Hair misting apparatus

Abstract

A fluid delivery device 1 for applying fluid to skin or hair. The device comprises a housing 3 configured to receive a fluid reservoir (8 figure 2B) containing a fluid and comprising an atomiser (9 fi

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates particularly, but not exclusively, to a misting or atomizing device. For example, the misting device may be used for applying mist to hair or to other parts of the body such as the skin.

[0002] Hair-misting devices are used to spray perfume into hair. In existing hair misting apparatuses, often too much liquid is applied to the hair. This can be the result of the misting device not vaporising the perfume enough. This can make the hair appear damp or greasy or, if the hair mist is scented, can result in an overpowering smell. Additionally, if too much liquid is applied to the hair, the hair may be weighed down causing the hair to lose its shape. Furthermore, existing devices may be difficult or uncomfortable to operate, particularly for selfapplication of the mist to the back of the head. This can lead to the mist inadvertently being directed at other parts of the body or clothes. This can be dangerous, for example if the mist is sprayed in the user’s eyes. It can also be difficult for a user to apply an even coat of mist to his or her hair. Furthermore, the hair mist is often applied more to the outer layers of the hair without a satisfactory penetration of mist to the lower layers. Existing hair misting devices are often usable for a single product or, if usable for more than one product, result in contamination between the products.

[0003] There is therefore a desire for a hair-misting device to be developed which applies a more even distribution of hair mist to hair than in existing devices, with more effective depth penetration and longer lasting scents due to that penetration. There is also a need for a hair-misting device which is easier to operate. It is also desired to prevent waste of the product being misted and increase the efficiency of the misting process. It is desired that a device should exist which can be used for multiple products without contamination between the products.

[0004] The inventors have developed a novel way to overcome these problems. A portable misting device has been developed which is able to apply an even coating of mist to the hair and throughout the layers of hair to the scalp without excess product being wasted. The device is easy to handle by a single user. Thus, the device can be operated by the user on themselves. Additionally, multiple products can be applied by the device one after another without contamination being caused between the products when mixing of the products is undesired.

[0005] It will be recognised from the disclosure herein that the invention is also suitable for use in other applications. For example, the device could be used for applying products to skin. For example, the device may be used for applying treatment products to the skin of the body. Additionally, the device could be usable as a massage device. SUMMARY

[0006] Particular aspects and embodiments are set out in the appended claims.

[0007] Viewed from a first aspect, there is provided a fluid delivery device for applying fluid to skin or hair. The device comprises a housing configured to receive a fluid reservoir containing a fluid and comprising an atomizer configured to selectively atomize the fluid in the fluid reservoir, a circuit electrically connected to the atomizer, a mist transmission tunnel, wherein the atomized fluid is configured to travel from an opening of the fluid reservoir, through the mist transmission tunnel before exiting the device, wherein the mist transmission tunnel is substantially conical in shape such that its cross section increases as a distance from the atomizer increases, and a plurality of apertures, wherein the atomized fluid is configured to leave the device through the plurality of apertures.

[0008] The term ‘fluid delivery device’ is intended to mean a device which is able to expel a fluid in the form of fine particles. The term ‘fluid reservoir1 is intended to mean a vessel which contains a fluid. The term ‘selectively atomize’ is intended to mean that the atomizer is able to be turned on or off. This may be through software, a button, a switch or through activation of a touch screen on the device. The term ‘substantially conical’ is intended to mean a mostly conical shape but which may have a circular or non-circular base. Additionally, the walls of the tunnel may be non-linear, i.e. curved.

[0009] The fluid delivery device is able to distribute a thin mist. This is achieved due to the atomizer which is able to atomize the fluid in the fluid reservoir into fine particles. This is useful when, for example, the device is being used to apply perfume to a user’s hair. By applying a thin mist, it is ensured that not too much perfume is applied to the user’s hair which could lead to the hair appearing wet or greasy or being weighed down unnecessarily.

[0010] By using a substantially conical shaped mist transmission tunnel, the mist is able to spread horizontally as it travels away from the atomizer. This prevents condensation forming on the walls of the tunnel.

