AI-powered dispensing device for hair treatment

Abstract

AI-Powered Dispensing Device for Hair Treatment A hair care dispensing system is provided, the system including a dispensing device, at least one cartridge containing a hair care material configured to fit within the dispensing device; and a dispensing container removably attached to the dispensing device, wherein the dispensing container is configured to accept a portioned amount of the hair care material from the at least one cartridge. Figure for abstract: no figure

Description

Invention Title: AI-Powered Dispensing Device for Hair Treatment SUMMARY

[0001] This is a system for enabling the use of hair care and customized hair care formulas at home, based on a specialized dispensing device that allows the ingredients of a hair care product to be instantly mixed to achieve the end result desired by a user and then conveniently transported. In one embodiment, the dispensed formulation may be dispensed within a dispensing container which may then be placed within a dispenser for use in a bathroom or shower.

[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 the main features of the claimed subject matter, nor to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0003] In one embodiment, a hair care dispensing system is disclosed, the system comprising a dispensing device, at least one cartridge containing a hair care material configured to fit within the dispensing device, and a dispensing container removably attached to the dispensing device, wherein the dispensing container is configured to accept a portioned amount of the hair care material from the at least one cartridge.

[0004] The present invention relates to a hair care dispensing system, the system comprising:

[0005] a dispensing device;

[0006] at least one cartridge containing a hair care material configured to fit within the dispensing device; and

[0007] a dispensing container removably attached to the dispensing device, wherein the dispensing container is configured to accept a portioned amount of the hair care material from the at least one cartridge.

[0008] According to embodiments, the distribution system according to the invention comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in all technically possible combinations: - the dispensing container further comprises two or more compartments for receiving the hair care material; - the dispensing container is configured to accept an initial quantity portioned amount of a first hair care material from a first cartridge into a first compartment and a second portioned amount of a second hair care material, different from the first hair care material, from a second cartridge into a second compartment; - the two or more compartments are configured to accept hair care material from two or more cartridges such that the two or more hair care materials mix in a single compartment; - the two or more compartments have a distinct shape from each other, a distinct color from each other, or a distinct label from each other; - the system further comprises a dispenser, wherein the dispenser comprises:

[0009] a cavity configured to accept the dispensing container; and

[0010] an extruder configured to extrude the hair care material. - which the dispenser is a bottle; - the dispenser includes two or more extruders configured to dispense two or more hair care materials, wherein the two or more hair care materials are distinct from each other; - the dispenser further comprises a fastener; and - the attachment is a magnet or a suction cup. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

[0012] [Fig. 1A to 1D] Figures 1A to 1D are perspective overviews of exemplary hair care dispensing devices, in accordance with the present technology;

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

[0014] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a top-down view of a basic example of a dispensing device, in accordance with the present technology;

[0015] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is an exploded view of an exemplary dispensing container, in accordance with the present technology;

[0016] [Fig. 5A-5C] Figures 5A-5C are top-down views of exemplary dispensing containers, in accordance with the present technology;

[0017] [Fig. 6A and 6B] Figures 6A and 6B are examples of distribution systems hair care, in accordance with this technology;

[0018] [Fig.7A] [Fig.7A] is a perspective overview of an exemplary dispenser, in accordance with the present technology.

[0019] [Fig.7B] [Fig.7B] is an internal view of an exemplary dispenser, in accordance with the present technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts in the several views. Furthermore, as used herein, the words "a", "an" and the like generally have the meaning "one or more", unless otherwise indicated.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Selecting hair care formulations is a common activity that often relies on subjective decision making and manual input. There are a wide variety of hair care materials available, and countless combinations and permutations of hair care formulations possible.

[0023] For each occasion where hair care formulations are used, subjective decisions are often made by an end user of the hair care product to produce hair care formulations tailored to their needs. The results are generally the product of experimentation, perhaps requiring multiple iterations to achieve a satisfactory result. Partly due to limited knowledge of the specific characteristics of the hair care base materials and the necessary proportions, the resulting hair care formulations may lack precision. Repeatability in the production of a specific hair care formulation is therefore difficult to achieve. The embodiments below address these problems in the conventional art.

[0024] More specifically, the description below relates to a system enabling the customization of hair care for use at home, based on a specialized dispensing device and a dispensing container that allows the ingredients of hair care products to be mixed to obtain the user's preferred result, then applied with the dispensing container itself, or conveniently placed inside a dispenser for use in the user's bathroom or shower, or while traveling.

[0025] The system disclosed below is an AI-enabled, motorized cartridge system that creates customized hair care formulations. In operation, the user can take a photo, or upload a photo, of their hair with a smartphone camera and open an application on the smartphone. In some embodiments, the application uses AI to analyze the overall condition of the user's hair, damage, color, copper content, presence of lice, hydration, texture, and / or presence of dandruff. In some embodiments, the application 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.

[0026] In some embodiments, the user may select specific hair concerns, such as hydration, curls, texture, UV protection, or color. In some embodiments, the user's selection may include a questionnaire, giving the user a set of questions to answer in order to determine which products work best for their specific needs. In some embodiments, the application may provide suggestions based solely on the data analyzed in the photo. In some embodiments, the application creates a regimen of hair care products. In some embodiments, this hair care regimen may be a daily recommendation. In other embodiments, this regimen may be a weekly regimen of recommended products.

[0027] With regular use, the AI ​​platform can evaluate the appearance of a user's hair over time, helping users identify what works and calibrate future formulas. The AI-powered system can optimize the effectiveness of personalized formulas. By regularly taking photos, users enable the intelligent system to recognize the effects of formulas and adjust the dosage of active ingredients accordingly. However, in some embodiments, the user can override the system's recommendations if they are looking for a specific product.

[0028] Hair care formulations may have the ability to incorporate real-time trend information and color matching technology, in the case of hair dyes and root touch-ups, into their customized product offerings, as described below. In some embodiments, a user may create their own customized hair dyes or hair care formulations based on their personal characteristics, such as skin tone and eye color, and preferences.

[0029] In some embodiments, the dispensing system is configured to accept three cartridges containing hair care materials, but in other embodiments, the number of cartridges may be more 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 beneficial hair care active ingredients, 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 have an RFID or QR code so that the dispensing device can determine what hair care material is inside the cartridge.

[0030] In some embodiments, a customized blend of high-performance hair care is then dispensed in a portioned dose at the top of the device, into a dispensing container. In some embodiments, the dose is a single dose for a single application. In some embodiments, there are sufficient doses for a weekly number of applications, e.g., seven doses for the week.

[0031] In some embodiments, the dispensing container contains one or more compartments for one or more hair care products. In some embodiments, the compartments are distinct from one another to allow a user to determine which product is the correct one. Examples of such distinction include, but are not limited to, the shape of the compartments, the color of the compartments, and the size or depth of the compartments.

[0032] In some embodiments, the dispensing container may be placed in a dispenser equipped with an extruder. Examples of extruders include, but are not limited to, pumps, aerosol sprayers, hand sprayers, vacuum pumps, solenoid valves, and apertures. In some embodiments, the dispensing device includes multiple extruders, allowing each compartment of the dispensing container to have a separate extruder, so that the products do not mix. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes an attachment, such as a magnet or suction cup, for attaching the dispenser to a surface, such as a shower or bathroom mirror.

[0033] Figures 1A-1D are perspective overviews of exemplary hair care dispensing devices 100, in accordance with the present technology. The visible portion of the hair care dispensing device 100 includes a base 102. The base 102 provides support for a dispensing device body 106. In some embodiments, the base 102 provides power to the device, for example with an electrical cord (not shown in Figures 1A-1D). A dispensing container 108 is disposed above the dispensing device body 106, a power button may be disposed partially within the dispensing device body 106 such that the dispensing device body 106 secures the placement of the power button (not shown in Figures 1A-1D), and an indicator light button (not shown in Figures 1A-1D) may be disposed partially within the dispensing device body 106 such that the dispensing device body 106 secures the placement of the indicator light button. The indicator light button may be a mechanical button or a capacitive touch type button. The dispensing device body 106 may provide a base for the dispensing container 108.

[0034] In some embodiments, such as in [Fig. 1A], the dispensing container 108 is a jar. In some embodiments, the dispensing container 108 includes an opening 114 for accessing the hair care formulation. In some embodiments, the dispensing container 108 includes a cap 112. In some embodiments, the cap 112 is a threaded cap. In some embodiments, a user may dispense a hair care formulation into the dispensing container 108 and secure the hair care formulation with the cap 112 so that the dispensing container 108 may be transported. In operation, a user may apply the hair care formulation with their fingers, as in the case of a hair serum.

[0035] In some embodiments, such as in Figures 1B and 1C, the dispensing container 108 is a flexible tube. In some embodiments, the cap 112 may include an opening 114. In some embodiments, the dispensing container includes a lid 113 for securing the dispensed hair care formula. In some embodiments, the cap includes a plurality of openings 115, as shown in [Fig. 1C]. In some embodiments, the openings 115 may be brush-shaped openings that can be passed through a user's hair. In operation, a user may dispense a hair care material into the dispensing container 108 and squeeze the dispensing container 108 to extrude the hair care formula through the opening 114 or the plurality of openings 115.

[0036] In some embodiments, such as in [Fig. 1D], the dispensing container 108 is a rectangular prism. In some embodiments, the rectangular prism is rigid. In some embodiments, the dispensing container 108 includes a hinged lid 113. In some embodiments, a mirror 116 is disposed within the lid 113. In operation, a user can take the dispensing container 108 with them and use the mirror 116 to ensure that they are applying the hair care material to the desired portion of hair.

[0037] [Fig. 2] shows an example of a cartridge, in accordance with the present technology. The cartridge 130 has a round, cylindrical body and a nozzle 160 with a first end, and a circumferential groove 270 at the second end. The nozzle 160 is further disposed near a cartridge key 132. The cartridge 130 contains and dispenses an amount of hair care material into the dispensing container 108 as needed. In some embodiments, the cartridge 130 dispenses the hair care material by rotation of a cartridge gear while the cartridge 130 remains in place substantially vertically along the Y-axis. The circumferential groove 270 is used to secure the cartridge 130 within the dispensing device.

[0038] An amount of hair care material is released from the cartridge 130 through the tip 160 by a first rotational movement of the first end relative to the second end of the cartridge 130. The rotational movement of the first end of the cartridge 130 in a second direction, opposite the first rotational movement, may close the tip 160 of the cartridge 130.

[0039] [Fig. 3] is a top-down view of an exemplary base of a dispensing device, 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.

[0040] A nozzle 160 of each cartridge 130 is disposed within one of the cartridge holes 140. Various substructures and additional covers may be disposed between the internal components of the hair care dispensing device 100 and the dispensing device body 106.

[0041] [Fig. 4] is an exploded view of an exemplary dispensing container 108 in accordance with the present technology. The dispensing container 108 may include a lid 113, a dispensing container base 182, and a bottom cover 184. The lid 113 is disposed above the dispensing container base 182, which is disposed above or within the bottom cover 184. The lid 113 may be secured to the dispensing container base 182 by magnets. The dispensing container base 182 includes a plurality of dispensing container through-holes 138. In this example, there is one dispensing container through-hole 138 for each cartridge 130 in the dispensing device 100. The bottom cover 184, having a plurality of bottom cover through-holes 136, is disposed below the dispensing container base 182. In this example, there is a lower cover through-hole 136 for each cartridge 114 in the hair care dispensing device 100, and the lower cover 184 is disposed such that each lower cover through-hole 136 corresponds to and is connected to a dispensing container base through-hole 138 of the dispensing container base 182.

[0042] The dispensing container 108 is connected to the manifold 130, the manifold 180 being connected to and disposed above a gear housing in the dispensing device 100, further disposed within the dispensing device body 106 of the hair care dispensing device 100, and the dispensing container 108 is disposed above both the manifold 180 and the dispensing device body 106. The manifold 180 includes a manifold through-hole 135 for each cartridge 130 in the hair care dispensing device 100, and the manifold 180 is arranged such that each manifold through-hole 135 corresponds to and is connected to a dispensing container base through-hole 136 of the lower cover 184.Further, each manifold through hole 135 of the manifold 180 corresponds to and is disposed above a gear case cartridge hole, providing a passage through which hair care material can be dispensed from the nozzle 160 of each cartridge 130 through the manifold 180, the lower cover 184, and into the dispensing container base 182.

[0043] The dispensing container 108 may have a shape such that there is only one orientation in which the dispensing container 108 can connect to the hair care dispensing device 100. In another example, the shape of the dispensing container 108 may be able to connect to the dispensing container 108 in more than one orientation.

[0044] Further, hair care material dispensed into the dispensing container 108 may be prevented from backflow by the use of a one-way duckbill valve (not shown) disposed in each of the dispensing container base through-holes 136 in the lower cover 184 of the dispensing container 108.

[0045] Figures 5A-5C are top-down views of an exemplary dispensing container 108 in accordance with the present technology. In some embodiments, the dispensing container 108 includes a plurality of compartments 300. In some embodiments, the compartments 300 are distinct from one another to allow a user to determine which product is the correct one. Examples of such distinction include, but are not limited to, the shape of the compartments 300, the color of the compartments 300, and the size or depth of the compartments 300. In some embodiments, the compartments may be labeled, for example, with the type of product contained in each compartment 300, i.e., “shampoo”, “conditioner”, “detangler”, etc.

[0046] Although Figures 5A-5C illustrate exemplary arrangements of compartments 300, the compartments 300 may take any number of shapes. Although all illustrated compartments 300 are geometric shapes, the compartments 300 may take any shape, including a curved or organic shape. Additionally, although exemplary configurations of dispensing container base through-holes 138 are illustrated, there may be any number of dispensing container base through-holes 138 in any configuration, for example, four dispensing container base through-holes 138 arranged as four corners in a square shape.

[0047] [Fig.5A] is a top-down view of an exemplary dispensing container 108 with two compartments 300a, 300b. In some embodiments, the compartments 300a, 300b are of equal size. In some embodiments, the compartments 300a, 300b are configured to accept a hair care formula from a single cartridge 130 through a single dispensing container base through-hole 138.

[0048] [Fig.5B] is a top-down view of another example of a dispensing container with three compartments 300a, 300b, 300c. In some embodiments, the compartments 300a, 300b, 300c may have a distinct shape from one another. In some embodiments, the compartments 300a, 300b, 300c are different sizes from one another. In some embodiments, the size distinction of the compartments 300a, 300b, 300c is directly related to the type of product being dispensed. For example, a user only needs a small amount of root touch-up formulation but needs a larger amount of shampoo and conditioner. In this case, the compartment for the root touch-up formulation will be smaller to accommodate a smaller dose, while the compartments for shampoo and conditioner will be larger.

[0049] [Fig.5C] is a top-down view of another example dispensing container with two compartments 300a, 300b. In some embodiments, more than one dispensing container base through-hole 138 dispenses into a single compartment 300, so that hair care material from two or more cartridges can be mixed within a single compartment 300 (such as compartment 300b). For example, when dispensing shampoo, the user may desire the shampoo to contain an added active ingredient, such as argan oil. In this case, the dispensing device 100 can dispense a shampoo formulation and the hyaluronic acid into a single compartment, such as compartment 300a, and allow the user to mix the two before use.

[0050] In operation, a user may remove the dispensing container 108 from the dispensing device 100 after dispensing the hair care material. The user may then open the dispensing container 108 and view the compartments 300a, 300b, . . . 300n, selecting the hair care formula they wish to apply. In some embodiments, the compartments are configured to align with one or more extruders of a dispenser (as explained in FIGS. 7A and 7B).

[0051] Figures 6A and 6B are examples of hair care dispensing systems in accordance with the present technology. In some embodiments, the hair care dispensing system also includes an applicator 120. In some embodiments, the applicator 120 is attached to the dispensing device 100 itself, as shown in [Fig. 6A]. In some embodiments, the applicator 120 is a brush-like attachment. In some embodiments, the applicator 120 is attached to the dispensing device 100 by a magnet. In operation, a user can remove the applicator and take it with them to apply the dispensed hair care formula in another location.

[0052] In some embodiments, as illustrated in [Fig.7B], the applicator 120 is part of the dispensing container 108. In some embodiments, the dispensing container 108 includes an applicator acceptor 220. In some embodiments, the applicator acceptor 220 is a hole. In some embodiments, the applicator acceptor 220 is a threaded hole. In some embodiments, the applicator acceptor 220 is a groove, a snap, a magnet, or other attachment mechanism. Although the applicator acceptor 220 is illustrated on the side of the dispensing container 108, the applicator acceptor 220 may be on the top of the dispensing container 108 or even disposed within the lid 113 of the dispensing container 108.

[0053] In some embodiments, the applicator 120 is a brush with bristles, such as a mascara-type applicator. In operation, the mascara-type applicator may be used to brush a portion of the user's hair with a hair care material, for example, to set frizzy or flyaway hairs, to touch up the roots of dyed hair, or to spot-apply a hair care formula to a target area. The user may then return the applicator 120 to the applicator acceptor 220 on the dispensing container 108 to secure the hair care formula for later use. In some embodiments, the applicator is a brush, spoon, or other means of applying the product to the hair.

[0054] [Fig.7A] is a perspective overview of an exemplary dispenser 250 in accordance with the present technology. The dispenser 250 may be a bottle, such as a shampoo or conditioner bottle, but may take any other number of forms, such as a squeeze tube. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes an extruder 255. The extruder 255 may be a mechanical pump (as illustrated in [Fig.7A]), a solenoid pump, an aperture, a sprayer, or any other means of extruding a hair care formulation. The dispenser 250 may also include an attachment 260. In some embodiments, the attachment 260 is a magnet or a suction cup.

[0055] The dispenser 250 includes a cavity 265 that can accept a dispensing container 108. Although the cavity 265 is illustrated as a cylindrical cavity, it can take any shape capable of accepting the dispensing container 108, such as a rectangular prism. In some embodiments, the dispensing container 108 is slid into the cavity 265. In some embodiments, the cavity 265 includes a cover (not shown in [Fig. 7B]) to further secure the dispensing container 108 in the cavity 265 of the dispenser 250.

[0056] [Fig.7B] is an internal view of an exemplary dispenser 250, in accordance with the present technology. As described above, a dispensing container 108 may contain one opening 114 (as illustrated in [Fig.1B]), or a plurality of openings 115 (as illustrated in [Fig.1C]). In some embodiments, the opening 114 is on the top of the dispensing container 108, but it may be on any side of a dispensing container 108. In some embodiments, the opening 114 or the plurality of openings 115 may be configured to accept one or more extruders 255. In some embodiments, the plurality of openings 115 align with the compartments 300 in the dispensing container 108, such that in operation, the extruders 225 align with the compartments 300 in the dispensing container 108 and each extrude a different hair care material.

[0057] As illustrated in [Fig.7B], a dispensing container 108 with an opening 114 may be placed within the cavity 265 of the dispenser 250. The opening 114 of the dispensing container 108 aligns with the extruder 255 so that the extruder 255 may extrude one or more hair care formulas from the dispensing container 108. In some embodiments, there may be more than one extruder 255, e.g., two or more mechanical pumps, for extruding two or more hair care formulas.

[0058] In operation, a user may use the attachment 260 to secure the dispenser to a location, such as a wall, mirror, or shower / tub. The user may then extrude the hair care material to that desired location. For example, a user may dispense a shampoo formulation into the dispensing container 108. The user may then secure the dispensing container 108 in the cavity 265 of a dispenser 250 such that an opening 115 of the dispensing container 108 aligns with an extruder 255 (such as a mechanical pump) in the dispenser 250. The user can then attach the dispenser 250 to their shower wall using the attachment 260 and use the extruder 255 to extrude shampoo from the dispensing container 108 into their hand or onto their hair.

Claims

Claims

1. A hair care dispensing system, the system comprising: a dispensing device (100); at least one cartridge (130) containing a hair care material configured to fit within the dispensing device (100); and a dispensing container (108) removably attached to the dispensing device (100), wherein the dispensing container (108) is configured to accept a portioned amount of the hair care material from the at least one cartridge (130), the system further comprising a dispenser (250), wherein the dispenser (250) comprises: a cavity (265) configured to accept the dispensing container (108); and an extruder (255) configured to extrude the hair care material.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the dispensing container (108) further comprises two or more compartments (300; 300a, 300b; 300a, 300b, 300c; 300a, 300b, ..., 300n) for receiving the hair care material.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the dispensing container (108) is configured to accept a first portioned amount of a first hair care material from a first cartridge (130) into a first compartment (300; 300a, 300b; 300a, 300b, 300c; 300a, 300b, ..., 300n) and a second portioned amount of a second hair care material, different from the first hair care material, from a second cartridge (130) into a second compartment (300; 300a, 300b; 300a, 300b, 300c; 300a, 300b, ..., 300n).

4. The system of claims 2 and 3, wherein the two or more compartments (300; 300a, 300b; 300a, 300b, 300c; 300a, 300b, ..., 300n) are configured to accept hair care material from two or more cartridges (130) such that the two or more hair care materials mix in a single compartment (300; 300a, 300b; 300a, 300b, 300c; 300a, 300b, ..., 300n).

5. System according to any one of claims 2 to 4, in which the two compartments (300; 300a, 300b; 300a, 300b, 300c; 300a,

6.

7.

8.

9. 300b, ..300n) or more have a distinct shape from each other, a distinct color from each other, or a distinct label from each other. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the dispenser (250) is a bottle. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the dispenser (250) includes two or more extruders (255) configured to dispense two or more hair care materials, wherein the two or more hair care materials are distinct from each other. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the dispenser (250) further comprises an attachment (260). The system of claim 8, wherein the attachment (260) is a magnet or suction cup.

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