HAIR COLORING VARIEGATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the coloring of human hair, and more particularly, to an improved method and device for quickly and effectively coloring human hair in a variegated manner.

BACKGROUND ART

Hair color variegation is a popular service performed by the professional beauty industry. The process involves the segregation of one or more sections of human hair followed by the treatment of the segregated hair with a hair coloring method or chemical. The technical skill required to separate particular sections of a person's hair from the remainder has kept this procedure mostly in the purview of hair salons.

A previously popular method for highlighting hair is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,111. The method disclosed therein involves a cap tightly fitted over a scalp of combed-back hair. Strands of hair are then pulled through holes in the cap with a crochet hook and the exposed hair is colored to create the effect of variegation. Although this method can be somewhat successful both at keeping the chemical hair coloring from bleeding onto the hair not intended for treatment and creating a generally variegated look, the necessity of drawing hairs through individual holes in the cap makes it difficult for the technician to consistently draw out a section of hair from the desired area without unintentionally entraining undesired sections of hair from areas surrounding the hole. The end result is unpredictable and, sometimes, very undesirable. Moreover, the available variegation pattern is dictated by the location and distribution of the holes in the cap. Additional disadvantages to this method include the inability to effectively color hair roots, the inability to consistently prevent the bleeding of color to adjacent sections of unselected hair, and the pain experienced by the recipient due to the repeated pulling of her hair through small holes. U.S. Pat. No. 4,165,754 is another example of a hair highlighting method employing a cap over the scalp. This method has the identical drawbacks of the '111 patent.

Alternatively, there are various combing methods used to apply hair color in a variegated manner. A general method involves dipping a comb into a liquid hair color and pulling the comb through the hair to be treated. Only relatively large sections of hair can be treated in this manner and it is difficult for the operator to avoid color bleeding onto hair not intended for treatment. U.S. Pat. No. 3,349,781 describes a method wherein a hair stylist parts hair into sections and uses a brush with a series of spaced tufts to brush streaks onto random strands. The tufts of the brush are dipped into a hair color composition and retain the composition until the brush is drawn across the strands to be colored, thus depositing the colorant thereon. This method utilizes protective sheets placed under and over the streak-treated partings before and after treatment to avoid color bleeding to adjacent hair. However, using this brush method makes it difficult to choose which strands of hair will be treated. Hence, there is minimal control over the placement of the hair treatment. Therefore, larger sections of hair are treated, resulting in a more unnatural hair coloring effect.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,337,765 describes a modular brush for applying hair color compositions with a brush body and detachable bristle modules so that the brush can be configured to achieve a user-defined variegated pattern. However, this arrangement presents the same limitations as described above for the '781 patent.

A more commonly used technique by those skilled in the art involves selecting hair through weaving with a conventional tail comb and then placing the selected sections onto aluminum foil (or some other sheet of barrier material) and then painting sections with a hair color composition. A dispensing device for metallic foil that may be used in this process is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,608. The foil method allows for smaller, more independent, more consistently variegated sections to be treated closer to the scalp, resulting in a more naturally variegated final appearance. When using this method, the potential for color bleeding onto surrounding hair is reduced. But even with these advantages over other hair color variegation techniques, the foil method is very time consuming and expensive. For an average client, approximately 30 to 50 minutes is required to complete this method of hair coloration.

Hair color variegation techniques that involve color treated sections that have been woven away and placed inside a barrier material for processing produce natural and attractive variegated appearance. It follows then that advancement in the field of hair color variegation involves weaving, color treatment and barrier material. Reference will now be made to technology that attempts to advance on one or more of these three general systematic elements.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2005/0028835 discloses “A Device for Dispensing a Barrier Material to a Lock of Hair.” This device (although some of the embodiments vary greatly) is comprised of two tape dispensers that are hinged at the roll end. The tape dispenser end (distal to the roll end) opens and closes in such a way as to cause the faces of the two tapes to touch. A section of hair can be chosen and encapsulated between the two tapes. The face of one or both of the tapes is treated with one or both of the chemical hair color components. The embodiments also include means within the device to apply hair color just before the hair is encapsulated within the tape. This method, although saving time and product, still lacks the ability to automatically, quickly and accurately weave away a plurality of selected hair sections for variegation purposes.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,152,306 discloses a hair-weaving comb that has regular teeth and inwardly barbed teeth attached alternately across the spine of the comb. In practice, a thin section of hair is parted away from the scalp. The teeth of the comb are then pushed into the parting and drawn back out. The barbed teeth pick up sections of hair while the straight teeth do not. An operator grabs the hooked hair, pulls the comb away and lets the non-hooked hair fall. This device allows for a faster and more consistent weave than the manual hair weaving method. However, it does not offer any device or method to apply color or barrier material. In addition, the device does not effectively pick up sections of hair in a predictable manner, nor does it pick up hair against a curved scalp surface.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,243 discloses a comb/color applicator combination. The device discloses a comb with a hollow spine that screws onto a container filled with chemical color composition. When the container is squeezed, the chemical composition fills the hollow spine of the comb and exits the spine through small holes positioned in between the teeth of the comb. Although this device will yield a variegated hair color appearance, there is a substantial risk of color bleeding because the variegated hair is not woven away from the rest, and the device fails to provide the technician with a high degree of control or accuracy.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,722 describes a hair lightening method involving the use of an optical photosensitizer and a compound capable of providing a hydrogen radical (ethanol is preferred) in a solution. The solution is applied to the hair and then left to saturate for 5 to 60 minutes. Low intensity ultraviolet light (typically provided by a comb or hood) is then applied to the hair causing a hydrogen to be exchanged between the two components in the solution, thereby creating hydrogen peroxide inside the hair shaft. The peroxide is excited by the light causing some of the hair pigment (melanin) to be destroyed. As a result, the hair subjected to the process is lightened. Using this same photochemical reaction, the '722 patent describes a method whereby the entire head of hair is saturated with the photosensitive solution followed by the segregation of small sections of hair by manual weaving. The non-segregated hair is masked with an opaque material so that only the segregated hair is exposed to the low intensity ultraviolet light. The result is “highlight” effect among the segregated hair strands. The techniques described in the '722 patent involve considerable time and manual labor.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,325,393 discloses a hooking mechanism for hair coloration. The implement has a plurality of equidistantly spaced, accurate hook members movable between open and closed positions with respect to the bottom surface of the body of the implement by an operating slide member at its top. After thus hooking and engaging spaced groups of hair strands for treatment, the implement is lifted from the scalp to isolate the strand groups for bleach or dye treatment. This implement does not offer the operator nearly the degree of control that is inherent in the instant invention. Although the bottom surface of the device is curved, it does not flexibly conform to the curve of the head. This prohibits the device from uniformly selecting portions of hair.

Furthermore, the '393 patent offers no means by which the hooked hair can have a comfortable tension applied to it when the hooks are in the closed position. Hair may be hooked away from the scalp, but it cannot be held against tension—it will simply slide through hooks when the operator pulls the device away from the head. Finally, the '393 patent does not include any means by which it can apply color compositions nor any means to assure a safe and controlled contact with the scalp by the swinging hooks.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0042643 discloses a hair highlighting tool. However, the disclosed invention does not address the multiple problems overcome with the instant invention. In fact, it may exacerbate some of the problems regarding the regulation and control of hair coloration.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,530,358 overcomes many of the problems identified above but does not address the problem of applying color of higher viscosity. The ‘358’ patent does not provide means for expelling high viscosity liquid hair color from a color container onto entrained sections of hair in a controlled manner as does the present invention. The ‘358’ patent discloses a hook that is only useful for entraining hair against an applicator that distributes low viscosity hair color onto the entrained section by way of a ‘wicking’ action. The present invention features a hook and applicator arrangement that, when in the closed position, channels high viscosity liquid hair color onto entrained sections in a controlled manner. Also, the ‘358’ hooking mechanism is prohibitively complicated and relies on a mechanism that raises the hook and entrained section of hair up to the applicator. The present invention eliminates the need for this mechanism without losing function. Furthermore, the ‘358’ patent describes a mechanical means responsible for confining the hooks to a light controlled contact with the scalp. This mechanical means consists two feet separated into four scalp contact points; two contact points in front of the hook and two contact points in back of the hook creating a hook channel that extends flush with the rotation of the hook toward the scalp. The present invention involves an arrangement that likewise confines the hooks to a light, controlled contact with the scalp also employing two ‘feet’ with two scalp contact points positioned in front of as well as in back of the hook. The present preferred embodiment of the device entrains and gathers the entrained section of hair differently employing a ‘scissor action’ by gathering the hair as it approaches the closed position between the inside of the hook and the side edges of the scalp contact points or ‘feet’. Considering there are feet that only occupy the width of the applicator nozzle, this leaves the entire pivot of the hook toward the nozzle in full view of the operator. This more open hook arrangement allows the operator a better view of the entraining of the hair as well as a better view of the application of color onto the entrained section than is allowed in the ‘358’ patent. Finally, unlike the ‘358’ patent, the present invention keeps the color components separated as it dispenses and mixes them just before the color comes into contact with the entrained sections.

All of the above-cited prior art addresses certain needs. However, none solves the time, consistency and control problems that are encountered when performing the manual hair color variegation technique presently most popular in the purview of the hair salon. In addition, none have successfully combined mechanical elements into a single device to give it the ability to do all that is mentioned in the present disclosure. Accordingly, there is a need for a hair coloration device that safely, accurately, predictably, and quickly applies low and high viscosity colorant to uniformly selected and entrained portions of hair.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present embodiment of the hair color variegation device features a pre-loaded color container that slides into the front of the handle as well as hair entraining and color dispensing mechanisms that are engaged in sequence by a single squeeze of the handle. The device is used in one hand by drawing a parting of hair across the scalp with a rod-like member extending away from the rear of the device. This member is called the parting stem. The device is then turned so that the head of the device is facing and in line with the parting of hair. The head of the device is placed along the parting so that the parting is visible 1/16″ to ¼″ or farther above the line of the contact points of the head of the device. The head of the device is now urged against the parting, at which point the head of the device will conform to the curve of the scalp. In this conformed placement, each hook is now in the correct position to accurately lift hair against each applicator nozzle. While holding the device lightly conformed to the scalp, the operator slowly squeezes the handle. As the operator slowly squeezes the handle, the hooks pivot simultaneously across the scalp, painlessly entraining sections of hair against the applicator nozzles. As the operator continues to slowly squeeze the handle, the hooks remain engaged while the squeeze plate begins to put pressure on the color container. This allows the operator to hold and slide the entrained sections of hair without applying the hair color. Continuing to squeeze the handle, the pressure of the squeeze plate onto the color container causes the liquid color to move out of the color container and therefore out of the applicator nozzle and onto the entrained hair. Now, the operator may carefully pull the device away from the scalp while maintaining a controlled pressure on the handle. In this manner, hair color is evenly deposited onto the entrained sections of hair. At this point the operator may stop applying squeeze pressure while continuing to holding the entrained sections of hair. While the hair is still entrained in one hand and no color is being deposited, the operator may place barrier material over the color treated sections with the free hand or simply let the color treated hair drop back into the rest of the hair. This application process may be repeated many times in one variegated hair color service.

Variations of the device may employ a single hooking applicator as well as any number of hooking applicators up to six or more hooking applicators. Certain variations of the device that employ one and perhaps up to three hooking applicators will not need a curvature conformation feature.

Hooking applicators vary in size allowing embodiments of the device to entrain individual sections of hair of varying size.

Other embodiments of the device feature a variety of detachable head units. This allows a single device handle to accommodate a variety of head units each featuring different numbers and sizes of hooking applicators.

Still other embodiments allow the operator to restrict the flow of hair color to some of the hooking applicators while allowing color to flow through others while the device is in use, while other embodiments provide a mechanical alternative to the rack and pinion gear drive that pivots the hook/hooks in the form of a lever system.

In earlier embodiments of the invention, each hook pivots from an open position distanced away from each corresponding applicator to a closed position that finds each hollow of each hook closed around the bottom of each applicator. As the hook moves from the open to the closed position, a section of hair has become entrained into the closed position between the hook and applicator, the entrained section of hair becomes automatically positioned directly under the exit opening of the applicator. Now, as the color exits the opening, the color is deposited directly onto the top of the entrained section of hair. As the operator draws the device away from the scalp, the entrained sections remain entrained and therefore convey through the closed position. Hair color is thereby deposited in the form of a continuous bead of color onto each section.

Additional embodiments of the invention include purpose of these additional features to saturate the deposited bead of hair color completely into the entrained sections prior to exiting the closed position. These additional structural features close around the entrained sections of hair and, in this closed position, are referred to as a saturation chamber of the device. This saturation chamber constitutes the second stage of color application onto the entrained sections of hair and is in addition to the first stage of color application occurs in the initial ‘closed position’ of the device.

In addition to the saturation chamber embodiment, a ‘comb’ type embodiment of the device will be presented as well as an embodiment that includes mechanical features that allow the operator to adjust the size of the hair section that the hooking applicator entrains.

Other embodiments includes: a modified saturation chamber that uses seals to create a space to hold more color for hair treatment; a saturation chamber with a modified foot bridge configuration to allow more travel of the hook to reduce hair pinching; a one piece top handle and head mount for improved rack movement; and improved rack slide mechanism; a mechanism to adjust the distance of travel of the hooks via the rack slide assembly; a hinged head hood to cover the head mechanism for safety, aesthetics, and ergonomics; and a manifold retractor for moving the manifold out of the way for installing and/or removing a color container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The following Brief Description of Drawings as well as the Detailed Description of Drawings that follows repeatedly refer to the following terms: open position and closed position. Open position refers to the hook 2a as it appears having pivoted away from the applicator nozzle 11a (see FIG. 1A). The closed position refers to the hook 2a as it appears having pivoted into contact with the applicator nozzle 11a (see FIG. 1B).

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a single hooking applicator 1a of the preferred embodiment. This figure depicts the hooking applicator as it appears with the hook 2a in the open position.

FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of a single hooking applicator of the preferred embodiment. This figure depicts the hooking applicator as it appears with the hook 2a in the closed position.

FIG. 1C is a front view of the front of an applicator nozzle 11a and a foot 4a. This figure depicts the preferred location of the scissors edge 4f of the foot 4a.

FIG. 1D is a front view of a hooking applicator 1a and depicts a relocation of the scissors edge 4f of the foot 4a.

FIG. 2A-2C are bottom views of a single hooking applicator of the preferred embodiment, each depicting the hook point in the closed position with the hook point positioned in the front, back and middle of the hook respectively.

FIG. 3A is a magnified front perspective view of the preferred embodiment depicting the hook 2a, nozzle 11a and feet 4a in the open position and provides a detailed depiction of the geometry of each.

