HAIR COLORING BRISTLE ADAPTER

Abstract

A hair coloring adapter for a hair coloring device, and methods use. A hair coloring adapter is comprised of an adapter cap detachably coupled to a bristle adapter comprising an adapter base, a plurality of support structures protruding from the adapter base, a plurality of formulation application zones, a plurality of non-application zones, and a plurality of formulation ports. A method of dying alternating hair strands of a subject comprises clipping a hair coloring adapter onto a first segment of hair of a subject; coupling the hair coloring adapter to a hair coloring device; activating the hair coloring device; and drawing the hair coloring adapter along the segment of hair of the subject, thereby brushing hair formulation onto selected hair strands of the subject in alternating patterns based on positions of the formulation application zones and the non-application zones.

Claims

1. A hair coloring adapter configured for use with a hair coloring device, the hair coloring adapter comprising: a bristle adapter, comprising: an adapter base comprising a first side that is configured for attachment to the hair coloring device, and a second side comprising a plurality of support structures that protrude therefrom; and a plurality of formulation ports that extend from the first side of the adapter base to the second side of the adapter base to form a plurality of formulation application zones and a plurality of non-application zones, wherein a flow of a formulation from the hair coloring device through the plurality of formulation ports is to apply the formulation to hair within the plurality of formulation application zones and to not apply the formulation to hair within the plurality of non-application zones; and an adapter cap detachably coupled with a top of the plurality of support structures.

2. The hair coloring adapter of claim 1, wherein a formulation application zone of the plurality of formulation application zones comprises: a first plurality of comb segments and a second plurality of comb segments, wherein the first and second plurality of comb segments protrude from the second side of the adapter base; and a plurality of brush bristle heads disposed between the first and second plurality of comb segments, and wherein the plurality of brush bristle heads protrude from the second side of the adapter base.

3. The hair coloring adapter of claim 1, wherein the plurality of formulation application zones and the plurality of non-application zones are disposed in an alternating pattern across the second side of the adapter base.

4. The hair coloring adapter of claim 1, wherein the adapter cap is configured to contact a top of the first and second plurality of comb segments, thereby enclosing hair within the plurality of formulation application zones and within the plurality of non-application zones.

5. The hair coloring adapter of claim 1, wherein the formulation ports of the first side of the adapter base are configured to accept a plurality of outlet nozzles of the hair coloring device, thereby detachably coupling the hair coloring adapter to the hair coloring device.

6. The hair coloring adapter of claim 2, wherein the first comb segment comprises a plurality of comb tines linearly arranged, and wherein the second comb segment comprises a plurality of comb tines linearly arranged.

7. The hair coloring adapter of claim 6, wherein a comb tine of the plurality of comb tines has a tine diameter and a bristle of the plurality of brush bristle heads has a bristle diameter, wherein the tine diameter is greater than the bristle diameter.

8. The hair coloring adapter of claim 5, wherein the plurality of formulation ports are in fluid communication with a formulation source of the hair coloring device.

9. The hair coloring adapter of claim 1, wherein the hair coloring adapter is configured to be magnetically coupled to the hair coloring device.

10. The hair coloring adapter of claim 2, wherein the plurality of bristle brush heads are configured to brush formulation onto hair strands of a subject.

11. The hair coloring adapter of claim 10, wherein the plurality of bristle brush heads are configured to remove excess formulation from the hair strands of the subject.

12. A method for dying alternating portions of hair of a subject, the method comprising: clipping the hair coloring adapter of claim 1 onto a first segment of hair of a subject; coupling the hair coloring adapter to a hair coloring device; activating the hair coloring device; and drawing the hair coloring adapter along the first segment of hair of the subject, thereby brushing hair formulation onto alternating portions of hair of the subject.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein each formulation application zone of the plurality of formulation application zones comprises: a first plurality of comb segments and a second plurality of comb segments, wherein the first and second plurality of comb segments protrude from the second side of the adapter base; and a plurality of brush bristle heads disposed between the first and second plurality of comb segments, and wherein the plurality of brush bristle heads protrude from the second side of the adapter base.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein a first brush bristle head of the plurality of brush bristle heads is configured to brush formulation onto hair strands of a subject, and wherein a second brush bristle head of the plurality of brush bristle heads is configured to remove excess formulation from the hair strands of the subject.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising unclipping the hair coloring adapter from the first segment of hair, clipping the hair coloring adapter to a second segment of hair of the subject, activating the hair coloring device, and drawing the hair coloring adapter along the second segment of hair of the subject, thereby brushing hair formulation onto alternating portions of hair of the subject.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1A is a rear perspective view of a hair coloring device with a hair coloring adapter, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 1B a rear perspective view of a portion of the hair coloring device of FIG. 1A, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 2A is a side view of a hair coloring adapter, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of the hair coloring adapter of FIG. 2A, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the hair coloring adapter of FIG. 2B taken along the lines 4-4;

[0016] FIG. 4A is a side view of a portion of the hair coloring adapter of FIG. 2A, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 4B is a top view of a portion of the hair coloring adapter of FIG. 4A, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a side view of a formulation application zone and a non-application zone of the hair coloring adapter of FIG. 2A, according to aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0019] FIG. 6 is a block diagram for a method of dying alternating strands of hair, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Listing of Drawing Elements 100 hair coloring device 103 formulation cartridge 104 control button 106 reusable handle 108 manifold housing 116 nozzle 118 outlet aperture 120 standoff protrusion 124 cartridge cavity 126 visual indicators 128 encryption chip 130 cartridge interface 200 hair coloring adapter 202 bristle adapter 204 adapter cap 206 adapter base 208 first side of the adapter base 210 second side of the adapter base 212 support post 214 formulation application zone 216 comb segment 218 comb tine 220 brush bristle head 222 bristle 224 formulation port 226 non-application zone 500 hair coloring adapter 502 bristle adapter 505 adapter cap 506 adapter base 510 second side of the adapter base 514 formulation application zone 516 comb segment 518 comb tine 520 brush bristle head 522 bristle 526 non-application zone 600 routine 602 clip adapter onto segment of hair 604 couple adapter to hair coloring device 606 activate hair coloring device 608 draw adapter along segment of hair 610 unclip from first strand and clip onto additional strand

[0020] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this disclosure will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings, where like numerals reference like elements, is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Embodiments described in this disclosure are provided merely as examples or illustrations and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed.

