Patent Description:
Moreover, each type of fragrance and cosmetic bottle or container can be a different size and shape. For this reason, many sampling systems or methods require new or different containers or swabs to properly sample the cosmetic or fragrance. Additionally, samplings can be uneven in volume or amount when provided to the customer. Current methods of sampling can include cartridges configured to release a scent and refillable containers.

<CIT> discloses a small bottle support <NUM> comprising a base <NUM>, and a level <NUM>, wherein a top flange <NUM> is slid onto the level and holds a lock <NUM> which cooperates with the notches of the level. This arrangement is provided so that the flange <NUM> can permanently press onto a connector <NUM> arranged to be adapted on the small bottle <NUM> containing test perfume. The connector <NUM> is similar to a closing and spraying cap, adaptable on a common small bottle, whereon a tube <NUM> is connected and whereon it is placed on a conventional nozzle of the small bottle, after it is replaced.

The present disclosure provides a universal sampling system for cosmetic liquids. The system can include a universal cosmetic packaging connector, a feedback loop system for metering out appropriate samples at a desired timing, and a cosmetic identification system. In some cases, the disclosed system and methods can include an artificial intelligence vision identification system for identification of cosmetic bottles. In some cases, the disclosed system and methods can include delivering a tailored droplet at a desired sample size. In this system, a consumer product which is typically sampled through spraying, can be delivered as a measured droplet for sampling.

Consumers like to test cosmetics prior to purchase. However, current sampling and testing techniques used in-store often require touching of swabs, bottles, or other methods where the consumer or the retailer are touching a variety of surfaces. Moreover, complex sampling systems targeted to reduce touch are not universal. A different sampling system must be used by the retailer for each type of cosmetic, bottle, and pump. Some of these approaches use cartridges or refillable containers that plug into a sampling system.

There is a need for smart sampling systems that can dynamically adjust to product connected, display alerts when maintenance is required or product is empty, and allow storing of the information to further optimize the placement of devices in a store. This type of system can aid in delivering metered, droplets of cosmetic products for sampling.

Discussed herein is a universal sampling system that can connect with a variety of cosmetic bottle types for easy, touchless sampling of cosmetic liquids, such as, on the shelves, at a beauty counter or other cosmetic retailer. The systems discussed herein can serve as a combined retail display and dispenser. The system can use a proximity sensor to measure and pump a specified amount of cosmetic liquid for delivering as a sample at a time that a user is interested in a sample.

The universal sampling system can be used to connect to existing, commercially available products. This can prevent a change in shop product stock space for sampling purposes, and prevent duplication of the supply chain for manufacturers. Moreover, the system can be very precise with sample delivery, producing an accurately measured droplet of sample cosmetic product to a consumer. This can help reduce waste in sampling of cosmetic products.

The present invention provides a cosmetic dispensing system as defined in claim <NUM>. The dispensing system comprises a connector for receiving a packaging containing a cosmetic liquid, the packaging connector comprising a tapered connector sized to receive a valve of the packaging containing the cosmetic liquid; a preloaded spring configured to press the tapered connector into said received packaging; and a height adjustment mechanism to accommodate different sizes of packaging by height adjusting the tapered connector; a dispensing arm configured to be fluidly connected to the packaging connector, the dispensing arm for dispensing a measured amount of the cosmetic liquid; and a pump configured to be fluidly connected to the packaging containing a cosmetic liquid.

In an example outside the scope of protection of claim <NUM>, a dispensing system can include: a bottle connector configured for attaching the system to a cosmetic packaging for containing a cosmetic liquid; a dispensing arm fluidly connected to the bottle connector, the dispensing arm comprising an opening for dispensing a measured amount of the cosmetic liquid; a pump actuatable for pumping the cosmetic liquid from the cosmetics bottle through the bottle connector to the dispensing arm and through the opening; a proximity sensor on a distal portion of the dispensing arm configured to sense the proximity of a surface for dispensing the cosmetic liquid; and an opening sensor adjacent the opening for dispensing the cosmetic liquid, the opening sensor configured to detect when the measured amount of the cosmetic liquid has been dispensed.

In an example outside the scope of protection of claim <NUM>, a system can include a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to receive a signal from a proximity sensor, the signal indicating that an external surface is near a dispensing arm; pump a predetermined amount of cosmetic fluid through a universal adapter to the dispensing arm; and deliver the cosmetic fluid out an opening in the dispensing arm to the external surface.

The present disclosure describes, among other things, systems and methods for measured volumetric dispensing of cosmetic fluids, such as for sampling in a retail setting. The system can allow for delivery of measured droplets of cosmetic fluid to the consumer. The system can include a universal cosmetic packaging connector and bottle adapter and a feedback sensor system for efficient and effective dispensing of sample sizes. Discussed herein, a system for sampling cosmetic liquids can be a universal connection apparatus used for affixing a cosmetic fluid container to an electrical device for the purpose of extracting a fluid.

A system according to the invention includes a cosmetic connector for receiving a bottle or package containing a cosmetic liquid. The connector can be a universal connector. The connector includes a tapered connector sized to receive a piston valve of a pump mechanism mounted on the cosmetic package. The tapered connector is connected to a pre-loaded spring that can exert a constant downward pressure on the piston valve to create a leak free, airtight seal. The system automatically adjusts its height to accommodate different package dimensions, such as by movement on a sliding axes. Thus, in one cinematic movement, the tapered connector can push down on the piston valve with a force of about <NUM> to about <NUM> with different heights of piston valve displacement taken into account. This movement can allow for opening of the piston valve system in the cosmetic packaging. The system has a pump that extracts liquid out of the cosmetic package through the piston valve, and subsequently lets air into the package. The dispensing arm is fluidly connected to the cosmetic connector, and allows for dispensing of a measured amount of the cosmetic liquid.

In an example, the system can include a universal cosmetic packaging connector, a feedback loop system for metering out appropriate samples at a desired timing, and a cosmetic identification system. In some cases, the disclosed system and methods can include an artificial intelligence vision identification system for identification of cosmetic bottles. In some cases, the disclosed system and methods can include delivering a tailored droplet at a desired sample size.

As used herein, "cosmetic fluid" can include both gas and liquid fluids. As used herein, "cosmetic liquid" can include a fluid that conforms to the shape of its container but retains a constant volume independent of pressure. Cosmetic fluids and liquids can include, for example, creams, gels, foams, fragrances, aqueous solutions, and other liquids.

1A-1C illustrate a touchless cosmetic liquid sampling system <NUM>. 1A illustrates a perspective view of the system <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a top down view of the system <NUM>. <FIG> depicts an internal view of the system <NUM>. 1A-1C will be discussed together.

The system <NUM> can be a non-contact (touchless) variable fluid dispensing system for cosmetic sampling. The system <NUM> can include housing <NUM>, external battery <NUM>, network interface <NUM>, camera <NUM>, buttons <NUM>, <NUM>, LED indicators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, connecting tube <NUM>, arm <NUM> with drop dispensing exit zone <NUM>, sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, micropump <NUM>, motor unit <NUM>, motor axis sensor <NUM>, and universal connector <NUM> with an actuating lever <NUM> and a pre-loaded spring <NUM>.

In the system <NUM>, the cosmetic fluid container can be isolated from the external environment through a connecting valve un the universal bottle connector <NUM>. The cosmetic fluid container can be disposed outside the housing <NUM>. The micropump <NUM> can be configured to draw cosmetic fluid out of the cosmetic fluid container, driven by the motor unit <NUM>. The connecting tube <NUM> can fluidly connect the micropump <NUM> to the arm <NUM>, and the micropump <NUM> can pump cosmetic fluid up to the arm <NUM> and out the exit zone <NUM>. The universal bottler connector <NUM> can include the lever <NUM> and spring <NUM>, which can keep the cosmetic fluid container valve in an open position, letting air into the container. The sensor <NUM> can be a proximity sensor for determining when a hand or other surface desiring a sample is within a predetermined proximity, and communicate to the process, which can determine when to provide a sample. The sensor <NUM>, on the arm <NUM>, can be used to monitor the cosmetic fluid output. The buttons <NUM>, <NUM> can be used for configuring the system <NUM>. The indicators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, can be used to monitor the system <NUM>. The external battery <NUM> can be used to power the system <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> can be a container at least partially enclosing the system <NUM>. In some cases, the housing <NUM> can be made of a polymer, a plastic, a metallic, or a composite material. In some cases, the housing <NUM> can include one or more windows or clear portions such that a bottle of cosmetics can be seen through the window. The housing <NUM> can enclose or partially enclose many of the components of the system <NUM>. In some cases, the housing can be placed behind the bottle in a retail display, such that the bottle is visible to consumers. In some cases, the housing can be placed in front of the bottle; in this case, a sticker or other label can be used to show to the consumer which sample is in the housing.

The external battery <NUM> can include a portable power source, such as a battery, to power the system <NUM>. In some examples, the external battery <NUM> can include more than one battery. For example, shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the external battery <NUM> can include two power ports to allow for two batteries to be in place simultaneously. Thus, if one of the batteries fails, the system <NUM> can switch to the other battery. In some cases, the batteries can be disposable. In some cases, the batteries can be multi-use, rechargeable batteries. In some cases, the system can be connected to a power socket, such as through a USB power socket. The external battery <NUM> can be electrically connected to the system <NUM> to allow for electrical functioning of the pump <NUM> and other components of the system <NUM>.

The network interface <NUM> can be, for example, a printed circuit board or other component to allow for network access to the system <NUM>. In some cases, the network access can be to a wireless network. The network interface <NUM> can allow for collection of data from the system <NUM>, and for communication with one or more external computers, such as for data analysis or machine learning methods for more efficient use of the system <NUM>. Examples of such techniques are discussed in more detail below.

In some cases, the system <NUM> can further include a processing unit. The processing unit can contain a memory for storing at least temporarily one or more of the information from each time the sensor detects an external surface, a fluid connecting bottle being disconnected or connected to the system <NUM>, and time-stamps associated with sensor activation, bottle connections/disconnections to the system <NUM> or other events. In some cases, the information of the processing unit can be transmitted through the network interface <NUM> to an external computer system or server. In some cases, the processing unit can include a communication interface for transmitting information from the detection member to an external server.

The camera <NUM> can be situated at least partially within the housing <NUM>. The camera can include a lens situated for capturing an image of the bottle installed in the system <NUM>. For example, the camera <NUM> can be situated facing the bottle connection, such that it can image capture a portion of the bottle, such as the bottle label. The camera <NUM> can be in communication with the network interface <NUM> so as to send captured image data. The camera <NUM> and associated image analysis can be used, in some cases, for purposes of identification of the cosmetic type. In some cases, the camera <NUM> and associated image analysis can be used to identify the type of cosmetic in the bottle. In some cases, other types of identification methods can be used. Non-limiting examples of such identification methods may include reading a quick response (QR) code, optical character recognition (OCR) of text printed on a label, and other methods.

The buttons <NUM>, <NUM>, can be situated, for example, on a top surface of the housing <NUM>. The buttons <NUM>, <NUM>, can be sized and shaped for allowing a user to trigger or press the button and activate one or more functions of the system <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, buttons can be elsewhere on the system for activation of various functions of the system <NUM>. In system <NUM>, button <NUM> can be used for turning the system <NUM> off and on, while button <NUM> can be used for calibrating, priming, and, purging the system <NUM>. In some cases, the buttons can be supplemented or replaced by a different type of user interface, such as a touch screen, or a blue tooth connection to a smart phone or device.

Indicators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, can include one or more small visual indicators, such as circular light emitting diodes (LED) lights. The indicators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, can in some cases be of different colors to convey different indications or alerts to the user. For example, an indicator can show a red light if the bottle is low or empty. In some cases, the indicator light can be white to show the system is functioning as intended. Some indicators can use blinking patterns to convey meaning. In some cases, the indicator lights can be used to convey battery life, pump use, liquid level, or other information about the system <NUM>. In some cases, one or more of the indicators can be programmed to indicate a malfunction of the system <NUM>. In some cases, other visual indicators can be used.

The arm <NUM> can be connected to and extend from the housing <NUM> and the pump <NUM>. The arm <NUM> can, for example, extend outward at an angle from the system <NUM> to allow for easy reach and access by a user desiring a sample of the cosmetic product in the bottle. The arm <NUM> can include one or more openings, such as the drop dispensing exit zone <NUM>, for delivery of the sample cosmetic liquid to the user. The arm <NUM> can be configured to deliver the sample in a droplet or drop form. The arm <NUM> can include one or more sensors for detecting movement of liquid therethrough. The arm <NUM> can be fluidly connected to the micropump <NUM> by tubing <NUM>. In some cases, the opening can be integrated with the tubing <NUM>. In some cases, the arm <NUM> and associated tubing <NUM> can be self-cleaning. The arm <NUM> can be at an angle of about <NUM> degrees or less, or at an angle of about <NUM> degrees or less. In some cases, the arm <NUM> can be able to pivot about <NUM> degrees.

The drop dispensing exit zone <NUM> can include a hole or other opening fluidly connected through the pump <NUM> to the bottle. The sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, can be, for example, infrared (IR) sensors, or other types of spatial sensors that determine when a drop sample of the cosmetic liquid is delivered to the user out of the drop dispensing exit zone <NUM>. The sensor <NUM>, for example, can be a proximity sensor that triggers delivery of a sample when an external surface is in a proximity zone below the arm <NUM>. The external surface can be, for example, a user's hand. In some cases, the external surface can be a swab, sponge, card, strip, or other item for transfer of the sample cosmetic liquid. This can help avoid unnecessary distribution of the cosmetic liquid. An example sensor system for the arm <NUM> is discussed in more detail below with reference to <FIG>.

The micropump <NUM> can be a pump situated within the housing <NUM> and fluidly connected to the bottle. The micropump <NUM> can be connected to the bottle with the universal connector <NUM>. The micropump <NUM> can be actuatable for pumping a predetermined amount of fluid from the bottle out to the arm <NUM> and as a portioned sample out the exit zone <NUM> to the user. In some cases, the pump can be volumetric. When in use, the micropump <NUM> can be connected to the cosmetic packaging through the universal cosmetic packaging connector to the valve (e.g., a piston valve) in the cosmetic packaging. Shown in <FIG>, the micropump <NUM> can be connected, for example, through a tapered connector piece. When in use, the universal connector <NUM> can, through a pre-loaded spring, press down on the piston valve of the cosmetic package connected to the system <NUM>. This can be actuated with a pressure of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, for example. This can open the piston valve in the cosmetics packaging to allow extraction of cosmetic fluid up through the micropump <NUM> and the system <NUM>. Simultaneously, air can be let into the cosmetics package to equalize the pressure in the cosmetic packaging.

The cosmetic fluid can be pumped up to the arm <NUM> for delivery. The micropump <NUM> can be configured to measure and deliver a small amount of the cosmetic liquid, such as about <NUM> to <NUM>µL or about <NUM> to <NUM>µL. In some cases, the micropump <NUM> can deliver samples in increments of about <NUM> to <NUM>µL. The micropump <NUM> can be configured to dispense fluid at a rate of about <NUM> to <NUM>µL per second.

The motor unit <NUM> can be coupled to the micropump <NUM> to initiate pumping of the cosmetic fluid for production of a sample at the arm <NUM>. The motor axis sensor <NUM> can be in communication with the motor unit <NUM> to aid in alignment of the motor unit <NUM> and the micropump <NUM>. In some cases, the lever <NUM> in actuated combination with preloaded spring <NUM> can apply a pressure of about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The universal connector <NUM> can be shaped like a bottle cap, for connection to a cosmetic fluid container. The connected cosmetic fluid container can have a connection face with a spring-loaded valve. The system can have a universal adapter that allows for opening of the valve on the fluid container. The universal adapter can have a conical, stepped, or tapered hollow shape for contacting the spring-loaded valve. In some cases, a dip tube can be used in conjunction with the universal connector <NUM> to fluidly couple the bottle of cosmetic fluid to the system <NUM>. The universal bottle connection <NUM> is shown and discussed in more detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a universal bottle connector <NUM> for use with the cosmetic sampling system <NUM>. The bottle connector <NUM> can include the actuating lever <NUM>, the pre-loaded spring 154with a tapered shape <NUM>, and a height adjustment mechanism <NUM>. In some cases, a different actuating mechanism can be used in lieu of the lever <NUM>.

The universal cosmetic packaging connector <NUM> can be an apparatus for affixing a cosmetic fluid container to the electrical dispensing system, such as system <NUM> above. The system <NUM> can extract the cosmetic fluid from the bottle connected through the universal bottle connector <NUM>. The bottle connector <NUM> end can look similar to a regular bottle cap for retail appeal.

The universal connector <NUM> can be used with a multitude of brands each having different bottle designs, materials, dimensions, and pump types, pump diameters that have spring-loaded valves. This can allow for a variety of different tester bottles, with various spray pump types. This can allow for easy switching of bottles without the need for additional bottles, connectors, and reservoirs of cosmetics. The universal bottle connector <NUM> can additionally allow for a leak-free connection, and an airtight system to apply the appropriate downward pressure to open existing spray pump types.

The cosmetic packaging can be a fluid container that includes a spring-loaded valve, such as a bottle. The universal connector <NUM> can be configured to attach to and open the valve attached to the fluid container. The pre-loaded spring <NUM> can be configured to push, with a predetermined force, the tapered shape <NUM> down to open the valve of the fluid container and secure the fluid container to the connector <NUM> regardless of the shape of the spring-loaded valve. The tapered shape <NUM> can be, for example, a conical, stepped conical, or tapered hollow shape for contacting the spring-loaded valve. The lever <NUM> in combination with the pre-loaded spring <NUM> can be actuated with a predetermined force of about <NUM> to <NUM> to open the spring-loaded valve of the fluid container and lock the container to the connector <NUM>.

In some cases, the connection of the fluid container to the universal connector <NUM> can be indicated, such as with one of the LED indicators, to show the bottle is well aligned and leak-free and airtight. In some cases, the connection can be secured automatically, in some cases the connection can be secured manually, such as with a lever. In some cases, the alignment of the motor <NUM> can be checked and altered by the motor axis sensor <NUM>. The motor axis sensor <NUM> can, for example, determine whether the bottle connector <NUM> is properly aligned with the pump <NUM>, and help improved the accuracy of dosing.

The universal connector <NUM> is height-adjustable with the mechanism <NUM>. For example, in <FIG>, the mechanism <NUM> can include sliding axis or other type of mechanism which can be changed to adjust the height to accommodate different bottle dimensions. The actuating lever <NUM> can be adjusted accordingly, such as with one hand. When in use, the system <NUM> can push down on the tapered shape <NUM> with a force of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. This movement can allow opening the valve system of any spray pump so as to allow the internal pump to extract the liquid out of the bottle and, subsequently, let the air in.

<FIG> illustrates a drop sensor system <NUM> for use with the cosmetic sampling system <NUM>. The sensor system <NUM> can include the arm <NUM>, the opening <NUM>, the proximity sensor <NUM>, the opening sensor <NUM>. In the system <NUM>, the arm <NUM> can include a proximity sensor <NUM> configured to detect a nearby object for which a sample is desired. The opening sensor <NUM> can be used in conjunction with a processing unit and network connection to monitor the amount of cosmetic liquid being dispensed.

The system <NUM> can be used to deliver a droplet of a multitude of cosmetic products, such as liquids, make-up, fragrances, and skin care products. The delivery of samples of these cosmetic products can be unscheduled. The use of the proximity sensor <NUM> can allow for dispersion of samples when a customer or retailer is ready. However, this means the system may need to compensate for deviations over time. Surface tension, such as at the opening <NUM> at the end of the arm <NUM>, can change over time, with dust, and other environmental factors. This can lead to slower dispersion of droplets, or potentially clogs. Monitoring surface tension and the time between drop exits can address these potential issues.

Thus, sensors <NUM> can be drop exit sensors, for monitoring the measurement of cosmetic droplet dispensed at the opening <NUM>. This can aid in efficient delivery to a consumer without unwanted waiting. This can additionally address evaporation or retraction of cosmetic product in the tubing <NUM>.

The drop exit sensors <NUM> can be used to sense when a droplet is dispensed from the system <NUM>. This can allow for detection of the timing of dispensed droplets, and the amount of liquid dispensed. The system <NUM> can, with the processing unit and the network interface <NUM>, determine a change in time from the last drop exited to the moment where a new drop is demanded by the consumer.

In some cases, the droplet at the opening <NUM> of the arm <NUM> can be measured from IR refraction and deviation. This can allow analysis of what liquid is available at the tip of the arm <NUM> for drop exit, or periodically drive the pump until one or more droplets are delivered. In some cases, the system <NUM> can automatically advance the micropump <NUM> to move the liquid in the tubing <NUM> to compensate for evaporated or retracted liquid. The system <NUM> can calculate retracted and evaporated liquid through a variety of parameters, such as time used, liquid type, and external temperature. Such information can optionally be sent to and stored on the cloud or an external server, such as by the network interface <NUM> (see FIG.

The sensor system <NUM> can reduce the time between the proximity sensor <NUM> activation and drop dispensing onto the external surface (e.g., a consumer hand). The exit sensors <NUM> can determine when a drop has been expulsed through the opening <NUM> on the arm <NUM>. The system <NUM> can calculate continuously the time since the last drop has been expulsed. A predetermined time limit between drops can be set. For example, the time limit can be about thirty minutes to about six hours. If the time limit is reached without a drop, the system can actuate the micropump <NUM> to drive fluid through the system <NUM>. The micropump <NUM> can continue to pump until another drop is detected by the sensor <NUM>. The movement of the micropump <NUM> can be based on a number of factors, such as liquid type, external temperature, and time since last drop.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of an example computing system machine <NUM> upon which any one or more of the techniques (e.g., methodologies) discussed herein may perform. <FIG> shows an example schematic of the computing device <NUM> consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. The computing device <NUM> may include a computing environment <NUM>, which may include a processor <NUM> and a memory unit <NUM>. The memory unit <NUM> may include a software module <NUM>, and other data <NUM>.

In some embodiments, memory unit <NUM> includes, but is not limited to, Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), RAMBUS Dynamic Random Access Memory (RDRAM), and/or any other type of random access memory device. Memory unit <NUM> may also include non-volatile memory, which may include, but is not limited to, flash memory, phase change memory (PCM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or any other type of non-volatile memory device.

Memory unit <NUM> stores information and instructions to be executed by processor <NUM>. In one embodiment, memory unit <NUM> may also store temporary variables or other intermediate information while processor <NUM> is executing instructions. In the illustrated embodiment, processor <NUM> is in electrical communication with memory unit <NUM> In various embodiments, a chipset or other bus structure may enable processor <NUM> to connect to other elements in system to communicate with a network.

The computing device <NUM> may also include a user interface <NUM>. The user interface <NUM> may include any number of devices that allow a user to interface with the computing device <NUM>. Non-limiting examples of the user interface <NUM> may include a keypad, a microphone, a speaker, a display (touchscreen or otherwise), etc..

Claim 1:
A cosmetic dispensing system (<NUM>) comprising:
a connector (<NUM>) for receiving a packaging containing a cosmetic liquid, the packaging connector comprising:
a tapered connector sized to receive a valve of the packaging containing the cosmetic liquid;
a preloaded spring (<NUM>) configured to press the tapered connector into said received packaging; and
a height adjustment mechanism (<NUM>) to accommodate different sizes of packaging by height adjusting the tapered connector (<NUM>);
a dispensing arm (<NUM>) configured to be fluidly connected to the packaging connector, the dispensing arm for dispensing a measured amount of the cosmetic liquid; and
a pump (<NUM>) configured to be fluidly connected to the packaging containing a cosmetic liquid.