AUTOMATIC BODY SPRAY SYSTEM
A booth for automatic spray application of multiple liquids onto a human subject includes an HVLP nozzle including a nozzle tip, and an air pathway that exits at the nozzle tip. The booth further includes a plurality of liquid sources, including at least a first liquid source having a first liquid and a second liquid source having a second liquid. A plurality of liquid lines connect the plurality of liquid sources to a common liquid pathway that exits at the nozzle tip. The plurality of liquid lines include a first liquid line connected to the first liquid source and a second liquid line connected to the second liquid source. A plurality of check valves are associated with liquid lines to prevent cross contamination between the first liquid and the second liquid. A controller causes air to flow through the air pathway.
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This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 12/546,056 filed on Aug. 24, 2009, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 11/650,323 filed on Jan. 5, 2007, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/756,304 filed on Jan. 5, 2006. The disclosures of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUNDThere are many lotions and products applied to the human body for cosmetic purposes. These products include moisturizers, sunscreens, anti-aging treatments, UV tanning accelerators, sunless tanning products and much more. There are numerous forms of artificial tanning products are currently available, including lotions, creams, gels, oils, and sprays. These products are typically mixtures of a chemically-active skin colorant or a bronzer, in combination with moisturizers, preservatives, anti-microbials, thickeners, solvents, emulsifiers, fragrances, surfactants, stabilizers, sunscreens, pH adjusters, anti-caking agents, and additional ingredients to alter the color reaction.
There exist many automated systems for applying artificial tanning products and often include a closed booth provided with a spraying system. The spraying systems typically use high pressure compressed air nozzles, along with a fluid supplied to the nozzle to create an atomized spray directed towards the body. Currently, these booths are mostly closed, are limited to applying only one product per session, and create a foggy closed environment for the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn one embodiment, a booth for automatic spray application of one or more fluids onto a human subject includes at least one HVLP nozzle system. Each HVLP nozzle system has a nozzle body and a nozzle tip, and is configured to move along a predetermined nozzle path. The booth also includes an air source, an air path connecting the air source to each HVLP nozzle system, and a plurality of fluid sources, including at least a first fluid source containing a first fluid and a second fluid source containing a second fluid. The booth further includes a plurality of fluid paths. Each fluid path is connected to one of the plurality of fluid sources, including a first fluid path connected to the first fluid source and a second fluid path connected to the second fluid source. A mixing chamber is connected to an exit at the nozzle tip. Each of the plurality of fluid paths is connected to the mixing chamber. The booth also includes a plurality of check valves. Each check valve is serially connected to one of the plurality of fluid paths to minimize a cross-contamination between the first fluid and the second fluid. The booth further includes a controller configured to cause the at least one HVLP nozzle system to move along the predetermined nozzle path. The controller is further configured to cause air to flow from the air source through the air path. The controller is also configured to cause fluids to flow from the plurality of fluid sources, along the plurality of fluid paths, to the mixing chamber and through the nozzle tip.
In an alternative embodiment, a booth for automatic spray application of multiple liquids onto a human subject includes an HVLP nozzle including a nozzle tip, and an air pathway that exits at the nozzle tip. The booth further includes a plurality of liquid sources, including at least a first liquid source having a first liquid and a second liquid source having a second liquid. A plurality of liquid lines connect the plurality of liquid sources to a common liquid pathway that exits at the nozzle tip. The plurality of liquid lines include a first liquid line connected to the first liquid source and a second liquid line connected to the second liquid source. A plurality of check valves are associated with liquid lines to prevent cross contamination between the first liquid and the second liquid. A controller causes air to flow through the air pathway. The controller further causes the first liquid to flow from the first liquid source, through the first liquid line, through the common liquid pathway, and through the HVLP nozzle. The controller further causes the second liquid to flow from the second liquid source, through the second liquid line, through the common liquid pathway, and through the HVLP nozzle.
