Patent Publication Number: US-2022218087-A1

Title: Formula delivery head

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/721,678, filed Sep. 29, 2017 and is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/721,659, filed Sep. 29, 2017; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/721,668, filed Sep. 29, 2017; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/721,682, filed Sep. 29, 2017, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. 
    
    
     SUMMARY 
     In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things, representative embodiments of a formula delivery head, such as those used with a formula delivery appliance. The formula delivery head generally includes features to mix, direct, and distribute formulation through nozzles to a desired location, such as the hair or scalp of a user. In this regard, the formula delivery head may include a plurality of nozzles configured to discharge the formulation at a desired flow rate. In some instances, the flow rate across the plurality of nozzles is controlled such that each nozzle has a flow rate within a specified percentage of the average flow rate across the plurality of nozzles. 
     In accordance with one embodiment described herein, a formula delivery head is provided. The formula delivery head generally includes a manifold chamber defined within a formulation delivery head housing and having a fluid inlet in fluid communication with a first formulation fluid source, a plurality of outlet nozzles configured to discharge a first formulation from the manifold chamber, and a distribution protrusion extending into the manifold chamber and configured to direct the flow of the first formulation from the fluid inlet to each of the plurality of outlet nozzles. 
     In accordance with another embodiment described herein, a formulation delivery head is provided. The formulation delivery head generally includes a manifold chamber defined within a formulation delivery head housing and having a fluid inlet in fluid communication with a first formulation fluid source, a plurality of outlet nozzles configured to discharge a first formulation from the manifold chamber, a distribution protrusion extending into the manifold chamber and configured to direct the flow of the first formulation from the fluid inlet to each of the plurality of outlet nozzles, and an energy source configured to deliver energy to an application surface. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the flow rate of the first formulation discharged from each of the plurality of nozzles may be within 20% of the average flow rate of the first formulation from the plurality of outlet nozzles. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the formulation delivery head may further include a second fluid formulation source in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of the manifold chamber. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the formulation delivery head may further include a mixer positioned between the first and second fluid formulation sources and the manifold chamber for mixing the first formulation and a second formulation prior to distribution from the plurality of outlet nozzles. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, each of the plurality of nozzles may extend outwardly from the formulation delivery head housing and are arranged in a row along a length of the formulation delivery head housing. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, each of the plurality of nozzles may have a length between about 0.5 cm and about 4.0 cm from the outer surface of the formulation delivery head housing. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, each of the plurality of nozzles may have a length between about 1.4 cm and about 1.8 cm from the outer surface of the formulation delivery head housing. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the formulation delivery head may further include a plurality of standoff protrusions extending outwardly from the formulation delivery head housing substantially in the direction of the plurality of nozzles, wherein the length of each of the plurality of standoff protrusions may be longer than the length of each of the plurality of nozzles such that outlets of each of the plurality of nozzles are spaced away from an application surface. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the plurality of standoff protrusions may be between about 0.1 mm and 5.0 mm longer than the length of each of the plurality of nozzles. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the plurality of standoff protrusions may be arranged in one or more rows along a length of the formulation delivery head housing. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the plurality of standoff protrusions may be arranged in at least two rows positioned outward from and in the direction of the row of the plurality of nozzles. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the formulation delivery head may further include a reciprocating member configured to reciprocate the plurality of nozzles. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the energy source may be an ultraviolet radiation source configured to illuminate the plurality of nozzles to transfer ultraviolet radiation to one or more of hair roots and scalp tissue. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the energy source may be a heat source configured to heat the formulation prior to distribution from the plurality of outlet nozzles 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the disclosed subject matter will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a first perspective view of one representative embodiment of a formulation delivery appliance in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a second perspective view of the appliance of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a first exploded perspective view of the appliance of  FIG. 1 , showing a consumable assembly and a handle assembly; 
         FIG. 4  is a second exploded perspective view of the appliance of  FIG. 1 , showing the consumable assembly and the handle assembly; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial cutaway window perspective view of the appliance of  FIG. 1 , showing components within the consumable assembly and the handle assembly; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a manifold housing within a head cover of the consumable assembly of the appliance of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the consumable assembly taken along a line at substantially the midpoint of the width of the appliance of  FIG. 1 , showing the manifold housing within the head cover; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the consumable assembly taken along a line offset from the midpoint of the width of the appliance of  FIG. 1 , showing the manifold housing within the head cover; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the consumable assembly taken along a line at an intermediate point along the height of the appliance of  FIG. 1 , showing the manifold housing within the head cover; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the consumable assembly taken along a line at substantially the midpoint of the width of the appliance of  FIG. 1 , showing the manifold housing within the head cover; 
         FIGS. 11A-11E  are detailed side views of drive and driven gear assemblies of the appliance of  FIG. 1 , showing the gear assemblies moving from a non-engagement position to an engagement position; 
         FIGS. 12A-12D  are detailed side views of the drive and driven gear assemblies of the appliance of  FIG. 1 , showing the gear assemblies moving from the engagement position to the non-engagement position; 
         FIG. 13A  is a perspective view of a portion of the consumable assembly of the appliance of  FIG. 1 , showing the consumable assembly in a sealed configuration; 
         FIG. 13B  is a perspective view of a portion of the consumable assembly of the appliance of  FIG. 1 , showing the consumable assembly in a fluid flow configuration; 
         FIG. 14A  is a side view of a portion the consumable assembly of the appliance of  FIG. 1 , showing the consumable assembly with coloring formulation in the sealed configuration; and 
         FIG. 14B  is a side view of a portion the consumable assembly of the appliance of  FIG. 1 , showing the consumable assembly with coloring formulation in the fluid flow configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description provides several examples that relate generally to hair and scalp treatment applicators and formulation delivery appliances. Application of a wide variety of treatment formulations to human hair and scalp tissue is a common practice. In some instances, it is beneficial for the treatment formulation to be applied to a targeted portion of the hair or scalp tissue. In one example, applying a treatment formulation to a portion of the hair near the scalp may be desired, for instance, when applying a coloring dye to roots of hair during a color maintenance procedure. In another example, applying a treatment formulation directly to the scalp tissue, while minimizing contact with the hair, may be desired. 
