WO2025111379A1

WO2025111379A1 - Powder applicator brush

Info

Publication number: WO2025111379A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/056744
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jennifer ANISTON; Joel RONKIN; Amy SACHS
Original assignee: Lolavie LLC
Current assignee: Lolavie LLC
Priority date: 2023-11-20
Filing date: 2024-11-20
Publication date: 2025-05-30
Anticipated expiration: 2026-05-20

Abstract

Applicator brushes, as may be used with dry shampoos and other powders, may be provided with a powder application device, comprising: a reservoir; a plurality of applicator bristles; a plurality of guide bristles disposed on a perimeter of the plurality of applicator bristles; and a baseplate defining a plurality of holes, separating the reservoir and the plurality of applicator bristles, having a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the first configuration places the plurality of applicator bristles in communication with the reservoir through the plurality of holes, and the second configuration blocks communication between the reservoir and the applicator bristles through the plurality of holes.

Description

TITLE

POWDER APPLICATOR BRUSH

PRIORITY

[0001] The present disclosure claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.: 63/601,115 titled “POWDER APPLICATOR BRUSH” and filed on November 20, 2023, which is incorporated herein it its entirety

BACKGROUND

[0002] Dry shampoos are products used in lieu of traditional shampoos to eliminate oils and dirt in the hair when a situation is not conducive for a user to wash their hair with water. Dry shampoos are often powder based and can be difficult to apply, which can result in the unwanted dispersal of fine powder about a user’s person and general vicinity.

SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure provides a powder applicator brush, which can be used to apply dry shampoo or other powders to a user’s hair without unwanted dispersal of powder about the user’s person or general vicinity.

[0004] Additional features and advantages of the disclosed method and apparatus are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the Figures. The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the figures and description. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1A-1B illustrate isometric views of an example applicator brush, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [0006] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of an applicator brush, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 3 illustrates a detailed view of the applicator brush head, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 4 illustrates a planar view of an applicator brush with a protective cap, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figures 5A-5B illustrate an assembled and an exploded view of an example applicator brush, respectively, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] The present disclosure provides a powder shampoo applicator brush, in which dry shampoo or other powders are contained in a disposable container within the brush head and dispersed into the hair through an arrangement of applicator bristles. The arrangement of applicator bristles is flanked by one or more rows of guide bristles, which are used to guide and hold a user's hair over the applicator bristles where the dry shampoo is applied. Although the examples given herein generally discuss the applicator brush applying a dry shampoo as the powder, the present disclosure also contemplates that the applicator brush may apply other powders to hair, fur, artificial hairs, feathers, or underlying skin. These additional powders include but are not limited to: talc, chalk, sodium bicarbonate ( e.g., baking soda), medicated or therapeutic powders, coloring or cosmetic powders, and combinations thereof.

[0011] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an applicator brush includes a powder application device, which includes a powder reservoir; a plurality of applicator bristles; a plurality of guide bristles disposed on a perimeter of the plurality of applicator bristles; and a baseplate. The baseplate defines a plurality of holes, separating the powder reservoir and the plurality of applicator bristles, having a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the baseplate places the plurality of applicator bristles in communication with the powder reservoir through the plurality of holes, allowing dry shampoo powder to leave the reservoir and enter the applicator bristles for application to a user's hair. In the second configuration, the baseplate blocks the holes, thereby blocking communication of the dry shampoo powder between the powder reservoir and the applicator bristles through the plurality of holes, thereby preventing unwanted dispersal of the dry shampoo powder.

[0012] Figure 1A illustrates a first isometric view of an example applicator brush 100, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the applicator brush 100 includes a handle 110, and a bristle assembly 130, which further includes guide bristles 132, applicator bristles 134 and a circular baseplate 136 in which the guide bristles 132 and applicator bristles 134 are secured, a housing 140 and abottom cap 150. The guide bristles 132 are configured to guide and hold a user's hair over the applicator bristles 134, where dry shampoo is dispensed, and applied to the user's hair.

