WO2022093819A1

WO2022093819A1 - Color mixing system and products associated therewith

Info

Publication number: WO2022093819A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/056650
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dominique Roy; David Marcil; Arta Alagheband; Jonathan Jaget
Original assignee: Make It Real Llc
Priority date: 2020-10-26
Filing date: 2021-10-26
Publication date: 2022-05-05

Abstract

In an aspect, a cosmetic composition preparation system is provided and includes a housing, a plurality of chambers, and a receiving vessel. Each chamber is positioned to hold a unique liquid component and has a chamber outlet. The receiving vessel is positioned in fluid communication with the chamber outlet from each of the chambers. For each chamber, an actuator is movable to discharge a quantity of the liquid component from the chamber into the receiving vessel. For each chamber, there is a quantity selector that is movable between a first position in which the quantity of the liquid component is a first quantity and a second position in which the quantity of the liquid component is a second quantity that is larger than the first quantity.

Description

COLOR MIXING SYSTEM AND PRODUCTS ASSOCIATED THEREWITH

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of US provisional patent application no. 63/105,859, filed October 26, 2020, and US provisional patent application no. 63/193,015, filed May 25, 2021 , the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] This application relates to color mixing systems and, more particularly, to color mixing systems for mixing cosmetic compositions such as nail varnish (also called nail polish).

BACKGROUND

[0003] It is possible for a person to purchase nail varnish in many different colors in a store. However, it may not be convenient for a user to go to a store when they need a certain color of nail varnish. Additionally, it can be expensive to purchase many different bottles of nail varnish in different colors.

[0004] A solution that at least partially addresses these issues would be desirable.

SUMMARY

[0005] In an aspect, a cosmetic composition preparation system is provided and includes a housing, a plurality of chambers, and a receiving vessel. Each of the plurality of chambers is positioned to hold a unique liquid component. Each of the plurality of chambers has a chamber outlet. The receiving vessel is positioned in fluid communication with the chamber outlet from each of the plurality of chambers. For each of the plurality of chambers, there is an actuator that is movable through a stroke to discharge a quantity of the liquid component from the chamber into the receiving vessel. For each of the plurality of chambers, there is a quantity selector that is movable between a first position in which the quantity of the liquid component is a first selected quantity and a second position in which the quantity of the liquid component is a second selected quantity that is larger than the first selected quantity. The receiving vessel is sized to receive the quantity of the liquid component from the plurality of chambers, so as to form a cosmetic composition therewith.

[0006] In another aspect, a cosmetic composition storage device is provided and includes a receiving vessel that holds a cosmetic composition, and which has a flange, a lower storage device member that surrounds the receiving vessel and which has a support surface on which the flange rests, an upper storage device member, and a cap. The upper storage device mem is releasably mounted to the lower storage device member in such a way as to releasably clamp the flange, such that removal of the upper storage device member from the lower storage device member permits removal and replacement of the receiving vessel. The upper storage device member has a pass-through aperture that permits access to the cosmetic composition from outside of the upper storage device member while the upper storage device member is releasably mounted to the lower storage device member. The cap is releasably mounted to the upper storage device member to close the pass-through aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] The foregoing and other aspects of the disclosure will be better understood with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cosmetic composition preparation system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2A is a perspective view of the cosmetic composition preparation system shown in Figure 1 , with cartridges prior to insertion into a housing, and with some of the housing removed to show the elements inside the cosmetic composition preparation system.

[0010] Figure 2B is a perspective view of the cosmetic composition preparation system shown in Figure 2A, with the cartridges inserted into the housing.

[0011] Figure 3 is a sectional view of one of the cartridges shown in Figure 2A. [0012] Figure 4 is a sectional perspective view of a portion of one of the cartridges shown in Figure 2A, prior to discharging of liquid component contained therein.

[0013] Figure 5 is a sectional perspective view of a portion of the cartridge shown in Figure 4, upon discharging of liquid component contained therein.

[0014] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the interior of the cosmetic composition preparation system shown in Figure 1.

[0015] Figure 7 is a sectional perspective view of a quantity selector that is part of the cosmetic composition preparation system shown in Figure 1 , in a first position.

[0016] Figure 8 is a sectional perspective view of the quantity selector shown in Figure 7, in a second position.

[0017] Figure 9 is a sectional perspective view of a portion of one of the cartridges shown in Figure 2A, in communication with a liquid conduit in the housing.

[0018] Figure 10A is a perspective view of position sensors that are part of the cosmetic composition preparation system shown in Figure 1 , in a first position.

[0019] Figure 10B is a perspective view of one of the position sensors shown in Figure 10A, in a second position.

[0020] Figure 10C is a schematic representation of one of the position sensors shown in Figure 10A.

[0021] Figures 11 A, 11 B, 11C and 11 D are perspective views of a cosmetic composition storage device in progressive stages of assembly.

[0022] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a cosmetic composition preparation system in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a cartridge and a sleeve from the cosmetic composition preparation system shown in Figure 12.

[0024] Figure 14 is a sectional elevation view of the cosmetic composition preparation system shown in Figure 12, prior to discharge of liquid component from one of the cartridges, when a quantity selector is in a first position. [0025] Figure 15 is a sectional elevation view of the cosmetic composition preparation system shown in Figure 14, upon discharge of liquid component from the cartridge, when a quantity selector is in a first position.

[0026] Figure 16 is a sectional elevation view of the cosmetic composition preparation system shown in Figure 14, prior to discharge of liquid component from the cartridge, when a quantity selector is in a second position.

[0027] Figure 17 is a sectional elevation view of the cosmetic composition preparation system shown in Figure 14, upon discharge of liquid component from the cartridge, when a quantity selector is in a second position.

[0028] Figure 18 is a sectional elevation view of the cosmetic composition preparation system shown in Figure 12, showing an actuation sensor, prior to discharge of liquid component from a cartridge.

[0029] Figure 19 is a sectional elevation view of the cosmetic composition preparation system shown in Figure 18, showing the actuation sensor, upon discharge of liquid component from the cartridge.

