Dispensing appliances for delivering compounded materials

Abstract

A formulation delivery appliance may be used for hair and scalp treatments, such as an appliance used for dyeing hair. The appliance may include a container having an opening and configured to hold a certain amount of formulation. The formulation delivery appliance may further include an elongated engaging element having a channel that extends through it and is configured to at least partially receive the container by the opening of the container when the container is attached to the engaging element. A ventilation opening is formed in the engaging element, which, when the container is removed from the engaging element, provides fluid communication between the channel and the area outside the engaging element. The ventilation opening is sealed, and when the container is attached to the engaging element, the channel receives formulation fluid from the container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 511,252, filed Jun. 30, 2023. This application also claims priority to French Patent Application Publication No. 2309584, filed Sep. 12, 2023. The entire disclosures of both applications are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0002]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description of the embodiments for carrying out the invention. This summary is not intended to identify the key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] In one embodiment, the disclosure relates particularly to a typical embodiment of a formulation delivery electrical appliance. In one example, the formulation delivery electrical appliance is a hair coloring electrical appliance having a consumable assembly. The embodiments described herein generally relate to a hair and scalp treatment electrical appliance. The consumable assembly of the electrical appliance may be configured to incorporate various components of the hair and scalp treatment electrical appliance, the parts of which may be used up and then replaced by the user. In this context, the consumable assembly may include one or more formulation delivery packs, nozzles, manifold chambers, distribution heads, etc. The formulation delivery electrical appliance may also include degassing performance to release gases from the consumable assembly when attached to a delivery device.

[0005] According to one embodiment described herein, a preparation delivery appliance includes a container having an opening and configured to hold a certain amount of preparation. The delivery appliance further includes an elongated engaging element having a channel extending therethrough and configured to at least partially receive the container by the opening of the container when the container is attached to the engaging element. A ventilation opening is formed in the engaging element, and when the container is disengaged from the engaging element, the channel provides fluid communication between the channel and the region outside the engaging element. The ventilation opening is sealed, and when the container is attached to the engaging element, the channel receives the preparation flow from the container.

[0006] According to any of the embodiments described herein, when the container is sealed, the container further includes a membrane covering the opening of the container.

[0007] According to any embodiment described herein, when the container is attached to the engaging element, the engaging element breaks and punctures the membrane, thereby changing the container from a sealed state to an unsealed state.

[0008] According to any embodiment described herein, if the engaging element is at least partially received within the opening of the container, the vent opening is in fluid communication with the preparation.

[0009] According to any of the embodiments described herein, when the engaging element breaks the membrane, the vent opening is released from its seal.

[0010] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the container includes an end fitting that defines an opening.

[0011] According to any embodiment described herein, the container further includes a sealing member that is sealed-engaged with an end fitting, the sealing member having a passage that extends therethrough and is in fluid communication with the interior of the container and the opening defined by the end fitting.

[0012] According to any embodiment described herein, when a container is attached to an engaging element, the engaging element engages with the sealing member of the container.

[0013] According to any of the embodiments described herein, when the container is attached to the engaging element, the sealing member seals the ventilation opening.

[0014] According to any embodiment described herein, when the engaging sealing member is attached to the engaging element and the container is attached to the engaging element, the engaging sealing member provides a sealing engagement between the engaging element and the end fitting.

[0015] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the engaging sealing member is an O-ring.

[0016] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the formulation is selected from the group consisting of permanent hair dyes, semi-permanent hair dyes, colorants, conditioners, hair growth treatments, ROGAINE®, hair protein treatments, disulfide bond repair hair treatments, OLAPLEX®, liquid hair treatments, and liquid scalp treatments.

[0017] According to any embodiment described herein, the preparation delivery appliance further includes a second container configured to hold a certain amount of a second preparation, and a second elongated engaging element configured to be at least partially received by the second container. The preparation delivery appliance further includes a manifold configured to receive the first preparation and the second preparation from the first container and the second container, respectively.

[0018] According to any embodiment described herein, the formulation delivery appliance further includes a head assembly configured to receive a mixture of a first formulation and a second formulation from a manifold and to distribute the mixture to at least one of the user's hair and scalp.

[0019] According to other embodiments described herein, a preparation delivery appliance includes a first container having a first opening and configured to contain a certain amount of a first preparation, and a first elongated engaging element having a first channel extending therethrough and configured to at least partially receive the first opening of the first container when the first container is attached to the engaging element. A first ventilation opening is formed in the first engaging element, and when the first container is disengaged from the engaging element, the first channel provides fluid communication between the first channel and the region outside the engaging element. The first ventilation opening is sealed, and when the first container is attached to the engaging element, the first channel receives the flow of the first preparation from the first container. The preparation delivery appliance further includes a pump, which is in fluid communication with the first channel of the engaging element, for drawing the first preparation from the first fluid container. The preparation delivery appliance further includes a head portion which is in fluid communication with the pump and configured to discharge the first preparation.

