FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a personal care device and related system. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a personal care device and related system used for cleaning, massaging, and treating facial skin.

BACKGROUND

Skin health and appearance is an important aspect of many beauty regimens. Typical skin care focuses on particular creams or lotions to be applied to the skin, usually performed manually by sponge or bmsh. Hand application can be inadequate for applying creams and lotions to the skin, and cleaning by hand likewise can be ineffective at removing grease, oils, and other contaminants from the skin.

Handheld personal care devices are often considered more effective than cleaning by hand. Indeed, handheld personal care devices may claim additional benefits, such as exfoliation, smoothing/resurfacing, or deep cleaning. Such devices typically have one or more discrete, electrically powered scrubbing element brushes or nonwoven fabric pads that oscillate, vibrate, or a combination thereof to provide mechanical action of the bmsh(es) or pad(s) against the skin. In use, a cleanser is applied to the scrubbing elements or the pad and then massaged onto the skin. However, cleansing effectiveness of these devices depends on at least the scrubbing element or pad type, pressure applied, and the type of cleanser.

Conventional handheld personal care devices can have some detrimental effects. For example, conventional handheld personal care devices can have harsh impacts on the skin and cause abrasions due to the scrubbing element or pad used on the device. For example, stiff scrubbing elements, which are effective at lifting and/or removing dead skin cells, may also be too rough and cause abrasions to the skin. Additionally, conventional handheld personal care devices tend to build up a combination of cleansers, dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells at the base of the scrubbing elements or pad that are difficult or nearly impossible to remove.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a personal care device and related system that lessens or eliminates at least the drawbacks mentioned herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a personal care device and related system, which advantageously reduces the problems associated with conventional personal care devices.

In one example embodiment, a personal care device is disclosed, where the personal care device comprises a head having a central axis extending therethrough; a plurality of scrubbing elements arranged on an outer side of a pliant surface at a front portion of the head; and a handle extending from a rear portion of the head between a first end and an opposing second end, a central axis of the handle being at an angle of about 20 degrees to about 40 degrees relative to the central axis of the head. The personal care device of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the angle is about 26 degrees to about 30 degrees.

The personal care device of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the angle is about 28 degrees.

The personal care device of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the plurality of scrubbing elements are arranged on the outer side of the pliant surface of at front portion of the head in a radial swirl pattern.

The personal care device of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the pliant surface at the front portion of the head is a substantially convex surface.

The personal care device of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the pliant surface at the front portion of the head is a substantially flat surface.

The personal care device of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein a material of at least one of the handle, the head, the pliant surface, and the plurality of scrubbing elements is silicone.

The personal care device of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the pliant surface at the front portion of the head comprises a flexible membrane.

The personal care device of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, the personal care device further comprising a motor housed within an internal cavity of the handle or an internal cavity of the head, the internal cavities of the handle and the head being interconnected.

The personal care device of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, the personal care device further comprising a power source in electrical communication with the motor, and a switch in electrical communication with the power source, wherein actuation of the switch causes the power source to transmit an electrical current to the motor.

The personal care device of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the power source comprises a rechargeable battery.

The personal care device of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the second end of the handle comprises a charging mechanism in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery.

The personal care device of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the charging mechanism of the personal care device is arranged to be in electrical communication with a corresponding charging mechanism on a support when the personal care device is engaged with the support.

The personal care device of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the charging mechanism of the personal care device and the charging mechanism of the support each comprise charging contacts, a charging port arranged to receive a charging plug, an induction coil, or any combination thereof.

The personal care device of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, the personal care device further comprising: a first gear defining a first central axis and a second gear defining a second central axis housed within the internal cavities of the head or the handle and that mesh with one another and each rotate about the respective first and second central axes upon actuation of the motor; a first rotor and a second rotor being respectively coupled to or integrally -formed with the first gear and the second gear and each defining a diameter, when rotated, larger than a diameter of each of the first gear and the second gear, the first rotor and the second rotor being rotated by the respective ones of the first gear and the second gear so as to rotate in two separate, but overlapping regions under the surface of the front portion of the head; and at least one node extending from surfaces of each of the first and second rotors and exerting an upward force on an opposing inner side of the pliant surface at the front portion of the head, wherein as the first and second gears rotate about the respective first and second central axes, the first and second rotors rotate with the at least one node in the two separate, but overlapping regions under the surface of the front portion of the head so that the at least one node exerts the upward force and sequentially displaces the plurality of scrubbing elements arranged on a corresponding region on the outer side of the pliant surface at the front portion of the head.

The personal care device of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the first gear is rotatably mounted on a first spindle defining the first central axis and the second gear is rotatably mounted on a second spindle defining the second central axis, the first spindle or the second spindle being coupled to a drive shaft of the motor so that the first gear is rotated in a first direction about the first central axis and the second gear is rotated in a second, opposite direction about the second central axis when the motor is actuated.

The personal care device of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the first gear is rotatably mounted on a first spindle defining the first central axis and the second gear is rotatably mounted on a second spindle defining the second central axis, and further comprising a third gear rotatably mounted on a third spindle defining a third central axis and arranged between the first gear and the second gear so that the first and second gears each mesh with the third gear, the third spindle being coupled to a drive shaft of the motor so that the third gear is rotated in a first direction about the third central axis and the first and second gears are rotated in a second opposite direction about the respective first and second central axes when the motor is actuated.

The personal care device of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the first rotor and the second rotor have a lemniscate shape, a rectangular shape, or an elliptical shape.

The personal care device of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the first gear and the second gear are angled relative to one another at an acute angle, an obtuse angle, or are parallel to one another in the same plane. The personal care device of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, the personal care device further comprising: a rotatably -mounted inner gear defining a central axis and having teeth extending radially outward from the central axis of the inner gear; a stationary outer gear defining a central axis and having teeth extending radially inward toward the central axis of the outer gear; a moving gear defining a central axis and having teeth extending radially outward from the central axis of the moving gear, wherein the moving gear is situated between the inner gear and the outer gear such that the teeth of the moving gear simultaneously engage the respective teeth of the inner gear and the outer gear, and wherein rotation of the inner gear causes the moving gear to orbit around the inner gear; and at least one node extending from a surface of the moving gear and exerting an upward force on an opposing inner side of the pliant surface at the front portion of the head, wherein the moving gear rotates with the at least one node under the surface of the front portion of the head so that the at least one node exerts the upward force and sequentially displaces the plurality of scrubbing elements arranged on a corresponding region on the outer side of the pliant surface at the front portion of the head.

The personal care device of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, the personal care device further comprising: at least one additional moving gear defining a central axis and having teeth extending radially outward from the central axis of the additional moving gear; and at least one node extending from a surface of the at least one additional moving gear and exerting an upward force on the opposing inner side of the pliant surface at the front portion of the head, wherein the moving gear and the at least one additional moving gear are arranged between the inner gear and the outer gear such that the teeth of the moving gear and the teeth of the at least one additional moving gear each simultaneously engage the respective teeth of the inner gear and the outer gear, and wherein rotation of the inner gear causes the moving gear and the at least one additional moving gear to orbit around the inner gear so that the at least one node on the moving gear and the at least one additional moving gear exerts the upward force and sequentially displaces the plurality of scmbbing elements arranged on a corresponding region on the outer side of the pliant surface at the front portion of the head.

In some other example embodiments, a personal care system is disclosed, the personal care system comprising: a personal care device comprising: a head having a central axis extending therethrough; a plurality of scmbbing elements arranged on an outer side of a pliant surface at a front portion of the head; and a handle extending from a rear portion of the head between a first end and an opposing second end, a central axis of the handle being at an angle of about 20 degrees to about 40 degrees relative to the central axis of the head; and a support arranged to receive the personal care device.

