FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS AND METHOD

Abstract

A fluid dispensing apparatus and method of operation is provided. The fluid dispensing apparatus has a housing, a central control unit positioned at least partially within said housing, the central control unit being in communication with a user interface. The apparatus houses a plurality of cartridges located at least partially within said housing for storing a plurality of liquid products and have an opening for the output of liquid. A plurality of engagement racks are within the housing, and the cartridges engage with the engagement racks to control output of the liquid based on commands from said central control unit. The apparatus also has a mixing dish for collecting output of the liquid products and removes excess fluid from cartridge openings during engagement of the apparatus.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a fluid dispensing apparatus and method, and more particularly, a portable nail polish dispensing device that provides customized color(s) and/or coatings in selectable increments to consumers based on the consumers' desired input selection.

BACKGROUND

It is well known that most people who use nail polish own a multitude of colors in individual nail polish bottles. Unfortunately, nail polish use is limited by the polish's shelf life. As nail polish ages, it often separates and develops a sticky consistency that is not amenable to creating a smooth coat of polish on the nails of a user. Furthermore, nail polish bottles typically come in a 0.5 oz size that is unlikely to be finished by a user before the aging of the polish makes it unusable. As a result, many bottles of nail polish are often discarded with an ample amount of polish within.

SUMMARY

One example embodiment of the present disclosure includes a nail polish dispensing apparatus. The nail polish dispensing apparatus has a housing, a central control unit positioned at least partially within the housing. The central control unit is in communication with a user interface. A plurality of cartridges located at least partially within the housing for storing a plurality of liquid products have an opening for the output of liquid. A plurality of engagement racks are located within the housing, wherein the plurality of cartridges engage with the plurality of engagement racks to control output of liquid based on commands from the central control unit, and a mixing dish collects output of liquid products and wipes excess liquid from the cartridge openings during engagement of the nail polish dispensing apparatus.

Another example embodiment of the present disclosure includes a method of operating a nail polish dispensing apparatus. The method includes the steps of communicating a plurality of user selection parameters, wherein the user selection parameters include product type and product volume, receiving a command regarding a product type selection, receiving a command regarding a product volume selection, calculating whether the product type selection is available in an inventory of product types in a housing of the nail polish dispensing apparatus, calculating whether the product volume selection is available based on the inventory of product types in the housing of the nail polish dispensing apparatus, and, responsive to the product type selection being unavailable in the inventory of a plurality of product types, displaying a command indicating a lack of availability. Responsive to the product volume selection being unavailable based on the inventory of a plurality of product types, the method then includes displaying a command indicating a lack of availability, and responsive to the product type and volume selection being available in the inventory of a plurality of product types, the method then has the step of dispensing liquids for creating the liquid product into a mixing dish.

Yet another example embodiment of the present disclosure includes a nail polish dispensing system. The system has a plurality of incrementally dispensable products housed within a plurality of removably couplable product cartridges, an upper and lower housing, the lower housing for holding the incrementally dispensable products, a removably couplable mixing dish for collecting dispensation of the incrementally dispensable products, a plurality of engagement racks that are selectively engageable with the plurality of product cartridges, and a central control unit for controlling the dispensing of the incrementally dispensable products into the mixing dish based on a selection made at a user interface, the central control unit performing an iteration to select an incrementally dispensable product based on selected choices from a plurality of user selection parameters and select a product volume based on a selected choice from said user selection parameters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to one skilled in the art to which the present invention relates upon consideration of the following description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts unless described otherwise throughout the drawings and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a fluid dispensing apparatus and associated kit, the apparatus in an open position with the storage area open in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a fluid dispensing apparatus in an open position in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a lower plate of a fluid dispensing apparatus having cartridge holders and a mixing dish in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a lower plate of a fluid dispensing apparatus without cartridge holders in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is an upper front perspective view of a cartridge in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a lower rear perspective view of a cartridge in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5C shows an inner vessel of a cartridge in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a fluid dispensing apparatus in a closed position in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A is a right-side view of a fluid dispensing apparatus in an open position in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B is a cross sectional view of FIG. 2 with the top plate removed in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7C is a cartridge and housing in a dispensing position in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 depicts a schematic diagram of a method of operating a fluid dispensing apparatus in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 depicts a schematic diagram of a method of operating a fluid dispensing apparatus in accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a fluid dispensing apparatus in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 depicts the inner components of the fluid dispensing apparatus of FIG. 10 in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 12 depicts an internal mechanism of a fluid dispensing apparatus in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the figures generally wherein like numbered features shown therein refer to like elements throughout unless otherwise noted. The present disclosure relates to a fluid dispensing apparatus and method, and more particularly, a portable nail polish dispensing device that provides customized color(s) and/or coatings in selectable increments to consumers based on the consumers' desired input selection.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a fluid dispensing apparatus 10 and associated kit 11 constructed in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example embodiment, the fluid or nail polish dispensing apparatus 10 is for producing nail polish. However, the nail polish dispensing apparatus 10 could also be expanded to other liquid pigments, such as liquid eyeliner, liquid eyeshadow, lip gloss, and the like.

