CA2147932A1 - Hair product applicator - Google Patents
Hair product applicatorInfo
- Publication number
- CA2147932A1 CA2147932A1 CA002147932A CA2147932A CA2147932A1 CA 2147932 A1 CA2147932 A1 CA 2147932A1 CA 002147932 A CA002147932 A CA 002147932A CA 2147932 A CA2147932 A CA 2147932A CA 2147932 A1 CA2147932 A1 CA 2147932A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- reservoir
- openings
- applicator
- individual
- tines
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D24/00—Hair combs for care of the hair; Accessories therefor
- A45D24/22—Combs with dispensing devices for liquids, pastes or powders
Landscapes
- Cleaning And Drying Hair (AREA)
Abstract
An applicator for applying a liquid to the hair of an individual comprises a hollow reservoir and a head. The hollow reservoir has a portion sized to be received in the hand of the individual. The portion has a resilient member which is positioned to be engaged by the fingers of the individual when the portion is received in the hand of an individual. The head has a surface; a plurality of tines extending upwardly from the surface, the tines being spaced to pass through the hair of the individual; and, a plurality of openings in a member selected from the group consisting of the surface, the tines, and the surface and the tines, the openings being sized to permit the flow of the fluid therethrough. A passageway extends from the openings to said hollow reservoir so that said openings are in fluid flow communication with the hollow reservoir.
Description
21~79~
Title: HAIR PRODUCT APPLICATOR
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a hair product applicator, in which hair products such as colouring agents, tints, conditioners, gels, and the like may be easily applied to hair in an efficient and economical manner.
Traditionally, in order to evenly apply a hair product to the hair of an individual, the product is applied to and worked through the hair with the hands of the individual. After the application of the hair product in this manner, the hair may be then brushed or combed as may 1 5 be desired. Application of the product with the hands necessarily results in the hands of the individual being covered with the hair product.
Alternately, plastic or latex gloves may be worn. The use of such gloves are cumbersome and additional time is required when gloves are used.
Marton (U. S. Patent No. 2,180,308), Braun (U.S. Patent No.
Title: HAIR PRODUCT APPLICATOR
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a hair product applicator, in which hair products such as colouring agents, tints, conditioners, gels, and the like may be easily applied to hair in an efficient and economical manner.
Traditionally, in order to evenly apply a hair product to the hair of an individual, the product is applied to and worked through the hair with the hands of the individual. After the application of the hair product in this manner, the hair may be then brushed or combed as may 1 5 be desired. Application of the product with the hands necessarily results in the hands of the individual being covered with the hair product.
Alternately, plastic or latex gloves may be worn. The use of such gloves are cumbersome and additional time is required when gloves are used.
Marton (U. S. Patent No. 2,180,308), Braun (U.S. Patent No.
2 0 2,591,125), Jefferson (U. S. Patent No. 2,603,223) and Rohm (U. S. Patent No.
4,323,085) disclose a brush or comb with a reservoir handle in conjunction with a plunger mechanism to force a hair product stored in the reservoir handle to the head of the brush or comb. However, these devices are awkward to use, as the operator must perform two distinct functions at the 25 same time, namely, guiding the comb or brush through the hair, while simultaneously operating the plunger to control the proper flow of the hair care product to the hair.
Wallenius (U. S. Patent No. 2,278,811) discloses a fountain comb having a removable, refillable reservoir, which is inserted into the handle 3 0 of the comb. The reservoir is made of a flexible material such as rubber.
The hair product is stored in the reservoir and is dispensed to the head of the comb by squeezing the reservoir portion of the handle. The location and shape of the flexible reservoir is such that, when mounted in the comb, it comes into contact with the palm of the hand of the individual.
35 One problem with this device is that the operator must squeeze the 2147~
reservoir with the palm of the hand. Thus, the user can not easily control the amount of liquid which is dispensed at any one time. Further, the shape of the reservoir is such that when it is squeezed, the reservoir is prone to sudden collapse. Thus, in some instances, the liquid is unevenly 5 dispensed from the reservoir. These two features make it very difficult to accurately control the amount of hair product dispensed to the hair.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with this invention, there is provided an applicator for applying a liquid to the hair of an individual comprising:
(a) a hollow reservoir, said reservoir having a portion sized to be received in the hand of the individual, said portion having a member positioned to be engaged by the fingers of the individual when said portion is received in the hand of an individual, at least said member being formed of a resilient material;
(b) a head having;
(i) a surface, (ii) a plurality of tines extending upwardly from said surface, said tines being spaced to pass through the hair of the individual; and, (iii) a plurality of openings in a member selected from the group consisting of said surface, said tines, and said surface and said tines, said openings being sized to permit the flow of 2 5 the fluid therethrough;
(c) a passageway extending from said plurality of openings through said engagement means to said hollow reservoir so that said openings are in fluid flow communication with said hollow reservoir.
