Skin-cleansing implement with massaging function
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2026/053765
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-02-20
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-27
Smart Images
Figure EP2026053765_27082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] 2024PF00558
[0002] 1
[0003] SKIN-CLEANSING IMPLEMENT WITH MASSAGING FUNCTION
[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The invention relates to a skin-cleansing implement comprising a base portion, a carrier which is connected to the base portion and rotatable relative to the base portion about an axis of rotation, and a plurality of bristle elements provided on a supporting surface of the carrier, wherein the bristle elements each have a distal tip and an axial tip distance at which the distal tip is arranged, in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation, from an imaginary reference plane which extends perpendicularly to the axis of rotation and through the carrier, wherein:
[0006] a first group of the plurality of bristle elements is arranged in a first central area of the supporting surface;
[0007] a distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements of the first group, which is defined as a difference between a largest axial tip distance and a smallest axial tip distance of the bristle elements of the first group, is smaller than 1 mm;
[0008] a second group of the plurality of bristle elements is arranged in a second area of the supporting surface, said second area surrounding the first central area and comprising a plurality of annular zones which are arranged concentrically and in consecutive mutually adjacent radial positions relative to the axis of rotation and which include an outermost annular zone which is at a largest radial distance from the axis of rotation, an innermost annular zone which is at a smallest radial distance from the axis of rotation, and at least one intermediate annular zone arranged between the innermost annular zone and the outermost annular zone; and
[0009] in each annular zone of said plurality of annular zones the bristle elements have different axial tip distances including a smallest axial tip distance and a largest axial tip distance, and a distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements is defined as a difference between the largest axial tip distance and the smallest axial tip distance of the bristle elements in the respective annular zone.
[0010] The invention also relates to a personal care device comprising a main housing and a skin-cleansing implement as described here before.
[0011] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0012] A skin-cleansing implement as described in the section “Field of the Invention” is disclosed by US 9,107,486 B2. In this known skin-cleansing implement, a first group of bristle elements is arranged in an annular configuration on a first central area of a planar supporting surface of a carrier of the implement. The bristle elements of the first group have identical lengths. A second group of bristle elements is arranged on a second area of the planar supporting surface, wherein the second area surrounds2024PF00558
[0013] 2
[0014] the first central area. The bristle elements of the second group are arranged in a plurality of annular zones of the second area. In each annular zone, the bristle elements are arranged in first sub-groups of bristle elements having a first length, which is identical to the length of the bristle elements in the first group, and second sub-groups of bristle elements having a second length smaller than the first length. The carrier of the implement is configured to oscillate about a central axis relative to a base portion of the implement to provide smoothing and exfoliation of a user’s skin with or without the application of a skin care formula. The bristle elements in the second sub-groups of the second group may also provide massaging or cleansing to the skin.
[0015] WO 2014 / 207503 discloses a brush implement comprising a plurality of bristle elements in the form of tufts which are anchored to a carrier in the form of a brush base, wherein each tuft comprises a plurality of bristles that each have an anchored proximal end and a free distal end. In some embodiments, the plurality of tufts includes one or more first tufts and one or more second tufts, wherein the distal ends of the first and second tufts are non-coplanar. In some embodiments, the non-coplanar arrangement of the distal ends of the first and second tufts is realized by arranging bristles of constant lengths onto a non-planar supporting surface of the carrier. In these embodiments, the non-planar supporting surface may have varying peaks and valleys formed by smooth curves. Due to the arrangement of tufts having bristles of the same length onto a non-planar 3D geometric supporting surface of the carrier, the distal ends of the tufts will move in an up / down kneading or massaging action when the carrier is oscillated or rotated.
[0016] US 2015 / 0305486 Al discloses a powered skin care device which is provided with a vibrating motor. The device further has a removable brush head that includes at least two types of bristles. A first group of bristles is for gentle cleansing and a second group of bristles is for aggressive cleansing. The skin care device is provided with a vibration damper between a head supporting platform, which includes the vibrating motor, and a handle of the device. The vibrating motor produces vibrations in a relatively gentle frequency range of about 80 Hz to 250 Hz. The bristles are arranged on an oval or egg-shaped carrier. The bristles of the first group have equal lengths, and their tips lie in a first plane extending parallel to a surface of the carrier. The bristles of the second group have a length which is smaller than the length of the bristles of the first group and which decreases incrementally towards a tip portion of the oval carrier. As a result, the tips of the bristles of the second group lie in a second plane which defines an obtuse angle relative to the first plane. The bristles of the first portion are softer due to their longer length.
[0017] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] It is an object of the present invention to provide a skin-cleansing implement of a type as described in the section “Field of the Invention” which may provide both effective cleansing and effective massaging of the skin and which, at the same time, limits discomfort experienced by the user during use of the implement.2024PF00558
[0019] 3
[0020] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a skin-cleansing implement comprising a base portion, a carrier which is connected to the base portion and rotatable relative to the base portion about an axis of rotation, and a plurality of bristle elements provided on a supporting surface of the carrier, wherein the bristle elements each have a distal tip and an axial tip distance at which the distal tip is arranged, in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation, from an imaginary reference plane which extends perpendicularly to the axis of rotation and through the carrier, wherein:
[0021] a first group of the plurality of bristle elements is arranged in a first central area of the supporting surface;
[0022] a distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements of the first group, which is defined as a difference between a largest axial tip distance and a smallest axial tip distance of the bristle elements of the first group, is smaller than 1 mm;
[0023] a second group of the plurality of bristle elements is arranged in a second area of the supporting surface, said second area surrounding the first central area and comprising a plurality of annular zones which are arranged concentrically and in consecutive mutually adjacent radial positions relative to the axis of rotation and which include an outermost annular zone which is at a largest radial distance from the axis of rotation, an innermost annular zone which is at a smallest radial distance from the axis of rotation, and at least one intermediate annular zone arranged between the innermost annular zone and the outermost annular zone;
[0024] in each annular zone of said plurality of annular zones the bristle elements have different axial tip distances including a smallest axial tip distance and a largest axial tip distance, and a distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements is defined as a difference between the largest axial tip distance and the smallest axial tip distance of the bristle elements in the respective annular zone;
[0025] the distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements in the outermost annular zone has a maximum amplitude value; and
[0026] the distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements in the innermost annular zone and in each of the intermediate annular zones is smaller than the maximum amplitude value.
[0027] In the skin-cleansing implement according to the invention, a plurality of bristle elements is provided on a supporting surface of a carrier, wherein the carrier is connected to a base portion of the skin-cleansing implement and rotatable relative to the base portion about an axis of rotation. Preferably the carrier is rotatable in a single rotational direction. Alternatively, the carrier may be rotatable in two mutually opposite directions about the axis of rotation or rotationally oscillating about the axis of rotation.
[0028] The inventors found out that effective cleansing and effective massaging of the skin by means of bristle elements arranged on a rotating carrier require different interactions of the bristle elements with the skin. In particular, a cleansing effect on a particular skin area is effectively achieved when there is continuous contact of the particular skin area with the bristle elements on the rotating carrier. On the other hand, a massaging effect on a particular skin area is effectively achieved when there2024PF00558
[0029] 4
[0030] is intermitting contact of the particular skin area with the bristle elements on the rotating carrier.
[0031] Continuous contact of a particular skin area with the bristle elements on the rotating carrier can be achieved when a distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements, which is defined as a difference between a largest axial tip distance and a smallest axial tip distance of the bristle elements, is smaller than 1 mm. In this context, the axial tip distance of a bristle element is defined as a distance at which the distal tip of the bristle element is arranged, in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation, from an imaginary reference plane which extends perpendicularly to the axis of rotation and through the carrier. On the other hand, intermitting contact of the particular skin area with the bristle elements on the rotating carrier can be achieved when the bristle elements have different axial tip distances, in particular when the bristle elements which are arranged in an annular zone of the supporting surface which is concentrically arranged relative to the axis of rotation have different axial tip distances. The inventors also found out that the massaging effect may be increased by increasing a distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements in the annular zone, which is defined as a difference between a largest axial tip distance and a smallest axial tip distance of the bristle elements in the annular zone. On the other hand, an increased massaging effect achieved by an increased distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements also appeared to result in an increased level of discomfort experienced by the user in conjunction with the massaging effect.
[0032] Furthermore, an increase of the massaging effect by an increased distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements appeared to result in a decrease of the cleansing effect by the same bristles, while an increase of the cleansing effect by a decrease of the distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements to a relatively small value or zero appeared to result in a decrease of the massaging effect by the same bristles.
[0033] According to the invention, a first group of the plurality of bristle elements of the skincleansing implement is arranged in a first central area of the supporting surface of the rotatable carrier, and a distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements of the first group, which is defined as a difference between a largest axial tip distance and a smallest axial tip distance of the bristle elements of the first group, is smaller than 1 mm. Since the distal -tip amplitude of the bristle elements of the first group is limited to a value smaller than 1 mm, the bristle elements of the first group will be in continuous contact with a skin area, due to the elastic properties of the skin, when the carrier is rotating about the axis of rotation. As a result, the bristle elements of the first group are particularly configured to provide an effective cleansing effect. Because the bristle elements of the first group are at a relatively small distance from the axis of rotation, the bristle elements of the first group have a relatively small linear velocity. Consequently, the bristle elements of the first group are not particularly suitable to provide a massaging effect. The invention therefore optimally uses the bristle elements of the first group to provide a cleansing effect.
[0034] Furthermore, a second group of the plurality of bristle elements of the skin-cleansing implement is arranged in a second area of the supporting surface of the rotatable carrier, said second area surrounding the first central area. The second area comprises a plurality of annular zones which are arranged concentrically relative to the axis of rotation, and in each annular zone the bristle elements have2024PF00558
[0035] 5
[0036] different axial tip distances. Since the different axial tip differences of the bristle elements in the annular zones of the second group result in intermitting contact of a skin area with these bristle elements when the carrier is rotating about the axis of rotation, the bristle elements of the second group may be particularly configured to provide an effective massaging effect.
[0037] In particular, in accordance with the invention, the distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements in an outermost annular zone of the second area, which is at a largest radial distance from the axis of rotation amongst the plurality of annular zones, has a maximum amplitude value, while the distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements in an innermost annular zone, which is at a smallest radial distance from the axis of rotation amongst the plurality of annular zones, and in each intermediate annular zone between the innermost and outermost annular zones is smaller than the maximum amplitude value.
[0038] Because the bristle elements in the outermost annular zone are at a larger radial distance from the axis of rotation compared to the other bristle elements in the first central group and in the innermost and intermediate annular zones of the second group, the bristle elements in the outermost annular zone of the second area will have a larger linear velocity than said other bristle elements and, as a result, will provide a stronger massaging effect than said other bristle elements. Because the distal -tip amplitude of the bristle elements in the outermost annular zone has the maximum amplitude value, said relatively strong massaging effect of the bristle elements in the outermost annular zone is optimally used. On the other hand, the bristle elements in the innermost annular zone and in each of the intermediate annular zones of the second group provide a weaker massaging effect as a result of their lower linear velocity as compared to the bristle elements in the outermost annular zone. Because, according to the invention, the distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements in the innermost annular zone and in each of the intermediate annular zones is smaller than the maximum amplitude value, the massaging effect of the bristle elements in the innermost annular zone and in each of the intermediate annular zones is still used to some extent. But, more importantly, the discomfort experienced by the user in conjunction with the massaging effect of the bristle elements in the innermost annular zone and in each of the intermediate annular zones is significantly reduced. In addition, as a result of their smaller distal-tip amplitudes, the bristle elements in the innermost annular zone and in each of the intermediate annular zones may contribute to some extent to the cleansing effect of the skin-cleansing implement. Thus, the invention results in an optimal use of the massaging effect of the bristle elements of the skin-cleansing implement which are arranged at the largest radial distance from the axis of rotation, an optimal use of the cleansing effect of the bristle elements in the first central area of the supporting surface of the carrier, and an optimal reduction of the discomfort experienced by the user in conjunction with the massaging effect provided by the skincleansing implement.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the skin-cleansing implement according to the invention, the distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements in the innermost annular zone has a minimum amplitude value smaller than the maximum amplitude value, and the distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements in each intermediate annular zone is larger than the minimum amplitude value and smaller than the2024PF00558
