System for Storing and Dispensing Soluble Makeup

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a system for the storage and application of soluble cosmetic.

BACKGROUND

Current methods and devices for storing and applying soluble cosmetics use a receptacle with threaded opening into which an applicator wand is removably coupled, and which is unscrewed for application to eyes or lips. These devices are designed to be discarded after the cosmetic substance is depleted. The devices are commonly made of unrecyclable, hard plastic. Environmentally conscious consumers, averse to the disposable, non-recyclable aspects of cosmetic products, seek devices which can be re-used by replenishing the contents. Eye-makeup products alone are discarded in unsustainable numbers; an estimated one hundred and six million eye mascaras are sold each year in plastic containers, all of which are left in landfills or waste dumps that leave debris in oceans and waterways.

Once opened, currently available cosmetics become dry and unusable after six to 18 months.

In addition, conventional mascara containers are permanently sealed systems in which the wiper—a flexible insert that removes excess solution from the applicator—is not removable from the bottle neck. These systems make the container non-serviceable and non-refillable; users cannot properly clean or refill the container once the makeup has been depleted or expired, leading to unnecessary waste and hygiene concerns.

Existing “refillable” cosmetic designs rely on snap-fit or cartridge-based mechanisms that replace the entire bottle or interior vial. These do not provide direct access to the interior for cleaning. A refillable, washable container that preserves the functionality of the wiper and wand while allowing the consumer to easily open, clean, and reassemble the packaging would address these waste and hygiene concerns. By allowing cleaning and reuse, such a system would reduce packaging waste and promote long-term consumer use.

In this disclosure, a “dilution solution,” “solution,” “hydration fluid” or “liquid” ay be water or other hydration fluid. A cosmetic or anhydrous cosmetic may be in the form of a pellet, tablet or the like.

SUMMARY

A modular, refillable cosmetic-delivery and storage system may be used for any type of cosmetic or liquid formulations requiring controlled dispensing, such as mascaras, brow serums, lip glosses, or skincare serums. The system enables fresh cosmetic pigment and hydration fluid to be replenished as needed, providing a reusable cosmetic product that produces little to no waste.

The system has multiple detachable segments. In general, an upper solution chamber houses a liquid hydration fluid/solution. It has a dropper bottle which can be removed to dispense solution into a lower container for mixing with cosmetic. A second segment is a wand assembly that includes a cosmetic brush and a wand-and-cap assembly for application. A third segment is a removable, tapered receptacle designed to regulate the cosmetic quantity on the wand. This section replaces a traditional “stopper” tool, a common part that serves to squeeze extra cosmetic from the brush. A fourth segment is a container body where cosmetic tablets are combined with hydration fluid and stored there for use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front, exploded view of an example embodiment.

DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an iteration 100 of a cosmetic-delivery and storage system. A first segment 127 has a dropper bottle with a bulb 124. The dropper bottle 127 is configured to contain and dispense a solution. This segment has a removable cap 122 that a user unscrews to disassemble the dropper bottle 127 to deliver serum into a lower container 110, where it can be mixed with a cosmetic pellet to adjust a cosmetic formula for applying to the face.

A second segment is an applicator assembly 125 that comprises an applicator 114, a wand 116 and handle 118. A first sleeve 126 is affixed to the handle 118 while a second sleeve 120 removably joins the handle to the stopper bottle. The detachable sleeve 120 holds the dropper-bottle assembly 125 to the wand top 118 to enable a user to easily access solution in the dropper bottle 127. A third segment is a container 110 with a removable tapered receptacle 112.

The applicator wand-and-handle assembly 125 screws into the third segment, which is made up of a relatively wide-mouthed container 110 removably coupled with the tapered receptacle 112.

This container holds an anhydrous cosmetic pigment pellet 111 designed to be combined with solution from the dropper bottle. In use, the dropper bottle 127 is disassembled from the applicator section, enabling the solution in it to be poured, squeezed or allowed to drip from the bottle into the container 110, where it dissolves the cosmetic pellet that has been placed inside. The dissolved pellet-and-solution mixture forms a viscous cosmetic that can be applied with the applicator wand. Both the mixing solution and the pigment pellet are designed to be replaced once depleted. One skilled in the art understands that the bottle may be replaced or washed and refilled.

The smaller-diameter end of the tapered receptacle 112 contains an inner wiper/comb component for removing excess cosmetic before application. The tapered receptacle is removable to enable access to the container's 110 wide opening, which receives the cosmetic pellet 111. After a user drops in a cosmetic pellet and mixes it with hydration fluid from the bottle 128, the tapered receptacle is replaced, enabling the inner wiper to be situated to remove excess cosmetic as the wand is withdrawn.

Together these components form a modular system that a user may disassemble and reassemble for cleaning or replacement of parts. The tapered receptacle 112 has a relatively smaller-diameter opening at its proximal end than at its distal end, where it engages with the lower container 110. When ready to apply cosmetic, a user pulls the applicator wand-and-handle assembly 125 through the relatively smaller-diameter opening of the tapered receptacle 112. The tapered receptacle's interior, which is shaped to support a removable wiper and align the applicator wand during use, may be made of silicone or other flexible material known in the art, and may attach to adjacent parts via internal and external threads, press-fit, or other attaching means known in the art.

The tapered receptacle 112, when installed, maintains the wiper's alignment and sealing integrity. When removed, the spacer/connector enables unobstructed access to the interior of the container 110, enabling adding of a fresh cosmetic pellet, mixing of new solution batches, and cleaning. The spacer/connector can be adapted to existing cosmetic containers, enabling manufacturers to convert standard designs into refillable versions.

Designed to replace traditional stopper tools, it enables easy cleaning and refilling of cosmetic without repeated insertion and removal of fragile stopper components. It also prevents cosmetic from leaking from a dropped or tipped container. Unlike devices known in the art, this part is removable for washing, and for enabling access to the relatively wide opening of the lower container, where one may drop in a new cosmetic pellet. Its use is described below.

The lower segment 110 is a container that holds an anhydrous cosmetic pigment pellet 111 which is designed to be dissolved in the solution from the bottle 124. One skilled in the art understands that this segment may be manufactured of glass, silicone, metal or other material.

The device may be used like any other cosmetic wand applicator, for example, a mascara cosmetic. To apply the cosmetic, the user unscrews the applicator assembly 125 from the tapered receptacle 112 and container 110. As the wand is withdrawn, it passes through the inner wiper inside the threaded tapered receptacle 112. The inner wiper regulates excess product on the brush and evenly coats the bristles. After the cosmetic is applied, applicator assembly 125 is reinserted and screwed back into place.

The device's inventive step is in the parts that make it reusable, enabling replacement of cosmetic and hydration fluid. To replace a quantity of cosmetic: beginning with a fully assembled container, the user unscrews the threaded tapered receptacle 112 from the container base 110, leaving it open. The user then places one or more cosmetic pellets 111 into the container 110, and then adds dilution solution from the bottle 124 to the container; inserts a mixing wand or tool (not shown) into the container; and mixes the tablets and solution until a uniform cosmetic formula is formed. Once mixed, the user reinstalls the threaded tapered receptacle 112 by screwing it back onto the container 110. The user then reattaches the applicator assembly 125, and then reconnects the first segment 120. The user then proceeds to apply the cosmetic with the applicator assembly 125. Both the mixing solution and the cosmetic pigment pellet 111 are designed to be replaced once depleted. One skilled in the art understands that the solution bottle 127 may be refilled or replaced.

To mix a cosmetic, a user removes the dropper bottle 127 from the upper section and aims the dropper at the inside of the exposed container section 110, where the solution is allowed to pour or drip, where it dissolves the cosmetic pellet to form a viscous cosmetic.

To remove the silicone tapered receptacle 112, a user unscrews it from the container base 110. This creates a wide, unobstructed opening in the container base 110, where replenishable cosmetic pellets 111 are placed and then mixed with hydration fluid from the dropper bottle 127. The container can then be washed with soap and water and reused indefinitely.

One skilled in the art understands that the upper segment may be coupled to the other segments by use of a combination O-ring-and-groove, or any type of snap-fit or threaded fit.