[0022] The present disclosure relates generally to a hair coloring adapters and methods for dying alternating hair strands using the same. Hair coloring has been an important aspect of the cosmetic arts for thousands of years, with historical evidence of hair coloration via natural dyes as far back as ancient Egypt and Rome. Despite this history, the process of coloring hair is well known to be messy and will frequently result in staining and damage to clothing, towels, furnishings, and the like.

[0023] Existing systems for the application of hair and scalp treatment formulations have been widely used. In one example, hair-coloring kits are generally used to change the appearance of the hair color or to blend gray hairs, among other uses. Many at-home hair coloring systems have several disadvantages, including difficulty of use, time consumption, uneven coverage, unpredictable results, and excessive mess.

[0024] While there have been advances in at-home hair coloring for the entire head of hair, there are still many challenges with creating textured and layered application patterns, such as is required to obtain hair highlighting or other non-uniform applications of hair dye to the head of hair. Traditionally, in such contexts, consumers visit a hair salon to have a hair coloring professional apply alternating layers of hair dye. This often involves manually separating strands of hair, brushing the hair onto sheets of foil, and an extensive waiting period.

[0025] Accordingly, there is a need for improved devices and methods that enable a subject to obtain a textured hair coloring style, either at home, at a hair salon, or at another suitable location, while minimizing the time of application and the mess that is created. The present disclosure addresses these and other long-felt and unmet needs in the art.

[0026] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a hair coloring adapter for a hair coloring device, such as hair coloring device 100 (described further herein with respect to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B). In embodiments, hair coloring device 100 is an example of the formulation delivery system described in detail in U.S. patent application Publication Ser. No. 18/060,258 A1, published May 30, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. However, it is to be understood that the hair coloring adapter of the present disclosure can be used on any hair coloring appliance.

[0027] The hair coloring device 100 is configured to receive a formulation cartridge 103 type (including a cleaning cartridge of the same type). Hair coloring device 100 includes a reusable handle 106 formed from an ABS plastic or similar rigid polymer or other material, and in some embodiments is an assembly formed from a plurality of shells configured to be joined together with fastening elements such as snaps, screws, or the like. Reusable handle 106 has a hollow, elongate gripping portion with a cartridge cavity 124 therein which is sized and dimensioned to receive the formulation cartridge 103 type. In some embodiments, the cavity includes keying features that facilitate correct insertion of the formulation cartridge 103 type. For example, some embodiments include a cartridge interface 130 disposed in the opening and having a flat docking surface that interfaces with a corresponding docking surface of the formulation cartridge 103 when the latter is correctly inserted into the opening.

[0028] Reusable handle 106 houses a formulation dispensing assembly, in addition to a controller. The formulation dispensing assembly dispenses formulation or cleaning liquid from the formulation cartridge 103, and includes a pump, fluid conduits, a mixing chamber, and a reciprocating nozzle assembly with nozzles 116 that extend away from the forward end of the reusable handle 106 in between a plurality of optional standoff protrusion 120. The reciprocating nozzle assembly includes a plurality of annular nozzles that reciprocate back-and-forth along a track of the reusable handle 106 while dispensing formulation onto a subject's skin or hair. In some embodiments, the subject is also the user of the hair coloring device. In some embodiments, the subject is different from the user of the hair coloring device. In some embodiments, the reciprocating nozzle assembly reciprocates at a reciprocating amplitude 7.0-12.0 mm (e.g., 8.0 mm-11.0 mm, or 9.0-10.0 mm) and/or at a reciprocating frequency of 5.0 Hz-10.0 Hz (e.g., 6.0 Hz-9.0 Hz, 6.0 Hz-8.0 Hz), which are adjustable by the formulation routine module, cleaning routine module, user routine module, manual adjustment module, or other module.

[0029] A control button 104 disposed on the reusable handle 106 and electrically connected to the controller activates features of the formulation delivery hair coloring device 100 described above. In some embodiments, depressing the control button 104 activates features such as a sleep/awake module stored in controller, thereby awakening formulation delivery hair coloring device 100 from a sleep state to an awake state. In some embodiments, pressing control button 104 while a formulation cartridge is inserted into the reusable handle 106 activates a formulation routine module stored in controller, thereby initiating a formulation routine. In certain examples, the control button 104 may be used to initialize the hair coloring device 100 or place the hair coloring device 100 in a state to perform certain functions, such as one or more of: calculating a mixture ratio of the components of the coloring formulation; entering a cleaning or purging mode; heating the formulation; gathering data from the formulation containers, such as volume remaining, mixture ratios, color information, etc.; sending and receiving signals; analyzing data regarding user preferences; gathering data from sensors; providing status indication to the user, such as power output level, battery life, formulation volume remaining, sensor data, data connection information, etc.; and communicating with auxiliary equipment. In embodiments, the control button 104 is capable of pressure sensitive operation, such that applying a higher pressure to the control button 104 causes a variable response, such as, for example, causing the formulation to flow faster, the nozzles to move faster, or the like. In embodiments, various operating parameters can be controlled by the use of a smart device, such as a phone (as described in detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/586,138, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes).

