U.S. patent application number 11/954322 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-19 for hair dye touch-up dispenser and method of using the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to MARC ANTHONY VENTURE CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Robert G. Dickie, Jonathan D. Liberty.
Application Number | 20080142032 11/954322 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39511219 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080142032 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Liberty; Jonathan D. ; et
al. |
June 19, 2008 |
HAIR DYE TOUCH-UP DISPENSER AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME
Abstract
A two-container dispenser for storing, mixing and dispensing
hair dye for touch up applications. The dispenser retains and
separates two hair dye components until they are to be mixed
immediately prior to application of the dye. The two containers are
permanently secured together via a valve assembly. When the valve
assembly is in a closed position, the interior chambers and
therefore the contents of the containers remain separated. When the
valve assembly is opened by rotating one of the containers through
90 degrees, the two interior chambers are placed into fluid
communication with each other and the contents can flow between the
containers to form a hair dye mixture. The connections between the
first and second containers and the valve assembly are such that
all three remain secured together when the valve assembly is moved
between the closed and open positions.
Inventors: |
Liberty; Jonathan D.;
(Newmarket, CA) ; Dickie; Robert G.; (Newmarket,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SAND & SEBOLT
AEGIS TOWER, SUITE 1100, 4940 MUNSON STREET, NW
CANTON
OH
44718-3615
US
|
Assignee: |
MARC ANTHONY VENTURE
CORPORATION
Concord
CA
|
Family ID: |
39511219 |
Appl. No.: |
11/954322 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11638171 |
Dec 13, 2006 |
|
|
|
11954322 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
132/200 ;
132/112; 206/219; 206/221 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 34/04 20130101;
A45D 34/042 20130101; B65D 81/3211 20130101; A45D 33/06 20130101;
A45D 33/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/200 ;
132/112; 206/219; 206/221 |
International
Class: |
A45D 7/00 20060101
A45D007/00; A45D 24/22 20060101 A45D024/22; B65D 25/08 20060101
B65D025/08 |
Claims
1. A dispenser for holding, mixing and dispensing hair dye, said
dispenser comprising: a first container having a first interior
chamber that is adapted to retain a first component of the hair dye
therein; a second container having a second interior chamber that
is adapted to retain a second component of the hair dye therein; a
valve assembly comprising a valve body and a valve seat, said valve
body being permanently connected to the first container and the
valve seat being permanently connected to the second container;
said valve seat being movable relative to the body between a closed
position, where the first and second interior chambers are
separated from each other; and an open position where the first and
second interior chambers are in fluid communication with each
other; and wherein the valve seat is movable between the open and
closed positions without separating either of the first and second
containers from the valve assembly.
2. The dispenser as defined in claim 1, wherein the valve assembly
is movable through an arc to move between the open and closed
positions.
3. The dispenser as defined in claim 1; wherein the valve body
comprises: a housing having: a first end; a second end remote from
the first end; a bore extending between the first and second ends;
a transverse wall disposed within the bore and extending across the
same and substantially at right angles thereto; a pair of opposed
apertures defined within the transverse wall; and a post extending
outwardly from a first surface of the transverse wall and toward
the first end of the housing.
4. The dispenser as defined in claim 3, wherein the valve body
further comprises at least one recess formed in the first surface
of the transverse wall and positioned intermediate the
apertures.
5. The dispenser as defined in claim 4, further comprising a gasket
having a hole defined therein that is complementary sized and
positioned to receive the body of the valve body therethrough;
whereby a first surface of the gasket abuts the first surface of
the transverse wall of the valve body.
6. The dispenser as defined in claim 5, wherein the gasket further
includes at least one detent extending outwardly away from the
first surface thereof, said at least one detent being complementary
shaped and positioned to be received in the at least one recess
formed in the transverse wall.
7. The dispenser as defined in claim 5, wherein the gasket is
positioned between the valve body and the valve seat; and a second
surface of the gasket abuts the valve seat.
8. The dispenser as defined in claim 7, wherein the valve seat
further defines a hole therein that is complementary positioned and
configured to receive the post from the valve body therethrough;
and wherein said valve seat is rotatable about a longitudinal axis
extending through said post.
9. The dispenser as defined in claim 8, wherein the valve seat
further includes a pair of apertures that are complementary in
shape to the apertures in the valve body; and when the valve
assembly in the open position, the apertures in the valve body are
aligned with the apertures in the valve seat; and when the valve
assembly is in the closed position the apertures in the valve seat
are not aligned with the apertures in the valve body.
10. The dispenser as defined in claim 8, wherein the gasket further
comprises a pair of regions extending upwardly away from the second
surface of the gasket; and wherein each region is received in one
of the apertures in the valve seat when the valve assembly is in
the closed position.
11. The dispenser as defined in claim 10, wherein the valve
assembly further comprises a locking member that is positioned
between the valve seat and the second container; and wherein said
locking member defines a hole through which the post from the valve
body is received.
12. The dispenser as defined in claim 11, wherein an outermost
portion of the post includes at least one straight side; and the
hole in the locking member includes at least one straight side, and
when the locking member is engaged with the post, the two straight
sides abut each other and substantially prevent rotation of the
locking member around the post.
13. The dispenser as defined in claim 12, wherein the locking
member comprises a pair of wings, each wing extending outwardly
away from a region surrounding the hole in the locking member; and
when the valve assembly is in the closed position, the wings are
aligned with the apertures in the valve seat; and when the valve
assembly is in the open position, the wings are not aligned with
the apertures in the valve seat.
