REFILLABLE HAIR COLOUR PACKAGE AND APPLICATOR WITH ADJUSTABLE BRISTLES

Abstract

REFILLABLE HAIR COLOR PACKAGE AND APPLICATOR WITH ADJUSTABLE BRISTLES. Adjustable applicator head with protruding elements and a dispensing orifice in fluidic communication with a formulation reservoir operationally coupled to a sliding length adjustment element configured to adjust the exposed protrusion length of the protruding elements along a direction parallel to a central axis of the length adjustment element. The applicator can be refilled and reused and is adjustable for different hair lengths and styles. The teeth or bristles can be replaced with foam applicators, sponges, or other surfaces for various applications, such as skincare, makeup, or makeup removal. Figure for abbreviation: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: REFILLABLE HAIR COLOUR CONTAINER AND APPLICATOR FEATURING ADJUSTABLE BRISTLES

[0001] SUMMARY

[0002] A refillable hair coloring container that has an applicator head using a sliding mechanism that is adjusted by the consumer to change the height of the bristles or teeth to suit the required task. For example, the bristle height is adjustable for use with beard hair or head hair, and other hair types.

[0003] The adjustable hair color packaging allows the user to: mix colors by shaking two or more ingredients (e.g., oily and aqueous components, oxidants / developers, dyes / tints, etc.) in the packaging before application; distribute the formula cleanly and accurately on both hair and beard, which is done with a sliding applicator head that can be specifically positioned to accommodate different hair lengths and types (straight or curly, for example); be suitable for use, cleaning, and, importantly, refilling and reusing. In one embodiment, the adjustable hair color packaging is refillable, unlike a single-dose permanent hair color package such as most conventional packaging for this purpose.

[0004] The refillable hair coloring container may include a wide-mouthed reservoir for loading one or more coloring formula components. The container is sealed and resealable for shaking and application. The wide mouth may be covered with a shipping cap or a removable lid (to cover a formula component, for example) before first use.

[0005] In one embodiment, the adjustable applicator head is designed to slide linearly up or down parallel to the axis of the packaging in this configuration to create bristle or tooth lengths that correspond to the hair on the head or facial hair for accurate, clean, and precise application. The applicator surfaces may include plastic teeth, bristles or bristle clusters, non-woven materials, open-cell materials such as foams, or other applicator materials common in the cosmetics industry.

[0006] In one embodiment, the reusable hair coloring packaging and the applicator components may be composed of chemically resistant materials resistant to hair dye ingredients. Typically, these are olefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, but glass and metal (e.g., boxes formed from steel or aluminum with coating or anodizing) can be used.

[0007] This summary is provided to present a selection of concepts in a simplified form, which are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor should it be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Description of the drawings

[0008] The foregoing aspects and many related advantages of this invention will be more readily appreciated as they are better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of packaging according to one embodiment;

[0010] Fig.2 is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of the packaging of Fig.1;

[0011] Fig.3A is a schematic illustration of an exploded view of the packaging of Fig.1;

[0012] Fig. 3B is a schematic illustration of an exploded view of the packaging of Fig. 1;

[0013] Fig. 4A is a schematic illustration of an applicator featuring a linear sliding mechanism; and

[0014] Fig.4B is a schematic illustration of an applicator featuring a linear sliding mechanism. Detailed description

[0015] An adjustable applicator head is disclosed, having protruding elements and a dispensing orifice in fluidic communication with a formulation reservoir operationally coupled to a sliding length adjustment element configured to adjust the exposed protrusion length of the protruding elements along a direction parallel to a central axis of the length adjustment element. The applicator can be refilled and reused and is adjustable for different hair lengths and styles. The teeth or bristles can be replaced with foam applicators, sponges, or other surfaces for various applications, such as skincare, makeup, or makeup removal.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a refillable package 100 that can be used for hair coloring. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional illustration of the refillable package 100 of Figure 1. The method of embodiment of the FIGURES illustrates bristles. However, the 100 refillable pack can be used for various applications, such as skin care, makeup application or makeup removal, with the teeth or bristles replaced by foam applicators or sponges.

