Cleansing system with disposable pads
A support tool for holding disposable pads and method of exfoliating or cleansing facial skin. The support tool includes a handle for supporting the pads during use, and a pad gripper system. A user of the cleansing system utilizes the pad gripper to either attach a disposable pad to the pad housing or to release a previously attached disposable pad. A method of exfoliating or cleansing facial skin includes attaching a disposable pad to a pad housing attached to a handle of a cleansing system by utilizing a grabbing/releasing means, moving the attached disposable pad over the facial skin with moderate pressure, and releasing the attached disposable pad from the pad housing by utilizing a grabbing/releasing means. A cleansing system package includes a cleansing device and a plurality of disposable pads.
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This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. provisional application No. 60/587,657, filed Jul. 14, 2004.
BACKGROUND1. Field of the Invention
The present exemplary embodiments relate to skin cleaning devices. They find particular application in skin care product applicators and skin cleaning devices such as facial cleansers, and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the present exemplary embodiments are also amenable to other like applications.
2. Prior Art
The use of skin cleaning devices utilizing cleansing brushes or foam pads is known in the art. The devices heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations.
While prior art devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, these devices do not disclose a system and method for utilizing disposable pads with a cleaning device comprising a support tool such as, e.g., a self-actuating handle or a pad housing attached to a handle. And, additionally, prior art devices do not offer a method of touchlessly removing a soiled cleansing pad. Typically, in prior art devices, even those utilizing interchangeable, semi-permanent pads, a soiled pad must be touched during the removal procedure. For example, if the pad is affixed to the cleaning device by means of a hook-and-loop arrangement, such as Velcro for example, the user's hand is not necessarily in contact with the pad during use, however, the user removes the pad after use by grabbing the pad to remove it from the cleaning device, touching the operative side of the pad in the process. Unfortunately, after using the cleaning device for cleansing the skin, or for exfoliating the skin, the operative side of the pad, the side in contact with the facial skin, is no longer clean, and may be contaminated with bacteria, detritus, residue from previously applied cosmetics or medications, etc. Further, the user may contaminate the working area, such as the counter top, sink, etc.
The problem is exacerbated when commercially available pads or cleansing pillows currently available in the retail market are used. Examples of such include cleansing pads or pillows include Dove® Face Care Essential Nutrients cleansing pillows or Olay® Daily Facial Pillows. When these are utilized, the user usually pre-wets the pad, and then holds the pad with their fingers as the facial cleansing is performed. Because the pads are in direct contact with the face and the hand, cleansing agents, water and contaminants tend to run down the user's hand, creating an uncomfortable and unsanitary situation for the user. The pad is intended to then be disposed. Further, because the user is relying on their hands to manipulate and control the pad, the user finds it very difficult, if hot impossible, to obtain an even application or exfoliating.
In these respects, the skin cleaning device according to the present application substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus that provides a means of overcoming the above-described problems while also beneficially providing separation of the user's hand from the cleansing pad during use.
Applicant is aware of U.S. Patents which may be considered relevant to the invention described herein, but which have shortcomings and problems which are solved by the present application. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,640,462 to Stearns, III describes a handheld water driven shower massager. The water driven shower massager provides a means for releasably securing pads to the device, however, no specific means of attaching or removing the pads is described or provided. Further, The device, being water driven, is not an electric device and requires attachment to a shower head during normal use, and would not be suitable for the applications described herein.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,178,970 to Purifoy et al. describes a portable personal grooming device which utilizes a removably attached sandpaper or massaging sheet. However, each sandpaper or massaging sheet is peeled from a release liner prior to use, requiring some form of contact by the user before and after use.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,289 to Herbert describes a skin cleaning device for removing dirt, oils and dead skin. The device utilizes washable cleaning cloth pads, however, the multi-use pads are attached to a disk in a sock-like fashion by means of an elastic member attached to a periphery edge of each pad. Removal of soiled cloth pads would normally involve touching the used pad.