     Existing systems for the application of hair and scalp treatment formulations have been widely used. In one example, hair coloring kits are generally used to change the appearance of the hair color or to blend gray hairs, among other uses. Existing hair coloring systems have several disadvantages, including difficulty of use, time consumption, uneven coverage, unpredictable results, excessive mess, etc. In one aspect, existing hair coloring systems can be ineffective in blending and coloring the roots of the hair after new segments of hair have grown from the scalp, where the natural hair color differs from the remainder of the dyed hair. The present disclosure is directed toward solving these and other needs. 
     Hair coloring formulation typically includes at least one dye and a separate developer, which must be mixed in controlled proportions for effective and predictable results. As used herein, the term “coloring formulation” (shown generally in  FIGS. 14A and 14B  as a coloring formulation CF) refers generally to any of the dye, developer, formulation, fluid, or any mixture thereof. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to apply treatment formulation to targeted areas of the hair and scalp tissue. Examples of treatment formulations applied by the embodiments herein include: permanent hair dye; semi-permanent hair dye; developer; conditioner; hair growth treatment, such as minoxidil manufactured under the trade name ROGAINE®; hair protein treatment; disulfide bond repairing hair treatment, such as OLAPLEX®; fluid hair treatment; fluid scalp treatment, and the like. Although any hair and scalp treatment formulation is suitably applied using the embodiments of the appliance described herein, the present disclosure generally refers to hair coloring formulation as the example of treatment formulation applied by the appliance described below. However, it should be appreciated that any of the listed hair and scalp treatment formulations are interchangeable with the coloring formulation described herein. 
     Targeted coloring of the roots of the hair, such as during a maintenance procedure for previously colored hair, generally includes application of coloring formulation to hair segments near the scalp. To achieve the desired result of blending the segments of natural colored hair near the scalp with the previously colored hair, the coloring formulation generally should be applied to only the roots, requiring a precise delivery of coloring formulation. 
     The following discussion provides examples of systems, apparatuses, and/or appliances of a formula delivery device that is configured to apply treatment formulation to a targeted area of the hair and/or scalp. The appliance of the present disclosure generally includes a handle configured to be grasped by the hand of a user, and a head having a plurality of nozzles from which the coloring formulation is discharged. In some embodiments, the head may further include a plurality of standoff protrusions near the nozzles to space the orifice of the nozzle away from the scalp during use. In other embodiments, the nozzles may move during use, for example, by reciprocating or oscillating motion, such that the nozzles can deliver more thorough coverage of the treatment formulation. 
     Referring initially to  FIGS. 1-4 , an exemplary embodiment of a formula delivery device  100  for application of a coloring formulation to a user is depicted. The formula delivery device  100  is shown in use with a plurality of nozzles for implementing one or more methodologies or technologies such as, for example, applying a coloring formulation to the hair and/or scalp tissue of a user. For example, some coloring formulations have improved results when applied to a targeted area of the hair of the user, such as when treating the root segments of the hair, as described above. However, as also discussed above, conventional hair coloring kits are generally configured for manual mixing and application of the coloring formulation, a method of which is time consuming and not well-suited for consistent, desired results. In addition, results obtained from conventional hair coloring kits are often highly technique-dependent, requiring training and familiarity with the process for the desired results. 
     By use of the embodiments of the present disclosure, coloring formulation may be applied to portions of the hair in a way that would be difficult to accomplish with direct application of the coloring formulation alone. Embodiments of the present disclosure are also suitable for applying a treatment formulation to any surface of the body of the user or any other suitable surface. 
