US20040188469A1

US20040188469A1 - Hair coloring application system

Info

Publication number: US20040188469A1
Application number: US10/402,487
Authority: US
Inventors: William Lambrakis; Anthony Moura
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-03-28
Filing date: 2003-03-28
Publication date: 2004-09-30

Abstract

A hair coloring applicator assembly has an applicator cup, an applicator bottle extension, and an applicator nozzle. The applicator cup has an open top and a closed bottom. The applicator bottle extension has an open bottom, which is removably connected to the open top of the applicator cup, as well as an open top. The applicator nozzle has an open base attached to the open top of the applicator bottle extension. In addition, the applicator nozzle has an open spout portion. The applicator assembly allows multiple hair coloring techniques to be performed by selectively assembling or disassembling the applicator. The assembly may include a cap for sealingly closing the open spout of the applicator nozzle. The applicator assembly may further include a holder, for supporting at least a portion of the closed bottom of the applicator cup, and a timer attached to the holder.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

(Not Applicable)

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

(Not Applicable)

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to hair coloring and, more particularly, to a device for facilitating the application of hair coloring agents such as dyes and creams.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The process of coloring hair generally involves three major steps. First, hair coloring agents, either liquid or cream based, are mixed to achieve a desired shade. Next, the coloring agents are applied to the hair. Cream-based agents are normally applied using a brush whereas liquid-based agents are usually imparted directly onto the hair from a bottle. Finally, the coloring agents remain on the hair for a set amount of time to obtain the desired hair color. Multiple tools are used in connection with these steps; however, the individual tools can become scattered, lost, or mixed in with other tools associated with other hair treatment processes.

Therefore, there is a need for a self-contained device that consolidates the various tools associated with the above-described hair coloring process into a single assembly. There is also a need for a device that is versatile enough to accommodate both liquid and cream based hair coloring agents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment having features according to aspects of the present invention is directed to a hair coloring applicator assembly that allows multiple hair coloring techniques to be performed by selectively assembling or disassembling the applicator. The assembly includes an applicator cup having an open top and a closed bottom. In addition, the assembly includes an applicator bottle extension having an open bottom, removably connected to the open top of the applicator cup, and an open top. The assembly also includes an applicator nozzle having an open base, which is attached to the open top of the applicator bottle extension, and an open spout portion. The nozzle is of generally tapered conical conformation. The assembly may further include a cap for sealingly closing the open spout of the applicator nozzle. The base of the applicator nozzle may include threads, and the top of the applicator bottle extension may include mating threads such that the base of the applicator nozzle and the top of the applicator bottle extension are attached by threaded engagement. The applicator bottle extension is of generally frusto-conical conformation and is made of plastic that can be writable or flexible. The applicator bottle extension can include graduated level markings so that a user can determine the amount of a hair coloring agent contained in the applicator bottle extension. The applicator cup is of generally cylindrical conformation and is made of plastic, which can be writable or flexible plastic. The applicator cup may include graduated level markings, whereby a user can determine the amount of any hair coloring agent contained in the applicator cup. The assembly may further have a holder, which supports at least a portion of the closed bottom of the applicator cup, and a timer attached to the holder. The holder is made from one of the group of plastics or metals. The timer can provide a visible or audible alarm.

Another embodiment having features according to aspects of the present invention is directed to a hair coloring applicator assembly that allows multiple hair coloring techniques to be performed by selectively assembling or disassembling the applicator. The assembly includes: a generally cylindrical applicator cup having an open top and a closed bottom; a generally frusto conical applicator bottle extension having an open bottom including a coupling and an open top, the open top of the applicator cup is removably connected to the coupling of the applicator bottle extension so as to form an applicator bottle assembly; an applicator nozzle having an open base, which is attached to the open top of the applicator bottle extension, and an open spout portion; and a holder for supporting at least a portion of the applicator cup and also including a timer with an alarm. The assembly may further include an applicator brush, which is contained within the bottle assembly. The applicator cup bottom may have a recess and the holder has a projection so that, when the applicator cup is positioned on the holder, the projection is matingly received in the recess in the applicator cup bottom. The projection is rotatable and includes at least a portion of the timer such that the timer is set by rotating the projection. The applicator cup and the applicator bottle extension are both made of plastic and include graduated level markings.