3 0 In accordance with another aspect of this invention, there is provided a method of applying a liquid to the hair of an individual comprising the steps of:
- 21~79~2 _ - 3 (a) providing a hollow reservoir containing the liquid, said reservoir having a portion sized to be received in the hand of the individual, said portion having a member positioned to be engaged by the fingers of the individual when said portion is received in the hand of an individual, at least said member being formed of a resilient material;
(b) affixing said reservoir to an apparatus comprising (i) a head having a surface and engagement means for releasably attaching said applicator to said hollow reservoir;
(ii) said head having a plurality of tines extending upwardly from said surface, said tines being spaced to pass through the hair of the individual; a plurality of openings in a member selected from the group consisting of said surface, said tines, and said surface and said tines, said openings being sized to permit the flow of the fluid therethrough; and, a passageway extending from said plurality of openings through said engagement means so that said openings are in fluid flow communication with said hollow reservoir; and, (c) passing said apparatus through the hair of the individual while applying pressure to said reservoir.
2 0 The hair product applicator of the present invention uses a reservoir which is designed to be activated through pressure which is applied by the fingers of the user. Fingertip control allows the user to more accurately and evenly control the compressive pressure which they apply to the reservoir. This in turn permits the user to more evenly apply the 25 liquid hair product to their own hair or the hair of another individual while at the same time avoiding covering their hands with the hair product.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other advantages of the instant invention will be more fully and completely understood in connection with the following 21~79~2 description of the following drawings of the preferred embodiment of the invention in which:
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a hair product applicator according to the instant invention;
Figure 2 is an cross-sectional view of the applicator taken along the line A - A in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a top plan view of Figure 1, without a reservoir handle shown;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a reservoir handle with a cap used 10 to seal the reservoir handle when not in use;
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the hair product applicator; and, Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the hair product applicator.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, there is shown a hair product applicator in accordance with the present invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 10. Applicator 10 has a head 12, and a hollow reservoir 2 0 14. Head 12 has a longitudinally extending axis 1 - 1, as shown in Figure 1.In order to be used with applicator 10, the product which is to be applied to the hair must be a liquid, ie., it must be able to flow.
Accordingly, the product may have a variety of viscosities and may be a thixotropic mixture. Applicator 10 may be used to apply a variety of hair 2 5 products such as colouring agents, tints, conditioners, gels, and the like.
Head 12 has a surface 18. A plurality of tines 16 extend upwardly from surface 18 of head 12. Tines 16 are spaced apart from each other a sufficient distance that the tines are able to pass through the hair of an individual. For example, tines 16 may resemble in form and positioning 3 0 the tines of a comb. Accordingly, tines 16 may be relatively rigid and may be disposed in one or more spaced longitudinal rows along head 12.
Alternatively, tines 16 may resemble in form and positioning the bristles of a hair brush. Accordingly, tines 16 may be relatively flexible and relatively more numerous. Preferably, tines 16 are rigid and integrally formed with head 12. In a preferred embodiment, tines 16 form two evenly spaced rows located along axis 1-1.
Head 12 may be of any size and shape suitable for use by an individual. Preferably, head 12 is generally elongate or rectangular in shape, and of a size which allows an individual to easily comb or brush his hair, while applying the hair product.
Head 12 may be made of a strong, light weight material, such as 10 polyethylene vinyl chloride, or some other plastic material, although it may be made of any other suitable material such as stainless steel or wood.
A plurality of openings 19 are located in head 12 to provide fluid flow of the hair product to head 12. Preferably, openings 19 are located in surface 18. Openings 19 may be spaced and of a uniform size. Preferably 15 openings 19 are spaced and sized to provide an even flow of the hair product to the hair of an individual.
