MULTIFUNCTIONAL TOOL FOR APPLYING MAKEUP

Abstract

A cosmetic system for dispensing customized cosmetic compositions includes a dispenser configured to dispense customized amounts of at least two cosmetic components from different cartridges through apertures in a plate. A recess is formed in the plate and receives the at least two cosmetic components from the apertures. The system includes a lid detachably mountable to the plate and a flexible tool. The flexible tool is configured to be disposed between the lid and the plate when the lid is mounted to the plate. The lid compresses the tool against the plate to sealingly engage the apertures.

Description

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system for dispensing customized cosmetic compositions.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, the system includes a dispenser configured to dispense customized amounts of at least two cosmetic components from different cartridges through apertures in a plate. A recess is formed in the plate and receives the at least two cosmetic components from the apertures. The system includes a lid detachably mountable to the plate and a flexible tool. The flexible tool is configured to be disposed between the lid and the plate when the lid is mounted to the plate. The lid compresses the tool against the plate to sealingly engage the apertures.

In any embodiment, the plate is detachably coupled to the dispenser.

In any embodiment, each cartridge includes a nozzle from which the corresponding cosmetic component is discharged, each nozzle being in sealing engagement with one of the apertures.

In any embodiment, the tool has a disk-shaped profile with a central portion surrounded by an annular tapered portion.

In any embodiment, the tool includes a first portion made from a first material and a second portion made from a second material, wherein the first material has a hardness that is greater than a hardness of the second material.

In any embodiment, the tool includes a number of protrusions extending from one side, each protrusion being sized and positioned to be received by one of the apertures of the plate when the tool is disposed between the lid and the plate, and the lid is mounted to the plate.

In any embodiment, each protrusion is compressed by and sealingly engages the corresponding aperture of the plate.

In any embodiment, the tool includes a number of protrusions extending from one side, each protrusion being sized and positioned to be received by one of the apertures of the plate when the tool is disposed between the lid and the plate, and the lid is mounted to the plate.

In any embodiment, each protrusion is compressed by and sealingly engages the corresponding aperture of the plate.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for applying a cosmetic composition from a dispenser is also disclosed. The dispenser has at least two cartridges, each cartridge containing a cosmetic component and being configured to dispense the corresponding cosmetic component through an aperture in a plate into a recess formed in the plate. The plate forms part of the dispenser. The method includes the steps of removing a lid detachably coupled to the dispenser, wherein the lid compresses a tool against the plate to maintain sealing engagement with the apertures in the plate. The method further includes the steps of unsealing the apertures in the plate by removing the tool; and dispensing an amount of one or more of the cosmetic components into the recess.

In any embodiment, the method further includes the steps of mixing the one or more cosmetic components in the recess with the tool to form the cosmetic composition; and applying the cosmetic composition using the tool.

In any embodiment, the method further includes the steps of cleaning the tool; cleaning the plate; placing the tool in the recess of the plate; and coupling the lid to the dispenser.

In any embodiment, coupling the lid to the dispenser compresses the tool to seal the apertures.

In any embodiment, the tool includes a plurality of protrusions extending from one side, wherein one of the plurality of protrusion extends into and is compressed by each of the apertures.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the disclosed subject matter will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a known cosmetic dispenser;

FIG. 2 shows a partially cutaway isometric view of the cosmetic dispenser shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a partially exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a cosmetic dispensing system according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows a partially exploded cross-sectional view of the cosmetic dispensing system shown in FIG. 3, wherein a lid is detached from a cosmetic dispenser;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the cosmetic dispensing system shown in FIG. 4, wherein the lid is attached to the cosmetic dispenser;

FIG. 6A shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a tool of the cosmetic dispensing system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6B shows a side elevational view of the tool of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C shows a top plan view of the tool of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6D shows a side cross-sectional view of the tool of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A shows a top isometric view of another embodiment of a tool of the cosmetic dispensing system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7B shows a bottom isometric view of the tool of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C shows a top plan view of the tool of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7D shows a bottom plan view of the tool of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7E shows a side cross-sectional view of the tool of FIG. 7A; and

FIG. 8 shows an isometric view of the tool of FIG. 6A being used to with the cosmetic dispensing system of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to cosmetic dispensing systems that include cartridges of various cosmetic components that can be selectively dispensed and combined to provide the cosmetic compositions. The dispensing system provides customized cosmetic compositions according to a user's personal preferences and/or skincare needs. The dispensing system also includes a tool for mixing, collecting, and applying the cosmetic composition while also sealing preventing the cosmetic components in the cartridges from drying out and/or dried cosmetic components and/or compositions from clogging the dispensing system.

