CN103717106A - Skin treatment device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention concerns a skin treatment device for professional and private use. In particular the present invention concerns a skin treatment device comprising a drive unit (20) and a first attachment (30) and a second attachment (40), the first attachment comprising (30) a brush, the second attachment comprising an epilation or a depilation unit, wherein the first attachment comprises a gear box and the second attachment comprises a gear box and the gear box comprises by the second attachment provides a gear reduction of at least 1.25 to 4. In a further aspect, the invention concerns a method of using such a device for treating the human skin.

Description

skin treatment device

technical field

The present invention relates to a skin treatment device for professional and personal use. The device is used to obtain cosmetic or body benefits, for example it can be used to have a massaging effect or to cleanse and refresh the skin or to apply a cosmetic composition.

Background technique

A wide variety of cosmetic moisturizers and other agents are available to satisfy the interest in having clear, healthy and attractive skin and visage. The use of skin care implements and devices has been somewhat more restricted relative to these intentions of the cosmetic industry, but much effort has been made in this field as well.

US Patent 2,714,788 discloses a device for removing hair comprising an electric motor, a holder for an abrasive pad and the abrasive pad. Such devices are used to remove hair from the skin of eg the legs by means of abrasion.

EP 1 429 670 A2 discloses an ultrasonic cleaner comprising a handle and a brush positioned at the proximal end of the handle. The cleaner also includes an ultrasonic vibrator operatively attached to the brush. A battery positioned within the hollow interior of the handle powers the ultrasonic vibrator. Ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted from the vibrator through the brush and to its bristles. The cleanser can thus be used for skin cleansing.

WO 2010/100527 A1 discloses an appliance for facial care. The facial appliance comprises a tubular body and a so-called facial puck extending axially from said tubular body. The facial puck includes a facial tool rotatable about an axis and a subassembly connected to the axis. The subassembly includes a rotator for rotation about an axis extending from said tubular body. The rotator includes opposed radially extending resiliently biased platen release rods. These platen release levers removably mount an applicator tool (eg, a facial tool) for rotation with the rotator. The spinner is mounted to the main gear with plain bearings.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a universal skin treatment device. The skin treatment device should be suitable for use with one or several implements, the use should be intuitive and it should be safe. Furthermore, the skin treatment device should provide gentle but effective hair removal tailored to personal preference and skin type.

Contents of the invention

The present invention relates to a skin treatment device for professional and personal use. In particular, the invention relates to a skin treatment device comprising a drive unit (20) and a first accessory comprising a brush and a second accessory comprising a depilatory unit or a plucking unit. The hair unit, wherein the first accessory includes a gearbox and the second accessory includes a gearbox, and the second accessory includes a gearbox that provides a gear reduction of at least 1.25 to 4. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of treating human skin using such a device.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 shows a plan view of a skin treatment device according to the invention comprising a first accessory.

Figure 2 shows a side view of the skin treatment device of Figure 1 .

Figure 3 shows a plan view of a skin treatment device according to the invention comprising a second accessory.

Figure 4 shows a partial cutaway side view of the skin treatment device including the first attachment.

Detailed ways

A skin treatment device includes a drive unit and a first attachment and a second attachment. The skin treatment device may also be provided as a kit with two, three or more accessories. At a given time, one accessory can be used with the drive unit. Additionally or alternatively, the drive unit is also adapted to operate two or more accessories simultaneously. However, it has been found useful to have a drive unit that can run an accessory at that time. The accessory can thus be detachably mounted to the drive unit. The drive unit can be manual or electric. Usually the drive unit is operated by an electric motor. The electric motor may be operated from batteries, such as rechargeable batteries. It may also be useful for the drive unit to require cables in order to make contact with the power supply in operation.

The first accessory may comprise a skin treatment implement or element, for example in the form of a brush, and may comprise an output element. Alternatively, the output element, for example in the form of a gearbox, may also be part of the drive unit. Alternatively or in addition, the drive unit may comprise a further gearbox or force transmission element.

The second attachment may be an epilation attachment or an epilation attachment. Epilating attachments are used to remove hair from the surface of the skin by cutting the hair slightly above and usually against the surface of the skin. This may also be called shaving. The plucking can thus be performed during wet shaving, preferably using a cartridge comprising two, three, four or more blades. Alternatively, the hair-plucking process may be an electric shaving process in which a generally movable blade set is moved relative to a foil comprising an opening for the hair. Another useful embodiment of the invention includes a first attachment in the form of a depilatory attachment. During epilation, the hair is pulled and pulled out of the skin. Thus, the entire hair is removed from the skin. Both processes and especially the epilation process cause a certain stress on the treated skin area. The process can be made more efficient, for example in the case of epilation processes by increasing the epilation speed or the number of tweezers etc. However, such efficiency-enhancing methods are often associated with exposing the skin to greater stress, and sometimes cause increased pain sensation. Therefore, there is a continuing need to provide a gentle yet effective process.

