Abstract
A device, system and method for treating the scalp hair of an individual including the storing, processing, and dispensing hair building material, wherein the device includes at one or more housings connected to a base and a plurality of bristle elements disposed in a flow receiving relation to hair building material contained within the different housings of the base. A vibratory force is exerted on the base, housings and/or hair building material contained therein to facilitate a con current dispensing of different portions of the hair building material in a manner which accomplishes and at least partial blending of the different portions of the hair building material in the area of a bristle portion of the base. Once blended the hair building material is distributed throughout intended portions of the hair of a user by the bristles.
Claims
1. A dispensing device for treating hair with a hair building material, said device comprising: a first housing having a first open end, a second end opposite said first open end, a body extending between said first open end and said second end, and having a hollow interior continuous with said first open end and said second end, and a plurality of bristle elements protruding from an exterior surface of said body; said first housing having a plurality of openings in said body allowing for fluid flow communication between said first housing and said plurality of bristle elements; a first cartridge structured and dimensioned to be operatively disposed within said hollow interior of said first housing, said first cartridge including a sealed open end and a closed end, and further including at least one opening extending through a side thereof in fluid communication with said plurality of openings of said first housing, said first cartridge containing at least a first supply of hair building material; a second housing having a first closed end, a second open end opposite said first closed end, an outer wall defining a hollow interior between said first closed end and said second open end, and said outer wall including a plurality of access openings allowing for fluid flow communication between said second housing and said plurality of bristle elements; said second housing coupled to said first housing and extending adjacent and in substantially parallel relation to said first housing; a sleeve member removably connected to said hollow interior of said second housing, said sleeve member including opposing ends and an elongated side extending between said opposing ends, and said sleeve member further including at least one opening extending through said elongated side to allow fluid flow communication between said second housing, said sleeve member and said plurality of bristle elements; a second cartridge structured and dimensioned to be operatively disposed within said sleeve member, said second cartridge having at least one opening extending through a side thereof and in fluid flow communication with said at least one opening of said sleeve member and said second housing; said second cartridge containing a second supply of hair building material; said first cartridge and said sleeve member including said second cartridge structured for substantially concurrent delivery of said first and second supplies of hair building material through their respective openings and for at least partial blending of said first and second supplies of hair building material at said plurality of bristle elements, a base having a first proximal end and a second oppositely disposed distal end, said second distal end of said base being removably connected to said first housing, and said first proximal end of said base providing a gripping surface for grasping by a user; and said base further comprising a vibrating member extending axially from said second distal end thereof and disposed within said first housing and said first cartridge assembly, said vibrating member operable to penetrate said seal of said first cartridge, and to make contact with at least said first supply of hair building material by a coupling of said base with said first housing.
2. The dispensing device as recited in claim 1, wherein said first cartridge and said sleeve member are each independently and removably disposed within said first housing and said second housing, respectively.
3. The dispensing device as recited in claim 2, wherein at least one of said first cartridge and said sleeve member is exteriorly accessible and structured for rotational movement within its respective housing, so as to vary an orientation of said respective access openings.
4. The dispensing device as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one opening in said first cartridge is aligned with a first portion of said plurality of bristle elements and said at least one opening in said sleeve member is aligned with a second and oppositely disposed portion of said plurality of bristle elements.
5. The dispensing device as recited in claim 4, wherein said at least one opening of said first cartridge and said at least one opening of said sleeve member define at least two flow paths structured to concurrently deliver both said first supply of hair building material and said second supply of hair building material to said plurality of bristle elements in spaced apart relation and facilitate blending thereof during brushing contact with the hair.
6. The dispensing device as recited in claim 1, wherein said vibrating member is structured to exert a vibrating force on at least one of said first cartridge and said sleeve member and the hair building material contained therein.
7. The dispensing device as recited in claim 6, wherein said vibrating force is sufficient to alter an original viscosity of the hair building material.
8. The dispensing device as recited in claim 7, wherein said vibrating force is sufficient to at least partially liquefy the hair building material within said cartridge.
9. The dispensing device as recited in claim 6, further comprising a drive structure mounted on said base and connected in driving relation to at least said vibrating member.
10. The dispensing device as recited in claim 9, wherein said drive structure is disposed and structured to exert a vibrating force on said plurality of bristle elements, said plurality of bristle elements being movable relative to one another and the hair building material disposed thereon.
11. The dispensing device as recited in claim 9, wherein said drive structure is disposed in at least partially driving relation to said first housing and said second housing and corresponding ones of said first and second supplies of hair building material disposed therein.
12. The dispensing device as recited in claim 1, further comprising at least three housings each structured to removably retain a different one of a plurality of cartridges, each containing a supply of the hair building material therein.
13. The dispensing device as recited in claim 12, wherein at least two of said housings are dimensioned and configured to each receive one of a plurality of commonly dimensioned cartridges therein.
14. The dispensing device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a mirror assembly movably connected to said base and disposable between an open, exposed position and a closed, concealed position.
15. The dispensing device as recited in claim 1, wherein said first supply of hair building material is a wet hair building material.
