TEMPORARY HAIR COLORING SYSTEM AND METHOD
A compact, portable system and method is provided for temporarily coloring hair on an individual's scalp using temporary powdered hair dye. The system comprises liquid hair primer, primer applicator wand, primer container, primer container cap, powder dye(s), powder applicator wand(s), powder container(s), and powder container cap(s). The primer applicator may comprise an applicator wand/brush connected to the underside of primer container cap. The powder applicator may comprise an applicator wand/brush connected to the underside of powder container cap. Containers may be stored in an organizer or be removably connectable with each other. Primer is applied with applicator to hair where colorant is desired. After primer cures, powder dye is applied with applicator to the hair over primer. The system describes various embodiments of brush bristles used with primer and powder wand/brushes, including roach leg bristles and spines. Various embodiments of organizers, primer containers, and powder containers are also described.
This application claims the benefit of the filing date of and priority to: U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/002,106 entitled “Temporary Hair Coloring System and Method” and filed May 22, 2014, Confirmation No. 1642; said provisional application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNot Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is generally directed to a temporary hair coloring system and method of using the system, to temporarily color hair located on an individual's scalp, using temporary powder dyes of various colors.
BACKGROUND ARTHair color dyes (also referred to as “dyes” or “hair colorants”) in the field of hair coloring are used to chemically alter an original color of hair, typically for hair located on an individual's scalp, but also for hair located in other areas, including but not limited to eyebrows, mustaches, beards, and side-burns, as well as on wigs. Hair color dyes can come in various natural colors, including but not limited to black, brown, golden brown, chocolate, auburn, mahogany, copper, golden blonde, blonde, platinum, and various tints and shades of such natural colors. Dyes can also come in unnatural colors such as green, orange, blue, orange, pink, purple, and various tints and shades of such unnatural colors.
A human hair contains many parts that are located beneath the surface of the skin or scalp as well as parts located on or above the surface of the skin or scalp. For example, the hair follicle, which is located beneath the scalp, is a tube-shaped sheath surrounding the lower part of a hair shaft. The hair shaft is the visible part of the hair that is located above the scalp and forms the bulk of hair. Pigment cells, which produce melanin, are produce in the hair bulb of the hair shaft. Pigment cells are what gives growing hair (i.e., hair shaft) its color. The outer layer of the hair shaft is called the cuticle. The inner portion of the hair shaft is called the cortex.
Hair grows and elongates from the outer surface of the skin or scalp and outwards and not from the exterior tips of the hair shaft. Thus, when an individual grows new hair, from the scalp for example, it is said that the “roots” of the hair are growing. In other words, the “roots” of the hair are commonly referred to as the area of hair that grows from and is attached to the outer surface of the skin or scalp and keeps the hair anchored under the scalp. For individuals who have previously colored their hair, the roots of the hair are most easily visible along the hairline and along the hair partition (also known as the “hair part”). The hair partition or hair part is formed by the combing or brushing of the hair beginning in one area of the scalp and combing or brushing the hair in the same general direction, which is common in many hairstyles for both men and women.
One common application of hair coloring with dyes is for applying touch-ups on newly grown gray-, silver-, and/or white- (collectively “gray-”) colored hair roots that are caused naturally by the aging process. It is often desirable to defy the appearance of aging by masking, hiding, or concealing gray-colored hair roots by coloring them with dyes. Some individuals desire to have touch-ups performed every two to three weeks, depending on the speed of growth of the individual's gray-colored hair roots. In addition, another common application of hair coloring with dyes is for changing the color of all of the hair on an individual's scalp (e.g. blonde to brown, brown to blonde, brown to black, etc.) for aesthetics, fashion, or glamour. For individuals who have previously colored all of the hair on their scalp, it is desirable to maintain the uniform look of the new color by performing touch-ups on the individual's newly grown, natural-colored hair roots, which may be a different color than the color of the previously-applied dye. Like touching-up newly grown, gray-colored hair roots, touch-ups of newly grown, natural-colored hair roots may be needed every two to three weeks, depending on the speed of growth of the individual's natural-colored hair roots. Another common application of hair coloring with dyes is for creating streaks of colored hair known as highlights or lowlights. Highlights and lowlights are used to create accents in the hair for aesthetics, fashion, or glamour.
Hair color dyes can be formulated on a permanent, temporary, or demi-permanent basis. Thus, dyes can be classified as permanent, temporary, or demi-permanent. In permanent hair color systems, which use a permanent dye, the cuticle of the hair shaft must be opened before the permanent dye color can be deposited into the hair. Once the cuticle is open, the dye reacts with the cortex of the hair shaft to remove or deposit color. The original color of the hair is removed and then deposited with a new dye color. Permanent dyes contain ammonia and hydrogen peroxide (also known as “peroxide”). Ammonia is an alkaline substance that opens the cuticle and allows the dye to penetrate the cortex. Hydrogen peroxide, an oxidizing agent, is used to remove pre-existing color of the hair by chemically decolorizing melanin found in the hair shaft. As melanin is decolorized with peroxide, a new permanent color is bonded to the cortex. In some permanent dyes, conditioner may be present. The conditioner closes the cuticle after coloring to seal in and protect the new color. Permanent hair coloring dyes are designed to be long-lasting, maintain a consistent color, and remain in the hair after several washings with water, including washings with shampoo.
In temporary hair color systems, which use a temporary dye, the temporary dye is deposited onto the cuticle of the hair shaft. Typically, a temporary dye does not contain ammonia, and thus, the hair shaft does not open up during treatment and the hair's original color is restored once the product is washed out with water. However, some temporary dyes contain small amounts of ammonia, and therefore, the hair shaft is partially opened to allow for the deposit of the temporary dye on the cortex while also allowing the temporary dye to be deposited on the cuticle. Temporary hair color dyes are designed to be short-lasting, because they can be washed out of the hair by simply rinsing the hair with water. Some temporary dyes, including the temporary dye disclosed in the present invention, however, are more robust and require washing the hair with shampoo. Shampoo contains detergents that react with such temporary dyes to allow the dyes to wash out and restore the hair's original color.
In demi-permanent hair coloring systems, which use a demi-permanent dye, the demi-permanent dye stays in the hair longer than a temporary dye, but not as long as a permanent dye. Demi-permanent dyes, thus, fall between a temporary dye and a permanent dye. Demi-permanent dyes contain an ammonia substitute and very low peroxide. Demi-permanent dyes can stay in the hair for approximately twenty-four washings with shampoo, before fading away, and restoring the hair's original color.
Hair color dyes, whether permanent-based, temporary-based, or demi-permanent based, are readily available on the market at retail stores and salons and may come in the form of liquids, sprays, cream or gel, chalk, and powder. Liquid dyes typically come packaged in a bottle and have very low viscosity. Liquid dyes are very difficult to work with due to their low viscosity; they can be runny once applied to the hair either directly from the bottle or using a brush and cause an unwanted mess. However, the brushes that come packaged with liquid dyes are often inadequate due to the shape and formation of the brush's bristles, which only collect dye on the outer surface of the bristles, and thus, fail to maximize collection of the dye throughout the bristles. Liquid dyes typically require the use of gloves to protect the fingers and hands when applying the dyes. Liquid dyes are difficult to control, often resulting in the dye staining the scalp.
Dyes that come in spray form are simply liquid dyes contained in a container with a spray pump as a dispenser or are contained in an aerosol can, which releases the dye in a mist when the dye is released. With spray dyes, application of the dye may not provide even or consistent coverage on the hair, because of the nature of the delivery system. Furthermore, the mist created from the spray pump or aerosol can result in overspray of the dye to undesired areas, such as on the face or eyes. Spray dyes typically require the use of gloves to protect the fingers and hands when applying the dyes due to the unpredictable nature of overspray. Like liquid dyes, spray dyes are difficult to control and can also result in the dye staining the scalp.
Dyes that come in cream or gel often come packaged in a tube and have a heavy paste-like texture. Cream or gel dyes are typically applied to hair with a brush and will stay on the hair due to their very high viscosity. However, the brushes that come packaged with cream or gel dyes are often inadequate due to the shape and formation of the brush's bristles, which only collect dye on the outer surface of the bristles, and thus, fail to maximize collection of the dye throughout the bristles. Cream or gel dyes typically require the use of gloves to protect the fingers and hands when applying the dyes.
Dyes that come in chalk form have a chalky texture and are generally solid masses that come in the form of small sticks, but can also be contained inside a compact dispenser or wrapper. Because chalk dyes are bulky in size, they are not recommended for use in hair coloring applications requiring controlled precision dying of a very small area of hair, which is required in touch-ups of newly grown gray-colored or newly grown natural-colored hair, for example. Chalk dyes are generally inadequate for dark colored hair. Further, chalk dyes typically require the use of gloves to protect the fingers and hands when applying the dyes due to their chalky texture.
Dyes that come in powder form have a powdery texture and are stored in a container. Typically, application of powder dyes requires the use of a brush. The advantage of powder dyes is that due to their powdery texture, they can easily adhere to all surface areas of brush bristles, allowing the powder dye to be deposited on the hair upon making passes through the hair with the brush. As described in more detail below, the present invention is directed to a powder dye for hair coloring, where the powder dye is a temporary dye.
With hair coloring systems, regardless of the longevity or form of the dye used, a third-person can assist or perform the hair coloring application, such as a hair color professional at a salon. It is often desirable to retain the services of a hair color professional to perform hair coloring, because it is easier for this person to see the individual's hair from all angles to assure that hair coloring coverage is uniform and maximized. However, hiring a hair color professional to perform hair coloring applications can get expensive, inconvenient, and time-consuming. For example, a hair color professional at a salon can charge anywhere from $30-$400 for one hair coloring application or treatment session, depending on several factors, including but not limited to, the length of the individual's hair to be colored, reputation of the salon, the professional's experience and skills, the products used, the geographic location of the salon, and whether application is for touch-ups of hair roots or to change the color of all of the hair. Touch-ups of newly grown hair roots can cost anywhere from $30-$150 when done by a hair care professional at a salon.
Due to the frequency of individuals requiring hair color treatment, for example in the case of touch-up of newly grown, gray-colored or of newly grown, natural-colored hair roots, as often as every two to three weeks, hiring a hair color professional can become a reoccurring expense and economically unfeasible. Further, depending on the popularity of the hair color professional, it may take days, weeks, or even months to book an appointment for hair coloring, causing delay and great inconvenience for the individual. Due to the busy nature of the individual's schedule, some may need hair color treatment immediately in preparation for an interview, romantic date, gala, party, event, or other social gathering that arises on short-notice. Moreover, hair coloring treatments applied by hair professionals can be time-consuming, sometimes taking four to five hours to color a full head of hair or thirty minutes to an hour for touch-ups of newly grown, root hairs. Finally, hair color systems of the prior art typically require the individual to be at a salon or at home, due to the messiness or complexity of using the systems.
Thus, there exists the need to provide a temporary hair coloring system and method that may be used without the assistance of a hair color professional, and thus, without the expense, inconvenience, and time-consuming nature associated with traveling to a salon and hiring a hair color professional. There also exists the need for a temporary hair color treatment system that: (1) is quick, easy, and convenient to use; (2) can be used to apply temporary hair color dye with a high level of controlled precision and uniformity using specially configured brush bristles, particularly “roach leg bristles” (as discussed below); (3) will not stain the scalp; (4) is inexpensive to allow an individual to use the system more frequently; and (5) is portable so that it can be used almost anywhere an individual has access to a minor for visual observation. The present invention is designed to provide these benefits and others as will be described in more detail below and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art of hair coloring having the benefit of this disclosure.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONTo address the forgoing problems of the prior art, the present invention is generally directed to a system and method of applying temporary hair color dye, using temporary powder dyes (“powder dyes”) of various colors, to the roots of hair located on an individual's scalp, including to hair located at the hairline or hair partition. However, to those of ordinary skill in the art of hair coloring, the present invention may also be used to apply temporary powder dyes to other areas of the body where hair may grow, including without limitation to, eyebrows, mustaches, beards, and side-burns. Further, the system may be used to apply temporary powder dye to all of the hair located on an individual's scalp and not limited to the roots of the hair and may also be used to create highlights or lowlights.
The present invention does not contain ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, parabens, sulfates, or color synthetic dyes. Further, the present invention features a high sun protection factor (“SPF”) and moisturizers that leave the hair resistant to ultraviolet rays and leaves the hair with a soft feel and shiny look.
In one embodiment, there is disclosed a portable, compact temporary hair coloring system, comprising a hair primer stored in a compact container, a powder form temporary hair colorant stored in a second container, and applicator brushes for the primer and powder. In one embodiment, the compact hair primer container comprises an outer surface, an interior primer storage chamber, and an apertured opening leading into the primer storage chamber. The hair primer material is stored in the primer storage chamber. A hair primer applicator wand is removably attachable to, and capable of sealing and resealing, the primer container apertured opening. The primer applicator wand further comprises a cap having a top side and an underside, an elongated wand section having a first end attached to the underside of the cap and a second end opposite thereto, and a brush section extending outwardly from the wand section along a desired length of the wand section.
The compact temporary powder-form hair dye container can comprise an outer surface, an interior powder dye storage chamber, and an apertured opening leading into the powder dye storage chamber. A temporary powder-form hair dye is stored in the dye storage chamber. A hair powder dye applicator wand is removably attachable to, and capable of sealing and resealing, the powder-form hair dye container apertured opening. The powder-form dye applicator wand may further comprise a cap having a top side and an underside, an elongated wand section having a first end attached to the underside of the cap and a second end opposite thereto, and a brush section extending outwardly from the wand section along a desired length of the wand section.
The primer container and the powder container may be stored together in an organizer or be removably connectable with each other.
In one embodiment, the temporary hair coloring system or kit of the present invention comprises: a primer stored in a container; a primer applicator; a temporary powder hair dye stored in as second container and a powder hair dye applicator.
In other embodiments, there is disclosed a temporary hair coloring system or kit comprising: (a) a primer; (b) a primer brush, having a primer brush bottom end, a primer brush top end, primer brush sides, a primer brush diameter, and a plurality of primer brush bristles; (c) a primer wand, having a primer wand bottom end, a primer wand top end, and primer wand sides; (d) a primer cap, having a primer cap bottom surface, a primer cap top surface, primer cap interior sides, and primer cap exterior sides; (e) wherein the primer brush top end is attached to the primer wand bottom end and the primer wand top end is attached to the primer cap bottom surface, forming a primer applicator; (f) a primer container, having a primer container opening, a primer container opening diameter, a primer container interior surface, a primer container exterior surface, and a primer container interior top surface, whereby the primer container opening comprises primer container opening exterior sides; (g) wherein the primer is stored inside the primer container; (h) wherein the primer applicator is removably attached to the primer container opening; (i) wherein the primer is deposited on the primer brush bristles of the primer brush when the primer applicator is inserted into primer container; (j) a temporary powder dye; (k) a powder brush, having a powder brush bottom end, a powder brush top end, powder brush sides, a powder brush diameter, and a plurality of powder brush bristles; (l) a powder wand, having a powder wand bottom end, a powder wand top end, and powder wand sides; (m) a powder cap, having a powder cap bottom surface, a powder cap top surface, powder cap interior sides, and powder cap exterior sides; (n) wherein the powder brush top end is attached to the powder wand bottom end and the powder wand top end is attached to the powder cap bottom surface, forming a powder applicator; (o) a powder container, having a powder container opening, a powder container diameter, a powder container interior surface, a powder container exterior surface, and a powder container interior top surface, whereby the powder container opening comprises powder container opening exterior sides; (p) wherein the temporary powder dye is stored inside the powder container; (q) wherein the powder applicator is removably attached to the powder container opening; and (r) wherein the temporary powder dye is deposited on the powder brush bristles of the powder brush when the powder applicator is inserted into the powder container.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the primer brush bottom end comprises a plurality of primer brush bristles and wherein the powder brush bottom end comprises a plurality of powder brush bristles.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of primer brush bristles extend radially from and around the primer brush sides and wherein the plurality of powder brush bristles extend radially from and around the powder brush sides.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of primer brush bristles and the plurality of powder brush bristles further comprise roach leg bristles.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the primer brush diameter is greater than the primer container opening diameter and the powder brush diameter is greater than the powder container opening diameter.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the primer cap interior sides comprises cap threads and the primer container opening exterior sides comprises container threads and wherein the powder cap interior sides comprises the cap threads and the powder container opening exterior sides comprises the container threads.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the primer brush bottom end comprises a plurality of primer brush bristles and wherein the powder brush bottom end comprises a plurality of powder brush bristles, wherein the plurality of primer brush bristles extend radially from and around the primer brush sides and wherein the plurality of powder brush bristles extend radially from and around the powder brush sides, wherein the plurality of primer brush bristles and the plurality of powder brush bristles further comprise roach leg bristles, wherein the primer brush diameter is greater than the primer container opening diameter and wherein the powder brush diameter is greater than the powder container opening diameter, wherein the primer cap interior sides comprise cap threads and the primer container opening exterior sides comprise container threads and wherein the powder cap interior sides comprises the cap threads and the powder container opening exterior sides comprises the container threads.
The primer container and the powder container described herein may be transparent. The primer container and the powder container may be stored together in an organizer or be removably connectable with each other. The primer container interior surface may comprise bumps and the powder container interior surface comprises bumps.
In one embodiment, the primer container and the powder container are transparent and the primer container and the powder container are stored together in an organizer.
In yet another embodiment, the primer container and the powder container are transparent and the primer container and the powder container are removable connectable with each other.
The present invention is also directed to a method of temporarily coloring hair on an individual's scalp, comprising the steps of: (a) locating one or more sections of hair desired to be colored; (b) using a temporary hair coloring system as disclosed in the present invention; (c) removing the primer applicator from the primer container, whereby the primer is deposited on the primer brush bristles of the primer brush of the primer applicator upon removal of the primer applicator; (d) applying the primer to the one or more sections of hair desired to be colored using the primer brush bristles of the primer brush of the primer applicator; (e) waiting a sufficient time to allow for the primer to cure on the one or more sections of hair; (f) removing the powder applicator from the powder container, whereby the temporary powder dye is deposited on the powder brush bristles of the powder brush of the powder applicator upon removal of the powder applicator; and (g) applying the temporary powder dye to the one or more sections of hair that is applied with the primer using the powder brush bristles of the powder brush of the powder applicator.
Optionally, the method may further comprise the additional steps of inserting the powder applicator back into the powder container, removing the powder applicator from the powder container, whereby the temporary powder dye is deposited on the powder brush bristles of powder brush of the powder applicator upon removal of the powder applicator, applying the temporary powder dye to the one or more sections of hair that had been applied with the primer, using the powder brush bristles of the powder brush of the powder applicator, until application of the temporary powder dye is complete.
It will also be appreciated that this system can be employed for applying temporary hair color to a wig.
It will be appreciated that the present invention may take many forms and embodiments. In the following description, some embodiments of the invention are described and numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the present invention may be practiced without those details and that numerous variations and modifications from the described embodiments may be possible. The following description is thus intended to illustrate and not to limit the present invention.
Reference is now made to the drawings, which depict preferred embodiments of the present invention, but are not drawn to scale.
Primer container 180 and powder container 410 described in the present invention may be translucent or transparent or clear, so that an individual can see the remaining amount of primer 10 or the remaining amount of powder dye 240 contained in each container for convenience. However, primer and powder containers 180, 410 may also be opaque in other embodiments.
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Primer 10 (stored prior to use within primer chamber 190a) serves many useful purposes. For example, primer 10 functions to pre-treat and prepare the hair prior to the dying process to create an even and consistent color result upon application of powder dye 240. In addition, in the field of hair coloring, it is important not to color the skin or scalp. Thus, primer 10 of the present invention is formulated to create a barrier to protect the surface of the skin or scalp, so that powder dye 240 is not deposited on the skin or scalp and causing unwanted staining. In addition, primer 10 of the present invention assists in managing the hair to more readily accept deposits of powder dye 240 by allowing powder dye 240 to adhere to the hair and not flake off when the hair is moved. Having powder dye 240 that does not flake off the hair is particularly important in hot and humid weather, where flaking is more prominent.
Moreover, primer 10 helps minimize and control movement of baby hairs and flyaway hairs. Baby hair is typically located along the hairline and are very soft, thin, and fine hairs, and thus, highly susceptible to movement by air and breezes. Flyaway hair is dry hair that carries a positive charge caused by static electricity, typically in dry air conditions, which can create an unkempt and frizzy look of the hair. In hair coloring, it is important that the hair, including baby hairs and flyaway hairs, do not move; the weight of primer 10 helps to minimize the movement of hair. Further, primer 10 may preferably contain proteins, vitamins, and minerals to help strengthen, moisturize, condition, and provide shine to the hair. Additionally, primer 10 also preferably contains a high SPF value, which prevents damage to the hair caused by heat or ultraviolet rays. Another benefit of primer 10 in the present invention is that it can be applied to the hair while the hair is dry, which adds convenience for those who do not have access to water at their present location.
Primer brush top end 40a is attached to primer wand bottom end 90a and primer wand top end 100a (not shown) is attached to primer cap bottom surface 130a (not shown), forming primer applicator 170a, using any means known in the art, including adhesive, glue, or the like. Primer cap interior sides 150a (not shown) features cap threads 470 (not shown, but understood to be of a female variety to mate with male threads 480) of the opposite kind from container threads 480 on primer container opening exterior sides 210a, so that primer cap 120a can be attached and removed, e.g. removably attached over the apertured opening diameter 200a of primer storage chamber 190a by twisting primer cap 120a clockwise or counter-clockwise. Since primer cap 120a is one component of primer applicator 170a, primer applicator 170a is likewise removably attached to primer container 180a about the apertured diameter opening 200a of primer container storage chamber 190a.
Primer applicator 170a serves to apply primer 10 to one or more sections of hair that is desired to be colored on an individual. Primer brush bristles 70a of primer brush 20a collect deposits of primer 10 inside primer container 180a. When primer applicator 170a is removed from primer container 180a, deposits of primer 10 are left on primer brush bristles 70a of primer brush 20a and any excess primer 10 falls back into primer container 180a so it is not lost and wasted. In the present invention, an individual can apply primer 10 to the hair without having to touch primer 10, which is sticky and messy. Thus, the individual does not need to wear gloves to protect the fingers and hands. Using primer applicator 170a, the individual can apply primer 10 to the hair with high precision and control due to the configuration, formation, and construction of primer brush bristles 70a, and do so without the assistance of a hair color professional.
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Powder container 410a contains powder dye 240 stored within powder chamber 420a. Powder dye 240 has the consistency of powder. Powder dye 240 is a temporary and short-lasting hair colorant, because it can be washed out of the hair using shampoo and water. However, powder dye 240 of the present invention, cannot simply be rinsed out solely using water, which provides a major benefit. An individual who has colored hair using powder dye 240 of the present invention would not want it to rinse out if the hair simply if the hair gets wet due to rain or perspiration, for example. Rather, powder dye 240 is formulated so that the detergents contained in shampoo are required to chemically react with powder dye 240 to cause it to rinse out of the hair after washing with shampoo. Powder dye 240 of the present invention does not contain ammonia, and therefore, does not cause the cortex of the hair shaft to open. As such, powder dye 240 is used only to deposit color on the hair shaft. Powder dye 240 of the present invention may contain pigments of natural colors, comprising black, brown, golden brown, chocolate, auburn, mahogany, copper, golden blonde, blonde, platinum, and various tints, tones, and shades of such natural colors. In addition, powder dye 240 of the present invention may contain pigments of unnatural colors, comprising green, orange, blue, orange, pink, purple, and various tints, tones, and shades of such unnatural colors. One further benefit of powder dye 240 in the present invention is that it can be applied to the hair while the hair is dry, which adds convenience for those who do not have current access to water at their present location.
Powder brush top end 270a is attached to powder wand bottom end 320a and powder wand top end 330a (not shown) is attached to powder cap bottom surface 360a (not shown), forming powder applicator 400a, using any means known in the art, including adhesive, glue, or the like. Powder cap interior sides 380a (not shown) features cap threads 470 of the opposite kind from container threads 480 on powder container opening exterior sides 440a, so that powder cap 350a can be attached and removed, e.g. removably attached from over the opening of the powder container storage chamber 420a by twisting powder cap 350a clockwise or counter-clockwise. Since powder cap 350a is one component of powder applicator 400a, powder applicator 400a is likewise removably attached over the opening of powder storage chamber 420a.
Powder applicator 400a serves to apply powder dye 240 to one or more sections of hair where it color addition is desired. Specifically, powder dye 240 needs to be applied to sections of hair that have previously been treated with primer 10 and wherein primer 10 has had sufficient time to cure on the hair. Preferably, primer 10 only takes a few minutes to dry and cure. One important function of primer 10 is to allow powder dye 240 to adhere and stick to hair, without powder dye 240 flaking off when the hair is moved—primer 10 assists in keeping powder dye 240 to adhere or stay deposited to the hair. Powder brush bristles 300a of powder brush 250a collect deposits of powder dye 240 inside powder container 410a. When powder applicator 400a is removed from powder container 410, deposits of powder dye 240 are left on powder brush bristles 300a of powder brush 250a and any excess powder dye 240 will fall back into powder container 410a so that it is not lost and wasted. In the present invention, an individual can apply powder dye 240 to the hair without having to touch powder dye 240 with hands or fingers, which is powdery in texture and can be quite messy, and thus does not need to wear gloves to protect the fingers and hands. Using powder applicator 400a, the individual can apply powder dye 240 to the hair with high precision and control due to the configuration, formation, and construction of powder brush bristles 300a, and do so without the assistance of a hair color professional.
Organizer 520a may be made of a uniform construction (e.g. a one-piece construction) so as to keep primer container 180a and powder container 410a stored together for convenience. Preferably, organizer 520a is relatively small and lightweight to allow for easy transport or portability of itself, primer and powder containers 180a, 410a, and the other components of the present system. Organizer 520a may be made of flexible material, such as soft plastics or rubber, for example, so that primer storage container area 540a can securely hold primer container 180a in place via interference fitment and so that powder container storage area 550a can securely hold powder container 410a in place via interference fitment. Optionally, in using the present invention, primer and powder containers 180a, 410a do not need to be removed once stored in organizer 520a. An individual desiring hair coloring has the flexibility to use primer applicator 170a or powder applicator 400a while primer and powder containers 180a, 410a are stored in organizer 520a. Organizer 520a makes it convenient to carry and transport primer and powder containers 180a, 410a for portability. There may be a need to take the temporary hair coloring system on-the-go and keep the system nearby in an individual's purse, locker, automobile, or workplace, while away from the house, so that it can be used on short-notice, which adds to the invention's convenience.
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The present invention can use different types, formations, or configurations of primer brushes, comprising different types, formations, or configurations of primer brush bristles. Likewise, the present invention can use different types, formations, or configurations of powder brushes, comprising different types, formations, or configurations of powder brush bristles. To illustrate,
The present invention's use of roach leg bristles 490 on powder applicator 400f, allows for controlled and uniform application of powder dye 240 to the hair, particularly to the hairline and hair roots, which are areas that require the agility, control, and precision that is characteristic of roach leg bristles 490. Although roach leg bristles 490 may be densely compacted with the neighboring or adjacent roach leg bristles 490, each roach leg bristle 490 maintains spatial separation with a neighboring or adjacent roach leg bristle 490, so that the roach leg bristles 490 do not touch each other. The advantage of this spacing, in combination with the L-shape of roach leg bristles 490, serves at least two important purposes. First, the spacing and L-shape of roach leg bristles 490 allow for more powder dye 240 to collect on each roach leg bristle 490 when compared to brushes of other configurations that do not feature such spacing or L-shape. The more powder dye 240 that is collected on roach leg bristles 490, the more powder dye 240 is made available to apply to the hair. Second, the spacing and L-shape of roach leg bristles 490 allows for roach leg bristles 490 to better lift and separate hair strands, allowing for agile and precise control of the distribution and deposit of powder dye 240 on the sections of hair desired to be colored. Thus, roach leg bristles 490 allow the individual to more efficiently apply powder dye 240 to the hair, because less passes of powder applicator 400f are necessary in order to provide more uniform and controlled coverage of powder dye 240. Therefore, the present invention discloses a system that is efficient and quick to use and allows for precise and uniform control over the application of powder dye 240.
Those of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the concept of using roach leg bristles 490 and roach leg bristles 490 with spines 510 disclosed herein, can equally be applied to primer brush bristles 70 of primer brush 20 (e.g.,
Although not illustrated, other embodiments could feature primer applicator 170 comprising roach leg bristles 490 or roach leg bristles 490 with spines 510 as primer bush 20, wherein primer brush diameter 60 is greater than primer container opening diameter 200, causing excess primer 10 to fall back into primer container 180 upon removal of primer applicator 170 so it is not lost and wasted, as primer brush bristles 70 come into contact with primer container interior top surface 185a. The removal of excess primer 10 is beneficial so as not to cause a mess outside of primer container 180 and also conserve primer 10 in using the temporary hair coloring system disclosed in the present invention.
As powder applicator 400l is removed from powder container 410f, powder applicator 400l can be tilted so that powder brush bristles 300l (e.g., in the form of roach leg bristles 490), come into contact with bumps 515. Upon contact with bumps 515, excess powder dye 240 is dislodged from powder brush bristles 300l and falls back into powder container 410f so it is not lost and wasted. The removal of excess powder dye 240 is beneficial so as not to cause a mess outside of powder container 410f and also conserves powder dye 240 in using the temporary hair coloring system disclosed in the present invention.
As disclosed earlier, the present invention can use different types, formations, or configurations of primer brushes 20, comprising different types, formations, or configurations of primer brush bristles 70. The present invention can use different types, formations, or configurations of powder brushes 250, comprising different types, formations, or configurations of powder brush bristles 300. To illustrate,
Turning to
In some embodiments of the present invention, a separate organizer 520 is not needed to keep primer container 180 and powder container 410 together during storage or transport.
As powder applicator 400v is removed from powder container 410f, powder applicator 400v can be tilted so that powder brush bristles 300v (in the form of, e.g., roach leg bristles 490), come into contact with bumps 515. Upon contact with bumps 515, excess powder dye 240 is dislodged from powder brush bristles 300v and falls back into powder container 410f so it is not lost and wasted. The removal of excess powder dye 240 is beneficial so as not to cause a mess outside of powder container 410f and also conserves powder dye 240 in using the temporary hair coloring system disclosed in the present invention.
The present invention provides many benefits. Using primer applicator 170 and powder applicator 400, an individual does not have to physically touch primer 10 or powder dye 240 with his or her fingers or hands, which can get rather messy. Thus, there is no need to wear gloves when using the present invention, providing greater convenience to the individual. In addition, both primer 10 and powder dye 240 can be applied with a high level of precision and control using primer brush bristles 70 and powder brush bristles 300, particularly where those bristles are roach leg bristles 490. Further, roach leg bristles 490 comprising spines 510 allow for more powder dye 240 to be collected and then deposited on the hair, greatly increasing the speed of applying powder dye 240 by reducing the number of passes needed by powder applicator 400, and thus, reducing the time to color hair. As such, the present invention provides ease of use and can permit the user to perform temporary hair coloring quickly and efficiently. In addition, use of primer, which can be applied while the hair is dry, in the hair will create a protective barrier so that the scalp is not stained with powder dye 240. The present system is also relatively inexpensive to use, when compared to the costs of hiring a hair color professional to apply dye as often as every two to three weeks. The inexpensive nature of the present system allows the individual to color hair more frequently, while also saving substantial costs and time in traveling to a salon and hiring a hair color professional. Finally, the inclusion of organizer 520 to store the various components of the hair coloring system, or in the case of primer and powder containers 180, 410 that are removably connectable with each other, make the present invention portable and transportable. Thus, the hair coloring system does not have to be used at home or at a salon—it can be used anywhere that the individual has access to a mirror for visual observation.
The present invention is also directed to a method of temporarily coloring hair on an individual's scalp, comprising the steps of: (a) locating one or more sections of hair desired to be colored; (b) using a temporary hair coloring system as disclosed in the present invention; (c) grasping the primer cap 120 and removing the primer applicator 170 from the primer container 180, whereby the primer 10 is deposited on the primer brush bristles 70 of primer brush 20 of the primer applicator 170 upon removal of the primer applicator 170; (d) applying the primer 10 to the one or more sections of hair desired to be colored using the primer brush bristles 70 of the primer brush 20 of the primer applicator 170; (e) waiting a sufficient time to allow for the primer 10 to cure on the one or more sections of hair; (f) removing the powder applicator 400 from the powder container 410, whereby the temporary powder dye 240 is deposited on the powder brush bristles 300 of the powder brush 250 of the powder applicator 400 upon removal of the powder applicator 400; and (g) applying the temporary powder dye 240 to the one or more sections of hair that is applied with the primer 10 using the powder brush bristles 300 of the powder brush 250 of the powder applicator 400.
Sometimes the individual desires to apply more powder dye 240 to the hair. Thus, optionally, the method may further comprise additional method steps of inserting powder applicator 400 into powder container 410 and then repeating method steps (f) and (g) above, until application of temporary powder dye 240 is complete.
All references referred to herein are incorporated herein by reference. While the system and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the system and methods described herein without departing from the concept and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the scope and concept of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the system and methods of the present invention have many applications, and that the present invention is not limited to the representative examples disclosed herein. Moreover, the scope of the present invention covers conventionally known variations and modifications to the components described herein, as would be known by those skilled in the art. While the system and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred or illustrative embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the system and methods described herein without departing from the concept and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the scope and concept of the invention as it is set out in the following claims.
Claims
1. A portable, compact temporary hair coloring system, comprising:
- a. a compact hair primer container comprising an outer surface, an interior primer storage chamber, and an apertured opening leading into the primer storage chamber;
- b. a hair primer material stored in the primer storage chamber;
- c. a hair primer applicator wand removably attachable to, and capable of sealing and resealing, the primer container apertured opening, the primer applicator wand further comprising a cap having a top side and an underside, an elongated wand section having a first end attached to the underside of the cap and a second end opposite thereto, and a brush section extending outwardly from the wand section along a desired length of the wand section;
- d. a compact temporary powder-form hair dye container comprising an outer surface, an interior powder dye storage chamber, and an apertured opening leading into the powder dye storage chamber;
- e. a temporary powder-form hair dye stored in the dye storage chamber; and
- f. a hair powder dye applicator wand removably attachable to, and capable of sealing and resealing, the powder-form hair dye container apertured opening, the powder-form dye applicator wand further comprising a cap having a top side and an underside, an elongated wand section having a first end attached to the underside of the cap and a second end opposite thereto, and a brush section extending outwardly from the wand section along a desired length of the wand section.
2. The temporary hair coloring system of claim 1, wherein the primer container and the powder container are stored together in an organizer.
3. The temporary hair coloring system of claim 1, wherein the primer container and the powder container are removably connectable with each other.
4. A temporary hair coloring system, comprising:
- a. a hair primer material;
- b. a primer brush, having a primer brush bottom end, a primer brush top end, primer brush sides, and a primer brush diameter, wherein the primer brush comprises a plurality of primer brush bristles;
- c. a primer wand, having a primer wand bottom end, a primer wand top end, and primer wand sides;
- d. a primer cap, having a primer cap bottom surface, a primer cap top surface, primer cap interior sides, and primer cap exterior sides;
- e. wherein the primer brush top end is attached to the primer wand bottom end and the primer wand top end is attached to the primer cap bottom surface, forming a primer applicator;
- f. a primer container, having a primer container opening, a primer container opening diameter, a primer container interior surface, a primer container exterior surface, and a primer container interior top surface, whereby the primer container opening comprises primer container opening exterior sides;
- g. wherein the primer is stored inside the primer container;
- h. wherein the primer applicator is removably attached to the primer container opening;
- i. wherein the primer is deposited on the primer brush bristles of the primer brush when the primer applicator is inserted into the primer container;
- j. a temporary powder hair dye;
- k. a powder brush, having a powder brush bottom end, powder brush top end, powder brush sides, and a powder brush diameter, wherein the powder brush comprises a plurality of powder brush bristles;
- l. a powder wand, having a powder wand bottom end, a powder wand top end, and powder wand sides;
- m. a powder cap, having a powder cap bottom surface, a powder cap top surface, powder cap interior sides, and powder cap exterior sides;
- n. wherein the powder brush top end is attached to the powder wand bottom end and the powder wand top end is attached to the powder cap bottom surface, forming a powder applicator;
- o. a powder container, having a powder container opening, a powder container opening diameter, a powder container interior surface, a powder container exterior surface, and a powder container interior top surface, whereby the powder container opening comprises powder container opening exterior sides;
- p. wherein the powder dye is stored inside the powder container;
- q. wherein the powder applicator is removably attached to the powder container opening; and
- r. wherein the power dye is deposited on the powder brush bristles of the powder brush when the powder applicator is inserted into the powder container.
5. The temporary hair coloring system of claim 4, wherein the primer brush bottom end comprises a plurality of primer brush bristles and wherein the powder brush bottom end comprises a plurality of powder brush bristles.
6. The temporary hair coloring system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of primer brush bristles extend radially about the primer brush and are located at brush sides along a length of the primer wand and wherein the plurality of powder brush bristles extend radially about the powder brush and are located at the powder brush sides along a desired length of the powder wand.
7. The temporary hair coloring system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of primer brush bristles and the plurality of powder brush bristles further comprise roach leg bristles.
8. The temporary hair coloring system of claim 4, wherein the primer brush diameter is greater than the primer container opening diameter and wherein the powder brush diameter is greater than the powder container opening diameter.
9. The temporary hair coloring system of claim 4, wherein the primer cap interior sides comprise cap threads and the primer container opening exterior sides comprise container threads to allow the primer applicator to be removably attached to the primer container and wherein the powder cap interior sides comprises the cap threads and the powder container opening exterior sides comprises the container threads to allow the powder applicator to be removably attached to the powder container.
10. The temporary hair coloring system of claim 4, wherein the primer brush bottom end comprises a plurality of primer brush bristles and wherein the powder brush bottom end comprises a plurality of powder brush bristles, wherein the plurality of primer brush bristles extend radially about the primer brush and are located at the primer brush sides and wherein the plurality of powder brush bristles extend radially about the powder brush and are located at the powder brush sides, wherein the plurality of primer brush bristles and the plurality of powder brush bristles further comprise roach leg bristles, wherein the primer brush diameter is greater than the primer container opening diameter and wherein the powder brush diameter is greater than the powder container opening diameter, wherein the primer cap interior sides comprise cap threads and the primer container opening exterior sides comprise container threads to allow the primer applicator to be removably attached to the primer container and wherein the powder cap interior sides comprises the cap threads and the powder container opening exterior sides comprises the container threads to allow the powder applicator to be removably attached to the powder container.
11. The temporary hair coloring system of claim 4, wherein the primer container and the powder container are transparent.
12. The temporary hair coloring system of claim 4, wherein the primer container and the powder container are stored together in an organizer.
13. The temporary hair coloring system of claim 4, wherein the primer container and the powder container are removably connectable with each other.
14. The temporary hair coloring system of claim 4, wherein the primer container interior surface comprises bumps and the powder container interior surface comprises bumps.
15. The temporary hair coloring system of claim 10, wherein the primer container and the powder container are transparent and the primer container and the powder container are stored together in an organizer.
16. The temporary hair coloring system of claim 10, wherein the primer container and the powder container are transparent and the primer container and the powder container are removable connectable with each other.
17. A method of temporarily coloring hair on an individual's scalp, comprising the steps of:
- a. locating one or more sections of hair desired to be colored;
- b. using a temporary hair coloring system, comprising: i. a primer; ii. a primer brush, having a primer brush bottom end, a primer brush top end, primer brush sides, a primer brush diameter, and a plurality of primer brush bristles; iii. a primer wand, having a primer wand bottom end, a primer wand top end, and primer wand sides; iv. a primer cap, having a primer cap bottom surface, a primer cap top surface, primer cap interior sides, and primer cap exterior sides; v. wherein the primer brush top end is attached to the primer wand bottom end and the primer wand top end is attached to the primer cap bottom surface, forming a primer applicator; vi. a primer container, having a primer container opening, a primer container diameter, a primer container interior surface, a primer container exterior surface, and a primer container interior top surface, whereby the primer container opening comprises primer container opening exterior sides; vii. wherein the primer is stored inside the primer container; viii. wherein the primer applicator is removably attached to the primer container opening; ix. wherein the primer is deposited on the primer brush bristles of the primer brush when the primer applicator is inserted into the primer container; x. a temporary powder dye; xi. a powder brush, having a powder brush bottom end, powder brush top end, powder brush sides, and a powder brush diameter, and a plurality of powder brush bristles; xii. a powder wand, having a powder wand bottom end, a powder wand top end, and powder wand sides; xiii. a powder cap, having a powder cap bottom surface, a powder cap top surface, powder cap interior sides, and powder cap exterior sides; xiv. wherein the powder brush top end is attached to the powder wand bottom end and the powder wand top end is attached to the powder cap bottom surface, forming a powder applicator; xv. a powder container, having a powder container opening, a powder container opening diameter, a powder container interior surface, a powder container exterior surface, and a powder container interior top surface, whereby the powder container opening comprises powder container opening exterior sides; xvi. wherein the temporary powder dye is stored inside the powder container; xvii. wherein the powder applicator is removably attached to the powder container opening; xviii. wherein the temporary power dye is deposited on the powder brush bristles of the powder brush when the powder applicator is inserted into the powder container;
- c. removing the primer applicator from the primer container, whereby the primer is deposited on the primer brush bristles of the primer brush of the primer applicator upon removal of the primer applicator;
- d. applying the primer to the one or more sections of hair desired to be colored using the primer brush bristles of the primer brush of the primer applicator;
- e. waiting a sufficient time to allow for the primer to cure on the one or more sections of hair;
- f. removing the powder applicator from the powder container, whereby the temporary powder dye is deposited on the powder brush bristles of the powder brush of the powder applicator upon removal of the powder applicator; and
- g. applying the temporary powder dye to the one or more sections of hair that is applied with the primer using the powder brush bristles of the powder brush of the powder applicator.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising the steps of inserting the powder applicator into the powder container, removing the powder applicator from the powder container, whereby the temporary powder dye is deposited on the powder brush bristles of powder brush of the powder applicator upon removal of the powder applicator, applying the temporary powder dye to the one or more sections of hair that is applied with the primer using the powder brush bristles of the powder brush of the powder applicator, until application of the temporary powder dye is complete.
Type: Application
Filed: May 22, 2015
Publication Date: Nov 26, 2015
Inventor: Cheryl A. Sorrels (Houston, TX)
Application Number: 14/720,662