U.S. patent application number 10/133706 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-22 for apparatus for automatic application of compositions to the skin.
Invention is credited to Flack, Neil Andrew, Miller, Martin Howard, Parker, Anthony Joseph.
Application Number | 20020112738 10/133706 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25182780 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020112738 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Parker, Anthony Joseph ; et
al. |
August 22, 2002 |
Apparatus for automatic application of compositions to the skin
Abstract
An apparatus is described for the coating of a human body with a
tanning composition, such as a sunless tanning composition, wherein
an arm with a plurality of nozzles thereon traverses within a booth
to spray coat a body in the booth. The spray nozzles are oriented
to avoid opposing air flows and excessive air flows which cause
inefficient and uneven, dripping or streaking in the deposition of
tanning composition on the skin. In another aspect, the apparatus
provides for a foot rinser to rinse the feet of a user while the
apparatus applies a sunless tanning composition to the user to
avoid overly darkening the user's feet. In yet another aspect, the
apparatus provides for a sanitation system to wash-down the spray
booth between successive uses.
Inventors: |
Parker, Anthony Joseph;
(Greenfield, IN) ; Flack, Neil Andrew; (Carmel,
IN) ; Miller, Martin Howard; (Carmel, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Woodard, Emhardt, Naughton, Moriarty and McNett
Suite 3700
Bank One Center/Tower
111 Monument Circle
Indianapolis
IN
46204-5137
US
|
Family ID: |
25182780 |
Appl. No.: |
10/133706 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10133706 |
Apr 26, 2002 |
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09802078 |
Mar 8, 2001 |
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09802078 |
Mar 8, 2001 |
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09668247 |
Sep 22, 2000 |
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6302122 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
132/333 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 35/25 20190501;
A45D 2200/057 20130101; A61H 35/006 20130101; A61H 2201/1669
20130101; B05B 14/46 20180201; A61H 2201/105 20130101; A61H 35/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/333 |
International
Class: |
A45D 044/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Apparatus for spray application of a composition on a human
which comprises the presence of distinctive indicia on a lower
horizontal surface to guide the placement of the feet of a human
using the spray application to an optimum distance from the spray
applicator.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said indicia is a stripe.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 in which said stripe is a markedly
different color than the rest of said lower horizontal surface.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of pending patent
application Ser. No. 09/802,078 filed Mar. 8, 2001, which is a
Continuation-In-Part of issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,122 filed Sep.
27, 2000 and issued Oct. 16, 2001.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to an apparatus for the application
of compositions to a person's skin, and more particularly, for
example, to an apparatus adapted for use in a booth for the uniform
spray application of artificial tanning compositions to the human
body.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The cosmetic effect of tanned skin has long been a desired
goal for many people. This desire has led to the development of a
large and varied industry supplying compositions and devices to
facilitate natural or UV radiation induced tanning of the skin.
Another market has developed for compositions to more rapidly
provide the visual effect of tanned skin without sun exposure. In
addition to the development of the multitude of sun tanning, sun
screening and artificial tanning and bronzing lotions, creams and
oils now available, various applicator devices for the different
compositions have been devised, ranging from simple squeeze bottles
and pump sprays, to hand-held spray canisters similar to pump-style
pesticide spray canisters, to elaborate spray rooms that generate
mists of suntan lotions or artificial tanning compositions for
application to a user standing in the room.
[0004] These various applicator devices include U.S. Pat. No.
1,982,509 to Frank showing a belt-driven carriage apparatus in a
vertically oriented cabinet designed to carry, among several
alternatives, a compressed air sprayer head and one or more
reservoirs for liquid or powder compositions to be spray applied
through the sprayer head to all or part of the body of a user
standing in front of the apparatus. The '509 patent does not
disclose the spray application of tanning compositions, and the
single spray nozzle would necessarily result in an uneven
application in overlap areas as the user turns for sequential
sprayer passes, and/or missed areas under the arms or on the
insides of the arms and legs. The belt driven carriage of the '509
patent is raised and lowered along a guide pole in the cabinet with
the start and stop positions for the carriage and the activation of
the sprayer apparatus being coordinated by a complicated set of
electromechanical linkages and trip-switches.
[0005] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,460,192 and 5,664,593, both to McClain,
describe variations of an apparatus to coat a user's body up to the
neck with suntan lotion or sunscreen. Both variations provide for a
cylindrical enclosure in which the user stands with head and neck
protruding through a hole in the top of the enclosure. The
apparatus of the '192 patent provides for three liquid spray
nozzles directed at the shoulder level, the waist level, and at the
level of the legs, respectively. When activated by a user, the
apparatus sprays a dose of suntan lotion or sunscreen while the
user rotates while standing. Excess spray is drained through a
grating at the base of the enclosure.
[0006] The apparatus of the '593 patent atomizes the lotion into a
forced-air stream which then enters the enclosure through three
ports at the level of the shoulder, the waist, and the legs,
respectively. An evacuation fan draws air from within the enclosure
through a vent close to the base of the enclosure, creating more
air turbulence in the enclosure and also recirculating excess
atomized lotion from the air in the enclosure back into the
forced-air stream in an effort to more efficiently and more
completely coat the user's body. The user's body must still rotate
within the enclosure, while the user's neck protrudes through the
close fitting hole in the top of the enclosure. The apparatus of
the '593 patent also collects condensed over-spray from the
recirculated air with the evacuation fan mechanism, as well as
draining excess over-spray from the enclosure through a grating in
the enclosure base.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,922,333 to Laughlin describes a method of
applying a wide variety of fluids to the body, including sunless
tanning compositions, by manually directing a spray nozzle at the
area to be coated, or preferably, by atomizing the fluid into an
air current and directing the air current against the person being
coated, and collecting the residual spray through a venting system,
preferably including a filtration means.
[0008] Another apparatus presently in the marketplace provides for
a booth-type enclosure with a multiplicity of fixed spray nozzles
at various heights in the comers of the booth. These fixed nozzles
direct a spray of artificial tanning composition at the user
standing in the center of the booth. Upon completion of a spray
cycle, an evacuation fan evacuates residual spray from the booth
through a filtered venting system.
