Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANUFACTURING CUSTOMIZABLE LIPSTICK
IN A RETAIL ENVIRONMENT
BACKGROUND
Field
[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to lip cosmetics,
in
particular, high-performance, luxury lipstick which can be quickly customized
and
manufactured for a customer.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] Lipsticks are cosmetic products that apply color, texture, and
protection to
a customer's lips. They can comprise mixtures of oils and waxes, as well as
colorants and
other additives.
[0003] Lipstick can be produced in large batches in a factory setting,
where high
volumes of the lipstick can be manufactured. However, large-scale operations
of lipstick
production typically require:
[0004] (a) the presence of trained and qualified chemists and lab
technicians;
[0005] (b) the assessment and fine tuning of a variety of factors, in
particular
color, as the production batch is mixed;
[0006] (c) the use of a variety of large, specialized machines to
accurately
measure, mix, heat and pour lipstick material into moulds, as well as
specialized machines to
chill and unmould the lipsticks; and
[0007] (d) the use of protective clothing and smooth, washable surfaces
to handle
the tendency of colorant dispersions to stick to and stain surfaces.
SUMMARY
[0008] Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing customizable
lipstick
which can comprise selecting properties of the customizable lipstick from a
selection of
shown properties, adding ingredients corresponding to the selected properties
in a container,
mixing the ingredients to form a pourable and homogenous mixture, pouring the
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homogeneous mixture into a lipstick mould, and chilling the lipstick mould
until the mixture
solidifies thereby forming the customizable lipstick, wherein the method can
be performed in
a retail environment.
[0009] In some embodiments, the customizable lipstick can be customized
and
manufactured in approximately 6 minutes. In some embodiments, approximately 10-
200
different customizable lipsticks per hour can be produced. In some
embodiments, a person
performing the manufacturing steps is not a trained chemist, lab technician or
person with
knowledge of the typical lipstick manufacturing process. In some embodiments,
the
customizable lipstick can perform as well as a factory-produced lipstick.
[0010] In some embodiments, the method can further comprise removing
the
customizable lipstick from the mould and inserting the customizable lipstick
into an industry-
standard, cylinder-shaped lipstick container.
[0011] In some embodiments, the properties can be selected from a group
consisting of color, flavor, opacity, and gloss/matte. In some embodiments,
the color can be
selected from a palette of at least about 100 to 200 colors, and the flavor is
selected from a
list of approximately 1 to 40 flavors. In some embodiments, at least some of
the ingredients
can be prepared in advance in a palette of at least about 1-20 different
colors and in pieces
weighing approximately 1-10 grams each.
[0012] In some embodiments, the mixing, pouring and chilling steps can
be
automated. In some embodiments, mixing can comprise spinning the ingredients
in a
centrifuge at approximately 2000 to 5000 rpm for about 10-100 seconds. In some
embodiments, the container can be substantially sealed during the mixing
steps, such that no
lipstick material exits the container, thereby leaving an area surrounding the
container
suitable for the retail environment. In some embodiments, the filled mould can
be chilled for
about 1-5 minutes at -30 to -10 C. In some embodiments, the method can
further comprise
heating the ingredients.
[0013] In some embodiments, the ingredients corresponding to the
selected
properties can be displayed in a display case configured for retail viewing.
[0014] Also disclosed herein is system for manufacturing customizable
lipstick in
a retail environment which can comprise a display case configured to display
solid
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ingredients that correspond to selectable lipstick properties, a processing
container configured
to receive the solid ingredients corresponding to selected properties and mix
the ingredients
to form a pourable and substantially homogenous mixture, a mould configured to
receive the
homogenous mixture, and a chiller configured to re-solidify the mixture in the
mould.
[0015] In some embodiments, the system can further comprise a lipstick
container
configured to receive the re-solidified mixture. In some embodiments, the
processing
container can be configured to heat the ingredients.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a lipstick color selection
chart.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of lipstick base material
formed into the
shape of a chocolate piece.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed method.
