Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 12/546,056 filed on Aug. 24, 2009, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 11/650,323 filed on Jan. 5, 2007, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/756,304 filed on Jan. 5, 2006, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    There are many lotions and products applied to the human body for cosmetic purposes. These products include moisturizers, sunscreens, anti-aging treatments, UV tanning accelerators, sunless tanning products and much more. There are numerous forms of artificial tanning products currently available, including lotions, creams, gels, oils, and sprays. These products are typically mixtures of a chemically-active skin colorant or a bronzer, in combination with moisturizers, preservatives, anti-microbials, thickeners, solvents, emulsifiers, fragrances, surfactants, stabilizers, sunscreens, pH adjusters, anti-caking agents, and additional ingredients to alter the color reaction. 
         [0003]    There exist many automated systems for applying artificial tanning products and often include a closed booth provided with a spraying system. The spraying systems typically use high pressure compressed air nozzles, along with a fluid supplied to the nozzle to create an atomized spray directed towards the body. Currently, these booths are mostly closed, are limited to applying only one product per session, and create a foggy closed environment for the user. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]    In the accompanying drawings and descriptions that follow, like parts are indicated throughout the drawings and description with the same reference numerals, respectively. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that one element can be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements can be designed as one element. An element shown as an internal component of another element can be implemented as an external component and vice versa. The figures are not drawn to scale and the proportions of certain parts have been exaggerated for convenience of illustration. 
           [0005]      FIG. 1  is a front-right perspective view of one embodiment of an automatic body spray system  100 ; 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is a front-left perspective view of the automatic body spray system  100 ; 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a spray column  102  showing one embodiment of a slide out drawer  108  holding multiple solution containers  160   a - c;    
           [0008]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a rotating nozzle column  131 ; 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  is a detailed perspective view of the slide out drawer  108  holding multiple solution containers  160   a,b,c  for use in the spray system  100 ; 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  is a side view of one embodiment of a fluid container  160 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the backside of the slide out drawer  108  holding multiple solution containers  160   a,b,c  showing fluid pumps  113   a - c;    
           [0012]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the spray column  102  with the back cover removed to expose the internal components; 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the nozzle arms  128   a,b  and fluid solenoid valves  115   a,b,c  located in the spray column  102 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 10  is a detailed perspective view of one embodiment of an HVLP nozzle assembly  124 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the HVLP turbine  118 , CPU controller  122 , and user interface  117  located in the spray column  102  of the spray system  100 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view showing the backside of the mist extraction column  103  with the rear cover removed; 
           [0017]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view showing a mist extraction fan  142 , a mist extraction filter  140 , a filter compartment  141 , a filter wash down nozzle  146 , and an internal column wash down nozzle  147  of the spray system  100 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view showing the mist extraction filter  140  removed from the mist extraction column  103  and also showing the mist extraction column  103  inlet vents  145 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a waterfall wash-down hose  149 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a sump pump  150  waste water removal system and sump pump filter  152 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 17  is a side section view showing the sump pump  150  incorporated into a sump pump basin  151  that is integrated into the base  104  with a sump pump filter  152 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 18  is a flow chart illustrating one method for operating the automatic body spray system  100  to coat the human body that can be employed by a controller. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate left and right perspective views, respectively, of on embodiment of an automatic body spray system  100 . The system  100  includes a base  104  configured to support a human body  109 . Extending vertically from the perimeter of the base  104  are a spray column  102 , a mist extraction column  103 , and partial side walls  105   a ,  105   b , which together defined a spray booth to house the user therein. These partial sidewalls  105   a,b  contact the spray column  103  and continue in a curved pattern toward the spray column  102  (see also  FIG. 15 ). The partial sidewalls  105   a,b  also seat against the base  104  at the bottom of the system  100 . The partial sidewalls  105   a,b  stop short of the spray column  103  to allow for user access into the system  100 . The partial sidewalls  105   a,b  can be of any shape or size and can be modified to provide the desired amount of mist containment. A partial top  180  can also be provided to keep any excess mist from escaping out the top of the system  100 . In an alternative embodiment, the system  100  can include full-size sidewalls, instead of partial walls. 
         [0024]    In a preferred embodiment, the system  100  can be employed to apply sunless tanning solutions as well as other solutions onto a human body  109 . Exemplary sunless-tanning solutions include one or more colorants, such as dihydroxyacetone, crotonaldehyde, pyruvaldehyde, glycolaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, otho-phthaldehyde, sorbose, fructose, erythrulose, methylvinylketone, food coloring, or any other available colorant. The sunless tanning solutions can additionally or alternatively include one or more bronzers, such as lawsone, juglone, or any other available bronzer. It will be appreciated that the sunless-tanning solutions can include additional ingredients, such as moisturizers and scents, to make the solution more appealing to a user. 