Yet another embodiment having features according to aspects of the present invention is directed to a hair coloring applicator assembly that allows a variety of hair coloring techniques to be performed by selectively assembling or disassembling the applicator. The assembly includes: (a) a generally cylindrical applicator cup having an open top and a closed bottom; (b) a generally frusto-conical applicator bottle extension having an open top end and an open coupling end, in which the open top of the applicator cup and the coupling ends of the bottle extension are removably connected such that an applicator bottle assembly is formed; (c) at least one hair coloring substance contained within the applicator bottle assembly; (d) an applicator nozzle having an open base, which is attached to the open top of the applicator bottle extension, and an open spout portion; and (e) a holder for supporting at least a portion of the applicator cup, the holder including a timer with an alarm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a hair coloring applicator assembly having features according to aspects of the of the present invention. [0009]
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the applicator cup used in the assembly depicted in FIG. 1. [0010]
FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the applicator cup depicted in FIG. 2. [0011]
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the applicator bottle extension used in the assembly depicted in FIG. 1. [0012]
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the coupling used in the assembly depicted in FIG. 1. [0013]
FIG. 6 is a top view of the coupling depicted in FIG. 5. [0014]
FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the applicator nozzle used in the assembly depicted in FIG. 1. [0015]
FIG. 8 is another embodiment of a hair coloring applicator assembly having features according to aspects of the present invention including a holder. [0016]
FIG. 9 is a top view of the holder depicted in FIG. 8. [0017]
FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the holder depicted in FIG. 9. [0018]
FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of a brush having features according to aspects of the present invention. [0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS AND PREFERENCES

