U.S. patent application number 11/156294 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-21 for applicator for hair products.
Invention is credited to Paul M. Anderson, Dolores Barbara Cross, Debra Karen Dowd, Dalal Ibrahim Esber Duffer, Teresita Vergara Imperial, Erlinda Dugaduga Leone, Donna Jean Lisowski, Stanley Matlosz, Saroja Narasimhan, Brenda Karen Ruditzky, Lou Ann Christine Vena.
Application Number | 20060283474 11/156294 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37572149 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060283474 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Anderson; Paul M. ; et
al. |
December 21, 2006 |
Applicator for hair products
Abstract
A hair product applicator for applying hair product to the hair
comprised of a handle having a proximal end and a distal end; and
affixed to the distal end of the handle a retaining structure
formed by a plurality of pyramid shaped teeth extending upwardly
from the handle; and a method for applying hair products to the
hair using the applicator.
Inventors: |
Anderson; Paul M.;
(Lincroft, NJ) ; Cross; Dolores Barbara; (South
Amboy, NJ) ; Dowd; Debra Karen; (Upper Montclair,
NJ) ; Duffer; Dalal Ibrahim Esber; (North Brunswick,
NJ) ; Imperial; Teresita Vergara; (Staten Island,
NY) ; Leone; Erlinda Dugaduga; (Chestnut Ridge,
NY) ; Lisowski; Donna Jean; (Watchung, NJ) ;
Matlosz; Stanley; (Edison, NJ) ; Narasimhan;
Saroja; (Matawan, NJ) ; Ruditzky; Brenda Karen;
(Teaneck, NJ) ; Vena; Lou Ann Christine; (Scotch
Plains, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Julie Blackburn;Revlon Consumer Products Corporation
237 Park Avenue
New York
NY
10017
US
|
Family ID: |
37572149 |
Appl. No.: |
11/156294 |
Filed: |
June 17, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/126 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 19/0066 20210101;
A45D 24/02 20130101; A45D 19/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/126 |
International
Class: |
A45D 24/04 20060101
A45D024/04 |
Claims
1. A hair product applicator for applying hair product to the hair
comprised of: a handle having a proximal end and a distal end; and
affixed to the distal end of the handle a retaining structure
formed by a plurality of pyramid shaped teeth extending upwardly
from the handle.
2. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the hair product that is
applied is a hair bleach composition.
3. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the hair product that is
applied is an oxidative hair color composition.
4. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the hair product that is
applied is a semi-permanent hair color composition or a hair
gel.
5. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the distal end of the handle
forms a head portion having the retaining structure affixed
thereto, and the proximal end of the handle forms a tail portion
for gripping by the consumer.
6. The applicator of claim 5 wherein the head portion and the tail
portion form an angle of greater than 90 degrees.
7. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the plurality of pyramid
shaped teeth form a retaining structure that is oblong.
8. The applicator of claim 7 wherein the oblong retaining structure
is formed by four to six pyramid shaped teeth forming lengthwise
walls on the head portion and one to two pyramid shaped teeth
forming the top and bottom walls on the head portion.
9. The applicator of claim 8 wherein the oblong retaining structure
is formed by four pyramid shaped teeth forming lengthwise walls on
the head portion.
10. The applicator of claim 8 wherein the oblong retaining
structure is formed by four pyramid shaped teeth forming lengthwise
walls on the head portion, two pyramid shaped teeth sloped inwardly
at the bottom edge of oblong retaining structure toward the
proximal end of the applicator, and one pyramid shaped tooth at the
top and bottom ends of retaining structure.
11. The applicator of claim 1 wherein pyramid shaped teeth have a
rectangular base affixed to handle.
12. The applicator of claim 11 wherein pyramid shaped teeth have
front and back walls that are generally triangular in shape.
13. The applicator of claim 12 wherein pyramid shaped teeth have a
top surface which is flat or rounded.
14. The applicator of claim 1 wherein having a head and a handle
wherein the head and handle form an obtuse angle.
15. The applicator of claim 14 wherein the obtuse angle between the
head and handle ranges from about 120 to 180 degrees.
16. The applicator of claim 1 having a head and a handle wherein
the handle is generally rectangular in shape.