Thus there is a need for a means for conveniently, and more effectively, utilizing disposable, one-time use pads with a skin cleaning device, and with vibrating, oscillating or rotating cleaning devices (facializers) in particular.
There is also an additional need for a means for removing disposable pads from a skin cleaning device without contacting contaminated or soiled portions of the used pads, particularly with reference to vibrating, oscillating or rotating facializers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONIn accordance with one embodiment of the present application, there is provided a support tool for holding disposable pads. The support tool includes a handle for supporting the pads during use, and a pad gripper system for actuation by a user of the tool to either attach a disposable pad to the handle or to release a previously attached disposable pad from the handle.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, there is provided a method of exfoliating or cleansing facial skin. The method comprises attaching a disposable pad to a pad housing attached to a handle of a cleansing system by utilizing a grabbing mechanism, moving the affixed disposable pad on the facial skin with moderate pressure, and releasing the disposable pad from the cleansing system by utilizing the grabbing mechanism.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, there is provided a cleansing system package. The package comprises a cleansing device, a plurality of disposable cleansing pads, and a container holding the cleansing device and the plurality of disposable cleansing pads. The cleansing device includes a handle for holding the cleansing system during use, a pad housing attached to the handle, and a pad gripper, wherein a user of the cleansing system utilizes the pad gripper to attach one of the plurality of disposable cleansing pads to the pad housing after releasing any previously attached disposable cleansing pad.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
With reference to
With reference now to
In some embodiments, the vibration generators 28, 30 are each comprised of a small electric motor having a weight 32 mounted on an output shaft of the motor. As shown in the figure, the weight 32 is configured to be mounted eccentric to the motor axis, thereby causing vibration when the motor is activated. Also shown in the figure is a battery 32 for powering the vibration generators 28, 30. Although one battery is shown, various arrangements and numbers of batteries may be utilized, in various sizes such as, for example, AA or AAA batteries. Rechargeable batteries such as Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), Lithium-ion (Li-ion), and others are also included within the scope of the present application.
The particular arrangement shown in the figure is an exemplary arrangement only, and the present application is not limited with respect to the arrangement or number of components in the handle 12 or the pad support 14. For example, the battery 32 may be mounted to any of the pad housing 18, the grabber carriage 25 or the handle 12. Further, the handle 12 may be provided in alternate arrangements and styles such as, for example, a contoured shell configured to be held comfortably in the palm of the hand, a half-loop shaped handle attached to the pad housing at both ends of the handle, or other handle shapes known in the art.
With reference now to
With continued reference to
The left wing 26 and the right wing 27 are each pivotally mounted about their respective longitudinal axis to the pad housing 18. As the left wing activator pin and right wing activator pin 54 move forward in the respective spiral groove, each of the wings 26, 27 is rotated about the longitudinal axis on which it is pivotally mounted. This, in turn, causes the lower portion of each of the wings 26, 27 to extend in an outward direction as shown by the dashed arrows in the figure.
It can be seen from the figure that each of the wings 26, 27 is generally configured in the shape of a U-shaped channel. When a user is affixing a disposable pad 16, the user will move the thumb slide 24 in a downward direction thereby pivoting wings 26 and 27 in an outward direction as the lower pad housing 18″ is placed in contact with disposable pad 16. The user then releases the thumb slide 24, and the left wing 26 and the right wing 27 return to their normal position, thereby contacting the respective sides of the disposable pad 16. The purpose of the wings 26, 27 is to more securely hold the disposable pad 16 in a correct alignment with the lower pad housing 18″ and to prevent the pad 16 from twisting or rotating on the lower pad housing 18″. The primary grabbing mechanism, however, is the grabber 40 as explained in the following paragraph.
