U.S. patent application number 12/062656 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-01 for applicator.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ingeborg Graefe. Invention is credited to Markus Danne, Ingeborg Graefe, Andreas Wietzke.
Application Number | 20090000634 12/062656 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35695998 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090000634 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Graefe; Ingeborg ; et
al. |
January 1, 2009 |
Applicator
Abstract
The inventive applicator (1) for applying a hair treatment
agent, in particular for re-dying renewable hairs, to a hair-roots
area comprises an application nozzle (3) for said hair-treatment
agent, a distributor element (4) for distributing the applied
hair-treatment agent and a closing element (5) for the application
nozzle (3). The aim of said invention is to design an applicator
which is usable by a layperson, makes it possible to carry out the
accurate hair-treatment agent dosing, prevents from delivering
other treatment products during distribution and which is easily
mountable and producible. For the purpose, the distributor element
(4) has operating and resting positions and the closing element (5)
has a closed and open positions, wherein the distributor element
(4) is mechanically coupled with the closing element (5) in such a
way that said closing element (5) is in the closed position when
the distributor element (4) is in the operating position.
Inventors: |
Graefe; Ingeborg; (Hamburg,
DE) ; Danne; Markus; (Pulheim, DE) ; Wietzke;
Andreas; (Dusseldorf, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PAUL AND PAUL
2000 MARKET STREET, SUITE 2900
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Assignee: |
Graefe; Ingeborg
Hamburg
DE
Danne; Markus
Pulheim
DE
Wietzke; Andreas
Dusseldorf
DE
|
Family ID: |
35695998 |
Appl. No.: |
12/062656 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11675878 |
Feb 16, 2007 |
|
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|
12062656 |
|
|
|
|
PCT/EP2005/008560 |
Aug 6, 2005 |
|
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11675878 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/112 ;
401/270; 401/280 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 34/041 20130101;
A45D 19/0083 20210101; A45D 34/04 20130101; A45D 34/042
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/112 ;
401/280; 401/270 |
International
Class: |
A45D 24/22 20060101
A45D024/22; A46B 11/04 20060101 A46B011/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 1, 2004 |
DE |
10 2004 042 617.1 |
Claims
1. Applicator for applying hair treatment agents in the region of
the hairline, in particular for re-dyeing hair roots, with an
application nozzle (3) for the hair treatment agent, with a
distributor element (4) for distributing the applied hair treatment
agent and with a closing means (5) for the application nozzle (3),
wherein the distributor element (4) has a working position and a
rest position and the closing means (5) has a closed position and
an open position, wherein the distributor element (4) is
mechanically coupled with the closing means (5) in such a way that
the closing means (5) finds itself in the closed position when the
distributor element (4) finds itself in the working position.
2. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the distributor element
(4) is mechanically coupled to the closing means (5) in such a way
that the closing means (5) finds itself in the open position when
the distributor element (4) finds itself in the rest position.
3. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the distributor element
(4) and the closing means (5) are at least connectable with one
another.
4. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the application nozzle
has a lip (6) and wherein the distributor element (4) in its
working position is located in the vicinity of the application
nozzle tip (6).
5. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the distributor element
(4) is movably connected to the application nozzle (3).
6. Applicator according to claim 5, wherein the distributor element
(4) is movable along the application nozzle (3).
7. Applicator according to claim 5, wherein the application nozzle
has a base and wherein the distributor element (4) in its rest
position is located in the vicinity of the base of the application
nozzle (3).
8. Applicator according to claim 7, wherein the distributor element
(4) has means (18) that can be brought to mechanically cooperate
with the means located on the closing means (5) to actuate said
closing means.
9. Applicator according to claim 8, wherein the closing means (5)
can be moved by turning the means 18.
10. Applicator according to claim 4, wherein the distributor
element (4) is movable by a turning-displacing movement from its
rest position into its working position and vice versa.