[0009] These devices have major drawbacks including incomplete
and/or streaky application of tanning composition, inefficient use
of tanning composition, discomfort for the user, difficult or
inadequate sanitation of the apparatus between uses, and, when
specifically used with sunless tanning compositions, do not
mitigate the unsightly over-staining of the feet and toes, which
are significantly more susceptible to staining by such compositions
compared to other areas of the skin. The prior spray booths do not
provide for complete, uniform coating. Those spray apparatuses
particularly adapted for use for the application of tanning
compositions produce undesirable air currents within their
enclosures and around the body of a user, which currents can
inhibit efficient deposition of the atomized composition on the
user. These devices produce swirling clouds of liquid-laden air,
but the air currents generated tend to swirl around and bypass the
user's body with much of the composition being vented, drained, or
deposited on the enclosing walls. The spray reaching the user's
body in these prior apparatuses also tends to be subject to
significant droplet coalescence adding to dripping and streaking.
Thus the coatings tend to be uneven with either insufficient
deposition of composition on the body and/or heavily coated areas
resulting in uneven dripping and running of the composition down
the body.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides an automated apparatus for
providing a more nearly uniform and efficient coating of portions
of a human body, as for example, to provide more uniform coloring
with artificial tanning compositions. The claims should be the
guide for understanding of the scope of the invention to be
protected, but the following comments may be of value in
understanding the advantages that some applications of the claimed
invention may provide.
[0011] The preferred design of the present invention provides a
spraying apparatus for coating portions of a human body that avoids
simultaneous, oppositely directed, spray directions to enhance
uniformity and efficiency of the coating. The preferred design also
avoids excessive air currents which produce boundary layers in
front of the body and eddy currents behind the body which can
inhibit efficient deposition of a sprayed composition on a human
body being coated.
[0012] In another aspect of the preferred design of the invention,
a spray apparatus for coating a human body with artificial tanning
solution is provided, which minimizes undesirable over-staining of
the feet and toes of a person being coated.
[0013] In another aspect of the invention, a spray booth for
coating a human body with artificial tanning solution which
includes a wash-down system is provided for easy and efficient
sanitation of the booth between successive users.
[0014] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an
apparatus for applying a tanning composition to a human body
comprising a booth with a location for a human body within the
booth, an arm moveably mounted within the booth, three or more
active spray nozzles on the arm with none of the active spray
nozzles oriented to spray in a direction substantially toward any
other active spray nozzle, with the active spray nozzles being
operably coupled to a source of tanning composition. In one
preferred embodiment, each of the spray nozzles defines a spray
direction towards the location for the person being coated and the
spray directions of the nozzles are substantially parallel. In
another preferred embodiment, the arm has opposing ends and defines
outer portions adjacent the opposing ends and a central portion
between the outer portions, and the arm has at least one spray
nozzle on each of the outer portions and on the central portion of
the arm, such that each spray nozzle defines a spray direction
towards the location for the user, with the outer portion spray
nozzles each being convergingly directed towards the location for
the user at an angle between about 10 and about 20 degrees from
parallel to the spray direction of the nozzle(s) on the central
portion.
[0015] In another aspect of the preferred design, the booth further
comprises a second arm moveably mounted within the booth having
three or more second active spray nozzles on the second arm, with
none of the second active spray nozzles oriented to spray in a
direction substantially toward any other second active spray
nozzle, and the three or more second active spray nozzles oriented
to spray in a direction towards the location for a user in the
booth, and wherein the second active spray nozzles are operable to
spray tanning composition only when offset from the first arm. In a
preferred design of this aspect of the invention, the second arm is
positioned on the opposite side of the location for a user from
said first arm.
[0016] In another aspect of the preferred design of the invention,
an apparatus is provided for applying an artificial tanning
composition to a human user without overly darkening the user's
feet, the apparatus comprising a booth suitable for containing a
user's torso, legs and feet; a foot rinser near the bottom of the
booth; and a coating sprayer above the bottom of the booth
containing an artificial tanning composition including an
artificial tanning agent for spraying portions of said user's torso
and legs, and operable while said foot rinser is in use.
[0017] In a preferred design, the foot rinser has one or more rinse
nozzles mounted to the booth and connected to a pressurized source
of foot rinser solution to rinse the feet of a person standing in
the booth. In one preferred design, the foot rinser rinses the feet
for at least the time period during which the coating sprayer
sprays tanning composition.
[0018] In yet another aspect of the preferred design, the apparatus
includes an input device for inputting or measuring a user's
height, and the coating sprayer traverses to an upper height about
equal to the input or measured height. In one alternative, the
upper height can be entered by an operator with a keypad or other
input device. As another alternative, the apparatus has a
photo-optic sensor, ultrasonic sensor, or other object sensor or
intelligent vision device, which, for examples, may be either
mounted to the arm or to the booth, such that the sensor will
measure the height of the person standing in the booth. The sensors
are coupled to the coating sprayer drive control to limit the upper
height traversed by the arm.
[0019] Yet another aspect of a preferred design of the present
invention provides for An apparatus for differentially applying a
composition to a human body comprising an applicator for spray
applying a first liquid containing a certain non-zero concentration
of an active agent to one part of a body and for spray applying a
second liquid having a different concentration of said active agent
to a different part of the body. In a one embodiment, the
applicator uses different nozzles for the first and second liquids.
In a preferred embodiment, the nozzles for the first and second
liquids can operate simultaneously. In a further preferred
embodiment, at least one nozzle for the second liquid operates
substantially the entire time the nozzles for the first liquid
operate. As examples, the second liquid can have an active agent
concentration of zero and the active agent may be an artificial
tanning agent. As another example, the second liquid may have a
lower, non-zero concentration of active agent and may be applied to
areas of the body more sensitive to the activity of the active
agent, thereby obtaining a more uniform response to the agent's
activity over all areas of a user's skin upon coating.
[0020] In yet another aspect of the preferred design, the apparatus
is provided with a washdown nozzle mounted to the spray booth and
coupled to a source of sanitizing solution to wash the spray booth
enclosing walls and floor. The washdown nozzle or nozzles are
preferably rotating, tank washing type nozzles.
[0021] Related objects and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following figures and description of the
preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 shows one design for a spray apparatus of the present
invention adapted for use in a spray booth for coating a person
with tanning composition.
[0023] FIG. 2 shows an alternative design for a floor for a spray
booth apparatus according to the present invention, having a foot
rinser comprising a foot bath.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one design for a movable arm
with a plurality of nozzles showing one geometric relationship of
the spray directions.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another design of a movable
arm with a plurality of nozzles showing an alternative geometric
relationship of the spray directions.
[0026] FIGS. 5 and 6 are side views of additional embodiments of a
movable arm with a plurality of spray nozzles.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective drawing of another design for a
spray booth according to the present invention with a horizontally
traversing arm.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a perspective drawing of another design for a
spray booth according to the present invention with a vertical arm
having multiple spray nozzles, movably mounted to the booth to
traverse in an approximately elliptical path around a location for
a user to stand within the booth.