     Although the formula delivery device  100  and the other exemplary embodiments are described and illustrated as being used with a plurality of nozzles, it should be appreciated that the formula delivery devices shown and described herein may be used with any suitable formulation applicator configuration and for any suitable use. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , the formula delivery device  100  is shown as an appliance having a handle assembly  104  and a consumable assembly  200 . In this regard, the formula delivery device  100  will be referred to hereinafter as an appliance  100 . The handle assembly  104  includes a handle shell  110 , a port  114 , and a control button  106 . The handle shell  110  provides a surface for a user to grasp with a hand while using the appliance  100 . In this regard, the handle shell  110  is ergonomically shaped in the illustrated embodiments. However, in other embodiments, the handle shell  110  is suitably any shape to contain the internal components and provide one or more gripping surfaces for the user. In further embodiments, the consumable assembly  200  may form at least part of the gripping surfaces for the user. 
     The handle shell  110  houses various appliance control components, such as one or more of a drive motor having a drive gear  310  (see  FIG. 3 ), a CPU, a battery, a communications system (such as wireless networking (Wi-Fi), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Near Field Communication (NFC), BLUETOOTH®, and the like), an electric and data connector at the port  114  (such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), Firewire, or the like), temperature sensors, accelerometers, fluid sensors, data scanners, light sources, audible signal generator, fluid heating sources, temperature controllers, and other suitable control components, which are not shown in the FIGURES for simplicity. In some embodiments, the port  114  is suitably used to provide an interface between the internal control components of the appliance  100  and external components/systems, and/or charge the battery of the appliance  100 . 
     The control button  106  may be configured for the activating, deactivating, and controlling features of the appliance  100 . In some embodiments, pressing the control button  106  powers on the appliance  100  such that coloring formulation CF is drawn from the formulation containers  424  (see  FIGS. 14A and 14B ). In these embodiments, releasing the control button  106  may stop the flow of coloring formulation CF. In certain examples, the control button  106  may be used to initialize the appliance  100  or place the appliance  100  in a state to perform certain functions, such as one or more of: calculating a mixture ratio of the components of the coloring formulation CF; entering a cleaning or purging mode; heating the formulation; gathering data from the formulation containers, such as volume remaining, mixture ratios, color information, etc.; sending and receiving signals through the port  114 ; analyzing data regarding user preferences; gathering data from sensors; providing status indication to the user, such as power output level, battery life, formulation volume remaining, sensor data, data connection information, etc.; and communicating with auxiliary equipment. In some embodiments, the control button  106  is capable of pressure sensitive operation, such that applying a higher pressure to the control button  106  causes a variable response, such as, for example, causing the formulation to flow faster, the nozzles to move faster, or the like. In some embodiments, various operating parameters can be controlled by the use of a smart device, such as a phone (as described in detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/586,138, which is incorporated by reference herein). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the consumable assembly  200  is removably joined with the handle assembly  104  to form the appliance  100 . The external junction of the consumable assembly  200  and the handle assembly  104  is located at the parting surfaces  112  on each assembly. The parting surfaces  112  are generally configured to mate together forming a minimal gap such that fluid, dirt, debris, and other matter does not ingress the appliance  100 . In some embodiments, the parting surfaces  112  mate together in a substantially flush configuration such that no sharp edges exist for ergonomic comfort to the user. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the handle shell  110  may be cut away so the consumable assembly  200  forms at least a portion of the gripping surfaces. 
     In the illustrated embodiments, to release and remove the consumable assembly  200  from the handle assembly  104 , a release button  116  (see  FIG. 4 ) may be pressed to release the grip of a consumable assembly detent feature  120  from the release button  116 . In other embodiments, other securing configurations are suitably used, such as press-fit, fasteners, hook and loop, releasable adhesive, magnets, and the like. Additional securement features are also within the scope of the present disclosure, such as a lower detent  118 , which may provide a greater securement force between the consumable assembly  200  and the handle assembly  104 . In other embodiments, any number or combination of securement features are suitably used to secure the consumable assembly  200  to the handle assembly  104 . 
     The consumable assembly  200  will now be described in greater detail. The consumable assembly  200  generally includes a head cover  108  to house and enclose various components of the consumable assembly  200 , which will be described in greater detail below. The output area of the head cover  108  includes a plurality of elongate nozzles  210  extending from a manifold housing  202  coupled to or formed on the head cover  108 . The elongate nozzles  210  are configured to discharge the coloring formulation CF through a plurality of outlet apertures  212  in the end of the nozzle  210  upon use of the appliance  100 . In some embodiments, the nozzles  210  are arranged in one or more rows along the length of the head cover  108 , generally in a direction along the length of the appliance  100 , as shown in the FIGURES. In other embodiments, the nozzles  210  are suitably placed at an angle with respect to the length of the appliance  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the nozzles  210  have a length between about 0.5 cm and about 4.0 cm from the manifold housing  202  to the end of the nozzles  210  at the outlet apertures  212 . In other embodiments, the nozzles  210  have a length between about 1.4 cm and about 1.8 cm from the manifold housing  202  to the end of the nozzles  210  at the outlet apertures  212 . In other embodiments, the nozzles  210  have a length of about 1.6 cm from the manifold housing  202  to the end of the nozzles  210  at the outlet apertures  212 . In further embodiments, any length of nozzle is suitably used. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of standoff protrusions  220  extend outwardly substantially in the direction of the nozzles  210  from the head cover  108  in one or more rows. In this regard, substantially in the direction of the nozzles  210  is intended to refer to within and angle of about 25 degrees of the direction along the length of the nozzles  210 . In the depicted embodiment, first and second rows of protrusions  220  are positioned along each side of a single row of elongate nozzles  210 . In some embodiments, the standoff protrusions  220  may be disposed at an angle relative to the plurality of nozzles  210 . (For example, see FIG. 4 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/339,551, which is incorporated by reference herein.) 
