Rollerball applicator with a non-contact piston for dispensing the formulation

Abstract

An applicator comprising a reservoir configured to hold a formulation, a roller ball configured to apply the formulation, a non-contact piston configured to expel the formulation, and a piston magnet disposed below the non-contact piston, the piston magnet configured to move the piston in response to a magnetic field.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 732,036, filed Apr. 28, 2022, and French Patent Application No. 2206390, filed Jun. 27, 2022, the contents of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference into this specification.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] The following describes a system for applying a formulation with an applicator having a non-contact piston for dispensing a skin care formulation in a quiet, cost-effective, and efficient manner, and a mechanism for accurately measuring the amount of formulation still present within the applicator.

[0004] This summary is provided to introduce a selected simplification of concepts further described in the "Detailed Description" below. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] In one aspect, an applicator is disclosed that includes a reservoir configured to hold a formulation, a roller ball configured to apply the formulation, a non-contact piston configured to discharge the formulation, and a piston magnet disposed beneath the non-contact piston (the piston magnet is configured to move the piston in response to a magnetic field).

[0006] In another embodiment, a system for dispensing a formulation is disclosed, comprising an applicator including a reservoir configured to hold the formulation, a non-contact piston configured to dispense the formulation, a piston magnet positioned beneath the non-contact piston configured to move the piston in response to a magnetic field, a rollerball configured to apply the formulation, and an attachment for connecting to a dispensing device; and a dispensing device connected to the applicator and configured to perform a phototreatment.

[0007] In yet another embodiment, a method for dispensing a formulation is disclosed. This method includes the steps of: attaching an applicator filled with the formulation to a dispensing device; identifying the formulation by reading a contactless chip on the applicator with a contactless reader on the dispensing device; generating a magnetic field with one or more magnets (the magnetic field moves a piston magnet connected to a piston); and dispensing the formulation as the piston moves. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] Many of the above-described aspects and associated advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent as the following embodiments for carrying out the invention become more clearly understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1A shows an exemplary applicator related to this technology.

[0010] Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary applicator shown in Figure 1A, relating to this technology.

[0011] [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an exemplary system relating to this technology, including a dispensing device 200 to which an exemplary applicator 100 is attached.

[0012] [Figure 3]Figure 3 shows an example of how to use the skincare system related to this technology. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] While exemplary embodiments have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that various modifications can be made to these exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0014] This specification describes an applicator having a non-contact piston for dispensing and applying a formulation to a surface using a rollerball. In some embodiments, the applicator also includes a mechanism for accurately detecting how much product is in the applicator.

[0015] In some embodiments, the applicator is configured to be attached to a dispensing device. In some embodiments, the dispensing device is configured to administer phototherapy while applying the formulation.

[0016] Figure 1A shows an exemplary applicator relating to the present technology. The applicator 100 may include a rollerball 110 and an attachment 120.

[0017] The rollerball 110 may be configured to dispense and apply the formulation placed in the reservoir within the applicator 100 (as shown in Figure 1B). In some embodiments, the rollerball 110 is made of plastic, but in other embodiments, the rollerball 110 may be made of glass or metal.

[0018] In some embodiments, the applicator 100 also includes an attachment 120 configured to secure the applicator 100 to a dispensing device, such as the dispensing device 200 in Figure 2. While the attachment 120 is illustrated as one or more tabs for coupling to the dispensing device, the attachment 120 can take any form that allows the applicator to be secured to the dispensing device, including a threaded attachment, a magnet, or an attachment configured to snap or slide onto the dispensing device. In some embodiments, the attachment 120 is transparent so that the dispensing device is visible through the attachment.

[0019] During operation, the applicator 100 can be placed inside the dispensing device (as shown in Figure 2) and secured to the dispensing device with the attachment 120. The rollerball 110 can be rolled over a surface such as the user's skin to apply the formulation.

[0020] Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view of the applicator shown in Figure 1A relating to the present technology. The applicator 100 may include a rollerball 110, a reservoir 130 configured to hold a formulation 140, a piston 150, a non-contact tip 160, a piston magnet 170, and one or more magnets 180a, 180b, 180c.

[0021] In some embodiments, the reservoir 130 is located inside the applicator 100 and is configured to hold the formulation 140. In some embodiments, the formulation 140 is a skincare formulation. In some embodiments, the skincare formulation is a cosmetic such as a moisturizer, lotion, acne treatment, wrinkle or fine line treatment, or foundation or concealer. As the rollerball 110 rolls, the formulation 140 from the reservoir 130 is applied to the surface.

[0022] In some embodiments, the applicator 100 further includes a piston 150 configured to push the formulation 140 toward the rollerball 110 when the formulation is applied. In some embodiments, the piston 150 is instructed to push the formulation 140 toward the rollerball 110 by the circuitry of a dispensing device (such as the dispensing device 200 in Figure 2) or by the circuitry of the applicator itself.

