Formulation supply system, hair and scalp formulation supply system, and hair coloration equipment

Abstract

To provide a new formulation supply system.SOLUTION: Hair coloration equipment having a formulation supply system includes: a handle; a reciprocating assembly having a plurality of exit nozzles; a static mixer; and a consumable assembly that can be detachably joined to the handle, having a first fluid container configured to hold a first formation and a second fluid container configured to hold a second formation, the first fluid container and the second fluid container being fluidly joined to the static mixer and the plurality of exit nozzles when the consumable assembly is joined to the handle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application is related to U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 721,659, filed September 29, 2017, U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 721,668, filed September 29, 2017, U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 721,678, filed September 29, 2017, and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 721,682, filed September 29, 2017, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0002] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 586,138 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 339551 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 572,250 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 554,789 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an exemplary embodiment of a drive shaft coupling, particularly such as a coupling for use with a pharmaceutical delivery device. The drive shaft coupling generally includes a drive gear and a driven gear, one of which has a biasing member to permit axial translation. The drive shaft coupling is generally configured to transmit rotation from the drive gear to the driven gear. In one aspect, the drive shaft coupling allows for alignment and coupling of the drive gear and the driven gear as the coupling slides radially from a disengaged position to an engaged position.

[0004] According to one embodiment described herein, there is provided a drive shaft coupling that generally includes a drive gear having a drive gear body defining a first central axis, a driven gear having a driven gear body defining a second central axis, the drive gear configured to selectively engage the driven gear when the first central axis and the second central axis are substantially aligned such that the driven gear rotates upon rotation of the drive gear, and a biasing member configured to permit one of the drive gear and the driven gear to slide radially relative to the other of the drive gear and the driven gear between disengaged and engaged positions.

[0005] According to another embodiment described herein, there is provided a selectively engaging coupling that generally includes a drive gear having a drive gear body defining a first central axis and having drive teeth, a driven gear having a driven gear body defining a second central axis and having driven teeth, the drive teeth configured to selectively engage the driven teeth when the first and second central axes are substantially aligned such that the driven gear rotates upon rotation of the drive gear, and a biasing member configured to permit one of the drive and driven gears to move at least axially away from the other of the drive and driven gears when sliding the drive gear radially relative to the driven gear between a disengaged position where the first and second central axes are not aligned and an engaged position where the first and second central axes are substantially aligned.

[0006] According to another embodiment described herein, there is provided a method of engaging a coupling, the method generally including the steps of sliding one of the drive gear and the driven gear into substantial axial alignment with the other of the drive gear and the driven gear while moving at least one of the drive gear and the driven gear axially away from the other of the drive gear and the driven gear, axially advancing at least one of the drive gear and the driven gear toward the other of the drive gear and the driven gear when the drive gear is substantially axially aligned with the driven gear, and engaging drive teeth of the drive gear with driven teeth of the driven gear.

[0007] According to any of the embodiments described herein, one of the drive gear and the driven gear may be configured to move axially away from the other of the drive gear and the driven gear.

[0008] According to any of the embodiments described herein, when one of the drive gear and the driven gear is moved between a disengaged position, in which the first and second central axes are not aligned, and an engaged position, in which the first and second central axes are substantially aligned, the driven gear may be configured to move axially away from the drive gear.

[0009] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the biasing member can be a spring that is substantially aligned with the second central axis.

[0010] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the drive gear further includes a drive tooth protruding axially from the drive gear body, the drive tooth having a first beveled surface configured to engage with the driven gear to advance one of the drive gear and the driven gear axially away from the other of the drive gear and the driven gear when one of the drive gear and the driven gear is moved from the disengaged position to the engaged position.

[0011] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the driven gear further includes a driven tooth protruding axially from the driven gear body, the driven tooth having a second beveled surface configured to align with the first beveled surface to urge one of the drive gear and the driven gear axially away from the other of the drive gear and the driven gear when one of the drive gear and the driven gear is moved from the disengaged position to the engaged position.

[0012] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the drive tooth may further include a cam member configured to align with the driven gear to axially advance one of the drive gear and the driven gear away from the other of the drive gear and the driven gear when one of the drive gear and the driven gear is moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position.

[0013] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the drive tooth may further include an engagement surface configured to selectively engage the second engagement surface of the driven tooth in the engaged position.

[0014] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the drive tooth may further include a cam member configured to rotationally position the driven tooth relative to the drive tooth when one of the drive gear and the driven gear is moved to the engaged position such that the first engagement surface abuts the second engagement surface.

[0015] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the biasing member may axially urge the driven gear toward the drive gear when the first central axis and the second central axis are aligned.

[0016] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the biasing member can be a spring that is substantially aligned with the second central axis.

[0017] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the drive tooth may protrude axially from the drive gear body and include a first ramp configured to engage with the driven tooth to urge one of the drive gear and the driven gear axially away from the other of the drive gear and the driven gear when the drive gear is moved from a disengaged position to an engaged position.

[0018] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the driven tooth may protrude axially from the driven gear body and include a second beveled surface configured to align with the first beveled surface to urge one of the drive gear and the driven gear axially away from the other of the drive gear and the driven gear when the drive gear is moved from the disengaged position to the engaged position.

[0019] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the method may further include aligning the first beveled surface of the drive gear with the driven teeth of the driven gear when one of the drive gear and the driven gear is slid into substantial axial alignment with the other of the drive gear and the driven gear.

[0020] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the method may further include aligning the second beveled surface of the driven gear with the first beveled surface of the drive gear when one of the drive gear and the driven gear is slid into substantial axial alignment with the other of the drive gear and the driven gear.

[0021] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the method may further include aligning the first beveled surface of the drive gear with the second beveled surface of the driven gear when one of the drive gear and the driven gear is slid out of substantial axial alignment with the other of the drive gear and the driven gear.

[0022] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the method may further include adjusting a rotational position of the driven teeth relative to the drive teeth to engage the driven gear with the drive gear.

