Hair foil dispenser

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/404,592, filed 8 September 2022.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention relates to hair foil dispensers.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Hair stylists use foil sheets or strips for several reasons, especially during the application of coloring and lightening agents such as dyes and bleach. Most obviously, the foil helps to organize, section, and control the hair and helps prevent the lightening or coloring agent from getting on the surrounding hair. Foil also makes it easier to ensure even application of the lightening or coloring agent. Somewhat less obviously, foil sheets also trap heat, which allows the agent to lift more effectively, which often provides not only faster lift but also more vibrant color.

[0004] Stylists typically use many foil sheets during a hair treatment and there should be some convenient way for them to get the correct number, and sometimes even length. One problem that often arises is then that working with coloring and bleach can be messy, whether wearing gloves or not. This makes it even harder to select an individual foil sheet from a pile. Various forms of dispensers have therefore been provided.

[0005] Perhaps the simplest type of dispenser available today is just a box of pre-cut, pop-up foil sheets that the stylist pulls out like one pulls a tissue out of a box. The Canadian company Framar is one of many examples of manufacturers of such foil sheets. See, for example, https://framar.com/collections/foil-it/pop-up-sheets. One of the disadvantages of such products is that each box of foils has sheets of only one length. Another is that, like a box of tissues, the stylist must sometimes hold the box in place with one hand while pulling out a foil sheet with the other. Yet another is that each foil sheet usually has a fold line, since overlap is required for removal of one sheet to pull out the next sheet in the box.

[0006] Other products are similar to the box of aluminum foil found in most kitchens: A roll of hair foil material lies within a box that has a serration or serrated metal strip along a lateral opening. The stylist then pulls out foil of a desired length - approximately - and tears it off on the serration. Similarly, some products are like a cellophane tape dispenser in that there is a roll of hair foil that is pulled over a serrated edge and torn off. The Procare® "Simply Cut" dispenser represents this class of products. https://www.procarehairfoils.com/all-products/simply-cut-dis penser/ In addition to the disadvantages of pre-cut pop-up boxes of foil sheets, these dispensers, such as they are, also often lead to uneven tearing and even the risk that the stylist's hand gets cut.

[0007] The British company Procare also offers a more automated, customizable solution in the form of its "24*7" dispenser. See, for example, https://www.procarehairfoils.com/all-products/247-fully-auto matic-hairfoil-dispenser/ By pressing various ones of several +/- surfaces on a form of keypad, the stylist can set the 24*7 to dispense a chosen number of foil sheets having a specified length and one of four preset fold lengths. Once these parameters are set, the user may press a "Start" button, whereupon the Procare dispenser dispenses the desired number of sheets, as indicated on a counter. If the user wishes to stop the machine before the selected number of sheets has been dispensed, she can press a "Stop/Reset" button to do so. The 24*7 machine operates from a motor-driven roll of foil, and it cuts sheets using an automatic scissor arrangement.

[0008] One of the drawbacks of the Procare 24*7 dispenser is that it is not truly "on- demand": The user must pre-set the desired number of foil sheets and once she presses the "Start" button that is how many sheets the machine will cut and dispense, unless she presses the "Stop" button to interrupt the machine during just the three-second interval when the desired number of sheets has been dispensed, the machine will dispense too few or too many sheets. Another drawback is that the Procare product dispenses the foils so that they lie in a pile on an output tray. Given that the machine produces 20 sheets per minute, that is, every three seconds, the stylist will in most cases still find herself having to pick up individual sheets from a stack, which can lead to lead to unintended creases and having to separate adjacent sheets, especially if the stylist's hand is wet. One Procare advertisement (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=390L9xt7KxM) states that the "24*7 is the worlds (sic) only hair foil dispenser producing up to 50 perfect hair foils at the press of a button". [0009] Known dispensers of hair foil sheets exhibit several other shortcoming that almost all boil down to one general problem: They are often inconvenient and difficult to set and adjust in the actual real-time environment in which they are used. What is needed is a hair foil dispenser that is more convenient to set, adjust and use than existing products and that reduces the number of steps in which the stylist must touch the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 depicts one embodiment of a hair foil dispenser, including a covering and various optional components.

[0011] Figure 2A illustrates a four-sided configuration of a covering.

[0012] Figure 2B illustrates a five-sided covering.

[0013] Figure 2C depicts an outward surface of a front side of the five-sided configuration of the covering.

