SYSTEM AND DEVICE FOR CUSTOMIZATION OF COSMETICS
The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a system for customizing a cosmetic product. The system includes: an interface device, in electronic communication with a single batch formulation device. The single batch formulation device is configured to formulate a customized cosmetic product, and a threaded container configured, to be imported into the single batch formulation device containing a base and exported from the single batch formulation device containing the customized cosmetic.
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This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/536,621, filed Jul. 25, 2017, the entire disclosures of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe presently disclosed subject matter relates to a system and method to customize cosmetics.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIn the field of custom cosmetics, skin coloration has been measured spectrophotometrically to provide a custom color. A mixing and dispensing device is electronically connected to a processor programmed to provide custom-blended cosmetics in a retail location/environment. In this device, color blenders, bases, thinners, and additives are dispensed via a plurality of nozzles into a container and mixed. Various vibration mixers and shakers are used to mix the required ingredients. However, due to the number of ingredients being mixed and the complexity of the process, this device is only for commercial use. A Reed exists in the industry to produce a simple machine for in-home use, while still providing users the ability to customize a wide variety of cosmetic products.
SUMMARY OF TILE INVENTIONThis summary describes several embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, and, in many cases, lists variations and permutations of these embodiments. This summary is merely exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments. Mention of one or more representative features of a given embodiment is likewise exemplary. Such an embodiment can typically exist with or without the feature(s) mentioned; likewise, those features can be applied to other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, whether listed in this summary or not. To avoid excessive repetition, this summary does not list or suggest all possible combinations of such features.
The inventive subject matter of this invention includes: a method to formulate a plurality of types of cosmetic products with color options. The method includes the steps of: inputting a product selection into a graphical user interface, wherein the product selection consists of: nail polish, foundation and lip-gloss; inputting a color selection into the graphical user interface to provide a selected cosmetic product, wherein the graphical user interface is in electronic communication with a single batch formulation device; inserting a threaded container containing a sufficient amount of a base for the selected cosmetic product into the single batch formulation device configured to formulate the plurality of custom cosmetic products, wherein the single batch formulation device is made of a stationary platform on which the selected cosmetic product is formulated; outputting data on the selected cosmetic product to the single batch formulation device, dispensing the selected pigment into the base in the threaded container; and mixing the selected pigment in the threaded container to provide the selected product.
The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a system for formulating a plurality of types of cosmetic products with a color selection. The system in the most basic form is made of a computer application deployed on an interface device to facilitate product and color selection; a single batch formulation device, wherein the remote interface device electronically communicates with the single batch formulation device, and wherein the remote interface device is configured to input the selection of the type of cosmetic product and the color selection to the single batch cosmetic device; and a plurality of threaded containers, each container of the plurality of threaded containers sized to be imported into the single batch formulation device, and each of the threaded containers containing a base specific for a type of cosmetic product of the plurality of types of cosmetic products; wherein the single batch formulation device is configured to formulate the cosmetic product to the selected color and export the cosmetic product in to one of the plurality of threaded containers. In one embodiment, the single batch formulation device is made of a stationary platform on which the cosmetic product is formulated.
More specifically, the interface device is made of: a display device; a processor; and a memory having an application stored thereon. The interface device is communicatively coupled to the formulation device and wherein the application, when executed by the processor, causes the interface device to: generate a graphical user interface for configuring a plurality of types of cosmetic products, the graphical user interface including a plurality of user input elements, cause the graphical user interface to be displayed by way of the display device, receive, by way of at least one of the plurality of user input elements, an input command corresponding to the at least one of the plurality of user input elements, and transmit, to the single batch formulation device, a message based on the received input command, wherein the single batch formulation device is configured to: receive the message and perform an action in response to receiving the message, and wherein the graphical user interface further includes: a selectable list of cosmetic products and a selectable list of color options, wherein the single batch formulation device commences to formulate a plurality of types of cosmetic products with color options, in response to the inputting of a predetermined user input command.
Another aspect of the inventive subject matter is a single batch formulation device configured to formulate a customized cosmetic product made of a bottom plate supporting the single batch formulation device; a plurality of pigment assemblies positioned above the bottom plate, wherein each of the pigment assemblies is made of a pigment container connected to a pump and pump motor; wherein the pigment container contains a pigment ingredient correlating with a specific color; a recessed area, wherein the plurality of pigment assemblies are positioned around the recessed area; a dispensing assembly made of a dispensing head and a plurality of dispensing tips, wherein each of the plurality of dispensing tips is in a direct fluid connection with one of the plurality of pigment assemblies; a homogenizer assembly made of a mixing motor connected to a pigment mixing rod, wherein the pigment mixing rod is disposed below the dispensing assembly and the pigment mixing rod is positioned within the recessed area; a stationary platform positioned within the recessed area, wherein the pigment mixing rod is of sufficient length to contact a base product contained in a container positioned on the stationary platform; and a micro-controller configured to control the operations of the single batch formulation device.
Advantages of the presently disclosed subject matter will become evident to those of ordinary skill in the art after a study of the description, Figures, and non-limiting Examples in this document.
The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described herein, and that the terminology used herein is for describing embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a numerical value includes at least that value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one value and/or to the other value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the value forms another embodiment. All combinations of method or process steps as used herein can be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the referenced combination is made.
These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the inventions and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.
Now referring to
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, color can be selected in two ways. First, the user can select a color from a database 250 of colors. Second, the user can match a color read from an input 220 such as from a picture or photographic image. The user can match a color from an inputted image to a color within the database 230. The step of color matching involves providing the computer application 207 with an image to extract color information, wherein the extraction step involves picking a color from the image and identifying the color proportion value. Once a color is finalized the representative proportion value of the color is identified 255 and electronically communicated 280 to the single batch formulation device 110.
The single batch formulation device 110 has the operational mode of mixing the pigment and the base 130. The single batch formulation device 110 can provide a liquid-based or gel-based cosmetic including but not limited to: foundation, lip gloss, and nail polish of a specified shade or composition. A threaded container 120 containing a base product 160 for a specified cosmetic is inserted into a single batch formulation device 110 for each cosmetic product that is desired. Each threaded container 120 is sized to be imported into the single batch formulation device 110. Each of the threaded containers 120 contain a base specific for a type of cosmetic product of the plurality of types of cosmetic products. Precise amounts of pigment are dispensed from a plurality of pigment assemblies 320 according to the color identified or selected using the remote interface device 200 into the threaded container 120 by the dispensing assembly 360. A homogenizer assembly 380 mixes the final product directly in each of the threaded containers 120. The threaded containers 120 can be sealed with a lid or cap 121 to retain the formulated cosmetic 170 with in the threaded container 120.
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Matching a color prompts the user to provide an image with a desired color for the remote interface device 200 to match. An image with the desired color is taken with or uploaded to the remote interface device 200. A color can be extracted from the image and the pixel data converted into proportions of red, green, and blue colors that can be processed by a processor. Color pixel classification applications have been commercially developed and are available for use. In an alternative embodiment, with a color pixel classification application on the remote interface device 200, such as a cell phone, the color of the sample is matched to a color within the color database. For example, skin tone can be determined using one of several available color matching apps. Once chosen, the user can adjust the color values 304 as desired. The color is matched to a color within the color database 305. Once the desired color is selected, a final screen 306 prompts the user to initiate customization, sending the information to the single batch formulation device 110.
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The remote interface device 200 can include non-transitory memory (not shown) for storing frequently used product and color selections. The remote interface device 200 can include a port for a hardwire connection 204 such that the remote interface device 200 could be connected to an external device to send instructions to the external device (not shown). The remote interface device 200 can also connect to the formulation device by Bluetooth 205 connection. The remote interface device 200 can include a camera 206 for color matching. The computer application 207 needs access to the camera 206 to take pictures within the app for color matching. Once the user initiates customization in the graphical user interface 300 on the remote interface device 200, as described in
Each of the pigment assemblies are specific for a specific color. Four are shown for example. The color distribution of pigments in a variety of cosmetic products is shown. Based on this distribution, a combination of six of the pigments can approximate most shades. These six pigments can include: Blue 1: CI 42090, Yellow Iron Oxide: CI 77492, Red Iron Oxide: CI 77491, Black Iron Oxide: CI 77499, Red 6 Lake: CI 15850, and Yellow 5 CI 19140. Possible substitutes include Yellow 6, Carmine, Red 4, Red 7, Red 27, Red 28, Red 30, Red 33, Manganese Violet, Mica-derived pigments, etc. Due to the container nature of the pigment containers, users can curate which pigments best suit their needs.
The plurality of pigment assemblies 320 are positioned around the recessed area 155. Several structural components are in the recessed area 155. The homogenizer assembly 380 is made of a mixing motor 385 connected to a pigment mixing rod 395. A stationary platform 165 is positioned co-radially with the pigment mixing rod 395. The stationary platform 165 is sized to hold the threaded container 120 when base product is placed into the single batch formulation device 110 for tinting into a specified color. In one embodiment, the stationary platform 165 has a trapezoidal cross-section that is fully revolved. The single batch formulation device 110 is supported on a bottom plate 162. In this exemplary embodiment, the bottom plate 162 is generally cylindrical.
In one illustrative example, the peristaltic pump 340 has torque transferred to it via a drive shaft 331 driven direct by a motor 335 or with a gearbox as an added stage to multiply torque and reduce speed (not shown). A variety of motors 335, including three phase DC brushless or single-phase DC brushed motors, can be used. Using the provided torque, the peristaltic pump 340 can by means of peristalsis create low pressure in the pigment bottle and relative high pressure on the other side of the peristaltic pump 340. This pressure gradient drives the pigment through the tubing 333. It should be noted that this is a view of one of the pigment assembly 321 of the plurality of pigment assemblies 320. Each specific color has its own designated pigment assembly 321 of the plurality of pigment assemblies 320.
The dispensing assembly 360 is made of a dispensing head 365 and a plurality of dispensing tips 367. The high-pressure pigment effluent flows from the pigment container 330 to the dispensing head 365. The dispensing head 365 can have multiple pigment effluent tubes routing into it. Inside the dispensing head 365 a proportional number of valves 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, and 376 can be provided to help prevent unwanted leakage. Connected to the valves, a proportional number of dispensing tips 367 aimed at the threaded container 120 are provided.
The homogenizer assembly 380 includes a mixer motor 385, a mixer height adjuster 387, a pigment mixing rod 395, and a homogenizer tip 397. The mixer housing 211 includes a mixer height adjuster 387 that lifts the mixer into the housing 211 when not in use. The mixer lowers the homogenizer tip 397 into the container 120 when in use. The container 120 initially contains base product 160 and pigment is dispensed directly into the container 120 by the dispensing head 365. The container 120 is manually placed on a stationary platform 165 before initiating customization.
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The base product for lip gloss can include: emollients, colorants (pigment), thickening agents, and other additives such as fragrance or flavoring agents. Control agents can also be added to combat microbial growth. In one exemplary embodiment the threaded container 120 for lip gloss includes: Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, (and), Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene, Copolymer, (and) Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Micronized Titanium Dioxide; a plurality of waxes: beeswax, carnauba, sumac wax, candelilla wax, ozokerite; a plurality of oils: lanolin, polybutene, almond, coconut, avocado, jojoba, castor oil, linseed oil, sesame oil, shea butter, and silicone-based oils. The base product can be either a white-based product to have color added, or the white pigment of the single batch device 110 to provide the proper proportions of white in a certain shade (with the base product being a translucent mixture). The base product for nail polish can include: polymers dissolved into a volatile, organic solvent, nitrocellulose dissolved in butyl acetate or ethyl acetate. Common ingredients also include: plasticizers (prevent brittleness), dyes and pigments, opalescent (enhance coloration), adhesive polymers (ensure nitrocellulose adheres to surface of nail), thickening agents (prevent premature settling of pigments), and ultraviolet stabilizers (resist color change when exposed to sunlight). In one exemplary embodiment, the threaded container 120 for nail polish includes: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Acrylates Copolymer, Stearalkonium Bentonite, N-Butyl Alcohol, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Benzophenone-1, Silica, Alumina, Trimethylpentanediyl Dibenzoate, Micronized Titanium Dioxide, and a choice of oil. The base product for the foundation can include: oils and emollients, water, silicone (dimethicone, polysiloxane, etc.), oils, and colorants. In one exemplary embodiment, the base product for foundation can include: Water, emulsifying ingredients such as Dimethicone Crosspolymer or Polysilicone-11, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, viscosity controlling ingredients such as Isohexadecane and Cyclomethicone, mineral clays such as Silica or Kaolin, emollients such as Glycerin or Squalane, and Natural Preservatives.
While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions, and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.
Claims
1.-18. (canceled)
19. A single batch formulation device configured to formulate a customized cosmetic product comprising:
- a bottom plate supporting the single batch formulation device;
- a plurality of pigment assemblies positioned above the bottom plate wherein each of the pigment assemblies is comprised of a pigment container connected to a pump and pump motor wherein the pigment container contains a pigment ingredient correlating with a specific color;
- a recessed area wherein the plurality of pigment assemblies is positioned around the recessed area;
- a dispensing assembly comprised of a dispensing head and a plurality of dispensing tips, wherein each of the plurality of dispensing tips is in a direct fluid connection with one of the plurality of pigment assemblies;
- a homogenizer assembly comprised of a mixing motor connected to a pigment mixing rod wherein the pigment mixing rod is disposed below the dispensing assembly and the pigment mixing rod is positioned within the recessed area;
- a stationary platform positioned within the recessed area; wherein the pigment mixing rod is of sufficient length to contact a base product contained in a container positioned on the stationary platform; and
- a micro-controller configured to control the operations of the single batch formulation device.
20. The single batch formulation device of claim 19 wherein each of the pigment assemblies is comprised of a peristaltic pump in fluid connection with the pigment container, the peristaltic pump comprised of a plurality of rollers.
21. The single batch device of claim 19 further comprising: a top plate, wherein the plurality of pigment assemblies is positioned below the top plate.
22. The single batch device of claim 19 further wherein the homogenizer assembly further comprises a mixer height adjuster, the mixer height adjuster attached to the mixing motor.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 24, 2018
Publication Date: May 14, 2020
Applicant: Blee, LLC (NASHVILLE, TN)
Inventors: Charles C Brandon (Nashville, TN), Travis Floyd (Collierville, TN), Peter Phillips (Memphis, TN), Phil Powers (Gernamtown, TN)
Application Number: 16/314,598