Patent Description:
The present invention aims at providing an improved formulation delivery head of a formulation delivery device, and in particular to a formulation delivery head for allowing more thorough coverage of a treatment or coloring formulation applied to the scalp tissue and/or the hair of a user.

According to the present invention this problem is solved by a formulation delivery head according to independent claim <NUM>. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments.

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:.

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 invention 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 <FIG> as a coloring formulation CF) refers generally to any of the dye, developer, formulation, fluid, or any mixture thereof.

Embodiments of the present invention 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 invention 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 invention 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. According to the invention, the nozzles move during use, by reciprocating or oscillating motion, such that the nozzles can deliver more thorough coverage of the treatment formulation.

Referring initially to <FIG>, a formula delivery device <NUM> for application of a coloring formulation to a user is depicted. The formula delivery device <NUM> 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.

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 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 <NUM> is 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 <FIG>, the formula delivery device <NUM> is shown as an appliance having a handle assembly <NUM> and a consumable assembly <NUM>. In this regard, the formula delivery device <NUM> will be referred to hereinafter as an appliance <NUM>. The handle assembly <NUM> includes a handle shell <NUM>, a port <NUM>, and a control button <NUM>. The handle shell <NUM> provides a surface for a user to grasp with a hand while using the appliance <NUM>. In this regard, the handle shell <NUM> is ergonomically shaped. However, the handle shell <NUM> is suitably any shape to contain the internal components and provide one or more gripping surfaces for the user. The consumable assembly <NUM> may form at least part of the gripping surfaces for the user.

The handle shell <NUM> houses various appliance control components, such as one or more of a drive motor having a drive gear <NUM> (see <FIG>), 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 <NUM> (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. The port <NUM> is suitably used to provide an interface between the internal control components of the appliance <NUM> and external components/systems, and/or charge the battery of the appliance <NUM>.

The control button <NUM> may be configured for the activating, deactivating, and controlling features of the appliance <NUM>. Pressing the control button <NUM> powers on the appliance <NUM> such that coloring formulation CF is drawn from the formulation containers <NUM> (see <FIG>). Releasing the control button <NUM> may stop the flow of coloring formulation CF. In certain examples, the control button <NUM> may be used to initialize the appliance <NUM> or place the appliance <NUM> 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 <NUM>; 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. The control button <NUM> is capable of pressure sensitive operation, such that applying a higher pressure to the control button <NUM> causes a variable response, such as, for example, causing the formulation to flow faster, the nozzles to move faster, or the like. Various operating parameters can be controlled by the use of a smart device, such as a phone (as described in detail in <CIT>).

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the consumable assembly <NUM> is removably joined with the handle assembly <NUM> to form the appliance <NUM>. The external junction of the consumable assembly <NUM> and the handle assembly <NUM> is located at the parting surfaces <NUM> on each assembly. The parting surfaces <NUM> are generally configured to mate together forming a minimal gap such that fluid, dirt, debris, and other matter does not ingress the appliance <NUM>. The parting surfaces <NUM> mate together in a substantially flush configuration such that no sharp edges exist for ergonomic comfort to the user. Alternatively, the handle shell <NUM> may be cut away so the consumable assembly <NUM> forms at least a portion of the gripping surfaces.

To release and remove the consumable assembly <NUM> from the handle assembly <NUM>, a release button <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be pressed to release the grip of a consumable assembly detent feature <NUM> from the release button <NUM>. 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 <NUM>, which may provide a greater securement force between the consumable assembly <NUM> and the handle assembly <NUM>. Any number or combination of securement features are suitably used to secure the consumable assembly <NUM> to the handle assembly <NUM>.