[0013] The bristle assembly 130 defines the arrangement of the guide bristles 132 and the applicator bristles 134. The arrangement of applicator bristles 134 may be regarded as a first subarrangement of fine bristles, and the arrangement of guide bristles 132 may be regarded as a second sub-arrangement of coarse bristles. In some embodiments, the applicator bristles 134 are arranged in the form of a stadium or ellipse, axially defined along a diameter of the baseplate 136. In the illustrated embodiments, the guide bristles 132 form a row along each long side of the arrangement of applicator bristles 134, parallel to the diameter of the baseplate 136, along which the arrangement of applicator bristles 134 is oriented. In other embodiments, the stadium shape of the applicator bristles 134 may have bowed sides, and the rows of guide bristles 132 may be similarly bowed to accommodate the form. In some embodiments, the applicator bristles 134 may form a rectangle defined along a diameter of the baseplate 136. In some embodiments, each arrangement of guide bristles 132 include two or more rows of guide bristles 132 on either side of the arrangement of applicator bristles 134. In some embodiments, the applicator bristles 134 form a circle defined at the center of the baseplate 136, and the guide bristles 132 form a ring about the circumference of the applicator bristles 134. As users with different types of hair ( or wishing to apply a powder to underlying skin or other pelage/plumage) may select different arrangements of brushes, the illustrated example shall be understood as non-limiting.

[0014] The circular baseplate 136 may include flexible components or features in which the guide bristles 132 are disposed, such that when the applicator brush 100 is used, the guide bristles 132 do not contact a user's scalp in a manner that could cause discomfort. The applicator bristles 134 are the means by which powder is dispensed onto a user's hair. The circular baseplate 136 includes holes which provide communication between the dry shampoo container 200 (see Figure 2) and the applicator bristles 134. The circular baseplate is configured to index rotationally between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, the dry shampoo powder contained in the dry shampoo container 200 can be transferred via the holes, to the applicator bristles 134, where the powder can be applied to a user's hair. In the closed configuration, the dry shampoo powder is fully encapsulated within the dry shampoo container 200, thereby preventing unwanted dispersal of the dry shampoo powder. In some embodiments, the holes are disposed amidst the applicator bristles 134, to facilitate the dispersion of dry shampoo powder.

[0015] Figure IB shows an anterior view of an applicator brush 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, such that certain features are more easily viewed. The handle 110 can be attached to or integrated into the housing 140. In some embodiments, the handle 110 may contain hinges or other mechanisms and be constructed such that the handle 110 is selectively collapsible, or telescoping, so that the device takes up less space when transported or stored.

[0016] Although illustrated in the figures as substantially rectangular, in some examples, the handle 110 may take the form of other shapes, or be omitted entirely. In some examples, the handle 110 may include features that aid in gripping the handle 110, such as finger holds disposed along the length of the handle 110, and materials with higher friction coefficients. According to some embodiments, the handle 110 may be stylized with adornments, or constructed of materials chosen for aesthetic properties. In some embodiments, the handle 110 may be formed with injection molded plastic.

[0017] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of an applicator brush 100, in which the dry shampoo container 200 is exposed for viewing. The dry shampoo container 200 is a container in which dry shampoo powder is stored, and from which dry shampoo powder is dispensed. In some embodiments, dry shampoo powder is inserted directly into the dry shampoo container 200. In some examples, the dry shampoo container 200 is configured to house a consumable canister containing dry shampoo powder.

[0018] The circular baseplate 136 and housing 140 contain holes through which the dry shampoo contained in the dry shampoo container 200 can be communicated to the applicator bristles 134. According to some embodiments, the bristle assembly 130 is configured to rotate within the housing 140 such that the holes in the circular baseplate 136 can be selectively aligned with holes in the housing 140 in an open configuration, and dis-aligned in a closed configuration, which allows a user to selectively toggle whether the dry shampoo is dispensed into the bristle assembly 130. This feature is particularly useful for storing the applicator brush 100 when not in use, as the closed configuration prevents the unwanted dispensation of dry shampoo about the storage area or container.

[0019] The bottom cap 150 is a selectively removable cap, and when removed, provides access to the dry shampoo container 200. The dry shampoo container 200 is inserted into the bottom cap 150, which is then secured into the brush head 120. The bristle assembly can then be indexed from the off position to the on position to be ready for use. When the dry shampoo contained with the dry shampoo container 200 has been expended, the bottom cap 150 is removed, the dry shampoo container 200 is replaced or refilled, and then the bottom cap 150 is reinstalled.

[0020] The dry shampoo container 200 is inserted into the applicator brush 100, in a portion of the housing underneath bristle assembly 130, this portion of the housing and the bottom cap 150 form a reservoir 210 that is configured to hold the dry shampoo container 200 in place.

[0021] In some embodiments, the bottom cap 150 or the dry shampoo container 200 includes a gasket or seal around the dispensing surface of the container and prevents unwanted dispersal of the powder, conserving powder and reducing mess. The bottom cap 150 helps maintain the seal by pushing the container 200 inward/upward towards the bristle assembly 130.