16. The dispensing device as recited in claim 15, wherein said second supply of hair building material is a dry hair building material.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the inventive device according to one of the preferred embodiments.
(3) FIG. 2 is also a perspective view of the inventive device in accordance with the present invention, but illustrating one of the preferred embodiments including a mirror attachment in an open orientation.
(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the second cartridge assembly that is utilized with the inventive device according to one of the preferred embodiments.
(5) FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the third cartridge assembly that is utilized with the inventive device according to one of the preferred embodiments.
(6) FIG. 4 is an exploded view in partial cutaway of the device shown in FIG. 1 illustrating insertion of the second cartridge assembly into a third housing according to one of the preferred embodiments.
(7) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first cartridge assembly having an open end and a closed, penetrable end in one of the preferred embodiments.
(8) FIG. 6 is a side view of the inventive device illustrating a second cartridge assembly loaded into the hollow interior first chamber of the central housing and a mirror attachment in a closed orientation in one of the preferred embodiments.
(9) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the inventive device illustrating the hollow interior first chamber receiving the second cartridge assembly according to one of the preferred embodiments.
(10) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the inventive device illustrating the central housing with a connecting member structured to receive and removably secure the mirror attachment to the central housing according to one of the preferred embodiments.
(11) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the inventive device illustrating one housing with at least two connecting members structured to receive the mirror attachment, sufficient to removably secure the mirror attachment to the inventive device according to one of the preferred embodiments.
(12) FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the inventive device illustrating the mirror attachment detaching from the connecting members according to one of the preferred embodiments.
(13) FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the inventive device illustrating the base with the movable member mounted thereto, detached from the housing according to one of the preferred embodiments.
(14) FIG. 12 is a perspective view in partial phantom of the inventive device illustrating the movable member disposed within the hollow interior chamber of the housing, when the base is attached to the housing according to one of the preferred embodiments.
(15) FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the inventive device illustrating two housings with the base removably attached to at least one of the two housings according to one of the preferred embodiments.
(16) FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the inventive device illustrating the cartridge with an open and closed end, and a sealing member disposed to seal the open end and the access opening of the cartridge according to one of the preferred embodiments.
(17) FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the inventive device illustrating the base removably attached to the bristle holder including the plurality of bristles attached thereto according to one of the preferred embodiments.
(18) Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
(19) The present invention is directed to a new and improved device, generally indicated as 10, for storing, processing and dispensing hair building material. More specifically, the device 10 is structured to store, process, and dispense different portions of the hair building material, wherein each portion may include different ingredients. Further, each of the different portions and corresponding ingredients of the hair building material may be independently stored on the device 10. In addition, the different portions are concurrently dispensed and substantially or partially blended with one another in the area of a plurality of bristles 60 prior to and concurrent with application of the blended hair building material onto the hair and scalp of the user.
(20) The inventive device 10 can be utilized on a variety of different hair types, hair textures and colors. Additionally, the inventor hereof has developed a unique and proprietary hair building composition intended for primary use as the hair building material to be stored, processed, and dispensed by the device 10. However, it is emphasized that the inventive device 10 could also be used to store, process and dispense a variety of other hair building materials, containing one or more ingredients. As such, each of the embodiments of the device 10 as well as the scope of the present invention should not be limited to use with the unique hair building composition described in detail herein.
(21) Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the device 10 of the present invention is illustrated in one preferred embodiment and is seen to include a base 40 having a central or first housing, 20 connected thereto. The first housing 20 is defined by a body or wall 22 that may be, but is not limited to, a generally cylindrical shape. Further, the housing 20 includes an open end 20, a second, oppositely disposed closed end 20, and a hollow interior or first chamber 30. The housing 20 is sized, structured, configured to receive a first supply of the hair building material, which may be in the form of a first cartridge assembly 120 as shown in FIG. 5. As indicated, the first supply of hair building material comprises one of a plurality of portions of the hair building material which are eventually blended with one another. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5, the first supply and/or cartridge 120 comprises a predetermined portion of the hair building material and may include one or more ingredients thereof disposed within its hollow interior 30. Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first housing 20 is constructed of a generally rigid material and at its closed end 20 is connected to a corresponding portion of the base 40. Further, the base 40 includes a handle or grip 42 which is preferably structured to be easily grasped by a user of the device 10 for manipulation thereof, thereby facilitating its use in a manner similar to a common hairbrush or comb.
(22) Furthermore, the body 22 of the housing 20 has an exterior surface 33 disposed adjacent to and/or in communication with the plurality of bristle elements 60 connected to the base 40, in a generally communicating relation with the first housing 20 and first supply and/or cartridge 120 contained therein. In addition, a plurality of apertures or pathways 80 define a flow path or path of fluid flow for the portion of the hair building material contained within a corresponding or first cartridge 120 within the housing 20. Each of the plurality of apertures or pathways 80 are formed in the body 22 so as to define a flow path of the hair building material from the cartridge to the bristle 60. Also, each of the apertures or pathways 80 are sized, structured, and configured to accommodate the consistency of the ingredients of the portion of the hair building material within the first cartridge 120. The flow path of the corresponding portion of the hair building material being at least partially defined by the plurality of apertures 80 facilitates its delivery from the interior of a corresponding first cartridge, to the plurality of bristles 60 once it is blended with the other portions of the hair building material, as described hereinafter. Further, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the plurality of pathways or apertures 80 defining a part of the aforementioned flow path may be disposed to deliver the corresponding portion of the hair building material between the bristle elements 60.