[0029] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a spray arm on a gantry
type drive system.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a spray booth according to
the present invention having two arms, each with a plurality of
spray nozzles, vertically traversing with a vertical stagger
distance between them.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a schematic of one embodiment of a machine box
for a spray booth according to the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a grate suitable for use in a
spray booth according to the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a spray
booth adapted to use the grate of FIG. 12.
[0034] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a protective plate suitable
to be affixed to the movable arm of FIG. 3.
[0035] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the spray booth of FIG. 13
with the grate of FIG. 12 in place and partially cut away to reveal
the floor below the grate.
[0036] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the spray booth of FIG. 13
with the grate of FIG. 12 in place and covered by a mat 166, shown
partially cut away to show the grate and floor beneath.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the
embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will
be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood
that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby
intended, such alterations and further modifications in the
illustrated apparatus, and such further applications of the
principles of the invention as illustrated therein being
contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to
which the invention relates.
[0038] As used herein, the term "tanning composition" means any
composition designed for application to the skin to facilitate the
cosmetic coloring of the skin to achieve a tanned appearance. The
term includes, but is not limited to, sun tanning solutions, oils
and creams, as well as compositions which stain or induce a change
in pigmentation of the skin. Tanning compositions may also be
blended with other components such as moisturizers, vitamins,
surfactants, emulsifiers, solvents, extenders, therapeutic skin
agents, etc.
[0039] As used herein, the term "artificial tanning composition"
means a tanning composition that does not rely on UV radiation,
either from sunlight or from UV generating light bulbs, to
cosmetically color the skin. The term includes within its meaning,
but is not limited to, "sunless tanning" and/or "bronzing"
solutions, oils, and creams, as for example, but without
limitation, compositions containing the artificial tanning active
agents such as dihydroxyacetone, erythrulose, lawsone, or jugulone.
Artificial tanning compositions may contain one or more active
artificial tanning agents and may be blended with sun or UV tanning
facilitators, as well as moisturizers, vitamins, surfactants like
ethoxydiglycol and dimethyl isosorbide, emulsifiers, solvents,
thinners, extenders, dyes, fragrances, therapeutic skin agents,
etc.
[0040] As used herein, an "operator" is a person who operates the
controls of an apparatus of the present invention or who maintains
the apparatus in operational condition.
[0041] As used herein, a "user" is a person who is to be coated, is
being coated, or who has been coated by the apparatus or methods of
the present invention.
[0042] Though the apparatus of the present invention is primarily
designed to provide optimum benefit in the application of
artificial tanning compositions, it is to be understood that the
apparatus can also be used to coat a human body with other liquids
for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes, as for example, but without
limitation, sun tanning compositions for use in outdoor or indoor
UV based tanning, sunscreen compositions, insect repellants,
general skin care compositions, and pharmaceutical compositions for
adsorption through the skin or for topical treatment of the skin,
such as applying cortisone for psoriasis.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 1, one aspect of the present invention
provides for a spray booth apparatus for applying a tanning
composition to a human body. A spray apparatus is adapted to
operate within a booth 10 having enclosing walls 20, a door 22, a
ceiling 30, and a floor 40. The booth may be of any convenient form
provided the spray apparatus is supported, and preferably such that
the booth provides containment for the spray to protect the
surrounding area from over-spray if desired. For more convenience,
the figures show booths having basic rectangular box shapes, though
it is to be understood that cylindrical, oval, or irregularly
shaped booths, etc., may also be suitable as desired.
[0044] The booth may be constructed of any convenient material to
provide structural stability and resistance to water and staining
by the tanning composition as, for example but without limitation,
plexiglass, fiberglass, shatter resistant glass with metal framing,
stainless steel, plastic, and the like. If containment of the
over-spray is of lesser concern in certain applications, and the
spray apparatus is otherwise supported, the booth may even comprise
simple shower type curtains or no enclosing walls or doors at
all.
[0045] The booth may optionally be provided with lights and/or
speakers for the comfort and convenience of a user. As for example,
but without limitation, speakers may be mounted to the booth to
provide background music, and/or playback of recorded instructions
to step a user through an application session. FIG. 1 shows lights
34 and a speaker 36 mounted in ceiling 30, advantageously away from
direct impact of tanning composition or sanitizing solution spray.
With appropriate protective devices, lights and speakers may also
be suitably mounted in the walls 20, door 22, or floor 40 as
desired.
[0046] The booth floor 40 is provided with at least one drain 46
and may take any suitable form to provide a supporting surface for
a user standing in the booth, such that excess fluid may freely
drain away from the feet of the user. One non-limiting example of a
suitable floor is a molded floor with at least one drain and
recessed channels leading from all regions of the floor to the
drain or drains, with the channels being narrow enough and deep
enough for a user to comfortably stand on the floor without waste
fluid in the channels contacting the user's feet. Another
non-limiting example of a suitable floor is a floor having a grate
to support a user standing thereon, with a fluid collection
reservoir under the grate with at least one drain therein. Other
suitable floors will be apparent to one skilled in the art, which
provide adequate support for a user to stand thereon, while
providing sufficient drainage to minimize retention of excess fluid
in contact with the user's feet.
[0047] In an alternative design, one embodiment of which is
illustrated in FIG. 2, the floor may comprise a foot rinser as
discussed below, including a reservoir 400 for foot rinser solution
in the form of a foot bath, filler nozzles 402, and at least one
drain 46. In this alternative design, a user stands in the foot
bath, which is preferably filled with foot rinser solution 404,
preferably for at least the period during which the user is being
sprayed with tanning composition.
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3-10, an arm 50 is movably
mounted in the booth 10 so as to traverse within the booth 10 in
relation to a user standing in the booth 10. The arm 50 has three
or more active nozzles 51 such that none of the active nozzles are
oriented to spray in a direction substantially toward any other
active spray nozzle. Though there may be other nozzles for spraying
tanning or other compositions in the booth, nozzles for spraying
tanning composition are preferably only active when they will not
spray in a direction substantially toward any other active spray
nozzle. In this manner, opposing air flows are avoided which may
cause swirling or eddying of spray-laden currents around the body
to be coated, rather than the even deposition of the spray on the
body. Likewise, excessive air currents are to be avoided, as for
example, but without limitation, by directing the spray of tanning
composition into a secondary air current which passes the body to
be coated. Such excessive air currents tend to perturb the even
spray of tanning composition such that a substantial proportion of
the spray flows around and away from the body, rather than being
deposited on the body. In addition to reducing the efficiency of
deposition of tanning composition on the body being coated, these
types of perturbations caused by excessive air flows and opposing
air flows tend to cause substantial coalescence of droplets in the
spray, increasing the range of droplet sizes in the spray and the
maximum droplet size in the spray, resulting in uneven application
and dripping or streaking of the coating of tanning composition on
the body.