The nail polish dispensing apparatus 10 is dimensioned and configured to be portable for a user. In one example embodiment, the nail polish dispensing apparatus 10 has a six-inch (6) diameter and the weight is sixteen (16) ounces. In another example embodiment, the dimensions are eighteen (18) inches and the weight is forty-five (45) ounces. It should be appreciated that larger and smaller weights and sizes are within the scope of the present disclosure as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art after having the benefit of reviewing this specification and accompanying drawings. The size of the nail polish dispensing apparatus 10 enables a user to use the nail polish dispensing apparatus 10 at home, or to transport it in a bag or tote without difficulty.

In one example embodiment, the nail polish dispensing apparatus 10 includes a user interface 12 comprising an interactive screen for different product options or types 14, such as color, coating, type of liquid, and the like that can be selected by the user's touch. For example, the user interface 12 comprises a capacitive sense screen (not shown) that reads an input based on the customer or user's touch in one example embodiment. In another example embodiment, there is no screen, and the user interface comprises switches that a user engages to select different product types or options.

In yet another example embodiment, the nail polish dispensing apparatus 10 is remotely coupled to an internet-based application (app) 16 (see FIG. 2) for an internet enabled device 18 such as a computer, tablet, smartphone, desktop, laptop, tablet, hand-held personal computing device, IAN, WAN, WWW, and the like, running on any number of known operating systems and accessible for communication with remote data storage, such as a cloud, host operating computer, via a world-wide-web or Internet. In this example embodiment, a user makes a selection from different product options featured in the app 16 displayed on the internet enabled device 18, and the device 18 transmits the information wirelessly via a communication link 20 to a central control unit (CCU) 22 housed in the nail polish dispensing apparatus 10.

In one example embodiment, the CCU 22 includes a programmable processor 24 and data storage 26 for receiving and storing information about product color, product finish, and product dispensation amount options selected by users of the dispensing apparatus 10. The CCU 22 further includes a power supply 30 and communication link 20. In one example embodiment, the communication link 20 communicatively couples the CCU 22 with the user interface 12, LAN systems, WAN systems, remote programming stations, internet, using wireless communication system such as WiFi, or Bluetooth, and/or hardwired systems in parallel or series, and the like, and/or any combination thereof.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the app 16 includes color reading features for reading a color strip 17 such as a color scanner 19 that operates through a coupled device 18 camera and/or scanning operation. The app 16 utilizes a number of user selection parameters, which may be adjusted based on the type of product being dispensed from the nail polish dispensing apparatus 10. Some example user selection parameters include product color, product type, product volume, and product finish. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that such possible user selection parameters are numerous and may be adjusted based on consumer needs. In one example embodiment, the app 16 communicates different paint or polish finishes from which a user may select. Example finishes available include shiny, matte, glittery and/or luminescent finishes. In another example embodiment, the dispensing apparatus 10 can be used in conjunction with a formula book containing a plurality of pre-set nail polish formulas for different colors and/or finishes.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus housing 32 comprises a cover 32A and housing 32B coupled by hinged joint 31, which allows the nail polish dispensing apparatus 10 to be folded into a closed position during use (see FIG. 6). In one example embodiment, the cover 32A and housing 32B are hemispherical in shape. In another example embodiment, the cover 32A and housing 32B are hemi-cubical. One of ordinary skill in the art, after reviewing the contents of the present disclosure, would understand that the cover 32A and housing 32B could comprise a variety of matching three-dimensional shapes. The housing 32B, when assembled as a kit 11, has a storage space 37 with detachable tray 39 which, in this example embodiment, features a plurality of carved openings to fit nail polish application tools, extra mixing dishes 85, and the like.