The personal care system of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the angle is about 26 degrees to about 30 degrees.

The personal care system of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the angle is about 28 degrees.

The personal care system of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the plurality of scmbbing elements are arranged on the outer side of the pliant surface of the front portion of the head in a radial swirl pattern. The personal care system of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the pliant surface at the front portion of the head is a substantially convex surface.

The personal care system of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the pliant surface at the front portion of the head is a substantially flat surface.

The personal care system of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein a material of at least one of the handle, the head, the pliant surface, and the plurality of scrubbing elements is silicone.

The personal care system of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, the personal care device further comprising a motor housed within an internal cavity of the handle or an internal cavity of the head, the internal cavities of the handle and the head being interconnected.

The personal care system of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, the personal care device further comprising a power source in electrical communication with the motor, and a switch in electrical communication with the power source, wherein actuation of the switch causes the power source to transmit an electrical current to the motor.

The personal care system of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the power source comprises a rechargeable battery.

The personal care system of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the first end of the handle comprises a charging mechanism in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery.

The personal care system of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the charging mechanism of the personal care device is arranged to be in electrical communication with a corresponding charging mechanism on the support when the personal care device is engaged with the support.

The personal care system of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the charging mechanism of the personal care device and the charging mechanism of the support each comprise charging contacts, a charging port arranged to receive a charging plug, an induction coil, or any combination thereof.

The personal care system of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the support comprises a cavity having a shape contoured to correspond to an outer contour of the handle and the head, such that when the handle and the head are received by the support, the outer contours of the handle and the head are aligned within the cavity.

The personal care system of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the first end of the handle comprises a magnet and the support comprises a corresponding magnet such that when the handle is received by the support, the magnets attract one another and magnetically align the outer contour of the handle in the cavity. The personal care system of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the personal care device further comprises: a first gear defining a first central axis and a second gear defining a second central axis housed within the internal cavities of the head or the handle and that mesh with one another and each rotate about the respective first and second central axes upon actuation of the motor; a first rotor and a second rotor being respectively coupled to or integrally- formed with the first gear and the second gear and each defining a diameter, when rotated, larger than a diameter of each of the first gear and the second gear, the first rotor and the second rotor being rotated by the respective ones of the first gear and the second gear so as to rotate in two separate, but overlapping regions under the surface of the front portion of the head; and at least one node extending from surfaces of each of the first and second rotors and exerting an upward force on an opposing inner side of the pliant surface at the front portion of the head, wherein as the first and second gears rotate about the respective first and second central axes, the first and second rotors rotate with the at least one node in the two separate, but overlapping regions under the surface of the front portion of the head so that the at least one node exerts the upward force and sequentially displaces the plurality of scrubbing elements arranged on a corresponding region on the outer side of the pliant surface at the front portion of the head.

The personal care system of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the first gear is rotatably mounted on a first spindle defining the first central axis and the second gear is rotatably mounted on a second spindle defining the second central axis, the first spindle or the second spindle being coupled to a drive shaft of the motor so that the first gear is rotated in a first direction about the first central axis and the second gear is rotated in a second, opposite direction about the second central axis when the motor is actuated.

The personal care system of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the first gear is rotatably mounted on a first spindle defining the first central axis and the second gear is rotatably mounted on a second spindle defining the second central axis, and further comprising a third gear rotatably mounted on a third spindle defining a third central axis and arranged between the first gear and the second gear so that the first and second gears each mesh with the third gear, the third spindle being coupled to a drive shaft of the motor so that the third gear is rotated in a first direction about the third central axis and the first and second gears are rotated in a second opposite direction about the respective first and second central axes when the motor is actuated.

The personal care system of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the first rotor and the second rotor have a lemniscate shape, a rectangular shape, or an elliptical shape.

The personal care system of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the first gear and the second gear are angled relative to one another at an acute angle, an obtuse angle, or are parallel to one another in the same plane.

The personal care system of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the personal care device further comprises: a rotatably -mounted inner gear defining a central axis and having teeth extending radially outward from the central axis of the inner gear; a stationary outer gear defining a central axis and having teeth extending radially inward toward the central axis of the outer gear; a moving gear defining a central axis and having teeth extending radially outward from the central axis of the moving gear, wherein the moving gear is situated between the inner gear and the outer gear such that the teeth of the moving gear simultaneously engage the respective teeth of the inner gear and the outer gear, and wherein rotation of the inner gear causes the moving gear to orbit around the inner gear; and at least one node extending from a surface of the moving gear and exerting an upward force on an opposing inner side of the pliant surface at the front portion of the head, wherein the moving gear rotates with the at least one node under the surface of the front portion of the head so that the at least one node exerts the upward force and sequentially displaces the plurality of scrubbing elements arranged on a corresponding region on the outer side of the pliant surface at the front portion of the head.

The personal care system of any preceding example embodiment or any combination of preceding example embodiments, wherein the personal care device further comprises: at least one additional moving gear defining a central axis and having teeth extending radially outward from the central axis of the additional moving gear; and at least one node extending from a surface of the at least one additional moving gear and exerting an upward force on the opposing inner side of the pliant surface at the front portion of the head, wherein the moving gear and the at least one additional moving gear are arranged between the inner gear and the outer gear such that the teeth of the moving gear and the teeth of the at least one additional moving gear each simultaneously engage the respective teeth of the inner gear and the outer gear, and wherein rotation of the inner gear causes the moving gear and the at least one additional moving gear to orbit around the inner gear so that the at least one node on the moving gear and the at least one additional moving gear exerts the upward force and sequentially displaces the plurality of scrubbing elements arranged on a corresponding region on the outer side of the pliant surface at the front portion of the head.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The present disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four, or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure or recited in any one or more of the claims, regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combined or otherwise recited in a specific aspect description or claim herein. This disclosure is intended to be read holistically such that any separable features or elements of the disclosure, in any of its aspects, should be viewed as intended to be combinable, unless the context of the disclosure clearly dictates otherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a personal care system including a personal care device and a support according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a support of a personal care system according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure; FIGS. 3 A-3F illustrate a personal care device of a personal care system according to one or more example embodiment(s) of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate an example of gears, rotors, and nodes of a personal care device of a personal care system according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an example of gears, rotors, and nodes of a personal care device of a personal care system according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6 A and 6B illustrates an example of gears, rotors, and nodes of a personal care device of a personal care system according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate an example of gears, rotors, and nodes of a personal care device of a personal care system according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof. These exemplary embodiments are described so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in the specification, and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, “the”, include plural variations unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

A personal care device and related system as disclosed herein may be used to cleanse, massage, exfoliate, buff, stimulate, tone, exercise, heat, apply lotions or other substances, treat, or any combination thereof, an exterior surface of an object. In some example embodiments, the object is a mammalian user and the exterior surface is the exposed skin and, more particularly, the epidermis (an outer layer of cells in the skin) of the mammalian user. For example, using the personal care device and related system disclosed herein on the epidermis of a mammalian user creates a variety of cosmetic benefits, such as advantageously cleaning the epidermis, exfoliating the epidermis, and massaging the epidermis to thereby promote the production of collagen and elastin in the epidermis.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a personal care system 100 is illustrated. The personal care system 100 can include a personal care device 102 and a support or cradle 104 arranged to receive the personal care device 102. In particular, the support 104 may comprise a cavity that is sized and/or shaped to correspond to an outer contour of the personal care device 102. In this way, the personal care device 102 snugly rests / is retained in a cavity of the support 104.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate one example embodiment of a support 200, the support 200 being the same as or similar to the support 104 illustrated in FIG. 1. The support 200 comprises, in some example embodiments, an upper portion 202 defining a cavity 204 in which the personal care device rests and a base portion 206. The upper portion 202 and base portion 206 may be joined by screws, snap-fit, ultrasonic welding, glue, or other fixing/joining approach. Alternatively, the support 200 may be constructed without a base portion 206, so that the support 200 has an exposed or partially exposed cavity on its underside (not shown).