The openings may be located in the surface 18 of head 12, in the tines 16 (not shown), or a combination of both. If the openings are provided in tinesl6, then tines 16 have a sufficient thickness to have an 2 0 internal passageway therein for the flow of the liquid hair product. In thiscase, tines 16 are preferably relatively thick in cross-section so that tines 16will have sufficient rigidity to pass through an individual's hair.
The size and spacing of openings 19 will be determined based upon the desired distribution of hair product to the hair of an individual, the 2 5 viscosity and other flow characteristics of the hair product and the number of openings 19 which are provided. In some cases an even distribution may be desired. In such a case, a generally even spacing may be required.
However, if the product is relatively viscous, frictional lasses may require that smaller openings or fewer openings may be required in the portion of 3 0 head 12 adjacent reservoir 14. In other cases, a greater amount of product may be desired in particular locations, eg. in the case of streaking. In such 21~7932 cases, larger openings or a greater number of openings may be provided in certain locations to provide the desired distribution.
Generally, more viscous hair products such as gels will require larger openings to provide adequate flow. Conversely, less viscous hair 5 products such as dyes and tonics will generally require smaller openings to prevent excess flow to the hair. The selected size of openings 19 will also depend upon the number of openings provided in head 12. A larger number of openings 19 may require each opening to be of a smaller size to provide adequate flow. Conversely, a fewer number of openings 19 may 1 O require each opening to be of a larger size.
Hollow reservoir 14 is designed to store the hair product to be applied to the hair. Generally, it may be of any size or shape, provided it has a portion of a size and shape that it can be effectively held by an individual. Preferably, the size and shape of hollow reservoir 14 is such 15 that all of reservoir 14 may be easily held in the hand of the individual, while storing a suitable amount of hair product. In one embodiment, hollow reservoir 14 is generally cylindrical in shape, and, as shown in Figure 1, it may be contoured to fit the grip of a typical individual. This allows for hollow reservoir 14 to be utilized as a handle for head 12, in 2 O addition to simply acting as a reservoir.
Hollow reservoir 14 has a resilient portion 20. Resilient portion 20 is located on hollow reservoir 14 such that when reservoir 14 is mounted on head 12 and applicator 10 is grasped by an individual, the fingers of the individual are in contact with portion 20. Accordingly portion 20 is 25 positioned so as to be compressed by the fingers of the individual. If reservoir 14 is longitudinally displaced from head 12 along axis 1-1 as shown in Figure 1, then portion 20 is preferably positioned on the side of reservoir 14 which is opposite to the position of tines 16. Further, as discussed above, portion 14 may be contoured to fit the grip of a typical 3 O individual. In a preferred embodiment, all of hollow reservoir 14 is made from a resilient material.
21~7932 Resilient portion 20 may be made of any resilient material so as to be pliable and to therefore return to its original shape after being compressed or squeezed. This allows the individual applying the hair product to squeeze hollow reservoir 14 and force the hair product from 5 hollow reservoir 14 to the hair.
Hollow reservoir 14 may be attached at various locations to head 12.
Preferably, reservoir 14 is positioned so as to form a handle for head 12.
More preferably, reservoir 14 is affixed to end 28 of head 12 so as to be longitudinally spaced along axis 1-1 from one end of head 12 as shown in 1 0 Figure 1. This allows the applicator to be used in the same manner as a traditional hair brush or comb.
Hollow reservoir 14 may be attached in various ways to head 12 .
Preferably reservoir 14 is refillable. Accordingly, reservoir 14 may be releasably secured to head 12 by engagement means 22.
1 5 Engagement means 22 may be any means to achieve the objective of releasably attaching head 12 to hollow reservoir 14. Preferably, end 28 of head 12 has an internal surface which has thread 24 provided therein. Reservoir 14 has an end 29 which has provided thereon mating external thread 26 such that head 12 and reservoir 14 may be screwed 2 0 together. More preferably, internally threaded end 28 is integrally formed with head 12 and externally threaded end 29 is integrally formed with hollow reservoir 14.