(23) The plurality of bristles 60 are structured to create a mechanical friction on the user's scalp as the hair building material is dispensed thereon. More particularly, the plurality of bristles 60 are movable due to the oscillation and/or vibrations of the inventive device 10 in the embodiment including a motor and/or are movable manually by the user's movement in brushing his or her hair. It should be evident that the motorized or non-manual movement of the plurality of bristles 60 can be provided by a power supply source disposed in the base 40 of the inventive device 10.
(24) That is, and in at least one embodiment of the present invention, the base 40 and/or handle portion 42 is/are structured to include a drive motor and appropriate drive linkage, which is not shown in the drawings. Further, at least one actuator switch 43 is operatively connected to a power supply, also not shown for purposes of clarity. Suitable wiring and/or control circuitry may also be disposed within an interior of the base 40 for connection to the power supply. The power supply may be a self-contained battery carried within an appropriate portion of the base 40 and/or handle 42. In the alternative, the device 10 can also be operated with other electric power sources, such as being connected by an appropriate cord or the like to a common electrical outlet. Also, the base 40 can be sealed to prevent any water damage.
(25) Therefore, in use, activation of the aforementioned drive motor through manipulation of the activating switch 43 will exert a vibrational force on at least a portion of the base 40 associated with the mounting or connection of the plurality of bristles 60 and on one or more housings, specifically including the first housing 20. As explained in greater detail hereinafter, such a vibratory force will be sufficient to facilitate dispensing of the various portions of the hair building material from each of a possible plurality of hair building material supplies or cartridges 120 can located in different ones of a plurality of housing on the base 40. However, it is to be noted that in an alternative embodiment, the device 10 can function manually, requiring no power, as described subsequently herein.
(26) With further regard to the generation of a vibratory force and with primary reference to FIG. 4, the device 10 may further comprise a movable member 100 connected to and at least partially, movably disposed within hollow interior 30 of the first or central housing 20. The movable member 100 is formed of a rigid material, and has a first end 32 connected to the closed end 20 of the housing 20. An opposite distal end 35 preferably includes a pointed configuration, wherein at least a portion of the movable member 100, including the distal end 35, is at least partially enclosed within the hollow interior 30 of the first housing 20. When so disposed, the distal end 35 may be disposed in connecting, penetrating, etc. relation to the first cartridge, such as 120, disposed within the hollow interior 30. In use and as at least partially as described above, the movable member 100 may be electronically connected in driven relation to the drive motor contained within the base 40 and/or handle 42. Once activated, through appropriate electrical and mechanical connection between the movable member 100 and the self-contained drive motor, the movable member 100 will sonically oscillate and/or generate a vibratory force. This vibratory force is transferred to the cartridge 120 within the hollow interior 30 as well as the portion of the hair building material contained therein. Such vibratory force exerted on or transferred to the first cartridge 120, as well as its contents will be sufficient to vary the viscosity of the hair building material to the point where it may be at least partially liquefied. By way of example only, the portion of the hair building material retained within the cartridge 120 may be in a gel-form. As such, the viscosity of such a gel must be reduced, possibly to the point of being at least partial liquefied, so as to facilitate the dispensing of the gel-like portion along the flow path from the cartridge 120 and out of the access openings or apertures 80 formed in the first housing 20.
(27) With further regard now to another one of the preferred embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the movable member 100 can be structured to have external surface configuration that is stepped as at 100, so as to have a lowest portion with a widest outer diametric dimension than an adjacent portion, which in turn has a wider outer diametric dimension that an uppermost or top portion. This stepped configuration on the movable member creates a ledge 100 around each of the layers, approximately where the plurality of steps 100 connect to each other. Accordingly, when the user connects the base 40 to at least one housing 20, the movable member 100 mounted on the base 40 is structured to be received within a receiving member 380 disposed within the housing 20. More particularly, the stepped exterior configuration of the movable member 100 allows for it to be removably secured to the receiving member 380, and helps to ensure a secure fit of the base 40 to the housing 20 for operation of the device. In the preferred embodiment, the secure connection of the movable member 100 into the receiving member 380 allows the receiving member 380 to also vibrate and oscillate when the movable member 100 is in operational use. Additionally, in this preferred embodiment, the movable member 100 has a retaining member 380 disposed on it and structured to facilitate a removably secure fit to at least one housing 20.