The kit 11 detachable tray 39 slidably engages the housing 32B to be concealed therein when not in use. The detachable tray 39 includes a slot 41 that spaces the internal construction of the housing 32B when positioned therein.

FIG. 2 shows the nail polish dispensing apparatus 10 in an open position. The cover 32A features a window 33, which allows for observation of the dispensing apparatus 10 during operation in one example embodiment. In another example embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover 32A features a magnifying glass viewable when the cover 32A is in the open position. The cover and housing 32A, 32B are dimensioned and configured to fit together in a folded arrangement (see FIG. 7). This folded arrangement is further secured through a closure 35 such as a clasp. One of ordinary skill in the art, after reviewing the contents of the present disclosure, would understand that a variety of clasps and securing mechanisms such as latches that would be suitable for securing the cover and housing 32A, 32B into the closed position.

The cover 32A and housing 32B are concave in nature and dimensioned and configured to house and protect a plurality of product cartridges 34. The housing 32B holds a molded plate 36 that forms a recess 38 having a central opening 40. The central opening 40 provides a coupling point for a central dish 42. In one example embodiment, the recess 38 comprises a three-dimensional polygon. In another example embodiment, the recess 38 is three-dimensional with curvilinear edges. In another example embodiment, the recess 38 comprises a plurality of right triangular prism-shaped indentations wherein the hypotenuse slopes in a downward direction toward the central opening 40 away from a side wall 43 formed in the plate.

FIG. 4 shows the recess 38, which can support a different number of removably couplable product cartridges 34 in different example embodiments. In one example embodiment, the recess 38 houses six cartridges. In another example embodiment, the recess 38 houses eight cartridges. It should be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure and accompanying figures that an undefined number of cartridges 38 could be used and intended to be within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

In one example embodiment, the cartridges 34 are held via a press fit inside of the recess 38 and the cartridges are arranged around the central opening 40. Although the cartridges are held in a press fit, they are selectively removable. In one example embodiment, the central opening 40 has a curvilinear shape. In another example embodiment, the central opening 40 comprises a polygonal shape. The recess 38, in one example embodiment, further comprises an outdented portion which surrounds the central opening 40.

The central opening 40 frictionally secures a recess 42A of the removably couplable central dish 42 to the plate 36 (see FIG. 7A) by a boss 91 projecting from the plate. The recess 42A of the central dish is, in one example embodiment, located on an opposite side of a dish 87 for mixing pigments. The central dish 42 is made of hard-durometer silicone in one example embodiment of the present disclosure, and comprises a hexagonal shape. In another example embodiment of the present disclosure, the silicone used to construct the central dish 42 has a durometer of between Shore A 10 and Shore A 60. One of ordinary skill in the art, after reviewing the contents of the present disclosure, would understand that the central dish 42 could also be constructed from EPDM, neoprene, or any rubber-like material that wipes clean and has sealant properties, and that the central dish 42 could comprises a plurality of polygonal, cylindrical or obrounded shapes. The central dish 42 serves multiple purposes: one is providing a centralized location or dish 87 where liquid pigments 44 may be dispensed and then manually mixed by a user. The central dish 42 also acts as a sealant/cap to the cartridges 34 when the nail polish dispensing apparatus 10 is not in use. The sealant cap objective is achieved through the pliability of dish 42 along its sidewall 93 as the cartridges 34 and a dispensing aperture 95 is pivoted above and below the dish 42. A squeegee wiping action is achieved through the pliability of the dish 42 and rigid construct of the cartridge 34 to remove excess liquid product 44 from the cartridge openings 34A after use.

The central dish 42 further comprises a circumferential lip 46 which is formed by an arcuate edge surrounding the perimeter of the polygonal shape of the central dish 42. Advantageously, the faces of the lip 46 that face the dispensing opening 95A of each cartridge 34 allows for positive displacement of liquid 44 remaining around the dispensing opening 95A after it has dispensed liquid 44 to wipe any remaining liquid away and thus avoid plugging and clogging of the nail polish dispensing apparatus 10. As seen in FIG. 7A, the central dish 42 is selectively removable and frictionally secured in the central opening 40 and each of its faces are engaged with the surrounding cartridges 34, advantageously acting to cap the dispensing openings 34A when not in use.