[0022] When in the engaged configuration, which allows communication between the bristle assembly 130 and the dry shampoo container 200/the reservoir 210, the user may invert the applicator brush 100 (e.g., placing the powder above the bristle assembly 130) and apply the powder to a target location. Accordingly, the power may be fed via gravity to the bristle assembly 130, which conveys the powder to the hair (real or artificial), fur, or feathers being brushed by the user ( or the underlying skin thereto).

[0023] In addition or alternatively to using gravity to feed the powder to the bristle assembly 130, the bottom surface of the dry shampoo container 200 may include a flexible membrane 220, which, when pressure is applied, compresses the dry shampoo container 200 and compels dry shampoo powder out of the dry shampoo container 200 and, when properly installed, through the holes of the bristle assembly 130, where the dry shampoo is applied. In some such examples, the cut out 152 in the bottom cap 150 provides access for a pressure to be applied, manually or otherwise, to the dry shampoo container 200. [0024] In some examples, the dry shampoo container 200 may be omitted entirely, and the reservoir 210 is directly filled with the dry shampoo powder. In some such examples, the cut out 152 in the bottom cap 150 includes a flexible membrane such that pressure can be applied to compel dry shampoo powder into the bristle assembly 130.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the housing 140 is configured such that a surface of the dry shampoo container 200 directly contacts a surface of the bristle assembly. In such an embodiment, the dry shampoo container 200 includes holes in the contact surface and an alignment feature that is matched with an alignment feature in the housing 140 such that the bristle assembly 130 is operable to rotate between an open and closed configuration relative to the dry shampoo container 200.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the dry shampoo container 200 is reusable. After the expenditure of the dry shampoo, the dry shampoo container 200 can be refilled with dry shampoo powder and reinstalled for further use.

[0027] The present disclosure includes embodiments having an article of manufacture, the article of manufacture comprising a consumable canister containing dry shampoo powder. In some embodiments, consumable canister includes an adhered removable membrane, the removal of said membrane resulting in the exposure of the contents of the canister. In some examples, the canister is substantially cylindrical, having two substantially circular sides, and the removable membrane is adhered to one of these circular sides, the circular side also having a lip to increase the surface area of the bond with the membrane.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the dry shampoo container 200 is disposable. After the expenditure of the dry shampoo, the old dry shampoo container 200 is discarded and a new dry shampoo container 200, containing a new supply of dry shampoo, is inserted into the bottom cap 150 and reinstalled. In some examples, a disposable dry shampoo container 200 may include a removable sealing membrane that protects the dry shampoo from exposure prior to opening, that is removed before installation and use, is punctured by the housing 140 when installed therein to allow release of the dry shampoo, or is scraped off or cut open via the rotational movement of the brush head 120 relative to the housing 140. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the user may keep the power unexposed until an initial use, at which time the internal structures of the applicator brush 100 pierce or peel away a membrane to initially expose the powder, which may then then sealed away again by changing the configuration of the applicator brush 100 from the open/in-use configuration to the close/storage configuration ( e.g., by twisting the bristle assembly 90 degrees relative to the housing 140).

[0029] According to some embodiments, the dry shampoo container 200 is refillable. When the dry shampoo powder contained within the dry shampoo container 200 has been expended, the bottom cap 150 is removed, and the dry shampoo container 200 is extracted, whereupon the dry shampoo container 200 is refilled with dry shampoo powder and both the dry shampoo container 200 and the bottom cap 150 are successively reinstalled.

[0030] Figure 3 shows a planar view of the brush head 120 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The ends of the guide bristles 132 extend beyond the ends of the applicator bristles 134, and the guide bristles 132 are generally thicker than individual applicator bristles 134. The guide bristles 132 guide a user's hair into uniform strands and the spherical nodes ensure that the strands maintain contact with the applicator bristles 134 for the duration of a stroke of use. As illustrated, the guide bristles 132 are configured as stalks having spherical nodes at the end of each, but the nodes may be omitted in various embodiments. In various embodiments, the guide bristles 132 are made of steel or aluminum, and are optionally coated with the polymer or rubberized coating. In some embodiments, the guide bristles 132 are made of a nylon or plastic.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the applicator bristles 134 are made of a material that has an ability to wick dry shampoo particles. Ideally, this material has a lesser affinity for sticking to dry shampoo particles than human hair does, such that in the course of use, the dry shampoo is deposited from the applicator brush 100 onto the hair. In some examples, the applicator bristles 134 are made of nylon, polyester, or a blend thereof. Generally, the applicator bristles 134 are finer (e.g., have a smaller cross-sectional area) than the guide bristles 132, are less rigid than the guide bristles 132, and are more tightly spaced/packed together among the plurality of applicator bristles 134 than the guide bristles 132 are spaced/packed in an associated row. In some embodiments, the length of any given applicator bristle 134 is less than the length of any given guide bristle 132. In some embodiments, based on where the bristles are mounted or secured to the baseplate 136, the height of any given bristle from the baseplate 136 is such that no applicator bristle 134 extends higher than any guide bristle 132, despite potentially being longer (e.g., being mounted lower on the baseplate 136).