In addition to being adapted to be received by end 28, externally threaded end 29 is adapted to be in fluid communication with end 28. This 2 5 allows the hair product stored within hollow reservoir 14 to be transmitted through to openings 19 by applying pressure to hollow reservoir 14. This fluid communication is preferably accomplished by providing opening 32 in externally threaded end 29. As with openings 19, the size opening 32 will depend on the viscosity of the hair product to be 3 0 used in the applicator. Less viscous products will require a larger opening 32 than more viscous products. Opening 32 may be produced by manufacturing threaded end 29 as a hollow member.
- 21479~2 If head 12 is not releasably attached to reservoir 14, then, in order for reservoir 14 to be refillable, reservoir 14 may provided with port means 50.
Port means 50 may be positioned at various locations on reservoir 14. Port means 50 is sized so as to be able to permit reservoir 14 to be filled with the 5 hair care product. Port means 50 may be provided with sealing means such as screw on cap 52 (see Figure 6).
Hollow passageway 30 is located within head 12, and extends between openings 19 and engagement means 22, thereby allowing fluid flow communication between openings 19 and end 28. As hollow 1 0 reservoir 14 is also in fluid flow communication with 28, openings 19 are thus in fluid flow communication with hollow reservoir 14.
As is shown in Figure 4, second member 26 is preferably provided with a cap 34 to prevent the contents of hollow reservoir 14 from leaking when not in use and detached from head 12. Cap 34 is preferably 1 5 internally threaded so that it may be screwed onto second member 26 to provide a tight seal.
To utilize the preferred embodiment of the hair product applicator shown in Figures 1 and 4, cap 34 is removed from end 29 by unscrewing it, filling reservoir 14 if required and then attaching hollow reservoir 14 to 2 0 head 12 by screwing end 29 into end 28. To apply the hair product to the hair, tines 16 of the applicator are passed through the hair while applying pressure to hollow reservoir 14. By applying the correct amount of pressure to hollow reservoir 14, the hair product is forced from hollow reservoir 14 through ends 28 and 29, through passageway 30 and through 25 openings 19 where it is distributed to the hair, while the hair is being brushed or combed. Since portion 20 is made from a flexible, resilient material, it is possible to accurately control the amount of hair product being applied to the hair of an individual while simultaneously combing the hair with the applicator, all with one hand.
3 0 Optionally, as shown in Figure 5, the hair product applicator of the present invention may be provided without hollow handle 14. In this embodiment, end 28 is adapted to receive a standard, commercially 21~7932 g available bottle 36. As in the previously described embodiment, thread 24 is adapted to receive externally threaded member 38 provided on bottle 36.
In this embodiment, bottle 36 may be prepackaged with a hair product such as a dye. As with reservoir 14, bottle 36 has a resilient 5 portion 20 and preferably all of bottle 36is made from a resilient material such as a plastic material so that it may be squeezed by the hand of a user.
When bottle 36 is attached to head 12 by engagement means 22, the applicator functions in exactly the same manner as described for the previous embodiment. The advantage of this particular embodiment is 10 that when bottle 36is empty of its contents, it can be detached from head 12, disposed of and a new bottle 36 may then be used.
It will be appreciated that various changes may be made within the spirit of the described invention, and all such changes are within the scope of the appended claims.
4,323,085) disclose a brush or comb with a reservoir handle in conjunction with a plunger mechanism to force a hair product stored in the reservoir handle to the head of the brush or comb. However, these devices are awkward to use, as the operator must perform two distinct functions at the 25 same time, namely, guiding the comb or brush through the hair, while simultaneously operating the plunger to control the proper flow of the hair care product to the hair.
Wallenius (U. S. Patent No. 2,278,811) discloses a fountain comb having a removable, refillable reservoir, which is inserted into the handle 3 0 of the comb. The reservoir is made of a flexible material such as rubber.
The hair product is stored in the reservoir and is dispensed to the head of the comb by squeezing the reservoir portion of the handle. The location and shape of the flexible reservoir is such that, when mounted in the comb, it comes into contact with the palm of the hand of the individual.