It has been found that the skin treatment device has considerable benefits when used with the first accessory. Treating the skin with a brush can impart some massaging and cleansing effects. The appearance of the skin in general may be improved. In addition to this, the first accessory may enhance the benefits of the skin treatment device when used (widely used) with the second accessory. Surprisingly, it has been found that hair removal, in particular by epilation procedures, is more effective when the skin is treated with the second attachment before using the first attachment. Although these effects are not fully understood, it is possible that superficial skin particles are removed by the second appendage and thereby increase access to the hair. Therefore, hair removal by the first attachment is more efficient.

It has been found that this effect is particularly pronounced if the rotational speed of the first accessory is changed accordingly. For a given drive unit to be used with a second accessory, in particular an epilation accessory, it is useful that the second accessory comprises a gearbox and that a gear reduction of at least 1.25 to 10 is provided by the gearbox comprised by the first accessory. Values of 1.25 to 5 or 1.25 to 4 or 1.5 to 3 have also been found useful. The gear reduction causes the rotational speed of the brushes to drop relative to the rotational speed from the output shaft. Therefore, the brushes rotate slower than the output shaft.

If the first accessory includes a gearbox providing a first gear reduction and the second accessory includes a gearbox providing a second gear reduction, the first gear reduction should be greater than the second gear reduction by a factor of 1 to 5 or 2 to 3.

On the other hand, it has been found useful for the first accessory to comprise brush heads having a range of average diameters. If the brush has a circular form, the mean diameter is the standard diameter. If the brush has a non-circular form, the mean diameter is the diameter of a circular brush having the same area as the non-circular brush actually used. Mean diameters in the range of 1 cm to 7 cm or 3 cm to 5 cm have been found useful. Such a diameter allows easy use of the skin treatment device and application of suitable force to the skin when the device is held in the user's hand. It has also been found that the device is efficient yet sufficiently gentle if the ratio of gear reduction to cm value of mean diameter is 1 to 2. For example, a gear reduction of 2 is useful for a brush with an average diameter of 4 centimeters and thus a centimeter value of 4. This also allows providing a drive unit that can be powered by batteries and still provide sufficient force for an efficient skin treatment process. Selecting the proper gear reduction will also help prevent damage to the drive unit. By manually manipulating the first attachment, not too high forces should be transmitted to the drive unit. Said gear reduction helps in this context.

Additionally, to protect the drive unit and gearbox, a disengagement mechanism is available. Such a disengagement mechanism for the first attachment may result in a disengagement of the base carrying the skin treatment element, such as the brush, and the rotating support element supporting the base and coupled to the gearbox and thus the drive unit. It is useful to provide such a disengagement mechanism by providing a drive unit comprising an output element (such as a gearbox) and a rotating support element comprising protrusions, the accessory comprising a skin treatment element and a A base of the skin treatment element, the base comprising a plurality of grooves to cooperate with the protrusions of the rotating support element of the drive unit, wherein the base can be supported by the rotating supporting element, and wherein the protrusions can enter into the grooves. into an engaged position, and into a disengaged position with said groove when said base is supported by a rotating support member. It is useful for the groove to form the toothed ring. A number of closely adjacent grooves can thus be provided. It is useful to provide the protrusion in the form of a latch, eg a spring loaded latch.

It is also useful to couple the first accessory to the drive unit via the eccentric. This provides an efficient way of driving the first accessory.

Useful gear reduction for the first accessory can be achieved by providing the following elements: the first accessory comprises a drive shaft for transferring rotational motion from the drive unit to the drive shaft, the drive shaft is connected to the sprocket teeth, the The sprocket teeth engage the crown gear and the crown gear is connected to the drive shaft.

In the context of the present invention, it has been found useful to use a method for treating human skin comprising the following steps:

- treating the skin with a vibrating brush using a skin treatment device comprising a drive unit and a first accessory comprising a brush,

- removing body hair from the skin using a skin treatment device comprising a drive unit and a second accessory comprising a depilatory unit or a plucking unit,

- wherein said drive unit is operable at a first preset speed and said preset speed is used in two steps.

