Patent ID: 12214325

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In at least one embodiment, the present invention is directed towards a processor-applicator system configured to process a compound125′, or perhaps a plurality of compounds125′, into a formulation to be dispensed therefrom. In general terms, such a processor-applicator system may comprise a housing100, configured for the disposition of at least one cartridge125therein, wherein such a cartridge125may have an amount of a compound125′ stored therein. Such compound125′ may ultimately be processed by various components of the processor-applicator system in order to generate a formulation to be expelled from the same. As may be understood, the processor-applicator system described herein may be used in connection with a variety of compounds125′, and for a variety of different fields of formulation including, without limitation, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and foodstuffs.

For example, as depicted inFIG.1, such a processor-applicator system may be formed of a housing100comprising a foundation end101and a summit end102. Disposed at such foundation end101may be a base structure110; conversely, disposed at such summit end102may be an applicator assembly130. And, disposed between such base structure110and such applicator assembly130may be an intermediate section120. In various embodiments of the present invention, such base structure110, applicator assembly130, and intermediate section may be formed of one integral part, or of a plurality of parts configured in removable engagement through fastener elements and/or other connective structures, whether comprising separate screws and the like, or integrally formed threads and such.

With continued reference toFIG.1, such a base structure110may be configured for engagement with a support surface, such as a table, shelf, or counter. For instance, such a base structure110may, in at least one embodiment, comprise a flat bottom, optionally with at least one contact point disposed thereon, in order for the housing100described herein to remain in an upright orientation when disposed on such a support surface.

Even further, such a base structure110may be configured to house, for instance, at least one energy source112. Such at least one energy source112may be configured in electrical communication with a plurality of components of the processor-applicator system described herein, as will be discussed in greater detail hereafter. Such an energy source112may comprise a variety of components configured to provide electrical energy to other components such as motors and the like. Accordingly, such an energy source112may comprise various types of batteries, whether primary or secondary, whether removable or permanent, and whether now known or hereafter developed. In various embodiments, it is envisioned such energy source112may be composed of a variety of chemical compositions and of varying sizes capable of providing various loads at varying voltages.

In connection therewith, it may be understood the base structure110in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a power button111configured to form a complete electrical circuit between the at least one energy source112and the remaining elements of the processor-applicator system disposed herein. Such a power button111may comprise an actuation button, a sliding switch, or any other similar structure now known or hereafter developed.

With further reference toFIG.1, and additional reference toFIGS.2A-3B, it may be seen the intermediate section120may extend between the aforementioned base structure110, disposed at the foundation end101of the housing100, and the applicator assembly130, disposed at the summit end102of the housing100. Such an intermediate section120may, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, be configured to house, or otherwise receive a plurality of different components configured for the processing and expelling functions of the processor-applicator system described herein. As previously discussed, such an intermediate section120may, in certain embodiments, be bifurcated and/or divided into certain sections for the receipt of various components, whether wholly or partially, or may otherwise be configured for the receipt of certain elements within certain positions. Accordingly, as used herein, any use of the term “section” or “chamber,” when discussing the intermediate section120, does not necessarily impart a meaning that such section or chamber is wholly divorced from the remaining portions of the intermediate section120, such as through a wholly enclosed volume or space. Rather, such terms merely convey a portion of the intermediate section120configured for the receipt and/or housing of specified components of the processor-applicator system defined herein, and as may be understood, may comprise certain structures, such as grooves or protrusions, configured to secure such specified components therein.

In view thereof, such intermediate section120may comprise an outer wall and an inner wall, the latter of which may serve to form an intermediate chamber126within such intermediate section120. Such intermediate chamber126may be configured for the receipt of a plurality of different elements of the processor-applicator system described herein, and may, in accordance with the foregoing, be bifurcated, divided, or otherwise comprise varying sections for the receipt therefor.

For instance, as depicted inFIGS.1-3B, the intermediate chamber126of the intermediate section120may have at least one central chamber121formed therein. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, such central chamber121may be formed along the line of symmetry and/or the central axis of such intermediate chamber126. Varying embodiments of such a central chamber121may be configured to house a variety of components of the present invention. For example, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, such central chamber121may form two distinct sections, namely: (1) a vibration chamber123, which may be configured for the disposition of at least one vibratory source123′ therein; and (2) a projectile chamber124configured for the disposition of a plurality of projectile elements123′ therein. Each such chamber, and the components disposed therein, shall be discussed in greater detail hereafter.

