U.S. patent application number 11/037952 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-19 for cleansing system with disposable pads.
This patent application is currently assigned to Zuko, LLC. Invention is credited to Charles P. Althoff, William Babbs, Patrick W. Brown, Carolyn M. McNeeley, John R. Nottingham, Kadir Abdul Rahman, John W. Spirk, Jay Tapper.
Application Number | 20060010625 11/037952 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34982107 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060010625 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tapper; Jay ; et
al. |
January 19, 2006 |
Cleansing system with disposable pads
Abstract
A support tool for holding disposable pads and method of
exfoliating or cleansing facial skin. The support tool includes a
handle for supporting the pads during use, and a pad gripper
system. A user of the cleansing system utilizes the pad gripper to
either attach a disposable pad to the pad housing or to release a
previously attached disposable pad. A method of exfoliating or
cleansing facial skin includes attaching a disposable pad to a pad
housing attached to a handle of a cleansing system by utilizing a
grabbing/releasing means, moving the attached disposable pad over
the facial skin with moderate pressure, and releasing the attached
disposable pad from the pad housing by utilizing a
grabbing/releasing means. A cleansing system package includes a
cleansing device and a plurality of disposable pads.
Inventors: |
Tapper; Jay; (Shaker
Heights, OH) ; Althoff; Charles P.; (Cleveland
Heights, OH) ; Brown; Patrick W.; (Auburn, OH)
; McNeeley; Carolyn M.; (Brunswick Hills, OH) ;
Rahman; Kadir Abdul; (North Point, HK) ; Nottingham;
John R.; (Bratenahl, OH) ; Spirk; John W.;
(Gates Mills, OH) ; Babbs; William; (Sai Kung,
HK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Patrick R. Roche, Esq.;Fay, Sharpe, Fagan, Minnich & McKee, LLP
Seventh Floor
1100 Superior Avenue
Cleveland
OH
44114-2518
US
|
Assignee: |
Zuko, LLC
|
Family ID: |
34982107 |
Appl. No.: |
11/037952 |
Filed: |
January 18, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60587657 |
Jul 14, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/97.1 ;
15/147.1; 15/147.2; 15/230; 15/230.19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 7/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/097.1 ;
015/230; 015/230.19; 015/147.1; 015/147.2 |
International
Class: |
A47L 13/16 20060101
A47L013/16 |
Claims
1. A support tool for holding disposable pads, comprising: a handle
for supporting the pads during use wherein the handle includes: a
pad gripper system for actuation by a user of the tool to either
attach a disposable pad to the handle or to release a previously
attached disposable pad from the handle.
2. The tool as set forth in claim 1, further including a pad
housing pivotally mounted to the handle.
3. The tool as set forth in claim 2, further including a gimbal
connecting the pad housing to the handle, thereby permitting the
pad housing to incline in any direction with respect to the
handle.
4. The tool as set forth in claim 3, further including a resilient
centering material between the handle and the pad housing for
generating a centering force when the pad housing is inclined from
a rest position.
5. The tool as set forth in claim 2, further including: a pad
housing extension attached to the pad housing; the pad housing
extension serving to provide an enlarged area for supporting the
attached disposable pad.
6. The tool as set forth in claim 5, wherein the pad housing
extension is flexible.
7. The tool as set forth in claim 5, wherein the pad housing
extension is rigid.
8. The tool as set forth in claim 5, wherein at least one of the
pad housing and the pad housing extension include markings for
maintaining a more secure grip on the attached disposable pad.
9. The tool as set forth in claim 2, wherein the pad housing is
flexible.
10. The tool as set forth in claim 2, wherein the pad housing is
rigid.
11. The tool as set forth in claim 1, wherein a grabber is included
in the gripper system and configured to release the disposable pad
without a user touching the disposable pad.
12. The tool as set forth in claim 1, wherein the pad gripper
system includes: a pad housing; at least one grabber carriage
attached to the pad housing; a piston slidably housed within each
grabber carriage interior volume; a grabber control button
positioned on an outer surface of the handle and connected to each
piston via a connection passing through a longitudinal slot in the
grabber carriage; a piston return spring configured to provide a
restoring force to each piston, for returning the piston to a
normal piston rest position; and, a plurality of grabber prongs
connected at one end to each piston, the plurality of grabber
prongs retained within a tubular opening in the respective grabber
carriage, the grabber prongs extending through the pad housing when
the grabber control button is moved by a user to a grabbing
position, the grabber prongs thereby expanding in a radial
direction with respect to each other to a grabbing position when
not constrained by the tubular opening, wherein, after insertion of
the grabber prongs into the disposable pad, and after return of the
grabber control button to a normal-use position, the grabbing
prongs contract radially with respect to each other, thereby
gripping the disposable pad.
13. The tool as set forth in claim 2, wherein the pad gripper
system includes: a pad housing; at least one grabber hook mechanism
attached to the pad housing, each grabber hook mechanism including:
a curved hook rotatably attached to the pad housing, having a
detached position and an attached position, a tip of the curved
hook extended outside the pad housing when in the detached
position, and the tip retracted into the pad housing when in the
attached position; and a tab and associated first and second
detents configured to provide a positive stopping action to each
curved hook at desired limits of travel; and a grabber control knob
positioned on an outer surface of the handle and connected to each
grabber hook mechanism via a connection passing through an opening
in the handle.