FIGS. 5A-5C show a product cartridge 34 in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure. The cartridges 34 fit into the recess 38 of the molded plate 36 through a plurality of position assists 48, as seen in FIG. 3 of the present disclosure. The position assists 48 are made of metal such as steel in one example embodiment of the present disclosure. The position assists 48, which fit into the recess 38, provide elongated grooves 50 which are selectively couplable to a cartridge housing body 52 formed in the rear of cartridges 34 (see FIG. 5B) through an interference fit. In one example embodiment of the present disclosure, the elongated grooves 50 of the position assists 48 comprise a downward slope. This slope allows gravity to aid in dispensation of the liquid product 44.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show the product housing 54 having a cartridge 34 situated internally to the housing. FIG. 5C illustrates a cartridge 34 outside of the housing 54. The cartridge housing 54 may be constructed from metal such as steel or any other suitable cartridge material that allows for temperature control of the liquid product 44 within. Other suitable materials for the housing could be a polymer or rubber having a durometer ranging from 10 to 50 on a shore D scale. The cartridge housing 54 features a dispensation opening 34A where liquid product 44 may exit.

FIG. 5C illustrates through a transparent container 101 the internal components of the product cartridge 34. In particular, a fluid advancement assembly 103 is shown comprising container 101, a linear advance 105, a plunger 107, and pinion 104. The fluid advancement assembly 103 of desired color, coating, etc. i.e. fluid 44 is positioned into the housing 34. A gap G is set between the pinion 109 and rear wall 111 of the container 101. A window or opening 76 in the top surface 77 of the housing 54 is provided so viewing confirmation of the correct fluid 44 can be made by the user of the apparatus 10.

The gap G is filled by an internal surface 113 that holds the assembly 103 into position within the housing 54 along the housing's longitudinal axis. In one example embodiment, a slot 115 is used to next the linear advance in the housing 54 about the housing's lateral axis.

In this example embodiment, the fluid advancement assembly 103 pivots in two directions in the nail polish dispensing apparatus 10 to allow for the dispensation of liquid product 44. The first direction is in an open dispensing position A. The second direction is a closed or capped position B.

Located with the recess portion 38 is a plate 117 for receiving housing 54. The plate 54 allows for the housing 54 and cartridge 34 to pivot to/from and from/to a closed position to an open position. This change in position is achieved by the exerting force F on a first end 119 of the housing 54. The initiation of force F on the first end 119 in the direction of arrow A (see FIGS. 7A and 7B) cause the end to pivot into the recess 38 about a fulcrum 120 advancing a second end 121 to raise from the recess 38 and to an open or dispensing position (see FIG. 7C).

The racks 64, 66 may move in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction and are driven by motor 74 (not shown) to engage the gears 62.

In the illustrated example embodiment of FIGS. 7A-7C of the present disclosure, the pinion gear 62 that is coupled to the linear advance 105 such as a ball screw or worm gear that when rotated drives the plunger 56 to dispense the product 44. Such movement of the pinion gear 62 and plunger 56 aid in the dispensing of controlled amounts of fluid from internal fluid container 58. The pinion gear 62 engages one of two rack gears 64 and 66, respectively when the housing 54 is pivoted to the dispensing position (see FIG. 7C). Depending on the selected switch, high 72 or low 70, the low or high volume rack 64, 66 engages the pinion gear 62 turns further while engaged with the rack 64 or 66 to push more fluid 44 out of the cartridge 34 in high-volume dispensations, and turn less with the rack 64 or 66 to push a smaller amount of fluid 44 out in lower-volume dispensing portions. When the plunger 56 is engaged through the movement of the gear 62 with the rack 64 or 66, it simultaneously advances the plunger 68 in the direction of arrow C (see FIG. 5E) for dispensing of liquid 44.

The two activation switches 70, 72, which trigger movement of the gears 62 to interact with rack 64 or rack 66 and to dispense fluid 44 when the housing is advanced to the dispensing position. In this example embodiment of the present disclosure, the racks 64 and 66 are adjacent to and extend along the perimeter of the lower housing 32B. As can be seen in FIG. 7B, based on the angle of the inner container 58 and the selected rack 64, 66, the gear 62 is more or less engaged to expel a higher or lower volume of fluid 44, respectively.