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Embodiments of the below disclosure are directed to a method and
system
for manufacturing customized lipstick in a retail setting, such as a
department store or at
home demonstrations. Despite many other consumer products offering
customization, timely
customization of modestly high volumes of high performance lipstick does not
exist in the
retail environment. However, as disclosed in the embodiments below, lipstick
can be
manufactured while a customer waits, preferably within approximately 6 minutes
after
selection of properties by the customer. Accordingly, the lipstick can be
manufactured by the
disclosed process in a timely manner that would not require a customer to
leave the store and
come back a second day. Physical and/or chemical properties of the lipstick
can be chosen by
a customer, which can then be used to manufacture a tube of lipstick fitting
the customer's
preferences. The method described below can eliminate some of the typical
requirements of
industrial lipstick manufacturing. For example, the need for the presence of a
trained
professional, the need for large and potentially expensive equipment, and the
potential for
soiling the work area with stray color material may all be eliminated.
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[0021] Further, the disclosed method steps can be used with all fully
and/or
partially solid ingredients. In some embodiments, no liquids are used.
However, the disclosed
process is not limiting to solid only ingredients, and in some embodiments at
least some
liquid ingredients may be used. For example, liquid flavoring can be mixed in
during the
below disclosed process. In some embodiments, premade solid ingredients can be
used. In
some embodiments, the disclosed method does not require any measuring
techniques by the
person operating the method. In some embodiments, no dispersion, such as a
liquid
dispersion, is used.
[0022] Customers of lipstick can be influenced by a number of factors
such as, for
example, color, flavor, payoff (e.g. the durability of the lipstick to remain
on the lip and
provide color), moisturization, ease of application, matte/gloss level and
opacity. All of these
factors, as well as others, can be incorporated into the customized lipstick
using the method
described below.
[0023] The terms "approximately" and "about" as used herein represent
an
amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or
achieves a desired
result. For example, the terms "approximately" and "about" may refer to an
amount that is
within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of,
within less than 0.1%
of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount.
[0024] The terms "lipstick" and "lip cosmetic" as used herein can be
used
interchangeably and additionally have their ordinary meanings as known to
those skilled in
the art.
High Performance Lipstick
[0025] Lipstick is a cosmetic product that can be used to apply color,
texture, and
protection to lips. Lipstick can contain, for example, pigments, oils, waxes,
antioxidants, and
emollients. Typically, wax can provide the structure of solid lipsticks. Many
different types
of wax can be used in lipstick such as beeswax, ozokerite wax, candelilla wax,
and Carnauba
wax. Further, oils, such as olive oil, mineral oil, cocoa butter, lanolin, pig
fat, castor oil, and
petrolatum, can be used in lipstick. In some embodiments, chemical sunscreens
can be
incorporated into the lipstick. For example, chemical sunscreens can include
ParsolTM,
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EscalolTM, butyl methoxybenzoylmethane (BMBM), and butyl
methoxydibenzoylmethane
(BMDBM).
[0026] Lipstick can achieve colorful physical properties through the
use of a
variety of pigments and/or lake dyes. In some embodiments, zinc oxide and/or
titanium
dioxide can be used with waxes and/or pigments. Pigments can be organic or
inorganic.
[0027] Other ingredients can be used in lipstick to create different
effects, such as
matte or gloss finishes. These ingredients can include, but are not limited
to, silica, silicone
oil, mica, fish scales, and peral particles.
[0028] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be used to easily and
conveniently manufacture lipstick in a retail store with qualities that can be
comparable to
factory-produced lipstick. Preferably, the lipstick manufactured by
embodiments of the below
disclosure reliably and consistently match the performance of factory-
produced, high-
performance lipsticks. For example, the retail store lipstick can have
qualities similar to, and
match the performance of the brand BITE BEAUTYTm. In some embodiments the
lipstick
can, at least, (a) be highly pigmented resulting in high payoff; (b) be creamy
and moisturizing
(normally not possible with high pigmentation); and (c) have high ease of
application.