The consumable assembly <NUM> will now be described in greater detail. The consumable assembly <NUM> generally includes a head cover <NUM> to house and enclose various components of the consumable assembly <NUM>, which will be described in greater detail below. The output area of the head cover <NUM> includes a plurality of elongate nozzles <NUM> extending from a manifold housing <NUM> coupled to or formed on the head cover <NUM>. The elongate nozzles <NUM> are configured to discharge the coloring formulation CF through a plurality of outlet apertures <NUM> in the end of the nozzle <NUM> upon use of the appliance <NUM>. In some embodiments, the nozzles <NUM> are arranged in one or more rows along the length of the head cover <NUM>, generally in a direction along the length of the appliance <NUM>, as shown in the FIGURES. In other embodiments, the nozzles <NUM> are suitably placed at an angle with respect to the length of the appliance <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the nozzles <NUM> have a length between about <NUM> and about <NUM> from the manifold housing <NUM> to the end of the nozzles <NUM> at the outlet apertures <NUM>. In other embodiments, the nozzles <NUM> have a length between about <NUM> and about <NUM> from the manifold housing <NUM> to the end of the nozzles <NUM> at the outlet apertures <NUM>. In other embodiments, the nozzles <NUM> have a length of about <NUM> from the manifold housing <NUM> to the end of the nozzles <NUM> at the outlet apertures <NUM>. In further embodiments, any length of nozzle is suitably used.

In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of standoff protrusions <NUM> extend outwardly substantially in the direction of the nozzles <NUM> from the head cover <NUM> in one or more rows. In this regard, substantially in the direction of the nozzles <NUM> is intended to refer to within and angle of about <NUM> degrees of the direction along the length of the nozzles <NUM>. In the depicted embodiment, first and second rows of protrusions <NUM> are positioned along each side of a single row of elongate nozzles <NUM>. In some embodiments, the standoff protrusions <NUM> may be disposed at an angle relative to the plurality of nozzles <NUM>. For example, see <FIG> of <CIT>.

In some embodiments, each of the standoff protrusions <NUM> has a length (measuring between the head cover <NUM> to an end of the standoff protrusion <NUM>) such that the end of the standoff protrusion <NUM> and the outlet apertures <NUM> of the nozzles <NUM> is substantially coplanar. In other embodiments, the standoff protrusions <NUM> have a length (from the head cover <NUM> to the end of the standoff protrusion <NUM>) such that the standoff protrusions <NUM> are longer than a length of the nozzles <NUM> (measuring between the head cover <NUM> to an end of the nozzles <NUM>). In this regard, during use, the standoff protrusions <NUM> would contact an application surface, such as a localized portion of the scalp, and space the outlet aperture <NUM> of the nozzles <NUM> away from the application surface to provide a gap for discharge of the coloring formulation CF through the outlet aperture <NUM> (see, for example, height difference x in <FIG>). In the embodiments where the standoff protrusions <NUM> are longer than the plurality of nozzles <NUM>, the standoff protrusions <NUM> are between about <NUM> and <NUM> longer than the length of each of the plurality of nozzles <NUM>. In other embodiments, the standoff protrusions <NUM> are between about <NUM> and <NUM> longer than the length of each of the plurality of nozzles <NUM>. In other embodiments, the standoff protrusions <NUM> are about <NUM> longer than the length of each of the plurality of nozzles <NUM>.

Turning now to the partial cutaway view of the appliance <NUM> shown in <FIG>, internal components of the appliance <NUM> configured for dispensing coloring formulation CF through the nozzles <NUM> will now be described. As shown, a first formulation tube <NUM> and a second formulation tube <NUM> are configured to transport one of the dye, developer, or other formulation from the fluid container <NUM> (see <FIG>) to the manifold housing <NUM> for mixing and distribution to the nozzles <NUM>. In other embodiments a single formulation tube or more than two formulation tubes are suitably used in the appliance <NUM>. The first and second formulation tubes <NUM> and <NUM> are routed past a pump <NUM> consisting of a plurality of rollers to cause the coloring formulation CF to flow from the fluid container <NUM> to the manifold housing <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, a peristaltic pump <NUM> 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 <NUM> to the manifold housing <NUM>.