[0014] Figure 3A illustrates, schematically and not necessarily to scale, the main internal components of one embodiment of the hair foil dispenser.

[0015] Figure 3B depicts a magnetic detent arrangement.

[0016] Figure 3C illustrates a foil roll security arrangement.

[0017] Figure 4 illustrates one possible configuration of markings in an embodiment that uses Hall-effect devices for selection of foil parameters such as length and/or number.

[0018] Figure 5 shows another configuration of markings in a different embodiment that uses Hall-effect devices.

[0019] Figure 6 depicts the main, as well as some optional, components of a controller for the hair foil dispenser.

[0020] Figure 7 depicts an example of a selector arrangement in a front panel of the covering.

[0021] Figure 8 illustrates one embodiment of a cutting mechanism, as well as various other optional, advantageous arrangements of key parts of the dispenser. [0022] Figure 9 shows how the surface of a feed roller may have an uneven surface in order to enable perforation, embossing, etc., of dispensed foil sheets.

[0023] Figures 10A and 10B depict a foil roll holder.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Different embodiments of the invention are described below, with different options. Some embodiments free the user from having to touch the dispenser at all during use, whereas other embodiments require minimal contact while offering other advantages during real-time use. Common to all is that there are two main components: a main dispensing unit 100, which has a casing 101, and a covering 200. In Figure 1, the covering 200 is shown "unattached", folded out flat.

[0025] The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and the placement of the various parts described below may be changed depending on the needs of a given implementation. These changes will be easy for a skilled person to make while still enjoying the benefits of the various features of different embodiments of the invention.

[0026] Figure 2A shows one embodiment of the covering 200 in isolation, with four connected "sections" or "panels": a top section 201T that will cover the top side of the unit 100, left and right side sections 201L, 201R that will fold up to cover the left and right sides of the unit 100 as viewed in Figure 1, and a back section 201B that will cover the back of the unit 100, again, as viewed in Figure 1.

[0027] The covering 200 could be configured differently, for example, such that it also extends underneath the unit 100. One such alternative is illustrated in Figure 2B, in which the covering covers five sides of the unit, including a panel 201U that extends underneath the unit 100 and a panel 201F that covers most of the front. The underneath panel 201U may be provided with pads or feet, made, for example, of a non-skid material to protect the surface on which the unit stands and also to prevent it from sliding. The front panel 201F in the illustrated configuration also includes an aperture 205 through which foil can extend. Depending on the implementation, the front panel 201F may be provided with additional apertures, or with see-through windows, so that the user may see any included display device(s). [0028] Instead of a top panel 201T, a lid (not shown) could be provided, which would offer the added function of helping to hold the side panels in place if the lid's edge extends down over the upper edges of the panels. The casing is preferably open at the top (except if covered by a top panel or lid) so that it will be easy for the user to replace foil rolls and to adjust and maintain the internal mechanisms. In some embodiments (see, in particular, Figure 8), the front of the casing is also preferably open but may be covered in use by the front panel 201F. This has the advantage that maintenance will be even easier.

[0029] Configuring the covering as in the figures such that it folds onto the unit has the advantage that the covering - and multiple coverings in the case where different stylists might want different coverings, or to change coverings for any other reason - allows one or more coverings to be provided and stored flat. This may not always be necessary, however, rather, the covering could be provided as an open "box" into which the user lowers or slides the main unit.

[0030] The covering 200 may be attached to the main unit 100 using any method, preferably one that allows the user to change it. One attachment method could be by using magnets that, depending on what material the walls of the unit 100 are made of, stick to the unit's walls, or to mating magnetic surfaces on the walls. Another method would be using hook-and-loop fasteners or snaps.

[0031] In the preferred embodiment, the covering is removable; this will allow the manufacturer to offer a range of different coverings for aesthetic purposes - different stylists may prefer different colors or patterns, for example. It would also allow for coverings that bear advertisements, or include different configurations of attachment points for implements such as combs or brushes. As will become clearer from the description below, in some embodiments, at least one of the sections of the covering may be used as an input surface, with one or more areas that should align with matching areas on the corresponding wall of the unit 100.

[0032] For example, in one embodiment (described below) the front panel 201F itself has selectors for foil sheet quantity and length. In that embodiment, a control unit for the motor that dispenses the foil and for a cutting arrangement that cuts it to length may be mounted on the inside of the covering's front panel, which offers the advantage that different coverings may have differently programmed or otherwise set control units, such that changing a covering also changes the characteristics of the dispensed foil sheets and enables easy maintenance and even updating of the dispenser as a whole. In short, in some embodiments, the covering is thus functional and not simply protective and/or decorative.

