U.S. patent application number 14/598145 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-21 for handheld personal care appliance.
The applicant listed for this patent is L'OREAL. Invention is credited to Daniel Bayeh, JoHannes D. Paul, Joseph Eric Skidmore.
Application Number | 20160206087 14/598145 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55085943 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160206087 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Skidmore; Joseph Eric ; et
al. |
July 21, 2016 |
HANDHELD PERSONAL CARE APPLIANCE
Abstract
Personal care appliances, systems, and methods are provided. In
certain embodiments, the appliances are have substantially linear
shape and are sized to fit in a hand of a user. The appliances
include a handle assembly, a motor assembly for driving a personal
care end effector, and one or more treatment components configured
to control the motor assembly via one or more protocols. Exemplary
treatment protocols include a clean-shaven face protocol and a
bearded protocol.
Inventors: |
Skidmore; Joseph Eric;
(Issaquah, WA) ; Paul; JoHannes D.; (Duvall,
WA) ; Bayeh; Daniel; (Seattle, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
L'OREAL |
PARIS |
|
FR |
|
|
Family ID: |
55085943 |
Appl. No.: |
14/598145 |
Filed: |
January 15, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 2200/1006 20130101;
A46B 15/0046 20130101; A46B 2200/102 20130101; A46B 13/008
20130101; A46B 5/021 20130101; A46B 15/0004 20130101; A46B 13/02
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A46B 13/00 20060101
A46B013/00; A46B 15/00 20060101 A46B015/00 |
Claims
1. A handheld appliance, comprising: a handle assembly having a
substantially linear shape with a major dimension:minor dimension
ratio ranging from about 1 to about 1.4; a motor assembly for
driving a personal care end effector; and a clean-shaven face
component operably coupled to the motor assembly.
2. The handheld appliance of claim 1, wherein the personal care end
effector comprises a brush assembly.
3. The handheld appliance of claim 1, wherein the personal care end
effector comprises a periodically oscillating brush assembly.
4. The handheld appliance of claim 1, wherein the clean-shaven face
component includes circuitry configured to implement a clean-shaven
face protocol.
5. The handheld appliance of claim 1, wherein the clean-shaven face
component includes circuitry configured to actuate the motor
assembly to cyclically displace at least one moving contacting
element of the personal care end effector bi-directionally about a
neutral position relative to at least one adjacent contacting
element, to produce alternating tension and compression of a region
of skin.
6. The handheld appliance of claim 1, wherein the clean-shaven face
component includes circuitry configured to actuate the motor
assembly to apply a cyclical mechanical strain to a region of
skin.
7. The handheld appliance of claim 1, wherein the clean-shaven face
component includes circuitry configured to drive a periodically
oscillating brush assembly responsive to one or more inputs
associated with a clean-shaven face protocol.
8. The handheld appliance of claim 1, wherein the clean-shaven face
component includes circuitry configured to manage a duty cycle
associated with a clean-shaven face protocol.
9. The handheld appliance of claim 1, wherein the clean-shaven face
component includes circuitry configured to manage a duty cycle
associated with at least one of a daily cleanse protocol or a power
cleanse protocol.
10. The handheld appliance of claim 1, wherein the clean-shaven
face component includes circuitry configured to manage a duty cycle
comprising a plurality of cleanse phases separated by at least one
pulse.
11. The handheld appliance of claim 1, wherein the clean-shaven
face protocol component includes circuitry configured to actuate a
duty cycle having at least a daily cleanse phase and a power
cleanse phase separated by a pulse.
12. The handheld appliance of claim 1, wherein the clean-shaven
face protocol component includes circuitry configured to actuate a
duty cycle having at least a first daily cleanse phase and second
daily cleanse phase separated by a pulse.
13. The handheld appliance of claim 1, wherein the clean-shaven
face protocol component includes circuitry configured to actuate a
duty cycle having at least a first period and a second period
separated by a pulse.
14. The handheld appliance of claim 1, wherein the clean-shaven
face component is operably coupled to one or more capacitive touch
sensors configured to effectuate a user input.
15. The handheld appliance of claim 1, wherein the clean-shaven
face component is operably coupled to one or more haptic interface
devices.
16. The handheld appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a
partial facial hair protocol component operably coupled to the
motor assembly.
17. The handheld appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a
bearded protocol component operably coupled to the motor
assembly.
18. The handheld appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a deep
cleansing protocol component.
19. The handheld appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a daily
cleansing protocol component.
20. The handheld appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a
post-workout cleansing protocol component.
21. The handheld appliance of claim 1, wherein the major
dimension:minor dimension ratio ranges from about 1.1 to about
1.2.
22. The handheld appliance of claim 1, wherein the major
dimension:minor dimension ratio is about 1.2.
23. The handheld appliance of claim 1, wherein the major dimension
ranges from about 60 millimeters to about 80 millimeters.
24. The handheld appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a daily
cleansing protocol component.
25. The handheld appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a deep
cleansing protocol component.
26. The handheld appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a
cleansing regimen communication interface having circuitry
configured to initiate a discovery protocol that allows a client
device and the handheld appliance to identify each other and
negotiate one or more pre-shared keys.
27. The handheld appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a
cleansing regimen communication interface having circuitry
configured to initiate a discovery protocol that allows a client
device and the handheld appliance to identify each other and
exchange control information.
