes may have been developed that dispense fluids, the shortcomings of uneven disbursement of the fluids and unnecessary manipulation of the brush by the user have not been adequately solved.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      To ameliorate the noted concerns of known dispenser brushes, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel liquid dispensing hairbrush that is easy to use and control, and may be used with a variety of fluids. The brush includes a hollow, refillable reservoir for storing the fluid to be dispersed, and a plurality of dispersal openings communicating with the reservoir. The device of the present invention evenly disperses a predetermined fluid onto a head of hair or a scalp without need of manual regulation by the user. The hairbrush is designed to use gravity in the dispensing process rather than the pumps or controls seen in known devices.  
      A predetermined fluid, such as a hair colorant, is preferably added to the device through a, fill aperture in one end of the brush. The fill aperture is in fluid communication with the brush reservoir. Once the reservoir is filled, the aperture may be closed with a plug or other stop means thereby retaining the fluid in the reservoir. The brush further includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface preferably includes a plurality bristles extending normal to the top surface, and a plurality of dispenser openings. The dispenser openings being in fluid communication with the brush reservoir. The dimensions and alignment of the dispenser openings in the top of the brush allow the user to easily control even dispersal of fluid on a head of hair. The following description will explain the invention in more detail. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a dispensing brush according to the present invention.  
       FIG. 2  is a top plain view of the dispensing brush seen in  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 3  is a partially exploded, longitudinal section of the dispensing brush seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 4  is an end view of the dispensing brush seen in  FIGS. 1-3 .  
       FIG. 5  shows the dispensing brush of  FIGS. 1-4  in use with on a head of hair.  
       FIG. 6  shows the dispensing brush of  FIGS. 1-5  and a head of hair after application of fluid by the dispensing brush.  
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a dispensing brush according to the present invention.  
       FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of a dispensing brush according to the present invention.  
       FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the brush of  FIG. 8  taken along the line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8 .  
       FIG. 10  is a sectional view of the brush of  FIG. 8  taken along the line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 8 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention that may be embodied in other specific structure. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.  
      Referring to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a fluid dispensing brush  10  is shown. The dispensing brush  10  includes a handle portion  12  and a head portion  14 , and may be fabricated from any suitable material such as plastic, metal, wood, or other rigid material. The handle portion  12  may be of any shape that allows for easy manual gripping of the dispensing brush  10  and includes a proximal end  16  and a distal end  18 . The head portion  14  of the dispensing brush  10  has a first end  15  and a second end  17 . The head portion  14  of the dispensing brush  10  is connected to the proximal end  16  of the handle portion  12  at the first end  15  of the head portion  14 . The head portion  14  further includes at least a top surface  20  and a bottom surface  19 , with the top surface  20  holding a plurality of bristles  22  and further including a plurality of dispenser openings  24 . The handle portion  12  and the head portion  14  as shown are fabricated from one piece of material, but it is to be understood that the dispensing brush  10  may be fabricated from multiple parts, if desired.  
      As seen particularly in the view of  FIG. 4 , a fill aperture  26  is preferably located at the second end  17  of head portion  14 . A plug  28  removably engages the aperture  26 , thereby allowing a predetermined fluid, such as a hair coloring fluid, to be placed and retained in a reservoir  30  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) within the head portion  14 . The reservoir  30  is preferably in fluid communication with the dispenser openings  24  and the fill aperture  26 .  
       FIG. 2  shows a top plan view of the dispensing brush  10 . As seen, the dispenser openings  24  are preferably located on the top surface  20  of the head portion  14  and are centrally situated between multiple linear rows of bristles  22 , with the linear rows of bristles  22  being aligned along the central, longitudinal axis of the dispensing brush  10 . The dispenser openings  24  are preferably located centrally on the top surface  20  of the head portion  14 , and between the linear rows of bristles  22  to thereby cause the bristles  22  to control the alignment of the hair before and after application of a fluid and cause even placement of fluid by the dispenser openings  24 . The dispenser openings  24  are preferably aligned in a linear configuration to aid in even dispersal of a predetermined fluid  38 . The dispenser openings  24  include an inner diameter  24 A. The inner diameter  24 A is preferably at least approximately 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) in diameter to allow the predetermined fluid to flow from the reservoir  30  and through the dispenser openings  24 . The number of rows of the bristles  22  on either side of the dispenser openings  24  is not critical to the scope of the invention and may vary according to user preference.  