17. A method for applying hair products to hair with an applicator
comprised of (a) a handle having a proximal end and a distal end;
and (b) affixed to the distal end of the handle a retaining
structure formed by a plurality of pyramid shaped teeth extending
upwardly from the handle comprising loading the hair product into
the retaining structure, then distributing the product through the
hair by contacting the retaining structure formed by the plurality
of pyramid shaped teeth with the hair strands to dispense product
onto the hair.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the hair product is hair
bleach.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein the hair product is oxidative
hair color.
20. The method of claim 17 wherein the hair product is
semi-permanent hair color, hair gel, or hair mousse.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention is in the field of cosmetic applicators,
specifically those for use in applying products to the hair.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Many women are interested in not just coloring their hair,
but applying gradations of color to hair. Hair highlighting is one
form of hair coloring where portions of the hair are treated with a
composition that causes the treated portions of the hair to be
lighter, or differently colored than the base hair shade.
Highlighting can be done in a professional salon or at home using
retail hair highlighting kits. While in the past the best quality
highlights were obtained in a professional salon environment, now,
the kits that are available for purchase at retail by consumers are
well designed, enabling the at home user to obtain salon-equivalent
results.
[0003] In recent years lowlighting has become popular. Lowlighting
is a form of hair coloring where portions of the hair are treated
with a composition that causes the treated portions of hair to be
darker, or have a different tonality and hue of color than the base
hair shade. An example of lowlighting hair would involve applying
cinnamon colored streaks to light brown or blonde hair; brown
streaks to blonde or light brown hair; or chocolate colored streaks
to medium or light brown hair. Consumers often like to highlight
their hair in the warm weather months and lowlight the hair in the
fall and winter season. While retail highlighting kits are widely
available for consumer purchase, currently no retail kits for
lowlighting hair are available on the market. Further, hair
products companies are always looking for better ways to apply the
highlighting or lowlighting ("lighting") composition to make the
result as consumer friendly as possible, yet providing a salon
quality result.
[0004] For example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0066989
teaches a hair treatment applicator for applying highlights to the
hair. The applicator contains four opposed blades, which form a
retaining structure for the composition to be applied to the hair.
The device is combed through the hair and the composition that is
held within the retaining structure is dispensed onto the hair with
the assistance of the blades. While this device works very well for
very long hair, it has certain drawbacks when used with medium
length or short hair.
[0005] U.S. Patent Publication 2004/0065338 is directed to another
type of hair treatment applicator that contains two heads separated
by a separation volume, with each head containing a retaining
structure for holding the hair product to be applied. This
two-headed device makes it easier and faster to apply the product
to the hair in the desired configuration. However, when the device
having the two separated heads is filled with product and applied
to the hair, the amount of product deposited onto the hair can
sometimes be excessive, particularly when used by unskilled
consumers. In addition, this applicator does not provide optimal
results when used with long hair.
[0006] Devices designed for application of highlights to hair must
have certain design parameters. Basically, the idea is to achieve
naturally appearing streaks of alternating color on the hair. The
streaks must be dispersed properly, avoiding globs of product along
the streak from beginning to end; and with short hair to give even
streaks from root to tip. The streaks must also have the right
width and appearance in order to create a most natural look. If the
device is not properly designed, the product may be applied to the
hair in clumps or uneven bands.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a device for applying hair
products to the hair that eliminates or ameliorates these
drawbacks. The device must be consumer friendly and, when used by
the consumer, capable of applying the hair product to the hair to
achieve the desired effects.
[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a hair product
applicator that enables application of highlights and lowlights to
hair.
[0009] It is a further object of the invention to provide a hair
product applicator that has a retaining structure formed by teeth
that are wide enough to permit passage of hair but closely spaced
enough to form a retaining structure for the hair product.
[0010] It is a further object of the invention to provide a hair
product applicator for use in retail kits for highlighting and
lowlighting hair.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The invention is directed to a hair product applicator for
applying hair product to the hair comprised of: [0012] a handle
having a proximal end and a distal end; and [0013] affixed to the
distal end of the handle a retaining structure, the retaining
structure formed by a plurality of pyramid shaped teeth extending
upwardly from the handle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1: depicts the hair product applicator of the invention
comprised of a handle having a proximal and distal end, and having
affixed to the distal end a plurality of pyramid shaped teeth
extending upwardly from the handle.
[0015] FIG. 2: depicts a top plan view of the device of FIG. 1,
showing the orientation of the pyramid shaped teeth on the distal
end.