[0030] Figure 20 is a perspective view of an interior portion of the cosmetic composition preparation system shown in Figure 12, illustrating a quantity selector that is part of the cosmetic composition preparation system 12.

[0031] Figure 21 is a perspective view of another interior portion of the cosmetic composition preparation system shown in Figure 12, illustrating how one of the cartridges connects to the sleeve shown in Figure 13.

[0032] Figure 22 is a sectional perspective view illustrating an axial guide structure provided for the cartridge 32.

[0033] Figure 24 is a perspective view of the cosmetic composition preparation system shown in Figure 12 positioned to discharge liquid component from a first one of the cartridges held therein.

[0034] Figure 25 is a perspective view of the cosmetic composition preparation system shown in Figure 12 positioned to discharge liquid component from a second one of the cartridges held therein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the drawings to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiment or embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.

[0036] Various terms used throughout the present description may be read and understood as follows, unless the context indicates otherwise: “or” as used throughout is inclusive, as though written “and/or”; singular articles and pronouns as used throughout include their plural forms, and vice versa; similarly, gendered pronouns include their counterpart pronouns so that pronouns should not be understood as limiting anything described herein to use, implementation, performance, etc. by a single gender; “exemplary” should be understood as “illustrative” or “exemplifying” and not necessarily as “preferred” over other embodiments. Further definitions for terms may be set out herein; these may apply to prior and subsequent instances of those terms, as will be understood from a reading of the present description.

[0037] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

[0038] Any reference to directional or relational positions (including terms such as top or upper or the like, bottom or lower or the like, left or right or the like, side or the like, inner or the like, outer or the like) will be understood to apply even when the item that is claimed is not in an in-use orientation. For example if a container is described and claimed to have an open upper end that permits a user to deposit a product into the container, the container may still be considered to have an open upper end even if the container is lying on its side.

[0039] Any module, unit, component, server, computer, terminal, engine or device exemplified herein that executes instructions may include or otherwise have access to computer readable media such as storage media, computer storage media, or data storage devices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Computer storage media may include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by an application, module, or both. Any such computer storage media may be part of the device or accessible or connectable thereto. Further, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, any processor or controller set out herein may be implemented as a singular processor or as a plurality of processors. The plurality of processors may be arrayed or distributed, and any processing function referred to herein may be carried out by one or by a plurality of processors, even though a single processor may be exemplified. Any method, application or module herein described may be implemented using computer readable/executable instructions that may be stored or otherwise held by such computer readable media and executed by the one or more processors. [0040] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cosmetic composition preparation system 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cosmetic composition preparation system 10 permits a user to prepare a customized cosmetic composition 11 (Figure 11A) such as nail varnish. The cosmetic composition preparation system 10 includes a housing 12 and, with reference to Figures 2A and 2B, includes a plurality of chambers 14, including in this example, a first chamber 14a, a second chamber 14b and a third chamber 14c. Each chamber 14 is positioned to hold a liquid component 20 and has a chamber outlet 22. The liquid component 20 in each chamber 14 may be different than (i.e. unique relative to) the liquid component 20 in each of the other chambers 14. For example, the liquid components 20 may differ in any selected property, such as color. Thus, each chamber 14 may be said to be positioned to hold a unique liquid component 20. As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, for each of the plurality of chambers 14, the chamber 14 is defined in a cartridge 32 that is removably held in the housing 12.

[0041] A receiving vessel 38 is positioned in fluid communication with the chamber outlet 22 from each of the plurality of chambers 20. The receiving vessel 38 is sized to receive the quantity of the liquid component 20 from the plurality of chambers 14, so as to form the cosmetic composition 11 therewith. As can be seen in Figure 2B, the housing 12 includes a liquid conduit 40 for transport of the liquid component 20 from the chamber outlet 22 of each of the chambers 14.

[0042] In the embodiment shown, the housing 12 includes a receptacle 46 for releasably holding the receiving vessel 38, such that the receiving vessel 38 is insertable and removable from the receptacle 46. The receptacle 46 may be provided in a drawer 47 that is part of the housing 12 and that is openable (e.g. withdrawable) relative to a remainder of the housing 12 in order to provide access to the receptacle 46 so as to permit the receiving vessel 38 to be removed or replaced.

[0043] For each of the plurality of chambers 14, there is an actuator 48 that is movable to discharge a quantity of the liquid component 20 from the chamber 14 into the receiving vessel 38. The actuator 48 may be part of a first cartridge portion 50 (i.e. a first portion 50 of the cartridge 32), as shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a sectional image that is representative of each of the cartridges 32 of the cosmetic composition preparation system 10. [0044] As shown, the first cartridge portion 50 in part defines the first chamber 14. The first cartridge portion 50 is movable through a stroke relative to a second cartridge portion 52, the second cartridge portion 52 being fixedly positioned in the housing 12. The movement through the stroke is represented by the change of position of the first cartridge portion 50 between a home position shown in Figure 4 and an actuated position shown in Figure 5. The stroke itself is represented by ‘S’ in Figures 4 and 5. Movement of the first cartridge portion 50 through the stroke S drives the quantity of the liquid component 20 from the chamber 14. This occurs because movement of the first cartridge portion 50 through the stroke S causes a reduction in the volume of the chamber 14, thereby driving the quantity of the liquid component 20 from the chamber 14 through the chamber outlet 22. A cartridge biasing member 54 may be provided in order to urge the first cartridge portion 50 towards the home position.

[0045] In order to prevent a negative pressure from being present in the space above the level of the liquid component 20 in the chamber 14 when some of the liquid component 20 is discharged from the chamber 14, at least one air hole 56 may be present in the first cartridge portion 50 that permits air into the space above the level of the first liquid component 20. In order to prevent the first liquid component 20 from drying out, the cartridge 32 may further include a piston 58 that covers the liquid component 20, separating the liquid component 20 from the air in the space above the liquid component 20. Air pressure above the piston 58 drives the piston 58 to move down in the chamber 14 as some of the liquid component 20 is discharged therefrom. Preferably, when the first cartridge portion 50 is pressed down to its actuated position, the user would block the one or more air holes 56. This permits the pressure in the space above the level of the liquid component 20 to increase during the pressing down of the first cartridge portion 50 to assist in driving of the liquid component 20 out from the chamber 14.