         [0025]    While the system  100  can be employed as a sunless tanning spray system, it can also be employed to spray other fluids onto the human body. For example, the system  100  can be configured to spray sunscreens, suntan lotions, moisturizing lotions, sunless tanning pre-spray treatments, tanning accelerators, sunburn treatments, insect repellants, skin toners, skin bleaches, skin lighteners, anti-microbial compositions, exfoliants, nutriments or vitamins, massage aides, muscle relaxants, skin treatment agents, burn treatment agents, decontamination agents, cosmetics, or wrinkle treatments or removers, or any other solution or lotion desired to be applied to the human body. 
         [0026]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the spray column  102  includes two high volume, low pressure (HVLP) atomization nozzles  106   a,b  fluidly connected to an HVLP turbine (not shown) with an air supply hose and also fluidly connected to at least one fluid container  160 . With the assistance of the HVLP turbine, the HVLP nozzles  106   a,b  are configured to eject an atomized mist of fluid. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the spray column  102  may include one HVLP nozzle or more than two HVLP nozzles. In another embodiment (not shown), a high pressure fluid pump may be employed, instead of the HVLP turbine. 
         [0027]    Each HVLP nozzle  106   a,b  is coupled to a linear slide (not shown) that is configured to move the HVLP nozzles  106   a,b  up and down vertically, thereby adjusting the vertical of the HVLP nozzle  106   a,b . In this configuration, the HVLP nozzles  106   a,b  are moveably mounted to the spray column  102 , such that the spray pattern of the HVLP nozzles  106   a,b  is sufficient to completely coat the human body  109  with a desired fluid, solution, or lotion. 
         [0028]    In an alternative embodiment as shown in  FIG. 4 , a vertically standing column  131  that rotates back and forth about its vertical axis can be employed. One or more HVLP nozzles  106  can be mounted to the rotating column  131  and be connected to an HVLP turbine with an air supply hose and also fluidly connected to at least one fluid reservoir or container  160 . This column can be automatically rotated back and forth to automatically coat the human body. 
         [0029]    With reference back to  FIG. 3 , the system  100  includes three fluid containers  160   ac  contained in the drawer  108 . In alternative embodiments, the system  100  can include two or less containers or more than three containers provided in the drawer  108 . 
         [0030]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , a start button  110  and an LCD user interface panel  107  are also provided. The start button  110  is used to initiate a session. The LCD user interface is used to set up a session and also to perform other functions including, but not limited to, defining the system parameters, turning on a wash down function, turning on a light, and viewing session counts. 
         [0031]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of the fluid container drawer  108  with the drawer  108  opened to expose the fluid containers  160   a,b,c . The drawer  108  provides for a simple method of accessing the containers  160 . The drawer  108  includes a pull handle  111  and a key lock  112  for security purposes. In this embodiment, the drawer  108  is attached to the spray column  102  with two slide rails  113   a,b . The drawer  108  can also be attached to the spray column using a rotating mount or any other type of mount. 
         [0032]    As discussed in more detail above, the fluid containers  160   a - c  can hold sunless tanning solutions or other types of fluids. In one embodiment, each fluid container  160   a - c  can hold a different sunless-tanning solution. The different solutions can have different chemical compositions which affect the hue of the resulting tan. Alternatively, one fluid container (e.g., the first fluid container  160   a ) can contain water or another dilution agent to dilute a solution contained in the second solution container (e.g., the second fluid container  160   b ). The contents of the different fluid containers can be mixed in various combinations to provide a range of shades, thereby allowing the user to select a preferred tanning shade. Also, the fluid containers can hold other types of solutions to be applied to the human body. One control method for applying the solutions can be to apply a first atomized solution, dry the body with air only coming from the HVLP nozzles, apply a second atomized solution, dry the body with air only coming from the HVLP nozzles, apply a third atomized solution and then dry the body with air only coming from the HVLP nozzles. 