(28) With further regard to the interaction and the exertion of vibratory force by the movable member 100 on to the cartridge 120, primary reference is directed to FIG. 5. As represented, the first supply of supply hair building material is in the form of the first cartridge assembly 120. The portion of the hair building material contained within the cartridge may be in a gel-like form and/or material and include one or more ingredients to be dispensed onto a user's hair and/or scalp, subsequent to blending with other portions of the hair building material. As also indicated, the first cartridge assembly 120 is sized, structured and configured to be received within the hollow interior chamber 30 of at least the first housing 20. The first cartridge assembly 120 includes an open end 120 and a penetrable closed end 120. The closed end is structured to be pierced by the pointed configuration of the end 35 of the movable member 100, upon the application of a suitable force, being exerted on the cartridge 120 when placed within the interior 30 of the housing 20. As such, the movable member 100 can penetrate through the closed end 120 of the first cartridge assembly 120 when the user exerts a suitable predetermined force on the cartridge 120. The exertion of the predetermined force and resultant penetration of the closed end 120, serves to connect the first cartridge assembly 120 to the movable member 100 inside the hollow interior 30 of the housing 20. As a result of this connection, the exertion of a vibratory force by the movable member 100 will result in a reduction of the viscosity of the portion of the hair building material within the cartridge 120 to a point of possible liquidation.
(29) As also illustrated in FIG. 5, the first cartridge assembly 120 includes an outer wall 133 with an exterior surface 130 extending the length thereof between the open end 120 and penetrable closed end 120. The outer wall 133 of the first cartridge assembly 120 also includes and is structured to define at least one access opening or slit 140 completely through and between the exterior surface 130 and an interior surface thereof so as to allow one or more ingredients of the hair building material carried inside the first cartridge assembly 120 to flow out of and through the access opening or slit 140. Preferably, this slit 140 extends longitudinally along at least a portion of the outer wall 133 and ideally along a majority of the length thereof. Additionally, in use of the inventive device 10, the access opening or slit 140 can be aligned with the plurality of apertures or pathways 80 on the body of the central housing 20 to further define the flow path of the hair building material.
(30) The aligning is accomplished by rotating the first cartridge assembly 120 within the hollow interior 30 of the housing until the access opening or the slit 140 is preferably facing and/or in communicating relation to the plurality of apertures or pathways 80 formed in the housing 20. As a result, of such communicating relation the flow path for the hair building material is at least partially defined. Further, the one or more ingredients and/or portion of the hair building material carried by the first cartridge 120 can flow and/or be dispensed out of the first cartridge assembly 120 through the access opening or slit 140 and through the plurality of apertures or pathways 80 on the exterior surface 35 of the housing 20 into the area of the plurality of bristle elements 60. Thereafter, the hair building material will be dispensed onto the user's scalp and/or hair as the user uses a device 10 in a conventional hair brushing manner. Once dispensed into the area of the plurality of bristle elements 60, the gel-like material may be at least partially blended with other portions of the hair building material which are concurrently dispensed into the area of the bristle elements 60 from the other supplies and/or cartridges of the hair building material.
(31) From the foregoing, it may be appreciated that the outer diametric dimensions of the first cartridge assembly 120 are substantially similar to and yet somewhat or sufficiently smaller than the inner diametric dimensions of the central housing 20 interior chamber, so as to create a frictional fit between them. The frictional fit ensures that at least a portion of the first cartridge assembly 120 is removably secured within the hollow interior first chamber 30 of central housing 20. To further illustrate, as force is continued to be applied on the first cartridge assembly 120 during its insertion into the central housing 20, the penetrable closed end 120 establishes contact with the movable member 100. As such, the movable member 100 is sized, structured and configured to penetrate within the first cartridge assembly 120. Moving forward, as the insertion of the first cartridge assembly 120 continues and the contact increases, the movable member 100 penetrates so as to intrude through the penetrable closed end 120 of the first cartridge assembly 120, exposing itself to the hair building material contained therein. As a result, the movable member 100 is exposed directly to the hair building material contained in the first cartridge assembly 120. Additionally, it is important that the force applied to the first cartridge assembly 120 is sufficient to frictionally secure a majority portion of the first cartridge assembly 120 within the hollow interior first chamber 30 of the central housing 20, so as to ensure that the first cartridge assembly 120 is removably affixed on the movable member 100 when in operational use.
(32) As also indicated, one or more preferred embodiments of the inventive device 10 include a plurality of cartridges, respectively indicated as a second cartridge 170 and a possible third cartridge 310, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A. Each of the plurality of cartridges 120, 170, 310 defines an individual supply and/or different portion of the hair building material. Further, each of the plurality of first, second, third, etc. cartridges are disposed in a different one of a possible plurality of housings, each of which are connected to or mounted on the base 40. Therefore, the device 10 will be structured to provide for the substantial blending of the different portions of the hair building material originally contained in and dispensed from a plurality of different supplies, which may be in the form of the canisters, as set forth above. Moreover, such substantial blending and concurrent dispensing will occur in the area of the plurality of bristles 60 and/or the hair and/or scalp of the user.