[0046] As can be seen in Figure 2B, the actuator 48 is accessible from outside of the housing 12, so as to be pressed down by the user in order to move the first cartridge portion 50 through its stroke.

[0047] With reference to Figures 6-8, there may be associated with each of the plurality of chambers 14, a quantity selector 64 which is movable between a first position (Figure 7) in which the quantity of the associated liquid component 20 that is discharged from the chamber outlet 22 (Figure 3), is a first selected liquid component quantity, and a second position (Figure 8) in which the quantity of the liquid component 20 is a second selected liquid component quantity that is larger than the first selected liquid component quantity.

[0048] The quantity selector 64 may include a projection arrangement 66 on the cartridge 32, which is resiliently engageable with a detent arrangement 68 on the housing 12, so as to bias the quantity selector 64 towards each of the first and second positions for the quantity selector 64. Alternatively, the first detent arrangement 68 could be on the cartridge 32, and the projection arrangement 66 could be on the housing 12. Accordingly, it can be said that, in some embodiments the quantity selector includes a projection arrangement 66 on one of the cartridge 32 and the housing 12, which is resiliently engageable with a first detent arrangement 68 on the other of the cartridge 32 and the housing 12, so as to bias the first quantity selector 64 towards each of the first and second positions for the first quantity selector 64.

[0049] In the example shown, the projection arrangement 66 includes a plurality of projections 70, and the detent arrangement 68 includes a plurality of detents 72. It is alternatively possible for the projection arrangement 66 to include a single projection 70 and for the detent arrangement 68 to include a plurality of detents 72, or for the projection arrangement 66 to include a plurality of projections 70 and for the detent arrangement 68 to include a single detent 72. A position indicator 74 (Figure 1) may be provided at the top of each cartridge 32 in order to indicate to the user which position the quantity selector 64 is in.

[0050] With reference to Figure 4, a cartridge limit surface 80 on the first cartridge portion 50 is spaced from a housing limit surface 82 on the housing 12 by a gap G. Movement of the first cartridge portion 50 through the stroke S brings the cartridge limit surface 80 into engagement with the housing limit surface 82, as seen in Figure 5.

[0051] Movement of the quantity selector 64 moves at least one of the cartridge limit surface 80 and the housing limit surface 82 relative to the other so as to change a size of the gap G, such that, in the first position of the quantity selector (shown in Figure 9), the size of the gap G is a first gap size, and in the second position of the quantity selector 64 (shown in Figure 4), the size of the gap G is a second gap size that is different than the first gap size. In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 9, the second gap size is larger than the first gap size. In other embodiments, the second gap size may be smaller than the first gap size, as described later on below.

[0052] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-1 OB, the quantity selector 64 is on the cartridge 32 (specifically, on the first cartridge portion 50), and is rotatable between the first and second positions. Also, in the embodiments shown in Figures 1-10B, the cartridge limit surface 80 is on the first cartridge portion 50. During operation, the length of the stroke of the first cartridge portion 50 is directly limited by the size of the gap G between the cartridge limit surface 80 and the housing limit surface 82.

[0053] It will be noted that, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1-10B, the quantity selector 64 is positionable in many more positions than just a first position and a second position. In the embodiment shown, the quantity selector 64 is positionable in six positions. In the example shown, each position represents an increment of about 3 ml of the liquid component 20. In one position, the quantity selector 64 is positioned such that the cartridge limit surface 80 is already in engagement with the housing limit surface 82, which means that the stroke of the first cartridge portion 50 is zero.

[0054] The liquid components 20 in the chambers 14 may be any suitable liquid components, such as, for example, liquid pigments. Alternatively, one or more of the liquid components 20 may be a modifier such as a clear gel with sparkle elements in it. In the example shown, one or the chambers 14 contains a first liquid component 20 that is a red pigment, another one of the chambers 14 contains a second liquid component 20 that is a yellow pigment, and another one of the chambers 14 contains a third liquid component 20 that is a blue pigment.

[0055] Reference is made to Figures 10A, 10B and 10C. As shown in Figure 10A, the cosmetic composition preparation system 10 may include a position sensor 86 for each quantity selector 64 (only the projections 70 from the projection arrangement 66 of the quantity selectors 64 are shown in Figure 10A). The position sensor 86 is positioned to sense which of the first and second positions the quantity selector 64 is in. [0056] The cosmetic composition preparation system 10 further includes a controller 88 that includes a memory 88a and a processor 88b. The memory 88a stores executable code. The processor 88b is programmed to execute the executable code to: receive signals from each position sensor 86 that are indicative of which of the first and second positions the quantity selector 64 is in, and illuminate a visual output member 90 (Figures 1 and 10C) in a display color that is representative of a color of the cosmetic composition 11 that is to be generated by mixing the quantities of the liquid components to be deposited in the receiving vessel 38, based on the signals from the plurality of position sensors 86.

[0057] The visual output member 90 may be any suitable type of visual output member, such as a multi-color LED shown at 92 (Figure 10C) that is mounted to the housing 12. Alternatively the visual output member 90 could be the display of a smartphone that is owned by the user and which receives signals from the cosmetic composition preparation system 10 via Bluetooth™ or any other suitable wireless communications protocol.