11. Applicator according to claim 10, wherein the application
nozzle (3) has a groove or a projection on its outer circumference
with which a counterpart provided on the distributor element (4)
cooperates.
12. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the distributor
element (4) surrounds the application nozzle (3), as a surrounding
circular brush (14).
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the application nozzle
(3) has a connection piece (2) to connect with a container of hair
treatment agent (13).
23. Applicator according to claim 22, wherein the applicator
includes a screw cap for attaching the application nozzle (3) to
the container of hair treatment agent (13), through the connection
piece (2).
24. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator is
connected to the container of hair treatment agent by a pivotable
outlet.
25. Container of hair treatment agent with an applicator according
to claim 1.
26. Container of hair treatment agent according to claim 25,
wherein the application nozzle (3) is part of the container of hair
treatment agent (13).
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 11/675,878 filed Feb.
16, 2007 which is a continuation of PCT/EP 2005/008560 Filed Aug.
6, 2005, which, in turn, is based upon the corresponding German
application 10 2004 042 617.1 filed Sep. 1, 2004, from which
priority is claimed.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to an applicator for applying hair
treatment agents in the region of the hairline, in particular for
re-dyeing hair roots, with an application nozzle for the hair
treatment agent, with a distributor element for distributing the
applied hair treatment agent and with a closing means for the
application nozzle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is often required to selectively treat the hair roots
with hair treatment agents, such as e.g. care agents, medication,
bleaching agents or hair dyes or tints.
[0004] For example, when dyeing hair, one differentiates between
the first dyeing and the re-dyeing of the hair roots, which is
necessary some time after the initial dyeing and when the newly
grown hair differs in appearance from the initially dyed hair. One
normally needs to re-dye the roots every one to one and a half
months after the initial dyeing.
[0005] The roots are re-dyed by professional hairdressers in the
following way. First, the hair is separated or parted and the
parted hair is then combed. Then the dye is selectively applied
with a flat brush onto the uncovered hair area next to the scalp.
The normally viscous to pasty color that now lays on the head in a
line, is dispersed with a slight pressure of the finger and in this
manner is spread over a width of about 1 cm onto the roots king on
both sides of the parting. This process is repeated over the whole
area of the head to be re-dyed. The three steps always essentially
consist of parting the hair, applying the dye onto the parted hair
and distributing the dye onto the roots.
[0006] It is not easy for laypersons to dye their own hair in this
way. In particular, the sequence of the above-described steps is
problematic for self-application. In addition there is the danger
that the product comes into contact with the hands and therefore
gloves have to be worn.
[0007] Indeed, applicators for applying hair dye are known from the
prior art, but these are generally designed for professional use by
hairdressers and are hardly suitable for consumers. Thus, an
applicator of the prior art mentioned above is known from EP 0 038
024 A2 (Weila AG). Here, the distributor element has the form of a
Hat brush, wherein the application nozzles for the hair dye are
located between the individual tufts of bristles. The Hat brush
lays in the sense of the parting aid that is formed as a top
mounting. As emerges from the description of this application on
page 4, paragraph 1, the same abovementioned steps are carried out
with this hair dye application device. The sole advantage here, is
that a separate comb, a separate Hat brush and a separate hair dye
container are not provided, rather the individual parts are
combined into a single device and the process steps can or must be
carried out at the same lime. Moreover, the distributor element
obscures the application nozzles with the result that an accurate
application and the resulting independent dispersion are hardly
possible. Also, in one embodiment of the equipment, the application
nozzles are designed without closing means in the operating
position, with the result that the dye tends to continue to seep
out during the dispersion. In a further embodiment a manually
activated closing or opening means is indeed provided, but this
involves an elaborate and expensive construction.
[0008] A further applicator is known from EP 0 910 967 A1 or U.S.
