Apparatus and method for custom cosmetic dispensing

• US 8,573,263 B2
• Filed: 02/23/2012
• Issued: 11/05/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 09/24/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Cosmetic Technologies Incorporated (Knowlton Development Corporation Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Cosmetic Technologies Incorporated (Knowlton Development Corporation Inc.)
• Inventors: Bartholomew, Julie R., Jobe, Richard T., Bodiker, Thomas C. II, O'Meara, Timothy E., Hanselman, Dave, Foley, Jim
• Primary Examiner(s): DOUGLAS, STEVEN O
• Application Number:
  US13/403,581
• Publication Number:
  US 20120152406A1
• Time in Patent Office: 621 Days
• Field of Search: 141/2, 141/9, 141/18, 141100-104, 222/144
• US Class Current: 141/18
• CPC Class Codes: B65B 25/00 Packaging other articles presenting special problems bundling B65B27/00
• CPC Class Codes: B65B 3/04 Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles

Abstract

Improved custom cosmetic formulation dispensing system including ingredients reservoirs for syringe dispensing. The ingredients reservoirs are carried by a translatable carrier to bring the respective reservoirs into dispensing alignment with a package, into which a preselected amount of the ingredient is dispensed.

Claims

1. A retail point-of-sale custom cosmetic formulation dispenser, comprising:

a) an ingredient carrier that is mounted for translation about at least one axis;

b) a plurality of containers each filled with a different ingredient for a custom cosmetic formulation;

c) a container holder positioned about the ingredient carrier that holds each of the plurality of containers to the ingredient carrier, and allows removal and replacement of containers;

d) an actuator for dispensing the ingredients from the containers;

e) at least one motor for translating the ingredient carrier about the at least one axis;

f) a platform extending from a first location to a remote location in order to effectuate delivery of a filled package to a technician or an end user; and

g) a housing for substantially enclosing the plurality of containers and the ingredient carrier, and having a transparent panel to permit viewing of a dispensing step performed at the retail point of sale.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuator is adapted for dispensing one ingredient at a time from the containers.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a push rod that is slidingly mounted in a frame and has a free end for depressing a plunger in each of the plurality of ingredient containers.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the actuator further comprises at least one sensor for detecting a relative position of the push rod.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least two of the containers include cellulose-based nail polish ingredients.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of containers is a syringe and each of the syringes include a plunger.

7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the actuator includes a plunger.

8. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a holder, including a chuck, for receiving and holding a package into which the custom cosmetic formulation is to be dispensed.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of containers includes particulated sparkle effect.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein at least two of the plurality of containers include lip gloss ingredients.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ingredient holder is a wheel.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a capping device.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the platform includes a shaker mechanism.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein a package into which the ingredients are dispensed has a rounded outer surface for permitting the package to roll along the platform.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the capping device is adapted for removing a cap, re-applying a cap, or both.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the capping device includes a cap holder having a gripping structure for removing a cap and holding the cap in place during filling of a package and re-applying the cap once the package is filled.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the capping device includes a base portion that carries a retractable cap holder and a motor that translates the holder along the base portion.

18. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein a dispensing site includes a sensor to assure that a package is properly positioned before filling of a package.

19. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the custom cosmetic formulation is mixed during relocation on the platform.

20. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the housing includes a mixing device that mixes the custom cosmetic formulation that is dispensed into a package.