[0023] In some embodiments, the piston 150 is driven upward by a piston magnet 170. The piston magnet 170 may be located below the piston 150. The piston 150 can be pushed up by the piston magnet 170 in response to a magnetic field. In some embodiments, the piston magnet 170 and the piston 150 are two separate parts, while in other embodiments, the piston magnet 170 and the piston 150 are a single part. In some embodiments, the piston magnet 170 is located inside the piston 150. In some embodiments, the piston 150 is made of plastic and encloses the piston magnet 170. In some embodiments, the piston magnet 170 is not removable. In some embodiments, the piston 150 can be precisely positioned for better control.

[0024] In some embodiments, the applicator 100 includes one or more magnets 180a, 180b, 180c for generating a magnetic field. In some embodiments, the one or more magnets 180a, 180b, 180c are the first magnet 180a, the second magnet 180b, and the third magnet 180c. As shown, in some embodiments, the first magnet 180a is parallel to the piston magnet 170. In some embodiments, the second magnet 180b is disposed at an angle of 45 degrees to the right of the first magnet 180a, and the third magnet 180c is disposed at an angle of 45 degrees to the left of the first magnet 180a. Although this configuration is shown, it should be understood that the one or more magnets 180a, 180b, 180c can take any configuration that generates a magnetic field. The one or more magnets 180a, 180b, 180c are shown as being inside the applicator, but in some embodiments, the one or more magnets 180a, 180b, 180c are inside a dispensing device such as the dispensing device 200 of FIG. 2.

[0025] In some embodiments, the applicator 100 includes a non-contact chip 160 configured to cause a dispensing device to identify the type of formulation 140 inside the applicator 100. Using the non-contact chip 160, any number of things related to the formulation 140 or the applicator 100 can be identified. What can be identified includes the amount of the formulation 140 inside the applicator 100, the expiration date of the formulation 140 inside the applicator 100, or when to replace the applicator 100.

[0026] In some embodiments, the applicator 100 further includes mechanisms 190, 195 for measuring how much formulation 140 is in reservoir 130. In some embodiments, the mechanisms include a ToF (time of flight) sensor 190 and a mirror coating 195 within reservoir 130. In some embodiments, the ToF sensor 190 is disposed inside the applicator 100, although the ToF sensor 190 may also be disposed inside a dispensing device (such as dispensing device 200 of FIG. 2).

[0027] In operation, the ToF sensor 190 is configured to emit the LED light shown by the dashed line. The mirror coating 195 is configured so that the LED light is reflected to the ToF sensor 190. The ToF sensor 190 is shown to be directly below the mirror coating 195, although in some embodiments, the ToF sensor may be spaced apart from the mirror coating 195. In such a case, one or more reflectors (not shown in FIG. 1B) cause the emitted LED to be reflected to the mirror coating 195 and back to the ToF sensor 190.

[0028] FIG. 2 is an exemplary system including a dispensing device 200 to which an exemplary applicator 100 according to the present technology is attached. In some embodiments, the applicator 100 can be attached to the dispensing device 200. In some embodiments, the dispensing device includes an end 210, one or more light sources 220a, 220b, an actuator 230, and a contactless reader 240. In some embodiments, the applicator 100 is connected to the dispenser 200.

[0029] In some embodiments, the dispensing device 200 includes an end 210. The end 210 may be configured to be visible through an attachment 120 on the applicator 100. In some embodiments, the base 210 includes one or more light sources 220a, 220b configured to provide a phototreatment to the surface while the formulation is being applied.

[0030] In some embodiments, one or more light sources 220a, 220b are LEDs. In some embodiments, the dispensing device has only two light sources 220a, 220b. In some embodiments, the first light source 220a is configured to provide phototherapy at a first wavelength. In some embodiments, the second light source 220b is configured to provide phototherapy at a second wavelength. In some embodiments, phototherapy at the first wavelength and phototherapy at the second wavelength are performed simultaneously. In some embodiments, phototherapy and application of the formulation are performed simultaneously.

[0031] In some embodiments, the dispensing device 200 includes one or more actuators 230. Although the actuators 230 are illustrated as buttons, in some embodiments the actuators may be switches, capacitive touch buttons, dials, etc. The actuators may be configured to initiate the application of phototherapy, to apply the formulation, or to do both.

[0032] In some embodiments, the dispensing device 200 also includes a contactless chip reader 240 for reading the contactless chip 160 on the applicator 100.

[0033] During operation, the user can place the applicator 100 into the dispensing device 200. When the actuator 230 is activated, the formulation is applied, phototherapy is administered, or both are performed simultaneously. The user can then apply the formulation with the applicator 100.

[0034] Figure 3 shows an example of a method 300 using the skincare system related to this technology.

[0035] In block 310, the applicator is attached to the dispensing device. In some embodiments, the applicator slides into the dispensing device. In some embodiments, the applicator clicks into place inside the dispensing device. In some embodiments, the applicator is secured to the dispensing device through snaps, tabs, or magnets.