[0033] Hair foil 300, which may be aluminum or any other conventional material, is preferably provided on a roll and is fed out through a slot 105 in a front face of the unit 100. Figure 3A shows, schematically, the main components within the unit 100 that are responsible for feeding foil 300 from a roll 320, which may be replaceably mounted in the unit 100 in any conventional manner such as axel pins in slots, so that the roll can freely rotate at least in the direction of feeding the foil.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the foil 300 passes from the foil roll 320 and through two rollers 140, 142 before passing through the slot 105. A cutting mechanism 160 may be arranged before or at or after the slot 105 so as to cut the foil to length on command. Examples of suitable cutting mechanisms include a scissors mechanism and a "guillotine" cutter, that is, an anvil cutter with an angled or straight blade.

[0035] The rollers 140, 142 are able to grab the foil and pull it from the roll 320; they may for example have a rubberized or other coating such that the foil is squeezed between their surfaces. As Figure 3A illustrates, the upper, tensioning roller 140 may be offset slightly to the rear of the lower driving roller 142, such that, when the foil passes between them, it will tend to bend upward so as to better pass through the slot 105 without sagging downwards and jamming. The degree of offset, if included at all, will depend on the type of foil used, as well as the distance the rollers are positioned from the slot; the offset can thus be determined using normal test and design methods.

[0036] The roll 320, which may include a solid or hollow, preferably plastic or cardboard cylinder core, will in many implementations hold on the order of hundreds of meters of foil; one prototype, for example, held 250 meters of foil. After enough foil has been dispensed, the radius of the roll (including remaining foil) will become relatively small; it is preferable to arrange some form of detent mechanism. Such a detent mechanism will also prevent foil from spinning off of the roll faster than intended. One possible such mechanism could be a spring-biased, hinged arm that presses down on the foil roll. Given how thin the foil is, however, this may lead to tearing.

[0037] Figure 3B illustrates an alternative: magnets 325 are embedded in or attached to one or, preferably, both ends, of the roller 320, and, as the roller spins, pass in front of aligned magnets 125 secured on the inner surface of the adjacent covering side (in the illustrated example, panel 201R. By adjusting how far, radially, from the axis of rotation 330 of the roller the magnets 325, 125 are positioned relative to the minimum radius of the foil when on the roller, the degree of detent force (computed based on the relative moment arms) near the "end" of the roll may be determined using known methods. Depending on the magnets used (rare earth magnets often have a field strength exceeding 1 Tesla, for example) and the gap between them, it would also be possible to replace the magnets on the roller 320 with tabs of any magnetic metal.

[0038] Figure 3C illustrates an optional authentication feature that may be included in foil rolls 320 to be used in the dispenser. In the illustrated embodiment, an authentication device 322, 323 is attached to the roll 320, for example, in or on the usually stiff cardboard tube 324 with end pieces that the foil is supplied on. In the illustrated example, the authentication device comprises an RFID tag 322 and associated reader 323, which may be mounted on the interior of the dispenser casing (only one wall of which is shown) and electrically connected with a system controller 500 for signal processing by a corresponding roll ID module 523.

[0039] The RFID 322 tag may encode an identifier such that the dispenser will operate only if a proper identifier is present and sensed by the reader 323. A list of approved identifiers may be stored in or by the module 523, and the current foil roll identifier may then be compared against that list. Because there may be a very large number of authorized foil rolls, it may be preferably to instead determine whether an identifier is proper algorithmically, such that the characters that comprise the identifier must satisfy a formula predetermined by the manufacturer. The formula may even be determined to meet other conditions, and/or be combined with use of a list. For example, the identifier could include characters that indicate a country or region of origin, or batch number, etc., whereby only the indications approved for use in the particular dispenser enable operation. [0040] RFID tags and readers are relatively inexpensive and easy to implement, but other arrangements may be used instead. For example, a label that is difficult to forge could be applied as the authentication marker 322 permanently to the roll, with a corresponding reader 323 being mounted on the interior of the dispenser casing 101. The label could, for example, be holographic security sticker, optionally also along with readable characters. Other authentication methods may be implemented. For example, option would be to arrange patterns of dots or other symbols, or holes, in the foil roll end pieces, which can then be read using optical means.