[0049] In one preferred design illustrated in FIG. 3, the arm 50
has opposing ends and defines an axis 130, outer portions 144 and
146 adjacent the opposing ends, and a central portion 142 between
the outer portions. A plurality of spray nozzles 51 are on the arm
50, wherein at least one spray nozzle 51 is on the central portion
142 and at least one spray nozzle 51 is on each of the two outer
portions 144 and 146. Each spray nozzle on the central portion 142
defines a spray direction 132 towards a certain location in the
booth 10, said location being the location for positioning a user
during use, also referred to as the predetermined location. Each
spray nozzle on an outer portion 144 or 146 defines a spray
direction 133 towards the certain location in the booth 10.
[0050] In one embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG.
3, the spray directions 132 and 133 of all the spray nozzles 51 are
parallel to one another. The spray directions may, for example, be
substantially horizontal relative to the booth 10 and perpendicular
to the general axis 130 of arm 50. They may alternatively be at any
other convenient angle relative to the booth 10 and arm 50 as
desired, given they are directed toward the predetermined location
within the booth 10 and preferably no spray direction of an
actively spraying nozzle is oriented in a direction substantially
toward any other actively spraying nozzle's spray direction.
[0051] In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, the
spray directions 132 of all the spray nozzles 51 on the central
portion 142 of the arm 50 are parallel to one another, and the
spray directions 133 of all the spray nozzles 51 on either outer
portion 144 or 146 of arm 50 are parallel to the spray directions
133 of nozzles 51 on the same outer portion 144 or 146, and the
spray directions 133 of all the spray nozzles 51 on each of the
outer portions 144 and 146 are directed towards the certain
location in the booth 10 at an angle .alpha., which is between
about 0 and about 20 degrees, preferably between about 10 and about
20 degrees, most preferably about 15 degrees, from a line 148
parallel to the spray directions 132 of the spray nozzles 51
mounted on the central portion 142 of the arm 50. The spray
direction of a nozzle shall be considered the direction of the
center of mass of the fluid being sprayed from the nozzle. By
having the nozzles 51 on the outer portions 144 and 146 be
inwardly, that is convergingly, directed toward the certain
location in the booth, the resulting spray may provide a more even
coating to the sides of the torso, legs and arms of a user, as well
as the insides of the legs and arms. By limiting the angle of
convergence to no more than about 20.degree., preferably about
15.degree., the spray directions are not substantially directed
toward the spray directions of nozzles on the central portion 142
of arm 50 so as to perturb the even spray deposition of tanning
composition on a user.
[0052] Again, the spray directions 132 and 133 may, for example, be
substantially horizontal with spray directions 132 substantially
perpendicular to the arm 50. However, alternative suitable designs
may be desirable for design considerations, such that any
convenient angle for spray directions 132 and 133 relative to the
booth 10 and arm 50 may be used, provided they are directed toward
the predetermined location within the booth, and the relative spray
direction geometries are maintained as described.
[0053] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, each nozzle 51 produces a
spray pattern 134 at the certain location for a user in the booth
10. In a preferred embodiment, the spray pattern 134 is fan shaped
with a larger dimension along the line parallel to axis 130 than
the dimension perpendicular to axis 130. In another preferred
embodiment, the spray patterns 134 are aligned to provide an
overlap 138 with adjacent spray patterns 134 of at least about 5%,
preferably at least about 10% at the predetermined location in the
booth 10.
[0054] The spray patterns 134 of all the nozzles 51 combine to
provide a combined spray pattern 136. In one preferred embodiment,
wherein the arm 50 is substantially horizontal and traverses
vertically within the booth 10, the combined spray pattern 136 has
a horizontal width of between about 70 cm and about 100 cm at the
predetermined location in the booth 10, which is sufficiently wide
to relatively evenly coat the bodies of users corresponding to
about 95% of the population, when standing at the predetermined
location in the booth 10, based on statistical widths of human
beings.
[0055] In another preferred embodiment, wherein the arm 50 is
mounted in a substantially vertical orientation, the vertical width
of the combined spray pattern 136 corresponds to the vertical
dimension of the portion of the body to be coated. In one
embodiment, the vertical width of combined spray pattern 136
corresponds to substantially the height of a body being coated. In
a preferred embodiment, the vertical width is at least about 190
cm. In another preferred design, the vertical width is adjustable
to correspond to the input or measured height of a user.
[0056] In operation, the plurality of spray nozzles 51 produce a
spray optimized to provide a relatively even coating on the skin of
a user, with substantially no streaking or dripping. It has been
surprisingly found that this can be accomplished by regulating the
spray patterns and spray direction geometries of the nozzles, as
well as the average droplet particle size, the nozzle liquid and
air feed pressures, the viscosity of the tanning composition, and
the volume of tanning composition sprayed per area of user skin,
which may be controlled by regulating the volume of tanning
composition sprayed per distance traversed by the arm 50.
[0057] In a preferred embodiment, nozzles 51 produce a spray having
a volume median diameter (VMD or Dv.sub.0.5) of not greater than
about 200 .mu.m, preferably not greater than about 10 .mu.m. Due to
the present limitations on hydraulic atomization nozzles and the
above preferences on spray characterization, air atomization
nozzles are preferred, though hydraulic nozzles capable of
producing sprays with VMD's not greater than about 200 .mu.m,
preferably not greater than about 100 .mu.m may be suitable. One
specific example of a suitable nozzle and operating conditions,
without limitation, is the external mix, flat spray, air atomizing
1/8 J with a SUE 18B Spray set-up available from Spraying Systems
Co., Wheaton Ill., operating at a liquid pressure of about 5 to
about 20 psi (about 35-140 kPa), preferably about 10 psi (about 70
kPa) and air pressures in the range of about 15 to about 30 psi
(about 100 to about 200 kPa).
[0058] In another preferred embodiment, the plurality of nozzles 51
are configured to spray between about 0.30 mL and about 0.45 mL,
preferably between about 0.30 mL and about 0.38 mL, tanning
composition per vertical centimeter traversed by arm 10 when
traversal is in the vertical direction.
[0059] The preferred viscosity of the tanning solution is
approximately that of water (about 1 centipoise), preferably less
than about 30 centipoise, though viscosities up to about 100
centipoise may also be suitable.