14. The tool as set forth in claim 13, further including: a rack
gear attached to the grabber control knob; a pinion gear engaged
with the rack gear; a crown gear attached to one end of the pinion
gear; and a hook gear fixedly attached to one end of the curved
hook, rotatably mounted to the pad housing, and engaged with the
crown gear, so that when the grabber control knob is moved in a
linear direction, the rack gear, the pinion gear, the crown gear,
and the hook gear operate to rotate the grabber hook.
15. The tool as set forth in claim 13, further including: a crown
gear fixedly attached on one side to the grabber control knob; and
a hook gear fixedly attached to one end of the curved hook,
rotatably mounted to the pad housing, and engaged with the crown
gear, so that when the grabber control knob is rotated, the crown
gear and the hook gear operate to rotate the grabber hook.
16. The tool as set forth in claim 13, further including: at least
one vibration generator mounted to at least one of the handle and
the pad housing; and, a switch for activating the vibration
generator, wherein vibrations from the vibration generator are
transmitted to the attached disposable pad.
17. The tool as set forth in claim 16, further including
replaceable batteries disposed in an interior volume of the handle
for providing power to the vibration generator via the switch.
18. The tool as set forth in claim 16, further including
rechargeable batteries disposed in an interior volume of the handle
for providing power to the vibration generator via the switch.
19. The tool as set forth in claim 16, wherein the at least one
vibration generator comprises an electric motor including an
eccentric weight on an output shaft of the motor.
20. The tool as set forth in claim 16, wherein the switch activates
the at least one vibration generator at a selective one of two or
more vibration rates.
21. The tool as set forth in claim 1, further including: a motor
mounted to the handle; a pad housing attached to the handle; a gear
arrangement coupled to the motor and the pad housing; and, a switch
for activating the motor, wherein the gear arrangement provides at
least one of oscillating movement and rotating movement of the pad
housing and the attached disposable pad.
22. A method of exfoliating or cleansing facial skin, the method
comprising: attaching a disposable pad to a pad housing attached to
a handle of a cleansing system by utilizing a grabbing/releasing
means; moving the attached disposable pad on the facial skin with
moderate pressure; and, releasing the attached disposable pad from
the pad housing by utilizing the grabbing/releasing means.
23. The method as set forth in claim 22, the releasing comprising:
removing the attached disposable pad from the pad housing by
utilizing the grabbing/releasing means without touching the
disposable pad.
24. The method as set forth in claim 22, the attaching comprising:
extending at least one multi-pronged gripper through an aperture in
the pad housing, thereby diametrically expanding a gripping end of
the at least one multi-pronged gripper; pressing the expanded
gripping end against the disposable pad; and retracting the at
least one multi-pronged gripper through the aperture, thereby
diametrically contracting the gripping end and applying additional
gripping force to the disposable pad.
25. The method as set forth in claim 24, further including
releasing the disposable pad, the releasing comprising:
re-extending the at least one multi-pronged gripper through the
aperture in the pad housing, thereby diametrically re-expanding the
gripping end of the multi-pronged gripper; separating the
disposable pad from the re-expanded gripping end.
26. The method as set forth in claim 25, wherein the separating
comprises dropping the disposable pad from the expanded gripping
end without touching the disposable pad.
27. The method as set forth in claim 22, the attaching comprising:
rotating at least one grabber hook to a released position; pressing
the pad housing against the disposable pad; and returning the at
least one grabber hook to an attached position, thereby passing the
tip of the grabber hook through a portion of the disposable pad and
thereby gripping the disposable pad.
28. The method as set forth in claim 27, further including
releasing the disposable pad, the releasing comprising re-rotating
the at least one grabber hook to the released position, thereby
releasing the grabber hook from the disposable pad.
29. The method as set forth in claim 28, wherein the separating
comprises dropping the disposable pad from the pad housing without
touching the disposable pad.
30. The method as set forth in claim 22, the method further
including: generating vibrations in the electric facializer,
thereby transmitting vibrations to the disposable pad; and pressing
the affixed disposable pad to the facial skin when the electric
facializer is generating vibrations.
31. A cleansing system package, comprising: a plurality of
disposable pads; a cleansing device comprising: a handle for
holding the cleansing system during use and for supporting one of
the disposable pads during use; a pad housing attached to the
handle; and, a pad gripper, for actuation by a user of the
cleansing device to either attach one of the plurality of
disposable pads to the pad housing or to release a previously
attached disposable pad; and, a container for packaging the
cleansing device and the plurality of disposable pads.
32. The cleansing system package as set forth in claim 31, wherein
the container comprises a blister pack.
33. The cleansing system package as set forth in claim 31, the
cleansing device further including: at least one vibration
generator mounted to at least one of the handle and the pad
housing; and, a switch for activating the vibration generator,
wherein vibrations from the vibration generator are transmitted to
the attached disposable pad.
34. The cleansing system package as set forth in claim 33, the
cleansing device further including replaceable batteries disposed
in an interior volume of the handle for providing power to the
vibration generator via the switch.
35. The cleansing system package as set forth in claim 34, the
cleansing device further including: a try-me switch for temporarily
activating the vibration generator, wherein the try-me switch is
accessible without removing the cleansing device from the blister
pack.
36. A cleansing system package, comprising: a plurality of
disposable pads; a cleansing device for supporting one of the
plurality of disposable pads during use; and, a container for
packaging the cleansing device and the plurality of disposable
pads.
37. The cleansing system package as set forth in claim 36, wherein
the container comprises a blister pack.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e)
of U.S. provisional application No. 60/587,657, filed Jul. 14,
2004.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present exemplary embodiments relate to skin cleaning
devices. They find particular application in skin care product
applicators and skin cleaning devices such as facial cleansers, and
will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is
to be appreciated that the present exemplary embodiments are also
amenable to other like applications.