The illustrations and detailed description of embodiments having features according to aspects of the present invention are intended only as exemplary. These examples are shown in FIGS. 1-11, but the present invention is not limited to this illustrative structure. [0020]
The individual components making up the hair coloring applicator assembly will be discussed in turn below. [0021]
Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment is shown that includes an [0022] applicator cup 10, an applicator bottle extension 12 and an applicator nozzle 16. The applicator cup 10 serves to hold the sundry hair coloring substances 17 that may be used in the treatment of hair. As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the applicator cup 10 has an at least partially open top 18 and a closed bottom 20. The preferred cup is generally cylindrical in conformation, but it may also be generally rectangular, polygonal, or triangular in conformation. More specifically, the preferred cup is generally cylindrical with a maximum diameter of approximately 2.25 inches.
The [0023] applicator cup 10 can be made of a variety of materials including metals and glass, but plastics are preferred, especially plastics that can be written on. A plastic that can be written on is one in which a user can write directly on the plastic using a pen, pencil, marker, preferably with a dry erase marker, or other writing implement and the inscription will visibly remain so that it can be read by the user or an observer. In one embodiment, a specific area on at least a portion of the exterior of the applicator cup can be designated as a writing surface.
The [0024] applicator cup 10 may also have graduated level markings 22 along its length. Ideally, the level markings 22 would indicate volume in ounces or milliliters so that a user can determine the amount of any hair coloring agent contained in the cup 10. As will be described more fully below, the closed bottom 20 of the cup 10 may include a recess 24, that extends into the thickness of the bottom 20 of the cup 10 and possibly further up into the interior of the cup 10. Bottom 20 of the cup 10 may be sufficiently thick to include the recess 24 without having the recess extend into the interior of the cup 10 such that the inside bottom surface of the cup 10 is substantially planar. The recess 24 is preferably generally circular in cross-section; however, any cross-sectional shape is acceptable including rectangular, triangular, or polygonal. The recess 24 may be positioned anywhere on the bottom 20 of the applicator cup 10, but, in a preferred embodiment, the recess 24 is centrally located.
Another component of the hair coloring applicator assembly is the [0025] applicator bottle extension 12. As shown in FIG. 4, the bottle extension 12 has an open bottom 26 including an integrated coupling 14 and an open top 28.
Preferably, the [0026] bottle extension 12 is generally frusto-conical in shape, but other conformations are possible such as cylindrical, rectangular, triangular, polygonal. The discussion above of possible and preferred materials and graduated level markings for the applicator cup 10 applies equally to the bottle extension 12. It should be noted that the materials comprising the bottle extension 12 and the cup 10 need not be identical nor must the level markings be identical; preferably, the applicator cup 10 is made of a more rigid material relative to the bottle extension 12. Further, it is preferred if the bottle extension 12 is made of a flexible plastic. A flexible plastic is one that is manually deformable such as by squeezing the container by hand to urge out any hair coloring substance 17 contained within the applicator cup 10. In addition, a flexible plastic is one that will, after being deformed, generally return to its original state when released.
The [0027] bottle extension 12 is removably attached to the applicator cup 10. More specifically, the open bottom 26 of the bottle extension 12 is removably connected to the open top 18 of the applicator cup 10. The connection of these two components extends the overall length of the assembly, yet still provides an option to disconnect the bottle extension 12 from the cup 10 when necessary. While there are a variety of ways to removably connect the two components such as by interlocking tabs and ears or by a hinge or latch, the preferred manner of connecting the cup 10 to the bottle extension 12 is by providing a coupling 14 integrated with the open bottom 26 end of bottle extension 12 so that the cup 10 and the bottle extension 12 may be joined directly to one another.
For instance, in a preferred construction, the [0028] cup 10 may have external threads at its open top that-directly screw into mating internal threads 13 in the coupling 14 of the bottle extension component 26. The opposite construction—the cup 10 having internal threads for engagement with external threads on the coupling 14 of bottle extension 12—is also a possibility. The above-described coupling 14 is integrated with the open bottom 26 of the bottle extension 12; however, the coupling 14 may instead be integrated with the top end 28 of applicator cup 10. Preferably, the coupling 14 has a maximum diameter of approximately 2⅞ inches.
The [0029] coupling 14 is preferably annular in shape, but it is not limited to being annular as the outer profiles of the cup 10 and bottle extension 12 will dictate the configuration of the coupling 14. Moreover, the coupling 14 may provide other structure instead of threads for coupling the cup 10 to the bottle extension 12.
Despite the desirability of having an integrated [0030] coupling 14 associated with the bottle extension 12 or applicator cup 10, it is not necessary to have an integrated coupling 14 because the cup 10 and the bottle extension 12 may be joined to one another by way of a separate coupling that is not integrated into either the bottle extension 12 or applicator cup 10.