In one example embodiment of the present disclosure, the first activation switch 70 triggers dispensation of approximately half of the amount of liquid 44 that is triggered by engagement of the second activation switch 72. In another example embodiment, the second activation switch 72 triggers dispensation of approximately ten times the amount of fluid 44 triggered by engagement of the first activation switch 70. In one example embodiment, the nail polish dispensing apparatus 10 may come with the first and second activation switches 70, 72 preset to trigger set fluid volume dispensations. In another example embodiment, the first and second activation switches 70, 72 are programmed by a user to trigger set dispensation volumes. In yet another example embodiment, the activation switches 70, 72, are instructed by the CCU 22 to trigger dispensation of a set volume of fluid 44 based on an amount of fluid selected by a user through remotely coupled app 16.

The activation switches 70, 72 when engaged by a user triggers the CCU 22 to initiate delivery of power to a motor 74, housed in the lower plate 32B, which causes the pinion gear 62 of the cartridge 34 to engage with rack 64 if first activation switch 70 is activated, or to engage with rack 66 if second activation switch 72 is activated while the housing 54 is in the dispensing position of FIG. 7C. In one example embodiment of the present disclosure, rack 64 is associated with lower volume dispensation of fluid 44 than that resulting from engagement of rack 66. The motor 74, in one example embodiment of the present disclosure, is powered by a portable power source such as a battery. In another example embodiment, the motor 68 is powered via corded or hard-wired connection.

Each cartridge 34 of the nail polish dispensing apparatus 10 features a product indicator 76. In one example embodiment, the product indicator 76 comprises a sticker displaying the color and/or product type contained inside the cartridge 34. In another example embodiment, the product indicator 76 comprises a clear window allowing for the contents of the cartridge 34 to be visible to a user.

Although the central dish 42 prevents plugging and clogging of the cartridge opening 34A, 95 through its squeegee mechanism, advantageously, the cartridge openings 34A may be manually unclogged with the insertion of a needle, if necessary. Depending on the liquid product 44 contained within the product cartridge 34, the product cartridge opening 34A, 95 may comprise a variety of diameters.

After the nail polish dispensing apparatus 10 has finished dispensing the selected/programmed volume of liquid 44 into the central dish 42, the motor stops rotation of the selected rack 64 or 66, thereby ceasing the advancement of plunger 105 and the dispensing of material 44, and a notification 78 is delivered by the dispensing apparatus 10. In one example embodiment, the notification 78 comprises a visual notification such as a light. In another example embodiment, the notification 78 comprises an audible alert.

In example embodiments of the nail polish dispensing apparatus 10 where the user interface comprises a remotely coupled app 16, the app 16 features a color reader which allows the user to scan a selected color, where the app 16 reads the color via the third party device 18 camera. From the image captured and/or scanned on the app 16, the app 16 then matches the color scanned to one of a large library of colors. Alternatively, the user can select the desired color from the selective color palette on the remotely-coupled app 16. In another example embodiment, the user selects from a palette of preset formulas, via a scanning operation, such as a barcode, a QR code, a 2D barcode, a color chip, or the like with the camera, or employ a user adjustable color palette system, varying the amounts of color of the entire color spectrum.

The app 16 further comprises a product volume selection interface that the user can use to select the volume of product from a variety of pre-set dispensing volume options. In one example embodiment, the selection includes a standardized single-use dispensing (e.g. 1-3 mls) from one or more cartridges 34 that are mixed manually by the user in the dispensing dish 87 that will allow for a manicure and/or pedicure. While in yet another example embodiment, the user can select a custom volume selection (in milliliters or ounces) and the nail polish dispensing apparatus 10 will use the CCU 22 to meter the custom selected volume by the user into central dish 42, 87 that has a higher volume capacity than the volumes available for selection by the user so that the contents of the product 44 do not over flow from the central dish 42.

In one example embodiment, the final product 44 includes a colored nail polish that is selected by the customer from the user interface 12. In another example embodiment, the product 44 is color and specific type of nail polish (e.g. acrylic or gel) that is selected by the customer from the user interface 12. While in yet another example embodiment, the product 44 is a color of paint or stain (for a car, house, hobby, or DIY project) selected by the customer from the user interface 12. In a further example embodiment, the product 44 is a coating, either clear or opaque (e.g. water-based coating, oil-based coating, urethane, lacquer, or clear nail polish) that is selected by the customer from the user interface 12. While in another example embodiment the product 44 is a combination of fluids from multiple cartridges 34 that are dispensed to the mixing dish 87.