[0023] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0024] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the presently disclosed subject matter will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a formulation delivery device according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a first enlarged perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 1 showing the consumable assembly and the handle assembly. [Figure 4] 2 is a second enlarged perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 1 showing the consumable assembly and the handle assembly. [Diagram 5] 2 is a partial cutaway window perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 1 showing components within the consumable assembly and the handle assembly. [Figure 6] 2 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a manifold housing in a head cover of the consumable assembly of the instrument of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the consumable assembly taken along a line substantially at the midpoint of the width of the instrument of FIG. 1, showing a manifold housing within the head cover. [Figure 8] 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the consumable assembly taken along a line offset from the midpoint of the width of the instrument of FIG. 1, showing a manifold housing within the head cover. [Figure 9] 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the consumable assembly taken along a line at the midpoint along the height of the instrument in FIG. 1 , showing a manifold housing within the head cover. [Figure 10] 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the consumable assembly taken along a line substantially at the midpoint of the width of the instrument of FIG. 1, showing a manifold housing within the head cover. [Figure 11A] 2 is a detailed side view of the drive gear assembly and the driven gear assembly of the instrument of FIG. 1 showing the gear assemblies moving from a disengaged position to an engaged position. [Figure 11B] 2 is a detailed side view of the drive gear assembly and the driven gear assembly of the instrument of FIG. 1 showing the gear assemblies moving from a disengaged position to an engaged position. [Figure 11C] 2 is a detailed side view of the drive gear assembly and the driven gear assembly of the instrument of FIG. 1 showing the gear assemblies moving from a disengaged position to an engaged position. [Figure 11D]2 is a detailed side view of the drive gear assembly and the driven gear assembly of the instrument of FIG. 1 showing the gear assemblies moving from a disengaged position to an engaged position. [Figure 11E] 2 is a detailed side view of the drive gear assembly and the driven gear assembly of the instrument of FIG. 1 showing the gear assemblies moving from a disengaged position to an engaged position. [Figure 12A] 2 is a detailed side view of the drive gear assembly and the driven gear assembly of the instrument of FIG. 1 showing the gear assemblies moving from an engaged position to a disengaged position. [Figure 12B] 2 is a detailed side view of the drive gear assembly and the driven gear assembly of the instrument of FIG. 1 showing the gear assemblies moving from an engaged position to a disengaged position. [Figure 12C] 2 is a detailed side view of the drive gear assembly and the driven gear assembly of the instrument of FIG. 1 showing the gear assemblies moving from an engaged position to a disengaged position. [Figure 12D] 2 is a detailed side view of the drive gear assembly and the driven gear assembly of the instrument of FIG. 1 showing the gear assemblies moving from an engaged position to a disengaged position. [Figure 13A] 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the consumable assembly of the instrument of FIG. 1 showing the consumable assembly in a sealed configuration. [Figure 13B] 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the consumable assembly of the instrument of FIG. 1 showing the consumable assembly in a liquid flow configuration. [Figure 14A] 2 is a side view of a portion of the consumable assembly of the instrument of FIG. 1 showing the consumable assembly with the color formulation in a sealed configuration. [Figure 14B] 2 is a side view of a portion of the consumable assembly of the instrument of FIG. 1 showing the consumable assembly with a coloring formulation in a liquid flow configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] The following description provides several examples generally relating to hair scalp treatment applicators and formulation delivery devices. It is common practice to apply various treatment formulations to a person's hair and scalp tissue. In some instances, it is beneficial for the treatment formulation to be applied to a target site of the hair or scalp tissue. In one instance, it may be desirable to apply the treatment formulation to a portion of the hair near the scalp, for example, when applying a color dye to the hair roots during a color maintenance treatment. In another instance, it may be desirable to apply the treatment formulation directly to the scalp tissue while minimizing contact with the hair.

[0027] Existing systems for applying hair scalp treatment formulations have been widely used. In one example, hair coloring kits are commonly used to change the appearance of hair color or blend gray hair, among other uses. Existing hair coloring systems have several disadvantages, including being difficult to use, time-consuming, uneven coverage, unpredictable results, messy, etc. In one aspect, existing hair coloring systems can be inefficient in blending and coloring the hair roots after new portions of hair grow from the scalp, where the natural hair color differs from the remaining portions of the dyed hair. The present disclosure is directed to solving these and other needs.

[0028] Hair coloring formulations generally include at least one dye and a separate developer, which must be mixed in controlled proportions for effective and predictable results. As used herein, the term "coloring formulation" (shown diagrammatically in Figures 14A and 14B as Coloring Formulation CF) generally refers to any of a dye, developer, formulation, liquid, or any mixture thereof.

[0029] The embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to apply a treatment formulation to a target area of ​​hair and scalp tissue. Examples of treatment formulations applied by the embodiments of the present disclosure include permanent hair dyes, semi-permanent hair dyes, color developers, conditioners, hair growth treatments such as minoxidil manufactured under the trade name ROGAINE®, hair protein treatments, disulfide bond repair hair treatments such as OLAPLEX®, liquid hair treatments, liquid scalp treatments, and the like. While any hair and scalp treatment formulation may be suitably applied using the embodiments of the device described herein, the present disclosure generally refers to hair coloring formulations as examples of treatment formulations applied by the devices described below. However, it should be appreciated that any of the listed hair and scalp treatment formulations may be interchangeable with the coloring formulations described herein.

[0030] Targeted root coloring, such as during a maintenance treatment on previously colored hair, generally involves applying a coloring formulation to the portion of the hair near the scalp. To achieve the desired result of blending the naturally colored portion of hair near the scalp with the previously colored hair, the coloring formulation should generally be applied only to the roots, requiring precise application of the coloring formulation.