Pat. No. 6,009,881, which in fact has a simpler construction, but
the abovementioned steps of parting, application and dispersion are
carried out in one operation. This requires one to work speedily,
because the distributor element obscures the application nozzle and
this is always open, such that the applied quantity of dye and the
application location can hardly be controlled. Consequently, an
accurate application and dosing is difficult, and there is the
danger of over-dosing and wrong manipulation. Moreover, working at
speed presents certain demands on lay people.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,211,247 discloses a large number of further
applicators that essentially involve an application nozzle for
parting the hair and applying the dye as well as a distributor
element, wherein the distributor element can be designed as the
application roller that is either rotatably or fixedly linked
through a lever with the applicator housing. With these applicators
the three operations are also preferably carried out in one
operation. There is also the danger with these applicators that too
great an amount of dye is applied, as the application nozzle is
constantly open. Indeed, two similar applicators are known from
U.S. Pat. No. 4,209,027, which can be closed by valves: however,
the valves in the construction are expensive and tend to block up
when pasty treatment agents are used. In addition, it is not
certain that the user also really actions the valve in question to
stop the exit of the treatment agent in good time.
THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, the invention is based on the object of
providing an applicator that allows laypersons to use it
themselves. In addition, the applicator should allow an accurate
dosing of the hair treatment agent without over dosage and
especially prevent the release of additional hair treatment agent
during dispersion. Moreover, the applicator should be easily
constructed and manufactured.
[0011] This object is achieved by means of the invention portrayed
in claim 1.
[0012] Due to the fact that the distributor element has a working
position and a rest position and the closing means has a closed
position and an open position, wherein the distributor is
mechanically coupled to the closing means in such a way that the
closing means finds itself in the closed position when the
distributor element is in the working position, it: is also
possible for laypersons to safely and easily treat their own hair
in the area of the roots without the danger of an over dosage
because the distributor element ensures that the application nozzle
is closed by the closing means as soon as the dispersion of the
hair treatment agent is begun. In this way a thorough distribution
can be made, without additional hair treatment agent escaping.
[0013] Therefore, in contrast to the above applicators, one with a
simple utilization was favored over the models with three steps in
one operation. It is also advantageous when the distributor element
is mechanically coupled to the closing means in such a way that the
closing means finds itself in the open position when the
distributor element is in the rest position. This results in an
applicator that is very-simple to operate.
[0014] In order to facilitate a simple construction of the
cooperation of the distributor element with the closing means,
preferably the distributor element and the closing means can at
least be connected to one another. In this way the closing means
can be operated from the distributor element by its movement from
one position to the other.
[0015] Advantageously, the distributor element, in its working
position, is located in the region of the application nozzle tip
such that it is easily visible and can be accurately controlled by
the user. This also enables a controlled dispersion to be made.
[0016] In order that the distributor element can be moved from one
position to the other, it makes sense for it to be movably linked
to the application nozzle.
[0017] In addition, it can be displaceable along the application
nozzle or have two extended sidepieces that are movable as a hinge
with the application nozzle transverse to the longitudinal course
of the application nozzle, i.e. transverse to the direction of the
application.
[0018] If the distributor element is movable along the application
nozzle then its rest position is advantageous, in the area of the
base of the application nozzle, i.e. in the region of the
transition to an optionally provided connection piece. Then it does
not interfere during the application of the treatment agent nor
does it obscure the application nozzle tips.
[0019] In order to interactively operate the closing means, the
distributor element can possess means that can be brought to
mechanically operate means that are provided on the closing means
i.e. to open or close the closing means. This can be projections
extending in the longitudinal direction of the application nozzle,
which cooperate with a turn-lock fastener located on the housing as
soon as the distributor element is in the rest position. They are
then preferably formed in such a way that the distributor element,
on leaving the rest position, causes the fastener to turn, i.e. the
closing means can be actuated by turning the means.
