FORMULA ADMINISTRATION DEVICE

Abstract

FORMULA DELIVERY DEVICE A formulation delivery device may be used for hair and scalp treatment, such as a device used for coloring hair. The device may include a container having an opening and being configured to retain a volume of formulation. The formulation delivery device may further include an elongated engagement member having a channel extending therethrough and being configured to be at least partially received by the container opening when the container is mounted on the engagement member. A vent opening is formed in the engagement member and provides fluid communication between the channel and an area outside the engagement member when the container is disengaged from the engagement member. The vent opening is sealed and the channel receives a flow of formulation from the container when the container is mounted on the engagement member.Figure for the abstract: none.

Description

Title of the invention: FORMULA ADMINISTRATION DEVICE SUMMARY

[0001] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to, among other things, representative embodiments of a formula delivery device. In one example, the formula delivery device is a hair coloring device having a consumable assembly. The embodiments described herein generally relate to hair and scalp treatment devices. The consumable assembly of the device may be configured to incorporate various components of the hair and scalp treatment device, a portion of which may be consumed and then replaced by a user. In this regard, the consumable assembly may include one or more formulation delivery bags, nozzles, manifold chambers, dispensing heads, etc.The formula delivery device may also include a degassing feature that vents gases from the consumable assembly when mounted on a delivery device.

[0002] According to one embodiment described herein, a formulation delivery device includes a container having an opening and being configured to retain a volume of formulation. The delivery device further includes an elongated engagement member having a channel extending therethrough and being configured to be at least partially received by the opening of the container when the container is mounted on the engagement member. A vent opening is formed in the engagement member and provides fluid communication between the channel and an area outside the engagement member when the container is disengaged from the engagement member. The vent opening is sealed and the channel receives a flow of formulation from the container when the container is mounted on the engagement member.

[0003] In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the container further comprises a membrane covering the opening of the container when the container is in a sealed state.

[0004] In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the engaging member ruptures the membrane as the container is mounted onto the engaging member, the piercing of the membrane causing the container to transition from a sealed condition to an unsealed condition.

[0005] In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the vent opening is in fluid communication with the formulation when the engaging member is at least partially received in the opening of the container.

[0006] In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the vent opening is unsealed because the engaging member ruptures the membrane.

[0007] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the container comprises a nozzle defining the opening.

[0008] In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the container further comprises a sealing member in sealing engagement with the nozzle, the sealing member having a passage extending therethrough and being in fluid communication with an interior portion of the container and with the opening defined by the nozzle.

[0009] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the engagement member hermetically engages the sealing member of the container when the container is mounted on the engagement member.

[0010] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the sealing member seals the vent opening when the container is mounted on the engaging member.

[0011] In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, an engagement sealing member is mounted on the engagement member, the engagement sealing member providing a sealing engagement between the engagement member and the nozzle when the container is mounted on the engagement member.

[0012] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the engaging sealing element is an O-ring.

[0013] In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the formulation is selected from the group consisting of permanent hair dye, semi-permanent hair dye, developer, conditioner, hair growth treatment, ROGAINE®, protein hair treatment, disulfide bond repair hair treatment, OLAPLEX®, flow-through hair treatment, and flow-through scalp treatment.

[0014] In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the formulation delivery device further comprises a second container configured to retain a volume of a second formulation and a second elongated engagement member configured to be at least partially received by the second container. The formulation delivery device further comprises a manifold configured to receive the first and second formulations from the first and second containers, respectively.

[0015] In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the formulation delivery device further comprises a head assembly configured to receive a mixture of the first and second formulations from the collector and to dispense the mixture onto at least one of a user's hair and scalp.

[0016] In accordance with other embodiments described herein, a formulation delivery device includes a first container having a first opening and being configured to contain a volume of a first formulation and a first elongated engagement member having a first channel extending therethrough and being configured to be at least partially received by the first opening of the first container when the first container is mounted on the first engagement member. A first vent opening is formed in the first engagement member and provides fluid communication between the first channel and an area outside the first engagement member when the first container is disengaged from the first engagement member. The first vent opening is sealed, and the first channel receives a flow of the first formulation from the first container when the first container is mounted on the first engagement member.The formulation delivery device further includes a pump in fluid communication with the first channel of the first engagement member to withdraw the first formulation from the first fluid container. The formulation delivery device further includes a head in fluid communication with the pump, the head configured to discharge the first formulation.

[0017] In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the formulation delivery device further comprises a second container having a second opening and being configured to contain a volume of a second formulation. A second elongated engagement member has a second channel extending therethrough and is configured to be at least partially received by the second opening of the second container when the second container is mounted on the second engagement member. A manifold is configured to mix the first and second formulations received from the pump and to provide a mixture of the first and second formulations to the head.

[0018] According to any of the embodiments described herein, a second vent opening is formed in the second engagement member and provides fluid communication between the second channel and an area outside the second engagement member when the second container is disengaged from the second engagement member. The second vent opening is sealed, and the second channel receives a flow of the second formulation from the second container when the second container is mounted on the first second engagement member.

[0019] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the first formulation is a hair dye, and the second formulation is a developer. Description of the Drawings

[0020] The foregoing aspects and numerous related advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be more readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] depicts a perspective view of a representative embodiment of a formulation delivery device in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, the device comprising a consumable assembly mounted on a delivery assembly;

[0022] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents another perspective view of the device of [Fig.l];

[0023] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents a side sectional view of the device of [Fig.l];

[0024] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents a partially exploded perspective view of the device of [Fig.l], in which the consumable assembly is disengaged from the administration assembly;

[0025] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents another partially exploded perspective view of the device of [Fig.4];

[0026] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] shows another partially exploded perspective view of the device of [Fig.4], in which a portion of the housing of the administration set is removed;

[0027] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents a side sectional view of the device of [Fig.4];

[0028] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] represents a cross-sectional plan view of the assembly of consumables of the administration set as shown in [Fig.7];

[0029] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] shows a side sectional view of a portion of a head and manifold of the feed assembly as shown in [Fig.3];

[0030] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] represents a sectional plan view of a portion of the collector, as shown in [Fig.9];

[0031] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] shows a partial side view of the device as shown in [Fig. 3], in which the consumable assembly is mounted on the delivery assembly, and a tip of the consumable assembly has not yet engaged a coupler of the delivery assembly;

[0032] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] shows a partial side view thereof, in which the coupler has made initial contact with the tip;

[0033] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] shows a partial side view thereof, the coupler having ruptured a membrane which seals a formulation container of the consumable assembly and

[0034] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] shows a partial side view thereof, with the consumable assembly mounted on the administration assembly. Detailed description

[0035] The following description provides several examples which generally relate to hair and scalp treatment applicators and formulation delivery devices. The application of a wide variety of treatment formulations to human hair and scalp is common practice. In some cases, it is beneficial for the treatment formulation to be applied to a targeted portion of the hair or scalp tissue. In one example, one may wish to apply a treatment formulation to a portion of the hair near the scalp, for example, when applying a hair color dye to the roots of the hair during a color maintenance procedure. In another example, one may wish to apply a scalp treatment formula directly to the scalp tissue, while minimizing contact with the hair.

[0036] Existing systems for applying hair and scalp treatment formulas are widely used. In one example, hair coloring kits are typically used to modify the appearance of hair coloring or to blend gray hair, among other uses. Existing hair coloring systems may utilize two or more components that are separately packaged and then blended on demand by the system to provide a treatment formulation that is applied to the hair. In some examples, these components are stored separately in sealed containers before being mounted in the application systems. When the containers are mounted in the application system, they rupture so that the components stored therein can be extracted, mixed, and applied by the user.

[0037] Examples of treatment formulations applied in the embodiments herein include, but are not limited to: a permanent hair dye; a semi-permanent hair dye; a developer; a conditioner; a hair growth treatment, such as minoxidil manufactured under the trade name ROGAINE®; a protein hair treatment; a disulfide bond repair hair treatment; such as OLAPLEX®, a flowable hair treatment; a flowable scalp treatment, and the like. Although any hair and scalp treatment formulation is suitably applied using the embodiments of the device described herein, the present disclosure generally refers to the hair coloring formulation as an example of a treatment formulation applied by the device described below.However, it should be appreciated that any of the hair and scalp treatment formulations listed are interchangeable with the coloring formulation described herein.

[0038] The following discussion provides examples of systems, apparatuses, and / or devices of a formula delivery device that is configured to apply a treatment formulation to a targeted area of ​​hair and / or scalp. scalp. The device of the present disclosure generally includes a delivery device configured to be grasped by a user's hand, and a head having a plurality of nozzles from which the coloring formulation is discharged. In some embodiments, the head may further include a plurality of spacer protrusions near the nozzles to space the nozzle orifice from the scalp during use. In other embodiments, the nozzles may move during use, for example, by a reciprocating or oscillating motion, such that the nozzles may provide more thorough coverage of the treatment formulation.

[0039] Examples of the systems described above are disclosed by U.S. Patent No. 11,470,940, (“the 940 patent”), issued to Grez, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. The 940 patent teaches the application of air coloring formulations that generally include at least one colorant and a separate developer that must be mixed in controlled proportions for effective and predictable results. As used in the 940 patent and herein, the term “coloring formulation” generally refers to any of the colorants, developer, formulation, fluid, or any mixture thereof.

[0040] Certain components of the color formulation are known to generate gas over time. Therefore, a sealed container filled with color formulation may be at least partially filled with gas that is produced between the time the container is initially sealed and the time the color formulation is used. The mixing ratio of a color formulation may be important to the safety and efficacy of a hair coloring system, and the gas produced by the color formulation while sealed in the container may affect this ratio. In known embodiments, an apparatus may be initially used to dispense a color formulation with any accumulated gas before applying the color formulation to the hair. However, such configurations waste the color formulation.

[0041] Using the embodiments of the present disclosure, gases that have accumulated in sealed containers of coloring formulations are vented when the containers are initially connected to the device. Thus, the desired mixing ratio of the coloring formulation is automatically maintained without wastage of coloring formulation.

[0042] Although the formula delivery device 100 and the other exemplary embodiments are described and illustrated as being used with a plurality of nozzles, it should be appreciated that the formula delivery devices shown and described herein may be used with any applicator configuration. appropriate formulation and for any appropriate use.

[0043] FIGURES 1-7 depict a representative embodiment of a formula delivery device 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The formula delivery device 100 is depicted as an apparatus having a delivery set 110 and a consumable set 300. Accordingly, the formula delivery device 100 will hereinafter be referred to as the device 100.

[0044] As described in more detail, one embodiment of the consumable assembly 300 includes two or more formulation containers 308 and 314, the interiors of which are in fluid communication with a pump 190 via a coupler 140. The pump 190 draws formulation from each of the formulation containers 308 and 314 and discharges the formulations into a manifold 210. The formulations are mixed by static mixers as they pass through the manifold 210 and are then discharged through a head 240 for application to a user's hair and / or scalp.

[0045] Referring to the cross-sectional views of FIGURES 3, 7 and 8, the consumable assembly 300 will now be described. The consumable assembly 300 allows a user to replace depleted coloring formulation containers and / or use different coloring formulations with the delivery device. In this regard, the consumable assembly 300 is configured to be removably coupled to the delivery assembly 110 to form the device 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the consumable assembly 300 includes an elongated housing 302 sized and configured to be received with the cavity 118 of the housing 112 of the delivery assembly 110 to mount the consumable assembly to the delivery assembly.

[0046] The consumable assembly 300 is configured to be removably received in the cavity 118 of the delivery assembly 110 such that the delivery assembly and the consumable assembly cooperate to form the device 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 302 of the consumable assembly 300 includes a release button 304 that engages a detent feature 126 formed on the housing 112 of the delivery assembly 110 to releasably secure the consumable assembly to the delivery assembly when the consumable assembly is mounted thereon (see [Fig. 3]). To release the release button 304 from the trigger function 126, a user presses the release button 304 to release the release button from the trigger function, thereby allowing removal of the consumable assembly from the administration assembly 110.In other embodiments, other fastening configurations are suitably used, such as interference fit, . fasteners, Velcro, peelable adhesive, magnets, and the like. Additional attachment features are also within the scope of the present disclosure, such as a lower detent, which may provide greater attachment force between the consumable assembly 300 and the administration assembly 110. In other embodiments, any number or combination of attachment features is appropriately used to secure the consumable assembly 300 to the administration assembly 110.

[0047] Still referring to FIGURES 3, 7 and 8, the consumable assembly 300 includes a first formulation container 308 and a second formulation container 314 disposed in the cavity 306 of the housing 302. The first and second formulation containers 308 and 314 respectively contain the first and second formulation containers 308 and 314. In some embodiments, the first formulation container 308 includes a coloring formulation such as a coloring dye, and the second formulation container 314 contains a developer. In other embodiments, a single formulation container with a coloring formulation is suitably used.

[0048] The use of a developer with the coloring dye formulation provides a longer-lasting coloring effect, up to about one month. The combination of coloring dye and developer is generally referred to as permanent coloring, while applying a dye without the use of developer results in a semi-permanent coloring, generally lasting about one week. The developer can be used with a single formulation container or with multiple formulation containers.

[0049] The first formulation container 308 will now be described with the understanding that the second formulation container 314 is similarly configured and, in some embodiments, contains a second formulation 316 that is different from the first formulation 310 contained with the first formulation container 308. The first formulation container 308 includes a pouch 320, i.e., a reservoir, configured to be filled with a first formulation 310. In some embodiments, the pouch 320 is a flexible pouch. In some embodiments, the pouch is a rigid or semi-rigid container.

[0050] As best shown in FIGURES 11-14, the formulation container 308 further includes a tip 322 mounted on one end of the pouch 320 and configured to interface with the coupler 140, described below. In this regard, the tip 322 includes an opening 324 sized and configured to receive an engagement member 144 of the coupler 140 when the consumable assembly 300 is mounted on the administration assembly 110 such that the engagement member extends into the formulation container 308. The tip 322 further includes a stop 326 formed thereon that engages the coupler 140 to limit the movement of the engagement member 144 into the formulation container 308.

[0051] A sealing member 328 is positioned between the tip 322 and the pouch 320. An opening 330 extends through the sealing member 328 and is sized and configured to receive an engagement member 144 of the coupler 140 into sealing engagement when the consumable assembly 300 is mounted on the administration set 110. As shown in FIGURES 11 and 12, a membrane 332 covers one end of the opening 330. The membrane 332 in combination with the sealing engagement of the sealing member 328 with the pouch 320 and the tip 322 seals the pouch such that the formulation 310 contained within the pouch is isolated from the ambient environment.In some embodiments, the membrane 332 is a unidirectional or bidirectional breathable membrane configured to allow degassing of the bag 320 without ingress of contaminants or egress of the bag contents. Still, in other embodiments, the sealing member 328 includes a valve (not shown), used in conjunction with any of the embodiments herein, the valve being configured to regulate the flow of fluid from the bags 320. Any combination of the above features may also be used.

[0052] The administration assembly 110 will now be described in more detail. The housing 112 of the administration assembly 110 is generally configured to house and enclose various components of the administration assembly 110, which will be described in more detail below. As shown in FIGURES 1-3, the housing 112 includes a control button 120, a power indicator 122, and a port 124. The housing 112 provides a surface for the user to grip with one hand while using the device 100. In this regard, the housing 112 is ergonomically shaped in the illustrated embodiments. However, in other embodiments, the housing 112 is suitably of any shape to contain the internal components and provide one or more gripping surfaces for the user. In other embodiments, the consumable assembly 300 may form at least a portion of the gripping surfaces for the user.In the illustrated embodiments, the housing 112 includes a first housing portion 114 and a second housing portion 116 coupled together to at least partially define a cavity 118 therein (see [Fig. 5]). In other embodiments, the housing 112 has a unitary construction or includes three or more portions coupled together to at least partially define a cavity.

[0053] The housing 112 houses various control components of the device, such as one or more of a pump 190 (see [Fig. 3]), a motor that drives the pump 190, a central processing unit, a battery, a communication system (such as wireless network (Wi-Fi), radio frequency identification (RFID), field communication near field communication (NFC), BLUETOOTH®, etc.), an electrical and data connector at port 124 (such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), Firewire, or the like), temperature sensors, accelerometers, fluid sensors, data scanners, light sources, a sound signal generator, fluid heating sources, temperature controllers, and other suitable control components, which are not shown in the FIGURES for simplicity. In some embodiments, port 124 is suitably used to provide an interface between internal control components of device 100 and external components / systems, and / or to charge the battery of device 100.

[0054] The control button 120 may be configured to activate, deactivate, and control features of the device 100. In some embodiments, pressing the control button 120 powers the device 100 so that the coloring formulation is drawn from the formulation containers 308 and 314 (see [Fig. 8]). In these embodiments, releasing the control button 120 may stop the flow of coloring formulation.In some examples, the control button 120 may be used to initialize the device 100 or place the device 100 in a state to perform certain functions, such as one or more of the following: calculating a mixing ratio of the components of the coloring formulation; entering a cleaning or purging mode; heating the formulation; collecting data from the formulation containers, such as remaining volume, mixing ratios, color information, etc.; sending and receiving signals via the port 124; analyzing data regarding user preferences; collecting data from sensors; providing status indications to the user, such as output power level, battery life, remaining formulation volume, sensor data, data connection information, etc.and communication with auxiliary equipment. In some embodiments, the control button 120 is capable of pressure-sensitive operation, such that applying greater pressure to the control button 120 causes a variable response, such as, for example, causing the formulation to flow faster, the nozzles to move faster, or the like. In some embodiments, various operating parameters may be controlled through the use of a smart device, such as a phone (as described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 10,694,832 issued to Grez, which is incorporated by reference herein).

[0055] Referring to FIGURES 3, 6 and 11-14, the coupler 140 is mounted within the housing 112 and is configured to engage the interior portions of the formulation containers 308 and 314 so that the formulations 310 and 316, respectively, contained therein can be withdrawn for application to the user. The coupler 140 includes a base 142 mounted within the housing 112 of the delivery assembly 110. A pair of elongated engagement members 144 extend from the base 142 into the cavity 306, and each engagement member terminates at a tip 146 opposite the base 142. Each engagement member 144 is sized and positioned to extend through an opening 324 of the consumable assembly 300 into one of the formulation containers 308 and 314 when the consumable assembly 300 is mounted on the delivery assembly 110.

[0056] As best shown in FIGURES 11-14, each engagement member 144 includes a channel 148 that extends through the member to a port 150 formed on the opposite side of the base 142. Each engagement member 144 may further include a sealing member 154, such as an O-ring, mounted on the outer surface of the engagement member. The sealing member 154 is sized and configured to hermetically engage an interior surface of the corresponding opening 330 through which the sealing member extends when the consumable assembly 300 is mounted on the administration assembly 110. One or more openings 152 (vent openings) extend radially through a portion of the engaging member 144 between the sealing member 154 and the tip 146 of the engaging member.

[0057] For each port 150 on the coupler 140, a formulation tube is attached to one end of the port and to the second end of the pump 190. In this regard, each formulation tube provides fluid communication between one of the ports 150 and an inlet of the pump 190. In the illustrated embodiment, the consumable assembly 300 includes two formulation containers 308 and 314, each having a corresponding opening 324. The coupler 140 comprises two elongated members 144, each elongated member corresponding to one of the openings 324 of the formulation containers 308 and 314. A first formulation tube 170 is mounted at one end on an orifice 150 of the coupler 140 and at a second end on a first inlet of the pump 190. Similarly, a second formulation tube 172 is mounted at one end on the other orifice 150 of the coupler 140 and at a second end on a second inlet of the pump 190.Accordingly, when the consumable assembly 300 is mounted on the administration assembly 110, the interior of the first formulation container 308 is in sealed fluid communication with the first inlet port of the pump, and the interior of the second formulation container 314 is in sealed fluid communication with the second inlet port of the pump 190.

[0058] In other embodiments, the consumable assembly 300 includes any suitable number of formulation containers. For such embodiments, the coupler 140 includes a corresponding number of elements and ports. engagement such that each engagement member engages one of the formulation containers, and each port is in fluid communication with an inlet port of the pump 190 via a formulation tube. Accordingly, the interior of each formulation container is in sealed communication with an inlet port of the pump. In some embodiments, the administration set 100 includes more than one pump, each pump being in sealed fluid communication with the interior of one or more formulation containers via corresponding engagement members and formulation tubes.

[0059] The pump 190 is driven by a suitable motor (not shown) and is configured to draw coloring formulations 310 and 316 from the formulation containers, respectively 308 and 314, through the formulation tubes, respectively 170 and 172. In some embodiments, the pump 190 has a number of discharge ports corresponding to the number of inlets. Each discharge port is in communication with a corresponding inlet port on the manifold 210. In the illustrated embodiment, a first discharge port (not shown) discharges the first formulation component 310 received from the first formulation container 308 to a first manifold inlet port 214 of the manifold 210, and a second discharge port (not shown) discharges the second formulation component 316 received from the second formulation container 314 to a second manifold inlet port 216.In this regard, (referring to FIGURES 3 and 9), the first discharge port of the pump is in sealed fluid communication with the first inlet port of the manifold 214 by a first discharge tube 174, and the second discharge port of the pump is in sealed fluid communication with the second inlet port of the manifold 216 by a second discharge tube 176.

[0060] In some embodiments, a peristaltic pump 190 is used. In this regard, an advantage of a peristaltic type pump is that the pump is self-priming. However, in other embodiments, any suitable pump, or series of pumps, is used to draw the coloring formulation from the formulation containers 308 and 314 to the manifold 210.

[0061] Referring now to FIGURES 9 and 10, the manifold 210 receives the coloring formulations 310 and 316 from the pump 190 and mixes the components as the coloring formulations move toward the head 240. In this regard, the manifold housing 212 includes a plurality of chambers for controlling the mixing, processing, and discharging of the coloring formulations from the formulation containers 308 and 314.

[0062] In one embodiment, the manifold 210 comprises a housing 212 which comprises a first mixing chamber 218 arranged in series with a second mixing chamber 222. The first mixing chamber 218 receives coloring formulations 310 and 316 from the pump through the first and second inlet ports, 214 and 216, respectively. A static mixer 220 is disposed in the first mixing chamber 218 and mixes the coloring formulations 310 and 316 as they pass through the first mixing chamber. The coloring formulations 310 and 316 then pass into the second mixing chamber 222 and are further mixed by a second static mixer 224 disposed therein. The mixed coloring formulations 310 and 316 then travel through the distribution channels 226 which distribute the mixture to the nozzles 242 of the head 240.

[0063] The head 240 includes a plurality of elongated nozzles 242 extending from the manifold 210. Each elongated nozzle 242 includes a channel 244 extending therethrough and configured to discharge the coloring formulation received from the manifold 210 through one or more outlet openings 246 at the end of the nozzle 242 when the device 100 is in use. In some embodiments, the nozzles 242 are arranged in one or more rows along a portion of the housing 112 of the administration set 110, generally in a direction along the length of the device 100, as shown in (FIGURES 1, 4 and 9). In other embodiments, the nozzles 242 are suitably positioned at an angle relative to the length of the device 100.

[0064] In some embodiments, the nozzles 242 have a length of between about 0.5 cm and about 4.0 cm from the manifold 210 to the end of the nozzles 242 at the outlet openings 246. In other embodiments, the nozzles 242 have a length of between about 1.4 cm and about 1.8 cm from the manifold 210 to the end of the nozzles 242 at the outlet openings 246. In other embodiments, the nozzles 242 have a length of about 1.6 cm from the manifold 210 to the end of the nozzles 242 at the outlet openings 246. In other embodiments, any nozzle length is appropriately used.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of spacer projections 248 extend substantially outwardly in the direction of the nozzles 242 from the housing 112 in one or more rows. In this regard, substantially in the direction of the nozzles 242 refers to within an angle of about 25 degrees relative to the direction along the nozzles 242. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second rows of projections 248 are positioned along each side of a single row of elongated nozzles 242. In some embodiments, the spacer projections 248 may be disposed at an angle relative to the plurality of nozzles 242. (For example, see [Fig. 4] of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 339,551 which is incorporated by reference herein.)

[0066] In some embodiments, each of the spacer projections 248 has a length (measurement between the housing 112 and an end of the spacer projection 248) such that the end of the spacer projection 248 and the outlet openings 246 of the nozzles 242 are substantially coplanar. In other embodiments, the spacer projections 248 have a length (from the housing 112 to the end of the spacer projection 248) such that the spacer projections 248 are longer than a length of the nozzles 242 (measurement between the housing 112 and an end of the nozzles 242). In this regard, during use, the spacer projections 248 would contact an application surface, such as a localized portion of the scalp, and space the outlet opening 246 of the nozzles 242 away from the application surface to provide space for the discharge of the coloring formulation through the outlet opening 246.In embodiments in which the spacer protrusions 248 are longer than the plurality of nozzles 242, the spacer protrusions 248 are between about 0.1 mm and 5.0 mm longer than the length of each of the plurality of nozzles 242. In other embodiments, the spacer protrusions 248 are between about 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm longer than the length of each of the plurality of nozzles 242. In other embodiments, the spacer protrusions 248 are about 1.0 mm longer than the length of each of the plurality of nozzles 242.

[0067] The plurality of nozzles 242 extends from a surface of the collector housing 212 such that portions of a user's hair pass between the plurality of nozzles 242 as the user passes the device 100 over the surface, e.g., over the scalp. In some embodiments, the plurality of nozzles 242 is configured to reciprocate the collector 210 along the direction of the row of the plurality of nozzles 242. In this regard, the collector housing 212 moves relative to the housing 112 such that the coloring formulation covers surface areas between each of the nozzles 242 as the device 100 passes over the surface in a direction perpendicular to the row of the plurality of nozzles 242. Therefore, the complete surface area under the plurality of nozzles 242 can be covered by the coloring formulation without having to overlap the passes of the device 100 over the surface.In other embodiments, the nozzles 242 of the device are configured to oscillate, oscillate along the length of the nozzles 242, vibrate, or remain stationary during use. Embodiments of reciprocating heads are described in the '940 patent.

[0068] As noted above, in some embodiments, an energy source (e.g., a heat source, not shown) may be added at any location along the path of the color formulation flow to increase the temperature of the formulation, or it may be added to the device 100 so that heat is transferred to the application surface, e.g., the scalp. In this In this regard, for some formulations, it may be beneficial, either for user comfort, formulation efficiency, or both, to apply the formulation to the user at an elevated temperature or to heat the application surface. In these embodiments, the heat source is configured to deliver energy to the formulation or the application surface. In some embodiments, the energy source is an ultraviolet radiation source configured to illuminate the plurality of nozzles 242 to transfer the ultraviolet radiation to the application surface, such as onto hair roots and / or scalp tissue. In other embodiments, the energy source is a heat source configured to heat the formulation prior to discharge from the plurality of outlet nozzles 242.

[0069] As discussed previously, some coloring formulations produce gas over time. Therefore, a sealed formulation container filled with coloring formulations may be partially filled with unwanted gas when the consumable assembly 300 is initially mounted on the delivery assembly 110. Even embodiments of containers having a bi-directional breathable membrane, as described above, may accumulate gas in the containers. As will now be described with reference to FIGURES 11-14, embodiments of the disclosed device 100 provide degassing of the containers when the consumable assembly 300 is mounted on the delivery assembly 110.

[0070] Referring now to [Fig. 11], the consumable assembly 300 is shown partially inserted into the cavity 118 of the delivery assembly 110. The formulation container 308 of the consumable assembly 300 is in a sealed configuration in which the membrane 332 is intact. The container 308 is filled with a formulation 310 and an amount of gas 312 produced by the formulation due to outgassing has accumulated in the container. Engagement of the consumable assembly 300 with the housing 112 of the delivery assembly aligns each engagement member 144 of the coupler 140 with a corresponding opening 324 of one of the formulation containers 308. In [Fig. 12], the consumable assembly 300 is further inserted into the cavity 118 of the administration assembly 110 such that the tip 146 of the engagement member 144 is in contact with the sealing member 328 and the membrane 332 is still intact.That is, the formulation container 308 is always in a sealed configuration.

[0071] Referring now to [Fig. 13], further movement of the consumable assembly 300 into the cavity 118 causes the membrane 332 to be ruptured by the tip 146 of the engaging member 144. With the membrane ruptured, the formulation container is in an unsealed configuration. When the assembly consumables 300 continues to move in the cavity 118, the engagement member 144 is received in the sealing engagement by the opening 330 of the sealing member 328. As a result of this sealing engagement, the channel 148 of the engagement member 144 is in sealed fluid communication with the interior of the formulation container 308. As shown in [Fig. 13], there is a gap between the outer surface of the engagement member 144 and the opening 324 of the nozzle 322. The vent opening 152 formed in the engagement member 144 opens into this space. Therefore, the gas 312 has a path to escape from the formulation container 308 so that the container is degassed before first use.

[0072] [Fig. 14] shows the consumable assembly 300 fully mounted on the delivery assembly 110. The engagement member 144 of the coupler 140 is in contact with the stop 326 of the tip 322, which prevents further movement of the consumable assembly 300 within the cavity of the delivery assembly 110. As previously described, the release button 304 is engaged with the detent feature 126 of the delivery assembly 110 (see [Fig. 3]) so that the consumable assembly 300 is removably coupled to the delivery assembly. The sealing member 154 (O-ring) is in sealing engagement with the tip 322 to block the vent passage shown in [Fig. 13]. In some embodiments, the engagement of the sealing member 328 of the formulation container 308 with the engagement member 144 covers the vent opening 152, further blocking the vent path shown in [Fig. 14].Therefore, the formulation tube 170 is in sealed fluid communication with the interior of the formulation container 308 through the coupler, and the formulation 310 can be drawn from the formulation container by the pump. This means that the device 100 is ready for use.

[0073] The detailed description set forth above in connection with the accompanying drawings, where like numerals refer to like elements, is intended to be a description of various embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is offered solely by way of example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Also, any steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps or combinations of steps, in order to achieve the same or a substantially similar result.

[0074] In the foregoing description, specific details are presented to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without incorporating all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

[0075] The present application may include references to directions, such as "forward," "backward," "front," "rear," "upward," "downward," "right," "left," "lateral," "medial," "in," "out," "extended," "advanced," "retracted," "proximal," "distal," "central," etc. These references, and other similar references in the present application, are intended to assist in describing and understanding the particular embodiment and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these directions or locations.

[0076] The present application may also refer to quantities and numbers. Unless specifically indicated, these quantities and numbers should not be considered as restrictive, but as examples of the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present application. In this regard also, the present application may use the term "plurality" to denote a quantity or number. In this regard, the term "plurality" means any number greater than one, for example two, three, four, five, etc. The term "about", "approximately", etc. means plus or minus 5% of the indicated value.

[0077] The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure, which are intended to be protected, should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. It should be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as claimed.

Claims

Claims

1. A formulation delivery device, comprising: a container having an opening and being configured to retain a volume of formulation; and an elongate engagement member having a channel extending therethrough and being configured to be at least partially received by the container opening when the container is mounted on the engagement member, a vent opening being formed in the engagement member and providing fluid communication between the channel and an area outside the engagement member when the container is disengaged from the engagement member, the vent opening being sealed and the channel receiving a flow of formulation from the container when the container is mounted on the engagement member.

2. The formulation delivery device of claim 1, wherein the container further comprises a membrane covering the opening of the container when the container is in a sealed state.

3. The formulation delivery device of claim 2, wherein the engaging member ruptures the membrane when the container is mounted on the engaging member, wherein piercing the membrane changes the state of the container from a sealed condition to an unsealed condition; wherein the vent opening is in fluid communication with the formulation when the engaging member is at least partially received in the container opening; the vent opening being unsealed when the engaging member ruptures the membrane.

4. A formulation delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the container comprises a nozzle defining the opening.

5. The formulation delivery device of claim 4, wherein the container further comprises a sealing member in sealing engagement with the tip, the sealing member having a passage extending therethrough and being in fluid communication with an interior portion of the container and with the opening defined by the tip.

6. A formulation delivery device according to claim 5, wherein the engaging member hermetically engages the sealing member of the container when the container is mounted on the engaging member; wherein the sealing member seals the opening vent when the container is mounted on the engagement element.

7. A formulation delivery device according to claim 4, wherein an engaging sealing member is mounted on the engaging member, the engaging sealing member providing a sealing engagement between the engaging member and the tip when the container is mounted on the engaging member.

8. The formulation delivery device of claim 1, wherein the formulation is selected from the group consisting of permanent hair dye, semi-permanent hair dye, developer, conditioner, hair growth treatment, ROGAINE®, protein hair treatment, disulfide bond repair hair treatment, OLAPLEX®, flow-through hair treatment, and flow-through scalp treatment.

9. The formulation delivery device of claim 1, further comprising: a second container configured to retain a volume of a second formulation; a second elongate engaging member configured to be at least partially received by the second container; and a manifold configured to receive the first and second formulations from the first and second containers, respectively.

10. The formulation delivery device of claim 9, further comprising a head assembly configured to receive a mixture of the first and second formulations from the collector and to dispense the mixture onto at least one of a user's hair and scalp.

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