[0030] In some embodiments, pressing control button 104 while a cleaning cartridge is inserted into the reusable handle 106 activates a cleaning routine module stored in the controller, thereby initiating a cleaning routine. Visual indicators 126 (e.g., LEDs) disposed along the reusable handle 106 indicate one or more of a remaining formulation quantity or a remaining battery life, e.g., based upon a dispensed time determined by the formulation routine module of the controller. Some embodiments include additional buttons and/or a different number of visual indicators 126 with different functionalities, and the illustrated embodiment is not limiting. In some embodiments, visual indicators 126 are a multi-segment LED with each segment corresponding to an equal proportion of the formulation remaining in the formulation cartridge.

[0031] The controller comprises logic (stored in a data store thereof), which when executed by a processor of the controller, causes a cartridge authentication cartridge interface 130 disposed in the reusable handle 106 (e.g., an RFID reader) to read an encryption chip 128 on the formulation cartridge 103 in order to authenticate the formulation cartridge 103. The encryption chip 128 stores at least one of the formulation cartridge 103, a formulation identification, a beginning formulation quantity, a formulation expiration date, or a formulation production date.

[0032] The controller also comprises logic, which when executed, causes the formulation delivery device to execute, based upon authenticating the formulation cartridge 103, a formulation routine that dispenses a mixed formulation (of the first formulation and the second formulation) from the formulation cartridge 103 through the formulation dispensing assembly. For example, the formulation delivery device authenticates the first and second formulations after (or upon) insertion of a formulation cartridge into the reusable handle, and then, in response to pressing a button on the reusable handle, executes a formulation routine which causes the formulation dispensing assembly to continuously or continually mix the first and second formulations, and to dispense the same from the reciprocating nozzle assembly at one or more of the following predetermined device operating parameters for as long as the button is depressed: a formulation flow rate, a reciprocating frequency, or a reciprocating amplitude.

[0033] In some embodiments, controller also comprises logic, which when executed, causes the formulation delivery device to execute, based upon authenticating a cleaning cartridge inserted into the reusable handles, a cleaning routine that dispenses a cleaning liquid through the formulation dispensing assembly. For example, the formulation delivery device authenticates a cleaning cartridge inserted into the reusable handle, and then, in response to pressing a button on the reusable handle, executes a cleaning routine which causes the formulation dispensing assembly to continuously or continually dispense a cleaning liquid (e.g., water) from the reciprocating nozzle assembly at one or more of the following predetermined device operating parameters for as long as the button is depressed: a cleaning liquid flow rate, a reciprocating frequency, or a reciprocating amplitude. In some embodiments, the cleaning liquid flow rate is higher than any formulation flow rate of one or more of the formulation routines stored in the controller, for the advantage of effectively flushing residual formulation from the formulation dispensing assembly.

[0034] In some embodiments, the formula delivery system includes a first formulation source storing a first liquid formulation. In some embodiments, the first liquid formulation has a dye load from 0.05% to 5.5%. In some embodiments, the first liquid formulation is ammonia-free. In some embodiments, the first liquid formulation comprises ammonia and monoethanolamine. In some embodiments, the first liquid formulation comprises resorcinol. In some embodiments, the first liquid formulation is free of resorcinol and resorcinol derivatives.

[0035] In some embodiments, the formula delivery system includes a second formulation source storing a second liquid formulation. In some embodiments, the second liquid formula is a developer. In some embodiments, the second liquid formula comprises at least hydrogen peroxide. In some embodiments, the second liquid formula is a cream or a liquid.

[0036] In some embodiments, when the first liquid formula and the second liquid formula are mixed, the second liquid formula is activated. In some embodiments, the mixed formulation has a mixed formulation viscosity of at least 2.0 Pa-s. In some embodiments, the mixed formulation viscosity is from 2.0 Pa-s to 4.0 Pa-s.

[0037] The output area of the reusable handle 106 includes a plurality of elongate nozzles 116 extending from a manifold housing 108 coupled to or formed on the reusable handle 106. The elongate nozzles 116 are configured to discharge the coloring formulation through a plurality of outlet apertures 118 in the end of the nozzle 116 upon use of the hair coloring device 100. In embodiments, the nozzles 116 are arranged in one or more rows along the length of the head of the reusable handle 106, generally in a direction along the length of the hair coloring device 100, as shown in the FIGURES. In other embodiments, the nozzles 116 are suitably placed at an angle with respect to the length of the hair coloring device 100.

[0038] In embodiments, the nozzles 116 have a length between about 0.5 cm and about 4.0 cm from the manifold housing 108 to the end of the nozzles 116 at the outlet apertures 118. In other embodiments, the nozzles 116 have a length between about 1.4 cm and about 1.8 cm from the manifold housing 108 to the end of the nozzles 116 at the outlet apertures 118. In other embodiments, the nozzles 116 have a length of about 1.6 cm from the manifold housing 108 to the end of the nozzles 116 at the outlet apertures 118. In further embodiments, any length of nozzle is suitably used.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of standoff protrusions 120 extend outwardly substantially in the direction of the nozzles 116 from the manifold housing 108 in one or more rows. In this regard, substantially in the direction of the nozzles 116 is intended to refer to within and angle of about 25 degrees of the direction along the length of the nozzles 116. In the depicted embodiment, first and second rows of standoff protrusions 120 are positioned along either side of a single row of elongate nozzles 116. In embodiments, the standoff protrusions 120 may be disposed at an angle relative to the plurality of nozzles 116. (For example, see U.S. patent application Publication Ser. No. 15/339,551, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.)