[0020] In this way the distributor element can be moved from its
rest position into its working position and vice versa by a
turning-displacement movement, for which the application nozzle of
the applicator in one embodiment possesses a groove or a projection
on its outer circumference, with which a counterpart provided on
the distributor element cooperates. The distributor element can
also encompass the application nozzle: in particular it can be in
the form of a surrounding circular brush. However, one can also
consider the possible use of sponges or similar distributor
elements as are commonly used by the person skilled in the art,
such as, e.g. brushes with one or a plurality of rows or curves of
bristles or lulls of brush hair.
[0021] When the distributor element possesses two extended
sidepieces that are movable as a hinge with the application nozzle
transverse to the direction of the application, i.e. to the
longitudinal course of the application nozzle, then it is
advantageous if the sidepieces cooperate with the closing means,
and the closing means can be supported by the sidepieces for this
purpose. This results in a constructively simple design and
production.
[0022] Accordingly, in the simplest variant, the inventive
applicator consists solely of three elements: application nozzle,
distributor element and its cooperating closing means.
[0023] The closing means can be designed as a cross web between the
sidepieces with a blind hole or a similarly suitable recess. In the
working position, the distributor element: locks in place on the
application nozzle tips by means of the recess and therefore closes
them.
[0024] It makes sense for the distributor element to have a
distributor surface, with which the actual distribution of the hair
treatment agent is effected. This is preferably a superficial
distributor surface, formed from e.g. an elastic plate made of
plastic or a sponge. However, the use of a sponge or a sponge-like
distributor element is particularly preferred. It is quite
particularly preferred when the distributor surface is rotatable
about an axis running transversally to the longitudinal direction
of the application nozzle or the application direction, as is the
case for e.g. a rotatable sponge ball or a rotatable sponge roller.
Then, in addition the friction being reduced during the
distribution, the hair remains parted and will not be tangled.
[0025] According to a further embodiment, the applicator possesses
locking means that configure the distributor element in its working
position and/or rest position. In this way an unwanted position
change of the distributor element is prevented as otherwise could
happen with one-handed use above the head.
[0026] Advantageously, the distributor element is executed with a
detachable and fastenable application nozzle, such that the user
can easily assemble the applicator. This makes sense for packaging
and in addition allows the user to choose between the classic,
accepted way of treatment and that according to the invention.
Then, for example, the container for the treatment agent with the
closed application nozzle is delivered separately from the
distributor element. This way also permits the choice of
differently designed distributor elements with the result that e.g.
the wide variation reduces the danger of doubled dyeing.
[0027] Here in addition, the applicator can be like a screw cap
that can be screwed on the hair treatment agent container, i.e.
that can be screwed on and off normal storage containers and
accordingly be reusable. Accordingly, the application nozzle can
have a connection piece for connecting with a hair treatment
container. Thus a modular construction can be achieved with a
suitable design, which allows a simple construction together with
good adaptability to different containers, such that e.g.
commercially available application bottles can be used.
[0028] Moreover, when the applicator is also linked to the hair
treatment container by a pivotable outlet, then the user can adopt
a favourable working position or comfortably obtain an optimal
alignment of the application nozzle and the distributor
element.
[0029] In accordance with the above embodiments, the invention also
relates to a hair treatment container that is designed in one piece
or in a number of pieces with an applicator having the
abovementioned characteristics. In particular, the application
nozzle can be part of the container.
[0030] In order to treat the hair with the inventive applicator in
the region of the roots, one proceeds, for example, as follows:
[0031] First, the user opens the opening of the application nozzle
of the applicator that is linked to the hair treatment container,
for this, the distributor element is moved into its rest position
thus actioning the opening of the application nozzle by cooperation
with the closing means. If the distributor element is stored
separately, then e.g. the screw cap is removed from application
nozzle that is already connected to the container or the closed tip
is cut off. The distributor element is then attached, which then
ensures the further scalability, and is then brought to its rest
position.