[0020] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the formulation delivery appliance further includes a second container having a second opening and configured to contain an amount of a second formulation. The second elongate engagement element has a second channel extending therethrough and configured to be at least partially received by the second opening of the second container when the second container is attached to the second engagement element. A manifold is configured to mix a first formulation received from a pump and the second formulation and supply a mixture of the first formulation and the second formulation to a head portion.

[0021] According to any of the embodiments described herein, a second vent opening is formed in the second engagement element and provides fluid communication between the second channel and an area outside the second engagement element when the second container is removed from the second engagement element. The second vent opening is sealed and when the second container is attached to the second engagement element, the second channel receives flow of the second formulation from the second container.

[0022] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the first formulation is a hair dye and the second formulation is a developer.

[0023] When used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, many of the above aspects of the invention and the attendant advantages will become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, and thus will be more readily understood.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a formulation delivery appliance according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the appliance including a consumable assembly attached to a delivery assembly. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the appliance of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the appliance of FIG. 1. [Figure 4]Figure 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of an electrical appliance, showing the consumable assembly detached from the delivery assembly. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is another partially exploded perspective view of the electrical appliance. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is another partially exploded perspective view of the electrical appliance, with the delivery assembly housing portion removed. [Figure 7] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of an electrical appliance. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional plan view of the consumable assembly of the delivery assembly shown. [Figure 9] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional and side view of the head section and the delivery assembly manifold. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional plan view of the manifold shown. [Figure 11] Figure 3 is a partial side view of the electrical appliance shown, in which the consumable assembly is attached to the delivery assembly, and the end fittings of the consumable assembly are not yet engaged with the coupler of the delivery assembly. [Figure 12] This is a partial side view showing the coupler making initial contact with the end fitting. [Figure 13] This is a partial side view showing the coupler breaking through the membrane sealing the compounding container of the consumable assembly. [Figure 14] This is a partial side view, showing the consumable assembly attached to the delivery assembly. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] The following description provides several examples of hair and scalp treatment applicators and electrical appliances for delivering formulations. Applying various treatment formulations to human hair and scalp tissue is a common practice. In some cases, it is beneficial to apply the treatment formulation to a target area of ​​hair or scalp tissue. For example, when applying coloring dyes to hair follicles during a color-maintaining treatment, it may be desirable to apply the treatment formulation to the hair near the scalp. In another case, it may be desirable to apply the treatment formulation directly to the scalp tissue while minimizing contact with the hair.

[0026] Existing systems for applying hair and scalp treatment formulations have been widely used. For example, hair coloring kits are commonly used, among other uses, to alter the appearance of hair color or to blend gray hair. Existing hair coloring systems may utilize two or more components that are separately packaged and then mixed according to the system's requirements to provide a treatment formulation applied to the hair. In some examples, these components are stored separately in sealed containers before being installed in the application system. Once the container is installed in the application system, the container is opened so that the components stored inside can be extracted, mixed, and applied by the user.

[0027] Examples of treatment formulations applied by the embodiments herein include, but are not limited to, permanent hair dyes, semi-permanent hair dyes, colorants, conditioners, hair growth treatments such as minoxidil manufactured under the trademark ROGAINE®, hair protein treatments, disulfide bond repair hair treatments such as OLAPLEX®, liquid hair treatments, liquid scalp treatments, etc. Any hair and scalp treatment formulation can be appropriately applied using the embodiments of the electrical appliances described herein, but this disclosure generally refers to hair color formulations as examples of treatment formulations applied by the electrical appliances described below. However, it should be understood that any of the listed hair and scalp treatment formulations are interchangeable with the color formulations described herein.

[0028] The following description provides examples of systems, apparatus, and / or electrical appliances of formulation delivery devices configured to apply a treatment formulation to a target area of ​​hair and / or scalp. The electrical appliances of the Disclosure generally include a delivery device configured to be held in the user's hand and a head portion having a plurality of nozzles from which a colored formulation is discharged. In some embodiments, the head portion may further include a plurality of standoff protrusions near the nozzles to separate the nozzle orifices from the scalp during use. In other embodiments, the nozzles may be moved during use, for example by reciprocating or vibrating, so that the nozzles can deliver the treatment formulation to a more complete area.

[0029] An example of the aforementioned system is disclosed in Patent Document 1 ("'940 Patent") issued to Grez, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The '940 Patent teaches the application of a hair coloring formulation comprising at least one dye and a separate developer, which must typically be mixed in controlled proportions for effective and predictable results. As used in the '940 Patent and this application, the term “coloring formulation” generally refers to any of the dyes, developers, formulations, fluids, or any mixtures thereof.