[0040] In embodiments, a standoff protrusion of the standoff protrusions 120 has a length (measuring between the manifold housing 108 to an end of the standoff protrusions 120) such that the end of the standoff protrusions 120 and the outlet apertures 118 of the nozzles 116 is substantially coplanar. In other embodiments, the standoff protrusions 120 have a length (from the manifold housing 108 to the end of the standoff protrusion 120) such that the standoff protrusions 120 are longer than a length of the nozzles 116 (measuring between the manifold housing 108 to an end of the nozzles 116). In this regard, during use, the standoff protrusions 120 would contact an application surface, such as a localized portion of the scalp, and space the outlet aperture 118 of the nozzles 116 away from the application surface to provide a gap for discharge of the coloring formulation through the outlet aperture 118. In the embodiments where the standoff protrusions 120 are longer than the plurality of nozzles 116, the standoff protrusions 120 are between about 0.1 mm and 5.0 mm longer than the length of each of the plurality of nozzles 116. In other embodiments, the standoff protrusions 120 are between about 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm longer than the length of each of the plurality of nozzles 116. In other embodiments, the standoff protrusions 120 are about 1.0 mm longer than the length of each of the plurality of nozzles 116.

[0041] As best seen in FIG. 1B, a hair coloring adapter 200 is shown to attach to the consumable assembly reusable handle 106 substantially over the nozzles 116 and standoff protrusions 120. As will be described further below, hair coloring adapter 200 includes a bristle adapter 202 and an adapter cap 204. When hair coloring adapter 200 couples to the reusable handle 106, the plurality of nozzles 116 interface with formulation ports 224 (depicted in FIG. 2B) within an adapter base 206 on the hair coloring adapter 200. In embodiments, hair coloring adapter 200 couples directly to the reusable handle 106. In embodiments, hair coloring adapter 200 couples to the plurality of standoff protrusions 120. In embodiments, hair coloring adapter 200 couples to the plurality of standoff protrusions 120 and to the reusable handle 106. In embodiments, hair coloring adapter 200 is one of several hair coloring adapters 200 that are configured to provide customization to the hair coloring device 100, as described further below with respect to FIG. 2A-FIG. 5.

[0042] Turning next to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, an embodiment of a hair coloring adapter 200 is shown. FIG. 2A is a side perspective view of a hair coloring adapter 200 for applying hair dye to alternating strands of hair of a subject. FIG. 2B is a top view of the hair coloring adapter of FIG. 2A.

[0043] In some embodiment, hair coloring adapter 200 is configured to clip onto a segment of the hair of the subject, separating the segment of hair into target strands and non-targeted strands. In this way, hair coloration can be affected in an alternating pattern to achieve a highlighting effect. One advantage of such an arrangement is that a user can customize the regions of the subject's hair that are intended to receive the hair coloring treatment.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, hair coloring adapter 200 is shown to include a bristle adapter 202 and an adapter cap 204. Bristle adapter 202 is shown to include an adapter base 206, a plurality of support structures, such as support posts 212, a plurality of formulation application zones 214, and a plurality of non-application zones 226. In embodiments, the support structures can be a continuous support segment or wall, or the like. Adapter base 206 has a first side of the adapter base 208 and a second side of the adapter base 210. In embodiments, first side of the adapter base 208 is configured to couple to a hair coloring device, such as hair coloring device 100 depicted in FIG. 1A. In embodiments, the reusable handle 106 of the hair coloring device 100 includes magnetic attachment points which can couple to corresponding magnets in the adapter base 206. In embodiments, the reusable handle 106 and the adapter base 206 include a mating pair of snap-fit attachments, such as snap-fit attachments with a quick-release tab. In some embodiments, the formulation ports 224 comprise an inner diameter configured to snugly couple to the plurality of nozzles 116 on hair coloring device 100, thereby detachably coupling the adapter base 206 to the hair coloring device 100. In embodiments, adapter base 206 is configured to slide lock onto the hair coloring device. However, it is to be understood that any suitable coupling mechanism can be used and falls within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] When hair coloring adapter 200 is coupled to the hair coloring device, such as hair coloring device 100, the nozzles 116 are fluidly connected to formulation ports 224, thereby allowing formulation to flow from the hair coloring device 100 and through the hair coloring adapter 200 onto the hair of a subject. In embodiments, the formulation ports 224 couple directly to the nozzles 116. In embodiments, the formulation ports 224 couple to the nozzles 116 via a length of flexible tubing.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the support posts 212 of the bristle adapter 202 protrude from the second side of the adapter base 210. The support posts 212 include a top portion which is configured to couple with the adapter cap 204. In this way, bristle adapter 202 and adapter cap 204 are configured to detachably couple to one another when bristle adapter 202 is placed on a portion of the subject's hair, thereby clipping the segment of hair into the hair coloring adapter. When hair coloring adapter is clipped onto the portion of the subject's hair, the hair is further portioned between the plurality of formulation application zones and the plurality of non-application zones, thereby allowing for formulation to be applied to alternating portions of the subject's hair. In embodiments, bristle adapter 202 and adapter cap 204 clip together, such as via a magnetic interfacing system. However, any suitable coupling method can be used and falls within the scope of the present disclosure, such as interlocking flexible tabs, slide-lock tabs, clamping members, and the like. Adapter cap 204 is configured to detachably couple to bristle adapter 202 when bristle adapter 202 is placed on a portion of the subject's hair, thereby clipping the segment of hair into the hair coloring adapter 200.

