Frame members for use with a treatment sheet

Abstract

The present invention relates to a new personal care product 10 having a flat treatment sheet 40 having an upper surface 41 and a perimeter region 451 on the upper surface, a frame member 50 having a lower side surface 525 and at least one tab 550, wherein the frame member is disposed on the perimeter region of the flat treatment sheet and the lower side surface of the frame member is coplanar with the upper surface of the flat treatment sheet and the at least one tab extends below a lower surface 42 of the treatment sheet. The product upper end of the personal care product includes a housing having at least one housing window 260. The at least one tab of the frame member is bent into the housing window. The frame member includes a flat or chamfered upper surface 520. The flat treatment sheet treats skin, removes hair, or a combination thereof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to personal care products, and more specifically to those products that include both skin treatments and / or hair removal.

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] This application relates to a co-pending application serial number (63 / 177,199) filed on the same date as this application and by the same assignee, which is not acknowledged as prior art to the invention by virtue of its reference in the cross-reference section. The full text of that co-pending application is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0004] In the prior art, there are personal care products for skin treatment or hair removal. Some known prior art discloses razors for hair removal with perforated blades, wherein the perforations have sharp cutting edges. In many cases, one or more retaining members are used to hold the blades in these razors. Retaining members in prior art references, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patents 5,604,983A and 4,984,365, hold the foil in place by means of an integral, generally annular frame member, which is arcuate or constructed with dome-shaped or convex surfaces to match the shape of the blade.

[0005] These blades are typically made of metal. However, the sharp cutting edges made of metal are prone to damage during use, requiring regular replacement of the personal care product.

[0006] The foil, materials, and construction of these existing razors are specifically designed for hair removal and are therefore not typically optimized for effective skin treatment purposes.

[0007] Other prior art discloses products for skin treatment, which include abrasive surfaces such as skin files or scrubbers, such as US 2016 / 183978, wherein foil is arranged in an overall arrangement that does not require frame members.

[0008] Personal care products optimized for purposes such as skin exfoliation or dermaplaning, which include cutting edges, are typically made of metal foil with cutting edges protruding onto the foil surface. These protruding edges are uncomfortable and not sharp enough to effectively remove unwanted hair from the skin's surface.

[0009] Metal foils in this art are typically formed and bent to provide a convex or dome-shaped treatment surface for improving skin contact along curved skin surfaces. A disadvantage of this construction is that the skin contact area is minimal on extended, flat body parts such as the legs, chest, or back, resulting in inefficient processing that takes a long time to complete.

[0010] The clamps disclosed in this art are primarily designed to attach treatment sheets to personal care products. Clamps in prior art references utilize slots engaging with hooks in other razor components or adhesives to hold the foil in place. The use of hooks and slots, as well as adhesives, does not achieve the precise dimensional control required for effective and safe skin treatment, nor the mechanical stability needed to support foils made of various materials, which may include durable but fragile materials.

[0011] Furthermore, adhesives are impractical for manufacturing large batches of blade assemblies due to quality and automation difficulties. Other prior art clamps used in wet shaving products are designed to hold elongated linear blades with cutting edges within the razor blade holder, such as U.S. Patent 6,349,471B1, but these have the disadvantage that they only hold the blades at their ends, thus providing limited support and excessive clamp material in the blade holder area where nothing needs to be held or protected.

[0012] The cut edges of foils disclosed in the prior art are typically formed by embossing and grinding of metal, and exist only in the holes. If durable, rigid materials such as ceramics or crystalline materials are used, processes such as etching can be employed to produce the cut edges.

[0013] It is desirable to provide a novel frame component for personal care products, having a novel treatment sheet comprising materials optimized for both skin treatment and hair removal.

[0014] It is also desirable to provide a novel frame component for personal care products, which has a novel treatment sheet that is flat and rigid.

[0015] It is desirable to provide a novel frame member having features that provide a robust structure using a novel treated sheet, which may be brittle.

[0016] The aim is to provide a novel frame component for personal care products that precisely sets the height of a novel treatment sheet and controls the flow of skin on the treatment sheet. Summary of the Invention

[0017] The present invention relates to a personal care product comprising: a flat treatment sheet having an upper surface and a peripheral region on the upper surface; a frame member having a lower surface and at least one tab, wherein the frame member is disposed on the peripheral region of the flat treatment sheet, and the lower surface of the frame member is coplanar with the upper surface of the flat treatment sheet, and the at least one tab extends below the treatment sheet.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flat processing sheet is rigid. The flat processing sheet may have a plurality of holes, each of which has an inner periphery.

[0019] Furthermore, the personal care product includes a product upper end, wherein the product upper end includes a housing, wherein the housing has one or more of the following: a housing stepped surface, a housing uppermost surface, a housing wall, at least one housing window, or any combination thereof.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one tab is bent into the housing window. In another embodiment, the frame member includes a plurality of tabs.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flat treatment sheet treats skin, removes hair, or a combination thereof.

[0022] In another aspect of the invention, the frame member includes a flat upper surface or a chamfered upper surface.

[0023] According to the present invention, a frame member includes: an upper surface having an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter; an outer wall adjacent to the outer perimeter; a plurality of tabs extending from the outer wall, segments of the plurality of tabs including curved portions; and a height at the outer perimeter that is greater than or equal to the height at the inner perimeter.

[0024] In one aspect of the invention, the upper surface of the frame member is flat or chamfered. Additionally, the outer wall includes a plurality of straight sections that engage with a plurality of corner sections, wherein the plurality of straight sections and the plurality of corner sections are interconnected.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, the plurality of tabs extend from the plurality of straight segments.

