FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, relates to devices for dying hair in general, and in
particular, to a portable hair dye dispenser which employs a removable
cartridge to contain and dispense the dye.
It is known to provide a comb or brush-like device for manual
application of hair dye. Examples of such devices are disclosed in U.S. Patents
Nos, 3,457,928 to Kurshenoff, 4,592,376 to Sigmond et al. and 5,297,882 to
Komides. Each of these devices includes a squeezable reservoir containing hair
dye. Pressure applied manually to the reservoir is intended to force the dye
along a conduit to a brush-like dispenser where it is released onto the hair.
Squeeze-action devices of this type suffer from a number of
disadvantages. Firstly, the pressure which can be comfortably applied by the
hand is generally not sufficient to force hair dyes which are typically quite
viscous along the conduit and out through the dispensing openings. Even if the
dye can be dispensed in this way, the rate of dispensing is typically irregular,
varying with the instantaneous amount of pressure applied. Furthermore, a high
level of coordination and expertise is required to apply and spread the dye
while squeezing hard on the container. Finally, the reservoir and conduit have a
relatively large "dead space" from which dye cannot be expelled by squeezing.
This leads to wastage of a large amount of the dye, and renders the devices
difficult to clean.
An alternative approach is suggested by U.S. Patent No. 5,333,627 to
Mehringer. Mehringer provides a syringe-type device in which a plunger is
advanced by a finger-operated lever. The plunger forces dye towards an
expulsion base which is formed with a number of dispensing channels. A
removable dispenser head with a brush or sponge spreading device is mounted
on the expulsion base so as to align with the dispensing channels,
The device of Mehringer offers a partial solution to some of the
aforementioned problems, providing more controllable dispensing and less
wastage than the squeeze-action devices described above. However, the device
is still awkward to use, requiring simultaneous finger operation of the lever and
spreading movement through the hair. This awkward operation is further
aggravated by the long structure of the syringe body which must be held
sticking outwards from the head throughout use of the device, plus the single
straight row of dispensing channels which requires careful alignment of the
device perpendicular to the spreading direction. Additionally, the channels of
the integral expulsion base of the Mehringer device are difficult to clean and
are therefore prone to becoming clogged with dye left over from previous use
of the device.
There is therefore a need for a compact and easy to use hair dye
dispenser which employs a replaceable cartridge to contain and dispense the
dye, thereby minimizing wastage and minimizing cleaning,
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTrON
The present invention is a hair dye dispenser which employs a
removable cartridge to contain and dispense the dye.
According to the teachings of the present invention there is provided, a
hair dye dispenser for dispensing a fluid hair dye, the dispenser comprising:
(a) a dispensing container for containing and dispensing the hair dye, the
dispensing container having a base and at least one side wall sealingiy attached
to or integrally formed with the base so as to define an internal volume of the
dispensing container, the base being formed with an upper surface which is
substantially flat and with a lower surface which is formed with a plurality of
projecting tines, at least one dispensing aperture being formed through the base;
(b) a piston configured to fit closely in sliding abutment with the at least one
side wall so as to be sealingiy sltdable towards the base; (c) a housing formed
with a socket, the socket being configured for removably receiving the

dispensing container; and (d) an actuation mechanism associated with the
housing, the actuation mechanism being configured to displace the piston
towards the base, thereby dispensing the hair dye through the at least one
dispensing aperture.
According to a further feature of the present invention, the actuation
mechanism includes a conversion mechanism for converting a unidirectional
rotational input to a reciprocating linear displacement, the conversion
mechanism being configured such that, for a given rate of rotation of the
rotational input, a speed of the reciprocating linear displacement is asymmetric,
motion in a first direction being at least one order of magnitude slower than
motion in an opposite direction.
According to a ftuther feature of the present invention, the conversion
mechanism includes a ratchet-toothed collar, and a tracer collar mounted
coaxially with, and rotatable relative to, ttie ratchet-toothed collar such that
relative rotation of the tracer collar relative to the ratchet-toothed collar
generates the asymmetric reciprocating linear movement in an axial direction.