      In  FIG. 3 , a section view of the dispensing brush  10  is shown as taken along a central, longitudinal axis. As seen, dispenser openings  24  are preferably in fluid communication with the reservoir  30 . The fill aperture  26 , which is also in fluid communication with the reservoir  30 , includes a removable plug  28  for retention of fluid (not shown in this view) in the reservoir  30 . While  FIG. 3  illustrates the plug  28  as being threaded, any plug  28  that will removably engage and seal the aperture  26  will suffice, such as that having an interference fit.  
      As further shown particularly in  FIG. 3 , the dispenser openings  24  each include a respective longitudinally extending collar portion  40 , which is elevated above the top surface  20  of the head portion  14 . While each of the dispenser openings  24  is shown having a collar portion  40 , it is to be understood that the dispensing brush  10  may include at least one dispenser opening without the collar portion  40 . The respective collar portions  40  of the dispenser openings  24  are preferably elevated a predetermined height above the top surface  20  of the head portion  14 . The predetermined height is preferably approximately 0.125 inches (0.3175 cm), although it is to be understood that the present invention may be practiced using greater or lesser heights, depending on user preference. For example, the height of the collar portions  40  above the top surface  20  could be greater than 0.125 inches (0.3175 cm), but a less viscous fluid may not dispense evenly if the height is much less than 0.125 inches (0.3175 cm). The collar portions  40  function to inhibit uncontrolled liquid dispersal from the dispenser openings  24 . Further, the entire height of the dispenser openings  24 , from the reservoir  30  to the top of a respective collar portion  40  is preferably 0.25 inches (0.635 cm). This height allows adequate control of a predetermined fluid during passage from the reservoir  30 , to exit onto a head of hair (See  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). Again, although 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) is preferable, the height may be decreased or increased according to the viscosity of the fluid used, or user preference.  
       FIG. 4  shows an end view of the dispensing brush  10  viewed from the second end  17  of the head portion  14 . As seen, the reservoir  30  is aligned with the dispenser openings  24  along the center of the dispensing brush  10 . The dispenser openings  24  are symmetrically located between the rows of the multiple linear rows of the bristles  22 . Likewise, the fill aperture  26  is also aligned with the reservoir  30  for facile filling with a predetermined fluid (not shown). As seen, the fill aperture  26  preferably includes a diameter  26 A of at least approximately 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) in diameter for a viscous fluid to properly enter the reservoir  30 . The fill aperture diameter  26 A may be more than approximately 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) in diameter, but it is not recommended for the aperture diameter  26 A to be much less than approximately 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) in diameter for applicable flow of a viscous fluid.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 , the dispensing brush  10  is shown in use to apply a predetermined fluid  38  to a head of hair  36 . The dispensing brush  10  is brought through the hair  36  with the bristles  22  facing towards the hair  36 . As the bristles  22  of the dispensing brush  10  pass through the hair  36 , the predetermined fluid  38  is dispensed through the dispenser openings  24  and onto the hair  36 . After the dispensing brush  10  is pulled through the hair  36 , the fluid  38  is left behind on the hair  36  (See  FIG. 6 ). The design of the bristles  22  around the openings  24  and the height of the collar portions  40  above the top surface  20  allow the fluid  38  to be evenly dispersed over the head of hair  36 , as is shown by the streaks of the fluid  38  in  FIG. 6 . The head of hair  36  is evenly treated with the fluid  38 , with relative ease on the behalf of the user.  
       FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the fill aperture  26  is located on the bottom surface  19  of head portion  14 . As in the previous embodiment, the plug  28  preferably removably engages the aperture  26  with the reservoir  30  in fluid communication with the dispenser openings  24  and the fill aperture  26 .  
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the dispensing brush  100 . The dispensing brush  100  builds on the previous embodiments by enhancing the features that allow the brush to operate without the need of valves or discharge assistants to allow the fluid  38  to dispense from the dispensing brush  100 . The dispensing brush  100  comprises a handle portion  102  and a head portion  104  that forms a reservoir  105 . The head portion  104  has a closed end  106  and an open end  108 . The open end  108  provides a fill aperture  110  for the fluid  38  to be poured into the reservoir  105 . The open end  108  will be closed with a cover  109 . The cover  109  may also be considered a plug for closing the fill aperture  110 . Alternatively, a second fill aperture  112  with a second plug  114 , similar to the aperture  26  and the plug  28  of the previous embodiments, may be used to fill the reservoir  105  with the fluid  38  (not shown). The fill aperture  112  is preferably located in an end portion  113  of the head portion  104 . The end portion  113  is understood to be the side of the brush  100  opposite of the bristles  22 . The relationship of the reservoir  105  and the second fill aperture  112  will be discussed further with respect to  FIGS. 9 and 10 .  