The pump <NUM> is driven by a suitable a motor (not shown) disposed within the handle shell <NUM>. The motor may rotationally drive the drive gear <NUM> through an elongate drive shaft <NUM>. The drive gear <NUM> interfaces with a driven gear <NUM> configured to drive the various components of the appliance <NUM>, including one or more of the pump <NUM> and a reciprocating wheel <NUM> (see <FIG>, described in greater detail below), among other possible components. The interface of the drive gear <NUM> and the driven gear <NUM> is such that the gears <NUM> and <NUM> are capable of meshing by sliding together radially, e.g., in the direction in which the consumable assembly <NUM> is slid/inserted into the handle shell <NUM> during assembly of the appliance <NUM>. The radial meshing of the gears <NUM> and <NUM> is accomplished by a biasing member shown as an axial spring <NUM> that is configured to allow the driven gear <NUM> to move axially away from the drive gear <NUM> during assembly of the appliance <NUM>. The radial meshing of the gears <NUM> and <NUM> will be described in greater detail below. Although one example of radial meshing of the gears <NUM> and <NUM> is shown and described herein, other suitable gear meshing schemes are within the scope of the present disclosure.

The manifold housing <NUM> will now be described in greater detail. Turning to <FIG>, there is shown various cutaway views of the manifold housing <NUM> within the head cover <NUM>. The plurality of nozzles <NUM> extend from a surface of the manifold housing <NUM> such that portions of the hair of a user pass between the plurality of nozzles <NUM> as the user passes the appliance <NUM> over the surface, e.g., the scalp. In some embodiments, the plurality of nozzles <NUM> is configured to reciprocate by reciprocation of the manifold housing <NUM> along the direction of the row of the plurality of nozzles <NUM>. In this regard, the manifold housing <NUM> translates with respect to the head cover <NUM>. The reciprocation of the nozzles <NUM> along the direction of the row allows the coloring formulation CF to cover areas of the surface between each of the nozzles <NUM> as the appliance <NUM> is passed over the surface in a direction perpendicular to the row of the plurality of nozzles <NUM>. In this regard, the full surface below the plurality of nozzles <NUM> can be covered by the coloring formulation CF without having to overlap passes of the appliance <NUM> on the surface. In other embodiments, the nozzles <NUM> of the appliance are configured to oscillate, reciprocate along the length of the nozzles <NUM>, vibrate, or remain stationary during use.

In one embodiment, the motion of the nozzles <NUM> is provided by the motor rotating the reciprocating wheel <NUM>. The reciprocating wheel <NUM> includes a reciprocating protrusion <NUM> configured to interface with a reciprocating slot <NUM> in the manifold housing <NUM>. As the reciprocating wheel <NUM> rotates, the reciprocating protrusion <NUM> translates within the reciprocating slot <NUM> in a direction across the body of the appliance <NUM> and therefore translates the manifold housing <NUM> in a direction along the body of the appliance <NUM>. In some embodiments, the reciprocation has a frequency in the range of approximately <NUM>-<NUM>, with an amplitude which is greater than one-half the distance between adjacent nozzles <NUM>. In other embodiments, the amplitude of reciprocation of the manifold housing <NUM> is between about <NUM> times the distance between adjacent nozzles <NUM> and about <NUM> times the distance between adjacent nozzles <NUM>. In other embodiments, any suitable arrangement for controlling the movement of the nozzles <NUM> is used. In another aspect, the movement of the nozzles <NUM> 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 <NUM> includes a plurality of chambers for the mixing, processing, and discharge control of the coloring formulation CF components from the formulation containers <NUM>. For manufacturing and assembly purposes, the manifold housing <NUM> may include assembly aides, such as an assembly pin <NUM> and an assembly sleeve <NUM>. In these embodiments, the assembly pin <NUM> is inserted into the assembly sleeve <NUM> 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 <NUM>.

In one aspect, the plurality of chambers of the manifold housing <NUM> are arranged and configured to provide an even discharge of the coloring formulation CF through each of the plurality of nozzles <NUM>. In this regard, in some embodiments, the flow rate of the coloring formulation CF discharged from each of the plurality of nozzles <NUM> is within about <NUM>% of the average flow rate of the coloring formulation CF from all of the plurality of nozzles <NUM>. The flow rate control by the manifold housing <NUM> 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 <NUM> is within about <NUM>% of the average flow rate of the coloring formulation CF from all of the plurality of nozzles <NUM>. Still, in further embodiments, the flow rate of the coloring formulation CF discharged from each of the plurality of nozzles <NUM> is within about <NUM>% of the average flow rate of the coloring formulation CF from all of the plurality of nozzles <NUM>. In further embodiments, the flow rate of the coloring formulation CF discharged from each of the plurality of nozzles <NUM> is within about <NUM>% of the average flow rate of the coloring formulation CF from all of the plurality of nozzles <NUM>.

The chamber configuration of the manifold housing <NUM> suitable for controlling the mixing, processing, and discharging of the coloring formulation CF components from the formulation containers <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM>, such as between the pump <NUM> and the inlets to the manifold housing <NUM>.

Beginning with <FIG>, there is shown a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the chambers of the manifold housing <NUM>. As noted above, the manifold housing <NUM> may receive the components of the coloring formulation CF from the first and second formulation tubes <NUM> and <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the components of the coloring formulation CF enter the manifold housing <NUM> at inlets a and b (see <FIG>) and exit the manifold housing <NUM> at outlets h, i, j, and k (see <FIG>). The flow of the components of the coloring formulation CF is detailed below.

Turning to <FIG>, which shows a side cross-sectional view taken along a line at substantially the midpoint of the width of the appliance <NUM>, a first component of the coloring formulation CF flows through the first formulation tube <NUM> to the inlet flow point a, leading into a first chamber <NUM>. Likewise, a second component of the coloring formulation CF flows through the second formulation tube <NUM> to the inlet flow point b, leading into the first chamber <NUM>. 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 <NUM>, the components must be mixed together. Some mixing of the components of the coloring formulation CF may occur in the first chamber <NUM>; however, for thorough mixing, the components flow toward a flow point c through a static mixer <NUM> to a second chamber <NUM>. The flow through the static mixer <NUM> ensures the proper mixing of the components of the coloring formulation CF prior to the arrival of the components to the second chamber <NUM>. As above, the mixed components will now be referred to generally as the coloring formulation CF.

Turning to <FIG>, which shows a side cross-sectional view take along a line offset from the midpoint of the width of the appliance <NUM> (outwardly from the page), the flow of the coloring formulation CF is continued from the second chamber <NUM>, into a third chamber <NUM>. The third chamber <NUM> is mirror symmetrical with an identical chamber <NUM> (partially shown in <FIG>) on the opposite side of the manifold housing <NUM>, such that the flow of the coloring formulation CF splits at the flow point c in the second chamber <NUM> into two separate passageways: the third chamber <NUM> and the mirror symmetrical chamber <NUM> on the opposite side of the manifold housing <NUM>. The coloring formulation CF continues to flow from the third chamber <NUM> to a flow point d at a fourth chamber <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, the mirror symmetrical path flows from the flow point c through the mirror symmetrical third chamber <NUM> to a flow point e at a mirror symmetrical fourth chamber <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, which shows a side cross-sectional view taken along a line at an intermediate point along the height of the appliance <NUM> perpendicular to the cross-sectional cuts shown in <FIG>, 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 pointf and a flow point g at a fifth chamber <NUM> and a sixth chamber <NUM>, 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 <NUM> and the mirror symmetrical fourth chamber <NUM>. Likewise, the coloring formulation CF at the flow point g contains fluid from both the fourth chamber <NUM> and the mirror symmetrical fourth chamber <NUM>.

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 <NUM>. 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 <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first and second distribution protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> help to ensure an even flow rate of fluid at the fifth and sixth chambers <NUM> and <NUM>, such that the discharge from the nozzles <NUM> is evenly distributed, as described above.

Turning to <FIG>, which shows a partial side cross-sectional view taken along a line at substantially the midpoint of the width of the appliance <NUM> (as in <FIG>), the flow of the coloring formulation CF at the flow points f and g travels into a seventh chamber <NUM> and an eighth chamber <NUM>, where the flow is further split into dual flow paths, each of the seventh and eighth chambers <NUM> and <NUM> acting as a plenum having two outlets into the nozzles <NUM>. The flow at the seventh chamber <NUM> travels from the flow point f toward a discharge point h and a discharge point i at the outlet aperture <NUM>, into a nozzle chamber <NUM> in each of the plurality of nozzles <NUM>. Likewise, the flow at the eighth chamber <NUM> travels from the flow point g toward a discharge point j and a discharge point k at the outlet aperture <NUM>, into the nozzle chamber <NUM> in each of the plurality of nozzles <NUM>. 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 <NUM> may be within a specified percentage of the average flow rate of the coloring formulation CF from all of the plurality of nozzles <NUM>.

Adjacent to the seventh chamber <NUM> are first and second volume chambers <NUM> and <NUM>, and adjacent to the eighth chamber <NUM> are third and fourth volume chambers <NUM> and <NUM>. The volume chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, the selectively engaging coupling of the drive gear <NUM> and the driven gear <NUM> will now be described in greater detail. To drive the pump <NUM>, the reciprocation of the manifold housing <NUM> and any other suitable system of the appliance <NUM>, one or more motors may be provided in the handle assembly <NUM>, as noted above. The motor may be included in the consumable assembly <NUM>; however, the consumable assembly <NUM> is intended to be disposable and replaced after a specified duration of use. Where the motor is located in the handle assembly <NUM>, a selectively engaging coupling having a biasing member is included to allow the meshing of the drive gear <NUM> and the driven gear <NUM>.

In general, the coupling is configured to allow meshing of the drive gear <NUM> and the driven gear <NUM> when the consumable assembly <NUM> is slid/inserted into the handle assembly <NUM>. More specifically, the coupling allows drive gear <NUM> and the driven gear <NUM> to slide radially relative to one another from a non-engagement position, where the consumable assembly <NUM> is not yet seated within the handle assembly <NUM>, to an engagement position, where the consumable assembly <NUM> is fully inserted within the handle assembly <NUM> and the axes of the drive gear <NUM> and the driven gear <NUM> are substantially aligned such that the drive gear <NUM> may be configured to transfer rotational motion to the driven gear <NUM>.

The components of the drive gear <NUM> and the driven gear <NUM> will now be described in greater detail. As described above, the drive gear <NUM> is driven rotationally by the motor through the elongate drive shaft <NUM>, which defines a drive axis. The drive gear <NUM> may include a drive sleeve <NUM> to provide a reinforced coupling of the drive gear <NUM> to the elongate drive shaft <NUM>. Similarly, the driven gear <NUM> is driven rotationally by the drive gear <NUM> such that the driven gear causes an elongate driven shaft <NUM> to rotate. The elongate driven shaft <NUM> defines a driven axis. The driven gear <NUM> may include a driven sleeve <NUM> to provide a reinforced coupling of the driven gear <NUM> to the driven shaft <NUM>.

As described briefly above, the radial sliding and meshing of the gears <NUM> and <NUM> is accomplished by the biasing member, shown as the axial spring <NUM>, where the biasing member is configured to allow the driven gear <NUM> to move axially away from the drive gear <NUM> during assembly of the consumable assembly <NUM> into the handle assembly <NUM>. The radial sliding of the gears <NUM> and <NUM> from the non-engagement position (<FIG>) to the engagement position (<FIG>) is accomplished by interface of a drive tooth <NUM> of the drive gear <NUM> with driven tooth <NUM> of the driven gear <NUM>. The drive tooth <NUM> includes a first ramp <NUM> configured to engage a second ramp <NUM> of the driven tooth <NUM>. As a result of the radial sliding of the drive gear <NUM> and the driven gear <NUM>, the first ramp <NUM> interfaces the second ramp <NUM> (<FIG>). As the drive gear <NUM> is slid radially toward the engagement position, the interface of the first ramp <NUM> and the second ramp <NUM> urges the driven gear <NUM> axially away from the drive gear <NUM> (<FIG>), compressing the axial spring <NUM> and allowing the drive gear <NUM> to continue to radially slide toward the engagement position.