[0011] The mist transmission tunnel may have a length of between about 40 mm and about 60 mm, for example about 45 mm. It can be seen that with this particular length, the mist is allowed to spread horizontally to the desired amount without loss of concentration of the mist. In other examples, the mist transmission tunnel may have a length of between about 44 mm and about 47 mm. If the length is shorter than this, causes high concentration of particles and condensation. Furthermore, the particles are not evenly distributed. A tunnel longer than 60 mm causes the concentration of fluid to be very low. The opening at a first end of the mist transmission tunnel adjacent the atomizer may have a diameter of between about 11 mm and about 13 mm. For example, the diameter may be about 12 mm. The second end of the mist transmission tunnel may have a diameter of between about 34 mm and about 38 mm. For example, the diameter may be about 35.5 mm. It can be seen that this design for the mist transmission tunnel enables the mist be delivered with the desired concentration whilst preventing condensation within the tunnel which hinders the application of the product.

[0012] The mist transmission tunnel may have curved walls such that an increase in diameter of the tunnel is non-linear along its length. The radius of curvature of the walls of the mist transmission tunnel may be between about 100 mm and about 110 mm. For example, the radius of curvature may be about 104 mm. By having curved walls, the flow of the mist is further enhanced and the production of vortices is reduced.

[0013] The mist transmission tunnel may be removable from the housing. In this way, the tunnel may be cleaned if a fluid reservoir with a different fluid is going to be used. This prevents cross-contamination if cross-contamination is undesirable. Alternatively, the tunnel may be replaced by a new tunnel when being used with a different fluid. The device is therefore a multi-use device.

[0014] The housing may additionally comprise a pressure relief opening in communication with the atomizer in the capsule. The atomizer may comprise a piezo element in communication with a transport medium. The piezo element vibrates back and forth to generate mist particles. The vibration results in an internal high pressure as the particles vibrate internally between the transport medium and piezo element. The internal high pressure leads to an unbalanced pressure between the fluid reservoir and housing which causes a vacuum when airflow is blocked, since the pressure between the housing and the capsule is reduced when the capsule is attached to the housing. Consequently, the vacuum prevents the fluid in the capsule from flowing. Thus, the pressure relief opening enables air to flow between the housing and capsule to prevent a vacuum being caused which may result in the device being inoperable. The pressure relief opening may connect with a pressure relief passage. In order for air to get inside between the capsule and housing, the pressure relief passage combined with the pressure relief opening may allow air to be sucked easily from the surrounding environment to travel through the piezo element and balance the pressure. This optimizes performance of the device.

[0015] The device may additionally comprise a camera for monitoring an effect of application of the fluid to the skin or hair. For example, the camera may be used to capture images or videos of the skin after or during application. These may be stored and results compared over time. This can be for personal tracking or alternatively results or can be sent to a professional such as a dermatologist. Images may be captured whilst using the device. Additionally, the camera may include artificial intelligence (Al) features that detect pores, blemishes, hair porosity, etc.

[0016] The atomizer may have a variable frequency and / or voltage. For example, the frequency at which the piezo element of the atomizer vibrates may be varied to find the maximum operating power for each fluid within the device. This ensures that the device operates with the same high performance no matter the viscosity of the fluid being dispensed.

[0017] By varying the voltage, multiple modes of operation can be achieved based on the varied voltage output. This the piezo element is operated optimally considering the manufacturing errors / tolerance. Furthermore, the capsule may have a chip which can be used to identify product inside the fluid reservoir. For example, the viscosity or other characteristic of the product may be obtained from the chip. As a result of this, the voltage of the device may be altered based on the product characteristic. For example, the device may be instructed to supply high voltage for high viscosity products which require greater vibrations by the piezo element to atomize. This ensures that the device operates with the same high performance no matter the viscosity of the fluid being dispensed.

