HAIR TREATMENT CARTRIDGES FOR FUNCTIONAL SHOWER HEAD

Abstract

HAIR TREATMENT CARTRIDGES FOR FUNCTIONAL SHOWER HEAD A hair care dispensing system, the system including a dispensing device, at least one cartridge containing a hair care product configured to be received within the dispensing device, a dispensing container removably attached to the dispensing device, wherein the dispensing container is configured to accept a specified amount of the hair care product from the at least one cartridge, and a shower head communicatively coupled to the dispensing device and configured to connect to the dispensing container. Figure for abstract: 2

Description

Title of the invention: HAIR TREATMENT CARTRIDGES FOR FUNCTIONAL SHOWER HEAD SUMMARY

[0001] The following describes a device for dispensing customized hair care formulas for home use communicatively coupled to a communication device and an operable shower head. In some embodiments, a dispensing container of the dispensing device is connected to an operable shower head, so as to dispense a hair care product onto a user's hair while showering. In some embodiments, the operable shower head may communicate with the communication device and the dispensing device to ensure that the correct hair care products are dispensed and detect the doses of hair care products within the dispensing container.

[0002] This summary is provided to present a selection of concepts in a simplified form which are described in more detail below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0003] The present invention relates to a method of depositing a hair care product, the method comprising:

[0004] connecting a dispensing container to a shower head;

[0005] detecting a hair care product inside the dispensing container;

[0006] determining whether the hair care product is a hair care product correct ;

[0007] detecting a number of doses of hair care product inside the dispensing container;

[0008] determining whether the number of doses of hair care product is at least one dose; and

[0009] depositing a dose of the hair care product on a user's hair.

[0010] According to embodiments, the method according to the invention comprises one or several of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations: - determining whether the hair care product inside the dispensing chamber is the correct hair care product includes reading an RFID tag on the dispensing container associated with the hair care product inside the dispensing container; - determining whether the hair care product inside the dispensing chamber is the correct hair care product includes reading a QR code on the dispensing container associated with the hair care product inside the dispensing container; - determining whether the hair care product within the dispensing chamber is the correct hair care product includes communicating with the dispensing device regarding the type of hair care product last dispensed; - determining whether the hair care product within the dispensing chamber is the correct hair care product includes communicating with a communication device regarding the type of hair care product last dispensed; - the method further comprising, if it is determined that the hair care product is not the correct hair care product, issuing an alert to the user to replace the dispensing container with another dispensing container containing the correct hair care product; - the alert is emitted by the shower head; - the alert is a notification issued by a communication device; - determining whether the number of hair care product doses is at least one dose includes communicating with the dispensing device regarding the number of hair care product doses last dispensed; and - determining whether the amount of hair care product is at least one dose includes communicating with a communication device regarding the number of doses of hair care product last dispensed. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] The foregoing aspects and numerous related advantages of this invention will be more readily appreciated as they are better understood with reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a general perspective view of an exemplary hair care dispensing device, in accordance with the present technology;

[0013] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is an example of a cartridge, in accordance with this technology ;

[0014] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a top-down view of a basic example of a device for distribution of hair care, in accordance with this technology;

[0015] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is an example of a hair care system, in accordance with the present technology;

[0016] [Fig.5a], [Fig.5b] and [Fig.5c] Figures 5a, 5b and 5c are examples of apples shower, in accordance with this technology; and

[0017] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a flowchart of an example of a method for depositing a hair care product with a functional shower head, in accordance with the present technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Although illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0019] The hair care product dispensing system disclosed below is configured to operate in conjunction with an AI-enabled, motorized cartridge system that creates customized hair care products. In operation, the user may take a photo, or upload a photo, of their hair with a communication device, such as a smartphone camera, and open an application (“app”) on the smartphone. In some embodiments, the app on the communication device uses AI to analyze the user's hair, including, but not limited to, general hair condition, damage, color, copper content, presence of lice, humidity, texture, and / or dandruff. In some embodiments, the app also evaluates environmental conditions that may influence the condition of the user's hair.Examples of conditions include, but are not limited to, UV index, air quality, pollen, weather, temperature, and humidity.