(33) Therefore, with primary reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the device 10 having a second housing, generally indicated as 160. The second housing 160 is preferably connected to the base 40 adjacent thereto and at an upper surface thereof and/or in cooperating relation with first housing 20. Similar to the first housing 20, the second housing 160 may be formed of a rigid material and have a first closed end 162, a second open end 164 and a hollow interior second chamber 165. The second housing 160 as shown in FIG. 4, also comprises an outer wall 163 between the first and second ends 162 and 164, having a plurality of access openings 180, so as to establish or at least partially define a flow path for the portion of the hair building material on an interior of a cartridge within the second housing 160. More specifically, the plurality of openings 180 allow the flow of one or more ingredients of the hair building material to be disbursed from a cartridge within the second housing 160 onto the user's hair and the plurality of bristles 60, while the plurality of bristles 60 are engaged in a brushing movement on the user's hair and scalp.
(34) As represented in FIG. 3 one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise a second supply of hair building material in the form of cartridge assembly 170. The second cartridge assembly 170 includes an outer wall 170 with an exterior surface 170 extending the length thereof. The outer wall 170 of the second cartridge assembly 170 also includes and is structured to define at least access opening 172 extending through the exterior surface 170 in communicating relation with the interior of the second cartridge 170. The access opening 172 is disposed and structured to allow the portion of the hair building material contained within the cartridge 172 pass from the interior thereof and along additional portions of the corresponding flow path, which may also be at least partially defined by the plurality of openings 180 in the second housing 160.
(35) In use, the second cartridge assembly 170 containing a portion of the hair building material is inserted into the hollow interior second chamber 165 of the second housing 160. As such the hollow interior second chamber 165 of the second housing 160 is sized, structured and configured to receive and secure the second cartridge assembly 170. More specifically, the dimensions of the second housing 160 are sufficient to allow the second cartridge assembly 170 to remain secured within the hollow interior second chamber 165. When ready for use the user aligns the access opening 172 with the plurality of openings 180 on the second housing 160. More specifically, the second cartridge assembly 170 is inserted into the hollow interior second chamber 165 of the second housing 160. Once located therein the cartridge 170 may be rotated or otherwise appropriately positioned to align and establish a flow path between the access opening 172 with the plurality of openings 180 of the second housing 160 and remain secured therein. As such, rotating the second cartridge assembly 170 into alignment facilitates the portion and/or one or more ingredients of the hair building material carried in the second cartridge assembly 170 to flow along the flow path. As indicated, the flow path for the hair building material is at least partially defined by the access opening 172 and the plurality of openings 180 so as to facilitate it being dispensed onto the plurality of bristle elements 60 and/or hair or scalp of the user. As set forth above, the plurality of openings 180 on the second housing 160 are also in communication with the plurality of bristle elements 60. As a result, once the portion of the hair building material within the cartridge 170 passes through the plurality of openings 180, it is concurrently dispensed and substantially blended, with the portion of the hair building material being dispensed from the first cartridge, as at 120, within the first housing 20.
(36) Furthermore, it is equally important to note that the second cartridge assembly 170 is structured to frictionally fit within the hollow interior second chamber 165 of the second housing 160. Given this, it is important to that the diametric dimensions of the second cartridge assembly 170 are sufficiently smaller than the diametric dimensions of the second housing 160, so as to create a frictional fit, and as such, secure at least a portion of the second cartridge assembly 170 within the hollow interior second chamber 165 of the second housing 160. Moving forward, as the force is continued to be applied on the second cartridge assembly 170 as it is inserted into the second housing 160, the frictional fit secures a majority portion of the second cartridge assembly 170 within the hollow interior second chamber 165 of the second housing 160, so as to ensure that the second cartridge assembly 170 is operationally in use and removably affixed therein.
(37) As represented in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, in another preferred embodiment, the applicator device of the present invention includes a third housing 210. The third housing 210 is connected to the base 40 adjacent or in operative relation to the first housing 20, ideally at an upper surface thereof. Similarly, the third housing as shown in FIG. 2, may also be formed of a rigid material and so as to include a first closed end 212, a second open end 214 and a hollow interior. The third housing 210 also comprises an outer wall 213 having a plurality of slots 217 disposed in flow communicating relation with the plurality of bristles 60. As such, the third housing 210 is sized, structured and configured to receive a third supply of the hair building material in the form of an additional cartridge therein. The third or additional cartridge may be substantially equivalent in size, structure and configuration as the second cartridge assembly 170.
(38) More specifically, the dimensions of the third housing 210 are sufficient to allow another one of the second cartridges 170, or it structural equivalent, to be received and remain secured within the hollow interior thereof. Once disposed within the interior of the third housing 210, a third or additional one of the second cartridges 170 is aligned, such as by rotation, to dispose the access opening 172 with the plurality of slots 217 formed in the third housing 210. As a result, the flow path between the cartridge within the interior of the third housing 210 and out onto the bristles 60 is at least partially defined by a corresponding access opening formed in the inserted cartridge and appropriate openings or apertures formed in the third housing 210. As such, rotating the second cartridge assembly 170 into alignment ensures that the access opening 172 on the second cartridge 170, or other access openings 172 on a different third cartridge 310, is in a flow facilitating connection with the plurality of bristles 60.