[0026] Furthermore, the height of the outer perimeter is constant throughout the entire outer perimeter, and the height of the inner perimeter is constant throughout the entire inner perimeter, or both. Additionally, the heights of the outer perimeter and the inner perimeter are in the range of approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 0.5 mm.

[0027] Furthermore, the upper surface includes rounded corners at the inner periphery, rounded corners at the outer periphery, or both. The inner periphery rounded corners include an inner corner radius, wherein the inner corner radius is in the range of about 0.05 mm to about 0.3 mm. In a preferred aspect, the outer periphery may include a polygonal shape.

[0028] In another embodiment of the invention, a frame member for a skin treatment product includes at least three straight segments and at least three corner segments, wherein each of the at least three corner segments joins two of the at least three straight segments to form a polygonal shape.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. While methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the implementation or testing of this invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In case of any conflict, this specification and its included definitions shall prevail. Furthermore, materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0030] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Although the specification concludes with claims that specifically point out and clearly claim protection for the subject matter regarded as the invention, it is believed that the invention will be more fully understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A perspective view and a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the frame member of the present invention are depicted.

[0033] Figure 1C and Figure 1D A perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the frame member of the present invention are depicted.

[0034] Figure 1E and Figure 1F A perspective view and a cross-sectional view depicting another alternative embodiment of the frame member of the present invention are shown.

[0035] Figure 1G A side view of one embodiment of a frame member having curved tab portions according to the present invention is depicted.

[0036] Figures 2A-2D A close-up view of the tab portion of the frame member of the present invention is depicted.

[0037] Figure 3A This is a top view of the processed sheet according to the present invention.

[0038] Figure 3B It is along Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of a portion of the processed piece taken from plane AA.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a top view of the personal care product of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An exploded side perspective view of a personal care product.

[0041] Figures 6A-6C This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the frame member, retainer, and treatment sheet of the personal care product of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 7 Depicting the invention Figure 4 Cross-sectional view.

[0043] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A close-up view of a portion of the image.

[0044] Figure 9A An alternative embodiment of the frame component of the present invention is shown.

[0045] Figure 9B It shows having Figure 9A Front view of a personal care product with frame components.

[0046] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating a method for assembling a personal care product having the frame components of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0047] In this invention, a personal care product is provided, comprising a treatment sheet and a frame member, wherein the frame member holds and aligns the treatment sheet for optimal use and performance on the skin.

[0048] As used herein, the term "frame member" refers to a component on a personal care product used to hold a treatment sheet to the upper surface of the product's housing or the component itself. The frame member of the present invention is preferably composed of interconnected segments joined to form a single or integral element without distal ends. The frame member can be formed in any connected shape, as will be discussed in more detail below. The frame member of the present invention can be made of any material, including but not limited to aluminum, stainless steel, or plastic. These materials are determined to be desirable for the frame member of the present invention based on their mechanical and non-corrosive properties. In a preferred embodiment, aluminum is used because of its ease of manufacture (e.g., hard enough to be machined by solid or stamping machinery, but flexible enough to bend without breaking and to retain its shape after bending). Specifically, the present invention has determined that aluminum grades from the 5000 series are advantageous.

[0049] The housing portion of the personal care product includes an opening at the top, and the treatment sheet is configured to cover the opening of the housing. The treatment sheet includes multiple holes. The holes may include straight and non-straight sections along the inner periphery. A portion of the inner periphery of each hole is sharpened to provide a cutting edge. More durable cutting edges may be made of ceramic-like materials or crystals like silicon, sapphire, or diamond. These materials are not as malleable as metals and are generally brittle, so they cannot be formed into, for example, dome or convex shapes, but rather as flat sheets. Flat treatment sheets offer additional advantages compared to prior art personal care devices because the surface of a flat treatment sheet type improves treatment efficiency, such as hair removal or skin design on extended flat surfaces of the skin, such as legs, chest, or back.

[0050] The frame member of the present invention also provides a skin-contacting upper surface. The frame member has an outer periphery larger than the outer periphery of the treatment sheet and an inner periphery smaller than the outer periphery of the treatment sheet. As described below, tabs along the outer surface of the frame member secure the treatment sheet to the housing, such that the frame member covers the outer periphery and frames the treatment sheet. The frame member holds the treatment sheet in place such that the treatment sheet does not shift relative to the housing when the product is moved back and forth on the skin to peel skin or cut hair. The frame member has a skin-contacting surface that protrudes above the upper surface of the treatment sheet to control skin flow on the surface of the treatment sheet, including the orifices. The skin-contacting surface of the frame member can be flat, rounded, or chamfered. The frame member provides an interface or mating surface with the treatment sheet to mechanically stabilize the treatment sheet. It has been found that the height difference between the skin-contacting surface of the frame member and the surface of the treatment sheet is crucial for maintaining safe skin flow on the product and good contact with the skin surface for effective treatment, and that a tight mechanical clamping between the frame member and the treatment sheet cannot be achieved otherwise using prior art solutions such as adhesives or plastic hooks inserted into slots.

[0051] In the personal care products of this invention, the term "treatment sheet" refers to a flat sheet comprising a plurality of holes. The holes are surrounded or have serrated edges for removing hair and performing exfoliation or other treatments on the skin.

[0052] Ideally, the processed sheet should be flat. A "flat" material typically has a planar surface without protrusions or depressions. As used herein, "flat" and "planar" can be used interchangeably.

[0053] Ideally, the processing sheet should also be rigid. "Rigid" material means that the material is not flexible and cannot be easily bent.

[0054] The function of treatment sheets in personal care products is to both remove hair and treat the skin, which is achieved through the structure of the treatment sheets described above.