35 One problem with this device is that the operator must squeeze the 2147~
reservoir with the palm of the hand. Thus, the user can not easily control the amount of liquid which is dispensed at any one time. Further, the shape of the reservoir is such that when it is squeezed, the reservoir is prone to sudden collapse. Thus, in some instances, the liquid is unevenly 5 dispensed from the reservoir. These two features make it very difficult to accurately control the amount of hair product dispensed to the hair.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with this invention, there is provided an applicator for applying a liquid to the hair of an individual comprising:
(a) a hollow reservoir, said reservoir having a portion sized to be received in the hand of the individual, said portion having a member positioned to be engaged by the fingers of the individual when said portion is received in the hand of an individual, at least said member being formed of a resilient material;
(b) a head having;
(i) a surface, (ii) a plurality of tines extending upwardly from said surface, said tines being spaced to pass through the hair of the individual; and, (iii) a plurality of openings in a member selected from the group consisting of said surface, said tines, and said surface and said tines, said openings being sized to permit the flow of 2 5 the fluid therethrough;
(c) a passageway extending from said plurality of openings through said engagement means to said hollow reservoir so that said openings are in fluid flow communication with said hollow reservoir.
3 0 In accordance with another aspect of this invention, there is provided a method of applying a liquid to the hair of an individual comprising the steps of:
- 21~79~2 _ - 3 (a) providing a hollow reservoir containing the liquid, said reservoir having a portion sized to be received in the hand of the individual, said portion having a member positioned to be engaged by the fingers of the individual when said portion is received in the hand of an individual, at least said member being formed of a resilient material;
(b) affixing said reservoir to an apparatus comprising (i) a head having a surface and engagement means for releasably attaching said applicator to said hollow reservoir;
(ii) said head having a plurality of tines extending upwardly from said surface, said tines being spaced to pass through the hair of the individual; a plurality of openings in a member selected from the group consisting of said surface, said tines, and said surface and said tines, said openings being sized to permit the flow of the fluid therethrough; and, a passageway extending from said plurality of openings through said engagement means so that said openings are in fluid flow communication with said hollow reservoir; and, (c) passing said apparatus through the hair of the individual while applying pressure to said reservoir.
2 0 The hair product applicator of the present invention uses a reservoir which is designed to be activated through pressure which is applied by the fingers of the user. Fingertip control allows the user to more accurately and evenly control the compressive pressure which they apply to the reservoir. This in turn permits the user to more evenly apply the 25 liquid hair product to their own hair or the hair of another individual while at the same time avoiding covering their hands with the hair product.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other advantages of the instant invention will be more fully and completely understood in connection with the following 21~79~2 description of the following drawings of the preferred embodiment of the invention in which:
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a hair product applicator according to the instant invention;
Figure 2 is an cross-sectional view of the applicator taken along the line A - A in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a top plan view of Figure 1, without a reservoir handle shown;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a reservoir handle with a cap used 10 to seal the reservoir handle when not in use;
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the hair product applicator; and, Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the hair product applicator.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, there is shown a hair product applicator in accordance with the present invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 10. Applicator 10 has a head 12, and a hollow reservoir 2 0 14. Head 12 has a longitudinally extending axis 1 - 1, as shown in Figure 1.In order to be used with applicator 10, the product which is to be applied to the hair must be a liquid, ie., it must be able to flow.
Accordingly, the product may have a variety of viscosities and may be a thixotropic mixture. Applicator 10 may be used to apply a variety of hair 2 5 products such as colouring agents, tints, conditioners, gels, and the like.
Head 12 has a surface 18. A plurality of tines 16 extend upwardly from surface 18 of head 12. Tines 16 are spaced apart from each other a sufficient distance that the tines are able to pass through the hair of an individual. For example, tines 16 may resemble in form and positioning 3 0 the tines of a comb. Accordingly, tines 16 may be relatively rigid and may be disposed in one or more spaced longitudinal rows along head 12.
Alternatively, tines 16 may resemble in form and positioning the bristles of a hair brush. Accordingly, tines 16 may be relatively flexible and relatively more numerous. Preferably, tines 16 are rigid and integrally formed with head 12. In a preferred embodiment, tines 16 form two evenly spaced rows located along axis 1-1.
Head 12 may be of any size and shape suitable for use by an individual. Preferably, head 12 is generally elongate or rectangular in shape, and of a size which allows an individual to easily comb or brush his hair, while applying the hair product.
Head 12 may be made of a strong, light weight material, such as 10 polyethylene vinyl chloride, or some other plastic material, although it may be made of any other suitable material such as stainless steel or wood.
A plurality of openings 19 are located in head 12 to provide fluid flow of the hair product to head 12. Preferably, openings 19 are located in surface 18. Openings 19 may be spaced and of a uniform size. Preferably 15 openings 19 are spaced and sized to provide an even flow of the hair product to the hair of an individual.