[0047] In embodiments, the support posts 212 include a height defined from the base of the support post 212 on the second side of the adapter base 210 to the opposing end of the support post 212. The height of support posts 212 can be customized, thereby enabling the hair coloring adapter 200 to accept a larger or smaller selection of strands of hair from the subject. The advantage of accepting a larger selection of strands of hair is it allows the hair coloring adapter 200 to more quickly apply hair coloration treatment to an entire head of hair. The advantage of accepting a smaller selection of strands of hair is increased layering and customizability of the highlighting treatment. In embodiments, the height of the support posts 212 can be 0.5 cm, 1.0 cm, 1.5 cm, 2.0 cm, 2.5 cm, 3.0 cm, 3.5 cm, 4.0 cm, 4.5 cm, or 5.0 cm.

[0048] In embodiments, adapter cap 204 couples to support posts 212, thereby substantially enclosing a region between the formulation ports 224 and the adapter cap 204. In the illustrated embodiment, adapter cap 204 is shown to include two end portions which rest upon the top portion of the support posts 212 and affix to support posts 212, such as by clipping into place, by a magnetic attachment system, or the like.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of crossbeams connect the two end portions of the adapter cap 204, thereby creating a cage-like structure. Such a structure has the advantage of improving visibility beneath adapter cap 204 for the user of hair coloring adapter 200 to visually identify if strands of hair are segmented into the various formulation application zones 214 and non-application zones 226. However, it is to be understood that adapter cap 204 can be in the form of any structure, such as that described in further detail with respect to FIG. 5 herein below.

[0050] In embodiments, adapter cap 204 is permanently coupled to a first set of support structures, such as support posts 212, on a first side of the hair coloring adapter 200 and detachably coupled to a second set of support structures, such as support posts 212, on a second side of the hair coloring adapter 200. An advantage of such a configuration is that adapter cap 204 and bristle adapter 202 remain connected between uses, thereby preventing the user from misplacing one of the two components.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 2B-FIG. 4B, the formulation application zone 214 will now be discussed. The bristle adapter 202 is configured to include a plurality of formulation application zones 214. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2B, there are five formulation application zones 214. However, it is to be understood that the bristle adapter 202 can include two formulation application zones 214, three formulation application zones 214, four formulation application zones 214, five formulation application zones 214, six formulation application zones 214, seven formulation application zones 214, or eight or more formulation application zones 214.

[0052] An individual formulation application zone 214 can include one or more comb segments 216, one or more brush bristle heads 220, and one or more formulation ports 224. For example, formulation application zone 214 can include a first comb segment 216 and a second comb segment 216 disposed on either side of the brush bristle heads 220 and the formulation port 224, thereby substantially enclosing the brush bristle heads 220 and the formulation port 224. An individual comb segment 216 includes one or more comb tines 218. As best seen in FIG. 3, the formulation port 224 defines a bore through the adapter base 206, placing the first side of the adapter base 208 in fluid communication with the second side of the adapter base 210. Formulation port 224 can be coupled to a source of formulation such as nozzle 116 of hair coloring device 100.

[0053] Turning back to FIG. 2B-FIG. 4B, in embodiments, a formulation application zone 214 includes two comb segments 216. In the illustrated embodiment, comb segment 216 is an arrangement of four comb tines 218 substantially in a row from a front to a rear side of the second side of the adapter base 210. A spacing between adjacent comb tines 218 can have several advantages, including improving case of cleaning the hair coloring adapter 200 between uses, minimizing material costs for manufacturing, and improving air flow during the application of formulation to the hair of a subject. However, it is to be understood that comb segment 216 can also comprise a single continuous piece of material.

[0054] Comb tines 218 protrude from the adapter base 206. In embodiments, comb tines 218 protrude from adapter base 206 and are substantially perpendicular to adapter base 206. In embodiments, comb tine 218 protrude from adapter base 206 and form an angle with respect to the adapter base 206, such as an 85 angle, an 80 angle, a 75 angle, a 70 angle, a 65 angle, or a 60 angle. A perpendicular orientation of comb tines 218 relative to the adapter base 206 has several advantages, including consistency in the fraction of hair captured and held within any one of the formulation application zones 214. However, other angles can advantageously hold and retain segments of hair within the formulation application zone 214 more securely during application. Thus, the angle of the comb tines 218 can provide options for customizing the hair coloring adapter 200.

[0055] In embodiments, a comb tine 218 comprises a height a height defined from the base of the comb tine 218 on the second side of the adapter base 210 to the opposing end of the comb tine 218. The height of comb tine 218 can be customized to contain a larger or smaller sample of hair of the subject. The advantage of accepting a larger selection of strands of hair is it allows the hair coloring adapter 200 to more quickly apply hair coloration treatment to an entire head of hair. The advantage of accepting a smaller selection of strands of hair is increased layering and customizability of the highlighting treatment. In embodiments, the height of the comb tine 218 can be 0.5 cm, 1.0 cm, 1.5 cm, 2.0 cm, 2.5 cm, 3.0 cm, 3.5 cm, 4.0 cm, 4.5 cm, or 5.0 cm. In embodiments, the height of comb tine 218 is substantively identical to the height of support post 212, such that a tip of comb tine 218 contacts adapter cap 204 when adapter cap 204 is clipped onto support post 212. In embodiments, comb tines 218 include additional coupling means, such as magnets, to provide additional coupling between adapter cap 204 and bristle adapter 202. In embodiments, the height of comb tine 218 is less in magnitude than the support post 212.