The cavity 204 may have a shape contoured to correspond to an outer contour of at least a portion of the handle and/or the head of a personal care device (e.g., personal care device 102 in FIG. 1), such that when the handle and the head of the personal care device are received by the support 200, the outer contours of the handle and/or the head are aligned within a surface or surfaces of the cavity 204. In some example embodiments, the cavity 204 is sized / shaped only to receive the head of the personal care device or only to receive the handle of the personal care device.

The support 200 may further comprise a charging mechanism for charging a personal care device received in its cavity 204. The charging mechanism may deliver power to the personal care device electrically using physical contacts or may deliver power using inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, electromagnetic radiation coupling, magnetodynamic coupling or optical coupling, or any combination thereof. For example, the physical contacts may include charging contacts, a charging port either arranged to receive a charging plug or integrally attached to a charging plug, or any combination thereof. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 A and 2B, for example, the charging mechanism of the support 200 is an integral charging port / charging plug 208, which is in electrical communication with charging contacts 210 arranged on a bottom surface of the cavity 204. The integral charging port / charging plug 208 may be arranged anywhere on the support 200, such as for example, at a front or a rear of the support 200. More particularly, the integrally- formed charging port / charging plug 208 terminates in a male USB plug for plugging into any USB port, such as, for example, an AC/DC adapter, a USB wall jack, a charging pack, a laptop, a car adapter, etc. Otherwise, the charging port and the charging plug may be separate, and the charging port may be arranged to receive a USB-A, USB-B, mini-USB, micro-USB, USB 3, a figure 8 connector, or any other type of electrical connector that may be removably engaged with a matching electrical connector in the support 200.

Regardless, whether the charging port / charging plug are integral or separate, the charging plug / charging port 208 are configured so that about 3.3 Volts to about 12 Volts of electricity will be electrically transferred from the charging plug and through the charging port and to the charging contacts 210. The charging contacts 210 may be a metallic material and may be plated so as to appear gold or rose-gold in color, although other colors are also contemplated. The charging contacts 210 may be positioned on the support 200 so that when the personal care device is received in the cavity 204, the charging contacts 210 of the support 200 are aligned and in electrical communication with a corresponding charging mechanism (e.g., charging contacts) of the personal care device. There may be one, two, three, four, etc., charging contacts 210 on the support 200 and a corresponding number or a different number on the personal care device. Alternatively, in some example embodiments (not shown), the support 200 does not include a charging mechanism and merely acts as a cradle to support the personal care device when it is not in use. In this example embodiment, the charging mechanism is only arranged on the personal care device.

In one example embodiment, a portion of the personal care device (e.g., the second end of the handle) comprises a magnet, metallic material, and/or alternate alignment mechanism (e.g., 342 in FIG. 3E) and the support 200 comprises a corresponding magnet, metallic material, and or alternate alignment mechanism 212, such that when the personal care device (e.g., the handle) is received by the support 200, the magnets attract one another and magnetically align the outer contour of the personal care device (e.g., the handle and/or the head) in the cavity 204. In some example embodiments, for example, another portion of the personal care device may comprise one or a plurality of magnets (e.g., a middle portion of the handle, the head, etc.) The magnet(s) may be embedded or otherwise arranged on the personal care device and the support 200. In this manner, the magnet(s) or alternate alignment mechanism align the personal care device within the recess of the support 200 so that the charging contacts 210 of the support 200 are aligned and in electrical communication with the corresponding charging mechanism of the personal care device.

A material of the support 200 may be a polymer, a metallic material, a wooden or other fibrous material, or any combination thereof. It is advantageous that the support 200 be a material that is capable of withstanding moisture, humidity, and/or heat, as the personal care device may be wet and warm after use. It may also be advantageous that the support 200 be a material or comprise an outer film, or micro-pattern that has antimicrobial and/or non-allergenic (e.g., non-latex or formed of a material that does not include naturally occurring proteins that can cause allergic reactions) properties in order to resist bacterial growth and reduce odor.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3F, example embodiments of a personal care device 300 is illustrated, the personal care device 300 being the same as or similar to the personal care device 102 illustrated in FIG.

1. The personal care device 300 comprises, in some embodiments, a head 302 having a central axis A1 extending therethrough. The head 302 may define an internal cavity housing one or more electronic components and/or one or more mechanical components. A plurality of scrubbing elements 304 may be arranged on an outer-facing side of a pliant surface 306 at a front portion 302 A of the head 302, the scrubbing elements being configured to mb, wipe, scrape, stretch, or otherwise clean the skin. The scrubbing elements may be substantially uniform or may vary in one or more of size, shape, color, texture, etc. Variations in one or more of size, shape, color, and texture may correspond to specific regions of the scrubbing elements. For example, the scrubbing elements may comprise, without limitation, a plurality of bristles, a plurality of ridges and valleys, plurality of bumps or dots, plurality of raised lines or “blades” (resilient like wiper blades), fabric loops or hooks, or any combination thereof. The scrubbing elements 304 may also be arranged in a pattern. For example, the scrubbing elements 304 may be arranged in a radial swirl pattern, as illustrated in FIG. 3D. Other patterns, such as for example, concentric circles, a lotus pattern, and a starburst pattern, are also contemplated by this disclosure.

A handle 308 may extend from a rear portion 302B of the head 302 between a first end 308A and an opposing second end 308B. The handle 308 may define another internal cavity housing one or more electronic components and/or one or more mechanical components. The head 302 and the handle 308 may be removably coupled to one another via a threaded engagement, a press fit engagement, a snap fit engagement, a magnetic engagement, or the like, or the head may be integrally formed with the handle. When the head 302 and the handle 308 are engaged with or integrally -formed with one another, the internal cavities of the head 302 and the handle 308 are interconnected. Otherwise, the internal cavities of the head 302 and the handle 308 may be discrete or separate cavities. More particularly, and in the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 A, the handle 308 may define a central axis A2. A first end of the handle 308A may be have a relatively small cross-section and may define a first centroid Ci of a transverse cross-section at its narrowest portion. The handle may widen from the first centroid Ci to the second end 308B of the handle, which can thus have a relatively large cross- section and can define a second centroid Ci of a transverse cross-section at its widest portion. The central axis A2 of the handle 308 thus extends through both centroids Ci, C2. Alternatively, handle 308 may be of uniform cross-section from a first end to a second end, defining a central handle axis A2, or may narrow from the first centroid Ci defining a relatively wide cross-section to the second centroid C2 defining a relatively small cross-section.

The head 302 may also define a central axis Al, which extends through a center of the head 302. In some example embodiments, the central axis A2 of the handle 308 may be at an angle qi of about 20 degrees to about 40 degrees relative to the central axis Al of the head 302, where the angle adjacent to angle qi is Q2, and where qi and Q2 add up to 180 degrees. More particularly, for example, the angle qi is about 26 degrees to about 30 degrees, and may be about 28 degrees. In this manner, the head 302 and the handle 308 are considered offset relative to one another, which provides for a more ergonomic use experience for a user.

The head 302 and the handle 308 can include a device frame substantially configured as a rigid structure. As seen in FIG. 3E, the rigid structure (or device frame) can include a first frame portion 312A that is removably connectable with a second frame portion 312B to collectively form the rigid structure defining the device frame 312. As seen in FIG. 3F, the device frame 312 defined by portions 312A and 312B is a uniform structure so that the front portion 302A of the head 302 is not removable from the rear portion 302B of the head 302.

As seen in FIG. 3E, the pliant surface 306 at the front portion 302 A of the head 302 may be malleable such that a force exerted on an inner or interior side of the pliant surface 306 may cause deflection of the pliant surface 306. For example, the pliant surface may comprise a flexible membrane 310, which may cover the rigid structure forming the first frame portion 312 A that limits deflection of the flexible membrane 310 or that serves as a mounting structure for attaching the flexible membrane 310 to a portion of the head 302. In some example embodiments, the first frame portion 312A operates with a sealing ring 345 (FIG. 3E) to seal the internal cavity of head 302. The first frame portion 312 A may define a ring-shaped structure that is configured so that the flexible membrane 310 attaches to or is overmolded over the first frame portion 312A. The first frame portion 312 A and the sealing ring 345 may be arranged to engage the head 302 in a manner to prevent moisture from penetrating through the flexible membrane 310 and into an interior cavity / chamber of the head 302. The first frame portion 312A may be press fit, snap fit, threaded with, etc., the second frame portion 312B of the head 302, so that the first frame portion 312A is removably attachable to one end of the handle 308 and/or the second frame portion 312B of the head 302. This may be advantageous as the first frame portion 312A may be removable therefrom for cleaning of the scrubbing elements 304, replacing the scrubbing elements 304, substitution of the front portion 302A of the head 302 with a different front head containing alternative scrubbing elements (different pattern, different materials, different utility), etc. In further embodiments, as seen in FIG. 3F, the device frame 312 may be substantially continuous from the end of the 308 to the front of the head 302. In particular, the first frame portion 312A may define a front face of the head 302 with an opening in the first frame portion 312 A through which the one or more gears and/or rotors, generally referred to as 338, may extend to contact the flexible membrane 310. The first frame portion 312A may extend rearwardly toward the handle 308 and merge continuously with the second frame portion 312B to collectively form the device frame 312 as a single, integral rigid structure over which the flexible membrane 310 can extend. The device frame 312 may terminate at the second end 308B of the handle 308 configured for connection with an endcap 326, as further discussed below.

In some example embodiments, at least the flexible membrane 310 is a silicone material, for example. In addition, the head 302, the scrubbing elements 304, the pliant surface 306, and/or the handle 308 may also be a silicone material or a different material. For example, a material of at least one of the head 302, the scrubbing elements 304, the pliant surface 306, and the handle 308 is a silicone, which has been overmolded over a rigid polymer structure forming the device frame 312. Otherwise, for example, the material of at least one of the head 302, the scrubbing elements 304, the pliant surface 306, and the handle 308 is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermoplastic rubber (TPR), a rubber, a natural or synthetic polymer, a fabric, a textile, or any combination of the above. It is advantageous that the head 302, the scmbbing elements 304, the pliant surface 306, and the handle 308 be a material that is capable of withstanding moisture, humidity, and/or heat, as the personal care device 300 may be wet and/or warm after use. It may also be advantageous that the personal care device 300 be a material or comprise an outer film, or micro-pattern that has antimicrobial and or non-allergenic (e.g., non-latex or formed of a material that does not include naturally occurring proteins that can cause allergic reactions) properties in order to resist bacterial growth and reduce odor. The device frame 312 (and the first frame portion 312 A and second frame portion 312B, together or individually) may comprise any substantially rigid material suitable for providing a solid structure, such as a plastic (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylchloride (PVC), or the like), a metal, or a similarly, rigid material.

In some example embodiments, the pliant surface 306 at the front portion 302A of the head 302 may be a substantially convex surface, a substantially concave surface, a substantially flat surface, etc. As illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, the head 102 has a substantially flat surface. By comparison, and as illustrated in FIG. 3B, for example, the head 302 has a substantially convex or domed surface. The shape of the head of the personal care device can thus depend on the current use case of the device. It may be more beneficial to use one shape over another when applying lotions and cleansing the face versus using the personal care device to tone the facial skin. As such, it may be advantageous for the head 302 to be removable from the handle 308 (e.g., via removal of the first frame portion 312A the first end 308A of the handle 308 and/or a rear portion 302B of the head 302) so as to change-out different heads for different use cases. Such other heads may include, without limitation, a head with a substantially flat surface and plastic scmbbing elements 304 for cleansing and exfoliating, a head with a three-dimensionally contoured head for massaging and firming the skin, a head with a substantially flat surface with aluminum or other metal tips for reducing puffiness and smoothing fine lines, a head with a substantially convex surface with cylindrical, triangular, spherical scrubbing elements 304 for gentle exfoliation and radiance boosting, a head with a pumice or sandpaper-style pliant surface for exfoliation, or a head with a fabric (e.g., a washcloth) or a natural sponge material for retaining chemical agents (e.g., cleanser, lotion, serums) to be massaged into the epidermis.

Turning now to FIG. 3E, various electronic components of the personal care device 300 are described. For example, the personal care device 300 may comprise a motor 314, which is housed within an internal cavity 316 of the head 302. However, in other examples, the motor 314 may be housed within an internal cavity 318 of the handle 308. Regardless, the internal cavities 316, 318 of the head 302 and the handle 308, respectively, are interconnected when the head 302 is engaged with the handle 308. A power source 320 may be housed within the internal cavity 318 of the handle 308. The power source 320 may be a rechargeable battery, which may be in electrical communication with the motor 314. A switch 322 may be in electrical communication with power source 320, as well. In this manner, actuation of the switch 322 may cause the power source 320 to transmit an electrical current to the motor 314. In some example embodiments, the electrical components of the personal care device 300, including the motor 314, the power source 320, and the switch 322 may be connected to one another via a printed circuit board 324, which is housed within the internal cavity 318 of the handle 308.

The motor 314 may be a DC motor, such as, for example, a brushed DC motor, a brushless DC motor, a stepper motor, and the like. Alternatively, the motor 314 may be a brushless AC motor or a linear motor. The motor 314 may be configured so that upon receiving electrical current from the power source 320, the motor 314 causes one or more components positioned in or on the head 302 to vibrate, oscillate and/or rotate. Likewise, such establishment of electrical current may cause substantially the entire head 302 or an external portion of head 302 to vibrate, oscillate and/or rotate. Otherwise, the head 302 may be stationary. In some example embodiments, an eccentric rotate mass (ERM) vibration motor (not shown) may be used in conjunction with the motor 314. For example, the motor 314 may be a DC motor that enables the head 302 to rotate, while the ERM vibration motor may be coupled to the DC motor and cause the head 302 to vibrate. The ERM vibration motor may be a brushless (BLDC) motor, or may be mounted on the PCB 324. Alternatively, in some example embodiments, a vibration transducer, such as a piezoelectric transducer, electromagnetic linear transducer, or other electromechanical vibration generator may be incorporated into the circuitry so that the head 302 vibrates upon the vibration transducer receiving electrical current from the power source 320.