FIG. 3B is a magnified front perspective view of the preferred embodiment depicting the hook 2a, nozzle 11a and feet 4a in the closed position with a section of hair entrained therein.

FIG. 3C is a magnified front perspective view of the preferred embodiment depicting the hook 2a, nozzle 11a and feet 4a in the closed position and provides a detailed sectional depiction of the geometry of each.

FIG. 3D is a magnified front perspective view of the preferred embodiment illustrating the hook 2a, nozzle 11a and feet 4a in the closed position and shows an alternative embodiment of the feet 4a.

FIGS. 4A-4D are magnified bottom views of the preferred embodiment of hooking applicator together providing a serial depiction of the mechanical process of hair section entrainment.

FIG. 5A is a magnified front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the hook 2a, nozzle 11a and feet 4a in the open position and depicts an alternative arrangement of the hair channel 2b and color channel 2c.

FIG. 5B is a magnified front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the hook 2a, nozzle Ha and feet 4a in the closed position. This figure depicts the alternative arrangement of the hair channel 2b and color channel 2c shown in FIG. 5A with a section of hair entrained within.

FIGS. 6A-6B are magnified front perspective views of an alternative embodiment of the hook 2a, nozzle Ha and feet 4a in the open and closed positions respectively. These figures illustrate yet another alternative arrangement of the hair channel 2b and color channel 2c.

FIGS. 7A-7B are magnified front views of an alternative embodiment of the hook 2a, nozzle Ha and feet 4a in the open and closed positions respectively. These figures depict an alternative arrangement of the hook 2a and nozzle 11a featuring a hook tooth 3b and nozzle seal 11b.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the complete mechanical arrangement of the preferred embodiment. In order to provide a clearer depiction, this figure includes isolated duplicate views of three components arranged around the complete view.

FIGS. 9A-9D are front views of the preferred embodiment depicting, respectively, a sequence of functional interaction of said embodiment with a parting of hair 1c. Concurrently, these figures depict the positions and relationships of the individual mechanisms in each of the four depicted stages of a single cycle of mechanical engagement.

FIGS. 10A-10D are side views of a complete assembly of the preferred embodiment depicting a sequence of functional interaction of said embodiment with a parting of hair 1c. Concurrently, these figures illustrate the positions and relationships of the individual mechanisms in each of the four depicted stages. These depicted stages combine to illustrate a single cycle of mechanical engagement including entrainment of hair sections and dispensing of hair color respectively. In order to demonstrate scale as well as how said embodiment may be held while in use, a hand is depicted holding said embodiment in a functional manner.

FIGS. 11A-11B are perspective side views of alternative embodiments of the color container and manifold hose system featured in the preferred embodiment depicted in FIG. 8.

FIG. 12A is a front perspective view of a complete assembly of the preferred embodiment depicted in FIG. 8 including additional mechanical functions located at the front of the device. One additional mechanism depicted allows the operator to interrupt the flow of liquid color to one or more hoses along the manifold while allowing flow to others. The second of said functions allows the slide actuator tine/tines 93 to slide telescopically within the slide tine seat 94.

FIG. 12B-12C are side views of the additional mechanical functions depicted in FIG. 12A. These views illustrate the relative positions of the individual mechanisms involved in each of said additional mechanical functions as the mechanisms appear in the disengaged and engaged positions respectively.

FIG. 13 depicts an alternative mechanical assembly of the head 14a of the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8. This assembly utilizes an angled position of each hooking applicator 1a along the head 14a of said preferred embodiment in order for the pivoting action of each hook 2a to avoid being interrupted by the applicator nozzle 11a of each adjacent hooking applicator 1a.

FIGS. 14A-14B depict an alternative mechanical arrangement of the hooking applicator 1a depicted in FIG. 1A-1B. This hooking applicator 70 embodiment utilizes a hook slide 61 and hook lever 65 arrangement as a mechanical means to pivot the hook 2a.

FIGS. 15A-15B illustrates a complete embodiment of the device while providing an alternative assembly to the preferred embodiment depicted in FIG. 8. This alternative embodiment possesses an identical functional action as the FIG. 8 embodiment while utilizing an alternative mechanical means that integrates a device head 14a comprised of a row of lever action hooking applicators 70 described in FIGS. 14A-14B.

FIGS. 16A-16B depict front views of the lever action hooking applicator embodiment depicted in FIGS. 15A-15B. The present figures provide a view of the action of the individual mechanisms located at the front of the device as they function in sequence to pivot the hooks.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the device illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15B. This view provides a more complete description of the mechanical function described in FIGS. 14, 15 and 16.

FIG. 18 depicts an alternative mechanical arrangement of the hooking applicator described in FIGS. 1A-1B. This hooking applicator illustration describes the mechanical means necessary to render an embodiment of the device capable of dispensing a stick or sticks of hair color chalk, mascara, etc. onto an entrained section/sections of hair.

FIGS. 19A-19E depict five of the many possible head arrangements that may be assembled in order to give the operator various options for the final hair color variegation appearance. These figures combine various hook/hooking applicator sizes with varying distances between the hooks/hooking applicators to give the operator the opportunity to provide the hair color variegation service recipient with choices pertaining to the size of the sections being treated (by varying the size of the hook) and the distance between the treated sections (by varying the distance between the treated sections).

In addition to the option of having multiple hair color variegation devices, each with a fixed head of a different hooking applicator orientation, the operator may also be given the opportunity to have one of said device body along with several different detachable heads, FIGS. 20A-20B as well as FIGS. 21A-21C and FIGS. 22A-22F depict mechanical assemblies of varied sophistication, thereby, providing a range of opportunity for embodiments with such a feature.

FIG. 20A-20B depicts a head and manifold of said device that detaches by disengaging the roller couplings from the head mounts as well as the rack gear from the rack slide. FIG. 20A shows a side view of this arrangement in the attached position while FIG. 20B depicts a side view of the detached position.

FIG. 21A-21C depicts a head, manifold, head mount and rack slide assembly that detaches from the top hinge section of said device. In addition to the detachable head, this figure shows actuator tines removable from the bottom hinge section. FIG. 21A shows a side view this arrangement in the attached position while FIG. 21B depicts a side view of said device detached position. FIG. 21C depicts a side view of the mechanical means of removability.

FIG. 22A-22E illustrate top views of said device including the mechanical assemblies that allow the head mounts, rack slide and actuator tine assemblies to be adjustable rather than removable while the head and manifold remain removable. FIG. 22F illustrates a bottom view of said device illustrating an adjustable actuator tine assembly.

FIGS. 23A-23C and 24A-24D depict a preferred embodiment of the hair color variegation device in the form of a compact, single hooking applicator, pen or marker like appliance. FIG. 23A depicts a perspective side view of a complete assembly of said device. FIGS. 23B and 23C are close up front perspective views depicted to describe the mechanical assemblies involved in the pivoting of the hook from the open to closed position respectively. FIGS. 24A-24D represent top views of a complete assembly of the device including the means for liquid hair color application. Said top views represent the series of mechanical operations causing the hook to pivot and the color to dispense respectively.

FIGS. 25A-25B are front perspective views of the complete mechanical arrangement of a preferred embodiment of a hooking applicator with the hook in both the open and dosed positions.

FIGS. 26A-26D are a series of bottom views of a preferred embodiment of the hooking applicator. This series of views depicts four specific points in the process of hair entrainment.

FIGS. 27A-27B are front views of a preferred embodiment of the hooking applicator in both the open and closed positions.

FIGS. 28A-28C are full side views of a preferred embodiment of a comb type variation of the hair color variegation device. These views depict the progression of movement of the mechanical assemblies facilitated by a squeezing of the handle of the device.

FIGS. 29A-29B are perspective views of the front of the preferred comb embodiment of the device. These views are seen from the lower front of the device and depict this embodiment with hair between the teeth. These are views of the device with the hooks in the open and closed positions respectively.

FIG. 30 is a front view of a cross section of the comb portion of the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the front of the preferred embodiment of the comb variation of the device.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the back of the preferred embodiment of the comb variation of the device.

FIGS. 33A-B are front left perspective views of the complete mechanical arrangement of a preferred embodiment of a hooking applicator with the hook in both the open and closed positions.

FIGS. 34A-B are front left perspective views of a preferred embodiment of the hook and applicator nozzle in both the open and closed positions without rubber facing.

FIG. 35 shows one embodiment of color spreading elements as part of the saturation chamber.

FIG. 36 shows another embodiment of color spreading elements as part of the saturation chamber.

FIG. 37 shows yet another embodiment of color spreading elements as part of the saturation chamber.

FIGS. 38A-D are a series front views of a preferred embodiment of the hooking applicator in functional contact with a parting of hair. These views depict the hook in a progression of hair entrainment positions from the open position to close the closed position.

FIGS. 39A-D depict a preferred embodiment of the entire mechanics of the device in front right perspective view. These are a series of views depicting the entire mechanical operation of the device gradually moving from disengaged position to a fully engaged position.

FIGS. 40A-B depict an embodiment showing an mechanism for adjusting the size of the entrained section of hair.

FIG. 41 depicts an entire preferred embodiment of the device in right perspective view including coverings.

FIGS. 42A-B depict an entire preferred embodiment of the device in right perspective view including coverings and showing the head hood in both the open and closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention is a squeeze operated, hand held device that is used to selectively entrain and color human hair. The invention addresses separate and distinct technical needs of professional hair colorists and individuals desiring a controlled method of selectively coloring their hair.

The central mechanical aspect of the present invention consists of a hook that pivots along a scalp of hair and entrains a section of hair against a color applicator nozzle. This being the case, it is therefore fitting to begin the detailed description with an explanation of the hook and applicator nozzle as well as the various mechanical interactions thereof in respect to the section of hair that is entrained.

Relating to the hook and applicator nozzle, the open position′ and closed position′ will be referred to many times. For the sake of minimizing redundancy (see FIGS. 1A and 1B), the term “open position” always refers to the hook 2a as having pivoted to the farthest position away from the applicator nozzle 11a. The term “closed position” always refers to the hollow of the hook 2a as having pivoted into contact with the applicator nozzle 11a having entrained a section of hair 1b between.

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict hooking applicators 1a in the open and closed positions respectively. The hook 2a in each figure is fixed to an axle 9; and, the axle 9 pivots in a gear box 6.

The hook 2a consists of a short length of longitudinally halved tube laterally pivotal on one straight edge and longitudinally tapered on the opposite edge forming the hook point 3a.

Each of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C depicts a bottom view of the hooking applicator 1a in the closed position; however, FIG. 2A depicts the hook point 3a at the front of the hook 2a, FIG. 2B depicts the hook point 3a at the back of the hook 2a and FIG. 2C depicts the hook point 3a at the middle of the hook 2a. The location of the hook point 3a presents a difference in the way the hook 2a entrains a section of hair 1b: with both types of hooks 2a pivoting along a parting of hair 1c from the same position relative to the part 1c, a hook 2a that is pointed on the front 3a will entrain less hair than a hook 2a that is pointed on the back 3a.

FIG. 3A depicts the hooking applicator in the open position; more specifically, it outlines the hollow 2d (depicted by a bold black line) of the hook 2a and depicts the nozzle 11a as being partially covered by a layer of viscoelastic foam 11b (or any other applicable flexible material). FIG. 3B illustrates the hollow 2d of the hook 2a and the cylinder of the applicator nozzle 11a are an accurate fit while in the closed position. FIG. 3C is a sectional view of the closed position and illustrates how this accurate fit becomes a seal as the hollow of the hook 2a presses into the layer of viscoelastic foam 11b that surrounds the aperture 5 on three sides. The nozzle seal 11b prevents leaking of the liquid hair color around the back and sides of the hook 2a while in the closed position.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, notice one foot 4a fixed to the front of the applicator nozzle 11a and one foot 4g fixed to the back of the applicator nozzle 11a with the hook 2a positioned between. A comfortable contact of the pivoting hook 2a with the scalp 1c is assured as the hook 2a is confined to travel a precise pivotal path between the front foot 4a and rear foot 4g, and, as the hook point 3a is confined to pivot generally flush with the front foot contact point 4b and rear foot contact point 4h. This mechanical arrangement, therefore, utilizes the front foot contact point 4b and rear foot contact point 4h as means to allow the hook 2a to entrain a section of hair 1b while preventing the hook point 3a from making forceful contact with the scalp.

FIGS. 4A-4D bottom views depict another mechanical relationship between the hook 2a, front foot 4a and rear foot 4g, namely, how the hook 2a, front foot 4a, and rear foot 4g function to separate the entrained section of hair 1b from the surrounding hair at the scalp as well as to center the entrained section of hair 1b within the hollow of the hook 2a and maintain the centered position of the section of hair 1b through the color coating process. This separation and centering of the entrained section of hair 1b occurs as the front contact surface 2e and rear contact surface 2f of the hook 2a slide against the front hook contact surface 4e of the front foot 4a and rear hook contact surface 4j of the rear foot 4g, as per a scissor action, while moving from the open to dosed position.

FIG. 4A depicts the hook 2a and applicator nozzle 11a in the open position. FIG. 4B depicts same hooking applicator 1a as the hook 2a has pivoted toward the closed position enough to have entrained a section of hair 4b. FIG. 4C illustrates the hooking applicator 1a as the hook 2a has pivoted with the entrained section of hair 1b to a point where the hook 2a has not quite reached the closed position and the entrained section of hair 1b has been pulled in by the hook 2a close enough to the applicator nozzle 11a for the entrained section 1b to have encountered the front foot scissors edge 4f and the rear foot scissors edge 4k. FIG. 4D depicts the hooking applicator 1a in the closed position with the section of hair 1b centered over the aperture 5 of the applicator nozzle 11a as well as being centered over the color channel 2b and hair channel 2c of the hook 2a. Also, the entrained section of hair is occupying the front foot channel 4c and rear foot channel 4i.

FIG. 1C depicts a front view of the front foot 4a and points to the preferred location of the front scissors edge 4f of the foot front 4a. As stated above, this scissors edge 4f of the front foot 4a pushes an entrained section of hair functionally into the closed position. FIG. 1D depicts this front scissors edge 4f located closer to the center of the front foot 4a than the preferred location depicted in FIG. 1C. Relocating this front scissors edge 4f relative to the center of the front foot 4a, along with relocating the aperture 5, color channel 2b and hair channel 2c, so that the said features intersect functionally with the top of the front scissors edge 4f in the closed position, changes the amount of hair that is entrained by the individual hooking applicator 1a as well as changing the closeness to the scalp of the initial application of color onto the entrained section of hair. Furthermore, if the rotation of the hook 2a is not on a particular degree of upswing relative to the bottom of the front scissor edge 4f, a portion of the entrained section of hair will be brought against the bottom of the corner of the front foot 4a rather than the front scissors edge 4f causing strands of hair to become lodged between the hook 2a and front foot 4a. This will cause the entrained section of hair to become snagged. This front scissors edge 4f may occupy various positions relative to the center of the front foot 4a and may even be somewhat angled rather than the perpendicular orientation it occupies presently in relation to the bottom of the gear box 6. In addition to this, the length of the front foot 4a may be adjusted in order to change the amount of hair that is entrained. (Note: All of the preceding description of FIGS. 1C and 1D also applies to the rear foot which is not visible in said figures. Simply replace the term ‘front’ with the term rear and this will provide the same description of the rear foot.)

