U.S. patent application number 15/663291 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-16 for beauty instrument.
The applicant listed for this patent is MTG Co., ltd. Invention is credited to Tsuyoshi MATSUSHITA.
Application Number | 20170326021 15/663291 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47238245 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170326021 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MATSUSHITA; Tsuyoshi |
November 16, 2017 |
BEAUTY INSTRUMENT
Abstract
A beauty instrument capable of imparting a massaging effect to
skin. A beauty instrument is configured such that a pair of balls
is supported at the tip of a handle. The balls are positioned at a
distance from each another, and are capable of rotating around
respective axes thereof.
Inventors: |
MATSUSHITA; Tsuyoshi;
(Nagoya-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MTG Co., ltd |
Aichi-ken |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
47238245 |
Appl. No.: |
15/663291 |
Filed: |
July 28, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14358019 |
May 13, 2014 |
|
|
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PCT/JP2012/071667 |
Aug 28, 2012 |
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15663291 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 15/00 20130101;
A61H 15/0092 20130101; A61H 2201/1253 20130101; A61N 1/0472
20130101; A61N 1/0408 20130101; A61H 2201/10 20130101; A61H
2015/0014 20130101; A61H 2205/022 20130101; A61N 1/205 20130101;
A61N 1/26 20130101; A61H 7/007 20130101; A61H 2201/1215 20130101;
A61H 2015/0042 20130101; A61H 2205/06 20130101; A61H 2201/1671
20130101; A61N 1/328 20130101; A61H 15/0085 20130101; A61H 2205/10
20130101; A61H 2205/04 20130101; A61N 1/322 20130101; A61H 39/002
20130101; A61H 2201/0165 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61H 15/00 20060101
A61H015/00; A61H 7/00 20060101 A61H007/00; A61H 15/00 20060101
A61H015/00; A61N 1/26 20060101 A61N001/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 16, 2011 |
JP |
2011-250916 |
Claims
1. A beauty instrument comprising: a supporting shaft, which is
fixed to a handle at a base end so as not to be removed; and a
rotating body, which is rotationally supported by a tip end of the
supporting shaft, wherein the beauty instrument uses the rotating
body to provide cosmetic effects on a body, the rotating body has a
hole only at a base end, the rotating body is supported by the
supporting shaft via a bearing member in a non-penetrating state,
in which the tip end of the supporting shaft exists inside the
rotating body, the bearing member is fixed, at a tip end, to the
supporting shaft so as not to be removed, the tip end being on a
side opposite to the hole of the rotating body, an elastically
deformable stopper protrudes from the bearing member, the bearing
member includes a flange on a base-side of the stopper, the stopper
includes an inclined surface that is formed such that a distance of
the bearing member from a rotational center of the rotating body
decreases toward the tip end, the rotating body includes a step
portion on an inner circumference, wherein the step portion is
engageable with the stopper, and the step portion is engaged with
the base end of the stopper and is located between the stopper and
the flange.
2. The beauty instrument according to claim 1, wherein the bearing
member is made of a plastic.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional patent application of
co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/358,019 entitled
"Beauty Instrument" filed on May 13, 2014, which is a U.S. 371
national stage entry of PCT/JP2012/071667 entitled "Beauty
Instrument" filed on Aug. 28, 2012, which claims priority to
Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-250916 filed on Nov. 16, 2011,
the technical disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a beauty instrument that is
capable of massaging the skin of the face, arms, other body parts,
with massage balls installed on a handle, thereby promoting blood
flow and achieving beautiful skin.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Conventionally, this type of beauty instrument has been
proposed in various forms. For example, Patent Document 1 has
disclosed a skin treatment roller device. That is, the skin
treatment roller device is provided with a shaft and a pair of
rollers installed on one end of the shaft, and the rollers are set
so that each of the rotation axes thereof forms an acute angle with
respect to the centerline of the shaft in the longitudinal
direction. Further, the angle formed between the rotation axes of
the rollers is an obtuse angle. When the shaft of the skin
treatment roller device is gripped by hand and the rollers are
pressed against the skin in one direction, the skin is pulled to
open pores. When the rollers are pulled in the opposite direction
with the rollers being pressed, the skin is pinched between the
rollers to contract the pores. Therefore, the skin treatment roller
device is able to remove dirt of pores efficiently.
PRIOR ART DOCUMENT
Patent Document
[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.
2009-142509
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problems that the Invention is to Solve
[0005] However, in the skin treatment roller device with a
conventional configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the
centerline of the shaft lies in the same plane as the rotation axes
of the rollers (refer to FIG. 2 in Patent Document 1). Thus, when
the shaft of the skin treatment roller device is gripped by hand to
press the rollers against the skin, it is necessary to raise the
elbow and bend the wrist so that the hand will be oriented toward
the skin, and the shaft must stand upright with respect to the
skin. Therefore, the skin treatment roller device not only operates
poorly but also undergoes a great change in the state of actions of
the rollers on the skin depending on the angle of the wrist.