[0032] Then the user runs the applicator through the hair, the hair
being simultaneously separated or parted by the open lips of the
application nozzle, and the treatment agent, such as e.g. hair dye
is applied from the container in the area of the roots.
[0033] At the end of the application of the treatment agent or dye,
the distributor element is brought to its working position such
that the application nozzle closes, and accordingly disperses the
treatment agent or the dye, wherein the distributor element is
preferably moved or rotated relative to the container by the
contact with the scalp, such that the user neither has to wear
gloves nor comes into unwanted contact with the treatment
agent.
[0034] The invention is particularly designed for use with dyeing
or re-dyeing human hair. The hair treatment agent container then
contains suitable mixtures of dye or tinting agents. The inventive
applicator, however, can find general use for hair treatment in the
regions of the hairline and the hair roots. The hair treatment
agent container then contains e.g. suitable care agents or
medicaments.
[0035] Further features, details and advantages of the invention
become apparent from the following description of embodiments, in
reference to the drawing. The drawings show:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] FIG. 1 a schematic side view of a first embodiment of an
inventive applicator with a distributor element in the working
position:
[0037] FIG. 2 a schematic side view of the applicator of FIG. 1
with the distributor element in the rest position:
[0038] FIG. 3 a schematic side view of a second embodiment of an
inventive applicator with a distributor element in the working
position and
[0039] FIG. 4 a schematic side view of the applicator of FIG. 3
with the distributor element in the rest position.
[0040] For easier understanding, the corresponding parts in the
figures are assigned the same reference numerals throughout.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS
[0041] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a schematic side view of a first
embodiment of a complete applicator 1 with a connection piece 2,
with an application nozzle 3, a distributor element 4 and with a
closing means 5. The FIGS. 1 and 2 differ in that in FIG. 1 the
distributor element 4 is in its working position and in FIG. 2 the
distributor element 4 is in its rest position.
[0042] The connection piece 2 of the application nozzle 3 as a
screw cap that can be screwed on or off, is provided with an
internal screw thread such that it can be attached to a
commercially available hair dye bottle.
[0043] From the connection piece 2, a tapered application nozzle 3
extends lengthwise and from its base towards the open tip 6. In the
present case, this is integrally formed with the connection piece
2. The application nozzle 3 possesses a continuous inner bore that
ends in a corresponding opening of the connection piece 2 and thus
permits the supply of the dye contained in the hair dye bottle into
the application nozzle 3. The longitudinal axis of the application
nozzle 3 defines the application direction. Moreover, the
application nozzle also serves for parting the hair.
[0044] Thus, by e.g. squeezing the hair dye bottle, dye can be
conveyed into the application nozzle 3 and further to the open tip
6 for application on the parted hair.
[0045] On the connection piece 2 are two sidepieces 7 of the
distributor element 4, which are extended lengthwise, spaced apart
and running parallel to one another, and can be pivoted
transversely to the application direction about an axis 8. For a
better view, the sidepieces 7 are presented transparently, as is
signified by the dashed lines. They extend from the connection
piece 2 further than the tip 6 of the application nozzle 3 and, in
the rest position, run essentially parallel to the longitudinal
direction of the application nozzle 3. A sponge roller or cylinder
9 is provided as a dispersion surface on the end of the
lengthwise-extended sidepieces 7 that project beyond the tip 6. It
is arranged to rotate about an axis 10 that runs transverse to the
application direction and parallel to the axis 8 between the
sidepieces 7.
[0046] The closing means 5 is provided as a sealing plate 11 at a
distance away from the sponge roller 9 in the direction of the tip
6, said closing means being extended between the sidepieces 7 and
solidly linked to them. The closing means has a recess 12 that has
approximately the dimensions of the application nozzle tip 6.
[0047] The sealing plate 11 is positioned in such a way in the
longitudinal direction of the sidepiece 7 that in the working
position illustrated in FIG. 1, it seals the tip 6 of the
application nozzle 3 from the sponge roller 9 preferably by means
of a form closure. As the sealing plate and the sidepieces 7
consist of a suitable plastic, the move into this position occurs
by contact and gripping, i.e. by elastic deformation.