[0004] 2. Prior Art
[0005] The use of skin cleaning devices utilizing cleansing brushes
or foam pads is known in the art. The devices heretofore devised
and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected
and obvious structural configurations.
[0006] While prior art devices fulfill their respective, particular
objectives and requirements, these devices do not disclose a system
and method for utilizing disposable pads with a cleaning device
comprising a support tool such as, e.g., a self-actuating handle or
a pad housing attached to a handle. And, additionally, prior art
devices do not offer a method of touchlessly removing a soiled
cleansing pad. Typically, in prior art devices, even those
utilizing interchangeable, semi-permanent pads, a soiled pad must
be touched during the removal procedure. For example, if the pad is
affixed to the cleaning device by means of a hook-and-loop
arrangement, such as Velcro for example, the user's hand is not
necessarily in contact with the pad during use, however, the user
removes the pad after use by grabbing the pad to remove it from the
cleaning device, touching the operative side of the pad in the
process. Unfortunately, after using the cleaning device for
cleansing the skin, or for exfoliating the skin, the operative side
of the pad, the side in contact with the facial skin, is no longer
clean, and may be contaminated with bacteria, detritus, residue
from previously applied cosmetics or medications, etc. Further, the
user may contaminate the working area, such as the counter top,
sink, etc.
[0007] The problem is exacerbated when commercially available pads
or cleansing pillows currently available in the retail market are
used. Examples of such include cleansing pads or pillows include
Dove.RTM. Face Care Essential Nutrients cleansing pillows or
Olay.RTM. Daily Facial Pillows. When these are utilized, the user
usually pre-wets the pad, and then holds the pad with their fingers
as the facial cleansing is performed. Because the pads are in
direct contact with the face and the hand, cleansing agents, water
and contaminants tend to run down the user's hand, creating an
uncomfortable and unsanitary situation for the user. The pad is
intended to then be disposed. Further, because the user is relying
on their hands to manipulate and control the pad, the user finds it
very difficult, if hot impossible, to obtain an even application or
exfoliating.
[0008] In these respects, the skin cleaning device according to the
present application substantially departs from the conventional
concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an
apparatus that provides a means of overcoming the above-described
problems while also beneficially providing separation of the user's
hand from the cleansing pad during use.
[0009] Applicant is aware of U.S. Patents which may be considered
relevant to the invention described herein, but which have
shortcomings and problems which are solved by the present
application. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,640,462 to Stearns, III
describes a handheld water driven shower massager. The water driven
shower massager provides a means for releasably securing pads to
the device, however, no specific means of attaching or removing the
pads is described or provided. Further, The device, being water
driven, is not an electric device and requires attachment to a
shower head during normal use, and would not be suitable for the
applications described herein.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,178,970 to Purifoy et al. describes a
portable personal grooming device which utilizes a removably
attached sandpaper or massaging sheet. However, each sandpaper or
massaging sheet is peeled from a release liner prior to use,
requiring some form of contact by the user before and after
use.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,289 to Herbert describes a skin cleaning
device for removing dirt, oils and dead skin. The device utilizes
washable cleaning cloth pads, however, the multi-use pads are
attached to a disk in a sock-like fashion by means of an elastic
member attached to a periphery edge of each pad. Removal of soiled
cloth pads would normally involve touching the used pad.
[0012] Thus there is a need for a means for conveniently, and more
effectively, utilizing disposable, one-time use pads with a skin
cleaning device, and with vibrating, oscillating or rotating
cleaning devices (facializers) in particular.
[0013] There is also an additional need for a means for removing
disposable pads from a skin cleaning device without contacting
contaminated or soiled portions of the used pads, particularly with
reference to vibrating, oscillating or rotating facializers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0014] In accordance with one embodiment of the present
application, there is provided a support tool for holding
disposable pads. The support tool includes a handle for supporting
the pads during use, and a pad gripper system for actuation by a
user of the tool to either attach a disposable pad to the handle or
to release a previously attached disposable pad from the
handle.
[0015] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
application, there is provided a method of exfoliating or cleansing
facial skin. The method comprises attaching a disposable pad to a
pad housing attached to a handle of a cleansing system by utilizing
a grabbing mechanism, moving the affixed disposable pad on the
facial skin with moderate pressure, and releasing the disposable
pad from the cleansing system by utilizing the grabbing
mechanism.
[0016] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
application, there is provided a cleansing system package. The
package comprises a cleansing device, a plurality of disposable
cleansing pads, and a container holding the cleansing device and
the plurality of disposable cleansing pads. The cleansing device
includes a handle for holding the cleansing system during use, a
pad housing attached to the handle, and a pad gripper, wherein a
user of the cleansing system utilizes the pad gripper to attach one
of the plurality of disposable cleansing pads to the pad housing
after releasing any previously attached disposable cleansing
pad.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cleansing
system and a disposable pad according to the present
application;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a partially exposed view of the cleansing system
of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of
a cleansing system according to the present application;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of one embodiment of a
cleansing system according to the present application;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of a
cleansing system according to the present application;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a sectional view a gimbaled pad housing mounting
according to an embodiment of the cleansing system of the present
application;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a partially exposed
embodiment of a cleansing system utilizing a plurality of grabber
carriages according to the present application;
[0024] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a portion of the cleansing
system of FIG. 7 in an attached position;
[0025] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a portion of the cleansing
system of FIG. 7 in a detached position;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an
engagement mechanism suitable for use in the cleansing system of
FIG. 7;
[0027] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
an engagement mechanism suitable for use in the cleansing system of
FIG. 7;
[0028] FIG. 10B is a side view of an spring detent mechanism
suitable for use in the embodiment of FIG. 10B;
[0029] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate
embodiment of a cleansing system according to the present
application;
[0030] FIG. 12A is a side view of a grabber hook assembly suitable
for use in the cleansing system of FIG. 11;
[0031] FIG. 12B is an end view of the grabber hook assembly of FIG.