(39) As a result, a portion of the hair building material contained within the cartridge disposed within the third housing 210 will be dispensed along the flow path, at least partially defined by the access opening 172 in the contained cartridge within the third housing 210 and the plurality of openings contained within the third housing 210 itself. As set forth above, the portion of the hair building material within the third cartridge 310 will be concurrently dispensed and substantially blended with the other portions of the hair building material passing from the first and second cartridges 120 and 170 through the first and second housings 20 and 160 onto the plurality of bristles 60. The blended portions or ingredients of the hair building material will thereby be distributed onto the hair of the user during the performance of a combing or brushing action of the device 10.
(40) With reference now to FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention may include a mirror attachment or assembly, generally indicated as 200. The mirror attachment 200 is preferably connected to the base 40 adjacent to the first housing 20. In addition, the mirror attachment 200 is movably mounted and pivotally disposed relative to the exterior surface 33 of the central housing 20. As such, the mirror attachment 200 is movable and allows the user to pivot the mirror attachment 200 from a closed, substantially hidden position 200 as illustrated in FIG. 6 to an open, exposed position 200 as illustrated in FIG. 7. Additionally, the pivotal connection of the mirror attachment 200 to the central housing 20 provides a viewing and/or improved visibility to the user when applying the applying hair building material especially when the application is applied to selected areas of the user's hair and/or scalp using the inventive device 10.
(41) Furthermore, in one of the preferred embodiments as shown in FIG. 8, the mirror attachment 200 is detachable. The detachment allows the user to remove the mirror attachment 200, if and when not desired. As such, the mirror attachment 200 can be detached from its connection to the central housing 20, and reattached when desired. To further characterize this, the central housing 20 has a connecting member 320 structured to receive and removably secure the mirror attachment 200 to the central housing 20. Accordingly, the mirror attachment 200 can be connected to the central housing 20 in a snap fit, press-fit or other similar type of joint fit connections that allow the user to attach and detach the mirror attachment 200 from the central housing 20, as and when preferred.
(42) Comparatively, in one of the other preferred embodiments with one housing 20 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the housing 20 has at least two connecting members 360. As such, each of the two connecting members 360 are structured to receive at least a portion of the mirror attachment 200, sufficient to removably secure the mirror attachment 200 to the inventive device 10. Alternatively, in one of the embodiments, the mirror attachment 200 can also be permanently affixed to the housing so as to avoid any detachment.
(43) Looking further, in one of the other preferred embodiments as shown primarily in FIG. 13, the inventive device 10 may include no more than two housings 20. Each of the two housings 20 are structurally and functionally identical to the ones described in earlier embodiments. Accordingly, one of the two housings 20 has the plurality of bristles 60 attached thereto. Additionally, given this embodiment, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that at least one cartridge or cartridge assembly 120 inserted in one of the two housings 20, contains the hair building material in the gel-like form, while at least one cartridge or cartridge assembly 120 inserted in the other of the two housings 20, contains the hair building material in the form of, but not limited to dry powder, fiber-like strands and/or structural combination of both. As such, the processing, blending and dispensing of the hair building materials in this preferred embodiment of the two housings 20 works substantially identical to the aforementioned preferred embodiments. Additionally, in this preferred embodiment and as shown in FIG. 12, the base 40 has the movable member 100 mounted thereon, and the base 40 is removably connected to one of the two housings 20. As a result, similar to the operational features described in one of the preferred embodiments earlier, the hair building material contained in one of the cartridges 120 inserted in one of the two housings 20 is penetrated by the movable member 100, sonically blended by the vibration, and dispensed directly on to the user's hair to blend with the hair building material contained in one of the other cartridges 120 inserted in the other of the two housings 20. As a result, the hair material contained in each of the cartridges 120 in each of the two housings 20 collectively may dispense on the user's hair, when the inventive device 10 is in operative use.
(44) Looking even further and as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the inventor herein also contemplates that the inventive device 10 may include only one housing 20. In this additional preferred alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the inventive device 10 comprises a base 40 with a movable member 100 and the housing 20 with plurality of bristles 60 connected thereto. As such, the user connects the housing 20 with the bristles to the base 40, which has the movable member 100 mounted thereon. To illustrate this further, as the user attaches the housing 20 to the base 40, the movable member 100 mounted on the base 40 is structurally received within an inner cavity of the housing 20. As such, the inner cavity of the housing 20 is sized, structured and configured to receive the movable member 100 so as to ensure a secure fit. Similarly, as in earlier preferred embodiments, the movable member 100 is structured to vibrate and/or oscillate at a frequency that allows the entire inventive device 10 to vibrate as well. As such, the movable member 100 is connected to a power supply that ensures its vibration when actuated. Additionally and not shown in any particular Figure exclusively, the user frictionally attaches the cartridge or cartridge assembly 120 containing the hair building materials in the housing 20 from the open end 20. As such, even in this additional alternative embodiment as in others previously illustrated, the movable member 100 will preferably vibrate so as to cause the plurality of bristles 60 to also vibrate as the user applies the hair building material on his or her hair. As a result, and similar to the operational features mentioned in embodiments earlier, the hair building material contained in the cartridge 120 inserted into the housing 20 is penetrated by the movable member 100, sonically blended by the vibration, and dispensed directly on to the user's hair as one complete blend of the hair building material containing all the ingredients necessary to promote hair building attributes on the user's scalp. Therefore, it may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the hair material contained in the cartridge 120 within the housing 20 will be blended within the cartridge 120 as a complete solution, before it can be dispensed collectively as hair building material comprising of all the ingredients necessary to promote hair building attributes onto the user's scalp/hair, when the inventive device 10 is in operative use.