14. The dispenser as defined in claim 2 wherein: the first
container has an upper end that is provided with a plurality of
externally disposed first threads; the second container has an
upper end that is provided with a plurality of externally disposed
second threads and a lower end that is provided with a plurality of
externally disposed third threads; a first end of the valve body is
provided with a plurality of internally disposed fourth threads
that threadably engage the first threads; and a second end of the
valve seat is provided with a plurality of internally disposed
fifth threads that threadably engage the third threads on the
second container.
15. The dispenser as defined in claim 14, wherein the first and
second threads are oriented in a substantially counter-clockwise
direction movement of the second container.
16. The dispenser as defined in claim 14, further comprising an
applicator that is engageable with the second container; whereby
the second container is disposed between the applicator and the
valve assembly.
17. The dispenser as defined in claim 16, wherein the applicator
comprises: an applicator body having an inner end and an outer end;
a plurality of internally disposed sixth threads formed on an
interior surface of the inner end of the applicator body; said
sixth threads being threadably engageable with the second threads
on the second container; and a plurality of bristles extending
outwardly away from the outer end of the applicator body.
18. The dispenser as defined in claim 17, wherein the outer end of
the applicator body defines a dispensing hole that is disposed
among the bristles; and wherein the dispensing hole is in fluid
communication with the second interior chamber when the applicator
and second container are engaged with each other.
19. The dispenser as defined in claim 18, further comprising a
tapered pin that is selectively removable from the dispensing
hole.
20. A method of storing, mixing and dispensing permanent hair dye
for touch-up applications using a single dispenser; said method
comprising the steps of: storing a first component of the hair dye
in a first interior chamber of a first container of the dispenser;
storing a second component of the hair dye in a second interior
chamber of a second container of the dispenser; wherein the second
container is permanently linked to the first container via a valve
assembly; and when the valve assembly is in a closed position, the
first interior chamber is separated from the second interior
chamber and the first component is therefore separated from the
second component; rotating the second container to move the valve
assembly from a closed position to an open position where the first
and second interior cavities are in fluid communication with each
other; shaking the dispenser to move the first and second
components between the first and second interior cavities and to
thereby form a hair dye mixture; inverting the dispenser to allow
the hair dye mixture to flow through a hole in an applicator that
is in fluid communication with the second interior chamber of the
second container; and applying the hair dye mixture to the hair.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No.
11/638,171, filed Dec. 13, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] This invention generally relates to hair care products. More
particularly, the invention relates to hair dyes. Specifically, the
invention relates to a hair dye dispenser that comprises two
chambers that are permanently secured to each other via a valve
assembly and which permit liquids stored separately in the two
chambers to be mixed prior to dispensing by simply rotating one of
the chambers relative to the other.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] It has become commonplace for people to apply dye to their
hair to completely change the color of the hair or to apply
highlights thereto in order to improve their overall appearance.
This alteration in the color may be done in a salon by trained
professionals or by the individual in the comfort of their own
home.
[0006] There are a variety of hair coloring systems on the market
and the product selected depends on how permanent the color change
is to be. Hair products may be semi-permanent, demi-permanent or
permanent in nature. Semi-permanent products contain no ammonia and
coat the hair with a color. The color tends to wash out of the hair
over six to twelve shampoos. Demi-permanent products also contain
no ammonia but do contain some peroxide. Consequently, they produce
more dramatic color changes than the semi-permanent products and
also tend to last longer than semi-permanent products. The
demi-permanent dyes typically last between twenty and twenty-five
shampoos. Finally, permanent products are used to permanently
change the color of the hair or may be applied to only some strands
of hair to create highlights. Permanent products permanently change
the color of that portion of the hair shaft that is contacted by
the product. As such, they cannot be washed out of the hair, the
color change has to be "grown out" of the hair. People who have
used permanent products on their hair are typically concerned about
their roots --, i.e., any new hair that grows after the application
of the hair product will be the natural color of the person's hair.
That natural hair color differs from the color of the dyed hair and
the overall effect may be aesthetically displeasing. Furthermore,
activities such as swimming in chlorinated pools can strip, fade
and change the color of the hair. Consequently, the hair has to be
dyed again every four to six weeks. However, in the interim, it may
be desirable to touch up the hair color and reduce the difference
between the roots and the dyed hair or to rejuvenate the color.
This may be accomplished through the use of a touch-up coloring
system.
[0007] All permanent hair dyes are created by mixing together a
solution of a colorant dye that includes ammonia with a developer
solution of hydrogen peroxide. Touch-up systems therefore tend to
come with a bottle of ammonia-containing colorant and a separate
bottle of hydrogen peroxide solution. A small open tray is provided
for the mixing of these two chemical solutions. These systems are
prone to user spillage and both the dye solution and the peroxide
can permanently stain and damage furniture and clothing.
Additionally, spilling even a small amount of either liquid will
alter the end color of the dye and will therefore affect the
outcome. Furthermore, the actual act of applying the dye to the
hair by an untrained individual can be a messy and inexact
process.
[0008] Several devices have been proposed in the prior art to
address these issues. These include the devices disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,823,946 issued to Stoeffler et al; U.S. Pat. No.