An endcap 326, which may be hemispherical in shape, although other shapes are contemplated, may be removably coupled to the second end 308B of the handle 308 so as to allow access to the internal cavity 318 where the power source 320 and printed circuit board 324 are housed. The endcap 326 may be coupled to the 308B of the handle 308 via a screw fit, a press fit, magnets, or the like. As illustrated in FIG. 3E, a sealing ring 328 or other sealing mechanism may be positioned about the endcap 326 or about the second end 308B of the handle 308 so as to prevent moisture from entering into the internal cavity 318 of the handle 308. Otherwise, the endcap 326 may be integrally formed with the second end 308B of the handle 308. An internal cap 330 may be arranged within the second end 308B of the handle 308 so as to cover and substantially protect the internal cavity 318 of the handle 308 from moisture. Otherwise, a drainage hole may be provided in the handle so as to allow any moisture which has entered the internal cavity 318 to drain out. The internal cap 330 may be arranged to screw onto interior threads arranged about an inner circumference of the second end 308B of the handle 308. Otherwise, the internal cap may be press-fit, magnetically coupled, or the like within the second end 308B of the handle 308.

The second end 308B of the handle may also comprise a charging mechanism, which is in electrical communication with the PCB 324 and/or the power source 320. Two different types of charging mechanisms are illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 3C, though the amount of electricity transmitted to the power source by the charging mechanism is about 100-240 Volts of electricity regardless of the charging mechanism utilized. For example, in FIG. 3B, the charging mechanism may comprise a charging port 332 arranged on the endcap 326 of the personal care device 300. The charging port 332 is a jack or socket for receiving a mating male or female plug. The jack or socket may comprise an industry standard connector (e.g., a USB connector, a coaxial barrel connector, a lightning connector, etc.) or may be custom-formed with a specific arrangement of electrical contacts. Otherwise, the charging port 332 may be arranged to receive a USB-A, USB-B, mini- USB, micro-USB, USB 3, a figure 8 connector, etc., or may be integral with a charging plug. Notably, where the personal care device 300 includes a charging port 332 or other active charging mechanism, then the corresponding support (e.g., 200 in FIGS. 2A and 2B) will not include a charging mechanism and may merely be used to receive the personal care device 300.

By comparison, and as illustrated in FIG. 3C, the charging mechanism may comprise charging contacts 334. The charging contacts 334 may be a metallic material and may be plated so as to appear gold or rose-gold in color, although other colors are also contemplated. The charging contacts 334 may be positioned on the handle 308 of the personal care device 300, so that when the personal care device 300 is received in the cavity of a support (e.g., the support 200 in FIGS. 2A and 2B), charging contacts of the support are aligned and in electrical communication with the corresponding charging contacts 334 of the personal care device 300.

The switch 322 may be arranged on a front of the handle 308 of the device 300 (FIG. 3B) or may be arranged are on a back of the handle 308 of the device 300 (FIG. 3C). Other locations of the switch 322 are contemplated herein. Regardless of its location, the switch may be actuated so as to direct electricity from the power source 320 to the motor 314. The switch 322 may be a multi-functional touch switch that is mounted for multi-mode circuit control on the PCB 324. In some example embodiments, the switch 322 is a pushbutton switch, such that the number of times that the switch 322 is depressed corresponds to different functions of the control circuit on the PCB 324. Each function of the control circuit may correspond to a different output power of the motor 314. As such, the number of times that the switch 322 is depressed determines the output power of the motor 314 and the mode of the personal care device 100 (e.g., off, on, fast vibrate and/or rotate, no vibration, no rotation, slow vibrate and/or rotate, etc.) However, the switch 322 may be any other type of switch other than a multi-functional touch switch, such as a rotary switch, a multiposition slide switch, a pressure-sensitive switch, a capacitive or inductive switch, etc. The power source 320 may also be in electrical communication with one or more peripheral elements, such as, for example, a light source (e.g., lighting elements such as LEDs), an indicator, a sensor, a timer, and the like. The light source (not shown) may be incorporated into the head 302, the handle 308, or both, so as to emit light and illuminate an area of facial skin in which the scrubbing elements 304 of the personal care device 300 are in contact with during use. In some example embodiments, specific colored lights may be incorporated to radiate the skin at different wavelengths during use, as well. For example, a red light may be used to stimulate collagen and/or a blue light may be used to kill acne-causing bacteria. A user may be able to select the specific color light depending on the desired benefit (e.g., clear skin, antiaging, reducing inflammation). The indicator (not shown) may be illuminated, display text, characters, etc., on a display, or may emit an audible sound in response to receiving a signal indicating one or more states of the personal care device. For example, the indicator may be illuminated in response to a low battery signal, or may be illuminated when the personal care device 300 is in use. The indicator may also receive a signal from a pressure sensor, which may be used to measure applied pressure to the scrubbing elements 304 of the device 304 and transmit a signal to the indicator if the pressure is greater than a certain pre-determined amount. The indicator may also illuminate different colored light depending on the signal received. The timer (not shown) may be initiated after the switch 322 is actuated so as to begin a countdown. For example, the timer may count down from one minute, and after the end of the minute, the personal care device 300 may switch off or a visual or audible signal may indicate that one minute is up. This may advantageously prevent over-use of the personal care device 300. Still referring to FIG. 3E, a gearbox frame 336 may be arranged in the internal cavity 316 of the head 302 so as to retain a gearbox including one or more gears and/or rotors, generally referred to as 338, within. The motor 314 may be arranged in the internal cavity 316 of the head 302 or the internal cavity 318 of the handle 308 so that a drive shaft of the motor 314 extends through the gearbox frame 336 and attaches to one end of the gearbox 338. The internal configuration of the gears of the gearbox 338, described in more detail below, determines a gear ratio and thereby the given output torque and speed. In some example embodiments, there are two gears with a gear ratio of 1:1, although other numbers of gears and ratios are contemplated with this disclosure.

A mounting structure 340 may be arranged within the head 302 to provide a securing means for gearbox frame 336, motor 314, front portion 302A of the head, a vibration motor or vibration transducer (not shown), one or more gears (not shown), or other fixed or moving system elements. Mounting structure 340 may also be arranged so as to cover and protect the internal cavity 316 of the head 302. The mounting structure 340 may be arranged to screw onto interior threads arranged about an inner circumference of the head 302 or may be secured to features inside head 302 using screws, snap fit, adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or other securing means. The gearbox frame 336 may be mounted underneath a first surface of the mounting structure 340 so that when the mounting structure 340 is mounted within the internal cavity 316 of the head 302, the gearbox frame 336 and the motor 314 are sealed within the internal cavity 316 to prevent unwanted moisture and humidity from damaging the motor 314 and the gearbox 338.

In some example embodiments, the mounting structure 340 defines a ring-shape including a central opening, through which the drive shaft of the motor 314 extends. The drive shaft of the motor 314 may be coupled to one or more of the gears of the gearbox 338, so that the gear that the drive shaft is coupled to is considered the “driver” gear and any gears meshing with the driver gear are driven thereby. At least one rotor may be coupled to or integrally formed with the gears. For example, the rotor may comprise two rotor arms or blades, described in more detail below, which have a rotational speed based on the gear ratio. Increasing or decreasing a resistance or load across the circuit will respectively decrease or increase the output power of the motor 314, and thereby the rotational speed of the rotor. Thus, the personal care device 300 may have a single mode (e.g., the rotor vibrates or rotates at only one speed), or may be configured so that there are multiple modes (e.g., the rotor vibrates or rotates at different speeds) as current suppled thereto is increased / decreased.