12A;
[0032] FIG. 13A is a view of an opened cleansing system showing an
arrangement suitable for use in the cleansing system of FIG.
11;
[0033] FIG. 13B is a partial exploded view of the assembled
cleansing system of FIG. 13B;
[0034] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of another alternate
embodiment of a cleansing system according to the present
application;
[0035] FIG. 15 is a top view of a cleansing system including a
try-me button according to the present application;
[0036] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of alternate grabber prongs
suitable for use in the cleansing system of FIGS. 1-10B;
[0037] FIG. 17 is a sectional view of an oscillating/rotating
cleansing device according to an embodiment of the present
application;
[0038] FIG. 18 is a side schematic view of combined packaging of
the cleansing system and disposable pads according to the present
application; and
[0039] FIG. 19 is a front schematic view of combined packaging of
the cleansing system and disposable pads according to the present
application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] With reference to FIG. 1, a vibrating facializer 10
according to the present application is shown. The vibrating
facializer 10 generally comprises a support tool for a disposable
cleansing pad and includes a handle 12 and a pad support 14 for
securing and supporting the disposable pad 16. Preferred and
alternate methods of securing disposable pad 16 to the pad support
14 are described in detail in the following description. In one
embodiment, the pad support 14 further comprises a pad housing 18
attached to the handle 12, a forward flexible pad housing extension
20 and a rear flexible extension 22. Also shown in the figure is a
thumb slide 24 and grabber carriage 25 attached to the pad housing
18 for attaching a disposable pad 16 and releasing the disposable
pad 16 from the vibrating facializer 10. The handle 12 is hinged at
the pad housing 18 by hinge mechanism 23, or is rigidly attached to
the pad housing 18. Also shown in the figure is a gripping rail 26
which is described in more detail in the following description. A
second gripping rail 27 is provided on the opposite side of the pad
support 14.
[0041] With reference now to FIG. 2, a partially exposed view of
the vibrating facializer 10 is shown. In the figure, a handle
mounted vibration generator 28 and a pad housing mounted vibration
generator 30 are shown. In various embodiments of the vibrating
facializer 10, either one of the vibration generators 28, 30 or
both vibration generators may be utilized. In one embodiment, only
the pad housing mounted vibration generator 30 is utilized. An
activation switch 31 is preferably provided on the handle 12 for
activating the vibration generators 28, 30. The switch may be any
suitable type of switch, such as a push-button switch or a slide
switch, as known in the art.
[0042] In some embodiments, the vibration generators 28, 30 are
each comprised of a small electric motor having a weight 32 mounted
on an output shaft of the motor. As shown in the figure, the weight
32 is configured to be mounted eccentric to the motor axis, thereby
causing vibration when the motor is activated. Also shown in the
figure is a battery 32 for powering the vibration generators 28,
30. Although one battery is shown, various arrangements and numbers
of batteries may be utilized, in various sizes such as, for
example, AA or AAA batteries. Rechargeable batteries such as Nickel
Metal Hydride (NiMH), Lithium-ion (Li-ion), and others are also
included within the scope of the present application.
[0043] The particular arrangement shown in the figure is an
exemplary arrangement only, and the present application is not
limited with respect to the arrangement or number of components in
the handle 12 or the pad support 14. For example, the battery 32
may be mounted to any of the pad housing 18, the grabber carriage
25 or the handle 12. Further, the handle 12 may be provided in
alternate arrangements and styles such as, for example, a contoured
shell configured to be held comfortably in the palm of the hand, a
half-loop shaped handle attached to the pad housing at both ends of
the handle, or other handle shapes known in the art.
[0044] With reference now to FIG. 3, an exploded view of pad
housing 18 and the grabber carriage 25 is shown. The piston 34 is
fitted between the upper grabber carriage housing 25' and the lower
grabber carriage housing 25''. The piston 34 engages with the thumb
side 24 after assembly by means of a pin 36 on the piston 34. A
spring 38 is provided within the grabber carriage housing 25 which
exerts a returning force on the piston 34. A grabber 40 comprises a
plurality of grabber prongs 42 fixedly mounted in a sleeve 44.
After assembly, the grabber 40 is fixedly attached within piston 34
either by means of a threaded fit, a press fit, or by adhesive. Any
suitable means for a fixing grabber 40 to piston 34 falls within
the scope with the present application. Further explanation of the
grabber 40 is provided below.
[0045] With continued reference to FIG. 3, a wing activator arm 46
is provided within the pad housing 18 for the purpose of operating
left wing 26 and right wing 27. Each of the wings 26, 27 is formed
with a respective spiral groove 48, 50. Each of the spiral grooves,
after assembly, engages a respective left pin 52 and right pin 54
included on the wing activator arm 46. The wing activator arm 46 is
also formed with vertical slots 56, 58 which, after assembly,
engage a wing activator pin 60. Further, after assembly, wing
activator pin 60 engages an extension 62 on the piston 34 by means
of a hole 64 in the extension 62. When a user applies a downward
pressure on the thumb slide 24, the piston 34 compresses the spring
38 as it moves in a downward direction as shown in the figure.