For example, a separate [0031] annular coupling 15, as shown in FIGS. 5-6, can be provided having internal threads 30 for engaging mating external threads on the top of the cup 32 as well as on the bottom of the bottle extension (not shown). Thus, the cup 10 is threaded into the coupling 15 from one side of the coupling 15 and the bottle extension 12 is threaded into the coupling 15 from the opposite side. This preferred coupling 15 has a maximum diameter of approximately 2⅞ inches. Alternatively, annular coupling 15 can provide external threads with mating internal threads provided on the cup and bottle extension components. The coupling 15 is not limited to being annular in shape as the outer profiles of the cup 10 and bottle extension 12 will dictate the configuration of the coupling 15. Moreover, the coupling 15 may provide other structure instead of threads for coupling the cup 10 to the bottle extension 12.
In another embodiment, the [0032] coupling 15 can be closed at one of its ends to act as a lid so as to sealingly close either the open top 28 of the applicator cup 10 or the open bottom 26 of the bottle extension 12. Alternatively, the coupling 15 may be closed somewhere in between its ends so that both the applicator cup 10 and the bottle extension 12 can attached together yet sealingly separated.
Another component of the hair color applicator assembly is the [0033] applicator nozzle 16. As depicted in FIG. 7, the nozzle 16 has an open base portion 36, which is attached to the top of the bottle extension 28, and an open spout portion 38. The nozzle base 36 can be attached to the top of the bottle extension 28 in any of the manners described above with respect to the connection between the cup 10 and the bottle extension 12, but other constructions are possible. In the preferred construction, the nozzle base 16 provides internal threads 40 and the top 28 of the bottle extension 12 provides mating external threads 42 such that the nozzle 16 can be screwed onto the bottle extension 12. Furthermore, the preferred nozzle base 36 has a maximum outer diameter from about 2⅛ to about 2¼ inches.
The [0034] nozzle 16 extends away from the base portion 36 in a generally tapered conical conformation and ending at an open spout portion 38 at the opposite end. The spout 38 provides a controlled, predictable exit path for any hair coloring substance contained within the assembly to be imparted onto hair.
The embodiment may also include a [0035] cap 44 for sealingly closing the open spout portion of the nozzle as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8. Sealingly closing not only includes completely preventing any contained substance from spilling out through spout 38, but it also includes substantially impeding the flow of any substance out of the assembly so that someone may have time to notice the leakage before the spill becomes large. The cap 44 may fit over the top of the spout 38 or it may fit inside of the spout portion 38 of the nozzle 16 or it may do both.
Another embodiment having features according to aspects of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 8, which includes the hair [0036] color applicator assembly 48 as described above, but, in addition, the assembly 48 includes a holder 46 for supporting the applicator assembly 48. In one embodiment, the holder 46 may be permanently secured to the hair color applicator assembly 48. Preferably, the applicator assembly 48 is removably mounted on the holder 46.
The [0037] holder 46 may be made of plastic or metal and may be any of a number of shapes so long as it supports the applicator assembly 48 when not in use. One ideal construction of holder 46 is depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10. In the preferred embodiment, the holder 46 has a platform portion 50 and a skirt portion 52. The platform portion 50 is generally flat having a top surface 54 and a bottom surface 56. The platform 50 is generally circular to coincide with the preferred profile of the bottom 20 of applicator cup 10.
Not only does the [0038] platform portion 50 provide a support surface against which the applicator assembly 48 can rest, but it can also provide positioning and holding functions as well. The platform 50 can include a projection 58 extending up from the top surface 54 of the platform 50. The projection 58 can be generally cylindrical or it can be any of a number of shapes so long as it can be matingly received inside of the recess 24 provided in the bottom 20 of the applicator cup 10. This construction helps to correctly position the applicator cup 10 on the holder 46 and further helps in holding the cup 10 in place. Positioning and holding function may be provided by other arrangements instead of the above-described recess 24 and mating projection 58.
The [0039] holder 46 also preferably includes a skirt portion 52 which extends partially around the circumference or perimeter of the platform 50. The skirt 52 helps to provide additional support to the applicator assembly 48 along the length of the assembly 48, which further keeps the assembly 48 in place on the holder 46. The skirt 52 can be used in place of the above-described recess 24 and mating projection 58 interface to position and hold the applicator assembly. For example, skirt portion 52 can extend along substantially the entire length of the applicator cup 10 of the hair coloring applicator assembly.
Again, the [0040] skirt 52 is ideally generally cylindrical, but any shape is possible so long as it generally conforms to the outer surface of the applicator assembly 48. While the skirt 52 could possibly extend completely around the periphery of the platform 50, it is more desirable to provide an opening 60 so that a user can look and see the marking level lines 22 on the applicator cup 10. Possible cross-sectional constructions include semi-circular or opposing arcs.
A [0041] timer 62 can also be provided to assist in the final step of the hair coloring process described earlier. In particular, the timer 62 can be set for a precise amount of time for which the coloring agent must remain on the hair. Alternatively, the timer 62 may simply count, starting at zero, the amount time that passes. Preferably, the timer 62 can be set for at least 60 minutes. It is also desirable if the timer 62 provides an alarm 64 to signal when a given amount of time has elapsed. The alarm 64 can be audible such as a buzzer or it can be visual in nature such as a light that can flash on and off or simply stay on until deactivated. The visual-style alarm is desirable for users having hearing difficulties.