As previously discussed, the central chamber121of at least one embodiment of the present invention may comprise a vibration chamber123, into which at least one vibratory source123′ may be disposed. Such a vibratory source123′ may comprise, for instance a vibration motor or some other similar components, such as an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor, a linear resonant actuator, a solenoid actuator, or a plurality and/or combination thereof, wherein such a vibratory source123′ may be configured to generate a vibratory and/or oscillatory movement upon the application of electrical energy thereto. As may be understood, such a vibratory source123′ may be configured in electrical communication with the at least one energy source112, whether disposed in the base structure110of the housing100or otherwise. And, as will be discussed in greater detail hereafter, such a vibratory source123′ may be configured in mechanical relation with other components disposed within the intermediate section120in order for such vibratory and/or oscillatory movement to be imparted on the same, such as through the disposition thereof in abutting relation with such other components.

Conversely, such a central chamber121may further comprise a projectile chamber124, into which a plurality of projectile elements124′ may be disposed. In at least one embodiment, such projectile chamber124may abut the vibratory source123′, or otherwise the vibration chamber123, such that any vibratory and/or oscillatory movement generated by such vibratory source123′ may be imparted on the projectile chamber124, and thus the projectile elements124′ disposed therein. Such projectile elements124′ may be disposed within the projectile chamber124in an unsecured orientation, such that each of the projectile elements124′ may freely move about the projectile chamber124.

In so doing, it may be understood the plurality of projectile elements124′ may be configured for kinetic movement and may function similarly to gas particles in that each projectile element124′ may freely and constantly move throughout the volume of space enclosed within the projectile chamber124. In so doing, it may be understood such projectile elements124′ may continually collide with one another, as well as continually collide with the interior walls of the projectile chamber124. As such, it may be understood the plurality of projectile elements124′ may be configured in bombarding orientation within the projectile chamber124. As used herein, the term “bombarding orientation” refers to such kinetic movement of the plurality of projectile elements124′—i.e., that the projectile elements124′ may move in continual, random motion wherein such projectile elements124′ may move in all directions, reach all spaces of volume of the projectile chamber124, and may collide both with each other and with the walls of the projectile chamber124. As such, it may be understood the disposition of such projectile elements124′ in bombarding orientation may result in the transfer of kinetic energy, which may be rhythmic or arrhythmic, from the projectile elements124′ through the walls of the projectile chamber124, and upon any structures or elements in mechanical relation thereto.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, such projectile components124′ may comprise metal ball bearings of varying sizes, materials, and/or densities, which may depend upon, for instance, the size and/or intended function of the processor-applicator system described herein. For example, in one such embodiment, such projectile components124′ may comprise an amount of approximately thirty-five metal ball bearings having a spherical nature with a diameter in the range of approximately one millimeter to two millimeters. However, it may be understood such an embodiment is merely exemplary, as alternative compositions of such projectile components124′ are envisioned herein, whether comprising a non-metallic material composition, alternative or non-spherical shapes, varying densities or other material properties, or alternative sizes whether pertaining to diametric size or otherwise. For instance, it may be understood such projectile components124′ may require certain sizes, weights, and/or properties dependent on the kinetic energy requirements of the processor-applicator system defined herein.

Such an intermediate section120may further be configured for the disposition of a plurality of alternative components therein. For instance, in the embodiments depicted inFIGS.1-3, such an intermediate section120may be configured for the receipt of at least one cartridge125. However, as depicted inFIGS.2A-2B, it may be understood such an intermediate section may instead be configured to receive at least two, and in some instances, a plurality of cartridges125, whether amounting to two, four, or some other number. Such cartridge(s)125may be configured to house at least one compound125′. For example, such a compound125′ may comprise something pertaining to cosmetics—e.g., micro-compounds relating to hair color, hair treatments, skin and/or scalp treatments, hair building materials, and sunblock formulations—pharmaceuticals—e.g., compounds relating to deodorants, antifungal treatments, or skin treatments —, or even beverages and/or foodstuffs—e.g., spices, food coloring, and sugar. However, it may be understood numerous types of compounds of varying chemical compositions are envisioned herein. Moreover, it may be understood such compound(s)125′ may be disposed in varying levels of composition, such as a natural form, a crushed or blended form, and a pulverized form, although other such compositions are envisioned herein as well.

In accordance therewith, such cartridge(s)125may be configured for removable disposition within such intermediate section120, thereby enabling a user to remove one such cartridge125and replace the same with a cartridge125housing an alternative compound125′. To facilitate the same, the intermediate section120of at least one embodiment of the present invention, such as the ones depicted inFIGS.2A and2B, may comprise at least one retaining structure127, such as grooves or projections configured to matingly engage with similar structures found on the cartridge(s)125, or to otherwise support the cartridge(s)125. Further, as depicted inFIG.4, such cartridge(s) may be structured for connection with a lid structure125a, which may form a seal preventing the compound125′ disposed therein from escaping during storage, transportation, or otherwise.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, such cartridge(s)125may be configured in abutting relation to the projectile chamber124. As such, it may be understood any kinetic energy transferred onto the projectile chamber124by the projectile elements124′ disposed therein may thus be imparted onto the cartridge(s)125. This structural arrangement, and the functionality following therefrom shall be discussed in greater detail hereafter.

Returning to the intermediate section120, at least one embodiment thereof may further be configured for the receipt of at least one vibratory component122′. Such a vibratory component122′ may, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, be disposed below the cartridge(s)125, and abutting the vibration chamber123, such that the same is configured proximate to the foundation end101of the housing100. Such a vibratory component122′ may comprise, for instance, metal coil springs or any other structure configured to vibrate and/or oscillate in a side-to-side motion upon the application of vibratory kinetic energy thereto. In conjunction therewith, such vibratory component(s)122′ may be mechanically engaged with the cartridge(s)125in at least one embodiment of the present invention, such that the aforementioned vibratory and/or oscillatory motion created by the vibratory component(s)122′ may be imparted onto the cartridge(s)125. Further, as may be understood, in embodiments wherein the intermediate section120comprises a plurality of cartridges125, the same may also house an equivalent number of vibratory components122′. Alternatively, it is envisioned only a single vibratory component122′ may be used in connection with a plurality of cartridges125, or any other combination thereof.

In view of the foregoing, it may be understood the kinetic energy generated by the vibratory source123′ may thus be imparted on the cartridge(s)125through both the vibratory component(s)122′ and the plurality of projectile components124′ disposed within the projectile chamber124. Specifically, the projectile components124′, given their bombardment orientation within the projectile chamber124may, as a result of the kinetic energy provided by the vibratory source125, continually bombard the projectile chamber124, thereby imparting kinetic energy onto the cartridge(s)125disposed in abutting relation thereto. In contrast, the vibratory source123′ instead imparts vibratory and/or oscillatory motion on the vibratory component(s)122′, which thereby impart the same kinetic energy onto the cartridge(s)125likewise disposed in abutting relation thereto.

In so doing, and as depicted inFIGS.3A-3B, the kinetic energy imparted on the cartridge(s)125via both the vibratory components125′ and the projectile chamber124may result in the application of a sifting function and a fracking function, respectively, upon the compound125′ disposed within the cartridge(s)125. For reference, the compound125′ depicted inFIG.3Amay be construed as being in a mixed, initial state, wherein particles of varying size, as depicted via the dots of varying size, are mixed together, thereby forming an at least somewhat homogenous composition. And, with respect toFIG.3B, it may be seen the small line of dots attached to the plurality of projectile elements124′ are intended to depict kinetic movement of the same along the same path of such line of dots.

In view thereof,FIGS.3A and3Bdepict the relevant elements of the processor-applicator system defined herein in an initial orientation and a vibratory and/or kinematically-dynamic orientation, respectively. And, as may be seen in such Figures, the sifting function and the fracking function imparted onto the compound125′ by the vibratory component(s)125and projectile elements125′ respectively, imparts specific changes to the compound125′.

For instance, as may be seen with respect toFIG.3B, such sifting function imparted upon the compound125′ by the vibratory component(s)122′ may result in the larger, heavier, and/or more dense particles of such compound125′ to fall to the bottom of the cartridge125, as represented by the larger dots residing at the bottom portion of the cartridge125. Conjunctively, such sifting function may result in the smaller, lighter, and/or less dense particles rising to the top of the mass of the compound125′, as represented by the smaller dots residing on top of the larger dots. As such, the sifting function may be construed as sorting or otherwise separating the smaller particles from the larger particles, and thus reducing the homogeneity of the compound125′, at least with respect to particle-size composition.

In conjunction therewith, the fracking function imparted on the compound125′ by the projectile elements124′ instead results in the separation of the lightest, smallest, and least dense particles of the compound from the remaining mass thereof. In other words, such particles may at least periodically rise above the remaining mass of the compound, as represented by the smaller dots forming a cloud-like mass above the remaining mass of the compound125′ within the cartridge125. In so doing, such particles of the compound125′ may be more easily withdrawn from the cartridge125, and into the applicator assembly130of the processor-applicator system described herein.

Accordingly, it may be understood the sifting function and the fracking function may combine to form an extraction process of the compound125′ from the cartridge125and into the applicator assembly130. Even further, due to the manner in which such compound125′ is sifted and fracked prior to extraction, such compound125′ may easily blend with the compound(s)125′ of the remaining cartridge(s)125once extracted, thereby readily creating a well-blended formulation.

For example, the housing100of at least one embodiment of the present invention may comprise an applicator assembly130disposed at the summit end102thereof, wherein such applicator assembly130may be configured in fluid communication with the cartridge(s)125disposed within the intermediate section120. As may be understood, the term “fluid communication” as used herein may refer to the ability of a fluid, gas, or solid to pass from one recited component to the other.

In at least one embodiment, such applicator assembly130may comprise a separator component140, which may function to dispose the remaining portion of the applicator assembly130in fluid communication with the compound(s)125′ disposed within such cartridge(s)125. More specifically, such separator component150may act as a lid separating the cartridge(s)125from the remaining structures of the applicator assembly130. However, such a separator component150may comprise certain structures configured to enable the compound125′ to pass from the cartridge125and into the applicator assembly130.

For instance, as depicted inFIG.5, one embodiment of such a separator component150may comprise a sealing structure151, such as threads or some other similar structure configured to place the sealing structure151in removable, sealing engagement with the intermediate section120. Such a separator component150may further comprise at least one, and in some instances a plurality of pathways154, such as an opening, aperture, or other like structure configured to place the cartridge125and the applicator assembly130in fluid communication. In conjunction therewith, such a separator component150may comprise a dividing structure152, such as a wall, which may be configured to align with the cartridge(s)125. In other words, such a dividing structure152may be configure such that each cartridge125is acted upon individually. Thus, it may be understood such a dividing structure152may comprise one linear wall, two intersecting walls, or any other orientation dependent upon the number of cartridges125disposed within the intermediate section120. Further, such a separator component150may additionally comprise at least one airway channel153, which may be configured to provide airflow to the applicator assembly130. As may be understood, the number of pathways144and airway channels143may, in at least one embodiment, be equivalent to the number of cartridges125disposed within such intermediate section120, such that each cartridge125is acted upon via one distinct pathway154and/or airway channel153.

In conjunction therewith, such applicator assembly130may comprise certain structures configured to withdraw such compound125′ from the cartridge125in which it resides, and subsequently mix the same with other compounds125′ disposed in alternative cartridges125thereby creating a formulation, and subsequently expel such formulation from the housing100. As may be understood, alternative embodiments of the present invention may comprise alternative embodiments of the applicator assembly130, such as embodiments configured for manual operation and/or automatic operation. As such, it may be understood the embodiments of the applicator assembly130described herein are merely exemplary, as alternative structures are envisioned herein.

For example, in the embodiment depicted inFIG.1, such applicator assembly130may comprise a bulb assembly configured to withdraw such compound125′ from a cartridge125and expel a formulation. Specifically, such a bulb assembly may comprise a bulb component131forming a reservoir therein, wherein such reservoir may be configured for the receipt of air and/or some other gaseous medium, as well as at least one, and in some instances a plurality of compounds125′ therein. As such, it may be understood such bulb component131may be configured for the consecutive depression and reinflation thereof, which may effectuate the consecutive expelling of air and refilling of air, respectively. In so doing, and due to the fluid communication established between the cartridge(s)125and the applicator assembly130via the separator component150, such depression and reinflation of such bulb component131may withdraw an amount of the compound125′ from each cartridge125into the reservoir, and subsequently expel the same therefrom. As may be seen with reference toFIG.1, such bulb component131may, in at least one embodiment, be bifurcated, such that disparate portions thereof are independently actuatable.

For instance, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, such bulb component131may be interconnected with at least one applicator outlet132, through which a gaseous medium, the compound125′, and/or a formulation comprising a plurality of compounds125′ may be expelled therefrom. As shown inFIG.1, such an applicator outlet132may be disposed in connection with an applicator attachment140, which comprise a plurality of different structures including, without limitation, a brush or a nozzle. For example, one embodiment of such an applicator attachment140may be seen inFIG.6, wherein such applicator attachment140comprises an attachment orifice141configured in fluid communication with the aforementioned applicator outlet(s)132. Such applicator attachment140may further comprise a brush housing142having a bristle assembly160attached thereto. As may be understood, such attachment orifice142may be configured to receive the expelled compound125′ and/or formulation and expel the same through the bristle assembly160.

In at least one alternative embodiment of the present invention, such an applicator assembly130may instead comprise a fan assembly160configured to automatically effectuate an airflow to withdraw the compound125′ from the cartridge125and expel the same from such applicator assembly130. Specifically, as may be seen with reference toFIG.7, such a fan assembly160may comprise at least one fan component161configured in connection with at least one fan motor163, which may be electrically connected to at least one fan energy source162. Alternatively, it may be understood such fan motor(s)163may instead be electrically connected to the energy source112of the housing100, whether disposed in the base structure110thereof or otherwise.

As may be understood, such fan component(s)161may comprise a structure configured to rotate in order to direct airflow along a predefined path, such as one intended to create fluid communication between the cartridge(s)125and the applicator outlet(s)132. Accordingly, such fan component(s)161may be configured to receive inflow from the cartridge(s)125, and provide outflow through the applicator outlet(s)132. Specifically, such fan component(s)161may comprise at least one revolving vane and/or blade configured to rotate upon power provided by the interconnected fan motor(s)163. Such fan component(s)161may be actuated, either individually or in totality, via at least one actuation button164.

In connection therewith, such a fan assembly160may comprise additional elements, particularly in those embodiments of the present invention featuring more than one cartridge125disposed within the intermediate section. Specifically, akin to the bulb assembly130discussed heretofore, such fan assembly160may similarly be configured to act upon individual cartridges125, thus enabling a user to specifically withdraw only a single compound125′ into the fan reservoir166at a time. Alternatively, it may be understood the compound125′ disposed within each cartridge125may instead be concurrently withdrawn into the fan reservoir166, and subsequently mixed therein, akin to the functionality of the aforementioned bulb assembly130. For instance, such a fan assembly160may comprise an equivalent number of fan components161as the number of cartridges125disposed within such intermediate section. Hence, such fan assembly160may be configured such that each fan component161is applied to effectuate airflow in connection with one individual cartridge125. In conjunction therewith, at least one embodiment of such a fan assembly160may further comprise at least one fan wall165, which may be configured to separate the airflows generated by disparate fan components161, such that each fan component161may withdraw air and/or a compound125′ from a single cartridge125without affecting the airflow of other fan components161.

Notwithstanding, it may be understood alternative embodiments of the present invention may employ yet additional assemblies and/or structures to effectuate the withdrawal and expulsion of the compound(s)125′ from the cartridge125. For instance, it is envisioned yet additional assemblies may comprise an aerosol assembly, a pump assembly, or any other similar assembly whether now known or hereafter developed.

In view of the foregoing, it may be seen the various embodiments of the present invention may be configured so as to both process a compound125′, which may be disposed in its most natural form, and subsequently combine the same with at least one alternative compound125′ to generate a formulation to be expelled from the processor-applicator system described herein. By maintaining such compounds125′ in their most natural form, and likewise providing users with the ability to selectively apply given compounds125′, whether through the interchangeability of the cartridges125housing such compounds, or through various means intended to provide fluid actuation upon a single cartridge125, it may be seen users may use the processor-applicator system described herein for a plurality of uses, while avoiding the type of chemical compounds commonly utilized in similar systems to maintain a given compound125′ in an applicable chemical state.

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. For example, the various ranges given herein as the density of a material or for the depth of thickness of a section of the inventive tile should not be considered as the only possibilities. As another example, when using the words “preferably” or “in a preferred embodiment” and similar language, it is intended to mean one particular embodiment, and it should be appreciated that other embodiments are possible and considered part of the invention herein. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.