5,277,303 issued to Goyet et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,481 issued to
Hundertmark et al and U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,618 issued to Dovergne et
al. All of these patents disclose containers that have two
separated chambers that store liquids separately and allow them to
be mixed immediately prior to application of the same. However, in
each device at least one, and sometimes both, of the chambers must
be detached from the container, opened and then reconnected in some
manner to the other chamber for mixing prior to dispensing of the
mixture. While this makes for neat packaging of the liquids and
easier mixing of the same, it does not do away with the problems
created by the potential for spillage of some of the liquid when
the chambers are opened and reconnected.
[0009] There is therefore a need in the art for an improved touch
up dispenser for hair dye.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The device of the present invention comprises a
two-container dispenser that is adapted to retain and separate two
hair dye components until they are to be mixed immediately prior to
application of the dye. The dispenser includes a mechanism for
allowing transfer of the contents of one container into the other
without having to detach either container from the dispenser. The
dispenser further allows for mixing of the contents of the two
containers and for dispensing the mixed dye from the container by
simply rotating one of the containers relative to the other. The
dispenser comprises two containers that are substantially
permanently connected together via a valve assembly. The dispenser
further includes an applicator that is secured to one of the
containers and includes a dispensing hole through which the mixture
is dispensed. The applicator further includes a plurality of
bristles onto which the dispensed dye is fed. A cap is provided to
close the dispensing hole and to cover and protect the bristles
until the device is in use. The valve assembly is movable between a
closed position and an open position by rotating one of the
containers through an angle that is sufficient to open the valve
assembly. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the second
container is rotated through 90 degrees in a counter-clockwise
direction. When the valve assembly is in an open position, the two
components can be transferred from one container to the other. The
dispenser can be shaken to ensure proper mixing of the components
without fear of spillage or leakage from the dispenser. The
connections between the first and second containers and the valve
assembly are such that all three remain secured together when the
valve assembly is moved from a closed position to an open position.
Furthermore, the rotation of the containers relative to each other
and to the valve assembly tears a perforated tamper evident label
that is secured about the dispenser. This serves as an indicator to
the consumer that the dispenser has been previously handled and
that any mixed dye contained therein may have become
ineffective.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of
the best mode in which applicant has contemplated applying the
principles, are set forth in the following description and are
shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed
out and set forth in the appended claims.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hair dye dispenser in
accordance with the present invention and showing the cap removed
therefrom;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser of
FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 2a is a top view of the valve body;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a front view of the hair dye dispenser;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional front view of the dispenser
through line A-A of FIG. 3 and showing the dispenser in a closed
non-dispensing position;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the dispenser
through line B-B of FIG. 4;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional front view of the dispenser in
an open position where the contents of the chambers can be
mixed;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional top view of the dispenser
through line C-C of FIG. 6;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
hair dye touch-up dispenser in accordance with the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser of
FIG. 8 with the cap removed;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the dispenser of FIG.
8;
[0023] FIG. 11 is an exploded cross-sectional front view of the
dispenser;
[0024] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the valve
assembly with the components thereof oriented so that the valve
assembly is in a closed position;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the assembled valve
assembly in the closed position;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a top view of the valve assembly of FIG. 13;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly
taken through line 15-15 of FIG. 14;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly
taken through line 16-16 of FIG. 14;
[0029] FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the valve
assembly with the components thereof oriented so that the valve
assembly is in an open position;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the assembled valve
assembly in the open position;
[0031] FIG. 19 is a top view of the valve assembly of FIG. 18;
[0032] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly
taken through line 20-20 of FIG. 19;
[0033] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly
taken through line 21-21 of FIG. 19;
[0034] FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the dispenser with the
valve assembly in the closed position; and
[0035] FIG. 23 is a front elevational view of the dispenser with
the valve assembly in the open position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1-7, there is shown a hair dye dispenser
in accordance with the present invention and generally indicated at
10. Dispenser 10 comprises a first container 12, a second container
14, an applicator 16, and a cap 18. A valve assembly 20 is provided
to permanently connect first and second containers 12, 14 together.
The first container 12 is adapted to retain a first component (not
shown) of the hair dye therein. The second container 14 is adapted
to retain a second component (not shown) of the hair dye therein.
The first and second containers 12, 14, the applicator 16 and valve
assembly 20 are permanently fixed together during the stages of
separate storage of the first and second components of the hair
dye, mixing of the first and second components; and dispensing of
the mixed first and second components. At no time are any of the
first and second containers 12, 14, the applicator 16 and valve
assembly 20 detached from each other to perform any of these
steps.
[0037] First container 12 comprises a generally cylindrical body 22
that has a bottom wall 22a, a cylindrical side wall 22b extending
outwardly away from bottom wall 22a, and an upper end 22c remote
from bottom wall 22a. Upper end 22c is circumferentially narrower
than side wall 22b. Body 22 defines an interior chamber 24 that is
adapted to hold the first component (not shown) of the hair dye.
Typically, that first component is in liquid form. So, for example,
interior chamber 24 may retain a hydrogen peroxide solution
therein. The exterior surface of upper end 22c is provided with
first threads 26 and includes an opening 28 that provides access to
interior chamber 24. First threads 26 preferably are oriented in
such a manner that they are counterclockwise.
[0038] Second container 14 also comprises a generally cylindrical
body 28. Body 28 has a side wall 28a that surrounds an interior
chamber 30. Body 28 also has an upper end 28b and a lower end 28c,
both of which are circumferentially narrower than side wall 28a. In
the preferred embodiment of the invention, lower end 28c is
substantially the same size as upper end 22c of first container 12.