     In some embodiments, each of the standoff protrusions  220  has a length (measuring between the head cover  108  to an end of the standoff protrusion  220 ) such that the end of the standoff protrusion  220  and the outlet apertures  212  of the nozzles  210  is substantially coplanar. In other embodiments, the standoff protrusions  220  have a length (from the head cover  108  to the end of the standoff protrusion  220 ) such that the standoff protrusions  220  are longer than a length of the nozzles  210  (measuring between the head cover  108  to an end of the nozzles  210 ). In this regard, during use, the standoff protrusions  220  would contact an application surface, such as a localized portion of the scalp, and space the outlet aperture  212  of the nozzles  210  away from the application surface to provide a gap for discharge of the coloring formulation CF through the outlet aperture  212  (see, for example, height difference x in  FIG. 7 ). In the embodiments where the standoff protrusions  220  are longer than the plurality of nozzles  210 , the standoff protrusions  220  are between about 0.1 mm and 5.0 mm longer than the length of each of the plurality of nozzles  210 . In other embodiments, the standoff protrusions  220  are between about 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm longer than the length of each of the plurality of nozzles  210 . In other embodiments, the standoff protrusions  220  are about 1.0 mm longer than the length of each of the plurality of nozzles  210 . 
     Turning now to the partial cutaway view of the appliance  100  shown in  FIG. 5 , internal components of the appliance  100  configured for dispensing coloring formulation CF through the nozzles  210  will now be described. As shown, a first formulation tube  404  and a second formulation tube  406  are configured to transport one of the dye, developer, or other formulation from the fluid container  424  (see  FIGS. 14A and 14B ) to the manifold housing  202  for mixing and distribution to the nozzles  210 . In other embodiments a single formulation tube or more than two formulation tubes are suitably used in the appliance  100 . The first and second formulation tubes  404  and  406  are routed past a pump  340  consisting of a plurality of rollers to cause the coloring formulation CF to flow from the fluid container  424  to the manifold housing  202 . In the illustrated embodiment, a peristaltic pump  340  is used. In this regard, one advantage of a peristaltic-type pump is that the pump is self-priming. However, in other embodiments, any suitable pump, or series of pumps, is used to draw the coloring formulation CF from the fluid container  424  to the manifold housing  202 . 
     The pump  340  is driven by a suitable a motor (not shown) disposed within the handle shell  110 . The motor may rotationally drive the drive gear  310  through an elongate drive shaft  302 . The drive gear  310  interfaces with a driven gear  320  configured to drive the various components of the appliance  100 , including one or more of the pump  340  and a reciprocating wheel  206  (see  FIG. 6 , described in greater detail below), among other possible components. The interface of the drive gear  310  and the driven gear  320  is such that the gears  310  and  320  are capable of meshing by sliding together radially, e.g., in the direction in which the consumable assembly  200  is slid/inserted into the handle shell  110  during assembly of the appliance  100 . The radial meshing of the gears  310  and  320  is accomplished by a biasing member shown as an axial spring  330  that is configured to allow the driven gear  320  to move axially away from the drive gear  310  during assembly of the appliance  100 . The radial meshing of the gears  310  and  320  will be described in greater detail below. Although one example of radial meshing of the gears  310  and  320  is shown and described herein, other suitable gear meshing schemes are within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The manifold housing  202  will now be described in greater detail. Turning to  FIGS. 6-10 , there is shown various cutaway views of the manifold housing  202  within the head cover  108 . The plurality of nozzles  210  extend from a surface of the manifold housing  202  such that portions of the hair of a user pass between the plurality of nozzles  210  as the user passes the appliance  100  over the surface, e.g., the scalp. In some embodiments, the plurality of nozzles  210  is configured to reciprocate by reciprocation of the manifold housing  202  along the direction of the row of the plurality of nozzles  210 . In this regard, the manifold housing  202  translates with respect to the head cover  108 . The reciprocation of the nozzles  210  along the direction of the row allows the coloring formulation CF to cover areas of the surface between each of the nozzles  210  as the appliance  100  is passed over the surface in a direction perpendicular to the row of the plurality of nozzles  210 . In this regard, the full surface below the plurality of nozzles  210  can be covered by the coloring formulation CF without having to overlap passes of the appliance  100  on the surface. In other embodiments, the nozzles  210  of the appliance are configured to oscillate, reciprocate along the length of the nozzles  210 , vibrate, or remain stationary during use. 