[0006] Further, each roller of the skin treatment roller device is
formed in the shape of an oval tube. Thus, when the roller device
is pressed in one direction, the skin is pressed uniformly over a
wide range, thus resulting in insufficient opening of pores. Still
further, when the roller device is pulled in the opposite
direction, the skin positioned between the rollers is pulled at a
region equivalent to the length of the rollers and the skin is less
likely to be strongly held between the rollers. As a result, pores
are not sufficiently opened or contracted and dirt in the pores is
not cleanly removed. In addition, since each roller is formed in
the shape of an oval tube, the roller is in line contact with the
skin to give a great resistance to the skin and does not move
smoothly. Moreover, the roller device is likely to be restricted in
the direction in which it moves. Therefore, the skin treatment
roller device operates poorly.
[0007] Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to
provide a beauty instrument that is capable of giving an excellent
massaging effect to the skin, also giving prominent pressing and
squeezing effects to the skin continuously and operates well.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0008] To achieve the foregoing objective and in accordance with
the present invention, a beauty instrument is provided that
includes a pair of balls, which are supported at a tip portion of a
handle and located at a distance from each other, wherein each ball
is rotational freely about an axis. The beauty instrument is
characterized in that the axis of each ball is configured to tilt
forward with respect to a centerline of the handle such that the
axis of the ball is able to keep a certain angle with respect to
the surface of the skin during reciprocating motion of the beauty
instrument.
Effects of the Invention
[0009] The beauty instrument of the present invention is able to
provide the following effects.
[0010] A pair of balls is supported at the tip portion of a handle
to rotate freely about the axis thereof, with a distance there
between, and the axis of each ball is configured to tilt forward
with respect to the centerline of the handle. That is, the axis of
each ball is able to keep a certain angle with respect to the
surface of the skin during reciprocating motion of the beauty
instrument. Therefore, when the handle is gripped and the balls are
allowed to be in contact with the skin, it is not necessary to bend
the wrist. The skin can be pressed when the beauty instrument is
moved forward with the wrist kept straight. The skin can be
squeezed when the beauty instrument is moved backward.
[0011] Further, since the part in contact with the skin is not
configured with a tubular roller but with a spherical-shaped ball,
the balls are partially in contact with the skin. Therefore, the
balls are able to exert a pressing force and a squeezing force to
the skin locally in a concentrated manner. The instrument allows
the balls to move smoothly with respect to the skin and also high
in freedom of movement in any direction.
[0012] Accordingly, the beauty instrument of the present invention
is able to give an excellent massaging effect to the skin and to
provide prominent pressing and squeezing effects on the skin
continuously. The instrument also can be operated easily.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a beauty instrument
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the beauty instrument;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a front view showing a use condition of the beauty
instrument;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a left side view showing the beauty
instrument;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a state in which a plane
including axes of the balls of the beauty instrument is
horizontal;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the
beauty instrument;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a rotation
mechanism of the ball of the beauty instrument;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a left side view showing a beauty instrument
according to a modification; and
[0021] FIG. 9 is a front view showing the ball of the beauty
instrument of the modification.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0022] A beauty instrument according to one embodiment of the
present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to
7.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, a beauty instrument 10 of the present
embodiment includes a handle 11, which has bifurcated portions 11a
at the tip. The bifurcated portions 11a extend in a Y-letter shape
in a plan view. As shown in FIG. 6, the handle 11 is configured
with an electric insulating base 12, which is made of a plastic
such as ABS plastic, and a handle cover 13, which is composed of an
upper handle cover 13a and a lower handle cover 13b covering the
outer circumference of the base 12. Each of the upper handle cover
13a and the lower handle cover 13b is made of a plastic and plated
on an outer surface thereof to be electrically conductive. The
handle covers 13 are coupled to the base 12 with screws 14.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 7, a pair of supporting tubes 16 is formed
integrally with the base 12 at the bifurcated portions 11a of the
handle 11. A metal ball supporting shaft 15 is supported on each
supporting tube 16. A cylindrical cap 18 made of a plastic is
fitted and attached to the tip outer circumference of each
bifurcated portion 11a of the handle 11. Due to the thus fitted and
attached cap 18, the tip of the bifurcated portion 11a is sealed,
the ball supporting shaft 15 is prevented from loosening. Also,
electric insulation is ensured between electrically conductive
portions, that is, between the outer surface of the bifurcated
portion 11a and the outer surface of a ball 17, which will be
described below.
[0025] A cylindrical bearing member 19, which is made of a plastic
and metal-plated on the inner circumference and the outer
circumference thereof, is fitted to a protruding end of the ball
supporting shaft 15 and fixed by a stop ring 25 so as not to be
removed. A pair of elastically deformable stoppers 19a protrudes on
the outer circumference of the bearing member 19. The spherical
ball 17 is inserted and supported by the bearing member 19 on the
ball supporting shaft 15 to rotate freely. The ball 17 is
configured with a core material 26, which is made of a plastic, a
cap material 27, which is made of a plastic and fitted and attached
on a tip inner circumference of the core material 26, and a shell
material 28, which is made of a plastic and formed to cover the
outer circumference of the core material 26.
[0026] The outer surface of the shell material 28 is metal-plated
to be electrically conductive as an electrically conductive portion
and electrically connected to the metal-plated bearing member 19. A
step portion 26a is formed on an inner circumference of the core
material 26. The step portion 26a can be engaged with the stoppers
19a of the bearing member 19. Then, the stoppers 19a are engaged
with the step portion 26a in a state in which the ball 17 is fitted
about the bearing member 19, and the ball 17 is kept so as not to
be removed from the bearing member 19. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3
and 4, many faces 17a, which stimulate tissues of the skin 20, are
formed on the outer circumferential surface of each of the balls
17.
[0027] A permanent magnet 22 for generating electric power in
association with rotation of the ball 17 is located inside each of
the balls 17 a. The permanent magnet 22 is made of magnetic steel
in a cylindrical shape and configured to rotate in an integral
manner with the ball 17. As the ball 17 rotates, the permanent
magnet 22 rotates relative to the ball supporting shaft 15 with a
slight distance in between. Thereby, a micro electric power is
generated due to very small irregularities on the surface of the
ball supporting shaft 15 and slight deviation of roundness, and the
micro electric power is transmitted to the electrically conductive
portion of the outer circumferential surface of the ball 17.
[0028] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, a transparent plate 23 is
installed on the tip of the handle 11, in other words, at the root
of the bifurcated portions 11a. A solar cell panel 24 is installed
inside the transparent plate 23. An output terminal (not
illustrated) of the solar cell panel 24 is connected to
electrically conductive portions of the handle 11 and the balls 17.
Therefore, electricity generated at the solar cell panel 24 is
supplied to the electrically conductive portions of the handle 11
and the balls 17. As a result, when the beauty instrument 10 is
used, electricity generated at the solar cell panel 24 between the
handle 11 and the balls 17 runs through the human body, thereby
making it possible to provide cosmetic effects.
[0029] As described previously, the beauty instrument 10 of the
present embodiment can be applied to the face and also can be
applied to other parts of the body such as the neck, arms and
legs.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, the axis of the ball supporting shaft 15
is configured to tilt forward with respect to the centerline x of
the handle 11 such that the axis of the ball supporting shaft 15
can keep a certain angle with respect to the surface of the skin 20
while the beauty instrument 10 is in reciprocating motion. More
specifically, a lateral projection angle .alpha. of an axis y of
the ball 17, that is, an axis y of the ball supporting shaft 15
with respect to the centerline x (a line parallel with a line that
divides an angle between outer circumferential tangent lines z of
the thickest part of the handle 11) of the handle 11 is preferably
from 90 degrees to 110 degrees in order that the ball 17 tilts
forward with respect to the centerline x of the handle 11 to
improve operability. It is more preferable that the lateral
projection angle .alpha. is from 93 degrees to 100 degrees. It is
most preferable that the angle is from 95 degrees to 99 degrees. If
the lateral projection angle .alpha. is less than 90 degrees and if
it is greater than 110 degrees, the ball supporting shaft 15 tilts
forward to an excessively lesser or greater extent. Thus, when the
balls 17 are in contact with the skin 20, it is necessary to raise
or lower the elbow or widely bend the wrist. As a result, the
beauty instrument 10 is poor in operability and also it is
difficult to adjust the angle of the ball supporting shaft 15 with
respect to the surface of the skin 20.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 5, the opening angle between the balls 17,
that is, an opening angle .beta. between the ball supporting shafts
15 is set preferably from 50 degrees to 110 degrees, more
preferably from 50 degrees to 90 degrees, and particularly
preferably from 65 degrees to 80 degrees in order that
reciprocating motion of the balls 17 gives a favorable pressing
effect and a squeezing effect to the skin 20. If the opening angle
.beta. is less than 50 degrees, there is a tendency that the
squeezing effect given to the skin 20 is excessively strong and
this is not favorable. On the other hand, if the opening angle
.beta. is in excess of 110 degrees, the skin 20 positioned between
the balls 17 is squeezed with difficulty, and this is not favorable
either.
[0032] Further, a diameter L of each of the balls 17 is preferably
set from 15 mm to 60 mm, more preferably from 32 mm to 55 mm, and
particularly preferably from 38 mm to 45 mm in order that the
beauty instrument 10 is applied mainly to the face and arms. If the
diameter L of the ball 17 is smaller than 15 mm, the pressing
effect and the squeezing effect are provided at a smaller range of
the skin 20, and this is not favorable. On the other hand, if the
diameter L of the ball 17 is greater than 60 mm, the ball 17 is
dimensionally large in relation to the face and arms. Thus, it is
difficult for the instrument to press or squeeze a narrow part and
is poor in usability.
[0033] Still further, a distance D between the outer
circumferential surfaces of the balls 17 is preferably from 8 mm to
25 mm, more preferably from 9 mm to 15 mm, and particularly
preferably from 10 mm to 13 mm in order that the skin 20 is
squeezed in an appropriate manner in particular. If the distance D
between the outer circumferential surfaces of the balls 17 is less
than 8 mm, the squeezing effect is given too strongly to the skin
20 positioned between the balls 17 and this is not favorable. On
the other hand, if the distance D between the outer circumferential
surfaces of the balls 17 is in excess of 25 mm, it is difficult to
squeeze the skin 20 positioned between the balls 17, and this is
not favorable either.