28. The handheld appliance of claim 27, wherein the control
information includes one or more control commands associated with
at least one of a duty cycle, a pulsing mode, pulse duration, and a
pulse frequency.
29. The handheld appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a
cleansing regimen communication interface having circuitry
configured to initiate a discovery protocol that allows an
enterprise server and the handheld appliance to exchange cleansing
regimen information.
30. The handheld appliance of claim 1, wherein the handheld
appliance is configured to withstand total submersion in water so
as to satisfy a fluid ingress rating of IPX7.
31. The handheld appliance of claim 1, wherein the handheld
appliance is configured to satisfy a water ingress rating of IPX7.
Description
SUMMARY
[0001] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to
be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject
matter.
[0002] In one aspect, a handheld appliance is provided. In an
embodiment, the handheld appliance includes:
[0003] a handle assembly having a substantially linear shape with a
major dimension:minor dimension ratio ranging from about 1 to about
1.4;
[0004] a motor assembly for driving a personal care end effector;
and
[0005] a clean-shaven face component operably coupled to the motor
assembly.
[0006] In an embodiment, the personal care end effector includes a
brush assembly.
[0007] In an embodiment, the personal care end effector includes a
periodically oscillating brush assembly.
[0008] In an embodiment, the clean-shaven face component includes
circuitry configured to implement a clean-shaven face protocol.
[0009] In an embodiment, the clean-shaven face component includes
circuitry configured to actuate the motor assembly to cyclically
displace at least one moving contacting element of the personal
care end effector bi-directionally about a neutral position
relative to at least one adjacent contacting element, to produce
alternating tension and compression of a region of skin.
[0010] In an embodiment, the clean-shaven face component includes
circuitry configured to actuate the motor assembly to apply a
cyclical mechanical strain to a region of skin.
[0011] In an embodiment, the clean-shaven face component includes
circuitry configured to drive a periodically oscillating brush
assembly responsive to one or more inputs associated with a
clean-shaven face protocol.
[0012] In an embodiment, the clean-shaven face component includes
circuitry configured to manage a duty cycle associated with a
clean-shaven face protocol.
[0013] In an embodiment, the clean-shaven face component includes
circuitry configured to manage a duty cycle associated with at
least one of a daily cleanse protocol or a power cleanse
protocol.
[0014] In an embodiment, the clean-shaven face component includes
circuitry configured to manage a duty cycle comprising a plurality
of cleanse phases separated by at least one pulse.
[0015] In an embodiment, the clean-shaven face protocol component
includes circuitry configured to actuate a duty cycle having at
least a daily cleanse phase and a power cleanse phase separated by
a pulse.
[0016] In an embodiment, the clean-shaven face protocol component
includes circuitry configured to actuate a duty cycle having at
least a first daily cleanse phase and second daily cleanse phase
separated by a pulse.
[0017] In an embodiment, the clean-shaven face protocol component
includes circuitry configured to actuate a duty cycle having at
least a first period and a second period separated by a pulse.
[0018] In an embodiment, the clean-shaven face component is
operably coupled to one or more capacitive touch sensors configured
to effectuate a user input.
[0019] In an embodiment, the clean-shaven face component is
operably coupled to one or more haptic interface devices.
[0020] In an embodiment, the handheld appliance further includes a
partial facial hair protocol component operably coupled to the
motor assembly.
[0021] In an embodiment, the handheld appliance further includes a
bearded protocol component operably coupled to the motor
assembly.
[0022] In an embodiment, the handheld appliance further includes a
deep cleansing protocol component.
[0023] In an embodiment, the handheld appliance further includes a
daily cleansing protocol component.
[0024] In an embodiment, the handheld appliance further includes a
post-workout cleansing protocol component.
[0025] In an embodiment, the major dimension:minor dimension ratio
ranges from about 1.1 to about 1.2.
[0026] In an embodiment, the major dimension:minor dimension ratio
is about 1.2.
[0027] In an embodiment, the major dimension ranges from about 60
millimeters to about 80 millimeters.
[0028] In an embodiment, the handheld appliance further includes a
daily cleansing protocol component.
[0029] In an embodiment, the handheld appliance further includes a
deep cleansing protocol component.
[0030] In an embodiment, the handheld appliance further includes a
cleansing regimen communication interface having circuitry
configured to initiate a discovery protocol that allows a client
device and the handheld appliance to identify each other and
negotiate one or more pre-shared keys.
[0031] In an embodiment, the handheld appliance further includes a
cleansing regimen communication interface having circuitry
configured to initiate a discovery protocol that allows a client
device and the handheld appliance to identify each other and
exchange control information. In a further embodiment, the control
information includes one or more control commands associated with
at least one of a duty cycle, a pulsing mode, pulse duration, and a
pulse frequency.
[0032] In an embodiment, the handheld appliance further includes a
cleansing regimen communication interface having circuitry
configured to initiate a discovery protocol that allows an
enterprise server and the handheld appliance to exchange cleansing
regimen information.
[0033] In an embodiment, the handheld appliance is configured to
withstand total submersion in water so as to satisfy a fluid
ingress rating of IPX7.
[0034] In an embodiment, the handheld appliance is configured to
satisfy a water ingress rating of IPX7.