     In one embodiment, the motion of the nozzles  210  is provided by the motor rotating the reciprocating wheel  206 . The reciprocating wheel  206  includes a reciprocating protrusion  204  configured to interface with a reciprocating slot  208  in the manifold housing  202 . As the reciprocating wheel  206  rotates, the reciprocating protrusion  204  translates within the reciprocating slot  208  in a direction across the body of the appliance  100  and therefore translates the manifold housing  202  in a direction along the body of the appliance  100 . In some embodiments, the reciprocation has a frequency in the range of approximately 5-60 Hz, with an amplitude which is greater than one-half the distance between adjacent nozzles  210 . In other embodiments, the amplitude of reciprocation of the manifold housing  202  is between about 0.5 times the distance between adjacent nozzles  210  and about 1.5 times the distance between adjacent nozzles  210 . In other embodiments, any suitable arrangement for controlling the movement of the nozzles  210  is used. In another aspect, the movement of the nozzles  210  simulates the gloved finger rubbing the formulation into the root and hairline areas, resulting in an accurate control over the coloring for the hair areas. 
     The manifold housing  202  includes a plurality of chambers for the mixing, processing, and discharge control of the coloring formulation CF components from the formulation containers  424 . For manufacturing and assembly purposes, the manifold housing  202  may include assembly aides, such as an assembly pin  218  and an assembly sleeve  216 . In these embodiments, the assembly pin  218  is inserted into the assembly sleeve  216  to couple the components. In this regard, a press fit or an adhesive may be used to reinforce the coupling. Likewise, in other embodiments, a greater or a fewer number of pieces may be used to form and/or assemble the manifold housing  202 . 
     In one aspect, the plurality of chambers of the manifold housing  202  are arranged and configured to provide an even discharge of the coloring formulation CF through each of the plurality of nozzles  210 . In this regard, in some embodiments, the flow rate of the coloring formulation CF discharged from each of the plurality of nozzles  210  is within about 20% of the average flow rate of the coloring formulation CF from all of the plurality of nozzles  210 . The flow rate control by the manifold housing  202  allows an even distribution of the coloring formulation CF to the surface. In other embodiments, the flow rate of the coloring formulation CF discharged from each of the plurality of nozzles  210  is within about 15% of the average flow rate of the coloring formulation CF from all of the plurality of nozzles  210 . Still, in further embodiments, the flow rate of the coloring formulation CF discharged from each of the plurality of nozzles  210  is within about 10% of the average flow rate of the coloring formulation CF from all of the plurality of nozzles  210 . In further embodiments, the flow rate of the coloring formulation CF discharged from each of the plurality of nozzles  210  is within about 5% of the average flow rate of the coloring formulation CF from all of the plurality of nozzles  210 . 
     The chamber configuration of the manifold housing  202  suitable for controlling the mixing, processing, and discharging of the coloring formulation CF components from the formulation containers  424  will now be described in greater detail. Although the chamber configuration shown in the FIGURES is described below, it should be appreciated that the chamber configuration of the manifold housing  202  may instead have any suitable order or layout to accomplish the mixing and flow rate characteristics described above. In other embodiments, the mixing of the components of the coloring formulation CF occurs outside of the manifold housing  202 , such as between the pump  340  and the inlets to the manifold housing  202 . 
     Beginning with  FIG. 6 , there is shown a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the chambers of the manifold housing  202 . As noted above, the manifold housing  202  may receive the components of the coloring formulation CF from the first and second formulation tubes  404  and  406 . In the illustrated embodiment, the components of the coloring formulation CF enter the manifold housing  202  at inlets a and b (see  FIG. 7 ) and exit the manifold housing  202  at outlets h, i, j, and k (see  FIG. 10 ). The flow of the components of the coloring formulation CF is detailed below. 
     Turning to  FIG. 7 , which shows a side cross-sectional view taken along a line at substantially the midpoint of the width of the appliance  100 , a first component of the coloring formulation CF flows through the first formulation tube  404  to the inlet flow point a, leading into a first chamber  230 . Likewise, a second component of the coloring formulation CF flows through the second formulation tube  406  to the inlet flow point b, leading into the first chamber  230 . Although not shown in the FIGURES, any number of inlets, such as a single inlet or more than two inlets, is also within the scope of the present disclosure. If using a developer or multiple colors of dye, prior to discharge of the coloring formulation CF through the outlet aperture  212 , the components must be mixed together. Some mixing of the components of the coloring formulation CF may occur in the first chamber  230 ; however, for thorough mixing, the components flow toward a flow point c through a static mixer  232  to a second chamber  240 . The flow through the static mixer  232  ensures the proper mixing of the components of the coloring formulation CF prior to the arrival of the components to the second chamber  240 . As above, the mixed components will now be referred to generally as the coloring formulation CF. 