[0055] The treatment sheet of the present invention is ideally made of a solid, non-corrosive material. The treatment sheet can be made of amorphous materials such as glass, crystalline materials such as silicon, diamond, sapphire, polycrystalline materials such as silicon, ceramics, or metals (e.g., steel), or any combination thereof. These materials can be shaped into rigid planar treatment sheets with pores. Although they are rigid, these materials can be quite brittle. “Brittle” materials are those that typically fracture under load with little elastic or plastic deformation. Treatment sheets made of such materials, such as silicon and diamond, may break or shatter into pieces if a personal care product is dropped, if it comes into contact with force, or is subjected to a large impact. Therefore, the present invention enhances the stability of the treatment sheet by providing a frame structure.

[0056] Preferably, the substrate of the processed sheet is made of silicon material, and the cutting edge is made of diamond material.

[0057] Therefore, the frame member can be thought of as a frame, and the treatment sheet can be thought of as the glass behind the frame. Using this metaphor, the shape of the frame member preferably matches the shape of the outer periphery of the treatment sheet, but is slightly larger. As used herein, the terms "holding member" and "frame member" are used interchangeably.

[0058] While the treatment sheet is ideally made of a rigid (e.g., inflexible) material, the frame members of the present invention are ideally made of a material that can be formed and shaped without breaking and retains its shape after bending.

[0059] Any arrangement of the shapes of the processing pieces, frame members, holes, and their dimensions is contemplated in this invention. Furthermore, any feasible patterns and positions of the holes are also contemplated in this invention.

[0060] As used herein, the term “about” generally means approximately or around. When a series of numbers is given, such as “about 4 to about 40” disclosed herein, the invention contemplates + / - 10% for each number. Thus, for clarity, if a reference is described as “about 4 to about 40”, it means the range “3.6 to 44” covered by the invention, since the range of 3.6 to 4.4 represents + / - 10% for 4, and the range of 36 to 44 represents + / - 10% for 40.

[0061] The present invention envisions having as Figure 1A-1G The frame members 50 are shown in several embodiments, such as frame members 50A-50D. Figure 1A , Figure 1C , Figure 1E and Figure 1G As shown, the frame member is not mounted to any surface or product and has a generally hexagonal shape with an opening 52 passing through it. However, any size and shape can be contemplated for the frame member of the present invention, including but not limited to circular, elliptical, square, or any other irregular shape. An alternative embodiment of the shape and size of the frame member of the present invention is shown in Figure 9 below. The size and shape of the opening 52 are set to accommodate the processing sheet as described below.

[0062] The frame members 50A-50D of the present invention typically comprise multiple segments, which may be straight, curved, or a combination thereof. Figures 1A to 1D In each of the embodiments shown, there are six straight outer edge segments 54 and six corner segments 55 to form a frame member with a hexagonal geometry. The straight segments 54 facilitate the orientation and alignment of the product during use, and the corner segments 55 provide comfort during use when the product is pressed against the skin or when rotated.

[0063] Go to Figure 1A The diagram shows a perspective top view embodiment 50a of the frame member 50 of the present invention having a plurality of tabs 550. The frame member 50a also includes a flat upper surface 520, which is ideally intended to contact the user's skin. The upper surface 520 is ideally smooth to provide beneficial gliding on the skin. The flat upper surface 520 on the frame member is advantageous because it provides maximum contact between the upper surface 520 and the user's skin.

[0064] Frame member 50a includes an outer perimeter 570 having multiple outer peripheral corners 572. In the case of a hexagon, such as Figure 1A As shown, there are therefore six outer perimeter corners 572, all of which are interconnected to form a hexagonal frame member. Frame member 50a also includes an inner perimeter 560 having multiple inner perimeter corners 562. In the case of a hexagon, as... Figure 1AAs shown, there are therefore six inner perimeter corners 562.

[0065] In this invention, the outer perimeter 570 of the frame member 50a is larger than the inner perimeter 560 of the frame member 50a. The length of the outer perimeter 570 can typically be in the range of about 55 mm to about 65 mm, and is preferably about 60 mm.

[0066] The inner perimeter 560 can typically be in the range of about 50 mm to about 60 mm, and is preferably about 55 mm.

[0067] exist Figure 1A In the middle, the frame member 50a has a flat upper surface 520 without a rounded perimeter.

[0068] exist Figure 1B The figure shows a cross-sectional view 500a of the frame member 50a taken along plane 1B-1B of the frame member 50a.

[0069] As shown in the cross-sectional view 500a, the outer perimeter height 571 is measured and defined as the vertical distance from the uppermost surface of the upper perimeter 570 to the lower surface 525 of the frame member 50a. The inner perimeter height 561 is measured and defined as the distance from... Figure 1B The vertical distance from the uppermost surface at the inner perimeter 560 to the lower surface 525 of the frame member 50a.

[0070] As shown in cross-sectional view 500a, the outer perimeter height 571 of the frame member 50a, obtained at the outer perimeter 570, is the same as the inner perimeter height 561, obtained at the inner perimeter 560. For Figure 1B The outer perimeter height 571 and the inner perimeter height 561 of the frame member 50a are both in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm, and preferably 0.3 mm.

[0071] Having a constant height is advantageous because during use, the personal care product of the present invention rotates in many directions (e.g., on the facial skin), but regardless of the position, a product with a constant height at the inner and outer peripheries will engage with the user's skin in a constant manner.

[0072] exist Figure 1B The cross-sectional view 500a also shows the outer wall 530 and the frame width 580 of the frame member 50a. Typically, the frame width 580 of the frame 50 of the present invention is about 1.5 mm, and ideally has the same width regardless of the embodiment (50A-50D) of the frame member.