[0036] Optionally, in block 320, a contactless reader on the dispensing device identifies the formulation inside the applicator using a contactless tip on the applicator. In some embodiments, the contactless tip may also identify the amount of formulation inside the applicator or whether the applicator needs to be replaced.

[0037] In block 330, a magnetic field is generated, moving the piston magnet and thereby the piston to the top of the reservoir, pushing the formulation toward the rollerball. In some embodiments, the magnetic field is generated by one or more magnets inside the applicator. In some embodiments, the magnetic field may be generated by a dispensing device. In some embodiments, the magnetic field is generated by first, second, and third magnets. When the magnetic field is generated, the piston magnet pushes the piston, moving the formulation toward the rollerball.

[0038] In block 340, the formulation is dispensed as the piston pushes up the reservoir. As the piston is pushed up, the formulation is pushed towards the rollerball.

[0039] In block 350, the dispensing device performs a phototherapy. In some embodiments, the dispensing device performs the phototherapy using one or more light sources. In some embodiments, the dispensing device may be configured to perform one or more phototherapys. In some embodiments, one or more light sources on the dispensing device are configured to perform a first phototherapy at a first wavelength, and one or more light sources are configured to perform a second phototherapy at a second wavelength. In some embodiments, the first and second phototherapys are performed sequentially, while in other embodiments, the first and second phototherapys are performed simultaneously.

[0040] In block 360, the rollerball is rolled over a surface such as the user's skin, and the formulation is applied to the surface. In some embodiments, steps 330 to 360 are all performed simultaneously.

[0041] The method ends at block 370.

Claims

1. An applicator, A reservoir configured to hold the formulation, A rollerball configured to apply the aforementioned formulation, A non-contact piston configured to dispense the aforementioned formulation, A piston magnet positioned below the non-contact piston, A ToF (time-of-flight) sensor configured to detect the amount of the formulation inside the applicator, LEDs, and The piston is provided with a mirror coating, The piston magnet is configured to move the piston in response to a magnetic field. The LED emits light inside the applicator, which is configured to reflect off the piston and enter the ToF sensor. The aforementioned mirror coating is configured to reflect the LED and enter the ToF sensor, in the applicator.

2. The applicator according to claim 1, The applicator further comprises one or more magnets disposed inside the applicator. The one or more magnets are an applicator that generates the magnetic field to control the non-contact piston.

3. The applicator according to claim 2, The applicator comprises one or more magnets, a first magnet, a second magnet, and a third magnet.

4. The applicator according to claim 3, The first magnet is an applicator parallel to the piston magnet.

5. An applicator according to claim 3 or claim 4, The second and third magnets are arranged at a 45-degree angle from the first magnet in the applicator.

6. A system for dispensing a pharmaceutical product, wherein the system is Equipped with an applicator and a dispensing device, The aforementioned applicator is A reservoir configured to hold the formulation, A non-contact piston configured to dispense the aforementioned formulation, A piston magnet positioned beneath the non-contact piston, configured to move the piston in response to a magnetic field, A rollerball configured to apply the aforementioned formulation, An attachment for connecting to the aforementioned dispensing device, A ToF (time-of-flight) sensor configured to detect the amount of the formulation inside the applicator, LEDs, and The piston is provided with a mirror coating, The LED emits light inside the applicator, which is configured to reflect off the piston and enter the ToF sensor. The aforementioned mirror coating is configured to reflect the LED and enter the ToF sensor. The dispensing device is configured to connect to the applicator and perform a light treatment.

7. The system according to claim 6, The aforementioned light treatment is performed simultaneously with the application of the aforementioned formulation, in a system.

8. The system according to claim 6 or claim 7, The applicator further comprises one or more magnets disposed inside the applicator. The system comprises one or more magnets that generate the magnetic field for controlling the non-contact piston.

9. The system according to claim 8, The system further includes a contactless chip configured to identify the formulation inside the applicator.

10. The system according to claim 9, The dispensing device system further includes a contactless reader for reading the contactless chip on the applicator.

11. A method for dispensing a pharmaceutical product, The method comprises the steps of mounting, identifying, generating, irradiating, reflecting, determining, and discharging. In the aforementioned attachment step, the applicator filled with the formulation is attached to the dispensing device. In the identification step, the formulation is identified by reading the contactless chip on the applicator with the contactless reader on the dispensing device. In the above generation step, a magnetic field is generated using one or more magnets, The aforementioned magnetic field moves the piston magnet connected to the piston, In the aforementioned irradiation step, the LED is irradiated into the inside of the applicator. In the reflection step, the light generated by the LED is reflected by the mirror coating inside the applicator. In the determination step described above, the amount of the formulation inside the applicator is determined by a ToF (time-of-flight) sensor based on the time required for the mirror coating to reflect the light. A method comprising the step of dispensing, wherein the preparation is dispensed as the piston moves.

12. The method according to claim 11, The method further comprises the step of measuring the amount of the formulation inside the applicator at a given time.

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