Cover and support for personal care product

Abstract

A personal care product is provided that includes an application head having a flat treatment sheet. The personal care product also includes a cover configured to surround the applicator head and cover the treatment sheet. The cover includes a base having a planar outer surface. The cover also includes an outer edge surrounding a perimeter of the planar outer surface and an inner edge configured to engage a portion of the applicator head. The planar outer surface of the base defines a plane. The personal care product includes a center of gravity having a projection in the plane, wherein a length of the one or more tabs along the plane exceeds a length along the plane between the projection and the inner edge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is directed to a cover for use with a personal care product having a treatment sheet to protect the treatment sheet during non-use and to serve as a support. Background Art

[0002] Generally, personal care products include an applicator head having a treatment sheet, wherein the treatment sheet includes at least one cutting element that is moved across the skin surface being treated by means of a handle to which the applicator head is attached. The applicator head may be removably mounted on the handle so that the applicator head can be replaced with a new applicator head when the sharpness of the treatment sheet has diminished to an unsatisfactory level, or the applicator head may be permanently attached to the handle in the event that it is desired to discard the entire personal care product when the treatment sheet has become dull (i.e., a disposable personal care product).

[0003] Various types of protective covers have been used with commercially available razor products that are removably or permanently mounted to the handle. These covers can serve several purposes. First, during the various stages of shipping and retail, the cover protects the razor cartridge and blade from forces that could damage the blade. Second, when the razor is not in use, the cover also protects the user from accidentally hitting one or more sharp blades. In addition, conventional covers are known to be used as supports to place the bottom or distal end (opposite the end that holds the razor or cutting surface) of a personal care product on a horizontal surface.

[0004] However, razor product covers tend to require a high force to remove the cover or replace the cover, which may cause the consumer's fingers to get too close to the cutting edge or may cause damage to the cutting edge.

[0005] In addition, the prior art covers generally do not assist in drying of the cartridges, nor in draining away water and other debris, nor do they serve any purpose beyond that stated above. Further, these covers are not suitable for personal care products that do not have razor blades but rather have other types of cutting elements (e.g., treatment sheets, non-linear cutting edges).

[0006] Some personal care products employ a handle sheet that is tilted at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the handle of the personal care product. In order to facilitate storage and positioning of the personal care product, it would be beneficial to place the personal care product on a flat surface. However, prior art covers tend to employ curved outer surfaces, which are not conducive to placing these personal care products on a flat surface. In addition, even those prior art covers that employ a flat surface are not configured to place a personal care product having a tilted handle sheet design on a flat surface. Summary of the invention

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a protective cap for a personal care product that not only protects the treatment sheet during non-use and allows easy removal and placement onto an applicator head, but also advantageously serves to allow drainage and serves as a stand for the personal care product. Specifically, the protective cap can serve as a stand that supports the tip or end of the personal care product that holds a razor or cutting surface.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a cover for a personal care product that facilitates placement of the personal care product on a flat surface, particularly a personal care product that employs an angled treatment sheet oriented at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the handle of the personal care product.

[0009] More specifically, various embodiments relate to a personal care product including an applicator head having a flat treatment sheet. The personal care product also includes a cover configured to surround the applicator head and cover the treatment sheet. The cover includes a base having a planar outer surface. The cover also includes an outer edge surrounding the periphery of the planar outer surface and an inner edge configured to engage with a portion of the applicator head.

[0010] More specifically, various embodiments relate to a personal care product comprising an applicator head having a flat treatment sheet. The personal care product also includes a cover configured to surround the applicator head and cover the treatment sheet. The cover includes a base having a planar outer surface, the planar outer surface defining a plane parallel to the planar outer surface. The cover also includes an outer edge around the periphery of the planar outer surface and an inner edge configured to frictionally engage with a portion of the applicator head. The cover also includes one or more tabs, which are integral with the cover and extend a length beyond the inner edge along the plane. The personal care product includes a center of gravity having a projection in the plane, wherein the length of the one or more tabs along the plane exceeds the length between the projection and the inner edge along the plane.