In some example embodiments, a portion of the personal care device comprises a magnet, metallic material, and/or alternate alignment mechanism 342 and the support comprises a corresponding magnet, metallic material, and/or alternate alignment mechanism (e.g., 208 in FIGS. 2A and 2B), such that when the personal care device 300 (e.g., the handle 308) is received by the support, the magnets attract one another and magnetically align the outer contour of the personal care device 300 in a cavity of the support. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3E the end cap 326 includes the magnet 342. However, in some example embodiments, for example, another portion of the personal care device 300 may comprise one or a plurality of magnets 342 (e.g., a middle portion of the handle, the head, etc.) The magnet(s) 342 may be embedded or otherwise arranged on the personal care device 300. In this manner, the magnet(s) or alternate alignment mechanism align the personal care device within the recess of the support 200 so that the charging contacts 210 of the support 200 are aligned and in electrical communication with the corresponding charging mechanism of the personal care device.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A-4C, a first example embodiment of a head 400 of a personal care device is illustrated. The head 400 may be similar to or the same as the head 302 described above in reference to FIGS. 3A-3F. The head 400 includes a plurality of scrubbing elements 402 arranged about an outer side of a pliant surface 404 at a front portion of the head 400. The pliant surface 404 may be a flexible membrane such that force applied to the membrane may cause deflection of the membrane in the direction that the force is applied.

The head 400 may also comprise a first gear 406 defining a first central axis and a second gear 408 defining a second central axis housed within the internal cavities of either the head 400 or a handle and that mesh with one another and rotate about the respective first and second central axes upon actuation of a motor. As used herein, “mesh” refers to the teeth of the first gear 406 engaging the teeth of the second gear 408, although the teeth on each of the first and second gears 406, 408 are not illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C.

Each of the first gear 406 and the second gear 408 may rotate about their respective central axis. The first gear 406 may be rotatably mounted on a first spindle 410 A defining the first central axis and the second gear 408 may be rotatably mounted on a second spindle 410B defining the second central axis. One of the first spindle 410 A or the second spindle 410B may be coupled to a drive shaft of the motor so that the first gear 406 is rotated in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) about the first central axis and the second gear 408 is rotated in a second, opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise) about the second central axis when the motor is actuated, where the motor may be the same or similar to the motor 314 described in reference to FIGS. 3A-3F. Otherwise, the first spindle 410A or the second spindle 410B may mesh with one or more other gears of the gearbox.

In another example embodiment, a third gear may be rotatably mounted on a third spindle defining a third central axis. The third gear may be arranged between the first gear 406 and the second gear 408 so that the first and second gears 406, 408 each mesh with the third gear. The third spindle may be coupled to a drive shaft of the motor so that the third gear is rotated in a first direction about the third central axis and the first and second gears are rotated in a second opposite direction about the respective first and second central axes when the motor is actuated.

The gears 406, 408 may be circular gears having a 1 : 1 gear ratio, so that the amount of torque and the speed is the same for both gears 406, 408. As such, the rotational speed of the gears 406, 408 is determined by the output of the motor, and may be changed by varying the resistance or load across the circuit to respectively vary the current transmitted to the motor, and thereby the rotational speed of the first and second gears 406, 408. Further, the first gear 406 and the second gear 408 may be angled relative to one another so that they are parallel to one another, and reside within the same plane. Otherwise, the first gear 406 and the second gear 408 may be angled relative to one another at an acute or obtuse angle.

The head 400 may further comprise a first rotor 412 and a second rotor 414 coupled to or integrally formed with the first gear 406 and the second gear 408. For example, the first and second rotors 412, 414 may also rotate about the respective, dedicated central axis or spindle 410A, 410B. Each of the first and second rotors 412, 414 may define a diameter, when rotated, larger than a diameter of each of the first gear 406 and the second gear 408. The first and second rotors 412, 414, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, may have a lemniscate shape so that they are in a “figure eight” shape. The diameter of the first and second rotors 412, 414 is measured across a longitudinal axis from one end to the other. The first rotor 412 and the second rotor 414 may be rotated in the opposite directions by the respective ones of the first gear 406 and the second gear 408, which causes the first and second rotors 412, 414 to rotate in two separate, but overlapping regions Rl, R2 under the surface of the front portion of the head 402 (FIG. 4B). The overlapping portion O of the separate regions Rl, R2 provides the advantage of the facial skin in this region receiving a bidirectional force, which massages the facial skin in two different directions.

At least one node 416 extending from surfaces of each of the first and second rotors 412, 414 exerts an upward force on an opposing inner side of the pliant surface 404 at the front portion of the head 400. The nodes 416 may be beads, or may be hemispherical in shape or otherwise blunted so that when the nodes 416 press against the inner side of the pliant surface 404, the nodes 416 do not damage the flexible membrane of the surface 404. The nodes 416 may be a metallic material, a polymeric material, or any combination thereof. In some example embodiments, the nodes 416 do not themselves move or rotate. However, in some aspects, the nodes 416 may be biased (e.g., spring-loaded) so that force applied to the nodes (e.g., when the nodes 416 are pressed against the facial skin) causes the nodes 416 to exert a force determined by the biasing element, and thereby provide a more intense massage experience using the personal care device. Alternatively, the nodes 416 may be arranged to slide up and down along a shaft during rotation of the first and second rotors 412, 414. For example, a ramp configuration along a surface 418 of the first and second gears 406, 408 may cause the nodes 416 to extend in height in a z-direction as the ramp height increases in the z-direction. In another alternative, the first and second gears 406, 408 could be angled relative to one another, rather than within the same plane as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C.

The nodes 416 may be arranged on the surfaces of the first and second rotors 412, 414 so that as the first and second gears 406, 408 rotate in the opposite directions, the first and second rotors 412, 414 rotate with the nodes 416 in the two separate, but overlapping regions Rl, R2 under the pliant surface 404 of the front portion of the head 400. In this manner, the nodes 416 may sequentially displace the plurality of scrubbing elements 404 arranged on a corresponding region about the pliant surface 404 at the front portion of the head 400 so that the scrubbing elements 404 may contact the facial skin at varying angles and alter an amount of each scrubbing element’s surface area in contact with the facial skin.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a second example embodiment of a head 500 of a personal care device. The head 500 may be similar to or the same as the head 302 described above in reference to FIGS. 3 A-3F. The head 500 includes a plurality of scrubbing elements arranged about an outer side of a pliant surface at a front portion of the head 500. The pliant surface may be a flexible membrane such that force applied to the membrane may cause deflection of the membrane in the direction that the force is applied.

The head 500 may also comprise a first gear 502 defining a first central axis and a second gear 504 defining a second central axis housed within internal cavities of either the head 500 or a handle and that mesh with one another and rotate about the respective first and second central axes upon actuation of a motor. The teeth on each of the first and second gears 502, 504 are not illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, though the teeth engage one another in practice.

Each of the first gear 502 and the second gear 504 may rotate about their respective central axes.

The first gear 502 may be rotatably mounted on a first spindle 506A defining the first central axis and the second gear 504 may be rotatably mounted on a second spindle 506B defining the second central axis. One of the first spindle 506A or the second spindle 506B may be coupled to a drive shaft of the motor so that the first gear 502 is rotated in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) about the first central axis and the second gear 504 is rotated in a second, opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise) about the second central axis when the motor is actuated, where the motor may be the same or similar to the motor 314 described in reference to FIGS. 3 A-3F. Otherwise, the first spindle 506A or the second spindle 506B may mesh with one or more other gears of the gearbox.

In another example embodiment, a third gear may be rotatably mounted on a third spindle defining a third central axis. The third gear may be arranged between the first gear 502 and the second gear 504 so that the first and second gears 502, 504 each mesh with the third gear. The third spindle may be coupled to a drive shaft of the motor so that the third gear is rotated in a first direction about the third central axis and the first and second gears are rotated in a second opposite direction about the respective first and second central axes when the motor is actuated.

The gears 502, 504 may be circular gears having a 1 : 1 gear ratio, so that the amount of torque and the speed is the same for both gears 502, 504. As such, the rotational speed of the gears 502, 504 is determined by the output of the motor, and may be changed by varying the resistance or load across the circuit to respectively vary the current transmitted to the motor, and thereby the rotational speed of the first and second gears 502, 504. Further, the first gear 502 and the second gear 504 may be angled relative to one another so that they are parallel to one another in the same plane, and reside within the same plane. Otherwise, the first gear 502 and the second gear 504 may be angled relative to one another at an acute or obtuse angle.

The head 500 may further comprise a first rotor 508 and a second rotor 510 respectively coupled to or integrally formed with the first gear 502 and the second gear 504. For example, the first and second rotors 508, 510 may also rotate about the respective, dedicated central axis or spindle 506 A, 506B. Each of the first and second rotors 508, 510 may define a diameter, when rotated, larger than a diameter of each of the first gear 502 and the second gear 504. The first and second rotors 508, 510, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, may have a rectangular shape with blunted ends. The diameter of the first and second rotors 508, 510 is measured across a longitudinal axis from one blunted end to the other. The first rotor 508 and the second rotor 510 may be rotated in the opposite directions by the respective ones of the first gear 502 and the second gear 504, which causes the first and second rotors 508, 510 to rotate in two separate, but overlapping regions Rl, R2 under the surface of the front portion of the head 500 (FIG. 5B). The overlapping portion O of the separate regions Rl, R2 provides the advantage of the facial skin in this region receiving a bidirectional force, which massages the facial skin in two different directions.

At least one node 512 extending from surfaces of each of the first and second rotors 508, 510 exerts an upward force on an opposing inner side of the pliant surface at the front portion of the head 500. The nodes 512 may be beads, or may be hemispherical in shape or otherwise blunted so that when the nodes 512 press against the inner side of the pliant surface, the nodes 512 do not damage the flexible membrane of the surface. The nodes 512 may be a metallic material, a polymeric material, or any combination thereof. In some example embodiments, the nodes 512 do not themselves move or rotate. However, in some aspects, the nodes 512 may be biased (e.g., spring-loaded) so that force applied to the nodes (e.g., when the nodes 512 are pressed against the facial skin) causes the nodes 512 to exert a force determined by the biasing element, and thereby provide a more intense massage experience using the personal care device. Alternatively, the nodes 512 may be arranged to slide up and down along a shaft during rotation of the first and second rotors 508, 510. For example, a ramp configuration along a surface 514 of the first and second gears 502, 504 may cause the nodes 512 to extend in height in a z-direction as the ramp height increases in the z-direction. In another alternative, the first and second gears 502, 504 could be angled relative to one another, rather than within the same plane as illustrated in FIGS. 5 A and 5B.

The nodes 512 may be arranged on the surfaces of the first and second rotors 508, 510 so that as the first and second gears 502, 504 rotate in the opposite directions, the first and second rotors 508, 510 rotate with the nodes 512 in the two separate, but overlapping regions Rl, R2 under the pliant surface of the front portion of the head 500. In this manner, the nodes 512 may sequentially displace the plurality of scrubbing elements arranged on a corresponding region about the surface at the front portion of the head 500 so that the scrubbing elements may contact the facial skin at varying angles and alter an amount of each scrubbing element’s surface area in contact with the facial skin.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a third example embodiment of a head 600 of a personal care device. The head 600 may be similar to or the same as the head 302 described above in reference to FIGS. 3 A-3F. The head 600 includes a plurality of scrubbing elements arranged about an outer side of a pliant surface at a front portion of the head 600. The pliant surface may be a flexible membrane such that force applied to the membrane may cause deflection of the membrane in the direction that the force is applied.

As illustrated in FIG. 6A and 6B, the head 600 may also comprise a first gear or a rotatably mounted inner gear 602 defining a central axis and having teeth extending radially outward from the central axis of the inner gear 602. The head 600 may also comprise a second gear or stationary outer gear 604 defining a central axis and having teeth extending radially inward toward the central axis of the outer gear 604. The outer gear 604 may be integrally -formed with the housing of head 600, or referring back to Fig 3E, the outer gear 604 may be formed integral with the rigid structure forming the device frame 312 or the mounting stmcture 340.

A third gear or a moving gear 606A may also be included in the head 600. The third gear 606A may define a central axis and have teeth extending radially outward from the central axis of the moving gear 606A. The moving gear 606A may be situated between the inner gear 602 and the outer gear 604 such that the teeth of the moving gear 606A simultaneously engage the respective teeth of the inner gear 602 and the outer gear 604, and wherein rotation of the inner gear 602 causes the moving gear 606A to orbit around the inner gear 602. The first, second, and third gears 602, 604, and 606A may be housed within internal cavities of either the head 600 or a handle.

The inner gear 602 may be rotatably mounted on a first spindle 608 defining the central axis of the inner gear 602. The first spindle 608 may be coupled to a drive shaft of the motor so that the inner gear 602 is rotated in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) about the central axis of the inner gear 602 and the moving gear 606A orbits in the first direction about the central axis of the inner gear 602 when the motor is actuated, where the motor may be the same or similar to the motor 314 described in reference to FIGS. 3 A-3F. Otherwise, the first spindle 608 may mesh with one or more other gears of the gearbox.

In some example embodiments, at least one additional moving gear defining a central axis and having teeth extending radially outward from the central axis of the additional moving gear is included in the head 600. In this example embodiment, there may be one, two, three, four, five, six, etc., additional moving gears. For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 6B, there are three moving gears: 606 A, 606B, and 606C, whereas in FIG. 6A there is only the one moving gear 606 A. In this manner, the moving gear 606A and the additional moving gears 606B and 606C are arranged between the inner gear 602 and the outer gear 604 such that the teeth of the moving gear 606A and the teeth of the additional moving gears 606B and 606C each simultaneously engage the respective teeth of the inner gear 602 and the outer gear 604, and wherein rotation of the inner gear 602 causes the moving gear 606A and the additional moving gears 606B, 606C to orbit around the inner gear 602. The inner gear 602 and the moving gear 606 A, as well as additional gears 606B, 606C, may be circular gears having a 1 : 1 gear ratio, so that the amount of torque and the speed is the same for both gears 606, 606A. Other gear ratios are contemplated, where the inner gear 602 has a smaller diameter than a diameter of the moving gears 606 A, 606B, 606C. As such, the rotational speed of the gears 606, 606 A,

606B, 606C is determined by the output of the motor, and may be changed by varying the resistance or load across the circuit to respectively vary the current transmitted to the motor, and thereby the rotational speed of the inner and moving gears 606, 606 A, 606B, 606C. Further, the inner gear 602 and the moving gear 606A, as well as additional moving gears 606B, 606C, may be angled relative to one another so that they are parallel to one another in the same plane, and reside within the same plane. Otherwise, the inner gear 602 and the moving gears 606A, 606B, 606C may be angled relative to one another and the outer gear 604 at an acute or obtuse angle.

The head 600 may further comprise rotors respectively coupled to or integrally formed with the moving gear 606 A, and/or the additional moving gears 606B, 606C. For example, the rotors may also rotate about their own respective, dedicated central axis or spindle. Each of the rotors may define a diameter, when rotated, larger than a diameter of the moving gears 606 A, 606B, 606C. As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, however, there are no rotors coupled to or integrally formed with the moving gear(s) 606 A, 606B, 606C.

At least one node 610 extending from a surface of the moving gear 606 A and/or extending from a surface of the additional moving gears 606B, 606C, exerts an upward force on an opposing inner side of the pliant surface at the front portion of the head 600. The nodes 610 may be beads, or may be hemispherical in shape or otherwise blunted so that when the nodes 610 press against the inner side of the pliant surface, the nodes do not damage the flexible membrane of the surface. The nodes 610 may be a metallic material, a polymeric material, or any combination thereof. In some example embodiments, the nodes 610 do not themselves move or rotate. However, in some aspects, the nodes 610 may be biased (e.g., spring-loaded) so that force applied to the nodes (e.g., when the nodes 610 are pressed against the facial skin) causes the nodes 610 to exert a force determined by the biasing element, and thereby provide a more intense massage experience using the personal care device. Alternatively, the nodes 610 may be arranged to slide up and down along a shaft during rotation of the moving gears 606 A, 606B, 606C. In another alternative, the inner gear 602, the outer gear 604, and the moving gears 606 A, 606B, 606C could be angled relative to one another, rather than within the same plane as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

The nodes 610 may be arranged on the surface of the moving gears 606 A, 606B, 606C so that as the moving gears 606A, 606B, 606C rotate, the nodes 610 are rotated in separate regions (e.g., R1 in FIG. 6A and Rl, R2, R3 in FIG. 6B) while orbiting around the inner gear 602 under the pliant surface of the front portion of the head 600. In this manner, the nodes 610 on the moving gear 606A and the additional moving gears 606B, 606C may exert the upward force on the opposing inner side of the pliant surface at the front portion of the head 600 and sequentially displace the plurality of scrubbing elements arranged on a corresponding region about the pliant surface at the front portion of the head 600 so that the scrubbing elements may contact the facial skin at varying angles and alter an amount of each scrubbing element’s surface area in contact with the facial skin. Turning now to FIGS. 7A-7C, a fourth example embodiment of a head 700 of a personal care device is illustrated. The head 700 may be similar to or the same as the head 302 described above in reference to FIGS. 3 A-3F. The head 700 includes a plurality of scrubbing elements 702 arranged on an outer side of a pliant surface 704 at a front portion of the head 700. The pliant surface 704 may be a flexible membrane such that force applied to the membrane may cause deflection of the membrane in the direction that the force is applied.

The head 700 may also comprise a first gear 706 defining a first central axis and a second gear 708 defining a second central axis housed within internal cavities of either the head 700 or a handle and that mesh with one another and rotate about the respective first and second central axes upon actuation of a motor. The first and second gears 706, 708 may be coupled to or integrally formed with rotors (not shown in this embodiment).

Each of the first gear 706 and the second gear 708 may rotate about their respective central axes.

The first gear 706 may be rotatably mounted on a first spindle 710A defining the first central axis and the second gear 708 may be rotatably mounted on a second spindle 710B defining the second central axis. One of the first spindle 710 A or the second spindle 710B may be coupled to a drive shaft of the motor so that the first gear 706 is rotated in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) about the first central axis and the second gear 708 is rotated in a second, opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise) about the second central axis when the motor is actuated, where the motor may be the same or similar to the motor 314 described in reference to FIGS. 3A-3F. Otherwise, the first spindle 710A or the second spindle 710B may mesh with one or more other gears of the gearbox.

In another example embodiment, a third gear may be rotatably mounted on a third spindle defining a third central axis. The third gear may be arranged between the first gear 706 and the second gear 708 so that the first and second gears 706, 708 each mesh with the third gear. The third spindle may be coupled to a drive shaft of the motor so that the third gear is rotated in a first direction about the third central axis and the first and second gears are rotated in a second opposite direction about the respective first and second central axes when the motor is actuated.

The gears 706, 708 may be elliptical or non-circular in shape so that the rotational speed of the gear rotatably mounted on the drive shaft is constant, as determined by the motor. However, the speed of the other of the gears 706, 708 is not constant, as the rotational speed increases and decreases due to the change in shape as it is driven by the other, driving gear. The rotational speed of the gears 706, 708 is thus determined by the output of the motor, and may be changed by varying the resistance or load across the circuit to respectively vary the current transmitted to the motor, and thereby the rotational speed of the first and second gears 706, 708. Further, the first gear 706 and the second gear 708 may be angled relative to one another so that they are parallel to one another co-planar, or are at an acute or obtuse angle relative to one another. Where the gears are at an acute or obtuse angle relative to one another, the angle of the gears 706, 708 will be relative to shape of the surface of the head 700. For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the gears 706, 708 are at an obtuse angle relative to one another relative to the pliant surface 704 of the head 700, which is dome-shaped. For a dome-shaped head, the gears 706, 708 may be angled such that the plane of the gears 706, 708 is parallel to a tangent plane of the domed head 700 directly “above” the axis of rotation of the gears 706, 708 in a z-axis.

The diameter of the gears 706, 708 is measured across the semi-major axis from one vertex to the vertex. The gears 706, 708 may be rotated in the opposite directions so as to rotate in two separate, but overlapping regions Rl, R2 under the surface of the front portion of the head 700 (FIG. 7A). The overlapping portion O of the separate regions Rl, R2 provides the advantage of the facial skin in this region receiving a bidirectional force, which massages the facial skin in two different directions.

At least one node 712 extending from surfaces of each of the first and second rotors gears 706, 708 exerts an upward force on an opposing inner side of the pliant surface 704 at the front portion of the head 700. The nodes 712 may be beads, or may be hemispherical in shape or otherwise blunted so that when the nodes 712 press against the inner side of the pliant surface 704, the nodes do not damage the flexible membrane of the surface 704. The nodes may be a metallic material, a polymeric material, or any combination thereof. In some example embodiments, the nodes 712 do not themselves move or rotate. However, in some aspects, the nodes 712 may be biased (e.g., spring-loaded) so that force applied to the nodes (e.g., when the nodes 712 are pressed against the facial skin) causes the nodes 712 to exert a force determined by the biasing element, and thereby provide a more intense massage experience using the personal care device. Alternatively, the nodes 712 may be arranged to slide up and down along a shaft during rotation of the first and second gears 706, 708. In another alternative, and as illustrated in FIGS. 7A- 7C, since the first and second gears 706, 708 are angled relative to one, the nodes 712 rotatably move into different heights in a z-direction along the path of angled rotation of the first and second gears 706, 708.

The nodes 712, extending from the surfaces of each of the first and second gears 706, 708, rotate in the two separate, but overlapping regions Rl, R2 under the pliant surface 704 of the front portion of the head 700. In this manner, the nodes 712 may sequentially displace the plurality of scmbbing elements 702 arranged on a corresponding region about the surface 704 at the front portion of the head 700. Thus, the scmbbing elements 702 may contact the facial skin at varying angles and alter an amount of each scmbbing element’s surface area in contact with the facial skin.

Use of the words “about” and “substantially” herein are understood to mean that values that are listed as “about” a certain value or “substantially” a certain value may vary by an industry recognized tolerance level for the specified value. When an industry recognized tolerance is unavailable, it is understood that such terminology may indicate that an acceptable value may be vary ± 3%, ± 2%, or ± 1% from the specifically listed value.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.