[0032] The present disclosure contemplates that users with different hair types ( e.g., curly vs. straight, thick vs. thin, coarse vs. fine, long vs. short) and styles of wearing their hair may prefer variations of bristles with different properties (e.g., softer/harder, longer/shorter, denser/looser, even/uneven spacing, etc.), and accordingly may select different variations for the pluralities of bristles to suit the haircare needs of the individual user. Accordingly, the example bristles shown in the illustrations are intended to be non-limiting, and one of ordinary skill in the art shall be able to select the appropriate combinations of bristles in a bristle assembly 130 for use with a given hair type/style without undue experimentation.

[0033] In some embodiments, the distance between the guide bristles 132 and the applicator bristles 134 may be adjusted to allow for different grip or guidance of the loose hair of the user via the guide bristles 132 into contact with the applicator bristles 134. For example, the guide bristles 132 may be located with a separation distance (in a plane substantially perpendicular to the nominal longitudinal axis of the guide bristles 132) from the applicator bristles 134 of about 1 centimeter (cm), 0.75 cm, 0.5 cm, 0.25 cm, 0.1 cm, or 0.05 cm. In various embodiments, the guide bristles 132 may be spaced apart from each other so that each guide bristle 132 is separated from any neighboring guide bristle 132 by at least 1 cm, 0.75 cm, 0.5 cm, 0.25 cm, 0.1 cm, or 0.05 cm. In various embodiments, the ratio of separation between the guide bristles 132 and an average diameter of the guide bristles 132 is 10: 1, 1: 1, 1 : 10, or any ratio therebetween. In various embodiments, the ratio of separation between neighboring guide bristles 132 versus separation between the guide bristles 132 and the applicator bristles 134 is 10: 1, 1: 1, 1 : 10, or any ratio there between.

[0034] In various embodiments, the bristles of the applicator bristles 134 may be arranged in different configurations and spaced apart from each other so that each applicator bristle 134 is separated from any neighboring applicator bristle 134 by at least 10 millimeters (mm), 7.5 mm, 5 mm, 2.5 mm, 1 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.25 mm, or 0.1 mm. In various embodiments, the ratio of separation between the applicator bristles 134 and an average diameter of the applicator bristles 134 is 10: 1, 1 : 1, 1 : 10, or any ratio there between. In some embodiments, the applicator bristles 134 are not separated from one another, and are instead gathered together and secured together while in contact at a first end via a ferule, adhesive, epoxy, cement, or the like, but may spread apart at a second end ( e.g., the free or application end).

[0035] In some embodiments, the baseplate 136 is selectively attachable to allow a user to substitute different baseplates 136 with different bristle assemblies 130 for use with the applicator brush 100. In some embodiments, the pluralities of bristles in the bristle assembly 130 are selectively attachable to the baseplates 136, which allows a user to remove a plurality of the guide bristles 132 or the applicator bristles 134 and substitute different pluralities of the guide bristles 132 or the applicator bristles 134 with different properties or separation distances from one another.

[0036] The bottom cap 150 includes a cut-out 152 to monitor the amount of dry shampoo remaining in the dry shampoo container 200, and protrusions 154 which can be used for stability when the applicator brush 100 is rested on a surface, and can be used as gripping points to aid in the removal of bottom cap 150. In some examples the bottom cap 150 attaches to the brush head 120 via a threaded connection. In some examples the bottom cap 150 attaches to the brush head 120 via a snap fit connection. In some examples, the bottom cap 150 attaches to the brush head 120 via a quarter turn style attachment or a friction fit connection.

[0037] In some examples the dry shampoo container 200 includes a rubberized or flexible membrane disposed opposite to the contact surface. In such examples, the cut out 152 is configured to allow access to the flexible membrane of the dry shampoo container 200 such that the dry shampoo container 200 can be compressed, such that dry shampoo is forcibly propelled from the dry shampoo container 200 into the bristle assembly 130, ensuring that a sufficient amount of dry shampoo is dispensed into the applicator bristles 134 for use. In some examples, the flexible membrane is permanently attached to the dry shampoo container 200.

[0038] Figure 4 illustrates an applicator brush 100 with a protective cap 410 on the brush head 120. The protective cap 410 protects and conceals the bristle assembly 130 and prevents spillage of the dry shampoo when the applicator brush 100 is not in use. For example, dry shampoo that remains on the applicator bristles 134 after the user twists the brush head 120 to the closed configuration may still be dispensed to the surroundings if the applicator bristles 134 are not covered. Although generally discussed in relation to using a twisting motion to transition between the open/closed configurations, user may additionally or alternatively remove the bristle assembly 130 and replace the bristle assembly to change configurations. The protective cap 410 also provides a rigid and concealing barrier between the bristle assembly 13 0 and prevents bending and other unwanted exposures thereupon. In some examples, the protective cap 410 attaches to the brush head 120 via a threaded connection. In some examples, the protective cap 410 attaches to the brush head 120 via a snap fit connection. In some examples, the protective cap 410 attaches to the brush head 120 via a quarter turn style attachment or a friction fit connection. [0039] Although illustrated in the figures as detachable or removable, in some examples the protective cap 410 is a retractable cap and the brush head 120 includes recessed areas to house the protective cap when not in use. In some examples, the protective cap 410 attaches to the brush head 120 via a hinge or other rotatable or swingable connection that leaves the protective cap 410 connected to the applicator brush 100 while still exposing the bristle assembly 130. In some embodiments, when the protective cap 410 is removed to expose the bristle assembly 130, a user may attach the protective cap 410 to the bottom cap 150, or maintain a connection to the application brush 100 and the protective cap 410 via a string, chain, or other connecting member (not illustrated).

[0040] Figures 5A-5B illustrate an assembled and an exploded view of an example applicator brush 500, respectively, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the cap 510 is configured to mate with a housing 560 that holds a bottle 520 of the dry shampoo (e.g., as a reservoir) for distribution by the brush 500. In various embodiments, the bottle 520 includes a collar 590 made of a different material than the bottle 520 to assist in mating with the housing 560. The bottle 520 may also include a sealing ring 580 to prevent the dry shampoo from prematurely or unintentionally existing the bottle 520 when a lid or cap (not illustrated) is removed from the bottle 520. The housing 560, defines a cavity into which the bottle 520 is accepted, and may the bottle 520 mat be selectively removed once the dry shampoo is exhausted.

[0041] On an opposite end to the bottle cavity, the housing 560 holds a bristle assembly 530 in place, which the cap 510 covers when not in use. The bristle assembly 530 includes a plurality of applicator bristles 534 and a plurality of guide bristles 532 disposed on a perimeter of the plurality of applicator bristles 534. The bristles assembly 530 is held in place via a ferrule 540 secured into the housing 560. The ferrule 540 forms a seal around the perimeter of the housing 560 and the bristle assembly 530 so that any dry shampoo provided from the bottle 520 to the bristle assembly does not exit the housing 560 around the perimeter, but instead only through the bristle assembly 530.

[0042] Between the bristle assembly 530 and the bottle 520, the housing 560 holds a slider 550 that a user may actuate via a button 570 on an exterior of the housing 560. By actuating the button 570 and thereby moving the slider 550 (acting as a mobile baseplate), a user may cover or expose some or all of an opening of the bottle 520 to block or permit the dry shampoo contained therein to flow to the bristle assembly 130. In various embodiments, the slider 550 includes one or more through-holes 552 of differing sizes to permit different amounts of the dry shampoo to leave the bottle at various times (e.g., a slow flow vs a fast flow setting for the slider 550). In various embodiments, the through-holes 552 may include a membrane or valve to further restrict the movement of the powder to the bristles assembly 530. In various embodiments, the sealing ring 580 forms a seal against one side of the slider 550 so that the dry shampoo does not exit the bottle 520 except when a hole 552 is aligned with an opening in the bottle 520.

[0043] In addition to the embodiments described above, many examples of specific combinations are within the scope of the disclosure, some of which are detailed below:

[0044] Clause 1 : A powder application device, comprising: a reservoir; a plurality of applicator bristles; a plurality of guide bristles disposed on a perimeter of the plurality of applicator bristles; and a baseplate defining a plurality of holes, separating the reservoir and the plurality of applicator bristles, having a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the first configuration places the plurality of applicator bristles in communication with the reservoir through the plurality of holes, and the second configuration blocks communication between the reservoir and the applicator bristles through the plurality of holes.

[0045] Clause 2: The powder application device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of guide bristles are separated from the perimeter of the plurality of applicator bristles by at least 1 centimeter (cm), 0.75 cm, 0.5 cm, 0.25 cm, 0.1 cm, or 0.05 cm.

[0046] Clause 3: The powder application device of any of clauses 1-9, wherein the plurality of applicator bristles are configured to disperse a powder onto hair; and the plurality of guide bristles are configured such that the hair is held in contact with the plurality of applicator bristles. [0047] Clause 4: The powder application device of any of clauses 1-9, further comprising a housing in which the reservoir is disposed, or by which the reservoir is formed, and to which the baseplate is attached; wherein the housing includes a selectively removable cap by which the reservoir is accessible when the selectively removable cap is removed.

[0048] Clause 5: The powder application device of any of clauses 1-9, further comprising a handle, wherein the housing is attached to or integrated into the handle.

[0049] Clause 6: The powder application device of any of clauses 1-9, wherein the reservoir is configured to house a consumable canister, wherein a powder is disposed within the consumable canister. [0050] Clause 7: The powder application device of any of clauses 1 -9, wherein the reservoir includes a flexible membrane, such that the reservoir is configured to be compressed when a force is applied to the flexible membrane, and powder contained within the reservoir is forced through the baseplate and onto the applicator bristles.

[0051] Clause 8: The powder application device of any of clauses 1-9, wherein the plurality of guide bristles is disposed in two rows, on either side of the plurality of applicator bristles, and each guide bristle of the plurality of guide bristles is configured to be a length greater than a length of any given applicator bristle of the plurality of applicator bristles.

[0052] Clause 9: The powder application device of any of clauses 1-9, further comprising a removable cap which is selectively attachable to the baseplate to encapsulate the applicator bristles when so attached.

[0053] Clause 10: A powder application device, comprising: an arrangement of bristles; a baseplate, on a first side of which the arrangement of bristles is disposed, having a hole between a second side and the first side, disposed amidst the arrangement of bristles; and a housing, in which the baseplate is disposed, and is configured to house a powder; wherein the baseplate has a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein: in the first configuration, the hole in the baseplate is aligned with a hole in the housing, and permits powder to be dispensed onto the arrangement of bristles; and in the second configuration, the hole in the baseplate and the hole in the housing are not aligned and the powder is blocked from being dispensed from the housing to the arrangement of bristles.

[0054] Clause 11 : The powder application device of any of clauses 10-22, wherein the arrangement of bristles comprises a first sub-arrangement of bristles, configured to disperse the powder onto hair, and a second sub-arrangement of bristles is configured to guide hair over the first sub-arrangement of bristles.

[0055] Clause 12: The powder application device of any of clauses 10-22, wherein the second sub-arrangement forms a portion of a perimeter around the first sub-arrangement of bristles.

[0056] Clause 13: The powder application device of any of clauses 10-22, wherein individual bristles of the second sub-arrangement of bristles are separated from neighboring bristles of the second sub-arrangement of bristles by a first distance and from bristles of the first sub-arrangement by a second distance, wherein the first distance and the second distance define a ratio of separation of 10: 1, 1 : 1, or 1 :10. [0057] Clause 14: The powder application device of any of clauses 10-22, wherein the housing includes a selectively removable cap having a sealing mechanism, and when the selectively removable cap is removed, allows access to the housing.

[0058] Clause 15: The powder application device of any of clauses 10-22, wherein a portion of the arrangement of bristles extends from a flexible component which is attached to the baseplate. [0059] Clause 16: The powder application device of any of clauses 10-22, wherein the housing is configured to house a consumable canister, and the consumable canister is configured be selectively removed from the powder application device to allow installation of a new consumable canister containing powder into the housing.

[0060] Clause 17: The powder application device of any of clauses 10-22, wherein the consumable canister includes a flexible membrane, such that the consumable canister is configured to be compressed when a force is applied to the flexible membrane, and powder contained within the consumable canister is forced through the hole in the housing and the hole in the baseplate and forcibly dispensed onto the arrangement of bristles.

[0061] Clause 18: The powder application device of any of clauses 10-22, further comprising a retractable cap, having a first configuration in which the retractable cap conceals the arrangement of bristles and a second configuration in which the arrangement of bristles is exposed and the retractable cap is disposed within a portion of the housing.

[0062] Clause 19: The powder application device of any of clauses 10-22, further comprising a removable cap which is selectively attached to the baseplate, concealing the arrangement of bristles when so attached.

[0063] Clause 20: The powder application device of any of clauses 10-22, further comprising a handle, wherein the handle is selectively collapsible.

[0064] Clause 21 : The powder application device of any of clauses 10-22, wherein the housing and the baseplate are made of injection molded plastic.

[0065] Clause 22: An article of manufacture, comprising: a reservoir; a removable membrane; and a flexible membrane; wherein the reservoir is substantially cylindrical, having a flexible membrane forming a first circular side, and a removable sealing membrane forming a second circular side, opposite to the first circular side, the second circular side further comprising a lip to which the removable sealing membrane is adhered; and wherein the removable sealing membrane is configured to be removed such that contents of the article of manufacture are exposed. [0066] Clause 23: An article of manufacture, comprising: a bottle (520); a bristle assembly (530); a slider (550); and a housing (560), defining a first opening into which the bottle is disposed and a second opening in which the bristle assembly is secured, wherein the slider is disposed between the bottle and the bristle assembly and configured to slide between a first state and a second state within the housing, wherein: in the first state, a through-hole (552) defined in the slider is aligned relative to an opening in the bottle to prevent contents of the bottle from exiting the bottle; and in the second state, the through-hole is aligned relative to the opening in the bottle to permit the contents of the bottle to exit the bottle and contact a portion of the bristle assembly held within the housing, wherein the bristle assembly is secured in the housing via a ferrule (540) that prevents the contents of the bottle from exiting the housing except through the bristle assembly.

[0067] Certain terms are used throughout the description and the claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not function.

[0068] As used herein, “about,” “approximately” and “substantially” are understood to refer to numbers in a range of the referenced number, for example the range of -10% to +10% of the referenced number, preferably -5% to +5% of the referenced number, more preferably -1% to +1% of the referenced number, most preferably -0.1% to +0.1% of the referenced number.

[0069] Furthermore, all numerical ranges herein should be understood to include all integers, whole numbers, or fractions, within the range. Moreover, these numerical ranges should be construed as providing support for a claim directed to any number or subset of numbers in that range. For example, a disclosure of from 1 to 10 should be construed as supporting a range of from 1 to 8, from 3 to 7, from 1 to 9, from 3.6 to 4.6, from 3.5 to 9.9, and so forth.

[0070] As used in the present disclosure, a phrase referring to “at least one of’ a list of items refers to any set of those items, including sets with a single member, and every potential combination thereof. For example, when referencing “at least one of A, B, or C” or “at least one of A, B, and C”, the phrase is intended to cover the sets of: A, B, C, A-B, B-C, and A-B-C, where the sets may include one or multiple instances of a given member (e.g., A-A, A-A-A, A-A-B, A- A-B-B-C-C-C, etc.) and any ordering thereof. For avoidance of doubt, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” shall not be interpreted to mean “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one ofC”.

[0071] Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can use the preceding description to use the claimed inventions to their fullest extent. The examples and aspects disclosed herein are to be construed as merely illustrative and not a limitation of the scope of the present disclosure in any way. It will be apparent to those having skill in the art that changes may be made to the details of the above-described examples without departing from the underlying principles discussed. In other words, various modifications and improvements of the examples specifically disclosed in the description above are within the scope of the appended claims. For instance, any suitable combination of features of the various examples described is contemplated. [0072] Within the claims, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated as such, but rather as “one or more” or “at least one”. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. No claim element is to be construed under the provision of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or “step for”. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described in the present disclosure that are known or come later to be known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS The invention is claimed as follows:

1. A powder application device, comprising: a reservoir (210); a plurality of applicator bristles (134); a plurality of guide bristles (132) disposed on a perimeter of the plurality of applicator bristles; and a baseplate (136) defining a plurality of holes, separating the reservoir and the plurality of applicator bristles, having a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the first configuration places the plurality of applicator bristles in communication with the reservoir through the plurality of holes, and the second configuration blocks communication between the reservoir and the applicator bristles through the plurality of holes.

2. The powder application device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of guide bristles are separated from the perimeter of the plurality of applicator bristles by at least 1 centimeter (cm), 0.75 cm, 0.5 cm, 0.25 cm, 0.1 cm, or 0.05 cm.

3. The powder application device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of applicator bristles are configured to disperse a powder onto hair; and the plurality of guide bristles are configured such that the hair is held in contact with the plurality of applicator bristles.

4. The powder application device of claim 1 , further comprising a housing (140) in which the reservoir is disposed, or by which the reservoir is formed, and to which the baseplate is attached; wherein the housing includes a selectively removable cap (150) by which the reservoir is accessible when the selectively removable cap is removed.

5. The powder application device of claim 4, further comprising a handle (110), wherein the housing is attached to or integrated into the handle.

6. The powder application device of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is configured to house a consumable canister, wherein a powder is disposed within the consumable canister.

7. The powder application device of claim 1, wherein the reservoir includes a flexible membrane (220), such that the reservoir is configured to be compressed when a force is applied to the flexible membrane, and powder contained within the reservoir is forced through the baseplate and onto the applicator bristles.

8. The powder application device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of guide bristles is disposed in two rows, on either side of the plurality of applicator bristles, and each guide bristle of the plurality of guide bristles is configured to be a length greater than a length of any given applicator bristle of the plurality of applicator bristles.

9. The powder application device of claim 1 , further comprising a removable cap (150) which is selectively attachable to the baseplate to encapsulate the applicator bristles when so attached.

10. A powder application device, comprising: an arrangement of bristles (130); a baseplate (136), on a first side of which the arrangement of bristles is disposed, having a hole between a second side and the first side, disposed amidst the arrangement of bristles; and a housing (140), in which the baseplate is disposed, and is configured to house a powder; wherein the baseplate has a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein: in the first configuration, the hole in the baseplate is aligned with a hole in the housing, and permits powder to be dispensed onto the arrangement of bristles; and in the second configuration, the hole in the baseplate and the hole in the housing are not aligned and the powder is blocked from being dispensed from the housing to the arrangement of bristles.

11. The powder application device of claim 10, wherein the arrangement of bristles comprises a first sub-arrangement of bristles (134), configured to disperse the powder onto hair, and a second sub-arrangement of bristles (132), configured to guide hair over the first subarrangement of bristles.

12. The powder application device of claim 1 1, wherein the second sub-arrangement forms a portion of a perimeter around the first sub-arrangement of bristles.

13. The powder application device of claim 11, wherein individual bristles of the second subarrangement of bristles are separated from neighboring bristles of the second sub-arrangement of bristles by a first distance and from bristles of the first sub-arrangement by a second distance, wherein the first distance and the second distance define a ratio of separation of 10: 1, 1 : 1, or 1 : 10.

14. The powder application device of claim 10, wherein the housing includes a selectively removable cap (150) having a sealing mechanism, and when the selectively removable cap is removed, allows access to the housing.

15. The powder application device of claim 10, wherein a portion of the arrangement of bristles extends from a flexible component which is attached to the baseplate.

16. The powder application device of claim 10, wherein the housing is configured to house a consumable canister, and the consumable canister is configured be selectively removed from the powder application device to allow installation of a new consumable canister containing powder into the housing.

17. The powder application device of claim 16, wherein the consumable canister includes a flexible membrane (220), such that the consumable canister is configured to be compressed when a force is applied to the flexible membrane, and powder contained within the consumable canister is forced through the hole in the housing and the hole in the baseplate and forcibly dispensed onto the arrangement of bristles.

18. The powder application device of claim 10, further comprising a retractable cap (150), having a first configuration in which the retractable cap conceals the arrangement of bristles and a second configuration in which the arrangement of bristles is exposed and the retractable cap is disposed within a portion of the housing.

19. The powder application device of claim 10, further comprising a removable cap (150) which is selectively attached to the baseplate, concealing the arrangement of bristles when so attached.

20. The powder application device of claim 10, further comprising a handle (110), wherein the handle is selectively collapsible.

21. The powder application device of claim 10, wherein the housing and the baseplate are made of injection molded plastic.

22. An article of manufacture, comprising: a reservoir (210); a removable membrane; and a flexible membrane (220); wherein the reservoir is substantially cylindrical, having a flexible membrane forming a first circular side, and a removable sealing membrane forming a second circular side, opposite to the first circular side, the second circular side further comprising a lip to which the removable sealing membrane is adhered; and wherein the removable sealing membrane is configured to be removed such that contents of the article of manufacture are exposed.

23. An article of manufacture, comprising: a bottle (520); a bristle assembly (530); a slider (550); a housing (560), defining a first opening into which the bottle is disposed and a second opening in which the bristle assembly is secured, wherein the slider is disposed between the bottle and the bristle assembly and configured to slide between a first state and a second state within the housing, wherein: in the first state, a through-hole (552) defined in the slider is aligned relative to an opening in the bottle to prevent contents of the bottle from exiting the bottle; and in the second state, the through-hole is aligned relative to the opening in the bottle to permit the contents of the bottle to exit the bottle and contact a portion of the bristle assembly held within the housing, wherein the bristle assembly is secured in the housing via a ferrule (540) that prevents the contents of the bottle from exiting the housing except through the bristle assembly.