Fabric care device

Abstract

A fabric care device comprising a head portion having an attachment receiving end; a first fabric care attachment removably connected to the attachment receiving end of the head portion; a handle portion extending from the head portion, the handle portion having: a cavity defined within at least a portion of the handle portion, the cavity configured to house the first fabric care attachment and / or a second fabric care attachment; and a free end defining a cavity opening; and a lid removably connected to the free end of the handle portion for selectively closing the cavity opening.

Description

FABRIC CARE DEVICECROSS REFERENCE

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 549,090, filed on February 2, 2024, and to Chinese Utility Model No. 202420424960X, filed on March 5, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present technology relates to a fabric care device.BACKGROUND

[0002] After use and wear, unsightly pills, which are small balls of fibers, or the like can form on the surfaces of some fabrics. Powered devices exist to remove the unwanted material from fabric surfaces which operate in a similar fashion to electric shavers. However, these powered devices tend to be complicated, inefficient, bulky, cumbersome and expensive, and require a power input necessitating either a plug or batteries which adds to their cost and makes them impractical.

[0003] Non-powered (manual) depilling devices exist and typically comprise a strip of abrasive material or a cutting surface mounted to a support such as a comb. A user can grasp such devices by the support and pass the abrasive or cutting surface over the piece of fabric to detach the pills from the fabric.

[0004] Different types of fabric may require a different abrasive or cutting surface. For example, a metal blade with teeth is suitable for synthetic materials, while a silicon carbide or an alumina grade abrasive surface is suitable for natural fibers. Also, certain abrasive or cutting surfaces may need replacing after some use. Thus, there is a need for depilling devices which can accommodate for different types of materials.

[0005] Therefore, it is desired to overcome or reduce at least some of the above-described problems.SUMMARY

[0006] It is an object of the present technology to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art.

[0007] Broadly, Developers of the present technology have appreciated the need for providing multiple depilling attachments, whether having the same or different functions, and providing devices including multiple depilling attachments in a convenient and compact format. According to aspects of the present technology, there are provided fabric care devices which include a storage compartment in a handle of the device for storing a depilling attachment. This not only provides a compact manner of storage but also avoids unnecessary wear of the depilling attachment, damage to the depilling attachment, and / or loss of the depilling attachment.

[0008] From one aspect, there is provided a fabric care device. The fabric care devices includes a head portion having an attachment receiving end; a first fabric care attachment removably connected to the attachment receiving end of the head portion; a handle portion extending from the head portion, the handle portion having: a cavity defined within at least a portion of the handle portion, the cavity configured to removably house the first fabric care attachment and / or a second fabric care attachment; and a free end defining a cavity opening; and a lid removably connected to the free end of the handle portion for selectively closing the cavity opening.

[0009] In some embodiments, the handle includes a wall defining the cavity; and a thickness of the wall is non-uniform.

[0010] In some embodiments, a ratio between a thickest portion of the wall and a thinnest portion of the wall is 3.1 : 1.

[0011] In some embodiments, a cross-sectional profile of the cavity is configured to accommodate insertion of the first and / or second fabric care attachment at a pre-determined orientation.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional profile of the cavity forms a generally rounded triangular shape.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cavity is sized and shaped so that the first and / or second fabric care attachment cannot be rotated about a longitudinal axis when housed in the cavity.

[0014] In some embodiments, an external cross-sectional profile of the handle portion forms a generally oval shape.

[0015] In some embodiments, the head portion and the handle portion are formed of a unitary piece.

[0016] In some embodiments, a length of the handle portion is larger than a width of the head portion.

[0017] In some embodiments, the lid is removably connected to the free end of the handle portion by a twist locking mechanism.

[0018] In some embodiments, the free end of the handle includes at least one tab; and the lid defines a slot configured to receive the at least one tab to facilitate the twist locking mechanism.

[0019] In some embodiments, the twist locking mechanism is a bayonet locking mechanism.

[0020] In some embodiments, the head portion is substantially triangular along a longitudinal plane of the head portion.

[0021] In some embodiments, the handle portion defines a handle longitudinal axis; and the head portion defines a head longitudinal axis, the head longitudinal axis being orthogonal to the handle longitudinal axis.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first fabric care attachment is either a first fabric depiller or a first fabric shaver; and the second fabric care attachment is either a second fabric depiller or a second fabric shaver.

[0023] In some embodiments, the lid has a substantially oval cross-section when viewed from a bottom end of the fabric care device.

[0024] In some embodiments, a ratio between a width of the head portion and a depth of the head portion is about 2: 1.

[0025] In some embodiments, a ratio between a length of the fabric care device and a width of the head portion is about 1.7: 1.

[0026] In some embodiments, a ratio between a width of the head portion and a width of the lid is about 2.8: 1.

[0027] In some embodiments, a ratio between a depth of the head portion and a depth of the lid is about 1.7: 1.

[0028] In some embodiments, a ratio between a width of the lid to a depth of the lid is about 1.2: 1.

[0029] In some embodiments, the handle portion further includes a neck part connected to the head portion, the neck part having a narrowest width of the handle portion.

[0030] In some embodiments, the fabric care device further includes a grip part disposed on the handle portion and spaced longitudinally from the neck part, the grip part having a larger cross-section than the neck part.

[0031] In some embodiments, a ratio between a width of the head portion and a width of the neck part is about 6.3: 1.

[0032] In some embodiments, a ratio between a depth of the head portion and a depth of the neck part is about 4.8: 1.

[0033] In some embodiments, a ratio between a width of the head portion and a width of the grip part is about 3.2: 1.

[0034] In some embodiments, a ratio between a depth of the head portion and a depth of the grip part is about 2.1 : 1.

[0035] In some embodiments, a ratio between a width of the lid and a width of the neck part is about 2.3: 1.

[0036] In some embodiments, a ratio between a depth of the lid and a depth of the neck part is about 2.8: 1.

[0037] In some embodiments, a ratio between a depth of the lid and a depth of the grip part is about 1.2: 1.

[0038] In some embodiments, a ratio between a width of the lid and a width of the grip part is about 1.1 : 1.

[0039] In some embodiments, a ratio between a width of the grip part and a width of the neck part is about 2: 1.

[0040] In some embodiments, a ratio between a depth of the grip part and a depth of the neck part is about 2.3: 1.

[0041] In some embodiments, a ratio between a width of the neck part and a depth of the neck part is about 1.5: 1.

[0042] In some embodiments, a ratio between a width of the grip part and a depth of the grip part is about 1.3: 1.

[0043] In some embodiments, the handle portion includes a bottom part extending between the grip part and the free end, the bottom part having a generally hourglass shape.

[0044] In some embodiments, a ratio between a depth of the grip part and a depth of the bottom part is about 1.1 : 1.

[0045] In some embodiments, the lid defines a lid cavity, the lid cavity being configured to receive an end of the first and / or second fabric care attachment when the lid is removably connected to the free end.

[0046] In some embodiments, a ratio between a depth the lid and a depth of the lid cavity is about 1.4:1.

[0047] In some embodiments, the cavity is configured to prevent rotation of the first and / or second fabric care attachment within the cavity.

[0048] In some embodiments, the cavity is configured to prevent translation of the first and / or second fabric care attachment within the cavity.

[0049] In some embodiments, the fabric care device further includes the second fabric care attachment.

[0050] In the context of the present specification, unless expressly provided otherwise, the words “first”, “second”, “third”, etc. have been used as adjectives only for the purpose of allowing for distinction between the nouns that they modify from one another, and not for the purpose of describing any particular relationship between those nouns.

[0051] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0052] As used herein, the term “about” in the context of a given value or range refers to a value or range that is within 20%, preferably within 10%, and more preferably within 5% of the given value or range.

[0053] As used herein, the term “and / or” is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of the two specified features or components with or without the other. For example “A and / or B” is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of (i) A, (ii) B and (iii) A and B, just as if each is set out individually herein.

[0054] Embodiments of the present technology each have at least one of the above-mentioned object and / or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy this object and / or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein.

[0055] Additional and / or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:

[0057] Figure l is a perspective view of a fabric care device with a lid closing a cavity of a handle portion, according to non-limiting embodiments of the present technology;

[0058] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the fabric care device of Figure 1 with the lid detached;

[0059] Figure 3 is a plan view of the fabric care device of Figure 1;

[0060] Figure 4 is a plan view from another side of the fabric care device of Figure 1;

[0061] Figure 5 is a side view of the fabric care device of Figure 1;

[0062] Figure 6 is a top end view of the fabric care device of Figure 1;

[0063] Figure 7 is a bottom end view of the fabric care device of Figure 1;

[0064] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the fabric care device of Figure 1 taken along line A-A of Figure 4;

[0065] Figure 9 is a perspective view from the bottom end of the fabric care device of Figure 1 with the lid and portions of a head of the fabric care device removed;

[0066] Figure 10 is a bottom end view of the fabric care device of Figure 1 with a lid removed and including a fabric care attachment in a cavity;

[0067] Figure 11 is the bottom end view of Figure 10 with the fabric care attachment removed from the cavity;

[0068] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the lid of the fabric care device of Figure 1;

[0069] Figure 13 is an end view of a fabric care attachment of the fabric care device of Figure 1;

[0070] Figure 14 is a rear plan view of the fabric care attachment of the fabric care device of Figure 1; and

[0071] Figure 15 is a top plan view of the fabric care attachment of the fabric care device of Figure 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] The present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including", "comprising", "having", "containing", "involving" and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter as well as, optionally, additional items. In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements.

[0073] Figures 1 to 12 depict an embodiment of a fabric care device 100 of the present technology. The fabric care device 100 has a head portion 102 that includes an attachment receiving end 104 configured to removably connect to a fabric care attachment 106, which will be described in further detail below.

[0074] In this embodiment, the head portion 102 includes a pair of side edges 107, 108 which taper from the attachment receiving end 104 towards a handle portion 110 which extends from the head portion 102. As illustrated in Figure 6, when viewed from a top end, the attachment receiving end 104 and the side edges 107, 108 of the head portion 102 form a substantially triangular shape. That is, the attachment receiving end 104 of the head portion 102 is wider than a lower portion 124 of the head portion 102. As depicted, a width 10 of the head portion 102 is larger than a depth 12 of the head portion 102 (Figure 6). In some embodiments, a ratio between the width of the head portion 102 and the depth of the head portion 102 is about 2: 1. In some embodiments, the width 10 of the head portion 102 is about 4.01 inches and the depth 12 of the head portion 102 is about 2.12 inches.

[0075] The head portion 102 further includes a button 122. The button 122 is disposed at the lower portion 124 of the head portion 102 (near the handle portion). Specifically, the button 122 isslidably connected to an upper surface 120 of the head portion 102. The button 122 is operably connected to an attachment mechanism 126 (Figure 8) configured to attach and / or release the first fabric care attachment 106 from the head portion 102, which will be described in further detail below. It is contemplated that the actuation of the button 122 may vary in different embodiments. Instead of a button and the attachment mechanism 126 described and illustrated herein, any other actuator and attachment mechanism may be used.

[0076] The handle portion 110 has a body 111 with an external shape that is ergonomic and comfortable for a user to hold. At least a portion of the handle portion 110 is hollow, which will be described in further detail below.

[0077] With specific reference to Figure 3, a longitudinal axis 112 of the handle portion 110 is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 114 of the head portion 102. The head portion 102 and the handle portion 110 are formed as a unitary piece. In some embodiments, the head portion 102 and the handle portion 110 are molded from any suitable material, such as recycled PCR plastics. It is contemplated that, in alternative embodiments, a part of the handle portion 110 may include a gripping surface composed of a different material to provide enhanced grip of the fabric care device 100. It is further contemplated that the head portion 102 and the handle portion 110 may be formed separately and attached to one another using any means and, in some instances, may be formed of different materials.

[0078] As best seen in Figure 9, the handle portion 110 has an outer profile which is generally oval. The outer profile may be generally oval along an entire length of the handle portion 110. The handle portion 110 has a greater length than a width 10 of the head portion 102, such that the length 14 of the entire fabric care device 100 is greater than the width 10 of the head portion 102. In some embodiments, a ratio between the length 14 of the fabric care device 100 and the width 10 of the head portion 102 is about 1.7: 1. In some embodiments, a ratio between the length 14 of the fabric care device 100 and the width 10 of the head portion 102 is about 2: 1.

[0079] The handle portion 110 includes a neck part 116. The neck part 116 is the narrowest part of the handle portion 110. With reference to Figures 3 to 5, the neck part 116 has a substantially oval cross-section when taken along a transverse axis 117 of the neck part 116 (Figure 4). That is, a width 16 of the neck part 116 is greater than a depth 18 of the neck part 116. In some embodiments, a ratio betweenthe width 16 of the neck part 116 and the depth 18 of the neck part 116 is about 1.5: 1. In some embodiments, the width 16 of the neck part 116 is about 0.64 inches. In some embodiments, the depth 18 of the neck part 116 is about 0.44 inches. In this embodiment, the increased width 16 of the neck part 116 provides a surface for a thumb rest 118. With reference to Figure 4, the thumb rest 118 is disposed on an upper surface 121 of the neck part 116 to further enhance the user’s grip. The thumb rest 118 is positioned adjacent to the button 122 of the head portion 102 enabling the user to grip the fabric care device 100 and actuate the button 118 with a single hand.

[0080] With specific reference to Figures 3 and 5, the neck part 116 has a smaller width and a smaller depth compared to other parts of the handle portion 110, as well as the head portion 102. This may facilitate comfortable grip and maneuverability of the fabric care device 100. In some embodiments, a ratio between the width 10 of the head portion 102 and the width 16 of the neck part 116 is about 6.3: 1. In some embodiments, a ratio between the depth 12 of the head portion 102 and the depth 18 of the neck part 116 is about 4.8: 1.

[0081] The handle portion 110 also includes a grip part 128 disposed longitudinally away from the neck part 116. The grip part 128 has a substantially oval cross-section when taken along a transverse axis 119 of the handle portion 110. In some embodiments, a ratio between a width 20 of the grip part 128 and a depth 22 of the grip part 128 is about 1.3: 1. In some embodiments, the width 20 of the grip part 128 is about 1.27 inches. In some embodiments, the depth of the grip part 128 is about 1.01 inches. The grip part 128 may be over molded such that the grip part 128 has a larger cross-section than the neck part 116. That is, a width 20 and a depth 22 of the grip part 128 is larger than the width 16 and the depth 18 of the neck part 116, to improve the user’s ergonomics and grip on the handle portion 110. In some embodiments, a ratio between the width 20 of the grip part 128 and the width 16 of the neck part 116 is about 2: 1. In some embodiments, a ratio between the depth 22 of the grip part 128 and the depth 18 of the neck part 116 is about 2.3: 1. In some embodiments, the grip part 128 may be made of a rubbery material, or be textured to further facilitate the user’s grip.

[0082] The grip part 128 is smaller than the head portion 102. In some embodiments, a ratio between the width lO ofthe head portion 102 and the width 20 of the grip part 128 is about 3.2: 1. In someembodiments, a ratio between the depth 12 of the head portion 102 and the depth 22 of the grip part 128 is about 2.1 : 1.

[0083] The handle portion 110 further includes a bottom part 130 disposed longitudinally away from the grip part 128, extending between the grip part 128 and a free end 132 of the handle portion 110. The bottom part 130 has a substantially oval cross-section and a generally hourglass shape. That is, the bottom part 130 includes a waist 134 which is smaller than the grip part 128. In some embodiments, a ratio between the depth 22 of the grip part 128 and the depth 25 of the waist 134 of the bottom part 130 is about 1.1 : 1. The hourglass shaped bottom part 130 further improves the ergonomic shape of the handle portion 110 and comfort for the user. It is contemplated that, in alternative embodiments, the waist 134 may be omitted.

[0084] With reference to Figure 8, the fabric care device 100 includes a cavity 136 defined within the handle portion 110 with a cavity opening 137 defined by the free end 132 of the handle portion 110. In this embodiment, the cavity 136 extends along at least a portion of a length of the handle portion 110 and is configured to house the first fabric care attachment 106 or a second fabric care attachment 138. In other embodiments, the fabric care device 100 may be provided with a single fabric care attachment which can be stored in the cavity when not attached to the head portion 102. The fabric care attachments 106, 138 may be configured similarly to any of the attachments described in U.S. patent no. 8,683,640, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. As illustrated, the fabric care attachments 106, 138 are fabric depillers. The fabric depiller includes a depilling surface 110 which includes any suitable surface for cutting and / or detaching pills from a fabric or material. In some cases, the depilling surface comprises a blade having teeth. In other cases, the depilling surface is an abrasive surface such as sandpaper. It is appreciated that the fabric care attachments 106, 138 may be any other type of fabric care attachments. The fabric care attachments 106, 138 may have the same or different depilling surface to each other. For example, the fabric care attachments 106, 138 may each have an abrasive surface, but the abrasive surfaces may have a different degree of roughness making them suitable for different fabrics or different pills. The fabric care attachments 106, 138 have an external profile (i.e. shape and size) which are the same as each other.

[0085] With reference to Figures 13 to 15, the fabric care attachments 106, 138 will now be described. It is to be understood that, in this embodiment, the fabric care attachments 106, 138 are substantially similar. As such, only the fabric care attachment 138 will be described. In this embodiment, the fabric care attachment 138 has an elongate body 107 with a width 24 of the fabric care attachment 138 being greater than a length 26 of the fabric care attachment 138. A depth 28 of the fabric care attachment 106 is less than the width 24 and the length 26 of the fabric care attachment 138. The fabric care attachment 106 has a substantially arrow-like profile when viewed from an end (Figure 13) or in cross-section when taken along a transverse axis 109 of the fabric care attachment 138. It will be appreciated that the size and shape of the fabric care attachment 138 may vary in different embodiments.

[0086] The attachment mechanism 126 may be configured similarly to any of the attachment mechanisms described in U.S. patent no. 8,683,640, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0087] With reference to Figures 8 to 10, the cavity 136 will now be described in further detail. The cavity 136 is defined within a portion of the handle portion 110 for housing either of the fabric care attachments 106, 138. More specifically, with reference to Figure 10, in this embodiment, a width 30 of the cavity 136 is substantially similar to (or larger than) the length 26 of the second fabric care attachment 138. In this embodiment, a depth 32 of the cavity 136 is substantially similar to (or larger than) the depth 28 of the second fabric care attachment 138. In this embodiment, the width 24 of the second fabric care attachment 138 is larger than a length 32 of the cavity 136 such that an end portion 150 of the second fabric care attachment 138 remains outside the cavity 136 after being inserted. In some embodiments, approximately 20% of the fabric care attachment 138 remains outside of the cavity 136 once the fabric care attachment 138 has been inserted. In other embodiments, the proportion of the fabric care attachment 138 that extends from the free end 132 is about 5% to about 40%, about 10 % to about 30%, or about 15% to about 25%. It is contemplated that, in alternative embodiments, the entirety of the fabric care attachment 138 may be housed within the cavity 136 (that is, the width 24 of the fabric care attachment 138 is substantially similar to the length 32 of the cavity 136).

[0088] The cavity 136 has a generally rounded triangular cross-section, when taken along a transverse axis 119 of the handle portion 110. The rounded triangular cross-section of the cavity 136 isshaped to house the fabric care attachment 138 at a pre-determined orientation. Furthermore, it is shaped so as to prevent rotation of the fabric care attachment 138 within the cavity 136. More specifically, a tip 139 of the fabric care attachment 138 is oriented to align with an apex 135 of the rounded triangle crosssection of the cavity 136. As depicted in Figure 11, in this embodiment, the cavity 136 includes a protrusion 151 to prevent the fabric care attachment 138 from translating within the cavity 136 and the lid cavity 146. This provides the user with a convenient location to house and store the respective fabric care attachment 138. As such, unnecessary wear and tear on the fabric care attachment 138 may be prevented. Additionally, features of the fabric care attachment 138, such as the attachment part 103 (shown in Figures 13 and 14) and / or the abrasive surface, may be protected from potential damage. Further, risk of losing the respective fabric care attachment 138 when not in use may be mitigated.

[0089] In other embodiments (not shown), the cavity 136 may have any other shape to keep the fabric care attachment 138 in position. The handle portion 110 includes a handle wall 140 which defines the cavity 136. In this embodiment, the handle wall 140 has a wall thickness 141 which is non-uniform along at least a portion of the length of the handle portion 110. More specifically, an internal profile of the handle wall 140 broadly follows the external profile of the attachments 138. The handle wall 140 is not uniform along a length of the cavity 136 due, at least in part, to the rounded triangular cross-section of the cavity 136. As depicted in Figure 8, an increased wall thickness along a rear side 142 of the handle portion 110 and an increased wall thickness at a front side 144 of the grip part 128 provide an increased mechanical integrity of the handle portion 110 to, at least in part, offset the reduced mechanical integrity as a result of cavity 136. In some embodiments, a ratio between a thickest portion of the wall and a thinnest portion of the wall is about 3.1 : 1. In some embodiments, the non-uniform wall thickness 141 along the length of the handle portion 110 may be as follows: 0.14 inches (141a), 0.11 inches (141b), 0.25 inches (141c), 0.18 inches (141d), 0.08 inches (141e), 0.14 inches (141f), 0.15 (141g), and 0.15 (141f).

[0090] With reference to Figures 3, 7, and 8, the fabric care device 100 further includes a lid 146 configured to removably connect to the free end 132 of the handle portion 110 for selectively closing the cavity opening 137 (and thus, the cavity 136). The lid 146 has a substantially oval cross-section when viewed from the bottom end (Figure 7). In some embodiments, a ratio between a width 34 of the lid 146 and a depth 36 of the lid 146 is about 1.2: 1. In some embodiments, the width 34 of the lid 146 is about1.45 inches. In some embodiments, the depth 36 of the lid 146 is about 1.25 inches. In this embodiment, the lid 146 has a depth 36 and a width 34 smaller than the head portion 102. In some embodiments, a ratio between the width 10 of the head portion 102 and the width 34 of the lid 146 is about 2.8: 1. In some embodiments, a ratio between the depth 12 of the head portion 102 and the depth 36 of the lid 146 is about 1.7: 1. In this embodiment, the lid 146 has a depth 36 and a width 34 larger than the neck part 116. In some embodiments, a ratio between the width 34 of the lid 146 and the width 16 of the neck part 116 is about 2.3: 1. In some embodiments, a ratio between the depth 36 of the lid 146 and the depth 18 of the neck part 116 is about 2.8: 1. In this embodiment, the lid 146 has a depth 36 and a width 34 larger than the grip part 128. In some embodiments, a ratio between the depth 36 of the lid 146 and the depth 22 of the grip part 128 is about 1.2: 1. In some embodiments a ratio between the width 34 of the lid 146 and the width 20 of the grip part 128 is about 1.1 : 1.

[0091] With continued reference to Figures 3 and 8, the lid 146 defines a lid cavity 148. The lid cavity 148 has a substantially circular cross-section when taken along a transverse axis 143 of the lid 146. In some embodiments, a ratio between a depth 36 of the lid 146 and a depth 38 of the lid cavity 148 is about 1.4: 1. As depicted in Figures 8 and 10, when the lid 146 is connected to the free end 132 of the handle portion 110, the lid cavity 146 receives the end portion 150 of the fabric care attachment 138.

[0092] As depicted in Figures 1, 9, and 12, the lid 146 includes a locking mechanism 152 to selectively secure the lid 146 to the free end 132 of the handle portion 110. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 146 is a twist locking mechanism 152 such as a bayonet locking mechanism. Specifically, the free end 132 of the handle portion 110 includes tabs 154 and the lid 146 includes a slot 156. The slot 156 slidably receives the tabs 154 to facilitate the twist locking mechanism 148. It is contemplated that configurations of the locking mechanism 152 may vary in different embodiments.

[0093] As depicted in Figures 3 and 4, the fabric care device 100 has an overall shape in which the head portion 102 is wider than the lid 146. More specifically, along the length 14 of the fabric care device 100, the width 10 of the head portion 102 tapers to the smaller width 16 of the neck part 116, the width 16 of the neck part 116 tapers to the larger width 20 of the grip part 128, the width 20 of the grip part 128 tapers to the smaller width of the bottom part 130, the width of the bottom part 130 tapers to thelarger width 34 of the lid 146. In other words, an outer profile of the handle portion 110 flares outwardly at the lid 146.

[0094] It is contemplated that, in alternative embodiments, the configuration of the head portion 102, the handle portion 110 (including the neck part 116, the grip part 128 and the bottom part 130), as well as the lid 146 may vary.

[0095] It is contemplated that, in alternative embodiments, any one or more of the head portion 102, the neck part 116, the grip part 128, and the bottom part 130 of the handle 110 may be separate components, configured to connect together.

[0096] Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A fabric care device comprising: a head portion having an attachment receiving end; a first fabric care attachment removably connected to the attachment receiving end of the head portion; a handle portion extending from the head portion, the handle portion having: a cavity defined within at least a portion of the handle portion, the cavity configured to removably house the first fabric care attachment and / or a second fabric care attachment; and a free end defining a cavity opening; and a lid removably connected to the free end of the handle portion for selectively closing the cavity opening.

2. The fabric care device of claim 1, wherein: the handle comprises a wall defining the cavity; and a thickness of the wall is non-uniform.

3. The fabric care device of claim 2, wherein a ratio between a thickest portion of the wall and a thinnest portion of the wall is 3.1 : 1.

4. The fabric care device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a cross-sectional profile of the cavity is configured to accommodate insertion of the first and / or second fabric care attachment at a predetermined orientation.

5. The fabric care device of claim 4, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the cavity forms a generally rounded triangular shape.

6. The fabric care device of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cavity is sized and shaped so that the first and / or second fabric care attachment cannot be rotated about a longitudinal axis when housed in the cavity.

7. The fabric care device of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein an external cross-sectional profile of the handle portion forms a generally oval shape.

8. The fabric care device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the head portion and the handle portion are formed of a unitary piece.

9. The fabric care device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a length of the handle portion is larger than a width of the head portion.

10. The fabric care device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the lid is removably connected to the free end of the handle portion by a twist locking mechanism.

11. The fabric care device of claim 10, wherein: the free end of the handle comprises at least one tab; and the lid defines a slot configured to receive the at least one tab to facilitate the twist locking mechanism.

12. The fabric care device of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the twist locking mechanism is a bayonet locking mechanism.

13. The fabric care device of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the head portion is substantially triangular along a longitudinal plane of the head portion.

14. The fabric care device of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: the handle portion defines a handle longitudinal axis; and the head portion defines a head longitudinal axis, the head longitudinal axis being orthogonal to the handle longitudinal axis.

15. The fabric care device of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: the first fabric care attachment is either a first fabric depiller or a first fabric shaver; and the second fabric care attachment is either a second fabric depiller or a second fabric shaver.

16. The fabric care device of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the lid has a substantially oval crosssection when viewed from a bottom end of the fabric care device.

17. The fabric care device of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein a ratio between a width of the head portion and a depth of the head portion is about 2: 1.

18. The fabric care device of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein a ratio between a length of the fabric care device and a width of the head portion is about 1.7: 1.

19. The fabric care device of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein a ratio between a width of the head portion and a width of the lid is about 2.8: 1.

20. The fabric care device of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein a ratio between a depth of the head portion and a depth of the lid is about 1.7: 1.

21. The fabric care device of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein a ratio between a width of the lid to a depth of the lid is about 1.2: 1.

22. The fabric care device of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the handle portion further comprises a neck part connected to the head portion, the neck part having a narrowest width of the handle portion.

23. The fabric care device of claim 22, further comprising a grip part disposed on the handle portion and spaced longitudinally from the neck part, the grip part having a larger cross-section than the neck part.

24. The fabric care device of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein a ratio between a width of the head portion and a width of the neck part is about 6.3: 1.

25. The fabric care device of any one of claims 22 or claim 23, wherein a ratio between a depth of the head portion and a depth of the neck part is about 4.8: 1.

26. The fabric care device of any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein a ratio between a width of the head portion and a width of the grip part is about 3.2: 1.

27. The fabric care device of claim 23, wherein a ratio between a depth of the head portion and a depth of the grip part is about 2.1 : 1.

28. The fabric care device of any one of claims 22 to 27, wherein a ratio between a width of the lid and a width of the neck part is about 2.3: 1.

29. The fabric care device of any one of claims 22 to 28, wherein a ratio between a depth of the lid and a depth of the neck part is about 2.8: 1.

30. The fabric care device of any one of claims 22 to 29, wherein a ratio between a depth of the lid and a depth of the grip part is about 1.2: 1.

31. The fabric care device of any one of claims 23 to 30, wherein a ratio between a width of the lid and a width of the grip part is about 1.1 : 1.

32. The fabric care device of any one of claims 22 to 31, wherein a ratio between a width of the grip part and a width of the neck part is about 2: 1.

33. The fabric care device of any one of claims 23 to 32, wherein a ratio between a depth of the grip part and a depth of the neck part is about 2.3: 1.

34. The fabric care device of any one of claims 22 to 33, wherein a ratio between a width of the neck part and a depth of the neck part is about 1.5: 1.

35. The fabric care device of any one of claims 23 to 34, wherein a ratio between a width of the grip part and a depth of the grip part is about 1.3: 1.

36. The fabric care device of any one of claims 23 to 35, wherein the handle portion comprises a ottom part extending between the grip part and the free end, the bottom part having a generally hourglass shape.

37. The fabric care device of claim 36, wherein a ratio between a depth of the grip part and a depth of the bottom part is about 1.1 : 1.

38. The fabric care device of any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein: the lid defines a lid cavity, the lid cavity being configured to receive an end of the first and / or second fabric care attachment when the lid is removably connected to the free end.

39. The fabric care device of claim 38, wherein a ratio between a depth the lid and a depth of the lid cavity is about 1.4: 1.

40. The fabric care device of any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the cavity is configured to prevent rotation of the first and / or second fabric care attachment within the cavity.

41. The fabric care device of any one of claims 1 to 40, wherein the cavity is configured to preventranslation of the first and / or second fabric care attachment within the cavity.

42. The fabric care device of any of claims 1 to 41, further comprising the second fabric care attachment.

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