The openings may be located in the surface 18 of head 12, in the tines 16 (not shown), or a combination of both. If the openings are provided in tinesl6, then tines 16 have a sufficient thickness to have an 2 0 internal passageway therein for the flow of the liquid hair product. In thiscase, tines 16 are preferably relatively thick in cross-section so that tines 16will have sufficient rigidity to pass through an individual's hair.
The size and spacing of openings 19 will be determined based upon the desired distribution of hair product to the hair of an individual, the 2 5 viscosity and other flow characteristics of the hair product and the number of openings 19 which are provided. In some cases an even distribution may be desired. In such a case, a generally even spacing may be required.
However, if the product is relatively viscous, frictional lasses may require that smaller openings or fewer openings may be required in the portion of 3 0 head 12 adjacent reservoir 14. In other cases, a greater amount of product may be desired in particular locations, eg. in the case of streaking. In such 21~7932 cases, larger openings or a greater number of openings may be provided in certain locations to provide the desired distribution.
Generally, more viscous hair products such as gels will require larger openings to provide adequate flow. Conversely, less viscous hair 5 products such as dyes and tonics will generally require smaller openings to prevent excess flow to the hair. The selected size of openings 19 will also depend upon the number of openings provided in head 12. A larger number of openings 19 may require each opening to be of a smaller size to provide adequate flow. Conversely, a fewer number of openings 19 may 1 O require each opening to be of a larger size.
Hollow reservoir 14 is designed to store the hair product to be applied to the hair. Generally, it may be of any size or shape, provided it has a portion of a size and shape that it can be effectively held by an individual. Preferably, the size and shape of hollow reservoir 14 is such 15 that all of reservoir 14 may be easily held in the hand of the individual, while storing a suitable amount of hair product. In one embodiment, hollow reservoir 14 is generally cylindrical in shape, and, as shown in Figure 1, it may be contoured to fit the grip of a typical individual. This allows for hollow reservoir 14 to be utilized as a handle for head 12, in 2 O addition to simply acting as a reservoir.
Hollow reservoir 14 has a resilient portion 20. Resilient portion 20 is located on hollow reservoir 14 such that when reservoir 14 is mounted on head 12 and applicator 10 is grasped by an individual, the fingers of the individual are in contact with portion 20. Accordingly portion 20 is 25 positioned so as to be compressed by the fingers of the individual. If reservoir 14 is longitudinally displaced from head 12 along axis 1-1 as shown in Figure 1, then portion 20 is preferably positioned on the side of reservoir 14 which is opposite to the position of tines 16. Further, as discussed above, portion 14 may be contoured to fit the grip of a typical 3 O individual. In a preferred embodiment, all of hollow reservoir 14 is made from a resilient material.
21~7932 Resilient portion 20 may be made of any resilient material so as to be pliable and to therefore return to its original shape after being compressed or squeezed. This allows the individual applying the hair product to squeeze hollow reservoir 14 and force the hair product from 5 hollow reservoir 14 to the hair.
Hollow reservoir 14 may be attached at various locations to head 12.
Preferably, reservoir 14 is positioned so as to form a handle for head 12.
More preferably, reservoir 14 is affixed to end 28 of head 12 so as to be longitudinally spaced along axis 1-1 from one end of head 12 as shown in 1 0 Figure 1. This allows the applicator to be used in the same manner as a traditional hair brush or comb.
Hollow reservoir 14 may be attached in various ways to head 12 .
Preferably reservoir 14 is refillable. Accordingly, reservoir 14 may be releasably secured to head 12 by engagement means 22.
1 5 Engagement means 22 may be any means to achieve the objective of releasably attaching head 12 to hollow reservoir 14. Preferably, end 28 of head 12 has an internal surface which has thread 24 provided therein. Reservoir 14 has an end 29 which has provided thereon mating external thread 26 such that head 12 and reservoir 14 may be screwed 2 0 together. More preferably, internally threaded end 28 is integrally formed with head 12 and externally threaded end 29 is integrally formed with hollow reservoir 14.