[0058] Each position sensor 86 may include an arm member 94 that has a plurality of arms 96 which are all electrically connected to one another, and a trace set 98 which includes a plurality of conductive traces 100 that are all separate from one another electrically. In the present example, there are four arms 96 shown individually as a first arm 96a, a second arm 96b, a third arm 96c and a fourth arm 96d, and four traces 100 shown individually as a first trace 100a, a second trace 100b, a third trace 100c and a fourth trace 100d. At least one of the arm member 94 and the trace set 98 is movable relative to the other of the arm member 94 and the trace set 98 during movement of the quantity selector 64. In the present example, the arm member 94 is on a sleeve 102 that is mounted rotatably relative to the housing 12. The sleeve 102 is positioned to slidably receive the cartridge 32 such that the cartridge 32 is slidable in the sleeve 102 but is rotationally locked to the sleeve 102. This may be accomplished by extensions of the projections 70 that extend axially on the cartridge 32 and which fit slidably in channels 106 in the sleeve 102. The sleeves 102 are best seen on two of the cartridges 32 in Figure 6, whereas one of the cartridges 32 is shown without the sleeve 102 thereon so as to show what would have been obscured by the sleeve 102. The cartridges 32 passes through the sleeves 102 when being inserted into position into the housing 12, and are withdrawn through the sleeves 102 when being removed from the housing 12 such that the sleeves 102 remain with the housing 12.

[0059] Since the arm member 94 is positioned on the sleeve 102, the arm member 94 can be said to be movable with the quantity selector 64. With reference to Figure 10A, the traces 100 of the trace set 98 are positioned such that for each position of the quantity selector 64, a different combination of arms 96 and traces 100 are in contact with one another. In the embodiment shown, the first arm 96a is always in contact with the first trace 100a. In the different positions of the quantity selector 64, different combinations of the second, third and fourth arms 96b, 96c and 96d are in contact with their corresponding second, third and fourth traces 100b, 100c, and 100d (i.e. different pairs of arms 96 and traces 100 are in contact with one another). Since there are three arms 96b, 96c and 96d, this corresponds to a sufficient number of possible combinations of contact with the corresponding traces 100b, 100c, and 100d to represent the six positions of the quantity selector 64. For example, in the position shown in Figure 10A, the first, second and third arms 96a, 96b and 96c are in contact with the first, second and third traces 100a, 100b, and 100c. However, in the position shown in Figure 10B, the first and second arms 96a and 96b are in contact with the first and second traces 100a and 100b, only.

[0060] Movement of the quantity selector 64 between the plurality of positions drives movement of the arm member 94 relative to the trace set 98 to cause a unique combination of arms 96 that are in contact with their associated traces 100.

[0061] The position sensor 86 further includes a current sensor arrangement 101 in Figure 10C that is positioned to detect which of the plurality of arms 96 is in contact with which of the plurality of conductive traces 100 (i.e. which pairs of arms 96 and traces 100 are in contact with one another). The current sensor arrangement 101 may simply include a plurality of current sensors, including a first current sensor 101a positioned for detecting current flow in a current loop including the first arm 96a, the first trace 100a, the second arm 96b and the second trace 100b, a second current sensor 101b positioned for detecting current flow in a current loop including the first arm 96a, the first trace 100a, the third arm 96c and the third trace 100c, and a third current sensor 101c positioned for detecting current flow in a current loop including the first arm 96a, the first trace 100a, the fourth arm 96d and the fourth trace 10Od, as shown in the schematic illustration in Figure 20. An illustration of a source of power is shown at 103. This source of power 103 may be a battery that powers the controller 88. In the schematic illustration shown in Figure 10C, all four arms 96a-96d are in contact with all four traces 100a-100d, and all four traces 100a-100d are shown as simple rectangular strips, but have more complex positioning as shown in Figures 10A and 10B.

[0062] The controller 88 receives signals from the current sensor arrangement 101 and determines the positions of the quantity selectors 64. These positions can be used to lookup illumination data from a suitable look up table that is stored in the memory 88a. The illumination data is used by the controller 88 to control illumination of the visual output member 90.

[0063] The receiving vessel 38 is shown more clearly in Figures 11 A-11 D. The receiving vessel 38 in the example shown may form part of a cosmetic composition storage device 110, which is a storage device for storing the cosmetic composition 11 created using the cosmetic composition preparation system 10. The cosmetic composition storage device 110 may further include a lower storage device member 112 that surrounds the receiving vessel 38 (see Figure 11 B), and has a support surface 114 on which a flange 116 of the receiving vessel 38 sits. In the embodiment shown, the lower storage device member 112 is a skirt that extends below a lower end 118 of the receiving vessel such that the receiving vessel 38 is supported by its flange 116. The lower storage device member 112 may be open at the bottom of the skirt.

[0064] The cosmetic composition storage device 110 may further include an upper storage device member 120 that is releasably mounted to the lower storage device member 112 in such a way as to releasably clamp the flange 116. In the example shown, the upper storage device member 120 has a first, internally threaded region 122 that threadingly mates with a second, externally threaded region 124 on the lower storage device member 112. The upper storage device member 120 is therefore threadedly mounted to the lower storage device member 112.

[0065] The releasable mounting of the upper storage device member 120 to the lower storage device member 112 permits removal of the upper storage device member 120 from the lower storage device member 112, which in turn permits removal and replacement of the receiving vessel 38 from the cosmetic composition storage device 110.

[0066] The upper storage device member 120 has a pass-through aperture 126 that permits access to the cosmetic composition 11 from outside of the upper storage device member 120 while the upper storage device member 120 is releasably mounted to the lower storage device member 112.

[0067] The cosmetic composition storage device 110 may further include a cap 128 that is releasably mounted to the upper storage device member 120 to close the pass-through aperture 126 so as to prevent the cosmetic composition from drying out. The cap 128 may be threadedly mounted to the upper storage device member 120, e.g. by means of a first, internally threaded region 130 on the cap 128 that threadingly mates with a second, externally threaded region 132 on the upper storage device member 120.

[0068] The cap 128 may include an applicator brush 133 for dipping into the cosmetic composition.

[0069] By providing this structure, the receiving vessel 38 can be used and then disposed of when desired, and the remaining parts of the cosmetic composition storage device 110 can be used with another receiving vessel 38 to store another batch of cosmetic composition 11 .

[0070] It will be noted that the aperture of the receiving vessel 38 itself (shown at 135 in Figures 11A and 11 B) is larger than the pass-through aperture 126 of the upper storage device member 120. This arrangement has an additional advantage of permitting a user to use the smaller aperture (the pass-through aperture 126) when the user uses the cosmetic composition 11 in a typical manner, e.g. to apply nail varnish to their nails, but to also permit a user to use the larger aperture (the aperture 135 of the receiving vessel 38 itself) for other tasks such as for detail work that requires very fine control of how much of the cosmetic composition 11 is being applied to the brush 133.

[0071] To use the cosmetic composition preparation system 10, the user may open the drawer 47 (Figure 1) and insert one of the receiving vessels 38, and then close the drawer 47. The user can rotate the quantity selectors 68 for all the chambers 14 (by rotating the tops of the first housing portions 50) until the desired color is displayed on the visual output member 90. The user can then press the actuator 48 on each of the cartridges 32 in order to discharge the selected quantities of the liquid components 20 from the chambers 14 into the receiving vessel 38. The user may then open the drawer 47 and remove the receiving vessel 38. The user may then mix the liquid components 20 contained in the receiving vessel 38 as needed to obtain the desired cosmetic composition. If desired, the user may add other additives to the cosmetic composition such as glitter or other things. The user can then assemble the cosmetic composition storage device 110 using the receiving vessel 38, the lower storage device member 112, the upper storage device member 120 and the cap 128 (Figure 11A). It will be noted that the receiving vessel 38 may optionally be prefilled with a selected amount of a prefill cosmetic composition component shown at 134 in Figure 2B prior to insertion into the receptacle.

[0072] Figures 12-23 shows another embodiment of the cosmetic composition preparation system, at 210. In the embodiment shown in Figures 12-23, any elements of the cosmetic composition preparation system 210 that are the same as, or are provided with at least some purposes in common with, analogous elements of the cosmetic composition preparation system 10 in Figures 1-10B, will be identified with reference numbers that are same as the ones for the analogous elements of the cosmetic composition preparation system 10, plus 200. For example, the housing is shown at 12 in Figures 1-10B, and at 212 in Figures 12-23.

[0073] The cosmetic composition preparation system 210 may be similar to the cosmetic composition preparation system 10, and includes a plurality of chambers 214 (Figure 14) that are similar to the chambers 14, and may be provided in cartridges 232 that are similar to the cartridges 32.

[0074] The cosmetic composition preparation system 210 differs from the cosmetic composition preparation system 10 in some ways. For example, the cosmetic composition preparation system 210 includes four cartridges 232, and therefore defines four chambers 214, instead of three cartridges shown in the cosmetic composition preparation system 10. Each cartridge 232 may be similar to the cartridge 32, and has a first cartridge portion 250 that in part defines the first chamber 14 and is movable through a stroke S relative to a second cartridge portion 252 of the cartridge 250 to drive a quantity of the liquid component 20 from the chamber 214, however, in the cosmetic composition preparation system 210, both the first and second cartridge portions 250 and 252 may be movable relative to the housing 212. A first cartridge biasing member 254 may be provided in order to urge the first cartridge portion 250 towards the home position shown in Figures 14 and 16. A second cartridge biasing member 255 may be provided in order to urge the second cartridge portion 252 towards the home position shown in Figures 14 and 16.

[0075] A difference between the actuation for the cosmetic composition preparation system 210 and the cosmetic composition preparation system 10 is illustrated in Figures 14- 19. The cosmetic composition preparation system 210 includes an actuator 248 that is similar to the actuator 48 and is part of the first cartridge portion 250. With reference to Figure 14, a first cartridge limit surface 280 on the first cartridge portion 250 is spaced from a first housing limit surface 282 on the housing 212 by a first gap G1. Movement of the actuator 248 from the home position to the actuated position brings the first cartridge limit surface 280 into engagement with the first housing limit surface 282, as seen in Figure 15. Additionally, a second cartridge limit surface 281 on the second cartridge portion 252 is spaced from a second housing limit surface 283 on the housing 212 by a second gap G2.

[0076] Movement of the actuator 248 and therefore the first cartridge portion 250 from the position shown in Figure 14 towards the position shown in Figure 15, drives movement of the second cartridge portion 252, through the first cartridge biasing member 254, until such time as the second cartridge limit surface 281 engages the second housing limit surface 283 and therefore prevents further movement of the second cartridge portion 252. During the period where both the first and second cartridge portions 250 and 252 move together, there is no relative movement between them, and therefore no liquid component 20 is being pushed out of the chamber 214. Once the second cartridge limit surface 281 engages the second housing limit surface 283, continued movement of the first cartridge portion 250 until the first cartridge limit surface 280 engages the first housing limit surface 282 drives liquid component 20 from the chamber 214.

[0077] The movement of the first cartridge portion 250 through the stroke S is represented by the change of position of the first cartridge portion 250 between the home position shown in Figure 14 and the actuated position shown in Figure 15, relative to the change in position of the second cartridge portion 252 between the home position shown in Figure 14 and the actuated position shown in Figure 15. If the size of the second gap G2 is not smaller than (i.e. is the same or larger than) the size of the first gap G1 , then no liquid component 20 will be discharged from the chamber 214.

[0078] As can be seen, the size of the gap G1 and the size of the gap G2 in Figure 14 are the same. Therefore, there is no liquid component that is discharged during the movement between the positions in these two figures.

[0079] At least one air hole 256 (Figures 18-19) may be present in the first cartridge portion 250, similar to the at least one air hole 56 (Figures 1-10B) for use during actuation of the actuator 248, and a piston 258 (Figures 14-17) may be provided that is similar to the piston 58 (Figures 1-10B).

[0080] A quantity selector 264 is shown in Figure 20, and is movable between a first position (Figure 14) in which the quantity of the associated liquid component 20 that is discharged from the chamber outlet shown at 222, is a first selected liquid component quantity, and a second position (Figure 16) in which the quantity of the liquid component 20 is a second selected liquid component quantity that is larger than the first selected liquid component quantity.

[0081] The quantity selector 264 may include a projection arrangement 266 on a sleeve 302 (Figures 13, 20 and 21 ) in which the cartridge 232 is slidably engaged but is rotatably fixed thereto. To achieve this, the cartridge 232 may have a pair of axially extending ribs 304 thereon, which engage axially extending channels 306 in the sleeve 302. The projection arrangement 266 is resiliently engageable with a detent arrangement 268 on the housing 212 so as to bias the quantity selector 264 towards each of the first and second positions for the quantity selector 264. A position indicator 274 may be provided at the top of each cartridge 232 in order to indicate to the user which position the quantity selector 264 is in. In the embodiment shown, the pitch of the projections that make up the projection arrangement 266 is much smaller than it is for the projections in the projection arrangement 66 of Figures 1 -10B. As a result, a much finer level of adjustment is available for the quantity selector 264 than there is for the quantity selector 64 of Figures 1-10B. [0082] It will be noted that the detents that make up the detent arrangement 268 shown in Figure 20 are valleys that are present between projections that are on a wall of the housing 212. Thus, particularly in the embodiment shown in Figure 20, either of the projection arrangement 266 or the detent arrangement 268 could be considered to be the projection arrangement, with the other being considered to be the detent arrangement.

[0083] Movement of the quantity selector 264 moves at least one of the second cartridge limit surface 281 and the second housing limit surface 283 relative to the other so as to change a size of the second gap G2, such that, in the first position of the quantity selector 264 (shown in Figure 14), the size of the second gap G2 is a first gap size, and in the second position of the quantity selector 264 (shown in Figure 16), the size of the gap G is a second gap size that is different than the first gap size. In the embodiment shown in Figures 14-17, the second gap size is smaller than the first gap size.

[0084] It will be noted that, regardless of the position of the quantity selector 264, the size of the first gap G1 remains the same. However, the size of the second gap G2 determines how quickly the second cartridge portion 252 is stopped by the second housing limit surface 283 during the movement of the actuator 248. Therefore, the size of the second gap G2 defines how much relative movement there will be between the first and second cartridge portions 250 and 252 of the cartridge 232. It will be understood that, when the quantity selector 264 is in the second position, the second gap size of the second gap G2 (as shown in Figure 16) is smaller than the first gap size of the second gap G2 (Figure 14), which results in the quantity of the liquid component 20 being discharged being a second selected quantity that is larger than the first selected quantity.

[0085] Referring to Figures 13 and 23, a position sensor arrangement 286 is provided, in which there is a gear 360 that is rotated by the projection arrangement 266. The gear 360 may, more broadly, be referred to as a position transfer member, that is moved by movement of the quantity selector 264. The gear 360 includes an extension portion 362 shown in Figure 21. The position sensor arrangement 286 shown in the example embodiment includes a potentiometer 364, that is positioned to send signals to the controller 288 that are indicative of a voltage across the potentiometer 364. The extension portion 362 of the gear 360 is shown in outline only so as not to obscure the elements underneath it in Figure 23.

[0086] The potentiometer 364 includes a conductive strip 364a and a movable wiper 364b. The movable wiper 364b is connected to the position transfer member 360 in any suitable way, such as by an adhesive and/or a press fit, such that movement of the position transfer member 360 moves the movable wiper 364b, which, in turn, changes the voltage across the potentiometer 364. In the embodiment shown, the movable wiper 364b is rotatable, however a potentiometer may be provided with a movable wiper 364b that is movable along a linear path or along a path that is not rotary.

[0087] The controller 288 (the processor 288b) determines the color to display on the visual output member, shown at 290, based on the signals from the position sensor arrangement 286 (i.e. from the potentiometer 364). Thus, the controller 288 is programmed to illuminate the visual output member 290 in a display color that is representative of a color of the cosmetic composition 11 (Figure 11A) that is to be generated by mixing the quantities of the liquid components 20 to be deposited in the receiving vessel 38, based on the signals from the plurality of position sensors 286. The controller 288 is shown schematically in Figure 13.

[0088] Reference is made to Figure 22. It can be seen in Figure 22, that the housing 212 optionally includes an axial guide structure shown at 366. The axial guide structure 366 is positioned to cooperate with the quantity selector 264 so as to lock the quantity selector 264 against movement during movement of the first cartridge portion 250 though the stroke S (not shown in Figure 22). In an embodiment, the axial guide structure 366 is positioned on the housing 212 so as to inhibit rotation of the first cartridge portion 250 during movement of the first cartridge portion 250 away from the home position towards the actuated position.

[0089] In the particular example shown, the axial guide structure 366 includes a plurality of axially extending ribs 368 that engage the projection arrangement 266 on the sleeve 302. It will be noted that there could be as few as one axially extending rib 368 however, in an alternative embodiment. Thus it can be said that there is at least one axially extending rib 368 that is included in the axial guide structure 366. [0090] The at least one axially extending rib 368 is positioned just adjacent to the projection arrangement 266 when the first cartridge portion 250 is in the home position (Figure 22), and has a selected length, such that, as soon as the first cartridge portion 250 is moved away from its home position, the projection arrangement 266 engages the at least one axially extending rib 368, thereby preventing the first cartridge portion 250 from inadvertently rotating during movement of the first cartridge portion 250 all the way to the actuated position (e.g. to the position shown in Figure 16 or 17). Put another way, the at least one axially extending rib 368 is positioned to engage the projection arrangement 266 upon movement of the first cartridge portion 250 away from the home position towards the actuated position, so as to inhibit rotational movement of the first housing portion 250. As a result, the quantity of liquid component 20 that is discharged from the chamber 14 is the quantity that was initially intended.

[0091] Reference is made to Figures 18 and 19, which illustrate the operation of an actuation sensor 370 that is optionally included with the cosmetic composition preparation system 210. The actuation system 370 may be configured to sense completion of the stroke of the first cartridge portion 250. In some embodiments, the processor 288b of the controller 288 is programmed to execute executable code to: receive a signal from the actuation sensor 370 that is indicative of completion of the stroke of the first cartridge portion 250, and emit output through an output member (e.g. the visual output member 290, or a speaker, or some other output member) based on the signal from the actuation sensor 370.

[0092] The actuation sensor 370 may include a limit switch that includes a switch member 372 and a switch member biasing member 373, and a transfer arm 374. The switch member 372 is movable between a first position (Figure 18) and a second position (Figure 19), and is optionally a pushbutton, as shown in Figures 18 and 19. The switch member 372 is movable from the first position to the second position by movement of the first cartridge portion 250 through its stroke completely (i.e. by movement from the position shown in Figure 18 to the position shown in Figure 19). More specifically, the movement of the first cartridge portion 250 through its stroke causes engagement of a shoulder 376 on the first cartridge portion 250 with the transfer arm 74, and drives the transfer arm 374 along to push the switch member 372 to its second position. When the user releases the actuator 248, the first and second cartridge biasing members 254 and 255 drive the first and second cartridge portions 250 and 252 back to their home positions (Figures 14 and 16), and in turn the switch member biasing member 373 drives the switch member 372 back to its first position, which in turn drives the transfer arm 374 to its home position.

[0093] By providing the transfer arm 374, which is easily engaged by the cartridge 232, the switch member 372 can be positioned inside the housing 212 directly on a printed circuit board inside the housing 212, shown at 378 that has the controller 288 thereon. This eliminates the need for wires to run from the printed circuit board to a switch that is itself positioned for direct engagement by the first housing portion 250.

[0094] When the first cartridge portion 250 has completed its stroke, the movement of the switch member 372 to its second position sends a signal to the controller 288 such that the controller 288 emits output to the output member. If the output member is a speaker, the controller 288 may cause the speaker to emit a sound such as a beep to notify the user that they have fully actuated the actuator 248. This is advantageous, since if the actuator 248 is only partially actuated before the user releases it, then not enough of the liquid component 20 will have been discharged into the receiving vessel, shown at 38, which will impact the ratio of the quantities of the liquid components present in the receiving vessel 38, which will in turn impact the final color of the cosmetic composition 11 in the receiving vessel 38.

[0095] Reference is made to Figures 24 and 25, which show the cosmetic composition preparation system 210 with a portion of the housing 212 shown as a transparent outline only so as to permit illustration of the elements therein. It can be seen that the housing 212 is devoid of any liquid conduits similar to the ones shown at 40 in the cosmetic composition preparation system 10 shown in Figure 2B. Instead, in the cosmetic composition preparation system 210, one of the chamber outlets 222 is positioned directly above the receiving vessel 38. As a result, when the liquid component 20 is discharged from the chamber outlet 222 that is directly above the receiving vessel 38, the liquid component 20 is discharged directly into the receiving vessel 38 without the need for a liquid conduit and therefore without contacting any part of the interior of the housing 212. This permits cartridges 232 containing different colors of liquid components 20 to be switched out with each other, without fear of cross contamination from any color component 20 that resides in any liquid conduits. By contrast, in order to switch out a cartridge 32 for a cartridge 32 containing a differently colored liquid component 20 in the embodiment shown in Figures 1- 10B, the user would be encouraged to clean the liquid conduits 40 if possible, or alternatively to avoid changing out cartridges 32 for other cartridges 32 containing differently colored liquid component 20.

[0096] In order to fill the receiving vessel 38 with the liquid components 20 from the different cartridges 232 in the housing 212, the housing 212 is configured to permit each cartridge 232, in turn, to be positioned above the receiving vessel 38. In the embodiment shown, the housing 212 includes a first housing portion 212a that holds the receiving vessel 38, and a second housing portion 212b that holds the cartridges 232. The second housing portion 212b is movable between a plurality of discharging positions relative to the first housing portion 212a, wherein in each of the plurality of discharging positions, a unique one of the cartridges 232 is positioned with the chamber outlet 222 directly above the receiving vessel 38 in order to discharge liquid component 20 into the receiving vessel 38.

[0097] In the embodiment shown, the second housing portion 212b is rotatable between the plurality of positions. Figure 24 shows the second housing portion 212b in a first position, such that a first of the cartridges shown at 232a is positioned with the associated chamber outlet shown at 222a directly above the receiving vessel 38. Figure 25 shows the second housing portion 212b in a second position, such that a second of the cartridges shown at 232b is positioned with the associated chamber outlet shown at 222b directly above the receiving vessel 38. Thus, in order to fill the receiving vessel 38, the user would sequentially rotate the second housing portion 212b to each of the discharging positions and actuate the actuator 248 of the cartridge 232 that is directly above the receiving vessel 38 in order to discharge the quantity of liquid component 20 into the receiving vessel.

[0098] A projection may be provided on one of the first and second housing portions 212a and 212b and a series of detents may be provided on the other of the first and second housing portions 212a and 212b, so as to releasably hold the second housing position in each of the plurality of discharging positions. The projection and detents are not shown, but it would be understood by one skilled in the art as to how to implement them, based on the above description.

[0099] To use the cosmetic composition preparation system 210, the user may open the drawer shown at 247 in Figure 12, and insert the receiving vessel 38, and then may close the drawer 247. The user may rotate the quantity selectors 268 of all the cartridges 232 to the desired positions until the visual output member 290 displays the desired color, that is representative of the cosmetic composition to be formed. The user can then move the second housing member 212b to all of the discharging positions and can discharge the selected quantity of the liquid component 20 contained in each cartridge 232 into the receiving vessel 38. Once all the liquid components that are desired have been discharged into the receiving vessel 38, the user can then open the drawer and remove the receiving vessel 38. The user can then mix the contents of the receiving vessel 38 to form the cosmetic composition, shown at 11. If desired, the user may add other additives to the cosmetic composition such as glitter or other things. The user can then assemble the cosmetic composition storage device 110 using the receiving vessel 38 and the other components thereof.