As the drive gear <NUM> approaches the engagement position, the axial spring <NUM> urges the driven gear <NUM> axially toward the drive gear <NUM> to initiate engagement of the drive tooth <NUM> and the driven tooth <NUM> (<FIG>). As the drive gear <NUM> is rotated while the gears <NUM> and <NUM> are in the engagement position (<FIG>), a drive tooth engagement face <NUM> of the drive gear <NUM> abuts a driven tooth engagement face <NUM> of the driven gear <NUM> such that the rotational motion of the drive gear <NUM> is transferred to the driven gear <NUM>, driving the components of the appliance <NUM>. The drive gear <NUM> engages the driven gear <NUM> in a single rotational direction. However, the drive gear <NUM> is configured to engage the driven gear <NUM> in both rotational directions.

Upon disassembly of the consumable assembly <NUM> from the handle assembly <NUM>, the selective engagement coupling of the drive gear <NUM> and the driven gear <NUM> must necessarily be released. As the drive gear <NUM> is slid radially from the engagement position (<FIG>) to the non-engagement position (<FIG>), a cam member <NUM> of the drive tooth <NUM> engages the driven tooth <NUM> to again urge the driven gear <NUM> axially away from the drive gear <NUM> (<FIG>). As the drive gear <NUM> is slid radially away from the engagement position, the interface of the cam member <NUM> and the driven tooth <NUM> compresses the axial spring <NUM>, allowing the drive gear <NUM> to continue to radially slide away from the engagement position. The cam member <NUM> additionally provides an urging of the drive tooth engagement face <NUM> toward the driven tooth engagement face <NUM>, for example, in the transition from the configuration shown in <FIG> to the configuration shown in <FIG>. As the drive gear <NUM> continues to slide radially away from the engagement position, the first ramp <NUM> and the second ramp <NUM> again interface (<FIG>), allowing the axial spring <NUM> to urge the driven gear <NUM> axially toward a neutral point at the non-engagement position (<FIG>).

The fluid connection of the fluid containers <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as packets <NUM>, see also the hair color packets described in detail in <CIT> and <CIT>) upon assembly of the consumable assembly <NUM> to the handle assembly <NUM> will now be described in detail. The consumable assembly <NUM> includes one or more color packets <NUM> and a developer packet (not shown, but similar in appearance and function to color packet <NUM>); however, a single hair coloring packet <NUM> 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 <NUM> or with a single coloring packet <NUM>. The outlet of the coloring packet <NUM> and developer packet may be in fluid communication with the first formulation tube <NUM> and the second formulation tube <NUM>, respectively. In this regard, the pump <NUM> creates a suction to draw fluid from the packets <NUM> into the first and second formulation tubes <NUM> and <NUM>, such that the coloring formulation CF components travel through the first and second formulation tubes <NUM> and <NUM> and thereinafter into the manifold housing <NUM> at the flow points a and b.

Turning now to <FIG>, the consumable assembly <NUM> is configured for disposal after a specified duration of use, e.g., after a single application of coloring formulation CF to the user's hair. The consumable assembly <NUM> is removed from the handle assembly <NUM> for disposal, and a new consumable assembly <NUM> is installed into the handle assembly <NUM> for further use. For retail purposes, packets <NUM> of the consumable assembly <NUM> are initially sealed by a sealing member <NUM> such that coloring dye and/or developer do not leak out of the packet <NUM> and contaminants do not enter the packets <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> includes an orifice <NUM> to establish fluid communication between the packet <NUM> and the formulation tubes <NUM> and <NUM> when connected. The sealing member <NUM> is pierceable, such that the sealing member <NUM> is punctured when connected to establish fluid communication between the packet <NUM> and the formulation tubes <NUM> and <NUM> (as will be described in greater detail below). Where pierceable, the sealing member <NUM> is a one or two-way breathable membrane <NUM> configured to allow outgassing of the packet <NUM> without the ingress of contaminants or the egress of the contents of the packet <NUM>. Still, the sealing member <NUM> includes a valve (not shown), used herein, the valve configured to regulate the flow of the fluid from the packets <NUM>. Any combination of the above features may also be used.