In addition to being adapted to be received by end 28, externally threaded end 29 is adapted to be in fluid communication with end 28. This 2 5 allows the hair product stored within hollow reservoir 14 to be transmitted through to openings 19 by applying pressure to hollow reservoir 14. This fluid communication is preferably accomplished by providing opening 32 in externally threaded end 29. As with openings 19, the size opening 32 will depend on the viscosity of the hair product to be 3 0 used in the applicator. Less viscous products will require a larger opening 32 than more viscous products. Opening 32 may be produced by manufacturing threaded end 29 as a hollow member.
- 21479~2 If head 12 is not releasably attached to reservoir 14, then, in order for reservoir 14 to be refillable, reservoir 14 may provided with port means 50.
Port means 50 may be positioned at various locations on reservoir 14. Port means 50 is sized so as to be able to permit reservoir 14 to be filled with the 5 hair care product. Port means 50 may be provided with sealing means such as screw on cap 52 (see Figure 6).
Hollow passageway 30 is located within head 12, and extends between openings 19 and engagement means 22, thereby allowing fluid flow communication between openings 19 and end 28. As hollow 1 0 reservoir 14 is also in fluid flow communication with 28, openings 19 are thus in fluid flow communication with hollow reservoir 14.
As is shown in Figure 4, second member 26 is preferably provided with a cap 34 to prevent the contents of hollow reservoir 14 from leaking when not in use and detached from head 12. Cap 34 is preferably 1 5 internally threaded so that it may be screwed onto second member 26 to provide a tight seal.
To utilize the preferred embodiment of the hair product applicator shown in Figures 1 and 4, cap 34 is removed from end 29 by unscrewing it, filling reservoir 14 if required and then attaching hollow reservoir 14 to 2 0 head 12 by screwing end 29 into end 28. To apply the hair product to the hair, tines 16 of the applicator are passed through the hair while applying pressure to hollow reservoir 14. By applying the correct amount of pressure to hollow reservoir 14, the hair product is forced from hollow reservoir 14 through ends 28 and 29, through passageway 30 and through 25 openings 19 where it is distributed to the hair, while the hair is being brushed or combed. Since portion 20 is made from a flexible, resilient material, it is possible to accurately control the amount of hair product being applied to the hair of an individual while simultaneously combing the hair with the applicator, all with one hand.
3 0 Optionally, as shown in Figure 5, the hair product applicator of the present invention may be provided without hollow handle 14. In this embodiment, end 28 is adapted to receive a standard, commercially 21~7932 g available bottle 36. As in the previously described embodiment, thread 24 is adapted to receive externally threaded member 38 provided on bottle 36.
In this embodiment, bottle 36 may be prepackaged with a hair product such as a dye. As with reservoir 14, bottle 36 has a resilient 5 portion 20 and preferably all of bottle 36is made from a resilient material such as a plastic material so that it may be squeezed by the hand of a user.
When bottle 36 is attached to head 12 by engagement means 22, the applicator functions in exactly the same manner as described for the previous embodiment. The advantage of this particular embodiment is 10 that when bottle 36is empty of its contents, it can be detached from head 12, disposed of and a new bottle 36 may then be used.
It will be appreciated that various changes may be made within the spirit of the described invention, and all such changes are within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. An applicator for applying a liquid to the hair of an individual comprising:
a. a hollow reservoir, said reservoir having a portion sized to be received in the hand of the individual, said portion having a member positioned to be engaged by the fingers of the individual when said portion is received in the hand of an individual, at least said member being formed of a resilient material;
b. a head having;
i. a surface, ii. a plurality of tines extending upwardly from said surface, said tines being spaced to pass through the hair of the individual; and, iii. a plurality of openings in a member selected from the group consisting of said surface, said tines, and said surface and said tines, said openings being sized to permit the flow of the fluid therethrough;
c. a passageway extending from said plurality of openings to said hollow reservoir so that said openings are in fluid flow communication with said hollow reservoir.
a. a hollow reservoir, said reservoir having a portion sized to be received in the hand of the individual, said portion having a member positioned to be engaged by the fingers of the individual when said portion is received in the hand of an individual, at least said member being formed of a resilient material;
b. a head having;
i. a surface, ii. a plurality of tines extending upwardly from said surface, said tines being spaced to pass through the hair of the individual; and, iii. a plurality of openings in a member selected from the group consisting of said surface, said tines, and said surface and said tines, said openings being sized to permit the flow of the fluid therethrough;
c. a passageway extending from said plurality of openings to said hollow reservoir so that said openings are in fluid flow communication with said hollow reservoir.