[0041] The RFID tag or other marking system may be used for other purposes than security, or together with this feature. For example, the tag, label, etc., could also encode the initial length of foil of the roll, which may then be communicated to the controller, for example, to enable it to estimate when the foil on the roll will run out and signal this to the user, either through a display unit, warning light, etc., on the dispenser, or via the application in the external device 590 if that configuration is chosen. The identifier (RFID, label, etc.), might also encode such information as foil thickness or other properties that the controller 500 may use to adjust such operational characteristics as motor speed.

[0042] One of the rollers 140, 142 (in the figure, roller 142) is driven by a motor/motor controller 830 (see also Figure 8) via any conventional transmission 150 such as gears 130, a belt or string, etc. It would also be possible for the axel of the motor to be connected directly to the axel of the roller 142. The motor controller 830 actuates the motor to cause it to turn the driven roller (here, 142) to pull the correct length of foil to and through the slot 105 for cutting by the cutting mechanism 160. There are different ways to accomplish this, depending on the type of motor chosen in a given implementation.

[0043] In a typical "analog" motor, normal design methods may be used to determine how much and/or for how long current is to be applied to the motor to cause it to run for the time needed to cause the correct amount of foil to be pulled and dispensed. One alternative is to include an optical or mechanical marking on a rotating member attached to the motor axle and to control the motor so as to cause the correct angular rotation given a desired foil sheet length. In other words, using normal experimental and design methods, and geometry, for a given motor-to-roller transmission arrangement, one can determine what angular rotation of the motor axle translates into the angular rotation of the roller (given its diameter) to produce a foil sheet of each of a series of lengths. Note that Figure 3A is not necessarily to scale, such that the diameter of the motor gear need not be greater than that of the roller 142; this will depend on normal design considerations.

[0044] In another embodiment, the motor is a stepper motor, which eliminates most if not all of the uncertainty of analog control. As is known, a stepper motor advances one "step", comprising a specified angular rotation, for each of a series of electrical actuating pulses. The length of foil pulled per motor "pulse" can then be easily determined by measurement, which will then provide either a formula or table corresponding to a function L = f(P), where L is length, for example, in millimeters, and P is the number of pulses, that is, steps, of the motor.

[0045] As an alternative, instead of determining length as a function of motor characteristics and the geometry of power transmission to the roller 142, it would also be possible to determine dispensed length based on a measurement of rotation of the roller 142 itself, or of the foil roll, or using any other known device to measure how much foil has passed the cutting mechanism 160. When the correct length has been dispensed, a signal could then be sent to the motor controller 830 to stop the motor.

[0046] The axle 14 of the driving roller 142 is preferably arranged on a one-way clutch bearing 143 or with a ratchet-and-pawl mechanism or other detent mechanism, which has the property that it does not rotate in one direction (in Figure 3, counterclockwise), but can be driven or rotate freely in the other. In the context of this invention, if this bearing arrangement is used in a given implementation, then not only can the motor 130 drive the roller 142 to dispense foil, but it will also be possible for the user to manually pull foil out as well, for example, to get a single sheet of a different length than the rest.

[0047] In a totally hands-free, touchless embodiment, a proximity sensor 110 is mounted in the front surface of the unit 100 to detect the proximity of the user's hand or finger(s) and thus sense one or more gestures of the user. The sensor 100 may be optical, such as segmented-lens motion sensors, or an active or passive infrared (IR) sensor, with an IR transmitter and receiver, miniature laser or radar, ultrasound, or any other analogous device. The sensor 100 could also be capacitive and thus react to electrostatic changes caused by proximity of the users finger. The sensor 100 could be mounted in a different surface of the unit 100, but an advantage of mounting it in the illustrated position is that the user's hand will be in position to grasp a foil sheet when it is dispensed.

[0048] One advantage of using a capacitive sensor is that does not require the front panel 201F to have an additional opening to let the sensed signal through; moreover, a capacitive device is not as affected by smudges or splashes of hair coloring agent on the covering that might be on the stylist's fingers. The choice of sensor will depend on the particular implementation and is a design choice.

[0049] Figure 2C depicts yet another optional feature of an embodiment, namely, an annular region 210 that either is a metallic ring, an annular tab affixed to the front panel and containing metallic and preferably magnetic particles (such as iron powder), or an annular region of the front panel itself in which metallic particles are embedded. When the front panel 201F is in place over the front side of the unit 100, the annular region should be aligned with the sensor 110, that is, positioned over its actual sensing component. The annular region will then tend to "focus" the electrostatic field, that is, increase the energy density, directly over the sensor 110. Experiments have indicated that, by including the region 210, a commercially available capacitive sensor was able to detect the presence of a finger as far as 10 cm away from the surface of the covering, in front of the sensor.

[0050] One or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 170 may optionally be mounted in the front (or other) surface of the unit, preferably in a position where it is not obscured when a foil sheet is extending out of the slot 105. The LED(s) may be included to indicate an operational status of the unit 100 such as sensing user gestures, being in a selection mode, etc., as is described below.

[0051] An optional display unit 175 such as a simple seven-segment, LCD, or other display with any desired number of digits, may also be included, for example, to indicate a number of desired or dispensed foil sheets.

[0052] Although not shown, the unit 100 will also typically include any conventional on/off switch.

[0053] Some embodiments of the invention may enable totally or substantially hands-free user control of foil dispensing using different types of gestures. In a simple embodiment, every time the user moves her finger or hand in front of the sensor 110, the motor controller (see below) is triggered to dispense one foil sheet, or to dispense the number of foil sheets set by the user using any of the mechanisms described herein. In conventional dispensers, once a set number of foil sheets have been dispensed, the dispenser stops and the user must again physically touch the machine to get another "batch". Using the sensor arrangement 110, however, the dispenser may dispense the chosen (or fixed) number of foil sheets every time she moves her possibly messy hand or finger, etc., in front of the sensor, with no need to push a button.

[0054] As one alternative, gestures may also be used to control multi-sheet operation. For example, by moving her finger or hand in a certain pattern, the user may signal to the unit 100 that it is to enter a "setting" mode. The pattern could be, for example, holding a hand in front of the sensor 110 for more than a pre-determined threshold time, or could be that the user quickly moves (or "wiggles") her finger back and forth in front of the sensor 110 at least a minimum number of times in a pre-determined time period. To indicate that the unit 100 has entered the setting mode, the LED 170 could, for example, change to a predetermined color, or another indicator such as the display 175 (if included) could flash or show some other indication. The user could then, for example, move her finger more slowly back and forth in front of the sensor 110 to indicate how many sheets the unit should produce; this could be indicated, for example, by a count-up on the display 175 (if included), or by blinking of the LED 170, or audibly by a buzzer or beeper or the like (not shown), or any other chosen means. The user could then indicate ending of the setting mode, for example, by repeating the gesture that initiated it, or by some other predetermined gesture. Once the number of sheets has been set, the user may use a similar or other predetermined gesture to initiate dispensing of foil sheets, or stop it early once started.

[0055] A similar procedure, using different gestures (such as number of times the user moves her finger in front of the sensor) could be included to enable the user to set a desired length of dispensed foil sheets, with the set length being shown in the display 175.

[0056] Together with one part of Figure 3A, Figures 4 and 5 illustrate embodiments that may allow the user to select either foil sheet length, or number, or both, without relying on gestures in front of the sensor 110. As Figure 3A shows, in one version of this embodiment includes a series of Hall-effect devices 180, which may be switches or sensors. In Figure 3A, these are shown as being in a line, but other configurations may be chosen, for example, a configuration in which the Hall-effect devices are arranged in a "circle".

[0057] As is well know, Hall-effect devices have the property that they change their electrical conductance in the presence of a properly oriented magnetic field. As a result, they can be used to detect the presence of such a magnetic field by providing input to known driving and sensing circuitry.

[0058] Now assume that the Hall-effect devices 180 are mounted on the inside wall of the right side of the unit 100, viewed as in Figure 1. Depending on the material used to manufacture the unit 100, the devices 180 could be mounted directly on the inside wall, or in respective apertures, preferably covered with a non-magnetic material such as plastic to maintain a sealed surface.

[0059] As Figure 4 illustrates, the corresponding right section 201R of the covering 200 may be provided with markings 280 that, when the covering is placed on the unit 100, align with respective ones of the Hall-effect devices. In other words, when the covering is placed on the unit, in this example, the marking for "10cm" would lie over one of the Halleffect devices, and the markings for 20cm, 28cm, and 35cm would align/be positioned over other respective ones of the Hall-effect devices. In this example, the lengths 10cm, 20cm, 28cm, and 35cm represent options for foil length that the user may choose; other lengths, and number of length options, may of course be implemented.

[0060] Before beginning a styling session, or during, the stylist may place a marker 400 on the one of the markings 280 corresponding to the length of foil sheets she wants the dispenser to produce. The marker 400 is, or includes, a magnet and may be in any shape or be provided with any chosen symbol, such as an arrow, to help her place the marker on the covering so that the field of the magnet aligns with the orientation that provides greatest sensitivity of the underlying Hall-effect device. To increase field strength, the magnet is preferably a rare-earth magnet, although a conventional ferrous magnet may also suffice.

[0061] The marker may adhere to the covering by magnetic attraction with the unit 100 surface or by some other means such as mating hook-and-loop surfaces on the under side of the marker and the markings 280. Even simpler is just to place the markings 280 and corresponding Hall-effect devices on the top section of the covering and the upper wall of the unit 100.

[0062] The marker 400 and markings 280 thus cooperate to form an input surface via which the user can select foil length. There is no need for mechanical switches for length selection and the surface of the unit can be kept clean.

[0063] Figure 5 illustrates an alternative arrangement for the markings 280, namely, that they are arranged in a circular pattern. The user then places the marker 400 on the "circle" such that a pointer 410 points to the desired length. The Hall-effect devices in the unit will then be arranged accordingly. Recall that the conductivity of the Hall-effect devices depends on magnetic field orientation. The Hall-effect devices should therefore, in the example shown in Figure 5, be mounted such that their orientations of maximum sensitivity align with the respective pointer (corresponding to the included magnet's polarity and field) positions. Depending on the implementation and number and orientation of Hall-effect devices, it would also be possible or advantageous to mount more than one magnet within the marker 400 to increase sensitivity and angular resolution.

[0064] Moving a hand or finger in front of the sensor 110 may still be used to indicate activation of dispensing of foil sheets of the selected length. It would also be possible to include a marker and Hall-effect arrangement similar to those shown in Figures 4 and 5 to enable the user to indicate a desired number of foil sheets to be dispensed upon each activation.

[0065] Figure 6 illustrates the main components that may be included in the controller 500. Although possible to control the unit with circuitry that includes a programmable microprocessor, many embodiments may be implemented using electronic components that do not require executable code to operate. In Figure 3A, the control circuitry, that is, the control unit 500, is shown mounted within the casing of the dispenser. This is indeed one option in any of the embodiments of the invention, but as is described below with reference to Figure 8, it is preferably mounted on the inside of the front panel 201F of the covering.

[0066] The controller 500 may include, or be connected to, a power supply unit 510, which may be a conventional transformed line current connection, but is preferably a conventional rechargeable battery unit, which increases portability and convenience. If configured as or to include a programmable device, the control unit 500 will include conventional components (not shown) such as a processor, volatile and/or non-volatile memory, and some form of operating system, such that the processor will execute corresponding bodies of executable code that correspond to and embodiment the processing aspects of the respective components of the control unit 500.

[0067] A motor controller 520 inputs signals indicating such parameters as chosen foil sheet length and number (if not pre-set) and converts these into the signals needed to activate the motor accordingly. Different types of such measurement-determined signals are mentioned above, and will depend on the motor type, the mechanism for driving the feed roller 142, and how dispensed foil length is measured. When the proper length of foil has been fed, the motor controlled may give a signal to a cutter controller 530 to activate the cutting mechanism to cut the foil. Depending on the cutting mechanism used, there may be no need for a special control circuit 530 as such, but rather it may suffice to only send an activation pulse to the mechanism.

[0068] In embodiments that include the proximity sensor 110, a sensor controller 540 is included. In implementations in which the sensor 110 is active, the controller 540 will intermittently send signals to the sensor to generate I R, radar, laser, etc., pulses, and will then receive and process the return signals. In the case of a passive sensor 110, the controller 540 will receive its output and generate the appropriate control signals to other components. In embodiments in which one or more gestures are used to input parameters and/or start dispensing, the sensor controller will also interpret the sensed signals, for example, with respect to number, duration, and/or timing and pass the corresponding data to the other components so that the motor and cutting mechanism may be controlled correspondingly.

[0069] In some embodiments, the user may input one or more parameter parameters totally hand-free, using gestures. In some implementations, the only "gesture" that needs to be interpreted is that the user has requested dispensing of a single sheet of foil; in other implementations, such activation may start the dispensing of a pre-set number of foil sheets. In other embodiments, with more complicated gestures, the component 550 may include any timers, latches, counters, or other circuitry necessary to input and store the gesture patterns and pass this information on to other components such as the motor controller 520 or display.

[0070] Figure 6 also depicts a preferably wireless input module 580 and an external device 590. The external device could be, for example, a dedicated remote-control transmitter, or a more sophisticated device such as a smart phone in which an application is installed for communication with the control unit 500. Using any implemented user interface, the user may then input parameters such as foil length and/or quantity, but may also be given the option to adjust even system parameters such as motor speed. The controller 500 may also communicate back to the device 590 such information as the number of dispensed foil sheets, the current battery charge of the device (if it is chosen to be battery driven), warnings of any failures such as foil jamming or an open front panel, The application could also keep track of how much foil is remaining on the currently mounted roll, when it is time to order a new supply of foil rolls, etc., and could even communicate and place an order for a new supply to the supplier via the network.

[0071] In implementations that use Hall-effect devices to sense inputs, a corresponding component 560 is included to apply the required driving current to each device and to sense the return signals so as to interpret which, if any, Hall-effect device has been activated by the user placing the marker on a corresponding marking. Of course, embodiments that do not use Hall effect sensors will not require the software module 560.

[0072] As shown in Figure 1, in some implementations various display devices, from a simple LED 170 to a numeric display 175 may be included. In such cases, a display component 570 will be included in the controller 500 to generate the appropriate driving signals to those devices.

[0073] Figure 7 depicts another embodiment of the hair foil dispenser that the user initially sets manually with respect to the length and number of foil sheets to be dispensed at a time. In this embodiment, selectors 710, 712 (shown as being dials) are included for the user to set to choose how many foil sheets are to dispensed at a time, and their length, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the selectors are installed in the front panel 102F, the front of the casing itself being open. It would, however, also be possible for the selectors to be installed in a front surface of the casing, with suitable holes provided in the front panel 201F.

[0074] A protective guide plate 714 is preferably installed so that the foil 300 can slide smoothly out of the dispenser, and to shield the rollers from dust, etc., and also to prevent the users fingers from getting hurt is she accidentally grabs the foil sheet too far in.

[0075] Figure 8 illustrates the interior of the embodiment of Figure 7 from one side, and shows some other features that may be included not only in this embodiment but also the previously described embodiments. In this embodiment, the controller 500 is mounted on the inner surface of the front panel 201F. Any conventional wiring such as a flexible printed circuit (FBC) 501 can be used to lead electric current and signals to and from the different sensors and actuatable mechanisms included. (The conductors leading to and from these mechanisms aren't shown in the figure in order to avoid cluttering it.)

[0076] A connection block 502 may be attached inside of the casing so that the FCB 501 can be easily plugged into and unplugged from the rest of the dispenser. Conductors to the various sensors and devices can then run from the connection block. One advantage of this arrangement is that the operational parameters of the dispenser can be changed simply by changing the front panel 201F to one with a controller 500 programmed with the different parameters, with updated firmware, software and/or features. For example, different types of foil may call for different feeding speeds, such that motor speed may be a parameter that is included in the controller. In these cases, the front panel may, if desired, optionally be made detachable from the rest of the covering; this can be accomplished with mating hook-and-loop strips,

[0077] Signals the controller may send out include those to signal the motor 830 to stop and start and to signal the cutting mechanism 160 to activate. The controller will receive signals from the whichever sensors are included, such as the proximity sensor 110, and will control any included indicator lights and display elements as well.

[0078] In Figure 8, an activation device 810 is shown in the front panel. This may be the proximity sensor 110 shown in other figures, or it may be a conventional push-button switch which the user may press to start dispensing the set number of foil sheets with the set length. If the proximity sensor 110 is used as the activation device, then the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8 may also be operated hands-free once the desired quantity of foil sheets and their length are set using either the selectors 710, 712 or otherwise - all the user will need to do is to pass her finger or hand in front of the proximity sensor and the set number of foil sheets may be dispensed. Note that even though this embodiment may provide more than one foil sheet at a time, it is, like the single-sheet embodiment, "touchless on-demand". Whereas known foil dispensers may dispense a set number of foil sheets when some button is pressed, after that number has been dispensed, the machine stops, and the user must again physically press some form of button to get more sheets. With most of the embodiments described here, however, once the user has loaded foil into the dispenser and turned it on, more foil sheets, either individually or in batches of the preset quantity, can be dispensed without having to touch the machine with possibly messy hands or gloves; rather, the user may easily pass a finger or hand in front of the sensor 110 and the dispenser will again produce and deliver the set number of sheets.

[0079] As an optional safety feature, a switch 805 may be installed in the casing, for example, on the edge of a side wall of the casing, such that, the controller will receive a signal if the front panel 201F is open, that is, not secured against the casing for proper operation. In that case, the controller 500 may prevent dispensing operation of moving parts (in particular, the motor) in the dispenser and thus stop any dispensing of foil. The switch may be a simple mechanical switch with a push-button/plunger. One of the many alternatives that a skilled designer might choose instead would be a Hall effect switch, with a magnet located on the front panel 201F that comes adjacent to the Hall effect element when closed; this would have the advantage that the switch will not be affected by dust or moisture.

[0080] The ends of the foil roll 320 may be installed in brackets 850 attached to the inner walls of the casing. In the illustrated embodiment, a magnetic element 852 - either a magnet itself, or just a surface of a magnetic material - is located adjacent to where the ends of the foil roll will rest so as to provide a detent force. This is described more below.

[0081] The cutting mechanism 160 in the illustrated embodiment comprises a blade member 161 that extends laterally at least as wide as the widest foil to be dispensed, and is attached at either end to upwardly spring-biased shafts 162 that are actuated to move upwards by a pair of solenoids 163. Under the action of the solenoids, the blade member 161 is pulled downward onto an anvil member 164 to cut the foil (not shown) to the set length. The anvil member should be fixed, for example, by securing either end of it to the respective inner wall of the casing or with suitable brackets. As mentioned above, other cutting mechanisms may be used instead, such as a "scissors" member that is pulled across the foil. One advantage of the anvil arrangement is speed: the width of the foil is cut all at once. Another advantage is that it ensures a clean, straight cut with no need to worry about foil being wrinkled or bunched up by scissors.

[0082] The cutting mechanism is secured at either end to the respective inner wall of the casing. At least the blade and anvil members 160, 164, which may optionally be manufactured and provided as a unit, may be installed in any conventional brackets or slots that allow them to be removed and exchanged. Such arrangements are known, for example, in the field of laser printers, whose toner cartridges can be removed and replaced.

[0083] The upper roller 140 may optionally be mounted in brackets 842, one at either end, such that the user can move it forward and back, for example, to change the upper roller to achieve different effects (see below). At least one end of the upper roller is preferably biased against the lower, driving roller 142 by a spring 841 so as to maintain contact with the driving roller 142.

[0084] Foil sheets used for hair styling are usually smooth, that is, they are uniform sheets of set dimensions. To produce such sheets, the upper roller 140 should be smooth, with a surface of a synthetic material, rubber, aluminum, etc. Figure 9 illustrates an alternative upper roller that enables the stylist to achieve other effects as well. As Figure 9 depicts, the surface of the upper roller 140 may be other than smooth. For example, the surface could be covered with raised dots or points such that, when foil passes between the rollers 140, 142, it will be perforated. Other roller surfaces might be raised in a pattern that embosses the foil with a logo, or some other image for purely aesthetic purposes.

[0085] Figures 10A and 10B depict a foil roll holder 1000 over which a foil roll can be placed. As shown, the foil roll holder is substantially cylindrical so that the usually cylindrical core of a foil roll can fit over it. The foil roll, on the holder 1000, may then be loaded into the dispenser, with end tips 1010 of the holder resting in the brackets 850 (Figure 8). If a magnetic detent arrangement is chosen, then a magnet 1012 may be mounted, as one option, in at least one of the tips so as to resist rotation through magnetic interaction with the magnetic material 852.

[0086] Foil of different widths may be accommodated in some embodiments.

Figures 10A and 10B illustrate an option that will allow a single foil roll holder to securely hold foil rolls of different widths. To this end, a collar member 1020 may be provided with a friction fit around the holder. The collar member may have an conical inner portion 1022. An end cap 1100 is then provided to fit over the other end of the holder (the right end as viewed in Figure 10A) either with a friction fit, or having threads that mate with threading on the roller end, or any other conventional locking arrangement. The end cap likewise preferably has a conical inward-facing portion 1122. With the end cap 1110 removed, a roll of foil may then be placed on the holder 1000, after which the end cap is secured on the holder. The user may then slide the collar 1020 until the conical portions 1022 and 1122 slide into the core of the foil roll and hold it firmly from both ends. Note that having conical portions 1022 and 1122 also allow for some variation in the diameter of the core (usually, a cardboard tube) of the foil roll.