Abstract:
An apparatus and method for custom blending and fabricating lipstick to the specific demands of individual customers. The present invention provides a kit which enables a user to blend various pigments to arrive at a very specific shade, and then blend the desired shade with a specific base to result in a desired consistency of lipstick, and which also allows the blended bases and pigments to be heated to a liquefied form and poured into a mold for hardening. Upon cooling and hardening, a conventional lipstick case can be attached to the lipstick for removal from the mold and use by the customer. The present invention therefore not only allows a user to quickly attain the specific shade and consistency of lipstick desired, but also eliminates the time consuming and unsatisfactory process of visiting multiple stores having expansive inventories of variously shaded and textured lipsticks.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to cosmetics, and more particularly relates to apparatus and methods for creating lipsticks. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     When a person is desirous of purchasing cosmetics, he or she is often confronted with a time consuming and very often unsatisfactory process. Retail outlets often carry only a limited number of manufacturers and their product lines, and if a customer cannot find the particular shade or consistency of lipstick desired, he or she will be required to visit additional retail outlets in search of another manufacturer and its product line which may or may not provide the particular shade or consistency of lipstick desired. Even after finding an acceptable lipstick, it is often shortlived in that the manufacturer may discontinue production of the desired type. 
     Alternatively, the customer can resort to catalogs or other written material which will provide the customer with an expansive list of information and possibly the particular shade and consistency of lipstick desired. However, the shade as it appears in printed form on the advertisement may be quite different from the shade when worn and viewed in ambient lighting conditions as opposed to the printed conditions of the catalog. 
     Such a system is not only frustrating and unsatisfactory to the client, but can also be unsatisfactory to the retailer and manufacturer. The retailer is required to maintain an expansive line of lipstick in inventory which may or may not turn over in profitable fashion, which necessarily limits the retailer to carrying only the best selling lines, or most cost-effective lines. The retailer will therefore not be able to fully satisfy all the needs of his or her client base. From the manufacturer standpoint, such a system is unsatisfactory in the sense that its product lines will be only carried in a few retail outlets which necessarily limits the total client base to which the manufacturer can extend its goods. 
     Certain areas of the cosmetics industry have therefore recognized this deficiency in the current system and devised alternatives to more closely tailor cosmetic products to the specific desires of the given customer. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,764, issued to Meador, et al, discloses an apparatus for designing personalized perfume by providing a system of tapered strips along with a family of fragrances. An individual is therefore able to use the apparatus of Meador &#39;764 to design customized perfume or cologne in relatively quick fashion. 
     However, while systems such as the Meador &#39;764 patent do provide a system by which personalized perfumes and colognes can be created, no system currently exists to create personalized or specially tailored cosmetics corresponding to the exact demands of each customer, and more specifically to the focus of the present invention, no system or method currently exists to allow specific shades, consistencies and textures of lipsticks to be created based on the specific demands of each customer. It therefore follows that no system currently exists to allow for customized lipstick creation in a relatively short time frame, without relying on a system of ordering and waiting for delivery from an off-site warehouse. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore a primary aim of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for custom blending lipstick to a desired shade, consistency and content, and fabricating the blended lipstick while the customer waits. 
     It is an objective of the present invention to provide a kit for use by cosmetic retailers which can be used to custom blend a particular shade and consistency of lipstick to the exact and immediate demands of the customers, and with which a conventional retractable lipstick case can be fabricated with the custom blended lipstick therein while the customer waits. 
     It is another objective of the present invention to provide a kit for personal use which can be used to custom blend lipstick at home or various other locations away from retail establishments. 
     It is another objective of the present invention to provide a kit which not only allows the specific color of the lipstick to be blended, but which also allows various additives, such as moisturizers, sunscreens, fragrances, and frostings, to be added to the resulting lipstick. 
     It is another objective of the present invention to provide a kit for creating custom blended lipstick which provides a means by which the exact portions of the various colored pigments, bases, and additives can be measured and recorded to allow for additional batches of lipstick to be created after a specific combination and recipe has been established. 
     It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a kit which allows the custom blended lipstick to be blended and manufactured in a matter of minutes. 
     It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a kit and method which allows for custom blending and fabrication of lipstick in a consistent and repeatable manner. 
     In accordance with these aims and objectives, it is a feature of the present invention to provide a kit for custom blending lipstick to a desired shade, texture, and content, and fabricating the blended lipstick into a conventional lipstick case, wherein the kit includes a plurality of pigments, a plurality of bases, a means for measuring pre-determined quantities of the pigments and bases, a blending sheet on which the measured quantities of pigments and bases can be mixed, a means for heating the desired blend into a liquefied form, a mold for receiving the liquefied blend and hardening the blend into a solid form, and a plurality of extendible and retractable lipstick cases adapted to receive the hardened lipstick. 
     It is another feature of the present invention to provide such a kit wherein the means for measuring is a planar sheet which includes a plurality differently sized segments onto which the pigments can be poured for exact measurement. 
     It is another feature of the present invention to provide such a kit wherein the blending sheet is a translucent sheet adapted to be positioned over the measurement sheet having the graduated segments. The graduated segments are visible through the translucent blending sheet to allow for simultaneous measuring and mixing of the pigments. 
     It is yet another feature of the present invention to provide such a kit wherein the mold includes a clam shell type housing adapted to be folded into mating orientation to form a plurality of cavities having the shape of a desired lipstick. The clam shell can be unfolded upon hardening of the lipstick for removal thereof, and is preferably manufactured from a metal to serve as an effective heat sink. In alternative embodiments, the mold can be made of other materials including plastic. 
     It is still another feature of the present invention to provide such a mold wherein each lipstick cavity is treated with a non-stick coating to facilitate removal of the hardened lipstick therefrom. 
     It is still another feature of the present invention to provide a method for custom blending and fabricating of lipstick to the personal specifications of each customer wherein the method comprises the steps of selecting, measuring, and mixing measured quantities of pigments to arrive at a desired shade, adding the desired shade of pigment blend to a particular base having the consistency of the desired lipstick, heating the desired pigments and bases to a liquefied form, pouring the liquefied pigment and bases into a mold having the shape of the desired lipstick, and affixing a lipstick case to the hardened lipstick upon removal from the mold. 
    
    
     These and other aims, objectives, and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a plan view of the measuring sheet and the blending sheet used in conjunction with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mold used in conjunction with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the mold shown in FIG. 3 taken along line 4--4; 
     FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the mold taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 3; and 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the mold after the lipstick blend has been poured and hardened, and after the top layer of the mold has been removed to facilitate attachment of lipstick holding cases to the lipstick. 
    
    
     While the present invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings, and with specific reference to a FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment is shown and is generally designated as kit 20. As shown therein, kit 20 includes graduated measuring sheet 22, pigments 24, bases 26, additives 28, frostings 29, blending sheets 30, mixing tool 32, heating vessel 34, mold 36 and lipstick cases 38. It is to be understood that the actual number of pigments 24, bases 26, additives 28, frostings 29, blending sheets 30, and lipstick cases 38 provided with each kit 20 can certainly vary, but that the stated elements are all included in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is also to be understood that in alternative embodiments, additional additives can be included with kit 20 to further enhance the variability of the lipstick. 
     With specific reference now to measuring sheet 22, FIG. 2 shows that measuring sheet 22 is a planar sheet which in the preferred embodiment is preferably manufactured from acrylic, but which could alternatively be made of a relatively heavy grade of paper or possibly a light grade of cardboard. In alternative embodiments, different means for measuring can be provided which need not take the specific form of that shown in FIG. 2. However, as shown in FIG. 2, measuring sheet 22 also includes a plurality of graduated segments 40 into which pigments 24 can be poured. In the preferred embodiment, one graduated segment 40 having a nominal denotation of 1.5 is provided in a central position with sets of graduated segments ranging from nominal denotations of 0.125 to 1.0 shown radiating out from central segment 42. In alternative embodiments, segments 40 need not be provided in the specific dimensions shown in FIG. 2, but rather can be provided in any size providing a means by which the components can be consistently measured into pre-determined quantities of pigments 24. 
     In order to reduce the overall cost of kit 20, only one measuring sheet 22 is provided with each kit, but through the novel use of translucent blending sheets 30, measuring sheet 22 can be used in repetition. In other words, blending sheet 30 can be placed over a measuring sheet 22 such that graduated segments 40 are visible through translucent blending sheet 30. While blending sheet 30 is depicted in the drawings as being smaller than measuring sheet 22, such depiction is only for the purposes of clearer illustration, in that blending sheet 30 is actually the same size as measuring sheet 22 in the preferred embodiment. The retailer can pour pigments 24 directly onto translucent blending sheet 30 using the graduated segments 40 of measuring sheet 22 as a guide. The measured quantity of pigment 24 can then be moved to a separate and distinct area of blending sheet 30 for subsequent combination with additional pigments 24. For example, one pigment 24 having a particular red hue can be measured using one of the graduated segments 40 and if it is desired to create a resulting lipstick 44 having a relatively orange appearance, a pigment having a yellow hue can be measured and added. This process can be repeated using the various shades of pigments 24 provided with kit 20 until the specific shade desired by the customer is achieved. 
     While the list of particular pigments 24 provided with each kit 20 can vary greatly with each kit 20 sold, in the preferred embodiment twenty distinct pigments are provided. The exact chemical compound used to create each pigment 24 is not of importance to the present invention, but rather the shades, or family of shades, is of importance to the present invention. Toward that end, four distinct family of shades are provided, namely: cool shades, i.e., blackberry, wineberry, ruby red, and magenta; warm shades, i.e., coral, crimson, paprika, flame, tangerine, peach, and russet; brown shades, i.e., brown, mahogany, and cocoa; and toner shades, i.e., white, black, ochre, marigold, sapphire, and blueberry. It is to be understood that through the provision of such a wide variety of pigments 24 a resulting family of lipstick shades numbering in the thousands can be achieved. 
     In addition to pigments 24, a variety of bases 26 are also provided. In the preferred embodiment, the bases include a cream base used to create a relatively moist, sheer, or frosted lipstick, a matte base used to create a long lasting lipstick, and a butter base, used to create an extremely sheer and glossy lipstick. Again, the exact chemical composition of the bases 26 are not of particular relevance to the present invention, but rather it is to be understood that bases 26 are used primarily to create the texture and consistency of the resulting lipstick 44, whereas pigments 24 are used to create the specific color of lipstick 44. While bases 26 of the preferred embodiment are not shaded, alternative embodiments could include a larger number of bases already pre-colored to a particular hue. The pre-colored bases could then provide a starting point to which colored pigments could be added. 
     With regard to additives 28 and frostings 29, the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a variety of additives which can be added to the blended pigments 24 and bases 26 to alter the characteristics of lipstick 44. For example, a moisture additive including known moisturizers such as oils and vitamins can be provided, a sunscreen additive having a specific sun protection factor (SPF) can be added, or a frost additive used to create a specific texture or reflective appearance can also be added. Moreover, if it is desired to have a particular fragrance in accompaniment to the specific shade of lipstick 44, various scents can be added as well. Such additives 28 and frostings 29, would be added to pigments 24 and bases 26 in the same manner as mentioned above or according to the preferred method herein described. Any variety of tools can be used to dispense the additives including scoops, brushes, and droppers. 
     Upon arriving at the particular shade, of the desired lipstick 44, the resulting blend 46, in the preferred method, can be deposited into heating vessel 34 already containing base 26 for subsequent heating and liquefaction. Bases 26 are preferably provided in heating vessel 34 in sufficient quantity to form two (2) lipsticks, however, it is to be understood that different quantities can be provided. It is also to be understood that bases 26 can be mixed with blend 46 on blending sheet 30 if desired and then deposited into heating vessel 34 for liquefaction. To perform this function, mixing tool 32 or an alternative tool can be used to scrape blend 46 from the blending sheet 30 and into heating vessel 34. Blending sheet 30 can then be removed and thrown away to leave measuring sheet 22 ready for subsequent uses. 
     In normal operation, the specific quantities of pigments 24, bases 26, additives 28 and frostings 29 would be recorded using a recordation sheet to memorialize the specific composition of blend 46. In order to transform blend 46 into the shape of a conventional lipstick 44, heating vessel 34 is heated to a temperature sufficient to liquefy blend 46 and base 26. In the preferred embodiment, this is performed through the use of a conventional microwave oven preferably having a maximum power output of 600-650 watts. Under normal circumstances using such an oven a heating time of approximately sixty seconds will be sufficient to adequately liquefy the composition. 
     After blend 46 and base 26 have been heated to the point of liquefaction, the liquefied blend can be poured from heating vessel 34 into mold 36. Alternatively, additional pigments, additives, or frostings can be added after heating to further fine tune the lipstick. More specifically, the liquefied blend 46 can be poured from heating vessel 34 into one of the cavities 52 provided in mold 36. In the preferred embodiment, four cavities 52 are provided, but it is to be understood that in alternative embodiments, the exact number of cavities 52 can vary greatly. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the preferred embodiment of mold 36 is of a clam shell design having first and second mating sides 54 and 56. Sides 54 and 56 are joined by hinge 58 to allow for removal of lipsticks 44. It can also be seen that each side 54 and 56 is comprised of a top portion 60 and bottom portion 62, the importance and function of which will be described in further detail herein. Although only the preferred form of mold 36 is depicted, it is to be understood that a wide range of mold types can be employed including metal molds, plastic molds, single cavity molds, multiple cavity molds, and the like. Such molds need not be in the shape of a conventional lipstick, but can be of the shape of a lip balm jar, tub or the like. 
     With regard to each bottom portion 62 of first and second sides 54 and 56, it can be seen that when brought together in mating orientation, they form cavities 52 having the shape of a conventional lipstick with canted tip 64 (See FIG. 5). It can also be seen that the diameter of cavities 52, as well as the depth of cavities 52 will result in a lipstick 44 having a conventional shape and size. In order to correctly and consistently align first and second side 54 and 56 as well as top and bottom portions 60 and 62, dowels 66 are provided to penetrate through adjacent portions to thereby align adjacent portions and result in uniformly shaped cavities 52. In order to further lock first and second sides 54 and 56 into mating configuration, locking clasps are used to join first side 54 to second side 56 when desired. As best shown in FIG. 4, each locking clasp is comprised of threaded rod 70 which is adapted to pivot about pin 72 attached to first side 54 and pass through channel 74 provided in second side 56. Threaded knob 76 can then be used to attach to rod 70 and be tightened against the outer surface of second side 56 to lock first side 54 and second side 56. Similar locking clasps are provided for top portion 60 and bottom portion 62. 
     When it is desired to pour heated blend 46 from vessel 34 into mold 36, first and second sides 54 and 56 will be joined together as will top portions 60 and bottom portions 62 as best shown in FIG. 3. Heated blend 46 will be poured into cavities 52 until full and allowed to cool. In the preferred embodiment, approximately three minutes will be required to allow the heated blend 46 to cool to a hardened state at which time top portion 60 of first side 54 can be loosened from top portion 60 of second side 56. Top portion 60 can then be entirely removed from mold 36 to reveal bottoms 80 of lipsticks 44 as best shown in FIG. 6. At this point, lipstick cases 38, which are of a conventional design, can be pressed down onto bottoms 80 and, given the consistency and texture of lipstick 44, adhered thereto. To facilitate this action, it is desirable that lipstick case 38 be rotated to its uppermost extended position to allow for its base to easily contact bottom 80 of lipstick 44. Alternatively, the hardened lipstick 44 can be re-melted and additional pigments or additives can be added before affixing the lipstick cases 38. 
     As shown in FIG. 6, upon lipstick case 38 being adhered to lipstick 44, the individual lipsticks 44 can be removed from cavities 52 of bottom portion 62. Case 38 can then be rotated to retract lipstick 44 into case 38 to allow for a cap to be attached thereto. In the preferred embodiment, a non-stick coating is provided on each cavity 52 to facilitate removal of lipsticks 44 from mold 36. In the most preferred embodiment, a non-stick coating similar to Teflon® is used, but other non-stick compounds having similar characteristics can be used with equal efficacy. 
     From the foregoing, it can therefore be seen that the present invention brings to the art a new and improved apparatus and method by which lipstick can be custom blended, at a retail counter, or at home for personal use, and fabricated into a conventional lipstick case for use in a matter of minutes. Such a kit not only greatly expands the ability of a retail outlet to tailor its supply to the specific demands of the individual customers, but greatly enhances the satisfaction of the individual customer by quickly providing the exact shade and consistency of lipstick desired without the time consuming and often futile process of visiting multiple retailers and searching through expansive volumes of lipstick inventory. Moreover, once a particular lipstick is created, its recipe can be recorded for subsequent batch creation to thereby avoid reliance on a particular manufacturer which subsequently discontinues a desired type of lipstick.