[0035] In an embodiment, the handheld appliance is configured to
satisfy an International Protection (IP) Rating of IP47.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of this disclosure will become more readily appreciated as the same
become better understood by reference to the following detailed
description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0037] FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of one embodiment of a
personal care appliance;
[0038] FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of one embodiment of a
handle of the personal care appliance of FIG. 1;
[0039] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of several components
of the personal care appliance of FIG. 1;
[0040] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate selected components of the
oscillating motor of FIG. 1;
[0041] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate other selected components of the
oscillating motor of FIG. 1;
[0042] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the personal care
appliance taken along lines 6-6 in FIG. 1;
[0043] FIG. 7 illustrates use of a handheld personal care appliance
in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein;
[0044] FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of a handle of a personal
care appliance in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein;
and
[0045] FIGS. 9-11 are functional block diagrams illustrating
several components of the personal care appliance in accordance
with embodiments disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings, where like numerals reference like elements,
is intended as a description of various embodiments of the
disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only
embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is
provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be
construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The
illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise
forms disclosed.
[0047] The present disclosure relates generally to handheld
personal care appliances, systems, and methods. Generally
described, personal care appliances typically use an electric motor
to produce a particular workpiece movement/action, which in turn
produces desired functional results. Examples of such appliances
include power skin brushes, power toothbrushes and shavers, among
others. In some currently available personal care appliances, the
electric motor produces an oscillating (back and forth) action
rather than a purely rotational movement. Examples of such
oscillating motors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,786,626,
7,386,906, and 8,740,917, or commercially available in
Clarisonic.RTM. branded products, such as the Aria or the Mia
personal skincare product. The disclosures of U.S. Pat. Nos.
7,786,626, 7,386,906, and 8,740,917, and the Clarisonic.RTM.
branded products are expressly incorporated by reference
herein.
[0048] While such Clarisonic.RTM. branded products are designed
with a handle portion disposed orthogonal to the workpiece
attachment portion, other designs are desired in the industry. Such
designs include ever decreasing handle sizes, "bullet" shaped
handles (e.g., handles with the oscillation axis being parallel to
or coaxial with the product handle), etc. However, as handles get
smaller, conventional drive systems tend to not work as well to
produce the desired workpiece movement. A combination of
appropriate drive power, compactness, and easily hand held form
factor have thus far been elusive.
[0049] To that end, a portion of the following discussion provides
embodiments of oscillating motors that compensate for the effects
on, for example, the natural resonant frequency of the appliance
(device), available space, etc., caused by configuration changes,
namely dimensional, in the handle in order to maintain a desired
level of motor efficiency and workpiece movement. As will be
described in more detail below, the oscillating motor in one
embodiment is configured and arranged to be mounted within a small
form factor handle (e.g., a small footprint). In one embodiment,
the oscillating motor can provide the similar oscillation amplitude
and shear as the prior art device of U.S. Pat. No. 7,786,626 but
with substantially reduced size. In other embodiments disclosed
herein, the handheld appliance includes control circuitry
configured to control the motor in a periodic or cyclically manner
for effecting desired workpiece movement. In that regard, as will
be described in more detail below, the handheld appliance is
configured to provide one or more skin care regimens. In many of
the embodiments set forth herein, the oscillating action generated
by the oscillating motor is rotational, translational, or a
combination thereof.
[0050] In the following description, numerous specific details are
set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or
more embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to
one skilled in the art, however, that many embodiments of the
present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the
specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have
not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure
various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be
appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ
any combination of features described herein.
[0051] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded isometric view of one
representative embodiment of a personal care appliance, generally
designated 20, formed in accordance with an aspect of the present
disclosure. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the handle of the
personal care appliance 20 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the
personal care appliance 20 includes a handle assembly 24 detachably
coupled to a workpiece, such as brush head 28. FIG. 2 is an
exploded view of one embodiment of the handle assembly 24 shown in
FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the handle assembly 24 includes a
handle base 30, an oscillating motor 32, and a handle top 36.
[0052] As will be described in more detail below, the motor 32 in
one embodiment is configured to provide oscillating motive force or
torque to a workpiece, such as the brush head 28. As will be
described in more detail below, the oscillating motor 32 is
configured with a reduced motor envelope ME (see FIG. 4C) as
compared to conventional motors, such as the motor described in
U.S. Patent No. 7,786,626, in order to be suitable for personal
care appliances with smaller handles, such as the handle shown in
FIG. 7. The configuration of one embodiment of the oscillating
motor provides, among other things, additional space for various
associated components of the appliance 20.
[0053] A workpiece mount 40 is also included, and is coupled to the
oscillating motor 32 for movement thereby. In one embodiment, the
workpiece mount 40 together with the handle top 36 are configured
to be detachably coupled to the brush head 28 (FIG. 1). The
workpiece is shown as a brush head in the embodiment of FIG. 1, but
can alternatively include a composition applicator, an exfoliating
disc, shaving head, etc. Once attached, the workpiece in one
embodiment is oriented coaxially with the handle assembly 24.