The ratchet-toothed collar preferably features at least three ratchet teeth. The
tracer collar preferably features ratchet-teeth so as to complement the ratchet-
toothed collar.
According to a further feature of the present invention, the actuation
mechanism further includes an electric motor connected so as to provide the
rotational input.
According to a further feature of the present invention, the actuation
mechanism further includes a sensor deployed to provide an end-of-cycle
output indicative of the conversion mechanism reaching a predefined point in
the cycle of the reciprocating linear displacement, the actuation mechanism
being responsive to the end-of-cycle output to inteirupt operation of the motor.
According to a further feature of the present invention, there is also
provided a storage container configured for storing at least one component of
the hair dye in a sealed manner, the storage container being configured for
removable attachment to the dispensing container in a manner to allow release
of the at least one component from the storage container into the dispensing
container.
There is also provided according to the teachings of the present
invention, a hair dye dispenser for dispensing a fluid hair dye, the dispenser
comprising: (a) a dispensing container for containing and dispensing the hair
dye, tiie dispensing container having a base and at least one side wall sealingly
attached to or integrally formed with the base so as to define an internal volume
of the dispensing container, the base being formed with an upper surface which
is substantially flat and with a lower surface which is formed with a plurality of
projecting tines, at least one dispensing aperture being formed through the base;
(b) a piston configured to fit closely in sliding abutment with the at least one
side wall so as to be sealingly slidable towards the base; and (c) an actuation
mechanism associated with the dispensing container and the hoiising, the
actuation mechanism being configured to displace the piston towards the base,
thereby dispensing the hair dye through the at least one dispensing aperture,
wherein the actuation mechanism includes a conversion mechanism for
converting a unidirectional rotational input to a reciprocating linear
displacement, the conversion mechanism being configured such that, for a
given rate of rotation of the rotational input, a speed of the reciprocating linear
displacement is asymmetric, motion in a first direction being at least one order
of magnitude slower than motion in an opposite direction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with
reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a partially cut-away isometric view of a hair dye dispenser,
constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a partially cut-away side view of a hair dye dispenser of Figure
1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded, partially cut-away, isometric view of a conversion
mechanism from the hair dye dispenser of Figure 1, configured for converting a
unidirectional rotational input to a reciprocating linear displacement;
FIGS. 4A-4D are a sequence of schematic isometric views illustrating
the principle of operation of the converaion mechanism of Figure 3;
FIGS. 5A-5G are a sequence of schematic side views of the hair dye
dispenser of Figure 1 showing the structure and use of a first type of storage
container in preparing the hair dye dispenser for use;
FIGS. 6A-6D are a sequence of schematic side views parallel to Figures
5A-5D showing the structure and use of a second type of storage container;
FIG. 7 is a schematic, partially cut-away, isometric view of a first
alternative embodiment of a hair dye dispenser, constructed and operative
according to the teachings of the present invention, showing a first alternative
conversion mechanism;
FIG. 8 is a schematic, partially cut-away, isometric view of a second
alternative embodiment of a hair dye dispenser, constructed and operative
according to the teachings of the present invention, showing a second
alternative conversion mechanism; and
FIG. 9 is a schematic, partially cut-away, isometric view of a third
alternative embodiment of a hair dye dispenser, constructed and operative
according to the teachings of the present invention, showing a third alternative
conversion mechanism.
DESCRIPTIO^r OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention is a hair dye dispenser.
The principles and operation of a hair dye dispenser according to the
present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and
the accompanying description.
Referring now to the drawings, Figures 1 and. 2 show a hau dye
dispenser, generally designated 10, constructed and ope ¦ative according 13 the
teachings of the present invention, for dispensing a fluid lair dye.
Generally speaking, hair dye dispenser 10 i icludes a dispe ising
container 12 for containing and dispensing the hair dye Dispensing coni liner
12 has a base 14 sealingly attached to or integrally forme I with at least one side
wall [6 so as to define an internal volume 18 of dispens ng container 12. Base
14 is formed with an upper surface 20 which is substa itially flat and vi ith a
lowei surface 22 which is formed with a plurality of ] trojccting tines 2i. A
number of dispensing apertures 26 are formed througt base 14 at posi ions
distributed across the base. A piston 28 is configured tc fit closely in si: ding
abutment with the inner surface of wall 16 so as to be sea! ingly slidable tov ards
base ]4.
Dispenser 10 also includes a housing 30 form;d with a socke: 32
confi^;ured for removably receiving dispensing contaiaer 12. Housing 30
contains an actuation mechanism 34 configured to displi ce piston 28 to\n ards
base ] 4, thereby dispensing the hair dye through dispensit g apertures 26.
It will be readily apparent tliat the use of a r« placeable disper. sing
container 12 received by housing 30 overcomes many pro )lems associated vith
the known devices described above. Since dispensing con ainer 12 is prefer ibly
a single-use disposable item, dispensing apertures 26 will aot generally bee 3mc
clogged, nor will they need to be cleaned after use. At the same time, s nee
intennil volume 18 is immediately adjacent to dispensing apertures, wastaj s of
the hi ir dye is minimized. Typically, piston 28 is als} a disposable i em,
although an implementation with piston 28 attached to aci nation mechanisr 134
is also possible.
Also, as will become clear from the description below, preferred
embociments of dispenser 10 are implemented as a portab c, lightweight de nee
which can easily be gripped and operated by the user wi hout fexcessive ti ing
of the user's hand, preferably without requiring coupling by cables or tube s to

any external equipment. The device is preferably actuated by a light-weight
electric motor built-in within housing 30, avoiding excessive weight and broad
dimensions that tire the user's hand. The device provides M control over the
amnirat of dye applied without flsyiuii iiiii «wlrward manual pumping actions oi the
like.
Before taming to the fijatures of the present invention in more detail, it
should be appreciated that the prescait invention is useful in a wide range of
applications in which a fluid is applied to tiie hair for coloring, tinting, bleaching
or any other treatment By way of example, the invention will be described in the
context of applying hair dye. However, the reference to "dye" is not to be
constraed to limit the claimed structure in any way.
It should noted that the term "fluid" is used herein in the description and
claims to refer to any composition or mixture which flows such that it can be
dispensed through dispensiag apertures 26 under applied pressure. Examples of
fluids according to this definition include, but are not limited to, liquids,
suspensions, gels, creams and pastes or a wide range of thicknesses.
Turning now to the features of dispenser 10 in more detail, it is a
particular feature of most preferred implementations of dispenser 10 that
actuation mechanism 34 includes a conversion mechanism 36 for converting a
unidirectional rotational input to a reciprocating linear displacement. This linear
displacement is used to drive piston 28 so as to dispense the hair dye. The
unidirectional rotational input is preferably provided by an electric motor 38,
typically reduced by a gear mechanism 40, although manually actuated
implementations also fall within the scope of the present invention.
Motor 38 is typically powered by one or more battery 42, which may be
of disposable or rechargeable type. Additionally, or alternatively, a connection
(not shown) may be provided for use of an external power supply.
Gear mechanism 40 preferably provides a reduction ratio of at least
about 100:1, and preferably at least about 1000:1. Most preferred
implementations provide a ratio in excess of about 10,000:1, and typically of

the order of 10 .1. The high ratio ensures that a compact general purpose
electric motor may be used to provide sufficient pressure to dispense even quite
thick dye compositions. The exact ratio is chosen to provide a cycle of about 4-
6 minutes for a given speed of motor 38.
Gear mechanism 40 may be implemented as an independent mechanism
connected to a free-standing motor 38. Alternatively, part or all of gear
mechanism 40 may be combined into a single unit with the motor,
supplemented where necessary by a supplementary gear mechanism. In either
case, the gear ratio referred to herein is the total overall ratio between the rate
of rotation of the motor itself and the final stage of rotational movement before
conversion to linear motion.