Upper end 28b of second container 14 is smaller than upper end 22c
of first container 12 and lower end 28c of second container 14. The
external surface of upper end 28b is provided with second threads
32 and has a first opening 34 therein that provides access to
interior chamber 30. The external surface of lower end 28c is
provided with third threads 35. Third threads 35 terminate in a
slightly enlarged latch 37. The purpose of latch 37 will be
described later in this specification. Lower end 28c includes a
second opening 36 into interior chamber 30. Interior chamber 30 is
adapted to hold the second component (not shown) of the hair dye.
Again, second component is typically a liquid, such as a liquid
colorant dye, but could also be a solid material.
[0039] In accordance with a specific feature of the present
invention, valve assembly 20 is disposed between and permanently
connected to both of the first and second containers 12, 14. Valve
assembly 20 comprises a substantially rigid valve body 38, a
flexible and resiliently compressible gasket 40, and a rigid valve
seat 42. Valve body 38 and valve seat 42 preferably are
manufactured from a substantially rigid plastic material.
[0040] In accordance with a further specific feature of the present
invention, valve body 38 is generally tubular in shape and has an
external diameter that is substantially the same as the external
diameters of side walls 22b, 28a so that dispenser 10 appears to be
a substantially continuous container. Valve body 38 has a central
bore 44 that is sized to receive the upper end 22c of first
container 12 and the lower end 28c of second container 14 therein.
Valve body 38 is provided with an interior wall 39 that extends
across bore 44 and substantially at a right angle to the
longitudinal axis "X" (FIG. 5) of dispenser 10. Interior wall 39
includes an annular lip 41 that extends outwardly away therefrom
and is sized to be tightly received within opening 28 when valve
assembly 20 is engaged with first container 12. Interior wall 39 is
perforated by a D-shaped aperture 43 (FIG. 2a). The interior
surface of valve body 38 is provided with fourth and fifth threads
46, 48 (FIG. 4) that are spaced apart from each other. Fourth
threads 46 are positioned to engage third threads 35 on lower end
28c of second container 28. Fifth threads 48 are positioned to
engage first threads 26 on upper end 22c of first container.
Interior wall 39 is disposed intermediate fourth and fifth threads
46, 48. The interior surface of valve body 38 further includes a
rotation stop mechanism 50 disposed outwardly of fourth threads 46.
Stop mechanism 50 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 7. Mechanism
50 comprises two spaced-apart detents 80, 82 which are separated
from each other by a groove 84. Detent 80 is shaped so as to
present an inner wall 80a that is oriented at right angles to the
direction of counterclockwise rotation of valve body 38 around
longitudinal axis "X". Inner wall 82a of detent 82 is slanted at an
angle other than ninety degrees.
[0041] Gasket 40 is manufactured from a flexible, deformable
material and includes a D-shaped aperture 40a therein. An adhesive
layer (not shown) is applied to upper surface 40 of gasket 40 so
that it may be secured to valve seat 42.
[0042] Valve seat 42 has a bottom wall 45 that is sized to be
received within bore 44 of valve body 38. A peripheral wall 47
extends upwardly away from bottom wall 45 a small spaced distance
inwardly from the outer edge thereof. Consequently, a small lip 45a
extends annularly outwardly away from peripheral wall 47.
Peripheral wall 47 is positioned to extend through the second
opening 36 in the lower end 28c when valve assembly 20 is engaged
with second container 14. When peripheral wall 47 is so received,
it tightly abuts the interior surface of the lower end 28c as shown
in FIG. 4. Bottom wall 45 includes a D-shaped aperture 49 that is
configured to be substantially identical to the D-shaped apertures
40a and 43 in gasket 40 and valve body 38, respectively.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, applicator 16 comprises a body that
has an exterior wall 54 and an interior wall 56 that extend
downwardly away from an interior surface of exterior wall 54.
Interior wall 56 is substantially cylindrical in shape and has an
opening 57 of a diameter sized to receive upper end 28b of second
container 14 therein. The interior surface of interior wall 56 is
provided with sixth threads 58 that are positioned to engage second
threads 32 on upper end 28b of second container 14. Sixth threads
58 are oriented in a counterclockwise direction.
[0044] Exterior wall 54 of applicator 16 has a narrower upper end
54a and a wider, lower end 54b. The diameter of lower end 54b is
substantially the same as the external diameter of side walls 22b,
28a of first and second containers 12, 14. The external surface of
the lower end 54b of exterior wall 54 is provided with seventh
threads 64. A plurality of plastic bristles 60 are secured to and
extend outwardly away from upper end 54a. A small dispensing hole
62 (FIG. 6) is provided in upper end 54a in the midst of bristles
60.
[0045] Cap 18 is designed to detachably be received over applicator
16. Cap 18 comprises a body that defines a hollow interior chamber
70. A tapered pin 72 extends downwardly from the interior surface
of the top end 18a of cap 18. When cap 18 is attached to dispenser
10, pin 72 preferably is disposed substantially along the
longitudinal axis "X". Pin 72 is positioned to be received through
hole 62 in upper end 54a of applicator 16 and is sized to plug the
same when so received. The interior surface of cap 18 is also
provided with eighth threads 74 that are positioned to engage
seventh threads 64 on applicator 16.
[0046] Dispenser 10 is assembled in the following manner. Valve
body 38 is positioned over upper end 22c of first container 12 so
that fifth threads 48 on valve body 38 threadably engage first
threads 26 on first container 12. First container 12 is at least
partially filled with the first liquid component (not shown) of the
hair dye, such as a hydrogen peroxide solution. Gasket 40 is
adhesively secured to the bottom wall 45 of valve seat 42 in such a
manner that D-shaped apertures 40a and 49 are aligned with each
other. Valve seat 42 and gasket 40 thereby act as a single unit.