[0011] More specifically, various embodiments relate to a cover for an applicator head for a personal care product. The cover includes a first portion having a planar outer surface. The cover also includes a second portion, which includes a cavity. The cover also includes a third portion, which has an inner edge surrounding a portion of the periphery of the cavity. The inner edge is configured to frictionally engage with the applicator head of the personal care product when it is placed in the cavity. The cover also includes a fourth portion, which includes one or more planar tabs that protrude beyond the inner edge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1A and Figure 1B are perspective front and side views of one possible embodiment of a personal care product according to the present invention;

[0013] Figure 1C is a cross-sectional side view of one possible embodiment of a housing, frame and applicator head for a personal care product according to the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2A and Figure 2B are top and bottom views of one possible embodiment of a cover for a personal care product according to the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2C and Figure 2D are top and bottom perspective views of one possible embodiment of a cover for a personal care product according to the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a cross-sectional side view of a possible embodiment of a cover for a personal care product according to the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3C is a cross-sectional side view of one possible embodiment of a cover for a personal care product according to the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3D is a cross-sectional side view of one possible embodiment of a cover for a personal care product according to the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3E and Figure 3F is a top view of a possible embodiment of a cover for a personal care product according to the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3G and Figure 3H is a side perspective view of a possible embodiment of a cover for a personal care product according to the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 A holder for a personal care product having a handle and an applicator head according to the present invention FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D A side view of an applicator head cover;

[0022] Figure 5A and Figure 5B According to the present invention Figure 4 A side cross-sectional view of an applicator head cover and a personal care product; and

[0023] Figure 5C It is shown that according to the present invention Figure 4 Side cross-sectional view of the gap between the applicator head cover and the personal care product. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Figure 1A and Figure 1B 1 are perspective front and side views of one possible embodiment of a personal care product 10 according to the present invention. In one embodiment, the personal care product 10 includes an applicator head 11 that includes a flat treatment sheet 40. The personal care product 10 also includes a housing 20 having one or more windows 26. In some embodiments, the applicator head 11 is removable from the personal care product 10. In other embodiments, the applicator head 11 includes a housing 20 having one or more windows 26.

[0025] like Figure 1B As shown, in one embodiment, the personal care product 10 further comprises a handle 30. In some embodiments, the handle 30 is arranged such that the axis 34 of the handle 30 is not perpendicular to the top surface 41 of the treatment sheet 40, the axis 34 of the handle 30 is not parallel to the top surface 41 of the treatment sheet 40, or both.

[0026] In some embodiments, personal care product 10 is configured such that applicator head 11 is applied to a skin surface for hair removal and skin treatment.

[0027] In some embodiments, the weight of personal care product 10 varies from about 10 grams to about 50 grams.

[0028] In one embodiment, the personal care product 10 includes a treatment sheet 40 and a frame 50, whereby the frame 50 holds and aligns the treatment sheet 40 for optimal use and performance on the skin.

[0029] For the purposes of this specification, as used herein, the term "frame" refers to a component of the personal care product 10 that is used to hold the treatment sheet 40 to the upper surface of the housing 20 of the personal care product 10. The frame 50 of the present invention is preferably composed of interconnected segments that are connected together to form a single or integral element without a distal end. The frame 50 of the present invention can be composed of any material, including but not limited to aluminum, stainless steel or plastic.

[0030] The housing 20 of the personal care product includes an opening (not shown) at the top, and the treatment sheet 40 is arranged to cover the opening of the housing 20. The treatment sheet 40 includes a plurality of holes 430. The hole 430 may include a straight section and a non-straight section along the inner periphery of each hole 430. The portion of the inner periphery of each hole 430 is sharpened to provide a cutting edge. A more durable cutting edge can be made of ceramic or crystalline materials, such as silicon, sapphire or diamond. These materials are not ductile like metals, and are generally brittle, so these materials cannot be formed into, for example, a dome or convex shape, but can be used to form a planar sheet. Relative to personal care products in the prior art, the additional advantage of the planar treatment sheet 40 is that the surface of the planar treatment sheet type improves the processing efficiency, such as, removing hair, or performing skin care on a large flat surface of the skin (such as legs, chest or back).