In another alternative embodiment, a booth is configured to apply one or more liquids onto a human subject. The booth includes an HVLP nozzle system including a nozzle tip. The HVLP nozzle system is configured to move along a predetermined nozzle path. The booth also has an air pathway that exits at the nozzle tip, and multiple liquid paths that merge to a common liquid pathway that exits at the nozzle tip. The booth further includes means for eliminating cross contamination between a first liquid associated with a first liquid source and a second liquid associated with a second liquid source. The booth also includes a controller configured to cause the HVLP nozzle system to move along the predetermined nozzle path. The controller is further configured to control an air source for causing air to flow through the air pathway. The controller is also configured to control a first flow of liquid from the first liquid source and a second flow of liquid from the second liquid source.
In the accompanying drawings and descriptions that follow, like parts are indicated throughout the drawings and description with the same reference numerals, respectively. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that one element can be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements can be designed as one element. An element shown as an internal component of another element can be implemented as an external component and vice versa. The figures are not drawn to scale and the proportions of certain parts have been exaggerated for convenience of illustration.
In a preferred embodiment, the system 100 can be employed to apply sunless tanning solutions as well as other solutions onto a human body 109. Exemplary sunless-tanning solutions include one or more colorants, such as dihydroxyacetone, crotonaldehyde, pyruvaldehyde, glycolaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, otho-phthaldehyde, sorbose, fructose, erythrulose, methylvinylketone, food coloring, or any other available colorant. The sunless-tanning solutions can additionally or alternatively include one or more bronzers, such as lawsone, juglone, or any other available bronzer. It will be appreciated that the sunless-tanning solutions can include additional ingredients, such as moisturizers and scents, to make the solution more appealing to a user.
While the system 100 can be employed as a sunless tanning spray system, it can also be employed to spray other fluids onto the human body. For example, the system 100 can be configured to spray sunscreens, suntan lotions, moisturizing lotions, sunless tanning pre-spray treatments, tanning accelerators, sunburn treatments, insect repellants, skin toners, skin bleaches, skin lighteners, anti-microbial compositions, exfoliants, nutriments or vitamins, massage aides, muscle relaxants, skin treatment agents, burn treatment agents, decontamination agents, cosmetics, or wrinkle treatments or removers, or any other solution or lotion desired to be applied to the human body.
As shown in
Each HVLP nozzle 106a,b is coupled to a linear slide (not shown) that is configured to move the HVLP nozzles 106a,b up and down vertically, thereby adjusting the vertical position of the HVLP nozzle 106a,b. In this configuration, the HVLP nozzles 106a,b are moveably mounted to the spray column 102, such that the spray pattern of the HVLP nozzles 106a,b is sufficient to completely coat the human body 109 with a desired fluid, solution, or lotion.
In an alternative embodiment as shown in
With reference back to
As shown in
As discussed in more detail above, the fluid containers 160a-c can hold sunless-tanning solutions or other types of fluids. In one embodiment, each fluid container 160a-c can hold a different sunless-tanning solution. The different solutions can have different chemical compositions which affect the hue of the resulting tan. Alternatively, one fluid container (e.g., the first fluid container 160a) can contain water or another dilution agent to dilute a solution contained in the second solution container (e.g., the second fluid container 160b). The contents of the different fluid containers can be mixed in various combinations to provide a range of shades, thereby allowing the user to select a preferred tanning shade. Also, the fluid containers can hold other types of solutions to be applied to the human body. One control method for applying the solutions can be to apply a first atomized solution, dry the body with air only coming from the HVLP nozzles, apply a second atomized solution, dry the body with air only coming from the HVLP nozzles, apply a third atomized solution and then dry the body with air only coming from the HVLP nozzles.
In one embodiment, the fluid containers 160a-c are removable. Alternatively, the spray column 102 can house fixed fluid containers that can be filled with solution while still in spray column 102 when the solution level falls below a predetermined threshold.
As shown in
In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 122 is configured to control the operation of the system 100. Specifically, the controller 122 is configured to operate the HVLP nozzles, HVLP turbine, pumps, valves, and other electrical or electro-mechanical devices in the system 100. Suitable controllers can include a processor, a microprocessor, a control circuit, a PLC, or any other appropriate control device.
With continued reference to
With reference back to
The mist extraction column 103 also provides for an internal column wash down nozzle 147. This column wash down nozzle 147 can be used to clean the inside of the mist extraction column 103 to eliminate the buildup of any spray residue that may occur. This internal column wash down nozzle 147 can have a water supply line connected to it with a solenoid valve (not shown). This solenoid valve can be activated by the controller 122 to provide for a mist extraction column 103 cleansing cycle after each spray session or at desired intervals. In another embodiment, a manual valve could be used to control the water supply to the internal column wash down nozzle 147. The number of fans, filters, and nozzles or orientation of the fans, filters, and nozzles can be modified as needed.
The fluid spraying system 100 can include additional components without departing from the scope of the present application. For example, the system 100 can include fluid detection sensors (not shown) disposed near the bottom of each fluid container 160a,b,c. The fluid detection sensors can be configured to sense the solution level in each fluid container 160a,b,c. When the solution level falls below a predetermined threshold, the fluid detection sensors can be configured to transmit a signal to the controller 122. Upon receipt of the signal, the controller 122 can deactivate the fluid spraying system 100 to prevent air from being pulled into one or all of the fluid flow paths F1, F2, and F3. Exemplary fluid detection sensors that can be employed include capacitive solution detection switches, optical sensors, or piezoelectric sensors.
Also, the fluid spraying system 100 can include a heating element (not shown), such as a heating coil or other heating device, that can be placed around or adjacent to the first and/or second and/or third fluid flow paths F1, F2, F3 thereby creating a warm, atomized mist of fluid that can be ejected from the nozzles 106a,b. Additionally, a heating element can be placed around or inside the air flow path A1. Alternatively, heating elements can be placed around or adjacent to one or all of the fluid containers 160a,b,c.
In one specific method to coat the human body, the method can include spraying can the atomized mixture of HVLP air and fluid onto the body and then turning off the fluid supply and moving the nozzles up and down with the HVLP air still on to dry the body. The speed, volume, and temperature natural to the HVLP air source is ideal for drying the body. Hence, the same nozzles that apply the atomized solution can also be used as a drying source when the solution is turned off and the air is turned on.
The system 100 described above and illustrated in the figures provides one or more of the following benefits: (1) the system does not require a large external air compressor for air delivery method, (2) the atomized spray using an HVLP air supply does not produce a lingering fog of mist and over spray, because of the lack of fog and over spray, (3) the system does not need to be completely enclosed to capture excess mist and keep it from escaping into the surrounding environment, (4) the user is not subjected to breath or be surrounded by excess fog or mist, and the transfer efficiency of the atomized fluid onto the human body is much higher than with compressed air systems, (5) the system allows many different types of products to be applied to the human body in one application session, (6) the system employs the use of a convenient slide out drawer to access the solution containers for multiple products to be applied, and (7) the system can be programmed to apply a fluid to only user specified areas of the body
While the present application has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures can be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept. The system is not designed solely for sunless tanning products or for the purpose for spraying a human body. It can accommodate almost any type of product being sprayed.
Claims
1. A booth for automatic spray application of one or more fluids onto a human subject, the booth comprising:
- at least one HVLP nozzle system, each HVLP nozzle system having a nozzle body and a nozzle tip, and each HVLP nozzle system being configured to move along a predetermined nozzle path;
- an air source;
- an air path connecting the air source to each HVLP nozzle system;
- a plurality of fluid sources, including at least a first fluid source containing a first fluid and a second fluid source containing a second fluid;
- a plurality of fluid paths, wherein each fluid path is connected to one of the plurality of fluid sources, including a first fluid path connected to the first fluid source and a second fluid path connected to the second fluid source;
- a mixing chamber connected to an exit at the nozzle tip, wherein each of the plurality of fluid paths is connected to the mixing chamber;
- a plurality of check valves, where each check valve is serially connected to one of the plurality of fluid paths to minimize a cross-contamination between the first fluid and the second fluid; and
- a controller configured to cause the at least one HVLP nozzle system to move along the predetermined nozzle path, where the controller is further configured to cause air to flow from the air source through the air path, and where the controller is further configured to cause fluids to flow from the plurality of fluid sources, along the plurality of fluid paths, to the mixing chamber and through the nozzle tip.
2. The booth of claim 1, where the controller is further configured to cause the at least one HVLP nozzle system to move along the predetermined nozzle path while only air from the air source exits through the nozzle tip.
3. The booth of claim 2, further comprising a heating source configured to warm air along the air path.
4. The booth of claim 1, further comprising:
- a base configured to support the human subject;
- at least one wall operatively connected to the base and extending vertically from the base;
- at least one vent opening disposed on the at least one wall;
- a fan disposed in operable relation with the at least one vent opening and configured to draw excess spray mist present in the booth during a spray session through the at least one vent opening to evacuate the excess spray mist from the booth.
5. The booth of claim 1, wherein the mixing chamber is disposed in the nozzle body.
6. The booth of claim 1, wherein the mixing chamber is proximal to the nozzle body.
7. The booth of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of check valves is proximal to the mixing chamber.
8. The booth of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of check valves is proximal to a fluid source.
9. The booth of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of check valves is a solenoid valve.
10. The booth of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of check valves is a pump.
11. A booth for automatic spray application of multiple liquids onto a human subject, the booth comprising:
- an HVLP nozzle including a nozzle tip;
- an air pathway that exits at the nozzle tip;
- a plurality of liquid sources, including at least a first liquid source having a first liquid and a second liquid source having a second liquid;
- a plurality of liquid lines connecting the plurality of liquid sources to a common liquid pathway that exits at the nozzle tip, the plurality of liquid lines including a first liquid line connected to the first liquid source and a second liquid line connected to the second liquid source;
- a plurality of check valves, each check valve being associated with a liquid line to prevent cross contamination between the first liquid and the second liquid; and
- a controller configured to cause air to flow through the air pathway, where the controller is further configured to cause the first liquid to flow from the first liquid source, through the first liquid line, through the common liquid pathway, and through the HVLP nozzle, and where the controller is further configured to cause the second liquid to flow from the second liquid source, through the second liquid line, through the common liquid pathway, and through the HVLP nozzle.
12. The booth of claim 11, where the common liquid pathway includes a manifold.
13. The booth of claim 11, where the common liquid pathway is inside the HVLP nozzle.
14. The booth of claim 11, where the plurality of liquid sources include a plurality of containers.
15. The booth of claim 11, where the controller is further configured to cause the HVLP nozzle to spray the first liquid, spray the second liquid, and stop spraying as part of a single spray session.
16. The booth of claim 11, where the first liquid is a pre-tanning solution and the second liquid is a tanning solution.
17. The booth of claim 11, where the controller is further configured to cause the HVLP nozzle to move along a predetermined path.
18. A booth configured to apply one or more liquids onto a human subject, the booth comprising:
- an HVLP nozzle system including a nozzle tip, the HVLP nozzle system being configured to move along a predetermined nozzle path;
- an air pathway that exits at the nozzle tip;
- multiple liquid paths that merge to a common liquid pathway, where the common liquid pathway exits at the nozzle tip;
- means for eliminating cross contamination between a first liquid associated with a first liquid source and a second liquid associated with a second liquid source; and
- a controller, where the controller is configured to cause the HVLP nozzle system to move along the predetermined nozzle path, where the controller is further configured to control an air source for causing air to flow through the air pathway, and where the controller is further configured to control a first flow of liquid from the first liquid source and a second flow of liquid from the second liquid source.
19. The booth of claim 18, further comprising a heating source configured to warm the air, where the controller is further configured to move the HVLP nozzle system while only the air from the air pathway exits through the nozzle tip.
20. The booth of claim 18, wherein the common liquid pathway is disposed inside the HVLP nozzle system.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 15, 2012
Publication Date: Oct 11, 2012
Applicant: SUNLESS, INC. (Macedonia, OH)
Inventors: Scott THOMASON (Macedonia, OH), Nicholas J. MASTANDREA (Chardon, OH)
Application Number: 13/524,569
International Classification: B05B 12/00 (20060101);