[0060] A predetermined location within the booth is provided for a
user to stand during a tanning composition application operation
according to the present invention. It is generally convenient for
the location to be in the central portion of the booth 10 though
alternatives may be suitable for design considerations, as for
example, the back, side or front of the booth relative to the arm.
In one embodiment, the predetermined location is in front of the
spray nozzles and is at a horizontal distance of between about 25
cm and 60 cm, measuring to the surface of the user's body closest
to the nozzles. Greater or lesser distances can be used by
adjusting the nozzle liquid and air feed pressures accordingly, as
for example by increasing the feed pressures for greater distances.
Greater distances, however, may lead to greater spray pattern
dispersion and more combining of spray droplets, resulting in a
sub-population of less desirable large droplets, which may drip or
streak after deposition on the skin or result in an uneven
coating.
[0061] In one specific preferred embodiment, the arm is mounted
substantially horizontally within the booth to traverse in the
vertical direction, with the predetermined location in the booth 10
being between about 25 cm and about 60 cm horizontal distance from
the nozzles 51, with the spray patterns 134 overlapping adjacent
spray patterns 134 by at least about 10%, and the plurality of
nozzles 51 being configured to spray between about 0.30 mL and
about 0.38 mL tanning composition per vertical centimeter traversed
by the arm 10, with a VMD of not greater than about 100 .mu.m,
sprayed from an air atomizing nozzle with a liquid feed pressure or
about 10 psi and an air feed pressure of about 10-30 psi.
[0062] It is to be understood that the arm 50 can be of any form
desired to produce the desired orientation of spray patterns 134
generated by the nozzles 51. FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of an arm
50, wherein the arm is a manifold 54 having the plurality of
nozzles 51 mounted into the broader, vertical face of the
rectangle. The manifold 54 is a two compartment bar providing
pressurized feed of tanning composition through tanning composition
feed line 52 into one compartment, and pressurized feed of air
through compressed air feed line 53 into the second compartment. In
this manner, each nozzle 51 receives equivalent feeds of air and
liquid which is then atomized into a spray in the nozzle 51.
Optionally, manifold 54 may be fitted with a tanning composition
return line 56 to drain residual composition to the reservoir or
drain as desired.
[0063] FIGS. 4 and 5 show other embodiments wherein the arm 50 is a
manifold 54 and is bent at the outer portions 144 and 146 relative
to the horizontal axis 130 of the central portion 142 of the arm 50
to provide convergent angled spray directions 133 for nozzles 51
mounted to the outer portions 144 and 146 of the arm 50. Feed lines
52 and 53 provide pressurized feed of tanning solution and air
respectively, to the two compartment manifold 54, which then
supplies each nozzle 51 equivalently. Again, the manifold may be
optionally fitted with a composition return line desired (not
shown).
[0064] FIG. 6 shows yet another embodiment for arm 50, wherein the
arm is a simple mounting bar to which the plurality of nozzles 51
is attached. In this embodiment, each nozzle 51 is supplied with
individual pressurized feed lines 52 and 53 for tanning composition
and air, respectively.
[0065] FIGS. 1, 3 and 9 show a preferred embodiment for arm 50,
wherein the arm 50 includes a two compartment manifold 54, wherein
the nozzles 51 are mounted to the broader face of the arm 50, but
the arm 50 is oriented with the broader face being horizontal,
rather than vertical. Having the nozzles 51 suspended under the arm
50 advantageously allows for a lower effective vertical traversal
of the arm 50, as well as allowing for the angular setting of the
nozzles 51 on the outer portions 144 and 146 to be more easily
installed or adjusted. Nozzles 51 may be suitably mounted on the
top surface of the arm as well.
[0066] FIGS. 7 and 8 show alternative designs for a spray apparatus
according to the present invention, wherein the arm 50 is mounted
substantially vertically to traverse either substantially
horizontally along one or more substantially horizontal tracks 300,
as for example as illustrated in FIG. 7, or along a tracks 302
completely or partially around the predetermined location in the
booth, as for example as illustrated in FIG. 8. The track 302,
illustrated as a partial ellipse in FIG. 8, may be of any
convenient shape to partially or completely encompass the
predetermined location, and therefor a user standing in the
predetermined location. Such shapes can include, but are not
limited to a circle, ellipse, oval, square, rectangle, grouping of
arcs, other irregular shape or the like, or any portion of such
shapes. In designs using a substantially horizontally mounted arm,
it is preferred to have the spray directions of all the nozzles be
substantially parallel one to another, and with overlaps between
adjacent spray patterns at the predetermined location of at least
10%.
[0067] Other suitable designs for arm 50 will be apparent to one
skilled in the art, including esthetically pleasing designs, such
as curved arms or stylized arms. These are suitable provided the
geometry of the spray directions 132 and 133 are maintained as
described above. Likewise, arm 50 may be oriented at angles other
than substantially horizontally or vertically, such as a helically
traversing arm, with the spray geometries not substantially
opposing one another.
[0068] A number of drive means are suitable to drive and control
the traversal of the arm. Suitable means will provide arm traversal
coupled to the spray rate to achieve the desired delivery rate of
tanning composition to the user's skin. In one embodiment, the
drive means provides consistent, smooth traversal at a
predetermined rate to coincide with the spray rate of nozzles 51,
to provide for the application of a controlled volume of tanning
composition per surface area of a user's skin. Exemplary drive
means include without limitation, gantries with a motor driven belt
or chain to move the arm, hydraulic or pneumatic piston drives, and
motors with drive gears mounted to the booth or alternatively to
the arm, coupled to gear tracks to move the arm.
[0069] FIGS. 1 and 9 illustrate one suitable embodiment of a drive
mechanism comprising arm 50 mounted to bearing bracket 62, which is
configured to moveably mount on vertical guide rail 60. Belt 61 is
attached to bearing bracket 62 and is driven by motor 63 through
drive gear 64 to move arm 50 along guide rail 60 in coordination
with the turning of belt 61. In one embodiment, belt tensor 65
maintains proper belt tension for smooth traversal motion of arm
50. In a preferred embodiment, belt 61 is ribbed to provide greater
precision of motion of arm 50. In another preferred embodiment,
belt 61 is replaced with a chain. Other drives will be apparent to
those skilled in the art, including for example, replacing the
above gantry with an hydraulic or pneumatic piston, as for example
a fluid or air driven telescoping post on which arm 50 would be
mounted.
[0070] In one design of the present invention, the arm traverses
vertically between a lower height and an upper height selected to
provide for coating of all or any desired portion of a person
desiring to be coated. In a preferred embodiment, the arm traverses
to coat the entire body of a user. In another embodiment, the lower
height is selected to be at about the height of the top of a user's
feet and the upper height is selected to be at least equal to about
the height of a user. In yet another embodiment, the arm is
configured to traverse between a lower height of between about 7 cm
and about 18 cm, and an upper height of at least about 190 cm, the
heights being measured from the floor of the booth.