[0073] Figure 1CAn embodiment 50b of the frame member 50 of the present invention, having a plurality of tabs 550, is shown. The frame member 50b includes a top outer perimeter 570a and a side outer perimeter 570b, each having a plurality of top outer perimeter corners 572a and side outer perimeter corners 572b. In the case of a hexagonal shape, such as... Figure 1C As shown, there are six top outer perimeter corners 572a and six side outer perimeter corners 572b. The frame member 50b also includes a top inner perimeter 560a and a side inner perimeter 560b, each having multiple inner perimeter corners 562a and 562b. In the case of a hexagonal shape, as... Figure 1C As shown, there are six top inner perimeter corners 562a and six side inner perimeter corners 562b.

[0074] In this invention, the outer perimeters 570a and 570b of the frame member 50b are larger than the inner perimeters 560a and 560b of the frame member 50b. The outer perimeters 570a and 570b can each be approximately in the range of about 55 mm to about 65 mm, and preferably about 60 mm. The lengths of the inner perimeters 560a and 560b are generally in the range of about 50 mm to about 60 mm, and preferably about 55 mm.

[0075] The upper surface 520 of frame member 50b is substantially flat, as shown below. Figure 1A As shown. However, as Figure 1D As shown, frame member 50b and Figure 1A The main difference between the frame members 50a is that the upper surface 520 of the frame member 50b includes rounded edges or rounded corners, namely, the inner rounded corner 512 at the top inner periphery 560a and the outer rounded corner 532 at the top outer periphery 570a.

[0076] Therefore, the top inner periphery 560a on the skin contact surface 520 of the frame member 50b can be rounded with an inner fillet 512 having an inner fillet radius 514. The inner fillet radius 514 is in the range of about 0.05 mm to about 0.3 mm.

[0077] The top outer perimeter 570a of the skin contact surface 520 of the frame member 50b can be rounded by an outer fillet 532 having an outer fillet radius 534. The outer fillet radius 534 is in the range of about 0.05 mm to about 0.3 mm.

[0078] The frame members of the present invention have radii of curvature or rounded areas at the inner and outer rounded corners, which ideally provide the user with maximum comfort and ease of use when the user uses the personal care product by moving it in any direction on the skin surface.

[0079] exist Figure 1DThe figure shows a cross-sectional view 500b of the frame member 50b taken along plane 1D-1D of the frame member 50b.

[0080] As shown in cross-sectional view 500b, the outer perimeter height 571 is measured as the vertical distance from the uppermost surface at the top outer perimeter 570a to the lower surface 525 of the frame member 50b. The inner perimeter height 561 is measured and defined as the distance from... Figure 1B The vertical distance from the uppermost surface of the top inner perimeter 560a to the lower surface 525 of the frame member 50b.

[0081] Therefore, even with rounded corners 512 and 532, the outer perimeter height 571 of the frame member 50b obtained at the top outer perimeter 570a is approximately the same as the inner perimeter height 561 obtained at the top inner perimeter 560a. For Figure 1B The outer perimeter height 571 of the frame member 50b is in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm, and preferably 0.3 mm.

[0082] exist Figure 1D The cross-sectional view 500b also shows the outer wall 530 and the frame width 580 of the frame member 50b.

[0083] Figure 1E and Figure 1F Another embodiment of the frame member 50c of the present invention having a plurality of tabs 550 is shown. Figure 1E The frame component 50c is respectively with Figure 1A and Figure 1C The difference between the retaining members 50a and 50b is that... Figure 1E The upper surface 520 includes a bevel or chamfer 521. Figure 1E The frame component 50c is otherwise related to Figure 1C The frame members 50b are almost identical, including rounded edges or rounded corners 512 and 532 and corresponding radii 514 and 534.

[0084] Figure 1F The diagram also shows a cross-sectional view 500c of the frame member 50c taken along plane 1F-1F. As shown in the cross-sectional view 500c, the outer perimeter height 571 is measured as the vertical distance from the uppermost surface at the top outer perimeter 570a to the lower surface 525 of the frame member 50c. The inner perimeter height 561 is measured from the uppermost surface at the top inner perimeter 560a to the lower surface 525 of the frame member 50c.

[0085] However, with Figure 1DThe difference lies in the fact that the outer perimeter height 571 of the frame member 50c, obtained at the top outer perimeter 570a, differs from the inner perimeter height 561 obtained at the top inner perimeter 560a. Ideally, the outer height 571 is greater than the inner height 561. For Figure 1F The outer perimeter height 571 is in the range of about 0.2 mm to about 0.4 mm and preferably 0.3 mm, and the inner perimeter height 561 is in the range of about 0.14 mm to about 0.18 mm and preferably 0.16 mm.

[0086] The chamfered or downward-sloping surface 521 of the frame member 50c allows the user's skin to flow smoothly down from the highest point of the frame member at the top outer periphery 570a to the lower point at the top inner periphery 560a.

[0087] exist Figure 1F The cross-sectional view 500c also shows the outer wall 530 and the frame width 580 of the frame member 50c.

[0088] As mentioned above, Figure 1A , Figure 1C and Figure 1E Each of the embodiments 50a, 50b and 50c of the frame member 50 includes a plurality of tabs 550. These tabs 550 are used to help hold and frame (shown and described below) the processed sheet to the housing 20 or the upper end 11 of the product. Figure 1A , Figure 1C and Figure 1E The tabs shown extend generally planarly to the outer wall 530. However, during product assembly (as described below), these tabs 550 can preferably be arranged as in the present invention. Figure 1G The bend is shown.