It will be apparent that many different mechanisms could be used for
conversion mechanism 36. In a most preferred embodiment, conversion
mechanism 36 is configured to generate an asymmetric rate of linear
displacement such that, for a given rate of rotation of the rotational input,
motion in a first direction is at least one order of magnitude slower than motion
in an opposite direction. This provides a slow, high pressure drive stroke for
dispensing the hair dye followed by a faster return stroke to prepare the
dispenser for subsequent operation. It should be noted that this feature may also
be used to advantage in alternative implementations of the present invention
employing a fixed, reusable dispensing container.
One particular preferred implementation of conversion mechanism 36
will now be described with particular reference to Figures 3 and 4A-4D. In this
case, conversion mechanism 36 includes a ratchet-toothed collar 44 and a tracer
collar 46, mounted coaxially so as to be rotatable relative to each other.
Rotation of tracer collar 46 relative to ratchet-toothed collar 44 generates the
asymmetric reciprocating linear movement in an axial direction.
The principle of this mechanism will be most clearly understood with
reference to Figures 4A-4D. Ratchet-toothed collar 44 features a number of
ratchet-teeth 48 extending axially. Preferably, at three teeth 48 are used,

providing mechanicaj stability of the mechanism at all stages of its movement,
ais will become clear. In this context, the phrase "ratchet-tooth" is used to refer
to an asymmetric projection which is fonned between two substantially straight
or, more precisely in the case of a collar, helical edges. The extremities of the
teeth are preferably rounded to facilitate smooth progression of the tracer collar
between the edges of the teeth.
Tracer collar 46 is formed with features configured for following the
ratchet-toothed contour of ratchet-toothed collar 44. Optionally, bearings,
rollers or relatively small contact portions could be used. However, in a
preferred implementation shown here, tracer collar 46 features ratchet-teeth 50
formed to complement those of ratchet-toothed collar 44.
In the case shown here, ratchet-toothed collar 44 rotates while being
fixed against axial movement while tracer collar 46 is fixed against rotation but
axially displaceable. Figure 4A shows a state in which ratchet-toothed collar 44
and tracer collar 46 mate to assume a fully retracted position, corresponding to
the initial and final position of each cycle of operation. As ratchet-toothed
collar 44 starts to turn, the less steeply inclined face of each ratchet tooth 48
slides over the corresponding surface of a ratchet tooth 50, thereby forcing
tracer collar 46 axially downwards as shown in Figure 4B.
As the motion continues, the mechanism approaches the extreme of its
linear motion as shown in Figure 4C where teeth 48 and 50 contact near their
extremities. It is this state that the preferred implementation with three teeth to
each ting provides significant advantages of stability. Then, as the rotation of
ratchet-toothed collar 44 proceeds, contact is transferred to the steeper return
surfaces of teeth 48 and 50, providing a relatively rapid axial return stroke of
tracer collar 46 as shown in Figure 4D until the mechanism returns to the state
of Figure 4A with ratchet-toothed collar 44 turned through 120°. It should be
noted that the steeper return surfaces of teeth 48 and 50 may approach vertical,
i.e., parallel to the axis of rotation, to provide instant spring actuated return to
the initial position. However, an angJe of one or a few degrees avoids a
percussive click of the returning tracer collar.
In the practical implementation of the mechanism shown in Figxire 3,
axial alignment of ratchet-toothed collar 44 and tracer collar 46 is maintained
by engagement of concentric cylindrical sleeves. Specifically, ratchet-toothed
collar 44 is here integrally formed as part of a drive disc 52 which features an
inner cylindrical sleeve 54 and an outer sleeve 56. These abut, respectively, and
iimer cylinder 58 and an outer cylindrical sleeve 60 integrally formed with
tracer collar 46. A shaped axial pin 62, in this case of hexagonal cross-section,
is rigidly attached to, or integrally formed with bousing 30, Pin 62 engages a
corresponding axial opening in inner cylinder 58 so as to lock the tracer collar
unit against rotation while leaving it free to move axially. The mechanism is
unified by a pair of retaining plugs 64 between which is stretched a spring
element 66. Spring element 66 additionally assists the return motion of the
tracer collar unit.
Actuation of conversion mechanism 36 is typically achieved either
directly, or through an additional step-down gear 68, from gear mechanism 40
by a gear wheel 70 engaging a toothed track 72 around drive disc 52.
Actuation mechanism 34 also preferably includes features for
automatically interrupting operation of the dispenser at the end of each cycle of
use. To this end, a sensor 71 is deployed to provide an end-of-cycle output
indicative of conversion mechanism 36 reaching a predefined point in its cycle
of reciprocating linear displacement. In the example illustrated here, sensor 71
is implemented as a microswttch configured to generate a momentary reset
signal when coming into contact with one of three trigger projections 73 formed
on drive disc 52. This actuation mechanism is preferably configured so that this
reset signal causes on/off switch 75 to return to its "off position, thereby
interrupting operation of motor 38.
Referring now briefly back to Figures I and 2, it should be noted that the
described implementations of dispenser 10 allow the use of a particularly

ergonomic and practical form of housing 30. Specifically, housing 30 is
preferably formed with a handle 74 configured to be held in a hand of a user.
An internal volume of the handle is preferably used to advantage to house most
or all of actuation mechanism 34. Centralization of the weight of the actuation
mechanism within the handle serves to opthnize the balance and comfort of the
dispenser.
Another particular advantage of certain preferred implementations of the
dispenser is that socket 32 is configured to define an inserted position of
dispensing container 12 as shown in which base 14 is substantially parallel to
the direction of elongation of handle 74. This allows the dispenser to be held in
a manner similar to a conventional hair brush during use, thereby rendering the
use of dispenser 10 comfortable for self-application by a non-professional user.
Additional features contributing to the convenience and efficiency of
dispenser 10 relate to the design of dispensing container 12. Firstly, the
dimensions of dispensing container 12 are preferably chosen such that the dye
can be dispensed over a relatively large area simultaneously, while minimizing
the height dimension so that dispenser 10 can be kept as compact as possible.
To this end, a major dimension of the base designated 'length" is preferably at
least about twice the "height" defined as the dimension of side wall 16
measured perpendicular to ihc length. In a preferred implementation in which
base 14 is round and side wall 16 is correspondingly a single substantially
cylindrical wall, the "length" will correspond to the internal diameter of wall
16.
Other features of dispensing container 12 further contributing to the ease
of use and efficiency of dispenser 10 relate to the positioning and configuration
of dispensing apertures 26. Preferably, at least one, and typically all, of
dispensing apertures 26 are implemented as dispensing channels along the
length of projecting tines 24. This ensures effective delivery of the hair dye
down to the root portion of the hair where it is typically most neected. A fiirther
particularly preferred feature is that dispensing apertures 26 are distributed

substantially around the periphery of base 14, and most preferably, substantially
evenly spaced around a substantially circular line. With at least 6, and
preferably between about 8 and about 20, dispensing apertures, this renders the
distribution of dye roughly uniform over the area swept through by dispenser
10 independent of the direction in which the dispenser is moved. As a result,
the user does not need to be particular about the angle at which the dispenser is
held relative to the direction of brushing in titie dye.
Parenthetically, it should be noted that dispensing container 12 need not
assume a symmetrical cylindrical form. Examples of other possible shapes of
base 14 include, but are not limited to, elliptical, square, rectangular and other
regular or irregular polygonal shapes. Furthermore, although side wall(s) 16 are
typically perpendicular to base 14, this is not a necessary condition. Similarly,
for different applications and types of hair, the design, spacing and number of
dispensing apertures may be varied considerably. By way of example, one
alternative aperture design employs a single elongated slit along a major part of
base 14 to dispense the dye.