[0016] FIG. 3: is a side view taken across 3-3 of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 4: is a side view taken across 4-4 of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 5: depicts how the hair product is filled into the
retaining structure formed by the pyramid shaped teeth.
[0019] FIG. 6: depicts one way in which the hair product applicator
may be used to apply the desired product to the hair.
[0020] FIG. 6A: depicts another way in which the hair product
applicator may be used to apply the desired product to the
hair.
[0021] FIG. 7: shows a closer view of the applicator being used to
apply hair product to the hair, and how the pyramid shaped teeth
separate the hair strands.
[0022] FIG. 8: is a lengthwise view of the device being used to
apply product to the hair.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the hair product
applicator 1 of the invention, having a proximal end 2 and a distal
end 3. Affixed to the distal end 3 of the applicator 1 is a
retaining structure 4 formed by a plurality of pyramid shaped teeth
5. As is evident in FIG. 1, the pyramid shaped teeth 5 have a wide
base 6 where they are affixed to the distal end 3 of the applicator
1 in the area referred to as the head 7. The pyramid shaped teeth 5
have a generally rectangular or oval base 8 affixed to the head 7
of the distal end 3 of the applicator 1, with the front and back
walls 9 of the long side 10 of the rectangular base 8 being
generally triangular in shape with a rounded, curved, or squared
top 11 (which may also be curved or rounded), and the sidewalls
between the front and back walls 9 being generally rectangular 12.
The top surface of the pyramid shaped teeth is preferably curved or
flat 13.
[0024] The placement of pyramid shaped teeth 5 form the retaining
structure 4. The retaining structure formed by the placement of
pyramid shaped teeth 5 may be circular, oblong, rectangular, or any
configuration that provides a retaining structure that is adequate
to hold hair product 19.
[0025] In the most preferred embodiment of the invention the
retaining structure 4 is oblong 4A (see FIG. 2), and formed by from
four to six, preferably five pyramid shaped teeth 5 on each long
side, with from one to two pyramid shaped teeth on each end.
[0026] More preferably, as depicted in FIG. 2, there are four
pyramid shaped teeth 5 parallel to each other forming the long side
14 of the oblong 4A shaped retaining structure 4. Toward the bottom
edge 15, facing the proximal end 2 of applicator 1, two pyramid
shaped teeth 5 are placed to slope inwardly 16 from the parallel
pyramid shaped teeth 5 forming the long side 14 of the oblong 4A
retaining structure 4. One pyramid shaped tooth 5 is placed at the
top 17 of the retaining structure 4 and one at the bottom 18 of
retaining structure 4.
[0027] In the most preferred embodiment of the invention, the
pyramid shaped tooth 5 at the top 17 of the retaining structure 4
is placed generally in the middle section 17A between the two
parallel lines of pyramid shaped teeth 5 that form the long side 14
of the oblong 4A retaining structure 4. Additionally, in the
preferred embodiment of the invention the pyramid shaped tooth 5 at
the bottom 18 of the retaining structure 4 is placed generally
parallel to pyramid shaped tooth 5 at the top 17, and they are
generally aligned longitudinally.
[0028] This configuration of the pyramid shaped teeth 5 to make
retaining structure 4 that provides an area where the hair product
19 is placed. Pyramid shaped teeth 5 may be of any length and
width, and may depend on the size of the head and other factors.
Preferably, pyramid shaped teeth 5 range from about 0.1 to 1.0,
preferably 0.2 to 0.75 inch in length.
[0029] Suitable hair products include hair color, hair bleach, hair
gels (including custom effects hair gels that contain pearls,
glitter, or the like), permanent wave compositions, and any other
hair product that can be applied to the hair using the applicator
of the invention.
[0030] Particularly preferred are oxidative hair color compositions
prepared by combining an aqueous based oxidative dye composition
and an aqueous based hydrogen peroxide developer composition.
Typically either one or both of the oxidative dye and developer
composition contains thickening agents that cause the composition
to thicken to a more viscous state when the compositions are
combined, such that it can be adequately contained in the retaining
structure 4 of the applicator prior to application to the hair. At
the same time the composition must be capable of being dispensed
onto the hair when the applicator 1 is combed through the hair.