The [0042] timer 62 can be fixed to any of the individual components of the applicator assembly 48, and, in the preferred construction, the timer 62 is integrated with the holder 46. For example, the timer 62 can be fixed to the underside 56 of the platform portion 50 of the holder 46 preferably by way of screws 66 (see FIG. 9). The timer 62 may also be secured using an adhesive, velcro, or rivets. The timer 62 can be integrated with the holder 46 such that a portion of the timer extends through and projects up from the platform 50, in place of or in combination with projection 58, such that it can be matingly received in the recess 24 of the applicator cup 10. The projecting portion of the timer 62 may further be rotatable and configured to set the timer as the projecting portion is rotated. Thus, when a user sets the hair coloring applicator assembly on the holder 46, the user can turn the assembly, causing the timer projection to rotate and setting the timer for the desired interval.
The [0043] timer 62 may be made of any of a number of materials, but plastics and metals are especially well suited. In addition, it is preferred if the timer 62 is waterproof as it may be subjected to water when the assembly is cleaned. The timer 62 can be powered by any of a number of external or self-contained power sources, but it is preferably powered by a battery.
One embodiment having features according to aspects of the present invention can also include a [0044] brush 68 for applying coloring agents, especially cream-based coloring agents, to hair. The brush 68 generally has a handle portion 70 and a base portion 72 with bristles 74. Preferably, the handle 70 of the brush 68 is generally cylindrical terminating at a hemispherical top end. The handle 70 can, however, have any of a number of conformations such as being generally conical, tapering as it extends away from the base portion 72, rectangular, triangular or polygonal.
The [0045] base portion 72 of brush 68 can be any of a variety of general configuration such as circular, rectangular or polygonal. Ideally, the brush can be inserted inside at least into the open top 18 of applicator cup 10 and, preferably, in the open top 28 of bottle extension 12 as well.
The [0046] brush 68 can be provided with the hair coloring applicator assembly in any of a number of ways. For example, the brush 68 may be removably connected to the interior or exterior of any of the individual components of the hair coloring applicator assembly. If the brush 68 is attached to the exterior of the assembly then it may be secured using, for example, clips, tape, velcro, rubber bands. Alternatively, the brush 68 can be generally disposed within the assembled applicator cup 10 and applicator bottle extension 12. The brush 68 may be fixed to the interior of the components or it may simply reside inside the assembly, unattached to any structure. Alternatively, the brush 68 may be configured and positioned such that the handle portion 70 extends into the nozzle 16 and at least partially through the nozzle spout 38.
With reference to FIG. 1, a manner of assembling one embodiment of the hair coloring applicator assembly will be described. It will be appreciated that there are multiple ways to construct the applicator assembly. First, the [0047] applicator nozzle 16 is attached to the open top 28 of the applicator bottle extension 12 by screwing the base portion 36 of the nozzle 16 onto the top 28 of the bottle extension 12. Next, the bottle extension 12 is attached to the applicator cup 10 by screwing the top 18 of applicator cup 10 into the coupling 14 at the bottom of the bottle extension 12. Finally, a cap 44 is placed on the nozzle 16 to sealingly close the nozzle spout 38. These steps can occur in almost any sequence.
When a [0048] holder 46 is included, the recess 24 in the bottom 20 of the applicator cup 10 is aligned with the projection 58 on the holder 46 and then the applicator assembly is placed on the holder 46 such that the recess 24 matingly receives the projection 58.
There are a variety of ways to use the above-described hair coloring applicator assembly. As noted earlier, the invention seeks to provide assistance in all phases of the typical hair coloring process. For example, liquid agents can be poured into the applicator assembly through, for example, the [0049] open top 28 of the bottle extension 12 when the nozzle 16 is detached. The graduated level markings 22 along the length of the assembly give the user an indication of the quantity of agent added. Once the desired amount and type of coloring agents are inside, the nozzle 16 can be replaced and sealed off with the cap 44. The assembly can then be vigorously shaken to achieve a thorough mixture. When the desired mixture is obtained, the assembly can be tilted and/or squeezed to urge the coloring mixture out of the assembly through the nozzle spout 38 and onto a subject's hair. If desired, the user can write on the writable plastic cup 10 or bottle extension 12 to indicate the contents of the hair coloring applicator assembly or to identify the intended recipient, which is particularly helpful in avoiding confusion in busy salons.
Alternatively, the [0050] applicator cup 10 can be disconnected from the assembly and the liquid or cream agents can be place inside of the cup 10. The agents are then stirred together, using the handle end 70 of the brush 68 or other stirrer, to achieve a mixture. Again, the level markings 22 and writable surface may be used as needed. Then the cream can be applied to a person's hair using the brush 68 by dabbing the bristles 74 on the brush 68 into the mixture and subsequently running the brush 68 across the person's hair.
After the coloring agent is applied to a person's hair, a certain amount of time must pass to allow the agents to produce the desired hair color. The [0051] timer 62 associated with the holder 46 helps in this regard. The user can set the timer 62 for the desired amount of time. When the time elapses, the timer will give an alarm signal 64, audible or visual, to alert the user that it is now time to wash the coloring agents off of the person's head.
Upon completion of the hair coloring process, the applicator assembly can be disassembled, rinsed, washed, reassembled, and set back in the holder to form a compact assembly that can be stored out the way. [0052]
It will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described above, which are provided by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. [0053]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A hair coloring applicator assembly comprising:

an applicator cup having an open top and a closed bottom;

an applicator bottle extension having an open bottom removably connected to the open top of the applicator cup, the applicator bottle extension further having an open top; and

an applicator nozzle having an open base attached to the open top of the applicator bottle extension, the applicator nozzle further having an open spout portion, whereby multiple hair coloring techniques can be performed by selectively assembling or disassembling the applicator.

2 The hair coloring applicator assembly of claim 1 wherein the applicator nozzle is of generally tapered conical conformation.

3. The hair coloring applicator assembly of claim 1 further comprising a cap for sealingly closing the open spout of the applicator nozzle.

4. The hair coloring applicator assembly of claim 1 wherein the base of the applicator nozzle includes threads, the top of the applicator bottle extension includes mating threads, wherein the base of the applicator nozzle and the top of the applicator bottle extension are attached by threaded engagement.

5. The hair coloring applicator assembly of claim 1 wherein the applicator bottle extension is of generally frusto-conical conformation.

6. The hair coloring applicator assembly of claim 1 wherein the applicator bottle extension is made of plastic.

7. The hair coloring applicator assembly of claim 6 wherein at least a portion of the applicator bottle extension is made of a writable plastic.

8. The hair coloring applicator assembly of claim 6 wherein the applicator bottle extension is made of flexible plastic.

9. The hair coloring applicator assembly of claim 1 wherein the applicator bottle extension includes graduated level markings, whereby a user can determine the amount of a hair coloring agent contained in the applicator bottle extension.

10. The hair coloring applicator assembly of claim 1 wherein the applicator cup is of generally cylindrical conformation.

11. The hair coloring applicator assembly of claim 1 wherein the applicator cup is made of plastic.

12. The hair coloring applicator assembly of claim 11 wherein at least a portion of the applicator cup is made of a writable plastic.

13. The hair coloring applicator assembly of claim 11 wherein the applicator cup is made of flexible plastic.

14. The hair coloring applicator assembly of claim 1 wherein the applicator cup includes graduated level markings, whereby a user can determine the amount of any hair coloring agent contained in the applicator cup.

15. The hair coloring applicator assembly of claim 1 further comprising a holder, wherein the holder supports at least a portion of the closed bottom of the applicator cup, and a timer attached to the holder.

16. The hair coloring applicator assembly of claim 15 wherein the holder is made from one of the group of plastics or metals.

17. The hair coloring applicator assembly of claim 15 wherein the timer provides a visible alarm.

18. The hair coloring applicator assembly of claim 15 wherein the timer provides an audible alarm.

19. A hair coloring applicator assembly comprising:

a generally cylindrical applicator cup having an open top and a closed bottom;

a generally frusto-conical applicator bottle extension having an open bottom and an open top, the open bottom of the bottle extension having a coupling, the open top of the applicator cup being removably connected to the coupling, whereby an applicator bottle assembly is formed;

an applicator nozzle having an open base attached to the open top of the applicator bottle extension, the applicator nozzle further having an open spout portion; and

a holder for supporting at least a portion of the applicator cup, the holder including a timer with an alarm, whereby multiple hair coloring techniques can be performed by selectively assembling or disassembling the applicator assembly.

20. The hair coloring applicator assembly of claim 19 further comprising an applicator brush, wherein the applicator brush is contained within the bottle assembly.

21. The hair coloring applicator assembly of claim 19 wherein the applicator cup bottom has a recess, the holder has a projection, wherein the applicator cup is positioned on the holder such that the projection is matingly received in the recess in the applicator cup bottom.

22. The hair coloring applicator assembly of claim 21 wherein the projection is rotatable and includes at least a portion of the timer, whereby the timer is set by rotating the projection.

23. The hair coloring applicator assembly of claim 19 wherein the applicator cup is made of plastic and includes graduated level markings, the applicator bottle extension is made of plastic and includes graduated level markings.

24. A hair coloring applicator assembly comprising:

a generally cylindrical applicator cup having an open top and a closed bottom;

a generally frusto-conical applicator bottle extension having an open top end and an open coupling end, the open top of the applicator cup and the open coupling end of the applicator bottle extension being removably connected, whereby an applicator bottle assembly is formed;

at least one hair coloring substance contained within the applicator bottle assembly;

a holder for supporting at least a portion of the applicator cup, the holder including a timer with an alarm, whereby a variety of techniques for coloring hair can be performed by selectively assembling or disassembling the applicator assembly.