     Turning to  FIG. 8 , which shows a side cross-sectional view take along a line offset from the midpoint of the width of the appliance  100  (outwardly from the page), the flow of the coloring formulation CF is continued from the second chamber  240 , into a third chamber  250 . The third chamber  250  is mirror symmetrical with an identical chamber  252  (partially shown in  FIG. 9 ) on the opposite side of the manifold housing  202 , such that the flow of the coloring formulation CF splits at the flow point c in the second chamber  240  into two separate passageways: the third chamber  250  and the mirror symmetrical chamber  252  on the opposite side of the manifold housing  202 . The coloring formulation CF continues to flow from the third chamber  250  to a flow point d at a fourth chamber  260 . As can be seen in  FIG. 9 , the mirror symmetrical path flows from the flow point c through the mirror symmetrical third chamber  252  to a flow point e at a mirror symmetrical fourth chamber  262 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 9 , which shows a side cross-sectional view taken along a line at an intermediate point along the height of the appliance  100  perpendicular to the cross-sectional cuts shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , the flow of the coloring formulation CF at a flow point d and a flow point e is further split into dual flow paths toward a flow point f and a flow point g at a fifth chamber  270  and a sixth chamber  272 , respectively. The flow of the coloring formulation CF is split at the flow point d and the flow point e such that the coloring formulation CF at the flow point f contains fluid from both the fourth chamber  260  and the mirror symmetrical fourth chamber  262 . Likewise, the coloring formulation CF at the flow point g contains fluid from both the fourth chamber  260  and the mirror symmetrical fourth chamber  262 . 
     As the coloring formulation CF flows from the flow points d and e to the flow point f, the coloring formulation CF travels around a first distribution protrusion  274 . Similarly, as the coloring formulation CF flows from the flow points d and e to the flow point g, the coloring formulation CF travels around a second distribution protrusion  276 . In some embodiments, the first and second distribution protrusions  274  and  276  help to ensure an even flow rate of fluid at the fifth and sixth chambers  270  and  272 , such that the discharge from the nozzles  210  is evenly distributed, as described above. 
     Turning to  FIG. 10 , which shows a partial side cross-sectional view taken along a line at substantially the midpoint of the width of the appliance  100  (as in  FIG. 6 ), the flow of the coloring formulation CF at the flow points f and g travels into a seventh chamber  280  and an eighth chamber  282 , where the flow is further split into dual flow paths, each of the seventh and eighth chambers  280  and  282  acting as a plenum having two outlets into the nozzles  210 . The flow at the seventh chamber  280  travels from the flow point f toward a discharge point h and a discharge point i at the outlet aperture  212 , into a nozzle chamber  292  in each of the plurality of nozzles  210 . Likewise, the flow at the eighth chamber  282  travels from the flow point g toward a discharge point j and a discharge point k at the outlet aperture  212 , into the nozzle chamber  292  in each of the plurality of nozzles  210 . As described above, the flow rate of the coloring formulation CF at each discharge point h, i, j, and k from each of the plurality of nozzles  210  may be within a specified percentage of the average flow rate of the coloring formulation CF from all of the plurality of nozzles  210 . 
     Adjacent to the seventh chamber  280  are first and second volume chambers  284  and  286 , and adjacent to the eighth chamber  282  are third and fourth volume chambers  288  and  290 . The volume chambers  284 ,  286 ,  288 , and  290  provide a location for fluid expansion, e.g., from the expanding effects of an optional heat source applied to the coloring formulation CF (described in greater detail below), fluid vibration reduction, additional ballast volume to ensure steady discharge of the coloring formulation CF, and the like. 
     As noted above, in some embodiments, an energy source, (e.g., a heat source, not shown) may be added to any location in the path of the coloring formulation CF flow to raise the temperature of the formulation, or it may be added to the appliance  100  such that the heat is transferred to the application surface, e.g., the scalp. In this regard, for certain formulations, it may be beneficial in either user comfort, formulation efficacy, or both, to apply the formulation to the user at an elevated temperature, or to heat the application surface. In these embodiments, the heat source is configured to deliver energy to the formulation or the application surface. In some embodiments, the energy source is an ultraviolet radiation source configured to illuminate the plurality of nozzles  210  to transfer ultraviolet radiation to the application surface, such as to hair roots and/or scalp tissue. In other embodiments, the energy source is a heat source configured to heat the formulation prior to discharge from the plurality of outlet nozzles  210 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 11A-12D , the selectively engaging coupling of the drive gear  310  and the driven gear  320  will now be described in greater detail. To drive the pump  340 , the reciprocation of the manifold housing  202  and any other suitable system of the appliance  100 , one or more motors may be provided in the handle assembly  104 , as noted above. In other embodiments, the motor may be included in the consumable assembly  200 ; however, the consumable assembly  200  is intended to be disposable and replaced after a specified duration of use. In embodiments where the motor is located in the handle assembly  104 , a selectively engaging coupling having a biasing member is included to allow the meshing of the drive gear  310  and the driven gear  320 . 
     In general, the coupling is configured to allow meshing of the drive gear  310  and the driven gear  320  when the consumable assembly  200  is slid/inserted into the handle assembly  104 . More specifically, the coupling allows drive gear  310  and the driven gear  320  to slide radially relative to one another from a non-engagement position, where the consumable assembly  200  is not yet seated within the handle assembly  104 , to an engagement position, where the consumable assembly  200  is fully inserted within the handle assembly  104  and the axes of the drive gear  310  and the driven gear  320  are substantially aligned such that the drive gear  310  may be configured to transfer rotational motion to the driven gear  320 . 
