U.S. patent application number 15/092012 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-27 for abrasive skin treatment device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Telebrands Corp.. Invention is credited to Ajit KHUBANI.
Application Number | 20170209175 15/092012 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59360081 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170209175 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KHUBANI; Ajit |
July 27, 2017 |
Abrasive Skin Treatment Device
Abstract
An abrasive skin treatment device including a handle portion, a
head portion including an exfoliating element, and a unitary
pivoting mechanism providing relative movement between the handle
portion and the head portion along at least two planes.
Inventors: |
KHUBANI; Ajit; (Saddle
River, NJ) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Telebrands Corp. |
Fairfield |
NJ |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
59360081 |
Appl. No.: |
15/092012 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15045974 |
Feb 17, 2016 |
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15092012 |
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29552947 |
Jan 27, 2016 |
D765914 |
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15045974 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/54 20130101;
A61B 2017/00424 20130101; A61B 2017/00761 20130101; A45D 2200/1054
20130101; A61B 2017/00747 20130101; A61B 2017/0069 20130101; A61B
2017/00398 20130101; A61B 2017/00734 20130101; A61B 17/32 20130101;
A61B 2017/320004 20130101; A61B 90/36 20160201 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/54 20060101
A61B017/54; A61B 90/00 20060101 A61B090/00 |
Claims
1-10. (canceled)
11. An abrasive skin treatment device comprising: a unitary
pivoting mechanism having a first end and a second end; a handle
portion coupled to the first end of the unitary pivoting mechanism
such that the handle portion can pivot relative to the unitary
pivoting mechanism along a first plane; and a head portion
including an exfoliating element, the head portion coupled to the
second end of the unitary pivoting mechanism such that the head
portion can pivot relative to the unitary pivoting mechanism along
a second plane, the first plane and the second plane being
different.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein the unitary pivoting mechanism
is substantially spherical.
13. The device of claim 11, wherein the head portion includes a
light.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the light includes a light
emitting diode.
15. The device of claim 11, wherein the exfoliating element is
removably coupled to the head portion.
16. The device of claim 11, wherein the exfoliating element is
rotatably coupled to the head portion.
17. The device of claim 11, further comprising a motor and power
supply.
18. The device of claim 11, wherein the head portion pivots about
the unitary pivoting mechanism relative to the handle portion upon
application of a force to at least one of the head portion and the
handle portion.
19. The device of claim 11, wherein the exfoliating element is
substantially cylindrical.
20-26. (canceled)
27. The device of claim 11, wherein the unitary pivoting mechanism
substantially prevents the handle portion from pivoting relative to
the unitary pivoting mechanism along the second plane.
28. The device of claim 11, wherein the unitary pivoting mechanism
substantially prevents the head portion from pivoting relative to
the unitary pivoting mechanism along the first plane.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS
[0001] This applications is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 15/045,974, filed Feb. 17, 2016, which
is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Design patent
application Ser. No. 29/552,947, filed on Jan. 27, 2016. These
applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their
entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a
skin treatment device. More specifically, embodiments of the
present invention relate to an abrasive skin treatment device for
removing calluses and dead skin.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A callus is a thickened and/or hardened part of the skin,
and can often be found on hands and feet. Often, the callus is dead
skin. Calluses can appear on feet due to rubbing from poorly
fitting shoes or excessive exercise, and can commonly be found on
the heel, sides of the toes, or the ball of the foot. Calluses can
appear on hands from rubbing and pinching of skin that occurs while
lifting heavy objects or from regular weight-lifting, and can
commonly be found on the palms right below the fingers.
[0004] There are a variety of known methods of removing calluses,
most of these methods involve scraping, shaving, or rubbing the
calluses until the dead skin has been removed. Other methods
include softening the callus by soaking the callus in warm water or
using lotions or creams. Known devices used to remove calluses or
dead skin, include pumice stones, foot files, and a variety of
abrasive devices. Some of these devices are electrically powered,
and include a rotating or vibrating abrasive head.
[0005] The known abrasive devices have several drawbacks. Due to
the shape of the abrasive or exfoliating surface, known devices are
often unable to adjust to the contours or curvature of the surfaces
where calluses generally occur. Accordingly, either the user often
has to adjust their grip or move their wrist in order to optimize
the angle at which the abrasive or exfoliating surface is
contacting the callus or dead skin, or the user has to repeatedly
cover the contoured areas several times with the abrasive device to
effectively remove the callus or dead skin.
SUMMARY
[0006] Embodiments of the present invention can provide an abrasive
skin treatment device. The abrasive skin treatment device can
include a handle portion, a head portion including an exfoliating
element, and a unitary pivoting mechanism enabling relative
movement between the handle portion and the head portion along at
least two planes.
[0007] The unitary pivoting mechanism can be substantially
spherical. The head portion can pivot about the unitary pivoting
mechanism and relative to the handle portion upon application of a
force to at least one of the head portion and the handle portion.
The head portion can also be configured to pivot at the unitary
pivoting mechanism and relative to the handle portion in 360
degrees. Further, the head portion can include a light. The light
can be a light emitting diode. The head portion can also include a
motor and power supply.
[0008] Additionally, the exfoliating element can be removably
coupled to the head portion. The exfoliating element can be also be
substantially cylindrical. The exfoliating element can also be
rotatable coupled to the head portion.
[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention can provide a
unitary pivoting mechanism having a first end and a second end, a
handle portion coupled to the first end of the unitary pivoting
mechanism such that the handle portion can pivot relative to the
unitary pivoting mechanism along a first plane, and a head portion
including an exfoliating element, the head portion coupled to the
second end of the unitary pivoting mechanism such that the head
portion can pivot relative to the unitary pivoting mechanism along
a second plane, the first plane and the second plane being
different.
[0010] The unitary pivoting mechanism can be substantially
spherical. The head portion can pivot about the unitary pivoting
mechanism and relative to the handle portion upon application of a
force to at least one of the head portion and the handle portion.
The head portion can also be configured to pivot at the unitary
pivoting mechanism and relative to the handle portion in 360
degrees. Further, the head portion can include a light. The light
can be a light emitting diode. The head portion can also include a
motor and power supply.
[0011] Additionally, the exfoliating element can be removably
coupled to the head portion. The exfoliating element can be also be
substantially cylindrical. The exfoliating element can also be
rotatable coupled to the head portion.
[0012] Yet another embodiment of the present invention can provide
an abrasive skin treatment device including a head portion having
an exfoliating element, and a light positioned and configured to
illuminate a target area being treated by the exfoliating
element.
[0013] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the light can be
disposed in the head portion. Further, the abrasive skin treatment
device can further include a handle portion and a unitary pivoting
mechanism, such that the unitary pivoting mechanism that enables
relative movement between the handle portion and the head portion
along at least two planes. The unitary pivoting mechanism can be
substantially spherical. Additionally, the unitary pivoting
mechanism can include a first end and a second end. The handle
portion can be coupled to the first end of the unitary pivoting
mechanism such that the handle portion can pivot relative to the
unitary pivoting mechanism along a first plane and the head portion
can be coupled to the second end of the unitary pivoting mechanism
such that the head portion can pivot relative to the unitary
pivoting mechanism along a second plane, the first plane and the
second plane being different. Additionally, the exfoliating element
can be removably coupled to the head portion, be substantially
cylindrical, and/or rotatably coupled to the head portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The features and advantages of the present invention can be
more readily understood from the following detailed description
with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is an isometric view illustrating an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 3a is an illustration of an exemplary exfoliating
element in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 3b is an illustration of an exemplary exfoliating
element in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 4a is an illustration of an exemplary head portion in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 4b is an illustration of an exemplary head portion in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a frontal illustration of an exemplary unitary
pivoting mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 6 is an illustration of an exemplary unitary pivoting
mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 7 is an illustration of an exemplary unitary pivoting
mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a
skin treatment device. More specifically, embodiments of the
present invention relate to a pivoting abrasive skin treatment
device for removing calluses and dead skin.
[0025] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary skin treatment device 10 according
to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG.
1, skin treatment device 10 can include a handle portion 14, a head
portion 11, an exfoliating element 12, and a unitary pivoting
mechanism 13. Exfoliating element 12 can include an abrasive
surface that is suited for removing a callus/hardened skin and the
unitary pivoting mechanism 13 can enable the head portion 11 to
pivot relative to the handle portion 14. Additionally, as shown in
FIG. 1, skin treatment device 10 can optionally include switch 16
and a light 15. In operation, a user can hold skin treatment device
10 via handle portion 14 and position exfoliating element 12
against a callus/hardened skin or other target area the user
desires to treat. In use, the user may turn skin treatment device
10 ON via switch 16, thereby activating a motor which drives
exfoliating element 12. For example, the motor may cause
exfoliating element 12 to move in a reciprocating pattern (e.g.,
linear, rotational) or in a rotational pattern at a rate sufficient
to remove the callus/hardened skin or otherwise treat the target
area when the moving exfoliating element 12 is in contact with the
target area. As the user treats the callus/hardened skin or other
target area, pivoting mechanism 13 may enable relative movement
between handle portion 14 and head portion 11 to conform and adjust
to contours/irregularities of the surface of the target area and
the movement of skin treatment device 10 introduced by the
user.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, skin treatment device 10 includes
exfoliating element 12. Exfoliating element 12 includes an abrasive
surface and is articulated by skin treatment device 10 so that the
motion of exfoliating element 12 against a callus/hardened skin, or
other target area, can remove/exfoliate the skin from the target
area. Exfoliating element 12 may be articulated by a motor of skin
treatment device 10, and may be articulated in any manner. For
example, exfoliating element 12 may rotate, move back and forth
linearly, move back and forth along an arc, or move in some other
reciprocating motion. Further, exfoliating element 12 may to
releasably coupled so that exfoliating element 12 can be replaced
as the abrasive surface becomes worn through use. As shown in FIGS.
1-3, exfoliating element 12 may be substantially cylindrical.
Additionally, exfoliating element 12 can include different
materials and different levels of abrasiveness/coarseness for
different applications.
[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, head portion 11 secures and
positions exfoliating element 12. Head portion 11 can be configured
to secure and position exfoliating element 12 in any position or
configuration that may be convenient and/or ergonomic for the
operation of skin treatment device 10. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, head portion 11 may include two arms 22 and 23,
which can include coupling elements for receiving and coupling
exfoliating element 12 there-between. Alternatively, head portion
11 can include any configuration to secure and position exfoliating
element 12 for any desired orientation and mode of operation.
According to certain embodiments of the present invention,
exfoliating element 12 can be coupled to head portion 11 via
coupling elements. Exfoliating element 12 may be fixedly coupled to
the head portion 11. Alternatively, the exfoliating element 12 can
be rotatably coupled to the head portion 11. Exfoliating element 12
may be coupled to head portion 11 via any suitable coupling
element, such as, e.g., a saddle joint, a ball-and-socket joint, a
tension spring, or the like.
[0028] FIGS. 3a and 3b show exfoliating element 12 and FIGS. 4a and
4b show exemplary head portion 11 coupling elements 40 and 41
according to embodiments of the present invention. As shown in
FIGS. 3a and 3b, exfoliating element 12 may be substantially
cylindrical and may include coupling elements 30 and 31 for
coupling exfoliating element 12 to head portion 11 via coupling
elements 40 and 41. For example, coupling elements 30 and 31 may
engage coupling elements 40 and 41, thereby enabling exfoliating
element 12 to be releasably coupled to head portion 11.
Alternatively, coupling elements 30 and 31 may engage coupling
elements 40 and 41 to be permanently coupled to head portion 11.
According to one embodiment, coupling elements 30 and 31 may
include features configured to engage complimentary features of
coupling elements 40 and 41 on head portion 11. For example,
coupling elements 30 and 31 may include spring loaded projections
configured to compress and engage recesses of coupling elements 40
and 41 formed in head portion 11. Alternatively, coupling elements
30 and 31 may include recesses configured to receive projections of
coupling elements 40 and 41 included on head portion 11. Although
FIGS. 3a, 3b, 4a, and 4b show exfoliating element 12 to be
substantially cylindrical, coupling elements 30 and 31 to include
projections, and coupling elements 40 and 41 to include recesses,
exfoliating element 12 and coupling elements 30, 31, 40, and 41 can
take any shape, form, or mechanism that facilitates the desired
functionality.
[0029] As noted above, exfoliating element 12 can be removably
coupled to head portion 11 to enable replacement of exfoliating
element 12 and to provide adaptability for different applications.
Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the head portion 11 can
optionally house including a release mechanism 17 by which to
disengage the coupling exfoliating element 12 to head portion 11,
thereby releasing exfoliating element 12 from head portion 11. For
example, release mechanism 17 may include a release button, which
when activated, is configured to disengage coupling elements 30 and
31 from coupling elements 40 and 41, thereby disengaging
exfoliating element 12 from the head portion 11. The release
mechanism may be any of the mechanisms known in the art that can be
used to disengage exfoliating element 12 from the head portion 11,
such as, e.g., a spring-loaded button, snap button, or the like.
Additionally, according to embodiments of the present invention,
the head portion 11 can optionally house a light 15 to illuminate
the callus/hardened skin or target area. The light may be
beneficial to a user because it can allow them to better view the
target area. In a preferred embodiment the light 15 can include a
light emitting diode. Additionally, the light 15 can be turned
on/off using a switch 16. According to embodiments of the present
invention, the switch 16 can be disposed on the handle portion 14.
Alternatively, the switch 16 can be disposed on head portion 16 or
unitary pivoting mechanism 13.
[0030] According to embodiments of the present invention, the
handle portion 14 can be shaped in any shape or size to comfortably
fit in a user's hand. For example, the handle portion 14 may be
cylindrical, cuboidal, ball-shaped, spherical, or the like.
Additionally, the handle portion 14 can be shaped in a variety of
different sizes for different sized users. Alternatively, in a
preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the handle portion
14 may be contoured and designed to ergonomically fit in a user's
hand to minimize discomfort and fatigue, and to maximize control
over the device. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
handle portion 14 can have indentations 20 to accommodate the
thumbs of a user, and a wider, oval base 21 to allow the device 10
to securely sit in the palm of a user.
[0031] Additionally, the handle portion 14 and/or the head portion
11 can house a motor assembly to electrically power the rotational
or reciprocating motion of the exfoliating element 12. The motor
assembly may include various components such as, e.g., gears,
linkages, etc. that enable the motor to drive exfoliating element
12. The motor assembly may be powered by any electrical power, for
example, by battery power, by AC power via a plug adapter, etc. The
supplied electrical power may be housed anywhere within skin
treatment device 10. According to embodiments of the present
invention and as illustrated in the Figures, the handle portion 14
can house a switch 16 to turn the motor assembly on/off.
Alternatively, switch 16 can be disposed on head portion 11 or
unitary pivoting mechanism 13.
[0032] According to embodiments of the present invention, skin
treatment device 10 preferably includes unitary pivoting mechanism
13, which allows relative movement between handle portion 14 and
head portion 11. According to certain exemplary embodiments,
unitary pivoting mechanism 13 can provide head portion 11 to be
independently adjusted relative to the handle portion 14 and head
portion 11 can be adjustably fixed in that position. The unitary
pivoting mechanism 13 can provide the head portion 11 to pivot
relative to the handle portion 14 when a force is applied to either
the handle portion 14 and/or the head portion 11. The unitary
pivoting mechanism 13 can enable the head portion 11 to pivot in
one or more planes. For example, the unitary pivoting mechanism 13
can enable the head portion 11 to pivot relative to the handle
portion 14 in one plane. Alternatively, the unitary pivoting
mechanism 13 can enable the head portion 11 to pivot relative to
the handle portion 14 in two planes. Similarly, the unitary
pivoting mechanism 13 can enable the head portion 11 to pivot
relative to the handle portion 14 in three, four, or five planes.
Alternatively, the unitary pivoting mechanism 13 can enable the
head portion 11 to pivot relative to the handle portion 14 in 360
degrees.
[0033] Unitary pivoting mechanism 13 can be any mechanism by which
the relative motion between the handle portion 14 and head portion
11 can be provided. For example, the unitary pivoting mechanism 13
can be ball-shaped or substantially spherical.
[0034] According to embodiments of the present invention, the
unitary pivoting mechanism 13 can be substantially enclosed within
the handle portion 14 and/or head portion 11 so that at least a
portion of unitary pivoting mechanism 13 is substantially hidden
from user's view. Alternatively, unitary pivoting mechanism 13 can
include any mechanism that may enables head portion 11 to pivot
relative to handle portion 14, including, e.g., a saddle joint, a
ball-and-socket joint, a tension spring, or the like. The multiple
planes of movement can also be provided via any mechanism. For
example, unitary pivoting mechanism 13 can include a first end 18
and a second end 19. The first end may be coupled to head portion
11 and may provide relative motion between unitary pivoting
mechanism 13 and head portion 11 along a first plane while being
fixed relative along other planes. Similarly, the second end may be
coupled to handle portion 14 and may provide relative motion
between unitary pivoting mechanism 13 and handle portion 14 along a
second plane while being fixed relative along other planes.
Further, the first plane and the second plane may be different,
thus enabling relative movement in at least the first and second
planes. This pivoting mechanism can be beneficial where the
callus/hardened skin or the target area to be treated is contoured
or has an irregular surface. The pivoting mechanism can also be
beneficial where it can enable consistent contact with the
callus/hardened in view of the user moving skin treatment device
10.
[0035] FIGS. 5-7 show unitary pivoting mechanism 13 according to an
embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 5-7, unitary
pivoting mechanism 13 may include first end 18 having a coupling
mechanism 50 and second end having coupling mechanism 51. Coupling
mechanisms 50 and 51 may enable head portion 11 and handle portion
14 to be coupled to unitary pivoting mechanism 13 and may also
define a range of motion or pivoting between unitary pivoting
mechanism 13 and head portion 11 and handle portion 14. For
example, coupling mechanisms 50 and 51 may include elongated
openings or recesses which engage with complimentary features of
head portion 11 and handle portion 14, respectively, and facilitate
pivoting between unitary pivoting mechanism 13 and head portion 11
and handle portion 14. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6,
coupling mechanism 50 may include a substantially horizontal
opening or recess, which can enable head portion 11, which is
coupled to unitary pivoting mechanism 13 via coupling mechanism 50,
to pivot relative to unitary pivoting mechanism 13 horizontally.
Similarly, coupling mechanism 51 may include a substantially
vertical opening or recess, which can enable handle portion 14,
which is coupled to unitary pivoting mechanism 13 via coupling
mechanism 51, to pivot relative to unitary pivoting mechanism 13
vertically. Accordingly, the size, shape, and orientation of
coupling mechanisms 50 and 51 may dictate the type, size, and range
of motion between unitary pivoting mechanism 13 and head portion 11
and handle portion 14. As shown in FIG. 6, coupling mechanisms 50
and 51 can be substantially orthogonal to one another.
Alternatively, coupling mechanisms 50 and 51 can be oriented in
various angles depending on the pivoting motion that is desired.
Accordingly, coupling mechanisms 50 and 51 can include any shape,
size, orientation, or mechanism that enables the desired relative
motion between unitary pivoting mechanism 13 and head portion 11
and handle portion 14.
[0036] The embodiments and examples shown above are illustrative,
and many variations can be introduced to them without departing
from the spirit of the disclosure or from the scope of the appended
claims. For example, elements and/or features of different
illustrative and exemplary embodiments herein may be combined with
each other and/or substituted with each other within the scope of
the disclosure. For a better understanding of the disclosure,
reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and
descriptive matter in which there is illustrated exemplary
embodiments of the present invention.
* * * * *