[0056] In embodiments, a comb tine 218 comprises a length with a first side and a second side. The first side is coupled to the adapter base 206 and comprises a width that is greater in magnitude than a width of the second side of the comb tine 218. In embodiments, the width of comb tine 218 at the first side is substantially identical to the width of comb tine 218 at the second side. In embodiments, comb tines 218 comprise an average width of 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm. In embodiments, comb tines 218 comprise a material composition that is substantively identical to a material composition of the adapter base 206. In embodiments, comb tines 218 comprise a polymeric material, such as an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, a rubberized material, and the like.

[0057] The non-application zone 226 is defined as the space between adjacent formulation application zones 214. For example, a non-application zone 226 can be defined by the space between the second comb segment 216 of a first formulation application zone 214 and the first comb segment 216 of a second formulation application zone 214. In embodiments, a formulation application zone 214 defines an application zone width, and a non-application zone 226 defines a non-application zone width. In embodiments, the application zone width is greater in magnitude than the non-application zone width. In embodiments, the application zone width is substantially identical in magnitude with the non-application zone width. In embodiments, the application zone width is smaller in magnitude than the non-application zone width.

[0058] The relative magnitudes of the application zone width and the non-application zone width can be advantageously selected to expose a greater or smaller portion of the hair of a subject to a coloring formulation. In embodiments, the magnitude of the width of a plurality of non-application zones 226 can vary, such that some non-application zones 226 have a greater magnitude of width from other non-application zones 226. In embodiments, the magnitude of the width of a plurality of formulation application zones 214 can vary, such that some formulation application zones 214 have a greater magnitude of width from other formulation application zones 214. Such an arrangement can allow the hair coloring adapter 200 to be used to achieve a textured or layered coloring scheme in the hair of the subject.

[0059] Turning back to the formulation application zones 214, and as best seen in FIG. 3-FIG. 4B, an individual brush bristle head 220 includes a plurality of bristles 222. In embodiments, the formulation application zone 214 comprises two or more brush bristle heads 220. A brush bristle head 220 protrudes from the adapter base 206. When a formulation application zone 214 includes two comb segments 216, the brush bristle head 220 protrudes from the adapter base 206 and is disposed between a pair of the comb segments 216. The brush bristle head 220 is configured to surround the formulation port 224. For example, when there are two brush bristle heads 220, one brush bristle head 220 is positioned along an outer edge of the adapter base 206 with the formulation port 224 positioned substantively in the middle. In embodiments, a single brush bristle head 220 is an annular brush bristle head 220 and is positioned to substantially surround the formulation port 224. In embodiments, a single brush bristle head 220 forms a rectangular-toroid cross section.

[0060] In embodiments, a bristle 222 of the plurality of bristles 222 defines a height and a width. Bristle 222 protrudes from the adapter base 206. In embodiments, the height of bristle 222 and the height of comb tine 218 are substantively identical. In embodiments, the magnitude of the height of bristle 222 is greater than the magnitude of the height of comb tine 218. In embodiments, the magnitude of the height of bristle 222 is smaller than the magnitude of the height of comb tine 218. In embodiments, a magnitude of the width of bristle 222 is smaller than the magnitude of the width of comb tine 218. In embodiments, bristle 222 comprises an average width of 500 m, 450 m, 400 m, 350 m, 300 m, 250 m, 200 m, 150 m, 100 m, 90 m, 80 m, 70 m, 60 m, or 50 m.

[0061] In embodiments, bristle 222 comprises a polymeric material, such as ABS plastic, HDPE plastic, a rubberized material, and the like. In embodiments, bristle 222 is a hair, such as a horse hair, a boar hair, and the like. The relatively small average width of the bristles 222 as compared to the comb tines 218 provides advantages in the application of hair formulation. A thinner bristle 222 is more flexible and allows for a greater number of bristles 222 within a given surface area of adapter base 206. This thus increases the total contact surface area between bristles 222 and the hair strands of a subject, thereby improving the quality of formulation transfer. On the other hand, a relatively thick average width of the comb tines 218 provides a rigid barrier, thereby maintaining a desired segmentation of the subjects hair into various segments of hair strands.

[0062] In embodiments, the brush bristle head 220 is configured to wipe formulation onto the hair of a subject. For example, when formulation exudes from the formulation port 224, it removably adheres to the brush bristle head 220. As the user draws the hair coloring adapter 200 along the strand of hair to which it is clipped, the bristles 222 of brush bristle head 220 interweave with individual hairs of the subject, thereby transferring formulation to the hair of the subject. Only a portion of the total formulation exuded to brush bristle head 220 transfers at a given time, thereby enabling even transfer of formulation to the hair of the subject.

[0063] In embodiments, the brush bristle head 220 is configured to wipe formulation off the hair of a subject. For example, after a first brush bristle head 220 wipes formulation onto the hair of the subject, a second brush bristle head 220 interweaves with individual hairs of the subject. The second brush bristle head 220 includes less formulation, and thus draws up excess formulation from the hair of the subject as the user draws the hair coloring adapter 200 along the strand of hair to which it is clipped. In this way, consistency of formula application can be achieved while minimizing wasted material and minimizing mess during an after-application cleanup process. Such an arrangement also improves the consistency of results, such as when the amount of hair formulation to a region of hair changes the coloring effect on that hair.

[0064] In embodiments, an individual formulation application zone 214 is substantially identical to the other formulation application zones 214. In embodiments, one or more individual formulation application zones 214 includes a different structure from the other formulation application zones 214 as discussed further above with respect to the various embodiments of the formulation application zone 214. In various embodiments, the various features described herein are mixed and matched to achieve a desired coloring effect. For example, a formulation application zone 214 substantively to the middle of the hair coloring adapter 200 can be configured to apply a greater amount of formulation than a formulation application zone 214 near cither end of the hair coloring adapter 200, thereby improving blending of coloring effect between a first use of the hair coloring adapter 200 and a second use of hair coloring adapter 200 on a different segment of the subjects hair.

[0065] As best seen in FIG. 2B, in embodiments, the formulation application zones 214 and the non-application zones 226 are arranged in an alternating pattern whereby no formulation application zone 214 is directly adjacent to a second formulation application zone 214. However, it is to be understood that other arrangements are possible, such as where two formulation application zones 214 are separated by multiple comb segments 216, thereby adding additional separation between adjacent formulation application zones 214. In embodiments, multiple formulation application zones 214 can be directly adjacent to one another, for example, where a first formulation application zone 214 shares a common comb segment 216 with a second formulation application zone 214, thereby resulting in two or more formulation application zones 214 with no intervening non-application zones 226.

[0066] A second embodiment of hair coloring adapter 500 will now be described with reference to FIG. 5. The hair coloring adapter 500 is substantially identical to the hair coloring adapter 200, with the exception that the adapter cap 505 of the hair coloring adapter 500 differs from the adapter cap 204 of the hair coloring adapter 200. Thus, parts of the hair coloring adapter 500 will be labeled with identical part numbers as the hair coloring adapter 200 except in the 500 series. Moreover, only the adapter cap 505 and how it impacts the function of hair coloring adapter 500 will be described in detail.

[0067] Hair coloring adapter 500 is shown to include adapter cap 505. Adapter cap 505 comprises a single continuous top portion. In embodiments, adapter cap 505 couples to support posts 212, thereby substantially enclosing a region between the formulation ports (not shown) and the adapter cap 505. Adapter cap 505 is configured to contact a plurality of support structures (not shown), such as support post 212, described further herein above with respect to FIG. 2A-FIG. 4B, such as by clipping into place, by a magnetic attachment system, or the like. Advantageously, by comprising a single detachable piece, adapter cap 505 can provide improved cleaning between uses of hair coloring adapter 500, and improved containment of hair strands and formulation.

[0068] In embodiments, adapter cap 505 is permanently coupled to support structures on a first side of the hair coloring adapter 500 and detachably coupled to support structures on a second side of the hair coloring adapter 500. An advantage of such a configuration is that adapter cap 505 and bristle adapter 502 remain connected between uses, thereby preventing the user from misplacing one of the two components.

[0069] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for dying alternating hair strands of a subject. Referring to FIG. 6, routine 600 illustrates a hair dying method in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In block 602, a hair coloring adapter, such as hair coloring adapter 200, described further herein with respect to FIG. 2A-FIG. 4B, is clipped onto a first segment of the hair of the subject.

[0070] In block 604, the hair coloring adapter is coupled to a hair coloring device, such as hair coloring device 100, described further herein with respect to FIG. 1A-FIG. 1B. In block 606, the hair coloring device is activated, such as by pressing control button 104 to initiate a flow of formulation, such as through nozzles 116. In block 608, the user draws the hair coloring adapter along the clipped segment of the hair of the subject, thereby brushing hair formulation onto the clipped segment of the hair of the subject.

[0071] In embodiments, the hair coloring adapter includes a bristle adapter and an adapter cap detachably coupled with the bristle adapter. In embodiments, the bristle adapter includes an adapter base, a plurality of support structures protruding from the adapter base and configured to couple with the adapter cap, a plurality of formulation application zones disposed on the second side of the adapter base, a plurality of non-application zones disposed on the second side of the adapter base, and a plurality of formulation ports defining a fluid pathway from the first side of the adapter base to the second side of the adapter base.

[0072] In optional block 610, the user unclips the hair coloring adapter from the first segment of hair, and subsequently clips the hair coloring adapter onto a second segment of hair. After completing optional block 610, routine 600 can be repeated, starting with block 604.

[0073] The detailed description set forth above in connection with the appended drawings, where like numerals reference like elements, are intended as a description of various embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided as a representative example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The representative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps, or combinations of steps, in order to achieve the same or substantially similar result. Generally, the embodiments disclosed herein are non-limiting, and the inventors contemplate that other embodiments within the scope of this disclosure may include structures and functionalities from more than one specific embodiment shown in the figures and described in the specification. That is, the present disclosure includes embodiments that combine features from different embodiments.

[0074] In the foregoing description, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of example embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without embodying all the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

[0075] In the detailed description herein, references to one embodiment, an embodiment, an example embodiment, one or more embodiments, some embodiments, various embodiments, etc., indicate that the embodiment or embodiments described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment or embodiments. In addition, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment or embodiments, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments. Thus, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein. All such combinations or sub-combinations of features are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0076] Throughout this specification, terms of art may be used. These terms are to take on their ordinary meaning in the art from which they come, unless specifically defined herein or the context of their use would clearly suggest otherwise.

[0077] The drawings in the FIGURES are not to scale. Similar elements are generally denoted by similar references in the FIGURES. For the purposes of this disclosure, the same or similar elements may bear the same references. Furthermore, the presence of reference numbers or letters in the drawings cannot be considered limiting, even when such numbers or letters are indicated in the claims.

[0078] In the claims and for purposes of the present disclosure, the terms a, an, the, and the like, refer to the singular and the plural forms of the object or element referenced.

[0079] The present application may include references to directions, such as vertical, horizontal, front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom, etc. These references, and other similar references in the present application, are intended to assist in helping describe and understand the particular embodiment (such as when the embodiment is positioned for use) and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these directions or locations.