(45) Looking further in one of the other preferred embodiments and as shown primarily in FIG. 15, the inventive device 10 has the base 40 connected to a bristle holder 400 with the plurality of bristles 60 attached thereto. However, in this preferred embodiment, the inventive device 10 does not include any housings 20. As such, the user securely connects bristle holder 400, to the base 40, which has the movable member 100 mounted on thereto. To illustrate this further, as the user attaches the bristle holder 400 on to the base 40, the movable member 100 mounted on the base 40 is structurally received within an inner cavity of the bristle holder 400. As such, the inner cavity of the bristle holder 400 is sized, structured and configured to receive the movable member 100 so as to ensure a secure fit. Similarly, as in earlier preferred embodiments, the movable member 100 is structured to vibrate and/or oscillate at a frequency that allows the entire inventive device 10 to vibrate as well. As such, the movable member 100 is connected to a power supply that ensures its vibration when actuated. To further illustrate the operational features in this embodiment, the user simply dips the plurality of bristles 60 in each of the hair building material contained in an external container and applies it directly on the scalp and/or hair. However, it is equally important to note that in this preferred embodiment, the movable member 100 vibrates so as to ensure that the plurality of bristles 60 vibrate, as the user applies the hair building material on the hair and/or scalp.
(46) With primary reference now to FIG. 7, in yet another and alternative embodiment, the device 10 of the present invention can comprise a compression member. It will be noted that in this embodiment, the first housing 20 is absent the inclusion of the movable member 100. Instead, the compression member may be connected to the first housing 20 within the hollow interior 30 and possibly in coaxial alignment therewith. Furthermore, the compression member is sized, structured and configured to connect a selected cartridge disposed therein, including the first cartridge 120 and the second cartridge assembly 170. As represented in FIGS. 6 and 7 and as used, a user inserts a selected cartridge, such as the second cartridge assembly 170 containing a portion of the hair building material. The second cartridge assembly 170 is securely connected to the compression member with a predetermined amount of force by the user, sufficient to allow the second cartridge assembly 170 to connect, secure, and remain affixed therein. As a result, the pressure exerted in connecting the second cartridge assembly 170 to the compression member causes one or more ingredients of the portion of the hair building material contained in a corresponding one of the supplies or cartridges of hair building material to flow out of and through a corresponding access opening, through and along the flow path comprising the plurality of pathways 80 in the first housing 20, as is perhaps best shown in FIG. 9, and onto the plurality of bristle elements 60.
(47) Additionally, in one embodiment of the device 10 of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the first cartridge assembly 120 or the second cartridge assembly 170 can be connected to a sleeve member 240 having a sleeve cap 240. The sleeve member 240 is sized, structured and configured to secure at least a portion of a different one of each of the cartridge assemblies 120, 170, etc. As such and by way of example, the sleeve member 240 and the second cartridge assembly 170 are secured to each other, sufficient to ensure that the access opening 172 remains exposed to allow one or more ingredients of the hair building material contained in the second cartridge assembly 170 to flow out freely. Therefore, as an illustration and as shown in FIG. 3, the second cartridge assembly is 170 is securely connected with the sleeve member 240. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the second cartridge 170 is inserted into the second housing 160 and/or the third housing 210 of the inventive device 10. The sleeve member 240 and the sleeve cap 240 can aid the user to rotationally align the second assembly cartridge 170 when disposed into one of the housings 160, 210, by manipulation of an exteriorly accessible Or member 240. Alternatively, however, the second cartridge assembly 170 can be free of any connections, like the sleeve member 240, and inserted and/or rotated into alignment with the plurality of pathways as such.
(48) Furthermore, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in one of the preferred embodiments, the inventive device 10 includes detachable arrangements. Accordingly, the mirror attachment 200 is removably attached to at least one housing 20 having the plurality of bristles 60 attached thereto as shown in FIG. 9. Given this, in the preferred embodiment, the mirror attachment 200 and the housing 20 with the plurality of bristles 60 can be collectively detached from the base 40 as shown in FIG. 10. For instance, while attaching the base 40 to the housing 20, the user may execute a counter-clockwise rotation of the base 40 relative to its connection to the housing 20. The counter-clockwise rotation allows the base 40 to engage to the housing 20, and attach itself thereof. More particularly, as shown in FIG. 12, as the base 40 is secured to the housing 20, the movable member 100 mounted on the base 40 is substantially received within the hollow interior chamber 30 of the housing 20 so as to ensure a secure fit. Additionally, in this preferred embodiment, the housing 20 has an open end 20 and a second open end 20 as shown in FIG. 11. However, when the base 40 is secured to the housing 20, the second open end closes to form a closed end 20 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.