         [0033]      FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a fluid container  160 . In this embodiment, the fluid container  160  includes a handle  164 , a male quick disconnect valve  161  at an opening located at one end portion of the fluid container  160 , and a vent  162  provided at the other end portion of the fluid container  160 . The fluid container  160  can also include a check valve  163  to ensure that fluid flows in only one direction such that, when the fluid container  160  is empty, the check valve  163  will prevent any residual solution from leaking out when the fluid container  160  is removed. It will be appreciated that the fluid container  160  can be configured differently in shape and size from the one illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Also, it will be appreciated that different fittings such as interchange couplings, poppet couplings, or threaded couplings, can be used to dispense solution from the fluid container  160 . 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, the fluid containers  160   a - c  are removable. Alternatively, the spray column  102  can house fixed fluid containers that can be filled with solution while still in spray column  102  when the solution level falls below a predetermined threshold. 
         [0035]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , each fluid container  160   a - c  is inverted such that the male quick disconnect valve  161  mates with a female quick disconnect fitting  165   a - c  disposed in the drawer  108 . When a new fluid container  160  is added to the system  100 , the male quick disconnect valve  161  of the fluid container  160  is snapped into the female quick disconnect fitting  165   a - c  in the drawer  108 . The vent  162  on the fluid container  160  can then be opened to equalize the air pressure inside the fluid container  160 , allowing fluid to flow freely. 
         [0036]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the inside of the drawer  108  containing three fluid pumps  113   a - c  positioned below the female quick disconnect fittings  165   a - c . The first pump  113   a  is configured to pump the solution held in the first fluid container  160   a  along a fluid flow path F 1  through the hose assembly  116  to the HVLP nozzle assemblies  106   a,b . The second pump  113   b  is configured to pump the solution held in the second fluid container  160   b  along a fluid flow path F 2  through the hose assembly  116  to the HVLP nozzle assemblies  106   a,b . the third pump  113   c  is configured to pump the solution held in the second fluid container  160   c  along a fluid flow path F 3  through the hose assembly  116  to the HVLP nozzle assemblies  106   a,b . In one embodiment, the pumps  130   a,b,c  are positive displacement pumps. Any other type of fluid pump may suffice. It will be appreciated, however, that one or more of the pumps  113   a,b,c  can be positioned anywhere in the drawer  108 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 8  illustrates a simplified perspective view of the interior of the spray column  102 .  FIG. 9  is a close up view of  FIG. 8  showing the HVLP nozzle mounting arms  128   a,b  in one embodiment of the system  100 . The nozzle mounting arms  128   a,b  also hold fluid solenoid valves  115   a - c . These solenoid valves  115   a - c  turn on or off the fluid flow through fluid paths F 1 , F 2 , and F 3  between fluid pumps  113   a - c  and the HVLP nozzle assemblies  106   a,b . The solenoid valves are controlled by the controller  122 . The valves  115   a - c  can also be any type of suitable control valve. The hose assembly  116  holds the fluid paths F 1 , F 2 , and F 3  as well as the air path A 1 . The three fluid paths F 1 , F 2 , F 3  route to each solenoid valves  115   a - c , respectively, and than to each nozzle assembly  106   a,b . The air path A 1  routes to each nozzle assembly  106   a,b  from the HVLP turbine  118  and through hose assembly  116 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 10  shows a detailed perspective view of an HVLP nozzle  106  and mounting arm assembly  124 . The top of nozzle body  126  mounts to the bottom side of the nozzle mounting bracket  129 . The nozzle mounting bracket  129  mounts to the moveable nozzle arm  128   a  or  128   b . The HVLP air supply line A 1  enters the nozzle body  126  from the backside and the three fluid lines F 1 , F 2 , F 3  all enter the nozzle body  126  from one of the other sides. The fluid paths for F 1 , F 2 , F 3  all merge toward the center of the nozzle body  126  internally and exit at nozzle tip  127 . The HVLP air supply from the air path A 1  also exits the nozzle body  126  at the nozzle tip  127 . In this embodiment, the HVLP air and the fluid are externally atomized at the nozzle tip  127 . It can be appreciated that any number of fluid paths may enter the nozzle body  126 . Also shown in  FIG. 10  are check valves  133   a - c . The nozzle body  126  with multiple inlet ports and the check valves  133   a - c  allow multiple solutions to enter the nozzle body  126  and eliminate any cross contamination of different fluids. 
         [0039]      FIG. 11  is a close up view of  FIG. 8  showing the HVLP fan  118  mounted inside the spray column  102 . The hose assembly  116  carries the air path A 1  from the HVLP fan  118  to the nozzle assemblies  106   a,b . The HVLP fan  118  can be controlled on or off by use of a relay or other type of electronic switch. The relay or switch is controlled by the main controller  122 . This HVLP fan  118  acts as the air source to atomize any desired solution or fluid. Another embodiment is to have a heating source that the HVLP air passes through to provide a warmer spray and dry session to the user. This heating source can be controlled by the controller  122 . 