[0017] The refillable packaging 100 includes a formulation reservoir 102 or a bottle for containing hair color or another formulation. The reservoir 102 is connected to an applicator 104, which itself consists of several parts. In one embodiment, the applicator 104 and the reservoir 102 are connected through an interface that allows the applicator 104 to be removed for refilling the reservoir 102. In another embodiment, the applicator 104 and the reservoir 102 are connected to each other via screw threads. A cover 130 can be placed on the applicator 104 to protect the applicator bristles and prevent evaporation and drying of the formulation. The cover 130 can be attached to the applicator 102 for easy removal, such as through a snap-on cap.

[0018] The applicator 104 includes a cap 108, a bristle insert 112 having bristles 106, the bristle insert 112 being fixed in place at the upper part of the cap 108, and a linear sliding mechanism 110 which slides upwards on the bristle insert 112 to reduce an effective height of the bristles 106. In one embodiment, the cap 108 and the bristle insert 112 are formed from a single piece of material, namely, the bristle insert 112 cannot be removed from the cap 108.

[0019] With reference to FIGURES 3A and 3B, in one embodiment, the cap 108 is formed from a lower dome-shaped part which passes from a box-shaped structure generally extending upwards above which holds the bristles 106 in two rows, for example. The box-shaped structure can be called the hair insert 112 and consists of a pair of opposing vertical walls 132a and 132b, placed along a long dimension of the hair insert 112. The hair insert 112 consists of a second pair of opposing walls 134a and 134b placed along a short dimension of the hair insert 112. The four walls 132a,b and 134a,b comprising the hair insert 112 can all be of the same height to present a regular surface above.A horizontal surface 136 is on the upper part of the bristle-inserted piece 112 connected to the upper parts of the walls 132a,b and 134a,b. The horizontal surface 136 is used to retain the bristles 106. The horizontal surface 136 may include one or more orifices 128, as seen in [Fig. 2]. The orifices 128 allow the formulation to be dispersed onto the bristles 106. A narrow horizontal band or surface 114 may be formed at the transition at the upper part of the lower, dome-shaped part and the bristle-inserted piece 112. surrounds the inserted piece with hairs 112 entirely around its periphery.

[0020] The bristle insert 112 is open at the bottom to allow the hair dye or other formulation to pass through the bristle insert 112 and exit through the top via one or more orifices 128 to be deposited onto the bristles 106. Once applied, the formulation can be spread or applied via the bristles 106. In one embodiment, the bristles 106 can be attached to the bristle insert 112 in such a way that the hair dye or other formulation can be transferred from inside the reservoir directly onto the bristles 106, such as through capillary action. Alternatively, the reservoir 102 can be a flexible bottle in which pressure can force the hair dye through the orifices 128 onto the bristles.In one embodiment, the reservoir 102 may include a dip tube having one end extending to the lower part of the reservoir 102 and the opposite end connected to the orifices 128 to allow the formulation to be dispersed with the packaging in a vertical position. Pressure applied to the reservoir 102 will force the hair dye out through the orifices 128, or alternatively through a dip tube, in this case through the orifices 128 onto the hairs 106.

[0021] With reference to FIGURES 3A and 3B, the linear sliding mechanism 110 is shaped substantially similarly to the bristle insert 112. The linear sliding mechanism 110 has a pair of opposing walls 138a and 138b located in the long dimension and a pair of opposing walls 140a and 140b located in the short dimension. The pair of long-dimensional walls 138a,b and the pair of short-dimensional walls 140a,b are only slightly taller than the bristle insert 112, so that the linear sliding mechanism 110 provides a tight fit on the bristle insert 112. The four walls 138a,b and 140a,b comprising the linear sliding mechanism 110 can all be of the same height to present a regular surface above and below.The linear sliding mechanism 110 is further open above and below to allow the linear sliding mechanism to slide up and down on the inserted part with bristles 112.

[0022] As illustrated in FIGURES 4A and 4B, the linear sliding mechanism 110 can be slid up and down on the bristle-inserted part 112. Here, "linear" is used with "sliding mechanism" to denote movement in the up-and-down direction relative to the central axis of the bristle-inserted part. In one embodiment, the lower edge of the linear sliding mechanism 110 rests against the horizontal surface 114. In this position, the full lengths of the bristles 106 are fully exposed and the linear sliding mechanism 110 does not does not block access to the bristles 106. As seen in [Fig. 4B], the linear sliding mechanism 110 can be slid upwards on the part inserted with bristles 112, so the upper edge of the linear sliding mechanism 110 blocks access to the full length of the bristles 106 and reduces the effective height of the bristles 106. In [Fig. 4B], the effective height of the bristles 106 can be defined as the distance from the upper edge of the linear sliding mechanism 110 to the upper ends of the bristles 106. As can be understood, the point of attachment of the bristles 106 to the part inserted with bristles 112 remains fixed, while the exposed height of the bristles 106 above the linear sliding mechanism 110 can be adjusted.

[0023] The linear sliding mechanism 110 can slide upwards in predetermined increments or continuously. As can be seen, the bristle insert 112 remains fixed in place on the cap 108 and the reservoir 102, and does not move. However, the linear sliding mechanism 110 is displaced relative to the bristle insert 112, thus effectively reducing the height of the bristles 106. An interface between the linear sliding mechanism 110 and the bristle insert 112 provides resistance to sliding and may include predetermined height settings for the effective height of the bristles 106.

[0024] In one embodiment of the interface, the linear sliding mechanism 110 has a horizontal linear ratchet 116 or a bump on the inward-facing surface of one or both of the walls 138a, 138b in the long dimension. In one embodiment, the ratchet 116 is located adjacent to the inward-facing surface of the long-dimensional walls adjacent to the lower edge of the walls 138a, 138b. The length or size of the ratchet 116 is designed to create resistance to the sliding of the linear sliding mechanism 110. This resistance prevents the linear sliding mechanism 110 from being accidentally displaced from its position during normal use, but still allows the user to slide the linear sliding mechanism 110 without having to exert excessive force.

[0025] As shown in FIGURES 4A and 4B, the ratchet or ratchets 116 engage with a network of horizontal linear slots or grooves 120 on the outside of the long-dimension walls 132a,b of the bristle-inserted part 112, in which such grooves 120 correspond to the size of the ratchet 116. The ratchet 116 engages with each of the grooves 120 one at a time while the linear sliding mechanism 110 is slid up and down on the bristle-inserted part 112. In some embodiments, the ratchet 116 shown can be replaced by a network of bumps, dimples, ribs, etc., placed either on the linear sliding mechanism 110 or on the bristle-inserted part 112, and the inverse of these characteristic elements are formed on the respective opposite characteristic element. The ratchet or the An equivalent structure is used to provide haptic feedback to the user during the sliding of the linear sliding mechanism 110. The feedback resembles a "click" and printed or embossed / debossed visual numbers can be used to indicate the position or effective height of the hairs (e.g., predetermined height settings of 1 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm) to achieve an ideal length to satisfy the specific hair application.

[0026] As shown in FIGURES 3A and 3B, the long-dimension walls 138a,b of the linear sliding mechanism may also include a pair of slots 124 adjacent to each corner of the short-dimension walls 140a,b. The slots 124 are positioned to the left and right of the pawl 116, allowing the portion of the wall with the pawl 116 to be deflected outwards while the linear sliding mechanism 110 is slid up and down. The height of the slots 124 and the size of the pawl 116 can be used to determine the resistance to sliding of the linear sliding mechanism 110 from one position to another.

[0027] In one embodiment, the linear sliding mechanism 110 may also include a pair of tabs or follower elements 118, also generally bumps, on the inner surfaces of one or both of the long-dimensional walls 138a,b. The follower elements 118 are also located adjacent to the lower edge of the walls 138a,b. Each of the follower elements 118 engages with a respective vertical slot 122 on the outside of the long-dimensional walls of the inserted part 112, wherein such slots 122 correspond to the size of the follower elements 118. The slots 122 may terminate before the upper edge of the inserted part 112, providing a rigid stop to prevent the linear sliding mechanism 110 from being pulled completely out of the inserted part 112.

[0028] In one embodiment, the linear sliding mechanism 110 includes a handle 126 on each of the short dimension walls 140a,b for a more secure grip when sliding the linear mechanism 110 upwards or downwards.

[0029] The applicator 104 is open to the formulation reservoir 102 so that the hair dye or other composition can flow from the reservoir 102 into the applicator 104. The applicator 104 is connected to the reservoir 102 in such a way that the applicator 104 can be removed from the reservoir 102. In one embodiment, both the applicator 104 and the reservoir 102 include threads to allow the applicator 104 to be threaded onto the top of the reservoir 102. Removing the applicator 104 allows the reservoir 104 to be refilled. Alternatively, different formulations can be supplied in different reservoirs, and the applicator 104 can be connected to any one of a multitude of reservoirs.

[0030] The cap 108 is connected to the reservoir 102. In one embodiment, the thread on the cap 108 has a characteristic stop / orientation bump that engages with the reservoir 102 to "lock" the applicator 104 in place on the reservoir 104, ensuring that the reservoir 104 is not accidentally opened when the packaging is deformed during adjustment. This bump is disengaged when the consumer cleans, refills, and consequently reuses the packaging.

[0031] In one embodiment, the applicator 104 includes teeth or bristles 106 at the upper part of the applicator 104. However, the teeth or bristles 106 can be replaced by foam applicators, sponges, or other surfaces for various applications, such as skin care, makeup or makeup removal.

[0032] The refillable container 100 allows the user to implement a method for applying a hair color formulation to hair, beards, mustaches, and other facial hair, where the hair height can be adjusted for the specific application. The method includes removing the cap 108 from the reservoir 102. The method includes filling the reservoir 102 with a hair coloring formulation. The method includes sliding a linear sliding mechanism 110 in an axial direction relative to the cap 108 to change the effective height of the hairs 106 attached to the cap 108. The method includes applying the hair coloring formulation to the hairs 106, which have an effective height lower than the full height of the hairs 106.

[0033] A method for changing the effective height of the bristles 106 on an applicator 104 is also disclosed. The method includes sliding a linear sliding mechanism 110 to change the effective height of the bristles 106 of an applicator 104 while the bristles remain attached to the applicator 104. The method may further include moving the sliding mechanism 110 to one of a multitude of predetermined effective bristle height settings.

[0034] Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made to them without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Refillable packaging (100), comprising: a reservoir (102); an applicator (104), the applicator including: a cap (108) connected to the reservoir via screw threads; a bristle insert (112) having bristles, the bristle insert being fixed to the upper part of the cap; and a linear sliding mechanism (110) which slides on the bristle insert to reduce an effective bristle height; wherein an interface of the linear sliding mechanism (110) with the bristle insert (112) provides predetermined settings of the effective bristle height and resistance to sliding from one predetermined setting to another; characterized in that the bristle insert includes a network of grooves (120), and the bristle insert includes a ratchet (116) which engages with the network of grooves on the bristle insert.

2. Refillable packaging according to claim 1, wherein the inserted bristle piece includes a slot to the left and right of the ratchet (116) to allow a portion of a wall to be deflected outwards.

3. Refillable packaging (100) according to claim 1, including a hair coloring formulation in the reservoir.

4. Refillable packaging according to claim 1, wherein the inserted bristle part includes a pair of opposing vertical walls (132a, 132b) in a long dimension and a pair of vertical walls (134a, 134b) in a short dimension, and the linear sliding mechanism includes a pair of vertical walls in a short dimension.

5. Refillable packaging according to claim 4, wherein the cap (108) further comprises a dome shape at the lower part, wherein a transition from the dome shape to the bristle-inserted piece includes a horizontal surface surrounding the bristle-inserted piece.

6. Applicator (104), comprising: a cap (108) adaptable to be connected to a reservoir (102) via screw threads; a bristle insert (112) having bristles, the insert The hair is attached to the upper part of the cap; and a linear sliding mechanism (110) which slides on the inserted part with bristles to reduce an effective height of the bristles; in which an interface of the linear sliding mechanism with the inserted hair part provides predetermined settings of the effective height of the hairs and resistance to sliding from one predetermined setting to another; characterized in that the inserted bristle piece includes a network of grooves (120), and the inserted bristle piece includes a ratchet (116) which engages with the network of grooves on the inserted bristle piece.

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