(49) Comparatively, when detaching the base 40 from the housing 20, the base 40 may be rotated in a clockwise direction relative to the housing 20. The clockwise rotation allows the base 40 to disengage from the housing 20, and detach thereof. More particularly, as the base 40 is detached from the housing 20, the movable member 100 mounted on the base is released from its secure fit in the hollow interior chamber 30 of the housing 40 as shown in FIG. 11. Additionally, the closed end 20 of the housing 20 is re-opened into the second open end 20. To further illustrate this preferred embodiment in a detailed manner, the base 40 is secured to the housing 20 during attachment by a retention member disposed on the movable member 100. As a result, when the base 40 is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction relative to the housing 20 and inserted therein, the retention member disposed on the movable member 100 and positioned inside the housing 20, secures the base 40 to the housing 20, sufficient to illustrate the inventive device 10 as a one piece construction. Alternatively, as the base 40 is turned in the clockwise direction relative to the housing 20, the retention member unlocks and releases the base 40 from the housing 20, sufficient to illustrate the inventive device 10 as a two piece construction, one being the base 40 and the other being the combination of the mirror attachment 200, the housing 40 and the plurality of bristles 60 attached thereto.
(50) Furthermore, in one of the preferred embodiments of the inventive device 10, the cartridge or cartridge assembly 120 may not necessitate a penetrable closed end 120. As such shown primarily in FIG. 14, the cartridge 120 may have a closed end 120 and an open end 120 that is sealed with a sealing member 420 before the cartridge or cartridge assembly 120 is operationally put to use. To further illustrate this, the user may peel off or remove the sealing member 420 as the cartridge 120 is ready to be inserted within the housing. Similarly, in the relevant embodiments, the access opening, slit or incision 140 on the cartridge 120 assembly may also be sealed with the sealing member 420. To further illustrate this, the user can peel or remove the sealing member 420 off the access opening, slit, or incision 140 of the cartridge assembly 120 as it is ready to be inserted into the housing 20. Alternatively, in one of the preferred embodiments, the user may simply peel off the sealing member 420 on the access opening 140, but retain the sealing member on the open end 120. As such in this embodiment, the movable member 100 may initiate contact and penetrate the sealing member 420 on the open end 120 when the cartridge 120 is inserted into the hollow interior chamber 30 of the housing 20, and thus, ensure its exposure with the hair building material contained therein.
(51) As set forth above, the present invention may also include an inventive composition or formulation for the aforementioned hair building material usable with the device 10 of the present invention. As such, different portions of the hair building material may be disposed in the different first, second and third cartridges for concurrent delivery from the cartridges to the area of the plurality of bristles 60 where the different portions of the hair building material are substantially blended together.
(52) The preferred and unique composition of the hair building material as used in the inventive device 10 comprises at least a first portion in the form of the aforementioned gel-like material, which may also contain a plurality of bio-active polymeric materials. The gel-like material may contain organic lignin polymers and polysaccharide chains, but is not limited to, Aloe Ferox and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf along with Cellulose and Keratin protein fiber. The Cellulose and Keratin protein fiber can help in the formation of the bio-active polymeric structure, which facilitates the binding together of at least some portions of the ingredients of the hair building material. In this regard, the gel-like material is preferably contained in the first cartridge assembly 120. As such, the first cartridge containing the gel-like material is also preferably inserted in the central housing 20 and subject to the vibratory force from movable member 100, as set forth above.
(53) In addition, one or more ingredients of the hair building material can also contain other secondary ingredients such as water, glycerin, carbomer, polysorbate 20, PVP, Aminomethyl Propanol, Methylparaben, Fragrance, Glyceryl, Polymethacrylate, Rahnella and Soy Protein Ferment, Propylene Glycol, Peg 8, Palmitoyl, Tripeptide-1, Keratin Amino Acids, Panthenyl Ethyl, Ether, Diazolidinyl, Urea, Potassium Sorbate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylsothiazolinone, and Benzophenone-4 Blue 1 and Violet 2.
(54) Furthermore, the hair building material can utilize 150-200 minerals, enzymes, vitamins, and amino acids to promote hair building characteristics. As such, the secondary ingredients may not be limited to any particular known combination of polymeric materials known in the industry. Given this, the hair building material can be processed in combination with all the necessary ingredients for the desired bonding effect onto the hair and the hair scalp. Accordingly, some portion of the secondary ingredients of the hair building material are contained in the second cartridge assembly 170 collectively and/or individually. In this regard, the hair building material in the second cartridge assembly 170 can be formed of a dry powder blend comprising some portions of the hair building ingredients. Likewise, the second cartridge assembly 170 and/or a third cartridge 210 can also contain the hair building material in the form of fibers that resemble hair like strands and/or fiber segments comprising one or more ingredients of the hair building material.
(55) Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
(56) Now that the invention has been described,