[0054] Returning to FIG. 2, the handle base 30 is generally
cylindrical in one embodiment, and houses the operating structure
of the appliance, as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, the handle
base 30 is about two (2) inches in diameter or less. As shown in
block diagrammatic form in FIG. 3, the operating structure in one
embodiment includes the oscillating motor 32, a power storage
source, such as a battery 44, and a control circuit 48 configured
and arranged to selectively generate alternating current at a
selected duty cycle from power stored in the battery 44 and deliver
alternating current to the oscillating motor 32. In this
embodiment, the control circuit 48 includes a user input 49, such
as an on/off button 50 (See FIG. 1) and optionally includes power
adjust or mode control, such as button 52 (See FIG. 1), coupled to
control circuitry. In one embodiment, the control circuitry
includes a programmed microcontroller, processor, or other
programmable logic device(s) configured to control the delivery of
alternating current to the oscillating motor 32.
[0055] Turning now to FIGS. 1, 4A-4D, and 5A-5C, one representative
embodiment of the oscillating motor 32 will now be described in
more detail. As shown in 1, 4A-4D, and 5A-5C, the oscillating motor
32 includes a motor base 60, a stator 64, and an armature assembly
66. The stator 64, sometimes referred to as an electromagnet or
field magnet, is mounted against movement between the armature
assembly 66 and the motor base 60. In the embodiment shown, the
stator 64 includes an E-core 70 having a center leg 72 upon which a
stator coil 74 is wound and two outer legs 76 and 78. In the
embodiment shown, the coil is configured with a condensed winding
and the center leg 72 is shorter than the two outer legs 76 and 78
(See FIG. 4D). In one embodiment, the width SW of the E-core 70 is
about one (1) inch and the length SL of the E-Core is about 0.75
inches. In another embodiment, the width SW of the E-core 70 is
about one (1) inch, the length SL of the E-Core is about 0.75
inches, the length of the outer legs is about 0.625 inches, and the
length of the center leg is about 0.4 inches.
[0056] As assembled, the coil 74 is connected to a source of
alternating current, such as the battery powered control circuit
48. In operation, the coil 74 generates a magnetic field of
reversing polarity when alternating current is passed through the
coil 74 and around center leg 72.
[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4D, the armature assembly 66
includes a somewhat curved armature 80 mounted for movement about
an axis 82. The armature 80 includes a back iron 84, which is made
from a ferromagnetic material. Two or more spaced magnets 86 and 88
are magnetically coupled to the back iron 84, with magnetization in
the radial direction. The magnets 86 and 88 are arranged such that
the north pole of one magnet 86 faces outwardly while the north
pole of the other magnet 88 faces inwardly. It should be
understood, however, that the orientation could be reversed as long
as the magnet poles point in opposite directions. In the embodiment
shown, the armature 80 includes two surfaces disposed at an angle
to one another onto which the two or more magnets 86 and 88 are
mounted. As assembled, the position and orientation of the magnets
86 and 88 are such that a line normal to the face of the magnets
passing through the midpoint of the magnet face also passes through
the axis 82.
[0058] The armature assembly 66 also includes an armature mount 90,
which is fixedly secured to the handle base 30 (See FIG. 2) via
motor base 60, thus becoming a mechanical reference for the
oscillating system. As shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, the armature 80 is
coupled to the armature mount 90 by a pair of fixture elements,
shown as flexure elements 92 and 94, in a crossed or "X"
configuration. In that regard, the flexure elements 92 and 94
overlap at axis 82 (see FIG. 4A), which is the functional pivot
point about which armature 80 oscillates.
[0059] Instead of orienting the flexure elements 92 and 94
perpendicular to one another and overlapping at the midpoint of
each element like prior art devices, the flexure elements 92 and 94
in the embodiment of FIGS. 4C and 4D are oriented such that: (1)
the angle a formed between the flexure elements 92 and 94 is
between about 55 degrees and about 60 degrees; and (2) the flexure
member 92 crosses the flexure element 94 in an overlapping manner
at about 7/8.sup.th (i.e., 0.875) of the length of each element. In
an embodiment, the flexure member 92 crosses the flexure element 94
in an overlapping manner at a point greater than about 8/10, but
less than 9/10, of the length of each element.
[0060] In one embodiment, the angle a formed between the flexure
elements 92 and 94 is about 58 degrees. In one embodiment, the
flexure elements 92 and 94 are made from spring steel material, and
are about 0.016 inches thick and about 0.40 inches high. In one
embodiment, the effective length L of each flexure element is about
0.95 inches, which is substantially similar to the motor of U.S.
Pat. No. 7,786,626.
[0061] By moving the cross point of the flexure elements and
selecting the angle a in the range above, additional space, for
example, is created within the reduced motor envelope ME for
associated components of the appliance, as will be described in
more detail below. Additionally or alternatively, to allow the use
of flexure elements having an effective length described above but
to fit the reduced motor envelope ME (See FIG. 4C), first ends of
the flexure elements 92 and 94 in one embodiment are mounted to the
armature mount 90 with bent or angled ends 96 and 98, respectively,
and second ends of the flexure elements 92 and 94 in this or
another embodiment are mounted to the armature 80 with bent or
angled ends (hidden in FIGS. 4C and 4D). In one embodiment, the
oscillating motor 32 is configured such that the ratio of the
effective length L of the flexure elements 92 and 94 to the
diameter of the motor envelop is about 0.50 (i.e., 1:2). In one
embodiment, the armature mount 90 includes extensions 100 and 102
that extend from the ends of a cross member 106 outwardly around
the flexure elements 92 and 94 and terminate at ends positioned
adjacent outer legs 76 and 78 of the E-core 70, as shown in FIGS.
4C and 4D. The bottom surface of extensions 100 and 102 forms an
interface that is cooperatively matable with the top peripheral
surface of the motor base 60 (See FIGS. 5A-5C). In one embodiment,
the motor base 60 is fastened to the armature assembly 66 via
removable fastening techniques, such as screws or press fittings,
among others. Once mated, a battery socket is formed by aligned
openings 120 and 122 formed in the mount extension 100 and the
motor base 60, respectively. In one embodiment, the battery socket
is positioned within the motor envelope ME and is sized and
configured to either receive or retain the battery 44 (see FIG.
4C). In another embodiment, the motor base 60 and the armature
mount 90 are also configured to define an additional space 128
within the motor envelope ME to accommodate a printed circuit board
50 having the control circuit 48 disposed thereon as well as other
structure, such as fastener mount 134. In one embodiment, the
extension 102 and corresponding structure of the mounting base 60
define a notch as part of the additional space 128 for receiving a
component of the appliance 20. The extension 100 also includes an
opening 132 for receiving a corresponding fastener mount 136. In
one embodiment, the fastener mounts 134 and 136 are used with
screws to draw the handle top 36 together with structure associated
with the handle base 30.
[0062] The armature assembly 66 further includes a mounting arm 116
extending from the side of armature 80. As can be seen in FIGS.
4A-4D, the mounting arm 116 extends outwardly from the armature 80
and then extends horizontally (orthogonal to the pivot axis of the
workpiece) until it reaches the axis 82, where the mounting arm 116
extends outwardly again about coaxially with the axis 82. Mounted
on the free end of mounting arm 116 is a workpiece, such as the
brush head 28 (See FIG. 1). The configuration of the mounting arm
116 is thus such that the workpiece oscillates about axis 82, which
is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the personal care
appliance. In some embodiments, the location/orientation of the
mounting arm 116 can be changed, for instance, by moving the
location of the tip away from axis 82, to produce a combined
rotational/translational movement of the workpiece.
[0063] Handheld Appliances
[0064] In one aspect, handheld appliances are provided. In certain
embodiments, the handheld appliances incorporate the aspects and
embodiments described elsewhere herein. For example, FIG. 1
illustrates a representative handheld appliance, a personal care
appliance 20, which incorporates a motor 32 and other components as
shown and described.
[0065] In an embodiment, the handle assembly comprises a
cylindrical, tubular, rectangular, polyhedral, spherical, square,
pyramidal shape, regular shape, irregular shape, and the like, or
combinations thereof, as well as other symmetrical and asymmetrical
shapes.
[0066] In an embodiment, the handle assembly comprises a
substantially cylindrical geometric shape with a major
dimension:minor dimension ratio ranging from about 1 to about
1.4.
[0067] In an embodiment, the handle assembly comprises a
cylindrical geometric having a cross-section of substantially any
shape including, for example, circular, triangular, square,
rectangular polygonal, and the like, as well as other symmetrical
and asymmetrical shapes, or combinations thereof.
[0068] In an embodiment, the handheld appliance includes:
[0069] a handle assembly having a substantially linear shape (e.g.,
a cylindrical linear shape, a tubular linear shape, a rectangular
linear shape, a polyhedral linear shape, etc.) with a major
dimension:minor dimension ratio ranging from about 1 to about
1.4;
[0070] a motor assembly for driving a personal care end effector;
and
[0071] a clean-shaven face component operably coupled to the motor
assembly.
[0072] FIG. 7 illustrates a representative handheld appliance 20 in
use, applying a brush head 28 to the face of a user. The handheld
appliance 20 fits easily within the user's hand and has a smaller
overall volume than traditional personal care brush appliances,
which arrange the brush head orthogonal to the handle. Instead, the
handheld appliance 20 is substantially linear and compact.
[0073] This unique profile is made possible, in certain
embodiments, by the motor disclosed herein (e.g., oscillating motor
32). The motor 32 is configured to drive a personal care end
effector. Representative personal care end effectors include
brushes, such as brush head 28 illustrated in FIG. 1. Accordingly,
in an embodiment, the personal care end effector includes a brush
assembly. See e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,786,626, 7,386,906, and
8,740,917.
[0074] While brushes are illustrated and described herein, other
embodiments provide personal care end effectors such as applicators
and mechanical end effectors. Brushes of any size and composition
can be used. Exemplary brushes are those sold by Clarisonic for use
with its cleansing appliances. Exemplary applicators include
elastomeric applicators and formulation applicators. End effectors
are specifically designed to apply a mechanical strain and can take
the form of a massager, a circular-strain-inducing end effector,
and the like.
[0075] In an embodiment, the he motor 32 is configured to drive the
personal care end effector through a workpiece mount 40. The
workpiece mount 40 provides a mechanical connection between the
motor 40 and the end effector (e.g., brush head 28).
[0076] In an embodiment, the personal care end effector includes a
periodically oscillating brush assembly. Such oscillating brush
assemblies are described herein and exemplified by Clarisonic.RTM.
branded products.
[0077] The motor 32 is contained within the handle assembly 24. The
handle assembly 24 has a substantially linear shape. FIG. 8 defines
certain dimensions of the handle assembly 24. Both a longitudinal
axis 150, bisecting a width of the handle assembly 24, and a
latitudinal axis 152, bisecting a length of the handle assembly 24,
are illustrated. The two axes 150 and 152 are perpendicular. A
major dimension M is defined as the span of the handle assembly
along the longitudinal axis 150. A minor dimension m is defined as
the span of the handle assembly along the latitudinal axis 152.
[0078] For the purposes of user experience, stability, and ease of
use, in an embodiment the hand held device has a center of mass 154
that is located between the latitudinal axis 152 and a base end 156
of the handle assembly 24, as illustrated in FIG. 8. In an
embodiment, the handle assembly 24 is configured to have a center
of mass 154 located at a point located less than half the distance
from the base end 156 along the major axis 150.
[0079] In certain embodiments incorporating oscillating brush
assembly, the brush assembly oscillates with angular motion in a
plane substantially perpendicular (e.g., plus or minus 5 degrees)
to the longitudinal axis 150. In another embodiment, the brush
assembly oscillates with angular motion in a plane perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis 150.
[0080] In an embodiment, the major dimension:minor dimension ratio
ranges from about 1 (i.e., 1:1) to about 1.4 (i.e., 1.4:1). In an
embodiment, the major dimension:minor dimension ratio ranges from
about 1.1 to about 1.2. In an embodiment, the major dimension:minor
dimension ratio is about 1.2. In an embodiment, the major dimension
ranges from about 60 millimeters to about 80 millimeters. In an
embodiment, the major dimension ranges from about 70 millimeters to
about 80 millimeters.
[0081] In an embodiment, the handheld appliance is configured to
withstand total submersion in water so as to satisfy a fluid
ingress rating of International Protection (IEC standard 60529,
also referred to as Ingress Protection) level 7 (IPX7). In an
embodiment, the handheld appliance is configured to satisfy a water
ingress rating of IPX7. In an embodiment, the handheld appliance is
configured to satisfy an International Protection (IP) Rating of
IP47.
[0082] As was described briefly above, the appliance 20 includes a
control circuit 48 configured and arranged to selectively generate
alternating current at a selected duty cycle from power stored in
the battery 44 and to deliver alternating current to the
oscillating motor 32. The control circuit 48 in one embodiment is
coupled to a user input 49, such as an on/off button 50 (See FIG.
1) and a power adjust or mode control 51, such as button 52 (See
FIG. 1).
[0083] The control circuit 48 includes circuits or circuitry
components configured to receive the control signal from the
buttons 50 and 52 and generate the appropriate drive signals to
control the delivery of alternating current to the oscillating
motor 32. In one embodiment, the drive signals are configured to
delivery alternating current to the oscillating motor 32 at a
predetermined duty cycle. As will be described in more detail
below, the oscillating motor 32 can be controlled in various
manners to provide one or more skin treatments.
[0084] While buttons 50 and 52 are illustrated herein, other input
mechanisms can also be implemented to provide user input 49
according to FIGS. 3 and 9-11. In an embodiment, the clean-shaven
face component is operably coupled to one or more capacitive touch
sensors configured to effectuate a user input 49. In an embodiment,
the clean-shaven face component is operably coupled to one or more
haptic interface devices to effectuate a user input 49.
Furthermore, in certain embodiments off-appliance signals are used
to control the appliance control circuit 48, instead of or in
addition to on-appliance controls. Such off-appliance controls are
discussed in detail below.
[0085] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, the
appliance is configured to provide one or more treatment regimens,
as illustrated in FIG. 9. For example, the appliance 20 in one
embodiment is configured with one or more drive modes that drive
the end effector, such as brush head 28, in a manner that
effectuates one or more of a clean-shaven protocol 202, a daily
cleanse protocol 204, or a facial hair cleanse protocol 206. In one
embodiment, the daily cleanse protocol 204 includes one or more of
a first daily cleanse, a second daily cleanse, a power cleanse, a
deep cleanse, or a post-workout cleanse in any combination. In
these or other embodiments, the facial hair protocol includes one
or more of a partial-facial-hair cleanse or a bearded cleanse.
[0086] To carry out one or more of the modes of treatment discussed
above, the appliance 20, and in one embodiment the control circuit
48, includes appropriately configured components, whether in
hardware, software, or both hardware and software. In that regard,
with reference to FIG. 11, the handheld appliance 20, and in one
embodiment the control circuit 48, includes a clean-shaven face
protocol component 220 operably coupled to the motor assembly 32.
In an embodiment, the handheld appliance 20, and in one embodiment
the control circuit 48, includes a partial facial hair protocol
component 222 operably coupled to the motor assembly 32. In an
embodiment, the handheld appliance 20, and in one embodiment the
control circuit 48, includes a bearded protocol component 224
operably coupled to the motor assembly 32. In an embodiment, the
handheld appliance 20, and in one embodiment the control circuit
48, includes a deep cleansing protocol component 226 operably
coupled to the motor assembly 32. In an embodiment, the handheld
appliance 20, and in one embodiment the control circuit 48,
includes a daily cleansing protocol component 228 operably coupled
to the motor assembly 32. In an embodiment, the handheld appliance
20, and in one embodiment the control circuit 48, includes a
post-workout cleansing protocol component 230 operably coupled to
the motor assembly 32. In an embodiment, the handheld appliance,
and in one embodiment the control circuit 48, includes a power
cleansing protocol component operably coupled to the motor assembly
32 (not illustrated in FIG. 11).
[0087] Any of the disclosed techniques, methodologies, methods, or
processes can be implemented using circuitry in order to control
the appliance 20. In an embodiment, the clean-shaven face component
220 includes circuitry configured to implement a clean-shaven face
protocol. In an embodiment, the clean-shaven face component 220
includes circuitry configured to actuate the motor assembly to
cyclically displace at least one moving contacting element of the
personal care end effector bi-directionally about a neutral
position relative to at least one adjacent contacting element, to
produce alternating tension and compression of a region of skin. In
an embodiment, the clean-shaven face component 220 includes
circuitry configured to actuate the motor assembly to apply a
cyclical mechanical strain to a region of skin. In an embodiment,
the clean-shaven face component 220 includes circuitry configured
to drive a periodically oscillating brush assembly responsive to
one or more inputs associated with a clean-shaven face protocol. In
an embodiment, the clean-shaven face component 220 includes
circuitry configured to manage a duty cycle associated with a
clean-shaven face protocol 202 (FIG. 9). In an embodiment, the
clean-shaven face component 220 includes circuitry configured to
manage a duty cycle associated with at least one of a daily cleanse
protocol 204 (FIG. 9) or a power cleanse protocol (not
illustrated). In an embodiment, the clean-shaven face component 220
includes circuitry configured to manage a duty cycle comprising a
plurality of cleanse phases 210, 212, 214 (FIG. 10) separated by at
least one pulse.
[0088] Referring to FIG. 10, in an embodiment, the clean-shaven
face component 220 includes circuitry configured to actuate a duty
cycle having at least a daily cleanse phase 210, 212 and a power
cleanse phase 214 separated by a pulse. In an embodiment, the
clean-shaven face component 220 includes circuitry configured to
actuate a duty cycle having at least a first daily cleanse phase
210 and second daily cleanse phase 212 separated by a pulse. In an
embodiment, the clean-shaven face component 220 includes circuitry
configured to actuate a duty cycle having at least a first period
and a second period separated by a pulse.
[0089] In an embodiment, the handheld appliance 20 further includes
a cleansing regimen communication interface 232 configured to link
the appliance 20 with an associated client device 236, 238, 242,
244, 246, as shown in FIGS. 9-11. In an embodiment, the
communication interface 232 is hard wired to a client interface, as
discussed further below. In an embodiment, the communication
interface 232 is wireless and connects to a client interface, as
discussed further below.
[0090] Whether wired or wireless, a direct connection 234 can be
made to any client interface, such as a personal computer (PC) 236
and/or a mobile device 238 (e.g., phone, PDA, or the like). Whether
wired or wireless, the communication interface 232 can be connected
to a network 240 that ultimately provides a connection to any
client interface, such as a personal computer (PC) 242, the
internet 246, a cloud computing system 244, or the like.
[0091] The client device in one embodiment is a server, a tablet, a
mobile phone, or a laptop computer. In one embodiment, the
communication interface 232 includes circuits or modules configured
to enable communication with the client device via a Personal Area
Network (PAN), Local Area Network (LAN; represented by 234) or a
Wide Area Network (WAN; represented by 240). Accordingly, the
communication interface 232 is configured to communicate with a
client device using standard wireless protocols (e.g., WiFi, WiMax,
Bluetooth, ZigBee, Cellular, Infrared, Nearfield, etc.) or wired
protocols (Universal Serial Bus or other serial communications such
as RS-234, RJ-45, etc., parallel communications bus, etc.).
[0092] In one embodiment, the communication interface 232 includes
circuitry configured to initiate a discovery protocol that allows
the client device and the handheld appliance to identify each other
and exchange control information. In one embodiment, the control
information includes one or more control commands associated with
at least one of a duty cycle, a pulsing mode, pulse duration, and a
pulse frequency. In an embodiment, alternatively or additionally
the handheld appliance includes a cleansing regimen communication
interface having circuitry configured to initiate a discovery
protocol that allows a client device and the handheld appliance to
identify each other and negotiate one or more pre-shared keys. In
an embodiment, the cleansing regimen communication interface
alternatively or additional includes circuitry configured to
initiate a discovery protocol that allows an enterprise server and
the handheld appliance to exchange cleansing regimen
information.
[0093] In an embodiment, the appliance 20 includes circuitry having
one or more modules optionally operable for communication with one
or more input/output components that are configured to relay user
output and/or input. In an embodiment, a module includes one or
more instances of electrical, electromechanical,
software-implemented, firmware-implemented, or other control
devices. Such devices include one or more instances of memory;
computing devices; antennas; power or other supplies; logic modules
or other signaling modules; sensors, gauges or other such active or
passive detection components; etc.
[0094] In an embodiment, the appliance 20 includes circuitry having
one or more components operably coupled (e.g., communicatively,
electromagnetically, magnetically, ultrasonically, optically,
inductively, electrically, capacitively coupled, or the like) to
each other.
