Application of the hair coloring composition

Abstract

An application device, kit and method are provided which are suitable for the application of a hair colouring composition to the roots of hair growing from the scalp of a person's head.SOLUTION: The first and second reservoirs are configured to receive first and second portions of the hair-coloring composition, and the dispensing mechanism is associated with the first and second pistons to sealingly move the first and second pistons within the first and second reservoirs. When the application cap is connected to the device body, it is reversibly connected to the device body such that the first and second reservoirs are sealed from the exterior by the mixing mechanism, except for the channels of the plurality of protruding tines that are in fluid communication with the first and second reservoirs, and when the dispensing mechanism is actuated, it moves the first and second pistons towards the plurality of protruding tines to mix the first and second portions of hair-coloring composition to form a mixed hair-coloring composition that is dispensed by the plurality of protruding tines.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of hair coloring, and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, kits and methods useful for applying hair coloring compositions to hair, especially human hair. [Background technology]

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 036,109, filed June 8, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] There is often a need to apply hair coloring compositions to hair, particularly human hair, particularly to color naturally occurring gray hair, such as that of the elderly.

[0004] Devices and methods for applying hair coloring compositions to hair are known, see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 12.

[0005] Current devices and methods for applying hair coloring compositions have drawbacks.

[0006] It would be useful to have an apparatus and method for applying a hair coloring composition to hair that has one or more advantages over known apparatus and methods. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 5,289,835 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 6,513,534 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 7,055,528 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent Application No. 2003 / 0217438 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent Application No. 2005 / 0092340 [Patent Document 6] U.S. Patent Application No. 2006 / 0054178 [Patent Document 7] U.S. Patent Application No. 2007 / 0157942 [Patent Document 8] U.S. Patent Application No. 2012 / 0192893 [Patent Document 9] U.S. Patent Application No. 2015 / 0053227 [Patent Document 10] U.S. Patent Application No. 2016 / 0022010 [Patent Document 11] International Publication No. 2004 / 073448 [Patent Document 12] International Publication No. 2004 / 087036 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Some embodiments of the present invention relate to devices, kits and methods useful for applying hair coloring compositions to hair, particularly human hair.

[0009] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided an application device, kit and method suitable for applying a hair coloring composition to the roots of hair growing from the scalp on a human head, as described herein.

[0010] An applicator device for applying a hair coloring composition according to one aspect of the present invention includes a device body including a first reservoir including a first piston and configured to receive a first portion of the hair coloring composition, a second reservoir including a second piston and configured to receive a second portion of the hair coloring composition, a dispensing mechanism associated with the first piston and the second piston and configured to sealably move the first piston within the first reservoir and sealably move the second piston within the second reservoir, a mixing mechanism, and an applicator cap including a plurality of protruding teeth, The cloth cap is configured to be reversibly connected to the device body such that when the application cap is connected to the device body, the first reservoir and the second reservoir are sealed from the outside by the mixing mechanism, except for channels in the plurality of protruding teeth that are fluidly connected to the first reservoir and the second reservoir, and the dispensing mechanism is configured, when actuated, to mix the first portion of the hair coloring composition and the second portion of the hair coloring composition by moving the first piston and the second piston toward the plurality of protruding teeth to form a mixed hair coloring composition that is dispensed by the plurality of protruding teeth.

[0011] The dispensing mechanism may include a first cogwheel having an internal thread and external teeth and mounted below the first piston, a second cogwheel having an internal thread and external teeth and mounted below the second piston, a third cogwheel having external teeth and in contact with and mounted between the first cogwheel and the second cogwheel, and a motor, wherein the first piston is connected to the first threaded shaft such that the external thread of the first cogwheel meshes with the internal thread of the first cogwheel, the second piston is connected to the second threaded shaft such that the external thread of the second threaded shaft meshes with the internal thread of the second cogwheel, the external teeth of the third cogwheel mesh with the external teeth of the first cogwheel and the second cogwheel, and the motor is configured to rotate the third cogwheel, thereby rotating the first cogwheel and the second cogwheel and moving the first piston and the second piston.

[0012] The first reservoir may be in fluid communication with the mixing mechanism through a first hole, and the second reservoir may be in fluid communication with the mixing mechanism through a second hole, and the mixing mechanism may include a static mixer mounted within a channel, the channel configured to receive a first portion of the hair coloring composition and a second portion of the hair coloring composition at one end and provide a mixed hair coloring composition at the other end.

[0013] The distribution mechanism may include a first set of transmission wheels including a first transmission wheel and a second transmission wheel, a second set of transmission wheels including a third transmission wheel and a fourth transmission wheel, and at least one motor, wherein the first piston is connected to a first flexible lead cable such that the first flexible lead cable contacts and passes between the first transmission wheel and the second transmission wheel, and the second piston is connected to a second flexible lead cable such that the second flexible lead cable contacts and passes between the third transmission wheel and the fourth transmission wheel, and the at least one motor is configured to move the first piston and the second piston by rotating the first transmission wheel, the second transmission wheel, the third transmission wheel, and the fourth transmission wheel.

[0014] The dispensing mechanism may include a first cogwheel having external teeth and mounted below the first piston, a second cogwheel having external teeth and mounted below the second piston, a third cogwheel having external teeth and mounted in contact with and between the first cogwheel and the second cogwheel, and a motor, wherein the first cogwheel is connected to a first screw shaft and the second cogwheel is connected to a second screw shaft, and the first piston has an internal thread that is externally threaded to the outer periphery of the first screw shaft. The third cogwheel is mounted around the first threaded shaft so that its internal threads mesh with the external threads of the second threaded shaft, the second piston is mounted around the second threaded shaft so that its internal threads mesh with the external threads of the second threaded shaft, the external teeth of the third cogwheel mesh with the external teeth of the first cogwheel and the second cogwheel, and the motor is configured to rotate the third cogwheel, thereby rotating the first cogwheel and the second cogwheel and moving the first piston and the second piston.

[0015] The first reservoir may be configured to receive a first portion of the hair coloring composition in a first capsule, and the second reservoir may be configured to receive a second portion of the hair coloring composition in a second capsule.

[0016] A hair coloring composition capsule according to another aspect of the present invention includes a first reservoir containing a first portion of a hair coloring composition and a second reservoir containing a second portion of the hair coloring composition.

[0017] A hair coloring composition capsule according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a first piston attached to a lower end, a first reservoir containing a first portion of a hair coloring composition, a second piston attached to the lower end, and a second reservoir containing a second portion of the hair coloring composition, the first piston and the second piston being configured to move to extrude the first portion of the hair coloring composition from the first reservoir and the second portion of the hair coloring composition from the second reservoir.

[0018] The hair coloring composition capsule may further comprise a first opening below the first piston and a second opening below the second piston, the first opening and the second opening configured to allow contact between the first piston and the second piston.

[0019] The hair coloring composition capsule may further comprise a removable cover.

[0020] The first reservoir may further include a first threaded shaft extending from a lower end to an upper end of the first reservoir, the first piston including an internal thread and mounted around the first threaded shaft such that the external threads of the first threaded shaft mate with the internal threads of the first piston, and the second reservoir may further include a second threaded shaft extending from a lower end to an upper end of the second reservoir, the second piston including an internal thread and mounted around the second threaded shaft such that the external threads of the second threaded shaft mate with the internal threads of the second piston.

[0021]

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention provides a hair coloring composition capsule comprising: a first reservoir containing a first portion of a hair coloring composition; a first piston having an internal thread and mounted around a first threaded shaft extending from the lower end to the upper end of the first reservoir, the first piston having an internal thread and mounted around a second threaded shaft extending from the lower end to the upper end of the second reservoir, the second piston having an internal thread and mounted around a second threaded shaft extending from the lower end to the upper end of the second reservoir, the second piston being configured to extrude the first portion of the hair coloring composition from the first reservoir and the second portion of the hair coloring composition from the second reservoir upon movement thereof;

[0022]

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention provides an application device for applying a hair coloring composition, comprising: a device body including a first reservoir for receiving a hair coloring composition capsule, the first reservoir including a second reservoir containing a first portion of the hair coloring composition and a third reservoir containing a second portion of the hair coloring composition; a dispensing mechanism configured to dispense the first portion of the hair coloring composition and the second portion of the hair coloring composition out of the capsule; a mixing mechanism; and an application cap including a plurality of protruding tines, wherein the application cap is configured to be reversibly connected to the device body such that when the application cap is connected to the device body, the first reservoir is sealed from the outside by the mixing mechanism except for channels in the plurality of protruding tines that are in fluid communication with the first reservoir; and the dispensing mechanism, when activated, is configured to dispense the hair coloring composition from the capsule toward the plurality of protruding tines, thereby mixing the first portion of the hair coloring composition and the second portion of the hair coloring composition to form a mixed hair coloring composition that is dispensed by the plurality of protruding tines.

[0023] The distribution mechanism may include a first set of transmission wheels including a first transmission wheel and a second transmission wheel, a first flexible lead cable passing between the first transmission wheel and the second transmission wheel and in contact with the first transmission wheel and the second transmission wheel, a first lifting unit connected to an upper end of the first flexible lead cable, a second set of transmission wheels including a third transmission wheel and a fourth transmission wheel, a second flexible lead cable passing between the third transmission wheel and the fourth transmission wheel and in contact with the third transmission wheel and the fourth transmission wheel, a second lifting unit connected to an upper end of the second flexible lead cable, and at least one motor.

[0024] The second reservoir may further include a first piston attached to a lower end of the second reservoir, and the third reservoir may further include a second piston attached to a lower end of the third reservoir, wherein when the capsule is inserted into the first reservoir, the first lifting unit is configured to contact the first piston and the second lifting unit is configured to contact the second piston, and at least one motor is configured to move the first piston and the second piston by rotating the first transmission wheel, the second transmission wheel, the third transmission wheel and the fourth transmission wheel.

[0025] The dispensing mechanism may include a first concave gear having external teeth and mounted below the second reservoir, a second concave gear having external teeth and mounted below the third reservoir, a cogwheel having external teeth and mounted in contact with and between the first concave gear and the second concave gear such that the external teeth mesh with the external teeth of the first concave gear and the external teeth of the second concave gear, and a motor.

[0026] The second reservoir may further include a first threaded shaft extending from a lower end to an upper end of the second reservoir, a first gear connected to the first threaded shaft and protruding from the lower end of the second reservoir, and a first piston including an internal thread and mounted around the first threaded shaft such that the internal thread meshes with the external thread of the first threaded shaft, and the third reservoir may further include a second threaded shaft extending from a lower end to an upper end of the third reservoir, a second gear connected to the second threaded shaft and protruding from the lower end of the third reservoir, and a first piston including an internal thread and mounted around the first threaded shaft such that the internal thread meshes with the external thread of the first threaded shaft. and a second piston mounted around the second threaded shaft such that the internal threads of the second threaded shaft mesh with the external threads of the second threaded shaft, wherein when the capsule is inserted into the first reservoir, the first gear is configured to contact the first concave gear and the second gear is configured to contact the second concave gear, and the motor is configured to rotate the cogwheel, thereby rotating the first concave gear and the second concave gear and moving the first piston and the second piston.

[0027] A disposable applicator cap according to another aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of protruding tines and a mixing mechanism including a static mixer mounted within a channel, the channel configured to receive a first portion of a hair coloring composition and a second portion of the hair coloring composition at one end and to provide a mixed hair coloring composition at the other end.

[0028]

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention provides an application device for applying a hair coloring composition, the application device comprising: a device body including a reservoir including a piston and configured to receive a first portion and a second portion of the hair coloring composition; a dispensing mechanism associated with the piston and configured to seal and move the piston within the reservoir; a mixing cap including an impeller attached inside and a rod having one end connected to the impeller and the other end connected to an externally attached gear; and an application cap including a plurality of protruding teeth, wherein the mixing cap is configured to be reversibly connected to the device body such that, when connected to the device body, the reservoir is sealed from the outside and the impeller is configured to mix the first and second portions of the hair coloring composition to form a mixed hair coloring composition; the application cap is configured to be reversibly connected to the device body such that, when connected to the device body, the reservoir is sealed from the outside except for channels in the plurality of protruding teeth that are in fluid communication with the reservoir; and the dispensing mechanism, when actuated, is configured to move the piston toward the plurality of protruding teeth, thereby extruding the mixed hair coloring composition dispensed by the plurality of protruding teeth.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an application device for applying a hair coloring composition, the application device comprising: a device body including a reservoir including a piston and configured to receive a first portion and a second portion of the hair coloring composition; a stirring mechanism; and a dispensing mechanism associated with the piston and configured to seal and move the piston within the reservoir; and an application cap including a plurality of protruding tines, wherein the stirring mechanism is configured to mix the first portion and the second portion of the hair coloring composition to form a mixed hair coloring composition; the application cap is configured to be reversibly connected to the device body such that when the application cap is connected to the device body, the reservoir is sealed from the outside except for channels in the plurality of protruding tines that are in fluid communication with the reservoir; and the dispensing mechanism, when activated, is configured to move the piston toward the plurality of protruding tines, thereby extruding the mixed hair coloring composition dispensed by the plurality of protruding tines.

[0030] The agitation mechanism may include an impeller and a shaft having one end connected to the impeller and the other end connected to a gear mounted on the outside underside of the device body, the gear being configured to rotate to rotate the impeller and allow the first and second parts of the hair coloring composition to mix to form a mixed hair coloring composition.

[0031] The agitation mechanism may include an impeller and a shaft connected at one end to the impeller and at the other end to a motor, the motor configured to rotate the shaft, thereby rotating the impeller and enabling the first and second parts of the hair coloring composition to mix to form a mixed hair coloring composition.

[0032] The impeller may be a collapsible impeller having at least two states having different height dimensions, the two states being an agitating state having an unfolded height dimension and a folded state having a folded height dimension that is smaller than the unfolded height dimension.

[0033] The gear is configured to reversibly couple to the external mixing motor so that, when coupled to the external mixing motor, it operates the external mixing motor to rotate the impeller.

[0034] A kit according to another aspect of the present invention includes the above-described application device and a docking station.

[0035] Another aspect of the present invention provides a kit that includes the above-described applicator and a docking station that includes a mixing motor, wherein the applicator and the docking station are configured to reversibly couple to each other in a coupled state, and in the coupled state, operation of the mixing motor mixes the fluid contents of the reservoirs.

[0036] The docking station may be configured to at least one of: hold the application device in an upright position; charge a power storage component of the application device; act as a control unit for at least one function of the application device; and meter the contents of the reservoir.

[0037] Any one of the applicator devices described above that includes two separate reservoirs may further include a cap configured to enclose the first reservoir and the second reservoir. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] With particular reference to the drawings in detail, it is emphasized that the details shown are given by way of example only for purposes of illustrative discussion of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are presented to provide what is believed to be the most useful and readily understandable explanation of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, and the description taken together with the drawings will make clear to those skilled in the art how several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

[0040] [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates a schematic side view of one embodiment of an application device according to the teachings herein. [Figure 1B] 1 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of an application device according to the teachings herein. [Figure 2A] 1 illustrates a schematic side view of one embodiment of a docking station according to the teachings herein. [Figure 2B] 1 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a docking station according to the teachings herein. [Figure 3] 1 shows a side view of a person's head ready to apply a hair coloring composition to hair. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of an application device according to the teachings herein. [Figure 5A] 1 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of an application device according to the teachings herein. [Figure 5B] 1 illustrates a schematic side view of one embodiment of a docking station according to the teachings herein. [Figure 5C] 1 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a docking station according to the teachings herein. [Figure 6A] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a kit including an application device and a corresponding docking station in accordance with the teachings herein. [Figure 6B] 6B shows an exploded view of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6C] An exploded view of the coating device 610 is shown. [Figure 6D] A cross-sectional side view of barrel assembly 610A is shown. [Figure 6E] A perspective cross-sectional view of barrel assembly 610A is shown. [Figure 6F] A bottom perspective view of applicator cap 610B is shown. [Figure 6G] An exploded view of FIG. 6F is shown. [Figure 6H] 10B shows a top perspective exploded view of the applicator cap 610B. [Figure 6I] A bottom view of applicator cap 610B is shown. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a schematic side view of one embodiment of an application device according to the teachings herein. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a schematic side view of one embodiment of an application device according to the teachings herein. [Figure 9] 1A and 1B are schematic side views of one embodiment of an applicator and capsule according to the teachings herein; [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are schematic side views of one embodiment of an applicator and capsule according to the teachings herein; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Some embodiments of the present invention relate to devices, kits and methods useful for applying hair coloring compositions to hair, particularly human hair.

[0042] The principles, uses, and implementation of the teachings of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description and examples. After reading the description and examples herein, one skilled in the art will be able to practice the teachings of the present invention without undue effort or experimentation.

[0043] Before describing at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts and / or methods described herein. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. The terms and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0044] At the time of writing, the most common hair coloring method is based on the application of a quinoneimine dye to the hair, which is carried out using a hair coloring kit containing two components: a coloring solution and a developer. The two components of the hair coloring kit are mixed to obtain a hair coloring composition that is applied to the hair to be colored. The composition is kept in contact with the hair for a period of time (typically 30 to 45 minutes), during which time the dye molecules become trapped inside the hair shaft. At the end of this period, the hair is rinsed and / or washed to remove any residue of the hair coloring composition.

[0045] It is difficult to apply such hair coloring compositions to hair growing from the scalp, especially to hair growing from one's own scalp.Because it is difficult to apply such compositions exclusively to the hair shaft near the scalp, typically the entire hair shaft must be contacted with the hair coloring composition, which causes damage to the hair and makes the hair weak and lifeless.As mentioned at the beginning, various devices and methods for applying hair coloring compositions to hair have been disclosed, but each of these devices and methods has one or more drawbacks.

[0046] Some embodiments of the teachings herein relate to devices, kits and methods useful for applying hair coloring compositions to hair, particularly the lower part of the hair shaft (commonly referred to as the hair root, which may be used hereinafter) as it grows from the scalp of a person's head, which devices, kits and methods avoid some of the drawbacks of known devices and methods.

[0047] In the following description and accompanying drawings, certain embodiments of devices, application devices and docking stations in accordance with the teachings herein, useful for applying hair coloring compositions to hair, particularly to the roots of human hair, are described. Together, the application device and docking station constitute one embodiment of a kit in accordance with the teachings herein. Use of either the application device or the docking station alone, or the two devices together, constitutes one embodiment of a method in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0048] FIG. 1A schematically illustrates a side view of a coating apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B schematically illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the coating apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] The applicator device 10 is shown as having three separate assemblies: a barrel assembly 12 , a mixing cap 14 , and an applicator cap 16 .

[0050] Barrel assembly 12 constitutes the device body of device 10 and includes a distal portion 18 having a distal end 20 and a proximal portion 22. Distal portion 18 is a substantially cylindrical wall defining a cylindrical composition reservoir 24 (shown in FIG. 1B) having an axis 26. It should be understood that device 10 is not limited to a cylindrical shape. In device 10, both the reservoir axis and the body axis are coaxial and are therefore jointly designated axis 26. Reservoir 24 is open at distal end 20 and is defined at its proximal end by the distal face of piston 28, which sealingly slides axially back and forth within reservoir 24. Distal portion 18 is sized such that reservoir 24 has a desired maximum volume when piston 28 is in its proximal-most position, e.g., 110 ml to 150 ml. Preferably, barrel assembly 12 is water resistant, i.e., rinsing the device (especially the reservoir) with running water does not damage barrel assembly 12 or any of its components. In some embodiments, barrel assembly 12 is waterproof, i.e., will not be damaged if immersed in one meter of fresh water for one hour.

[0051] Both the mixing cap 14 and the applicator cap 16 are configured to reversibly connect to the distal end 20 of the barrel assembly 12. For example, the outer surface of the distal end 20 of the barrel assembly 12 may include at least one female element 30 of a twist lock connector, and the interior portions of both the mixing cap 14 and the applicator cap 16 may include a corresponding male element 32 of the twist lock connector. In an unconnected state, the proximal end 34 of either the mixing cap 14 or the applicator cap 16 is placed over the distal end 20 of the barrel assembly 12, causing the female element 30 and male element 32 to mate and then be locked into place by twisting. As a result, the reservoir 24 is sealed, preventing leakage of a viscous fluid, such as a hair coloring composition, from the reservoir 24 at the interface between the distal end 20 and the rim of the mixing cap 14 or the applicator cap 16.

[0052] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to male and female elements, and any suitable method of connecting the mixing cap 14 or dispensing cap 16 to the barrel assembly 12 may be used.

[0053] The proximal portion 22 of the barrel assembly 12 contains components necessary for the operation of the device 10, including at least some of the following: a piston shaft 36, a piston drive motor 38, an application controller 40 which may include a speaker, a display, a user interface 42, a rechargeable power storage unit 44, and an inductive charger 46.

[0054] It should be understood that the proximal portion 22 is not limited to including the specific components described above, but may also include at least a means for moving the piston (piston drive means or dispensing mechanism), a controller 40, a means for operating the device 10 (device operating means), a rechargeable power storage unit 44, and a means for recharging the rechargeable power storage unit (recharging means).

[0055] It should also be understood that the present invention is not limited to precision part locations.

[0056] The proximal portion 22 of the barrel assembly 12 is integrally formed with the distal portion 18 and constitutes the handle of the device 10, i.e., is shaped and sized to function as a handle for use with one hand by a human user. During use of the device 10, a human grasps the proximal portion 22 with their hand, thereby encircling the proximal portion 22 and the shaft 26. In other embodiments of devices according to the teachings herein, the proximal portion has other shapes and / or cross-sections. Generally, the length of the proximal portion of a barrel assembly of a device according to the teachings herein is dictated both by its need to function as a handle and by its need to be of sufficient size to accommodate the necessary components. For example, in the device 10, the length of the barrel assembly 12 is dictated, among other things, by the length of the piston shaft 36.

[0057] Display / user interface 42 may be a standard touchscreen known in the art and is used to provide user commands to dispense controller 40 and visually display information from dispense controller 40 to the user. Dispensing controller 40 may be a digital controller (e.g., PCB) known in the consumer electronics and microcomputing arts and may be configured to receive user commands via display / user interface 42, provide information and feedback to the user via display / user interface 42, and control other components of dispenser device 10, such as controlling operation of piston drive motor 38 to move piston 28 distally and proximally. Depending on the particular embodiment, some specific tasks that controller 40 is configured to perform include: Turning the device 10 on or off; receiving a user instruction to move the piston 28 rearward (proximally, increasing the volume of the reservoir 24) to its full extent; receiving a user instruction to move the piston 28 forward (in a distal direction to decrease the volume of the reservoir 24); receiving user instructions to move piston 28 forward at a predetermined and / or user-selected speed, such as a speed useful for dispensing hair coloring composition held within reservoir 24; pausing the movement of the piston 28; Using the display / user interface 42 and / or associated speaker to indicate to the user how much composition is in the reservoir 24; Indicating that the power storage unit 44 is charging or is fully charged; indicating the fact that the power storage unit 44 is insufficiently charged for complete application of the contents of the composition reservoir (in some embodiments, the application controller 40 is configured to be unable to move the piston 28 to dispense the hair coloring composition if the power storage unit 44 is insufficiently charged for complete application of the contents of the composition reservoir 24, thereby avoiding the user's hair being only partially colored); may optionally include one or more of:

[0058] Mixed Cap In some embodiments, an applicator device according to the teachings herein is provided with a mixing cap 14 that is configured to be connected, preferably reversibly, to the barrel assembly 12 of the applicator device 10. In some such embodiments, when the mixing cap 14 is not connected to the barrel assembly 12, the reservoir 24 is available so that ingredients of the hair coloring composition can be added to the reservoir. In some such embodiments, when the mixing cap is connected to the barrel assembly 12, the composition held within the reservoir 24 can be mixed.

[0059] In device 10, mixing cap 14 includes proximal end 34, proximal face 48, distal face 50, and shaft 52. Visible on proximal face 48 is impeller 54, the agitating component of device 10. Visible on distal face 50 is gear 56, the mating component. Impeller 54 and gear 56 are connected to each other by rod 58, which serves as the agitating shaft of device 10, passing through mixing cap 14 from distal face 50 to proximal face 48. Rod 58 is sealingly and rotatably mounted within mixing cap 14 coaxially with shaft 52, thereby allowing impeller 54, gear 56, and rod 58 to rotate coaxially while preventing leakage of fluid, such as hair coloring composition, passing along the length of rod 58 from proximal face 48 to distal face 50.

[0060] Application Cap Applicator devices according to the teachings herein are provided with an applicator cap 16, which is preferably configured to be connected, and more preferably reversibly connected, to the barrel assembly 12 of the applicator device 10. In some such embodiments, when the applicator cap 16 is not connected to the barrel assembly 12, the reservoir 24 is available so that ingredients of the hair coloring composition can be added to the reservoir.

[0061] In device 10, applicator cap 16 includes a proximal end 34, a proximal face 60, a distal end 62, an axis 64, and a plurality of coplanar, elongated applicator teeth 66 projecting substantially axially (in some embodiments, within 30°, 25°, 20°, 15°, 5°, or even parallel to axis 64 and reservoir axis 26 when applicator cap 16 is connected to barrel assembly 12). The illustrated applicator cap 16 includes eight teeth 66. In some preferred embodiments, devices according to the teachings herein may include at least three teeth (enables adequate distribution of hair coloring composition) and up to ten teeth (avoids excessive resistance when forcing the teeth through hair and ensures that all teeth contact the scalp; see below). Thus, in some preferred embodiments, devices according to the teachings herein have three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten teeth. Nevertheless, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to 3-10 teeth.

[0062] Each tooth 66 is hollow and includes a composition channel 68 that provides fluid communication from the proximal face 60 to a distal tip 70 of the tooth 66. The distal tip 70 of the tooth 66 is non-scratching, rounded, and has a diameter of at least 2 mm and not more than 4 mm. In preferred embodiments, the diameter is not more than 3.5 mm, and even not more than 3 mm. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to these diameters.

[0063] The cross-sectional shape of the composition channel 68 at the distal tip 70 of the tooth 66 can be any suitable shape, preferably circular. The cross-sectional size of the composition channel 68 at the distal tip 70 of the tooth 66 can be any suitable size, in some embodiments, between 1 mm and 2 mm.

[0064] Teeth 66 are typically 2 cm or more in length, preferably 2.5 cm or more and 8 cm or less, and more preferably 6 cm or less. Teeth 66 are slightly axially elastically flexible; that is, while applicator cap 16 is held stationary, a manually applied force to the side of distal tip 70 perpendicular to the axial direction will bend the teeth by displacing the tip by up to 3 mm. One skilled in the art can manufacture applicator caps such as applicator cap 16 having teeth 66 with the required properties without inventive effort using standard methods (e.g., injection molding) and standard materials such as polypropylene.

[0065] The spacing between two adjacent teeth 66, measured from the centers of the two adjacent tips, is between 4 mm and 8 mm, and more preferably between 5 mm and 7 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the composition channels 68 are such that a fluid, such as a hair coloring composition, passing from the proximal face 60 through the channel 68 of a tooth 66 exits the corresponding distal tip 70 in a direction parallel to the axis 64.

[0066] Docking Station Some embodiments of the teachings herein relate to a docking station. In some embodiments, an applicator device according to the teachings herein is used with a docking station or is provided with a docking station as two components of a hair coloring kit. Specifically, in some preferred embodiments, a docking station according to the teachings herein comprises a holder that stably holds the barrel assembly at the distal end of the applicator device in an upward orientation. If the composition reservoir is opened while the barrel assembly is held by the holder, e.g., for applicator device 10, because neither mixing cap 14 nor applicator cap 16 is attached to barrel assembly 12, a hair coloring composition or its components may be added to the composition reservoir when reservoir 24 is opened through distal end 20. In some embodiments, a mixing cap can be coupled to the distal end of the applicator device to seal the reservoir while the barrel assembly is held by the holder. In some embodiments, the docking station is configured to mix the contents of the reservoir of the barrel assembly when the mixing cap is coupled to the barrel assembly.

[0067] FIG. 2A schematically illustrates a side view of a docking station 80 for use with the coating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B schematically illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a docking station 80 for use with the coating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] The docking station 80 includes a body 82, a base 84, a cavity 86, and an opening 88 to the cavity on the opposite side of the base 84. When the base 84 of the docking station 80 is placed on a flat surface, such as a table, the opening 88 faces upward. The docking station 80 further includes a recessed agitation gear 90 at the bottom of the cavity 86. Also located within the body 82 is a mixing motor 92 configured to rotate the agitation gear 90 when activated, an on / off switch 96, a power source 98, and an inductive charger 100. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to an inductive charger, and that any suitable charger may be used, mutatis mutandis. For example, a physical connector may connect the charger to the device 10.

[0069] Together, cavity 86 and opening 88 form a holder for docking station 80 and are configured with a size, shape, and dimensions that stably hold barrel assembly 12 with distal end 20 oriented either upward or downward while mixing cap 14 is attached to distal end 20. Specifically, the diameter of opening 88 and cavity 86 is slightly larger than the diameter of mixing cap 14, and the depth of cavity 86 is slightly larger than the length of proximal portion 22.

[0070] The docking station 80 is configured such that when the on / off switch 96 is set to "on" and the applicator device 10 with the mixing cap 14 attached is held in the cavity 86, the mixing motor 92 begins to operate and rotates the agitator gear 90 for a predetermined period of time, e.g., 30 seconds, thereby rotating the gear 56 which rotates the impeller 54 which agitates the composition in the reservoir 24.

[0071] Use of the application device 10 and docking station 80 for coloring hair In an embodiment of the present invention, in preparation for application of the hair coloring composition, the hair of the subject to be dyed is tied into one or more ponytails to gather the hair shaft and expose the scalp and roots, for example, two ponytails are tied along the centerline of the head, with a first ponytail 102 extending backward from the hair gathered at the back of the head and centered at the crown, and a second ponytail 104 extending forward from the hair gathered at the front of the head, as shown in FIG.

[0072] For use, the docking station 80 is placed on a surface (eg, a table).

[0073] A display / user interface 42 on the barrel assembly 12 is used to provide commands to the application controller 40 to activate the motor 38 to move the piston 28 to the proximal-most position where the reservoir 24 has a maximum volume.

[0074] The barrel assembly 12 is placed into the cavity 86 of the docking station 80 through the opening 88 so that the proximal portion 22 is completely within the cavity 86 and the proximal portion of the distal portion 18 contacts the wall of the opening 88. As a result, the barrel assembly 12 is held stable and the distal end 20 faces upward so that the axis 26 is approximately perpendicular to the surface. The charger 46 and the charger 100 of the barrel assembly 12 are thereby positioned relative to one another so that the power storage unit 44 of the barrel assembly 12 is charged with power from the power supply 98 of the docking station 80.

[0075] While the distal end 20 is open, the two components of the hair coloring composition are injected and added to the reservoir 24, and the mixing cap 14 is attached to the distal end 20 as described above. The barrel assembly 12 and mixing cap 14 are removed as a unit from the docking station 80, inverted, and then replaced in the cavity 86 of the docking station 80 (with the mixing cap 14 placed first) so that the gear 56 of the mixing cap 14 engages with the agitation gear 90 of the docking station 80, holding the barrel assembly 12 steady and with the proximal end facing upward so that the axis 26 is perpendicular to the surface. As a result, the rod 58 and impeller 54 of the mixing cap 14 are coupled to the mixing motor 92 through engagement of the gear 56 with the agitation gear 90.

[0076] A user activates mixing motor 92 using on / off switch 96 to rotate agitator gear 90 which rotates gear 56, rod 58 and impeller 54. The rotation of impeller 54 is of sufficient duration and intensity to ensure that the contents of reservoir 24 are thoroughly mixed to constitute the hair coloring composition.

[0077] Subsequently, barrel assembly 12 and mixing cap 14 are removed together from docking station 80, inverted, and barrel assembly 12 is placed into cavity 86 through opening 88 so that proximal portion 22 is fully within cavity 86, the proximal portion of distal portion 18 contacts the wall of opening 88, thereby holding barrel assembly 12 steady, and distal end 20 facing upward so that axis 26 is approximately perpendicular to the surface. Again, charger 46 and charger 100 of barrel assembly 12 are thereby positioned relative to one another so that power reservoir 44 of barrel assembly 12 is charged with power from power supply 98 of docking station 80.

[0078] The mixing cap 14 is separated from the barrel assembly 12 and rinsed or discarded.

[0079] Applicator cap 16 is attached to distal end 20 as described above. Barrel assembly 12 and applicator cap 16 are removed as a unit from docking station 80 and held by hand gripping proximal portion 22.

[0080] The user uses the display / user interface 42 of the applicator device 10 to activate the application controller 40, which in turn activates the motor 38, thereby moving the piston 28 distally to remove any air trapped in the reservoir 24 and possibly the channels 68 of the tines 66. In some embodiments, this is done manually, for example, by the user observing that the composition reaches the tips of the tines 66. In another embodiment, an increase in resistance to distal movement of the piston 28 is sensed by the controller 40, indicating that all air has been expelled and that the hair coloring composition begins to be forced into the channels 68.

[0081] The user then uses the display / user interface 42 of the applicator 10 to activate the application controller 40 to activate the motor 38, thereby moving the piston 28 distally and forcing the hair coloring composition from the reservoir 24 into the channel 68 and out the distal tips 70 of the tines 66 at a rate suitable for coloring the hair (preferably a user-selected rate).

[0082] While the composition is being extruded from the distal tip 70 of the tooth 66, the user moves the device 10 and applicator cap 16 in a distal direction parallel to the axis 26 while maintaining the distal tip 70 in tangential contact with the scalp (typically at an angle of 45° or less, preferably 30° or less).

[0083] The non-scratching, rounded distal tips 70 glide along the scalp without scratching or causing discomfort. According to embodiments of the present invention, the tines are flexible, allowing the tines 70 to be aligned to conform to the curvature of the scalp so that all tines 70 contact the scalp. Importantly, hair coloring composition is continuously expelled from the distal tips 70 of the tines 66 and pushed out on either side of the distal tips in a "snowplow" effect. Without being bound by any theory, it is presently believed that the snowplow effect, along with the correct distal tip width and spacing between the tines (as described above with reference to the applicator cap 16 of the device 10), allows the composition to be expelled from the distal tips along the hair shaft closest to the scalp, thereby very effectively applying the composition to the portion of the hair shaft closest to the scalp that will be colored by application of the hair coloring composition.

[0084] As described above, the user continues to apply the composition for as long as desired. Application controller 40 may optionally emit an audible warning using a speaker (or any other visual indicator, such as an LED display showing the position of the piston and therefore the amount of hair coloring material remaining in reservoir 24) when reservoir 24 is 25%, 50%, 75%, and 95% empty.

[0085] If hair coloring composition remains in reservoir 24 upon completion of application, the user may use the device operating means to activate controller 40, which actuates piston 28 to remove the remaining composition and discard the composition in a sink or the like. Alternatively, upon completion of application, the user may separate the applicator cap 16 from barrel assembly 12 and proceed with the two assemblies, including using water to rinse excess composition from reservoir 24.

[0086] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mixing cap 14 may be rinsed or discarded, and the applicator cap 16 may be rinsed or discarded.

[0087] The reservoir 24, distal end 20 and distal face of the piston 28 of the barrel assembly 12 are rinsed, dried and / or placed in a docking station 80 for recharging and / or storage.

[0088] The user places the composition on the hair for the desired amount of time in the usual manner, hi some embodiments, application controller 40 functions as a timer, providing an indication when the desired amount of time has elapsed.

[0089] After the desired time, the hair is rinsed and / or washed to remove excess composition.

[0090] 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of another coating apparatus 106 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In many aspects and details, coating apparatus 106 is similar to or identical to coating apparatus 10 described above. Some differences between apparatus 10 and apparatus 106 are described below.

[0091] In FIG. 4, applicator device 106 is shown as having two reversibly connectable assemblies: barrel assembly 108 and applicator cap 16 .

[0092] In addition to components similar or identical to those described above in connection with barrel assembly 12 of apparatus 10, barrel assembly 108 includes gear 56, a rotatable shaft 112 operatively associated with gear 56, and a collapsible impeller 114 that functions as the agitating component of apparatus 106.

[0093] The rotatable shaft 112 is an elongated cylinder (e.g., made of stainless steel) rotatably mounted within and coaxial with the piston shaft 36. The gear 56 is fixed to the proximal end of the shaft 112, and the impeller 114 is fixed to the distal end of the shaft 112 so as to extend from the distal face of the piston 28 into the reservoir 24 and be disposed within the reservoir 24.

[0094] Similar to gear 56 of mixing cap 14 of device 10, gear 56 of device 106 is configured to couple to a corresponding agitation gear, for example, agitation gear 90 of a suitably configured docking station, such as docking station 80 shown in Figures 2A and 2B.

[0095] The impeller 114 is configured to agitate a fluid, such as a hair coloring composition, held within the composition reservoir 24 upon rotation. In embodiments of the present invention, the impeller 114 may be a collapsible impeller having at least two states: an unfolded agitating state and a folded state. In the unfolded agitating state, the collapsible impeller 114 has an unfolded height dimension along the axis 26, and in this state, the shape of the collapsible impeller 114 is suitable for agitating a fluid, such as a hair coloring composition, held within the composition reservoir 24 as the collapsible impeller 114 rotates. In the folded state, the collapsible impeller 114 has a folded height dimension along the axis 26 that is less than its unfolded height dimension. The transition from the unfolded agitating state to the folded state is achieved, for example, by applying a proximal force to the distal end 116 of the collapsible impeller 114. The transition from the folded state to the unfolded agitating state may be achieved, for example, by the inherent resilience of the folding impeller 114, or by centrifugal force due to rotation as the folding impeller 114 rotates about the rotatable shaft 112, or by force exerted on the folding impeller 114 by the fluid within 24 as the folding impeller 114 rotates.

[0096] In some embodiments, the collapsible impeller is typically shaped similarly to the mixer blades of commercially available stick mixers, but is made of silicone rubber that can resiliently deform into a thin, flat shape when a force is applied in a distal direction. Thus, in some embodiments, a collapsible agitating element, such as collapsible impeller 114, is made at least in part from a material (e.g., silicone rubber) that is sufficiently flexible and resilient so that the agitating element collapses into a collapsed state when a force is applied, for example, when the impeller is pressed against the proximal surface 60 of applicator cap 16. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the collapsible agitating element includes at least one hinge so that the agitating element collapses into a collapsed state when a force is applied, for example, when the impeller is pressed against the proximal surface 60 of applicator cap 16 by rotation about such hinge.

[0097] To use the device 106, the barrel assembly 108 is first placed into the proximal end of the cavity 86 of the appropriate docking station 80 with the piston 36 in its distal-most position so that the gear 56 engages the agitator gear 90 of the docking station 80.

[0098] As described above, the hair composition precursor is first placed in the composition reservoir 24 and the applicator cap 16 is attached to the barrel assembly 108 .

[0099] When docking station 80 is actuated, agitation gear 90 rotates gear 56, which in turn rotates shaft 112, which rotates impeller 114. If the impeller is collapsible, no substantial force is applied to distal end 116, so the collapsible impeller is in an uncollapsed state and agitates the contents of composition reservoir 24, thereby creating the hair coloring composition.

[0100] The hair coloring composition is then applied to the hair as described above. Near the end of application of the hair coloring composition, the piston 28 approaches the proximal surface 60 of the applicator cap 16 such that the distal end 116 of the collapsible impeller 114 contacts the proximal surface 60. Further distal advancement of the piston 28 by the motor 38 generates a force on the distal end 116 of the collapsible impeller 114, causing the collapsible impeller 114 to begin collapsing proximally from an uncollapsed, agitated state having an uncollapsed height dimension to a collapsed state having a collapsed height dimension. As a result, most, if not all, of the hair coloring composition held within the composition reservoir 24 is applied.

[0101] An additional embodiment of a kit according to the teachings herein, including an application device 120 and a docking station 122, is shown in FIG. FIG. 5A schematically illustrates a cross-sectional side view of another application device 120; FIG. 5B schematically illustrates a side view of another docking station 122; FIG. 5C shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of the docking station 122.

[0102] In many aspects and details, coating apparatus 120 is similar to or identical to coating apparatuses 10 and 106 described above. Some differences between apparatus 120 and apparatuses 10 and 106 are described below. In many aspects and details, docking station 122 is similar to or identical to docking station 80 described above. Some differences between docking station 122 and docking station 80 are described below.

[0103] In FIG. 5A, applicator device 120 is shown in a side cross-sectional view as having two reversibly connectable assemblies: barrel assembly 124 and applicator cap 16.

[0104] The barrel assembly 124 includes a distal portion 18 that defines a composition reservoir 24 and a proximal portion 22 that forms the handle of the device 120 .

[0105] In an embodiment of the present invention, the barrel assembly 124 may include a spring-loaded actuator button 126 that is generally biased to an outward position but can be depressed to an inward position by applying force with a finger or hand. When the applicator cap 16 is attached to the barrel assembly 124 and the button 126 is in the inward position, the motor 38 drives the piston 28 distally to dispense the composition held in the composition reservoir 24 through the applicator teeth 66 of the applicator cap 16. When the button 126 is released from the inward position, it returns to the outward position, and the motor 38 is momentarily reversed and then stopped. As a result, the piston 28 is slightly retracted proximally. As a result, when the button 126 is released, dispensing of composition from the teeth 66 is immediately stopped. Activation of the piston drive motor 38 in response to the state of the button 126 is controlled by the applicator controller 40. It should be understood that other types of actuator buttons may be used, and the present invention is not limited to spring-loaded actuator buttons.

[0106] An LED array 128, consisting of, for example, four individually actuable light-emitting diodes, is used to indicate the amount of composition held in the composition reservoir; for example, all LEDs lit indicates that the composition reservoir 24 is full; a few LEDs lit indicates that the composition reservoir 24 is partially full, e.g., 75%, 50%, 25%, 12.5% ​​full; one LED flashing every two seconds indicates that the composition reservoir 24 is 6% full; one LED flashing every one second and all LEDs flashing several times indicates that the composition reservoir 24 is empty. The LED array 128 is activated by the application controller 40. The device 120 includes, as part of the barrel assembly 124, a mixer motor 130 having a rotating shaft 132 with a toothed gear 134 at its distal end. When the piston 28 is in its proximal-most position (as shown in FIG. 5A ), the gear 134 is inside the bore of the hollow shaft 136, and the teeth of the gear 134 mesh with internal teeth inside the bore of the hollow shaft 136. When the device 120 is coupled to the docking station 122, the mixing motor 130 is activated and rotates, thereby rotating the shaft 132, gear 134, hollow shaft 136, and folding impeller 114. Specifically, in the embodiment shown, the mixing motor 130 is powered directly by the docking station 122, rather than by a battery (power storage 44) in the device 120. In an alternative embodiment, the mixing motor 130 is optionally or exclusively powered by an integrated power storage component in the barrel assembly 124.

[0107] Docking station 122 is shown schematically in Figures 5B (cross-sectional side view) and 5C (side view).

[0108] 5B shows the body 82, base 84, cavity 86, opening 88, power supply 98, inductive charger 100, and docking station controller 124, which operates all functions and components of docking station 122. As noted above, the present invention is not limited to inductive chargers, and any suitable charger may be used, mutatis mutandis. For example, a physical connector may connect the charger to device 120.

[0109] FIG. 5C shows an exemplary exterior of the docking station 122, which includes two buttons 142, 144 and two indicator LEDs 146, 148.

[0110] When the agitation activation button 142 is depressed, the controller 124 activates the mixing motor 130 of the device 120 coupled to the docking station 122. This is accomplished, for example, by the controller 124 modulating the power transferred from the inductive charger 100 of the docking station 122 to the inductive charger 46 of the barrel assembly 124 when the button 142 is depressed, which modulation is detected by the controller 40 of the barrel assembly 124.

[0111] When reset button 144 is depressed, controller 124 instructs device 120 coupled to docking station 122 to move piston 28 to its proximal-most position. This can be accomplished, for example, by modulating the transmitted power as described above. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, reset buttons having the same functionality as reset button 144 are located on the barrel assemblies (12, 108, 124, 610A, 710, 810, 910, and 1010, described in detail below).

[0112] The charging indicator LED 146 flashes when the device 120 is connected to the docking station 122 and is being charged via the inductive charger 46 (or in some embodiments, a direct contact charger), and stops flashing and remains steadily lit when the battery of the device 120 is sufficiently charged to dispense the entire contents of the composition reservoir of the device 120.

[0113] The power indicator LED 148 illuminates when the docking station 122 is connected to a power source.

[0114] In an alternative embodiment, the docking station includes a single button with two integrated LEDs, a red LED and a green LED. When the applicator device is held and charged in the docking station and the applicator device's power storage is insufficiently charged to dispense the entire contents of the reservoir, the red LED flashes. When the button is pressed, nothing happens. When the applicator device's power storage is sufficiently charged to dispense the entire contents of the reservoir, the red LED turns off and the green LED turns on. When the green LED is on, pressing the button activates the stirring mechanism to stir the contents of the reservoir.

[0115] In embodiments of the present invention, any of the application devices 10 , 106 and 120 described above may receive or enclose a hair coloring composition cartridge or capsule within reservoir 24 .

[0116] In the case of device 10, the capsule may be a collapsible or frangible capsule separated into two cavities, each containing a different portion of the hair coloring composition, such as peroxide and color paste. A user may shake the capsule to evenly mix the hair coloring composition after breaking the separator between the cavities. The capsule may then be inserted into reservoir 24, and the device may operate as described above. When piston 28 is pressed toward the teeth, the capsule may be broken, forcing the hair coloring composition toward the teeth.

[0117] In the case of devices 106 and 120, the capsule may be, for example, a collapsible or frangible capsule separated into two cavities, each containing a different portion of the hair coloring composition. When the capsule is inserted into reservoir 24, the separation between the cavities may be broken by impeller 114 contacting the underside of the capsule to uniformly mix the hair coloring composition. The device may then operate as described above. When piston 28 is pushed toward the teeth, the hair coloring composition is pushed toward the teeth. It should be understood that the capsules described above are merely exemplary, and any capsule that allows the hair coloring composition to be mixed and delivered through the teeth may be used. The capsule body, upper and lower sides may be made of a collapsible material, a foldable material, a dissolvable material, or the like. The upper and / or lower sides of the capsule may be covered by a removable cover, such as foil, that allows the capsule to be opened before being inserted into reservoir 24. It should be understood that the capsule may be inserted into the reservoir 24 with the reservoir opening facing upwards or with the reservoir opening facing downwards and then inverted along with the capsule by the user.

[0118] An additional embodiment of a kit 600 according to the teachings herein, including an application device 610 and a docking station 620, is shown in FIG. 6A shows a front view of another applicator kit 600 including another docking station 620 and another applicator device 610 including a barrel assembly 610A, an applicator cap 610B, and a cup 610C. It should be understood that the applicator device 610 is not limited to including the cup 610C.

[0119] FIG. 6B shows an exploded view of FIG. 6A.

[0120] FIG. 6C shows an exploded view of an applicator device 610 having two reversibly connectable assemblies: a barrel assembly 610A and an applicator cap 610B.

[0121] Barrel assembly 610A includes two separate reservoirs 630A and 630B.

[0122] In many aspects and details, coating apparatus 610 is similar to or identical to coating apparatuses 10, 106, and 120 described above. Some differences between apparatus 610 and apparatuses 10, 106, and 120 are described below. In many aspects and details, docking station 620 is similar to or identical to docking station 122 described above. Some differences between docking station 620 and docking station 122 are described below.

[0123] FIG. 6D shows a cross-sectional side view of barrel assembly 610A.

[0124] FIG. 6E shows a perspective cross-sectional view of barrel assembly 610A.

[0125] Barrel assembly 610A includes two separate reservoirs 630A and 630B, each containing a piston 640A and 640B that pushes contents held within reservoirs 630A and 630B toward applicator teeth 602 of applicator cap 610B. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 6D and 6E, pistons 640A and 640B are connected to each other by threaded shafts 641A and 642B, respectively, which pass through cogwheels 643A and 644B, such that the external threads of threaded shafts 641A and 642B, respectively, mesh with the internal threads of cogwheels 643A and 644B, respectively. Cogwheels 643A and 644B cannot move up and down, but can only rotate, so that when the cogwheel rotates in one direction, the piston moves up, and when the cogwheel rotates in the other direction, the piston moves down. In an embodiment of the present invention, each threaded shaft 641A and 642B is guided by a guide channel or pin, allowing pistons 640A and 640B to move up and down, but not rotate.

[0126] Barrel assembly 610A further includes cogwheel 650 mounted in contact with and between cogwheel 643A and cogwheel 644B such that the teeth of cogwheel 650 mesh with the teeth of cogwheels 643A and 644B, and motor 660 that rotates cogwheel 650, which rotates cogwheels 643A and 644B, thereby moving pistons 640A and 640B. Barrel assembly 610A may further include components necessary for operation of device 610, including at least some of a dispense controller (not shown), which may include a speaker, a display, a user interface, a rechargeable power storage unit, and a charger.

[0127] Returning to FIG. 6A , in an embodiment of the invention, barrel assembly 610A may include a spring-loaded activation button 601 that is generally biased to an outward position but can be depressed to an inward position by applying finger or manual force. When applicator cap 610B is attached to barrel assembly 610A and button 601 is in the inward position, motor 660 drives cogwheels 643A and 644B, thereby driving cogwheel 650 distally, which moves pistons 640A and 640B to dispense the contents held in reservoirs 630A and 630B through applicator teeth 602 of applicator cap 610B. When button 601 is released from the inward position, it returns to the outward position and motor 660 is momentarily reversed and then stopped. As a result, pistons 640A and 640B are pulled back slightly proximally, immediately halting (canceling) the dispensing of composition from teeth 602. The application controller controls the actuation of piston drive motor 660 in response to the state of button 601. It should be understood that other types of actuation buttons may be used and the present invention is not limited to spring-loaded actuation buttons.

[0128] An LED array 603, consisting of, for example, four individually actuable light-emitting diodes, is used to indicate the amount of content held within the composition reservoirs. For example, all LEDs lit indicate that reservoirs 630A and 630B are full; a few LEDs lit indicate that reservoirs 630A and 630B are partially full, e.g., 75%, 50%, 25%, 12.5% ​​full; one LED flashing indicates 6% full; one LED flashing quickly and all LEDs flashing several times indicates that reservoirs 630A and 630B are empty. Activation of LED array 603 is controlled by a dispenser controller. In embodiments of the present invention, barrel assembly 610A may further include a reset button 604, which operates as described above.

[0129] FIG. 6F shows a bottom perspective view of applicator cap 610B.

[0130] FIG. 6G shows an exploded view of FIG. 6F.

[0131] FIG. 6H shows a top perspective exploded view of applicator cap 610B.

[0132] FIG. 6I shows a bottom view of applicator cap 610B.

[0133] Applicator cap 610B includes two caps 611B and 612B that enclose reservoirs 630A and 630B, respectively, with caps 611B and 612B having holes 613B and 614B, respectively, through which the contents of reservoirs 630A and 630B, respectively, can pass toward teeth 602. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6F , applicator cap 610B is reversibly connected to barrel assembly 610A using pin 615. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to using pin 615 to connect applicator cap 610B to barrel assembly 610A, but rather any suitable method may be used, such as a screw, a screw, a clip, or any other suitable method known in the art.

[0134] 6G, 6H, and 6I, applicator cap 610B further includes a static mixer 670 attached to a channel 671 attached between part 665 and applicator tooth 602. Channel 671 is sealed and fluidly communicates with holes 613B and 614B at one end and with tooth 602 at the other end. When pistons 640A and 640B push the contents of reservoirs 630A and 630B toward tooth 602, the contents of each reservoir pass through respective holes 613B and 614B and are received at the inlets of channel 671, shown as 671A and 671B. As both contents travel through static mixer 670, they mix to form a homogenous composition at the other side (outlet) of channel 671, shown as 671C, connected to tooth 602. The uniform composition fills the elongated space 671D attached under the tooth such that the composition is extruded from the tooth 602 and uniformly expelled from all teeth only when the space 671D is filled with the uniform composition. It should be understood that the space 671D is not limited to being elongated and does not necessarily have to be filled. Alternatively, other methods of ensuring that the composition is uniformly expelled from the teeth may be used.

[0135] As noted above, in embodiments of the present invention, each of the application devices described above may be adapted to receive a cartridge or capsule of hair coloring composition. In such cases, reservoirs 630A and 630B may each receive a capsule having a different portion of the hair coloring composition. Thus, instead of injecting material directly into reservoirs 630A and 630B, a user inserts two capsules, each having a different portion of the hair coloring composition, and the device may operate as described above, or with minor modifications.

[0136] In embodiments of the present invention, barrel assembly 610A may include a single reservoir for receiving capsules instead of two separate reservoirs 630A and 630B. In such embodiments, a user may insert a designated capsule into that reservoir, and the device may operate as described above, or with slight modifications. The designated capsule may include two separate reservoirs, each containing a different portion of the hair coloring composition, with each reservoir mounted on a piston. The designated capsule may further include a top cover that may be removed by the user and may be torn by force exerted by the contents of each reservoir as the piston pushes the contents toward the teeth, and a bottom cover that may be removed by the user and may be torn by force exerted by the piston.

[0137] In an additional embodiment of an applicator device according to the teachings herein, the applicator device is shown in FIG. FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional side view of another applicator device 700 that includes two reversibly connectable assemblies: a barrel assembly 710 and an applicator cap 720 .

[0138] Barrel assembly 710 includes two separate reservoirs 710A and 710B, each of which receives a different portion of the hair coloring composition.

[0139] In many aspects and details, applicator device 700 is similar to or identical to applicator devices 10, 106, 120, and 610 described above. Some differences between device 700 and devices 10, 106, 120, and 610 are described below. In many aspects and details, the docking station (not shown) of applicator device 700 is similar to or identical to docking stations 122 and 620 described above. In many aspects and details, applicator cap 720 is similar to or identical to applicator cap 610B described above.

[0140] Barrel assembly 710 includes two separate reservoirs 710A and 710B, each containing a piston 730A and 730B, which pushes the contents held within reservoirs 710A and 710B toward applicator teeth 702 of applicator cap 720. In an exemplary embodiment, each piston is connected to a flexible lead cable 740A and 740B, which pass from the bottom of their respective reservoirs into a lower cavity 750 of barrel assembly 710 and through a drive mechanism (dispensing mechanism). The drive mechanism may be any drive mechanism capable of driving flexible lead cables 740A and 740B to push the pistons toward teeth 702, thereby enabling the hair coloring composition contained in reservoirs 710A and 710B to be expelled from teeth 702.

[0141] In this exemplary embodiment, each drive mechanism includes two sets of transmission wheels, one 760A and 760B and the other 760C and 760D, driven by a motor (not shown), with transmission wheels 760A and 760C rotating counterclockwise and transmission wheels 760B and 760D rotating clockwise to drive the pistons towards the teeth.

[0142] The barrel assembly 710 may further include components necessary for the operation of the device 700, including at least some of the following: an application controller, which may include a speaker (not shown), a display, a user interface, a rechargeable power storage unit, and a charger.

[0143] In an embodiment of the present invention, barrel assembly 710 may include spring-loaded activation and reset buttons (not shown) that operate as described above.

[0144] In an additional embodiment of an applicator device according to the teachings herein, the applicator device is shown in FIG. FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional side view of another applicator device 800 that includes two reversibly connectable assemblies: a barrel assembly 810 and an applicator cap 820 .

[0145] Barrel assembly 810 includes two separate reservoirs 810A and 810B, each of which receives a different portion of the hair coloring composition.

[0146] In many aspects and details, applicator device 800 is similar to or identical to applicator devices 10, 106, 120, 610, and 700 described above. Some differences between device 800 and devices 10, 106, 120, 610, and 700 are described below. In many aspects and details, the docking station (not shown) of applicator device 800 is similar to or identical to docking stations 122 and 620 described above. In many aspects and details, applicator cap 820 is similar to or identical to applicator cap 610B described above.

[0147] Barrel assembly 810 includes two separate reservoirs 810A and 810B, each containing a piston 830A and 830B, which push the contents held within reservoirs 810A and 810B towards applicator teeth 802 of applicator cap 820.

[0148] In the exemplary embodiment, each of pistons 830A and 830B is mounted around a respective threaded shaft 840A and 840B such that the internal threads mate with the external threads of the rotatable threaded shafts 840A and 840B. The rotatable threaded shafts 840A and 840B pass through the bottom of their respective reservoirs into a lower cavity 850 of the barrel assembly 810 and are connected to a drive mechanism. In this exemplary embodiment, each of rotatable threaded shafts 840A and 840B is connected to a respective cogwheel 860A and 860B such that when the cogwheel moves in one direction, the piston moves up, and when the cogwheel moves in the other direction, the piston moves down. In an embodiment of the invention, each of pistons 830A and 830B is guided by a guide channel or pin mounted within each piston's reservoir, allowing the pistons 830A and 830B to move up and down, but not rotate.

[0149] The drive mechanism may be any drive mechanism capable of rotating the cogwheels 860A and 860B, thereby rotating the shafts 840A and 840B and moving the pistons towards the teeth 802, so as to allow the hair coloring composition contained in the reservoirs 810A and 810B to be expelled from the teeth 802.

[0150] In this exemplary embodiment, the drive mechanism includes a cogwheel 870 that is in contact with and mounted between cogwheel 860A and cogwheel 860B so that the teeth of cogwheel 870 mesh with the teeth of cogwheels 860A and 860B, and a motor 880 that rotates cogwheel 870, which rotates cogwheels 860A and 860B, thereby moving pistons 830A and 830B.

[0151] Barrel assembly 810 may further include components necessary for operation of device 800, including at least some of the following: an application controller, which may include a speaker (not shown), a display, a user interface, a rechargeable power storage unit, and a charger. In embodiments of the present invention, barrel assembly 810 may include spring-loaded activation and reset buttons (not shown) that operate as described above.

[0152] In an additional embodiment of an applicator device according to the teachings herein, the applicator device is shown in FIG. FIG. 9 shows a side cross-sectional view of another applicator device 900 that includes two reversibly connectable assemblies: a barrel assembly 910 and an applicator cap 920 .

[0153] The barrel assembly 910 includes a reservoir 910 A that receives a hair coloring composition capsule or cartridge 915 .

[0154] In many aspects and details, applicator device 900 is similar to or identical to applicator devices 10, 106, 120, 610, 700, and 800 described above. Some differences between device 900 and devices 10, 106, 120, 610, 700, and 800 are described below. In many aspects and details, the docking station (not shown) for applicator device 900 is similar to or identical to docking stations 122 and 620 described above. In many aspects and details, applicator cap 920 is similar to or identical to applicator cap 610B described above.

[0155] The barrel assembly 910 includes a reservoir 910A that includes two elevators 930A and 930B, which push against pistons 915C and 915D, respectively, to push the contents held within the capsule 915 toward the applicator teeth 902 of the applicator cap 920. In an exemplary embodiment, each elevator is connected to a flexible lead cable 940A and 940B, respectively, which pass from the bottom of the reservoir 910A into a lower cavity 950 of the barrel assembly 910 and into a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may be any drive mechanism capable of driving the flexible lead cables 940A and 940B to move the pistons 915C and 915D toward the teeth 902 so as to allow the hair coloring composition contained in the reservoirs 915A and 915B to be expelled from the teeth 902. In this exemplary embodiment, each drive mechanism includes two sets of transmission wheels, one set 960A and 960B and the other set 960C and 960D, driven by a motor (not shown), with transmission wheels 960A and 960C rotating counterclockwise and transmission wheels 960B and 960D rotating clockwise to drive the elevator towards the teeth.

[0156] The barrel assembly 910 may further include components necessary for the operation of the device 900, including at least some of the following: an application controller, which may include a speaker (not shown), a display, a user interface, a rechargeable power storage unit, and a charger.

[0157] In an embodiment of the present invention, barrel assembly 910 may include spring-loaded activation and reset buttons (not shown) that operate as described above.

[0158] As described above, the device 900 receives the capsule 915 .

[0159] The capsule 915 includes two separate reservoirs 915A and 915B, each containing a different portion of the hair coloring composition. The reservoirs 915A and 915B include pistons 915C and 915D, respectively, that move upward within their respective compartments. The bottom of the capsule 915 includes two openings 915E and 915F through which the pistons 915C and 915D can come into contact with the lifting portions 930A and 930B, respectively, when the capsule 915 is inserted into the reservoir 910A. The capsule 915 further allows the hair coloring composition contained in the reservoirs 915A and 915B to be expelled from the top side of the capsule toward the tooth 902. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the capsule 915 further includes a cover 970, such as a foil, that is removed by the user before inserting the capsule 915 into the application device 900. It should be understood that the capsule 915 is not limited to being covered with foil, and the cover does not necessarily have to be completely removed. Alternatively, the cover may be made of any material, the cover may only be opened in association with the holes 613B and 614B described above, the cover may only be opened in association with the caps 611B and 612B described above, the cover may be made of a frangible material, etc.

[0160] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional side view of another applicator device 1000 that includes two reversibly connectable assemblies: a barrel assembly 1010 and an applicator cap 1020 .

[0161] The barrel assembly 1010 includes a reservoir 1010 A that receives a hair coloring composition capsule or cartridge 1015 .

[0162] In many aspects and details, applicator 1000 is similar to or identical to applicator apparatuses 10, 106, 120, 610, 700, 800, and 900 described above. Some differences between applicator apparatus 1000 and applicator apparatuses 10, 106, 120, 610, 700, 800, and 900 are described below. In many aspects and details, applicator apparatus 1000's docking station (not shown) is similar to or identical to docking stations 122 and 620 described above. In many aspects and details, applicator cap 1020 is similar to or identical to applicator cap 610B described above.

[0163] As described above, the device 1000 receives a capsule 1015. The capsule 1015 includes two separate reservoirs 1015A and 1015B, each containing a different portion of the hair coloring composition. The reservoirs 1015A and 1015B include pistons 1015C and 1015D, respectively, which move upward within their respective reservoirs. In an exemplary embodiment, the pistons 1015C and 1015D are mounted around the respective threaded shafts 1040A and 1040B, respectively, such that their internal threads mate with the external threads of the rotatable threaded shafts 1040A and 1040B. The rotatable threaded shafts 1040A and 1040B pass through the bottom of their respective compartments and are interconnected with gears 1030A and 1030B, respectively. The bottom of the reservoir 1010A includes two openings 1015E and 1015F which allow the gears 1030A and 1030B to come into contact with a drive mechanism attached to the lower cavity 1050 of the barrel assembly 1010 when the capsule 1015 is inserted into the reservoir 1010A. The drive mechanism may be any drive mechanism capable of rotating the gears 1030A and 1030B, thereby rotating the shafts 1040A and 1040B and moving the pistons towards the teeth 1002 so that the hair coloring composition contained in the reservoirs 1015A and 1015B can be expelled from the top of the capsules towards the teeth 1002. In the exemplary embodiment, the drive mechanism includes two concave gears 1060A and 1060B mounted in the cavity 1050 below the openings 1015E and 1015F, a cogwheel 1070 mounted in contact with and between the concave gears 1060A and 1060B so that its teeth mesh with the external teeth of the concave gears 1060A and 1060B, and a motor 1080 that moves the pistons 1015C and 1015D by rotating the cogwheel 1070, which rotates the gears 1060A and 1060B.When the capsule 1015 is inserted into the reservoir 1010A, each gear 1030A and 1030B engages with the respective recessed gears 1060A and 1060B, such that when the recessed gears 1060A and 1060B rotate, the gears 1030A and 1030B rotate, moving the pistons 1015C and 1015D toward the teeth 1002. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the capsule 1015 further includes a cover 1090, such as a foil, that is removed by a user before inserting the capsule 1015 into the applicator 1000. It should be understood that the capsule 1015 is not limited to being covered by a foil, and the cover does not necessarily need to be completely removed. Alternatively, the cover may be made of any material, the cover may be opened only in association with the holes 613B and 614B described above, the cover may be opened only in association with the caps 611B and 612B described above, the cover may be made of a frangible material, etc. In an embodiment of the present invention, each piston 1015C and 1015D is guided by a guide channel or pin mounted within each piston's respective reservoir, allowing the pistons 1015C and 1015D to move up and down but not rotate.

[0164] The barrel assembly 1010 may further include components necessary for the operation of the device 1000, including at least some application controllers (not shown), which may include a speaker, a display, a user interface, a rechargeable power storage unit, and a charger.

[0165] In an embodiment of the present invention, barrel assembly 1010 may include spring-loaded activation and reset buttons (not shown) that operate as described above.

[0166] It should be understood that any of the above-described embodiments require a sealing solution, such as a seal between the reservoir and applicator cup, a seal between the piston and reservoir, a seal between the top and bottom of the barrel assembly, a seal between parts passing from one cavity to another, and any part where a general seal is required to prevent leakage associated with parts contacting at least a portion of the hair coloring composition. It should be understood that the present invention covers such sealing solutions. Exemplary sealing solutions include, but are not limited to, O-rings, rubbers, gaskets, or any other sealing solution known in the art.

[0167] It should also be appreciated that the barrel assembly described above is preferably water resistant, i.e. rinsing the device (particularly the reservoir or compartment) with running water will not damage the barrel assembly or any of its parts.

[0168] In embodiments of the present invention, each of the capsules described above may include an applicator cap 610B connected thereto to form a single unit. In such cases, the capsule, along with the applicator cap, may be disposable, and the user need only insert a new capsule into the barrel assembly to operate the device.

[0169] In embodiments of the present invention, any of the above-described kits may further include a cleaning compartment connected to the applicator cap 610B so that to clean the applicator cap, a user fills the cleaning compartment with a cleaning fluid, such as water, connects it to the cap, and squeezes it to flush the cleaning fluid away from the teeth and clean the static mixer and the cap containing the teeth.

[0170] In embodiments of the present invention, applicator cap 610B may be disposable, and therefore any of the above-described kits may include only a barrel assembly, may include a barrel assembly and a docking station, or may include a barrel assembly, a docking station, and at least one disposable applicator cap.

[0171] It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the capsule designs described above, and any suitable capsule may be used which includes two separate compartments, each containing a different portion of the hair coloring composition, and means for advancing the contents held within each compartment out of the capsule.

[0172] It should also be understood that the present invention is not limited to the drive mechanisms described above, but rather any drive mechanism capable of driving the piston of the capsule may be used, for example, a telescopic drive mechanism.

[0173] It should also be understood that any of the piston-related components described in connection with any of the capsules above, including the mechanisms for driving the respective pistons, may be implemented within barrel assembly 610A.

[0174] It should also be understood that any of the barrel assemblies described above constitute the device body.

[0175] It should be understood that while some of the above-described applicator caps include a mixing mechanism, the present invention is not limited to static mixers or static mixing, and any suitable mixing mechanism may be used.

[0176] The reversibly connectable assemblies comprising the applicator device according to the teachings herein may be configured to be reversibly connectable in any suitable manner. In the exemplary embodiment, the barrel assembly 12 and the mixing cap 14 or applicator cap 16 are reversibly connectable using a twist-lock connector. Other suitable configurations include, for example, matching threads on the barrel assembly / cap.

[0177] An applicator device according to the teachings herein may have any suitable handle, as described above. The applicator device 10 described above includes a proximal portion 22 of a barrel assembly 12 that forms the handle of the device 10, which is a parallel-walled cylinder having a diameter of 6 cm. In some embodiments, such a handle may have a different diameter, e.g., between 4 cm and 6 cm, or between 4.5 cm and 6 cm, or even between 4 cm and 5 cm, or may have a different shape. As described above, the barrel assembly 12 that forms the handle of the device 10 is not limited to a cylindrical shape and may be any shape.

[0178] An application device and / or docking station according to the teachings herein may include any suitable user interface for receiving user commands and providing information to the user. In the exemplary embodiment described above, the application device includes a speaker to audibly provide information to the user. Additionally or alternatively, some device embodiments include other information providing components; for example, some embodiments include a vibrating component (e.g., including a piezoelectric vibrating component known in the art of mobile phones) to tactilely provide information to the user. In some embodiments described above with reference to the Figures, any of the application devices described above may include a display / user interface 42, such as a touchscreen, known in the art of digital input / output devices. In some embodiments, other display components and / or other input components (e.g., physical buttons, knobs, and dials) may be used to implement the teachings herein, for example, as described with reference to device 120.

[0179] In the embodiments described above, moving any of the pistons in a proximal direction was performed when a user command was received. In some preferred embodiments, for ease of use, the device is configured so that if no command is given for a pre-specified period of time (e.g., 5, 10, 15 minutes), the pistons will automatically move in a proximal direction, indicating that the device is not in use.

[0180] It should be understood that any of the pistons described above may move up during operation and move down to a starting position when a process is completed, when the device is reset, before the device is turned off, etc.

[0181] In some embodiments, when in use or when imminent use is expected, the controller and other electronic components of the application device are configured to be ready for immediate use, but if no command is given for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes), indicating that the device is unlikely to be used imminently, the controller and other components go into a low-power "standby" state.

[0182] The above description explains how the applicator device is configured to continuously operate the drive mechanism to continuously drive at least one piston in a distal direction when actual application of the composition is desired. When it is desired to stop dispensing, even temporarily, the applicator device is configured to automatically and momentarily operate the drive mechanism in the reverse direction to slightly pull back at least one piston in a proximal direction. As a result, dispensing of the composition from the tooth is immediately stopped, which would otherwise cause the composition to leak or flow out of the distal tip of the tooth.

[0183] In the embodiments described above with reference to the drawings, the applicator device includes a power storage unit 44 that is a rechargeable battery that can be charged by an inductive charger 46. In some embodiments, such a power storage unit is charged by a wired charger (direct contact). In some embodiments, the applicator device includes a non-rechargeable, replaceable battery, such as an AA or AAA size battery.

[0184] In some embodiments described above with reference to some of the drawings, the reservoir axis and the tooth axis are parallel to the body axis, and in some embodiments, the reservoir axis and the tooth axis are within 30°, 25°, 20°, 15°, 10°, 5°, or even parallel to the body axis (as in the illustrated embodiment).

[0185] As mentioned above, the applicator tines of the applicator device should preferably be configured to be non-scratching, i.e., not to cause any physical damage or irritation to the scalp when pressed along the scalp. In a preferred embodiment, the distal tips of the tines are rounded.

[0186] In the embodiments described above with reference to the drawings, the applicator device includes eight hollow application teeth for applying a hair coloring composition. In some embodiments, an applicator device according to the teachings herein has three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten teeth, with a composition channel passing through the axis of each tooth that provides fluid communication from at least one composition reservoir to the distal tip of the tooth. Thus, in preferred embodiments, an applicator device according to the teachings herein has three, four, five, six, seven, or eight teeth.

[0187] The cross-sectional size of the channels passing through the teeth can be any suitable size and will typically depend at least in part on the viscosity of the hair coloring composition and / or ingredients held within the composition reservoir. That said, taking into account the viscosities of known hair coloring compositions, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional size of the channels passing through the teeth is equivalent to the size of a circle having a diameter of 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0188] It should be noted that in the embodiments described above with reference to the drawings, the spacing between any two adjacent teeth, measured from the centers of two adjacent tips, is between 4 mm and 8 mm, and more preferably between 5 mm and 7 mm. While the particular tooth spacing is not arbitrary, it has surprisingly been observed that advancing the applicator device in accordance with the teachings herein produces superior results, particularly due to the lack of excessive resistance to advancing the teeth against the hair (which may occur if the teeth are closer together) and sufficient coating of the portion of the hair shaft closest to the scalp with hair coloring composition (which would be insufficient if the teeth were further apart).

[0189] As noted above, achieving a "snow removal" effect is currently believed to be important for effective distribution of the hair coloring composition. One factor in achieving such an effect is that the distal ends of the tines are not sharp, but rather have a rounded shape, which has the added benefit of avoiding discomfort to the user's scalp. In some preferred embodiments, the tines have rounded distal tips and a diameter near the distal end that is between 2 mm and 4 mm. In preferred embodiments, the diameter is 3.5 mm or less, and even 3 mm or less.

[0190] The tines may be of any suitable length, preferably long enough to pass under the hair but not so long that it causes discomfort when using the device. For short hair, the preferred tine length is found to be 2.5 cm to 3.5 cm, and for long hair, the preferred tine length is 3.5 cm to 8 cm, more preferably 3.5 cm to 6 cm.

[0191] As shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 4, 5A, 6B, and 7-10, the distal end of the applicator cap is concave rather than flat. It is seen that a concave distal end of the applicator cap is preferred to reduce the chance of the distal end coming into contact with the scalp.

[0192] It should be understood that any of the drive mechanisms described above may be referred to as a dispensing mechanism.

[0193] It should be understood that the parts of the hair coloring composition described above may be a color solution and a color developer, or any other part contained in a hair coloring composition.

[0194] It should also be understood that as long as these two parts remain separate, they can be stored for a long period of time. Only when the parts are mixed will there be a limited time for use.

[0195] Thus, in embodiments of the present invention, any one of the devices described in relation to Figures 6 to 10 may include a cover or cap.

[0196] Due to the fact that each device holds two portions of hair coloring composition separately, the device cover may cover the reservoir instead of or in addition to the applicator cap, for added usability.

[0197] In the embodiments described above with reference to the drawings, the mixing cap and applicator cap are reversibly connectable to the barrel assembly, and the applicator device is configured to be at least partially reusable. In some embodiments, the applicator device is preferably configured to be disposable and is provided with a composition reservoir pre-filled with the components of the hair coloring composition. For use, a user operates the device to combine and mix the individual components of the hair coloring composition to form the hair coloring composition in the reservoir, and then operates the device substantially as described above. In the embodiments described above, the mixing motor 92, which mixes the hair coloring composition in the reservoir 24, is part of the docking station 80. As a result, the docking station 80 not only serves as a convenient holder to facilitate operation of the applicator device 10, particularly the loading of the components of the hair coloring composition into the reservoir 24, but also provides a lightweight design; in some embodiments, the reservoir 24 weighs 350 g or less when fully filled with the hair coloring composition. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the mixing motor is part of the barrel assembly, as described with reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the ingredients of the hair coloring composition are mixed during use, as described with reference to Figures 6-10.

[0198] In some embodiments, a docking station, such as docking station 80, 122, or 620, includes a scale (e.g., on a docking station display) that indicates the weight of an object held by its holder. By considering the weight of the barrel assembly so held as a tare weight, such a docking station can indicate the amount of material that has been added to the reservoir, thereby allowing a user (e.g., a hair care professional) to add a desired amount of a component of the hair coloring composition (e.g., proportionally increasing or decreasing developer to achieve a greater or lesser lift).

[0199] In some embodiments, a device according to the teachings herein includes a camera configured to capture video images of the area surrounding the distal tip of the applied tooth and transmit these images to a suitable image display device. The images can be transmitted using a suitable technology, such as Bluetooth®.

[0200] The image display device may be any suitable display device, such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, a personal computer, or any type of display screen.

[0201] As described above, in some embodiments, the device dispenses the hair coloring composition held in the reservoir or capsule at a predetermined and / or user-selected rate. In some embodiments, the device includes a sensor that detects contact between the applicator tines and the scalp (e.g., the sensor detects force applied to the tips of the tines), and dispensing of the hair coloring composition from the reservoir occurs only when the sensor indicates that the tines are in contact with the scalp. In some embodiments, the device includes a sensor (e.g., an accelerometer, as known in the smartphone art) that determines the speed at which the tines advance along the scalp, and the rate at which the hair coloring composition is dispensed from the reservoir also depends on the determined speed. In some embodiments, the distal tines may be slightly longer than the other tines, and the device may operate only when both of the long tines are in contact with the scalp.

[0202] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

[0203] As used herein, the terms "piston" and "plunger" (when used in the priority document) are synonymous and refer to the mechanical part described herein that functions like the piston (plunger) of a syringe.

[0204] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "including," "having," and grammatical variations thereof, should be interpreted as specifying the stated features, integers, steps, or components, but not excluding the addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. These terms encompass the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of."

[0205] As used herein, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" mean "at least one" or "one or more," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0206] As used herein, when a numerical value is preceded by the term "about," the term "about" is intended to indicate ±10%.

[0207] As used herein, the phrase "A and / or B" means selected from the group consisting of (A), (B), or (A and B). As used herein, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" means selected from the group consisting of (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

[0208] It should be understood that certain features of the invention that are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, for brevity, various features of the invention that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or with any other described embodiment of the invention, as appropriate. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments unless the embodiment is inoperable without those elements.

[0209] While the present invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0210] Citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

[0211] Section headings are used herein to facilitate understanding of the specification and should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

[0212] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described above, but rather the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and includes combinations and subcombinations of the various features described above, as well as variations and modifications thereof that may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

Claims

1. 1. An application device for applying a hair coloring composition, comprising: a first reservoir including a first piston and configured to receive a first portion of the hair coloring composition; a second reservoir including a second piston and configured to receive a second portion of the hair coloring composition; a dispensing mechanism associated with the first piston and the second piston, configured to sealably move the first piston within the first reservoir and sealably move the second piston within the second reservoir; a device body including: a mixing mechanism; a plurality of protruding teeth; and an applicator cap including: the applicator cap is configured to be reversibly connected to the device body such that when the applicator cap is connected to the device body, the first reservoir and the second reservoir are sealed from the outside by the mixing mechanism, except for channels of the plurality of protruding teeth that are in fluid communication with the first reservoir and the second reservoir; an application device, wherein the dispensing mechanism is configured, when actuated, to move the first piston and the second piston toward the plurality of protruding teeth, thereby mixing the first portion of the hair coloring composition and the second portion of the hair coloring composition to form a mixed hair coloring composition that is dispensed by the plurality of protruding teeth.

2. The distribution mechanism includes: a first cogwheel having internal threads and external teeth mounted below the first piston; a second cogwheel having internal threads and external teeth mounted below the second piston; a third cogwheel having external teeth and mounted between and in contact with the first cogwheel and the second cogwheel; a motor; the first piston is connected to the first threaded shaft such that an outer thread of the first threaded shaft meshes with an inner thread of the first cogwheel, and the second piston is connected to the second threaded shaft such that an outer thread of the second threaded shaft meshes with an inner thread of the second cogwheel; the external teeth of the third cogwheel mesh with the external teeth of the first cogwheel and the second cogwheel; 2. The application device of claim 1, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the third cogwheel, thereby rotating the first cogwheel and the second cogwheel and moving the first piston and the second piston.

3. the first reservoir is in fluid communication with the mixing mechanism through a first hole, and the second reservoir is in fluid communication with the mixing mechanism through a second hole; 10. The application device of claim 1, wherein the mixing mechanism comprises a static mixer mounted within a channel configured to receive a first portion of the hair coloring composition and a second portion of the hair coloring composition at one end and to provide a mixed hair coloring composition at an opposite end.

4. The distribution mechanism includes: a first set of transmission wheels including a first transmission wheel and a second transmission wheel; a second set of drive wheels including a third drive wheel and a fourth drive wheel; at least one motor; the first piston is connected to a first flexible lead cable such that the first flexible lead cable contacts and passes between the first and second transmission wheels, and the second piston is connected to a second flexible lead cable such that the second flexible lead cable contacts and passes between the third and fourth transmission wheels; 2. The application device of claim 1, wherein the at least one motor is configured to move the first piston and the second piston by rotating the first transmission wheel, the second transmission wheel, the third transmission wheel, and the fourth transmission wheel.

5. The distribution mechanism includes: a first cogwheel having external teeth and mounted below the first piston; a second cogwheel having external teeth and mounted below the second piston; a third cogwheel having external teeth and mounted between and in contact with the first cogwheel and the second cogwheel; a motor; the first cogwheel is connected to a first screw shaft, and the second cogwheel is connected to a second screw shaft; the first piston is mounted around the first threaded shaft such that its internal threads mate with the external threads of the first threaded shaft, and the second piston is mounted around the second threaded shaft such that its internal threads mate with the external threads of the second threaded shaft; the external teeth of the third cogwheel mesh with the external teeth of the first cogwheel and the second cogwheel; 2. The application device of claim 1, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the third cogwheel, thereby rotating the first cogwheel and the second cogwheel and moving the first piston and the second piston.

6. 10. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the first reservoir is configured to receive a first portion of the hair coloring composition in a first capsule and the second reservoir is configured to receive a second portion of the hair coloring composition in a second capsule.

7. a first reservoir containing a first portion of a hair coloring composition; a second reservoir containing a second portion of the hair coloring composition.

8. 1. A hair coloring composition capsule comprising: a first piston attached to the lower end; a first part of a hair coloring composition; a first reservoir containing a second piston attached to the lower end; a second part of the hair coloring composition; and and a second reservoir containing wherein the first piston and the second piston are configured to move to extrude a first portion of the hair coloring composition from the first reservoir and to extrude a second portion of the hair coloring composition from the second reservoir.

9. a first opening below the first piston; a second opening below the second piston; 9. The hair coloring composition capsule of claim 8, wherein said first opening and said second opening are configured to allow contact between said first piston and said second piston.

10. 8. The hair coloring composition capsule of claim 7, further comprising a removable cover.

11. the first reservoir further includes a first threaded shaft extending from a lower end to an upper end of the first reservoir, the first piston including an internal thread and mounted around the first threaded shaft such that the external threads of the first threaded shaft mate with the internal threads of the first piston; 9. A hair coloring composition capsule according to claim 8, wherein said second reservoir further comprises a second threaded shaft extending from a lower end to an upper end of said second reservoir, said second piston comprising an internal thread and mounted around said second threaded shaft such that the external threads of said second threaded shaft mate with the internal threads of said second piston.

12. 1. A hair coloring composition capsule comprising: a first reservoir having an internal thread, a first piston mounted on a lower end of the first reservoir and around a first threaded shaft extending from the lower end to the upper end of the first reservoir such that the external thread of the first threaded shaft meshes with the internal thread; a first reservoir containing a first portion of a hair coloring composition; a second reservoir having an internal thread, a second piston mounted on a lower end of the second reservoir and around a second threaded shaft extending from the lower end to the upper end of the second reservoir such that the external thread of the second threaded shaft engages with the internal thread; a second reservoir containing a second portion of the hair coloring composition; wherein the first piston and the second piston are configured to move to extrude a first portion of the hair coloring composition from the first reservoir and to extrude a second portion of the hair coloring composition from the second reservoir.

13. 1. An application device for applying a hair coloring composition, comprising: a first reservoir for receiving a hair coloring composition capsule, the first reservoir comprising a first portion of a hair coloring composition, and a third reservoir comprising a second portion of said hair coloring composition; a dispensing mechanism configured to dispense a first portion of the hair coloring composition and a second portion of the hair coloring composition out of a capsule; a device body including: a mixing mechanism; a plurality of protruding teeth; and an applicator cap including: the applicator cap is configured to be reversibly connected to the device body such that when the applicator cap is connected to the device body, the first reservoir is sealed off from the outside by the mixing mechanism, except for channels of the plurality of protruding teeth that are in fluid communication with the first reservoir; an application device wherein the dispensing mechanism, when activated, is configured to dispense the hair coloring composition from the capsule toward the plurality of protruding tines, thereby mixing the first portion of the hair coloring composition with the second portion of the hair coloring composition to form a mixed hair coloring composition that is dispensed by the plurality of protruding tines.

14. The distribution mechanism includes: a first set of transmission wheels including a first transmission wheel and a second transmission wheel; a first flexible lead cable passing between the first transmission wheel and the second transmission wheel and in contact with the first transmission wheel and the second transmission wheel; a first lifting unit connected to an upper end of the first flexible lead cable; a second set of drive wheels including a third drive wheel and a fourth drive wheel; a second flexible lead cable passing between the third transmission wheel and the fourth transmission wheel and in contact with the third transmission wheel and the fourth transmission wheel; a second lifting section connected to an upper end of the second flexible lead cable; and at least one motor.

15. the second reservoir further includes a first piston attached to a lower end of the second reservoir; the third reservoir further includes a second piston attached to a lower end of the third reservoir; when the capsule is inserted into the first reservoir, the first lifting member is configured to contact the first piston and the second lifting member is configured to contact the second piston; 15. The application device of claim 14, wherein the at least one motor is configured to move the first piston and the second piston by rotating the first transmission wheel, the second transmission wheel, the third transmission wheel, and the fourth transmission wheel.

16. The distribution mechanism includes: a first concave gear having external teeth and mounted below the second reservoir; a second recessed gear having external teeth and mounted below the third reservoir; a cogwheel having external teeth in contact with and mounted between the first and second concave gears such that the external teeth mesh with the external teeth of the first and second concave gears; and a motor.

17. The second reservoir comprises: a first threaded shaft extending from a lower end to an upper end of the second reservoir; a first gear connected to the first screw shaft and protruding from a lower end of the second reservoir; a first piston including an internal thread mounted around the first threaded shaft such that the internal thread mates with the external thread of the first threaded shaft; The third reservoir comprises: a second threaded shaft extending from the lower end to the upper end of the third reservoir; a second gear connected to the second screw shaft and protruding from a lower end of the third reservoir; a second piston including an internal thread mounted around the second threaded shaft such that the internal thread mates with the external thread of the second threaded shaft; when the capsule is inserted into the first reservoir, the first gear is configured to contact the first concave gear and the second gear is configured to contact the second concave gear; 17. The applicator of claim 16, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the cogwheel, thereby rotating the first concave gear and the second concave gear to move the first piston and the second piston.

18. a plurality of protruding teeth; a mixing mechanism including a static mixer mounted within the channel; A disposable applicator cap, wherein the channel is configured to receive a first portion of a hair coloring composition and a second portion of the hair coloring composition at one end and to provide a mixed hair coloring composition at the other end.

19. 1. An application device for applying a hair coloring composition, comprising: a reservoir including a piston and configured to receive a first portion and a second portion of the hair coloring composition; a dispensing mechanism associated with the piston and configured to seal and move the piston within the reservoir; a device body including: An impeller attached inside, a rod having one end connected to the impeller and the other end connected to an externally mounted gear; a mixed cap comprising: an applicator cap including a plurality of protruding teeth; the mixing cap is configured to be reversibly connected to the device body such that when the mixing cap is connected to the device body, the reservoir is sealed from the outside and the impeller is configured to mix the first and second parts of the hair coloring composition to form a mixed hair coloring composition; the applicator cap is configured to be reversibly connected to the device body such that when the applicator cap is connected to the device body, the reservoir is sealed from the outside except for channels of the plurality of protruding teeth that are in fluid communication with the reservoir; The applicator device, wherein the dispensing mechanism is configured, when activated, to move the piston toward the plurality of protruding tines, thereby extruding the mixed hair coloring composition dispensed by the plurality of protruding tines.

20. 1. An application device for applying a hair coloring composition, comprising: a reservoir including a piston and configured to receive a first portion and a second portion of the hair coloring composition; A stirring mechanism; a dispensing mechanism associated with the piston and configured to seal and move the piston within the reservoir; a device body including: an applicator cap including a plurality of protruding teeth; the agitation mechanism is configured to mix the first and second portions of the hair coloring composition to form a mixed hair coloring composition; the applicator cap is configured to be reversibly connected to the device body such that when the applicator cap is connected to the device body, the reservoir is sealed from the outside except for channels of the plurality of protruding teeth that are in fluid communication with the reservoir; The applicator device, wherein the dispensing mechanism is configured, when activated, to move the piston toward the plurality of protruding tines, thereby extruding the mixed hair coloring composition dispensed by the plurality of protruding tines.

21. The stirring mechanism includes: The impeller and a shaft having one end connected to the impeller and the other end connected to a gear attached to the outside underside of the device body; 21. The applicator device of claim 20, wherein the gear is configured to rotate to rotate the impeller and enable the first and second portions of the hair coloring composition to mix to form a mixed hair coloring composition.

22. The stirring mechanism includes: The impeller and a shaft having one end connected to the impeller and the other end connected to a motor; 21. The applicator device of claim 20, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the shaft, thereby rotating the impeller and enabling the first and second portions of the hair coloring composition to mix to form a mixed hair coloring composition.

23. The impeller is a folding impeller having at least two states each having a different height dimension, and the two states are: A stirring state having an unfolded height dimension; 23. The applicator device of claim 21 or 22, in a folded state having a folded height dimension that is smaller than the unfolded height dimension.

24. 22. The applicator device of claim 19 or 21, wherein the gear is configured to reversibly couple to an external mixing motor so as to operate the external mixing motor and rotate the impeller when coupled to the external mixing motor.

25. The coating device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, A kit including a docking station.

26. The coating device according to claim 19 or 21; a docking station including a mixing motor; the application device and the docking station are configured to reversibly couple to each other; In the coupled state, operation of the mixing motor mixes the fluid contents of the reservoir.

27. The docking station includes: holding the applicator device in an upright position; charging a power storage component of the coating device; acting as a control unit for at least one function of the coating device; and metering the contents of the reservoir.

28. The applicator device of any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a cap configured to seal the first reservoir and the second reservoir.

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