[0031] The following description provides examples of formulation delivery device systems, apparatus, and / or tools configured to apply a treatment formulation to targeted areas of the hair and / or scalp. The tools of the present disclosure generally include a handle configured to be held in a user's hand and a head having multiple nozzles through which the coloring formulation is dispensed. In some embodiments, the head may further include multiple standoff protrusions near the nozzles to space the nozzle orifices from the scalp during use. In other embodiments, the nozzles may move during use, for example by reciprocating or vibrating, so that the nozzles can deliver the treatment formulation to better coverage.

[0032] 1-4, an exemplary embodiment of a formulation delivery device 100 for applying a coloring formulation to a user is illustrated. The formulation delivery device 100 is shown for use with multiple nozzles to implement one or more methods or techniques, such as, for example, applying a coloring formulation to the hair and / or scalp tissue of a user. For example, as discussed above, some coloring formulations have improved results when applied to targeted areas of a user's hair, such as when treating the root portion of the hair. However, as also discussed above, conventional hair coloring kits are generally configured to manually mix and apply the coloring formulation, which is time-consuming and not suitable for consistently obtaining desirable results. Additionally, the results obtained from conventional hair coloring kits are often highly skill-dependent, requiring training and familiarity with the process for the desired results.

[0033] By using embodiments of the present disclosure, coloring formulations can be applied to portions of hair in a manner that is difficult to accomplish by direct application of coloring formulations alone.Embodiments of the present disclosure are also suitable for applying treatment formulations to any surface of a user's body or any other suitable surface.

[0034] Although the formulation delivery device 100 and other exemplary embodiments have been described and illustrated as being used with multiple nozzles, it should be appreciated that the formulation delivery device shown and described herein may be used with any suitable formulation applicator configuration and for any suitable application.

[0035] Still referring to Figures 1-4, the pharmaceutical delivery device 100 is shown as an instrument having a handle assembly 104 and a consumable assembly 200. In this regard, the pharmaceutical delivery device 100 is hereinafter referred to as the instrument 100. The handle assembly 104 includes a handle shell 110, a port 114, and a control button 106. The handle shell 110 provides a surface for a user to hold in the hand while using the instrument 100. In this regard, the handle shell 110 is ergonomically shaped in the illustrated embodiment. However, in other embodiments, the handle shell 110 is any shape suitable for enclosing the internal components and providing one or more gripping surfaces for the user. In further embodiments, the consumable assembly 200 may form at least a portion of the gripping surface for the user.

[0036] The handle shell 110 houses various instrument control components, such as a drive motor with drive gear 310 (see FIG. 3), a CPU, a battery, a communication system (wireless networking (WiFi), radio frequency identification (RFID), near field communication (NFC), BLUETOOTH, etc.), electrical and data connectors (universal serial bus (USB), Firewire, etc.) at port 114, a temperature sensor, an accelerometer, a fluid sensor, a data scanner, a light source, an audible signal generator, a fluid heat source, a temperature controller, and one or more other suitable control components not shown for simplicity. In some embodiments, the port 114 is suitably used to provide an interface between the internal control components of the instrument 100 and external components / systems and / or to charge the battery of the instrument 100.

[0037] The control button 106 may be configured for start, stop, and control functions of the device 100. In some embodiments, pressing the control button 106 powers on the device 100, thereby dispensing the color formulation CF from the formulation container 424 (see FIGS. 14A and 14B). In these embodiments, releasing the control button 106 may stop the flow of the color formulation CF. In some examples, the control button 106 may be used to initialize the device 100 or to place the device 100 in a state to perform several functions, such as one or more of: calculating the mix ratio of the ingredients of the color formulation CF; entering a removal or cleaning mode; heating the formulation; collecting data from the formulation container, such as remaining volume, mix ratio, color information, etc.; sending and receiving signals through the port 114; analyzing data regarding user preferences; collecting data from sensors; providing status indications to the user, such as power output level, battery life, remaining formulation volume, sensor data, data connection information, etc.; and communicating with auxiliary devices. In some embodiments, the control button 106 is pressure sensitive, whereby applying more pressure to the control button 106 produces a varying response, for example, causing the formulation to flow faster, moving the nozzle faster, etc. In some embodiments, various operating parameters may be controlled through the use of a smart device such as a phone (described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0133634, which is incorporated herein by reference).

[0038] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the consumable assembly 200 is removably joined to the handle assembly 104 to form the instrument 100. The external coupling between the consumable assembly 200 and the handle assembly 104 is located at parting surfaces 112 on each assembly. The parting surfaces 112 are generally configured to mate with one another to form minimal gaps to prevent liquids, dirt, debris and other objects from entering the instrument 100. In some embodiments, the parting surfaces 112 mate with one another in a substantially flat configuration with no sharp edges for ergonomic comfort to the user. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the handle shell 110 may be separated, whereby the consumable assembly 200 forms at least a portion of the gripping surface.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, a release button 116 (see FIG. 4 ) may be pressed to release the retaining force of the consumable assembly detent mechanism 120 from the release button 116 to release and remove the consumable assembly 200 from the handle assembly 104. In other embodiments, other securing configurations are suitably used, such as a press fit, fasteners, hook and loop, removable adhesives, magnets, etc. Additional securing mechanisms, such as a lower detent 118 that may provide greater securing force between the consumable assembly 200 and the handle assembly 104, are also within the scope of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, any number or combination of securing mechanisms are suitably used to secure the consumable assembly 200 to the handle assembly 104.

[0040] The consumable assembly 200 will now be described in more detail. The consumable assembly 200 generally includes a head cover 108 for receiving and enclosing various components of the consumable assembly 200, which will be described in more detail below. An exterior region of the head cover 108 includes a plurality of rod-shaped nozzles 210 extending from a manifold housing 202 coupled to or formed on the head cover 108. The rod-shaped nozzles 210 are configured to eject the coloring formulation CF through a plurality of outlet openings 212 at the ends of the nozzles 210 when the instrument 100 is in use. In some embodiments, the nozzles 210 are arranged in one or more rows along the length of the head cover 108, which is generally oriented along the length of the instrument 100, as shown in the figures. In other embodiments, the nozzles 210 are suitably positioned at an angle relative to the length of the instrument 100.