[0031] The frame 50 of the present invention also provides a skin contact upper surface. The frame 50 has an outer periphery and an inner periphery, the outer periphery is larger than the outer periphery of the treatment sheet 40, and the inner periphery is smaller than the outer periphery of the treatment sheet 40. Tabs along the outer surface of the frame 50 fix the treatment sheet 40 to the housing 20 so that the frame 50 covers the outer periphery and surrounds the treatment sheet 40. The frame 50 holds the treatment sheet 40 in place so that when the product 10 moves back and forth on the skin to peel the skin or cut hair, the treatment sheet 40 will not shift relative to the housing 20. The frame 50 has a skin contact surface that is higher than the upper surface of the treatment sheet 40 to control the sliding of the skin on the surface of the treatment sheet 40 including the hole 430. The skin contact surface of the frame 50 can be flat, rounded or chamfered. The frame 50 provides an interface or mating surface with the treatment sheet 40 to mechanically stabilize the treatment sheet 40. It has been found that the height difference between the skin contacting surface of the frame 50 and the surface of the treatment sheet 40 maintains safe sliding of the skin over the product 10 and good contact with the skin surface for efficient treatment, and that a tight mechanical clamping between the frame 50 and the treatment sheet 40 cannot otherwise be achieved by prior art solutions such as the use of adhesives or placing plastic hooks into slots.

[0032] The term "treatment sheet" in the personal care product of the present invention refers to a planar sheet 40 including a plurality of apertures 430. Portions surrounding or peripheral to the apertures 430 include cutting edges for removing hair and exfoliating or otherwise treating the skin.

[0033] The treatment sheet 40 is ideally flat. A "flat" material generally has a planar surface without protrusions or depressions. As used herein, "flat" and "planar" can be used interchangeably.

[0034] The treatment sheet 40 is also desirably rigid. By "rigid" material it is meant that the material is not flexible and cannot be easily bent.

[0035] The treatment sheet 40 in the personal care product 10 functions to both remove hair and treat the skin, which is achieved through the structure of the treatment sheet 40.

[0036] The processing sheet 40 of the present invention is ideally composed of a solid, non-corrosive material. The processing sheet 40 can be composed of an amorphous material such as glass, a crystalline material such as silicon, diamond, sapphire, a polycrystalline material such as silicon, ceramics, or a metal (e.g., steel), or any combination thereof. These materials can be formed into a rigid planar processing sheet with holes.

[0037] Preferably, the substrate of the processing sheet 40 is made of silicon material, and the cutting edge is made of diamond material.

[0038] The shape of the frame 50 preferably matches the shape of the outer periphery of the treatment sheet 40, but is slightly larger.

[0039] While the treatment sheet 40 is desirably constructed of a rigid (eg, inflexible) material, the frame 50 of the present invention is desirably constructed of a material that can be formed and shaped without breaking and that retains its shape after bending.

[0040] Any arrangement of the shapes of the treatment sheet 40, the frame 50, the holes 430 and their sizes is contemplated in the present invention. In addition, various possible patterns and positions of the holes 430 are also contemplated in the present invention.

[0041] As used herein, the term "about" generally means approximately or around. When a range of numbers is given, such as "about 4 to about 40" is disclosed herein, the present invention contemplates + / -10% of each number. Thus, for clarity, if a reference is described as "about 4 to about 40", it means that the range covered by the present invention is "3.6 to 44", because the range of 3.6 to 4.4 represents + / -10% of 4, and the range of 36 to 44 represents + / -10% of 40.

[0042] Figure 1C FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of one possible embodiment of the housing 20, frame 50 and applicator head 11 of a personal care product 10 according to the present invention. Figures 1A to 1C As shown, in one embodiment, the frame 50 surrounds the treatment sheet 40, and the handle 30 is joined to the housing 20. In another embodiment, the frame 50 surrounds the treatment sheet 40, and the handle 30 is joined to the frame 50.