2. The applicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said reservoir has engagement means for releasably attaching said applicator to said hollow reservoir.
3. The applicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said reservoir has port means for releasably sealing said reservoir so that said reservoir may be refilled.
4. The applicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the entire exterior surface of said hollow reservoir is made of a resilient material.
5. The applicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said engagement means comprises a first threaded member provided on said head and a second, mating threaded member provided on said hollow reservoir.
6. The applicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said openings are sized to permit the gravity flow of the liquid therethrough.
7. The applicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said openings are sized sufficiently small to restrain the gravity flow of liquid therethrough and sufficiently large to permit the liquid to flow therethrough when said reservoir is squeezed by the individual.
8. The applicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said openings are provided in said surface adjacent said tines.
9. The applicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said applicator is a brush.
10. The applicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said applicator is a comb.
11. A method of applying a liquid to the hair of an individual comprising the steps of:
a. providing a hollow reservoir containing the liquid, said reservoir having a portion sized to be received in the hand of the individual, said portion having a member positioned to be engaged by the fingers of the individual when said portion is received in the hand of an individual, at least said member being formed of a resilient material;
b. affixing said reservoir to an apparatus comprising i. a head having a surface and engagement means for releasably attaching said applicator to said hollow reservoir;
ii. said head having a plurality of tines extending upwardly from said surface, said tines being spaced to pass through the hair of the individual; a plurality of openings in a member selected from the group consisting of said surface, said tines, and said surface and said tines, said openings being sized to permit the flow of the fluid therethrough; and, a passageway extending from said plurality of openings through said engagement means so that said openings are in fluid flow communication with said hollow reservoir; and c. passing said apparatus through the hair of the individual while applying pressure to said reservoir.
a. providing a hollow reservoir containing the liquid, said reservoir having a portion sized to be received in the hand of the individual, said portion having a member positioned to be engaged by the fingers of the individual when said portion is received in the hand of an individual, at least said member being formed of a resilient material;
b. affixing said reservoir to an apparatus comprising i. a head having a surface and engagement means for releasably attaching said applicator to said hollow reservoir;
ii. said head having a plurality of tines extending upwardly from said surface, said tines being spaced to pass through the hair of the individual; a plurality of openings in a member selected from the group consisting of said surface, said tines, and said surface and said tines, said openings being sized to permit the flow of the fluid therethrough; and, a passageway extending from said plurality of openings through said engagement means so that said openings are in fluid flow communication with said hollow reservoir; and c. passing said apparatus through the hair of the individual while applying pressure to said reservoir.
12. The applicator as claimed in claim 11 wherein said reservoir has engagement means for releasably attaching said applicator to said hollow reservoir.
13. The applicator as claimed in claim 11 wherein said reservoir has port means for releasably sealing said reservoir so that said reservoir may be refilled.
14. The method as claimed in claim 11 wherein the entire exterior surface of said hollow reservoir is made of a resilient material.
15. The method as claimed in claim 11 wherein said engagement means comprises a first threaded member provided on said head and a second, mating threaded member provided on said hollow reservoir.
16. The method as claimed in claim 11 wherein said openings are sized to permit the gravity flow of the liquid therethrough.
17. The method as claimed in claim 11 wherein said openings are sized sufficiently small to restrain the gravity flow of liquid therethrough and sufficiently large to permit the liquid to flow therethrough when said reservoir is squeezed by the individual.
18. The method as claimed in claim 11 wherein said openings are provided in said surface adjacent said tines.
19. The method as claimed in claim 11 wherein said apparatus is a brush.
20. The method as claimed in claim 11 wherein said apparatus is a comb.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002147932A CA2147932A1 (en) | 1995-04-26 | 1995-04-26 | Hair product applicator |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002147932A CA2147932A1 (en) | 1995-04-26 | 1995-04-26 | Hair product applicator |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2147932A1 true CA2147932A1 (en) | 1996-10-27 |
Family
ID=4155727
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002147932A Abandoned CA2147932A1 (en) | 1995-04-26 | 1995-04-26 | Hair product applicator |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2147932A1 (en) |
-
1995
- 1995-04-26 CA CA002147932A patent/CA2147932A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |