DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is related to a fluid applicator device, particularly a hair rejuvenating device, and more particularly to a hair rejuvenating device with a comb-like structure which finds application as a hair oil applicator. The present invention is related to a hair oil applicator device that is very compact, neat in appearance and handy for use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Combs used for styling and grooming of the hair are well known. Such combs typically comprise a linear array of teeth which may be raked through the hair so as to position the hair in a desired manner. Various styles and configurations of combs are known.

Additionally, it is well known to apply various fluids, such as hair oil, conditioner, hair colourant, lightener, highlighter, detangler and the like, onto the head to promote its health and improve its appearance. Such fluids are typically applied by being dispensed from their container onto one's hair and then being manually dispersed through the hair with one's hands. Such manual dispersion of the fluid through one's hair inherently possesses substantial disadvantages. For instance, it generally requires that the user's hands come into intimate contact with the fluid. This is particularly undesirable in many instances wherein the fluid being dispersed may discolour or otherwise have an undesirable effect upon the skin and/or fingernails of the user's hands.

Furthermore, once a user's hands have come into contact with such a fluid, it is extremely difficult to avoid transferring the fluid to the user's clothing and/or other nearby objects. This is due to the frequency and habitual nature of utilizing one's hands in the performance of essentially manual tasks. For example, one may reach into one's pocket prior to remembering that one's hands have contacted the fluid, thus soiling one's clothing. This is particularly crucial in those instances where a fluid such as a hair colourant is being applied to one's hair and has come into contact with one's hands. Such hair colourants may potentially discolour or stain clothing, towels or fabrics, or other items with which they come into contact. Similarly, the oil could drip and soil the user’s hands and stain clothes or items that come into contact.

Brushes could also be used for combing the hair but the disadvantage with these brushes is that the brushes would take away the oil during combing action.

A comb having an absorbent pad disposed within orifices formed in the teeth thereof for retaining and dispersing fluid throughout a user's hair is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,683,942, issued on Aug. 15, 1972 to Nicholas McKay, titled Cartridge Comb. However, this comb suffers from the deficiency that it is comparatively difficult to remove and replace the absorbent pad within the comb.

Further, U.S. Pat. No. 5,325,878 issued on July 05, 1994 to McKay William D, discloses a fluid dispensing comb with replaceable absorbent pad and dispersing fluid throughout a user’s hair. However, this comb suffers from the deficiency that the distribution of oil is not uniform and the overall desirability and effectiveness is minimal.

Thus, although the prior art method of dispensing such fluids has proven generally suitable for its intended purpose, the process possesses inherent deficiencies which detract from its overall desirability and effectiveness. In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, it is therefore desirable to provide a means for dispensing such fluids which does not require the user to manually disperse the fluids throughout the hair utilizing the hands.
OBJECT(S) OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a fluid applicator device, particularly a hair rejuvenating device that is compact, easy to handle and use.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hair rejuvenating device comprising of a hair comb-like structure which comprises a hollow frame and a multiplicity of channels forming the teeth of the comb, at the distal end of the comb.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a hair rejuvenating device comprising of a hollow frame adapted to receive a reservoir of a fluid, such as an oil, to be dispensed, such that when the frame of the comb-like structure pressed against the head, the contents of the reservoir will be dispensed onto the head through the multiplicity of discharge openings present in the comb-like structure.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a hair comb-like structure of the aforementioned type, which is designed such that the pressing causes the contents of the reservoir to be dispensed, and also blocking off the openings between the reservoir and the teeth of the comb-like structure when released. The passages in the teeth become restricted to prevent further flow of said fluid from the discharge openings in the comb-like structure to the exterior.

Still yet another object of the invention is to provide a hair rejuvenating device that has a close and open mechanism for dispensing the fluid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the deficiencies associated with the technologies that are available in the prior art for the purpose. More particularly, the present invention comprises a fluid dispensing applicator device for applying a fluid onto the head. The fluid dispensing applicator device comprises a comb body further comprising a multiplicity of teeth. The comb body further comprises a reservoir which functions as a means for containing and dispensing a fluid such as a hair care product selected from, but not limited to, hair oil, a colourant, a conditioner, a lightener, a highlighter, a gloss, a detangler, or the like, onto the head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of assembly of the fluid dispensing applicator device of the present invention;
FIG. 1b is an exploded view of the fluid dispensing applicator device of the present invention;
FIG. 1c is an isometric view of the fluid dispensing applicator device of the present invention;
FIG. 2a is a sectional view of the applicator device when in open position to dispense the fluid of the fluid dispensing applicator device of the present invention;
FIG. 2b is a sectional view of the applicator device when in close position to stop dispensing of the fluid from the fluid dispensing applicator device of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the top cap with gripping feature of the fluid dispensing applicator device of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a top view of the top cap of the fluid dispensing applicator device of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the top cap of the fluid dispensing applicator device of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a top view of the reservoir of the fluid dispensing applicator device of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the reservoir of the fluid dispensing applicator device of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of assembly of the top cap with the comb body with oil filled in the reservoir of the fluid dispensing applicator device of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the comb body with spring elements of the fluid dispensing applicator device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view depicting the spring elements of the fluid dispensing applicator device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the comb body with teeth and the position of the spring elements of the fluid dispensing applicator device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.