However, lipstick manufactured from embodiments of the below described method
can range
in quality dependent on the ingredients used, and the quality of the final
lipstick is not
limiting.
Customer Choice Selection
[0029] The disclosed method allows for a significant amount of customer
control
regarding the physical and/or chemical properties of lipstick. This can be
advantageous to a
consumer who can choose the exact properties that they may want in their
lipstick, regardless
of whether this would be a commonly sold lipstick in the marketplace. Further,
this would
allow for a consumer to have more flexibility in their choices, and not
necessarily be
constrained by the popular lipstick that is commercially sold. The disclosed
method can allow
for consumers to create high quality "unique" lipstick colors, whereas
previously only low
quality version of that lipstick may have been manufactured.
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[0030] In some
embodiments, a customer can be presented a palette of colors in
which to choose their final lipstick product shade from. The customer can view
the palette
and select a color of their choice. The palette can be shown to the customer
by the use of, for
example, a computer screen, a color printout, an IPADTM screen, or other
visual device, and
the type of display medium is not limiting. In some embodiments, the palette
can illustrate up
to approximately 100, 200, or 300 different colors of finished lipstick,
preferably about 171
different colors of finished lipstick, although these numbers are not
limiting. FIG. 1
illustrates an embodiment of a lipstick color selection chart for a customer
to choose from. As
shown, a consumer could have access to a number of different colors in which
they can
choose a final lipstick color. Additionally, the below Table I lists some non-
limiting
combinations that can form different potential colors for a customer.
Table I: Color Schemes
POTENTIAL COLOR FORMULA
1 50%Pomegranate, 50%Zinfandel
2 50%Pomegranate, 50%Scarlet
3 50%Pomegranate, 50%Apricot
4 50%Pomegranate, 50%Tannin
50%Pomegranate, 50%Mulberry
6 50%Pomegranate, 50%CinCin
7 50%Pomegranate, 50%Pepper
8 50%Pomegranate, 50%Muscat
9 50%Pomegranate, 50%Shiraz
50%Pomegranate, 50%Fig
11 50%Pomegranate, 50%Vouvray
12 50%Pomegranate, 50%Rose
13 50%Pomegranate, 50%Grapevine
14 50%Pomegranate, 50%Quince
50%Pomegranate, 50%Vigne
16 50%Pomegranate, 50%Palamino
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17 50%Pomegranate, 50%Retsina
18 50%Pomegranate, 50% White
19 50%Zinfandel, 50%Scarlet
20 50%Zinfandel, 50%Apricot
21 50%Zinfandel, 50%Tannin
22 50%Zinfandel, 50%Mulberry
23 50%Zinfandel, 50%CinCin
24 50%Zinfandel, 50%Pepper
25 50%Zinfandel, 50%Muscat
26 50%Zinfandel, 50%Shiraz
27 50%Zinfandel, 50%Fig
28 50%Zinfandel, 50%Vouvray
29 50%Zinfandel, 50%Rose
30 50%Zinfandel, 50%Grapevine
31 50%Zinfandel, 50%Quince
32 50%Zinfandel, 50%Vigne
33 50%Zinfandel, 50%Palamino
34 50%Zinfandel, 50%Retsina
35 50%Zinfandel, 50% White
36 50%Scarlet, 50%Apricot
37 50%Scarlet, 50%Tannin
38 50%Scarlet, 50%Mulberry
39 50%Scarlet, 50%CinCin
40 50%Scarlet, 50%Pepper
41 50%Scarlet, 50%Muscat
42 50%Scarlet, 50%Shiraz
43 50%Scarlet, 50%Fig
44 50%Scarlet, 50%Vouvray
45 50%Scarlet, 50%Rose
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46 50%Scarlet, 50%Grapevine
47 50%Scarlet, 50%Quince
48 50%Scarlet, 50%Vigne
49 50%Scarlet, 50%Pa'amino
50 50%Scarlet, 50%Retsina
51 50%Scarlet, 50%White
52 50%Apricot, 50%Tannin