[0030] Some components of coloring formulations are known to generate gas over time. As a result, a sealed container filled with a coloring formulation may be at least partially filled with gas generated between the time the container was initially sealed and the time the coloring formulation is used. The mixing ratio of the coloring formulation can be important for the safety and effectiveness of the hair coloring system, and the gas generated by the coloring formulation when sealed in the container can adversely affect this ratio. In known embodiments, an electrical device may be operated to dispense the coloring formulation along with any accumulated gas before applying it to the hair. However, such a structure wastes the coloring formulation.

[0031] By using the embodiments of this disclosure, when the container is first connected to the device, any gas accumulated in the sealed container of the colored preparation is released. Thus, the desired mixing ratio of the colored preparation is automatically maintained without wasting any of the preparation.

[0032] Although the formulation delivery device 100 and other exemplary embodiments are described and illustrated for use with multiple nozzles, it should be understood that the formulation delivery devices illustrated and described herein may be used with any suitable formulation applicator structure and for any suitable application.

[0033] Figures 1 to 7 show typical embodiments of the compound delivery device 100 according to the embodiments of this disclosure. The compound delivery device 100 is shown as an electrical appliance having a delivery assembly 110 and a consumable assembly 300. Therefore, the compound delivery device 100 will hereafter be referred to as the electrical appliance 100.

[0034] As will be described in more detail, an embodiment of the consumable assembly 300 includes two or more formulation containers 308 and 314, the interior of which is in fluid communication with a pump 190 via a coupler 140. The pump 190 draws formulation from each of the formulation containers 308 and 314 and discharges the formulation into a manifold 210. The formulation is mixed by a static mixer as it passes through the manifold 210 and then discharged through a head section 240, which is applied to the user's hair and / or scalp.

[0035] The consumable assembly 300 is described here with reference to the cross-sectional views in Figures 3, 7, and 8. The consumable assembly 300 allows the user to replace an empty coloring compound container and / or to utilize various coloring compoundes using the delivery device. In this regard, the consumable assembly 300 is configured to be removably connected to the delivery assembly 110 to form an electrical appliance 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the consumable assembly 300 includes an elongated housing 302 that is manufactured and configured to be sized to be received within a cavity 118 of the housing 112 of the delivery assembly 110 for mounting the consumable assembly to the delivery assembly.

[0036] The consumable assembly 300 is configured to be removably received within a cavity 118 of the delivery assembly 110 so that the delivery assembly and the consumable assembly cooperate to form the electrical appliance 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 302 of the consumable assembly 300 engages with a detent mechanism 126 formed on the housing 112 of the delivery assembly 110 and includes a release button 304 that, once the consumable assembly is mounted therein, removably secures the consumable assembly to the delivery assembly (see Figure 3). To release the release button 304 from the detent mechanism 126, the user presses the release button 304 to release the release button from the detent mechanism, thereby allowing the consumable assembly to be removed from the delivery assembly 110. In other embodiments, other fastening configurations such as press-fits, fasteners, hooks and loops, removable adhesives, and magnets may be appropriately used. Additional fastening mechanisms, such as a lower detent, which may provide greater fastening force between the consumable assembly 300 and the delivery assembly 110, are also within the scope of this disclosure. In other embodiments, any number or combination of fastening mechanisms can be appropriately used to secure the consumable assembly 300 to the delivery assembly 110.

[0037] Referring further to Figures 3, 7, and 8, the consumable assembly 300 includes a first formulation container 308 and a second formulation container 314, which are disposed within a cavity 306 of the housing 302. The first formulation container 308 and the second formulation container 314 contain the first formulation 310 and the second formulation 316, respectively. In some embodiments, the first formulation container 308 contains a coloring formulation such as a coloring dye, and the second formulation container 314 contains a color developer. In other embodiments, a single formulation container having the coloring formulation is appropriately used.

[0038] Using a developer with a coloring dye formulation results in a longer-lasting color, sometimes lasting up to about a month. This combination of dye and developer is generally referred to as permanent coloring, while applying the dye without a developer typically results in semi-permanent coloring, usually lasting about a week. The developer can be used in a single formulation container or in multiple formulation containers.

[0039] The first preparation container 308 is described here under the understanding that the second preparation container 314 is similarly configured and, in some embodiments, contains a second preparation 316 that is different from the first preparation 310 contained in the first preparation container 308. The first preparation container 308 includes a pack 320, or reservoir, configured to be filled with the first preparation 310. In some embodiments, the pack 320 is a flexible pouch. In some embodiments, the pack is a rigid or semi-rigid container.

[0040] As best shown in Figures 11–14, the preparation container 308 further includes an end fitting 322 attached to one end of the pack 320 and configured to interact with the coupler 140, which will be described later. In this context, the end fitting 322 includes an opening 324 that is fabricated and configured to receive the engaging element 144 of the coupler 140 when the consumable assembly 300 is attached to the delivery assembly 110, so that the engaging element extends into the preparation container 308. The end fitting 322 further includes a stopper 326 formed on top that engages with the coupler 140 to restrict the movement of the engaging element 144 into the preparation container 308.