[0041] In some embodiments, the nozzle 210 has a length between about 0.5 cm and about 4.0 cm from the manifold housing 202 to the end of the nozzle 210 at the exit opening 212. In other embodiments, the nozzle 210 has a length between about 1.4 cm and about 1.8 cm from the manifold housing 202 to the end of the nozzle 210 at the exit opening 212. In other embodiments, the nozzle 210 has a length of about 1.6 cm from the manifold housing 202 to the end of the nozzle 210 at the exit opening 212. In further embodiments, any length of nozzle may be suitably used.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of standoff projections 220 extend outwardly from the head cover 108 in one or more rows, substantially in the direction of the nozzles 210. In this regard, substantially in the direction of the nozzles 210 is intended to mean within an angle of about 25 degrees in a direction along the length of the nozzles 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second rows of projections 220 are disposed along opposite sides of a single row of rod-shaped nozzles 210. In some embodiments, the standoff projections 220 may be disposed at an angle relative to the plurality of nozzles 210. (See, for example, FIG. 4 of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0133994, which is incorporated herein by reference.)

[0043] In some embodiments, each standoff protrusion 220 has a length (measured between the head cover 108 and the end of the standoff protrusion 220) such that the end of the standoff protrusion 220 and the exit opening 212 of the nozzle 210 are substantially flush with each other. In other embodiments, the standoff protrusion 220 has a length (from the head cover 108 to the end of the standoff protrusion 220) such that the standoff protrusion 220 is longer than the length of the nozzle 210 (measured between the head cover 108 and the end of the nozzle 210). In this regard, during use, the standoff protrusion 220 contacts an application surface, such as a localized area of ​​the scalp, and spaces the exit opening 212 of the nozzle 210 from the application surface to provide a clearance (see, e.g., height difference x in FIG. 7) for the exit of the color formulation CF through the exit opening 212. In embodiments in which the standoff protrusion 220 is longer than the plurality of nozzles 210, the standoff protrusion 220 is longer than the length of each of the plurality of nozzles 210 by about 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm. In another embodiment, the standoff protrusion 220 is about 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm longer than the length of each of the plurality of nozzles 210. In another embodiment, the standoff protrusion 220 is about 1.0 mm longer than the length of each of the plurality of nozzles 210.

[0044] Referring now to the partial cutaway view of the device 100 shown in FIG. 5, the internal components of the device 100 configured to dispense the color formulation CF through the nozzle 210 will now be described. As shown, a first formulation tube 404 and a second formulation tube 406 are configured to transport one of a dye, developer or other formulation from a liquid container 424 (see FIGS. 14A and 14B) to the manifold housing 202 for mixing and dispensing to the nozzle 210. In other embodiments, a single formulation tube or three or more formulation tubes are suitably used in the device 100. The first formulation tube 404 and the second formulation tube 406 are routed behind a pump 340 consisting of multiple rollers for flowing the color formulation CF from the liquid container 424 to the manifold housing 202. In the illustrated embodiment, a peristaltic pump 340 is used. In this regard, one advantage of a peristaltic type pump is that it is self-priming. However, in other embodiments, any suitable pump or series of pumps is used to draw the color formulation CF from the liquid container 424 to the manifold housing 202 .

[0045] The pump 340 is driven by a suitable motor (not shown) disposed within the handle shell 110. The motor may rotatably drive the drive gear 310 via a rod-shaped drive shaft 302. The drive gear 310 is mated with a driven gear 320 configured to drive various components of the instrument 100, including the pump 340 and one or more of the reciprocating wheels 206 (see FIG. 6, described in more detail below), among other possible components. The mating of the drive gear 310 and the driven gear 320 allows the gears 310 and 320 to mesh by sliding together radially, for example, in the direction in which the consumable assembly 200 is slid / inserted into the handle shell 110 during assembly of the instrument 100. The radial meshing of the gears 310 and 320 is accomplished by a biasing member, shown as an axial spring 330, configured to allow the driven gear 320 to move axially away from the drive gear 310 during assembly of the instrument 100. The radial meshing of gears 310 and 320 is described in more detail below. One example of the radial meshing of gears 310 and 320 is shown and described herein, although other suitable gear meshing schemes are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0046] The manifold housing 202 will now be described in more detail. With reference to Figures 6-10, various cutaway views of the manifold housing 202 within the head cover 108 are shown. The nozzles 210 extend from a surface of the manifold housing 202 such that a portion of the user's hair passes between the nozzles 210 as the user passes the device 100 over a surface, e.g., the scalp. In some embodiments, the nozzles 210 are configured to reciprocate with a reciprocating motion of the manifold housing 202 along a direction of a row of the nozzles 210. In this regard, the manifold housing 202 translates relative to the head cover 108. The reciprocating motion of the nozzles 210 along a direction of the row allows the coloring formulation CF to cover the area of ​​the surface between each of the nozzles 210 as the device 100 passes over the surface in a direction perpendicular to the row of the nozzles 210. In this regard, the entire surface under the nozzles 210 may be covered by the coloring formulation without requiring overlapping passes of the device 100 over the surface. In other embodiments, the nozzle 210 of the instrument is configured to oscillate, reciprocate along the length of the nozzle 210, vibrate, or remain stationary during use.