[0031] Another type of preferred composition for use with the
applicator is a bleach mixture formed by mixing an aqueous based
hydrogen peroxide composition and a particulate persulfate bleach
composition to form an active composition for bleaching hair. In
this case the bleach mixture is applied to the hair using the
applicator 1. The treated hair strands become lightened when
treated with the bleach mixture.
[0032] Suitable bleach compositions are generally prepared by
combining an aqueous oxidizing agent composition (or developer)
with a persulfate bleach composition. Optionally a liquid bleach
oil (or alkalizing composition) may be combined with the other two
ingredients.
[0033] The persulfate composition generally comprises a mixture of
persulfate compounds which are capable of bleaching the hair,
particulate fillers, and, if desired, inorganic particulates, and
colorants. The persulfate composition may be found in the powdered
particulate form, or in the form of a cream or paste as described
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,484; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,703,004, both of
which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
[0034] Such composition generally contains about 15-65% by weight
of the total persulfate composition of one or more inorganic
persulfates which may be alkali metal or alkaline earth metal
persulfates, or ammonium persulfate; about 0.1-40% of an alkalizing
agent which is one or more inorganic salts; about 0.01-60% of one
or more particulate fillers.
[0035] The term "particulate filler" means a generally inert
particulate having a particle size of about 0.1-250 microns. The
particulate fillers provide volume and, when mixed with the
persulfates, dilute the persulfate particles. A variety of
particulate fillers are suitable including inorganics, inorganic
salts, hydrophilic colloids, carbohydrates, soaps, alkyl sulfates,
and the like.
[0036] Other ingredients include inorganics (such as hydrated
silica, silica silylate, alumina, attapulgite, bentonite, calcium
oxide, chalk, diamond powder, diatomaceous earth, fuller's earth,
hectorite, kaolin, mica, magnesium oxide, magnesium peroxide,
montmorillonite, pumice, talc, tin oxide, zeolite, zinc oxide, and
the like); hydrophilic colloids (such as hydroxyethylcellulose,
locust bean gum, maltodextrin, methylcellulose, agar, dextran,
dextran sulfate, gelatin, pectin, potassium alginate, sodium
carboxymethylchitin, xanthan gum, and the like).
[0037] If desired, the persulfate composition may comprise from
about 0.01-2% by weight of the total persulfate composition of an
inorganic colorant. The inorganic colorant is preferably in the
particulate form and will provide a subtle coloration to the powder
composition to make it more aesthetically pleasing for commercial
purposes. Particularly preferred for use in the bleach composition
is ultramarine blue.
[0038] The aqueous oxidizing agent composition may be in the
solution or emulsion form. If the latter, the emulsion may be in
the water-in-oil or oil-in-water form. Further, the emulsion may
also be in the microemulsion form, if desired.
[0039] When the aqueous oxidizing agent is in the solution form the
composition preferably comprises about 1-30% by weight of the total
composition of an oxidizing agent, preferably hydrogen peroxide,
and about 70-99% by weight of the total composition of water. Other
water soluble ingredients may be included in the solution, such as
humectants, preservatives, water soluble thickeners, antioxidants,
and so on.
[0040] When the aqueous oxidizing agent composition is in the
emulsion form, the composition preferably comprises about 1-30% of
oxidizing agent, preferably hydrogen peroxide, about 50-99% water,
and about and 0.01-30% of an oily phase. The aqueous oxidizing
agent composition may be in the form of a water-in-oil or
oil-in-water emulsion or in the form of a transparent microemulsion
wherein the dispersed particles in the continuous phase are so
small (generally about 5-1500 .ANG.) that the composition is
optically clear. Examples of suitable microemulsion compositions
are set froth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,989, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety. It is also suitable that
the aqueous oxidizing agent composition be in the form of a
composition containing liquid crystals as set forth in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,238,653, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
[0041] The aqueous oxidizing agent composition and the persulfate
bleach composition are combined to form the hair product to be
applied to the hair.
[0042] In the case where the hair product 19 is an oxidative dye
composition, the composition is generally prepared by combining the
aqueous oxidizing agent composition having the general ingredients
mentioned above, with an oxidative dye composition.