[0041] The sealing member 328 is positioned between the end fitting 322 and the pack 320. The opening 330 extends through the sealing member 328 and is fabricated and configured to be sized to receive the engaging element 144 of the coupler 140 in a sealing engagement when the consumable assembly 300 is attached to the delivery assembly 110. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the membrane 332 covers one end of the opening 330. The membrane 332, together with both the pack 320 and the end fitting 322, seals the pack in combination with the sealing engagement of the sealing member 328 so that the preparation 310 contained in the pack is separated from the surrounding environment. In some embodiments, the membrane 332 is a unidirectional or bidirectional permeable membrane configured to allow gas release from the pack 320 without allowing contaminants to enter or the contents of the pack to escape. In further embodiments, the sealing member 328 includes a valve (not shown) used in conjunction with any of the embodiments herein, which is configured to regulate the flow of fluid from the pack 320. Any combination of the above mechanisms may also be used.

[0042] Herein, the delivery assembly 110 will be described in more detail. The housing 112 of the delivery assembly 110 is generally configured to house and enclose various components of the delivery assembly 110, which will be described in more detail below. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the housing 112 includes a control button 120, a power indicator light 122, and a port 124. The housing 112 provides a surface for the user to grip with their hand while using the electrical appliance 100. In this regard, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 112 is ergonomically shaped. However, in other embodiments, the housing 112 is any suitable shape that encloses the internal components and provides one or more gripping surfaces for the user. In further embodiments, the consumable assembly 300 may form at least a portion of the gripping surface for the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 112 includes a first housing portion 114 and a second housing portion 116 which are connected to each other and at least partially define a cavity 118 inside (see Figure 5). In further embodiments, the housing 112 has a single structure or includes three or more parts that are connected together to at least partially define a cavity.

[0043] The housing 112 accommodates various appliance control components, such as one or more pumps 190 (see Figure 3), motors driving the pumps 190, a CPU, a battery, a communication system (wireless networking (WiFi), radio frequency identification (RFID), near-field communication (NFC), Bluetooth®, etc.), electrical and data connectors at port 124 (universal serial bus (USB), FireWire, etc.), a temperature sensor, an accelerometer, a fluid sensor, a data scanner, a light source, an audible signal generator, a fluid heat source, a temperature controller, and one or more of other suitable control components not shown in the figures for simplicity. In some embodiments, port 124 is appropriately used to bring interaction between the internal and external control components of the appliance 100 and / or to charge the battery of the appliance 100.

[0044] The control button 120 may be configured for the functions of starting, stopping, and controlling the electrical appliance 100. In some embodiments, pressing the control button 120 powers on the electrical appliance 100 so that the colored compound is drawn from the compound containers 308 and 314 (see Figure 8). In these embodiments, releasing the control button 120 can stop the colored compound flow. In some examples, the control button 120 may be used to initialize the electrical appliance 100, or to put the electrical appliance 100 into a state that performs one or more of the following functions: calculating the mixing ratio of the components of the colored compound, entering a cleaning or removal mode, heating the compound, collecting data such as remaining volume, mixing ratio, and color information from the compound container, sending and receiving signals through port 124, analyzing data on user preferences, collecting data from sensors, providing the user with status indicators such as power output level, battery life, remaining compound volume, sensor data, and data connection information, and communicating with auxiliary equipment. In some embodiments, the control button 120 is pressure-sensitive, and as a result, applying higher pressure to the control button 120 produces a variable response, such as making the mixture flow faster or moving the nozzle faster. In some embodiments, various operating parameters can be controlled using a smart device such as a telephone (described in detail in Patent Document 2, issued to Grez and incorporated herein by reference).

[0045] Referring to Figures 3, 6, and 11–14, the coupler 140 is mounted within the housing 112 and configured to engage with the inner portions of the preparation containers 308 and 314, so that each of the preparations 310 and 316 contained therein can be drawn out for application to the user. The coupler 140 includes a base 142 mounted within the housing 112 of the delivery assembly 110. A pair of elongated engaging elements 144 extend from the base 142 into the cavity 306, with each engaging element terminating at a tip 146 opposite the base 142. Each engaging element 144 is fabricated and positioned to extend through the consumable assembly opening 324 into one of the preparation containers 308 and 314 when the consumable assembly 300 is mounted on the delivery assembly 110.

[0046] As best shown in Figures 11 to 14, each engaging element 144 has a channel 148 extending through the element to a port 150 formed on the opposite side of the base 142. Each engaging element 144 may further include a sealing element 154, such as an O-ring, attached to the outer surface of the engaging element. The sealing element 154 is manufactured and configured to be sized to seal-engage with the inner surface of a corresponding opening 330 through which the sealing element extends when the consumable assembly 300 is attached to the delivery assembly 110. One or more openings 152 (vent openings) extend radially between the sealing element 154 and the tip 146 of the engaging element, passing through a portion of the engaging element 144.

[0047] With respect to each port 150 on the coupler 140, a compounding pipe is attached to the port at one end and to the pump 190 at the second end. In this context, each compounding pipe provides fluid communication between one of the ports 150 and the inlet of the pump 190. In the illustrated embodiment, the consumable assembly 300 includes two compounding vessels 308 and 314, each having a corresponding opening 324. The coupler 140 includes two elongated elements 144, each elongated element corresponding to one of the openings 324 of the compounding vessels 308 and 314. A first compounding pipe 170 is attached to the port 150 of the coupler 140 at one end and to the first inlet of the pump 190 at the second end. Similarly, a second compounding pipe 172 is attached to the other port 150 of the coupler 140 at one end and to the second inlet of the pump 190 at the second end. As a result, when the consumable assembly 300 is attached to the delivery assembly 110, the interior of the first formulation container 308 is in communication with the first inlet port of the pump and the sealing fluid, and the interior of the second formulation container 314 is in communication with the second inlet port of the pump 190 and the sealing fluid.

[0048] In other embodiments, the consumable assembly 300 includes any appropriate number of formulation containers. In such embodiments, the coupler 140 includes a corresponding number of engaging elements and ports such that each engaging element engages with one of the formulation containers, and each port is in fluid communication with the inlet port of the pump 190 via a formulation tube. As a result, the interior of each formulation container is in sealed fluid communication with the inlet port of the pump. In some embodiments, the delivery assembly 100 includes two or more pumps, each pump being in sealed fluid communication with the interior of one or more formulation containers via corresponding engaging elements and formulation tubes.

[0049] Pump 190 is driven by a suitable motor (not shown) and is configured to draw colored formulations 310 and 316 from formulation containers 308 and 314, respectively, through formulation pipes 170 and 172, respectively. In some embodiments, pump 190 includes several discharge ports corresponding to the number of inlets. Each discharge port is in fluid communication with a corresponding inlet port on manifold 210. In the illustrated embodiment, a first discharge port (not shown) discharges the first formulation component 310 received from the first formulation container 308 to the first manifold inlet port 214 of manifold 210, and a second discharge port (not shown) discharges the second formulation component 316 received from the second formulation container 314 to the second manifold inlet port 216 of the manifold. In this regard (referring to Figures 3 and 9), the first pump discharge port is in communication with the first manifold inlet port 214 via the first discharge pipe 174, and the second pump discharge port is in communication with the second manifold inlet port 216 via the second discharge pipe 176.

[0050] In some embodiments, a peristaltic pump 190 is used. In this regard, one advantage of the peristaltic type pump is that the pump is self-priming. However, in other embodiments, any suitable pump or series of pumps is used to draw the colored mixture from the mixture containers 308 and 314 to the manifold 210.

[0051] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the manifold 210 receives the colored formulations 310 and 316 from the pump 190 and mixes the components as the colored formulations move toward the head section 240. In this context, the manifold housing 212 includes multiple chambers for mixing, processing, and discharge control of the colored formulations from the formulation containers 308 and 314.

[0052] In this embodiment, the manifold 210 includes a housing 212 having a first mixing chamber 218 arranged in conjunction with a second mixing chamber 222. The first mixing chamber 218 receives colored formulations 310 and 316 from the pump through a first inlet port 214 and a second inlet port 216, respectively. A static mixer 220 is located in the first mixing chamber 218 and mixes the colored formulations 310 and 316 as they move through the first mixing chamber. The colored formulations 310 and 316 then move through the second mixing chamber 222 and are further mixed by a second static mixer 224 located therein. The mixed colored formulations 310 and 316 then move through a distribution channel 226 that distributes the mixture to a nozzle 242 of the head unit 240.

[0053] The head portion 240 has a plurality of elongated nozzles 242 extending from the manifold 210. Each elongated nozzle 242 includes a channel 244 that extends through it and is configured to discharge the colored formulation received from the manifold 210 to the outside through one or more outlet openings 246 at the end of the nozzle 242 when the electrical appliance 100 is in use. In some embodiments (as shown in Figures 1, 4, and 9), the nozzles 242 are generally arranged in one or more rows along a portion of the housing 112 of the delivery assembly 110, in a direction along the length of the electrical appliance 100. In other embodiments, the nozzles 242 are appropriately positioned at an angle to the length of the electrical appliance 100.