53 50%Apricot, 50%Mulberry
54 50%Apricot, 50%CinCin
55 50%Apricot, 50%Pepper
56 50%Apricot, 50%Muscat
57 50%Apricot, 50%Shiraz
58 50%Apricot, 50%Fig
59 50%Apricot, 50%Vouvray
60 50%Apricot, 50%Rose
61 50%Apricot, 50%Grapevine
62 50%Apricot, 50%Quince
63 50%Apricot, 50%Vigne
64 50%Apricot, 50%Pa'amino
65 50%Apricot, 50%Retsina
66 50%Apricot, 50% White
67 50%Tannin, 50%Mulberry
68 50%Tannin, 50%CinCin
69 50%Tannin, 50%Pepper
70 50%Tannin, 50%Muscat
71 50%Tannin, 50%Shiraz
72 50%Tannin, 50%Fig
73 50%Tannin, 50%Vouvray
74 50%Tannin, 50%Rose
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75 50%Tannin, 50%Grapevine
76 50%Tannin, 50%Quince
77 50%Tannin, 50%Vigne
78 50%Tannin, 50%Pa'amino
79 50%Tannin, 50%Retsina
80 50%Tannin, 50%White
81 50%Mulberry, 50%CinCin
82 50%Mulberry, 50%Pepper
83 50%Mulberry, 50%Muscat
84 50%Mulberry, 50%Shiraz
85 50%Mulberry, 50%Fig
86 50%Mulberry, 50%Vouvray
87 50%Mulberry, 50%Rose
88 50%Mulberry, 50%Grapevine
89 50%Mulberry, 50%Quince
90 50%Mulberry, 50%Vigne
91 50%Mulberry, 50%Pa'amino
92 50%Mulberry, 50%Retsina
93 50%Mulberry, 50% White
94 50%CinCin, 50%Pepper
95 50%CinCin, 50%Muscat
96 50%CinCin, 50%Shiraz
97 50%CinCin, 50%Fig
98 50%CinCin, 50%Vouvray
99 50%CinCin, 50%Rose
100 50%CinCin, 50%Grapevine
101 50%CinCin, 50%Quince
102 50%CinCin, 50%Vigne
103 50%CinCin, 50%Pa'amino
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104 50%CinCin, 50%Retsina
105 50%CinCin, 50%White
106 50%Pepper, 50%Muscat
107 50%Pepper, 50%Shiraz
108 50%Pepper, 50%Fig
109 50%Pepper, 50%Vouvray
110 50%Pepper, 50%Rose
111 50%Pepper, 50%Grapevine
112 50%Pepper, 50%Quince
113 50%Pepper, 50%Vigne
114 50%Pepper, 50%Pa'amino
115 50%Pepper, 50%Retsina
116 50%Pepper, 50%White
117 50%Muscat, 50%Shiraz
118 50%Muscat, 50%Fig
119 50%Muscat, 50%Vouvray
120 50%Muscat, 50%Rose
121 50%Muscat, 50%Grapevine
122 50%Muscat, 50%Quince
123 50%Muscat, 50%Vigne
124 50%Muscat, 50%Pa'amino
125 50%Muscat, 50%Retsina
126 50%Muscat, 50%White
127 50%Shiraz, 50%Fig
128 50%Shiraz, 50%Vouvray
129 50%Shiraz, 50%Rose
130 50%Shiraz, 50%Grapevine
131 50%Shiraz, 50%Quince
132 50%Shiraz, 50%Vigne
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133 50%Shiraz, 50%Pa'amino
134 50%Shiraz, 50%Retsina
135 50%Shiraz, 50%White
136 50%Fig, 50%Vouvray
137 50%Fig, 50%Rose
138 50%Fig, 50%Grapevine
139 50%Fig, 50%Quince
140 50%Fig, 50%Vigne
141 50%Fig, 50%Pa'amino
142 50%Fig, 50%Retsina
143 50%Fig, 50%White
144 50%Vouvray, 50%Rose
145 50%Vouvray, 50%Grapevine
146 50%Vouvray, 50%Quince
147 50%Vouvray, 50%Vigne
148 50%Vouvray, 50%Pa'amino
149 50%Vouvray, 50%Retsina
150 50%Vouvray, 50%White
151 50%Rose, 50%Grapevine
152 50%Rose, 50%Quince
153 50%Rose, 50%Vigne
154 50%Rose, 50%Pa'amino
155 50%Rose, 50%Retsina
156 50%Rose, 50%White
157 50%Grapevine, 50%Quince
158 50%Grapevine, 50%Vigne
159 50%Grapevine, 50%Pa'amino
160 50%Grapevine, 50%Retsina
161 50%Grapevine, 50%White
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162 50%Quince, 50%Vigne
163 50%Quince, 50%Palamino
164 50%Quince, 50%Retsina
165 50%Quince, 50% White
166 50%Vigne, 50%Palamino
167 50%Vigne, 50%Retsina
168 50%Vigne, 50% White
169 50%Palamino, 50%Retsina
170 50%Palamino, 50%White
171 50%Retsina, 50% White
[0031] Additionally, in some embodiments the customer can also choose
from a
list of possible flavors for the final lipstick. Similar to the colors
described above, the flavors
can be illustrated on numerous visual devices. In some embodiments, samples
could be given
to a consumer to taste the potential different flavors. In some embodiments,