[0043] The oxidative hair dye mixture may be in the form of a
liquid or creme. The term "creme" means a viscous liquid or
semi-solid that does not readily drip when applied to the hair. It
may be in the solution or emulsion form. Preferably, the hair dye
mixture is in the form of an emulsion, more preferably a
water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsion. Most preferred is where the
mixture is in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion. Such types of
emulsion may contain from about 35-98% water and 2-65% oil, all
percentages by weight of the total composition. The hair dye
mixture may also contain other ingredients, as set forth herein.
Also present are one or more primary intermediates. Suggested
ranges of primary intermediates are 0.0001-6%, preferably
0.0005-5.5%, more preferably 0.001-5% by weight of the total
composition. Such primary intermediates are well known for use in
hair color, and include ortho or para substituted aminophenols or
phenylenediamines, such as para-phenylenediamines of the formula:
##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each independently
hydrogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, or C.sub.1-6 alkyl substituted with one
or more hydroxy, methoxy, methylsulphonylamino, aminocarbonyl,
furfuryl, unsubstituted phenyl, or amino substituted phenyl groups;
R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, and R.sub.6 are each independently
hydrogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkoxy, halogen, or C.sub.1-6
alkyl substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups.
[0044] Specific examples of suitable primary intermediates include
para-phenylenediamine, 2-methyl-1,4-diaminobenzene,
2,6-dimethyl-1,4-diaminobenzene, 2,5-dimethyl-1,4-diaminobenzene,
2,3-dimethyl-1,4-diaminobenzene, 2-chloro-1,4-diaminobenzene,
2-methoxy-1,4-diaminobenzene, 1-phenylamino-4-aminobenzene,
1-dimethylamino-4-aminobenzene, 1-diethylamino-4-aminobenzene,
1-bis(beta-hydroxyethyl)amino-4-aminobenzene,
1-methoxyethylamino-4-aminobenzene,
2-hydroxymethyl-1,4-diaminobenzene,
2-hydroxyethyl-1,4-diaminobenzene, 2-isopropyl-1,4-diaminobenzene,
1-hydroxypropylamino-4-aminobenzene,
2,6-dimethyl-3-methoxy-1,4-diaminobenzene,
1-amino-4-hydroxybenzene, and derivatives thereof, and acid or
basic salts thereof.
[0045] Preferred primary intermediates are p-phenylenediamine,
p-aminophenol, o-aminophenol,
N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-p-phenylenediamine, 2,5-diaminotoluene,
their salts and mixtures thereof.
[0046] If desired, the oxidative dye composition may contain one or
more color couplers, generally ranging from about 0.0001-10% by
weight of the total composition of one or more color couplers which
are dyestuff components. Suitable color couplers include, for
example, those having the general formula: ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1
is unsubstituted hydroxy or amino, or hydroxy or amino substituted
with one or more C.sub.1-6 hydroxyalkyl groups, R.sub.3 and R.sub.5
are each independently hydrogen, hydroxy, amino, or amino
substituted with C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkoxy, or C.sub.1-6
hydroxyalkyl group; and R.sub.2, R.sub.4, and R.sub.6 are each
independently hydrogen, C.sub.1-6 alkoxy, C.sub.1-6 hydroxyalkyl,
or C.sub.1-6 alkyl, or R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 together may form a
methylenedioxy or ethylenedioxy group. Examples of such compounds
include meta-derivatives such as phenols, catechol,
meta-aminophenols, meta-phenylenediamines, and the like, which may
be unsubstituted, or substituted on the amino group or benzene ring
with alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkylamino groups, and the like. Suitable
couplers include m-aminophenol, 2,4-diaminotoluene, 4-amino,
2-hydroxytoluene, phenyl methylpyrazolone,
3,4-methylenedioxyphenol,
3,4-methylenedioxy-1-[(beta-hydroxyethyl)amino]benzene,
1-methoxy-2-amino-4-[(beta-hydroxyethyl)amino]benzene,
1-hydroxy-3-(dimethylamino)benzene, 6-methyl-1-hydroxy-3
[(beta-hydroxyethyl)amino]benzene,
2,4-dichloro-1-hydroxy-3-aminobenzene,
1-hydroxy-3-(diethylamino)benzene,
1-hydroxy-2-methyl-3-aminobenzene,
2-chloro-6-methyl-1-hydroxy-3-aminobenzene, 1,3-diaminobenzene,