       FIGS. 9 and 10  show sectional views of the dispensing brush  100 . As in the previous embodiments, the reservoir  105  is in fluid communication with a plurality of dispenser openings  116  that are each surrounded by a respective collar  118 . The collars  118  and dispenser openings  116  are sized similarly as the previous embodiments. The inner diameter  116   a  of the dispenser openings is preferably approximately 0.125 inches (0.3175 cm), although it is to be understood that the present invention may be practiced using a greater or lesser diameter, depending on user preference and the viscosity of the fluid. Likewise, the height of the collars  118  extending from the reservoir  105  is preferably approximately 0.25 inches (0.635 cm), but the height may be varied and still fall within the scope of the invention.  
      Still referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the inner diameter  116 A and the height  118 A of the collar  118  are significant dimensions for the present invention. Because the present invention does not need actuators, pumps, or other mechanical contraptions to activate the flow of the fluid  38  through the openings  116 , the dimensions were designed to specifically allow for an even flow of the fluid  38 . The dimensions allow the fluid  38  to form a meniscus  120  at the discharge end of the collars  118 . The meniscus  120  forms because surface tension allows the fluid  38  to be held within the collars  118  and the reservoir  105  until the brush  100  is moved through the head of hair  36  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). This is a significant advantage over the prior art in that it simplifies the overall mechanics needed for a properly functioning brush.  
      Referring further to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the reservoir  105  is shown having a funnel-like or teardrop shape. Such an arrangement also contributes to the functionality of the brush  100 . Because the dispensing of the fluid  38  occurs only when the meniscus  120  is broken when the brush comes in contact with the hair  36  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ), the teardrop shape of the reservoir  105  further assists in providing retention means for the fluid  38  within the reservoir  105  when the brush  100  is not in use. While the shown shape is preferred, other shapes, such as possible pyramidical shapes or triangular shapes would fall within the scope of the present invention. The funnel shape provides enough tension so that fluid  38  is retained within the reservoir  105  when the brush  100  is not in use. The second fill aperture  112  and the plug  114  may also contribute to the fluid  38  being held within the reservoir  105 . When the plug  114  is secured within the aperture  112 , constant pressure is applied to the fluid  38  within the reservoir  105 , which will make it even harder for the fluid  38  to escape from the brush  100  when the brush  100  is not in use, allowing the brush  100  to be stored with fluid  38  within the brush  100 . The constant pressure on the fluid  38  will force the fluid  38  downwardly towards the dispenser openings  116 , but, because of the funnel-like shape of the reservoir  38 , the amount of fluid pushed towards the openings  116  is greater than the area of the openings  116 . The extra force exerted on the fluid  38  will prevent leakage through the openings  116 . Thus, the plug  114  provides partial pressurized retention means for the fluid  38  when the plug  114  is secured within the aperture  112 . The plug  114  and the aperture  112  act as a venturi or a carburetor that can assist in dispensing the fluid  38  from the brush  100 . Though not necessary, it is preferred that the plug  114  be removed from the aperture  112  when using the brush  100  for a more even flow of the fluid  38 , which can be more advantageous for the user to regulate fluid flow, without mechanical devices or actuators. However, the brush will still work properly if the plug  114  is secured within the second aperture  112  when dispensing the fluid  38 .  
      The present invention presents a dispensing brush that has simplified and economized hair styling and coloring procedures. The brush functions by utilizing the concepts of surface tension and gravity in a manner that has not been previously used or known in the art of hairstyling. The brush does not need levers, actuators, or other moving parts to dispense the fluid from the brush. Also, the fluid will flow out of the brush evenly without manipulation and control necessary by the individual user. Likewise, the brush will retain fluid within the brush until application without needing to plug or close the dispenser openings. Thus, the brush delivers regulated fluid in a much more efficient manner than previous devices known or used in the hairstyling field.  
      The brush also provides a more economical manner for coloring and streaking a head of hair. Previously, a person would have to go to a stylist, who would spend considerable time and effort for the streaking process. It was difficult for the user to properly streak one&#39;s own hair in an even fashion. The present invention allows the individual to color his or her own hair, quickly and affordably.  
      While the above description is illustrative of the invention, numerous modifications to the invention may occur without changing the scope of the invention. For instance, the shape of the handle and head of the brush may be changed while still being within the bounds of the invention. Likewise, the length and width of the brush may be modified, and the number of bristles and openings, and the size of the fluid reservoir may be modified as deemed necessary.