FIG. 3D is another variation of the feet arrangement featuring a foot bridge 4d. This foot bridge 4d connects the front foot 4a and rear foot 4g along the bottom creating one wide foot that surrounds the tip of the hook 3a in the closed position. This foot bridge 4d creates a further scissor action along the bottom of the hook 2a. Furthermore, the hook point 3a may be but not necessarily closed on five sides creating a box that is open only to the hook point 3a as it pivots toward and establishes the closed position. This foot bridge 4d variation is optional.

View FIG. 3A-3C during the following description of the process by which the entrained section of hair becomes coated with liquid hair color. FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of the hooking applicator 1a showing the hook 2a and nozzle 11a in the open position with the color channel 2b and hair channel 2c forming one continuous indentation approximately centered front to back across the hollow 2d of the hook 2a. FIG. 3B is a front perspective view of the hooking applicator 1a showing the hook 2a and nozzle 11a in the closed position over a section of hair 1b with the color channel 2b and hair channel 2c positioned approximately centered over the nozzle aperture 5. FIG. 3C is a sectional front perspective view of the hooking applicator 1a. Said figure shows that the portion of the hollow 2d of the hook 2a that comes into contact with the applicator nozzle 11a, while in the closed position, has flattened the nozzle seal 11b that is directly under said portion of the hook 2a; however, the color channel 2b remains open and, the area of the nozzle seal 11b within the hair channel 2c, remains raised and fills the hair channel 2c. This is because the nozzle seal 11b is at least as thick as the hair channel 2c is deep. As seen in FIG. 3B, with a section of hair 1b entrained in the closed position, the entrained section 1b is occupying the color channel 2b as well as the hair channel 2c; furthermore, said hair channel 2c is also occupied by a portion of the nozzle seal fib as said portion remains expanded in the hair channel against the entrained section of hair. The portion of the nozzle seal 11b that fills the hair channel 2c does apply a slight pressure to the section of hair 1b entrained therein; however, this pressure is not enough to restrict movement of the entrained section 1b through the closed position; the pressure is only enough to prevent the liquid color flowing into the color channel 2b from leaking to the outside of the closed position through the hair channel 2c. Also, the pressure exerted onto the section of hair 1b located within the hair channel 2c is such that a desirable amount of tension is maintained on the entrained section 1b. This tension allows the device to maintain comfortable control over the entrained sections 1b throughout the process.

While viewing FIG. 3B, consider a section of hair 1b is entrained in the closed position and liquid hair color is exiting the aperture 5, the liquid fills the color channel 2b, thereby surrounding the portion of the entrained section 1b that is occupying the color channel 2b. As the liquid color continues to exit the aperture 5, the liquid is prevented by the nozzle seal 11b from expanding out from the sides of the hook 2a as well as from the back of the hook 2a through the hair channel 2c. This mechanical arrangement causes the entrained section of hair 1b to become coated with liquid hair color id as well as allows the coated entrained section 1d to remain coated as the coated section of hair 1d passes through and exits the color channel 2b.

FIG. 3A depicts a front foot channel 4c formed into the side of the front foot 4a and rear foot channel 4i formed into the side of the rear foot 4g. The purpose of each of these indentations is to allow clearance for the entrained section 1b of hair to slide through the closed position without getting pinched. As seen in FIG. 3B, the front foot channel 4e has the added benefit of allowing the color coated entrained section id to pass from the closed position without the color being scraped away from the color coated section of hair 1d.

Each of FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective front views of the hooking applicator in the open and closed positions respectively depicting another color channeling variation featuring a hook 2a without a color channel or hair channel. This variation includes an indentation or nozzle color channel 11d that is located around the aperture 5 of the applicator nozzle 11a. This nozzle color channel 11d is open to the front of the closed position as well as the front foot channel 4c and will serve to direct the flow of the color coated entrained section of hair id much the same way as a hook color channel 2b. This variation also includes a nozzle hair channel 11e located on the applicator nozzle 11a behind the nozzle color channel 11d. The nozzle hair channel 11e opens to the rear foot channel 41 in the closed position and is covered by the nozzle seal 11b in order to allow the hair to move through the closed position without the risk of color back flow though the nozzle hair channel 11e. The nozzle color channel 11d, however, is open to the front of the closed position in order to allow the liquid hair color to flow from it.

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are front perspective views of the hooking applicator la depicting another color channeling variation combining both a color channel 2b located on the hook 2a as well as a nozzle color channel 11d located around the aperture 5 of the nozzle, deeper front foot channel 4c and nozzle hair channel 11e. This variation will provide the most color deposit along the entrained section of hair.

Considering all of the variations of channeling described above, the shape and dimension of the hook channel 2b and nozzle channel 11d as well as the size and shape of the aperture 5 will vary according to the viscosity of the liquid hair color as well as the desired degree of control of color flow as well as the size of color bead deposited onto the entrained section of hair 1b.

FIGS. 7A and 7B describes a small slender appendage or hook tooth 3b extending out from the color channel 2b of the hook 2a. As seen in FIG. 7B, the tooth 3b extends away from the hollow of the hook 2a toward the radial center of the hook 2a in such a way that when the hook 2a is in the closed position over the applicator nozzle 11a, the tooth 3b enters into the aperture 5 of the nozzle 11a. Since the thickness of the tooth 3b is smaller than the dimensions of the aperture 5, the tooth 3b does not obstruct the flow of color from the aperture 5. In the instance where a pressurized color container is supplying an applicator nozzle 11a, a rubber or silicone (or other flexible chemically resistant material) tube gasket 11c may be placed snuggly against the inside wall of the applicator nozzle 11a. This gasket 11c covers the nozzle 11a aperture 5 and prevents pressurized as well as non-pressurized color from flowing out.

Viewing FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B in series shows the hook 2a and the tooth 3b pivoting from the open to the closed position. As the hook 2a does this, the tooth 3b will push against the portion of the gasket 11c located in the nozzle aperture 5. As the tooth 3b pushes against the gasket 11c, pressurized color is released. As the hook 2a pivots back toward the open position, the tooth 3b will exit the aperture 5 and the cylindrical gasket 11c will naturally flex back to the closed position over the aperture 5 inside the nozzle 11a again blocking the flow of color from the aperture 5. In this manner, pressurized color may be controlled to flow onto entrained sections of hair only when the hook 2a brings the entrained sections to the closed position over the nozzle 11a.

As depicted in FIG. 1A, the applicator nozzle 11a features an aperture 5 as an exit for liquid hair color and a hose 12 functions as a supply line between the color container hoses and the nozzle 11a. The nozzle hose 12 extends upward a short distance, perpendicular to the nozzle 11a then turns at a right angle, extending back ending in a nozzle hose coupling 13a.

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict a preferred embodiment of the device involve a rack and pinion gear arrangement as mechanical means to pivot the hook 2a. The hook 2a is fixed to the distal front of an axial 9 and the rear portion of the axial 9 pivots within a gear box 6. A pinion gear 8 is fixed to the portion of the axial 9 contained within the gear box 6. A rack gear 7a pivots the pinion gear 8 within the gear box 6 from underneath.

As depicted in FIG. 8, the flexible head 14a consists of a straight row of hooking applicators 1a connected one to another along the bottoms of the gear boxes 6 by roller couplings 14d.

FIG. 8 also depicts two head mounts 15 attached to the front of the top handle section 20b. Each end of the head 14a is fixed to the distal front of each head mount 15 forming a head 14a attached to a handle 20a.

FIGS. 9A and 9B depict the row of hooking applicators 1a sharing a single thin flexible rack gear 7a that extends along the inside bottom of each gear box 6 with the series of pinion gears 8 seated teeth to teeth into the rack gear 7a. Back and forth movement of the rack gear 7a causes the pinion gears 8 and therefore the axles 9 and hooks 2a to pivot in unison.

As seen in FIG. 9A, the head 14a is pressed lightly against a parting of hair 1c and the head 14a flexes into the curve of the scalp. The head 14a is placed against the scalp in the upright position thereby allowing each of the front foot contact points 4b and rear foot contact points 4h (not visible in FIG. 9) to make functional contact with parting of hair 1c.

FIG. 9A depicts the device relying on a flat spring 14c to allow the head 14a to flex. The flat spring 14c expands as the head 14a flexes into the curve of the scalp.

The roller coupling 14d, shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 10A, is another mechanical feature to aid in the flexing ability of the head 14a. A roller coupling 14d is fixed to both ends of the head 14a; it is a section of tube that fits telescopically over the end of each head mount 15.

FIG. 10A depicts a lip 14e formed into each of the head mounts 15 at a location that is as far back from the distal end of the head mount 15 as the head 14a is wide. A cap 14f is located at the tip of each head mount 15. Each lip 14e and cap 14f prevents the roller couplings 14d from sliding back and forth along the ends of the head mounts 15. The inside diameter of the roller couplings 14d are slightly larger than the outside diameter of the cylindrical ends of the head mounts, 15 so that the roller couplings 14d can freely roll. As seep in FIG. 9A, each end of the head 14a is fixed to each of the roller couplings 14d and, as the head 14a flexes into the curve of the parting of hair 1c, the two hooking applicators 1a that are fixed to the roller couplings 14d are able to freely pivot over the ends of the head mounts 15. This pivoting naturally occurs when the head 14a flexes against the curve of the scalp and creates a smoother and more complete flexing action.

The rack slide mount 17, as viewed in FIG. 8, is a section of tube that is fixed to the front edge of the top handle section 20b. As viewed in FIG. 9B, one side of an upside down shaped rod or rack slide 16a is positioned snuggly sliding within the tube of the rack slide mount 17. The other side of the rack slide mount 17 extends straight down then bends out along the side of the head at a slight angle for a short span. The rack slide 16a then bends forward and finally tapers down forming the rack gear pin 16b. The rack gear pin 16b extends directly into a small hole or rack gear seat 7b located at the distal end of the rack gear 7a forming a snap-in fit between the rack gear pin 16b and the rack gear seat 7b.

In order to impart a more complete understanding of the rack slide action, it is necessary to explain in more detail the action of the handle. As seen in FIG. 10A, the handle 20a is composed of a top handle section 20b, and a bottom handle section 20c connected to one another at the rear of each by a handle hinge 21a. This salad tong type configuration is held in the open resting position by the handle hinge spring 21b against the handle stop 21c. The handle stop 21c is a protrusion located on the inside of the bottom handle section 20c of the handle hinge 21a. As the bottom hinge section 20c pivots back toward the open position, the bottom hinge section 20c is prevented from opening any further as the handle stop 21c comes into contact with the rear bottom edge of the top handle section 20b.

FIG. 10A-10D are side views of the hand of an operator squeezing the handle 20a of the device from the open position FIG. 10A to the closed position FIG. 10D with FIGS. 10B and 10C representing middle handle positions. With the device depicted in FIGS. 10A-10D shown appropriately positioned against a parting of hair 1c, one will notice as one views these illustrations in sequence that the top handle section 20b (along with the attached head mounts 15 and head 14a) remains stationary against a parting of hair 1c while the bottom handle section 20c is the pivotal section. As such, one will notice, while again viewing these figures in sequence, the visible actuator tine 18 (which is attached to the bottom handle section 20c) sliding from the bottom to the top of the head mount 15 and rack slide 16a.

Having established a more complete understanding of the role of the handle as it pertains to the sliding action of the actuator tines against the head mount and rack slide, one may now refer to FIG. 8. The rack slide actuator tines 18 consist of two rods extending forward from the front edge of the bottom handle section 20c. The tines 18 are positioned between the bottoms of the head mounts 15. The distance between the tine ends 18 is such that the tine 18 on the left is in contact with the left head mount 15 and the tine on the right 18 is in contact with the right head mount 15 as well as the rack slide 16a. (Refer to FIGS. 9A and 9B for the remainder of the paragraph.) With the actuator tines 18 in this position, squeezing the handle 20a will cause the tine 18 on the left to slide upward against the inside of the left head mount 15, and the tine 18 on the right to simultaneously slide upward against the right head mount as well as the inside of the rack slide 16a. As the bottom of the rack slide 16a is angled outward (see bold line 16c), the upward sliding motion of the right tine 18 against the angled section of the rack slide 16c causes the rack slide 16a to move outward stabilized by the rack slide mount 17 and head mounts 15 (see FIG. 10B). As the bottom end of the rack slide 16a is attached to the rack gear 7a by the rack gear pin 16b, the outward sliding motion of the rack slide 16a causes the rack gear 7a to move to the side. The rack gear 7a sliding to the left in this manner causes the hooks 2a to pivot toward the closed position over the applicator nozzles 11a. In this manner, when the right actuator tine 18 is in contact with the bottom of the rack slide angle 16c, the hooks 2a are in the open position (see FIG. 9A). Squeezing the handle until the right tine 18 is at the top of the rack slide angle 16c causes the hooks 2a to move to the closed position (see FIG. 9B). Releasing the handle will cause the rack slide 16a to return to the inward most resting position against the tension of the rack slide spring 19. The action caused by a continued squeeze of the handle 20a bringing the actuator tines 18 past the top of the rack slide angle 16c will be described later in this disclosure.

The bottom handle section 20c (see FIG. 8) employing only a single tine 18 on the right side against the rack slide 16a may also be employed as an alternative embodiment.

As described in the summary, the present invention features a single squeeze mechanism capable of, in series, entraining the hair and dispensing the liquid hair color onto entrained sections of hair. As described above, engagement of the hooks occurs during the first increment of the squeeze action applied to the handle. The second increment of squeeze action pivots the lever 24a so that it pushes up on the level pallet 22. (See FIG. 8 for a detailed perspective view of the level pallet 22 and lever 24a). As both the level pallet 22 and lever 24a are hinged to the top of the bottom handle section 20c, the upward motion of the bottom handle section 20c toward the top handle 20b section, combined with the mechanical action of the level pallet 22 and lever 24a facilitates the movement of the liquid hair color out of the color container 51a and through the channels that direct the color onto the entrained sections of hair

The following is a detailed description of the second in series mechanical action (dispensing of the hair color) and how this action coordinates with the first action (entraining of hair sections) as the device is in use. The mechanical action will be described while referring to FIGS. 10A-10B. (Note: FIGS. 10A-10B depict side views of the preferred embodiment of the device depicted in FIG. 8.)