A measuring feed assembly 80 in the illustrated example embodiment is a closed-loop assembly in which a load cell or scale 82 measures the amount of product 44 being dispensed into the central dish 42, 87. In one example embodiment, the load cell or scale 82 measures the amount of fluid 44 in milligrams to know how many micro-liters have been dispensed and received by the central dish 42 at and by the measuring feed assembly 80.

The measuring feed assembly 80 includes a feed-back-loop 84 in which an output signal as to weight is provided by the load cell 82 to the central control unit 22. When the target weight and/or volume has been dispensed by the cartridge dispensing opening 34A (as prescribed weight programmed by the controller 22) as measured by the load cell 82, the controller 22 terminates the dispensing operation by stopping the flow of power to the motor 74. Stated another way, the volume of the fluid 44 such as tint, nail polish, coating, catalyst or the like is monitored and controlled by the weight change sensed in the scale 82 as controlled by the controller 22. In another example embodiment, once the proper amount of liquid 44 is added to create the requested end product 44, the engagement of the gears 62 with the racks 64, 66 will terminate (accounting for any lag in volume that would be in “mid-drop” that can be determined from empirical data during testing). In one example embodiment, the amount of controlled and measured fluid 44 dispensed by all cartridges 34 from the dispensing apparatus 10 ranges between 1 and 3 milliliters.

In another example embodiment, the central dish 42 is manually pre-filled with a neutral base before placed in the dispensing apparatus 10. As such, only an additional amount of fluid 44 such as tint for color or catalyst for coating is required from a cartridge 34 to complete the necessary ingredients for the desired customer product 44. The cartridge opening 34A thereby expels the prescribed amount (programmed by the controller 22) of the fluid 44 to the central dish 42. Upon the completion of filling the central dish 42 with fluid 44, a user may remove the dish 42. The removal of the dish 42 from the plate 36 allows the user to apply the mixed end product 106 to the desired surface or further mix the product 44 or for washing/cleaning of the dish.

Operation of the nail polish dispensing apparatus 10 in accordance with one example embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 8 in accordance with the process 200. At 210, the process 200 is enabled by the user engaging one of the start buttons 70, 72 or the user remotely starts the nail polish dispensing apparatus 10 through the app 16. The process 200 continues at 230 with the user's selection of the product volume, that is, the volume desired of the liquid product 44. The process 200 continues at 220 (which can occur before or after the step 230) where the user selects the product type, such color, coating, or liquid desired from the nail polish dispensing apparatus 10 by advancing each of the cartridges 34 to the dispensing position as required.

At 240, the process 200 continues where a determination is made by the CCU 22 as to whether or not the selected product volume is available. That is, does the nail polish dispensing apparatus 10 have the correct amount of each color and/or finish required to create the user-selected polish 106. The CCU 22 calculates the necessary compiled contents to make the selected product size and product type 106 selected by the user of the nail polish dispensing apparatus 10. If the determination at 240 is negative, the process defaults that the selection is unavailable at 245 and the process 200 terminates.

If the determination at 240 is an affirmative, the process 200 advances to step 250. That is, the product cartridges 34 are indexed to dispense the necessary material (pigments, solvents, and the like) into the dispensing nozzles 34A by advancing the cartridge 34 to the dispensing position until the motor 74 stops. A biasing member 139 advances the cartridge 34 and housing 54 to a capped or closed position (see FIG. 7B). As the first end of the housing 54 moves to the closed position, the central dish 42 pliable surface wipes clean the dispensing opening 95 and provides a seal when the housing 54 and cartridges 34 come to a rest. The use of both powdered and liquid pigments for creating the end product 106 are both contemplated. The dispensing openings 34A then begin to eject liquid product 44 after engagement of the plunger 56 and gear 62 and biasing member 68. At 260, the process 200 continues with the liquid product 44 being dispensed from the dispensing opening 34A of the product cartridges 34 into the central dish 42, providing the necessary contents for forming the end product 106 that may or may not require further manual mixing by the user. A user may then manually mix the contents of the product 44 to achieve and use the end product 106.