     The components of the drive gear  310  and the driven gear  320  will now be described in greater detail. As described above, the drive gear  310  is driven rotationally by the motor through the elongate drive shaft  302 , which defines a drive axis. In some embodiments, the drive gear  310  may include a drive sleeve  312  to provide a reinforced coupling of the drive gear  310  to the elongate drive shaft  302 . Similarly, the driven gear  320  is driven rotationally by the drive gear  310  such that the driven gear causes an elongate driven shaft  332  to rotate. The elongate driven shaft  332  defines a driven axis. In some embodiments, the driven gear  320  may include a driven sleeve  322  to provide a reinforced coupling of the driven gear  320  to the driven shaft  332 . 
     As described briefly above, the radial sliding and meshing of the gears  310  and  320  is accomplished by the biasing member, shown as the axial spring  330 , where the biasing member is configured to allow the driven gear  320  to move axially away from the drive gear  310  during assembly of the consumable assembly  200  into the handle assembly  104 . The radial sliding of the gears  310  and  320  from the non-engagement position ( FIG. 11A ) to the engagement position ( FIG. 11E ) is accomplished by interface of a drive tooth  314  of the drive gear  310  with driven tooth  324  of the driven gear  320 . In the illustrated embodiment, the drive tooth  314  includes a first ramp  316  configured to engage a second ramp  326  of the driven tooth  324 . As a result of the radial sliding of the drive gear  310  and the driven gear  320 , the first ramp  316  interfaces the second ramp  326  ( FIG. 11B ). As the drive gear  310  is slid radially toward the engagement position, the interface of the first ramp  316  and the second ramp  326  urges the driven gear  320  axially away from the drive gear  310  ( FIG. 11C ), compressing the axial spring  330  and allowing the drive gear  310  to continue to radially slide toward the engagement position. 
     As the drive gear  310  approaches the engagement position, the axial spring  330  urges the driven gear  320  axially toward the drive gear  310  to initiate engagement of the drive tooth  314  and the driven tooth  324  ( FIG. 11D ). As the drive gear  310  is rotated while the gears  310  and  320  are in the engagement position ( FIG. 11E ), a drive tooth engagement face  318  of the drive gear  310  abuts a driven tooth engagement face  328  of the driven gear  320  such that the rotational motion of the drive gear  310  is transferred to the driven gear  320 , driving the components of the appliance  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the drive gear  310  engages the driven gear  320  in a single rotational direction. However, in other embodiments, the drive gear  310  is configured to engage the driven gear  320  in both rotational directions. 
     Upon disassembly of the consumable assembly  200  from the handle assembly  104 , the selective engagement coupling of the drive gear  310  and the driven gear  320  must necessarily be released. As the drive gear  310  is slid radially from the engagement position ( FIG. 12A ) to the non-engagement position ( FIG. 12D ), a cam member  332  of the drive tooth  314  engages the driven tooth  324  to again urge the driven gear  320  axially away from the drive gear  310  ( FIG. 12B ). As the drive gear  310  is slid radially away from the engagement position, the interface of the cam member  332  and the driven tooth  324  compresses the axial spring  330 , allowing the drive gear  310  to continue to radially slide away from the engagement position. In some embodiments, the cam member  332  additionally provides an urging of the drive tooth engagement face  318  toward the driven tooth engagement face  328 , for example, in the transition from the configuration shown in  FIG. 11D  to the configuration shown in  FIG. 11E . As the drive gear  310  continues to slide radially away from the engagement position, the first ramp  316  and the second ramp  326  again interface ( FIG. 12C ), allowing the axial spring  330  to urge the driven gear  320  axially toward a neutral point at the non-engagement position ( FIG. 12D ). 
     The fluid connection of the fluid containers  424  (hereinafter referred to as packets  424 , see also the hair color packets described in detail in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/572,250 and 14/554,789, both of which are incorporated by reference herein) upon assembly of the consumable assembly  200  to the handle assembly  104  will now be described in detail. In some embodiments, the consumable assembly  200  includes one or more color packets  424  and a developer packet (not shown, but similar in appearance and function to color packet  424 ); however, in other embodiments, a single hair coloring packet  424  is suitably used. The use of a developer with the coloring dye formulation provides a more lasting coloring effect, up to about one month. The combination of coloring dye and developer is generally referred to as permanent coloring, while applying a dye without use of the developer results in a semi-permanent coloring, usually lasting about a week. The developer can be used with multiple coloring packets  424  or with a single coloring packet  424 . The outlet of the coloring packet  424  and developer packet may be in fluid communication with the first formulation tube  404  and the second formulation tube  406 , respectively. In this regard, the pump  340  creates a suction to draw fluid from the packets  424  into the first and second formulation tubes  404  and  406 , such that the coloring formulation CF components travel through the first and second formulation tubes  404  and  406  and thereinafter into the manifold housing  202  at the flow points a and b. 