[0095] Certain embodiments disclosed herein utilize circuitry in
order to implement treatment protocols, operably couple two or more
components, generate information, determine operation conditions,
control an appliance or method, and/or the like. Circuitry of any
type can be used. In an embodiment, circuitry includes, among other
things, one or more computing devices such as a processor (e.g., a
microprocessor), a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal
processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC),
a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like, or any
combinations thereof, and can include discrete digital or analog
circuit elements or electronics, or combinations thereof. In an
embodiment, circuitry includes one or more ASICs having a plurality
of predefined logic components. In an embodiment, circuitry
includes one or more FPGA having a plurality of programmable logic
components.
[0096] In an embodiment, circuitry includes hardware circuit
implementations (e.g., implementations in analog circuitry,
implementations in digital circuitry, and the like, and
combinations thereof). In an embodiment, circuitry includes
combinations of circuits and computer program products having
software or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer
readable memories that work together to cause a device to perform
one or more methodologies or technologies described herein. In an
embodiment, circuitry includes circuits, such as, for example,
microprocessors or portions of microprocessor, that require
software, firmware, and the like for operation. In an embodiment,
circuitry includes an implementation comprising one or more
processors or portions thereof and accompanying software, firmware,
hardware, and the like. In an embodiment, circuitry includes a
baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated
circuit or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular
network device, other network device, or other computing device. In
an embodiment, circuitry includes one or more remotely located
components. In an embodiment, remotely located components are
operably coupled via wireless communication. In an embodiment,
remotely located components are operably coupled via one or more
receivers, transmitters, transceivers, or the like.
[0097] In an embodiment, circuitry includes one or more memory
devices that, for example, store instructions or data. Non-limiting
examples of one or more memory devices include volatile memory
(e.g., Random Access Memory (RAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory
(DRAM), or the like), non-volatile memory (e.g., Read-Only Memory
(ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory
(EEPROM), Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), or the like),
persistent memory, or the like. Further non-limiting examples of
one or more memory devices include Erasable Programmable Read-Only
Memory (EPROM), flash memory, or the like. The one or more memory
devices can be coupled to, for example, one or more computing
devices by one or more instructions, data, or power buses.
[0098] In an embodiment, circuitry of the client device or the
appliance 20 includes one or more computer-readable media drives,
interface sockets, Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, memory card
slots, or the like, and one or more input/output components such
as, for example, a graphical user interface, a display, a keyboard,
a keypad, a trackball, a joystick, a touch-screen, a mouse, a
switch, a dial, or the like, and any other peripheral device. In an
embodiment, circuitry includes one or more user input/output
components that are operably coupled to at least one computing
device to control (electrical, electromechanical,
software-implemented, firmware-implemented, or other control, or
combinations thereof) at least one parameter associated with the
application of cyclical movement by the appliance 20, for example,
controlling the duration and peak cyclic or oscillation frequency
of the workpiece of the appliance 20.
[0099] In an embodiment, circuitry of the client device or the
appliance 20 includes a computer-readable media drive or memory
slot configured to accept signal-bearing medium (e.g.,
computer-readable memory media, computer-readable recording media,
or the like). In an embodiment, a program for causing a system to
execute any of the disclosed methods can be stored on, for example,
a computer-readable recording medium (CRMM), a signal-bearing
medium, or the like. Non-limiting examples of signal-bearing media
include a recordable type medium such as any form of flash memory,
magnetic tape, floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD),
a Digital Video Disk (DVD), Blu-Ray Disc, a digital tape, a
computer memory, or the like, as well as transmission type medium
such as a digital and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a
fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a
wireless communication link (e.g., transmitter, receiver,
transceiver, transmission logic, reception logic, etc.). Further
non-limiting examples of signal-bearing media include, but are not
limited to, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, CD-ROM,
Super Audio CD, CD-R, CD+R, CD+RW, CD-RW, Video Compact Discs,
Super Video Discs, flash memory, magnetic tape, magneto-optic disk,
MINIDISC, non-volatile memory card, EEPROM, optical disk, optical
storage, RAM, ROM, system memory, web server, or the like.
[0100] In operation, an alternating current is supplied to the
stator coil from the battery under control of control circuit 48,
resulting in an arcuate movement of the armature about axis, due to
the attractive/repulsive action between the E-core and the magnets
of the armature. The particular arrangement of the stator E-core
and the armature results in a substantially rotational oscillation
of a selected angle about the axis. In some embodiments, the
instantaneous center of rotation may move in a very small
(approximately 0.010 inches) complex curve offset about the shaft
center point when it is at rest. The angular range of oscillation
can be varied, depending upon the configuration of the armature and
the stator and the characteristics of the alternating drive
current. In some embodiments, the motion in one of various settings
(e.g., low, normal, high, pro, etc.) is within the range of 3 to 21
degrees about the pivot axis.
[0101] It should be noted that for purposes of this disclosure,
terminology such as "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal,"
"inwardly," "outwardly," "inner," "outer," "front," "rear," etc.,
should be construed as descriptive and not limiting the scope of
the claimed subject matter. Further, the use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as
well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms
"connected," "coupled," and "mounted" and variations thereof herein
are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections,
couplings, and mountings. The term "about" means plus or minus 5%
of the stated value.
[0102] The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of
operation of the present disclosure have been described in the
foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure
which are intended to be protected are not to be construed as
limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the
embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative
rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and
changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without
departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly,
it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and
equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present
disclosure, as claimed.
* * * * *