[0100] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or adapted in various other ways whilst still keeping within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . A cosmetic composition preparation system, comprising: a housing; a plurality of chambers, each positioned to hold a unique liquid component, wherein each of the plurality of chambers has a chamber outlet; a receiving vessel positioned in fluid communication with the chamber outlet from each of the plurality of chambers; wherein for each of the plurality of chambers, there is an actuator that is movable through a stroke to discharge a quantity of the liquid component from the chamber into the receiving vessel, wherein for each of the plurality of chambers, there is a quantity selector that is movable between a first position in which the quantity of the liquid component is a first selected quantity and a second position in which the quantity of the liquid component is a second selected quantity that is larger than the first selected quantity; wherein the receiving vessel is sized to receive the quantity of the liquid component from the plurality of chambers, so as to form a cosmetic composition therewith.

2. A cosmetic composition preparation system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein for each of the plurality of chambers, the chamber is defined in a cartridge that is removably held in the housing.

3. A cosmetic composition preparation system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the actuator includes a first cartridge portion that is accessible from outside the housing, and that in-part defines the chamber, and that is movable through a stroke relative to a second cartridge portion, from a home position to an actuated position, so as to drive the quantity of the liquid component from the chamber.

4. A cosmetic composition preparation system as claimed in claim 3, wherein a cartridge limit surface on the first cartridge portion is spaced from a housing limit surface

-24- on the housing by a gap, wherein, movement of the first cartridge portion through the stroke brings the cartridge limit surface into engagement with the housing limit surface, wherein movement of the quantity selector moves at least one of the cartridge limit surface and the housing limit surface relative to the other so as to change a size of the gap, such that, in the first position of the quantity selector, the size of the gap is a first gap size, and in the second position of the quantity selector, the size of the gap is a second gap size that is different than the first gap size.

5. A cosmetic composition preparation system as claimed in claim 4, wherein, in the second position of the quantity selector, the second gap size is larger than the first gap size.

6. A cosmetic composition preparation system as claimed in claim 4, wherein, in the second position of the quantity selector, the second gap size is smaller than the first gap size.

7. A cosmetic composition preparation system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the quantity selector is rotationally fixed to the cartridge, and is rotatable between the first position and the second position, thereby driving the cartridge limit surface to rotate.

8. A cosmetic composition preparation system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the quantity selector includes a projection arrangement on one of the cartridge and the housing, which is resiliently engageable with a first detent arrangement on the other of the cartridge and the housing so as to bias the first quantity selector towards each of the first and second positions for the first quantity selector.

9. A cosmetic composition preparation system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the projection arrangement is on the cartridge, and wherein the housing includes an axial guide structure that is positioned on the housing so as to inhibit rotation of the first cartridge portion during movement of the first cartridge portion away from the home position towards the actuated position.

10. A cosmetic composition preparation system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the axial guide structure includes at least one axially extending rib that is positioned adjacent to the projection arrangement when the first cartridge portion is in a home position and is positioned to engage the projection arrangement upon movement of the first cartridge portion away from the home position towards the actuated position, so as to inhibit rotational movement of the first housing portion.

11. A cosmetic composition preparation system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the housing includes a receptacle for releasably holding the receiving vessel, such that the receiving vessel is insertable and removable from the receptacle.

12. A cosmetic composition preparation system as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising: a position sensor for each quantity selector, wherein the position sensor is positioned to sense which of the first and second positions the quantity selector is in, and a controller that includes a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores executable code, and wherein the processor is programmed to execute the executable code to: receive signals from each position sensor that are indicative of which of the first and second positions the quantity selector is in, and illuminate a visual output member in a display color that is representative of a color of the cosmetic composition that is to be generated by mixing the quantities of the liquid components to be deposited in the receiving vessel, based on the signals from the plurality of position sensors.

13. A cosmetic composition preparation system as claimed in claim 12, wherein, for each position sensor, the position sensor includes an arm member that has a plurality of arms which are all electrically connected to one another, and a trace set which includes a plurality of conductive traces that are all separate from one another electrically, wherein at least one of the arm member and the trace set is movable relative to the other of the arm member and the trace set during movement of the quantity selector, and wherein the position sensor includes a current sensor arrangement that is positioned to detect which of the plurality of arms is in contact with which of the plurality of conductive traces.

14. A cosmetic composition preparation system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the arm member is movable with the quantity selector and the trace set is fixed to the housing.

15. A cosmetic composition preparation system as claimed in claim 12, wherein, for each position sensor, the position sensor includes a position transfer member that is moved by movement of the quantity selector, and a potentiometer that is positioned to send signals to the controller that are indicative of a voltage across the potentiometer, wherein the potentiometer includes a conductive strip and a movable wiper, wherein the movable wiper is connected to the position transfer member such that movement of the position transfer member moves the movable wiper, which, in turn, changes the voltage across the potentiometer.

16. A cosmetic composition preparation system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the receiving vessel is prefilled with a selected amount of a prefill cosmetic composition component prior to insertion into the receptacle.

17. A cosmetic composition preparation system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each liquid component is a liquid pigment.

18. A cosmetic composition preparation system as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising: an actuation sensor for each actuator, wherein the actuation sensor is positioned to sense completion of the stroke of the first cartridge portion;

-27- a controller that includes a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores executable code, and wherein the processor is programmed to execute the executable code to: receive a signal from the actuation sensor that is indicative of completion of the stroke of the first cartridge portion, and emit output through an output member based on the signal from the actuation sensor.

19. A cosmetic composition storage device, comprising: a receiving vessel that holds a cosmetic composition, and having a flange; a lower storage device member that surrounds the receiving vessel and which has a support surface on which the flange rests; an upper storage device member that is releasably mounted to the lower storage device member in such a way as to releasably clamp the flange, such that removal of the upper storage device member from the lower storage device member permits removal and replacement of the receiving vessel, wherein the upper storage device member has a pass-through aperture that permits access to the cosmetic composition from outside of the upper storage device member while the upper storage device member is releasably mounted to the lower storage device member; and a cap that is releasably mounted to the upper storage device member to close the pass-through aperture.

20. A cosmetic composition storage device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the lower storage device member is a skirt that extends below a lower end of the receiving vessel such that the receiving vessel is supported by the flange.

21 . A cosmetic composition storage device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the lower storage device member has a lower end that is open.

22. A cosmetic composition storage device as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the upper storage device member is threadedly mounted to the lower storage device member.

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