Turning now to Figures 5A-5G and 6A-6D, it should be noted that the
fluids to be dispensed by the dispenser of the present invention are frequently
mixed from two or more components which must be stored separately and
combined shortly before use. The disposable dispensing container 12 of the
present invention may readily be filled with a ready-to-use composition
prepared externally by conventional techniques. However, in a preferred
implementation of the present invention, dispensing container 12 is used
together with a suitably configured storage container to provide separate
storage and convenient mixing of components immediately prior to use.
Turning first to Figures 5A-5G, these show a storage container 80
configured for storing at least one component 82 of the hair dye in a sealed
manner. Storage container 80 is configured for removable attachment, typically
by complementary screw-fit threading, to dispensing container 12 in a manner
to allow release of the at least one component into dispensing container 12.

This release is preferably achieved by provision of a breakable barrier 84 to
facilitate release of the at least one component from storage container 80 into
dispensing container 12. BreaJkable barrier may be implemented as a metal foil
layer pre-scored with tear lines. The material for the barrier is chosen according
to the properties of the material to be stored, in some cases requiring use of a
silver coating or the like.
Optionally, a second component of the composition may be stored until
use within dispensing container 12, itself. In this case, the upper opening of
dispensing container 12 is sealed by the presence of storage container 80 while
dispensing apertures 26 are preferably sealed externally by a peal-off adhesive
sheet 86 or the like.
Alternatively, in a preferred implementation, storage container 80 has a
connection port 88, normally sealed by a screw-on cap 90 or the like (Figure
5A), which is configured to receive a storage bottle 92 (Figure 5B) for mixing
of the hair dye components. This provides a particularly convenient and clean
option in which two or more components can be mixed in situ within storage
container 80 before the ready-to-use composition is released into dispensing
container 12.
For certain dye compositions, mixing through shaking is not fully
effective such that a direct-contact stirring motion is preferable or even
required. To address this requirement, certain preferred implementations of the
present invention further feature a mixer element 94 associated with storage
container 80. Mixer element 94 has a handle portion 96, which is preferably
detachable, extending from the exterior of storage container 80 and an operative
portion 98, shown here as a propeller-type element, extending wifhin the
storage container. Manual movement of handle portion 96, when attached,
causes mixing of the contents of storage container 80. In one preferred option,
mixer element 94 is moimted to allow axial movement between the positions
shown in Figure 5C and 5D. This provides a push-action release mechanism for
breaking barrier 84 to release the composition into dispensing container 12.

Once the mixed composition has drained into dispensing container 12,
storage container 80 is disconnected from dispensing container 12 and piston
28 is placed in position (Figure 5E). Socket 32 of housing 30 is tiaen opened,
typically about a hinge 100 as shown (Figure 5F), to receive dispensing
container 12. Housing 30 may then be closed and sealing sheet 86 pealed off to
render dispenser 10 ready for use.
Turning now briefly to Figures 6A-6D, these show an alternative two-
compartment implementation of a storage container 102. In this case, in
addition to an external breakable barrier 103, two components of the hair dye
are stored separately in compartments 104 and 106 separated by a second
breakable barrier 108. Preferably, an outer wall 110 of storage container 102 is
designed so as to be flexible. This stractorc is such that, when both
compartments 104 and 106 are substantially full of hair dye components,
pressure applied to flexible outer wall 110 causes breakable barrier 108, and
typically also barrier 103 to be broken (Figure 6B). The components are then
mixed by shaking (Figure 6C) and allowed to drain down into dispensing
container (Figure 6D). The remaining steps of assembly of dispenser 10 are
analogous to those described with reference to Figures 5E-5G above.
Finally, turning briefly to Figures 7-9, it should be appreciated that
conversion mechanism 36 described above is one preferred example selected
from a large number of possible embodiments of a conversion mechanism
according to the present invention. Three further non-Umiting examples of
possible conversion mechanisms are illustrated in figures 7-9.
