HK40054696B - Personalized skin care system - Google Patents

Description

Personalized skin care system

Technical Field

This disclosure relates generally to skin care systems that provide personalized skin care compositions in a home environment. More specifically, this disclosure relates to home-based sterile skin care systems that can provide personalized skin care compositions based on personal and environmental factors.

Background Technology

The desire for younger-looking skin in today's youth-obsessed society fuels the multi-billion dollar global skincare industry. In the past, skincare brands were able to offer relatively small, mass-produced skincare products designed to treat a wide range of common skin conditions or types (e.g., oily skin, pigmented skin, or skin with wrinkles). However, some consumers may experience more than one skin condition or have conditions that fall outside the common categories used in the skincare industry. Furthermore, some consumers experience undesirable skin conditions that vary daily based on environmental changes, hormonal fluctuations, lifestyle changes, and more. For these consumers, a single skincare product may not satisfactorily address all their skincare needs, and they may utilize purchasing multiple products to treat the various undesirable skin conditions they experience. However, purchasing multiple skincare products and/or determining which skincare products are needed can be undesirable for a variety of reasons. For example, skincare products can be relatively expensive, posing a financial barrier for consumers. Additionally, attempting to select the appropriate skincare composition from the vast array of skincare compositions currently available on the market can be difficult. Therefore, offering personalized skincare compositions addresses a significant consumer need within the cosmetic skincare industry.

The home skincare category is currently dominated by individual products, with the minimum level of customization achievable through different products for different skin types. However, consumers now expect their skincare regimens to allow them to customize their skincare products not only to match their usual skin type but also to be flexible enough to respond to their changing skin conditions, environment, lifestyle, and activities for maximum effectiveness. Increasing the number of skincare products available to consumers could provide some additional flexibility for customized skincare regimens, but it also presents challenges related to increased formulation complexity and shelf space constraints.

Various attempts have been made to provide personalized skincare compositions to consumers at the point of purchase. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,903,465 to Brown describes a dispensing machine that provides a custom blend of ingredients for delivering personalized compositions. However, the device described by Brown et al. only provides personalized skincare compositions in a retail setting. For consumers whose skincare needs change frequently, it is inconvenient to frequently visit stores to obtain personalized skincare products.

Recently, attempts have been made to provide home systems and devices for dispensing personalized skincare compositions. For example, U.S. Patent No. 10,022,741 to Fuller et al. discloses an actuation system for a precision fluid dispensing application in a hygienic environment, including a personalized skincare application. To dispense a personalized skincare composition, the system described by Fuller et al. mixes the ingredients together in a manifold before dispensing, or dispenses different fully mixed compositions (e.g., daytime and nighttime compositions) from separate dispensing nozzles. On the one hand, the manifold must be cleaned or replaced to avoid contamination of the subsequently dispensed composition, which may be undesirable for various reasons (e.g., increased manufacturing costs and complexity, user unfriendliness, and environmental unfriendliness). On the other hand, dispensing a fully mixed composition limits the user's ability to select skincare active ingredients tailored to their specific skin condition.

Therefore, there remains a need for a home system that provides personalized skincare compositions tailored to meet a user's frequently changing skincare needs. There also remains a need for a home system that provides personalized skincare compositions in a more cost-effective and user-friendly manner.

Summary of the Invention

This document describes a personalized skin care system comprising: a dispensing device including at least one wall defining an internal space; a removable cartridge disposed in the internal space, the removable cartridge containing a skin care active ingredient; a disposable pod disposed in the dispensing device, wherein the disposable pod is in fluid communication with the removable cartridge and contains a base ingredient; and a mixing element configured to mix the active ingredient and the base ingredient together within the disposable pod without contacting either ingredient.

A method for providing a personalized skincare composition is also described, the method comprising: inputting personalization factors into a personalized skincare system, wherein the personalized skincare system includes: a dispensing device including at least one wall defining an internal space; and a removable cartridge disposed in the internal space, the removable cartridge containing a skincare active substance; and a mixing element; placing an airtight, single-dose pod containing a base ingredient in the internal space of the dispensing device such that the disposable pod is in fluid communication with the replaceable cartridge; selecting a personalized skincare composition based on the input personalization factors; transferring the skincare active substance into the disposable pod; mixing the skincare active substance and the base ingredient using the mixing element to form a personalized skincare composition; and dispensing the personalized skincare composition.

Attached Figure Description

Figures 1A and 1B illustrate an implementation scheme for the distribution device used in this system.

Figures 2A and 2B illustrate an implementation scheme for the distribution device used in this system.

Figure 3 illustrates an implementation scheme for the distribution device used in this system.

Figure 4 shows an implementation scheme for the barrel support.

Figure 5 shows another embodiment of the barrel support.

Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate implementation schemes for disposable pods.

Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of a disposable pod attached to a fluid delivery accessory.

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the disposable pod.

Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the disposable pod, wherein an insertable element is inserted through a nozzle passing through the disposable pod.

Figure 10 illustrates an embodiment of a disposable pod in a hybrid configuration.

Figure 11 illustrates an implementation of a disposable pod in a distribution configuration.

Figure 12 illustrates the steps involved in using a personalized skin care system.

Detailed Implementation

This skin care system includes a portable dispensing device for delivering personalized skin care compositions to consumers in a home environment. This system overcomes some of the drawbacks of existing systems by providing a fully mixed, single-dose skin care composition without contact between the composition and the mixing element of the dispensing device, thus avoiding any contamination of the dispensing device components and the composition. While the personalized compositions described herein are generally referred to as topical skin care compositions, it should be understood that this system is readily adaptable to other uses within the skill of a general technician (e.g., hair care compositions and medical/prescription skin care compositions). References to “implementation” or similar methods in the specification mean that the specific materials, features, structures, and/or properties described in connection with that embodiment are included in at least one embodiment, optionally multiple embodiments, but do not imply that all embodiments include the described materials, features, structures, and/or properties. Furthermore, materials, features, structures, and/or properties may be combined in any suitable manner in different embodiments, and materials, features, structures, and/or properties may be omitted or substituted for those described. Therefore, unless otherwise stated or declared as incompatible, although not expressly illustrated in the combination, the embodiments and aspects described herein may include elements or components of other embodiments and/or aspects or may be combined with elements or components of other embodiments and/or aspects.

Unless otherwise specified, all ingredient percentages are by weight of the cosmetic composition. Unless otherwise specified, all ingredient ratios are by weight. All ranges are inclusive and combinable. Significant figures indicate neither limitation on the quantities shown nor limitation on the accuracy of the measurement. Unless otherwise specified, all measurements are assumed to have been performed at approximately 25°C and ambient conditions, where “ambient conditions” means conditions at approximately 1 atmosphere and approximately 50% relative humidity. All numerical ranges are narrower ranges including the endpoints; the upper and lower limits of the described ranges are interchangeable to further form ranges not explicitly described.

The compositions of the present invention may comprise, consist of, or be composed of the basic components described herein, as well as optional ingredients. As used herein, “consistently consisting of” means that a composition or component may contain additional ingredients, provided that the additional ingredients do not substantially alter the essential and novel features of the composition or method protected by the claims. As used in the specification and appended claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well.

definition

When used in the context of a parameter or range, “about” refers to a value within 30% of the specified value (e.g., 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, 2%, or even within 1%).

"Base ingredients" refers to any component in a skin care composition that is not an active ingredient in skin care products. Some non-limiting examples of base ingredients include carriers, preservatives, thickeners, emulsifiers, sunscreens, dyes, pH adjusters, colorants, fragrances, film-forming agents, chelating agents, and lubricants.

A "derivative" is a molecule that is similar to another molecule but differs in certain functional parts. Derivatives can be formed via known reaction pathways. Suitable functional parts include esters, ethers, amides, amines, carboxylic acids, hydroxyl groups, halogens, thiols, and/or salt derivatives of the relevant molecule. Peptide derivatives include peptides that are attached to another part, such as a fatty acid chain.

"Dermatologically acceptable" means that the ingredients or composition (e.g., the carrier) are suitable for topical application to the stratum corneum, have good aesthetic properties, are compatible with the active substances in the composition, and do not cause any unreasonable safety or toxicity problems.

"Setting up" refers to the positioning of a component in a specific space or location relative to another component.

"Joint" refers to a configuration in which one element is directly fixed to another element by directly attaching one element to another element, and a configuration in which one element is indirectly fixed to another element by attaching one element to one or more intermediate members, and then to another element.

"Regulating skin condition" refers to improving skin health, appearance, and/or feel, for example, by providing beneficial effects such as a smoother appearance and/or feel. In this article, "improving skin condition" means achieving perceptible positive changes in the visual and/or tactile aspects of skin appearance and feel. Beneficial effects can be chronic or acute and may include one or more of the following: reduction of wrinkles and the appearance of deep lines, fine lines, cracks, lumps, and enlarged pores; thickening of keratinized tissue (e.g., the epidermis and/or dermis and/or subcutaneous layer that constitute the skin, and the stratum corneum of the fingernails/toenails and hair shafts (if applicable) to alleviate skin, hair, or fingernail atrophy); increasing folds at the dermal-epidermal boundary (also known as reticular ridges); preventing loss of elasticity in the skin or hair due to loss, damage, and/or inactivation of functional elastin, resulting in conditions such as degeneration of elastic tissue, sagging, and loss of the ability to recover from skin or hair deformities; reduction of cellulitis; and changes in skin, hair, or fingernail color such as dark circles, spots (e.g., uneven redness due to acne erythematous rosacea), sallowness, discoloration caused by hyperpigmentation, etc.

"Safe and effective amount" means a amount of compound or composition that is sufficient to significantly produce the desired beneficial skin effects, either alone or in combination, including the beneficial effects disclosed herein, but is low enough to avoid serious side effects (i.e., provides a reasonable risk-benefit ratio within the reasonable judgment of a person skilled in the art).

"Skin" refers to the outermost protective covering of mammals, composed of cells such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and melanocytes. Skin comprises the outer epidermis and the underlying dermis. Skin may also include hair and nails typically associated with it, as well as other cell types such as, for example, muscle cells, Merkel cells, Langerhans cells, macrophages, stem cells, sebaceous gland cells, nerve cells, and fat cells.

"Skin care" refers to conditioning and/or improving skin condition. Some non-limiting examples include improving the appearance and/or feel of the skin by providing a smoother, more even look and/or feel; increasing the thickness of one or more layers of the skin; improving the elasticity or resilience of the skin; improving the firmness of the skin; and reducing the oily, shiny, and/or dull appearance of the skin; improving the hydration or moisturization of the skin; improving the appearance of fine lines and/or wrinkles; improving skin peeling or flaking; plumping the skin; improving skin barrier properties; improving skin tone; reducing the appearance of redness or rashes; and/or improving the brightness, radiance, or translucency of the skin.

"Skin care active substances" refer to compounds or combinations of compounds that, when applied to the skin, provide immediate and/or long-lasting beneficial effects to the skin or the cell types typically present therein. Skin care active substances can modulate and/or improve the skin or its associated cells (e.g., improve skin elasticity; improve skin hydration; improve skin condition; and improve cellular metabolism).

"Skin care composition" refers to a composition that contains skin care active substances and regulates skin condition.

Personalized skin care system

The personalized skincare system described herein includes a dispensing device, one or more replaceable active skincare substance cartridges, and an airtight, disposable pod containing one or more base ingredients. The disposable pod may be disposable or refillable. The active skincare substance cartridge is in fluid communication with the disposable pod to form a closed, sterile system. In some cases, a suitable pump (e.g., a screw-driven piston pump or peristaltic pump) may be used to transfer the active skincare substance through one or more tubes to the disposable pod. During transfer to the disposable pod, the active skincare substance and base ingredients are mixed together in situ. The resulting personalized skincare composition can then be dispensed to the user. The size of the disposable pod can be configured to deliver a single dose or multiple doses of the skincare composition. For example, when the system is used at home, the user may choose a single-dose skincare composition. However, the user may also choose a multiple-dose skincare composition, which can be dispensed by the system into a portable container for use on the go. The number and/or size of the dose dispensed by the system can be varied by providing disposable pods of different sizes and/or by changing the concentration of the active skincare substance in the personalized skincare composition. In some cases, single-use pods may have a volume of 5 to 50 milliliters (ml) (e.g., 10 to 30 ml or 15 to 25 ml).

This system includes one or more cartridges, each containing one or more skincare active ingredients. When two or more cartridges are present (e.g., between 2 and 10), the skincare active ingredient contained in each cartridge may be the same or different from the skincare active ingredient contained in another cartridge. In some cases, two or more cartridges may contain the same skincare active ingredient but at different concentrations. The size and shape of the cartridges are not particularly limited. However, it may be desirable to construct the cartridges to minimize the amount of space required to store them within the dispensing device. The cartridges may be made of any suitable material known in the art for use with cosmetic skincare products (e.g., non-toxic, non-reactive, impermeable, and bio-based). In some cases, the cartridges contain enough skincare active ingredient to formulate a personalized skincare composition with more than one dose. For example, the cartridges may contain enough skincare active ingredient to formulate a personalized skincare composition with doses between 2 and 100 (e.g., between 5 and 60, 10 and 45, or even between 15 and 30). In some cases, it may be desirable to include one or more base ingredients in a cartridge containing a skin-care active ingredient. For example, it may be desirable to dilute an active ingredient known to cause sensitivity problems or that is typically used at low concentrations (e.g., retinoid pigments). In some cases, the cartridge may have a total volume of 5 to 50 milliliters (mL).

In some cases, cartridges and/or disposable pods can be configured to provide the system with information relating to the ingredients contained in the cartridges and/or disposable pods. For example, cartridges and/or disposable pods may include identifiers detectable by a dispensing device, such as barcodes, quick-response (QR) codes, radio frequency identification (RFID) chips, combinations thereof, etc. The information provided to the system can be used to facilitate the formulation of personalized skincare compositions without additional effort from the user. Additionally or alternatively, the identifiers on the cartridges and/or disposable pods can be detected using a camera on a smartphone or similar device, which then transmits the identifier information to the system or dispensing device via a suitable software application.

This system can be configured to select the type and amount of active ingredients and/or base ingredients for preparing personalized skincare compositions based on one or more user-personalized factors provided to the system manually or automatically. For example, one or more personalization factors may be automatically provided to the system by a skin diagnostic tool that communicates electronically with the system. Additionally or alternatively, one or more personalization factors may be manually provided to the system by a user or skincare professional, for example, via an interface on a dispensing device or a mobile or web-based application accessed via a smartphone. Non-limiting examples of user personalization factors may include age, ethnicity, skin type, lifestyle, apparent skin age, geographic location, environmental factors (weather, season, time of day, etc.), results from skin analysis or diagnosis, and usage history of skincare products. Additionally or alternatively, the type and/or amount of active ingredients and/or base ingredients may be manually selected by the user.

The system may include one or more computers that communicate electronically with the distribution device and optionally with each other, for example, via a network (e.g., a wide area network, such as a mobile phone network, a public switched telephone network, a satellite network, and/or the Internet; a local area network, such as Wireless Fidelity, Wi-Max, ZigBee ^™ , and/or Bluetooth ^™ ; and/or other suitable forms of networking capabilities). In some cases, the distribution device includes a controller (e.g., a solid-state microcontroller) that controls one or more components of the distribution device, for example, by accessing logic stored on non-transitory memory components (e.g., random access memory, read-only memory, registers, etc.). In some cases, the controller causes the distribution device to send and/or receive information to a remote computer via a wired or wireless connection over a network. The remote computer may be a server (or servers), a personal computer, a mobile computer, a smartphone, and/or other suitable computing device. In some cases, the system may be configured to communicate wirelessly with a software-based skin diagnostic tool (e.g., a local or web-based software application) stored on a remote computing device (e.g., a server, personal computer, or smartphone). In some cases, the system can be configured to communicate with a database of user personalization factors stored on a remote computing device. In this way, the system can use information from diagnostic tools and/or the database to determine the user's personalization factors.

The distribution device may include an interface that enables a user to provide information to and/or receive information from the system. For example, the interface may indicate the type of skincare composition selected and/or enable the user to select a specific skincare composition. In some cases, the interface may allow the user to access and/or modify their personalization factors. The interface may include a display (e.g., a liquid crystal display (“LCD”)) for transmitting information to the user. In some cases, the distribution device may include multiple lights (e.g., light-emitting diodes) that turn on or off individually or collaboratively (e.g., sequentially) to nonverbally convey information to the user and/or provide a desired aesthetic effect. In some cases, such as by pairing a smartphone with the distribution device using conventional methods of wireless pairing electronics, the smartphone may be used as an interface to the distribution device.

In one example, a user can use a smartphone or other Internet of Things (IoT) device to identify skin features (e.g., wrinkles, blemishes, dryness) and/or environmental data provided to an artificial intelligence (AI) skin diagnostic tool. In this example, the AI skin diagnostic tool will communicate with the distribution device and/or the user to provide recommended skincare products and/or skincare regimens based on the analysis of skin features and/or environmental data. The user can then decide whether to accept the recommended products and/or regimens or choose another product and/or regimen.

Figures 1A and 1B illustrate an example of a dispensing device 100 for use in this system. The dispensing device 100 includes an outer body 110, a top portion 120, a base 130, and a dispensing portion 140, arranged to provide suitable portability and/or allow for convenient placement in an area where a user typically applies a skincare composition (e.g., a bathroom sink, bedroom vanity, or dressing room counter). The outer body 110 is configured to provide an aesthetically pleasing exterior-facing surface and to house internal components. The top portion 120 may be configured to provide access to the interior of the dispensing device 100, for example, to replace a cartridge containing a skincare active ingredient composition. As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the top portion 120 of the container 100 is concave. However, the top portion 120 may be configured to any suitable shape (e.g., flat or convex) as needed. The base 130 is typically located at the bottom of the dispensing device 100 and is configured to stably support the dispensing device 100 during use. The dispensing portion 140 of the dispensing device 100 is disposed between the main body 110 and the base 130, and includes a nozzle or other suitable component for dispensing the personalized skin care composition 150.

The dispensing portion 140 of the device 100 may be provided as an enclosed or semi-enclosed space between the main body 100 and the base 120. In some cases, the dispensing portion 140 includes a wall 142 that isolates and/or conceals the dispensing portion 140. The wall 142 may include a movable portion 145 and a fixed portion 147. Depending on the need, the wall 142, the movable portion 145, and/or the fixed portion may be opaque, translucent, or transparent. The movable portion 145 of the wall 142 may be positioned (i.e., opened) to allow access to the dispensing portion 140 of the device 100, and then repositioned (i.e., closed) to partially or completely enclose the dispensing portion 140. In some cases, the movable portion 145 may be configured as a sliding door that can be opened manually or automatically via a switch, button, and/or sensor coupled to a drive motor. For example, the movable portion may be configured to slide open along a track or groove when a user presses a button and/or activates an optical sensor. In some cases, the movable portion 145 may automatically open when the skincare composition 150 is ready to be dispensed, which may also notify the user that the personalized skincare composition is ready. The movable portion 145 may be configured to slide past the inside or outside of the fixed portion 147. In some cases, the movable portion 145 may be configured to open, for example via a hinge, hydraulic/pneumatic cylinder, articulated arm, etc., in a direction perpendicular to the fixed portion 147 (i.e., outward or inward from the dispensing portion 140). The fixed portion 147 may be a discrete element or an integral part of the body 110. The fixed portion 147 and the movable portion 145 may be designed to provide complementary aesthetics (e.g., appearing as an integral element as shown in FIG. 1A) or appearing as discrete components of the device 100 as shown in FIG. 1B. FIG. 1A depicts the movable portion 145 in a closed configuration, and FIG. 1B depicts the movable portion 145 in an open configuration. The dispensing portion of the device may include a sensor that detects when it is appropriate to dispense the personalized skincare composition. For example, motion sensors can be used to detect when a user correctly positions their hand to receive the composition.

Figures 2A and 2B illustrate examples of the top portion 120 of the device 100 from Figures 1A and 1B. The top portion 120 includes an openable/closable cover 220 that separates the interior of the dispensing device 100 from the external environment. The cover 220 may include a slot 215 or other opening that allows a user 201 to insert a disposable pod 225 containing the base ingredient into the dispensing device 100. Once inserted into the slot 215, the pod 225 can be positioned within the device 100 using conventional methods known to those skilled in the art. After use, the used pod 225 can be removed manually or automatically by the user. For example, after dispensing a personalized care composition, the dispensing device can discharge the used pod 225 by reversing the step used to position the pod 225 in communication with the liquid in the skincare active ingredient cartridge. The used disposable pod 225 can be discarded or recycled. Additionally or alternatively, the dispensing device may allow the user to access and manually remove the used pod 225, for example, via an opening or a movable panel.

As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the cover 220 of the dispensing device 100 may include interface components that transmit information to a user and/or enable the user 201 to interact with the dispensing device 100. In some cases, the interface components may include one or more indicators 255 that transmit information to the user 201, for example, using icons and/or lights (e.g., light-emitting diodes). Some non-limiting examples of such information include power status (on/off), network status, internet connection, skin care active ingredient level, base ingredient pod status, system status (e.g., which step in the process), and the type of skin care composition being formulated (e.g., face cream, eye cream, serum, moisturizer, toner, day product, or night product). For example, one or more indicators 255 may (e.g., sequentially) illuminate to indicate a step in the formulation process. In some cases, indicator 255 may be configured as a button or switch that allows a user to operate device 100 (e.g., turn the device on/off, select a specific skincare composition, change the composition formulation, connect to a network, open cap 220 and/or dispensing portion 140, dispose of used base ingredient pod 225, or operate some other feature of dispensing device 100). In some cases, top portion 120 (e.g., cap 220) may include a motion sensor (e.g., optical or acoustic) that activates one or more features of device 100 when motion is detected (e.g., when a user moves their hand within 30 cm of the top of device 100). In some cases, top portion 120 may include a light 256 surrounding top portion 120 to further convey information to user 201 or provide desired aesthetic features. For example, light 256 may be turned on when motion is detected and/or when a composition is dispensed. In some cases, light 256 may be provided in more than one color. For example, a first color (e.g., red) can be used to signal that the device has detected motion or has been powered on, and a second color can be used to signal when the composition is being mixed (yellow) or is ready for dispensing (green). In some cases, the interface may include a display screen and/or speakers to convey verbal information to the user visually and/or audibly.

Figure 3 shows an example of the top portion 120 of the device 100 from Figures 2A and 2B, with the cover 220 open. As shown in Figure 3, the cover 220 can be opened to provide access to the interior of the dispensing device 100 and/or the cartridge 360. When the cover 220 is closed, a slot 215 or other opening in the cover 220 is configured to cover a corresponding slot 315 or other matching opening in the cartridge assembly 370. The inner surface 221 of the cover 220 may include markings 325 and/or indicators 355. Markings 325 may include instructions or other information relating to the use of the device 100, such as, for example, how and/or when to replace the cartridge 360. Indicators 355 may include icons, lights, combinations thereof, etc. In some cases, indicators 355 may provide the user with information relating to the amount and/or type of skincare active ingredient in each cartridge. For example, indicators 355 may illuminate when the level of skincare active ingredient in the corresponding cartridge 360 is low and/or when the cartridge 360 is empty. As shown in the example in Figure 3, the number of indicators 355 can be the same as the number of cylinders 360 (i.e., 5). However, it should be understood that the dispensing device 100 can be configured to include any number of indicators 355 and/or cylinders 360.

As shown in Figure 3, a cartridge is disposed in a cartridge assembly 370. The cartridge assembly 370 may include various features (e.g., clips, springs, latches, plungers, pins, screws, magnets, tabs, slots, handles, protrusions, indentations, cartridge geometry, combinations thereof, etc.) capable of inserting, retaining, removing, and/or replacing the cartridge 360. In some cases, the cartridge assembly 370 may be repositioned to allow user access to the cartridge 360. For example, the cartridge assembly 370 may be repositioned toward the top portion 120 of the device 100 after the cap 220 is opened. Similarly, the cartridge assembly 370 may be moved downwards back into the body 110 of the device 100 before the cap 220 is closed. In some cases, the cartridge assembly 370 may be partially or completely removed from the dispensing device (e.g., via the open top portion 120 of the dispensing device 100). The cartridge assembly 370 may be repositioned manually or automatically using conventional methods known to those skilled in the art.

Figure 4 illustrates an example of a holder 400 used in a cartridge assembly 370. The holder 400 includes a frame 415 that provides a robust skeleton to which the holder 400 and/or other components of the cartridge assembly 370 can be engaged. The holder 400 includes one or more cartridge sleeves 410 configured to receive and hold a cartridge 360 containing a skincare active ingredient. In some cases, the skincare active ingredient may be dispensed from the cartridge via a piston 425 coupled to a suitable drive mechanism (not shown). For example, the drive mechanism may include a screw drive motor coupled to an encoder. In this example, the encoder may communicate electronically with a programmable controller (e.g., a solid-state microprocessor) programmed to control the speed and/or drive timing of the motor. Therefore, the amount of skincare active ingredient dispensed from the cartridge can be precisely controlled. The piston 425 may be an integral part of the cartridge, an integral part of the drive mechanism, or a discrete component. Each cartridge sleeve 410 may include one or more dispensing outlets 420. Each dispensing outlet 420 can be connected to a disposable pod (not shown) via a sterile fluid delivery system (e.g., sterile tubing and connectors).

Figure 5 illustrates an example of a bracket 500 in which the cartridge sleeve 510 can be horizontally repositioned (i.e., outward from the bracket 500) to provide passage to the cartridge. In this example, the bracket 500 can be repositioned such that the horizontal deployment of the cartridge sleeve 510 is not obstructed by the body 110 or other components of the dispensing device 100. Alternatively, the body 110 of the dispensing device 100 may be configured to include one or more openings that allow the cartridge sleeve 510 to be horizontally deployed such that the cartridge sleeve 510 extends outward from the body 110 of the dispensing device 100. In some cases, the bracket 500 may include one or more panels 540 having outward-facing sides 544 that have the same or substantially the same appearance as the outer surface of the body of the dispensing device. In this way, the horizontally deployable cartridge sleeve 510 can be virtually indistinguishable from the body of the dispensing device, providing improved aesthetics.

Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate examples of the dosing, mixing, and dispensing portions of the process for delivering a personalized skin composition using this system. In this example, a personalized ingredient 650 (e.g., a skincare active substance) is dosed into a base composition 610 disposed in a disposable pod 600 using a sterile delivery system. As shown in Figure 6A, the sterile delivery system may include an insertable element 620 (e.g., a rigid tube, a diaphragm needle, a combination thereof, etc.) inserted through an opening 630 at the top of the disposable pod 600. The disposable pod 600 is formed of a liquid-impermeable flexible material (e.g., a flexible foil material) that provides sufficient strength to withstand each step of the process. In some cases, the flexible material may be made of a renewable and/or biodegradable material (e.g., a non-petroleum-based material). Once the personalized ingredient 650 has been dosed into the pod 600, as shown in Figure 6B, the insertable element 620 is removed and the opening 630 is resealed by a seal 635, preventing the ingredients 610 and 650 from flowing back into the pod 600. Non-limiting examples of suitable seals 635 include check valves, diaphragm barriers, membranes, one-way flow valves, combinations thereof, etc. Personalized ingredient 650 and base ingredient 610 are mixed together by an external mixing element 660. The mixing element 660 applies a mixing force to the outer surface of the pod 600. This mixing force deforms the flexible wall of the pod 600, thereby providing mixing action to ingredients 610 and 650 within the pod 600. In some cases, the mixing element 660 may include a pair of opposing rollers that move along the length of the disposable pod 600 while applying pressure to the flexible wall of the pod 600. Once the ingredients are properly mixed, a fragile seal 670 at the bottom of the pod 600 breaks to release (dispense) the personalized care composition. In some cases, the mixing element 660 may be configured to apply a dispensing pressure sufficient to break the fragile seal 670. In the example shown in Figure 6C, the mixing element 660 can move from the top to the bottom of the pod 600 while applying dispensing pressure, thereby dispensing the personalized skincare composition 680 outside the opening 690. In some cases, the system may include a separate dispensing element to dispense the personalized care composition 680.

Figure 7 illustrates an example of a disposable pod 700 used in this system. In some cases, the disposable pod 700 may include a rigid outer portion 714 surrounding or partially surrounding a more flexible inner portion 716. The rigid outer portion 714 may be configured to provide structural stability to the pod 700. In some cases, the rigid outer portion 714 may be substantially non-flexible (i.e., not flexing without breaking or exhibiting plastic deformation), or the flexible outer portion 714 may exhibit a certain amount of flexibility, but not as much as the flexible inner portion 716. Of course, it should be understood that the pod 700 may have substantially uniform flexibility as required. The disposable pod 700 may include a fitting 745 engaging at the top or bottom of the pod 700 to an opening 730. The fitting 745 may be rigid or flexible and is configured to cooperate with a sterile fluid delivery system to deliver personalized ingredients (e.g., skincare active substances) from a cartridge to the pod 700. In some cases, fitting 745 may engage with one or more sterile tubes (not shown), which in turn engage with one or more cartridges. Fitting 745 may be configured to form a liquid-impermeable seal with opening 730. In some cases, pod 700 may include a fragile seal 770 that provides a fluid-impermeable barrier to cover the dispensing opening (not shown). Fragile seal 770 may be a discrete element or may be integrated into a rigid outer wall 714. Fragile seal 770 may be located at the bottom of pod 700, as shown in FIG. 7, or at any other location as required.

Figure 8 illustrates an example of a disposable pod 800, which includes a seal 835 to prevent fluid leakage from the pod 800. The seal 835 is configured, for example, to mechanically cooperate with the nozzle 830 using a fluid-impermeable membrane 855 to form a fluid-impermeable barrier. The seal 835 may be formed of a suitable elastic or plastic-elastic material (e.g., rubber, polypropylene, polyethylene, styrene block copolymer, etc.) that can elastically deform to accommodate the insertion of an insertable element of the sterile fluid delivery system, and then reseal the opening 830 once the insertable element is removed.

Figure 9 shows an example of a disposable pod 900, in which an insertable element 920 associated with a sterile fluid delivery system is inserted through a nozzle 930.

Figure 10 illustrates an example of the mixing step. In this step, mixing element 1060 mixes the ingredients contained in disposable pod 1000. As shown in Figure 10, mixing element 1060 includes a pair of opposing rollers 1061 that apply pressure to the sides of the flexible wall of pod 1000 while moving upward and/or downward along the length of pod 1000. In some cases, rollers 1061 travel the length of pod 1000 at least twice (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more times), but typically less than 100 times (e.g., less than 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30 or even less than 20 times). The speed at which rollers 1061 travel and the pressure applied can vary depending on the ingredients used in the personalized composition, the properties of the composition (e.g., viscosity), and/or the properties of pod 1000 (e.g., wall, fragile seal, and/or burst strength of the seal). Of course, it should be understood that other suitable methods for applying pressure to the outside of the flexible wall to mix the components are also contemplated herein. The impermeable seal (not shown) in the opening at the top of the pod 1000 should be configured to prevent backflow of components from the pod to the outside of the pod 1000 when mixing pressure is applied by the mixing element. In this example, a clamp 1085 is provided to help hold the pod 1000 in place and/or to help prevent the fragile seal from breaking before the dispensing step.

Figure 11 illustrates an example of the dispensing step. After the contents of the disposable pod 1100 are mixed, the clamp 1185 separates. When a suitable dispensing pressure is applied by the mixing element roller 1161, the fragile seal breaks and the skincare composition 1190 is dispensed. In some cases, the clamp 1185 may be configured to break or weaken the fragile seal. The dispensing pressure may be less than, equal to, or greater than the mixing pressure. The opposing roller 1161 continues to apply dispensing pressure to the flexible wall of the pod 1100 while moving downwards along the length of the pod 1100 to expel as much of the skincare composition as possible from the pod 1100 through an opening (not shown) at the bottom of the pod 1100. The fluid-impermeable seal in the nozzle of the pod 1100 should be configured to prevent backflow of the contents of the pod through the nozzle when dispensing pressure is applied.

Skin care composition

The skin care system described herein provides disposable skin care compositions that contribute to improved skin health and/or appearance. The skin care composition is provided in two parts: a base ingredient contained in a disposable pod, which includes a dermatologically acceptable carrier; and a skin care active substance contained in one or more replaceable cartridges. When multiple cartridges are provided, they may contain the same or different concentrations of the same or different skin care active substances. The skin care active substance is mixed with the base ingredient in the disposable pod to prepare the final composition, which is then dispensed by the system for topical application to human skin. Some non-limiting examples of suitable forms for topical application include solutions, suspensions, lotions, creams, gels, sticks, pencils, sprays, aerosols, ointments, cleansing solutions and solid sticks, foams, powders, mousses, wipes, strips, patches, wound dressings and adhesive bandages, hydrogels, film-forming products, and masks. The cosmetic composition form may conform to a selected specific dermatologically acceptable carrier.

The skincare compositions described herein include one or more skincare active substances of the types commonly included in specific cosmetic compositions provided. Skincare active substances may be oil-soluble or water-soluble and, when incorporated into skincare compositions, should be suitable for contact with human skin tissue without undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, allergic reactions, etc. Some non-limiting examples of the class of skincare active substances include, but are not limited to, vitamins (e.g., compounds of vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin E, and their derivatives), minerals, peptides and peptide derivatives, glycosamines, N-acyl amino acid compounds, sunscreens, oil-controlling agents, flavonoid compounds, hair growth regulators, antioxidants and/or antioxidant precursors, phytosterols and other plant-derived skincare active substances, protease inhibitors, tyrosinase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents, emollients, humectants, moisturizers, skin conditioners, anti-aging agents, exfoliants, sunscreens, non-tanning agents, and mixtures thereof. Skin care active ingredients may be included in the final composition in amounts from 0.0001% to 50% (e.g., 0.001% to 20% or even 0.01% to 10%) by weight of the final composition. Some non-limiting examples of specific skin care active ingredients applicable herein are described in US 9358263, granted to Millikin et al.

The base ingredients provided in the single-use pod include a dermatologically acceptable carrier (which may be referred to as the “carrier”). The carrier may be present in 50% to 99% (e.g., 60% to 98%, 70% to 98%, or even 80% to 95%) by weight of the base ingredients and/or the final skincare composition. The carrier may contain one or more dermatologically acceptable hydrophilic diluents. As used herein, a “diluent” includes materials in which the skincare active ingredient or other ingredients can be dispersed, dissolved, or otherwise incorporated into the skincare composition. Hydrophilic diluents include water, organic hydrophilic diluents such as lower monovalent alcohols (e.g., C1-C4) and low molecular weight diols and polyols, including propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol (e.g., molecular weight 200 g/mol-600 g/mol), polypropylene glycol (e.g., molecular weight 425 g/mol-2025 g/mol), glycerin, butylene glycol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, sorbitan esters, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, ethanol, isopropanol, sorbitan esters, butylene glycol, ether propanol, ethoxylated ethers, propoxylated ethers, and combinations thereof. The carrier can be in various forms. In some cases, the solubility or dispersibility of the component may determine the form and properties of the carrier. Non-limiting examples include simple solutions (e.g., aqueous or anhydrous), dispersions, emulsions, and solid forms (e.g., gels, rods, flowable solids, or amorphous materials). In particularly suitable examples, dermatologically acceptable carriers are in the form of emulsions. Emulsions are generally classified as two or more immiscible liquids mixed together to provide a continuous phase and a dispersed phase. In this context, emulsions may have a continuous aqueous phase (e.g., oil-in-water or water-in-oil-in-water) or a continuous oil phase (e.g., water-in-oil or oil-in-water-in-oil).

The base ingredients in the single-use pods and/or the skincare active ingredients in the replaceable cartridges may include other optional ingredients routinely included in skincare compositions of the provided type, provided they are dermatologically acceptable and do not undesirably alter the intended beneficial effects of the skincare composition. Optional ingredients may be present in amounts from 0.0001% to 50%, 0.001% to 20%, or even 0.01% to 10% by weight of the final composition. Some non-limiting examples of optional ingredients applicable herein include preservatives, rheology modifiers (e.g., thickeners), pH adjusters, emulsifiers, film-forming agents, skin-sensing agents (e.g., silicone elastomers), chelating agents, local anesthetics, antimicrobial and antifungal agents, anti-cellulite agents, antioxidants, skin-soothing ingredients, sensory agents, colorants, opacifiers, particles, fragrances, essential oils, lubricants, and combinations thereof. Other examples of optional ingredients that may be used in this skin care composition are described in U.S. Patent Publications 2002/0022040; 2003/0049212; 2004/0175347; 2006/0275237; 2007/0196344; 2008/0181956; 2010/00092408; 2008/0206373; 2010/0239510; 2010/0189669; 2011/0262 025; 2011/0097286; US2012/0197016; 2012/0128683; 2012/0148515; 2012/0156146; and 2013/0022557; and U.S. Patents 5,939,082; 5,872,112; 6,492,326; 6,696,049; 6,524,598; 5,972,359; 6,174,533; and 9,358,263.

Preparation method

The base ingredients and/or skincare active substances can generally be prepared according to conventional methods known in the art for preparing such compositions. For example, the base ingredients can be prepared by mixing the components to a relatively homogeneous state in one or more steps under heating or without heating, cooling, vacuum, etc. An emulsion can be prepared by first mixing the aqueous phase material and the oil phase material separately, and then appropriately combining the two phases to produce the desired continuous phase. After mixing, the base ingredients are placed in a suitable package sized to store a personalized dose of the skincare composition. The package should be able to withstand the forces experienced during manufacturing, transport, and in-situ mixing. In some cases, the disposable capsule may include a fragile seal configured to break upon application of a suitable dispensing pressure. The skincare active substance is placed in a suitable cartridge that can be removably inserted into the device of this system. The skincare active substance cartridge may include one or more sterile tubes positioned in fluid communication with the disposable capsule to provide a closed-loop system in the dispensing device.

How to use

Various methods of treatment, application, modulation, or improvement may utilize the personalized skincare compositions described herein. In some cases, the method may include identifying target areas (e.g., facial skin surfaces such as the forehead, perioral region, chin, periorbital region, nose, and/or cheeks) and/or areas where treatment is desired, including skin that requires treatment (e.g., skin with visible pigmentation disorders, fine lines or wrinkles, or other undesirable skin conditions), and applying a safe and effective amount of the personalized skincare composition to the target areas of the skin. In some cases, the target areas of the skin may not show visible signs of a skin condition, but if the user (e.g., a relatively young user) typically develops a skin condition later in life, they may still wish to target this skin area (e.g., skin surfaces that are not typically covered by clothing, such as facial skin surfaces, hand and arm skin surfaces, foot and leg skin surfaces, and neck and chest skin surfaces). In this way, the method and composition can be used as a preventative measure. The personalized skincare compositions described herein may be applied to the target skin areas during the treatment period and, if desired, to the surrounding skin at least once daily, twice daily, or more frequently daily. When applied twice daily, the first and second applications can be spaced at least 1 to 12 hours apart. For example, skincare compositions can be applied in the morning and/or at bedtime.

Ideally, the treatment period should be long enough for the personalized skincare composition to improve the health and/or appearance of the target areas of the skin (e.g., reduction in the size of pigmented spots and/or improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles). The treatment period can last at least one week (e.g., approximately two, four, eight, or even twelve weeks). In some cases, the treatment period will be extended to several months (i.e., three to twelve months) or years. In some cases, the personalized skincare composition may be applied on most days of the week (e.g., at least four, five, or six days per week), at least once daily or even twice daily during a treatment period of at least two, four, eight, or twelve weeks.

The personalized skincare compositions described herein can be applied topically or over the entire skin surface. Regarding the application of the composition, the terms "topical," "local," and "partially" refer to delivering the composition to a target area (e.g., a pigmented spot) while minimizing delivery to skin surfaces not intended for treatment. The composition may be applied to and gently massaged into the skin area. The form of the composition or a dermatologically acceptable carrier should be chosen to facilitate topical application. While some embodiments herein envision topical application of the composition to a specific area, it should be understood that the compositions herein may be applied more comprehensively or extensively to one or more skin surfaces. In some embodiments, the personalized skincare compositions described herein may be used as part of a multi-step cosmetic regimen involving the sequential application of two or more personalized skincare compositions.

Figure 12 illustrates an example of a method using the personalized skincare system described herein. As shown in Figure 12, the first step of the process is loading a base ingredient pod into a dispensing device. Next, the system accesses personalization factors, which may be stored on the device (e.g., in a non-transitory memory component) or obtained from a remote database or device. Personalization factors may include environmental factors (e.g., geographic location, local weather, UV index) and skin condition factors (e.g., dry, oily, age, ethnicity, time spent outdoors, skincare history). The system uses these personalization factors to determine the type and/or amount of skin-active substances contained in the personalized skincare composition. An appropriate amount of the skincare active substance is transferred to a disposable base ingredient pod, where the active substance and base ingredient are mixed together. Once the ingredients are properly mixed, the personalized skincare composition is dispensed to the user for application to the target area of the skin.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein should not be construed as strictly limited to the precise numerical values cited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and a range around which it is functionally equivalent. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to represent “approximately 40 mm”.

Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, every reference cited herein, including any cross-references or related patents or patent applications, and any patent application or patent claiming priority to or benefiting from it, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Reference to any reference is not an endorsement of it as prior art to any disclosed or protected art herein, nor is it an endorsement of any such invention, either on its own or in combination with any one or more references. Furthermore, where any meaning or definition of a term in this invention conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in referenced documents, the meaning or definition given to that term in this invention shall prevail.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described by way of example, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention be covered by the appended claims.

Claims (18)

1. A method for providing a personalized skin care composition, the method comprising: a) Incorporating personalization factors into a personalized skincare system, wherein the personalized skincare system includes: (i) A dispensing device, the dispensing device comprising at least one wall defining an internal space; (ii) a replaceable cartridge disposed within the internal space, the replaceable cartridge containing a skin-care active substance; and (iii) Hybrid elements; b) Place a disposable pod containing the base ingredients into the internal space of the dispensing device, such that the disposable pod is in fluid communication with the replaceable cartridge; c) Select a personalized skin care composition formulation based on the input personalization factors; d) Transfer the skin care active ingredient into the disposable pod; e) Using a mixing element to mix the skincare active substance and the base ingredient to form the personalized skincare composition, wherein the mixing element does not come into contact with the ingredients during mixing; and f) Dispense the personalized skin care composition. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the personalization factor is input from a skin diagnostic tool. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the disposable pod includes a flexible wall portion. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the disposable pod includes a rigid wall portion. 5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the mixing element mixes the components together by applying pressure to the flexible wall portion. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the mixing element comprises a pair of opposing rollers. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the mixing element moves along the length of the disposable pod while applying pressure to the flexible wall portion. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the disposable pod includes a fragile seal covering the dispensing opening in the disposable pod. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the mixing element is configured to apply a dispensing pressure sufficient to break the fragile seal and dispense the personalized skincare composition. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the personalized skin care system further comprises a clamp to help hold the disposable pod in place. 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the personalized skin care system further includes an indicator that provides the user with a status indication of the personalized skin care system. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the personalized skin care system further comprises the dispensing device being configured to communicate with a remote computing device. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the disposable pod includes an identifier that can be detected by the dispensing device and cause the dispensing device to provide information to the personalized skin care system. 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the replaceable cartridge contains sufficient skin care active ingredients to formulate personalized skin care compositions between 5 and 60 doses. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the personalized skin care system further includes an opening extending from the outer surface of the dispensing device into the interior space, wherein the opening is configured to receive the disposable pod from the user. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the dispensing device comprises between two and ten replaceable cartridges, and wherein at least two of the replaceable cartridges contain different skin care active substances. 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the dispensing device further comprises a movable wall portion that conceals a dispensing portion of the dispensing device, and wherein the movable wall portion automatically opens to expose the dispensing portion when the personalized skincare composition is ready to be dispensed. 18. The method according to claim 1, wherein the disposable pod is airtight before use.