Patent Publication Number: US-2020289998-A1

Title: System for customization of cosmetics

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/535,456 filed Aug. 8, 2019; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/314,598 filed Dec. 31, 2018 now U.S. Pat. No. 10,625,226, PCT/US18/43477 filed Jul. 24, 2018 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 FIELD 
     The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a system and method to customize cosmetics. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In 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 need 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 THE INVENTION 
     This 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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an overview of the system. 
         FIG. 2  is a more detailed overview of the system. 
         FIG. 3  is a view of a graphical user interface. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram of assemblies of the interface device and single batch formulation device. 
         FIG. 5  is a front isometric view of a rendering of an embodiment of the single batch formulation device. 
         FIG. 6  is a view of one of the plurality of the pigment assemblies. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a side-view of a one of the plurality of the pigment assemblies and the dispensing assembly. 
         FIG. 9A  is a fluid flow diagram 
         FIG. 9B  is a fluid flow diagram 
         FIG. 10  is a view of device showing the homogenizer elements of an embodiment of the single batch formulation device. 
         FIG. 11  is an isometric rendering of the top portion of an embodiment of the formulation device. 
         FIG. 12  is a plan view of a portion of an embodiment of the single batch formulation device. 
         FIG. 13  is a general flow chart of the present process. 
         FIG. 14  is a detailed flow chart of the present process. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     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  FIGS. 1-2 , a system  100  for the automated delivery of customized cosmetics as a single batch is shown. The system  100  has three components: a computer application  207  deployed on remote interface device  200  for product and color selection, a single batch formulation device  110 , and a threaded container  120  containing a base product  160 . A single batch formulation device  110  is configured to process a single batch of the desired cosmetic. Single-batch cosmetics refer to individual units of a base product ready to be customized by a user. The user customizes product selection  210  and color selection  260  via the remote interface device  200  with the computer application  207 . The same threaded container  120  with the customized cosmetic product  170  is removed from the single batch formulation device  110 . 
     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 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 3 , a view of the graphical user interface  300  that allows a user to make selections on a remote interface device  200  that are communicated to the single batch formulation device  110 . The graphical user interface  300  includes a plurality of screens: a first product selection screen  301  for the user to select one of lip gloss, nail polish, foundation, or similar products. Once a product has been selected, a second screen  302  prompts a user to select or match a color. Selecting a color prompts the user to a color selection screen  305  where the user selects a color from a database of colors, such as from a color wheel with sliding bars to adjust color values. 
     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 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 4 , a block diagram of assemblies of an embodiment of the present invention representing the interface device and single batch formulation device. The remote interface device  200  includes a processor  201  with memory  202  capable of running a computer application  207  for a user to make product and color selections. The remote interface device  200  also includes a display device  203  through which the user makes selections. This could be a touch screen if the remote interface device  200  were a smartphone or tablet. Other interfaces could be a mouse and keyboard, with which the user makes product and color selections in accordance with the graphical user interface  300  described in  FIG. 3 . 
     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  FIG. 3 , instructions, written in a high-level language (such as Java, C, or Swift), are compiled by the computer application  207  on the remote interface device  200 . Instructions are then sent by a means, such as Bluetooth  205  or by a hardwire  204  connection, to a programmable logic controller inside a microcontroller  350  stored in the single batch formulation device  110 . Instructions are received by the programmable logic controller  351  by a means such as by a hardwire connection, Bluetooth, or other wireless connection. Once received by the programmable logic controller  351 , instructions are assembled into machine code  353  and are sent to the processor  352  of the single batch formulation device  110 . The processor  352  receives machine code  353  from the programmable logic controller  351  and issues instructions to the programmable logic controller  351 . Instructions specify how much of each provided pigment housed in the plurality of pigment assemblies  320  is required to create the desired color which is delivered through dispensing head  365  to the base product  120 / 170  and mixed to completion. 
       FIG. 5  shows a front view of an embodiment of the single batch formulation device  110 . The single batch formulation device  110  is partially enclosed in a circuit housing  150 . The circuit housing  150  is shown to completely encase all electronic components and circuitry including motors, relays and the microcontroller (not shown in this view). Positioned below the circuit housing  150  is the plurality of pigment assemblies  320  (shown individually as  321 ,  322 ,  323  and  324 ) and a portion of the homogenizer assembly  380  is shown. 
     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. 
       FIG. 6  shows a pigment assembly  321  of the plurality of pigment assemblies  320 . All of the pigment assembly  321  of the plurality of pigment assemblies  320  have the same components and configurations. Only pigment assembly  321  is shown for illustration. A pigment container  330  is configured to hold a specific liquid pigment and can be for example a disposable bottle or container. The structure of the pigment container  330  is a thin-walled cylindrical shaft that is terminated on the bottom by a plate  162  and at the top by the tubing  333 .The pigment container  330  is replaceable and attaches to tubing  333  with a connected tip  334 . The tubing  333  connects to pump  340  and is used as a way to transport the pigment coloring to the dispensing head  365 . 
     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 . 
       FIG. 7  is a cross section view of a peristaltic pump  340 . It shows the inlet and outlet path for the tube and how the plurality of rollers  347  squeeze a section of the tube. The inlet  358  is where tubing  333  from the pigment container  330  goes into the peristaltic pump  340 . The outlet  359  is where the tubing  361  leaves the peristaltic pump  340  to connect with the dispensing assembly  360 . 
       FIGS. 8 and 9A and 9B  show one of the plurality of the pigment assemblies  320  and the dispensing assembly  360 . It should be noted that there are a number of pigment assemblies  320 , each containing a different pigment in the assembly. Each of the plurality of pigment assemblies  320  is made of a pigment container  320  connected to a pump  340  and pump motor  335 . Each of the pigment assemblies  320  has a direct fluid connection with the dispensing assembly  360 . The dispensing assembly  360  is made of a dispensing head  365  and a plurality of dispensing tips  367  wherein each of the plurality of dispensing tips  367  is in a direct fluid connection with one 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. 
       FIGS. 9A-9B  show a general instrumentation and process diagram of the system. The process flow takes the pigment from: the plurality of pigment assemblies  320  each having a pigment container  321 ,  322 ,  323 ,  324 ,  325 , and  326  through a corresponding pump  341 ,  342 ,  343 ,  344 ,  345 , and  346  to the dispensing assembly  360 . The dispensing assembly  360  includes a dispensing head  365  where it can be terminated by a corresponding valve  371 ,  372 ,  373 ,  374 ,  375 , and  376  and then continued to a plurality of dispensing tips  367 , which are in a direct fluid connection with one of the plurality of pigment assemblies  320 . It is this direct fluid connect that allows a specific pigment or combination of pigments to be delivered. Between the plurality of dispensing tips  367  and the threaded container  120  is an air gap. 
       FIG. 10  is a front view of the single batch formulation device  110  showing the homogenizer assembly  380 . The homogenizer assembly  380  is made of a mixing motor  385 , coupled with a pigment mixing rod  395 . The purpose of the homogenizer assembly  380  is to blend the dispensed pigments. In addition, a height adjuster  387  is a protruding tab that is configured for user interface. The mixer height adjuster  387  can be lifted manually, pulling up the pigment mixing rod  395  with it, allowing for removal of the threaded container  120 . The mixing motor  385  is rigidly attached to the top of the mixer height adjuster  387  and has a centered-through hole (not shown) providing clearance for the pigment mixing rod  395  to couple with the mixing motor  385  output shaft (not shown) and rotate freely. The pigment mixing rod  395  is held in an upright position with two degrees of freedom by smooth and closely fitting holes (not shown) centered at the top and bottom of the dispensing head  365 . These two smooth holes can be substituted by bushings, needle bearings, or ball bearings. 
       FIG. 11  shows one configuration of the assembled device with motors, relays, and microcontrollers exposed without the circuit housing  150 . The structure is made of two flat round plates  152  and  162  covering the tops and bottoms of the plurality of pigment containers  320 . The plurality of pigment assemblies  320  are arranged radially about the center. The top plate  152  provides mounting points for the plurality of pump motors  335  and electronics assembly. A two-prong plug  153  is displayed, but a three-prong grounded plug can be used as well. 
       FIG. 12  shows a plan view of a portion of an embodiment of the formulation device, including a mixer housing  211  that includes a microcontroller  350 , relay  212 , and circuit connections  213 . The microcontroller  350  receives instructions as described in  FIG. 4 . The single batch formulation device  100  is configured to be in electronic communication with a remote interface device  200 . A user inputs the selection of the type of cosmetic product and the color selection to the single batch cosmetic device by way of the remote interface device  200 . Upon receiving the output signal  280 , the relay  212  switches pump  340  in a pigment assembly  321  according to instructions sent by the microcontroller  350 . Pigment is dispensed through tubing  333 ,  361  connected through dispensing head  360  to dispensing tips  367 . The amount of pigment dispensed into the threaded container  120  depends on the amount of time allocated for the relay  212  to be open or closed. The relay  212  also controls pump motors  335  to control the dispensing of the pigment with the amount of pigment dispensed determined by the amount of time the relay turns the pump  340  on. The circuit connection  212  is for all internally connected circuitry including motors  335 ,  385 , relays  212 , and the microcontroller  350 . 
     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. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 13-14 , a flow chart of the method is shown. The user selects a base product for the desired cosmetic product. A threaded container  120  contains between 8-15 mL of the base product. The threaded container  120  is inserted into the single batch formulation device  110 . At this point, the user selects which product they are formulating in-app and chooses whether to select or match a color. If matching a color is chosen, the computer application  207  reads a color from an input, such as an image provided by the user. The color is matched to a color within the application&#39;s color database. The user is then able to manually adjust the color. If color selection is chosen, the user selects a color from the application&#39;s color database. The chosen color, whether from color matching or selection, is converted into a value that the device uses to create the desired shade. Upon initiation of the formulation process, the device determines whether or not there is enough pigment in the system. If there is not enough pigment, the formulation device  110  sends a notification to the interface device  200 , notifying the user in the application  207  that the pigment container needs to be replaced. If the device determines there is enough pigment, the docking station locks, preventing the user from removing the threaded container during the color addition and cleaning processes. Pigment is dispensed to tint the base product to the selected color. A homogenizer lowers into position and blends the pigment and base together. Additionally, internal heating within the single batch formulation device assists with the mixing process. After completion, the mixing apparatus is returned to initial state, and the user can remove the finished product. 
     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.