U.S. Pat. No. 11,291,287, (“the '287 patent”) was issued on Apr. 5, 2022, to L'Oreal, Paris, and is directed to systems for dispensing a cosmetic product. Systems disclosed in the '287 patent, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference, dispense customizable cosmetic compositions that can be varied according to user preferences and intended applications. For example, a dispensed cosmetic composition can be customized according to areas of application, intended appearance, desired protective and/or therapeutic properties, etc.

In various embodiments of the '287 patent, the systems include multiple cartridges containing different cosmetic compositions. In an embodiment, the cartridges are filled with makeup products, coloring products, anti-sun products, care products, perfumes, and/or any other suitable products or combinations thereof. The system dispenses various quantities of the cosmetic components from some or all of the cartridges to provide a predetermined amount cosmetic composition with suitable characteristics.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a cosmetic dispenser 60 similar to those disclosed in the '287 patent and suitable for use as part of the presently disclosed dispensing system 50 for dispensing a personalized cosmetic composition 68. The dispenser 60 includes a housing 62 with a central cavity. Disposed within the central cavity is a plurality of cartridges 64A, 64B, 64C (collectively, “the cartridges 64”). Each cartridge 64A, 64B, 64C includes a cosmetic component 68A, 68B, 68C, respectively, or combination of cosmetic components.

A closeout 70 is disposed at the top of the housing 62 and includes an upper surface 72 surrounded by an upwardly extending annular lip 75. A plurality of apertures 76A, 76B, and 76C (collectively, “the apertures 76”) extend through the closeout 70, wherein each aperture 76 is sized and configured to receive a nozzle 66A, 66B, 66C (collectively, “the nozzles 66”) through which a cosmetic compound from the respective cartridge is discharged. Referring to FIGS. 3-6, an embodiment of a dispensing system 50 according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 50 includes the dispenser 60 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In an embodiment, different embodiments of a dispenser is used. In an embodiment, the dispenser includes any suitable number of cartridges configured to dispense any suitable cosmetic components or combinations of cosmetic components. In an embodiment, the number, positions, and interfaces of cartridge nozzles have any suitable configuration. In an embodiment, the closeout has any suitable configuration for interfacing with another component or components of the system (described below).

As best shown in FIG. 3-4, the system includes a plate 80 coupled, i.e., mounted, to the closeout 70 of the dispenser 60. The plate 80 includes a generally cylindrical lower portion 82 sized and configured to be received within the annular lip 74 of the closeout 70 to releasably couple the plate 80 to the closeout 70.

An upper surface of the plate 80 includes a recess 84 surrounded by an annular lip 86. In an embodiment, the recess 84 is a concave recess. In an embodiment, the recess 84 as a constant radius. In an embodiment, the recess has any suitable shape and contour to engage a tool, representative embodiments of which are described herein. In an embodiment, the annular lip 86 has a planar upper surface that defines the upper surface of the plate 80.

A plurality of apertures 88A, 88B, and 88C (collectively, “the apertures 88”) extend through the recess 84. Each aperture 88A, 88B, and 88C corresponds to one of the apertures 76 that extends through the closeout. As best shown in FIG. 4, a boss extends downward from the bottom of the plate 80 at one or more of the apertures 88A, 88B, and 88C. Each boss is sized and configured to be received by the corresponding aperture 76A, 76B, and 76C, respectively, that extends through the closeout 70. Each boss engages the corresponding aperture in the closeout 70 to align the plate 80 with the closeout and to prevent rotation of the plate 80 relative to the closeout.

As best shown in FIG. 4, when the plate 80 is mounted to the closeout 70, each nozzle 66 extends through a corresponding aperture 76 in the closeout 70 and into the apertures 88 of the plate 80. In an embodiment, each nozzle 66 sealingly engages the corresponding aperture 88 of the plate 80 in an airtight manner. In an embodiment, an O-ring or other suitable seal provides sealing engagement of the nozzle 66 with the corresponding aperture 88 of the plate.

In an embodiment, the plate 80 is detachably coupled to the closeout 70. In an embodiment, the plate 80 is permanently coupled to the closeout 70. In an embodiment, the plate 80 is coupled to the closeout 70 by an interference fit, a snap fit, threaded engagement, adhesives, or any other suitable means. In an embodiment, the plate 80 and/or at least some of the associated features of the plate are integral to the closeout 70.

The system 50 further includes a lid 110 configured to be releasably coupled to the plate 80. The lid 110 includes an inner surface 112 surrounded by an annular lip 114 extending in an axial direction from the inner surface. In an embodiment, the lid 110 is secured to the by engagement of the annular lip 114 of the lid with the annular lip 86 of the plate 80. In an embodiment, the lid 110 is secured to the plate 80, the closeout 70 or any other suitable portion of the dispenser 60 by threaded engagement, interference fit, snap fit, or any other suitable engagement configuration.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, the system 50 includes a tool 90 for mixing and applying the cosmetics 68 from the cartridges 64. As will be explained in further detail, the tool 90 also seals the apertures 88 in the plate 80 to prevent the cosmetic components 68 from drying within the cartridges 64, dispenser 60, plate 80, etc.

As shown in FIGS. 6A-6D, the tool 90 is disk-shaped, having a circular profile in a plan view. When viewed from the side, a central portion 92 of the tool has a constant thickness surrounded by an annular tapered portion 94. In an embodiment, the tapered portion includes at least one concave upper surface or concave lower surface In an embodiment, the tapered portion includes at least one convex upper surface or convex lower surface. In an embodiment, the tool 90 includes any suitable shape to function in the manner described herein.

In an embodiment, the tool 90 is formed from a latex-free sponge, foam, silicone, plant-based materials, or any other suitable material known for use with makeup applicators. In an embodiment, the tool 90 is formed from a homogeneous material. In an embodiment, the tool 90 includes two or more different materials, each material having a different hardness. In an embodiment, the tool 90 includes a central plane 96 that defines an interface between a first material and a second material. In an embodiment, the tool 90 is any suitable material or combination of materials that are suitable to collect, mix, and apply a cosmetic composition as described herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the tool 90 is sized and configured to be stored between the lid 110 and the plate 80 when the lid is mounted to the dispenser 50. More specifically, when the lid 110 is mounted to the dispenser 60, the tool 90 compressed between the inner surface 112 of the lid 110 and the recess 84 of the plate 80, as shown in FIG. 5. With the tool 90 compressed against the surface of the recess 84, the compressed tool covers the apertures 88 in the plate 80 to provide an airtight seal to the apertures and, thus, the nozzle 66 of the cartridges 64. As a result, the cartridges 64 are sealed from ambient air when the lid 110 is mounted to the dispenser 60 with the tool 90 stored between the lid 110 and the plate 80.

FIGS. 7A-7E show another embodiment of a tool 100 suitable for use with the disclosed system 60. The tool 100 is similar to the previously described tool 90 of FIGS. 6A-6D except for the inclusion of a plurality of protrusions 106 formed on one side of the tool. The protrusions 106 are sized and configured so that each protrusion engages a corresponding aperture 88 in the plate. When the lid 110 is mounted to the dispenser 60, the tool 100 compressed between the inner surface 112 of the lid 110 and the recess 84 of the plate 80. Further, each protrusion 106 extends into and is compressed by a corresponding aperture 88 in the plate 80 to further seal the nozzles 66 of the cartridges 64 from ambient air.

Referring now to FIG. 8, use of the system 50 will be described. To use the system 50, a user uncouples the lid 110 from the system 50 and removes the tool 90 from the recess 84 of the plate 80 (step 1). The user then operates the dispenser 60 to dispense a desired, i.e., personalized, amount of cosmetic component 68 from each of the cartridges 64. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, the dispensed cosmetic components 68A, 68B, 68C (collectively, “the cosmetic components 68”) are discharged from the apertures 88 in the plate 80 into the recess 84.

The user then mixes the cosmetic components 68A, 68B, 68C in the recess 84 using the tool 100 to form a homogeneous cosmetic composition 52 (step 2). The user then collects the cosmetic composition 52 on the tool 90 (step 3) and applies the cosmetic composition using the tool in the manner of a known compact applicator.

When the user is done applying the cosmetic composition 52, the user cleans the tool 90 to remove any remaining cosmetic composition 52. The user also removes the plate 80 from the dispenser 60 and cleans any remaining cosmetic composition 52 left in the recess 84, the apertures 88, and on any other portion of the plate 80. The user then mounts the plate 80 to the dispenser 50, places the tool 90 in the recess 84, and reattaches the lid 110 to the dispenser 50. With the lid 110 reattached to the dispenser 50, the tool 90 is compressed against the apertures 88 in the plate 80, thereby isolating the nozzles 66 of the cartridges 64 from the ambient air to “seal” the cartridges. Sealing the cartridges in this manner prevents the cosmetic components 68 from drying out, which prevents waste and clogging of the dispenser.

The detailed description set forth above in connection with the appended drawings, where like numerals reference like elements, are intended as a description of various embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps, or combinations of steps, in order to achieve the same or substantially similar result.

In the foregoing description, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without embodying all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

The present application may include references to directions, such as “forward,” “rearward,” “front,” “back,” “upward,” “downward,” “right hand,” “left hand,” “lateral,” “medial,” “in,” “out,” “extended,” “advanced,” “retracted,” “proximal,” “distal,” “central,” etc. These references, and other similar references in the present application, are only to assist in helping describe and understand the particular embodiment and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these directions or locations.

The present application may reference quantities and numbers. Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to be considered restrictive, but exemplary of the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present application. Also in this regard, the present application may use the term “plurality” to reference a quantity or number. In this regard, the term “plurality” is meant to be any number that is more than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc. The terms “about,” “approximately,” “near,” etc., mean plus or minus 5% of the stated value. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is equivalent to “A and/or B” or vice versa, namely “A” alone, “B” alone or “A and B.”. Similarly, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C,” for example, means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C), including all further possible permutations when greater than three elements are listed.

The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure, which are intended to be protected, are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed.

While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter.

Claims

1. A cosmetic system for dispensing customized cosmetic compositions, comprising:

a dispenser configured to dispense customized amounts of at least two cosmetic components from different cartridges through apertures in a plate, wherein a recess is formed in the plate and receives the at least two cosmetic components from the apertures;

a lid detachably mountable to the plate; and

a flexible tool configured to be disposed between the lid and the plate when the lid is mounted to the plate, wherein the lid compresses the tool against the plate to sealingly engage the apertures.

2. The cosmetic system of claim 1, wherein the plate is detachably coupled to the dispenser.

3. The cosmetic system of claim 1, wherein each cartridge includes a nozzle from which the corresponding cosmetic component is discharged, each nozzle being in sealing engagement with one of the apertures.

4. The cosmetic system of claim 2, wherein the tool has a disk-shaped profile with a central portion surrounded by an annular tapered portion.

5. The cosmetic system of claim 4, wherein the tool includes a first portion made from a first material and a second portion made from a second material, wherein the first material has a difference hardness that the second material.

6. The cosmetic system of claim 5, wherein the tool includes a number of protrusions extending from one side, each protrusion being sized and positioned to be received by one of the apertures of the plate when the tool is disposed between the lid and the plate, and the lid is mounted to the plate.

7. The cosmetic system of claim 6, wherein each protrusion is compressed by and sealingly engages the corresponding aperture of the plate.

8. The cosmetic system of claim 4, wherein the tool includes a number of protrusions extending from one side, each protrusion being sized and positioned to be received by one of the apertures of the plate when the tool is disposed between the lid and the plate, and the lid is mounted to the plate.

9. The cosmetic system of claim 8, wherein each protrusion is compressed by and sealingly engages the corresponding aperture of the plate.

10. A method for apply a cosmetic composition from a dispenser having at least two cartridges, each cartridge containing a cosmetic component and being configured to dispense the corresponding cosmetic component through an aperture in a plate into a recess formed in the plate, the plate forming part of the dispenser, the method comprising the steps of:

removing a lid detachably coupled to the dispenser, wherein the lid compresses a tool against the plate to maintain sealing engagement with the apertures in the plate;

unsealing the apertures in the plate by removing the tool; and

dispensing an amount of one or more of the cosmetic components into the recess.

11. The method according to claim 10, further including the steps of:

mixing the one or more cosmetic components in the recess with the tool to form the cosmetic composition; and

and applying the cosmetic composition using the tool.

12. The method according to claim 11, further including the steps of:

cleaning the tool;

cleaning the plate;

placing the tool in the recess of the plate; and

coupling the lid to the dispenser.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein coupling the lid to the dispenser compresses the tool to seal the apertures.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the tool includes a plurality of protrusions extending from one side, wherein one of the plurality of protrusion extends into and is compressed by each of the apertures.