When the consumable assembly <NUM> is inserted into the handle assembly <NUM>, the consumable assembly <NUM> transitions from a sealed configuration, where the sealing member <NUM> is intact (see <FIG> and <FIG>), to a fluid flow configuration, where the sealing member <NUM> has been opened to establish fluid communication between the packet <NUM> and the formulation tubes <NUM> and <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). Where the sealing member <NUM> is pierceable (such as by using the membrane <NUM>), the ends of the formulation tubes <NUM> and <NUM> include a piercing portion <NUM> having a piercing tip <NUM> to puncture the sealing member <NUM> upon installation of the consumable assembly <NUM> within the handle assembly <NUM>.

The piercing portion <NUM> defines a fluid receiving chamber <NUM> therein to receive the fluid and fluidly connect the packet <NUM> to the formulation tubes <NUM> and <NUM>. The packets <NUM> are enclosed in a packet housing <NUM> (see <FIG>). The packet housing <NUM> includes two positions corresponding to the sealed configuration and the fluid flow configuration.

As shown in <FIG>, the consumable assembly <NUM> includes a sealed packet detent <NUM> and a fluid flow packet detent <NUM> positioned further toward the head cover <NUM> end of the appliance <NUM>. The position of the detents <NUM> and <NUM> correspond to the sealed configuration, where an aperture <NUM> of the packet housing <NUM> engages the sealed packet detent <NUM> such that the piercing tip <NUM> does not puncture the sealing member <NUM>, and the fluid flow configuration, where the aperture <NUM> engages the fluid flow packet detent <NUM> such that the piercing tip <NUM> punctures the sealing member <NUM> (in the position as shown in <FIG>).

In the sealed configuration of <FIG> and <FIG>, such as when the consumable assembly <NUM> is stored and purchased at retail, the sealing member <NUM> has not yet been pierced. In this configuration, the aperture <NUM> engages the sealing packet detent <NUM>. As the consumable assembly <NUM> is inserted into the handle assembly <NUM>, a portion of the packet housing <NUM> abuts a portion of the handle assembly <NUM> such that the packet housing <NUM> transitions to the fluid flow packet detent <NUM>. More specifically, the packet housing <NUM> slides forward toward the head cover <NUM> (in the direction of the arrows in <FIG>), and the piercing tip <NUM> of the piercing portion <NUM> punctures the sealing member <NUM> (e.g., the membrane <NUM>). Upon complete installation of the consumable assembly <NUM> to the handle assembly <NUM>, the aperture <NUM> engages the fluid flow packet detent <NUM> to keep the packets <NUM> in sealed fluid communication with the formulation tubes <NUM> and <NUM> during use of the appliance <NUM>.

Where the packets <NUM> include flexible walls, the consumable assembly <NUM> includes packet flow protrusions <NUM> extending along the length of the packet to prevent premature sealing of the remaining fluid within the packet <NUM> as the packet walls collapse, which would otherwise restrict the flow of fluid into the formulation tubes <NUM> and <NUM>, preventing the full use of the entire volume of formulation within the packets <NUM>.

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 invention and are not intended to represent the only 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 invention. 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 invention.

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 <NUM>% of the stated value.

Claim 1:
A formulation delivery head, comprising:
a formulation delivery head housing;
a manifold chamber defined within the e formulation delivery head housing and having a fluid inlet in fluid communication with a first formulation fluid source;
a plurality of outlet nozzles (<NUM>) configured to discharge a first formulation from the manifold chamber; and
a distribution protrusion (<NUM>, <NUM>) 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 (<NUM>)
characterized in that
the formulation delivery head, further comprising a reciprocating member configured to reciprocate the plurality of outlet nozzles (<NUM>).