The fluid dispensing applicator device of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-11 which depict the invention. As a reference, the fluid dispensing applicator device is described in detail considering a hair oil applicator device.

Referring to FIG. 1a, FIG. 1b and FIG. 1c, the present invention comprises a comb body 1 having a top cap 2 attached to the comb body 1 on one end thereof and multiplicity of teeth 13 extending from the bottom portion of the comb body 1 therefrom to form the comb-like structure. The applicator device also comprises of a rotary cap 4 that rests on the lock plate 6. The rotary cap 4 is fixed inside the hollow space provided within the top cap 2. This assembly of top cap 2 and rotary cap 4 together function as an open and close mechanism for dispensing the oil from the applicator device. The applicator device also comprises of a reservoir 5 which aids in storing or containing the oil. The reservoir 5 of the applicator device consists of a reservoir cap 7 which functions as a cap to fill or refill the reservoir 5 and close it. The reservoir 5 is further placed in the comb body 1. The comb body 1 functions as a container that holds the reservoir 5. The reservoir 5 is meant for containing and dispensing the oil on the head. A base cap 3 is provided which acts as a protective housing for the comb body 1.

The top cap 2 is in the form of a protective cup-shaped structure that will cover the upper portion of the comb body 1 in a snap-fit manner, with the top cap 2 being frictionally engaged with the exposed outer wall surfaces of the comb body 1 and being connected with the walls of the housing 12. The top cap 2 has a gripping portion 10 to enable gripping with the fingers for holding the top cap 2 along with the comb body 1 when they are assembled together. Also, a slit 24 such as a “U” shaped slit, but not limited to, is provided on the top portion of the top cap 2 that enables a provision for the reservoir cap 7 to be accessible therefrom and aid in the open and close mechanism.

The oil dispensing applicator device also comprises a base cap 3 which is in the form of a protective cup-shaped structure that will cover the bottom portion of the comb body 1, with the base cap 3 being frictionally engaged with the exposed outer wall surfaces of the comb body 1 and being connected with the walls of the housing 12. Thus, a compact and neat article is provided which may be conveniently carried in a coat pocket or purse.

The comb body 1 defines a hollow portion which functions as a housing for the reservoir 5 that stores the oil. The comb body 1 and the top cap 2 are engaged in a snap-fit manner.

The comb body 1 has the provision 23 to accept the rotary cap 4. The provision 23 is made such that the shape of the top portion of the rotary cap 4 fits inside the provision 23. The rotary cap 4 is snap fitted to the lock plate 6. The bottom portion of the rotary cap 4 comprises threads along the circumference. This threaded configuration is made to pass through the hole 16 provided in the lock plate 6 and engage with the threaded configuration present on the inner circumference of the hole 18 in the reservoir 5. Thus, the rotary cap 4 and the reservoir 5 of the applicator device are positioned in a screw-fit manner.

The lock plate 6 consists of a through hole 16 at the centre, an elongated slit 9, such as a “U” shaped slit, but not limited to, “U” shaped projections 15 on the top surface which are opposite to each other, and a multiplicity of vertical protrusions 17 along the circumference.
The reservoir 5 of the fluid dispensing applicator device comprises a hole 18 at the centre which engages with the rotary cap 4 as mentioned above. A hole 19 is provided on the surface of the reservoir 5 to receive a reservoir cap 7. The reservoir cap 7 enables filling of the reservoir 5 with the fluid and closing accordingly. The reservoir cap 7 can be accessed easily even when the applicator device is completely assembled. A multiplicity of holes 20 are provided on the bottom surface of the reservoir 5. These holes 20 engage with the tapered projections 8 present at the orifices 14 provided on the upper surface of the comb body 1. The engagement of the holes 20 of the reservoir 5 with the projections 8 of the comb body 1 is such that it helps the reservoir to open or close the orifices on the comb body 1 when the top cap 2 is rotated from the open position to the closed position. The holes 20 of the reservoir 5 match with the orifices 14 of the comb body 1 in order to create a flow path for the fluid. Also, a multiplicity of vertical protrusions 21 are provided along the circumference of the reservoir 5. These vertical protrusions 21 are provided to engage with the grooves 22 of the comb body 1. The vertical protrusions 21 move inside the grooves 22 of the comb body 1 when the top cap 2 is rotated from the open position to the closed position thus allowing the reservoir 5 to move upward and downward.

In an alternate embodiment, the applicator device may comprise spring elements 11 instead of a reservoir, as shown in FIG. 9. The spring elements 11 may be made of any suitable material such as plastic. The spring elements play an important role in dispensing the oil from the applicator device which will be discussed in detail.

The comb body 1 comprises of orifices 14 for the purpose of placing the spring elements 11 that are held in the orifices 14. The spring elements 11 move in an upward direction when the applicator device is pressed from the top creating a gap between the spring elements 11 and the orifices 14 of the comb body 1. The fluid thus passes through the orifices 14 and spreads across the head. When the pressure is released on the top cap 2, the spring elements 11 move back into the orifices 14 of the comb body 1 and function as a close mechanism to prevent further passage or flow of the fluid through the orifices 14 of the comb body 1.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid applicator device such as an oil applicator device, is used with an open and close mechanism. The comb body 1 with the hollow portion which functions as a housing for the reservoir 5 is filled with an oil, and by opening the reservoir cap 7 and closing it once the oil is filled up to the desired level or quantity. The top cap 2 along with the rotary cap 4 and the lock plate 6 is secured to the top of the reservoir 5. The comb body 1 is provided with a multiplicity of grooves along the circumference on the inner portion to provide an engagement between the reservoir 5 and the lock plate 6. When the oil is to be dispensed, the top cap 2 is rotated to an open position, whereby the reservoir 5 moves up towards the top cap 2 within the comb body 1 and the oil flows through the holes of the reservoir 5 to the orifices 14 of the comb body 1, with the oil thus passing through the orifices 14 and spreading on the head of the user. The teeth 13 that are provided on the bottom side of the comb body 1 help in the uniform distribution of the oil while combing. When the top cap 2 is in a closed position, the reservoir 5 moves downward towards the comb body 1 thus closing the orifices 14 of the comb body 1 thereby stopping the dispensing or flowing of the oil through the orifices 14. The flow of the oil can also be controlled by adjusting the rotation of the top cap 2.

According to another embodiment, the oil dispensing can be controlled or customized as per user requirement, by regulating the extent of opening the top cap 2 portion.
While a specific embodiment of a hair oil applicator device has been disclosed in the foregoing description, it will be understood that various modifications within the spirit of the invention may occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore it is intended that no limitations be placed on the invention other than as defined by the scope of the appended claims.

The uniquely designed fluid applicator device of the present invention solves the problems such as direct contact between the fluid and hand, being messy or staining, by enabling direct application of the fluid on the hair which will be very effective. Also, the fluid applicator device of the present invention enables dispensing of the fluid only during the combing process and is convenient to use. As the fluid is dispensed during combing, the hair is easily styled and the fluid is evenly spread across the head. Also, refilling of the fluid is easy without any difficulties. ,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. An applicator device for dispensing a fluid onto the head of a user, comprising:
a hollow comb body;
a top cap attached circumferentially to the upper portion of the hollow comb body;
a rotary cap;
a lock plate;
a reservoir disposed within the hollow comb body from the top; and
a base cap attached circumferentially to the bottom portion of the hollow comb body.

2. The applicator device according to claim 1, wherein the hollow comb body comprises a multiplicity of orifices on the top portion, a multiplicity of tapered projections at the orifices, a multiplicity of grooves on the inner circumference, and a multiplicity of teeth extending outward from the bottom portion.

3. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the rotary cap fits into the top cap on the upper portion and engages with the reservoir on the bottom through the lock plate.

4. The applicator device according to claim 1, wherein the top cap consists of a gripping portion, a slit on the top portion, and a provision on the bottom surface to engage with the rotary cap.

5. The applicator device according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir is used for the storage of the fluid to be dispensed, and consists of:
a threaded hole at the centre to engage with the rotary cap;
a reservoir cap projecting from the top surface of the reservoir to enable filling with the fluid; a multiplicity of holes on the bottom surface; and
a multiplicity of vertical protrusions along the circumference.

6. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the circular lock plate consists of a through hole at the centre, an elongated slit, “U” shaped projections present opposite to each other on the top surface, and a multiplicity of vertical protrusions along the circumference.

7. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the dispensing of the fluid is through an open and close mechanism.

8. The applicator device according to claim 7, wherein the opening mechanism involves the rotation of the top cap to an open position enabling the reservoir to move up towards the top cap within the comb body permitting the fluid to flow through the holes of the reservoir to the orifices of the comb body, and pass through the orifices and spread onto the head of the user.

9. The applicator device according to claim 7, wherein the closing mechanism involves bringing the top cap to a closed position enabling the reservoir to move downward towards the comb body thus closing the orifices of the comb body and thereby stopping the dispensing or flowing of the fluid through the orifices.

10. The applicator device of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid is a hair care product selected from, but not limited to, a hair oil, colourant, conditioner, lightener, gloss, and detangler, and the like.