SKIN TREATMENT HEAD WITH INTEGRATED RELEASE SYSTEM

Abstract

The invention provides a unit (300) configured for functionally coupling to a housing (100) of a body care device (1), wherein the housing (100) comprises an actuator (110) configured to at least partly rotate the unit (300) about an axis (A) when the unit (300) is functionally coupled to the housing (100), wherein the unit (300) is further configured to be functionally coupled to a skin treatment head (200) or wherein the unit (300) comprises the skin treatment head (200), wherein the unit (300) comprises: —a first connector element (310) for detachably coupling to a corresponding second connector element (120) of the housing (100) to provide the functional coupling of the housing (100) and the unit (300); —a chamber (400) with a chamber volume (405) for hosting a material (10) selected from the group consisting of a liquid and a semi-liquid, wherein the chamber (400) comprises a first chamber opening (410), wherein the first chamber opening (410) comprises a check valve (412); —a mechanical actuator (500), configured movable relative to the first connector element (310), wherein the mechanical actuator (500) is configured to transfer a force on the skin treatment head (200) in a direction of the first connector element (310) onto the material (10) to expel at least part of the material (10) via the first chamber opening (410) out of the chamber (400), wherein the mechanical actuator (500) is configurable in a plurality of positions relative to the first connector element (310) including a neutral position wherein the mechanical actuator (500) does not transfer a force onto the material (10).

Claims

1. A unit configured for functionally coupling to a housing of a body care device, wherein the housing comprises an actuator configured to at least partly rotate the unit about an axis when the unit is functionally coupled to the housing, wherein the unit is further configured to be functionally coupled to a skin treatment head or wherein the unit comprises the skin treatment head, wherein the unit comprises: a first connector element for detachably coupling to a corresponding second connector element of the housing to provide the functional coupling of the housing and the unit; a chamber with a chamber volume for hosting a material selected from the group consisting of a liquid and a semi-liquid, wherein the chamber comprises a first chamber opening, wherein the first chamber opening comprises a check valve; a mechanical actuator, configured movable relative to the first connector element, wherein the mechanical actuator is configured to transfer a force on the skin treatment head in a direction of the first connector element onto the material to expel at least part of the material via the first chamber opening out of the chamber, wherein the mechanical actuator is configurable in a plurality of positions relative to the first connector element including a neutral position wherein the mechanical actuator does not transfer a force onto the material, wherein the unit further comprises a channel system for providing a fluid connection between the chamber and the first chamber opening and, wherein the unit further comprises a first valve for controlling the fluid connection between the chamber and the first chamber opening wherein the first connector element is also configured to control the first valve, wherein the first valve is closed when the housing and the unit are not functionally coupled, and wherein the first valve is open when the housing and the unit are functionally coupled.

2. The unit according to claim 8, wherein the channel system further comprises a valve system, wherein the valve system comprises a sliding element and a sleeve element for slidably hosting the sliding element, wherein: the valve system is configurable in at least two configurations of the sliding element relative to the sleeve element, wherein in a first configuration the first valve is closed, and wherein in a second configuration the first valve is open; the channel system further comprises a spring element configured to maintain the valve system in the first configuration, wherein further the spring element is compressible until at least the second configuration of the valve system can be reached; and the first connector element is functionally coupled to one of the sleeve element and the sliding element, wherein the first connector element is further configured to keep the valve system in the second configuration when the housing and the unit are functionally coupled.

3. The unit according to claim 1, wherein the first chamber opening comprises a duckbill valve.

4. The unit according to claim 1, wherein the skin treatment head comprises a skin treatment head surface, wherein the skin treatment head comprises one or more skin treatment elements, wherein the one or more skin treatment elements comprise distal ends defining a second face remote from the skin treatment head surface, wherein the first chamber opening comprises a nozzle, wherein the nozzle is configured between the skin treatment head surface and the second face when the skin treatment head is comprised by the unit or functionally coupled to the unit.

5. The unit according to claim 4, wherein the skin treatment head comprises a plurality of bristles as skin treatment elements, wherein the nozzle is configured between the bristles, or wherein the skin treatment head comprises a plurality of massaging elements as skin treatment elements, wherein the nozzle is configured between the massaging elements, or wherein the skin treatment head comprises a sponge-like element as skin treatment element, wherein the nozzle extends into the sponge-like element.

