FR3146583A1 - Multifunctional tool for applying makeup - Google Patents

Abstract

Multifunctional tool for applying makeup A cosmetic system for dispensing customized cosmetic compositions includes a dispenser configured to dispense customized amounts of at least two cosmetic components from different cartridges through apertures in a plate. A recess is formed in the plate and receives the at least two cosmetic components from the apertures. The system includes a removable cover on the plate and a flexible tool. The flexible tool is configured to be set aside between the cover and the plate when the cover is mounted on the plate. The cover compresses the tool against the plate to seal the apertures. Figure for abstract: none

Description

Multifunctional tool for applying makeup SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system for dispensing customized cosmetic compositions.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, the system includes a dispenser configured to dispense customized amounts of at least two cosmetic components from different cartridges through openings in a plate. A recess is formed in the plate and receives the at least two cosmetic components from the openings. The system includes a removable cover on the plate and a flexible tool. The flexible tool is configured to be set aside between the cover and the plate when the cover is mounted on the plate. The cover compresses the tool against the plate to seal the openings.

In any embodiment, the plate is detachably coupled to the dispenser.

In any embodiment, each cartridge includes a nozzle from which the corresponding cosmetic component is discharged, each nozzle sealingly engaged with one of the openings.

In any embodiment, the tool has a disc-shaped profile with a central portion surrounded by an annular conical portion.

In any embodiment, the tool includes a first portion made of a first material and a second portion made of a second material, wherein the first material has a hardness greater than a hardness of the second material.

In any embodiment, the tool includes a number of protrusions extending from one side, each protrusion being sized and positioned to be received by one of the openings in the plate when the tool is disposed between the cover and the plate, and the cover is mounted to the plate.

In any embodiment, each protrusion is compressed by the corresponding opening in the plate and engages hermetically.

In any embodiment, the tool includes a number of protrusions extending from one side, each protrusion being sized and positioned to be received by one of the openings in the plate when the tool is disposed between the cover and the plate, and the cover is mounted to the plate.

In any embodiment, each protrusion is compressed by the corresponding opening in the plate and engages hermetically.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of applying a cosmetic composition from a dispenser is also disclosed. The dispenser includes at least two cartridges, each cartridge containing a cosmetic component and configured to dispense the corresponding cosmetic component through an opening in a plate into a recess formed in the plate. The plate is part of the dispenser. The method includes the steps of removing a cover releasably coupled to the dispenser, the cover compressing a tool against the plate to maintain sealing engagement with the openings of the plate. The method further includes the steps of unsealing the openings of the plate by removing the tool and dispensing an amount of one or more cosmetic components into the recess.

In any embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of mixing the one or more cosmetic components in the recess with the tool to form the cosmetic composition and applying the cosmetic composition using the tool.

In any embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of cleaning the tool; cleaning the plate; placing the tool in the recess of the plate; and coupling the cover to the dispenser.

In any embodiment, coupling the cover to the dispenser compresses the tool to seal the openings.

In any embodiment, the tool includes a plurality of protrusions extending from one side, one of the plurality of protrusions extending into and being compressed by each of the openings.

This summary is intended to present a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are described more fully below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Description of the drawings

The foregoing aspects and many related advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be more readily appreciated as they are better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

There represents an isometric view of an embodiment of a known cosmetic dispenser;

There represents a partial sectional isometric view of the cosmetic dispenser illustrated in ;

There depicts a partially exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a cosmetic dispensing system according to aspects of the present disclosure;

There represents a partially exploded cross-sectional view of the cosmetic product dispensing system illustrated in , in which a lid is detached from a cosmetic dispenser;

There represents a cross-sectional view of the cosmetic product dispensing system illustrated in , in which the cover is attached to the cosmetic dispenser;

There represents an isometric view of an embodiment of a tool of the cosmetic dispensing system of the ;

There represents a side elevation view of the tool of the ;

There represents a plan view from above of the tool of the ;

There represents a side sectional view of the tool of the ;

There depicts an isometric top view of another embodiment of a tool of the cosmetic dispensing system of the ;

There represents an isometric view from below of the tool of the ;

There represents a plan view from above of the tool of the ;

There represents a plan view from below of the tool of the ;

There represents a side sectional view of the tool of the ; And

There represents an isometric view of the tool of the used with the cosmetic dispensing system of the .

Detailed description

The present disclosure relates to cosmetic product dispensing systems that include cartridges of various cosmetic components that can be selectively dispensed and combined to provide the cosmetic compositions. The dispensing system provides customized cosmetic compositions based on the user's personal preferences and/or skin care needs. The dispensing system also includes a tool for mixing, collecting, and applying the cosmetic composition while sealing to prevent the cosmetic components in the cartridges from drying out and/or the dried cosmetic components and/or compositions from clogging the dispensing system.

U.S. Patent No. 11,291,287, (“the ’287 patent”) was issued on April 5, 2022 to L’Oréal, Paris, and relates to systems for dispensing a cosmetic product. The systems disclosed in the “’287 patent” dispense customizable cosmetic compositions that can be modified based on user preferences and intended applications. For example, a dispensed cosmetic composition can be customized based on areas of application, intended appearance, desired protective and/or therapeutic properties, etc.

In various embodiments of the '287 patent, the systems include multiple cartridges containing different cosmetic compositions. In one embodiment, the cartridges are filled with makeup products, coloring products, sunscreen products, cleaning products, fragrances, and/or any other suitable products or combinations thereof. The system dispenses various amounts of cosmetic components from some or all of the cartridges to provide a predetermined amount of cosmetic composition with suitable characteristics.

FIGURES 1 and 2 depict an embodiment of a cosmetic dispenser 60 similar to those disclosed in the '287 patent and suitable for use in connection with the presently disclosed dispensing system 50 for dispensing a customized cosmetic composition 68. The dispenser 60 includes a housing 62 with a central cavity. A plurality of cartridges 64A, 64B, 64C (collectively, "cartridges 64") are disposed within the central cavity. Each cartridge 64A, 64B, 64C includes one cosmetic component 68A, 68B, 68C, respectively, or a combination of cosmetic components.

A closure 70 is disposed at the top of the housing 62 and includes an upper surface 72 surrounded by an upwardly extending annular lip 75. A plurality of openings 76A, 76B, and 76C (collectively, the “openings 76”) extend through the closure 70, each opening 76 being sized and configured to receive a nozzle 66A, 66B, 66C (collectively, the “nozzles 66”) through which a cosmetic compound from the respective cartridge is discharged.

Referring to FIGURES 3-6, an embodiment of a dispensing system 50 according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 50 includes the dispenser 60 shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. In one embodiment, different embodiments of a dispenser are used. In one embodiment, the dispenser includes any suitable number of cartridges configured to dispense any suitable cosmetic component or combination of cosmetic components. In one embodiment, the number, positions, and interfaces of the cartridge nozzles have any suitable configuration. In one embodiment, the closure has any suitable configuration to interface with one or more other components of the system (as described below).

As best represented in -4, the system comprises a plate 80 coupled, i.e. mounted, to the closure 70 of the distributor 60. The plate 80 comprises a generally cylindrical lower portion 82 sized and configured to be received in the annular lip 74 of the shutter 70 to removably couple the plate 80 to the shutter 70.

An upper surface of the plate 80 has a recess 84 surrounded by an annular lip 86. In one embodiment, the recess 84 is a concave recess. In one embodiment, the recess 84 has a constant radius. In one embodiment, the recess has any shape and contour suitable for engaging a tool, representative embodiments of which are described herein. In one embodiment, the annular lip 86 has a planar upper surface that defines the upper surface of the plate 80.

A plurality of openings 88A, 88B, and 88C (collectively, “openings 88”) extend through the recess 84. Each opening 88A, 88B, and 88C corresponds to one of the openings 76 that extends through the closure. As best illustrated in FIG. , a boss extends downwardly from the bottom of the plate 80 at one or more of the openings 88A, 88B, and 88C. Each boss is sized and configured to be received by the corresponding opening 76A, 76B, and 76C, respectively, which extends through the closure 70. Each boss engages the corresponding opening in the closure 70 to align the plate 80 with the closure and prevent rotation of the plate 80 relative to the closure.

As best represented by the , when the plate 80 is mounted on the closure 70, each nozzle 66 extends through a corresponding opening 76 in the closure 70 and into openings 88 in the plate 80. In one embodiment, each nozzle 66 hermetically engages the corresponding opening 88 in the plate 80 in an airtight manner. In one embodiment, an O-ring or other suitable seal ensures sealing engagement of the nozzle 66 with the corresponding opening 88 in the plate.

In one embodiment, the plate 80 is releasably coupled to the closure 70. In one embodiment, the plate 80 is permanently coupled to the closure 70. In one embodiment, the plate 80 is coupled to the closure 70 by an interference fit, a snap fit, a threaded engagement, adhesives, or other suitable means. In one embodiment, the plate 80 and/or at least some of the associated features of the plate are integral with the closure 70.

The system 50 further includes a cover 110 configured to be removably coupled to the plate 80. The cover 110 includes an inner surface 112 surrounded by an annular lip 114 extending in an axial direction from the inner surface. In one embodiment, the cover 110 is secured by engagement of the annular lip 114 of the cover with the annular lip 86 of the plate 80. In one embodiment, the cover 110 is secured to the plate 80, closure 70, or other suitable portion of the dispenser 60 by threaded engagement, press fit, snap fit, or other suitable engagement configuration.

Referring now to FIGURES 3-6, the system 50 includes a tool 90 for mixing and applying the cosmetic products 68 from the cartridges 64. As explained in more detail, the tool 90 also seals the openings 88 of the plate 80 to prevent the cosmetic components 68 from drying in the cartridges 64, the dispenser 60, the plate 80, etc.

As shown in FIGURES 6A-6D, the tool 90 is disk-shaped, with a circular profile in a plan view. When viewed from the side, a central portion 92 of the tool has a constant thickness surrounded by an annular tapered portion 94. In one embodiment, the tapered portion includes at least one concave upper surface or a concave lower surface. In one embodiment, the tapered portion includes at least one convex upper surface or a convex lower surface. In one embodiment, the tool 90 includes any shape suitable for functioning in the manner described herein.

In one embodiment, the tool 90 is formed from a latex-free sponge, foam, silicone, plant-derived materials, or any other suitable material known for use with makeup applicators. In one embodiment, the tool 90 is formed from a homogeneous material. In one embodiment, the tool 90 comprises two or more different materials, each material having a different hardness. In one embodiment, the tool 90 comprises a central plane 96 that defines an interface between a first material and a second material. In one embodiment, the tool 90 is any material or combination of materials suitable for collecting, mixing, and applying a cosmetic composition as described herein.

Referring now to FIGURES 4 and 5, the tool 90 is sized and configured to be stored between the cover 110 and the plate 80 when the cover is mounted on the distributor 50. More specifically, when the cover 110 is mounted on the distributor 60, the tool 90 is compressed between the inner surface 112 of the cover 110 and the recess 84 of the plate 80, as illustrated in FIG. . With the tool 90 compressed against the surface of the recess 84, the compressed tool covers the openings 88 of the plate 80 to provide an airtight seal to the openings and thus to the nozzle 66 of the cartridges 64. Consequently, the cartridges 64 are hermetically sealed from ambient air when the cover 110 is mounted on the dispenser with the tool 90 stored between the cover 110 and the plate 80.

FIGURES 7A-7E depict another embodiment of a tool 100 suitable for use with the disclosed system 60. The tool 100 is similar to the tool 90 previously described in FIGURES 6A-6D except for the inclusion of a plurality of protrusions 106 formed on one side of the tool. The protrusions 106 are sized and configured such that each protrusion engages a corresponding opening 88 in the plate. When the cover 110 is mounted on the dispenser 60, the tool 100 is compressed between the inner surface 112 of the cover 110 and the recess 84 of the plate 80. Additionally, each protrusion 106 extends into and is compressed by a corresponding opening 88 in the plate 80 to further seal the nozzles 66 of the cartridges 64 from ambient air.

The use of the system 50 will now be described in . To use the system 50, a user uncouples the cover 110 from the system 50 and removes the tool 90 from the recess 84 of the plate 80 (step 1). The user then actuates the dispenser 60 to dispense a desired, i.e., customized, amount of cosmetic component 68 from each of the cartridges 64. As shown in FIGURES 3 and 8, the dispensed cosmetic components 68A, 68B, 68C (collectively, “cosmetic components 68”) are discharged from the openings 88 of the plate 80 into the recess 84.

The user then mixes the cosmetic components 68A, 68B, 68C in the recess 84 using the tool 100 to form a homogeneous cosmetic composition 52 (step 2). The user then collects the cosmetic composition 52 on the tool 90 (step 3) and applies the cosmetic composition using the tool in the manner of a known compact applicator.

When the user has finished applying the cosmetic composition 52, the user cleans the tool 90 to remove any remaining cosmetic composition 52. The user also removes the plate 80 from the dispenser 60 and cleans any remaining cosmetic composition 52 left in the recess 84, the openings 88, and on any other portion of the plate 80. The user then mounts the plate 80 onto the dispenser 50, places the tool 90 into the recess 84, and reattaches the cover 110 onto the dispenser 50. With the cover 110 reattached onto the dispenser 50, the tool 90 is compressed against the openings 88 of the plate 80, thereby isolating the nozzles 66 of the cartridges 64 from ambient air to “seal” the cartridges. Sealing the cartridges in this manner prevents the cosmetic components 68 from drying out, which prevents waste and clogging of the dispenser.

The detailed description set forth above in connection with the accompanying drawings, where like numerals refer to like elements, is intended to be a description of various embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is offered by way of example or illustration only and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Likewise, any steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps, or combinations of steps, to achieve the same or substantially similar result.

In the foregoing description, specific details are presented to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without incorporating all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

The present application may include references to directions, such as "forward," "backward," "front," "rear," "upward," "downward," "right," "left," "lateral," "medial," "in," out," "extended," "advanced," "retracted," "proximal," "distal," "central," etc. These references, and other similar references in the present application, are intended to aid in describing and understanding the particular embodiment and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these directions or locations.

This application may refer to quantities and numbers. Unless specifically indicated, these quantities and numbers are not to be considered as restrictive, but as examples of possible quantities or numbers associated with this application. In this regard also, this application may use the term “plurality” to designate a quantity or number. In this regard, the term “plurality” is understood to be any number greater than one, for example two, three, four, five, etc. The terms “about”, “approximately”, “near”, etc. mean plus or minus 5% of the stated value. For the purposes of this disclosure, the expression "at least one of A and B" is equivalent to "A and/or B" or vice versa, namely "A" alone, "B" alone or "A and B". For the purposes of this disclosure, the expression "at least one of A, B and C", for example, means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C), including all other possible permutations when more than three elements are listed.

The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure, which are intended to be protected, should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. It should be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed.

Although illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it should be appreciated that various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

Cosmetic system (50) for dispensing personalized cosmetic compositions, comprising:
a dispenser (60) configured to dispense customized amounts of at least two cosmetic components from different cartridges (64A, 64B, 64C) through openings in a plate (80), wherein a recess is formed in the plate and receives the at least two cosmetic components from the openings;
a removable cover (110) on the plate and
a flexible tool (90) configured to be disposed between the cover and the plate when the cover is mounted on the plate, wherein the cover compresses the tool against the plate to seal the apertures. The cosmetic system of claim 1, wherein the plate (80) is detachably coupled to the dispenser (60). The cosmetic system of claim 1, wherein each cartridge (64A, 64B, 64C) includes a nozzle (66A, 66B, 66C) from which the corresponding cosmetic component is discharged, each nozzle being sealingly engaged with one of the openings. The cosmetic system of claim 2, wherein the tool (90) has a disc-shaped profile with a central portion surrounded by an annular conical portion. The cosmetic system of claim 4, wherein the tool comprises a first portion (92) made of a first material and a second portion (94) made of a second material, wherein the first material has a different hardness than the second material. The cosmetic system of claim 5, wherein the tool (90) includes a number of protrusions (106) extending from one side, each protrusion being sized and positioned to be received by one of the openings in the plate when the tool is disposed between the cover and the plate, and when the cover is mounted on the plate. The cosmetic system of claim 6, wherein each protuberance (106) is compressed by the corresponding opening of the plate and hermetically engages therein. The cosmetic system of claim 4, wherein the tool comprises a number of protrusions (106) extending from one side, each protrusion being sized and positioned to be received by one of the openings in the plate when the tool is disposed between the cover and the plate, and when the cover is mounted on the plate. The cosmetic system of claim 8, wherein each protuberance (106) is compressed by the corresponding opening of the plate and hermetically engages therein. A method of applying a cosmetic composition from a dispenser (60) having at least two cartridges (64A, 64B, 64C), each cartridge containing a cosmetic component and being adapted to dispense the corresponding cosmetic component through an opening in a plate (80) into a recess formed in the plate, the plate forming part of the dispenser, the method comprising the steps of:
removing a cover (110) releasably coupled to the dispenser, the cover compressing a tool against the plate to maintain sealing contact with the apertures in the plate;
unsealing the plate openings by removing the tool and
dispensing an amount of one or more cosmetic components into the recess.