[0054] In some embodiments, the nozzle 242 has a length of approximately 0.5 cm to approximately 4.0 cm from the manifold 210 to the end of the nozzle 242 at the outlet opening 246. In other embodiments, the nozzle 242 has a length of approximately 1.4 cm to approximately 1.8 cm from the manifold 210 to the end of the nozzle 242 at the outlet opening 246. In yet another embodiment, the nozzle 242 has a length of approximately 1.6 cm from the manifold 210 to the end of the nozzle 242 at the outlet opening 246. In further embodiments, any length of the nozzle is used as appropriate.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of standoff projections 248 extend outward from the housing 112 substantially toward the nozzle 242 in one or more rows. In this context, “substantially toward the nozzle 242” means within an angle of about 25 degrees in the direction along the length of the nozzle 242. In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 248 of the first row and the projections 248 of the second row are arranged along both sides of a single row of elongated nozzles 242. In some embodiments, the standoff projections 248 may be arranged at an angle to a plurality of nozzles 242. (See, for example, Figure 4 of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 339,551, incorporated herein by reference.)

[0056] In some embodiments, each of the standoff projections 248 has a length (measured between the housing 112 and the end of the standoff projection 248) such that the end of the standoff projection 248 and the outlet opening 246 of the nozzle 242 are substantially coplanar. In other embodiments, the standoff projection 248 has a length (from the housing 112 to the end of the standoff projection 248) such that the standoff projection 248 is longer than the length of the nozzle 242 (measured between the housing 112 and the end of the nozzle 242). In this context, during use, the standoff projection 248 is thought to contact the application surface, such as a localized area of ​​the scalp, and separate the outlet opening 246 of the nozzle 242 from the application surface, providing a gap for the release of the coloring formulation through the outlet opening 246. In embodiments where the standoff projection 248 is longer than the multiple nozzles 242, the standoff projection 248 is about 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm longer than the length of each of the multiple nozzles 242. In other embodiments, the standoff projection 248 is about 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm longer than the length of each of the nozzles 242. In other embodiments, the standoff projection 248 is about 1.0 mm longer than the length of each of the nozzles 242.

[0057] The nozzles 242 extend from the surface of the manifold housing 212 so that when the user passes the electrical appliance 100 over a surface, such as the scalp, portions of the user's hair pass between the nozzles 242. In some embodiments, the nozzles 242 are configured to reciprocate by the reciprocating motion of the manifold 210 along the direction of the row of nozzles 242. In this context, when the electrical appliance 100 is passed over a surface in a direction perpendicular to the row of nozzles 242, the manifold housing 212 moves parallel to the housing 112 so that the coloring compound covers the surface area between each of the nozzles 242. As a result, the entire surface beneath the nozzles 242 can be covered by the coloring compound without the need to pass the electrical appliance 100 over the surface. In other embodiments, the nozzles 242 of the electrical appliance are configured to oscillate, reciprocate along the length of the nozzle 242, vibrate, or remain stationary during use. An embodiment in which the head portion is moved back and forth is described in the '940 patent.

[0058] As described above, in some embodiments, an energy source (e.g., a heat source, not shown) may be added anywhere in the coloring formulation logistics path to raise the temperature of the formulation, or the energy source may be added to the electrical appliance 100 so that heat is transferred to the application surface, e.g., the scalp. In this regard, with respect to some formulations, applying the formulation to the user at a raised temperature, or heating the application surface, may be beneficial in terms of either or both user comfort and the efficacy of the formulation. In these embodiments, the heat source is configured to supply energy to the formulation or the application surface. In some embodiments, the energy source is an ultraviolet radiation source configured to irradiate a plurality of nozzles 242 to transfer ultraviolet radiation to the application surface, such as hair follicles and / or scalp tissue. In other embodiments, the energy source is a heat source configured to heat the formulation before it is emitted from a plurality of outlet nozzles 242.

[0059] As previously discussed, some colored formulations generate gas over time. As a result, a sealed formulation container filled with a colored formulation may become partially filled with undesirable gas when the consumption assembly 300 is first attached to the delivery assembly 110. Even embodiments of the container having a bidirectional permeable membrane may accumulate gas within the container, as previously described. Herein, as illustrated with reference to Figures 11–14, the disclosed embodiment of the electrical appliance 100 achieves degassing of the container when the consumption assembly 300 is attached to the delivery assembly 110.

[0060] Referring here to Figure 11, the consumable assembly 300 is shown partially inserted into the cavity 118 of the delivery assembly 110. The preparation container 308 of the consumable assembly 300 is in a sealed configuration with the membrane 332 intact. The container 308 is filled with the preparation 310 and a certain amount of gas 312 generated by the preparation due to gas release accumulated in the container. The engagement of the consumable assembly 300 with the housing 112 of the delivery assembly aligns each engaging element 144 of the coupler 140 with a corresponding opening 324 of the preparation container 308. In Figure 12, the consumable assembly 300 is further inserted into the cavity 118 of the delivery assembly 110, with the tip 146 of the engaging element 144 in contact with the sealing member 328 and the membrane 332 still intact. That is, the preparation container 308 is still in a sealed configuration.

[0061] Referring to Figure 13, further movement of the consumable assembly 300 into the cavity 118 causes the tip 146 of the engaging element 144 to break the membrane 332. With the membrane broken, the preparation container is in an unsealed configuration. As the consumable assembly 300 continues to move into the cavity 118, the engaging element 144 is received into the sealing engagement by the opening 330 of the sealing member 328. As a result of this sealing engagement, the channel 148 of the engaging element 144 is in communication with the interior of the preparation container 308 and the sealing fluid. As shown in Figure 13, a gap exists between the outer surface of the engaging element 144 and the opening 324 of the end fitting 322. The ventilation opening 152 formed in the engaging element 144 opens into this gap. As a result, gas 312 has a path to vent out of the preparation container 308 so that the container is degassed before first use.

[0062] Figure 14 shows the consumable assembly 300 fully mounted to the delivery assembly 110. The engaging element 144 of the coupler 140 contacts the fastener 326 of the end fitting 322, preventing further movement of the consumable assembly 300 into the cavity of the delivery assembly 110. As previously described, the release button 304 engages with the detent mechanism 126 (see Figure 3) of the delivery assembly 110 so that the consumable assembly 300 is releasably coupled to the delivery assembly. The sealing member 154 (O-ring) is sealed and engaged with the end fitting 322 to block the ventilation path shown in Figure 13. In some embodiments, the engagement of the sealing member 328 of the preparation container 308 with the engaging element 144 covers the ventilation opening 152, further blocking the ventilation path shown in Figure 14. As a result, the compounding tube 170 is in communication with the inside of the compounding container 308 via a coupler, and the compounding 310 can be drawn out of the compounding container by a pump. In other words, the electrical appliance 100 is ready for use.

[0063] The modes for carrying out the invention described in the preceding paragraphs in relation to the accompanying drawings, where similar numbers refer to similar elements, are intended to illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to show only one embodiment. Each embodiment described in the present disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as being preferable or advantageous to other embodiments. The illustrative examples given herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the exact forms disclosed. Similarly, any step described herein may be interchangeable with other steps or in combination with other steps to achieve the same or substantially similar results.

[0064] The above description includes specific details to enable a full understanding of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein can be practiced without embodying all of the specific details. In some examples, well-known process steps are not described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the various aspects of this disclosure. Furthermore, it goes without saying that embodiments of this disclosure may use any combination of the features described herein.

[0065] This application may include references to directions such as “forward,” “rear,” “front,” “rear,” “upward,” “downward,” “right side,” “left side,” “side,” “central,” “inside,” “outside,” “extended,” “forward,” “recessed,” “proximal,” “distal,” and “center.” These references and other similar references in this application are merely to aid in the description and understanding of specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this disclosure to these directions or positions.

[0066] Furthermore, this application may refer to quantities and numbers. Unless otherwise specified, such quantities and numbers are not considered limiting and are considered examples of quantities or numbers that may be relevant to this application. Similarly, in this context, this application may use the term “plural” to refer to quantities or numbers. In this regard, the term “plural” means any number that is two or more, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc. Terms such as “about” and “approximately” mean plus or minus 5% of the expressed value.

[0067] The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of this disclosure have been described above. However, the aspects of this disclosure intended to be protected should not be construed as being limited to any particular embodiment disclosed. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein should be considered illustrative, not restrictive. It goes without saying that variations and modifications may be created by others and equivalents may be adopted without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Thus, it is explicitly intended that all such variations, modifications, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the claimed disclosure.

[0068] The embodiments of the present invention for which exclusive rights or authority are claimed are defined as follows: [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 100 Compound delivery devices, electrical appliances 110 Delivery Assembly 112 (Delivery Assembly) Housing 114 First containment section 116 Second containment section 118 (Housing) Cavity 120 control buttons 122 Power indicator light 124, 150 ports 126 Detent Mechanism 140 couplers 142 (Coupler) base 144 (coupler) engagement element 146 Tip, engagement element tip 148 (channels of engaging elements) 152 Openings, ventilation openings 154 Sealing elements, sealing members 170 First preparation tube 172 Second preparation tube 174 First discharge tube 176 Second discharge tube 190 pumps, peristaltic pumps 210 Manifold 212 Manifold, Manifold Housing 214 First Manifold, First Manifold Inlet Port 216 Second Inlet Port, Second Manifold Inlet Port 218 First mixing chamber 220 Static Mixer 222 Second mixing chamber 224 Second static mixer 226 distribution channels 240 Head section 242 Long and slender nozzle 244 channels 246 Exit opening 248 Standoff protrusions 300 Consumable Assembly 302 Long and narrow housing 304 Release button 306 Cavity (of the elongated housing) 308. Container for compounded product, first container for compounded product, liquid container. 310 Formulations, coloring formulations, first formulation components 312 Gas 314. Mixture container, second mixture container, liquid container. 316 Formulations, coloring formulations, second formulation components 320 packs 322 End Fittings 324 (End fitting) opening 326 (End fitting) fastener 328 Sealing member 330 (Opening of sealing member) 332 Membrane

Claims

1. A container having an opening and configured to hold a certain amount of a preparation, An elongated engaging element comprising a channel extending through the elongated engaging element and configured to be at least partially received by the opening of the container when the container is attached to the engaging element, and a vent opening formed in the engaging element, which, when the container is removed from the engaging element, allows fluid communication between the channel and the region outside the engaging element, the vent opening being sealed, and the channel receiving the compounding fluid from the container when the container is attached to the engaging element, Electrical appliances for delivering compounded substances.

2. The electrical appliance for delivering a compound according to claim 1, wherein the container further includes a film that covers the opening of the container when the container is sealed.

3. The electrical appliance for delivering a compound, according to claim 2, wherein when the container is attached to the engaging element, the engaging element breaks the membrane and creates a hole in the membrane, thereby changing the container from a sealed state to an unsealed state.

4. The electrical appliance for delivering a preparation according to claim 3, wherein the ventilation opening is in fluid communication with the preparation when the engaging element is at least partially received within the opening of the container.

5. The electrical appliance for delivering a compound, according to claim 4, wherein when the engaging element breaks the membrane, the vent opening is released from its seal.

6. The preparation delivery electrical appliance according to claim 1, wherein the container includes an end fitting defining the opening.

7. The preparation delivery electrical appliance according to claim 6, wherein the container further includes a sealing member in a sealing engagement with the end fitting, the sealing member having a passage that extends through the sealing member and is in fluid communication with the interior of the container and the opening defined by the end fitting.

8. The electrical appliance for delivering a compound, according to claim 7, wherein when the container is attached to the engaging element, the engaging element engages with the sealing member of the container.

9. The electrical appliance for delivering a compound, according to claim 8, wherein when the container is attached to the engaging element, the sealing member seals the ventilation opening.

10. The electrical appliance for delivering a compound according to claim 1, wherein when the engaging sealing member is attached to the engaging element and the container is attached to the engaging element, the engaging sealing member provides a sealing engagement between the engaging element and the end fitting.

11. The electrical appliance for delivering compound according to claim 1, wherein the engagement sealing member is an O-ring.

12. The preparation delivery electrical appliance according to claim 1, wherein the preparation is selected from the group consisting of permanent hair dye, semi-permanent hair dye, color developer, conditioner, hair growth treatment, ROGAINE®, hair protein treatment, disulfide bond repair hair treatment, OLAPLEX®, liquid hair treatment, and liquid scalp treatment.

13. A second container configured to hold a certain amount of a second preparation, A second elongated engaging element configured to be at least partially received by the second container, A manifold configured to receive the first and second preparations from the first and second containers, respectively, The electrical appliance for delivering compound according to claim 1, further comprising:

14. The preparation delivery electrical appliance according to claim 13, further comprising a head assembly configured to receive a mixture of the first preparation and the second preparation from the manifold and to distribute the mixture to at least one of the user's hair and scalp.

15. A first container having a first opening and configured to contain a certain amount of the first formulation, A first elongated engaging element comprising a first channel extending through the first elongated engaging element and configured to be at least partially received by the first opening of the first container when the first container is attached to the first engaging element, and a first vent opening formed in the first engaging element and providing fluid communication between the first channel and the region outside the first engaging element when the first container is removed from the first engaging element, wherein the first vent opening is sealed, and when the first container is attached to the first engaging element, the first channel receives the flow of the first preparation from the first container, To draw the first formulation from the first fluid container, a pump is provided that is in fluid communication with the first channel of the first engaging element, A head portion is configured to communicate with the pump and discharge the first formulation, Electrical appliances for delivering compounded substances.

16. A second container having a second opening and configured to contain a certain amount of the second formulation, A second elongated engaging element having a second channel that extends through the second elongated engaging element and is configured to be at least partially received by the second opening of the second container when the second container is attached to the second engaging element, A manifold configured to mix the first formulation and the second formulation received from the pump and supply the mixture of the first formulation and the second formulation to the head section, The electrical appliance for delivering compound according to claim 15, further comprising:

17. A preparation delivery appliance according to claim 16, wherein a second vent opening is formed in the second engagement element, and when the second container is disengaged from the second engagement element, a fluid communication is made between the second channel and the region outside the second engagement element, the second vent opening is sealed, and when the second container is attached to the second engagement element, the second channel receives the flow of the second preparation from the second container.

18. The electrical appliance for delivering a compound according to claim 17, wherein the first compound is a hair dye and the second compound is a color developer.

19. The electrical appliance for delivering a compound according to claim 16, wherein the first compound is a hair dye and the second compound is a color developer.

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