[0089] Now go to Figure 1G A side view of the frame member 50d of the present invention is shown, the frame member having a curved tab portion. Although Figure 1G The frame component 50d represents Figure 1C The frame component 50b, but also separately envisioned Figure 1A and Figure 1EEmbodiments of frame members 50a and 50c are described. Frame member 50d has an outer wall height 531 (excluding the tabs 550 extending from the outer surface 530). Ideally, the outer wall height 531 is obtained from the upper outer perimeter 570a to the lower outer perimeter 575 of the frame member and is constant around the entire frame member. The outer wall height 531 of frame member 50d is ideally in the range of about 1.0 mm to about 3.0 mm, and preferably, the outer wall height 531 is 1.75 mm. The main advantage of having a constant outer wall height around the perimeter of any embodiment of the frame member 50 of the invention is that, during use, the product is used in many directions, but regardless of the position, a product with a constant outer wall height will engage with the user's skin in the same or constant manner. Other dimensions of the frame member 50 of the invention and their relationship to the treatment sheet will be described in detail below.

[0090] Figure 1G Also shown are tabs 550 extending from the outer wall 530 of the frame member, wherein each tab 550 includes an upper tab section 551 and a central tab section 552 (which includes...) Figure 1D The curved portion 552 of the tab and the tab end section 553. The curved portion 552 of the tab ideally serves to hold the processed tab to the product housing, as described below. The following section discusses... Figures 2A to 2D Describe the lamina in further detail.

[0091] Now for reference Figures 2A to 2D A view of the tab 550 of the present invention is shown. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The figures show the flat, nearly rectangular tabs 550 of the present invention (e.g., Figure 1A , Figure 1C and Figure 1E The front and side views (e.g., before any bending of the tab 550) are shown. The tab 550 extends from the straight portion 54 of the outer wall 530 of the frame member 50, but the tab 550 may extend from any portion of the outer wall of the frame member (not shown). The tab 550 includes an upper tab section 551, a central tab section 552, and a tab end section 553. Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the middle, the central segment 552 of the protrusion is not bent. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The protrusions shown typically have a length of 2 to 6 mm and a width of 2 to 5 mm.

[0092] exist Figure 2C and Figure 2D The image shows a front view and a side view of the tab 550 of the present invention, which has a curved portion in the central section 552 of the tab between the upper section 551 and the end section 553 of the tab. As follows... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As described, the tabs are bent during assembly to help frame and hold the treatment sheet within the personal care product. Ideally, the tabs formed at the bottom of the bent portion 552 have a bending angle 555 greater than 90 degrees, and preferably 95 to 135 degrees.

[0093] Any size and shape of the tab 550 is contemplated in this invention, and these sizes and shapes can be designed according to the housing and processing tab components. Therefore, tabs that are wider or narrower, or have alternative shapes (not shown), can be operably utilized.

[0094] As will be described below, tabs (e.g., tab end sections and tab bends) may engage, connect to, or rest in recesses, notches, or channels in housing 20, and / or may similarly pass through window settings in housing.

[0095] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The image shows a processing sheet 40 according to the invention. Although any shape is contemplated in this invention, a circular processing sheet 40 is shown. For example, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a personal care product with a hexagonal treatment sheet is illustrated. Preferably, as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the processing sheet and frame components have similar shapes. Figure 3A The image shows a top view of the treatment sheet 40. The treatment sheet 40 is ideally flat and rigid, and is typically made of a brittle material such as glass or semiconductor. The treatment sheet 40 includes a top surface 41, an outer periphery 45, and a plurality of holes 430. When the treatment sheet 40 is disposed in a personal care product, the top surface 41 is the skin contact surface (e.g., see...). Figure 4 The holes 430 are arranged such that they do not extend into the periphery 45 or outer peripheral region 451 of the processed sheet. For example... Figure 3A As shown, the hole 430 has a circular or annular shape, although the hole 430 is conceived to be any feasible shape.

[0096] Each hole 430 has an inner periphery 431, a portion or all of which forms a cutting edge 435. These cutting edges 435, formed along the periphery of the treatment plate holes, perform the skin treatment and hair removal functions of the personal care product of the present invention. The following describes... Figure 3B Further description of the cutting edge 435.

[0097] Figure 3B It is along Figure 3A The cross-sectional view taken from plane 3B-3B depicts the cut edge 435 of the hole 430 of the present invention. Figure 3BThe image also shows an upper peripheral region 451 and a corresponding lower peripheral region 452. These peripheral regions function during assembly and will be described below.

[0098] Importantly, and as Figure 3B As shown, the cut edge 435 does not protrude above the skin-contacting upper surface 41 of the treatment piece 40. Figure 3B The coplanarity of the cut edges and the treatment sheet shown is a difference from the prior art and is preferred in this invention because it has been determined to provide improved comfort and optimized safety, and in doing so, it simultaneously peels off the skin and removes hair from the skin, thus further differing from the prior art.

[0099] See Figure 4 The figure shows a front view of a personal care product 10, which has a frame member 50 of the present invention disposed on a treatment sheet 40. The personal care product 10 also includes an upper end 11 and a lower end 12. The upper end 11 includes a housing 20 on which the treatment sheet 40 and the frame member 50 are disposed. The lower end 12 allows a user to hold the product in their hand. As shown, all cut edges 435 and holes 430 are disposed within the inner periphery 560 of the frame member 50.