[0043] Figures 1A to 1C and Figure 5A A treatment sheet 40 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. A hexagonal treatment sheet 40 is shown, but any shape (eg, circular) is contemplated by the present invention. Figure 1C4 shows a cross-sectional view of a treatment sheet 40. The treatment sheet 40 includes a top surface 41, an outer periphery, and a plurality of apertures 430. When the treatment sheet 40 is placed in the personal care product 10, the top surface 41 is the skin contacting surface (e.g., see Figures 1A to 1C ). The holes 430 are arranged so that they do not extend to the periphery of the treatment sheet 40. Figure 1A As shown, the aperture 430 has a circular or annular shape, but the aperture 430 is contemplated to have any feasible shape.

[0044] See also Figure 1A , shows a front view of a personal care product 10 having a frame 50 of the present invention disposed on a treatment sheet 40. The personal care product 10 also includes a housing 20 on which the treatment sheet 40 and the frame 50 are disposed. A handle 30 allows a user to hold the product 10 in their hand.

[0045] The housing 20 may be permanently attached to the handle 30, or the housing 20 may be releasable from the handle 30. The housing window 26 is an open area provided in the housing 20, and is preferably formed in the housing wall. The housing window 26 is used to help flush debris generated or accumulated during use of the personal care product 10. Debris may include dead skin cells, hair (e.g., including vellus hair), care or shaving preparations, dirt, oils, and other substances removed from the outer surface of the skin or applied to the surface of the skin during use.

[0046]

[0046] Covers that may be used with the personal care product 10 will now be discussed. Figure 2A and Figure 2B are top and bottom views of one possible embodiment of a cover 80 for a personal care product according to the present invention. Figure 2C and Figure 2D 80 are top and bottom perspective views of one possible embodiment of a cover 80 for a personal care product according to the present invention. In some embodiments, the cover 80 is used Figures 1A to 1C In other embodiments, the cover 80 is configured to remove Figures 1A to 1C In these other embodiments, the personal care product has one or more common features with personal care product 10 (e.g., a flat treatment sheet secured to the housing of the personal care product, a non-orthogonal angle between the axis of the handle and a direction perpendicular to the surface of the flat treatment sheet, etc.).

[0047] like FIG. 2A to FIG. 2DAs shown, the cover 80 includes a base 821 having a planar outer surface 822. The cover 80 also includes an outer edge 832 that extends around the periphery 825 of the planar outer surface 822. The cover 80 also includes an inner edge 830 that is configured to engage (e.g., frictionally engage) with a portion of the applicator head 11 (e.g., frame 50) when the applicator head 11 is received in the cavity 810 of the cover 80. The edge thickness 855 between the inner edge 830 and the outer edge 832 is about 0.8 mm, or in the range of about 0.2 mm to about 2 mm. In these embodiments, the cover 80 is configured to surround the portion of the applicator head 11 and cover the treatment sheet 40.

[0048] like FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D As further shown, in some embodiments, the cover 80 includes one or more tabs 850 that are integral with the cover 80 and extend beyond the inner edge 830. In one embodiment, the tab 850 has one or more dimensions including a tab length 852. In one embodiment, the tab length 852 of the tab 850 is measured from the inner edge 830 to the outer edge 832 along a cover axis 853 that divides the cover 80 into symmetrical segments. In an exemplary embodiment, the tab length 852 is about 16 millimeters (mm), or in the range of about 3 mm to about 30 mm, and preferably in the range of about 5 mm to about 20 mm. The total length 857 of the cover 80 along the cover axis 853 is about 25 mm, or in the range of about 15 mm to about 35 mm.

[0049] like FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D As further shown in FIG. 8 , the cover 80 has a planar inner surface 820 such that the planar inner surface 820 and the inner edge 830 define a cavity 810 configured to receive a portion of the applicator head 11 (e.g., the frame 50). In some embodiments, the planar inner surface 820 takes a polygonal shape or a substantially circular shape.