[0047] In one embodiment, the motion of the nozzle 210 is imparted by a motor rotating a reciprocating wheel 206. The reciprocating wheel 206 includes a reciprocating projection 204 configured to align with a reciprocating slot 208 in the manifold housing 202. As the reciprocating wheel 206 rotates, the reciprocating projection 204 translates in the reciprocating slot 208 in a direction across the body of the instrument 100, thus causing the manifold housing 202 to translate in a direction along the body of the instrument 100. In some embodiments, the reciprocating motion has a frequency in the range of approximately 5-60 Hz with an amplitude greater than half the spacing between adjacent nozzles 210. In other embodiments, the amplitude of the reciprocating motion of the manifold housing 202 is between about 0.5 times the spacing between adjacent nozzles 210 and about 1.5 times the spacing between adjacent nozzles 210. In other embodiments, any suitable arrangement for controlling the motion of the nozzle 210 is used. In another aspect, the movement of the nozzle 210 simulates a gloved finger rubbing the formula into the root and hairline areas, providing precise control of coloring to the hair area.

[0048] The manifold housing 202 includes multiple chambers for mixing, processing, and controlling the discharge of the color formulation CF components from the formulation container 424. For manufacturing and assembly purposes, the manifold housing 202 may include assembly aids such as assembly pins 218 and assembly sleeves 216. In these embodiments, the assembly pins 218 are inserted into the assembly sleeves 216 to join the components. In this regard, a press fit or adhesive may be used to reinforce the bond. Similarly, in other embodiments, a greater or lesser number of pieces may be used to form and / or assemble the manifold housing 202.

[0049] In one aspect, the multiple chambers of the manifold housing 202 are positioned and configured to provide uniform discharge of the color formulation CF through each of the multiple nozzles 210. In this regard, in some embodiments, the flow rate of the color formulation CF discharged from each of the multiple nozzles 210 is within about 20% of the average flow rate of the color formulation CF from all of the multiple nozzles 210. The flow rate control by the manifold housing 202 allows for uniform distribution of the color formulation CF to the surface. In other embodiments, the flow rate of the color formulation CF discharged from each of the multiple nozzles 210 is within about 15% of the average flow rate of the color formulation CF from all of the multiple nozzles 210. In yet further embodiments, the flow rate of the color formulation CF discharged from each of the multiple nozzles 210 is within about 10% of the average flow rate of the color formulation CF from all of the multiple nozzles 210. In further embodiments, the flow rate of the color formulation CF discharged from each of the multiple nozzles 210 is within about 5% of the average flow rate of the color formulation CF from all of the multiple nozzles 210.

[0050] A more detailed description of the chamber configuration of the manifold housing 202 suitable for controlling the mixing, processing and discharge of the color formulation CF components from the formulation container 424 will now be provided. Although the chamber configurations shown in the figures are described below, it should be appreciated that the chamber configuration of the manifold housing 202 may alternatively have any suitable order or layout to achieve the mixing and flow characteristics described above. In other embodiments, mixing of the components of the color formulation CF occurs outside of the manifold housing 202, such as between the pump 340 and the inlet to the manifold housing 202.

[0051] Beginning with reference to Figure 6, there is shown a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the chamber of the manifold housing 202. As discussed above, the manifold housing 202 can receive the components of the color formulation CF from the first formulation tube 404 and the second formulation tube 406. In the illustrated embodiment, the components of the color formulation CF enter the manifold housing 202 at inlets a and b (see Figure 7) and exit the manifold housing 202 at outlets h, i, j, and k (see Figure 10). The flow of the components of the color formulation CF is described in more detail below.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 7, which shows a side cross-sectional view taken along a line substantially at the midpoint of the width of the device 100, a first component of the color formulation CF flows through a first formulation tube 404 to an inlet flow point a leading to the first chamber 230. Similarly, a second component of the color formulation CF flows through a second formulation tube 406 to an inlet flow point b leading to the first chamber 230. Although not shown, any number of inlets, such as a single inlet or three or more inlets, are within the scope of the present disclosure. When using a developer or dye of multiple colors, the components must be mixed together before discharging the color formulation CF through the outlet opening 212. Some mixing of the components of the color formulation CF may occur in the first chamber 230, but to thoroughly mix, the components flow through the static mixer 232 to the second chamber 240 toward flow point c. The flow through static mixer 232 ensures that the components of color formulation CF are properly mixed before they reach second chamber 240. As mentioned above, the mixed components are collectively referred to herein as color formulation CF.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 8, which shows a side cross-sectional view taken along a line offset from the midpoint of the width of the device 100 (out of the page), the flow of the color formulation CF continues from the second chamber 240 into the third chamber 250. The third chamber 250 is a mirror image of a comparable chamber 252 (partially shown in FIG. 9) on the opposite side of the manifold housing 202, whereby the flow of the color formulation CF splits at flow point c in the second chamber 240 into two paths: the third chamber 250 and the mirror image chamber 252 on the opposite side of the manifold housing 202. The color formulation CF continues to flow from the third chamber 250 to flow point d in the fourth chamber 260. As seen in FIG. 9, the mirror image path flows from flow point c through the mirror image third chamber 252 to flow point e in the mirror image fourth chamber 262.

[0054] 9, which shows a side cross-sectional view taken along a line at the midpoint along the height of the device 100 perpendicular to the cross-sectional cuts shown in FIGS. 6-8, the flow of color formulation CF at flow points d and e further splits into dual flow paths toward flow point f in the fifth chamber 270 and flow point g in the sixth chamber 272. The flow of color formulation CF splits at flow points d and e, such that the color formulation CF at flow point f includes liquid from both the fourth chamber 260 and the mirror-symmetric fourth chamber 262. Similarly, the color formulation CF at flow point g includes liquid from both the fourth chamber 260 and the mirror-symmetric fourth chamber 262.

[0055] As the color formulation CF flows from flow points d and e to flow point f, the color formulation CF travels around the first distribution protrusion 274. Similarly, as the color formulation CF flows from flow points d and e to flow point g, the color formulation CF travels around the second distribution protrusion 276. In some embodiments, as explained above, the first distribution protrusion 274 and the second distribution protrusion 276 help ensure a uniform flow rate of liquid in the fifth chamber 270 and the sixth chamber 272, such that the output from the nozzle 210 is evenly distributed.

[0056] Referring to Figure 10, which shows a partial cross-sectional side view taken along a line at substantially the midpoint of the width of the device 100 (as in Figure 6), the flow of color formulation CF at flow points f and g proceeds into seventh chamber 280 and eighth chamber 282 where the flow further splits into a dual flow path, with the seventh chamber 280 and eighth chamber 282 each acting as a plenum with two outlets into the nozzles 210. The flow in the seventh chamber 280 proceeds from flow point f towards exit points h and i at the exit opening 212 and into nozzle chamber 292 in each of the plurality of nozzles 210. Similarly, the flow in the eighth chamber 282 proceeds from flow point g towards exit points j and k at the exit opening 212 and into nozzle chamber 292 in each of the plurality of nozzles 210. As explained above, the flow rate of color formulation CF at each discharge point h, i, j, and k from each of the multiple nozzles 210 may be within a certain percentage of the average flow rate of color formulation CF from all of the multiple nozzles 210.

[0057] Adjacent to the seventh chamber 280 are a first volume chamber 284 and a second volume chamber 286, and adjacent to the eighth chamber 282 are a third volume chamber 288 and a fourth volume chamber 290. The predetermined volume chambers 284, 286, 288 and 290 provide locations for, for example, liquid expansion due to the expansion effect of an optional heat source applied to the color formulation CF (described in more detail below), fluid vibration reduction, additional ballast volume to ensure constant discharge of the color formulation CF, etc.

[0058] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, an energy source (e.g., a heat source, not shown) may be added at any location in the flow path of the color formulation CF to increase the temperature of the formulation, or an energy source may be added to the device 100 so that heat is transferred to the application surface, e.g., the scalp. In this regard, for some formulations, applying the formulation to the user at an elevated temperature or heating the application surface may be beneficial for either user comfort, efficacy of the formulation, or both. In these embodiments, the heat source is configured to provide energy to the formulation or application surface. In some embodiments, the energy source is an ultraviolet radiation source configured to illuminate the multiple nozzles 210 to transfer ultraviolet radiation to the application surface, such as hair roots and / or scalp tissue. In other embodiments, the energy source is a heat source configured to heat the formulation prior to exiting the multiple outlet nozzles 210.

[0059] 11A-12D, the selective engagement coupling of drive gear 310 and driven gear 320 will be described in more detail. One or more motors may be provided within handle assembly 104, as described above, to drive pump 340, reciprocating motion of manifold housing 202, and any other suitable systems of instrument 100. In other embodiments, the motor may be included within consumable assembly 200, but consumable assembly 200 is intended to be disposable and replaced after a particular duration of use. In embodiments in which the motor is disposed within handle assembly 104, a selective engagement coupling having a biasing member is included to enable meshing of drive gear 310 and driven gear 320.

[0060] Generally, the coupling is configured to allow for meshing of the drive gear 310 and the driven gear 320 as the consumable assembly 200 is slid / inserted into the handle assembly 104. More specifically, the coupling allows the drive gear 310 and the driven gear 320 to slide radially relative to one another from a disengaged position, where the consumable assembly 200 is not yet secured within the handle assembly 104, to an engaged position, where the axes of the drive gear 310 and the driven gear 320 are substantially aligned such that the consumable assembly 200 is fully inserted into the handle assembly 104 and the drive gear 310 may be configured to transmit rotational motion to the driven gear 320.

[0061] The components of the drive gear 310 and the driven gear 320 will now be described in more detail. As explained above, the drive gear 310 is rotationally driven by a motor via a rod-shaped drive shaft 302 forming a drive shaft. In some embodiments, the drive gear 310 may include a drive sleeve 312 to provide enhanced coupling of the drive gear 310 to the rod-shaped drive shaft 302. Similarly, the driven gear 320 is rotationally driven by the drive gear 310 such that the driven gear rotates a rod-shaped driven shaft 332. The rod-shaped driven shaft 332 forms a driven shaft. In some embodiments, the driven gear 320 may include a driven sleeve 322 to provide enhanced coupling of the driven gear 320 to the rod-shaped driven shaft 332.

[0062] As briefly described above, the radial sliding intermeshing of gears 310 and 320 is accomplished by a biasing member, shown as axial spring 330, configured to allow driven gear 320 to move axially away from drive gear 310 during assembly of consumable assembly 200 into handle assembly 104. The radial sliding of gears 310 and 320 from a disengaged position (FIG. 11A) to an engaged position (FIG. 11E) is accomplished by alignment of drive teeth 314 of drive gear 310 with driven teeth 324 of driven gear 320. In the illustrated embodiment, drive teeth 314 include a first beveled surface 316 configured to engage with a second beveled surface 326 of driven tooth 324. As a result of radial sliding of drive gear 310 and driven gear 320, first beveled surface 316 aligns with second beveled surface 326 (FIG. 11B). As the drive gear 310 is slid radially toward the engaged position, the alignment of the first ramp 316 and the second ramp 326 urges the driven gear 320 radially away from the drive gear 310 (FIG. 11C), compressing the axial spring 330 and allowing the drive gear 310 to continue sliding radially toward the engaged position.

[0063] As the drive gear 310 approaches the engaged position, the axial spring 330 urges the driven gear 320 axially toward the drive gear 310, beginning to engage the drive teeth 314 and driven teeth 324 (FIG. 11D). As the drive gear 310 is rotated while the gears 310 and 320 are in the engaged position (FIG. 11E), the drive tooth engagement surface 318 of the drive gear 310 abuts the driven tooth engagement surface 328 of the driven gear 320, thereby transmitting the rotational motion of the drive gear 310 to the driven gear 320 to drive the components of the instrument 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive gear 310 engages the driven gear 320 in a single rotational direction. However, in other embodiments, the drive gear 310 is configured to engage the driven gear 320 in both rotational directions.

[0064] When disassembling the consumable assembly 200 from the handle assembly 104, the selective engagement coupling between the drive gear 310 and the driven gear 320 must necessarily be released. As the drive gear 310 is slid radially from an engaged position (FIG. 12A) to a disengaged position (FIG. 12D), the cam member 332 of the drive teeth 314 engages with the driven teeth 324, again urging the driven gear 320 axially away from the drive gear 310 (FIG. 12B). As the drive gear 310 is slid radially away from the engaged position, the alignment of the cam member 332 and the driven teeth 324 compresses the axial spring 330, allowing the drive gear 310 to continue to slide radially away from the engaged position. In some embodiments, the cam member 332 additionally provides for urging the drive tooth engagement surface 318 toward the driven tooth engagement surface 328, for example, in the transition from the configuration shown in FIG. 11D to the configuration shown in FIG. 11E. As the drive gear 310 continues to slide radially away from the engaged position, the first ramp 316 and second ramp 326 realign (FIG. 12C), allowing the axial spring 330 to axially urge the driven gear 320 toward the neutral point in the disengaged position (FIG. 12D).

[0065] The fluid connection of the fluid container 424 (hereinafter referred to as packet 424, see also the hair color packet described in detail in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,993,333 and 5,993,623, both of which are incorporated herein by reference) when assembling the consumable assembly 200 to the handle assembly 104 will now be described in detail. In some embodiments, the consumable assembly 200 includes one or more color packets 424 and a developer packet (not shown, but similar in appearance and function to the color packet 424), while in other embodiments, a single hair color packet 424 is suitably used. The use of a developer with the color dye formulation provides a longer lasting coloring effect, up to about one month. The combination of color dye and developer is generally referred to as permanent coloring, while applying the dye without developer provides a semi-permanent coloring that typically lasts about one week. The developer may be used with multiple color packets 424 or with a single color packet 424. The color packet 424 and developer packet outlets may be in fluid communication with the first formulation tube 404 and the second formulation tube 406, respectively. In this regard, the pump 340 generates suction to draw liquid from the packet 424 into the first formulation tube 404 and the second formulation tube 406, causing the color formulation CF components to travel through the first formulation tube 404 and the second formulation tube 406 and then into the manifold housing 202 at flow points a and b.

[0066] 13A-14B, in some embodiments, the consumable assembly 200 is configured to be disposed of after a particular duration of use, for example, after one application of the coloring formulation CF to a user's hair. In these embodiments, the consumable assembly 200 is removed from the handle assembly 104 for disposal, and a new consumable assembly 200 is installed in the handle assembly 104 for subsequent use. For retail sale, the packet 424 of the consumable assembly 200 is initially sealed by a sealing member 420, such that the color dye and / or developer do not leak out of the packet 424 and contaminants do not enter the packet 424. In some embodiments, the sealing member 420 includes an orifice 428 to establish fluid communication between the packet 424 and the formulation tubes 404 and 406 when connected. In other embodiments, the sealing member 420 is pierceable (described in more detail below) such that the sealing member 420 is pierced when connected to establish fluid communication between the packet 424 and the formulation tubes 404 and 406. In pierceable embodiments, sealing member 420 is a one-way or two-way breathable membrane 426 configured to allow outgassing of packet 424 without the entry of contaminants or the exit of the contents of packet 424. In yet further embodiments, sealing member 420 includes a valve (not shown) for use with any of the embodiments herein, the valve configured to regulate the flow of liquid from packet 424. Any combination of the above mechanisms may also be used.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, when the consumable assembly 200 is inserted into the handle assembly 104, the consumable assembly 200 transitions from a sealed configuration (see FIGS. 13A and 14A ) in which the sealing member 420 remains intact to a liquid flow configuration (see FIGS. 13B and 14B ) in which the sealing member 420 is opened to establish fluid communication between the packet 424 and the formulation tubes 404 and 406. In embodiments in which the sealing member 420 is pierceable (such as by using the membrane 426), the termini of the formulation tubes 404 and 406 include piercing portions 430 having piercing tips 432 for piercing the sealing member 420 when the consumable assembly 200 is installed into the handle assembly 104.

[0068] Penetration 430 forms a liquid-receiving chamber 434 therein for receiving liquid and fluidly connecting packet 424 to formulation tubes 404 and 406. In some embodiments, packet 424 is enclosed within a packet housing 402 (see FIG. 4). In these embodiments, packet housing 402 includes two positions that correspond to a sealing configuration and a liquid flow configuration.

[0069] 13A, the consumable assembly 200 includes a sealing packet detent 412 and also a liquid flow packet detent 410 disposed toward the head cover 108 at the end of the instrument 100. The position of the detent 412 corresponds to a sealing configuration in which the opening 408 in the packet housing 402 engages the sealing packet detent 412 such that the piercing tip 432 does not pierce the sealing member 420, and the position of the detent 410 corresponds to a liquid flow configuration in which the opening 408 engages the liquid flow packet detent 410 such that the piercing tip 432 does pierce the sealing member 420 (in the position shown in FIG. 4).

[0070] 13A and 14A, such as when the consumable assembly 200 is stocked and purchased at a retail store, the sealing member 420 has not yet been pierced. In this configuration, the opening 408 is engaged with the sealing packet detent 412. As the consumable assembly 200 is inserted into the handle assembly 104, a portion of the packet housing 402 abuts a portion of the handle assembly 104, thereby transitioning the packet housing 402 toward the liquid flow packet detent 410. More specifically, the packet housing 402 slides forward (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 13B) toward the head cover 108, and the piercing tip 432 of the piercing portion 430 pierces the sealing member 420 (e.g., membrane 426). Once installation of the consumable assembly 200 into the handle assembly 104 is complete, the openings 408 engage the liquid flow packet detents 410 to maintain the packet 424 in sealed communication with the formulation tubes 404 and 406 during use of the instrument 100.