[0071] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided an input device mounted to the booth to input the height
of a person standing at the predetermined location in the booth.
The input device then coordinates the traversing of the arm to
limit the upper height to a height equal to about the input height.
In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1, the input device is a
keypad 204 mounted inside the booth for an operator or a user to
key in the desired upper height. Alternatively, keypad 204 may be
mounted outside the booth or may be located at a remote control
station. In another embodiment, the input device is a height sensor
mounted in the booth to measure the height of a user, as for
example, but without limitation, a photo-optic, ultrasonic, or
infrared sensor. FIG. 9 illustrates one such embodiment, wherein
height sensor 200 is mounted to the arm 50. FIG. 7 illustrates an
alternative embodiment, wherein an array of height sensors 202 is
mounted to the enclosing walls 20 of the booth 10 to measure the
height of a user. In designs using vertically mounted arms, the
height input device may be couple to the sprayer to allow
activation of spray nozzles only up to the input (measured) height,
with higher mounted nozzles remaining inactive during the
subsequent coating application. Alternatively, the nozzles may be
manually or automatically movable along arm 50 to proportionately
adjust the heights of the nozzles. Additionally in this embodiment,
the nozzles may optionally be focusable to adjust the spray
patterns to optimize the overlap between adjacent spray patterns to
optimize the spray for users of different heights.
[0072] In another aspect of the present invention, the spray
apparatus further comprises a second arm moveably mounted in the
booth with three or more second active spray nozzles on the second
arm oriented as described above for the first set of three or more
nozzles on the first arm, wherein the three or more second spray
nozzles are operable when they are offset from the first arm. In
one embodiment, the horizontal distance between the predetermined
location and the second spray nozzles is between about 25 cm and
about 60 cm, though other distances may be used by adjusting the
spray pressure accordingly, as with the first spray nozzles on the
first arm.
[0073] The offset, or stagger distance, between the arms is such
that the spray from the active nozzles on the first arm and the
spray from the active nozzles on the second arm do not interfere
with one another to any appreciable extent. In this manner, two or
more moveable spray arms can be employed in the apparatus to more
rapidly coat a user without creating adverse opposing air flows or
excessive air flows as described above.
[0074] In one preferred embodiment, the offset, or stagger
distance, is equal to or greater than about the sum of the widths
in the direction of arm traversal of the spray patterns of the
first spray nozzles on the first arm and the second spray nozzles
on the second arm. In another embodiment, the offset is equal to or
greater than about two times the sum of the widths of the spray
patterns of the first and second sets of spray nozzles measured in
the direction of traversal.
[0075] One design for an apparatus with two spray arms is
illustrated in FIG. 10. Second arm 600, having second spray nozzles
601 thereon, is positioned on the opposite side of the booth 10
from the first arm 50. This is also advantageously on the opposite
side of the location for a user 610 from the first arm 50. The
design shown in FIG. 10 shows the first arm 50 and second arm 600
traversing vertically along vertical guide tracks 620, separated by
a vertical stagger distance 120, which is sufficient to avoid
appreciable opposing flows that would perturb the spray patterns of
the nozzles. In one embodiment, the vertical stagger distance 120
is at least about the sum of the vertical widths 603 and 604 of
first spray pattern 134 and second spray pattern 602, respectively.
In another embodiment, the stagger distance 120 is at least about
two times the sum of the vertical widths 603 and 604.
[0076] It is to be understood that the stagger distance between the
first and second arm is measured in the direction of traversal of
the arms, whether traversal is vertical, horizontal or otherwise.
If the arms are traversing in opposing directions, the nozzles of
one arm should stop spraying when the arms come to within the
necessary minimum stagger distance, and may resume spraying after
the lead arm has passed and re-established the minimum stagger
distance from the paused nozzles.
[0077] In another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a spray apparatus for applying an artificial tanning
composition to a human body including a foot rinse system to rinse
the feet of the user during the application of tanning composition.
The foot rinser operates to reduce or minimize as desired, contact
of the tanning composition with the feet, particularly the soles,
between the toes, and toe nails, of a user to minimize or eliminate
undesirable over-staining of the feet. In one embodiment, the foot
rinser comprises at least one rinse nozzle operably mounted to the
booth and operably connected to a source of foot rinser solution,
to rinse the feet of a user positioned at the predetermined
location in the booth. The foot rinser preferably rinses the user's
feet for at least the period of time during the spraying of the
tanning composition. In a preferred embodiment, the foot rinser
begins rinsing just prior to the beginning of spraying of the
tanning composition. In another preferred embodiment, the foot
rinser continues rinsing for at least until after the over-spray
has settled or the user has exited the booth.
[0078] One design for the foot rinser, comprising at least one foot
rinse nozzle mounted to the booth and oriented to direct a stream
of foot rinser solution across a user's feet when said user is
standing at the predetermined location, to dilute tanning
composition over-spray that falls on the feet. In a preferred
embodiment, the stream of foot rinser solution is sufficient to
dilute the over-spray such that no appreciable concentration of
artificial tanning agent adheres to the user's feet.
[0079] FIG. 1 illustrates one design for a foot rinser having two
foot rinse nozzles 100 attached to booth 10 at one edge of floor
40. However, many suitable alternative designs will be readily
apparent including, without limitation, mounting one or more
nozzles opposite those shown in FIG. 1 near door 22, mounting
nozzles on the side edges of floor 40 or mounting nozzles on the
lower portions of the booth enclosing walls or door, mounting
nozzles on floor 40 closer to the predetermined location or
providing foot shields for a user to slide their feet under, with
or without one or more foot rinse nozzles under the foot
shields.
[0080] In yet another design, illustrated in FIG. 2, the foot
rinser comprises a foot bath type reservoir 400 for holding foot
rinser solution 404 sufficiently deep to cover the portions of a
user's feet desired to be protected from staining or over staining
by the artificial tanning composition. Though other designs are
readily apparent, one suitable design includes at least one foot
rinser solution inlet nozzle 402 and at least one drain 46. This
design of foot rinser may also be equipped with agitation or
sanitation mechanisms as desired and as are known in the art.
[0081] The foot rinser solution may be any biocompatible solution
that will dilute the tanning composition below a concentration that
would over-stain the user's feet. In a preferred embodiment, the
foot rinser solution contains no artificial tanning active agents.
Alternatively, the foot rinser solution may contain a more dilute
concentration of the artificial tanning agent, or a different or
different mixture of artificial tanning agent(s) than that applied
to the rest of the body of a user. In another preferred embodiment,
the foot rinse solution is water or a detergent solution. In one
embodiment, the at least one rinse nozzle is coupled to a tap water
source, optionally with a pressure regulator or compressor
interposed to regulate the rinse solution pressure and/or rate of
flow. In one preferred embodiment, the at least one rinse nozzle
provides a fan shaped spray of rinser solution. In another
embodiment, the at least one rinse nozzle provides a stream of
rinser solution over the user's feet.
[0082] As with the feet as described above, it is known that
different areas of the body can have different sensitivities to
staining by artificial tanning agents. It is also often desirable
to have a different darkness or hue of tan on different portions of
the body. Examples of such differential coating needs or desires
would include, but are not limited to less sensitivity of skin
and/or a desire for darker tanning on the face, chest, back, and/or
arms, and greater sensitivity of skin and/or a desire for lighter
tanning of the knees, elbows, hands and/or feet. To accommodate
these differential needs or desires, another aspect of the present
invention provides for an apparatus for differentially applying a
composition, as for example, but not limited to an artificial
tanning composition, to a human body. The apparatus of this aspect
of the present invention comprises an applicator for spray applying
a first liquid containing a certain non-zero concentration of an
active agent to one part of a body and for spray applying a second
liquid having a different concentration of the active agent to a
different part of the body. Though the active agent in one
preferred embodiment is an artificial tanning agent, it should be
appreciated that the apparatus can be used to differentially coat
various other compositions on the body as desired. Such other
compositions would include, but not be limited to sun tan lotions
and therapeutic compositions for treatment of the skin or for
adsorption through the skin.
[0083] In one preferred design for this aspect of the present
invention, the first and second liquids are applied with the same
nozzle or nozzles, and the apparatus varies the amount of each
liquid being sprayed at a given time depending on the area of the
body being sprayed. In this design, the first and second liquid may
be sprayed individually or simultaneously as a mixture through the
nozzles, as for example where the second liquid is a diluent and
the concentration of active agent is varied by increasing or
decreasing the ratio of the diluent to the active agent being
sprayed at a given time, over a given area.
[0084] In another preferred design for this aspect of the present
invention, the applicator uses different nozzles for the first and
second liquids. In a preferred embodiment of this design, nozzles
for the first liquid and nozzles for the second liquid may operate
simultaneously. In another preferred embodiment, at least one
nozzle for the second liquid operates substantially the entire time
a nozzle for the first liquid is operating. In one specific
embodiment, the second liquid has an active agent concentration of
zero. In one preferred embodiment, at least one nozzle for the
second liquid is directed on the feet of a user standing at the
predetermined location in the booth.
[0085] In yet another embodiment of this aspect of the invention,
at least one nozzle for the second liquid is directed at the feet
of a user, while other nozzles may spray a mixture of the first
liquid and second liquid to vary the concentration of active agent
and/or the concentration and mixture of active agents in the spray
directed to other areas of the body, as for example, but not
limited to the back, chest, elbows, knees, hands, or face of a
user.
[0086] In yet another embodiment of this aspect of the invention,
the apparatus is equipped with a intelligent imagining scanner
system, as for example, but not limited to a laser imaging scanner
or an infrared scanner, and the apparatus senses the surface of the
user's body to generate a computerized map of the user's body to
identify specific body areas, and then controls the sprayer
traversal rate and/or preferably the active agent concentration in
the spray being applied through a specific nozzle or nozzles at a
given time, to differentially apply composition to the body to
achieve a differential coating of active agent or agents over
different areas of the user's body.
[0087] In another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a sanitizing system comprising at least one wash-down
nozzle mounted in the booth, operably coupled to a source of
sanitizing solution to wash the booth. In a preferred embodiment,
the at least one wash-down nozzle is a tank washing type nozzle,
preferably a rotating 180 degree tank washing nozzle, though
rotating tank washing nozzles up 360 degree may also be suitable.
The sanitizing solution may be any cleaning and/or disinfecting
solution including water, detergent solution, bactericidal
solution, fungicidal solution, or any combination thereof.
[0088] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a wash-down system comprising
a single wash-down nozzle 32 mounted to the ceiling 30 of booth 10.
Machine box 80, also shown in FIG. 11, houses a sanitizing solution
reservoir 110, sanitizing solution pump 112, and sanitizing
solution solenoid 114, to supply and control the flow of sanitizing
solution through sanitizing solution supply line 116 to wash-down
nozzle 32.
[0089] It is preferred that the wash-down system be configured to
wash down the booth only when a user is not in the booth. In one
embodiment, the system performs a wash-down operation upon
activation by an operator, or automatically after a user exits the
booth. In another embodiment, the wash-down system may be
configured to wash-down the booth after a predetermined number of
coating operations have been completed and a user is not in the
booth.
[0090] In another aspect of the present invention, the spray booth
is provided with a machine box housing the electrical and
mechanical components of the apparatus. One skilled in the art will
readily apprehend numerous suitable configurations for the
necessary components to control the apparatus of the present
invention. It is also to be understood that many of the components
may be located at a distance from the booth and many may be
configured to be shared by multiple spray booths.
[0091] FIG. 11 shows one suitable machine box 80 comprising tanning
composition tank 84 coupled to tanning composition pump 86, which
is in turn coupled to spray nozzles in the booth by supply line 52,
and optionally through a mixing manifold, as for example, but
without limitation, a mixing manifold 54 in FIGS. 1,3-5 and 9, or a
mixing manifold in the machine box (not shown) with air/tanning
composition supply line from the manifold to the nozzles in the box
(not shown). Optionally, tanning composition return line 56 may
provide return of composition to the tanning composition tank 84 as
controlled by return solenoid 94. Air compressor 82 is coupled
through appropriate pressure regulators (not shown) and air cut-off
solenoid 102 and supply line 53 to the nozzles in the booth,
optionally through a mixing manifold. Sanitizing solution tank 110
is coupled to sanitizing solution pump 112, which is in turn
coupled to the wash-down nozzle in the booth through sanitizing
solution solenoid 114 and supply line 116. Evacuation fan 88 draws
excess over-spray from the booth through air filter 90 and vents
the filtered air through vent tube 91. The evacuation fan 88 may
draw over-spray laden air from booth 10 from any suitable port, as
for example, but without limitation, exhaust port 48 shown in FIG.
