FR3133980A1 - HAIR TREATMENT CARTRIDGES FOR FUNCTIONAL SHOWER HEAD - Google Patents

Abstract

HAIR TREATMENT CARTRIDGES FOR FUNCTIONAL SHOWER HEAD A hair care dispensing system, the system including a dispensing device, at least one cartridge containing a hair care product configured to fit within the dispensing device, a dispensing container removably attached to the dispensing device, wherein the dispensing container is configured to accept a specified quantity of the hair care product from the at least one cartridge, and a shower head communicatively coupled to the dispensing device distribution and configured to connect to the distribution container. Figure for abstract: 2

Description

HAIR TREATMENT CARTRIDGES FOR FUNCTIONAL SHOWER HEAD SUMMARY

The following describes a device for dispensing personalized hair care formulas for home use communicatively coupled to a communications device and an operable shower head. In some embodiments, a dispensing container of the dispensing device is connected to an operable shower head to deposit a hair care product on a user's hair while showering. In some embodiments, the operable shower head may communicate with the communication device and the dispensing device to ensure that the correct hair care products are deposited and detect doses of hair care products within the dispensing container.

This summary is provided to present a selection of concepts in a simplified form which are described in more detail below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The present invention relates to a method of depositing a hair care product, the method comprising:

connecting a dispensing container to a shower head;

detecting a hair care product inside the dispensing container;

determining whether the hair care product is a correct hair care product;

detecting a number of doses of hair care product inside the dispensing container;

determining whether the number of doses of the hair care product is at least one dose; And

depositing a dose of the hair care product on a user's hair.

According to embodiments, the method according to the invention comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

• determining whether the hair care product inside the dispensing chamber is the correct hair care product includes reading an RFID tag on the dispensing container associated with the hair care product inside the container of distribution ;
• determining whether the hair care product within the dispensing chamber is the correct hair care product includes reading a QR code on the dispensing container associated with the hair care product within the container of distribution ;
• determining whether the hair care product inside the dispensing chamber is the correct hair care product includes communicating with the dispensing device regarding the type of hair care product last dispensed;
• determining whether the hair care product inside the dispensing chamber is the correct hair care product includes communicating with a communication device regarding the type of hair care product last dispensed;
• the method further comprising, if it is determined that the hair care product is not the correct hair care product, issuing an alert to the user to replace the dispensing container with another dispensing container containing the correct hair care product;
• the alert is emitted by the shower head;
• the alert is a notification issued by a communication device;
• determining whether the number of doses of hair care product is at least one dose includes communicating with the dispensing device regarding the number of doses of hair care product last dispensed; And
• determining whether the amount of hair care product is at least one dose includes communicating with a communication device regarding the number of doses of hair care product last dispensed.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many related advantages of this invention will be more readily appreciated as they become better understood with reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

There is a general perspective view of an example of a hair care dispensing device, in accordance with the present technology;

There is an example of a cartridge, in accordance with this technology;

There is a top-down view of a basic example of a hair care dispensing device, in accordance with the present technology;

There is an example of a hair care system, in accordance with the present technology;

, and Figures 5a, 5b and 5c are examples of shower heads, in accordance with the present technology; And

There is a flowchart of an example process for depositing a hair care product with a functional shower head, in accordance with the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The hair care product delivery system disclosed below is configured to work in conjunction with a motorized, AI-enabled cartridge system that creates personalized hair care products. In operation, the user may take a photo, or upload a photo, of their hair with a communications device, such as a smartphone camera, and open an application ("app") on the smartphone. In some embodiments, the app on the communication device uses AI to analyze the user's hair, including, but not limited to, general hair condition, damage, color, content copper, presence of lice, humidity, texture and/or dandruff. In some embodiments, the application also assesses environmental conditions that may influence the condition of the user's hair. Examples of conditions include, but are not limited to, UV Index, air quality, pollen, weather, temperature and humidity.

In some embodiments, the app also evaluates user inputs, including current hair color, past hair treatments, hair length, and hair texture. In some embodiments, the user can select specific hair concerns, such as humidity, curl, texture, UV protection, or color.

In some embodiments, a customized blend of high-performance hair care is then dispensed in a portioned dose at the top of the device, into a dispensing container. In some embodiments, this dose is a single dose for a single application. In certain embodiments, this dose is sufficient for a weekly number of applications, for example seven doses for seven days of the week. In some embodiments, one or more hair care mixtures are dispensed. In some embodiments, the dispensing device may dispense hair care products including, but not limited to, shampoo, conditioner, serum, hair mask, lice treatment, hair care product without rinse and foam.

In some embodiments, the dispensing system is configured to accept three cartridges containing hair care products, but in other embodiments, the number of cartridges may be larger or smaller. In some embodiments, the cartridges slide into the dispensing device. In some embodiments, the cartridges engage the dispensing device. In some embodiments, the cartridges may contain one or more active ingredients beneficial for hair care, such as zinc oxide, tea tree oil, etc. In some embodiments, the cartridges are color coded or shaped to allow the user to better distinguish them from one another. In some embodiments, the cartridges are provided with an RFID tag or QR code so that the dispensing device can determine which hair care product is inside the cartridge.

In some embodiments, the dose of hair care formula is a single dose. In some embodiments, the user can double or triple this dose with additional pressure. In some embodiments, the dispensing device may prescribe a weekly regimen that the user may dispense daily. In some embodiments, the dose of hair care formula is sufficient for the entire weekly regimen.

In some embodiments, the system further includes an operable shower head ("shower head") for depositing the hair care product onto the user's hair. The dispensing container of the dispensing device can be connected to the shower head, so that when the shower is turned on, the hair care product in the dispensing container is deposited on the user's hair, which can save some water. In some embodiments, the user can activate a user input to deposit the hair care product while the water is flowing. In some embodiments, the shower head includes a controller to detect the type of hair care product inside the dispensing chamber, detect the number of doses of hair care product inside the dispensing chamber, dispensing, or controlling the quantity or flow rate of hair care product. In some embodiments, detection of the type and quantity of hair care product in the dispensing container may be informed by the communication device and/or the dispenser.

There is an overview in perspective of an example of hair care dispensing device 100, in accordance with the present technology. The visible portion of the hair care dispenser 100 includes a base 102. The base 102 serves as a support for a dispenser body 106. In some embodiments, the base 102 provides power to the device, for example with an electrical cord (not shown on the ). A dispensing container 108 is disposed above the dispenser body 106. A power button (not shown on the ) may be disposed partly within the dispenser body 106 such that the dispenser body 106 secures the placement of the power button and an indicator light and button (not shown in the figure). ) can be arranged partly inside the distributor body 106 so that the distributor body 106 secures the placement of the indicator light and the button. The indicator light and button may be a mechanical or capacitive touch-type button. The dispenser body 106 may serve as a base for the dispensing container 108.

There represents an example of a cartridge, in compliance with this technology. The cartridge 114 has a round and cylindrical body, and a nozzle 160 at a first end. The nozzle 160 is further disposed near a cartridge key 132. The cartridge 114 contains and dispenses a quantity of hair care product into the dispensing container 108 as needed. In some embodiments, cartridge 114 dispenses hair care product by rotation of a cartridge gear while cartridge 114 remains in place substantially vertically along the Y axis. A circumferential groove 270 is at a second end of the cartridge 130 and is used to secure the cartridge 114 in the dispensing device 100.

A quantity of hair care product is released from the cartridge 114 through the nozzle 160 by a first rotational movement of the first end relative to the second end of the cartridge 114. A rotational movement of the first end of the cartridge 114 in a second direction, opposite to the first rotational movement, can close the nozzle 160 of the cartridge 114.

There is a top-down view of a basic example of a hair care dispensing device, in accordance with the present technology. Base 102 may be connected to body 106 of dispensing device 100 in a manner that allows it to be rotated open to expose a plurality of cartridge openings 140. In some embodiments, base 102 is completely removed to access cartridge openings 140. In some embodiments, base 102 is attached to body 106 by a hinge, screw, magnet, or other attachment mechanism. As illustrated, one or more cartridges 130 may be inserted into the plurality of cartridge holes 140. Although three cartridge holes 140 are illustrated on the , any number of cartridge holes 140 may be located in the body 106 of the dispensing device 100.

A nozzle 160 of each cartridge 114 is disposed within one of the cartridge holes 140. Various additional substructures and covers may be disposed between the internal components of the hair care dispensing device 100 and the dispenser body 106.

There is an example of a hair care delivery system, in accordance with this technology. A system 400, which implements the hair care dispenser 100, described above, includes at least the hair care dispenser 100, a connected communication device 300, and a connected functional shower head 500. Optionally, the system may include one or more external servers (not shown) that are implemented as part of a cloud computing environment.

The connected communication device 300 may be a personal computer (PC), a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, a tablet, an ultra mobile personal computer (UMPC). ), a netbook or a notebook-style personal computer. In the examples below, the connected device 300 is assumed to be a tablet type device, such as an Apple iPad.

The connected communication device 300 is capable of wireless communication with the hair care dispenser 100 and the functional shower head 500 by means of wireless communication interface circuitry on the hair care dispenser 100 and of similar circuitry in the functional shower head 500. However, the communication device 300 is also capable of having a wired connection with the hair care dispenser 100 by means of a USB interface 776 on the device 100. Additionally, the devices, including the hair care delivery device 100, may each communicate with each other and with the external device(s) through an Internet connection via an 802.11 wireless connection to an Internet access point wirelessly, or a physical connection to the Internet access point, for example via an Ethernet interface. Each connected communications device 300 is capable of wireless communication with other devices, for example through a Bluetooth connection or other wireless means.

The connected communication device 300 is configured to receive information from a user to generate a hair care product that will be used by the hair care dispenser 100 to dispense hair care product into a dispensing container 108.

The functional shower head 500 is likewise capable of wireless communication with the hair care dispenser 100 by means of a wireless communication interface circuit in the hair care dispenser 100. The functional shower head is capable of communicating with the hair care dispenser 100 and the communication device 300 regarding the dispensing containers currently inserted into the shower head 500 (as described in more detail below).

Figures 5a-5c show examples of shower heads 500 in accordance with the present technology. Although shower heads 500 are illustrated as being conical in shape, shower head 500 may have any shape, such as cylindrical. In some embodiments, the shower head 500 includes a plurality of nozzles 200. Although the plurality of nozzles 200 is illustrated as being round and dispersed across the base of the shower head 500, the plurality of nozzles 200 may take n any configuration, shape or pattern. In some embodiments, the shower head 500 includes a battery (not shown in Figures 5a-5c) to power the shower head and dispense the hair care product from the dispensing container 108.

In some embodiments, the shower head 500 includes a user input 520 that the user can operate. In some embodiments, user input 520 is a button, switch, or touchpad. In some embodiments, the user can activate user input 520 to begin the detection process (as explained in detail in the ). In some embodiments, the user may operate user input 520 to deposit the hair care product. In some embodiments, the user can activate user input 520 to perform these two functions, one after the other.

There is an example of one mode of connecting the dispensing container 108 to the functional shower head 500. The shower head 500 includes a plurality of nozzles 200. In some embodiments, the shower head 500 further includes a controller (as shown on the ). As illustrated on the , in some embodiments, the dispensing container 108 is connected to the shower head 500 between the spout 510 of a shower and the shower head 500 itself. The dispensing container may include one attachment, such as a threaded opening for attaching to the spout 510 of a shower, and a second attachment for connecting to the shower head 500.

In operation, as water flows through the spout 510, it mixes with the hair care product in the dispensing container and is ultimately pushed through the plurality of nozzles in the shower head 500, depositing the hair care product. hair treatment on a user's hair while showering. In some embodiments, the user activates user input 520 to deposit the hair care product.

There is an example of another method of connecting the dispensing container 108 to the functional shower head 500. The shower head 500 includes an attachment 210 for connection to the shower spout 510. In some embodiments, the shower head 500 includes a controller, as shown in the . In some embodiments, the dispensing container 108 is capable of being attached to the base of the shower head 500. In some embodiments, the dispensing container 108 may be attached to the shower head 500 at the base of the shower head 500. using a magnet, threaded opening or snap. In some embodiments, the dispensing container 108 may include a plurality of nozzles 200 for dispensing the hair care product.

In operation, when water flows through the shower spout 510, and through the shower head 500, it reaches the dispensing container 108, mixes with the hair care product inside the dispensing container 108 , and deposits the hair care product on the user's hair via the plurality of nozzles 200 while the user showers. In some embodiments, the user may operate user input 520 to deposit the hair care product.

There is an internal view of another example of a method of connecting the dispensing container 108 to the functional shower head 500. The shower head 500 includes a chamber 240, a plurality of nozzles 200, a controller 220, and a dispensing container 180. In some embodiments, the shower head 500 further includes a cover 230. In some embodiments, the dispensing container 108 is inserted inside the shower head 500. Although the dispensing container 108 is shown as being inserted into the right side of the shower head 500, the dispensing container 108 could also be inserted into the left side of the shower head 500, or any other internal location of the shower head 500.

In operation, controller 220 is communicatively coupled to dispensing container 108 and cover 230. As water flows from spout 510 into chamber 240 of shower head 500, controller 220 may direct cover 230 to open, so that a hair care product comes out of the dispensing container 108 in a controlled manner. When the hair care product mixes with the flowing water, it is deposited onto the user's hair by the plurality of nozzles 200 while the user showers. In some embodiments, the user must activate user input 520 to deposit the hair care product. In some embodiments, the cover 230 may slide to expose an opening on the dispensing container 108. In some embodiments, the cover 230 may be attached to the dispensing container 108 and inserted into the shower head 500 at the same time than the dispensing container 108.

In some embodiments, the controller 220 is also capable of determining the amount of hair care product remaining in the dispensing container 108 and alerting the user to refill the dispensing container 108 by the via a communication device (such as communication device 300), as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, controller 220 is also communicatively coupled to user input 520 (not shown in the figure). ) to receive input from a user to begin the detection process and/or deposit hair care product.

There is a flowchart of an example method of depositing a hair care product with a functional shower head in accordance with the present technology. The process begins at block 610.

At block 620, a dispensing container, such as a dispensing container 108, is connected to a shower head, such as shower head 500. In some embodiments, the dispensing container is connected to the shower head. shower as shown in Figures 5a-c.

At block 630, the shower head detects whether the correct hair care product is in the dispensing container. In some embodiments, the shower head automatically transitions to block 630. In some embodiments, a user initiates block 630 by actuating a user input, such as user input 520. In some embodiments, the user initiates block 630 through an application on the communication device. In some embodiments, the shower head detects whether the correct hair care product is in the dispensing container. The detection processes 630 and 640, and the deposit process 650 are executed by the shower head based on commands received from a controller (not shown), the controller sending data to the user and receiving input of it through the communication device or by indicators on the shower head itself.

The shower head may determine whether the hair care product is a correct hair care product by communicating with a communication device (such as the communication device 300) and/or a dispensing device (such as the dispensing device 100 ) to determine which hair care product was dispensed last. In some embodiments, the shower head may determine whether the hair care product is the correct hair care product based on the shape of the dispensing container, or a marker on the dispensing container such as a code QR or RFID tag.

If an incorrect hair care product is detected, the process proceeds to block 631. At block 631, the user is alerted to the presence of an incorrect hair care product and given the opportunity to correct it. In some embodiments, the user is alerted through an application on the communications device 300. In some embodiments, the user is alerted to the presence of an incorrect hair care product by the apple shower itself, for example by a flashing LED, a noise or tone, or a user interface. Once the user inserts the correct dispensing container at block 632, the process proceeds to block 640.

If the correct hair care product in the dispensing container was inserted into the shower head the first time, the process also proceeds to block 640.

At block 640, the shower head detects whether the correct amount of hair care product is inside the dispensing container. In some embodiments, the shower head is capable of detecting the amount of hair care product in the dispensing container. In some embodiments, the dispensing device and/or the communication device informs the shower head of the number of doses of hair care product dispensed into the dispensing container. The shower head may then retain this information and count the doses dispensed or inform the dispensing device and/or communication device each time a dose has been deposited in order to maintain a running total of remaining doses. In some embodiments, the shower head determines that at least one dose of hair care product is inside the dispensing container.

If there is not enough hair care product in the dispensing container, that is to say if there is less than one dose, the process proceeds to block 641. In block 641, the The user is alerted to fill the dispensing container. In some embodiments, the shower head alerts the user to refill the dispenser according to the methods described above, in block 631. In some embodiments, the user is alerted through a notification from the communication device 300. At block 642, the user inserts a refilled or new dispensing container into the shower head. Once this is done, the process returns to block 630 to ensure that the hair care product is correct and that the correct amount of hair care product is inside the dispensing chamber.

If the shower head detects that the correct amount of hair product is inside the dispensing container, i.e. at least one dose of hair product, the process proceeds to block 650.

At block 650, the shower head delivers a dose of hair care product from the dispensing container onto the user's hair. In some embodiments, the user can turn on the shower so that water and hair care product are deposited on the user's hair. In some embodiments, the user activates a user input on the shower head to deposit the hair care product while the shower is on. Examples of user input include, but are not limited to, a button, switch, or touchpad. In some embodiments, the shower head may regulate the amount of hair care product and the rate of deposition of the hair care product on the user's hair. Optionally, if the user wishes to use a second dose of hair care product, the process returns to step 620. In certain embodiments, the dispensing container is for single use, that is to say it contains a single dose of hair care product, and will need to be refilled after each use. In some embodiments, the dispensing container contains more than one dose, and can be used multiple times, until it is empty.

At block 660, the process ends.

Claims (10)

Process for depositing a hair care product, the process comprising:
connecting (620) a dispensing container (108) to a shower head (500);
detecting (630) a hair care product inside the dispensing container (108);
determining whether the hair care product is a correct hair care product;
detecting (640) a number of doses of hair care product inside the dispensing container (108);
determining whether the number of doses of the hair care product is at least one dose; And
depositing (650) a dose of the hair care product onto a user's hair. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the hair care product within the dispensing chamber is the correct hair care product comprises reading an RFID tag on the associated dispensing container (108). to the hair care product inside the dispensing container (108). The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the hair care product within the dispensing chamber is the correct hair care product comprises reading a QR code on the associated dispensing container (108) to the hair care product inside the dispensing container (108). The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the hair care product within the dispensing chamber is the correct hair care product includes communicating with the dispensing device regarding the type of hair care product dispensed Lastly. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the hair care product within the dispensing chamber is the correct hair care product comprises communicating with a communication device regarding the type of hair care product dispensed Lastly. The method of any of claims 1 to 5, the method further comprising, if it is determined that the hair care product is not the correct hair care product, issuing (631) an alert for the user to replace the dispensing container (108) with another dispensing container (108) containing the correct hair care product. A method according to claim 6, wherein the alert is issued by the shower head (500). A method according to claim 6, wherein the alert is a notification issued by a communications device. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein determining whether the number of doses of hair care product is at least one dose comprises communicating with the dispensing device regarding the number of doses of hair care product. hair care distributed last. The method of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein determining whether the amount of hair care product is at least one dose comprises communicating with a communication device regarding the number of doses of hair care product distributed last.