[0048] For dispersing the applied dyestuff, the user can roll the
totality from the bottle and applicator 1 along the scalp with the
sponge roller 9, no dyestuff being able to escape from the sealed
application nozzle 3.
[0049] To apply dye stuff, the distributor element 4 with its
sidepieces 7 is moved about the axis X in the adjustment direction
V to the rest position. For this, the sealing plate 11 is folded or
pushed to the side using a low force under elastic deformation of
the tip 6 of the application nozzle 3, thereby opening the
application nozzle 3.
[0050] The distributor element 4 can be held in the rest position
(FIG. 2) by catches. The can include a slightly nobbed protrusion
on the connection piece 2 and a suitably positioned recess in one
or both sidepieces 7.
[0051] FIGS. 3 and 4 show a schematic side view of a second
embodiment of an inventive applicator 1 connected to a bottle 13
with the distributor element 4 in the working position FIG. 3) and
rest position (FIG. 4), wherein the applicator 1 is presented
sectionally from the application nozzle 3.
[0052] The connection means 2 is screwed onto a bottle 13.
Similarly to the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the tapered
application nozzle 3 extends from the connection piece 2 lengthwise
and from its base to the open tip 6.
[0053] The application nozzle 3 possesses a continuous inner bore
15 that ends in a corresponding opening of the connection piece 2
and thus permits the supply of the dye contained in the hair dye
bottle 13 into the application nozzle 3. Here as well, the
longitudinal axis of the application nozzle 3 defines the
application direction.
[0054] Essentially, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4
differs from the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 in the design of
the distribution element 4 and the closing means 5.
[0055] Namely, the distributor element 4 is in the form of a
circular brush 14 that surrounds the application nozzle 3 and can
be moved along the application nozzle 3 between the working
position on the application nozzle tip 6 and the rest position.
[0056] In order to be able to grasp the circular brush 14 without
touching the treatment agent, there is provided a gripping area 16
above the bristles 17 that extend in the direction of the
application nozzle tip 6.
[0057] To prevent the circular brush 14 from "slipping clown" the
application nozzle 3 or the application nozzle tip 6 when said
brush is in the working position, an edge is provided (not shown)
that runs around the nozzle opening, which optionally cooperates
with a suitable recess on the circular brush 14.
[0058] In the working position of the circular brush 14, the
application nozzle 3 is sealed by the closing means 5. These are
supplied as the connection piece 2 in the form of a screw cap. In
this context the connection piece 2 is formed such that the
circular brush 14 can be moved from the rest position illustrated
in FIG. 4 into the working position illustrated in FIG. 3 only by
turning and moving.
[0059] In the turning step, the circular brush 14 is mechanically
coupled over projections 18 with the screw cap 2 such that on
turning it entrains the screw cap and hence the cap (or the
opening) of the application nozzle 3. The circular brush 14 is held
and guided by guides in such a way that only after sufficient
turning round the application nozzle 3 to close it can it be moved
down along the application nozzle 3 to the tip 6. Analogously, the
opposite displacement or turning lakes place to reach the rest
position from the working position.
[0060] In this way one is certain that the application nozzle 3 is
always closed when the circular brush 14 is in its working
position.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0061] 1 applicator [0062] 2 connection piece [0063] 3 application
nozzle [0064] 4 distributor element [0065] 5 closing means [0066] 6
lip [0067] 7 side piece [0068] 8 axis [0069] 9 sponge roller [0070]
10 axis [0071] 11 sealing plate [0072] 12 recess [0073] 13 bottle
[0074] 14 circular brush [0075] 15 bore [0076] 16 gripping area
[0077] 17 bristles [0078] 18 projections [0079] V adjustment
direction
* * * * *