[0020] In some embodiments, the app also evaluates user inputs, including current hair color, past hair treatments, hair length, and hair texture. In some embodiments, the user may select specific hair concerns, such as humidity, curl, texture, UV protection, or color.

[0021] In some embodiments, a customized high-performance hair care blend is then dispensed in a portioned dose at the top of the device, into a dispensing container. In some embodiments, this dose is a single dose for a single application. In some embodiments, this dose is sufficient for a weekly number of applications, e.g., seven doses for seven days of the week. In some embodiments, one or more hair care blends are dispensed. In some embodiments, the dispensing device may dispense hair care products including, but not limited to, limited to shampoo, conditioner, serum, hair mask, lice treatment, leave-in hair care product and mousse.

[0022] In some embodiments, the dispensing system is configured to accept three cartridges containing hair care products, but in other embodiments, the number of cartridges may be greater or less. In some embodiments, the cartridges slide into the dispensing device. In some embodiments, the cartridges snap into the dispensing device. In some embodiments, the cartridges may contain one or more active ingredients beneficial for hair care, such as zinc oxide, tea tree oil, etc. In some embodiments, the cartridges are color-coded or have a specific shape to allow the user to better distinguish them from one another.In some embodiments, the cartridges are provided with an RFID tag or QR code so that the dispensing device can determine which hair care product is inside the cartridge.

[0023] In some embodiments, the dose of hair care formula is a single dose. In some embodiments, the user may double or triple this dose with an additional squeeze. In some embodiments, the dispensing device may prescribe a weekly regimen that the user may dispense daily. In some embodiments, the dose of hair care formula is sufficient for the entire weekly regimen.

[0024] In some embodiments, the system further includes an operable shower head ("shower head") for dispensing the hair care product onto the user's hair. The dispensing container of the dispensing device may be connected to the shower head, such that when the shower is turned on, the hair care product in the dispensing container is dispensed onto the user's hair, which may save water. In some embodiments, the user may actuate a user input to dispense the hair care product while the water is running. In some embodiments, the shower head includes a controller for detecting the type of hair care product within the dispensing chamber, detecting the number of doses of hair care product within the dispensing chamber, or controlling the amount or flow rate of the hair care product.In some embodiments, detection of the type and quantity of hair care product in the dispensing container may be informed by the communication device and / or the dispenser.

[0025] [Fig. 1] is a perspective overview of an exemplary hair care dispensing device 100, in accordance with the present technology. The visible portion of the hair care dispenser 100 includes a base 102. The base 102 serves as a support for a dispenser body 106. In some embodiments, the base 102 provides power to the device, for example with an electrical cord (not shown in [Fig.l]). A dispensing receptacle 108 is disposed above the dispenser body 106. A power button (not shown in [Fig.l]) may be disposed partially within the dispenser body 106 such that the dispenser body 106 secures placement of the power button and an indicator light and button (not shown in [Fig.l]) may be disposed partially within the dispenser body 106 such that the dispenser body 106 secures placement of the indicator light and button. The indicator light and button may be a mechanical or capacitive touch-type button. The dispenser body 106 may serve as a base for the dispensing receptacle 108.

[0026] [Fig.2] represents an example of a cartridge, in accordance with the present technology. The cartridge 114 has a round, cylindrical body, and a nozzle 160 at a first end. The nozzle 160 is further disposed near a cartridge key 132. The cartridge 114 contains and dispenses a quantity of hair care product into the dispensing container 108 as needed. In some embodiments, the cartridge 114 dispenses the hair care product by rotation of a cartridge gear while the cartridge 114 remains in place substantially vertically along the Y-axis. A circumferential groove 270 is provided at a second end of the cartridge 130 and is used to secure the cartridge 114 in the dispensing device 100.

[0027] A quantity of hair care product is released from the cartridge 114 through the nozzle 160 by a first rotational movement of the first end relative to the second end of the cartridge 114. A rotational movement of the first end of the cartridge 114 in a second direction, opposite the first rotational movement, may close the nozzle 160 of the cartridge 114.

[0028] [Fig. 3] is a top-down view of a basic example of a dis hair care delivery, in accordance with the present technology. The base 102 may be connected to the body 106 of the dispensing device 100 in a manner that allows it to be rotated open to expose a plurality of cartridge openings 140. In some embodiments, the base 102 is removed entirely to access the cartridge openings 140. In some embodiments, the base 102 is secured to the body 106 by a hinge, screw, magnet, or other securing mechanism. As illustrated, one or more cartridges 130 may be inserted into the plurality of cartridge holes 140. Although three cartridge holes 140 are illustrated in [Fig. 3], any number of cartridge holes 140 may be located in the body 106 of the dispensing device 100.

[0029] A nozzle 160 of each cartridge 114 is disposed within one of the cartridge holes 140. Various additional substructures and covers may be disposed between the internal components of the hair care dispensing device 100 and the dispenser body 106.

[0030] [Fig. 4] is an example of a hair care dispensing system, in accordance with the present technology. A system 400, which implements the hair care dispenser 100, described above, includes at least the hair care dispenser 100, a connected communication device 300, and a connected functional shower head 500. Optionally, the system may include one or more external servers (not shown) that are implemented as part of a cloud computing environment.

[0031] The connected communication device 300 may be a personal computer (PC), a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, a tablet, an ultra mobile personal computer (UMPC), a netbook, or a notebook-type personal computer. In the examples below, the connected device 300 is assumed to be a tablet-type device, such as an Apple iPad.

[0032] The connected communication device 300 is capable of wireless communication with the hair care dispenser 100 and the functional shower head 500 by means of wireless communication interface circuitry on the hair care dispenser 100 and similar circuitry in the functional shower head 500. However, the communication device 300 is also capable of having a wired connection with the hair care dispenser 100 by means of a USB interface 776 on the apparatus 100. Further, the devices, including the hair care dispensing device 100, may each communicate with each other and with the one or more external devices via an Internet connection via an 802.11 wireless connection to a wireless Internet access point, or a physical connection to the Internet access point, for example via an Ethernet interface.Each connected communication device 300 is capable of wireless communication with other devices, for example via a Bluetooth connection or other wireless means.

[0033] The connected communication device 300 is configured to receive information from a user to generate a hair care product that will be used by the hair care dispenser 100 to dispense hair care product into a dispensing container 108.

[0034] The functional shower head 500 is likewise capable of wireless communication with the hair care dispenser 100 by means of a wireless communication interface circuit in the hair care dispenser 100. The functional shower head is capable of communicating with the hair care dispenser 100 and the communication device 300 regarding the hair care containers. distribution currently inserted into the 500 shower head (as described in more detail below).

[0035] Figures 5a-5c depict examples of shower heads 500 in accordance with the present technology. Although the shower heads 500 are illustrated as being conical in shape, the shower head 500 may have any shape, such as cylindrical. In some embodiments, the shower head 500 includes a plurality of nozzles 200. Although the plurality of nozzles 200 is illustrated as being round and dispersed over the base of the shower head 500, the plurality of nozzles 200 may take any configuration, shape, or pattern. In some embodiments, the shower head 500 includes a battery (not shown in Figures 5a-5c) to power the shower head and dispense the hair care product from the dispensing container 108.

[0036] In some embodiments, the showerhead 500 includes a user input 520 that the user can actuate. In some embodiments, the user input 520 is a button, a switch, or a touchpad. In some embodiments, the user can actuate the user input 520 to begin the sensing process (as explained in detail in [Fig. 6]). In some embodiments, the user can actuate the user input 520 to dispense the hair care product. In some embodiments, the user can actuate the user input 520 to perform both of these functions, one after the other.

[0037] [Fig. 5a] is an example of a mode of connecting the dispensing container 108 to the functional shower head 500. The shower head 500 includes a plurality of nozzles 200. In some embodiments, the shower head 500 further includes a controller (as shown in [Fig. 5c]). As illustrated in [Fig. 5a], in some embodiments, the dispensing container 108 is connected to the shower head 500 between the spout 510 of a shower and the shower head 500 itself. The dispensing container may include an attachment, such as a threaded opening for attaching to the spout 510 of a shower, and a second attachment for connecting to the shower head 500.

[0038] In operation, as water flows through the spout 510, it mixes with the hair care product in the dispensing container and is ultimately pushed through the plurality of nozzles in the showerhead 500, depositing the hair care product onto a user's hair while showering. In some embodiments, the user actuates the user inlet 520 to deposit the hair care product.

[0039] [Fig.5b] is an example of another method of connecting the dispensing container 108 to the functional shower head 500. The shower head 500 includes an attachment 210 for connection to the shower spout 510. In some embodiments lization, the shower head 500 includes a controller, as illustrated in [Fig.5c]. In some embodiments, the dispensing container 108 is capable of being attached to the base of the shower head 500. In some embodiments, the dispensing container 108 may be attached to the shower head 500 using a magnet, a threaded opening, or a snap. In some embodiments, the dispensing container 108 may include a plurality of nozzles 200 for dispensing the hair care product.

[0040] In operation, as water flows through the shower spout 510, and through the shower head 500, it reaches the dispensing container 108, mixes with the hair care product within the dispensing container 108, and deposits the hair care product onto the user's hair via the plurality of nozzles 200 while the user showers. In some embodiments, the user may actuate the user inlet 520 to deposit the hair care product.

[0041] [Fig.5c] is an internal view of another example of a method of connecting the dispensing container 108 to the functional shower head 500. The shower head 500 includes a chamber 240, a plurality of nozzles 200, a controller 220, and a dispensing container 180. In some embodiments, the shower head 500 further includes a cover 230. In some embodiments, the dispensing container 108 is inserted within the shower head 500. Although the dispensing container 108 is illustrated as being inserted into the right side of the shower head 500, the dispensing container 108 could also be inserted into the left side of the shower head 500, or any other internal location of the shower head 500.

[0042] In operation, the controller 220 is communicatively coupled to the dispensing container 108 and the lid 230. As water flows from the spout 510 into the chamber 240 of the showerhead 500, the controller 220 may direct the lid 230 to open, such that a hair care product exits the dispensing container 108 in a controlled manner. As the hair care product mixes with the flowing water, it is deposited onto the user's hair by the plurality of nozzles 200 while the user showers. In some embodiments, the user must actuate the user input 520 to deposit the hair care product. In some embodiments, the lid 230 may slide to expose an opening on the dispensing container 108.In some embodiments, the cover 230 may be attached to the dispensing container 108 and inserted into the showerhead 500 along with the dispensing container 108.

[0043] In some embodiments, the controller 220 is also capable of determining the amount of hair care product remaining in the dispensing container 108 and alerting the user to refill the dispensing container. contribution 108 via a communication device (such as communication device 300), as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, controller 220 is also communicatively coupled to user input 520 (not shown in [Fig. 5c]) to receive input from a user to begin the sensing process and / or to dispense hair care product.

[0044] [Fig. 6] is a flowchart of an exemplary method of depositing a hair care product with a functional shower head in accordance with the present technology. The method begins at block 610.

[0045] At block 620, a dispensing container, such as dispensing container 108, is connected to a shower head, such as shower head 500. In some embodiments, the dispensing container is connected to the shower head as shown in Figures 5a-c.

[0046] At block 630, the showerhead detects whether the correct hair care product is in the dispensing container. In some embodiments, the showerhead automatically proceeds to block 630. In some embodiments, a user initiates block 630 by actuating a user input, such as user input 520. In some embodiments, the user initiates block 630 through an application on the communication device. In some embodiments, the showerhead detects whether the correct hair care product is in the dispensing container.The sensing processes 630 and 640, and the depositing process 650 are performed by the showerhead based on commands received from a controller (not shown), the controller sending data to the user and receiving input from the user via the communication device or through indicators on the showerhead itself.

[0047] The showerhead may determine whether the hair care product is a correct hair care product by communicating with a communication device (such as communication device 300) and / or a dispensing device (such as dispensing device 100) to determine which hair care product was last dispensed. In some embodiments, the showerhead may determine whether the hair care product is the correct hair care product based on the shape of the dispensing container, or a marker on the dispensing container such as a QR code or an RFID tag.

[0048] If an incorrect hair care product is detected, the method proceeds to block 631. At block 631, the user is alerted to the presence of an incorrect hair care product and has the opportunity to correct it. In some embodiments, the user is alerted via an application on the communication device 300. In some embodiments, the user is alerted to the presence of a hair care product incorrect hair care product by the shower head itself, for example by a flashing LED, a noise or tone, or a user interface. Once the user has inserted the correct dispensing container at block 632, the method proceeds to block 640.

[0049] If the correct hair care product in the dispensing container was inserted into the shower head the first time, the method also proceeds to block 640.

[0050] At block 640, the shower head detects whether the correct amount of hair care product is inside the dispensing container. In some embodiments, the shower head is capable of detecting the amount of hair care product in the dispensing container. In some embodiments, the dispensing device and / or the communication device informs the shower head of the number of doses of hair care product dispensed into the dispensing container. The shower head may then retain this information and count the doses dispensed or inform the dispensing device and / or the communication device each time a dose has been deposited to maintain a running total of the doses remaining. In some embodiments, the shower head determines that at least one dose of hair care product is inside the dispensing container.

[0051] If there is not enough hair care product in the dispensing container, i.e., if there is less than one dose, the method proceeds to block 641. At block 641, the user is alerted to refill the dispensing container. In some embodiments, the showerhead alerts the user to refill the dispenser according to the methods described above, at block 631. In some embodiments, the user is alerted via a notification from the communication device 300. At block 642, the user inserts a refilled or new dispensing container into the showerhead. Once this is done, the method returns to block 630 to ensure that the hair care product is correct and that the correct amount of hair care product is inside the dispensing chamber.

[0052] If the shower head detects that the correct amount of hair product is inside the dispensing container, i.e., at least one dose of hair product, the method proceeds to block 650.

[0053] At block 650, the showerhead dispenses a dose of hair care product from the dispensing container onto the user's hair. In some embodiments, the user may turn on the shower to dispense water and the hair care product onto the user's hair. In some embodiments, the user actuates a user input on the showerhead to dispense the hair care product while the shower is running. Examples of user inputs include, but are not limited to, a button, a switch, or a touchpad. In some embodiments, the showerhead may regulate the amount of hair care product and the rate of deposition of the hair care product on the user's hair. Optionally, if the user wishes to use a second dose of hair care product, the method returns to step 620. In some embodiments, the dispensing container is single-use, i.e., it contains a single dose of hair care product, and will need to be refilled after each use. In some embodiments, the dispensing container contains more than one dose, and can be used multiple times, until it is empty.

[0054] At block 660, the method terminates.

Claims

Claims

1. A method of depositing a hair care product, the method comprising: connecting (620) a dispensing container (108) to a shower head (500); detecting (630) a hair care product within the dispensing container (108); determining whether the hair care product is a correct hair care product; detecting (640) a number of doses of hair care product within the dispensing container (108); determining whether the number of doses of hair care product is at least one dose;and depositing (650) a dose of the hair care product onto a user's hair, the method further comprising, if it is determined that the hair care product is not the correct hair care product, issuing (631) an alert to the user to replace the dispensing container (108) with another dispensing container (108) containing the correct hair care product, wherein the alert is issued by the shower head (500).;

2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the hair care product within the dispensing chamber is the correct hair care product comprises reading an RFID tag on the dispensing container (108) associated with the hair care product within the dispensing container (108).

3. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the hair care product within the dispensing chamber is the correct hair care product comprises reading a QR code on the dispensing container (108) associated with the hair care product within the dispensing container (108).

4. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the hair care product within the dispensing chamber is the correct hair care product comprises communicating with a communication device regarding the type of hair care product last dispensed.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the de- Termination of whether the number of hair care product doses is at least one dose includes communicating with the dispensing device regarding the number of hair care product doses last dispensed.

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