The methods can be used in a different order. For example, body hair may be removed from the skin first, and then the skin may be treated with a vibrating brush in a subsequent step. This method does not increase the efficiency of the hair removal process, however, it may have massaging and soothing benefits. The soothing effect may be enhanced if the method includes the additional step of applying the lotion to the skin or to the brush.

Alternatively, treating the skin with a vibrating brush can be performed prior to removing body hair from the skin. It has been found that this sequence of steps increases the efficiency of body hair removal. In one effective procedure, brushing the skin is performed 24 to 72 hours prior to removing body hair from the skin. It is assumed that the brushing process prepares the skin for the hair removal process. As previously mentioned, removal of superficial skin particles may play a role in achieving this benefit. During this brushing step, a certain amount of stress is induced on the skin. Wait 24 to 72 hours to allow the skin to recover before applying another skin treatment step. Alternatively, skin treatment with a vibrating brush is performed 60 to 1 minute prior to removing body hair from the skin. This timing of the two procedures allows the two steps to be performed, usually in one place, such as a bathroom, over substantially a period of time, and thus has a time-efficient hair removal procedure, despite the possibility of subjecting the skin to exposure to slightly increased stress. In both cases, pre-treating the skin by brushing will significantly increase the efficiency of the hair removal process, especially but not only if a depilatory process is used. There are particular benefits of using a first accessory and a second accessory with a gear reduction ratio as described above.

It is particularly advantageous to use one and the same drive unit for the first accessory and the second accessory. Specifically, if the drive unit allows for four different speed settings, such as a first (slower) and a second (faster) speed. Different users will generally choose a speed level according to their personal preference. These preferences can be influenced by skin type. For example, users with more sensitive skin will typically use slower speed settings. The user can then use the first and second attachments with the same drive unit and with the same personal speed setting. For example, if a slow speed is used, the two process steps will be relatively gentle, as preferred by this particular user. The level of gear reduction of the second accessory relative to the first accessory can be selected to suit typical user habits so that most users can again utilize their personal speed settings in both process steps.

Figure 1 shows a skin treatment device 10 according to the invention comprising a first accessory and its main elements. The device 10 comprises a drive unit 20 . The drive unit will comprise a motor which will typically provide rotational or vibratory motion to some output device. The motor will typically be an electric motor, which may be battery driven, preferably by a rechargeable battery. The drive unit 20 will include a switch 22 for switching the unit on and off and/or making other selections of operating modes. Switch 22 allows selection of a first operating speed by turning it to position 24 and allows selection of a second operating speed by turning it to position 26 .

An accessory 30 may be connected to the drive unit 20 . A variety of suitable interfaces are known and generally a form fit is useful. Other accessories can be connected to the drive unit, for example the accessory 30 can act as a first accessory and a further accessory can act as a second or third accessory, which can also be connected to the same drive unit 20 . Attachment 30 as shown includes a brush 32 . The term brush is used herein broadly to refer to an implement which may comprise conventional bristles of various materials, as known from other art. The brush may also comprise a rubber implement, which may have the form of bristles or which may also have the form of a rod or a ligament. The brush 32 will generally have a circular outer shape, but other shapes are possible.

Figure 2 shows the same device 20 in side view. From said side view, it is evident that the main shaft of the drive unit and the axis of rotation of the brush 32 are inclined towards each other. Angles in the range of 90° to 135° and 100° to 120° have been found to be useful to facilitate efficient handling. In this side view, it can be readily seen that the attachment 30 includes a gearbox 60 to which the brush 32 and brush base 34 are mounted. The gear box 60 is connected to the brush base 34 by the rotating support element 50, which is only visible in this view as a ring structure connecting the brush base 34 to the gear box 60.

Figure 3 shows a skin treatment device 10 according to the invention comprising a second accessory and its main elements. The second attachment is the epilation attachment 40 . The epilation attachment 40 comprises an epilation cylinder 42 . The epilation cylinder 42 can be in contact with the skin. The epilation cylinder 42 rotates around its main axis (which is horizontal in FIG. 3 ). Said rotation is brought about by the drive unit 20, which has been described above. The depilatory cylinder 42 is provided with the tweezers that can pull and pull out the hair. In order to guide the device more easily and also to achieve some reduction in subjective pain perception, skin contact rollers 46 are provided. These rollers provide an additional massaging function. Thus, the present invention generally also relates to a skin treatment device 10 comprising a drive unit 20 and a first attachment 30 and a second attachment 40 comprising a brush or skin treatment implement rotating about an axis substantially perpendicular to the skin surface and The second attachment 40 includes a skin contact roller 46 that rotates about an axis parallel to the skin surface.