[0050] In some embodiments, the inner edge 830 and the outer edge 832 are formed such that at least one of the inner edge 830 and the outer edge 832 is oriented perpendicular to the planar outer surface 822 of the cover 80. For the purposes of this specification, "perpendicular" refers to an angle between about 85 degrees and about 95 degrees and / or between about 80 degrees and about 100 degrees.

[0051] In some embodiments, the cover 80 (e.g., including the tabs 850) is made of a rigid plastic or metal material. In some exemplary embodiments, the cover 80 is injection molded or thermoformed from a polymer material including, but not limited to, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), or any combination thereof. However, the cover 80 is not limited to these materials and may be formed from any material that one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize to achieve frictional engagement with the applicator head 11. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D As shown, in some embodiments, the cover 80 is a one-piece piece without hinges, springs, or moveable parts.

[0052] like Figure 2D As shown, in some embodiments, the tab 850 includes a tab base 826 that defines a first tab surface 823 that is coplanar with the planar outer surface 822 of the cover base 821 .

[0053] In some embodiments, the cover 80 is made of multiple parts. The first part of the cover 80 includes a planar outer surface 822. The second part of the cover 80 defines the cavity 810 (e.g., the inner edge 830 and the planar inner surface 820). The third part of the cover 80 includes an inner edge 830 extending around the periphery 813 of the cavity 310, wherein the inner edge 830 is configured to frictionally engage with the applicator head 11 (e.g., the frame 50) when the applicator head 11 is placed in the cavity 810. The fourth part of the cover 80 includes one or more tabs 850 that protrude beyond the inner edge 830. In one embodiment, the first part, the second part, the third part, and the fourth part are integrally formed (e.g., injection molded or thermoformed by a polymer material).

[0054] Alternative embodiments of the cover will now be discussed, which are different from FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D An embodiment of the cover 80 is depicted in FIG. Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a cross-sectional side view of a possible embodiment of a cover 80 ′, 80 ″ for a personal care product according to the present invention. Figure 3C and Figure 3D is a cross-sectional side view of a possible embodiment of a cover 80"', 80"" for a personal care product according to the present invention. In some embodiments, FIG. 3A to FIG. 3DThe covers 80', 80", 80'", 80"" are each configured for use with the personal care product 10. The covers 80', 80", 80'", 80"" have one or more common features with the previously discussed cover 80, and thus the description of the covers 80', 80", 80'", 80"" herein will focus on the differences between the designs of the covers 80', 80", 80'", 80"" and the cover 80. Similar to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D The cover 80 design, Figure 3A The cover 80' design includes a tab 850' having a first tab surface 823 that is coplanar with the planar outer surface 822 of the cover 80'. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D The cover 80 in the embodiment is designed differently. Figure 3A The cover 80' is designed to have a second tab surface 824' that is not parallel to the planar outer surface 822 of the cover 80. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D The cover 80 in the embodiment is designed differently. Figure 3A The cover 80 ′ is designed to be tapered such that the height of the tab 850 ′ (between the first tab surface 823 and the second tab surface 824 ) varies along the tab length 852 of the tab 850 ′. Figure 3B The cover 80 ″ is designed with a tab 850 ″, wherein the tab surfaces 823 ″, 824 ″ of the tab 850 ″ are not coplanar or parallel to the planar outer surface 822 .

[0055] In one embodiment, Figure 3C A cover 80'" design is depicted in which an inner edge 830'" is different from the inner edge 830 of the cover 80. In one embodiment, the inner edge 830'" defines a cavity 810 and includes a step 840 such that an inner diameter 842 of the cavity 810 varies between a first size to a second size across the step 840. In an example embodiment, the inner diameter 842 is approximately 19 mm, or is within a range of approximately 6 mm to approximately 27 mm. In these embodiments of the cover 80'", the step 840 is configured to engage with a portion of the applicator head 11 positioned within the cavity 810 (e.g., the frame 50).