         [0040]    In the illustrated embodiment, the controller  122  is configured to control the operation of the system  100 . Specifically, the controller  122  is configured to operate the HVLP nozzles, HVLP turbine, pumps, valves, and other electrical or electro-mechanical devices in the system  100 . Suitable controllers can include a processor, a microprocessor, a control circuit, a PLC, or any other appropriate control device. 
         [0041]      FIG. 11  also shows the controller  122  and the LCD user interface panel  107 . The main controller  122  can be programmed many ways to operate the system  100  for its desired function. For example, in one embodiment, the controller has pre-programmed parameters such as fluid pump values (these control the speed of each fluid pump  113   a - c  via pulse width modulation which in turn controls how much fluid is applied over a period of time therefore controlling the intensity level of the fluid being sprayed), linear slide speed (this can control the speed of a linear slide that moves the nozzles  106   a,b  vertically up and down; this will also control the amount of solution applied over time and also the length of each application session), number of spray passes (this parameter controls how many times the body is sprayed). Any other variable that controls the operation of the machine can be stored and modified with the LCD interface display  107  and main controller  122 . 
         [0042]    With continued reference to  FIG. 7 , the LCD interface display  107  and main controller  122  can be programmed and configured to perform many unique application sessions. In one embodiment, a linear slide that moves nozzles  106   a,b  up and down vertically can be controlled with a motor drive system and any type of position encoding device. The encoding device can be connected to the main controller  122  so that the controller always knows the position of the nozzle arm  128   a,b . This encoding system allows a user to select a partial body spray application. For example, the user can select to spray just their face, input their head height, and the system  100  will spray just their face with the desired solution or combination of solutions at the selected levels. Another example is that the user selects to just spray their legs or their whole body, excluding their legs or face or both. A height monitoring sensor can also be added to the control system so that it automatically adjusts the nozzle  106   a,b  positions for each user. This can also be used for full body sprays where the starting height of the nozzles  106   a,b  are adjusted to the height of each user, thereby reducing the amount of solution sprayed for bodies shorter than the maximum height of the nozzles  106   a,b.    
         [0043]    With reference back to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the system  100  also includes a mist extraction column  103  a described above. The mist extraction column  103  can be mounted to the base  104  in a relative position opposite the spray column  102 . The mist extraction column is used to capture any excess mist during spray sessions. 
         [0044]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view showing the internal components of the mist extraction column  103 . The mist extraction fan  142  will be turned on by the controller  122  during a spray session to draw air flow and excess spray mist through vent openings  145  through a filter assembly  140  that is supported by a filter compartment  141 . The mist is captured in the filter  141  and clean air is passed through the fan  142  and out the back of the mist extraction column  103 . The size and CFM of the mist extraction fan  142  can be adjusted to provide the required amount of air flow to contain the mist generated by the HVLP nozzles  106   a,b.    
         [0045]      FIG. 13  is a detailed perspective view of the internal components of the mist extraction column  103 . Provided in a position relative to filter  140  is a filter wash down nozzle  146 . The filter  140  in this embodiment is oriented in a horizontal position parallel to the ground plane. 
         [0046]    The mist extraction column  103  also provides for an internal column wash down nozzle  147 . This column wash down nozzle  147  can be used to clean the inside of the mist extraction column  103  to eliminate the buildup of any spray residue that may occur. This internal column wash down nozzle  147  can have a water supply line connected to it with a solenoid valve (not shown). This solenoid valve can be activated by the controller  122  to provide for a mist extraction column  103  cleansing cycle after each spray session or at desired intervals. In another embodiment, a manual valve could be used to control the water supply to the internal column wash down nozzle  147 . The number of fans, filters, and nozzles or orientation of the fans, filters, and nozzles can be modified as needed. 
         [0047]      FIG. 14  shows how the filter is inserted and removed from the mist extraction column  103 . The filter  140  slides in a direction perpendicular to the front of the mist extraction column  103  and allows for easy removal. The wash down nozzle  146  can have a water supply line connected to it with a solenoid valve (not shown). This solenoid valve can be activated by the controller  122  to provide for an automatic filter cleansing cycle after each spray session or at desired intervals. The horizontal position of the filter  140  in this embodiment allows for the filter cleansing water to be passed through the filter  140  and emptied at the bottom of the mist extraction column  103 . In another embodiment, a manual valve could be used to control the water supply to the filter wash down nozzle  146 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of a wash down system hose  149  used for this open system design. Because the system is open, care has to be taken when providing for an automatic wash down system so that excess wash down water does not leak out of the system. This embodiment shows the wash down hose  149  having holes along its length pointed toward its mounting surface. In this embodiment, the wash down hose  149  mounts along both side walls  105   a,b  and the mist extraction column  103 . This configuration allows a waterfall-type wash down where the rinsing water is softly directed in a many small streams toward its relative mounting surface and runs down the surface to be cleaned. This waterfall wash down hose  149  can have a water supply line connected to it with a solenoid valve (not shown). This solenoid valve can be activated by the controller  122  to provide for system  100  cleansing cycle after each spray session or at desired intervals. In another embodiment, a manual valve could be used to control the water supply to the water fall wash down hose  149 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 16  shows a simplified perspective view of a waste water sump pump  150  mounted in base  104 .  FIG. 17  shows a side section view of a waste water sump pump  150  mounted in base  104 . The base  104  has an integral drain basin  151  to catch waste water from the various wash down systems described above, including the filter wash down waste water, the internal column wash down waste water, and the system wash down waste water. The waste water from the above mentioned wash down systems flow down from their respective components to be cleaned over the top surface of the base  104  and towards the sump pump basin  151 . The waste water also passes through a filter screen  152  to keep debris from entering the sump pump  150 . The sump pump  150  will then pump out the waste water when its float switch activates the pump. 
         [0050]    The fluid spraying system  100  can include additional components without departing from the scope of the present application. For example, the system  100  can include fluid detection sensors (not shown) disposed near the bottom of each fluid container  160   a,b,c . The fluid detection sensors can be configured to sense the solution level in each fluid container  160   a,b,c . When the solution level falls below a predetermined threshold, the fluid detection sensors can be configured to transmit a signal to the controller  122 . Upon receipt of the signal, the controller  122  can deactivate the fluid spraying system  100  to prevent air from being pulled into one or all of the fluid flow paths F 1 , F 2 , and F 3 . Exemplary fluid detection sensors that can be employed include capacitive solution detection switches, optical sensors, or piezoelectric sensors. 
         [0051]    Also, the fluid spraying system  100  can include a heating element (not shown), such as a heating coil or other heating device, that can be placed around or adjacent to the first and/or second and/or third fluid flow paths F 1 , F 2 , F 3  thereby creating a warm, atomized mist of fluid that can be ejected from the nozzles  106   a,b . Additionally, a heating element can be placed around or inside the air flow path A 1 . Alternatively, heating elements can be placed around or adjacent to one or all of the fluid containers  160   a,b,c.    
         [0052]      FIG. 18  is a flow chart showing one example of a control process. This process shown is for a full body session and a choice between a single solution spray or a multiple solution spray. The multiple solution spray shown in this example is for a two solution multispray but can be configured for any number of multi-session sprays. This flow chart can also apply for face only sprays, leg only sprays, or any other height adjustable spray session. 
         [0053]    In one specific method to coat the human body, the method can include spraying can the atomized mixture of HVLP air and fluid onto the body and then turning off the fluid supply and moving the nozzles up and down with the HVLP air still on to dry the body. The speed, volume, and temperature natural to the HVLP air source is ideal for drying the body. Hence, the same nozzles that apply the atomized solution can also be used as a drying source when the solution is turned off and the air is turned on. 
         [0054]    The system  100  described above and illustrated in the figures provides one or more of the following benefits: (1) the system does not require a large external air compressor for air delivery method, (2) the atomized spray using an HVLP air supply does not produce a lingering fog of mist and over spray, because of the lack of fog and over spray, (3) the system does not need to be completely enclosed to capture excess mist and keep it from escaping into the surrounding environment, (4) the user is not subjected to breath or be surrounded by excess fog or mist, and the transfer efficiency of the atomized fluid onto the human body is much higher than with compressed air systems, (5) the system allows many different types of products to be applied to the human body in one application session, (6) the system employs the use of a convenient slide out drawer to access the solution containers for multiple products to be applied, and (7) the system can be programmed to apply a fluid to only user specified areas of the body. 
         [0055]    While the present application has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures can be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant&#39;s general inventive concept. The system is not designed solely for sunless tanning products or for the purpose for spraying a human body. It can accommodate almost any type of product being sprayed.

Technology Category: 7