Figure 4 shows a partial cut-away side view of the skin treatment device 10 including the second attachment. In this view, the details of the gearbox 60 can be easily understood. Power from the drive unit 20 is transmitted to the (connected) drive shaft 64 . A sprocket 66 is mounted to the drive shaft. To cooperate with this sprocket, a crown gear 68 is provided. Crown gear 68 sits on drive axis 70 . This axis is inclined at an angle of approximately 110° relative to the drive shaft 64 . Angles in the range of 90° to 135° and 100° to 120° have been found to be useful to facilitate efficient handling. In general, therefore, a helical gear is provided, which acts as a secondary reduction unit. The gear (or speed) reduction may be a factor of 1.25 to 10. It has also been found that values of 1.25 to 5 or 1.25 to 4 or 1.5 to 3 are useful. It is also evident that this robust construction easily adapts to the external shape of the gearbox 60 .

The drive axis 70 is parallel (as seen in this side view) to the central support axis 72 . The central support axis 72 is not the drive axis. Thus, the central support axis 72 provides rotational support for the rotational support element 50 . The rotating support element 50 thus has one degree of freedom, which is that of movement about the support axis 72 .

The rotary support member 50 includes a turntable 52 on which a latch 54 is mounted. The latch 54 is spring loaded by a spring element 56 . Furthermore, a support plate 58 is mounted on the turntable 52 . The support plate 58 provides support for the skin treatment element (not shown). A rotational vibratory motion may be provided to the rotational support member 50 . This movement is transmitted by drive axis 70 . The drive shaft carries an eccentric 74 . The eccentric 74 includes an eccentric 76 which carries an eccentric pin 78 . Pin 78 may then cooperate with a slot (not shown here) in dial 52 .

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the precise values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a disclosed dimension of "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."

Claims (14)

1. A skin treatment device (10), comprising a drive unit (20) and a first attachment (30) and a second attachment (40), the first attachment (30) comprising a brush, the second attachment (40) ) includes an epilation unit or a depilation unit, wherein said first attachment includes a gearbox and said second attachment includes a gearbox, and said second attachment includes a gearbox that provides a gear reduction of at least 1.25 to 4. 2. The skin treatment device (10) according to claim 2, wherein said brush comprises a brush head, and said brush head comprises an average diameter, said average diameter being 1 cm to 5 cm. 3. The skin treatment device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the ratio of the gear reduction to the centimeter value of the mean diameter is 2 to 3. 4. The skin treatment device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first attachment is coupled to the drive unit via an eccentric. 5. The skin treatment device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the skin treatment device (10) comprises a drive unit (20) and an attachment (30), the drive unit (20) comprising an output element (60) and a rotating support element (50), said rotating support element (50) comprising protrusions, said attachment (30) comprising a skin treatment element (32) and a base for said skin treatment element (32) ( 34), said base comprising a plurality of grooves to cooperate with protrusions of said rotational support element (50) of said drive unit, wherein said base (34) is supportable by said rotational support element (50), and Wherein said protrusion is capable of entering into an engaged position with said groove and, when said base (34) is supported by said rotating support element (50), into a disengaged position with said groove. 6. The skin treatment device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the groove forms a toothed ring. 7. The skin treatment device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said protrusion in the form of a latch (54) is provided. 8. The skin treatment device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first attachment (30) comprising means for transmitting rotational movement from the drive unit (20) to the The drive shaft (62) of the drive axis (70) is connected to the sprocket (66) which engages the crown gear (68) and the crown gear (68) connected to the drive axis (70). 9. A method for treating human skin, said method comprising the steps of: - treating the skin with a vibrating brush using a skin treatment device comprising a drive unit and a first accessory comprising said brush, - removing body hair from the skin using a skin treatment device comprising said drive unit and a second accessory comprising a depilatory unit or a plucking unit, And wherein said drive unit is capable of operating at a first preset speed and said preset speed is used in two steps. 10. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein also a second preset speed can be utilized. 11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein treating the skin with a vibrating brush is performed 24 to 72 hours before removing body hair from the skin. 12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein treating the skin with the vibrating brush is performed 60 minutes to 1 minute before removing body hair from the skin. 13. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first accessory includes a gearbox and the second accessory includes a gearbox, and the second accessory includes a gearbox that provides at least 1 to 2.5 gear reduction. 14. A kit comprising a drive unit (10), a first attachment (30) and a second attachment, the first attachment (30) comprising a brush, the second attachment comprising a depilation unit or a depilation unit, wherein the The first accessory includes a gearbox and the second accessory includes a gearbox, and the second accessory includes a gearbox that provides a gear reduction of at least 1 to 2.5.

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