Figure 7 shows a first alternative conversion mechanism 120 employing
a straight-forward drive-rod linkage 122 between a rotating wheel 124 and a
lever-arm 126 acting on piston 28. To ensure linear movement, a linear bearing
128 is preferably provided.
Figure 8 shows a second alternative conversion mechanism 130 in which
rotational input is converted to linear displacement through an adjustment bolt
mechanism. Specifically, a worm gear 132 drives an internally threaded annular

gear 134 which is engaged on a bolt 136. In this case, the actuation mechanism
is driven in reverse at the end of each use to return it to its starting position.
Lastly, Figure 9 shows a third alternative conversion mechanism 140 in
which a simple rotating lever 142 directly drives a pin set within a linear
bearing 144. To avoid the need to run the actuation mechanism in reverse, a
manual clutch airangement 146 is provided. Clutch arrangement 146 is
configured to allow disengagement of lever 142 from the gear mechanism such
that the lever returns under the action of a spring (not shown) to its initial
position. The clutch arrangement is preferably configured to allow re-meshing
at intervals of 90° which correspond to the angle between the final and initial
positions of lever 142,
It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are intended only to
serve as examples, and that many other embodiments are possible within the
spirit and the scope of the present invention.
WE CLAIM:
1. A hair dye dispenser for dispensing a fluid hair dye, the dispenser
comprising:
(a) a dispensing container for containing and dispensing the hair dye,
said dispensing container having a base and at least one side wall
sealingly attached to or integrally formed with said base so as to
define an internal volume of said dispensing container, said base
being fonned with an upper surface which is substantially flat and
with a lower surface which is formed with a plurality of
projecting tines, at least one dispensing aperture being fonned
through said base;
(b) a piston configured to fit closely in sHding abutment with said at
least one side wall so as to be sealingly slidable towards said
base;
(c) a housing fonned with a socket, said socket being configured for
removably receiving said dispensing container; and
(•d) an actuation mechanism associated with said housing, said
actuation mechanism being configured to displace said piston
towards said base, thereby dispensing the hair dye througih said at
least one dispensing aperture.
2. The hair dye dispenser of claim 1, wherein said actuation
mechanism includes a conversion mechanism for converting a imidirectional
rotational input to a reciprocating linear displacement, said conversion
mechanism being configured such that, for a given rate of rotation of said
rotational input, a speed of said reciprocating linear displacement is
asymmetric, motion in a first direction being at least one order of magnitude
slower than motion in an opposite direction.
3. The hair dye diispenser of claim 2, wherein said conversion
mechamsm includes a ratchet-toothed collar, and a tracer collar mounted
coaxially with, and rotatable relative to, said ratchet-toothed collar such that
relative rotation of said tracer collar relative to said ratchet-toothed collar
generates said asynnnetric reciprocating linear movement in an axial direction.
4. Hie hair dye dispenser of claim 3, wherein said ratchet-toothed
collar features at least three ratchet teeth.
5. The hair dye dispenser of claim 3, wherein said tracer collar
features ratchet-teeth so as to complement said ratchet-toothed collar,
6. The hair dye dispenser of claim 2, wherein said actuation
mechanism further includes an electric motor connected so as to provide said
rotational input.
7. The hair dye dispenser of claim 6, wherein said actuation
mechanism further includes a sensor deployed to provide an end-of-cycle
output indicative of said conversion mechanism reaching a predefined point in
the cycle of said reciprocating linear displacement, said actuation mechanism
being responsive to said end-of-cycle output to interrupt operation of said
motor.
8. The hair dye dispenser of claim 6, wherein said electric motor is
connected to said conversion mechanism through a gear mechanism, said gear
mechanism being configured to reduce an output speed of said motor by a ratio
of at least about 100:1.
9. The hair dye dispenser of claim 7, wherein said gear mechanism
is configured to reduce an output magnitude of said motor by a ratio of at least
about 1000:1.

10. The hair dye dispenser of claim 1, wherein said dispensing
container has a length measured along a major dimension of said base and a
height measured along said at least one side wall perpendicular to said length,
said length being at least about twice said height.
11. The hair dye dispenser of claim 1, wherein said at least one
dispensing aperture is implemented as a dispensing channel along one of said
projecting tines.
12. The hair dye dispenser of claim 1, wherein said at least one
dispensing aperture is implemented as a plurality of dispensing apertures
distributed substantially around the periphery of said base.
13. The hair dye dispenser of claim 1, wherein said housing is formed
with a handle configured to be held in a hand of a user, said handle having an
internal volume and a virtual direction of elongation, and wherein said socket is
configured to define an inserted position of said dispensing container in which
said ba£ip is substantially parallel to said virtual direction of elongation.
14. The hair dye dispenser of claim 1, fiirther comprising a storage
container configured for storing at least one component of the hair dye in a
sealed manner, said storage container being configured for removable
attachment to said dispensing container in a manner to allow release of the at
least one component from said storage container into said dispensing container.
15. The hair dye dispenser of claim 14, wherein said storage
container is formed with a breakable barrier to facilitate releasing of the at least
one component from said storage container into said dispensing container.
16. The hair dye dispenser of claim 14, wherein said storage
container is formed with two compartments for storing two components of the

hair dye separately, said two compartments being separated by a breakable
barrier to facilitate mixing of the components prior to use.
17. The hair dye dispenser of claim 16, wherein said storage
contains features a flexible outer wall configured such that pressure applied to
said flexible outer wall breaks said breakable barrier.
18. The hair dye dispense of claim 14, furfaer comprising a storage
bottle for storing an additional component of the hair dye, said storage
container having a coimection port configured to receive said storage bottle for
mixing of the hair dye components.
19. The hair dye dispenser of claim 14, further comprising a mixer
element associated with said storage container, said mixer element having a
handle portion extending from the exterior of said storage container and an
operative portion extending within said storage container so that manual
movement of said handle portion causes mixing of the contents of said storage
container.
20. A hair dye dispenser for dispensing a fluid hair dye, the dispenser
comprising:
(a) a dispensing container for containing and dispensing the hair dye,
said dispensing container having a base and at least one side wall
sealiugly attached to or integrally formed with said base so as to
define an internal volume of said dispensing container, said base
being formed with an upper surface which is substantially flat and
with a lower surface which is formed with a plurality of
projecting tines, at least one dispensing aperture being formed
through said base;
(b) a piston configured to fit closely in sliding abutment with said at
least one side wall so as to be sealingly slidable towards said
base; and
(c) an actuation mechanism associated with said dispensing container
and said housing, said actuation mechanism being configured to
displace said piston towards said base, thereby dispensing the hair
dye through said at least one dispensing aperture,
wherein said actuation mechanism includes a conversion mechanism for
converting a unidirectional rotational input to a reciprocating linear
displacement, said conversion mechanism being configured such that, for a
given rate of rotation of said rotational input, a speed of said reciprocating
linear displacement is asymmetric, motion in a first direction being at least one
order of magnitude slower than motion in an opposite direction.
21. Device for dying, substantially as herein described,
particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A hair dye dispenser 10 for dispensing a fluid hair dye includes a
dispensing container 12 for containing and dispensing the hair dye. The
dispensing container 12 has a base 14 and at least one side wall 16, together
defining an internal volume. The base 14 has a substantially flat upper surface
and a lower surface with a plurality of projecting tines 24. One or more
dispensing apertures 26 are distributed across the base 14. A piston 28 is
configured to fit closely in sliding abutment with the wall 16 so as to be
sealingly slidable towards the base 14. The dispenser 10 also includes a housing
30 formed with a socket 32 for removably receiving the dispensing container
12. An actuation mechanism 34 is associated with the housing 30, and
configured to displace the piston 28 towards the base 14, thereby dispensing the
hair dye through the dispensing apertures 26.