With reference now to
The operator places the pad housing 18 in contact with the pad 16 while moving the thumb slide 24 in a downward direction. Consequently, when the grabber prongs 42 extend outwardly from the bottom of the pad housing 18, the prongs make contact with and penetrate an upper portion of the disposable pad 16. The operator gradually releases the thumb slide 24 causing the grabber prongs 42 to attempt to return to their rest position, and thereby compress in a circumferential direction into the opening 64 and the pad housing 18. Because of the hooked nature of the grabber prongs 42, a firm grip is established on the disposable pad 16 and the grabber prongs 42 are not able to return fully within the pad housing 18, however, a firm grip is established on the disposable pad 16 and it is held firmly in place against the lower portion of the pad housing 18.
In the Figure, for clarity, the side wings have not been shown, however, left wing 26 and right wing 27, in one embodiment, assist the grabber prongs 42 to hold the pad in position on the pad housing 18. The wings 26 and 27 are not a necessary component of the vibrating facializer 10, and the present application is not so limited. It is to be appreciated that, in alternate embodiments, the thumb slide 24 may be replaced by other suitable controls. For example, a push button may be fitted at the handle end of the grabber carriage 25.
With reference now to
Among the advantages offered by the above-described arrangements of the vibrating facializer 10 are a reduced complexity, and an increased stimulation of the facial tissues in contact with the vibrating disposable pad. Further, the vibrations may further stimulate blood flow in the region contacted by the vibrating disposable pad. The stimulated blood flow may even provide an anti-aging benefit if used regularly. The vibrations may also assist when using the pad as an exfoliating agent or as a cleansing agent. The front extension 20 and rear extension 22, when made of an elastomer material, enhance the comfort and utility of the vibrating facializer by enabling the disposable pad to more readily and comfortably conform to the user's facial features, even while the pad housing 18 is made of a rigid material. Yet another advantage in some embodiments, is the enabling a user to touchlessly remove a soiled disposable pad, thereby avoiding contact with contaminants acquired by the pad during use.
In still other embodiments, the front extension 20, rear extension 22, and the pad housing 18 may all be formed of a flexible material so long as the material comprising the pad housing 18 is sufficiently rigid to hold the vibration generator 30 securely, and the pad housing 18 is sufficiently rigid to permit adequate sealing of the vibration generator 30 against infiltration of water and cleansing agents. In yet other embodiments, the front extension 20 and the rear extension 22 may be eliminated, wherein the pad housing 18 is formed in the shape, including the regions normally occupied by the front extension 20 and the rear extension 22, such that the pad housing 18 is essentially the same shape as the disposable pad 16.
As described with reference to
The embodiments so far described herein, utilize a vibration generator such as the vibration generators 28, 30 as shown in
While the previously described embodiments show a facializer 10 having one grabber carriage 25, it is to be appreciated that a facializer may incorporate more than one grabber carriage. For example, with reference to
With reference now to
In the embodiment described with reference to
With reference now to
With reference now to
With reference now to
With reference now to
With reference now to
With reference now to
While the previously described embodiments have been described either with wire grabber prongs 42 or grabber hooks 108, it is to be appreciated that alternate methods of attaching the disclosable pad 16 fall within the scope of the present application. For example, with reference to
With reference now to
With reference now to
With reference now to
Among the advantages offered by the above-described arrangements of the vibrating facializer 10 are and an increased stimulation of the facial tissues in contact with the vibrating disposable pad. Further, the vibrations may further stimulate blood flow in the region contacted by the vibrating disposable pad. The stimulated blood flow may even provide an anti-aging benefit if used regularly. The vibrations may also assist when using the pad as an exfoliating agent or as a cleansing agent. The flexible pad housing extension or extensions, preferably made of an elastomer material, enhance the comfort and utility of the vibrating facializer by enabling the disposable pad to more readily and comfortably conform to the user's facial features, even while the pad housing is made of a rigid material. Yet another advantage in some embodiments, is the enabling a user to touchlessly remove a soiled disposable pad, thereby avoiding contact with contaminants acquired by the pad during use. Further, because the disposable pad is not being touched during use, the user's hands do not become “dried out” from extended contact with the cleansing and/or medicinal agents contained in the pad. Or, still further, the user's manicure or, e.g., nail polish, are nor damaged by contact with the cleansing and/or medicinal agents. These particular advantages will generally be considered very beneficial by many users of the vibrating facializer.
