Apparatus for automatic application of compositions to the skin

Abstract

An automated apparatus is provided for a more nearly uniform and efficient coating for portions of a human body, as for example, to provide more uniform coloring with artificial tanning compositions. The claims should be the guide for understanding of the scope of the invention to be protected, but the following comments may be of value in understanding the advantages that some applications of the claimed invention may provide. In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for applying a composition, such as a tanning composition, to a human body located in a target area, for example in a booth. The system includes a spraying apparatus moveably mounted, wherein the spraying apparatus is movable in directions along at least two axes to selectively apply a composition to portions of the human body in the target area. In one preferred embodiment, the spraying apparatus includes one or more nozzles or spraying orifices mounted on a movable linkage. The movable linkage is articulated to move the nozzles along a path during the spraying process to track a profile of the user's body. In another feature of the preferred design, the system includes a mapping device for determining the posture and profile of the human body within the target area. This profile is preferably used to guide the spraying apparatus. The mapping device is preferably automatically responsive to determine the profile of the human body in the target area, but may alternately use a profile determined independently of the system. Related objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following figures and description of the preferred embodiments.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.