[0056] In one embodiment, Figure 3D Depicted is a cover 80"" design where the first tab 850a"" is aligned with Figure 3A and Figure 3B The tab 850' and the tab 850" are on the same side of the cover 80"", and the second tab 850b"" is on the opposite side of the cover 80"". In an example embodiment, the first tab 850a"" can be used as a stand to support the beauty care product 10, and the second tab 850b"" can be used to pull and remove the applicator head 11 from the cover 80"" with fingers.

[0057] Figure 3E and Figure 3F is a top view of a possible embodiment of a cover 80""', 80""" for a personal care product according to the present invention. Figure 3G and Figure 3H is a side perspective view of a possible embodiment of a cover 80"""', 80"""" for a personal care product according to the present invention. In some embodiments, FIG. 3E to FIG. 3H The covers are each configured to be used with a personal care product 10. FIG. 3E to FIG. 3H The cover has one or more common features with the previously discussed cover 80, and therefore the description of the covers 80""', 80""", 80"""', 80"""" herein will focus on the differences from the cover 80. Figure 3E As shown, in one embodiment, the cover 80""' may employ a tab 850""' that defines one or more holes 859. In an example embodiment, the size of the holes 859 may be designed for various functions. In an example embodiment, the size and / or shape of the holes 859 are designed to hang the cover 80""' (and the beauty care product 10 having the applicator head 11 frictionally engaged within the cavity 810 of the cover 80""') from a non-horizontal shelf surface (e.g., a wall). In these embodiments, a hook or similarly shaped object on the shelf surface passes through the hole 859 to hang the cover 80""' and the personal care product 10 from the shelf surface. Figure 3F Depicted with Figure 3E A similar cover 80""" design is provided, except that a recess 861 (rather than a hole 859) is formed in the cover 80""" and that a plurality of tabs 850a""", 850b""" are provided, wherein the recess 861 is located between the plurality of tabs. In some embodiments, Figure 3F The cover 80""" design may also be hung in an area by passing an object (e.g., a hook on a wall) through the recess 861, wherein the size of the recess 861 is designed to partially enclose the object so that the cover 80""" may be hung in the area.

[0058] In some embodiments, Figure 3G and Figure 3H Depicted covering 80"""', 80"""" may include one or more tabs 850"""', 850"""" having one or more common features with tab 850 of covering 80. In one example embodiment, Figure 3G and Figure 3HThe tabs 850"""', 850"""" employ corresponding tab bases 826"""', 826"""", which define first tab surfaces 823"""', 823"""" coplanar with the planar outer surface 822 of the cover 80"""', 80"""" respectively. However, FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D The cover design is different. Figure 3G and Figure 3H The first tab surfaces 823"""', 823"""" of the corresponding tab bases 826"""', 826"""" are spaced apart from the planar outer surface 822 (but still coplanar). In some embodiments, Figure 3G and Figure 3H The second tab surfaces 824"""', 824"""" of the corresponding tabs 850"""', 850"""" may not be parallel to the planar outer surface 822 of the base 821. In addition, in some embodiments, Figure 3G Cover 80"""' design and Figure 3H The cover 80"""" design has one or more differences. In some embodiments, Figure 3H Compared to the second tab surface 824""" of the cover 80""" Figure 3G In one exemplary embodiment, the angle 865 formed between the axis 863 defining the second tab surface 824"""' and the plane 860 in the cover 80"""' design is greater than the corresponding angle 865' formed between the axis 863' defining the second tab surface 824"""" and the plane 860 in the cover 80"""'. In other embodiments, Figure 3G The first tab surface 823"""" of the cover 80"""' is parallel to the length 867 of the plane 860. Figure 3H The length 867' of the first tab surface 823"""" of the cover 80"""" is different (eg, shorter).

[0059] The use of the cover in conjunction with a personal care product will now be discussed. Figure 4 is a side view of an applicator head cover used as a holder for a personal care product having a handle and an applicator head according to the present invention. In some embodiments, Figure 4 Depicted as Figures 1A to 1C 10 Stands for Personal Care Products FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D The applicator head cover 80. However, other cover designs discussed herein can be used as a holder for the personal care product 10 in a similar manner.