     Turing now to  FIGS. 13A-14B , in some embodiments, the consumable assembly  200  is configured for disposal after a specified duration of use, e.g., after a single application of coloring formulation CF to the user&#39;s hair. In these embodiments, the consumable assembly  200  is removed from the handle assembly  104  for disposal, and a new consumable assembly  200  is installed into the handle assembly  104  for further use. For retail purposes, packets  424  of the consumable assembly  200  are initially sealed by a sealing member  420  such that coloring dye and/or developer do not leak out of the packet  424  and contaminants do not enter the packets  424 . In some embodiments, the sealing member  420  includes an orifice  428  to establish fluid communication between the packet  424  and the formulation tubes  404  and  406  when connected. In other embodiments, the sealing member  420  is pierceable, such that the sealing member  420  is punctured when connected to establish fluid communication between the packet  424  and the formulation tubes  404  and  406  (as will be described in greater detail below). In the pierceable embodiments, the sealing member  420  is a one or two-way breathable membrane  426  configured to allow outgassing of the packet  424  without the ingress of contaminants or the egress of the contents of the packet  424 . Still, in further embodiments, the sealing member  420  includes a valve (not shown), used in conjunction with any of the embodiments herein, the valve configured to regulate the flow of the fluid from the packets  424 . Any combination of the above features may also be used. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, when the consumable assembly  200  is inserted into the handle assembly  104 , the consumable assembly  200  transitions from a sealed configuration, where the sealing member  420  is intact (see  FIGS. 13A and 14A ), to a fluid flow configuration, where the sealing member  420  has been opened to establish fluid communication between the packet  424  and the formulation tubes  404  and  406  (see  FIGS. 13B and 14B ). In embodiments where the sealing member  420  is pierceable (such as by using the membrane  426 ), the ends of the formulation tubes  404  and  406  include a piercing portion  430  having a piercing tip  432  to puncture the sealing member  420  upon installation of the consumable assembly  200  within the handle assembly  104 . 
     The piercing portion  430  defines a fluid receiving chamber  434  therein to receive the fluid and fluidly connect the packet  424  to the formulation tubes  404  and  406 . In some embodiments, the packets  424  are enclosed in a packet housing  402  (see  FIG. 4 ). In these embodiments, the packet housing  402  includes two positions corresponding to the sealed configuration and the fluid flow configuration. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13A , the consumable assembly  200  includes a sealed packet detent  412  and a fluid flow packet detent  410  positioned further toward the head cover  108  end of the appliance  100 . The position of the detents  412  and  410  correspond to the sealed configuration, where an aperture  408  of the packet housing  402  engages the sealed packet detent  412  such that the piercing tip  432  does not puncture the sealing member  420 , and the fluid flow configuration, where the aperture  408  engages the fluid flow packet detent  410  such that the piercing tip  432  punctures the sealing member  420  (in the position as shown in  FIG. 4 ). 
     In the sealed configuration of  FIGS. 13A and 14A , such as when the consumable assembly  200  is stored and purchased at retail, the sealing member  420  has not yet been pierced. In this configuration, the aperture  408  engages the sealing packet detent  412 . As the consumable assembly  200  is inserted into the handle assembly  104 , a portion of the packet housing  402  abuts a portion of the handle assembly  104  such that the packet housing  402  transitions to the fluid flow packet detent  410 . More specifically, the packet housing  402  slides forward toward the head cover  108  (in the direction of the arrows in  FIG. 13B ), and the piercing tip  432  of the piercing portion  430  punctures the sealing member  420  (e.g., the membrane  426 ). Upon complete installation of the consumable assembly  200  to the handle assembly  104 , the aperture  408  engages the fluid flow packet detent  410  to keep the packets  424  in sealed fluid communication with the formulation tubes  404  and  406  during use of the appliance  100 . 
     In embodiments where the packets  424  include flexible walls, the consumable assembly  200  includes packet flow protrusions  422  extending along the length of the packet to prevent premature sealing of the remaining fluid within the packet  424  as the packet walls collapse, which would otherwise restrict the flow of fluid into the formulation tubes  404  and  406 , preventing the full use of the entire volume of formulation within the packets  424 . 
     The detailed description set forth above in connection with the appended drawings, where like numerals reference like elements, are intended as a description of various embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps, or combinations of steps, in order to achieve the same or substantially similar result. 
     In the foregoing description, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without embodying all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein. 
     The present application may include references to directions, such as “forward,” “rearward,” “front,” “back,” “upward,” “downward,” “right hand,” “left hand,” “lateral,” “medial,” “in,” “out,” “extended,” “advanced,” “retracted,” “proximal,” “distal,” “central,” etc. These references, and other similar references in the present application, are only to assist in helping describe and understand the particular embodiment and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these directions or locations. 
     The present application may also reference quantities and numbers. Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to be considered restrictive, but exemplary of the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present application. Also in this regard, the present application may use the term “plurality” to reference a quantity or number. In this regard, the term “plurality” is meant to be any number that is more than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc. The term “about,” “approximately,” etc., means plus or minus 5% of the stated value. 
     The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure, which are intended to be protected, are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed.