HK1248485B - Automated delivery system of a cosmetic sample - Google Patents

Description

Automatic dispensing system for cosmetic samples

Priority declaration

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62/332,816 and 62/172,509, filed May 6, 2016 and June 8, 2015, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Technical Field

The present teachings relate to an apparatus for a hygienic, automated dispensing system for cosmetic samples.

Background Art

Consumers seeking to purchase cosmetics may encounter pre-packaged cosmetics that are not suitable for trial use, or cosmetics that have been opened for consumer trial use. Pre-packaged cosmetics do not provide consumers with customizable cosmetic samples or allow consumers to try the product before purchase. Opened cosmetic samples may be handled and/or applied by numerous individuals. Many individuals may apply cosmetic samples directly to their faces and/or hands, posing health risks such as infection. Consequently, consumers are forced to make purchase decisions based on closed cosmetic packaging or opened cosmetics for sampling, where the display and application of cosmetics for sampling may be unhygienic.

Certain types of cosmetics, such as lip gloss, concealer, and mascara, that include a makeup applicator or foundation can pose additional trial and error issues. For example, lip gloss, concealer, and mascara are often packaged in a lidded bottle that comes with a makeup applicator, such as a makeup brush. Without a separate makeup applicator, consumers may lack a sanitary tool to remove and apply the cosmetics.

Pre-packaged and opened cosmetic samples may not provide a sample-sized product for consumers to try. Furthermore, opened cosmetic samples may have been on display for a period of time. Therefore, it is unclear when opened cosmetic samples should be discarded and replaced. Furthermore, the appearance (e.g., color and texture) and shelf life of opened cosmetic samples may be affected by frequent handling and/or improper storage. Consequently, consumers may not be able to accurately judge whether a particular cosmetic product is worth purchasing.

U.S. Patent No. 6,622,064 discloses a customizable cosmetics dispenser for a complete selection of nail polish colors and is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent No. 7,624,769 discloses an apparatus for dispensing customized cosmetic formulations and is incorporated herein by reference. These cosmetics dispensers may suffer from one or more of the following disadvantages: they cannot dispense sample-sized cosmetics, are limited to or only suitable for dispensing a single type of cosmetic, are limited to dispensing customizable cosmetic formulations, and require a mixing device.

Therefore, there is a need for a customer to have an opportunity to try hygienic cosmetics before purchasing them. There is a need for a customer to have an opportunity to try customizable cosmetics before purchasing them. There is a need for a customer to have an opportunity to try cosmetics before purchasing them in the correct size. There is a need for a customer to have an opportunity to try cosmetics before purchasing them, where no one else has touched the sample. There is also a need for a cosmetic sample dispensing device that has one or more of the following advantages: dispenses sample-sized cosmetics, is suitable for dispensing a variety of cosmetic types (e.g., lip gloss, concealer, and mascara), is not limited to dispensing customizable cosmetic formulas, and does not require a mixing device. The present teachings provide one or more of the above opportunities/advantages.

Summary of the Invention

The present teachings contemplate an apparatus comprising: a carrier including a plurality of mounts, a plurality of containers removably attached to the carrier via the plurality of mounts, vertical and horizontal translation components, one or more information retrieval devices, a user interface including a data interface adapted to store information on the one or more information retrieval devices, and a transparent panel covering at least a portion of a dispensing apparatus. The one or more information retrieval devices are adapted to be possessed by a user. The apparatus dispenses a cosmetic sample based on user input.

The vertical and horizontal translation components may be composed of a robotic arm assembly. The vertical and horizontal translation components may be composed of a robotic arm assembly including one or more arm assemblies. The vertical and horizontal translation components may be composed of a robotic arm assembly including three arm assemblies. The vertical and horizontal translation components may include an arm assembly including a motor, a drive component, a sliding component and an arm. The vertical and horizontal translation components may include an arm assembly including a motor, a drive component, a sliding component with a gripping portion and an arm. The vertical and horizontal translation components may include a first arm assembly and a second arm assembly including a motor, a drive component, a sliding component and an arm, and a third arm assembly including a motor, a drive component, a sliding component with a gripping portion and an arm.

The vertical and horizontal translation component may include a robotic arm assembly, wherein at least a portion of the robotic arm assembly moves along one or more axes. The vertical and horizontal translation component may include a robotic arm assembly having three arm assemblies, wherein at least a portion of the robotic arm assembly moves along an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis.

The carrier may be partially connected to a platform. The carrier may include a further panel. The carrier may be generally rectangular in shape. The plurality of mounting members may be arranged in one or more rows and/or columns. The container may include a bottle portion and a lid portion. The device may include a plurality of lids with attached cosmetic tools, the cosmetic tools being removably connected to the carrier via the plurality of mounting members. The device may include a plurality of lids with attached cosmetic tools, the cosmetic tools being removably connected to the carrier via the plurality of mounting members, wherein the attached cosmetic tools include a mascara brush and a lip gloss/concealer brush. The device may include a plurality of lids with attached cosmetic tools, the cosmetic tools being removably connected to the carrier via the plurality of mounting members, wherein the lids with the plurality of attached cosmetic tools are adapted to engage with the gripping portion of the robotic arm assembly. The device may include a control housing assembly comprising electrical components and computer components. The device may include a control housing assembly comprising electrical components and computer components connected to the robotic arm assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary apparatus in accordance with the present teachings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The explanations and illustrations given herein are intended to enable other persons skilled in the art to understand its teachings, its principles and its practical applications. Those skilled in the art can adapt and apply these teachings in their various forms, which may be best suited to the requirements of a particular application. Therefore, the specific embodiments of the present teachings set forth are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the present teachings. Therefore, the scope of the present teachings should not be determined with reference to the above description, but should be determined with reference to the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Other combinations, as will be collected in the following claims, are also possible and are also incorporated by reference into the written description herein.

The present teachings contemplate a device for dispensing cosmetic samples. The device may be a point-of-sale dispenser for retail use. The device may include a carrier comprising a plurality of mounting members. The plurality of mounting members may include a plurality of components or cosmetic containers removably attached to the carrier via the plurality of mounting members. The device may include vertical and horizontal translation components. The device may include one or more information retrieval devices. The device may include a user interface comprising a data interface adapted to store information on the one or more information retrieval devices. The device may include a transparent panel covering at least a portion of the dispensing device. The one or more information retrieval devices may be adapted to be possessed by a user.

Furthermore, the present teachings provide individuals with the opportunity to dispense sample sizes of cosmetics as needed, personalizing the dispensing for each individual. For example, based on their skin type, skin tone, skin hydration, etc. Furthermore, the present teachings provide hygienic cosmetic samples that can be dispensed upon request as single doses or sample sizes via mobile devices, wearable technology, biometrics, etc. Automated dispensing systems for hygienic cosmetic samples can be used by individuals at the point of sale or at home.

The hygienic cosmetic sample automated dispensing system can be housed within an adjacent and independent automated custom cosmetic dispenser. The hygienic cosmetic sample automated dispensing system can be housed within the retail pod and operated by a mobile app to provide samples.

The location of the sample dispenser technology (automated dispensing system) can vary. The location may be at the point of sale, such as a department store, grocery store, beauty product retail store, and high-end discount retail store. The location of the above-mentioned places may be one or more of the following locations: a counter, a cash register, a wall, a floor, a ceiling, a stand-alone portable device that is portable and is combined with a stand-alone automated cosmetics dispenser, where the stand-alone automated cosmetics dispenser is used to customize the cosmetics for people to purchase. The location of the sample dispenser technology (automated dispensing system) may be in the home. In the home, the location may be stand-alone (portable), on top of the counter or mounted on the wall. The location of the sample dispenser technology (automated dispensing system) may be in the automobile. In the automobile, the location may be stand-alone (portable), in the seat or in the console.

Communication with the sample dispenser technology (automated dispensing system) can be any of the following: wearable technology, mobile device (application), thumbprint recognition, facial recognition (biometric recognition), wireless radio frequency identification (RFID), such as radio beacons, geometric positioning technology, one or more photos taken at the dispensing system and one or more photos uploaded to the dispenser from a computer or mobile device.

The type of hygienic sample dispensed can be a customized sample. The customized sample can be a combination of proportioned materials (liquid, powder, or a combination thereof). The proportioned materials can be mixed/combined together manually and/or through automated processing to produce a finished product for testing/sampling. The finished product can be tested for appearance, texture, color, etc. for purchase at the point of sale (POS) or for use at home, in the car, and/or for other personal use.

The type of hygienic sample dispensed can be a sample of a finished or finished product for purchase or use. The dispensed sample can be a proportionate amount of a substance dispensed onto a substrate for testing/sampling. The dispensed sample can be used to determine product quality and preference based on appearance, texture, taste, color, etc., for purchase at the POS or for use at home, in the car, and/or other personal use.

The substance to be dispensed may be a liquid, a solid, or a powder. The substance to be dispensed may be a liquid. The substance to be dispensed may include one or more of the following: makeup, foundation, perfume, mascara, lip gloss, liquid lipstick, eye gel, cheek gel, cosmetic color stain, skin care products, facial cleanser, lotion, toothpaste, mouthwash, hand soap, hair spray, styling foam, sunscreen, aftershave, shaving cream, and deodorant. The substance to be dispensed may be a solid, such as balm, lipstick, and candle wax. The substance to be dispensed may be a powder, such as talcum powder, deodorant, eye shadow, blush, contour powder, and dry shampoo.

The device can dispense one or more ingredients. The one or more ingredients can include any of the following: a lip gloss ingredient, a pigment ingredient, a flavoring ingredient, a foundation ingredient, a mascara ingredient, a color gel ingredient, a makeup stain ingredient, a skin care ingredient, a moisturizing ingredient, a tooth bleaching ingredient, a hair removal ingredient, a hair color ingredient, a styling foam ingredient, a dry shampoo ingredient, a makeup remover ingredient, a nail polish ingredient, a nail polish remover ingredient, an acne treatment ingredient, a hair bleaching ingredient, an antibacterial ingredient, a deodorant ingredient, a fragrance ingredient, a sunscreen ingredient, an exfoliating ingredient, an anti-aging ingredient, a shaving cream ingredient, crème blush, crème rouge, skin crème, camouflage crème, massage crème, creme foundation, eye crème, rejuvenating eye crème. The one or more ingredients can include a lip gloss ingredient, a pigment ingredient, a flavoring ingredient, or a combination thereof. The one or more ingredients may include any of the following: an antibacterial ingredient, a moisturizing ingredient, a teeth whitening ingredient, a hair removal ingredient, a bronzer ingredient, a body shimmer ingredient, a hair shimmer/color ingredient, a makeup remover ingredient, a nail polish remover ingredient, a hair bleaching ingredient, a deodorant ingredient, a fragrance ingredient, a sunscreen ingredient, a lip gloss ingredient, a pigment ingredient, a flavoring ingredient, an exfoliating ingredient, or an anti-aging ingredient. The one or more ingredients may primarily include lip gloss ingredients or eye shadow ingredients.

The device can dispense one or more cosmetic products. The device can dispense one or more sample-sized cosmetic products. The device can dispense one or more sample-sized cosmetic products onto a suitable makeup tool. The device can dispense one or more sample-sized cosmetic products onto a suitable makeup tool suitable for the device. The cosmetic products may include lipstick, lip liner, lip crayon, eyeliner, eye crayon, foundation stick, or any combination thereof. The device can dispense liquid cosmetic products, such as concealer, liquid foundation, and/or primer. The device can dispense liquid foundation. The device can dispense concealer. The device can dispense lip cosmetics, such as lip gloss, liquid lipstick, etc. The device can dispense mascara.

The substance can be dispensed onto one or more types of substrates. The substrate can include a card. The card can be any of the following: coated paper, uncoated paper, plastic, wood, metal, glass, or a mirror. The substrate can include a towelette. The towelette can be made of paper. The towelette can be made of fabric. The fabric can be disposable. The substrate can include a cotton swab. The substrate can include a brush. The substrate can include a tray. The substrate can include a glass slide. For example, the device can dispense one or more flavoring ingredients, lip color ingredients, and pigment ingredients onto a card. For example, the device can dispense spices or condiments onto a card.

The substance can be dispensed into one or more types of substrates. The substrate can include a container. The container can be any of the following: a product bottle, a cup, a tray, a towelette, a brush, a cotton swab. The substrate can be made of any of the following: coated paper, uncoated paper, glass, plastic, acrylic resin, fabric, wood, metal, mirrored material. The substrate can include a pre-sealed cup. The pre-sealed cup can be made of plastic, paper, etc., where the aluminum and/or plastic covering can be pierced. The substance can be injected into a material such as a pre-treated or pre-moistened towelette. The towelette can be pre-treated or pre-moistened with vitamins, preservatives, fragrances, saline, lotion, zinc oxide, sunscreen, etc. The towelette can be biodegradable. One or more ingredients can be dispensed into a mold to form a monolithic structure of the pigment composition.

The method for distributing the sample onto or into the substrate can vary. The method for distributing the substrate can be automated. For example, by a card feeder, a paper feeder, a tape measure/paper dispenser, gravity drop of the product bottle, a rotating conveyor, a magazine loading device, or robotic placement. The method for distributing the substrate can be manual. For example, such as by personal feeding. A robotic arm can assist in distributing one or more components. For example, a robotic arm can assist in distributing one or more components into a mold for forming the overall structure.

The method of delivering the substance onto or into the substrate can vary. The method of delivery can include an actuator depressing a syringe. The method of delivery can include spraying. The method of delivery can include spraying air aerosols. The method of delivery can include gravity drop.

The substrate can be advanced to receive a proportional amount of the substance. The method for advancing the substrate to receive the proportional amount of the substance can include one or more movements. The direction of movement can be linear, vertical, and/or rotational. The movement mechanism can include a conveyor belt or a mechanical mechanism for moving the substrate from one location to another.

The method of delivering the substrate including the sample to the customer can vary. The delivery method can include one or more of the following: elevator doors, sliding door entrances, slides, robotic conveyor belts, and elevators.

The device may include one or more methods and/or devices for maintaining information about samples dispensed to customers. The methods and/or devices may provide data analytics. The methods and/or devices for maintaining data analytics may include mobile applications, networks from dispensers and information generated, recorded, and shared, social media resources, geometric location devices, beacon location devices, and RFID.

The device can provide customized samples. The device can provide a combination of proportioned materials (liquid, powder, or a combination thereof) to be mixed/combined together manually and/or through automated processing to produce a finished product for testing/sampling the appearance, texture, color, etc. of the product for purchase at a POS or for use at home, in a car, and/or for other personal use.

The device can provide samples of finished or completed products for purchase or use. A proportionate substance can be delivered to a substrate for testing/sampling to determine the quality and preference of the product by appearance, texture, taste, color, etc. for purchase at the POS or for use at home, in the car, and/or other personal use.

The present teachings may include one or more unit play areas. The unit play area may include a mixing station unit. The unit play area may include a sample tester unit. The tester unit may include a robotic arm for dispensing customized cosmetics at the POS.

The present teachings further contemplate a dual-system interconnected cosmetics dispensing device. The device may include a dispenser, a carrier including a plurality of mounting members, a plurality of ingredient containers removably attached to the carrier via the plurality of mounting members, vertical and horizontal translation members, one or more information retrieval devices, a user interface including a data interface suitable for storing information on the one or more information retrieval devices, and a transparent panel covering at least a portion of the dispensing device. The one or more information retrieval devices may be adapted to be in the possession of a user. The dispenser may convert a selected product into another compatible, corresponding, and/or identical formula for another device that customizes the user-selected formula. The customized formula from the first device may be transmitted to a second device for production near or remote from the first device. One device may be a 3D, 4D, or other 3D printer. The device that initially receives the customized formula prints the cosmetic product for the user's sample onto a substrate and then further communicates with another cosmetics dispenser to convert the selected product into another compatible, corresponding, and/or identical formula for another device that customizes the user-selected formula.

The present teachings contemplate a non-hygienic custom sample tester. In one example, the sampling unit may have approximately 30 ingredient positions. The sampling unit may have a robotic arm, approximately 30 ingredient syringes, a conveyor belt for delivering the sample, and the sample on the test card. The sampling unit may fit into an existing footprint. The sampling unit may have: color, coverage, and flavor bolus delivered to the test card. The sampling unit may have a delivery system, which may be a conveyor belt with a pick-up area.

The present teachings contemplate a device for hygienically sampling cosmetics for customers at the point of sale. Cosmetics may include foundation, concealer, lip gloss, and mascara. The device may include one type of cosmetic, such as lip gloss, for sampling. The device may include different colors and/or brands of lip gloss. The device may include different types of cosmetics, such as lip gloss, mascara, and concealer. The device may include different colors and/or brands of different types of cosmetics.

In one embodiment, the device includes lip gloss, mascara, and concealer. The device may include a lip gloss brush, a mascara brush, and a concealer brush. There may be 20 makeup tools. There may be approximately 40 makeup tools. Each type of cosmetic may have between about 10 and about 100 makeup tools. For example, the device may include one lip gloss, one mascara, one concealer, 20 lip gloss brushes, 20 mascara brushes, and 20 concealer brushes.

The apparatus may include product bottles for testing. The dimensions of the product bottles for testing may be the same. The dimensions of the product bottles for testing may vary. The necks of the product bottles may be consistent. The container neck dimensions may vary. The lengths of the product bottles may be the same. The lengths of the product bottles may vary.

The device can include different brushes for testing. It can include a lip gloss brush, a mascara brush, or a concealer brush. The brushes can be fitted with an adapter to allow them to function properly in the testing device.

The device includes a customer interface design. The customer interface design may include an icon to represent each product that the customer wants to test. The customer interface design may include a lip gloss icon, a mascara icon, and a concealer icon.

The device may include a customer interface. The customer interface allows the customer to select one, two, or three locations for product sample testing. The customer may select a product to test (lip gloss, mascara, concealer). A brush in a product container may be picked up and removed vertically from the product container. A small amount of product (e.g., lip gloss, mascara, concealer) is present at the end of the brush. The brush may be removed and disposed of by the customer. The brush may be placed back on the picker and returned to a holding area for future disposal. The device may signal the customer that a product is ready to be taken or picked up. A new brush may be picked up and placed in the bottle of product just selected for testing to prevent the product from drying out.

The device may include an administrative user interface. The administrative user interface may allow one or more of the following operations: homing the device, resetting the device page when the device fails, counting the products tested per segment, counting brush positions until blank, counting the number of tilts per bottle, and notifying an administrator when a product bottle needs to be changed/replaced.

In one example, the device delivers 60 product sample brushes. For example, 20 lip gloss brushes in position 1, 20 mascara brushes in position 2, and 20 concealer brushes in position 3. The device can be refillable with products such as lip gloss, mascara, and concealer, as well as disposable sample brushes for demonstrations. Full product bottles can be exchanged for new product containers for successful refilling. Product containers may be replaced. The sample brush holder area may be refilled.

The device may allow for the placement and removal of test brush boxes. The device may include software for administrative use in refilling and product delivery to customers. The device may include a customer interface that allows a used brush to be delivered to a drop area for used brushes. The device may include the delivery and placement of 5 additional brushes following each bottle of product, once an initial demonstration of 20 brush deliveries is completed (for a total of 60 brush deliveries). The device may include markings located on the platform to demonstrate successful container and brush changes for successful placement. The device may provide for no excess product on each brush. The device may provide for product to be delivered to the customer for pickup via a button on the customer interface. The device may pick up a used brush and place it in a holding area for subsequent processing.

The device can dispense the selected cosmetic sample within approximately 1 to 5 minutes of a user's selection. The device can dispense the selected cosmetic sample within approximately 1 minute of a user's selection. The device can dispense the selected cosmetic sample within approximately 2 minutes of a user's selection. The device can dispense the selected cosmetic sample within approximately 3 minutes of a user's selection. The device can dispense the selected cosmetic sample at any suitable time selected by the user. For example, a user can input data and select a cosmetic product that will be dispensed 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, or even a day after the user input. The device can include a data interface adapted to store information in one or more information retrieval devices regarding the user input, the cosmetic product selection, and/or the cosmetic sample dispensing.

The device can provide for one or more of the following: correct placement of the brush, correct pick-up of the brush with product on the end, correct delivery of the brush with product on the end for user testing, correct delivery of the brush with product on the end to a waiting area, and correct backfilling of the box of loaded brushes.

The present application contemplates an apparatus comprising a carrier including a plurality of racks, a plurality of containers removably attached to the carrier via the plurality of racks, vertical and horizontal translation components, one or more information retrieval devices, a user interface including a data interface adapted to store information on the one or more information retrieval devices, and a transparent panel covering at least a portion of a dispensing apparatus. The one or more information retrieval devices are adapted to be maintained in the possession of a user. The apparatus dispenses a cosmetic sample based on user input.

The device can dispense one or more sample amounts of cosmetics. The device can dispense one or more sample amounts of cosmetics into one or more suitable cosmetic applicators. The device can dispense one or more sample amounts of cosmetics into a suitable cosmetic applicator adapted for the device. The dispensed cosmetics can include, but are not limited to, any combination of the following: concealer, foundation, lip balm, and mascara.

The device of the present application includes a carrier. The carrier may be generally rectangular. The carrier may be of any suitable shape. The carrier may include one or more panels. The carrier may include one or more side panels. The carrier may include one or more top panels. One or more top panels may include a plurality of openings. The carrier may include a bottom panel. The bottom panel of the carrier may be partially attached to a platform. The carrier may include plastic, glass, stainless steel, or any other suitable material. The carrier may be composed of a transparent plastic material. The carrier may be composed of a combination of the above materials.

The carrier may include multiple racks. The racks may be arranged in one or more rows and/or columns. The racks may vary in shape and/or size. The racks may be of the same shape and/or size. The racks may hold containers. The containers may include a bottle portion and a lid portion. The containers may include a removable lid with an attached cosmetic applicator. The carrier may include separate sections. The carrier may include a section for holding one or more containers with removable lids with attached cosmetic applicators. The carrier may include a section for holding one or more removable lids with attached cosmetic applicators. The carrier may hold containers with removable lids with attached cosmetic applicators and/or lids with attached cosmetic applicators, thereby being suspended in mid-air, attached to the rack wells, or both.

Items can be held at angles within the multiple racks. Items held on the carrier can be located on a common surface or on multiple surfaces. The arrangement of the containers and/or lids with the cosmetic applicators attached to the carrier can vary. Suitable arrangements include graphical arrangements, such as radial or linear arrangements. In one example, the containers and/or lids with the attached cosmetic applicators are arranged in a linear fashion in multiple columns and/or rows. However, non-graphical arrangements are also contemplated.

The device of the present application includes one or more containers. The containers can vary in shape and/or size. One or more containers can be at least partially transparent to reveal the contents. The containers can store cosmetics. The containers can store the same type of cosmetics (e.g., mascara). The containers can store different types of cosmetics (e.g., mascara, concealer, lip balm). The containers can store one or more ingredients or cosmetics. The containers can be made of plastic, glass, stainless steel, or some other suitable material. The containers can be selected from the group consisting of: a bag, a box, a bottle, a vial, a test tube, a barrel, a well in a bulk material, a jar, or any combination thereof. The containers can be distributed or reused. The container can include a bottle portion and a removable lid portion. The lid portion can include an attached cosmetic applicator. The bottle portion of the container can be the same bottle as a prepackaged cosmetic container.

The container may include a removably attached lid. The lid may vary in shape and/or size. The lid may include a cosmetic applicator. The cosmetic applicator may be attached to the lid. The cosmetic applicator may vary in shape and/or size. The applicator may be a cosmetic applicator stick comprising a top portion attached to a bottom portion within the lid and a bottom portion attached to any suitable makeup application component (e.g., a brush).

The cosmetic applicator can be adapted for a particular type of cosmetic. The cosmetic applicator can include bristles. The cosmetic applicator can include a sponge tip. The cosmetic applicator can be a toe applicator.

The device may include one or more containers having a removable attached lid having an attached cosmetic applicator that is not attached to the one or more containers. The device may include one type of cosmetic applicator. The device may include multiple types of cosmetic applicators.

The lid with the attached cosmetic applicator can be adapted to fit within the gripping portion of a robotic arm assembly. For example, the top of the lid can include a recessed hole, whereby the gripping portion can be removably attached to the top of the lid. The recess or hole may not extend through the lid. The recess or hole can have any suitable shape. For example, the recess or hole can be circular. The recess or hole can include a groove. The recess or hole can be threaded. The recess or hole in the lid is as described above, so that the gripping portion of a robotic arm assembly can lift, elevate, or remove the lid and attached cosmetic applicator from the bottle portion of the container. The lid with the cosmetic applicator remains securely attached to the gripping portion until released and/or removed.

The device may include a control room assembly. The control room assembly may include a housing. The housing may be a suitable molded plastic exterior. The control room assembly may include electrical components. The control room assembly may include computer components. The control room assembly may include one or more hardware components of a computer system. The control room assembly may be connected to one or more components of the computer system.

The housing may include openings for allowing access to electrical connections, data communication ports, or the like. The control room assembly may communicate with one or more components of the computer system. The control room assembly may communicate with the computer system. Communication between the control room assembly and other portions of the device may be wireless, non-wireless, or both.

The device may be connected to any suitable power source. The device may be connected to an electrical power source. The device or any portion of the device may include an actuator. The device may be motorized. The device may include one or more motors. The motor may be a progressive motor. The motor may be a progressive motor with a micro-drive. The progressive motor with a micro-drive may include a DC power source suitable for the motor and the current resistor group. The device may be battery-powered. The device may include one or more batteries. The device may be manually powered.

The device may include a circuit adapted to interact with signals from one or more components of the device. The circuit may include one or more conductive pathways (e.g., hardwired cables, wires, traces, etc.). The device may include at least one printed circuit board (PCB). The conductive pathway may be a portion of at least one PCB. For example, a PCB may include a conductive pathway located on two or more surfaces that is electrically connected to each other conductive via.

The PCB can be single-sided, double-sided, or multi-layered. The PCB can be double-sided. The PCB can be a four-layer circuit board. The PCB can include up to seven layers. The layers of the PCB can include one or more of the following: a silkscreen layer, a top solder mask layer, a top copper layer, an internal copper ground layer, an internal copper power layer, a bottom copper layer, and a bottom solder mask.

The circuit for operating the device can be arranged in at least one PCB circuit board. The PCB circuit board also has a controller. The PCB circuit board can be adapted to include a connector to receive power lines and ground lines from one or more power sources. The PCB circuit board can include one or more fuses to help protect electronic components from damage. The PCB circuit board can be adapted to include suitable components, such as multiple capacitors, to help minimize fluctuations and noise in the input power supply. Suitable components, such as diodes, can be used to selectively guide current. The present application may include one or more of the following: connectors, integrated circuits, batteries, relays, motors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, transistors, diodes, electrolytic capacitors, LEDs, switches, buttons, mounting holes, and heat sinks.

The circuit may include multiple circuit portions that collectively define a single circuit or a portion thereof. The circuit may include multiple circuits that collectively define multiple circuits. The multiple circuits may be independent circuits, but may be configured to cooperate with any other circuit to achieve the functions described herein. At least one portion of the circuit may be attached via a control room component.

The device may include a motherboard as a main PCB circuit board. The motherboard may allow for communication with the computer system and provide connections to other external devices. These external devices may include input devices (e.g., a keyboard or mouse), output devices that provide output from the computer system to the user (e.g., a monitor or printer), or input/output devices that provide both functions (e.g., a touch screen).

The device includes a user interface that facilitates the user's selection of one or more cosmetic samples. The device may include an interactive computer system. The user may be a customer, salesperson, technician, or any other individual. The user may input data regarding one or more cosmetics. The user may input data regarding personal information and/or preferences. The user-entered data is then output by the computer system to one or more controllers, and a cosmetic sample is dispensed based on the user-entered data. The computer system may be programmed in one or more programming languages designed to communicate instructions with the computer system. The computer system may include a suitable storage component.

The computer system may include one or more information retrieval devices. For example, the one or more information retrieval devices may include radio frequency identification devices, wearable technology, mobile devices (apps), fingerprint recognition, facial recognition (biometrics), positioning technology, such as signal buoys, geometric or similar, photos taken on the delivery system, and photos uploaded to the dispenser from a computer or mobile device. The one or more information retrieval devices may store information about the quantity of products that may be purchased, consumed, or dispensed from the dispensing device. The one or more information retrieval devices may be configured to make recommendations for ingredients that are to be dispensed from the dispensing device based on the information stored in the one or more information retrieval devices. The device may transmit a product to a user after the product is selected, via a mobile device, online, or after the user has left the device and returned to the device after a period of time. Once a signal is received from the signal retrieval device, the product may be delivered to the user.

The computer system of the present application can communicate with one or more peripheral devices. The peripheral device can be an input device. The peripheral device can be an output device. The peripheral device can be both an input device and an output device. The device can include an input peripheral selected from the group consisting of a keyboard, a computer mouse, a tablet computer, a touch screen, a barcode reader, a picture scanner, a microphone, a webcam, a game controller, a light pen, and a digital camera. The device can also include an output peripheral selected from the group consisting of a computer display, a printer, a projector, and computer speakers.

The functions provided by the above-mentioned input and output devices can be separated into multiple devices or integrated into a single device. The input device can communicate with the dispensing device directly or indirectly through an additional medium (such as a computer). Each component can be independently controlled by its own control system or by one or more computers.

The device positions a desired cosmetic product based on user input. The device may include vertical and horizontal translation components. The vertical and horizontal translation components may include a robotic arm assembly.

In one example, the apparatus includes a robotic arm assembly. The robotic arm assembly may include one or more programmable robotic arm assemblies. The robotic arm assembly may be programmable to locate appropriate locations and/or cause distribution of items held on multiple racks on a carrier.

The robotic arm assembly may include one or more robotic arm assemblies. The robotic arm assembly may include a first robotic arm assembly. The robotic arm assembly may include a second robotic arm assembly. The robotic arm assembly may include a third robotic arm assembly. The robotic arm assembly may be composed of three robotic arm assemblies. At least a portion of the robotic arm assembly may be movable along one or more axes. The movement of the robotic arm assemblies may be simultaneous. The movement of the robotic arm assemblies may be continuous.

At least a portion of the robotic arm assembly can move along the x, y, and z axes. At least a portion of the robotic arm assembly can move along any combination of the x, y, and z axes. The movement path can be one or more of the following: translational, rotational, linear, or nonlinear. At least a portion of the robotic arm assembly can be stationary.

Movement of the robotic arm assembly or any portion of the device can be achieved using any suitable drive mechanism. Drive mechanisms can include pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, or mechanical drive devices. The robotic arm assembly can include one or more drive components. The one or more drive components can be of any shape. For example, the drive component can be a drive shaft. For example, the drive component can be a drive belt.

A robotic arm assembly may be comprised of one or more arm assemblies. An arm assembly may include a motor, a drive component, a sliding component, and an arm. The motor may move the drive component in a first direction. The motor may move the drive component in an opposite second direction. The drive component may be threaded. The drive component may be non-threaded. The drive component may be rotationally movable. Rotation of the drive component may cause movement of the sliding component. The sliding component may be slidably coupled to the arm. The arm may be stationary. The sliding component may move linearly along the arm in a first direction. The moving component may move linearly along the arm in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The sliding component may include a gripping portion. The gripping portion may move in the same direction as the sliding component.

In one example, the robotic arm assembly includes a first arm assembly, a second arm assembly, and a third arm assembly having a gripping portion. The robotic arm assembly moves toward a desired cosmetic container having a removable lid attached thereto, the lid including an attached cosmetic applicator. At least a portion of the robotic arm assembly can move along an x-axis and/or a y-axis of a carrier to position the cosmetic container containing the desired cosmetic.

At least a portion of the robotic arm assembly with the gripping portion moves downward along the y-axis to contact the lid of the desired cosmetic container, which is gripped by a frame of a carrier with the gripping portion. The gripping portion of the robotic arm assembly establishes contact with the top of the lid. The gripping portion of the robotic arm assembly is adapted to conform to the top of the lid. The top exterior portion of the container lid may include a recess or hole. The top exterior portion of the container lid may include a groove. The top exterior portion of the container lid may be threaded. The gripping portion may be substantially planar or include a groove, or both. The gripping portion may be threaded. At least a portion of the robotic arm assembly lifts the lid with the attached cosmetic applicator out of the bottle portion of the container along the y-axis.

At least a portion of a robotic arm assembly including a gripping portion attached to a lid is moved toward a designated location, the lid having an attached cosmetic applicator including a cosmetic sample. For example, the lid is moved toward a person located near the selected location. The lid with the attached cosmetic applicator, including a cosmetic sample, is securely attached to the gripping portion until released and/or removed. For example, a person can move the lid by pulling the lid from the gripping portion.

The lid has an attached cosmetic applicator that includes a cosmetic sample. After releasing and/or removing the lid, at least a portion of the robotic arm assembly moves away from the designated location. For example, it moves away from the person and toward a carrier having multiple racks. The device positions the lid, which has an attached cosmetic applicator, corresponding to the previously dispensed cosmetic sample. For example, if the carrier includes the following items, and the previously dispensed cosmetic sample is mascara, the device will have an attached mascara applicator positioned from multiple racks within the carrier: containers containing mascara, lip balm, and concealer; lids with attached mascara applicators; and lids with attached lip balm/concealer. The racks with mascara applicators can be positioned in one or more rows and/or columns adjacent to the mascara containers. At least one portion of the robotic arm assembly with the gripping portion then moves downward along the y-axis to contact the lid, which has an attached cosmetic applicator corresponding to the type of cosmetic sample previously dispensed. At least a portion of the robotic arm assembly moves upward along the y-axis and lifts the lid with the attached cosmetic applicator out of the carrier's frame.

The device positions the bottle portion of a previously dispensed cosmetic container. For example, if the previously dispensed cosmetic was mascara, the device positions the uncovered mascara bottle. A gripping portion of a robotic arm assembly is securely attached to a lid having an attached cosmetic applicator, and at least a portion of the robotic arm assembly moves along the x-axis and/or z-axis toward a frame of a carrier that holds the previously dispensed cosmetic bottle. The gripping portion of the robotic arm assembly is securely attached to the lid having an attached cosmetic applicator, and at least a portion of the robotic arm assembly moves downward along the y-axis into the previously dispensed cosmetic bottle. The lid with the attached cosmetic applicator is released from the gripping portion, so that the cosmetic applicator portion is positioned within the bottle and the attached lid covers the bottle. At least a portion of the robotic arm assembly with the gripping portion moves upward away from the cosmetic container along the y-axis.

The device can provide additional cosmetic samples depending on user input. The device can provide another sample from the same bottle as the previous cosmetic sample. The device can provide another sample from the same category as the previous sample. For example, if the previously provided sample was mascara, the device can provide a sample of a different mascara. The device can provide another sample from a different category than the previous sample. For example, if the previously provided sample was mascara, the device can provide a sample of lip balm. The device can provide one or more cosmetic samples. The cosmetic can be altered in any of the following ways: cosmetic category, type of cosmetic applicator, color, brand, or claimed characteristics.

The device can be used on one side where the point of sale is the same as the point of distribution. The device of the present application can be divided into two or more modular components. The device can be integrated into a general housing assembly. The device can include one or more transparent panels. One or more transparent panels can cover one or more modular components of the device. The general housing assembly can include one or more transparent panels. The one or more transparent panels can allow customers to browse the moving parts related to the device and operation. Customers can thus ensure that they receive hygienic cosmetic samples and are not reused by the public. The device can be used in one or more locations, such as in retail locations, homes, hotels, cars and airplanes. The device can also provide any of the following: attract customers, entertain and provide an interactive use experience.

1 depicts a perspective view of an example of the present application. Apparatus 100 is depicted as comprising vertical and horizontal translation components comprised of a robotic arm assembly 110 , a carrier 120 , a control room assembly 140 , and a user interface 150 .

The robot arm assembly 110 includes multiple arm assemblies. The first arm assembly 512 includes an arm 112, a motor 212, a sliding member 312, and a first driving member 412. The second arm assembly 514 includes a second arm 114, a second motor 214, a second sliding member 314, and a second driving member 414. The third pen assembly 516 includes a third arm 116, a third motor 216, a third sliding member 316 having a gripping portion 318, and a third driving member 416. The robot arm assembly 110 is partially connected to the platform 124. The platform 124 is also partially connected to the carrier 120.

The carrier 120 includes a plurality of racks 122. The racks 122 hold one or more containers 130. The containers 130 may include one or more cosmetic products (e.g., mascara, lip balm, and concealer). The container 130 includes a bottle portion 132 and a lid portion 134. The lid portion 134 includes an attached cosmetic applicator 136. The top of the lid 134 includes a hole 138 that does not extend through the lid 134. The racks 122 hold one or more additional lids 134 each having an attached cosmetic applicator 136. The additional lids 134 each having an attached cosmetic applicator 136 may include more than one applicator (e.g., mascara and a lip balm/concealer applicator). The gripping portion 318 of the sliding member 316 is removably attached to the hole 138 of the lid 134.

At least a portion of the robotic arm assembly 110 moves along the x, y, and z axes. The third arm assembly 516 and at least a portion of the second arm assembly 514 move along the x-axis. This movement is along the length of the carrier 120 along the x-axis. At least a portion of the third arm assembly 516 moves along the y-axis. This movement is from a position above the carrier 120 to a contact point. The contact point is between the gripping portion 318 of the third arm extension 516 and a cover 134. At least a portion of the third arm assembly 516, including the gripping portion 318, moves along the z-axis. This movement is along the width of the carrier 120 along the z-axis.

The first arm assembly 512 includes a first motor 212. The first motor 212 causes rotational movement of the first drive member 412. The first drive member 412 is coupled to the first slide member 312. Rotation of the first drive member 412 in one direction causes the first slide member 312 to move linearly in a first direction along the x-axis. Rotation of the first drive member 412 in an opposite direction causes the first slide member 312 to move linearly in a second direction opposite the first direction. The first arm 112 is stationary relative to the platform 124 and is substantially parallel to the first drive member 412. The first arm 112 is parallel to the x-axis. At least a portion of the first slide member 312 is attached to the second arm 114, the second motor 214, or both. Movement of the first slide member 312 in either direction along the x-axis causes movement of the second arm assembly 514, the third arm assembly 516, and/or the gripping portion 318 along the x-axis.

The second arm assembly 514 includes a second motor 214. The second motor 214 causes rotational movement of a second drive member 414. The second drive member 414 is coupled to a second slide member 314. Rotation of the second drive member 414 in one direction causes the second slide member 314 to move linearly in a first direction along the y-axis. Rotation of the drive member 414 in an opposite direction causes the second slide member 314 to move linearly in a second direction along the y-axis, opposite the first direction. The second slide member 314 is slidably coupled to the second arm 114. The second arm 114 is vertically stationary and substantially parallel to the second drive member 414. At least a portion of the second slide member 314 is attached to the third arm 116, the third motor 216, or both. Sliding of the second slide member 314 in either direction along the y-axis causes the third arm assembly 516 and/or the gripping portion 318 to move along the y-axis.

The third arm assembly 516 includes a third motor 216. The third motor 216 causes rotational movement of the third drive member 416. The third drive member 416 and the third slide member 416 rotate. The third drive member 416 is coupled to the third slide member 316. Rotation of the third drive member 416 in one direction causes linear movement of the third slide member 316 in a first direction along the z-axis. Rotation of the third drive member 416 in an opposite direction causes linear movement of the third slide member 316 in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the z-axis. The third slide member 316 is slidably coupled to the third arm 116. The third arm 116 is substantially parallel to the third drive member 416. Movement of at least a portion of the third slide member 316 in either direction along the z-axis causes movement of the gripping portion 318 along the z-axis.

The robotic arm assembly 110 is connected to a control room assembly 140. The control room assembly 140 includes one or more electrical components 142 and one or more computer hardware components 144 of a computer system 160. The control room assembly 140 can be connected to a power source (not shown). The control room assembly 140 is connected to an interface 150 of the computer system.

As used herein, unless stated to the contrary, this application contemplates that any certain species can be excluded from a species; and/or any certain Markush grouping can be excluded from a grouping.

Unless otherwise stated, any reference to a numerical value includes all values from the lower value to the higher value in one unit increment, if there are at least two independent units between the lower value and the higher value. As an example, if the numerical value of a component, property or process parameter, such as temperature, pressure, time and the like, is stated to be, for example, from 1 to 90, preferably from 20-80, more preferably from 30-70, it is intended that the amount of intermediate regions, such as (15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32, etc.) is in the specification of the present application. Similarly, individual intermediate values are also in the specification of the present application. For those values less than 1, a suitable unit can be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1. These are just some examples that the specification intends to illustrate, and all possible enumerated combinations between the minimum and maximum values are considered to be explicitly stated in the present application. It can be found that "a portion by weight" expressed as a quantity also contemplates the same range of weights expressed as a percentage. Thus, a range expressed as "x parts by weight of a polymer blend component" is also contemplated as "x percent by mass of a polymer blend component."

Unless stated otherwise, all ranges include both endpoints and all values between them. The use of "about" in a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, "about 20 to 30" is understood to cover "about 20 to about 30," including at least the explicit endpoints.

All articles and references in this application, including the application documents and published documents, are incorporated by reference. The term "consisting essentially of" used to describe a composition shall include the defined elements, ingredients, components, or steps, as well as any other elements, ingredients, components, or steps that do not substantially affect the essence or novelty of the combination. The term "comprising" used herein to describe an element, ingredient, component, or step is also intended to mean consisting of or consisting essentially of the elements, ingredients, components, or steps.

A plurality of elements, ingredients, components or steps may be provided by a single comprehensive element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively, a single comprehensive element, ingredient, component or step may be provided to separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps. The term "a" or "an" used to describe an element, ingredient, component or step does not exclude additional elements, ingredients, components or steps.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is illustrative and not restrictive. In addition to the examples mentioned, many examples and applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art reading this specification. The scope of the present application should therefore be considered not with reference to the foregoing description, but instead with reference to the appended claims, and the full scope of equivalents to the subject claims. All articles and references, including this application and this disclosure, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission of any aspect of the following claims is an indication that such subject matter is not claimed, and should be understood to mean that the inventors do not consider such subject matter to be part of the subject matter of the present invention.

Claims (20)

1. A device, characterized in that it comprises: a) A carrier, including: i. Multiple racks; and ii. A plurality of containers detachably attached to the carrier via the plurality of racks, each container comprising a sample material; b) Several horizontal translational components including one or more sliding members; c) A substrate for positioning within at least one of a plurality of containers, wherein a portion of the sample material is placed on the substrate from at least one container to produce a sanitary sample; d) A sealed cup for sealing the sanitary sample to ensure that the sanitary sample is not contaminated; e) User interface and information retrieval device that uses facial recognition and biometric data to determine which sample material to select for forming a health sample. f) A panel covering at least a portion of the distribution equipment; and g) Rotating section for moving the base; and The device dispenses the sanitary sample into the sealed substrate. 2. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it includes a vertical translation component. 3. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an arm and a motor. 4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the horizontal translation component comprises an arm. 5. The device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the horizontal translation component moves along one or more axes. 6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier portion is connected to a platform. 7. The device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the carrier comprises one or more panels. 8. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the carrier is generally rectangular. 9. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of racks are arranged in one or more rows and/or columns. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the container comprises a bottle portion and a cap portion. 11. The device of claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of lids having additional cosmetic applicators, the cosmetic applicators being detachably attached to the carrier via a plurality of frames. 12. The device of claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of lids having additional cosmetic applicators detachably attached to the carrier via a plurality of frames, wherein the additional cosmetic applicators include mascara brushes and lip balm/concealer applicators. 13. The device of claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of lids having additional cosmetic applicators detachably attached to the carrier via a plurality of frames, the lids having additional cosmetic applicators being adapted to adapt to the gripping portion of a robotic arm assembly. 14. The device of claim 11, characterized in that it includes a control room assembly comprising electrical components and computer components. 15. The device of claim 1, characterized in that it includes a control room assembly comprising electrical components and computer components, the computer components being connected to a robotic arm assembly. 16. The device of claim 1, wherein the substrate comprises coated paper, uncoated paper, glass, plastic, acrylic, fabric, wood, metal, mirror material, or a combination thereof. 17. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base comprises a product bottle, a cup, a tray, a small towel, a brush, a cotton swab, or a combination thereof. 18. The device of claim 15, wherein the sanitary sample comprises a liquid, a solid, a powder, a gel, or a combination thereof. 19. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a user interface for collecting biometric data is integrated within the device. 20. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user interface for collecting biometric data is formed separately from the device.