According to popular wisdom, and recommendations from many cosmetic products companies, it is advisable to avoid “pulling” the skin when cleansing it because the pulling can lead to premature wrinkling of the skin. Users are advised to gently “pat” the skin, rather than pulling the cleansing pad across the skin. By providing the facializer with an ergonomically designed handle, users are provided with an improved control of the attached disposable pad, while the vibrations provide an effective and soothing cleansing action. Users are able to provide a steady, and more constant, pressure on the skin. The pad housing, and flexible extension, also provide an even contact pressure over the full breadth of the pad, which would be very difficult to obtain when holding the pads in one's fingers.
Additionally, the provision of a handle on the facializer facilitates use of the disposable pads on other parts of the body, in addition to the facial skin. For example, some persons are afflicted with acne on other bodily areas in addition to the face, such as on the back. The provision of a handle enables a user to reach the afflicted areas of the back, particularly if the handle is extended in length, or provided with a removable handle extension. In such cases, even if the cleansing and/or medicinal agents provided on the disposable pad are applied by a clinician or other assistant, provision of the handle provides an improved control and pressure while eliminating the need for the assistant to touch the disposable pad.
The handle of the facializer provides other beneficial advantages related to convenience and comfort. For example, a user may answer a phone, or attend to other events requiring attention such as turning off a TV or an iron, or unplugging a hair dryer, when using the facializer without first setting the disposable pad aside and drying the hands prior to attending to the event requiring attention or intervention.
Full use of the disposable pad, i.e., use of 100% of the surface area, is easily achieved with the above-described embodiments. All of the pad gripping action takes place on the back side of the disposable pad, without covering any usable area of the pad while, at the same time, permitting an easy, touchless release of the soiled disposable pad. Other, previously mentioned devices, either utilize an inconvenient sock-like pad which wraps around the pad housing, or utilize contact adhesives, requiring contact and effort to remove the soiled pads, while also increasing the expense and complexity of the pads. Further, the use of contact adhesives can also cause adverse reactions upon contact with the skin, or some users may be allergic to some contact adhesives.
Another benefit, apart from the previous described cleansing functions, is to employ the subject system as an applicator, such as for sunless tanning lotions, skin medications, selective creams and the like, where contact between the applied material and the user's hands is desired to be avoided. In such cases the applied material is only contacting the tool pad, and the areas that the pad touches, while upon completion of application, the pad can be easily disposed, as above.
The embodiments described herein also encourage further development of additional types of pads. For example, specific pads may be developed for epidermal medications, chemical treatments, etc. The provision of a handle and a flexible disposable pad support further facilitates the use and design of disposable pads for these and other purposes.
The exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the exemplary embodiments be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
Claims
1. A support tool for holding disposable pads, comprising:
- a handle for supporting the pads during use wherein the handle includes:
- a pad gripper system for actuation by a user of the tool to either attach a disposable pad to the handle or to release a previously attached disposable pad from the handle.
2. The tool as set forth in claim 1, further including a pad housing pivotally mounted to the handle.
3. The tool as set forth in claim 2, further including a gimbal connecting the pad housing to the handle, thereby permitting the pad housing to incline in any direction with respect to the handle.
4. The tool as set forth in claim 3, further including a resilient centering material between the handle and the pad housing for generating a centering force when the pad housing is inclined from a rest position.
5. The tool as set forth in claim 2, further including:
- a pad housing extension attached to the pad housing;
- the pad housing extension serving to provide an enlarged area for supporting the attached disposable pad.
6. The tool as set forth in claim 5, wherein the pad housing extension is flexible.
7. The tool as set forth in claim 5, wherein the pad housing extension is rigid.
8. The tool as set forth in claim 5, wherein at least one of the pad housing and the pad housing extension include markings for maintaining a more secure grip on the attached disposable pad.
9. The tool as set forth in claim 2, wherein the pad housing is flexible.
10. The tool as set forth in claim 2, wherein the pad housing is rigid.
11. The tool as set forth in claim 1, wherein a grabber is included in the gripper system and configured to release the disposable pad without a user touching the disposable pad.
12. The tool as set forth in claim 1, wherein the pad gripper system includes:
- a pad housing;
- at least one grabber carriage attached to the pad housing;
- a piston slidably housed within each grabber carriage interior volume;
- a grabber control button positioned on an outer surface of the handle and connected to each piston via a connection passing through a longitudinal slot in the grabber carriage;
- a piston return spring configured to provide a restoring force to each piston, for returning the piston to a normal piston rest position; and,
- a plurality of grabber prongs connected at one end to each piston, the plurality of grabber prongs retained within a tubular opening in the respective grabber carriage, the grabber prongs extending through the pad housing when the grabber control button is moved by a user to a grabbing position, the grabber prongs thereby expanding in a radial direction with respect to each other to a grabbing position when not constrained by the tubular opening, wherein, after insertion of the grabber prongs into the disposable pad, and after return of the grabber control button to a normal-use position, the grabbing prongs contract radially with respect to each other, thereby gripping the disposable pad.
13. The tool as set forth in claim 2, wherein the pad gripper system includes:
- a pad housing;
- at least one grabber hook mechanism attached to the pad housing, each grabber hook mechanism including: a curved hook rotatably attached to the pad housing, having a detached position and an attached position, a tip of the curved hook extended outside the pad housing when in the detached position, and the tip retracted into the pad housing when in the attached position; and a tab and associated first and second detents configured to provide a positive stopping action to each curved hook at desired limits of travel; and
- a grabber control knob positioned on an outer surface of the handle and connected to each grabber hook mechanism via a connection passing through an opening in the handle.
14. The tool as set forth in claim 13, further including:
- a rack gear attached to the grabber control knob;
- a pinion gear engaged with the rack gear;
- a crown gear attached to one end of the pinion gear; and
- a hook gear fixedly attached to one end of the curved hook, rotatably mounted to the pad housing, and engaged with the crown gear, so that when the grabber control knob is moved in a linear direction, the rack gear, the pinion gear, the crown gear, and the hook gear operate to rotate the grabber hook.
15. The tool as set forth in claim 13, further including:
- a crown gear fixedly attached on one side to the grabber control knob; and
- a hook gear fixedly attached to one end of the curved hook, rotatably mounted to the pad housing, and engaged with the crown gear, so that when the grabber control knob is rotated, the crown gear and the hook gear operate to rotate the grabber hook.
16. The tool as set forth in claim 13, further including:
- at least one vibration generator mounted to at least one of the handle and the pad housing; and,
- a switch for activating the vibration generator, wherein vibrations from the vibration generator are transmitted to the attached disposable pad.
17. The tool as set forth in claim 16, further including replaceable batteries disposed in an interior volume of the handle for providing power to the vibration generator via the switch.
18. The tool as set forth in claim 16, further including rechargeable batteries disposed in an interior volume of the handle for providing power to the vibration generator via the switch.
19. The tool as set forth in claim 16, wherein the at least one vibration generator comprises an electric motor including an eccentric weight on an output shaft of the motor.
20. The tool as set forth in claim 16, wherein the switch activates the at least one vibration generator at a selective one of two or more vibration rates.
21. The tool as set forth in claim 1, further including:
- a motor mounted to the handle;
- a pad housing attached to the handle;
- a gear arrangement coupled to the motor and the pad housing; and,
- a switch for activating the motor, wherein the gear arrangement provides at least one of oscillating movement and rotating movement of the pad housing and the attached disposable pad.
22. A method of exfoliating or cleansing facial skin, the method comprising:
- attaching a disposable pad to a pad housing attached to a handle of a cleansing system by utilizing a grabbing/releasing means;
- moving the attached disposable pad on the facial skin with moderate pressure; and,
- releasing the attached disposable pad from the pad housing by utilizing the grabbing/releasing means.
23. The method as set forth in claim 22, the releasing comprising:
- removing the attached disposable pad from the pad housing by utilizing the grabbing/releasing means without touching the disposable pad.
24. The method as set forth in claim 22, the attaching comprising:
- extending at least one multi-pronged gripper through an aperture in the pad housing, thereby diametrically expanding a gripping end of the at least one multi-pronged gripper;
- pressing the expanded gripping end against the disposable pad; and
- retracting the at least one multi-pronged gripper through the aperture, thereby diametrically contracting the gripping end and applying additional gripping force to the disposable pad.
25. The method as set forth in claim 24, further including releasing the disposable pad, the releasing comprising:
- re-extending the at least one multi-pronged gripper through the aperture in the pad housing, thereby diametrically re-expanding the gripping end of the multi-pronged gripper;
- separating the disposable pad from the re-expanded gripping end.
26. The method as set forth in claim 25, wherein the separating comprises dropping the disposable pad from the expanded gripping end without touching the disposable pad.
27. The method as set forth in claim 22, the attaching comprising:
- rotating at least one grabber hook to a released position;
- pressing the pad housing against the disposable pad; and
- returning the at least one grabber hook to an attached position, thereby passing the tip of the grabber hook through a portion of the disposable pad and thereby gripping the disposable pad.
28. The method as set forth in claim 27, further including releasing the disposable pad, the releasing comprising
- re-rotating the at least one grabber hook to the released position, thereby releasing the grabber hook from the disposable pad.
29. The method as set forth in claim 28, wherein the separating comprises dropping the disposable pad from the pad housing without touching the disposable pad.
30. The method as set forth in claim 22, the method further including:
- generating vibrations in the electric facializer, thereby transmitting vibrations to the disposable pad; and
- pressing the affixed disposable pad to the facial skin when the electric facializer is generating vibrations.
31. A cleansing system package, comprising:
- a plurality of disposable pads;
- a cleansing device comprising: a handle for holding the cleansing system during use and for supporting one of the disposable pads during use; a pad housing attached to the handle; and, a pad gripper, for actuation by a user of the cleansing device to either attach one of the plurality of disposable pads to the pad housing or to release a previously attached disposable pad; and,
- a container for packaging the cleansing device and the plurality of disposable pads.
32. The cleansing system package as set forth in claim 31, wherein the container comprises a blister pack.
33. The cleansing system package as set forth in claim 31, the cleansing device further including:
- at least one vibration generator mounted to at least one of the handle and the pad housing; and,
- a switch for activating the vibration generator, wherein vibrations from the vibration generator are transmitted to the attached disposable pad.
34. The cleansing system package as set forth in claim 33, the cleansing device further including replaceable batteries disposed in an interior volume of the handle for providing power to the vibration generator via the switch.
35. The cleansing system package as set forth in claim 34, the cleansing device further including:
- a try-me switch for temporarily activating the vibration generator, wherein the try-me switch is accessible without removing the cleansing device from the blister pack.
36. A cleansing system package, comprising:
- a plurality of disposable pads;
- a cleansing device for supporting one of the plurality of disposable pads during use; and,
- a container for packaging the cleansing device and the plurality of disposable pads.
37. The cleansing system package as set forth in claim 36, wherein the container comprises a blister pack.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 18, 2005
Publication Date: Jan 19, 2006
Applicant:
Inventors: Jay Tapper (Shaker Heights, OH), Charles Althoff (Cleveland Heights, OH), Patrick Brown (Auburn, OH), Carolyn McNeeley (Brunswick Hills, OH), Kadir Rahman (North Point), John Nottingham (Bratenahl, OH), John Spirk (Gates Mills, OH), William Babbs (Sai Kung)
Application Number: 11/037,952
International Classification: A47L 13/16 (20060101);