GB2504513A - Applicator for powdered hair dye or cosmetics - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an applicator, and a method of applying powdered hair dye to a users head using the said applicator, wherein the applicator comprises an elongate member1 including a reservoir 2 within said elongate member for containing a powder, an aperture 3 for dispensing said powder from the reservoir, control means 4 for operating said aperture and reservoir to dispense said powder; and bristles 5 proximate to said aperture for dispersing said powder onto hair. The bristles may be adapted for stippling action, be tightly packed, or increase gradually from a short length at a first side of the applicator to a long length at a second side of the applicator. The control means may comprise a push button, a sprung ball valve operated by the button and an air pump tube connected to the valve for pumping air into the reservoir. The aperture may comprise a filter whereby powder is dispersed upon dispensation such that lumps are avoided.

Description

An Applicator

Background of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to devices for applying topical colourant to hair.

[2] Devices for spreading cosmetics onto hair are known in the art. For example, 0S20080223356 to Albisetti discloses a device for applying a product to a lock of hair. The device has cyflndrical teeth with parallel axes, and a common base supporting the teeth. A hair mesh selection unit is arranged in projection at an end of the tooth opposed to the base: One of the teeth has radial ribs for spreading hair of a hair mesh, and a channel is arranged in the base for passage of a product. The base has an end fitting including a fixation unit to fix the base on a container containing the product.

* [3] Similarly, EP1839521 to Norgenstern discloses a hair coloring applicator comprising an applicator body having a top *. surface and a bottom surface. A neck receiving bore in the bottom surface is adapted to engage a neck of a container. The hair :": coloring applicator further includes a plurality of solution application prongs, a plurality of comb elements, and a plurality of distribution brushes that extend upwardly from the top surface. A plurality of solution application ducts communicate between the neck receiving bore and proximal ends of each of the plurality of solution application prongs.

[4] Brushes for dispensing and applying cosmetics are known in the art. EP1917884 to Byun discloses a cosmetics brush in which cosmetics liquid is discharged to a brush using the air pressure generated by pressing an inner body. In the cosmetics brush, *the lower part of the inner body is pressed so that the cosmetics liquid stored in the inner body is discharged to the brush. The upper part is thread coupled by a coupler which includes a sealing ring in the inside thereof. The liquid is discharged through liquid guiding passages, a discharge hole formed in a discharger and a liquid transporting tube, due to the air pressvre generated while the inner body ascends and descends. The inner body thread can be separated and refilled with cosmetics liquid when exhausted.

[5J It is further known in the art to provide a bristled applicator for fluid application to hair. W0200457998 to Mu discloses a hair fluid applicator dispensing member for dispensing a fluid, which includes a body having a proximate end and a distal end and a bendable neck disposed between the proximate end and the distal end. The dispensing member also includes a plurality of bristles extending from the distal end. One or more orifices can be provided in the distal end, that are fluidly connectable to the *... fluid during dispensing of the fluid. The fluid can include at least one of the dye, colorant, shampoo, conditioner, and hair straightener.

[6] Many products for hair can be messy and difficult to apply rH topically, fluids being liable to spread undesirably and more r** particularly liable to over-use.

[7] In contrast the present invention provides a means of successfully allowing topical application of non-fluid hair products to hair.

Brief Summary of the Invention

* [B] According to the present invention there is provided a powder applicator comprising: an elongate member including a reservoir containing a powder, an aperture for dispensing said powder from the reservoir, control means for operating said aperture and reservoir to dispense said powder; and bristles proximate to said aperture for dispersing said powder onto hair.

[9] In this way a discrete amount of powder may be dispensed directly onto localized patches or areas of hair or roots. Powder may be dispensed from the reservoir through a sieve on the aperture where shaking the member may dispense the powder. Further embodiments may include an Archimedes screw. Preferred embodiments utilize an air pump, wherein a part may be deformed or displaced to provide the control means, said part displacing air into the reservoir. Pressure may increased in the reservoir.

[101 Inaccordance with providing maximum efficiency in respect of this application bristle texture is well-suited to maintaining powder and evenly dispersing the powder from its maintenance, and more particularly for stippling. Ideally therefore the bristles are of relatively large diameter strands, flexible with textured faces *:*. and flat ends. Since typically in use only for roots, stippling action is adequate and not necessarily sweeping action along hair, the application therefore being well-suited for powder.

* * [11] Furthermore said bristles are preferably provided on a *head that has a shape angled for progressive applicaLion of powder *.*.. and allowing precise application as required.

[12] The invention therefore provides a Lube and brush applicator system that dispenses pigmented powder onto a desired area of hair.with precision and certainty. Users of permanent hair dye will develop root re-growth after several weeks. The product will provide a quick and easy way to cover the re-growth and/or grey hairs in between hair appointments and home colour applications. The powder used in the product will cover the desired area and remain there until the next time hair is washed.

[13] Ideal embodiments of the applicator will: Be quick and easy to use. Consist of an actuator tube system that can hold powder with a brush at one end. Be able to release a suitable amount of powder onto the brush with each press. Use a brush that will limit deformation with use. Be styled in a gender neutral fashion.

Conveniently fit into a handbag. Be suitable for all hair dye users and males/females who want to cover grey hairs.

114] Further embodiments may include different and/or further priorities, for example wherein an embodiment may be envisaged that may provide topical single or minimal use powder, such that may be activated by squeezing a small bladder reservoir.

[15] Embodiments may include transparent portions in order that a user may monitor powder colour for application, to facilitate use of different coloured powders whilst being refillable. Some embodiments may include more than one reservoir and consequently permit use of more than one powder, so that the user is able to *: select the powder used, or combine powders. The control means may include ability to alter which powder is dispensed.

Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawing [16] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment with brush extended; 0 0 [17] Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment with brush retracted; [18] Figure 3 shows a side view of a preferred embodiment with brush extended; [19] Figure 4 shows a side view of a preferred embodiment with brush retracted; and [20] Figure 5 shows a front view of the embodiment.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[21] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a powder applicator for hair roots is disclosed comprising: an elongate 4.

member 1; a reservoir 2 in said elongate member 1 for containing a powder, comprising an aperture 3 for dispensing said powder; control means 4 for operating said reservoir 3 to dispense said powder; and bristles 5 proximate to said aperture 3 for dispensing said powder onto hair. - [22] The member 1 is preferably shaped as shown in the figures, although it may have any shape able to be held and manipulated comfortably in a hand, and having a hollow to contain a reservoir.

The member 1 may be manufactured from polypropylene or other suitable matetial. The member 1 may comprise a window 6 to enable a user to see and monitor the reservoir 2 therein.

[23] In further embodiments the member 1 may be relatively ". : small in a hand, such that the reservoir 2 is minimal and/or * pressurization may be effected.

* * [24] Such embodiments and others may include a deformable member 1, aperture 3 or reservoir 2.

[25] The reservoir 2 in preferred embodiments is a hollow vessel which fits at least mostly inside the member 1. The reservoir 2 may be transparent to enable a user to see the colour of the : * powder therein, and the amount of powder remaining. Alternatively the reservoir 2 may be translucent or opaque.

(26] The at least one aperture 3 is preferably disposed at the end of the member 1 furthest from the control means 4 (described below) although it may be disposed elsewhere. The aperture 3 may be a small hole, a number of small holes, ot a mesh-type filter or other filter. Most preferably, the aperture 3 comprises a filter. An advantage of a filter is that the powder is dispersed upon dispensation whereby lumps are avoided and to provide better hair coverage. Such a filter may be disposed over the aperture 3 or may itself comprise the aperture 3.

S

-[27] The control means 4 preferably comprises: a push button, preferably disposed at the end of the member 1 furthest from the bristles 5; a sprung ball valve operated by said button; and an air pump tube connected at one end to said valve and at another end to said reservoir 2 for pumping air into said reservoir 2. To operate, a user depresses the push button which opens the valve, causing the tube to pump air into the reservoir. The air in the reservoir pushes powder through the aperture into the bristles, whereupon the powder can be applied to a user's hair. When the user releases the push button, a spring on the sprung valve pushes the valve closed and the push button outwards, and the device is ready for use again. Such a mechanism is known in the art, and is a suggested preferred mechanism for such a device, although it will be readily understood that there are many other types of control means known in the art which could readily be used to operate the device, within the scope of the invention. The control means 4 comprises a user-operated mechanism for causing powder to be dispensed from the aperture 3 into the bristles 5.

[2811 The bristles 5 are pre±erably formed from natural goat * hair although a synthetic material or other alternative may be used.

* * The bristles 5 are preferably adapted for stippling action. Most preferably, the bristles 5 are tightly packed, which facilitates the use of a stippling action when applying the powder to the hair. An advantage of using a stippling action is that powder is distributed evenly and in high concentration to the area directly underneath the bristles 5. This is suited to appying powder quickly to a small area such as hair roots. A further advantage of using a stippling action is that such action causes a slight shaking of the applicator during application which promotes loosening of the powder still in the reservoir 2 and thus prepares it for even dispensation through the aperture and dispersal via the bristles S. [29] Furthermore, bristle strands may be otherwise adapted for stippling action, for example by a specific thickness, stiffness, or tip shape.

[301 Preferably, the length of said bristles 5 increases gradually from a short length at a first side of the applicator to a long length at a second side of the applicator, creating an angled brush head profile as shown. The first side and second side of the applicator are defined as any two distinct points on the member 1.

Preferably the two points are separated from each other by 1800 at opposing sides of the member 1, although they may be closer together, giving different bristle shapes such as conical, arcuate, curved or angled. In this way, the user can hold the applicator at a convenient angle while the surface of the bristles 5 meets their hair horizontally. Thus, powder application to hair roots is : facilitated. Alternatively, other bristle lengths may be employed to otherwise facilitate application, for example a curved brush head c... profile. In further embodiments the bristles 5 may all be of the °r same length.

Claims (7)

1. Claims 1. An applicator for hair comprising: an elongate member including a reservoir within said elongate member for containing a powder, an aperture for dispensing said powder from the reservoir, control means for operating said aperture and reservoir to dispense said powder; and bristles proximate to said aperture for dispersing said powder onto hair.
2. 2. An applicator according to claim 1 wherein said bristles are adapted for stippling action.
3. 3. An applicator according to either of cla{ms 1 and 2m, wherein said bristles are tightly packed.
4. 4. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the length of said bristles increases gradually from a short length at a first side of the applicator to a long length at a second side of the applicator; whereby powder application to hair roots is facilitated.
5. 5. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said control means comprises: a push button; a sprung ball valve operated by said button; and an air pump Lube connected to said valve for pumping air into said reservoir.
6. 6. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein said aperture comprises a filter whereby powder is dispersed upon dispensation such that lumps are avoided.
7. 7.A method of applying powdered hair dye to a user's head involving using an applicator as claimed in any preceding claim or with reference to the Figures. -