[0018] The plurality of apertures may be varied in size. This may be done by selectively closing and opening the apertures. For example, this could be done using sliding / moving plates arranged above the apertures in order to open / close the apertures either partially or completely. Thus, this controls the speed of the mist. Additionally or alternatively, some of the apertures may be closed completely with others partially or fully open. This enables the direction at which the mist flows to be controlled as well as the speed of the mist. The apertures may be configured to close automatically based on the product detected in the fluid reservoir or by user selection. For example, a user may be able to alter an adjustment means or an electrical control to control this. By controlling the speed of mist flow, the penetration of the mist into the hair can be controlled. Further, controlling the direction of flow enables the mist to applied to only the desired areas.

[0019] The fluid reservoir may be removable from the device. In this way, when the fluid in the fluid reservoir has been used up, it can be removed and replaced. Thus, the device is a multi-use device. Furthermore, the device may be used for different purposes. For example, a initial fluid reservoir containing perfume for applying to hair may be used. An alternative fluid reservoir may then be attached to the device after removal of the initial fluid reservoir containing a fluid for applying to skin. Thus, the single body treatment device can be used for a number of applications.

[0020] The device may additionally comprise a heating portion for heating the skin or hair. The heating portion may be included as a conducting material disposed within the projections as a heating element to warm up the skin and open pores. For example, a meshlike heating element may be used. This may increase the efficacy of the fluid which is being applied. The heating element may operate before / during / after the misting process based on user selection or product detected within the fluid reservoir.

[0021] The device may additionally comprise a comb portion, wherein the comb portion comprises a plurality of projections or protrusions extending from the device wherein each of the plurality of projections comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The term ‘proximal’ is intended to mean the part of the projection closest to the device. The term ‘distal’ is intended to mean the part of the projection furthest from the device. When the device is in use, the projections on the comb portion may therefore be run through the hair of the user as if the user were using a hairbrush. The distal ends of the projections may be able to contact the scalp of the user.

[0022] The proximal end of each of the plurality of projections may be attached to a comb base plate, wherein the comb base plate comprises the plurality of apertures, wherein the atomized fluid is configured to travel through the plurality of apertures.

[0023] The comb portion may be removably attached to the device and / or removable from the device with the mist transmission tunnel. The comb portion may be replaced by an alternative comb portion with different projections. In this way, the comb portion may be replaced depending on the type of hair it is being used with. For example, more curly hair may require a first type of comb portion whereas straight hair may react better with a second type of comb portion. Alternatively, the comb portion can be replaced if it gets damaged or an aperture gets blocked.

[0024] The plurality of projections may be adjustable on the comb portion to alter the spacing between the projections. For example, the projections may be adjusted into a wider configuration (i.e. where there is a larger gap between the projections) or a narrower configuration (i.e. where there is a smaller gap between the projections) by being detachable or movable. For example, projections may be removable to leave a larger gap between the remaining perfections or projections may be added to achieve a narrower gap between the projections. Alternatively, the projections may be movable closer to one other by manually pushing them together into a first position for a narrower comb or pulled apart from each other into a second position for a wider configuration. Thus, the device may be adaptable based on the type of hair on which it is to be used.

[0025] The fluid reservoir may be located within a capsule portion and wherein the capsule portion may additionally comprise a chip for identifying the capsule portion or for determining the fill level of the fluid reservoir. Furthermore, such a chip may prevent noncertified capsule portions being used with the device.

[0026] A transport medium may extend from the opening of the fluid reservoir to an opposing end of the fluid reservoir from the opening, wherein an end of the transport medium adjacent the opening may comprise an air bubble release passage.

[0027] The transport medium may be formed of a material such as cotton. Put another way, the transport medium may be a stick formed of cotton. This may be known as a humidifier cotton stick. The cotton may be able to absorb the fluid in the fluid reservoir and transport it to the opening of the fluid reservoir where the atomizer is located. This ensures that the product always reaches the atomizer or piezo element. The transport medium may be fixed internally between the opening of the reservoir adjacent the atomizer or piezo element and the opposing end of the reservoir. Thus, it may block airflow into / out of the fluid reservoir. Therefore, air is only able to enter the fluid reservoir from the pressure relief opening for a limited time when the device is initially started. After this time, the air entering may start to build up to form bubbles internally in the transport medium, since it is able to flow into the transport medium but cannot flow out. Thus, air bubbles become trapped inside the transport medium and a pressure imbalance can develop within the device. The air bubble release passage may optimize the use of the device. The air bubble release passage may include a short hollow passage in the centre of the transport medium to allow air to flow easily and prevent air bubbles from getting trapped. Specifically, air bubbles may build up on the transport medium as the mist particles leave the fluid reservoir to take their place. Once the transport medium reaches saturation, air bubbles can no longer form (meaning air cannot flow inside the fluid reservoir) which prevents the mist particles leaving the fluid reservoir and moving along the mist transmission tunnel. The air bubble release passage is formed to enhance airflow into the fluid reservoir. Thus, the pressure relief opening and air bubble release passage both optimize the performance of the device by allowing airflow to enter the device.

[0028] The capsule portion may comprise a first and second fluid reservoir, each fluid reservoir comprising an atomizer, each atomizer configured to selectively atomize the fluid in its respective fluid reservoir, wherein the atomized fluid from the first and second fluid reservoir may be configured to travel from openings of the first and second fluid reservoirs, through the mist transmission tunnel before exiting the device. Thus, different fluids can be used in each reservoir wherein one of the fluids may be enhanced by the presence of the other fluid. The fluids are then mixed once they are atomized. Multiple advantages can be achieved by this. For example, some substances are heterogeneous and cannot be effectively atomized from one reservoir. Thus, by having two reservoirs both substances may be misted and applied together at same time and in controlled quantities.

[0029] Alternatively, each atomizer may be operated at different times so one fluid is applied at a time.

[0030] Viewed from a second aspect, there is provided a fluid delivery device for applying fluid to skin or hair, the device comprising a fluid reservoir containing a fluid and an atomizer, a housing configured to receive the fluid reservoir and the atomizer configured to selectively atomize the fluid in the fluid reservoir, a circuit electrically connected to the atomizer, a mist transmission tunnel, wherein the atomized fluid is configured to travel from an opening of the fluid reservoir, through the mist transmission tunnel before exiting the device, wherein the mist transmission tunnel is substantially conical in shape such that its cross section increases as a distance from the atomizer increases, and a plurality of apertures, wherein the atomized fluid is configured to leave the device through the plurality of apertures.

[0031] Viewed from a third aspect, there is provided a fluid delivery device for applying fluid to skin or hair, the device comprising a first fluid reservoir containing a first fluid and a second fluid reservoir containing a second fluid, each fluid reservoir comprising a respective atomizer configured to selectively atomize the fluid in the respective fluid reservoir, a housing configured to receive the first and second fluid reservoirs, a circuit electrically connected to the atomizer, a mist transmission tunnel, wherein the atomized fluid from each fluid reservoir is configured to travel from openings of the first and second fluid reservoirs, through the mist transmission tunnel before exiting the device, wherein the mist transmission tunnel is substantially conical in shape such that its cross section increases as a distance from the atomizer increases, and a plurality of apertures, wherein the atomized fluid is configured to leave the device through the plurality of apertures.

[0032] The atomizer may be an ultrasonic atomizer. Thus, the fluid particles inside the fluid reservoir are able to effectively and quickly be atomized and small droplets be expelled from the device. This enables an even distribution of mist to be applied to a user’s hair or skin.

[0033] The device may be usable as a hair-misting device. The device is able to provide a thin mist of product to a user’s hair. For example, perfume or a hair product may be applied. The ability to apply the fine mist prevents the hair looking greasy or being unnecessarily weighed down.

[0034] The device may be usable as a massaging device. For example, an alternative head may be added to the device which may be used to massage a user. Power may be provided to the massaging head by the battery and an electrical connection. The device may also be able to apply product to a user whilst providing the massaging effect.

[0035] The device may be usable for applying product to skin. For example, the device could be used to provide moisturiser to the skin of a user. The device may additionally comprise a heater to heat the skin as the product is applied. This heating may be required to increase the effectiveness of some products. Power may be provided to the heater by the battery and an electrical connection.

[0036] Other aspects will also become apparent upon review of the present disclosure, in particular upon review of the Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description and Claims sections. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Examples of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0038] Figures 1A and 1B show the hair misting device according to the invention;

[0039] Figures 2A to 2C show exploded views of the hair misting device according to the invention;

[0040] Figures 3A and 3B show cross-sectional views of the hair misting device according to the invention;

[0041] Figures 4A and 4B show a cross sectional view of the hair misting device of the invention and of the device with the capsule portion removed;

[0042] Figures 5A and 5B show the housing of the hair misting device according to the invention;

[0043] Figure 6 shows an exploded isometric view of the device with one half of the housing removed;

[0044] Figures 7A and 7B show an example of the mist transmission tunnel of the hair misting device according to the invention;

[0045] Figures 8A and 8B show an example of the mist transmission tunnel of the hair misting device according to the invention;

[0046] Figures 9A and 9B show an example of the mist transmission tunnel of the hair misting device according to the invention when used for applying product to skin; and

[0047] Figures 10A and 10B show a simplified form of the hair misting device with two fluid reservoirs according to a variation of the invention.

[0048] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific example approaches are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood however that the drawings and detailed description attached hereto are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular form disclosed but rather the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

[0049] As used in this specification, the words “comprises”, “comprising”, and similar words, are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean “including, but not limited to”.

[0050] It will be recognised that the features of the above-described examples of the disclosure can conveniently and interchangeably be used in any suitable combination. It will also be recognised that the invention covers not only individual embodiments but also combinations of the embodiments that have been discussed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The present teaching relates generally to a hair misting device. The device may also be used to apply treatment to other parts of the body including the skin. For example, the device may be used to apply product to the skin. Alternatively, the device may be used as a massage device which may apply product to the body whilst moving or vibrating to achieve a massaging effect.

[0052] Figures 1A and 1B show the assembled hair misting device according to the invention. The device is a handheld device. For example, the device may be about 110 mm by about 80 mm in size.

[0053] The device 1 comprises a housing 3. A removable capsule portion 2 is inserted at a first end of the housing. The removable capsule portion 2 is attached to the housing 3 by magnets (not shown) which hold the capsule portion 2 in place inside the housing 3. Alternatively, a mechanical connection may be used between the two. When inserted, as is shown in figures 1A and 1B, a continuous surface is provided between the housing 3 and the outer surface of the capsule portion 2. This provides an ergonomically shaped device to be held in one hand by a user. At a second end of the housing 3, a comb portion 4 is located. The comb portion 4 comprises a plurality of projections 5. The comb portion 4 is removable from the housing 3. Figure 1B shows the device 1 with the comb portion 4 removed.

[0054] As shown in figure 1B, when the capsule portion 2 is inserted at a first end of the housing, an opening 16 is located between the outer surface of the capsule portion 2 and the housing 3. This opening 16 acts as a pressure relief opening.

[0055] Figure 2A shows an exploded isometric view of the device 1. Figures 2B and 2C show exploded cross sectional views of device 1. The capsule portion 2 comprises a fluid reservoir 8 configured to hold a fluid. The fluid may be a perfume or other product for applying to the hair or skin. The capsule portion 2 is removable from the device 1 in order to refill the fluid reservoir 8 or to be replaced with a new capsule portion 2 with a full fluid reservoir 8. The capsule portion 2 comprises an ultrasonic atomizer or humidifier 9. This is shown in figure 2B. The atomizer 9 is located at an opening to the fluid reservoir 8 and comprises a mesh (not shown) covering the opening and is configured to atomize the fluid in the fluid reservoir 8.

[0056] A transport medium (not shown in figures 1A-B, 2A-C and 3A-B but shown in figures 4A-B) extends from the mesh at the opening to the opposing end of the fluid reservoir from the opening. The transport medium may be a material stick made of, for example, cotton. The transport medium absorbs the fluid inside the fluid reservoir and concentrates it onto the area of contact with the atomizer. The transport medium is fixed internally between the atomizer and the distal end of the reservoir from the atomizer.

[0057] When assembled, the capsule portion 2 sits inside a capsule receiving portion 13 and the opening to the fluid reservoir aligns with an opening 17 into the housing.

[0058] As can be seen from figures 2A to 2C, the comb portion 4 is removable from the device 1 with a mist transmission tunnel 6. The mist transmission tunnel 6, when inserted into the device 1, sits inside a mist transmission tunnel receiving portion 10. In other examples, the mist transmission tunnel receiving portion 10 may act as the mist transmission tunnel and the comb portion 4 is attached to the end of the housing 3.

[0059] The mist transmission tunnel 6 has a first end comprising an opening 7 which aligns with the opening 17 into the housing and a second end attached to the comb portion 4. In some examples, the comb portion 4 is fixably attached to the mist transmission tunnel 6. In other examples, the comb portion 4 is removable from the mist transmission tunnel 6. The mist transmission tunnel 6 is substantially conical in shape. Specifically, the diameter of the mist transmission tunnel 6 increases between the first end and the second end. In the present example, the walls of the mist transmission tunnel 6 are curved such that the diameter of the mist transmission tunnel 6 increases non linearly.

[0060] The comb portion 4 comprises a base plate 11 to which the projections 5 are connected. A plurality of apertures 12 are formed in the base plate between the projections 5. The projections 5 extend from the comb base plate 11. Each of the plurality of projections comprises a proximal end attached to the comb base plate 11 and a distal end. The projections 8 in this example have a substantially triangular cross section with a rounded point or apex. In other examples, the projections 8 may have a different shape.

[0061] In some examples, rather than being located between the projections 5, the projections may be hollow and the apertures 12 may be located at the base of the projections 5. The atomized fluid would then travel along the length of the projections 5 themselves and out through apertures in the sides of the projections 5.

[0062] The housing 3 additionally comprises a circuit such as an electronic circuit 21. The electronic circuit is powered by a battery located inside the housing 3. The battery (not shown) may be charged by attaching it to a charging station (not shown). The circuit 21 is electrically connected to the atomizer 9 by an electrical connector 20. A piezoelectric element in the atomizer 9 coverts an electric signal sent from the circuit to the atomizer 9 to a mechanical signal. The frequency of the vibration of the mechanical signal is ultrasonic. For example, the frequency may be 113 KHz. In other examples, the frequency may be between 105 and 160 KHz or may be up to 170 kHz depending on the radius of the piezoelectric element.

[0063] The atomizer 9 atomises the fluid in the fluid reservoir 8. The atomized fluid travels through opening 7 and along the mist transmission tunnel 6. Once the atomized fluid reaches the end of the mist transmission tunnel 6, it exits the tunnel 6 through the apertures 12 in the comb base plate 11.

[0064] The capsule portion 2 comprises a security chip (not shown). The chips may be required for electronic verification of the capsule. This avoids capsules made by other manufacturers being used with the device. Additionally or alternatively, the chip may store consumption information of the capsule or information about the product in the capsule. The capsule 2, once empty, may either be refilled or disposed of with the atomizer 9 and replaced with a new capsule and atomizer. This may have the same or a different fluid inside. If a different fluid is being used, the device 1, and particularly the tunnel 6, may first be cleaned to avoid contamination of the new fluid with any remaining previous fluid. Alternatively, a new mist transmission tunnel 6 may be used.

[0065] Figures 3A and 3B show cross sectional views of the device 1 in assembled form. In figure 3B, the apertures 12 are shown as having an elongate shape. The apertures may have a length of approximately 10 mm and a width of approximately 3 mm. In other examples, the apertures may have a different shape. For example, a larger number of smaller substantially circular apertures may be used.

[0066] From figure 3B, a pressure relief passage 18 can be seen which connects the opening 17 of the housing to the pressure relief opening 16.

[0067] Figures 4A and 4B show the hair misting device 1 according to the invention. These figures show a transport medium 22 arranged inside the device. As discussed above, the transport medium 22 extends from the opening of the reservoir adjacent the atomizer 9 to the opposing end of the fluid reservoir from the opening. The transport medium absorbs the fluid inside the fluid reservoir and concentrates it onto the area of contact with the atomizer. In this alternative device, the transport medium 22 additionally comprises 0 23. This is a short hollow passage in the end of the transport medium.

[0068] Figures 5A and 5B show the housing 2 of the device 1 without the capsule portion and comb portion 4 inserted. As can be seen from these figures, the device 1 comprises an activator or activation button 14 so that the atomizer is able to selectively atomise the fluid in the fluid reservoir 8. The ultrasonic atomizer 9 is configured to atomize the fluid in the fluid reservoir 8 on activation of the activation button 14. This may be a push button, a switch or a touch screen. The device 1 may additionally comprise an LED on the housing 3. The LED may turn on when the activation button 14 is activated. Alternatively, the LED may light up a different colour depending on the product being used or the application of the device. The LED may also indicate remaining battery life of the device and / or the level of liquid in the capsule reservoir. A number of different LEDs may be located on the side of the housing in order to indicate these various factors. For example, a first LED may turn on when the activation button 14 is activated and a second LED may indicate the remaining battery life of the device.

[0069] Figure 5B additionally shows a camera 15. The camera 15 is able to capture images or videos of the area to which product has been applied.

[0070] Figure 6 shows an exploded isometric view of the device 1 with one half of the housing 3 removed. This view enables the circuit 21 and electrical connector 20 to be seen.

[0071] Figures 7A and 7B show a further alternative design for the mist transmission tunnel 6 of the present invention discussed above when removed from the device 1. Figure 7A is a cut through view. In this example, the apertures 12 can be selectively closed and opened in order to control the speed of mist. For example, moving / sliding plates may be arranged above the apertures (not shown) in order to open / close on the openings either partially or completely.

[0072] Figures 8A and 8B show a further alternative design for the mist transmission tunnel 6 of the present invention. Figure 8A is a cut through view. In this example, the apertures 12 are arranged inside the projections 5. In this way, the mist travels along inside the projections 5 and out through the apertures 12 in the projections 5. This enables more effective application of product to the scalp. In other examples, apertures may be arranged both in the comb base plate 11 as shown in the previous figures and in the projections 5.

[0073] Figures 9A and 9B show a further alternative design for the mist transmission tunnel 6 of the present invention. Figure 9A is a cut through view. In this example, the mist transmission tunnel 6 is usable for applying product to skin. As can be seen from figure 5B, the mist transmission tunnel 6 has a plurality of circular apertures 19 formed in the comb base plate 11. When used, the apertures are in direct contact with the surface of the skin. A heating portion may be incorporated into the mist transmission tunnel 6 which heats the apertures 12.

[0074] Figures 10A and 10B showa simplified / conceptual form of the hair misting device according to a variation of the invention with the housing removed. In this variation, the device has with fluid reservoirs 24, 25 positioned adjacent one another. Each fluid reservoir 24, 25 may be filled with a different fluid and have its own atomizer 26, 27. These figures show a simplified / conceptual form of the device and are merely intended to show the positioning of the fluid reservoirs 24, 25 with respect to one another, Although not shown, a substantially conical mist transmission tunnel similar to that shown in the above described figures (with a wider opening adjacent the atomizers) extends between the atomizers 26, 27 of the fluid reservoirs 24, 25 to the apertures 12 in the comb base plate 11. The atomized fluids from each fluid reservoir 24, 25 mix within the mist transmission tunnel.

[0075] The devices of the invention may instead be used as massage devices. In order to use the device as a massaging device, the capsule portion 2 may be removed from the device, and an alternative attachment joined to the device. Alternatively, the comb portion alone may be removed from the device and a massager module attached to the device. The massager may simultaneously be able to apply product whilst massaging. The product may be located within the fluid reservoir 8 and be atomized by the atomizer. Similarly, if the device is being used for applying treatment to the skin and / or body, the comb portion may be removed and replaced with a treatment application portion.

[0076] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1. A fluid delivery device for applying fluid to skin or hair, the device comprising:a housing configured to receive a fluid reservoir containing a fluid and comprising an atomizer configured to selectively atomize the fluid in the fluid reservoir, wherein the atomizer has a variable frequency and / or voltage;a circuit electrically connected to the atomizer;a mist transmission tunnel, wherein the atomized fluid is configured to travel from an opening of the fluid reservoir, through the mist transmission tunnel before exiting the device, wherein the mist transmission tunnel is substantially conical in shape such that its cross section increases as a distance from the atomizer increases; anda plurality of apertures, wherein the atomized fluid is configured to leave the device through the plurality of apertures.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the mist transmission tunnel has curved walls such thatan increase in diameter of the tunnel is non-linear along its length.

3. The device of any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the mist transmission tunnel is removable from the housing.

4. The device of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing comprises a pressure relief opening in communication with the atomizer.

5. The device of any of claims 1 to 4, additionally comprising a camera for monitoring an effect of application of the fluid to the skin or hair.

6. The device of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of apertures are variable in size.

7. The device of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fluid reservoir is removable from the device.

8. The device of any of claims 1 to 7, additionally comprising a heating portion for heating the skin or hair.

9. The device of any of claims 1 to 8, additionally comprising a comb portion, wherein the comb portion comprises a plurality of projections extending from the device wherein each of the plurality of projections comprises a proximal end and a distal end.14 04 2510. The device of claim 9, wherein the proximal end of each of the plurality of projections is attached to a comb base plate, wherein the comb base plate comprises the plurality of apertures, wherein the atomized fluid is configured to travel through the plurality of apertures.

11. The device of any of claims 9 to 10, wherein the comb portion is removably attached to the device.

12. The device of any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the comb portion is removable from the device with the mist transmission tunnel.

13. The device of any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the plurality of projections are adjustable on the comb portion to alter the spacing between the projections.

14. The device of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the fluid reservoir is located within a capsule portion and wherein the capsule portion additionally comprises a chip for identifying the capsule portion.

15. The device of any of claims 1 to 14, wherein a transport medium extends from the opening of the fluid reservoir to an opposing end of the fluid reservoir from the opening, wherein an end of the transport medium adjacent the opening comprises an air bubble release passage.

16. The device of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the housing is additionally configured to receive a second fluid reservoir, each fluid reservoir comprising an atomizer and an opening, each atomizer configured to selectively atomize the fluid in its respective fluid reservoir, wherein the atomized fluid from the first and second fluid reservoir is configured to travel from openings of the first and second fluid reservoirs, through the mist transmission tunnel before exiting the device.

17. A fluid delivery device for applying fluid to skin or hair, the device comprising:a fluid reservoir containing a fluid and an atomizer wherein the atomizer has a variable frequency and / or voltage;a housing configured to receive the fluid reservoir and the atomizer, the atomizer configured to selectively atomize the fluid in the fluid reservoir,;a circuit electrically connected to the atomizer;a mist transmission tunnel, wherein the atomized fluid is configured to travel from an opening of the fluid reservoir, through the mist transmission tunnel before exiting the device, wherein the mist transmission tunnel is substantially conical in14 04 25shape such that its cross section increases as a distance from the atomizer increases; anda plurality of apertures, wherein the atomized fluid is configured to leave the device through the plurality of apertures.

18. A fluid delivery device for applying fluid to skin or hair, the device comprising:a first fluid reservoir containing a first fluid and a second fluid reservoir containing a second fluid, each fluid reservoir comprising a respective atomizer configured to selectively atomize the fluid in the respective fluid reservoir;a housing configured to receive the first and second fluid reservoirs;a circuit electrically connected to the atomizer;a mist transmission tunnel, wherein the atomized fluid from each fluid reservoir is configured to travel from openings of the first and second fluid reservoirs, through the mist transmission tunnel before exiting the device, wherein the mist transmission tunnel is substantially conical in shape such that its cross section increases as a distance from the atomizer increases; anda plurality of apertures, wherein the atomized fluid is configured to leave the device through the plurality of apertures.

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