[0071] In embodiments in which the packet 424 includes flexible walls, the consumable assembly 200 includes packet flow protrusions 422 extending along the length of the packet to prevent residual liquid within the packet 424 from prematurely sealing off as the packet walls collapse, which may in some cases restrict the flow of liquid into the formulation tubes 404 and 406 and prevent complete use of the entire volume of the formulation within the packet 424.

[0072] The detailed description of the present disclosure, set forth above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numbers refer to like elements, is intended to illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to represent the only embodiment. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Similarly, any step described herein may be interchangeable with other steps or combinations of steps to achieve the same or substantially similar results.

[0073] In the above description, specific details are described to achieve a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without embodying 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. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the embodiments of the present disclosure may use any combination of the features described herein.

[0074] The present application may include references to directions, such as "forward," "rear," "front," "rear," "upward," "downward," "right side," "left side," "side," "center," "in," "out," "extended," "advanced," "retracted," "proximal," "peripheral," "central," etc. These and other similar references in the present application are merely to help facilitate describing and understanding particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the disclosure to these directions or locations.

[0075] The application may also refer to amounts and numbers. Unless otherwise specified, such amounts and numbers are not considered limiting, but are considered examples of possible amounts or numbers relevant to the application. Also, in this regard, the application may use the term "plurality" to refer to an amount or number. In this regard, the term "plurality" means any number greater than 1, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc. Terms such as "about," "approximately," and the like, mean plus or minus 5% of the stated value.

[0076] The principles, representative embodiments and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been explained in the above description. However, the aspects of the present disclosure that are intended to be protected should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Moreover, the embodiments described herein should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made by others and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such variations, modifications and equivalents are expressly intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 100 Mixture supply equipment 104 Handle Assembly 106 Control Button 108 Head Cover 110 Handle shell 112 Separation plane 114 Port 116 Release button 118 Lower Detent 120 Consumables Assembly Detent Mechanism 200 Consumables Assembly 202 Connecting pipe housing 204 Reciprocating protrusion 206 Reciprocating Wheel 208 round trip slot 210 Nozzle 212 Exit opening 216 Assembly Sleeve 218 Assembly pin 220 Standoff protrusion 230 First Chamber 232 Static Mixer 234 Flow path near the inlet a to the first chamber 236 Flow path near the inlet b to the first chamber 240 Second Chamber 250 Third Chamber 252 Equivalent Chamber 260 Fourth Chamber 262 Mirror-symmetric fourth chamber 270 Fifth Chamber 272 6th Chamber 274 First distribution protrusion 276 Second distribution protrusion 280 Seventh Chamber 282 8th Chamber 284 First Volume Chamber 286 Second Volume Chamber 288 Third Volume Chamber 290 Fourth Volume Chamber 292 Nozzle Chamber 302 Rod-shaped drive shaft 310 Drive Gear 312 Drive sleeve 314 Drive teeth 316 First Slope 318 Drive tooth engagement surface 320 Driven Gear 322 Follower sleeve 324 Driven teeth 326 Second Slope 328 Driven tooth engagement surface 330 Axial Spring 332 Driven shaft, cam member 340 Pump 402 Packet Case 404 First Mixture Tube 406 2nd Mixture Tube 408 Aperture 410 Liquid flow packet detent 412 Sealed Packet Detent 420 Sealing member 422 Packet Flow Protrusion 424 Preparation containers, liquid containers, packets, colour packets, hair colour packets 426 One-way or two-way breathable membrane 428 Orifice 430 Penetration 432 Tip of penetration part 434 Liquid receiving chamber

Claims

1. 1. A hair colouring apparatus having a formulation delivery system, the hair colouring apparatus comprising: A handle and a reciprocating assembly having a plurality of exit nozzles; A static mixer; a consumable assembly removably coupleable to the handle, the consumable assembly having a first fluid container configured to hold a first formulation and a second fluid container configured to hold a second formulation, the first fluid container and the second fluid container being fluidly coupled to the static mixer and to the plurality of outlet nozzles upon coupling of the consumable assembly to the handle; A hair coloring device comprising:

2. The hair coloring apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the reciprocating assembly includes a reciprocating wheel, the reciprocating wheel being operatively coupled to a motor.

3. 3. The hair coloring apparatus of claim 2, wherein the motor is operatively coupled to a pump configured to pump the first and second formulations through the static mixer.

4. 2. The hair coloring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the static mixer is a helical static mixer fluidly connected to a manifold chamber configured to distribute a mixture of the first formulation and the second formulation to the multiple outlet nozzles.

5. The hair coloring apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the reciprocating assembly includes a reciprocating wheel, the reciprocating wheel being operatively coupled to a motor.

6. 6. The hair coloring apparatus of claim 5, wherein the motor is operatively coupled to a pump configured to pump the first formulation and the second formulation through the static mixer.

7. 10. The hair coloring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the static mixer is fluidly coupled to a pump configured to pump the first formulation and the second formulation through the static mixer.

8. 10. The hair coloring apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the first formulation, wherein the first formulation is selected from the group consisting of a permanent hair dye, a semi-permanent hair dye, a developer, a conditioner, a hair growth treatment, ROGAINE®, a hair protein treatment, a liquid hair treatment, and a liquid scalp treatment.

9. 10. The hair coloring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first fluid container includes an orifice configured to align with an inlet member to allow flow of the first formulation from the first fluid container to a liquid receiving chamber.

10. 10. The hair coloring apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first fluid container further comprises a valve configured to regulate the flow rate of the first formulation from the orifice.

11. 11. The hair coloring apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first fluid container further comprises a membrane covering the orifice, the membrane configured to allow outgassing of the first formulation.

12. 10. The hair coloring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first fluid container includes a flexible wall that at least partially collapses when the first composition flows out of the first fluid container.

13. 13. The hair coloring apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first fluid container includes a protrusion extending a length of the first fluid container, the protrusion configured to form a flow path for the first formulation when the flexible wall at least partially collapses.

Images