[0060] like Figure 4As shown, the cover 80 supports the personal care product 10 such that an angle 32 is formed between the axis 34 of the handle 30 and a plane 860 defined by the planar outer surface 822. The handle axis 34 is defined as an axis extending along the length of the handle 30. In one embodiment, the plane 860 is defined such that it is parallel to the planar outer surface 822. In other embodiments, the cover 80 supports the personal care product 10 such that an angle 32 is formed between the handle axis 34 and the tab 850 (e.g., the first tab surface 823), the planar outer surface 822, or both. In one embodiment, when the cover 80 supports the personal care product 10 on a horizontal resting surface 90, the plane 860 is aligned with and / or parallel to the resting surface 90, and thus also forms an angle 32 between the handle axis 34 and the resting surface 90. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle 32 is in the range of about 10 degrees to about 60 degrees. In one embodiment, the flat treatment sheet 40 secured within the cavity 810 of the cover 80 is aligned parallel to the planar outer surface 822. Thus, in these embodiments, an angle 32 is also formed between the handle axis 34 and a plane parallel to the flat treatment sheet 40 (e.g., plane 860).

[0061] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the cover 80 is configured to support the personal care product 10 without additional support (e.g., without additional structure or components to support the personal care product 10 on the resting surface 90 so that the handle axis 34 forms an angle 32, such as Figure 4 shown).

[0062] like Figure 4 8, one or more tabs 850 are integral with the cover 80 and extend beyond the inner edge 830 such that the handle 30 is angled toward the one or more tabs 850. The inventors of the present invention recognized that it would be advantageous to form the tabs 850 so that they are located on the same side of the cover 80 that the personal care product 10 (e.g., the handle 30) is angled toward because extending the tabs 850 on that side facilitates supporting the personal care product 10 on the resting surface 90.

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the personal care product 10 includes a center of gravity 60. In some embodiments, the tab length 852 of one or more tabs 850 is selected based on the center of gravity 60. This selection of the tab length 852 based on the center of gravity 60 advantageously ensures that the cover 80 supports the personal care product 10, such as Figure 4 In one embodiment, Figure 4A projection 61 of the center of gravity 60 of the personal care product 10 in the plane 860 (or along the resting surface 90) is depicted. The length 836 is defined between the projection 61 of the center of gravity 60 in the plane 860 (or along the resting surface 90) and the inner edge 830 (e.g., the portion of the inner edge 830 closest to the projection 61) or the portion of the applicator head 11 that engages the inner edge 830. In some embodiments, the tab length 852 of one or more tabs 850 is selected to be greater than the length 836 between the projection 61 of the center of gravity and the inner edge 830. In an example embodiment, the length 836 varies between about 1 mm and about 15 mm, while the length 852 varies between about 3 mm and about 30 mm. The inventors of the present invention recognized that such conditions regarding the tab length 852 of one or more tabs 850 facilitate the cover 80 supporting the personal care product 10 in a stable manner, such as Figure 4 As shown, the personal care product will not fall onto the resting surface 90 at an angle 32.

[0064] Despite the above Figure 4 822) is discussed, but in other embodiments, the plane 860 is defined by the planar handling sheet 40 (e.g., fixed within the cavity 810 of the cover 80) and / or the planar outer surface 822. In an example embodiment, the plane 860 is defined such that it is parallel to the planar handling sheet 40 and / or the planar outer surface 822.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the cover 80 is configured so that when it covers or encloses the applicator head 11 of the personal care product 10, it does not block the one or more windows 26 of the housing 20. The inventors of the present invention have recognized that when the cover 80 supports the personal care product 10, this advantageously promotes the evaporation of moisture from the applicator head 11 (e.g., the flat treatment sheet 40).

[0066] A cross-sectional view of the interface between the cover 80 and the applicator head 11 will now be discussed. Figure 5A and Figure 5B According to the present invention Figure 4 822 and the personal care product 10. The tab 850 has a second tab surface 824 that is not coplanar with the planar outer surface 822 of the base 821. In one exemplary embodiment, the second tab surface 824 is oriented parallel to the planar outer surface 822. However, in other embodiments, the second tab surface 824 is neither coplanar with the planar outer surface 822 nor parallel to the planar outer surface. Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, in some embodiments, when the applicator head 11 is received in the cavity 810 and engaged with the cover 80, the planar inner surface 822 is aligned parallel to the flat treatment sheet 40. In some embodiments, Figure 5A and Figure 5B The inner edge 830 is depicted in frictional engagement with a portion of the applicator head 11 (eg, the frame 50). Figure 5A and Figure 5B It is depicted that in some embodiments, the cavity 810 defines a planar inner surface 820 that is configured to receive the applicator head 11 .

[0067] Figure 5C It is shown that according to the present invention Figure 4 80 and the personal care product 10. In some embodiments, the outer dimensions of the applicator head 11 are smaller than the inner dimensions of the cavity 810, so that a small gap 811 is provided between the inner edge 830 and the applicator head 11. In an exemplary embodiment, the gap 811 is less than about 0.3 mm, and more specifically less than about 0.15 mm. However, in other embodiments, the outer dimensions of the applicator head 11 are equal to or greater than the inner dimensions of the cavity 810, so that the frictional engagement between the inner edge 830 and the applicator head 11 is achieved by pressing the applicator head 11 against the inner edge 830.

[0068] The illustrations presented herein are not intended to be actual views of any particular cover, support, apparatus (eg, device, system, etc.), or method, but are merely idealized and / or schematic representations used to describe and illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0069] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​cited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and a functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm" or ±10% of the disclosed dimension.

[0070] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or patent application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or the benefit of, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, nor is it an admission that it alone or in any combination with any other reference or references teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. In addition, when any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

[0071] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention be covered in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cover (80) for an applicator head (11) of a personal care product (10), the cover comprising: a first portion, the first portion comprising a planar outer surface (822); a second portion, the second portion comprising a cavity (810); a third portion, the third portion comprising an inner edge (830) surrounding a portion of the periphery (813) of the cavity (810), the inner edge (830) being configured to frictionally engage with an applicator head (11) of the personal care product (10) when the applicator head (11) is placed in the cavity (810); and A fourth portion includes one or more planar tabs (850) protruding beyond the inner edge (830).

2. The cover (80) of claim 1, wherein the one or more tabs (850) extend over a tab length (852) ranging from about 3 mm to about 30 mm.

3. The cover (80) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first portion, the second portion, the third portion and the fourth portion are integrally formed.

4. The cover (80) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (80) consists of a rigid plastic or metal.

5. The cover (80) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more tabs (850) are constructed of rigid plastic or metal.

6. The cover (80) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion, the second portion, the third portion and the fourth portion are formed as a single piece without hinges, springs or assembly parts.

7. A cover (80) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (80) is configured to support the personal care product (10) on a resting surface (90), wherein the personal care product (10) includes a center of gravity (60), and wherein the one or more tabs (850) extend along the resting surface (90) a tab length (852), the tab length exceeding the length (836) between the projection (61) of the center of gravity (60) onto the resting surface (90), the projection (61) being in a direction parallel to an axis (63) perpendicular to the resting surface (90).

8. A covering (80) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the personal product (10) includes a center of gravity (60) having a projection (61) onto a plane (860) parallel to at least one of the planar outer surface (822) and the flat handling sheet (1), wherein the tab length (852) of the one or more tabs (850) beyond the inner edge (830) along the plane (860) exceeds the length (836) along the plane (860) between the projection (61) and the inner edge (830).

9. The cover (80) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third portion further comprises an outer edge (832) extending around a perimeter of the planar outer surface (822).

10. The cover (80) of claim 9, wherein the outer edge (832) is perpendicular to the planar outer surface (822).

11. The cover (80) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity (810) has a planar inner surface (820) configured to receive the applicator head (11).

12. The cover (80) of claim 11, wherein the planar inner surface (820) of the cavity (810) has a polygonal shape or a substantially circular shape.

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