In the illustrated example embodiment of the process 200, once the user input is provided at step 230 and 220, the process from step 240 to 260 takes between thirty (30 s) seconds and two minutes, but preferably less than one minute or sixty (60) seconds. Other time periods for the process are also compatible with the present disclosure.

In one example embodiment, the product cartridges 34 are indexed or activated (separately or collectively) to dispense the necessary material (pigments, solvents, and the like) into and from the dispensing openings 34A into central dish 42. The end product 106 in this embodiment contents 44 can be shaken or mixed with a mixing wand, brush etc. by the user until the desired end product 106 is achieved.

FIG. 9 shows another example embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the nail polish dispensing apparatus 10 works with a method of operation 300 which allows for a user to manually choose the set volume of liquid 44 dispensed from each cartridge 34. In this method of operation 300, the method begins at step 310 when a user selects a high or low volume dispensation of liquid product 44 by engaging the second activation switch 72 or first activation switch 70, respectively. After the user engages the first or second activation switch 70, 72, the user then manually presses on the cartridge 34 corresponds with the pivoting motion of the cartridge 34 housing 54 that further corresponds with the color or formula of liquid the user would like to dispense it. Since the cartridge 34 has a cartridge housing body 52 that sits at an angle within the elongated groove 50 of the plate 36, pressing on the cartridge 34 engages the gear 62 and selected rack 64 or 66 to cause movement of the cartridge plunger 56 at step 320 to simultaneously uncap the cartridge 34 for dispensing of fluid 44 to the dish 42. This engagement with first or second rack 64, 66 would advance fluid 44 out of the container 58 into the central dish 42 at step 330 to make the desired end product 106. Next, at step 340, a user would manually mix up the product(s) 44 of the central dish 42 while it is housed in the bottom housing 32B, or the user could remove the central dish 42 and then mix the liquids 44 within the central dish 42 to create the end product 106.

FIGS. 10-12 show another example embodiment of the present disclosure in which the function of the apparatus 10 is substantially the same. However, the embodiment of FIGS. 10-12 illustrates that the apparatus 10 could be of a different length, height, width, and the like without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example embodiment of FIGS. 1-10, the apparatus 10 is approximately twenty (20) inches in diameter and has an overall height or thickness of approximately six (6) to eight (8) inches. It should be appreciated that the height and diameter could be much larger or smaller as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure after reviewing this present specification and drawings.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings.

The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The disclosure is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

Moreover, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In one non-limiting embodiment the terms are defined to be within for example 10%, in another possible embodiment within 5%, in another possible embodiment within 1%, and in another possible embodiment within 0.5%.

The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected or in contact either temporarily or permanently, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed. The term “integral” as used herein unless defined otherwise means configured in such a way that separation would require destruction to the parts or the assembly of the parts.

It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art after having the opportunity of reviewing the drawings and/or specification of the present disclosure includes one or more embodiments E1, E2, . . . . EN, and that each embodiment E may have multiple parts A1, B1, C1 . . . that could be combined with other embodiments EN parts, lack of parts, or any combination of parts and embodiments. It should further be appreciated that an embodiment includes only one part or a lesser number of parts of any combination that was described or shown in the specification and/or drawings, respectively.

To the extent that the materials for any of the foregoing embodiments or components thereof are not specified, it is to be appreciated that suitable materials would be known by one of ordinary skill in the art for the intended purposes after having the benefit of reviewing the subject disclosure and accompanying drawings.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A nail polish dispensing apparatus comprising: a housing;a central control unit positioned at least partially within said housing, the central control unit being in communication with a user interface;a plurality of cartridges located at least partially within said housing for storing a plurality of liquid products, said cartridges having an opening for output of liquid;a plurality of engagement racks within said housing, wherein said plurality of cartridges engage with said plurality of engagement racks to control output of said liquid based on commands from said central control unit; anda mixing dish for collecting output of said liquid products; said mixing dish for removing excess fluid from said cartridge openings during engagement of the nail polish dispensing apparatus.

2. The nail polish dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the nail polish dispensing apparatus has diameter between 4 and 10 inches.

3. The nail polish dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mixing dish comprises a flexible dish.

4. The nail polish dispensing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the flexible dish comprising the mixing dish has a durometer between Shore A 10 and Shore A 60.