[0034] Next, operation of the beauty instrument 10 of the
embodiment which is configured as described above will be
described.
[0035] When the beauty instrument 10 is used, as shown in FIG. 3, a
user presses the outer circumferential surfaces of the balls 17,
while gripping the handle 11, and causes the balls 17 to contact
the skin 20 such as the face and arms as shown in an alternate long
and two short dashed line shown in FIG. 3, and moves the instrument
forward in a direction moving from the base end of the handle 11 to
the tip thereof (the leftward direction in FIG. 3). Then, the balls
17 are rotated about the ball supporting shafts 15. At this time,
as shown in the alternate long and two short dashed line in FIG. 3,
a pressing force is applied to the skin 20 from the balls 17. When
the instrument is moved backward so that the balls 17 are returned
to original positions after forward movement of the balls 17, the
skin 20 positioned between the balls 17 is squeezed in association
with rotation of the balls 17 as shown in the alternate long and
two short dashed line in FIG. 4.
[0036] That is, as shown in FIG. 5, when the balls 17 are moved
forward in a direction of arrows P1, each of the balls 17 is
rotated in a direction of arrows P2. Therefore, the skin 20 is
pressed and stretched. On the other hand, when the balls 17 are
moved backward in a direction of arrows Q1, each of the balls 17 is
rotated in a direction of arrows Q2. Therefore, the skin 20
positioned between the balls 17 is squeezed to be wound up. The
balls 17 press the skin 20 during forward movement, by which the
skin 20 between the balls 17 is squeezed as a reaction of the
pressing force thereof.
[0037] In this case, the ball supporting shafts 15 tilt forward
with respect to the centerline x of the handle 11. More
specifically, the lateral projection angle .alpha. of the ball
supporting shafts 15 with respect to the centerline x of the handle
11 is set from 90 degrees to 110 degrees. Thus, it is possible to
reciprocate the beauty instrument 10 without raising the elbow or
bending the wrist too much. Further, the beauty instrument can be
operated continuously such that the axes y of the ball supporting
shafts 15 are kept substantially at a right angle with respect to
the surface of the skin 20. As a result, the balls 17 are
efficiently pressed against the skin 20, thus making it possible to
provide an efficient massage effect.
[0038] Still further, a part in contact with the skin 20 is
configured not with conventional tubular rollers but with the
spherical balls 17. The balls 17 are in contact with the skin 20 at
an area smaller than that of the rollers. Therefore, the balls 17
are able to exert a pressing force and a squeezing force to the
skin 20 locally in a concentrated manner. Further, the balls 17 are
able to move smoothly with respect to the skin 20 and also to
change a moving direction easily.
[0039] Therefore, due to a pressing force in association with
rotation of the balls 17, the skin 20 such as the face and arms is
massaged to promote blood flow at the massaged part and also
promote circulation of lymphatic fluid. Further, the opening angle
.beta. between the balls 17 is set from 50 degrees to 110 degrees
and the distance D between the outer circumferential surfaces of
the balls 17 is set from 8 mm to 25 mm. It is, therefore, possible
to apply an appropriate pressing force to a desired site of the
skin 20 and also to squeeze the skin 20 not excessively strong or
not excessively weak, in a comfortable manner. Still further, the
diameter L of the ball 17 is set from 15 mm to 60 mm. Thus, the
beauty instrument 10 is able to massage the face and arms in an
appropriate manner and also operated quickly. Therefore, a lift
massage can be given, for example, to a loosened part of the skin
20, as desired.
[0040] In addition, when the skin 20 is pulled by a pressing force
of the balls 17, pores are opened, and when the skin 20 is squeezed
between the balls 17, the pores are contracted to remove dirt
inside the pores. Further, the skin 20 of the user is in contact
with the outer circumferential surfaces of the balls 17 and the
hand of the user is also in contact with an electrically conductive
portion on the surface of the handle 11. Therefore, due to
electricity generated by the solar cell panel 24, as shown in FIG.
3, weak electric current flows from the balls 17 to the skin 20 via
the hand of the user, thereby stimulating the skin 20 to promote
blood flow and circulation of lymphatic fluid. Thus, the massaging
actions, pressing/squeezing actions, lift-up actions, actions of
removal of dirt inside pores, electrically stimulating actions are
applied to the skin 20 in a synergistic and comprehensive manner,
thereby giving desirable skin treatment effects to the skin.
[0041] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the
following advantages are obtained.
[0042] (1) In the beauty instrument 10 of the present embodiment,
the balls 17 are arranged at a distance and supported to rotate
about the axis y. The lateral projection angle .alpha. of the axis
y of each ball 17 with respect to the centerline x of the handle 11
is set from 90 degrees to 110 degrees such that the ball supporting
shaft 15 tilts forward with respect to the centerline x of the
handle 11. That is, since the axis y of the ball 17 tilts forward
with respect to the centerline x of the handle 11, it is not
necessary to raise the elbow or bend the wrist greatly, when
bringing the balls 17 into contact with the skin 20 while gripping
the handle 11. As a result, the user is able to press and squeeze
the skin 20 by easily reciprocating the beauty instrument 10.
[0043] Further, the part in contact with the skin 20 is configured
with the spherical-shaped balls 17. It is, thus, possible to apply
the pressing force and the squeezing force to a desired part of the
skin 20 in a concentrated manner. The balls 17 are also allowed to
move smoothly with respect to the skin 20 and also high in freedom
of movement in any direction.
[0044] Therefore, according to the beauty instrument 10 of the
present embodiment, that not only is an excellent massaging effect
given to the skin 20 but also prominent pressing and squeezing
effects are given to the skin 20 continuously and the instrument is
excellent in operability.
[0045] (2) The lateral projection angle .alpha. of the axis y of
the ball 17 is preferably from 93 degrees to 100 degrees and more
preferably from 95 degrees to 99 degrees. Therefore, it is possible
to improve operability of the beauty instrument 10 and cosmetic
effects such as massaging effect to a greater extent.
[0046] (3) The opening angle .beta. between the balls 17 is
preferably from 50 degrees to 110 degrees, more preferably from 50
degrees to 90 degrees, and particularly preferably from 65 degrees
to 80 degrees. Therefore, it is possible to improve a pressing
effect and a squeezing effect of the beauty instrument 10
drastically.
[0047] (4) The diameter L of the ball 17 is preferably from 15 mm
to 60 mm, more preferably from 32 mm to 55 mm, and particularly
preferably from 38 mm to 45 mm. Therefore, the beauty instrument 10
can be applied favorably to the face and arms. It is possible to
improve the massaging effect and operability of the instrument.
[0048] (5) The distance D between the outer circumferential
surfaces of the balls 17 is preferably from 8 mm to 25 mm, more
preferably from 9 mm to 15 mm, and particularly preferably from 10
mm to 13 mm. Therefore, it is possible to apply an appropriate
pressing effect to a desired site of the skin 20. Also the skin 20
can be squeezed comfortably with an appropriate strength.
[0049] (6) In the beauty instrument 10, the power source is
composed of the solar cell panel 24 installed on the handle 11.
Therefore, it is not necessary to install a power source such as a
dry cell. Weak electric current is allowed to flow from the balls
17 to the skin 20 by using electricity generated at the solar cell
panel 24.
[0050] (7) The permanent magnet 22 for generating electricity in
association with rotation of the balls 17 is provided in the beauty
instrument 10 of the present embodiment. Thus, micro electric power
can be obtained by rotation of the balls 17 and the micro electric
power thereof is able to impart weak electric current from the
balls 17 to the skin 20.
EXAMPLES
[0051] Hereinafter, a more specific description will be given of
the previously described embodiment with reference to examples.
Examples 1 to 6, Evaluation of Lateral Projection Angle .alpha.
[0052] In the beauty instrument 10 of the previously described
embodiment, which is applicable to both the face and the body, the
lateral projection angle .alpha. was evaluated while changing the
angle .alpha. from 90 degrees to 110 degrees under the condition
where the opening angle .beta. between the balls 17 was set to be
70 degrees, the diameter L of the ball 17 was set to be 40 mm, and
the distance D between the outer circumferential surfaces of the
balls 17 was set to be 11 mm. That is, the beauty instrument 10 was
applied to body parts such as the face, arms and neck, thereby
carrying out a sensory evaluation for feeling during use.
[0053] The sensory evaluation was conducted using the following
procedures. That is, ten persons evaluated the feeling during use
of the beauty instrument 10. When eight or more of them evaluated
the feeling during use to be good, "A" was given, when five to
seven of them evaluated the feeling during use to be good, "B" was
given, when three or four of them evaluated the feeling during use
to be good, "C" was given, and when two or less of them evaluated
the feeling during use to be good, "D" was given.
[0054] Table 1 shows the results.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Lateral projection angle: .alpha. (degrees)
Evaluation Example 1 90 C Example 2 93 B Example 3 97 A Example 4
99 A Example 5 100 B Example 6 110 C
[0055] As shown in Table 1, the best results were obtained in
Example 3, where the lateral projection angle .alpha. was 97
degrees, and in Example 4, where it was 99 degrees. Then, better
results were obtained in Example 2, where the lateral projection
angle .alpha. was 93 degrees, and in Example 5, where it was 100
degrees. Further, results of Example 1, where the lateral
projection angle .alpha. was 90 degrees, and those of Example 6,
where it was 110 degrees, were also judged to be acceptable.
[0056] Therefore, the lateral projection angle .alpha. of the
beauty instrument 10 was preferably in a range from 90 degrees to
110 degrees and more preferably in a range from 93 degrees to 100
degrees.
Examples 7 to 15, Evaluation of Opening Angle .beta.
[0057] Evaluation was conducted for the opening angle .beta. of a
beauty instrument 10 that was suitable for both the face and the
body. That is, the opening angle .beta. was evaluated while
changing the opening angle .beta. from 40 degrees to 120 degrees
under the condition where the lateral projection angle .alpha. of
the beauty instrument 10 was set to be 97 degrees, the diameter L
of the ball 17 was set to be 40 mm, and the distance D between the
outer circumferential surfaces of the balls 17 was set to be 11 mm.
The evaluation was conducted in the same way as that of the
previously described Example 1. Table 2 shows the thus obtained
results.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Opening angle: .beta. (degrees) Evaluation
Example 7 40 C Example 8 50 B Example 9 55 B Example 10 60 B
Example 11 70 A Example 12 90 B Example 13 100 B Example 14 110 B
Example 15 120 C
[0058] As shown in Table 2, the best result was obtained in Example
11, where the opening angle .beta. was 70 degrees. Then, better
results were obtained in Example 8 to Example 10, where the opening
angle .beta. was 50 degrees to 60 degrees and in Example 12 to
Example 14, where it was 90 degrees to 110 degrees. Further,
results of Example 7, where the opening angle .beta. was 40 degrees
and those of Example 15, where it was 120 degrees were also judged
to be acceptable.
[0059] Therefore, the opening angle .beta. of the beauty instrument
10 was judged to be preferable in a range from 50 degrees to 110
degrees and most preferable in a range from 65 degrees to 80
degrees.
Example 16 to Example 23, Evaluation of Diameter L of Ball 17
[0060] Evaluation was conducted for the diameter L of the ball 17
of a beauty instrument 10 that was suitable for both the face and
the body. That is, the diameter L of the ball 17 was evaluated
while changing the diameter L from 20 mm to 40 mm under conditions
where the lateral projection angle .alpha. of the beauty instrument
10 was set to be 97 degrees, the opening angle .beta. between the
balls 17 was set to be 70 degrees, and the distance D between the
outer circumferential surfaces of the balls 17 was set to be 11 mm.
The evaluation was conducted in the same way as that of the
previously described Example 1. Table 3 shows the thus obtained
results.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Diameter of ball: L (mm) Evaluation Example
16 20 C Example 17 25 C Example 18 27.5 C Example 19 30 C Example
20 32.5 C Example 21 35 B Example 22 38.3 A Example 23 40 A
[0061] As shown in Table 3, the best results were obtained in
Example 22, where the diameter L of the ball 17 was 38.3 mm, and in
Example 23, where it was 40 mm. Then, better results were obtained
in Example 21, where the diameter L of the ball 17 was 35 mm.
Further, results of Examples 16 to 20, where the diameter L of the
ball 17 was from 20 mm to 32.5 mm were also judged to be
acceptable.
[0062] Therefore, the diameter L of the ball 17 of the beauty
instrument 10 was judged to be preferable in a range from 20 mm to
40 mm, more preferable in a range from 35 mm to 40 mm, and most
preferable in a range from 38.3 mm to 40 mm.
Examples 24 to 28, Evaluation of the Distance D Between the Outer
Circumferential Surfaces of the Balls 17
[0063] Evaluation was conducted for the distance D between the
outer circumferential surfaces of the balls 17 in a beauty
instrument 10 that was suitable for both the face and the body.
[0064] That is, the distance D between the outer circumferential
surfaces of the balls 17 was evaluated while changing the distance
D from 8 mm to 15 mm under the condition where the lateral
projection angle .alpha. of the beauty instrument 10 was set to be
97 degrees, the opening angle .beta. between the balls 17 was set
to be 70 degrees, and the diameter L of the ball 17 was set to be
40 mm. The evaluation was conducted in the same way as that of the
previously described Example 1. Table 4 shows the thus obtained
results.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Distance between balls: D (mm) Evaluation
Example 24 8 C Example 25 10 B Example 26 11 A Example 27 12 B
Example 28 15 C
[0065] As shown in Table 4, the best result was obtained in Example
26, where the distance D between the outer circumferential surfaces
of the balls 17 was 11 mm. Then, better results were obtained in
Example 25, where the distance D between the outer circumferential
surfaces of the balls 17 was 10 mm and in Example 27, where the
distance D was 12 mm. Further, results of Example 24, where the
distance D between the outer circumferential surfaces of the balls
17 was 8 mm and those of Example 28, where it was 15 mm were also
judged to be acceptable.
[0066] Therefore, the distance D between the outer circumferential
surfaces of the balls 17 of the beauty instrument 10 was judged to
be preferable in a range from 8 mm to 15 mm, and more preferable in
a range from 10 mm to 12 mm.
Examples 29 to 38, Evaluation of Diameter L of the Ball 17
[0067] Evaluation was conducted for the diameter L of the ball 17
in a beauty instrument 10 that was mainly suitable for the face.
That is, the diameter L of the ball 17 was evaluated while changing
the diameter L from 15 mm to 40 mm under the condition where the
lateral projection angle .alpha. of the beauty instrument 10 was
set to be 97 degrees, the opening angle .beta. between the balls 17
was set to be 70 degrees, and the distance D between the outer
circumferential surfaces of the balls 17 was set to be 11 mm. The
evaluation was conducted in the same way as that of Example 1.
Table 5 shows the thus obtained results.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Diameter of the ball: L (mm) Evaluation
Example 29 15 B Example 30 17 B Example 31 20 B Example 32 25 A
Example 33 27.5 A Example 34 30 B Example 35 32.5 C Example 36 35 C
Example 37 38.3 C Example 38 40 C
[0068] As shown in Table 5, in the case of the beauty instrument 10
for the face, the best results were obtained in Example 32, where
the diameter L of the ball 17 was 25 mm, and in Example 33, where
it was 27.5 mm. Then, better results were obtained in Examples 29
to 31, where the diameter L of the ball 17 was from 15 mm to 20 mm
and in Example 34, where the diameter L of the ball 17 was 30 mm.
Further, results of Examples 35 to 38, where the diameter L of the
ball 17 was from 32.5 mm to 40 mm were also judged to be
acceptable.
[0069] Therefore, when the beauty instrument 10 was suitable for
the face, the diameter L of the ball 17 was judged to be preferable
in a range from 15 mm to 40 mm and more preferable in a range from
15 mm to 30 mm.
Examples 39 to 44, Evaluation of the Distance D Between the Outer
Circumferential Surfaces of Balls 17
[0070] Evaluation was conducted for the distance D between the
outer circumferential surfaces of the balls 17 in a beauty
instrument 10 that was mainly suitable for the face. That is, the
distance D between the outer circumferential surfaces of the balls
17 was evaluated while changing the distance D from 6 mm to 15 mm
under the condition where the lateral projection angle .alpha. of
the beauty instrument 10 was set to be 97 degrees, the opening
angle .beta. between the balls 17 was set to be 70 degrees, and the
diameter L of the ball 17 was set to be 40 mm. The evaluation was
conducted in the same way as that of the previously described
Example 1. Table 6 shows the thus obtained results.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Distance between balls: D (mm) Evaluation
Example 39 6 C Example 40 8 B Example 41 10 B Example 42 11 A
Example 43 12 B Example 44 15 C
[0071] As shown in Table 6, when the beauty instrument 10 was for
the face, the best result was obtained in Example 42, where the
distance D between the outer circumferential surfaces of the balls
17 was 11 mm. Then, better results were obtained in Example 40,
where the distance D between the outer circumferential surfaces of
the balls 17 was 8 mm, in Example 41, where the distance D was 10
mm and in Example 43, where it was 12 mm. Further, results of
Example 39, where the distance D between the outer circumferential
surfaces of the balls 17 was 6 mm and those of Example 44, where it
was 15 mm were also judged to be acceptable.
[0072] Therefore, when the beauty instrument 10 was for the face,
the distance D of the outer circumferential surfaces of the balls
17 was judged to be preferable in a range from 6 mm to 15 mm and
more preferable in a range from 8 mm to 12 mm.
Examples 45 to 51, Evaluation of the Diameter L of the Ball 17
[0073] Evaluation was conducted for the diameter L of the ball 17
in a beauty instrument 10 that was mainly suitable for the body.
That is, the diameter L of the ball 17 was evaluated while changing
the diameter L from 30 mm to 60 mm under the conditions where the
lateral projection angle .alpha. of the beauty instrument 10 was
set to be 97 degrees, the opening angle .beta. between the balls 17
was set to be 70 degrees, and the distance D between the outer
circumferential surfaces of the balls 17 was set to be 11 mm. The
evaluation was conducted in the same way as that of the previously
described Example 1. Table 7 shows the thus obtained results.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Diameter of ball: L (mm) Evaluation Example
45 30 C Example 46 32.5 C Example 47 35 C Example 48 38.3 B Example
49 40 B Example 50 50 A Example 51 60 A
[0074] As shown in Table 7, the best results were obtained in
Example 50, where the diameter L of the ball 17 was 50 mm, and in
Example 51, where it was 60 mm. Then, better results were obtained
in Example 48, where the diameter L of the ball 17 was 38.3 mm, and
in Example 49, where the diameter L of the ball 17 was 40 mm.
Further, results of Examples 45 to 47, where the diameter L of the
ball 17 was from 30 mm to 35 mm were also judged to be
acceptable.
[0075] Therefore, when the beauty instrument 10 was for the body,
the diameter L of the ball 17 was judged to be preferable in a
range from 30 mm to 60 mm and more preferable in a range from 38.3
mm to 60 mm.
Examples 52 to 58, Evaluation of the Distance D Between the Outer
Circumferential Surfaces of the Balls 17
[0076] Evaluation was conducted for the distance D of the outer
circumferential surfaces of the balls 17 in a beauty instrument 10
that was mainly suitable for the body. That is, the distance D
between the outer circumferential surfaces of the balls 17 was
evaluated while changing the distance D from 8 mm to 25 mm under
the condition where the lateral projection angle .alpha. of the
beauty instrument 10 was set to be 97 degrees, the opening angle
.beta. between the balls 17 was set to be 70 degrees, and the
diameter L of the ball 17 was set to be 40 mm. The evaluation was
conducted in the same way as that of the previously described
Example 1. Table 8 shows the thus obtained results.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Distance between balls: D (mm) Evaluation
Example 52 8 C Example 53 10 B Example 54 11 B Example 55 12 A
Example 56 15 A Example 57 20 B Example 58 25 B
[0077] As shown in Table 8, the best results were obtained in
Example 55, where the distance D between the outer circumferential
surfaces of the balls 17 was 12 mm, and in Example 56, where it was
15 mm. Then, better results were obtained in Example 53 and Example
54, where the distance D between the outer circumferential surfaces
of the balls 17 was from 10 mm to 11 mm, and in Example 57 and
Example 58, where it was 20 mm to 25 mm. Further, the result of
Example 52, where the distance D of the outer circumferential
surfaces of the balls 17 was 8 mm, was also judged to be
acceptable.
[0078] Therefore, when the beauty instrument 10 was for the body,
the distance D between the outer circumferential surfaces of the
balls 17 was judged to be preferable in a range from 8 mm to 25 mm
and more preferable in a range from 10 mm to 25 mm.
[0079] With the comprehensive evaluation given to the results of
Examples 1 to 58 so far shown, the lateral projection angle .alpha.
of the beauty instrument 10 was required to be in a range from 90
degrees to 110 degrees. The lateral projection angle .alpha. was
judged to be preferable in a range from 93 degrees to 100 degrees
and in particular preferable in a range from 95 degrees to 99
degrees. The opening angle .beta. between the balls 17 was judged
to be preferable in a range from 50 degrees to 110 degrees, more
preferable in a range from 50 degrees to 90 degrees, and in
particular preferable in a range from 65 degrees to 80 degrees. The
diameter L of the ball 17 was judged to be preferable in a range
from 15 mm to 60 mm, more preferable in a range from 32 mm to 55 mm
and in particular preferable in a range from 38 mm to 45 mm. The
distance D between the outer circumferential surfaces of the balls
17 was judged to be preferable in a range from 8 mm to 25 mm, more
preferable in a range from 9 mm to 15 mm and in particular
preferable in a range from 10 mm to 13 mm.
[0080] The above embodiment may be modified as follows.
[0081] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the shape of the ball 17 may also
be formed in a balloon shape such that the curvature of the outer
circumferential surface of the ball 17 on the side closer to the
handle 11 is greater than the curvature thereof at the tip side of
the ball supporting shaft 15. In the above configuration, the skin
can be squeezed at the part of the smaller curvature and the skin
can be kept squeezed at the part of the greater curvature.
Therefore, the skin 20 can be squeezed more effectively when the
balls 17 are moved backward.
[0082] In order to make changeable the lateral projection angle
.alpha. of the axis y of the ball 17 with respect to the centerline
x of the handle 11, the handle 11 and the bifurcated portions 11a
may be configured to be pivoted relative to each other. In this
case, the angle of the axis y of each ball 17 can be easily changed
with respect to the skin 20, resulting in an improvement in
usability of the beauty instrument.
[0083] The ball 17 may be changed into a shape the cross section of
which is an oval or an ellipse, whenever necessary.
[0084] A magnet may be buried into the outer circumferential part
of the ball 17 to promote blood flow of the skin 20 by the magnetic
force thereof.
[0085] A photocatalyst such as titanium oxide may be buried into
the outer circumferential part of the ball 17 to suppress adhesion
of dirt on the surface of the skin or to oxidize dirt.
[0086] Alumina-based ceramic or zirconium-based ceramic, which emit
far infrared rays, may be contained in the ball 17, thereby
irradiating far infrared rays to the skin 20.
[0087] It is also possible to use a dry cell in place of the solar
cell panel 24.
[0088] It is possible that the upper handle cover 13a or the lower
handle cover 13b is not subjected to electrically conductive
plating, but the upper handle cover 13a and the lower handle cover
13b are directly made of an electrically conductive plastic in
which electrically conductive powder such as carbon black or metal
is dispersed into a plastic.
[0089] The electrically insulating material that forms the base 12
of the handle 11 and the handle cover 13 may include plastics such
as acrylic plastic and polypropylene plastic, in addition to nylon
plastic and ABS plastic.
[0090] It is also possible to form the faces 17a of the ball 17 in
the shape of a polygon or a circle other than a triangle. The faces
17a may also be formed into various patterns such as a vertical
stripe pattern, a horizontal strip pattern, a swirling stripe
pattern, a matt finish, and a pattern-free.
[0091] It is also possible to omit the permanent magnet 22 or the
solar cell panel 24.
[0092] It is also possible to change the shape of the handle 11. It
can be formed in the shape of a cylinder, a circular column, or a
rectangular column. In this case, the lateral projection angle
.alpha. is an angle with respect to the axis of the handle 11. The
handle 11 can be formed in a concave-convex shape and in a gourd
shape.
[0093] It is also possible to form the bearing member 19 with an
electrically conductive plastic.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0094] 10 . . . beauty instrument, 11 . . . handle, 17 . . . ball,
20 . . . skin, x . . . centerline, y . . . axis, .alpha. . . .
lateral projection angle, .beta. . . . opening angle between balls,
L . . . diameter of ball, D . . . distance between outer
circumferential surfaces of balls.
* * * * *