Valve seat 42 and gasket 40 are then engaged with lower end 28c of
second container 14. Peripheral wall 47 of valve seat 42 is
inserted into second opening 36 in lower end 28c and because the
circumference of peripheral wall 47 closely approximates the
diameter of second opening 36, valve seat 42 and gasket 40 become
frictionally engaged with second container 14. Consequently, when
second container 14 is rotated, valve seat 42 and gasket 40 travel
with it.
[0047] Lower end 28c of second container 14, with engaged valve
seat 42 and gasket 40, is then inserted into central bore 44 of
valve body 38. Second container 14 is secured to valve body 38 by
threadably engaging third threads 35 with fourth threads 46. Third
and fourth threads 35, 46 are oriented in such a manner that when
they are engaged, the first and fifth threads 26, 48 do not
disengage, but instead become further tightened. Second container
14 is rotated to the point that gasket 40 occludes the D-shaped
aperture in valve body 38 (FIG. 4.), i.e., to the point that the
valve assembly 20 is in the closed position. At this point, the
interior chamber 24 of first container 12 is sealed by gasket 40
and is also simultaneously separated from the interior chamber 30
of second container 14. Second container 14 is then at least
partially filled, through first opening 34, with a second dye
component such as a liquid colorant dye (not shown).
[0048] The applicator 16 is then placed over upper end 28b of
second container 14 so that upper end 28b is received into opening
57 (FIG. 6) in interior wall 56. Second threads 32 on upper end 28b
are threadably engaged with sixth threads 58 on interior wall 56.
Cap 18 is positioned over applicator 16 so that pin 72 is received
through hole 62. Seventh threads 64 on applicator 16 are threadably
engaged with eighth threads 74 on cap 18. Pin 72 effectively seals
second container 14 and prevents any the second component of the
hair dye from leaking out of said second container 14.
[0049] A product label (not shown) preferably is then applied
around the exterior surface of at least a portion of the connected
first container 12, valve assembly 20, second container 14, and at
least a portion of cap 18. The label preferably is provided with
perforations and directions that indicate to the consumer where and
how to rotate the relative component parts of dispenser 10. More
specifically, the label will indicate firstly how to rotate the
second container 14 so as to open the valve assembly 20 and thereby
permit mixing of the first and second liquid components that have
been previously separated. The label will secondly indicate how to
rotate cap 18 so as to remove it from over applicator 16 and to
thereby open hole 62 for dispensing of mixed hair dye therethrough.
Because the label rips when the components are rotated relative to
each other, it therefore also provides a tamper-evident indicator
for the consumer.
[0050] The dispenser 10 is used in the following manner. When
purchased by the consumer, the valve assembly 20 is in the closed
position shown in FIGS. 4 & 5. This means that apertures 49,
40a in the combined valve seat 42 and gasket 40 are out of
alignment with aperture 43 in valve body 38. Consequently, gasket
40 separates interior chambers 24, 30 from each other and thereby
is keeping the first and second components of the hair dye
separated from each other. Furthermore, because cap 18 is engaged
with applicator 16, the pin 72 is tightly seated in hole 62 and the
contents of second container 14 are retained therein.
[0051] When the consumer wishes to dye their hair, they grasp
dispenser 10 and rotate the second chamber 14 through 180 degrees
in a counterclockwise direction relative to valve assembly 20 and
first container 12. This is indicated by the arrow "Y" in FIG. 1.
This counterclockwise rotation through 180 degrees brings the
D-shaped apertures 49, 40a in valve seat 42 and gasket 40, into
alignment with D-shaped aperture 43 in valve body 38. FIGS. 2 &
7 show that dispenser 10 is provided with the stop mechanism 50
that ensures that there is no over-rotation of the second container
14. Stop mechanism 50 also provides an indicator to the consumer
that there is exact alignment of the D-shaped apertures 43, 49 and
40a and the valve assembly 20 is in the fully open position and
first and second interior cavities 24, 30 are in fluid
communication with each other. Stop mechanism 50 functions as
follows. As mentioned previously, the terminal end of the third
threads 35 on the lower end 28c of second container 28 is slightly
enlarged to form a latch 37. As second container 14 is rotated,
latch 37 slides over detent 82 and into groove 84. First and second
containers 12, 14 are blow-molded and are flexible in nature.
Consequently, latch 37 is able to slide over detent 82 and into
groove 84 when the second container is moved in a counter-clockwise
direction. Once in groove 84, latch 37 abuts right angled inner
wall 80a of detent 80 and no further rotation of the second
container 14 in a counter-clockwise direction is possible. Inner
wall 82a of detent 82 is slanted at an angle other than ninety
degrees but still provides sufficient resistance to latch 37 to
maintain it within groove 84. Valve assembly 20 is therefore
retained in fully open position unless a force is applied to rotate
second container 14 in a clockwise direction. It should be noted
that the fifth threads 48 on valve body 38 that engage first
threads 26 on first container 12 are oriented so that the
counter-clockwise rotation of second container 14 tightens the
connection between valve body 38 and first container 12. It will be
understood that because of the arrangement and functioning of the
various elements of dispenser 50, that dispenser 50 grows slightly
in overall length when second container 14 is rotated in a
counter-clockwise direction. The resiliency of gasket 40 allows it
to expand slightly to occupy the space between valve seat 42 and
valve body 38 so that no liquids leak from dispenser 10.