As seen in FIG. 10A, an operator functionally holds the device by the handle 20a as the device is in the resting position and places the head 14a of the device appropriately against a parting of hair 1c.

As seen in FIG. 10B, the operator squeezes the handle 20a causing the bottom handle section 20c to lift toward the top handle section 20b. Consequently, the tine 18 that is against the rack slide 16a moves upward to the top most point of the rack slide angle 16c (this point on the rack slide 16a appears as a bold square). This causes the hooks 2a to be in the closed position over the applicator nozzles 11a with entrained stalks of hair 1b between. The lifting action of the bottom handle section 20c toward the top handle section 20b also causes the button contact point 24c of the lever 24a to contact the lever button 24d. This contact causes the lever 24a to pivot on the lever hinge 24e, thereby, pushing the level pallet contact point 24b of the lever 24a against the bottom of the level pallet 22. This, in turn, causes the level pallet 22 to lift toward the bottom of the color container 51a.

FIG. 10C depicts the handle 20a having been squeezed to the point where the actuator tine 18 begins to slide along the section of the rack slide 16a that is parallel to the head mount 15. This allows the hooks 2a to remain in the closed position while the level pallet 22 comes into contact with and pushes up on the bottom of the color container 51a. The pressure of the level pallet 22 on the color container 51a causes the liquid color to begin to move from the color container 51a through the color container neck 52b and into the manifold intake 53c. Continuing through the manifold 53a, the liquid color flows through the manifold hoses 53b, into the nozzle hoses 12 and nozzles 11a and through the color aperture 5 onto the entrained section of hair 1b.

The operator will continue to apply light squeeze pressure to the handle 20a while watching for a small bead of color 1e to simultaneously form at the front of each hook (see FIG. 9C). When she sees these color beads 1e form she will know that the hair color has exited each nozzle 11a aperture 5 and has surrounded the portion of each entrained section 1b that is within the closed position. The moment she sees the beads of color 1e form, she will maintain the same pressure while slowly pulling the device away from the parting of hair 1c. As depicted in FIG. 9D, she pulls the device away from the parting 1c, the constant light pressure on the handle will evenly surround the entrained sections 1b with hair color id as the entrained sections id pass through the closed position.

Once the operator has sufficiently coated the entrained sections of hair, she will generally proceed one of two ways: she can release pressure on the handle allowing the device to return to the resting position depicted in FIG. 10A; this approach allows the coated sections to drop back into the hair. The other option is to release the handle 20a only to the point where hair color stops dispensing while maintaining the entrained sections in the closed position. This occurs as the handle 20a is released enough for the level pallet 22 to release from the bottom of the color container 51a but not enough for the actuator tine 18 to slide down beyond the top of the rack slide angle 16c; this mechanical position is depicted in FIG. 10B (The top of the rack slide angle is depicted as a solid black square located on the rack slide). (The following description of barrier material application does not include correspondent drawings.) At this point, the entrained and coated sections are in a taut and stationary position, extending between the head of the recipient and the head of the device. The operator, while maintaining the entrained sections in this position, and having a free hand, may pick up a folded section of barrier sheet and place it over the entrained sections or perhaps place a section of cotton under the section close to the scalp; any number of barrier material types and techniques known by a person skilled in the art may be applied at this time followed by a controlled release of the barrier treated section into the rest of the hair. Finally, the operator may trace the tip of the parting stem 27 along the scalp, exposing the next parting of hair to be serviced and thereby beginning a new pass of the device along the recipient's hair (see FIG. 10A for the parting stern 27). A pass of the device through a recipient's hair, such as the entire pass described above, may be repeated the number of times deemed appropriate by the operator or until the point at which the upward motion of the level pallet 22 onto the color container 51a is interrupted by becoming flatly parallel and directly adjacent to the top of the color container housing 26, thereby flattening and emptying the color container 51a (see FIG. 10D). The color container 51a may then be refilled or replaced.

The following is a description of two types of disposable color containers. These color containers are pre-filled (preferably by a manufacturer), loaded into the device and are discarded when empty.

Pre-packaged color containers that dispense two part oxidative color or lightener must include a means by which the two reactive components remain separate inside the container until just prior to use. FIG. 11A depicts an internal container 51f within an external container 52e, with each container accommodating one of the two hair color components. The internal container 51f is filled to capacity so that it is firm. The external container 52e is filled but not firm. In addition to the difference in firmness between the two containers, the internal container 51f is intentionally manufactured with a structurally weaker front seam and/or weaker plastic film than the external container 52e. The difference in firmness in addition to the weak film allows the operator to moderately squeeze this dual container causing the internal container 51f to rupture. This rupture releases the color component within, into the other color component contained within the external container 52e. The operator will briefly kneed the dual container thereby fully mixing the two color components. Also, the rear bottom seam 51i of the external container 52e and the rear seam 51i of the internal container 51f are sealed together so that the internal container 51f does not float around freely inside the external container 52e giving the internal container 51f the opportunity to move forward and block the manifold port 51b of the external color container 52e from the inside. This dual container 52e, 51f may be discarded once it is empty and replaced by a pre-filled dual container 52e, 51f. For convenience, the manifold port 51b may feature a puncture seal 51g adhered to the front. In order to accompany the puncture seal 51g, a puncture spike 53h will be affixed to the manifold intake 53c. This puncture feature allows the operator to mix the components without mess, opening the manifold port 51b only at the point where it engages the manifold intake 53c.

FIG. 11B depicts another preferred dual color container embodiment 52a; the purpose of which is to keep the two components of the liquid hair color separate until the two components exit the color container 52a. The two (2) components of the liquid hair color are of equal texture and viscosity and are kept separate within the dual color container 52a by a barrier 52b. The barrier 52b essentially forms two separate color containers of equal volume arranged flatly against one another. Each side of the divided color container 52a opens to each side of the dual manifold port 52c.

When pressure is applied to this dual color container 52a, both hair color components enter each side of the dual manifold port 52c. The two components then enter the manifold intake 53c where they pass through a section of helical static mixer 52d and begin to mix. The partially mixed color then enters the inner tube 53g of the manifold 53a. The color is further mixed as it passes through the inner manifold tube 53g as it also contains a section of static mixer 52d. Fully mixed color now exits both ends of the inner manifold tube 53g and enters the main outer manifold tube 531, then the nozzle hoses 53b and finally exits the nozzle aperture 5. The operator will proceed with the color service as described previously.

The following describes the process of reloading the device with color as well as cleaning the various color channels of the device.

A color container featuring a refill port 51d (as seen in FIG. 8) will not need to be disassembled and can be refilled using a syringe or baster type mixing container with a hollow dispensing stem. The operator mixes the two components of the hair color in the reservoir of the mixing container, secures the 11d over the reservoir and injects the mixed color into the color container 51a through the refill port 51d. Having completed this stage of refilling, the operator secures the 11d 51e onto the refill port 51d.

Pre-packaged color containers will need to be removed from the device when empty and replaced with one that is full. The following example will be described with a single chamber color container 51a (see FIG. 8), although a dual chamber color container 52a could be used for the explanation as well. In order to do this, the operator will release the back of the color container 51a from the back of the color container housing 26a by disengaging the fastening tabs 51h from the fastening pins 26c (see FIG. 8 and FIG. 10A). She will then disengage the manifold mounting bracket 53e from the rack slide mount 17, remove the manifold intake 53c from the manifold port 51b of the color container 51a (see FIG. 8), bend the manifold 53a forward which will disengage the manifold intake 53c from the manifold port 51b of the color container 51a. She will then disengage the manifold port 51b of the color container 51a from the manifold port bracket 26b (see FIGS. 9A and 10A) She will then be able to pull the empty color container 51a out from the color container housing 26a. With the manifold 53a still bent forward on the flexibility of the manifold hoses 53b, thereby exposing the frontal opening to the color container housing 26a, she will then slide a full and sealed color container 51a into the opening until the full length of the color container 51a occupies the full length of the color container housing 26a. Then she will push the manifold port 51b of the color container 51a onto the manifold port bracket 26b in order to secure this port 26b as well as the front of the color container 51a onto the front of the color container housing 26a. Next she will push the fastening tabs 51h onto the tab pins 26c thereby securing the back of the color container 51a to the back of the color container housing 26a. Finally, she will urge the manifold intake 53c onto the manifold port 51b and snap the manifold mounting bracket 53e onto the rack slide mount 17.

Having refilled the color container 51a or, having exchanging an empty single color container 51a or dual color container 52a with a full one, the operator will now prime the device by squeezing the handle 20a until the color exits all of the nozzle 11a apertures 5 (See FIGS. 10A-10B and 9C). The first squeeze with a new color container 51a, may cause some color to exit some apertures 5 before others; therefore, the operator will perform this operation over a cleanable surface, paper towel, sink, etc. as the hair color may drip, out of some of the nozzles 11a until color is exiting all nozzles 11a. The operator will simply wipe the excess color from the nozzles 11a with a paper or cloth towel and proceed with the color service.

In order to minimize the overall number of drawings in this disclosure, the following description of the cleaning procedure does not have supporting illustrations. Refer to FIG. 8 for an approximation.

In order for the operator to clean the refillable color container 51a and manifold 53a, she will disengage the color container 51a as described above, cap 51e the refill port 51d, inject water or cleaning fluid into the color container 51a through the manifold port 51b and place a finger over the manifold port 51b. Then she shakes and kneads the color container 51a and pours the liquid out of the refill port 51d and/or manifold port 51b. She will repeat this step until the container 51a is clean. In order to clean the manifold 53a and nozzles 11a she simply engages the color container 51a into the device following the reload procedure described earlier, and then fills the container 51a through the refill port 51d and places the cap 51e over the port 51d and squeezes the handle 20a. Water will jet out of the nozzle 11a apertures 5 thereby cleaning the nozzles 11a and nozzle hoses 12 as well as all of the hoses and channels of the manifold 53a. She may also insert a slender cleaning implement into the various hoses, ports and nozzles during the cleaning procedure.

Although an operator may rely on disposable color containers 51a for regular use, it is advisable for the operator to have a refillable container 51a available to fill with water or cleaning fluid in order to utilize the cleaning method just described.

Other types of color containers may be employed in the device such as a caulk gun type or syringe type arrangement. Also the varied types of containers may be compressed manually, compressed using an electric motor or the color may be dispensed by means of a color container that is under pressure.

The color containers 51a, 52a (see FIGS. 8, 11A and 11B) are preferably formed from polyethylene, polypropylene or other type of liquid proof and chemical resistant flexible and easily sealable film. The main tube of the manifold 53f (along with the hose couplings 53d that are molded into it) is preferably molded from one of a variety of liquid chemical resistant plastic material while the hoses 53b may be formed from one of several types of liquid chemical resistant rubber or silicone tubing. The hoses 53b may be glued or clamped to the manifold couplings 53d; or, all of the couplings 53d may be barbed allowing the hoses 53b to be removed from the coupling 53d yet, attach firmly when in use. The sections of static tube mixer 52d will also preferably be of the chemically resistant plastic variety and may be a separate part or formed directly into the inside geometry of the manifold 53a. Separate static tube mixers 52d may be removable through a threaded cap located on one or both ends of the main manifold tube 53f. Removable static tube mixers 52d and/or threaded access caps located on the ends of the main manifold tube 53f are features that make the manifold 53a easier to clean. Also, the sections of static tube mixer 52d may also be located within the manifold hoses 52b. Alternatively, the entire geometry of the non-mixing manifold 53a, including the hoses 53b and manifold intake 53c may be molded as one part from a liquid chemical resistant rubber or silicone.

When considering the functionality of the manifold 53a, notice the L-shaped manifold hose 53b. This L-shape provides a corner that acts as a weak leverage point and allows the pressurized liquid filled hose 53b to bend easily as the head 14a of the device conforms to the curve of the scalp.

Another unique feature of the device is a mechanical arrangement that gives the operator the ability to stop the flow of color to individual applicator nozzles while allowing other applicator nozzles to flow. The mechanism effectively pinches a hose closed with the push of a lever.

As seen in FIG. 12A-12C, each end of the rigid plastic manifold tube 53f is detachably affixed against the top of each of the head mounts 15 by a manifold mounting bracket 53i; one additional manifold mounting bracket 53e extends from the top center of the main manifold tube 53f and attaches to the rack slide mount 17. Fixed along the length of the manifold tube 531 are several short lengths of rigid tube that function as couplings 53d for the lengths of hose 53b that extend away from the manifold tube 531 Fixed to the front of the manifold tube 53f are clamp lever mounting brackets 54e; one above each of the hose couplings 53d. Attached pivotal to each of the lever mounting brackets 54e is a clamp lever 54a. The top of the clamp lever 51a extends back across the top front of the handle a short distance and at a slight angle while in the resting position. This top section of the clamp lever 51a is flat and serves as a thumb contact 54b. The bottom section of the clamp lever 54a extends straight down to a point just below the bottom of the hose couplings 53d. At this point the clamp lever 54a makes a sharp angle back to a point where it has extended slightly behind the bottom of the hose coupling 53d. Now this bottom end of the clamp lever 54a makes a final sharp turn and crosses the back of the hose slightly below the hose coupling 53d forming the clamp lever hose contact 54c. This being the shape of the clamp lever 54a, when an operator places a thumb onto the thumb contact 54b and presses down, the bottom of the clamp lever hose contact 54c moves forward against the hose 53b just below the point where the hose 53b attaches to the coupling 53d. As the operator continues to press on the thumb contact 54b, the clamp lever hose contact 54c pinches the hose 53b forward against the pinch plate 54f thereby stopping the flow of color through that hose 53b (see FIGS. 12B and 12C side views depicting the hose clamping mechanism in the disengaged and engaged positions respectively). Once the operator presses the thumb contact 54b down to the farthest point, two interlocking hooks 54d, one on the bottom of the thumb contact 54b and one on the front top of the head mount 15, will lock together thereby holding the clamp lever 51a in the hose pinching position. The operator simply needs to move the thumb contact slightly to the side and the clamp lever lock 54d disengages restoring color flow to the tube 53b.

FIGS. 12A-12C depict a necessary variation of the actuator tines. Since it is chosen, although not necessary, to have all of the parts of the present hose clamping mechanism built onto and around the manifold in such a manner that the manifold in the present embodiment sits lower on the head mounts than in similar embodiments described; including the actuator tines, as they have previously been arranged, into the present embodiment will cause the actuator tines to run into the manifold before they have a chance to slide the functionally necessary distance up the length of the head mounts and rack slide. Therefore, depicted here are telescopic actuator tines. As viewed in FIG. 12A, the slide tine on the other side of the device, although not visible, will have all of the features of the visible slide actuator tine described in the following:

The rear end of the slide actuator tine 93 is within in a slide tine seat 94. The front end of the slide actuator tine 93 has, fixed and extending away perpendicular to the outside, a slide actuator tine channel pin 96. This channel pin 96 is seated within a channel 95 formed into the head mount 15; said channel 95 extends the entire length of said head mount 15 and is open to the inside.

The bottom handle section 20c, as well as the slide tine seat 94 that is fixed to it, as seen in FIG. 12B, are farther away than said parts of FIG. 12C. As the front of the bottom handle section 20c moves closer to the top handle section 20b, the front of the bottom handle section 20c also moves closer to the head mounts 15. This is why fixed actuator tines eventually run into the main manifold tube. The sliding actuator tine 93 overcomes this problem. FIG. 12B shows the front of the slide tine 93, with the fixed channel pin 96 seated inside the tine channel 95, (the channel pin 96 is seen as a bold dot) fully extended from the tine seat 94. FIG. 12C shows that, as the bottom handle section 20c moves up and gets closer to the head mounts 15, the tine channel pin 96 follows the tine channel 95 and causes the tine seat 94 to move forward over the slide tine 93. This arrangement allows the front of the tine 93 to track the length of the head mount 15 thereby remaining in the same position relative to it.

This novel actuator tine arrangement may be included in any embodiment of the device that requires actuator tines.

Another multi-hooking mechanism device embodiment of the device allows the hooking mechanisms to be positioned closer together than the multi-hooking mechanism device embodiment described previously. The previously described embodiment discloses a row of hooking applicators that are positioned side by side in such a way that the pivoting motion of the hooks are parallel to the line represented by the row of hooking applicators. This means that the more open the hook is relative to the applicator nozzle, the farther away the individual hooking applicators must be from one another. This is because the hook can only open so far as the point at which the hook makes contact with the applicator nozzle of the neighboring hooking applicator. The closer the neighboring hooking applicator, the less the hook can open. Another solution to this problem is to make the hooks smaller. This however may not be a desirable solution as this may cause the sections of hair that are entrained to be smaller than desired.

To overcome this shortcoming the present embodiment features a row of hooking mechanisms that are at an angle to one another so that when each hook is in the open position, each hook is positioned, in front of each neighboring applicator nozzle; therefore, each hook does not bump into each neighboring applicator nozzle. One way to accomplish this is depicted in FIG. 13. This figure depicts a top view of a row of hooking applicators 1a arranged side by side and angled as described above. This row of hooking applicators 1a is arranged as a device head 14a; yet, this head 14a is depicted without the rest of the device. The rest of the device is omitted as no further mechanical change is required of the device in order to accommodate the head 14a arrangement described below. FIG. 13 shows the tops of the gear box 6 cut away to expose a rack gear 7c with angled teeth 7d seated against an angled pinion gear 8 arrangement. In addition to depicting the angled pinion gear 8 position and angled rack 7a gear teeth 7d, FIG. 13 also depicts the hooks 2a in the open position in front of the adjacent nozzle 11a rather than against the nozzle Ha as per the previously described device head 14a arrangement; therefore, this angled hooking applicator 1a embodiment solves the above stated shortcoming by allowing the hooks 2a to remain the same size while positioning the hooking applicators 1a closer together.

As an alternative to the previously described rack and pinion gear means, the following describes an embodiment of the device that utilizes a mechanical lever action as a means to pivot the hooks. As per the device head embodiment described immediately prior, this device head embodiment likewise features a series of hooking applicators that are arranged in an angled configuration so that the hook axles are at an angle relative to the parting of hair, thereby, allowing the hooks to pivot in front of the adjacent nozzles. Although the present embodiment features hooking applicators that are arranged in said manner, this lever action embodiment may also be arranged such that the pivotal relation of the hook axles to the parting may also be approximately perpendicular as per the first device head configuration described in this disclosure.

It is necessary to state the following at this time; the many parts of the device that are not mentioned in the following description will be assumed to function in like manner to the first embodiment of the device described in this disclosure. This, in order to avoid redundant descriptions.

As seen in the two different angles of front view (FIGS. 14A and 14B) depicting the lever action hooking applicator 70, the present embodiment features a hooking applicator 70 with a hook 2a that pivots on a hook seat 68, said hook seat 68 being located at the top front of the hooking applicator body 69. The hook 2a features a lever 65 that extends away from the back of the hook 2a. The hook 2a pivots as the hook slide 61, and therefore, the hook slide tip 63 slides forward, guided within the hook slide bracket 64. As the hook slide 61 moves forward, it slides underneath the hook lever 65 causing the lever 65 and therefore the hook 2a to pivot. The hook slide tip 63 will slide forward against the hook lever 65 until the hook 2a closes over the nozzle 11a. Conversely, as the hook slide 61 backs away from the hook lever 65, the hook 2a pivots back to the open position, pulled as such by the tension of the hook spring 66.

Having described the mechanical action of the individual lever action hooking applicator 70, the following is the series of mechanical actions that occur in order to simultaneously pivot all of said type of hooks along a device head comprised of multiple lever action hooking mechanisms.

As viewed in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the handle 20a of the device compresses and the actuator tines 18 begin to slide up against the angled bottom section 55b of each slide rack lever 55a. (The angled bottoms of the slide rack levers 55a are indicated in FIG. 15A by two bold black lines.) As the actuator tines 18 continue to slide upward against the rack slide lever angles 55b, the slide rack levers 55a begin to close against the head mounts 15. As seen in FIG. 15B, the inward closure of the slide rack levers 55a against the head mounts 15 cause the slide rack actuators 56 (which are fixed to the outside of the slide rack levers 55a) to begin to enter the actuator channels 57; these channels 57 are openings located on the slide rack mounts 58. Each slide rack mount 58 is fixed to each head mount 15. As the slide rack actuators 56 continue to enter the actuator channels 57, the angled fronts of the slide rack actuators 56 cause the slide rack seats 59 and the slide rack 60a on which they are attached to move forward.

Sandwiched between the two slide rack plates 60b of the slide rack 60a are the top sections 62 of the hook slides 61. Continuing to view FIG. 15B, the bottom sections of these hook slides 61 are fixed to and extend forward perpendicular to the top sections 62 forming the ‘L’ shaped hook slide 61. The hook slide tips 63 move back and forth in the hook slide seats 64. While the rack slide 60a moves forward, the top sections of the ‘L’ shaped hook slides 62 and therefore the hook slide tips 63 also begin to move forward. As the hook slide tips 63 move forward within the hook slide brackets 64, the hook slide tips 63 push forward on the hook levers 65 causing the hooks 2a to move from the open to the closed position. As the operator releases the handle 20a the above mechanical process reverses, the hooks 2a return to the open position by the tension of the hook springs 66 and the rack slide 60a returns to the resting position by the tension of the rack slide spring 67.

The next mechanical operation of this lever action hooking applicator embodiment to be described is the curvature conformation feature (refer to FIGS. 16A and 16B). As described above, the mechanical relationship between the slide rack 60a and top sections of the hook slides 62 are responsible for the pivoting action of the hook 2a. In addition to this function, the top sections of the hook slides 62 and slide rack 60a also give the device the ability to conform to the curve of the head. In order for the head 14a of the device to curve, the individual hooking mechanisms 70 must be able to move up and down a short distance relative to the head mounts 15 as well as pivot to the side slightly. The contiguous way in which the top sections of the hook slides 62 are positioned within the slide rack 60a allow the top portions of the hook slides 62 to move up and down as well as pivot side to side radially. Now, when the head 14a of the device is urged against the scalp, each hooking applicator 70 moves from the resting position to the position it must assume in order for it to cooperate with the other attached hooking mechanisms 70 in assuming the particular degree of curvature. As each hooking applicator 70 moves, so does the top portion of each hook slide 62 sandwiched within the slide rack 60a. Now as the top portion of each hook slide 62 changes position pivotally from side to side as well as up and down differently from the other top portions of the hook slides 62, they do not change position pivotally from front to back as the slide rack 60a prevents this front to back pivoting. So, the slide rack 60a can move forward and back, thereby causing the hooks 2a to pivot from the open to closed position in unison even as the individual hooking mechanisms 70 pivot from side to side as well as move up and down differently from one another.

The final difference that will be described is a variation of position and shape of the color manifold. Considering an embodiment of the device which employs a rack and pinion gear arrangement to pivot the hooks, this gear driven embodiment eliminates the option of positioning the manifold hoses so that they extend from the manifold directly to the applicator nozzles through the area where the rack and pinion gears are positioned thereby eliminating the applicator hose. A mechanical arrangement that allows the manifold hoses to run straight to the back of the applicator nozzle renders a device head with less plumbing and therefore easier cleaning. In addition to a head with less plumbing, the manifold hoses can be shorter, and therefore, take up less space.

As seen in FIG. 17, the present lever action hook embodiment features a low manifold color container 52f with a single hose 52g (see also FIG. 15A) that extends from the front, extending down to the low manifold 52h located level with and in back of the applicator nozzles 11a. Also, the low manifold hoses 52i extend forward away from the manifold 52h a short distance and connect to the applicator nozzles 11a.

Hose connectors as well as any other pertinent part not described in this low manifold color container 52h arrangement may be adapted to here from previously described color container arrangements.

Any embodiment of the hooking applicator may substitute liquid color application onto entrained sections of hair for the application of hair color chalk, mascara or any other type of hair color or hair treatment that can be formed into a solid or semi solid stick. As depicted in FIG. 18, this embodiment of the hooking applicator 71 features a spring 73 loaded tube 72a that is positioned open end 72b down between the front foot 4a and rear foot 4g of the hooking applicator 71 so that the open end 72b of the tube 72a will be centered within the hollow of the hook 2a in the closed position. This tube 72a is positioned in such a way that it may be fixed or detachable to the front foot 4a and rear foot 4g. If it is detachable, the spring 73 loaded tube 72a will have a tab 74b fixed to opposite sides of the tube's open end 72b. The upper portion of the front foot 4a and rear foot 4g will have a tab seat 74a indented centered on the upper inside. Now, the tabs 74b of the spring loaded tube 72a will snap securely into and out of the tab seats 74a. A stick of hair treatment 75 is positioned between the compressed spring 73 and the bottom of the tube 72b. The stick of hair treatment 75 is held from springing out of the opened end of the tube 72b by two flexible, thin, intersecting cross members 76. These cross members 76 are attached to the open end of the tube 72b and intersect at or near the center of the opening of the tube 72b. Alternatively, the cross members 76 may be substituted for one or more tiny flexible tabs attached to the edge of the tube open end 72b in such a way that they face toward the center of the tube open end 72b and may or may not connect as they may radiate only partially toward the center.

The viscosity or hardness of the stick of hair treatment 75 must be such that it is soft enough to wear away easily from the stick 75 onto the section of hair that passes over the exposed tip 77 of said stick 75 yet the stick of hair treatment 75 must be of the viscosity or hard enough so that, as the stick of hair treatment 75 is being pushed against the cross members 73 by the spring, the stick 75 will not extrude through the cross members 76 while the device is not in use.

The hollow of the hook, features an indentation 2b that is the diameter and shape of the section of the rounded tip 77 of the stick of hair treatment 75 that is protruding from the open end 72b of the tube 72a. Now, as the hook 2a closes over the tip 77 of the stick of hair treatment 75, the tip of the stick 77 seats accurately into the indentation 2b in the hollow if the hook. As the hook 2a entrains a section of hair, the front foot 4a and rear foot 4g center the entrained section of hair over the indentation 2b located in the hollow of the hook 2a. Once the hook 2a has closed over the tip 77 of the stick of hair treatment 75 with the entrained section of hair, the hair will move through the closed position and will be coated with the hair treatment. As the tip 77 of the stick of hair treatment 75 wears away with repeated runs of entrained sections of hair it will be continually fed to the tip 72b of the tube 72a against the tension of the spring 73. The intersecting cross members 76 hold the tip 77 of the hair treatment stick 75 in place at the end of the tube 72b and allows the tip 77 of the stick hair treatment 75 to wear away evenly as the cross members 76 are able to move slightly during repeated runs preventing un-worn away ridges from forming on the tip 77 of the stick of hair treatment 75 directly under the cross members 76.

The operator will feel the need to adapt the way she uses the device to better accommodate the various needs and requests of the patrons seeking hair color variegation services. The operator has the option to vary the distance between the rows of color treated hair. This allows the recipient to choose within a range of more or less color treated sections placed in the overall color service. In addition to this, the recipient may choose within a range of thick or fine individual color treated sections. If the operator places the head of the device close to a parting of hair, the device will entrain and therefore treat finer sections of hair. The farther away the operator places the head of the device from the parting of hair the thicker the entrained and treated section will be. While keeping the head of the device parallel to the parting, the operator may also slightly stagger the successive placements of treated rows from side to side. By adjusting the three technical variables described above, various aspects of the final appearance of the color service may be changed by using a single device head. However, far more variation in the final appearance is possible with a device that has multiple device heads to choose from. Detachable and interchangeable device head embodiments will now be described and illustrated.

A wide range of varied head types may be embodied by creating a range of hook/hooking applicator sizes and arranging them at various distances from one another onto heads of different widths. A larger hook/hooking applicator will entrain a wider/larger section of hair and, conversely, a smaller hook/hooking applicator will entrain a narrower/smaller section of hair. Also, a head with hooks that are spaced farther apart or closer together will render each entrained section along the row of entrained sections farther apart or closer together from one another. Obviously then, a wider head will render a wider row of entrained sections.

FIG. 19A depicts a device head 14a with three larger hooks 2a arranged at a greater distance from one another comprising a head 14a of perhaps medium width. FIG. 19B depicts a device head 14a with five smaller hooks 2a arranged at a closer distance to one another forming a head 14a of perhaps medium width. FIG. 19C is also perhaps a medium width device head 14a with four larger hooks 2a arranged closer to one another. FIG. 19D is a device head 14a of three larger hooks 2a positioned close to one another comprising a head 14a of narrower width. FIG. 19E depicts six smaller hooks 2a positioned close to one another along a wide head 14a. There are many more head variations possible and may it suffice to state that all will occur as obvious in light of what has thus far been disclosed.

There are numerous mechanical arrangements that may be employed to create a head that quickly and easily detaches and reattaches to the body of the device. One preferred embodiment of the detachable head is depicted in FIGS. 20A and 20B. These figures describe a head 14a that includes roller couplings 14d that pull away from the head mounts 15 as well as a manifold intake 53b that pulls away from the color container coupling 51b and a rack gear pin 16b that pulls away from rack slide seat 7b. Re-attaching the head in this instance simply requires the operator to re-attach what has been detached.

Another detachable head embodiment is depicted in FIG. 21A-21C. These figures describe an embodiment of the device featuring a detachable arrangement where the head 14a of the device as well as the head mounts 15 and actuator tines 18 detach. This arrangement allows the width of the head 14a to vary from one detachable head to another. The FIG. 20 detachable head arrangement alone does not.

The FIG. 21A-21C embodiment utilizes small spring loaded release levers (78a and 78h). FIG. 21C is included in order to provide a magnified view of the type of release lever (78a and 78h) used. The head release lever 78a allows the front portion of the top hinge plate 20b to detach. In this manner, the head 14a, head mounts 15, rack slide mount 17 and rack slide 16a detach from the device with one press of the head release lever 78a trigger 78b. An actuator release lever 78h allows the front portion of the bottom hinge plate 20c and therefore the actuator tines 18 to detach. Actuator tines 18 that are detachable are necessary because a wider head mount 15 requires actuator tines 18 that are wider.

As mentioned above, a head release lever 78a is positioned on the front of the top handle section 20b. The trigger 78b side of the lever 78a is curved down following the contour of the distal front of the top handle section 20b and the latch side 78c extends straight back and then ends at a short right angle bend forming the latch pin 78d. In the resting position, the latch pin 78d rests in a small hole or latch pin eyelet 78e. The eyelet 78e opens on the inside to the hollow insert seat 79 of the detachable front of the top handle section 20b. The insert seat 79 of the detachable front of the top handle section 20b is open at the back and fits over the insert tab 80a attached to the distal front of the top handle section 20b as it is in the detached state. An indentation or pin seat 80b is located on the top surface of the insert tab 80a. The pin seat 80b lines up with the pin eyelet 78e when the insert tab 80a is the fully engaged position over the insert seat 79. This allows the latch pin 78d to seat through the eyelet 78e and into the pin seat 80b thereby locking the detachable front of the device onto the body of the device with the tension of the elbow type latch spring 78f holding the latch pin 78d in the pin seat 80b. In order to detach the front of the device from the body, the operator simply presses down on the trigger 78b of the lever 78a causing the trigger side 78b and latch side 78c to pivot on the hinge 78g. As the trigger side 78b of the lever 78a pivots down, the latch pin 78d pivots up and out of the pin seat 80b against the tension of the latch spring 78f. With the latch pin 78d lifted out of the pin seat 80b, the operator simply pulls forward on the detachable front of the device and it simply slides off (FIG. 21B depicts the detachable head in the detached position). As the latch pin 78d is angled on the back, the operator simply slides the insert seat 79 over the insert tab 80a and the latch pin 78d lifts as it slides over the tab 80a and then clicks down into place within the latch pin seat 80b urged by the tension of the latch spring 78f.

Also depicted in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the actuator tines 18 detach from and reattach to the front of the bottom handle section 20c utilizing the actuator release lever 78h. See the description of the action of head release lever 78a above for the action of the actuator release lever 78h.

Another preferred detachable head embodiment is depicted in FIG. 22A-22F. This embodiment utilizes a dial with a spiral thread to adjust the width of both the head mounts and the rack slide actuator. The dial adjustable head mounts will be described first followed by a description of the dial adjustable rack slide actuator. It is important to note while considering the following dial adjustable head mount mechanical arrangement that the rack slide 16a, rack slide mount 17 and rack slide spring 19 are appropriately attached to one of the head mounts.

FIG. 22A shows each of the two head mounts 15 consists of a slide plate 81 and a head mount 15. Each slide plate 81 is mounted separately onto the front of the top handle section 20b. Fixed to the top front of the top handle section 20b are two slide rails 82 that run parallel to and are a short distance from one another. Each slide plate 81 has two slide rail fittings 83 formed into it. Each fitting 83 tightly surrounds each slide rail 82 on three sides but not so tight as to prevent each fitting 83 from sliding along each rail 82. This slide arrangement confines the movement of each slide plate 81 as well as the head mount 15 fixed to it to a side to side slide. FIGS. 22A and 22B show a single dial 84 is positioned over both slide plates 81 as they are fitted onto both slide rails 82. The dial 84 is mounted over the slide plates 81 by an axle 85 that is fixed to the top handle section 20b. The dial 84 is positioned in such a way that the dial 84 presses down firmly onto the rail fittings 83 yet the dial 84 can turn. A knob 86 or more preferably a key slot 86 will be positioned at the center of the dial 84 so that the operator can easily turn the dial 84. A key slot 86 is more preferable because the dial 84 is also the thumb rest for the operator; therefore, a key slot 86 will be less obstructive for this purpose. The device will also include a key that is similar in dimension to a coin so that the operator may also use a coin to turn the dial 84.

Radiating from the axle 85 along the bottom of the dial 84 to the outside edge of the dial 84 are two threads 87. These threads 87 are curved thin grooves that form a spiral across the bottom of the dial 84. Fixed to and protruding from the top surface of the each slide plate 81 is a short small and perhaps cylinder thread insert 88. As the name implies, the thread insert 88 seats into the thread 87 of the dial 84. Now, as the operator turns the dial 84, each thread insert 88 will move back and forth along each thread 87 in turn causing each slide plate 81 and head mount 15 to slide back and forth along each slide rail 82.

There are numbered dial positions 89 aligned with the back of the dial 84. The area where the numbers are located is raised to the same level as the slide rail fittings 83. There may be any number of dial positions 89 indicated but preferably the number of positions will be the same as the number of head widths available to the device. Our preferred dial embodiment has three positions.

A setting indicator 90 mark is positioned on the back edge of the top surface of the dial 84. Positioned on the bottom of the dial 84 directly under the setting indicator 90 is a small protrusion 91. Positioned along the raised numbered area of the top handle section 20b are indentations 92. There is one indentation 92 positioned under the dial 84 directly in front of each dial position 89. Also, each indentation 92 is in line with the dial protrusion 91; so, as the operator turns the dial 84, the protrusion 91 will snap into the indentations 92. Each snap-in, numbered dial position 89 corresponds to a specific width of a particular detachable head.

FIGS. 22B, 22C and 22B are all depictions of three dial 84 positions as well as each corresponding head mount 15 position. FIG. 22E depicts the dial adjustable head mount embodiment including the head 14a.

FIG. 22F depicts a bottom view of the device showing the actuator tines 18a with the same dial 84 controlled adjustability feature as the head mounts 15. Each of the two actuator tines 18a consists of a slide plate 81 and an actuator tine 18a. Each slide plate 81 is mounted separately onto the bottom front of the bottom handle section 20c. Fixed to the bottom front of the bottom handle section 20c are two rails 82 that run parallel to and are a short distance from one another. All other mechanical aspects of the dial controlled adjustability feature of the actuator tines are identical to the mechanical aspects of the dial controlled adjustability feature of the head mounts described previously.

FIG. 23A depicts a preferred pen or marker type embodiment of the device that is more compact and less complicated to use than the previous embodiments. This embodiment may be the most likely, of all of the embodiments presented so far, to be directed to the consumer market as it features only a single hooking applicator la making it more possible for consumers to use the such a device on one another; or, on him or herself.

In general, FIG. 23A depicts a single hooking applicator or head 28 of the device fixed to a body plate 50a along the side of the gear box 6. Extending away from the rear of the body plate is a parting stem 27. A squeeze plate 44, approximately the same dimensions as the body plate 50a, is positioned a distance from and face to face to the body plate 50a.

Although the present embodiment features a single hooking applicator, this embodiment may also maintain nearly the same ease of use and mechanical configuration while featuring two or more hooking applicators as the head of the device. For instance, the present embodiment may feature a head comprised of two or three hooking applicators that are joined to one another level and side by side. This head may also have a body plate fixed to the side of one of the gear boxes, and so on, including all of the mechanical features described in the following. Furthermore, like the single hooking applicator head, this two or three hooking applicator head does not require a head conformation feature as does the four or more hooking applicator head described previously. This is because the span of the two or three hooking applicator head is narrow enough that a certain fixed orientation of said head will overcome the need for the head to bend or flex into the varied curvature of the scalp.

An illustrated description of the hooking applicator has been presented earlier in this disclosure; therefore, a description of the hooking applicator in the following will occur in a cursory manner in order to coordinate it with the detailed illustrated description of the mechanisms involved in hook engagement and liquid hair color discharge.

The present single hooking applicator head embodiment features a similar sequential hair entraining and color dispensing trigger function to the previously described multiple hooking applicator head embodiment. The mechanism responsible for this will be described below.

As seen in FIG. 23B, a single trigger 29a is hinged 30 to the front of the body plate 50a to both body plate wings 50b. As the trigger 29a moves from the open resting position, it does so against the resistance of the trigger spring 32. The wound pivotal section of the spring 32 is positioned with the trigger hinge pin 31 running through it. The trigger spring 32 is leveraged on one end to the trigger 29 and on the other end to the top body plate wing 50b by the trigger spring eyelet 33.

As seen in FIG. 23C, the trigger 29a pivots on the trigger hinge 30 toward the squeeze plate 44 causing the hook 2a to pivot from the open toward the closed position facilitated by a series of coordinated lever and slide hinge mechanisms that originate at the trigger 29a. The following is a detailed description of this mechanical operation.

While viewing FIGS. 23B and 23C in sequence (also, see FIGS. 24A and 24B in sequence), the trigger 29a pivots from the resting position toward the squeeze plate 44 causing the trigger slide 35 to pivot on the trigger slide hinge 36a while being pushed forward on the trigger slide hinge 36a by the trigger slide push rod 36b. This slide forward of the hinged back of the trigger slide 35 occurs as the push rod 36b is hinged to both the trigger slide 35 as well as the trigger slide hinge 36a on one side while being hinged to the back of the body plate 50a by the squeeze plate stabilizer hinge 46 on the other side; therefore, it is the coordinated hinged slide lever action of the push rod 36b and the trigger 29a that pushes the trigger slide 35 at an angle forward through the trigger slide guide 37.

As the trigger slide 35 moves forward, sandwiched between the trigger slide guide 37 and the top wing 50b of the body plate 50a, the front of the trigger slide 35 is confined to a specific angled forward path as the trigger slide channel 39 moves with the fixed trigger slide guide pin 38 positioned within. As the distal front of the trigger slide moves forward, it encounters the contact angle 40b (indicated by the single short bold line) of the slide wedge 40a. The movement of the front of the trigger slide 35 over the slide wedge contact angle 40b causes the slide wedge 40a to slide downward against the tension of the slide wedge spring 40d, guided as it is sandwiched between the body plate 50a and the slide wedge bracket 41. This downward motion of the slide wedge 40a causes the wedge section 40c to wedge between the front of the body plate 50a and the rack gear slide 42a. As the rack gear slide 42a is fixed to the rack gear 7a, the rack gear 7a slides to the side. This motion of the rack gear 7a causes the pinion gear 8 to turn thereby bringing the hook 2a to the closed position over the applicator nozzle 11a. Squeezing the trigger 29a to the point where the hook 2a becomes closed over the applicator nozzle 11a causes the trigger squeeze plate contact point 29b to come into contact with the squeeze plate 44. Continuing to squeeze the trigger 29a maintains the hook 2a in the closed position as the trigger slide 35 simply continues to move forward over the fully engaged slide wedge contact angle 40b, while the trigger squeeze plate contact point 29b continues to push the squeeze plate 44 toward the body plate 50a.

As seen in FIG. 23B, the movement of the squeeze plate 44 is confined to a face to face approach toward the body plate 50a by two (2) slide mechanisms: a squeeze plate slide hinge 48a positioned at the front of the body plate 50a and a squeeze plate slide stabilizer 45 positioned at the back of the body plate 50a. The squeeze plate slide hinge 48a guides this end of the squeeze plate 44 to slide back and forth face to face toward the body plate 50a along the squeeze plate slide hinge channels 49a. The squeeze plate slide stabilizer 45 also guides the movement of the squeeze plate 44 to a back and forth face to face slide at the back of the squeeze plate 44; however, this rectangular shaped rod 45, as it is hinged to the body plate 50a on one side and hinged slidable to the squeeze plate 44 on the other side within the squeeze plate stabilizer slide brackets 47, allows the squeeze plate 44 to approach the body plate 50a along the same axis (x) as the trigger 29a pivots with little wobbling edge to edge along the y axis.

As seen in FIGS. 24A-24D, the approach of the squeeze plate 44 toward the body plate 50a occurs against the tension of the dual elbow squeeze plate spring 48b located along the bottom front of the device (In order to provide further clarity, the dual elbow spring 48b, although it is positioned along the bottom of the device, is shown in bold black in FIG. 24A). As the squeeze plate 44 approaches the body plate 50a it does so preferably at an angle back relative to the body plate 50a so that the back of the squeeze plate 44 comes into contact with the back of the body plate 50a first (as seen in FIG. 24C) followed by an angled forward approach of the front of the squeeze plate 44 toward the front of the body plate 50a until the full length of the squeeze plate 44 is in full face to face contact with the body plate 50a (as seen in FIG. 24D). This approach of the squeeze plate 44 toward the body plate 50a is preferred in order that, when a full color container 51j, such as the preferred type depicted in FIG. 24A, is loaded functionally into the device, the color container 51j is gradually, through successive runs of the device through a head of hair, emptied from back to front. In practice, each of said individual runs will begin as the squeeze plate 44 and body plate 50a appear in the position depicted in FIG. 24A and will gradually follow, through successive individual runs, the entire FIG. 24 mechanical sequence until the squeeze plate 44 and body plate 50a meet face to face as depicted in FIG. 24D having emptied the color container 51j.

This back to front emptying process of the color container 51j is assured as the dual elbow spring 48b is located at, and therefore, creates tension between the front of the squeeze plate 44 and the front of the body plate 50a, thereby, tensioning the front of each of the two plates away from one another to the open most position. This tension is maintained as one elbow of the dual elbow spring is attached on one side to the body plate 50a and on the other side to the squeeze plate slide hinge pin 49b. The attachment between the spring and the front of the squeeze plate is maintained as the bottom squeeze plate slide hinge pin 49b extends through the center of one of the two spring 48b coils. This spring 48b coil attachment is also the pivot point of a second preferred squeeze plate 44 tension. This front pivotal tension urges the back of the squeeze plate 44 to the open most position away from the back of the body plate 50a when the trigger 29a is released. Since both of the outward tensions described above are located at the front of the two plates, inward pressure applied to the middle of the squeeze plate 44 by the contact point 29b of the trigger 29a will, through successive runs of the device through a head of hair, cause the back of the squeeze plate 44 to move toward and contact the back of the body plate 50a first, followed by the approach of the front of the squeeze plate 44 toward the front of the body plate 50a.

As seen in FIGS. 23B and 24A, the point in each individual run where the trigger 29a is released causes the trigger 29a to pivot out to the open position with the tension of the trigger spring 32. Said mechanical action causes the squeeze plate 44 to move away from the body plate 50a, thereby, returning the squeeze plate to the open resting position against the tension of the dual elbow squeeze plate spring 48b. Concurrently, the trigger slide 35 returns to the resting position and, in doing so, slides off of the slide wedge contact angle 40b. This release of the slide wedge contact angle 40b causes the slide wedge 40a to slide upward with the tension of the slide wedge spring 40d, which, in turn, raises the wedge section 40c of the slide wedge 40a out from between the rack slide 42a and the side of the gear box 6. The rack slide 42a is then released to slide inward, guided by the rack slide seat 43 in which it is slidably seated, toward the side of the gear box 6 with the tension of the rack slide spring 42b. Finally, as one side of the rack gear 7 is attached to the rack gear slide 42, the inward motion of the rack gear slide 42a causes the rack gear 7 to move back to the resting position along with the pinion gear 8 and therefore the hook 2a.

The color container valve, neck and coupling are the same as the color containers described in the multi-hooking applicator embodiment described earlier in this disclosure only embodied in the singular.

As the device has been described in use above, the hooks move from the open position FIG. 1A to the closed position FIG. 1B, thereby, entraining a section of hair into the closed position FIG. 1B. As this occurs, each entrained section of hair becomes automatically positioned directly under the color aperture 5 of each applicator nozzle 11a. Now, as the operator squeezes the handle of the device and draws the device away from the scalp, the color exits each aperture 5 and deposits a bead of color only onto the top of each entrained section 1b. The entrained sections 1b, therefore, exit the closed position with a bead of color 1d applied to the top of each entrained section 1b. This is because (as seen in FIG. 3D) the distance between the hair color aperture 5 of the applicator nozzle 11a and the front foot channel 4c is quite small, causing the entrained sections 1b to exit the closed position before the beads of color 1d have an opportunity to be thoroughly pressed into the entrained sections of hair 1b. Although the controlled depositing of a bead color 1d onto entrained sections of hair 1b is a useful and novel feature of the device, a more complete saturation of the hair color id into the entrained sections of hair 1b may be desired.

An effective way for the beads of color 1d to be suffused completely into the bundles of hair 1b as they convey through the device is to elongate the closed position. An elongated closed position gives the color, as it exits the color aperture 5 of the applicator nozzle 11a, more time and space to fully press into and saturate the entrained section 1b before the color treated entrained section 1d exits the front of the closed position.

It may be assumed that simply widening the hook 2a and applicator nozzle 11a would sufficiently serve this purpose; however, a limitation becomes apparent when the hook 2a is widened. When the hook 2a is widened slightly beyond what has been presently depicted, the hook 2a becomes too wide to effectively entrain a section of hair 1b. The following embodiment includes the additional structures that allow the closed position to be elongated without widening the initial hair entrainment portion of the hook 2a.

As Seen in FIGS. 25A and 25B, the hooking applicator 1a is shown in the same open and closed position respectively as seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Notice, also, in FIGS. 25A and 25B the additional structural features attached to and extending forward from the fronts of both the hook 2a and front foot 4a. The structure attached to the front of the hook 2a is the hook extension 100a; the triangular, visco-elastic foam filled structure attached to the front foot 4a is the foot extension 101a. When the hook extension 100a and the foot extension 101a are in the closed position relative to one another (as seen in FIG. 25B) with a section of hair 1b entrained between, the hook extension 110a and foot extension 101a form the saturation chamber 102a. This saturation chamber 102a represents a second stage of color application. The hook and applicator in the closed position is therefore the first stage. With the addition of the hook extension 100a and foot extensions 101a (second stage), the liquid color has an additional foam channeled distance to travel through, along with the entrained section of hair, thereby, giving the liquid hair color more opportunity to blend into the entrained section.

FIGS. 26A through 26D depict a series of bottom views of the hooking applicator 1a. These figures show the process of hair entrainment from the fully open position, through intermediate rotational hook 2a positions, to the fully closed position with a section of hair 2b entrained within.

Notice as the hook 2a and hook extension 100a move from the fully open position depicted in FIG. 26A to the intermediate position depicted in FIG. 26B, a section of hair 1b has been entrained by just the hook 2a. The hook extension 100a, at this point has not yet interacted with the entrained section of hair 1b.

FIG. 26C depicts the next rotational position in series and shows the entrained section 1b having been entrained by the hook 2a and making initial contact with the hook extension 100a. As depicted, the hook extension 100a is attached to the front of the hook 2a a distance away from the point of the hook 3a. This arrangement allows the hook 2a to fully entrain the section of hair 1b prior to encountering the hook extension 100a. This represents a preferred method of widening the closed position 2a without jeopardizing the ability of the hook 2a to consistently entrain a section of hair 1b.

FIG. 26D depicts the hooking applicator 1a along with the extensions 100a, 101a thereof having entrained a section of hair 1b into the fully closed position. Notice the entrained section of hair 1b is fully positioned within the entire width of the combined hook 2a and hook extension 100a. Also, notice that the hook extension 100a is attached to the hook 2a in such a way that the inside surface of the hook extension 110a is attached to the outside surface of the hook 2a (see FIGS. 26A-26D and FIG. 27A for front view of this placement). This placement provides an advantage. As the hook 2a rotates and entrains a section of hair 1b, this lower position of the hook extension 100a relative to the hook 2a combined with the slightly rounded front corner 100b of the hook extension 100a allows it to slide easily under the entrained section 1b rather than bumping into it and pushing it to the side.

Now that the present embodiment featuring the saturation chamber has been described in the context of hair entrainment, what follows is a description of said embodiment in terms of controlled and thorough color application onto the entrained section of hair.

While viewing FIGS. 27A and 27B Notice the foam seal 101b occupying the space within the foot extension 101a. A section of foam 101b is folded and the corner of the fold is attached to the inside corner 101c of the foot extension 101a with both sides of the fold extending out; the distal end of each side of the folded section wraps around the outside edges 101d of the foot extension 101a and are attached to each respective outside edge 101d.

While viewing FIGS. 27A and 27B in series notice, as the hook 2a pivots from the open to the closed position, the outside edges 100c of the hook extension 100a come into contact with and firmly compress the foam wrapped edges 101d of the foot extension 101a. Also, while in the closed position 27B, the foam is thick enough that most of the inside surface of the hook extension comes into light compression contact with the foam from the outside edges toward the fold, with the fold being the narrow channel that does not come into contact with the hook extension. This foam arrangement creates a seal along both foam wrapped edges 101d of the foot extension 101a thereby preventing color from leaking from these areas, while the fold of the foam (foam channel 101e) directs the color, along with the entrained section of hair through, and then out of the front of, the closed position.

This channeling together of the hair section and hair color through this additional length of closed position 102a assists in causing a fully color saturated section of hair to exit from the front of the saturation chamber 102a. The thickness and density of the foam may be adjusted in order increase or decrees the size of the foam channel and therefore, the flow of color or to accommodate differences in color viscosity.

Varying, in particular ways, the inside geometry of the closed position also assures that a fully color saturated section of hair emerges from the closed position. The lower position of the hook extension 100a described above creates such a variation of said inside geometry. This preferred variation is in the form of a step down 100d from the front edge of the hook 2a to the back edge of the hook extension 100a (see FIG. 26A-D). This step down 100d creates an open space under the entrained section of hair 1b as the entrained section 1b is still in the closed position. Now, as the hair color flows out of the aperture 5, the color flows onto the top of the entrained section 1b in the first stage of color application, then as the color flows from the first stage to the second stage of color application, the space beneath the entrained section 1b at this step down 100d point gives the color an opportunity to flow under the entrained section of hair 1b while the entrained section of hair 1b, moves through the closed position. So the additional foam channeled distance of the closed position travelled in combination with this step down 100d point along the way causes the entrained section 1b of hair to become entirely coated with hair color before exiting the closed position.

The following describes an embodiment of the invention in the form of another modified hair comb type grooming appliance. Said comb is mechanically modified to entrain sections of hair into the closed position as well as apply hair color to said hair sections.

In order for the comb to perform the first of these functions, a series of hooks move from the open to closed position between some or all of the teeth of the comb. The preferred embodiment depicted in FIG. 28A thru 28C show 4 of said hooks 103b resting in the open position in front of every other tooth 104a for a total of 4 comb teeth 104a with a hook 103a in front. Notice each hook 103a is attached to the slide member 103b. This slide member 103b extends across the spine 104b of the comb section 104c and continues to extend back across the top of the handle 105a. The slide member distal end 103b is angled down toward the bottom of the handle hinge 105b with the slide member distal end 103b touching the contact point seat 105d of the hinge bifurcation 105c. Now, when an operator squeezes the handle 105a, the handle hinge 105b pivots forward causing the contact point seat 105d of the hinge bifurcation 105c to push forward on the slide member distal end 103b. As the hooks 103a are attached to the slide member 103b, the hooks 103a therefore move from the open to closed position by squeezing the handle 105a. Like the squeeze handle 105a action of previously described embodiments, the first increment of squeeze of the present embodiment (see FIG. 28B) causes the hooks 103a to move from the open to closed position while the second increment of squeeze (see FIG. 28C) applies color dispensing pressure to the color container 106a while maintaining the hooks 103a in the closed position. The bifurcation spring 105e of the hinge bifurcation 105c allows the hooks 103a to advance no farther than the closed position while the handle 105a may continue to close to an ever greater extent to the point where the color container 106a is empty. The handle hinge 105b and bifurcation 105c move in unison until the hooks 103a reach the closed position. Once the hooks 103a are closed, the hinge 105b will continue to pivot forward but the bifurcation 105c will remain stationary while maintaining forward pressure on the slide member 103b and therefore the hooks 103a in the closed position. This is because the bifurcation spring 105e does not have enough tension to resist the pivot of the handle hinge 105b yet has enough tension to maintain pressure on the closed position of the hooks 103a. When the operator releases the handle 105a, the hooks 103a return to the resting position. This occurs as the slide member distal end 103c contiguously rests within the contact point seat 105d. As the operator squeezes the handle 105a the contact point seat 105d pushes the slide member 103b forward; conversely, as the operator releases the handle 105a the contact point seat 105d pulls the slide member 103b back.

In use, the operator draws a preferably 4 to 10 cm straight parting of hair along a scalp of hair using the parting stem 107. The operator then gathers together the hair comprising the top of the parting and secures it temporarily up and away from the parting exposing the part line 1c along the scalp. Next, the operator draws another parting under, adjacent to and parallel with the first parting and maintains the parting stem 107 in this position parallel to the scalp and the first parting with the section of hair draped over it. The distance between the first and second parting is preferably between 1 to 10 mm. The operator will now carefully move the parting stem 107 away from the scalp causing the draped section of hair to separate out and away from the rest of the hair. With the section of hair 1h now separated away from the scalp if, the operator, with her free hand, will lift the draped section of hair 1h away from the parting stem 107 and hold it there. She will pull the section of hair 1h comfortably taut so that all of the hair in the section 1h is projecting straight away from the scalp if at a preferably 90 degree angle. The operator will now turn the device so that the comb section 104c is flatly facing the scalp 1f, and is preferably above the separated section of hair 1h with the teeth 104a of the comb 104c pointed down toward the section of hair 1h. She will push the teeth 104a into the section of hair 1h so that the entire section separates into individual bundles of hair 1g between all of the teeth 104a of the comb 104c. She will continue to push the teeth 104a of the comb 104c into the section of hair 1h until each section of hair 1g between each of the teeth comes into contact with the spine 104b of the device. See FIG. 29A depicting the bundles of hair 1g separated between the teeth 104a against the spine 104b.

The operator will, at this point, begin to squeeze the handle 105a.

See FIGS. 28A and 28B in series for the following. As the operator squeezes the handle 105a, the handle hinge 105b pivots forward causing the contact point seat 105d of the handle hinge bifurcation 105c to push forward on the slide member distal end 103c and therefore the slide member 103b. This causes each hook 103a to slide from the open position to the closed position by crossing each respective space between the comb teeth 104a. See FIGS. 29A and 29B in series for the following. As each hook 103a travels across each space, each hook 103a will encounter a stalk of hair 1g positioned within each space. In this manner, each hook 103a entrains a bundle of hair 1b and pushes the bundle of hair 1b against the applicator 108a.

The operator has, at this point, entrained bundles of hair 1b between every other comb tooth 104a. This, of course, means that there is a stalk of hair 1g between every other comb tooth 104a that is not entrained. As the operator has pushed the teeth 104a of the comb 104c down onto the projected section of hair 1h, the operator can simply let go of the projected section of hair 1h with the hand that is not holding the device and the hair 1g that is not entrained into the closed position will simply fall out from between the teeth 104a of the comb 104c and into the rest of the hair 1f.

Liquid hair color is moved from the color container 106a to the applicators 108a through a tubular channel formed lengthwise along the neck 1044 and spine 104b forming a primary supply line 109a (see cross section view FIG. 30). As viewed in FIG. 31, this supply line 109a runs along the opposite side of the comb spine 104b from the hooks 103a and applicators 108a. As depicted, this primary supply line 109a branches toward and opens out of the bottom of every other tooth 104a into each color applicator 108a; therefore, squeezing the handle 105a loaded with a container 106a of hair color causes the hair color to exit from each color applicator 108a and onto the entrained sections of hair 1b.

The applicators 108a are very similar in function to the applicators described earlier. As seen in FIG. 32, each applicator housing 108b is preferably composed of a rectangular box that is open on the side facing the hook hollow 103d. The applicator housing 108b is preferably occupied by an insert of viscoelastic foam 108c that partially extends out of the applicator housing 108b toward the direction of the hook hollow 103b. The front of this outwardly extending portion of the foam insert is the applicator face 108d. As the applicators 108a are positioned along the front of the comb section 104c, a channel 108e is formed into the foam face 108d extending from the front of the applicator 108a to the opening in the foam 108f. As seen in FIG. 31, a branch 109b from the supply line 109a opens into the applicator housing (see FIG. 32) and this opening connects to the foam opening 108f. This face channel 108e is in line with the section of hair 1g that occupies the space between the teeth 104a once the hair section 1g is brought into contact with the spine 104b of the comb (see FIGS. 29A-29B). When the hook 103a closes over the section of hair 1b as such, the section of hair 1b will be pressed into this face channel 108e as well as the opening in the foam 108f. With the section of hair 1b entrained into the closed position, liquid hair color will travel through the supply line 109a and into the applicator housing 108b. From this point the color continues to move through the opening in the foam 108f, onto the entrained section of hair 1b and through the face channel 108e where the color then exits the closed position only from the front along with the color coated entrained section of hair 1b (see FIGS. 29, 30, 31, 32).

FIGS. 33A-B depict an additional embodiment of the foot extension 101a′. This embodiment is similar in shape and function to the foot extension 101a described in FIGS. 25A-B. An additional feature of the foot extension 101a′ seen in FIGS. 33A-B is the rubber facing 101f attached to the front. FIG. 33B depicts an entrained section of hair 1b emerging from the closed position as would be seen immediately as the operator begins to squeeze the handle and draw the device away from the head of the recipient. As the entrained section of hair 1b emerges from the closed position, it does so through a squeegee type tension between the top surface of the hook extension 100a and the bottom of the rubber facing 101f. This occurs as the rubber facing 101f is fixed flat to the front edge of the hollow foot extension 101a′. As the hook extension 100a is in the closed position against the foot extension 101a′, this facing 101f is open only along the bottom edge that contacts the hook extension 100a, between the inside edges of the foot extension 101a′. Also, this opening is located over the area of the hook extension 100a that the entrained section 1b passes. This arrangement precisely channels the color onto the entrained section 1b and causes the color to dispense more uniformly. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 25A-B may also utilize the rubber facing 101f.

FIGS. 34A-B depicts the hooking applicator 1a with the present intention of featuring the additional embodiment of the foot extension 101a′, with the rubber facing 101f removed from the front; this, in order to more entirely view the nozzle seal 11b, and foot extension seal 101b, as each are depicted in halftone (The nozzle seal 11b and foot extension seal 101b are actually one continuous seal). Notice, every surface joining the hook 2a and hook extension 100a with the applicator nozzle 11a and foot extension 101a in the closed position is sealed in said closed position.

Notice the difference between the foot extension seal 101b in FIGS. 27A-B and FIGS. 34A-B. Said FIGS. 27A-B seal nearly fill the saturation chamber 102a thereby utilizing the shape of the seal fold or foam channel 101e to direct the color exclusively onto the entrained section of hair as the entrained section passes through and emerges from the saturation chamber 102a. In comparison, the FIGS. 34A-B seal 101b occupies only the surfaces of the foot extension 101a that come into contact with the hook extension 100a while leaving the space within the saturation chamber 102a open. Therefore, the sole purpose of the FIGS. 34A-B seal 101b is to prevent color from leaking from the closed position and allowing color to flow exclusively from between the center bottom edge of the rubber facing (see FIG. 33B, 101f) and the front, top of the hook extension 101a This seal 101b also allows the inside of the saturation chamber 102a to fill with color, helping to saturate the entrained section 1b before emerging from the saturation chamber 102a.

As the space within the saturation chamber 102a is open in FIG. 34A-B, any number of color spreading elements may be incorporated into the space. In addition to the step down 100d described earlier in FIGS. 26A-D, these elements may include a ribbed 100f inside surface of the hook extension 100a (see FIG. 35). Bristles 101h may extend down from the inside of the foot extension 101a (see FIG. 36). Also, an internal squeegee 101i may be positioned inside the foot extension 101a (see FIG. 37). Numerous geometric variations of the inside of the closed position will interact with the entrained section of hair and divert the color in and around the entrained section as it moves through the closed position.

The following description will be referring to surfaces in straight front views FIGS. 38A-D. FIGS. 38A-D. As these are not perspective views, the precise location of several of the referenced surfaces are not visible and are actually located on the opposite side of the surface on which the lead line points. This inconvenience is necessary as the primary interaction of surfaces described is best depicted in this straight front view. For a more precise location of the surfaces described in this section, refer also to FIG. 34A-B Continuing with the differences between the two embodiments, notice that the foot bridge 4d as well as the portion of the foot extension 101a extending up from the foot bridge 4d is narrower and positioned farther toward the outside right on the FIGS. 38A-D embodiment than that of the like surfaces of FIGS. 27A-B embodiment. Positioning the foot bridge 4d in this manner allows the hook point 3a to pivot farther away from the scalp if and closer to the closed position before encountering the foot extension seal scissors edge 101g. See FIGS. 38A-D in sequence and notice the position of the hook point 3a as it pivots from the open to the closed position. FIGS. 38A and 38B depict the hook point 3a pivoting toward and along the scalp 1f respectively, while FIGS. 38C and 38D, having entrained a section of hair 1b, is pivoting away from the scalp if and has pivoted farther before encountering the foot extension seal scissors edge 101g, as compared to the FIGS. 27A-B embodiment. This increased distancing factor allows the entrained section of hair 1b more opportunity to slide farther back on the hook hollow 2d before the hook point 3a encounters the foot extension seal scissors edge 101g. This distancing factor also prevents the hook point 3a from continuing to entrain hair 1b too close to the position that the hook point 3a is encountering the foot extension seal scissors edge 101g; this creates an opportunity for strands of hair to become pinched between the hook 2a and said seal edge Wig while in use. In like manner, this hair pinching issue is also avoided in the context of the entrained section 1b being consequently scooped into the hook extension 100a; the entrained section of hair 1b has more opportunity to slide farther back on the hook extension 100a prior to the hook extension contact edge 100e making contact with foot extension seal 101b.

Described here is an alternative mechanical means for coordinating, in series, the opening and closing of the hooks with the dispensation of the hair color by a squeezing and releasing of the handle of the device.

An explanation of how the lever 24a interacts with the lever button 24d in order for the lever 24a to act on the level pallet 22 as a mechanical means of squeezing hair color out of the color container 51a as the handle 20a′ is squeezed has been described previously in this disclosure (See description of FIGS. 10A-D). This mechanical operation is functionally identical to this earlier description, and therefore, will not be described in the following. What is different is the mechanical means responsible for coordinating the squeeze and release of the handle 20a′ with the opening and closing of the hooks 2a. See FIGS. 39A-D for a description of these mechanical means.

The FIG. 8 drawing depicts a single rod seemingly bent at multiple right angles in order to form the head mounts 15 and attached to the top handle section 20b of the handle 20a as a separate part. Notice that the head mounts 15′ in FIG. 39A are flat, wide and are molded in such a manner that the top handle section 20b′ and the head mounts 15′ are one continuous part. The present FIG. 39A version of the head mounts 15′ is more conducive to the rack slide assembly that will be described in the following as well as being an improvement from a manufacturing and aesthetic perspective.

FIG. 39A also depicts the head 14a apart from the head mounts 15′ in order to show how the head 14a is attached to this alternative head mount 15′ of the FIG. 39A embodiment, and to more clearly show the head bracket 14b and rack gear 7a unobstructed by the parts that appear in front of it.

Continuing to view FIG. 39A, with the head 14a assembled to the head mounts 15′, notice that the ends of the head brackets 14b as well as the end of the rack gear 7a are seated within, extending out of but not fixed to the head bracket seats 14g and the rack gear seat 14h. The head brackets 14b and rack gear 7a end on the side of the head 14a that is not visible is also seated in like manner but not fixed. This allows the head 14a to more easily flex into the curve of the scalp. A removable peg 14i, cotter pin or the like may also be seated at one or more distal ends of the head bracket 14b to allow freedom of movement of the head brackets 14b as they are seated in the head bracket seats 14g while eliminating the possibility of an unintentional disengagement of the head brackets 14b from the head mounts 15′.

The following describes the series of mechanical motions that causes the initial squeezing of the handle 20a′ to bring the hooks 2a to the closed position. This series of mechanical motions involves the rack gear 7a, split slide 110, split slide actuator 111a, actuator tine 112a and pivot rod 113a; these parts will be referred together as the rack slide assembly.

See FIG. 39A-D for the following description of the functional sequence of the rack slide assembly. FIG. 39B includes a transparent head mount 15′ and a partial exploded view of the rack slide assembly in order to provide greater visual clarity throughout the entire rack slide assembly description.

FIG. 39A-B shows the device and therefore the rack slide assembly in the open resting position.

FIG. 39C shows the handle 20a′ having been compressed from the fully open position to the handle 20a′ position that fully engages the hooks 2a without pressing against the color container 51a. Also, notice that this partial compression of the handle 20a causes the tine tip 112b of the actuator tine 112a to move up the split slide actuator 111a. This upward movement of the actuator tine tip 112b against the split slide actuator 111a causes the split slide actuator 111a to pivot at the head mount pivot point 111b. As the split slide actuator 111a pivots on the head mount pivot point 111b, the top of said actuator 111a levers forward while the bottom of said actuator 111a levers back. Consequently, the split slide 110a moves back as the split slide peg 110c, which is located at the rear of the split slide 110a, is seated to the bottom of the split slide actuator 111a at the split slide actuator eyelet 111c (also see FIG. 39B for actuator eyelet 111c).

Now, while the split slide 110a moves back, the wedge contact point 113b of the pivot rod 113a slides along the gradually outward extending angle of each wedge section 110b of the split slide 110a causing the wedge contact point 113b of the pivot rod 113a to move to the side. The pivot rod 113a is strictly confined to a side pivot as the opposite end of the pivot rod 113a is positioned within the pivot rod seat 113c (see FIG. 39A for pivot rod seat 113c)

(Still viewing FIG. 39C) notice, as the wedge contact point 113b of the pivot rod 113a is positioned within the pivot rod eyelet 113d of the rack gear 7a, the side movement of the pivot rod 113a causes the rack gear 7a to likewise move to the side (see FIGS. 39A-B for pivot rod eyelet 113d and rack gear 7a). The split configuration of the split slide 110a positions one wedge section 110b of the split slide 110a above the rack gear 7a and one wedge section 110b below the rack gear 7a. This split configuration allows a balanced sideways tension to be exerted on the rack gear 7a by the wedge contact point 113b of the pivot rod 113a. The distance that the rack gear 7a moves is equal to the width of the wedge section 110b of the split slide 110a, therefore, the distance that the hooks 2a pivot is determined by the same.

Finally, as seen in FIG. 39C, the rack gear 7a, having been moved to the side by the wedge contact point 113b of the pivot rod 113a, causes the hooks 2a to pivot to the closed position.

FIG. 39D shows the split slide actuator 111a remaining in the position depicted in FIG. 39C even as the handle 20a is in the fully closed position with the tine tip 112b of the actuator tine 112a lifted out of contact with the split slide actuator 111a. This allows the handle 20a to be fully squeezed to the closed position while maintaining the hooks 2a in the closed position.

When the handle 20a′ is released, the tine tip 112b moves down and encounters the split slide actuator stop 111d. Said stop 111d is the widened, sloped portion at the bottom of the split slide actuator 111a. When the tine tip 112b pushes down on the split slide actuator stop 111d, with the tension of the handle hinge spring 21b, the split slide actuator 111a pivots back to the resting position depicted in FIG. 39A-B, along with the remaining parts of the rack slide assembly, thereby causing the rack gear 7a and hooks 2a to return to the open position.

The following is a description of a useful embodiment feature that enables the operator of the device to adjust the size of the entrained sections of hair. While viewing FIGS. 40A-B notice the dial 114a positioned on the right head mount 15′. The purpose of this dial 114a is to adjust the distance between the tips of the hooks 2a and the inside edge of each foot bridge 4d. The space between said parts (generally within the range of: the point where the hook tip 3a has pivoted close enough to the scalp for hair entrainment to occur, and, the point where the hook tip 3a encounters the foot bridge 4d) is approximate to the width of the section of hair that is entrained by each hook 2a. This dial 114a consists of a small raised circular disc 114a that is turned by the finger and thumb tip. A shaft 114b extends fixed and centered on the inside of this dial 114a, through an opening in the right head mount 15′. This opening is approximately the diameter of the shaft 114b. The shaft 114b extends out of the opposite side of the head mount 15′ and is fixed to another oval shaped disc 114c, therefore, turning the outside disc 114a causes the inside disc 114c to turn. With the handle in the fully open position, the bottom edge of the split slide actuator tine 112a is in contact with the top edge of the oval disc 114c. In this manner, the oval disc 114c functions as the rest stop of the bottom handle section. Now, with the handle released to the open position, the operator may turn the dial 114a back and forth one half of a complete rotation. As this occurs, it will be noticed that the two hinge sections that make up the handle will slightly close toward and open away from one another in tandem with the turning of the dial 114a. This slight opening and closing occurs as the oval disc 114c attached to the dial 114a is, again, an oval 114c and therefore, causes the top edge of the oval disc 114c to be higher or lower relative to the shaft 114b and dial 114a. See FIG. 40A to view the dial 114a in the low position and FIG. 40B to view the dial 114a in the high position.

As described earlier, the rack slide assembly is engaged and therefore the hooks 2a are turned by the initial squeezing of the handle. In like manner, the slight initial squeezing of the handle that is caused by the turning of the dial 114a also causes the hooks 2a to turn slightly. Consequently, different dial 114a positions cause the space between the hook tips 3a and the foot bridges 4d to vary. FIG. 40A shows the dial in a position that causes the space between the hook tip 3a and foot bridge 4d to be wider while FIG. 40B shows the dial 114a in a position that causes the space between the hook tip 3a and foot bridge 4d to be narrower.

This dial 114a is attached to the head mount 15′ tightly in order to create enough turning friction that the dial 114a remains in place once the dial 114a is set and released by the operator. An arrow or dot may be placed on the edge of the dial 114a. This arrow or dot may line up with indicator markings place on the head mount 15′. These markings partially surrounding the dial 114a so that, as the dial 114a is turned, the dot or arrow may line up with the markings as an indication of specific widths of entrained hair bundles.

FIG. 41 depicts a preferred embodiment of the device including a head hood 115a and a hinge hood 116. The head hood 115a and hinge hood 116 represent an aesthetic as well as an ergonomic and safety feature. The head hood 115a is hinged 115d to the front of the top section of the handle 20b. The head hood 115a is held down in place by the hood latch 115b and hood peg 115c. As depicted in FIG. 41A, the head hood 115a may be lifted by turning the latch 115b up and away from the peg 115c and simply lifting the head hood 115a. Both the head hood 115a and the latch 115b may be spring loaded so that the head hood 115a lifts open automatically when the latch 115b is lifted. The front of the latch 115b is shaped and positioned in order that when the head hood 115a is closed, the side of the peg slides along the front of and lifts the latch. The once the hood is fully closed, the spring loaded latch 115b automatically engages with the peg 115e.

Also depicted in FIGS. 42A and 42B is the manifold retractor 117a. When the operator loads a color container 51a into the front of the device, the operator will lift the head hood 115a thereby exposing the manifold 53a. As the manifold hoses 53b are composed of rubber, the operator may grab the manifold retractor 117a on the front of the manifold 53a and bend the manifold 53a down and place the manifold retractor 117a onto the manifold hook 117b thereby holding the manifold 53a down and out of the way in order to allow the operator better access to load a color container 51a into the front of the device.

HAIR COLORING VARIEGATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE

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