5. The nail polish dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein walls of said mixing dish are dimensioned and configured to engage with said openings of said cartridges of the nail polish dispensing apparatus.

6. The nail polish dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the user interface comprises a plurality of switches that correspond with the dispensation of two different set volumes of fluid.

7. The nail polish dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plurality of cartridges comprises between four and eight cartridges.

8. The nail polish dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cartridges further comprise a container and plunger.

9. The nail polish dispensing apparatus of claim 8, wherein said housing comprises corresponding upper and lower portions.

10. A method of operating a nail polish dispensing apparatus comprising the steps of: communicating a plurality of user selection parameters, wherein the user selection parameters comprise product type and product volume;receiving a command comprising a product type selection;receiving a command comprising a product volume selection;calculating whether said product type selection is available in an inventory of product types in a housing of said nail polish dispensing apparatus;calculating whether said product volume selection is available based on the inventory of product types in the housing of said nail polish dispensing apparatus;responsive to said product type selection being unavailable in said inventory of a plurality of product types, displaying a command indicating a lack of availability;responsive to said product volume selection being unavailable based on said inventory of a plurality of product types, displaying a command indicating a lack of availability; andresponsive to said product type and volume selection being available in said inventory of a plurality of product types, dispensing liquids for creating said product into a mixing dish.

11. The method of operating a nail polish dispensing apparatus of claim 10, wherein displaying a plurality of user selection parameters further comprises displaying user selections for product color and product finish.

12. The method of operating a nail polish dispensing apparatus of claim 10, wherein calculating whether said product volume selection is available further comprises the steps of: calculating which cartridges of an inventory of the plurality of cartridges will be used to create said product type selection;selecting first and second cartridges to create said product type selection based on the command received comprising product type selection;measuring an available amount of product in said first and second cartridges that will be used to create said product type selection.

13. The method of operating a nail polish dispensing apparatus of claim 12 further comprising the step of: comparing the measurements of an available amount of product in said first and second cartridges to a pre-set formula to create said product type selection.

14. The method of operating a nail polish dispensing apparatus of claim 12 further comprising the steps of: selecting a third cartridge to create said product type selection based on the command received comprising product type selection;measuring an available amount of product in said third cartridge that will be used to create said product type selection.

15. The method of operating a nail polish dispensing apparatus of claim 14 further comprising the steps of: selecting a fourth cartridge to create said product type selection based on the command received comprising product type selection;measuring an available amount of product in said fourth cartridge that will be used to create said product type selection.

16. The method of operating a nail polish dispensing apparatus of claim 10 further comprising the step of: dispensing 1-3 mLs of fluid.

17. A nail polish dispensing system comprising: a plurality of incrementally dispensable products housed within a plurality of product cartridges;an upper and lower housing, the lower housing for holding said incrementally dispensable products;a removably couplable mixing dish for collecting dispensation of said incrementally dispensable products;a plurality of engagement racks that are selectively engageable with said plurality of removably couplable product cartridges; anda central control unit for controlling the dispensing of said incrementally dispensable products into said mixing dish based on a selection made at a user interface, the central control unit performing an iteration to select an incrementally dispensable product based on selected choices from a plurality of user selection parameters and select a product volume based on a selected choice from said user selection parameters.

18. The nail polish dispensing system of claim 17, wherein the central control unit is programmed with a set volume threshold that said incrementally dispensable products cannot exceed; wherein said central control unit terminates dispensation of said incrementally dispensable products after the set volume threshold has been reached.

19. The nail polish dispensing system of claim 17, wherein the user interface comprises a plurality of toggle switches that trigger a plurality of dispensation volumes.

20. The nail polish dispensing system of claim 19, wherein one of said plurality of toggle switches triggers a dispensation volume of 1-3 mL.

21. The nail polish dispensing system of claim 17, wherein the user interface comprises an application for a wireless device that wirelessly communicates with said central control unit.

22. The nail polish dispensing apparatus of claim 17, wherein the upper housing further comprises a magnifying glass.

23. The nail polish dispensing apparatus of claim 17, wherein the lower housing is dimensioned and configured to house a removable storage apparatus.

24. The nail polish dispensing apparatus of claim 17, wherein said removably couplable cartridges further comprise a product display window.

25. The nail polish dispensing apparatus of claim 17, wherein said removably couplable cartridges house a plurality of differing fluids.