Further, as the wing activator pin 60 moves in a downward and
forward direction as shown in the figure, the wing activator arm 46
moves in a forward direction as the wing activator pin 60, at the
same time, slides in a downward direction in left vertical slot 56
and right vertical slot 58. This, in turn, moves left wing
activator pin 52 and right wing activator pin 54 in a forward
direction within the respective spiral grooves 48, 50.
[0046] The left wing 26 and the right wing 27 are each pivotally
mounted about their respective longitudinal axis to the pad housing
18. As the left wing activator pin and right wing activator pin 54
move forward in the respective spiral groove, each of the wings 26,
27 is rotated about the longitudinal axis on which it is pivotally
mounted. This, in turn, causes the lower portion of each of the
wings 26, 27 to extend in an outward direction as shown by the
dashed arrows in the figure.
[0047] It can be seen from the figure that each of the wings 26, 27
is generally configured in the shape of a U-shaped channel. When a
user is affixing a disposable pad 16, the user will move the thumb
slide 24 in a downward direction thereby pivoting wings 26 and 27
in an outward direction as the lower pad housing 18'' is placed in
contact with disposable pad 16. The user then releases the thumb
slide 24, and the left wing 26 and the right wing 27 return to
their normal position, thereby contacting the respective sides of
the disposable pad 16. The purpose of the wings 26, 27 is to more
securely hold the disposable pad 16 in a correct alignment with the
lower pad housing 18'' and to prevent the pad 16 from twisting or
rotating on the lower pad housing 18''. The primary grabbing
mechanism, however, is the grabber 40 as explained in the following
paragraph.
[0048] With reference now to FIG. 4, a side sectional view of the
vibrating facializer 10 is shown. In its normal rest state, the
thumb slide 24 will be moved to an upper position on the grabber
carriage 25 by means of the spring 38. In this normal rest position
the grabber prongs 42 will be retracted within an opening 64 in the
pad housing 18. When an operator wishes to attach a disposable pad
16, the operator will slide the thumb slide in a downward
direction, toward the pad housing 18, thereby extending the grabber
prongs 42 outside the lower surface of the pad housing 18 as shown
by the dashed lines in the figure. Because the grabber prongs are
made of a spring wire type of material they expand
circumferentially as they extend beneath the surface of the pad
housing 18.
[0049] The operator places the pad housing 18 in contact with the
pad 16 while moving the thumb slide 24 in a downward direction.
Consequently, when the grabber prongs 42 extend outwardly from the
bottom of the pad housing 18, the prongs make contact with and
penetrate an upper portion of the disposable pad 16. The operator
gradually releases the thumb slide 24 causing the grabber prongs 42
to attempt to return to their rest position, and thereby compress
in a circumferential direction into the opening 64 and the pad
housing 18. Because of the hooked nature of the grabber prongs 42,
a firm grip is established on the disposable pad 16 and the grabber
prongs 42 are not able to return fully within the pad housing 18,
however, a firm grip is established on the disposable pad 16 and it
is held firmly in place against the lower portion of the pad
housing 18.
[0050] In the Figure, for clarity, the side wings have not been
shown, however, left wing 26 and right wing 27, in one embodiment,
assist the grabber prongs 42 to hold the pad in position on the pad
housing 18. The wings 26 and 27 are not a necessary component of
the vibrating facializer 10, and the present application is not so
limited. It is to be appreciated that, in alternate embodiments,
the thumb slide 24 may be replaced by other suitable controls. For
example, a push button may be fitted at the handle end of the
grabber carriage 25.
[0051] With reference now to FIG. 5, a bottom view of the electric
vibrating facializer 10 is shown. As shown in the figure, the front
extension 20 and the rear extension 22 may be configured with a
plurality of marks, slots, indentations, or ridges 65 in order to
further aide in preventing the disposable pad from shifting
position with respect to the pad support 14. The front extension 20
and the rear extension 22 may also be formed without the grooves in
a solid fashion, however, they may be formed from a material having
a high coefficient of friction to further aide in maintaining the
pad alignment with respect to the pad support 14. Any number of
configurations for the front extension 20 and rear extension 22 may
be used with the vibrating facializer 10 of the present
application. Further, in one embodiment, the front extension 20 and
rear extension 22 are made of an elastomer material while the pad
housing 18 is made of a harder, more rigid, material more suitable
for securely mounting the vibration generator 30. However, in
alternate embodiments the front extension 20 and rear extension 22
may be formed of a rigid material similar to the pad housing 18,
particularly in embodiments where the front extension 20 and 22
include grooves or other irregular surface elements to assist in
maintaining the pad position on the pad support 14.
[0052] Among the advantages offered by the above-described
arrangements of the vibrating facializer 10 are a reduced
complexity, and an increased stimulation of the facial tissues in
contact with the vibrating disposable pad. Further, the vibrations
may further stimulate blood flow in the region contacted by the
vibrating disposable pad. The stimulated blood flow may even
provide an anti-aging benefit if used regularly. The vibrations may
also assist when using the pad as an exfoliating agent or as a
cleansing agent. The front extension 20 and rear extension 22, when
made of an elastomer material, enhance the comfort and utility of
the vibrating facializer by enabling the disposable pad to more
readily and comfortably conform to the user's facial features, even
while the pad housing 18 is made of a rigid material. Yet another
advantage in some embodiments, is the enabling a user to
touchlessly remove a soiled disposable pad, thereby avoiding
contact with contaminants acquired by the pad during use.
[0053] In still other embodiments, the front extension 20, rear
extension 22, and the pad housing 18 may all be formed of a
flexible material so long as the material comprising the pad
housing 18 is sufficiently rigid to hold the vibration generator 30
securely, and the pad housing 18 is sufficiently rigid to permit
adequate sealing of the vibration generator 30 against infiltration
of water and cleansing agents. In yet other embodiments, the front
extension 20 and the rear extension 22 may be eliminated, wherein
the pad housing 18 is formed in the shape, including the regions
normally occupied by the front extension 20 and the rear extension
22, such that the pad housing 18 is essentially the same shape as
the disposable pad 16.
[0054] As described with reference to FIG. 1, the pad housing 18,
in the embodiment shown, is pivotally mounted to the handle 25 by
means of the hinge mechanism 23. However, in alternate embodiments,
as shown in FIG. 6, a gimbaled mount may be used to permit the pad
housing 18 a degree of flexibility in any direction. As shown in
the figure, a ball 70 is rotatably secured in a socket 72 formed
between the pad housing lower half 18'' and a socket upper half 74.
The ball 70 is shown in the figure having pins 73 extending from
the ball 70 and also pivotally secured between the pad housing
lower half 18'' and a socket upper half 74. The socket upper half
74 is fastened to the pad housing lower half 18'' by means of
fasteners 76. Any suitable fastener such as a rivet or a screw may
be used. The socket upper half 74 may also be bonded to the pad
housing lower half 18'' by means of an adhesive or by means of
plastic welding techniques. In the embodiment shown, a ring 78 is
fixed to the grabber carriage 25 and a rubber boot 80 is formed
between the ring 78 and the socket upper half 74 and adhered to
each respectively. The rubber boot 80 permits a degree of movement
of the pad housing 18 while, at the same time, providing a
restoring or centering action. In this manner, the pad housing 18
may more readily follow the contour of a user's face thereby
increasing comfort to the user.
[0055] The embodiments so far described herein, utilize a vibration
generator such as the vibration generators 28, 30 as shown in FIG.
2. It is to be appreciated that aspects of the present application,
such as the separation of the user's hand from the disposable pad
16 may also be accomplished by means of an un-powered,
non-vibrating facializer, similar in other respects to the
facializer 10 hereinbefore described. Further, it is also to be
appreciated that aspects of the present application may also be
accomplished by utilizing a pad support and handle that are
rigidly/flexibly attached to each other without any pivoting
mechanism as hereinbefore described, thereby simplifying the
cleansing device even further.
[0056] While the previously described embodiments show a facializer
10 having one grabber carriage 25, it is to be appreciated that a
facializer may incorporate more than one grabber carriage. For
example, with reference to FIG. 7, another embodiment of a
facializer 10' is shown having three grabber carriages 25a, 25b,
25c. In this embodiment, a push button mechanism 82 is provided
which is operatively connected to pins 36a-36c on pistons 34a-34c.
The grabber carriages 25a-26c shown in the figure operate
essentially as previously described in the previous embodiments.
Further, this embodiment utilizes a one-piece flexible extension 83
rather that the two-piece extension as in the previously described
embodiments.
[0057] With reference now to FIG. 8A and with continuing reference
to FIG. 7, a bottom view of the pad housing 18 of the present
embodiment is shown. As shown in the figure, the grabbers 40a-40c
are in a retracted position within the pad housing 18. With
reference now to FIG. 8b, the grabbers 40a-40c are shown in an
extended position wherein a user has depressed the push button
mechanism 82 in order to attach a disposable pad. One advantage
offered by the arrangement shown in the figures is that the
triangular arrangement of the grabbers 40a-40c provides a firmer
grasp of the disposable pad 16 while, at the same time, preventing
any rotation of the disposable pad on the pad housing 18 during
use.
[0058] In the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7, the
push button mechanism 82 operates parallel to the grabber carriages
25a-25c. With this arrangement, if the grabber carriages 25 are
mounted obliquely with respect to the pad housing 18, then the
movement of the push button mechanism 82 will be at an oblique
angle to the pad housing 18 as well.
[0059] With reference now to FIG. 9, another embodiment is provided
wherein the push button mechanism 82 operates perpendicular to the
pad housing 18 irrespective of the angle of the grabber carriages
25a-25c. In the arrangement shown, the push button mechanism 82
acts upon a rack gear 84 preferably mounted vertically with respect
to the pad housing 18. Operation of the rack gear 84 causes a
rotary motion of a pinion gear 86 which is also engaged with a
first grabber carriage rack gear 88 and a second grabber carriage
rack gear 90. The rotary motion of the pinion gear 86 is converted
into a linear motion of the two grabber carriage rack gears which
are attached by means of pins, rivets, screws or other means to a
carrier plate 92 which is further connected to the pins 36a-36c of
the grabber carriage pistons 34a-34c. The linear motion of the
carrier plate 92 causes the grabber carriage pistons 34a-34c to
operate as previously described for extending and retracting the
grabbers 40a-40c.
[0060] With reference now to FIG. 10, yet another embodiment is
provided for utilizing a slide button 90 for operation of the
grabber carriages 25a-25c. In this embodiment, the slide button 90
is configured so that it is attached directly to the pins 36a-36c
of the grabber carriages. In this arrangement, as shown in FIG.
10B, a leaf spring 92 is provided within the handle 12 which is in
contact with a tab or projection 94 on the slide button 90. A leaf
spring 92 is configured with a first attached detent 96 and a
second detached detent 98 so that, as the slide button 90 is
operated, the button has a natural tendency to continue motion and
stop in either the attached or detached position. The advantage of
this arrangement is that partial activation or engagement of the
grabbers 40a-40c is prevented or minimized.
[0061] With reference now to FIG. 11, yet another embodiment is
described. In this embodiment, a slide button 100 is slidably
mounted to the handle 12 and engages a crown gear 102 by means of a
link pin 104. Operation of the slide button 100 by means of the
link pin 104 causes a rotary motion of the crown gear 102 which
engages grabber gears 106a-106c which, when rotated by the crown
gear 102, cause grabber hooks 108a-108c to rotate from or to an
attached position or a detached position. A more detailed
illustration of the grabber hook 108a and the grabber gear 106a is
provided in FIG. 12A. A grabber 106a and the grabber hook 108a are
fixedly mounted to a shaft 110a which is rotatably mounted in the
pad housing 18. As shown in FIG. 12B, rotation of the shaft 110a
moves the grabber hook 108a alternately between a detached
position, shown as numeral 112 in the figure, and an attached
position shown as numeral 114 in the figure. In the detached
position 112, a grabber hook 108a rotated in the pad housing 18 to
a detached position in anticipation of engaging with a disposable
pad 16. In the attached position 114, the grabber hook 108a is
rotated through a portion of the disposable pad 16 for securing and
maintaining a grip on the disposable pad 16. In the attached
position, the grabber hook 108a is preferably retracted to a
position not protruding beyond, or at least not significantly
beyond, the outer surface of the pad housing 18.
[0062] With reference now to FIGS. 13A-13B, and continuing
reference to FIG. 11, another embodiment is shown wherein the link
104 is replaced by a rack gear 116. In this embodiment, the rack
gear 116 is fixedly attached to the sliding button 100, and the
rack gear is elongated in the vertical direction as shown so that
it maintains engagement with a pinion gear 118 formed with the
crown gear 102 during operation. As the slide button 100 is
operated, the rack gear 116 causes a rotation of the crown gear 102
and operation of the grabbers is otherwise as described with
reference to FIG. 11. To provide positive stopping action in either
the detached or the attached position, a tab 120 is provided on a
flexible portion of the rack gear structure 116 which engages
detents 122 and 124 at the desired limited of travel with the rack
gear 116.
[0063] With reference now to FIG. 14, yet another embodiment is
shown. In this embodiment, the crown gear 102 is formed with a
turning knob 126 on the upper portion of the crown gear. The
turning knob 126 extends up through the handle 12 where a user may
rotate the turning knob 126 to rotate the grabbing hooks 108a-108d
into either the attached or the detached position. As previously
described with reference to FIG. 11, the crown gear 102 engages
with gears 106a-106d for operation of the grabber hooks 108-108d.
It is to be appreciated that the pad housing 18 may be configured
with any number of grabber hook mechanisms and in this particular
embodiment, the pad housing 18 is configured to hold four grabber
hook mechanisms 108a-108d. In this embodiment, the grabber hooks
are mounted to a separate locking plate 128 which has been attached
to the pad housing 18 which is flexible for the comfort of the
user.
[0064] With reference now to FIG. 15, an embodiment of a facializer
10 is shown having a "try me" feature. In this embodiment, a
facializer 10 is fitted with a try-me button 130 in addition to the
activation switch 31. The try-me button 130 may be made accessible
to a perspective purchaser by means know in the art, such as a
flexible blistered pack. The try-me button 130 is preferably fitted
with a return spring so that its action is momentary and the
facializer 10 operates only while the user is pressing the try-me
button. It is to be appreciated, however, that other arrangements
of try-me buttons are known in the art and the present application
is not limited in this respect.
[0065] While the previously described embodiments have been
described either with wire grabber prongs 42 or grabber hooks 108,
it is to be appreciated that alternate methods of attaching the
disclosable pad 16 fall within the scope of the present
application. For example, with reference to FIG. 16, the wire
grabber prongs 42 may be replaced by plastic grabber prongs 42' as
shown in the figure. It is also to be appreciated that the grabber
prongs 42, while formed of wire, may also be coated with a coating
such as powder coating in order to facilitate smoother operation
and corrosion resistance. Still further, it is to be appreciated
that alternate methods of grabbing the pad may be deployed, such as
pincher jaws having teeth which may grab the disposable pad 16,
pairs of counter-rotating spiked rollers which may grab and secure
the disposable pad 16, or flexible rollers having a surface with a
high coefficient of friction which may grab the disposable pad 16
in a fashion similar to the spiked rollers. In these embodiments,
either the spiked rollers or the flexible rubber rollers are
provided in counter-rotating pairs parallel to each other for
purposes of gripping portions of the disposable pad between
adjacent rollers.
[0066] With reference now to FIG. 17, an oscillating/rotating
facializer 140 according to an embodiment of the present
application is shown. The oscillating/rotating facializer 140
generally comprises a handle 142 and a pad support 144 for securing
and supporting a disposable pad 16. Preferred and alternate methods
of securing disposable pad 16 to the pad support 144 are similar to
the above-described embodiments and are not described in further
detail here. Also shown in the figure, however, is a motor 146 and
a gear arrangement 148 connecting the motor 146 to the pad support
144 for driving the pad support 144 in an oscillating or rotating
manner as known in the art. The oscillating/rotating embodiments of
the present application are more complex than the vibrating
embodiments described above, however, the oscillating/rotating
movements may be preferred by some users.
