Apparatus for providing personalized cosmetics

• US 6,856,861 B2
• Filed: 11/14/2002
• Issued: 02/15/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/31/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
• Original Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
• Inventors: Achanta, Srinivas, Dirksing, Robert S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Crawford, Gene O.
• Application Number:
  US10/294,383
• Publication Number:
  US 20030069667A1
• Time in Patent Office: 824 Days
• Field of Search: 700/231, 700/233, 700/234, 700/239
• US Class Current: 700/239
• CPC Class Codes: A45D 2200/058 Means for mixing different substances prior to application
• CPC Class Codes: A45D 40/00 Casings or accessories specially adapted for storing or handling solid or pasty toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. shaving soaps or lipsticks features common to containers for handling powdery or liquid toiletry or cosmetic substances A45D33/00-A45D37/00; cosmetic or like preparations A61K8/00, A61Q; sample tables or the like G09F5/00
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 33/84 Mixing plants with mixing receptacles receiving material dispensed from several component receptacles, e.g. paint tins
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 33/8442 using a computer for controlling information and converting it in a formula and a set of operation instructions, e.g. on the point of sale
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 33/846 using stored recipes for determining the composition of the mixture to be produced, i.e. for determining the amounts of the basic components to be dispensed from the component receptacles
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 13/06 with selective dispensing of different fluids or materials or mixtures thereof
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 13/10 with associated dispensing of containers, e.g. cups or other articles
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/18 for washing or drying persons

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are provided for customizing the cosmetics used by a consumer. A consumer provides selection data and a cosmetic product formula is generated therefrom, base ingredients are then dispensed in accordance with the formula and a customized cosmetic product is delivered onto an intermediate surface for subsequent application. Further, a cartridge providing fluids to a customized cosmetic device is disclosed comprising one or more fluids, the fluids are stored in the cartridge, and one or more openings are provided for dispensing the fluids to a customized cosmetic product.

Claims

1. An apparatus for producing a customized cosmetic product comprising:

a section device for providing selection data;

one or more reservoirs for storing a plurality of fluids;

fluid metering device for producing a cosmetic product matching the selection data using the selection data and the fluids; and

a dispenser for depositing the cosmetic product on an intermediate surface for subsequent application,

with the proviso that the intermediate surface does not comprise a container.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a display device for confirming the cosmetic product prior to dispensing.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the intermediate surface is at least one of:

a swab;

a finger;

a tissue;

a sponge;

a comb;

a brush; and

a plate.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the intermediate surface is part of the dispensing device and the cosmetic product is transferrable from the intermediate surface to an applicator.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dispensing device dispenses the cosmetic product in at least one of the forms of:

a spray;

a dollop; and

a coating.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a communications port capable of receiving standard selection data for use by the fluid metering device in producing the cosmetic product.

7. A cartridge for use with a cosmetic device to supply the device with ingredients comprising:

one or more fluids, each fluid having a color and a composition;

a housing for storing the fluids; and

one or more openings for dispensing the fluids to produce a customized cosmetic product on an intermediate surface for subsequent application,

with the proviso that the intermediate surface does not comprise a container.

8. The cartridge of claim 7, wherein the cartridge is disposable.

9. The cartridge of claim 7, wherein the cartridge is reusable by refilling the cartridge with one or more of the fluids.