1, and/or from an exhaust port over a collection reservoir under a
grated floor, and/or from exhaust ports in the ceiling, or even the
floor with appropriate liquid traps. Optional bilge pump 92 draws
accumulated waste tanning composition, foot rinser solution and/or
sanitizing solution from the one or more drains in the booth floor.
Foot rinser solution feed line 98 couples a source of foot rinser
solution to foot rinser in the booth through foot rinse solution
solenoid 96. Controller unit 500 monitors and coordinates all
components through electrical connections (not shown) along with
appropriate feedback mechanisms using sensed pressures,
temperatures, liquid levels, user heights, presence of a user,
image of a user, drag on the traversal of the arm, arm location,
feed rates, etc.
[0092] FIG. 12 shows a grate, indicated generally at 123, suitable
for use in a spray booth according to the present invention,
similar to the one shown in FIG. 1. However, in a spray booth in
which a grate 123 will be used, the exhaust port 48 is preferably
located in the vertical edges of the floor 40, as shown in FIG. 13.
The grate 123 is preferably rigid and has a pattern of holes 121
through it. The pattern of holes 121 preferably has a centroid 125
that is well away from the center of the grate 123, and on the side
of the grate opposite to the spray nozzles 51. Thus, the cross
section of passageways through the half of the grate 123 distal to
the spray nozzles 51 is larger than through the half of the grate
123 proximal to the spray nozzles 51. As shown in FIG. 13, in
certain preferred embodiments the floor 40 includes an
approximately square well with rounded corners. The grate 123
preferably has dimensions sufficiently similar to those of the well
in the floor 40 to permit it to easily be placed into the well,
but, as shown in FIG. 15, without leaving a significant gap between
the vertical edges of the well and the grate 123. The floor 40 is
preferably adapted to support the edges and center of the grate 123
to create a plenum between the grate and floor into which air
(including sunless tanning solution overspray) and foot rinsing
solution can run from the section of the booth above the grate. The
grate 123 is oriented within the well such that the centroid 125 of
the pattern of holes 121 is furthest from the spray nozzles 51. In
certain embodiments, the grate 123 is covered by a porous mat 166,
as shown in FIG. 16. In certain embodiments, the porous mat 166 is
made of rubber, or another substance such as a fabric containing
elastomers. It can have the appearance of a woven component mat 166
with the spaces between the weaving providing porosity. The mat 166
provides a comfortable, non-slip surface for the user to stand on,
but does not prevent the flow of air (or foot rinsing solution)
through the grate into the space between the grate and the floor
40.
[0093] When the booth 10 is operated with the grate 123 in place,
the evacuation fan 88 draws air from the booth 10, through the
perforations in the rubber mat 166, through the pattern of holes
121 in the grate 123, into the plenum between the grate 123 and the
floor 40, and out through the exhaust port 48, (where the sunless
tanning agent over-spray is removed by filter 90, and the air may
be then recirculated back into the booth near the top or
exhausted). Because the flow of air is generally downward, excess
tanning solution is pulled away from the user's hair and face.
Also, it is pulled away from the ceiling 30, and any lights 34 or
speaker 36 whose function might be impeded by the tanning solution.
Because, in the preferred embodiments, the centroid 125 of the
pattern of holes is on the opposite side of the certain location of
the user from the spray nozzles 51, the vertical component of air
flow on the distal side of the booth is higher than on the proximal
side of the booth. The average flow of air in the booth above the
plenum also has a horizontal component from the side of the booth
10 proximal to the spray nozzles 51 to the distal side. This helps
to provide a more even and complete coating of the user's skin and
further reduces turbulence and eddies.
[0094] In certain embodiments, the certain location at which the
user is to be located is marked either on the grate 123 or on the
mat 166 with some indicia visible to a user. In certain preferred
embodiments, for example, the indicia is a stripe indicating where
the user is to place the heels or balls of their feet. One example
would be a white stripe on a black mat 166. FIG. 15 shows an
embodiment in which the indicia is a stripe 127 on the grate 123.
FIG. 16 shows a similar stripe on a porous mat 166 placed over the
grate 123. In certain other embodiments (not shown), the indicia is
an outline or other figure of feet on which a user may stand. In
certain preferred embodiments, the indicia is a shape or region
that is a substantially different color from the rest of the mat
166 or grate 123. In others, the indicia is a pattern substantially
different from the rest of the lower surface of the booth.
Regardless of the specific indicia used, the indicia indicates,
without ambiguity from other nearby colors or patterns, where a
user should stand in order to place their body in the certain
location, at which the spray nozzles produce approximately the most
even deposition of sunless tanning solution.
[0095] In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, a protective
plate 141 having a set of apertures 142 corresponding to the spray
nozzles 51 is positioned with the spray nozzles 51 protruding
through the apertures. Preferably the apertures of the nozzles 51
are spaced far enough from the face of the protective plate 141 to
avoid creating turbulence in the spray patterns. In certain
preferred embodiments, for example, the apertures are positioned in
hemispherical dimples 143, as shown in FIG. 14. The dimples permit
the apertures of the nozzles to be flush with the face of the
protective plate 141, yet have sufficient open space behind the
aperture of each of the nozzles 51 to substantially prevent
turbulence in the spray pattern that would otherwise be created by
proximity to the protective plate 141. In certain other
embodiments, the nozzles 51 simply protrude through the apertures
142 far enough to create the necessary separation between the
nozzles' 51 apertures and the face of the protective plate 141.
[0096] In certain preferred embodiments a water heater is included
in the foot rinser solution feed line 98, for example between the
foot rinse solution solenoid and the foot rinse nozzles 100. In
such embodiments the water heater is preferably made a part of the
tanning booth assembly, very close to the foot rinse nozzles 100,
rather than being a separate device more remotely located. This
provides an advantage in control of the temperature of the foot
wash. In this way the foot rinse solution can be heated to a
comfortable temperature before being sprayed on the user's
feet.
[0097] In certain preferred embodiments, the tanning composition
pump 86 is a peristaltic pump.
[0098] In certain preferred embodiments the booth 10 is further
equipped with electronic communications equipment, such as a modem
or a network communications card (either to permit communications
with a local area network or another network, such as the
Internet), to permit remote programming or control of one or more
operations parameters, such as pump pressure or the tanning
solution-to-air mixture ratio. The communications equipment may
also be used for other remote controls, such as monitoring
activation of the booth in order to schedule periodic maintenance,
such as refilling with sunless tanning solution, or to monitor
usage to determine appropriate fees for use of the booth.
[0099] While the invention and its preferred embodiments have been
illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing
description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not
restrictive in character, it being understood that only the
preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all
changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the
invention are desired to be protected as set forth in the following
claims.
* * * * *