[0067] With reference now to FIG. 18, a method of packaging the
vibrating facializer 10 with a plurality of disposable pads 16 is
shown. A pad carton 150 containing a plurality of facial pads 16,
fourteen pads for example, and a vibrating facializer 10 are
packaged within a blister 152, or foil pack or other packaging
system, provided with an opening 154 such that the blister 152 may
be supported by a display hook 156 for display to customers, as is
well known in the art. It is to be appreciated that the plurality
of facial pads are not necessarily contained in a carton but may be
packaged by other means such as, for example, foil packs containing
individual or multiple facial pads.
[0068] With reference now to FIG. 19, a front view of the blister
152 containing a facializer 10 and the pad carton 150 is shown. The
vibrating facializer 10 may be attractively displayed in this
manner with compatible disposable pads. The vibrating facializer 10
may be configured to be compatible with a number of commercially
available pre-treated pads or cleansing pillows currently available
in the retail market. Examples include Dove.RTM. Face Care
Essential Nutrients cleansing pillows or Olay.RTM. Daily Facial
Pillows. An advantage to packaging the vibrating facializer 10 with
the disposable pads 16 is that the benefits of using the cleansing
pad 16 in combination with the vibrating facializer may be
advertised. For example, the improved cleansing provided by the
vibrating actions of the vibrating facializer 10 and the
stimulating effect of the vibrations on the facial skin may be made
readily apparent to the consumer.
[0069] Among the advantages offered by the above-described
arrangements of the vibrating facializer 10 are and an increased
stimulation of the facial tissues in contact with the vibrating
disposable pad. Further, the vibrations may further stimulate blood
flow in the region contacted by the vibrating disposable pad. The
stimulated blood flow may even provide an anti-aging benefit if
used regularly. The vibrations may also assist when using the pad
as an exfoliating agent or as a cleansing agent. The flexible pad
housing extension or extensions, preferably made of an elastomer
material, enhance the comfort and utility of the vibrating
facializer by enabling the disposable pad to more readily and
comfortably conform to the user's facial features, even while the
pad housing is made of a rigid material. Yet another advantage in
some embodiments, is the enabling a user to touchlessly remove a
soiled disposable pad, thereby avoiding contact with contaminants
acquired by the pad during use. Further, because the disposable pad
is not being touched during use, the user's hands do not become
"dried out" from extended contact with the cleansing and/or
medicinal agents contained in the pad. Or, still further, the
user's manicure or, e.g., nail polish, are nor damaged by contact
with the cleansing and/or medicinal agents. These particular
advantages will generally be considered very beneficial by many
users of the vibrating facializer.
[0070] According to popular wisdom, and recommendations from many
cosmetic products companies, it is advisable to avoid "pulling" the
skin when cleansing it because the pulling can lead to premature
wrinkling of the skin. Users are advised to gently "pat" the skin,
rather than pulling the cleansing pad across the skin. By providing
the facializer with an ergonomically designed handle, users are
provided with an improved control of the attached disposable pad,
while the vibrations provide an effective and soothing cleansing
action. Users are able to provide a steady, and more constant,
pressure on the skin. The pad housing, and flexible extension, also
provide an even contact pressure over the full breadth of the pad,
which would be very difficult to obtain when holding the pads in
one's fingers.
[0071] Additionally, the provision of a handle on the facializer
facilitates use of the disposable pads on other parts of the body,
in addition to the facial skin. For example, some persons are
afflicted with acne on other bodily areas in addition to the face,
such as on the back. The provision of a handle enables a user to
reach the afflicted areas of the back, particularly if the handle
is extended in length, or provided with a removable handle
extension. In such cases, even if the cleansing and/or medicinal
agents provided on the disposable pad are applied by a clinician or
other assistant, provision of the handle provides an improved
control and pressure while eliminating the need for the assistant
to touch the disposable pad.
[0072] The handle of the facializer provides other beneficial
advantages related to convenience and comfort. For example, a user
may answer a phone, or attend to other events requiring attention
such as turning off a TV or an iron, or unplugging a hair dryer,
when using the facializer without first setting the disposable pad
aside and drying the hands prior to attending to the event
requiring attention or intervention.
[0073] Full use of the disposable pad, i.e., use of 100% of the
surface area, is easily achieved with the above-described
embodiments. All of the pad gripping action takes place on the back
side of the disposable pad, without covering any usable area of the
pad while, at the same time, permitting an easy, touchless release
of the soiled disposable pad. Other, previously mentioned devices,
either utilize an inconvenient sock-like pad which wraps around the
pad housing, or utilize contact adhesives, requiring contact and
effort to remove the soiled pads, while also increasing the expense
and complexity of the pads. Further, the use of contact adhesives
can also cause adverse reactions upon contact with the skin, or
some users may be allergic to some contact adhesives.
[0074] Another benefit, apart from the previous described cleansing
functions, is to employ the subject system as an applicator, such
as for sunless tanning lotions, skin medications, selective creams
and the like, where contact between the applied material and the
user's hands is desired to be avoided. In such cases the applied
material is only contacting the tool pad, and the areas that the
pad touches, while upon completion of application, the pad can be
easily disposed, as above.
[0075] The embodiments described herein also encourage further
development of additional types of pads. For example, specific pads
may be developed for epidermal medications, chemical treatments,
etc. The provision of a handle and a flexible disposable pad
support further facilitates the use and design of disposable pads
for these and other purposes.
[0076] The exemplary embodiments have been described with reference
to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and
alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the
preceding detailed description. It is intended that the exemplary
embodiments be construed as including all such modifications and
alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended
claims or the equivalents thereof.
* * * * *