[0080] The present application may also reference quantities and numbers. Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to be considered restrictive, but exemplary of the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present application. Also in this regard, the present application may use the term plurality to reference a quantity or number. In this regard, the term plurality is meant to be any number that is more than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc. The term about, approximately, etc., means plus or minus 5% of the stated value. The term based upon means based at least partially upon.

[0081] The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure, which are intended to be protected, are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed.

NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS

[0082] While general features of the disclosure are described and shown and particular features of the disclosure are set forth in the claims, the following non-limiting embodiments relate to features, and combinations of features, that are explicitly envisioned as being part of the disclosure. The following non-limiting Embodiments contain elements that are modular and can be combined with each other in any number, order, or combination to form a new non-limiting Embodiment, which can itself be further combined with other non-limiting Embodiments.

[0083] Embodiment 1. A hair coloring adapter configured for use with a hair coloring device, the hair coloring adapter comprising: a bristle adapter, comprising: an adapter base comprising a first side that is configured for attachment to the hair coloring device, and a second side comprising a plurality of support structures that protrude therefrom; and a plurality of formulation ports that extend from the first side of the adapter base to the second side of the adapter base to form a plurality of formulation application zones and a plurality of non-application zones, wherein a flow of a formulation from the hair coloring device through the plurality of formulation ports is to apply the formulation to hair within the plurality of formulation application zones and to not apply the formulation to hair within the plurality of non-application zones; and an adapter cap detachably coupled with a top of the plurality of support structures.

[0084] Embodiment 2. The hair coloring adapter of Embodiment 1 or any other Embodiment, wherein a formulation application zone of the plurality of formulation application zones comprises: a first plurality of comb segments and a second plurality of comb segments, wherein the first and second plurality of comb segments protrude from the second side of the adapter base; and a plurality of brush bristle heads disposed between the first and second plurality of comb segments, and wherein the plurality of brush bristle heads protrude from the second side of the adapter base.

[0085] Embodiment 3. The hair coloring adapter of Embodiment 1-2 or any other Embodiment, wherein the plurality of formulation application zones and the plurality of non-application zones are disposed in an alternating pattern across the second side of the adapter base.

[0086] Embodiment 4. The hair coloring adapter of Embodiment 1-3 or any other Embodiment, wherein the adapter cap is configured to contact a top of the first and second plurality of comb segments, thereby enclosing hair within the plurality of formulation application zones and within the plurality of non-application zones.

[0087] Embodiment 5. The hair coloring adapter of Embodiment 1-4 or any other Embodiment, wherein the formulation ports of the first side of the adapter base are configured to accept a plurality of outlet nozzles of the hair coloring device, thereby detachably coupling the hair coloring adapter to the hair coloring device.

[0088] Embodiment 6. The hair coloring adapter of Embodiment 1-5 or any other Embodiment, wherein the first comb segment comprises a plurality of comb tines linearly arranged, and wherein the second comb segment comprises a plurality of comb tines linearly arranged.

[0089] Embodiment 7. The hair coloring adapter of Embodiment 1-6 or any other Embodiment, wherein a comb tine of the plurality of comb tines has a tine diameter and a bristle of the plurality of brush bristle heads has a bristle diameter, wherein the tine diameter is greater than the bristle diameter.

[0090] Embodiment 8. The hair coloring adapter of Embodiment 1-7 or any other Embodiment, wherein the plurality of formulation ports are in fluid communication with a formulation source of the hair coloring device.

[0091] Embodiment 9. The hair coloring adapter of Embodiment 1-8 or any other Embodiment, wherein the hair coloring adapter is configured to be magnetically coupled to the hair coloring device.

[0092] Embodiment 10. The hair coloring adapter of Embodiment 1-9 or any other Embodiment, wherein the plurality of bristle brush heads are configured to brush formulation onto hair strands of a subject.

[0093] Embodiment 11. The hair coloring adapter of Embodiment 1-10 or any other Embodiment, wherein the plurality of bristle brush heads are configured to remove excess formulation from the hair strands of the subject.

[0094] Embodiment 12. A method for dying alternating portions of hair of a subject, the method comprising: clipping the hair coloring adapter of Embodiment 1-11 or any other embodiment onto a first segment of hair of a subject; coupling the hair coloring adapter to a hair coloring device; activating the hair coloring device; and drawing the hair coloring adapter along the first segment of hair of the subject, thereby brushing hair formulation onto alternating portions of hair of the subject.

[0095] Embodiment 13. The method for dying alternating hair strands of a subject of Embodiment 12 or any other Embodiment, wherein each formulation application zone of the plurality of formulation application zones comprises: a first plurality of comb segments and a second plurality of comb segments, wherein the first and second plurality of comb segments protrude from the second side of the adapter base; and a plurality of brush bristle heads disposed between the first and second plurality of comb segments, and wherein the plurality of brush bristle heads protrude from the second side of the adapter base.

[0096] Embodiment 14. The method for dying alternating hair strands of a subject of Embodiment 12-13 or any other Embodiment, The method of claim 13, wherein a first brush bristle head of the plurality of brush bristle heads is configured to brush formulation onto hair strands of a subject, and wherein a second brush bristle head of the plurality of brush bristle heads is configured to remove excess formulation from the hair strands of the subject.

[0097] Embodiment 15. The method for dying alternating hair strands of a subject of Embodiment 12-14 or any other Embodiment, further comprising unclipping the hair coloring adapter from the first segment of hair, clipping the hair coloring adapter to a second segment of hair of the subject, activating the hair coloring device, and drawing the hair coloring adapter along the second segment of hair of the subject, thereby brushing hair formulation onto alternating portions of hair of the subject.