6-methoxy-1,3-diaminobenzene, 6-hydroxyethoxy-1,3-diaminobenzene,
6-methoxy-5-ethyl-1,3-diaminobenzene, 6-ethoxy-1,3-diaminobenzene,
1-bis(beta-hydroxyethyl)amino-3-aminobenzene,
2-methyl-1,3-diaminobenzene,
6-methoxy-1-amino-3-[(beta-hydroxyethyl)amino]-benzene,
6-(beta-aminoethoxy)-1,3-diaminobenzene,
6-(beta-hydroxyethoxy)-1-amino-3-(methylamino)benzene,
6-carboxymethoxy-1,3-diaminobenzene,
6-ethoxy-1-bis(beta-hydroxyethyl)amino-3-aminobenzene,
6-hydroxyethyl-1,3-diaminobenzene,
1-hydroxy-2-isopropyl-5-methylbenzene, 1,3-dihydroxybenzene,
2-chloro-1,3-dihydroxybenzene, 2-methyl-1,3-dihydroxybenzene,
4-chloro-1,3-dihydroxybenzene,
5,6-dichloro-2-methyl-1,3-dihydroxybenzene,
1-hydroxy-3-amino-benzene,
1-hydroxy-3-(carbamoylmethylamino)benzene,
6-hydroxybenzomorpholine, 4-methyl-2,6-dihydroxypyridine,
2,6-dihydroxypyridine, 2,6-diaminopyridine, 6-aminobenzomorpholine,
1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone, 1-hydroxynaphthalene,
1,7-dihydroxynaphthalene, 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene,
5-amino-2-methyl phenol, 4-hydroxyindole, 4-hydroxyindoline,
6-hydroxyindole, 6-hydroxyindoline, 2,4-diamionphenoxyethanol, and
mixtures thereof.
[0047] Preferred couplers include resorcinol, 1-naphthol,
2-methylresorcinol, 4-amino-2-hydroxy toluene, m-aminophenol,
2,4-diaminophenoxyethanol, phenyl methylpyrazolone, their salts, or
mixtures.
[0048] The aqueous based developer composition may also contain
other ingredients such as thickening agents, humectants, fragrance,
and the like.
[0049] At the proximal end 2 of the applicator 1 is the handle 20.
Handle is preferably sloped such that the head 7 at the distal end
3 of applicator 1 forms an obtuse angle with handle 20 forming the
proximal end 2 of the applicator 1. Preferably, the angle between
head 7 and handle 20 ranges from about 110 to 180 degrees. In the
case where handle is 180 degrees the handle and head form a
straight line. In the most preferred embodiment of the invention
handle 20 has a generally rectangular shape 21 with sidewalls
22.
[0050] FIG. 5 shows how the hair product 19 is dispensed into the
retaining structure 4. FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 show how the applicator 1
is used to dispense the hair product 19 onto the hair. The
applicator 1 may be held as shown in FIG. 6 or 6A. It is generally
preferred that handle be held as depicted in FIG. 6 when used to
apply highlights to hair. It is preferred that when the handle is
held as depicted in FIG. 6A (perpendicular to the hair strands), it
is used to apply lowlights to hair.
[0051] The invention is also directed to a method for applying hair
products to hair with an applicator comprised of (a) a handle
having a proximal end and a distal end; and (b) affixed to the
distal end of the handle a retaining structure formed by a
plurality of pyramid shaped teeth extending upwardly from the
handle comprising loading the hair product into the retaining
structure, then distributing the product through the hair by
contacting the retaining structure formed by the plurality of
pyramid shaped teeth with the hair strands to dispense product onto
the hair.
[0052] As depicted in FIG. 5 the desired hair product 19 is loaded
into the retaining structure 4. The applicator 1 is then used to
distribute the hair product 19 to the hair by holding the
applicator parallel to the hair strands 23 as depicted in FIG. 6,
or perpendicular to the hair strands 23 as depicted in FIG. 6A,
then running the pyramid shaped teeth 5 forming the retaining
structure 4 holding the hair product 19 through the hair to deposit
the hair product onto the hair strands 23. The size and placement
of the pyramid shaped teeth 5 are adequate to hold the hair product
19 in the retaining structure 4. Yet when the pyramid shaped teeth
5 are combed through the hair strands 23 the hair product 19 easily
deposits onto the hair strands 23 in the desired configuration.
[0053] While the invention has been described in connection with
the preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of
the invention to the particular form set forth but, on the
contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications,
and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of
the invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *