Fluid sprinkling – spraying – and diffusing – Electrostatic type
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-18
2001-11-20
Evans, Robin O. (Department: 3752)
Fluid sprinkling, spraying, and diffusing
Electrostatic type
C239S691000, C239S692000, C239S704000, C239S706000, C239S708000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06318647
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to cartridges for electrostatic spraying apparatus, and more specifically to disposable cartridges for use in electrostatic spraying apparatus for cosmetic products.
2. Background Information
Traditionally most skin care or cosmetic products, such as lotions, perfumes, and make-up, for example, have been applied by a limited number of methods. For example, frequently they are simply applied by the hand of the user, who would spread or rub the product onto the skin with the fingers or with the aid of an application pad. These produces are also frequently sold in pump sprays or pre-pressurized aerosol containers, so as to have the product atomized and sprayed with the aid of a propellant gas.
More recently, electrostatic spraying devices have been developed for the application of personal care products, such as skin care and cosmetic products. However, many of these more recent apparatus can still be bulky and/or require bench top equipment and external electrical wiring, which can make them cumbersome or hard to use. A few portable hand-held electrostatic devices are also known, however these known electrostatic devices frequently require the product to be dispersed by the application of pressure by hand, or from a pre-pressurized container, with the aid of a propellant, such as a fluorocarbon, or chlorofluorocarbon, for example. Additionally, many known electrostatic spraying devices require the pouring of the product into a separate refillable container, which container is then connected to the spraying device by a hose or a dip tube.
Typically, the known application methods and apparatus have a number of drawbacks. For example, frequently these methods and devices are unable to deliver a desired target product flow rate with great accuracy and precision, thus resulting in uneven coverage and wasted product. These drawbacks can be particularly troublesome when applying cosmetics, such as foundation, for example. Applying too much foundation in an uneven manner can result in both excessive wasted amounts of potentially expensive cosmetics, as well as an unsatisfactory and unattractive final appearance of the skin to which the foundation is applied. For example, when all the skin is covered the natural skin tones cannot show through, and the user can feel like she is wearing a mask. Consequently, known application processes and products frequently make it difficult to adequately conceal skin flaws and yet create a finished “look” which is both natural in appearance and long lasting.
Additionally, some of the known electrostatic spraying devices do not adequately focus the electrical charge and/or insulate the product supply from the electrostatic charge. This can particularly be a problem when a two-phased product, such as a two-phased foundation, is used in the device, since some of these products can be prone to separation when electrostatic charge travels to the reservoir containing the supply of product.
Further, since many known electrostatic devices have containers or reservoirs, which continually need refilling with product, these containers can not only be inconvenient to refill, but can also be messy and thus require cleaning and maintenance by the user. Refilling can also result in a risk of contamination of the new product by residue, left in the container. Additionally, known electrostatic spraying devices typically have one spray nozzle which is repeatedly reused. After repeated and/or long-term use this single nozzle can be subject to clogging and contamination, thus also requiring maintenance and cleaning by the user. Additionally, many known nozzles are made of conductive material, which can result in the user accidentally touching the nozzle and thereby potentially shocking themselves or grounding the device.
Finally, in known electrostatic spraying devices, manufacturing problems and additional costs can result from the production of numerous separate pieces, such as separate electrodes, nozzles and insulators.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to create a hand-held, self-contained electrostatic spraying device which is easy to use.
Another object of the present invention is to create an electrostatic spraying device that provides a precise essentially constant flow rate of product, to provide uniformity and ease of application, as well as to conserve product usage.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable cartridge to be used in the electrostatic spraying device, which disposable cartridge is configured to hold a supply of product suitable for electrostatic spraying, and is easy and convenient to use.
Another object of the present invention is to create an electrostatic spraying device that permits the application of a cosmetic foundation product in substantially uniformly spaced droplets so as to create a desirable appearance or “look” for foundation users, such that the foundation conceals skin flaws, yet appears natural.
Another object of the present invention is to create a hand-held, self-contained electrostatic spraying device which is easy to use which eliminates the need for bench top, equipment and external electrical wiring.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable cartridge with a nozzle made from a non-conductive material which thus minimizes accidental shocking and/or grounding of the device by the unintentional touching of the nozzle.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable cartridge which has the spray nozzle as part of the cartridge, such that the nozzle is replaced each time a new cartridge is inserted into the spraying device, thereby essentially obviating the need to clean the nozzle.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a non-refillable disposable cartridge containing a supply of product suitable for electrostatic spraying, such that a separate refillable external product supply container is not required for the electrostatic spraying device.
Another object of the present invention is to reduce manufacturing problems and/or costs by providing a disposable cartridge in which the nozzle, insulator and electrode can be manufactured as one integral part.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable cartridge which adequately focuses the electrostatic charge and insulates the product supply such that two-phase product separation is minimized.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These objects can be achieved by an electrostatic spraying device which is designed to be a hand-held, self-contained, battery operated electrostatic spraying device, with a disposable cartridge.
The electrostatic spraying device can comprise a housing configured to be held by the hand of a user, a disposable cartridge configured to contain a supply of product, such as a cosmetic product, and a nozzle for spraying the product onto the skin of the recipient. An electrode for electrostatically charging the product can be disposed to charge the product prior to its dispersal. The device can also be configured for moving the product from the supply of product, past the electrode, and to a dispersal point. A self-contained power supply arrangement can also be disposed within the housing to provide electrical power for the device.
The electrostatic spraying device is preferably designed in size and weight to be easily held and operated by the hand of the user. Further, the device is preferably self-contained such that essentially all of necessary components, such as the product supply and power supply, can be contained within the housing of the device. Therefore, preferably no external, potentially bulky or cumbersome, sources for product or power are required. This permits the electrostatic spraying device to be portable, since it can be used in virtually any location, and can be easily transported by the user from one location to another.
The housing of the device can include a gripping area substantially contoured to the shape of a users hand. This gripping area c
Gaw Chinto Benjamin
Huang Chow-Chi
Khan Ayub Ibrahim
McCracken Ivan Andrew
Peterson Robert James
Evans Robin O.
Oney, Jr. Jack L.
The Procter & Gamble & Company
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