numerous
different flavors can be given to a consumer, for example approximately 34
flavors, although
any number of flavors can be used. Some example flavors could be mint,
blueberry, or
cherry. The customer can then select a flavor of their choice to go along with
the color
selected previously.
[0032] In some embodiments, other qualities of the lipstick can be
shown to the
customer and then subsequently chosen. For example a customer can select
qualities such as
gloss/matte levels, opacity, UV protection, and moisturization levels. A
customer can select
one, or many, different properties to be incorporated into the final lipstick
product.
[0033] Upon a customer's selection of their lipstick properties, the
lipstick itself
can be manufactured. In some embodiments, an empty lipstick container and an
empty,
disposable mixing cup can be labeled with the customer's name and lipstick
property
selections, either digitally or manually. In some embodiments, the customer's
preferences can
be stored on a computer processor, and can be saved for a later return visit,
or sent to the
customer for their personal records.
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Customized Lipstick
[0034] In some embodiments, an automated process can be used to
manufacture
the below disclosed lipstick. The automated process could store and use all of
the selections
inputted to form the lipstick selected by the customer. In other embodiments,
a mixing
technician can manually manufacture the below disclosed lipstick. Regardless
of the level of
automation of the manufacturing process used, a customizable lipstick can be
manufactured
while a customer wait within, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10
minutes, preferably
about 6 minutes. In some embodiments, a customer can wait less than about 1,
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 9, or 10 minutes, preferably less than about 6 minutes
[0035] In some embodiments, pre-made shapes, or wafers, of lipstick
base
material in a palette of about 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 different colors are
available to the
mixing technician, preferably about 19 colors, although these numbers are not
limiting. In
some embodiments, the wafers can weigh approximately 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4,
7.5, 7.6, 7.7,
7.8, 7.9, or 8.0 grams, preferably about 7.5 grams, although the weight of the
wafers is not
limiting. The pre-made wafers can be colored as general base colors, so when
other
ingredients are mixed with the wafers, hundreds of final colors can be
manufactured.
Examples of potential lipstick bases can be found in the below Table II.
However, other bases
could be used as well.
Table II: Lipstick Bases
COLORED LIPSTICK
BASES
1. Pomegranate
2. Zinfandel
3. Scarlet
4. Apricot
5. Tannin
6. Mulberry
7. Cin Cin
8. Pepper
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9. Muscat
10. Shiraz
11. Fig
12. Vouvray
13. Rose
14. Grapevine
15. Quince
16. Vigne
17. Palamino
18. Retsina
19. White
[0036] In some embodiments, the lipstick base material, and thus the
finished
lipstick, can be made at least partially of food grade ingredients. For
example, the lipstick can
be made from edible waxes, butters, and oils. However, other food grade
ingredients can be
used and the type of ingredient is not limiting. If food grade ingredients
were used, a
customer would be able to ingest some of the lipstick with no harmful
consequences.