6. The unit according to claim 1, further comprising a spring-loaded element configured to provide a continuous pressure to the material over at least part of a filling range of the chamber volume with the material.

7. The unit according to claim 1, wherein the chamber comprises a chamber enclosure enclosing at least part of the chamber volume, wherein the chamber enclosure comprises a chamber wall having a cylindrical shape, wherein at least part of the chamber wall is compressible.

8. The unit according to claim 1, wherein the chamber comprises a plurality of the first chamber openings.

9. A body care device for treating a skin, the body care device comprising the housing, the unit and the skin treatment head as defined in claim 1, wherein the skin treatment head is comprised by the unit or functionally coupled to the unit.

10. A kit of parts comprising the unit, the housing, and the skin treatment head as defined in claim 1, wherein the skin treatment head is comprised by the unit or is can be functionally coupled to the unit.

11. A kit of parts comprising the body care device as defined in claim 10 and a container, wherein the container contains the material selected from the group consisting of a liquid and a semi-liquid.

12. A method, preferably a cosmetic method, of treating a part of a skin using the body care device according to claim 11, the method comprising (a) providing a material selected from the group consisting of a liquid and a semi-liquid contained in the chamber to one or more of (i) the part of the skin and (ii) the skin treatment head, and (b) applying the skin treatment head to the part of the skin, rotating the skin treatment head.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the material comprises one or more of a cosmetic material, a skin care material, and a pharmaceutical material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0094] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

[0095] FIG. 1 schematically depicts an embodiment of the body care device;

[0096] FIGS. 2a-2d schematically depict some embodiments of the unit;

[0097] FIGS. 3a-3c schematically depict some further embodiments and aspects of the unit;

[0098] FIGS. 4a-4b schematically depicts some possible valves;

[0099] FIGS. 5a-5d schematically depict some further embodiments and aspects of the unit;

[0100] FIG. 6 schematically depict some further aspects of embodiments of the unit;

[0101] FIGS. 7a-7b schematically depict some further aspects of embodiments of the unit;

[0102] FIG. 8 schematically depict embodiments of the kit of parts; and

[0103] FIG. 9 schematically depict further aspects of embodiments of the skin treatment head.

[0104] The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0105] FIG. 1 schematically depicts an embodiment of the device, indicated with reference 1, especially for use in cleansing the skin, such as the skin of a face, though additionally or alternatively other uses may also be possible, such as e.g. hydrating the skin, exfoliating the skin, etc. (see also above). Here, the device, especially for treating the skin, comprises a housing 100 and a skin treatment head 200 rotatably associated with said housing 100. The housing 100 encloses an actuator 110 configured to rotate said skin treatment head 200. Further, the housing includes in this embodiment a rechargeable battery 321 (though other options may also be possible). Yet further, the housing 100 may comprise one or more LED indicators 323 and a user interface 324. Further, the housing may include a means 322 for receiving electrical power for charging the battery, such as a socket known in the art.

[0106] The skin treatment head 200 comprises bristles 211 associated with the treatment head 200. The bristles 211 may be configured in tufts, see also above.

[0107] The actuator 110 is especially configured to rotate the skin treatment head 200 about an axis A (axis of rotation). This axis may be parallel, but is not necessary parallel to a body axis of the device.

[0108] Here, in this schematically depicted embodiment, the skin treatment head 200 comprises a first region 210 comprising a plurality of bristles 211. The skin treatment head 200 also comprises a second region 220 comprising a porous flexible material 221. The porous flexible material 221 may comprises a sponge 222, such as a natural sponge or a synthetic sponge. Reference 201 indicates a treatment head surface. The bristles 211 extend from this surface.

[0109] FIG. 1 schematically depicts an embodiment wherein the skin treatment head 200 comprises a skin treatment head surface 201. The skin treatment head 200 comprises one or more skin treatment elements, here bristles 211, wherein the one or more skin treatment elements 210 comprise distal ends defining a second face 202 remote from the skin treatment head surface 201. The skin treatment element(s) may extend from the skin treatment head surface 201.

[0110] Here, also embodiments are included with only bristles, with only a sponge, with only massaging elements, or a combination of two or more of these.

[0111] In the above schematically depicted embodiment, a unit 300 may be available, which will further be elucidated below.

[0112] In this idea, the additives, such as cosmetics are stored in a buffer that is allocated behind the brush. A dispensing system is constructed as such that it releases the additives, such as cosmetics when activated, for example pushed on the skin. When not in use, the additives are stored inside the system, ready for use. The release system may be based on duckbill valves, the way of working is described in the paragraph below.

[0113] Hence, FIG. 1 also schematically depicts an embodiment of the body care device 1 for treating a skin, wherein the body care device 1 comprises the housing 100, the unit 300 and the skin treatment head 200. Here, the skin treatment head 200 is comprised by the unit 300. In embodiments, the skin treatment head may detachably connected to the unit 300.

[0114] Reference 120 refers to a second connector element (of the housing 100), which may be used to functionally couple the housing 100 and the unit 300 (via a corresponding first connector element of the unit 300, see also below).

[0115] FIGS. 2a-2d schematically depict an embodiment. FIG. 2a schematically depicts an embodiment wherein the main components may be a connector, e.g. to attach a shaver handle or (body care) handle, a manually operated pump/buffer systems and a brush which can also be a sponge and/or rubber or combinations of these three, or other options. FIG. 2b schematically depicts that when the brush is pushed towards the connector, for example when on the skin, the pump/buffer system is compressed and it releases certain amount of materials, such as cosmetics, oil, disinfectant's, scrubs, water etc. FIG. 2c schematically depicts that when not pushed, the pump/buffer system expands to its initial shape again. FIG. 2d schematically depicts an embodiment wherein, e.g. on the side, a valve can be seen via which the buffer may be filled (prefilled option) and/or can be refilled (refillable option).

[0116] FIGS. 2a-2b (and also FIGS. 3a-3c, 5a-5c, 6, 7a-7b, 8) schematically depict an embodiment of the unit 300. The unit 300 is configured for functionally coupling to a housing 100 of a body care device 1, see FIG. 1. As indicated above, the housing 100 comprises an actuator 110 configured to at least partly rotate the unit 300 about an axis A when the unit 300 is functionally coupled to the housing 100. The unit 300 is further configured to be functionally coupled to a skin treatment head 200 or the unit 300 comprises the skin treatment head 200. In most of the schematically depicted embodiments, the skin treatment head 200 is schematically depicted as to be comprised by the unit 300.

[0117] Amongst others, the unit 300 in embodiments comprises a first connector element 310 for detachably coupling to a corresponding second connector element 120 of the housing 100 to provide the functional coupling of the housing 100 and the unit 300. This may e.g. be detachable a male-female connection, such as including a screw-thread connection.

[0118] Further, in embodiments the unit 300 comprises a chamber 400 with a chamber volume 405 for hosting a material selected from the group consisting of a liquid and a semi-liquid. The chamber 400 comprises a first chamber opening 410 (see e.g. FIGS. 3a-3c, etc.), wherein the first chamber opening 410 comprises a check valve 412.

[0119] Further, the unit 300 may in embodiments comprise a mechanical actuator 500, configured movable relative to the first connector element 310. The mechanical actuator 500 is configured to transfer a force on the skin treatment head 200 in a direction of the first connector element 310 (and parallel to the axis A) onto the material 10 to expel at least part of the material via the first chamber opening 410 out of the chamber 400. The mechanical actuator 500 is configurable in a plurality of positions relative to the first connector element 310 including a neutral position (FIG. 2a) wherein the mechanical actuator 500 does not transfer a force onto the material 10, and a position wherein the mechanical actuator 500 does transfer a force onto the material 10 (see FIG. 2b). Here, the mechanical actuator 500 may be a compressible chamber 400; the chamber may have a compressible chamber wall (compressible in a direction of the first connector element 310 (and parallel to the axis A).

[0120] FIGS. 3a-3c schematically depict further embodiments, amongst others for explaining embodiments of the pump/buffer mechanism. An amount of material, such as cosmetics, oil, disinfectant's, scrubs, water etc. inside the buffer. One or more of buffer or chamber openings may be available, such as (miniature) one-way valves (for example “duck-bill” or “ketchup bottle valve”, see also FIGS. 4a-4b. Via these chamber openings, the material, such as cosmetics, oil, disinfectant's, scrubs, water etc., may be released. In embodiments, an extra spring loaded element may be needed to add a continuous pressure on the buffer with material, such as cosmetics, oil, disinfectant's, scrubs, water etc.

[0121] FIGS. 3b and 3c schematically depict an embodiment wherein the unit 300 further comprising a spring-loaded element 450 configured to provide a continuous pressure to the material over at least part of a filling range of the chamber volume 405 with the material.

[0122] FIGS. 3a-3c, but also other figures, schematically depict embodiments wherein the first chamber opening 410 comprises a check valve 412, such as a duckbill valve.

[0123] Further, FIGS. 3a-3c, but also other figures, also schematically depict embodiments wherein the skin treatment head 200 comprises a skin treatment head surface 201. The skin treatment head 200 comprises one or more skin treatment elements 210, wherein the one or more skin treatment elements 210 comprise distal ends 217 defining a second face 202 remote from the skin treatment head surface 201. The first chamber opening 410 comprises a nozzle 411, wherein the nozzle 411 is configured between the skin treatment head surface 201 and the second face 202 when the skin treatment head 200 is comprised by the unit 300 or functionally coupled to the unit 300, such as is schematically depicted here.

[0124] FIGS. 3a-3c (but also other figures, such as 2a-2d, etc.) schematically depict embodiments wherein the chamber 400 comprises a chamber enclosure 415 enclosing at least part of the chamber volume 405. Especially, the chamber enclosure 415 comprises a chamber wall 417 having a cylindrical shape, wherein at least part of the chamber wall 417 is compressible. Hence, in embodiments the chamber wall may be made from a flexible and compressible material, such as e.g. silicon.

[0125] FIGS. 3a-3c also schematically depicts embodiments wherein the chamber 400 comprises a plurality of the first chamber openings 410 (with nozzles 411).

[0126] FIGS. 3a-3c also schematically depicts embodiments wherein the skin treatment head 200 comprises a plurality of bristles 211 as skin treatment elements 210, wherein the nozzle 411 is configured between the bristles 211.

[0127] FIG. 4a schematically depicts an embodiment of a duckbill valve in a closed (left) and open (right) state. FIG. 4b schematically depicts an embodiment of a double duckbill valve (or “ketchup valve”).

[0128] In embodiments, the unit may also be constructed as such, that it will only dispose additives/cosmetics when it is mounted onto a handle. An embodiment is schematically depicted in FIGS. 5a-5d. In embodiments, the unit can only dispose material from the flexible, for example silicon rubber, buffer or chamber, in between the bristle hairs when it is clicked on a handle. The mechanism that connects the unit may only then open the tubing (see also FIG. 5d) to guide the material through the chamber opening, such as comprising a duckbill valve. FIG. 5a shows the closed state, and FIGS. 5b and 5c shows the opened state; see also FIG. 5d, wherein on the left the closed and on the right the open state is shown. When the unit is compressed, a dose of material is released via the duckbill valve, or other valve, that then opens (see FIG. 5c). FIGS. 5a-5d also show an embodiment wherein thus the spring, or other type of spring element, moves a sliding element relative to a sleeve element (see also below) when the second connector element 120 of the housing is again taken out of the connecting part 310; the duckbill valve is closed when this is done.

[0129] FIGS. 5a-5d schematically depict embodiments wherein the unit 300 further comprises a channel system 600 for providing a fluid connection between the chamber 400 and the first chamber opening 410. These figures also show embodiments, wherein the unit 300 further comprises a first valve 610 for controlling the fluid connection between the chamber 400 and the first chamber opening 410, wherein the first connector element 310 is also configured to control the first valve 610. The first valve 610 is closed when the housing 100 and the unit 300 are not functionally coupled (see FIG. 5a, and FIG. 5d left), and the first valve 610 is open when the housing 100 and the unit 300 are functionally coupled (see FIGS. 5b, 5c, and FIG. 5d right).

[0130] As shown in FIGS. 5a-5d, in embodiments the channel system 600 further comprises a valve system 630. The valve system 630 comprises a sliding element 650 and a sleeve element 640 for slidably hosting the sliding element 650. The valve system 630 is configurable in at least two configurations of the sliding element 650 relative to the sleeve element 640, wherein in a first configuration the first valve 610 is closed (FIG. 5d left), and wherein in a second configuration the first valve 610 is open (FIG. 5d right). As schematically depicted in FIG. 5d, in embodiments the sleeve element may slide over the sliding element.

[0131] As schematically depicted in FIGS. 5a-5c, the channel system 600 may further comprises a spring element 660 configured to maintain the valve system 630 in the first configuration, wherein further the spring element 660 is compressible until at least the second configuration of the valve system 630 can be reached. As schematically depicted, the first connector element 310 is functionally coupled to one of the sleeve element 640 and the sliding element 650. The first connector element 310 may further configured to keep the valve system 630 in the second configuration when the housing 100 and the unit 300 are functionally coupled (see FIGS. 5b and 5c).

[0132] In FIG. 5c, relative to FIG. 5b, the chamber 400 is compressed. Hence, an embodiment is shown wherein the mechanical actuator transfers a force on the skin treatment head 200 in a direction of the first connector element 310 onto the material to expel at least part of the material via the first chamber opening 410 out of the chamber 400. Hence, the mechanical actuator 500 is configured movable relative to the first connector element 310, wherein the wherein the mechanical actuator 500 is configurable in a plurality of positions relative to the first connector element 310 including a neutral position (see FIG. 5b) wherein the mechanical actuator 500 does not transfer a force onto the material 10.

[0133] The unit may also comprise a plurality of chamber openings, as schematically depicted in FIG. 6.

[0134] FIGS. 7a-7b schematically depicted en embodiment showing that when the chamber is getting less filled, an additional membrane construction could be considered to keep pressure on the material in the buffer.

[0135] Hence, FIGS. 7a-7b schematically depict an embodiment further comprising a spring-loaded element 450 configured to provide a continuous pressure to the material 10 over at least part of a filling range of the chamber volume 405 with the material 10.

[0136] FIG. 8 schematically depicts an embodiment of a kit of parts comprising the unit 300, the housing 100, and the skin treatment head 200. The skin treatment head 200 may be comprised by the unit 300 or can be functionally coupled to the unit 300. Here, an embodiment is shown wherein the skin treatment head 200 can functionally be coupled to the unit 300. FIG. 8 also schematically depicts an embodiment wherein the kit of parts further comprises a container 700. The container contains the material 10, which material 10 is especially selected from the group consisting of a liquid and a semi-liquid.

[0137] As indicated above, the invention also provides a kit of parts comprising the body care device 1 as defined herein, and a container 700, wherein the container 700 contains the material 10 selected from the group consisting of a liquid and a semi-liquid.

[0138] FIG. 9, but also explicitly FIGS. 3a-3c and FIGS. 5a-5c, 6, and 7a-7c schematically depicts embodiments wherein the skin treatment head 200 comprises a plurality of bristles 211 as skin treatment elements 210, wherein the nozzle 411 is configured between the bristles 211, or wherein the skin treatment head 200 comprises a plurality of massaging elements 213 as skin treatment elements 210, wherein the nozzle 411 is configured between the massaging elements 213, or wherein the skin treatment head 200 comprises a sponge-like element 222 as skin treatment element 210, wherein the nozzle 411 extends into the sponge-like element 222. Amongst others, FIG. 9 schematically depicts an embodiment wherein the nozzle 411 is configured between the massaging elements 213, or wherein the skin treatment head 200 comprises a sponge-like element 222 as skin treatment element 210, wherein the nozzle 411 extends into the sponge-like element 222.

[0139] The term “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0140] The terms “substantially” or “essentially” herein, and similar terms, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The terms “substantially” or “essentially” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially or essentially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term “substantially” or the term “essentially” may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%.

[0141] The term “comprise” includes also embodiments wherein the term “comprises” means “consists of”.

[0142] The term “and/or” especially relates to one or more of the items mentioned before and after “and/or”. For instance, a phrase “item 1 and/or item 2” and similar phrases may relate to one or more of item 1 and item 2. The term “comprising” may in an embodiment refer to “consisting of” but may in another embodiment also refer to “containing at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species”.

[0143] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0144] The devices, apparatus, or systems may herein amongst others be described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation, or devices, apparatus, or systems in operation.

[0145] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0146] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

[0147] Use of the verb “to comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

[0148] The article “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0149] The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a device claim, or an apparatus claim, or a system claim, enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0150] The invention also provides a control system that may control the device, apparatus, or system, or that may execute the herein described method or process. Yet further, the invention also provides a computer program product, when running on a computer which is functionally coupled to or comprised by the device, apparatus, or system, controls one or more controllable elements of such device, apparatus, or system.

[0151] The invention further applies to a device, apparatus, or system comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

[0152] The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Further, the person skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and that also more than two embodiments can be combined. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.