[0052] Dispenser 10 is now in a condition where the contents of
interior chambers 24, 30 of first and second containers 12, 14 can
flow in either direction through the aligned apertures 49, 43 and
40a. The consumer then shakes dispenser 10 vigorously to mix the
first and second hair dye components. Directions printed on the
label will instruct the consumer how long to shake dispenser 10 to
ensure proper mixing of the first and second components. Once
dispenser 10 has been shaken for the required amount of time, the
consumer grasps dispenser 10 in such a manner as to rotate cap 18
in a counter-clockwise direction. This rotation causes eighth
threads 74 to disengage from seventh threads 64, releasing the cap
18 from applicator 16. As cap 18 is removed from applicator 16, pin
72 is withdrawn from hole 62. The dispenser 10 may then be inverted
and mixed hair dye flows out of hole 62 and onto bristles 60. The
dye may thereby be transferred onto strands of the consumer's hair
as the bristles 60 are engaged therewith.
[0053] The cap 18 may be threadably engaged with applicator 16 to
seal off second container 14 and prevent any further dispensing of
mixed dye therefrom.
[0054] It has been disclosed, in this specification, that first and
second threads 26, 32 are oriented in a counter-clockwise direction
and that rotating second container 14 and cap 18 in a
counter-clockwise direction simply tightens the engagement of first
container 12 with valve body 38 and applicator 16 with second
container 14. It will, however, be understood that first and second
threads 26, 32 could instead be oriented in a clockwise direction
and second container 14 and cap 18 could be rotated in a clockwise
relative to valve body 20 and applicator 16 respectively without
departing from the spirit of the present invention, although this
arrangement of components would not be conventional.
[0055] It will also be understood that while stop mechanism 50 is
provided on valve body 38 and latch 37 is provided on second
container 14; the stop mechanism could, alternatively, be provided
on the second container 14 and the latch provided on the valve body
38 without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 8-23, there is shown a second embodiment
of a hair dye dispenser in accordance with the present invention
and generally indicated at 110. Dispenser 110 comprises a first
container 112, a second container 114, and an applicator 116. A
valve assembly 120 is provided to permanently connect first and
second containers 112, 114 together. The first container 112 is
designed to retain a first component 119 (FIG. 22) of the hair dye
therein and the second container 114 retains a second component 121
of the hair dye therein. As with dispenser 10, the first and second
containers 112, 114, the applicator 116 and valve assembly 120 of
dispenser 110 are permanently fixed together during the stages of
separate storage of the first and second components 119, 121,
mixing of the first and second components 119, 121; and dispensing
of the mixed first and second components 123 (FIG. 23). At no time
are any of the first and second containers 112, 114, the applicator
116 and valve assembly 120 detached from each other to perform any
of these steps.
[0057] First container 112 comprises a generally cylindrical body
122 with a bottom wall 122a, a cylindrical side wall 122b, and an
upper end 122c. Upper end 122c is circumferentially narrower than
side wall 122b. Body 122 defines an interior chamber 124 that holds
the first component 119, which typically is in liquid form. Upper
end 122c is externally threaded with first threads 126 and includes
an opening 128 that provides access to interior chamber 124. First
threads 126 preferably are oriented in a counterclockwise
direction.
[0058] Second container 114 comprises a generally cylindrical body
128 with a side wall 128a that surrounds and defines an interior
chamber 130. Body 128 also has an upper end 128b and a lower end
128c, both of which are circumferentially narrower than side wall
128a. Lower end 128c is substantially the same size as upper end
122c of first container 112. Upper end 128b of second container 114
is smaller than both of upper end 122c of first container 112 and
lower end 128c of second container 114. Upper end 128b has exterior
second threads 132 and has a first opening 134 therein providing
access to interior chamber 30. Lower end 128c is externally
threaded with third threads 135. Third threads 135 terminate in a
slightly enlarged latch 137 as in the first embodiment of dispenser
10. Lower end 128c includes a second opening 136 into interior
chamber 130. Interior chamber 130 holds second component 121 of the
hair dye. Again, second component 121 is typically a liquid, but
could also be a solid material.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 11-16, and in accordance with a specific
feature of the present invention, valve assembly 120 is disposed
between and permanently connected to each of the first and second
containers 112, 114. Valve assembly 120 comprises a substantially
rigid valve body 138, a flexible and resiliently compressible
gasket 140, a rigid valve seat 142 and a member 179.
[0060] In accordance with a further specific feature of the present
invention, valve body 138 is generally tubular in shape and having
an exterior wall 138b of a diameter that is substantially the same
as the external diameters of side walls 122b, 128a so that
dispenser 110 appears to be a substantially continuous container.
Wall 138b defines a central bore 144 that is sized to receive the
upper end 122c of first container 112 and the lower end 128c of
second container 114 therein. An interior wall 139 extends across
bore 144 and substantially at right angles to exterior wall 138b
and the longitudinal axis "X" (FIG. 10) of dispenser 110. An
annular leg 139a (FIG. 15) extends downwardly from wall 139 and
substantially parallel to exterior wall 138b and defines a gap 190
between leg 139a and wall 138b. Gap 190 is sized to receive the
upper end 122c of first container 112 therein. The interior surface
of wall 138b proximate gap 190 is threaded with threads 148
configured to engage threads 126 on first container 112.
[0061] Wall 139 further defines a pair of opposed apertures 143 and
a pair of opposed recesses 153 therein. Apertures 143 are generally
triangular in shape. A longitudinally aligned post 155 extends
upwardly and outwardly from the center of interior wall 139. Post
155 is fixed in position and is not rotatable relative to wall 139.
Post 155 terminates inwardly of uppermost end 138a of body 138. The
portion of post 155 closest to wall 139 is substantially circular
in cross-section, while the uppermost end thereof has two flat
sides 155a (FIG. 13), the purpose of which will be described
hereinafter. As shown in FIG. 11, the interior surface of body 138
extending upwardly from wall 139 to proximate the upper end 138a is
substantially smooth and free of threads.
[0062] Gasket 140 preferably is manufactured from a substantially
planar, flexible, silicon-based material. Gasket 140 is generally
circular in shape and is sized to be complementary received within
the bore 144 of body 138. Gasket 140 includes a reinforced central
hole 159 that is shaped and sized to receive post 155 therethrough.
Hole 159 is generally circular in cross-section and is designed to
engage post 155 in a region where it is circular in cross-sectional
shape. Gasket 140 further defines a pair of opposed apertures 151
that are complementary sized and shaped to align with apertures 143
in body 138. A pair of opposed, slightly raised regions 161 extend
upwardly from the upper surface 140a of gasket 140 and a pair of
opposed detents 163 (FIGS. 9a & 17) extend downwardly from the
lower surface 140b thereof. Detents 163 are positioned and
configured to be complementary to recesses 153 in wall 139 of first
container 112. The engagement of detents 161 in recesses 153 seats
gasket 140 in body 138, locking the two components together so that
they are able to rotate in unison. Detents 161 also aid in
preventing gasket 140 from rotating around post 155 and relative to
wall 139.
[0063] Valve assembly 120 further includes a valve seat 142 that
secures gasket 140 against wall 139 and is rotatable between a
first and second position to open and close valve assembly 120.
Valve seat 142 is a generally cylindrical component that has an
annular outer wall 142a that is complementary shaped and sized to
be received in the bore 144 of body 138 proximate the upper end
138a thereof. Valve seat 142 further includes an interior wall 142b
spaced a distance inwardly of outer wall 142a and concentric
therewith. Outer and inner walls 142a, 142b are separated from each
other by a gap 165 (FIG. 15) and the interior surface of the outer
wall 142a thereof is threaded with threads 146. Lower end 128c of
second container 114 is receivable in gap 165 and threads 135 on
end 128c are designed to threadably engage threads 146 on valve
seat 142.
[0064] Valve seat 142 further includes an interior wall 145
disposed at right angles to outer and inner walls 142a, 142b. Wall
145 defines a pair of opposed apertures 167 and a central hole 169
therein. Hole 169 is positioned and configured to receive post 155
from body 138 therethrough. Hole 169 is generally cylindrical in
cross-sectional shape and engages a complementary region of post
155. Apertures 167 are substantially identically shaped to raised
regions 161 and apertures 151 on gasket 140.
[0065] In accordance with yet another feature of the invention, a
butterfly-shaped member 179 is provided to assist in providing
stability to valve assembly 120 and to lock valve seat 142 against
gasket 140. Member 179 is manufactured from a relative hard plastic
and defines a central hole 173 that receives the uppermost portion
of post 155 therethrough. Central hole 173 includes two flat sides
(FIG. 12) and is therefore complementary shaped to interlockingly
engage complementary shaped uppermost portion of post 155 (FIG.
13). Consequently, member 179 cannot be rotated about post 155 and
member 179 and body 138 are stationary with respect to each other.
Member 179 remain in a fixed orientation relative to body 138.
Member 179 includes a pair of wings 175 that are complementary
shaped to the apertures 151, 167 and raised regions 161 in valve
assembly 120. When valve seat is in the second position and
therefore is in a closed condition, such as is illustrated in FIGS.
12-16, apertures 167 are aligned with and blocked by wings 175 and
raised regions 161 from gasket 140 extend upwardly through
apertures 167 to contact wings 175. A liquid tight seal is
therefore maintained. When valve seat 142 is in the first position
and in an open condition such as is illustrated in FIGS. 17-21,
solid portions 171 of valve seat 142 are aligned with wings 175.
Apertures 167, 151 and 143 are aligned and form a passageway
through valve assembly 120.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 11, applicator 116 comprises a body that
has an exterior wall 154 and a pair of spaced apart annular
interior walls 156a, 156b that extend downwardly away from an
interior surface of exterior wall 154. Interior wall 156a is
substantially cylindrical in shape and has an opening 157 of a
diameter sized to receive upper end 128b of second container 114
therein. The interior surface of interior wall 156 is provided with
sixth threads 158 that are positioned to engage second threads 132
on upper end 128b of second container 114. Sixth threads 158 are
oriented in a counterclockwise direction.
[0067] Exterior wall 154 of applicator 116 has a narrower, shaped
upper end 154a (FIG. 11) and a wider lower end 154b. The diameter
of the lower end 154b is substantially the same as the external
diameter of side wall 128a of second container 114. A plurality of
plastic bristles 160 are secured to and extend outwardly away from
upper end 154a of applicator 116. A small dispensing hole 162 (FIG.
12) is provided in upper end 154a in the midst of bristles 160. A
removable tapered pin 172 is removably received through hole 162 to
close the same and prevent the contents of dispenser 10 to be
accidentally dispensed through hole 162. Dispenser 110 is designed
so as to not require a cap to cover applicator 116, as is the case
with dispenser 10, but it will be understood that such a cap could
be provided.
[0068] It will be understood that the threads on first container,
second container, applicator and upper and lower ends of valve
assembly in dispenser 110 preferably have the same orientations as
those on the same components in dispenser 10.
[0069] Dispenser 110 is assembled in the following manner. Valve
assembly 120 is pre-assembled by placing gasket 140 on wall 139 in
body 138 so that post 155 is received through hole 159, and
apertures 151 in gasket 140 align with apertures 143 in body 138.
Valve seat 142 is placed into upper end of valve body 138 so that
post 155 is received through hole 169 and gasket 140 is secured
between walls 139 and 145. Valve 179 is then slid onto post 155. It
should be noted that holes 159 and 169 are both circular in shape,
while hole 173 in valve 179 has two flattened sides. Consequently,
valve seat 142 can be rotated on post 155, but member 179 cannot be
rotated and is retained in exactly the same position at all times.
During the assembly phase, valve seat 142 is installed on post 155
in such a closed position with regions 171 on wall 145 of valve
seat 120 blocking aligned apertures 143, 151.
[0070] First container 112 is at least partially filled with the
first component 119 of the hair dye e.g., a hydrogen peroxide
solution. Valve assembly 120 is screwed onto first container by
threadably engaging fifth threads 148 and first threads 126.
Because valve assembly 20 is in a closed positioned, the first dye
component 119 is sealed into first container 112.
[0071] Second container 114 is threadably engaged with valve
assembly 120 by engaging third threads 135 with fourth threads 146.
Third and fourth threads 135, 146 are oriented, in the same manner
as in dispenser 10, such that when they are engaged, the first and
fifth threads 126, 148 do not disengage, but instead become further
tightened. Second dye component 121, such a colorant, is then
introduced into chamber 130 of second container 114. Because valve
assembly 120 is in the closed position, second dye component 121 is
retained in chamber 130 and does not flow into chamber 124 of first
container 112. Applicator 116 is then engaged with second container
114 by threadably engaging threads 132 with threads 158. Pin 172 is
inserted into hole 162 so that second dye component 121 cannot
escape from chamber 130.
[0072] It should be noted that lower end 128c of second container
114 is threadably engaged with valve seat 42 and not with body 138
of valve assembly 120. Consequently, if second container 114 is
rotated relative to first container 112, the position of valve seat
142 relative to body 138 is changed. Member 179, on the other hand,
is not connected to second container 114 but is, instead, fixed in
position relative to body 138. Body 138, in turn, is fixedly
secured to first container 112.
[0073] While not shown in these figures, it will be understood that
dispenser 110 may also have a tamper-evident label applied around
valve-assembly 120 so that the consumer knows whether the contents
of dispenser 110 have been previously mixed.
[0074] When the dispenser is to be used, the consumer will rotate
second container 114 about the longitudinal axis "X" thereof
through an arc of 90.degree. in a counterclockwise direction. Valve
seat 142 rotates in unison with second container 114 while member
179 and body 138 remain in place. Valve seat 142 is rotatable about
post 155 between a first position and a second position that are
approximately 900 apart from each other. When valve seat 142 is in
the first position (FIGS. 12-16), apertures 167 are aligned with
raised regions 161 and solid portions of wall 145 are aligned with
apertures 151 and 143. Raised regions 161 may partially extend into
apertures 167, thereby tightly sealing the same against liquid
penetration. Furthermore, when valve assembly 120 is in this first
position, the solid portions 171 of wall 145 block apertures 151
and there is therefore no access from second container 114 to
apertures 143 in body 138. Valve assembly 120 is therefore in a
closed condition when in the first position. When valve assembly
120 is rotated through 90.degree. and into the second position
(FIGS. 17-21), apertures 167 in wall 145 are aligned with apertures
151 in gasket 140 and, therefore, with apertures 143 in body 138.
Therefore, when valve seat 142 is in this second position, valve
assembly 120 is in an open condition and the aligned apertures from
a passageway through valve assembly 120 and the cavities in first
and second containers 112, 114 are in communication.
[0075] FIG. 22 shows dispenser 110 with valve assembly 120 in a
closed condition and the dye component 119 in first container 112
separated from dye component 121 in second container 114. When
valve assembly 120 in rotated into the open condition (FIG. 23),
dye component 121 from second container 114 flows into first
container 112 and the consumer can shake dispenser 110 for the time
indicated by directions on the label, to mix first and second dye
components 119, 121 together. First and second components form a
mixture 123 that is retained in first container 112. The consumer
will remove the cap if provided. Pin 172 is withdrawn from hole 162
and the dispenser 110 is inverted to cause the mixture 123 to flow
from first container 112, through the passageway in valve assembly
120, through second container 114 and out of applicator 116 through
hole 162. The consumer moves the bristles 160 through their hair to
apply the dye mixture 123 thereto. When the touch-up is completed,
pin 172 can be reintroduced into hole 162 to seal any remnants of
mixture 123 within dispenser 110.
[0076] It will be understood that like dispenser 10, dispenser 110
may include a mechanism for stopping the rotation of the second
container 114 relative to the valve assembly 120. The stopping
mechanism may comprise a stop on one of the valve assembly, more
specifically valve seat 142, and second container 114; and a latch
on the other of the valve seat and second container. The stop and
latch may be of the same type as disclosed in relation to dispenser
10 or be of any other suitable design.
[0077] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0078] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention
are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact
details shown or described.
* * * * *