[0037] The pre-made lipstick base material can be formed in numerous
types of
shapes and designs. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the
lipstick base
material can be formed to look like a chocolate piece, having a generally
tapered cylinder
with a rounded top. The bottom of the cylinder can be generally flat. In some
embodiments,
the lipstick base material can be generally symmetrical or generally
nonsymmetrical. The
base material can be flat, curved, or have corners. In some embodiments, the
base material
can be formed into more intricate shapes. For example, the base material can
be shaped like a
fish, car, star, and the overall shape of the base material is not limiting.
Further, the lipstick
base material can be shaped to highlight the food grade nature of the
ingredients. For
example, the base material can be shaped like chocolates, chocolate bars, or
cookies.
[0038] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an embodiment of the disclosed method
and
system. Based on the customer's lipstick choices 302 from the palette 406 of a
display device
402, the respective ingredients 408 shown in a display 404 used to make the
lipstick can be
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selected along with the wafer. In some embodiments, the wafer can be added to
the mixing
cup and inserted in a container 410, which may be clear for ease of customer
viewing,
together with the ingredients 408 to form the other customer selected
properties of the
lipstick, such as approximately 0.23g of flavor. The container 410 can be, for
example, a test
tube with a lid, but the size and shape of the container 410 is not limiting.
Heating
[0039] In some embodiments, the container 410 can be heated 304 to a
specified
temperature in order to melt the ingredients to a specified state, such as a
freely pourable
state. In some embodiments, the melted ingredients can be a viscous or non-
viscous fluid.
The fluidity of the melted ingredients is not limiting. In some embodiments,
the container
410 can be heated 304 in a standard microwave oven 416 until the ingredients
are melted. For
example, a 400-1000 watt microwave oven 416 can be used for approximately 25
seconds at
full power to melt the ingredients. In some embodiments, other heating
instruments 416 such
as, for example, a hot plate, a fireplace, an oven, a toaster oven, or an
infrared heater can be
used to melt the ingredients within the container 304. Any known heating means
416 can be
employed to melt the ingredients within the container 410, including induction
heating. The
heating means 416 may in some embodiments be incorporated into the mixing
container, so a
separate heating device 416 may not be necessary. The ingredients can be
melted together so
that they are pourable into a mould, as further discussed below.
Mixing
[0040] In some embodiments, the container 410 can be closed and placed
in a
small, bench top centrifuge 414 in order to mix the ingredients 408 together
306. In some
embodiments, this is done after the heating step 304. In some embodiments, the
heating 304
can be performed before, during, or after mixing 306. In some embodiments,
heating 304 and
mixing 306 can be done simultaneously. In some embodiments, either heating 304
or mixing
306 can be excluded from the process. In some embodiments, the container 410
can be spun
at approximately 3,500 rpm which can effectively disperse and mix the
ingredients 408
within about 45 seconds, while minimizing any spray or spillage of the
ingredients. In some
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embodiments, the container 410 can be spun for about 20 seconds at about 2500
rpm. The
mixing area of the centrifuge 410 can be enclosed with a clear plastic viewing
plate that can
prevent any lipstick material from exiting while permitting a customer to view
the lipstick
manufacturing safely. In other embodiments, different mixers 410 can be used
such as, for
example, hand mixing or kitchen mixers. The ingredients can be mixed 306 into
a
homogenous matrix through the disclosed method without the need for
specialized machinery
and trained chemists and technicians, which are normally required in a
lipstick factory. Upon
completion of the mixing 306, the customer can further view their selected
color, uniformly
blended, and determine whether to keep that color or change it. At this point,
other
ingredients can be mixed in to suit the customer's selected properties.