[0100] Figure 5 Depicting Figure 4 An exploded side perspective view of the personal care product 10 shows its main components, namely the frame member 50, the treatment sheet 40, and the handle 30 of the present invention. The product 10 includes an upper product end 11 and a lower product end 12. The upper product end 11 includes a housing 20 on which the treatment sheet 40 is first disposed, and then preferably the frame member 50 is disposed. The housing 20 or the upper product end 11 may be permanently attached to the lower product end 12, or the housing 20 or the upper product end 11 may be releasable from the lower product end 12. The housing includes an upper surface 214 having a top opening 205 and a housing wall 210 having a plurality of housing windows 260 passing through it. The upper surface 214 may include one or more housing upper surfaces, such as a housing stepped surface 211, a housing step 212, and a housing uppermost surface 213, as described below in Figures 6a to 6b. Figure 8 As further illustrated below. Although any protrusions are contemplated in this invention, Figure 5 The tabs 550 of the frame member 50 shown are curved (e.g., Figure 1G , Figure 2C and Figure 2D(as depicted herein) and will preferably extend around or into the housing wall 210 and into the housing window 260 (as will be described in more detail below). By extending around or into the housing wall or window, the tabs allow the frame members to engage with the housing. This connection or engagement of the tabs and the housing provides the desired benefits of aligning and retaining the tabs. Ideally, the number of tabs is equal to the number of housing windows, but any number of tabs and windows is contemplated in this invention.

[0101] The housing window 260 is an opening area provided in the housing 20 and preferably formed in the housing wall 210. The housing window 260 not only helps the tab 550 frame and hold the treatment sheet 40 on the housing 20, but also helps to flush away debris generated or accumulated during the use of the personal care product 10. Debris may include dead skin cells, hair (e.g., including fine hairs), treatment or shaving agents, dirt, oil, and other substances removed from or applied to the skin's surface during use.

[0102] Further benefits of embodiments of the frame member 50 of the present invention include, but are not limited to, providing alignment or guiding of the outer edge on the skin by using a straight portion 54 on the upper periphery to improve skin contact and flow, and generally framing the treatment sheet and providing stability, thereby reducing the breakage of brittle treatment sheets upon drop.

[0103] Now for reference Figures 6A to 6C This shows a cross-sectional view of the top of the upper part 11 of the product. Figures 6A to 6C In this configuration, the treatment sheet 40 is "clamped" between the frame member 50 and the housing 20, such that the upper skin contact surface 41 of the treatment sheet is coplanar with the lower surface 525 of the frame member 50, and the lower surface 42 of the treatment sheet 40 is coplanar with the upper surface of the housing, and specifically, as shown, with the uppermost surface 213 and / or the stepped surface 211 of the housing. The hole 430 and the cut edge 435 of the treatment sheet 40 are typically positioned within the top opening of the housing 20, making the hole 430 transparent. First, turn to... Figure 6A It shows along Figure 4 Cross-sectional view 60a of plane BB, wherein the processing piece 40 of the present invention is clamped in Figure 1ABetween the frame member 50a and the housing 20. As shown, a portion of the upper skin contact surface 41 of the treatment piece is coplanar with the lower side surface 525 of the frame member 50a, and a portion of the lower surface 42 of the treatment piece 40 is coplanar with the stepped surface 211 or the uppermost surface 213 of the housing. The housing 20 may include a stepped wall 212 disposed between the stepped surface 211 and the uppermost surface 213 of the housing, thereby facilitating the positioning of the treatment piece 40 on the housing and ultimately within the assembly. A more detailed description of the assembly of the housing 20, the treatment piece 40, and the frame members 50 (e.g., 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d) of the present invention is given below regarding Figure 7 and Figure 8 Describe it.

[0104] As described above Figure 1A The points pointed out and such Figure 6A The frame member 50a, as depicted, has a flat upper surface 520, for example, without chamfers or rounded corners along its perimeter. The outer height 571 of the frame member 50a, obtained at the outer perimeter 570, is the same as the inner height 561 obtained at the inner perimeter 560. In this way, regardless of position, the product 10 will have a constant height at both the inner and outer perimeters of the frame member and will beneficially conform to the user's skin in a constant manner.

[0105] exist Figure 6B The middle shows along Figure 4 Cross-sectional view 60b of plane BB, wherein the processing piece 40 of the present invention is clamped in Figure 1C Between the frame member 50b and the housing 20. As shown, a portion of the upper skin contact surface 41 of the treatment sheet is coplanar with the lower surface 525 of the frame member 50b, and a portion of the lower surface 42 of the treatment sheet 40 is coplanar with the stepped surface 211 of the housing or the uppermost surface 213 of the housing (not shown). The housing 20 may include a stepped wall 212, which may be disposed between the stepped surface 211 and the uppermost surface 213 of the housing, thereby facilitating the positioning of the treatment sheet 40 on the housing and ultimately within the assembly.

[0106] and Figure 6A Unlike frame member 50a, frame member 50b has rounded perimeters forming fillets 512 and 532, which provides comfort and ease of use for the product. Specifically, as mentioned above... Figure 1B As noted, frame member 50b provides a height 571 at the outer perimeter, which is substantially the same as and consistent with the height 561 at the inner perimeter. Figure 6AThe height of the frame members 50a is approximately the same, preferably from about 0.2 mm to about 0.4 mm. This is because the surface 520 of the frame member 50b is also approximately flat, just like the frame member 50a. It should be noted that the inner perimeter height 561 is advantageously small to allow the user's skin to be as close as possible to the upper surface 41 of the treatment sheet 40 during use.

[0107] exist Figure 6C The middle shows along Figure 4 Cross-sectional view 60c of plane BB, wherein the processing sheet 40 of the present invention is clamped in Figure 1E Between the frame member 50c and the housing 20. The top skin contact surface 41 of the treatment sheet is coplanar with the lower surface 525 of the frame member 50c, and the lower surface 42 of the treatment sheet 40 is coplanar with the uppermost surface 213 of the housing and / or the stepped surface 211 of the housing. Figure 6A and Figure 6B Similarly, in Figure 6C In this assembly, housing 20 may include housing stepped wall 212, which may be disposed between housing stepped surface 211 and housing uppermost surface 213, thereby facilitating the positioning of processing piece 40 on housing and ultimately within the assembly.

[0108] Figure 6C A frame member 50c is depicted having a chamfered surface with a bevel 521 on its external skin contact surface 520. As shown, the bevel 521 is a downward bevel formed from an outer periphery 570a at the outer periphery 570 of the retaining member to an inner periphery 560a at the inner periphery 560 of the retaining member. The vertical distance between the inner periphery 560a and the lower surface 525 of the frame member 50c defines an inner periphery height 561 of the frame member 50c, which is about 0.14 mm to about 0.18 mm, and preferably 0.16 mm. It should be noted that the inner periphery height 561 is advantageously small to allow the user's skin to be as close as possible to the upper surface 41 of the treatment sheet 40 during use, thereby optimizing performance. The vertical distance between the outer periphery 570a and the lower surface 525 of the frame member 50c defines an outer periphery height 571 of the frame member 50c, which is about 0.2 mm to about 0.4 mm, and preferably 0.3 mm.

[0109] Therefore, as Figures 6A to 6C As shown, the peripheral portion of the treatment piece 40 is effectively "clamped" between various types of frame members and housings, thereby providing stable support for the treatment piece, i.e., preventing it from moving relative to the housing during use or breaking in the event of a product drop. Furthermore, the interlayer helps to precisely position the treatment piece on the housing surface during assembly. It should be noted that for those respectively in… Figures 6A to 6C All retaining members 50a, 50b, 50c of the present invention depicted herein, and for Figure 1D The frame member 50d, with its outer and inner perimeter heights, provides a "protective" function because the user's skin is protected by maintaining a certain distance above the cut edge 435 of the treatment sheet 40, as it is gradually allowed to flow into the upper surface of the treatment sheet and the cut edge 435. Specifically, Figure 6C The chamfered or downward-sloping surface 521 allows the user's skin to flow smoothly down from the highest point of the frame member to the upper surface of the treatment sheet (e.g., the skin treatment surface), thus achieving optimal skin contact. This provides comfort during use.

[0110] A more detailed description of the assembly of the housing 20, the processing plate 40, and the frame member 50 of the present invention is given below. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Describe it.

[0111] Figure 7 It shows along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken from the plane CC is the upper end 11 of the personal care product 10 including the frame member 50 of the present invention. Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 A close-up view of the junction area 80.

[0112] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this configuration, the processing sheet 40 is assembled between the frame member 50 and the housing 20, and is shown as being coplanarly "clamped" between the housing 20 and the frame member 50. Specifically, the frame member 50 is disposed on the upper peripheral region 451 of the processing sheet 40 and the upper surface 213 of the housing 20, as shown... Figure 8 As shown in the close-up view, the lower peripheral region 452 of the lower surface 42 of the treatment sheet 40 is disposed on the stepped surface 211 of the housing. A gap 535 is provided between the edge surrounding the outer periphery 45 of the treatment sheet 40 and the stepped wall 212 of the housing. The stepped surface 213 of the housing is generally lower than the top surface 41 of the treatment sheet 40. The presence of the gap 535 is generally desirable because it allows the treatment sheet to be more easily assembled into the housing, and it provides accommodation for tolerances present in the manufactured treatment sheet.

[0113] The frame member 50 is used to hold the treatment sheet 40 in a precise, controlled position on the housing 20 by one or more tabs 550, which extend from the frame member 50 and bend under the housing to secure the treatment sheet 40. The bent tabs provide fixation of the treatment sheet within the housing. Therefore, even if the personal care product 10 is accidentally dropped during use, the treatment sheet is stable and held in place. Figure 7 and Figure 8The image shows an assembled tab 550 extending from the outer wall 530 of the frame member 50 and disposed in a portion of the upper part of the housing 20. Specifically, as shown... Figure 7 As shown, the tab end 553 of the tab 550 is shown as being disposed in a window 260 on the housing wall 210. The tab 550 includes a central section 552 that curves below the upper straight section 551 into a recess 215 formed from the housing wall 210 in the upper flange 262 of the window 260. The tab end section 553 ideally points inward and upward toward the underside of the housing 20 of the recess 215.

[0114] A gap 536 exists between the lower side 525 of the frame member and the uppermost surface 213 of the housing to ensure that when the tabs of the frame member are bent and guided into the recesses during product assembly, the outer peripheral region 451 of the processing tab is in close contact with the lower side 525 of the frame member and the lower peripheral region 452 of the housing step surface 211. When the tabs are wrapped around the housing wall 210 and guided into the recesses, the inward and upward shape of these recesses generates clamping forces on the interlayer.

[0115] like Figure 8 As shown in close-up view 80, the curved portion 552 of the tab 550 generally surrounds the upper flange 262 of the housing wall 210 and the window 260. It is desirable to form multiple tabs or more tabs on the frame member, more preferably three tabs on a frame member having a hexagonal shape. Multiple tabs ensure that the frame member is coplanarly positioned with the processing piece and generate a clamping force evenly distributed around the housing.

[0116] As described above, the angle 555 formed by the curved portion 552 is defined as the angle between the outer wall 530 of the frame member 50 and the top of the notch 216 being greater than 90 degrees, preferably in the range of 95 degrees to 135 degrees.

[0117] Although the shape of the hexagonal frame members has been shown and described herein, the size and shape of the frame members of the present invention can be any feasible shape. As mentioned above, since the frame members are disposed on the processing sheet, the shape of the processing sheet can generally be the same, although any feasible arrangement is contemplated in the present invention. For example, refer to... Figure 9A Figures B and B show alternative embodiments of frame member 50e, which have an elliptical shape, two straight sections 54e, two corner sections 55e, and two tabs 550e (shown before bending). Figure 9B The personal care product 10e shown has a frame member 50e disposed thereon and an oval treatment sheet 40e held therebetween.

[0118] Non-limiting methods for manufacturing or assembling personal care products having the frame components of the present invention Figure 10 The flowchart illustrates this. In step 1, the initial steps of providing the housing 20 are described. The housing of step 1 includes an upper surface 214, a top opening 205, a housing wall 210, and one or more windows 260 in the housing wall. The housing of step 1 is positioned at the upper end 11 of the product. In step 2, the step of providing a treatment sheet 40 above the top opening 205 and on the upper surface of the housing is shown. The treatment sheet of step 2 of the invention is preferably planar, has a peripheral area, and is a skin treatment sheet capable of treating both skin and removing hair. In step 3, a frame member 50 including one or more tabs 550 is provided in step 1. In step 3, the frame member is also provided on the peripheral area of ​​the treatment sheet. Alternatively, the frame member can be provided on a surface of the housing (such as the upper surface of the housing). In the final step of assembly, in step 4, one or more tabs of the frame member provided in step 3 are engaged to one or more windows of the housing of step 1. Thus, after step 4, the treatment sheet is held between the housing and the frame member. Step 4 may also include bending one or more tabs into one or more windows of the housing, guiding one or more tabs into one or more recesses in one or more windows of the housing, or both. Step 4 may also include providing a gap between the outer periphery of the treatment piece and the housing wall. The engagement step of Step 4 secures the frame member to the housing while also retaining the treatment piece in the product, thereby holding it in place to prevent movement or slippage.

[0119] The invention also envisions any other feasible arrangements of the frame members and the treatment pieces.

[0120] The examples presented herein are not intended to be actual views of any particular substrate, device (e.g., apparatus, system, etc.) or method, but are merely idealized and / or illustrative representations for describing and illustrating various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0121] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be construed as strictly limited to the precise numerical values ​​cited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to represent the value and a range around which it is functionally equivalent. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to represent “about 40 mm”. As used herein, the term “about” generally means approximately or around. As an example, when a range of values ​​is given, for example, if this document discloses “about 4 to about 40” or “4 to 40”, the invention considers the values ​​“4” and “40” and a range around each of 4 and 40 that is functionally equivalent, which can generally be added to or subtracted from each value by 10%. Thus, for clarity, if a reference is made to being described as “4 to 40”, this means that it can be a range functionally equivalent to 4 and a range functionally equivalent to 40, or “about 4 to about 40”. The latter refers to the range “3.6 to 44” included in the invention, since the range of 3.6 to 4.4 represents 4 plus or minus 10%, respectively, and the range of 36 to 44 represents 40 plus or minus 10%, respectively.

[0122] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, every reference cited herein, including any cross-references or related patents or patent applications, and any patent application or patent claiming priority to or benefiting from it, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Reference to any reference is not an endorsement of it as prior art to any disclosed or protected art herein, nor is it an endorsement of any such invention, either on its own or in combination with any one or more references. Furthermore, where any meaning or definition of a term in this invention conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in referenced documents, the meaning or definition given to that term in this invention shall prevail.

[0123] While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention be covered in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A personal care product comprising: A flat processing sheet having an upper surface and a peripheral region on the upper surface; A housing, the housing comprising one or more of the following: an uppermost surface of the housing and a housing wall; A frame member having a lower side surface and at least one tab, wherein the frame member is disposed on the peripheral region of the flat processing sheet, and the lower side surface of the frame member is coplanar with the upper surface of the flat processing sheet, and the at least one tab extends below the processing sheet; and The at least one tab forms part of the outer surface of the housing by engaging, connecting to, or resting in a recess, notch, or channel in the housing and / or through a window in the housing.

2. The personal care product of claim 1, wherein the flat treatment sheet is rigid.

3. The personal care product of claim 1, wherein the flat treatment sheet has a plurality of holes, each of the plurality of holes having an inner periphery.

4. The personal care product of claim 1, further comprising a product upper end, wherein the product upper end includes the housing, wherein the housing further includes one or more of the following: a housing stepped surface, at least one housing window, or any combination thereof.

5. The personal care product of claim 4, wherein the at least one tab is bent into the at least one housing window.

6. The personal care product of claim 1, wherein the flat treatment sheet treats skin, removes hair, or a combination thereof.

7. The personal care product of claim 1, wherein the frame member comprises a flat upper surface or a chamfered upper surface.

8. A frame member, comprising: An upper surface having an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter; The outer wall near the outer perimeter; A plurality of tabs extending from the outer wall, each tab including an upper tab section, a central tab section, and a terminal tab section, each tab having a curved portion within the central tab section, wherein the tab curvature angle formed at the bottom of the curved portion is greater than 90 degrees; and The height at the outer perimeter is greater than or equal to the height at the inner perimeter.

9. The frame member according to claim 8, wherein the upper surface of the frame member is flat or chamfered.

10. The frame member of claim 8, wherein the outer wall comprises a plurality of straight sections that engage with a plurality of corner sections.

11. The frame member of claim 10, wherein the plurality of tabs extend from the plurality of straight sections.

12. The frame member of claim 8, wherein the height of the outer perimeter is constant over the entire outer perimeter, the height of the inner perimeter is constant over the entire inner perimeter, or both.

13. The frame member according to claim 8, wherein the height of the outer perimeter and the height of the inner perimeter are in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

14. The frame member of claim 8, wherein the upper surface includes a rounded corner at the inner periphery, a rounded corner at the outer periphery, or both.

15. The frame member of claim 14, wherein the inner perimeter fillet includes an inner fillet radius in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm.

16. The frame member according to claim 8, wherein the tab bending angle is 95 to 135 degrees.

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