A personal care apparatus

Abstract

A personal care apparatus comprising a body contacting portion and a handle assembly coupling portion. The body contacting portion is able to rotate with respect to the handle assembly coupling portion, as the handle assembly coupling portion moves over a surface of a housing of the body contacting portion. The center of this rotation, i.e., the effective pivot point of the body contacting portion, lies near a first plane. The first plane is defined as a plane in which three body contacting elements of the body contacting portion lie.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of personal care devices, and in particular to personal care devices and apparatus.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Personal care devices designed for use on the body (e.g., the head) have long been used to perform personal care functions. These devices typically rely on the application of heat, airflow and / or light to perform any such personal care functions. Some examples of personal care devices are used to perform at least one trichological care function (i.e., at least one hair and / or scalp care function) on the head of the subject.

[0003] A trichological care function is any function or task designed for, maintaining, or improving the health, appearance, or condition of the hair, scalp, or both. Example functions / tasks include: cleaning, moisturizing, conditioning, styling, drying, massaging, exfoliating, or applying therapeutic light to the hair, scalp, or both.

[0004] There is an ongoing desire to improve personal care devices, particularly to increase an ease of an individual performing a personal (e.g., trichological) care function on themselves.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0006] According to examples in accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a personal care apparatus for a body of a subject.

[0007] The personal care apparatus comprises: a body contacting portion comprising a housing and at least three body contacting elements, lying in a first plane, wherein each body contacting element is supported by the housing and is configured to contact the subject when the body contacting portion is applied to the body; and a handle assembly coupling portion for connection to a handle assembly, wherein the handle assembly coupling portion is configured to be movable over a surface of the housing of the body contacting portion such that the body contacting portion is able to rotate with respect to the handle assembly coupling portion, wherein an effective pivot point of the rotation of the body contacting portion with respect to the handle assembly coupling portion lies in or proximate to the first plane.

[0008] The present disclosure provides a personal care apparatus that is able to closely follow the contour / surface of a subject's body as the apparatus is moved thereover. In this way, an ease of moving the personal care apparatus is improved, whilst still facilitating close coupling of the personal care apparatus to the body for maintaining or improving the performance of a personal care function.

[0009] This functionality is achieved by positioning the center of rotation (i.e., the effective pivot point) of the body contacting portion close to the plane in which the body contacting elements lie. The ability of the handle assembly coupling portion to move over the surface of the housing of the body facilitates positioning of this center of rotation close or proximate to this plane.

[0010] In the context of the present disclosure, an effective pivot point is a point about which the body contacting portion effectively rotates or pivots during use, even though there may not be a physical pivot or hinge at that exact location.

[0011] The housing of the body contacting portion may be configured to terminate at or before the first plane and converge with increasing distance from the first plane.

[0012] In this way, the outermost edge or boundary of the housing ends either at the same level as the first plane (where the body contacting elements lie) or before reaching that plane. Moreover, the housing becomes narrower or tapers inward increased distance from the first plane, i.e., as one moves away from the first plane. This creates a converging shape for the housing, e.g., having a conical, funnel or frustum shape, with the wider part closer to the body contacting elements.

[0013] This configuration or design places the effective pivot point of the body contacting portion close to the first plane, to improve the performance of the personal care apparatus.

[0014] The housing of the body contacting portion may be configured to curve with increasing distance from the first plane. This provides a smooth surface over which the handle assembly coupling portion is able to move, for improved ease of moving the body contacting portion (and overall personal care apparatus) over the body of the subject.

[0015] In some examples, the handle assembly coupling portion comprises a complimentary curved surface that is moveable over a curve of the housing of the body contacting portion. In this way, the handle assembly coupling portion effectively functions as a socket in which the body contacting portion moves, thereby defining an effective pivot point that is close to the first plane in which the body contacting elements lie.

[0016] In some examples, the handle assembly coupling portion defines a socket for receiving the body contacting portion; and the body contacting portion is received by the socket defined by the handle assembly coupling portion and is freely rotatable within the socket portion. As previously mentioned, this effectively forms or arranges the handle assembly coupling portion and the body contacting portion in a similar manner to a ball-and-socket joint. This provides a personal care apparatus that is easy to move over the contour / surface of the body, whilst still allowing even pressure to be applied to the body for improved performance of the personal care function.

[0017] In the context of the present disclosure, the body contacting portion is considered to be freely rotatable when it is able to rotate about the effective pivot point in any direction (e.g., from an initial neutral position). However, it will be appreciated that the rotation of the body contacting portion may be restricted in magnitude from the initial neutral position (e.g., to prevent complete disconnection of the body contacting portion from the socket of the handle assembly coupling portion).

[0018] In some examples, each body contacting element comprises a bearing for moving over the body. This increases an ease of moving the personal care apparatus over the body of the subject.

[0019] In some examples, each body contacting element comprises a hair guard configured to lie flush to the bearing to reduce a risk of hair being caught by the bearing. This reduces a risk of hair getting caught during use of the personal care apparatus, improving a comfort to the user / operator.

[0020] In some examples, the personal care apparatus further comprises a biasing element configured to bias the handle assembly coupling portion towards a central axis of the body contacting portion, the central axis being perpendicular to the first plane and passing through a geometric center of the body contacting portion. This helps provide a self-balancing functionality to the body contacting portion. This also functions to maintain an evenly distributed pressure of the body contacting portion against the body, when the apparatus is in use.

[0021] In some examples, the body contacting portion comprises a first window; the handle assembly coupling portion comprises a second window; and movement of the handle assembly coupling portion over the surface of the body contacting portion is restricted such that the first window remains at least partially overlapped with the second window.

[0022] This provides a channel or pathway through which light (or other electromagnetic waves) and / or media (e.g., material, moisture or air) can pass from the body to outside of the handle assembly coupling portion and vice versa.

[0023] In some examples, the second window of the handle assembly coupling portion is configured to receive electromagnetic waves and / or an air flow from the handle assembly and permit transmission of the received electromagnetic waves and / or airflow through the first window towards the first plane. The electromagnetic waves may, if used, comprise visible light, infrared and / or ultraviolet waves. The electromagnetic waves may be designed for performing a sensing operation for the body and / or a care operation for the body.

[0024] In some examples, the body contacting portion and / or the handle assembly coupling portion supports one or more first personal care elements configured to generate light and / or an air flow for performing a personal care function.

[0025] The body contacting portion may be substantially domical in shape. This provides a smooth surface over which the handle assembly coupling portion may move.

[0026] The handle assembly coupling portion may be substantially domical in shape. This provides a complimentary shape for ease of movement over the body contacting portion.

[0027] In some examples, the handle assembly coupling portion is configured to be removably couplable to the handle assembly.

[0028] There is also proposed a personal care system comprising any above described personal care apparatus and a handle assembly coupled to the handle assembly coupling portion.

[0029] In some examples, the handle assembly is removably couplable to the handle assembly coupling portion. Thus, the personal care system may be modular, comprising at least two parts: a first part (the personal care apparatus) comprising the handle assembly coupling portion and the body contacting portion; and a second part formed from the handle assembly. In this way, the first part (the personal care apparatus) may effectively function as an attachment for the handle assembly.

[0030] In other examples, the handle assembly is fixedly and / or integrally formed with the handle assembly coupling portion. Thus, the personal care system may be a single integrated device.

[0031] The handle assembly may further comprise one or more second personal care elements configured to generate light and / or an air flow for performing a personal care function. The handle assembly may thereby define a hair dryer or personal care device that performs a personal care function.

[0032] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 conceptually illustrates a proposed personal care apparatus; Fig. 2 provides a perspective view of a proposed care apparatus; Fig. 3 provides another perspective view of the proposed care apparatus; Fig. 4 provides a side view of a proposed care apparatus; Figs. 5 and 6 illustrate use case scenarios for the proposed care apparatus; Fig. 7 illustrates a body contacting element for use in a proposed care apparatus; and Figs. 8 to 12 illustrate exemplary personal care systems. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0034] The invention will be described with reference to the Figures.

[0035] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, systems and methods, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the Figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the Figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0036] The invention provides a personal care apparatus comprising a body contacting portion and a handle assembly coupling portion. The body contacting portion is able to rotate with respect to the handle assembly coupling portion, as the handle assembly coupling portion moves over a surface of a housing of the body contacting portion. The center of this rotation, i.e., the effective pivot point of the body contacting portion, lies near a first plane. The first plane is defined as a plane in which three body contacting elements of the body contacting portion lie.

[0037] In the context of the present disclosure, the body of a subject comprises any part of the subject, such as the hair, scalp, skin, torso and so on. Thus, an element that contacts the body of the subject may contact any part of the subject.

[0038] In the context of the present disclosure, a subject is any human or animal on which a personal care function is to be performed. The term personal care function is considered to be interchangeable with the term body care function, personal care task or body care task.

[0039] In the context of the present disclosure, a personal care element is any element configured or designed to perform a personal care task or personal care function. Examples include heating elements (such as infrared light sources), air flow generators, ultraviolet light generators (e.g., for performing a scalp / skin treatment and / or hair styling function), light-based therapy elements (e.g., intense pulsed-light treatments), brushing elements (e.g., bristles), vibrating elements (for applying vibration to the body) and so on. Preferably, the personal care element(s) is / are each an electronically controlled and / or activated personal care element.

[0040] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a proposed personal care apparatus 100 for a body of a subject.

[0041] The personal care apparatus 100 is designed for performing and / or assisting in the performance of a personal care task or function on the body of the subject. In particular, the personal care apparatus effectively represent a portion (e.g., some or all) of a personal care system (later described) that contacts the body of a subject during use of the personal care system.

[0042] The personal care apparatus 100 comprises a body contacting portion 110 and a handle assembly coupling portion 120.

[0043] The body contacting portion 110 is designed for contacting the body of a subject. The body contacting portion comprises a housing 111 and at least three body contacting elements 112A, 112B (of which only two are visible in Fig. 1).

[0044] The at least three body contacting elements 112A, 112B define and (therefore) lie in a first plane P1. The skilled person will readily appreciate how any three points in space are able to define a plane in said space. Based on at least this understanding, it will be appreciated how the at least three body contacting elements are able to define a first plane. More specifically, the first plane may be defined as a plane in which a planar surface would lie if the at least three body contacting elements were to rest upon the planar surface.

[0045] It will be appreciated that, in some instances, the at least three body contacting elements may comprise more than three body contacting elements, e.g., four body contacting element. However, exactly three body contacting elements are preferred for improved smoothness of movement of the personal care apparatus over the body.

[0046] In alternative examples, the body contacting elements are instead embodied as different portions or parts of a same shared surface (e.g., shaped like an annular ring) which defines and lies in the first plane P1. This same shared surface may be an end of the housing 111.

[0047] In the illustrated example, the body contacting elements 112A, 112B protrude from the housing 111, such that the housing 111 is distanced from the body when the body contacting elements 112A, 112B. However, this is not essential. In other examples, the body contacting elements lie flush with the housing, such that one end of the housing lies in the first plane.

[0048] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that, in use, (e.g., an end of) the body contacting portion 110 engages with the body of the subject. This engagement is via at least the body contacting elements 112A, 112B of the body contacting portion.

[0049] It will also be appreciated that, in use, at least a portion of the interior of the housing may be exposed to the subject of the body. Thus, the housing 111 may comprise an aperture 113 or opening that is exposed to the subject of the body. This aperture 113 is positioned at an end of the body contacting portion 110 that engages with the body of the subject in use.

[0050] The handle assembly coupling portion 120 is configured for connection to a handle assembly.

[0051] The handle assembly coupling portion 120 is configured to be movable over a (outer) surface 115 of the housing of the body contacting portion. In this way, the body contacting portion is able to rotate with respect to the handle assembly coupling portion. In particular, as the handle assembly coupling portion moves over the housing of the body contacting portion, the relative orientations of the body contacting portion and the handle assembly coupling portion change with respect to one another, such that there is an effective rotation of the body contacting portion with respect to the handle assembly coupling portion (and vice versa).

[0052] By allowing the handle assembly coupling portion 120 to move over the surface of the housing in this way, an operator of the personal care system (comprising the personal care apparatus 100) is able to angle or change a position of the handle assembly with respect to the body contacting portion whilst still keeping the body contacting portion flush against the body of the subject (even over contours of the subject).

[0053] In particular, the handle assembly coupling portion is configured to function as a shell-like device that is able to move over the outer surface 115 of the housing 111 of the body contacting portion.

[0054] The personal care apparatus is configured such that an effective pivot point 130 of the rotation of the body contacting portion 110, with respect to the handle assembly coupling portion 120, lies in or proximate to the first plane P1.

[0055] In this context, the effective pivot point is considered to be proximate to the first plane if it lies more proximate to the first plane P1 than any portion of the handle assembly coupling portion (for any position of the handle assembly coupling portion).

[0056] In particular, in preferred examples, the smallest distance between the effective pivot point and the first plane P1 is no more than 0.2 times the smallest distance between the effective pivot point and the handle assembly coupling portion 120 (for any position of the handle assembly coupling portion).

[0057] By way of example, the effective pivot point may be considered to be proximate to the first plane if it lies no more than 20 mm, and more preferably no more than 10 mm from the first plane.

[0058] An effective pivot point 130 (which may be alternatively labelled a virtual pivot point) is the point about which the body contact portion will rotate (with respect to the handle assembly coupling portion) as the handle assembly coupling portion moves over the surface of the body contacting portion. Thus, the effective pivot point 130 represents the center of rotation of the body contacting portion for a rotation of the body contacting portion with respect to the handle assembly coupling portion.

[0059] In the illustrated example, this is achieved by configuring the housing 111 of the body contacting portion to converge or taper with increased distance from the plane P1 and configuring the handle assembly coupling portion 120 to have a receiving surface 121 that has a reciprocal (e.g., shell-like) shape for receiving a portion of the housing 111 therein. The receiving surface 121 thereby functions as a socket within which the housing 111 is able to rotate.

[0060] More specifically, the receiving surface 121 of the handle assembly coupling portion 120 has a reciprocal or complementary geometric shape to the outer surface 115 of the housing 111, and therefore the overall housing, over which the handle assembly coupling portion is able to move.

[0061] In particular, in the illustrated example, the (outer surface 115 of the) housing 111 has a domical shape (i.e., dome-like shape) and the receiving surface 121 of the handle assembly coupling portion 120 has a bowl- or cup-like (i.e., parabolic) shape to receive the domical shape of the (outer surface 115 of the) housing 111 and allow said domical shape to rotate about the effective pivot point. Thus, the handle assembly coupling portion 120, specifically the receiving surface 121 thereof, may also have a domical shape to complement the domical shape of the housing 111.

[0062] More specifically, the housing 111 may resemble a hollow dome.

[0063] In this way, the illustrated handle assembly coupling portion 120 effectively defines a socket, having the receiving surface 121, within which the body contacting portion 110 is able to rotate. The rotation of the body contacting portion is a free rotation, in the sense that it is able to rotate about the effective pivot point in any direction (e.g., from an initial neutral position). Nonetheless, it will be appreciated that the rotation of the body contacting portion may be restricted in magnitude from the initial neutral position (e.g., to prevent complete disconnection of the body contacting portion from the socket of the handle assembly coupling portion).

[0064] More particularly, the receiving surface 121 of the socket is shaped such that rotation of the body contacting portion (with respect to the handle assembly coupling portion) is bounded or restricted to a rotation about the effective pivot point.

[0065] More specifically, it will be appreciated that the shape of the receiving surface 121 defines or dictates the freedom of movement of the body contacting portion with respect to the handle assembly coupling. In particular, the housing 111 of the body contacting portion 110 only be able to rotate within a volume bound by the receiving surface, as the receiving surface 121 will prevent movement outside of the volume.

[0066] Even more particularly, it will be appreciated that appropriate design of the housing 111 and the socket 121 can be made to achieve a desired effective pivot point. By configuring the receiving surface 121 to be bowl-shaped and the housing 111 to have a complimentary shape that is received in the bowl-shaped receiving surface, the receiving surface is able to restrict the rotation of the body coupling portion to be about the effective pivot point. Appropriate design of the shapes facilitates control over the positioning of the effective pivot point. The illustrated example is designed with a domical housing 111 and bowl-shaped receiving surface 121 to achieve an effective pivot point that lies within the plane P1.

[0067] By way of further explanation, if the housing 111 instead converged as it approached the first plane P1 (i.e., converged with reducing distance to the first plane), then the effective pivot point would lie within the volume bound by the housing 111. For instance, in a scenario in which the housing instead takes the shape of a portion of a sphere larger than a half-sphere, then the effective pivot point of such a housing would lie within the volume bound by the housing.

[0068] By contrast, if the housing takes the shape of a portion of a sphere smaller than a half-sphere (i.e., a domical shape), then the effective pivot point would lie outside of a volume bound by the housing. Naturally, a housing taking the shape of a half-sphere would cause the effective pivot point to lie on the surface of the volume bound by the housing (e.g., in the first plane, if the housing itself defines the body contacting elements).

[0069] Positioning the effective pivot point 130 of the rotation of the body contacting portion 110 (with respect to the handle assembly coupling portion 120) to lie in or proximate to the first plane P1 facilitates smooth movement of the body contacting portion 110 over the contours / surface of the body.

[0070] In particular, the closer the effective pivot point is to the contour or surface over which the body contacting portion moves, the smoother the movement of the body contacting portion 110 over said contour / surface. In this way, positioning the effective pivot point to lie close to the contour / surface increases an ease of moving the body contacting portion 110 over said contour / surface.

[0071] As previously mentioned, in some examples, the effective pivot point may lie no more than 20 mm from the first plane, e.g., no more than 10 mm from the first plane, e.g., no more than 5 mm away from the first plane. Thus, in some examples, the maximum distance between the effective pivot point and the first plane may be no more than 20mm, e.g., no more than 10 mm, e.g., no more than 5 mm. This ensures that the effective pivot point will remain close to the contour / surface of the subject as the body contacting portion 110 moves thereover. A value of 20 mm provides a good compromise for facilitating each of movement over typical or expected human bodily curves (e.g., over the curvature of the shoulder(s)), e.g., with reduced risk of drawing. A value of 10 mm is a good compromise for facilitating ease of movement over the curvature of a typical or expected head, e.g., with reduced risk of dragging.

[0072] In preferred examples, the effective pivot point P1 (i.e., the center of rotation) for the body contacting portion 110 lies between the first plane and the handle assembly coupling portion, e.g., within a volume bound by the housing 111. As previously mentioned, this can be achieved through appropriate shaping / design of the body contacting portion 110 and the handle assembly coupling portion.

[0073] This approach recognizes that the contours of the body over which the body contacting portion 110 is to move are typically convex, i.e., curve outwardly. By positioning the effective pivot point in this position, the body contacting portion is able to more smoothly move over the body.

[0074] Fig. 2 provides a perspective view of a proposed personal care apparatus, for the sake of improved understanding. In particular, Fig. 2 more clearly illustrates how the at least three body contacting elements 112A, 112B, 112C may define a first plane P1.

[0075] Fig. 2 also illustrates an exemplary mechanism for coupling the body contacting portion to the handle assembly coupling portion.

[0076] In particular, the personal care apparatus 100 may comprise a securing mechanism 210 that secures the body contacting portion to the handle assembly coupling portion. The securing mechanism 210 is configured to permit movement of the handle assembly coupling portion over the surface of the body contacting portion.

[0077] An alternative mechanism for coupling the body contacting portion to the handle assembly coupling portion is a magnetic coupling mechanism. In particular, the body contacting portion and the handle assembly coupling portion may be magnetically attracted to one another, whilst still being rotatably connected to one another (e.g., by way of one or more bearings or similar mechanisms).

[0078] Other suitable mechanisms or approaches for coupling the body contacting portion and the handle assembly coupling portion together will be readily apparent to the skilled person, such as retaining elements that connect to the body contacting portion and extend over the handle assembly coupling portion to restrict a movement of the handle assembly coupling portion away from the body contacting portion.

[0079] It will be appreciated that, in some examples, the body contacting portion and the handle assembly coupling portion are removably or detatchably coupled to one another. This allows for disassembly and (re)assembly of the personal care apparatus, e.g., for the purposes of maintenance, cleaning, reduced height for ease of transportation and so on.

[0080] Fig. 3 provides another perspective view of the proposed personal care apparatus 100. This Figure demonstrates how the handle assembly coupling portion 120 may define a reciprocal shape to complement the shape of the housing 111.

[0081] Fig. 4 provides a side view of the proposed personal care apparatus 100. This similarly demonstrates how the handling assembly coupling portion 120 and the housing 111 may have reciprocal shapes.

[0082] Figs. 5 and 6 illustrate an exemplary use case scenario of the personal care apparatus. The personal care apparatus 100 is able to move smoothly over the body (and specifically here: the head) of the subject 500 whilst still keeping the body contacting portions flush thereagainst.

[0083] In particular, Figs. 5 and 6 demonstrate how, as the personal care apparatus is moved over the body of the subject, the body contacting portion is able to rotate with respect to the handle assembly coupling portion, to remain flush or tight against the contour / surface of the body.

[0084] Some further optional features of the personal care apparatus are hereafter described, with reference to previously described Figures.

[0085] As previously mentioned, the housing 111 of the body contacting portion may converge with increasing distance from the first plane. In particular, the housing 111 of the body contacting portion may terminate at or before the first plane P1.

[0086] In the illustrated example, each body contacting element extends from the housing to define the first plane away from the housing. Thus, the housing 111 terminates before the first plane.

[0087] Referring specifically to Figs. 2 and 3, in some examples, the personal care apparatus 100 further comprises a biasing element 210 configured to bias the handle assembly coupling portion towards a central axis CA of the body contacting portion, the central axis being perpendicular to the first plane and passing through a geometric center of the body contacting portion.

[0088] Here, the biasing element 210 is formed from the securing mechanism 210 that also functions to secure the handle assembly coupling portion to the body contacting portion (and vice versa).

[0089] The biasing element 210 may, for instance, comprise a spring arrangement configured to pull the handle assembly coupling portion towards a central axis of the body contacting portion. It will be appreciated that this pulling effect is at least partially in a direction perpendicular to the central axis (i.e., radially inwards towards the central axis). This provides a self-balancing functionality to the personal care apparatus, by controlling the handle assembly coupling portion to be biased towards a neutral base position.

[0090] Preferably, if employed, the spring arrangement is a constant force spring. This provides a smooth force for reducing a risk of pulling or snagging on the body of the subject.

[0091] As perhaps best illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3, in some examples, the body contacting portion comprises a first window 119; the handle assembly coupling portion comprises a second window 129; and movement of the handle assembly coupling portion over the surface of the body contacting portion is restricted such that the first window remains at least partially overlapped with the second window.

[0092] This can be achieved, if present, through the use of the biasing element 210 to maintain an overlap between the first window and the second window. Other approaches are hereafter described.

[0093] In some examples, overlap between the first window and the second window could be maintained by restricting or placing bounds on the rotation of the body contacting portion with respect to the handle assembly coupling portion. This could, for instance, be achieved by configuring the handle assembly coupling portion and / or the housing 111 of the body contacting portion 110 to comprise one or more projecting elements that engage with the other of the handle assembly coupling portion and / or the housing 111 of the body contacting portion 110 when a maximum allowable rotation (that still keeps the windows overlapping) of the body contacting portion has been reached.

[0094] As a simple example, the housing 111 may comprise a first annular projection that encircles the first window and extends towards the handle assembly coupling portion. Similarly, the handle assembly coupling portion 110 may comprise a second annular projection that encircles the second window 129 and extends towards the housing 111 (e.g., outwardly from the receiving surface 121). The two annular projections may be sized such that they engage to prevent excessive rotation of the housing 111 that would result in the first and second windows no longer overlapping. Thus, engagement of the two annular projections functions to restrict the rotation of the body coupling portion (i.e., and the movement of the handle assembly coupling portion over the surface of the body contacting portion) to maintain an at least partial overlap between the two windows.

[0095] In this context, a window is an aperture (e.g., gap or throughhole) and / or a transparent / translucent element through which at least some electromagnetic waves (e.g., visible light, infrared and / or ultraviolet) is able to pass or be transmitted therethrough. Preferably, each window is an aperture.

[0096] It will be appreciated that, when the body contacting portion is positioned against the body of the subject, the overlapping of the first window 119 and second window 129 is configured to define a transmission passage, channel or pathway (e.g., for media and / or waves) from outside of the handle assembly coupling portion to the body of the subject. Thus, the first window 119 will similarly overlap with the aperture 113 or opening of the housing 111 of the body contacting portion 110.

[0097] This approach allows for transmission of media and / or waves from an external element, through the second window 129 of the handle assembly coupling portion and then through the first window 119 of the body contacting portion, e.g., towards the body of the subject - and vice versa. Thus, an external element is able to interact or influence the body of the subject via the overlapping windows.

[0098] Example media and / or waves include air (e.g., from a hair dryer), light (e.g., for / from a treatment device or sensing device), moisture, infrared light (e.g., from a light-based hair dryer and / or sensing device), ultraviolet light (e.g., from a treatment device and / or sensing device), wiring (e.g., for connecting components housed by the housing 111 to external components) and so on.

[0099] Thus, the second window of the handle assembly coupling portion may be configured to receive electromagnetic waves (e.g., light) and / or an air flow from the handle assembly and permit transmission of the received light electromagnetic waves and / or airflow through the first window towards the first plane.

[0100] The electromagnetic waves may, if used, comprise visible light, infrared and / or ultraviolet waves. The electromagnetic waves may be designed for performing a sensing operation for the body and / or a care operation for the body.

[0101] Further examples will be provided later in this disclosure.

[0102] In some examples, as perhaps best illustrated in Fig. 4, each body contacting element comprises a bearing for moving over the body. More specifically, each bearing may be a rolling bearing, e.g., a ball caster, comprising a sphere or ball configured to roll to move over the body. Other suitable forms of bearings include sliding joints or the like.

[0103] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates an exemplary body contacting element 112A.

[0104] Here, the body contacting element comprises a bearing for moving over the body. The bearing 710 is here embodied as a ball caster.

[0105] Each body contacting element may comprise a hair guard 720 configured to lie flush to the bearing to reduce a risk of hair being caught by the bearing. In particular, the hair guard 720 may be configured to lie less than 100 µm from the bearing, such that a maximum distance D1 between the hair guard 720 and the bearing 710 is less than 100 µm. This significantly reduces a risk of hair being caught in the bearing as the body contacting portion moves over the body, as the approximate width of a hair is around 100 µm.

[0106] Preferably, the maximum distance D1 between the hair guard 720 is less than 30 µm, e.g., less than 10 µm. This further reduces a risk of hair being caught in the bearing as the body contacting portion moves over the body of the subject.

[0107] In some proposed personal care apparatus, as later exemplified, the body contacting portion and / or the handle assembly coupling portion supports and / or comprises one or more (first) personal care elements configured to generate light and / or an air flow for performing a personal care function, such as a trichological care function.

[0108] Examples of suitable personal care elements, suitable for use as the first and / or second personal care element(s), have been previously described.

[0109] In some examples, the personal care apparatus comprises one or more sensors for sensing one or more characteristics of the body of the subject (e.g., moisture level, temperature and so on).

[0110] The one or more sensors may comprise a moisture sensor. The moisture sensor may use any of the following techniques to perform moisture sensing: resistance, reflection, surface tension, hair weight, friction, raman spectroscopy, back-reflected IR spectrum, and capacitance. European Patent having publication number EP 0955826 B1 discloses a hair dryer having a suitable moisture sensor that employs remote sensing of the moisture content of the hair, which moisture sensor may be employed in the present disclosure.

[0111] The one or more sensors may comprise a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be an IR sensor. Infrared thermometers are widely known in the art, and have previously been employed in hair dryers with a temperature sensor are commercially available, e.g. the Philips hair dryer HP8270, and are also disclosed in, for instance, the European Patent having publication number EP 0955826 B1. Alternative temperature sensors may use a thermocouple, a thin film type resistor, or an ultrasonic comb.

[0112] In some examples, the handle assembly coupling portion is configured to be removably couplable to the handle assembly. Thus, the handle assembly coupling portion may comprise a connector that allows the handle assembly coupling portion to be (removably) connected to a handle assembly.

[0113] By way of example, as perhaps best illustrated in Fig. 4, the handle assembly coupling portion 120 may comprise one or more clipping elements 127 for clipping the handle assembly coupling portion 120 to a reciprocal clipping mechanism of a handle. Alternative connectors will be readily apparent to the skilled person, such as those that employ magnetic coupling elements, screw-based coupling elements, friction based coupling elements and so on.

[0114] However, it is not essential that the handle assembly coupling portion is removably couplable to the handle assembly. In alternative embodiments, the handle assembly coupling portion is fixedly or rigidly connected to the handle assembly. Put another way, the handle assembly may be fixedly and / or integrally formed with the handle assembly coupling portion.

[0115] The skilled person will appreciate that there is therefore proposed a personal care system that comprises the personal care apparatus and further comprises the handle assembly, which is coupled to the handle assembly coupling portion. In some embodiments, the handle assembly is fixedly coupled to the personal care apparatus via the handle assembly coupling portion. In other examples, the handle assembly is removably coupled to the personal care apparatus via the handle assembly coupling portion.

[0116] For some proposed personal care systems, the handle assembly may, for instance, comprise one or more (second) personal care elements configured to generate transmissible matter or waves that can be passed to and through the personal care apparatus for application to the subject. For instance, the handle assembly may comprise one or more (second) personal care elements configured to generate light and / or an air flow for performing personal care function (such as a hair / scalp care function). Such embodiments are particularly advantageous when the body contacting portion comprises a first window 119 and the handle assembly coupling portion comprises a second window 129, which are configured as previously disclosed (i.e., to overlap one another).

[0117] In some examples, the handle assembly comprises one or more sensors for sensing one or more characteristics of the body of the subject. Some suitable example sensors have been previously described.

[0118] In such examples, it is preferable that the body contacting portion 110 comprises a first window 119 and the handle assembly coupling portion 120 comprises a second window 129, which are configured as previously disclosed (i.e., overlap one another), to facilitate sensing of the characteristic(s) of the body of the subject via the windows.

[0119] In some examples, the handle assembly comprises one or more first electrical components and / or connectors and the personal care apparatus may comprise one or more second electrical components or connectors. The first and second electrical components may be connected via one or more wires. In such examples, it is preferable that the body contacting portion comprises a first window 119 and the handle assembly coupling portion comprises a second window 129, which are configured as previously disclosed, through which the wire(s) pass to electrically connect the first electrical component(s) and / or connector(s) to the second electrical component(s) and / or connector(s).

[0120] One example of a handle assembly, as later exemplified, is a hair dryer configured to generate an air flow for application to the body (e.g., the hair or skin). In such examples, the personal care apparatus, i.e., the handle assembly coupling portion 120 and the body contacting portion 110, may function as an attachment or accessory for the hair dryer.

[0121] Other examples of suitable handle assemblies are later described.

[0122] In some examples, the body coupling portion 110 is configured to, at least when applied to the body of the subject, define one or more air gaps for facilitating the exit of air from (and entry of air into) a volume bound by the body of the subject and the housing 111. This is particularly advantageous when the personal care apparatus or a handle assembly connected thereto (e.g., when forming the personal care system) comprises an air flow generator for providing an air flow to / from the body, to provide a path for the air flow to exit the personal care apparatus or enter the personal care apparatus.

[0123] In some examples, the one or more air gaps comprise one or more apertures (e.g., in its side surfaces) to permit the movement of air through said apertures of the housing.

[0124] In some examples, the one or more air gaps comprise one or more cutouts in the housing at an end that engages with the body of the subject. Thus, in such examples, some of the housing 111 that faces the body may be configured to contact the body of the subject, whilst other parts of the housing that faces the body may be distanced from the body to thereby define at least one air gap.

[0125] In some examples, at least some of the one or more air gaps are formed by configuring the body contacting elements to protrude from the housing 111, such that air gaps are formed between the body contacting elements and the housing 111. In this way, at least some of the housing 111 is effectively distanced from the body of the subject when the personal care system is in use.

[0126] In some examples, the housing 111 of the body contacting elements lie flush with the housing, such that one end of the housing lies in the first plane.

[0127] This is particularly advantageous when the personal care apparatus or a handle assembly connected thereto (e.g., when forming the personal care system) comprises an electromagnetic wave generator (e.g., an infrared light generator or an ultrasound light generator) to reduce an amount of light that escapes the personal care apparatus. This improves an efficiency of the personal care apparatus and / or the personal care system.

[0128] Figs. 8 to 12 illustrate example personal care systems, each of which comprises a proposed personal care apparatus.

[0129] Fig. 8 illustrates a personal care system 800 that comprises the personal care apparatus 100 as previously disclosed.

[0130] The personal care system 800 here further comprises a handle assembly 810 in the form of a hair dryer, which is connected or coupled to the handle assembly coupling portion 120. In the illustrated example, the handle assembly 810 (i.e., hair dryer) is removably coupled to the handle assembly coupling portion 120, e.g., via one or more clipping elements 127 that engage with a reciprocal clipping mechanism 811 of the handle assembly.

[0131] For the purposes of the personal care system 800, the body contacting portion 110 comprises the first window 119 and the handle assembly coupling portion 120 comprises the second window 129, which are configured as previously explained. Here, each window comprises an aperture in the respective portions. The overlapping windows thereby permit the passage of air therethrough for application to the body of the subject.

[0132] Accordingly, the handle assembly 810 (i.e., hair dryer) may comprise an air flow generator 812, such as a fan, configured to generate an air flow for application to the body of the subject. In this way, the overall personal care system is able to perform a personal care function of drying the body of the subject through the application of air. Thus, the air flow generator is an example of a second personal care element.

[0133] For the avoidance of doubt, it is noted that the air flow generator may be a two-way air flow generator, in that it is able to control an air flow in two opposing directions, e.g., into the personal care apparatus or from the personal care apparatus. This is schematically illustrated in Fig. 8.

[0134] In some examples, the handle assembly 810 comprises a heating element 813 for heating the air flow generated by the air flow generator. The heating element may, for instance, comprise a heating wire as is well known in the art. The heating element may be user-controllable, e.g., via a user interface (not illustrated in Fig. 8).

[0135] The air flow generator and the heating element described above are suitable examples of hair care elements, which may be repurposed for use as a hair care element in any other herein described embodiments, as would be readily appreciated by the skilled person.

[0136] In some examples, the handle assembly 810 comprises one or more sensors 815 configured to sense one or more characteristics / properties of the body of the subject (e.g., moisture level, temperature and so on). The sensing performed by the one or more sensors 815 may take place via the overlapping first and second windows. Thus, the first and second windows define a channel for allowing the sensor(s) 815 to sense one or more characteristics / properties of the body of the subject.

[0137] Proposed embodiments thereby allow any non-contact sensor (e.g. moisture sensors, a camera, IR sensor or other kind of temperature sensor, etc.) a pathway through the handle assembly coupling portion 120 and the body coupling portion 110 to the body.

[0138] The handle assembly 810 may further comprise one or more further second personal care elements, such as an infrared light source for irradiating the hair with infrared light (e.g., having focusing means). Further examples of suitable personal care elements have been previously disclosed.

[0139] Although not illustrated, the handle assembly 810 may further comprise a processing module configured to process sensor data produced by the one or more sensors 815 and control the operation of the air flow generator (and / or any other second personal care element(s)) responsive thereto. This provides a mechanism for performing feedback control.

[0140] Fig. 9 illustrates another personal care system 900 that comprises the personal care apparatus 100 as previously disclosed. In this embodiment, the body contacting portion 110 and the handle assembly coupling portion do not comprise overlapping windows.

[0141] In this embodiment, the body contacting portion 110 supports one or more first personal care elements 911, 912 configured to generate light and / or an air flow for performing a personal care function. Examples of suitable personal care elements have been previously disclosed.

[0142] In some examples, the body contacting portion 110 may (further) support one or more sensors for configured to sense one or more characteristics / properties of the body of the subject (e.g., moisture level, temperature and so on). Suitable examples of sensors have been previously disclosed.

[0143] Although not illustrated, the body contacting portion 110 may further comprise a processing module configured to process sensor data produced by the one or more sensors and control the operation of the first personal care element(s) 911, 912 responsive thereto. This provides a mechanism for performing feedback control of the first personal care element(s).

[0144] The handle assembly coupling portion 120 may be fixedly or removably coupled to a handle assembly 920, which is here embodied as a simple handle. This provides a mechanism for improved grip of the personal care system.

[0145] In alternative examples, the handle may be formed from an outer surface of the handle assembly coupling portion 120, e.g., so that (in use) a user simply cups the handle assembly coupling portion to hold the personal care system. This provides the user with a greater amount or precision of control over the personal care system.

[0146] Fig. 10 illustrates another personal care system 1000 that comprises the personal care apparatus 100 as previously disclosed.

[0147] In this embodiment, the body contacting portion 110 and the handle assembly coupling portion 120 do not comprise overlapping windows. Rather, the housing 111 of the body contacting portion 110 comprises a first window 119 for exposing the handle assembly coupling portion to an interior of the body contacting portion 120, as well as the body of the subject (when the apparatus is in use). However, the handle assembly coupling portion 120 does not comprise a corresponding (overlapping) second window.

[0148] In this embodiment, the handle assembly coupling portion supports one or more first personal care elements 1010 configured to generate transmissible media and / or electromagnetic waves (e.g., light and / or an air flow) for performing a personal care function. Suitable examples of personal care elements have been previously disclosed. The generated media and / or waves (e.g., light and / or air flow) is / are transmitted or passed through the first window 119 to perform the personal care function on the body (when the apparatus is in use).

[0149] The handle assembly coupling portion 120 may be fixedly or removably coupled to a handle assembly 1020, which is here embodied as a simple handle. This provides a mechanism for improved grip of the personal care system.

[0150] In alternative examples, the handle may be formed from an outer surface of the handle assembly coupling portion 120, e.g., so that (in use) a user simply cups the handle assembly coupling portion to hold the personal care apparatus. This provides the user with a greater amount or precision of control over the personal care apparatus.

[0151] Although not illustrated, in some variants, the body coupling portion 110 supports one or more (further) first personal care elements configured to generate light and / or an air flow for performing a personal care function. Thus, both the body coupling portion 110 and the handle assembly coupling portion 120 may comprise respective first personal care elements.

[0152] In some examples, the body contacting portion and / or the handle assembly coupling portion may (further) support one or more sensors for configured to sense one or more characteristics / properties of the body of the subject (e.g., moisture level, temperature and so on). Suitable examples of sensors have been previously disclosed.

[0153] Although not illustrated, the body contacting portion 110 and / or the handle assembly coupling portion may further comprise a processing module configured to process sensor data produced by the one or more sensors and control the operation of the first personal care element(s) responsive thereto. This provides a mechanism for performing feedback control of the first personal care element(s).

[0154] Fig. 11 illustrates another personal care system 1100 that comprises the personal care apparatus 100 as previously disclosed.

[0155] The personal care system 1100 is effective a generalized version of the personal care system 800 (Fig. 8).

[0156] For the purposes of the personal care system 1100, the body contacting portion 110 comprises the first window 119 and the handle assembly coupling portion 120 comprises the second window 129, which are configured as previously explained. Here, each window comprises an aperture in the respective portions.

[0157] In this embodiment, the handle assembly coupling portion is coupled (e.g., removably or fixedly) to a handle assembly 1101.

[0158] In this embodiment, the handle assembly supports one or more second personal care elements 1110 configured to generate transmissible media and / or electromagnetic waves (e.g., light and / or an air flow) for performing a personal care function. Suitable examples of personal care elements have been previously disclosed. The generated media and / or waves (e.g., light and / or air flow) is transmitted or passed through the second window 129 and the first window 119 to perform the personal care function on the body (when the apparatus is in use).

[0159] Although not illustrated, in some variants, the body coupling portion 110 and / or the handle assembly coupling portion 120 supports one or more (further) first personal care elements configured to generate transmissible media and / or electromagnetic waves for performing a personal care function. Thus, one or both the body coupling portion 110 and the handle assembly coupling portion may comprise one or more first personal care elements.

[0160] In some examples, the handle assembly, the body contacting portion and / or the handle assembly coupling portion may (further) support one or more sensors for configured to sense one or more characteristics / properties of the body of the subject (e.g., moisture level, temperature and so on). Suitable examples of sensors have been previously disclosed.

[0161] Although not illustrated, the handle assembly, the body contacting portion 110 and / or the handle assembly coupling portion may further comprise a processing module configured to process sensor data produced by the one or more sensors and control the operation of the first and / or (if present) first personal care element(s) responsive thereto. This provides a mechanism for performing feedback control of the personal care element(s).

[0162] Fig. 12 illustrates another personal care system 1200 that comprises the personal care apparatus 100 as previously disclosed.

[0163] In this example, the personal care system 1200 further comprises a handle assembly 1201 (removably or fixedly) to the handle assembly coupling portion 120.

[0164] For the purposes of the personal care system 1200, the body contacting portion 110 comprises the first window 119 and the handle assembly coupling portion 120 comprises the second window 129, which are configured as previously explained. Here, each window comprises an aperture in the respective portions.

[0165] Here the overlapping windows are exploited to permit the passage of wiring therethrough, e.g., for connection to one or more (second) personal care elements positioned in the body contacting portion 110 and / or the handle assembly coupling portion 120.

[0166] Thus, the body contacting portion 110 of the personal care apparatus 100 may therefore comprise a first personal care element 1210 which is connected by one or more wires 1215 through the first window 119 and the second window 129. The windows thereby effectively function as a pathway or passage for the wire(s) 1215.

[0167] The handle assembly may comprise a processing module 1220 configured to control the operation of the first personal care element 1210. The one or more wires 1215 may connect to this processing module 1220.

[0168] In some examples, the handle assembly coupling portion and / or handle assembly 1201 may further support one or more further personal care elements (not illustrated), examples of which have been previously disclosed. Where present, wiring to / from any further personal care elements supported by the handle assembly coupling portion may pass through the second window 129 to the processing module 1220 carried by the handle assembly 1201.

[0169] In some examples, the body contacting portion and / or the handle assembly coupling portion may (further) support one or more sensors for configured to sense one or more characteristics / properties of the body of the subject (e.g., moisture level, temperature and so on). Suitable examples of sensors have been previously disclosed.

[0170] In such examples, wiring to / from the sensor(s) may pass through the first and / or second window.

[0171] Ordinal numbers (e.g. "first", "second" and so on) have been used purely to distinguish different elements from one another for the sake of clarity, and does not necessarily imply a specific order, importance, relationship, or presence of all numbered elements. Reference to a non-"first" (e.g. "second" or "third") element does not necessitate that a "first" element be present. The skilled person would be capable of relabeling any such elements as appropriate (e.g. relabeling a "second" element as a "first" element if only the second element is present).

[0172] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0173] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0174] If the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". If the term "arrangement" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "arrangement" is intended to be equivalent to the term "system", and vice versa.

[0175] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A personal care apparatus for a body of a subject, the personal care apparatus comprising: a body contacting portion comprising a housing and at least three body contacting elements, lying in a first plane, wherein each body contacting element is supported by the housing and is configured to contact the subject when the body contacting portion is applied to the body; and a handle assembly coupling portion for connection to a handle assembly, wherein the handle assembly coupling portion is configured to be movable over a surface of the housing of the body contacting portion such that the body contacting portion is able to rotate with respect to the handle assembly coupling portion, wherein an effective pivot point of the rotation of the body contacting portion with respect to the handle assembly coupling portion lies in or proximate to the first plane.

2. The personal care apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing of the body contacting portion is configured to terminate at or before the first plane and converge with increasing distance from the first plane.

3. The personal care apparatus of claim 2, wherein the housing of the body contacting portion is configured to curve with increasing distance from the first plane.

4. The personal care apparatus of claim 3, wherein the handle assembly coupling portion comprises a complimentary curved surface that is moveable over a curve of the housing of the body contacting portion.

5. The personal care apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: the handle assembly coupling portion defines a socket for receiving the body contacting portion; and the body contacting portion is received by the socket defined by the handle assembly coupling portion and is freely rotatable within the socket portion.

6. The personal care apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each body contacting element comprises a bearing for moving over the body.

7. The personal care apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a biasing element configured to bias the handle assembly coupling portion towards a central axis of the body contacting portion, the central axis being perpendicular to the first plane and passing through a geometric center of the body contacting portion.

8. The personal care apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: the body contacting portion comprises a first window; the handle assembly coupling portion comprises a second window; and movement of the handle assembly coupling portion over the surface of the body contacting portion is restricted such that the first window remains at least partially overlapped with the second window.

9. The personal care apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second window of the handle assembly coupling portion is configured to receive electromagnetic waves and / or an air flow from the handle assembly and permit transmission of the received electromagnetic waves and / or airflow through the first window towards the first plane.

10. The personal care apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the body contacting portion and / or the handle assembly coupling portion supports one or more first personal care elements configured to generate light and / or an air flow for performing a personal care function.

11. The personal care apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the body contacting portion is substantially domical in shape.

12. The personal care apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the handle assembly coupling portion is substantially domical in shape.

13. The personal care apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the handle assembly coupling portion is configured to be removably couplable to the handle assembly.

14. A personal care system comprising: the personal care apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 13; and a handle assembly coupled to the handle assembly coupling portion.

15. The personal care apparatus of claim 14, wherein the handle assembly further comprises one or more second personal care elements configured to generate light and / or an air flow for performing a personal care function.

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