Pouring
[0041] Upon heating and mixing the lipstick material to be fluid and
homogeneous, the heated and mixed lipstick material can then be poured 308
into a shaped
mould 420. In some embodiments, the mould 420 is shaped to conform within a
standard
lipstick tube. For example, the lipstick mould 420 can be shaped as the
standard lipstick
bullet shape, however other moulds 420 such as flat moulds or rounded moulds
can be used
as well, and the dimensions of the final lipstick product are not limiting.
Jars or other
containers configured to hold a solid or semi-solid lip balm can also be used
to dispense the
final product. The mould 420 can be any commercial container.
[0042] In some embodiments, the mould 420 can be made of materials such
as
steel or solid aluminum. In some embodiments, the mould 420 can be coated with
a
lubrication material to allow for ease of removal of the lipstick material and
ease of cleaning.
In some embodiments, the moulds 420 can generally be formed into a top section
and a
bottom section, wherein the top and bottom sections fit together to form the
shape of the
lipstick. The sections can attach to one another though, for example,
snapping, screwing, or
friction fit, to contain the melted lipstick material within the mould 420. In
some
embodiments, the mould 420 can be made up of multiple cavities, thereby
allowing for
multiple lipsticks to be manufactured at the same time. In some embodiments,
the mould 420
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can contain 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 cavities. In some embodiments,
the mould 420 can
contain greater than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 cavities.
Chilling
[0043] Upon pouring the lipstick material into the mould 308, the mould
420 can
then be chilled 310 to solidify the lipstick. In some embodiments, the mould
420 can be
chilled 310 to approximately -25, -20, -15, -10, or -5 C for approximately 1,
2, 3, 4, or 5
minutes. The temperature and time are not limiting. The lipstick can be fully
solidified during
the chilling step 310, or can be only partially solidified. In some
embodiments, a small,
customized, bench top chilling table 418 can be used. However, other chilling
methods 418
can be used, such as a freezer, liquid nitrogen, or an ANTI-GRIDDLE . Any
cooling means
known in the art may be employed.
Unmoulding
[0044] Upon solidifying of the lipstick during the chilling step 310
described
above, the lipstick can be removed from the mould 420. As described above, the
mould 420
can be formed in two attached sections. The top section of the mould 420 can
be removed to
expose the bottom section of the lipstick. A lipstick container can then be
pressed onto the
exposed end of the lipstick, where the container/lipstick can be removed from
the bottom
section of the mould 420. The lipstick can then be lowered into the container
through the use
of, for example, the lipstick-container elevator. An appropriately sized cap
can then be placed
on the container. Those skilled in the art would understand that there may be
different
procedures for unmoulding the lipstick, and this process is not limiting.
[0045] Upon completion of the above disclosed process, the final
product can be
presented to the customer, preferably about 6 minutes after the customer has
made the
lipstick property selections.
[0046] The mould 420 can then be wiped clean so that there is no spray
or
extraneous residue of the lipstick or its staining colorants located anywhere.
In some
embodiments, the mixing cup described above can be disposable. Unlike factory
produced
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lipstick, lipstick formed in the disclosed embodiments can be manufactured
with minimal
mess.
[0047] In some embodiments, a volume ranging from approximately 10-200
lipsticks per hour can be manufactured by the disclosed process through the
use of multiple
moulds with multiple cavities per mould.
Display
[0048] In some embodiments, the finished lipstick or base material can
be
displayed in a display case 404 for customer viewing. In some embodiments, the
display case
404 can be configured to look like a bakery display case. In some embodiments,
the finished
lipstick or base material can be shaped like for example, baked goods,
cookies, or chocolates,
and displayed in the bakery display case 404. However, the display case 404
can be shaped,
themed, and configured in any fashion, and the shape, theme, and configuration
of the display
case 404 is not limiting.
[0049] While the illustrative embodiments of the invention have been
described
with particularity, it will be understood that various other modifications
will be apparent to
and can be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the
spirit and scope
of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the claims
appended hereto
be limited to the examples and descriptions set forth hereinabove but rather
that the claims be
construed as encompassing all the features of patentable novelty which reside
in the present
invention, including all features which would be treated as equivalents
thereof by those
skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.
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