[0040] 6
[0041] maximum amplitude value. As a result of the relatively low linear velocity of the bristle elements in the innermost annular zone of the second area of the supporting surface compared to the other bristle elements in the intermediate annular zones and in the outermost annular zone of the second area, the massaging effect of the bristle elements in the innermost annular zone is relatively weak compared to the massaging effect of said other bristle elements in the second area. In view of the relatively weak massaging effect of the bristle elements in the innermost annular zone, the discomfort experienced by the user in conjunction with the massaging effect may be reduced to a maximum extent at the innermost annular zone by providing, in this preferred embodiment, the bristle elements in the innermost annular zone with a distal-tip amplitude which is smaller than the distal-tip amplitudes of said other bristle elements in the second area. Thereby, in addition the contribution to the cleansing effect by the bristle elements in the innermost annular zone may be increased to a maximum extent as compared to said other bristle elements in the second area. In this embodiment, a ratio between the minimum amplitude value and the maximum amplitude value may be between 0.05 and 0.25.
[0042] It is noted that the minimum amplitude value and the maximum amplitude value mean, respectively, a minimum value and a maximum value of the distal-tip amplitudes of the bristle elements within the plurality of annular zones of the second area of the supporting surface of the carrier. In particular, the minimum amplitude value may be larger than the distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements of the first group in the first central area of the supporting surface.
[0043] In a further embodiment of the skin-cleansing implement according to the invention, the distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements in each intermediate annular zone is larger than the distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements in a first adjacent annular zone which is surrounded by said intermediate annular zone, and smaller than the distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements in a second adjacent annular zone which surrounds said intermediate annular zone. In this embodiment, the distal -tip amplitude of the bristle elements in the plurality of annular zones of the second area of the supporting surface respectively increases from each annular zone to the adjacent annular zone, seen in an outward radial direction relative to the axis of rotation, from the minimum amplitude value at the innermost annular zone to the maximum amplitude value at the outermost annular zone. In particular, the distal -tip amplitude may gradually increase in the outward radial direction from the minimum amplitude value at the innermost annular zone to the maximum amplitude value at the outermost annular zone. Thereby, an optimum distribution of the cleansing effect and the massaging effect may be achieved over the bristle elements in the second area of the supporting surface, as well as an optimum balance of the massaging effect of the bristle elements in the second area and the discomfort experienced by the user in conjunction with the massaging effect.
[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the skin-cleansing implement according to the invention, the maximum amplitude value, i.e., the value of the distal -tip amplitude of the bristle elements in the outermost annular zone of the second area, is between 1.0 and 3.0 mm, preferably between 1.5 and 2.5 mm. A maximum amplitude value within these ranges appeared to result in an effective massaging of the2024PF00558
[0045] 7
[0046] skin and to provide an acceptable level of comfort experienced by the user in conjunction with the massaging effect.
[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the skin-cleansing implement according to the invention, in each annular zone of the plurality of annular zones the bristle elements are arranged in first sub-groups and second sub-groups, an average axial tip distance of the bristle elements in each first sub-group is larger than an average axial tip distance of the bristle elements in each second sub-group, a number of first sub-groups is equal to a number of second sub-groups and is at least two, and, seen in a tangential direction relative to the axis of rotation, each first sub-group is arranged between two second sub-groups. In this embodiment, the number of first sub-groups and second sub-groups which are present in each annular zone may determine, in conjunction with a rotational velocity of the carrier about the axis of rotation, a basic (first order) vibrational frequency of the massaging effect provided by the bristle elements in the second area of the supporting surface of the carrier. When, in addition, in each annular zone of the plurality of annular zones the first sub-groups and the second sub-groups each extend in the tangential direction over an identical angular range about the axis of rotation, said basic vibrational frequency may be defined as the mathematical product of the number of the first sub-groups times the frequency of the rotational motion of the carrier about the axis of rotation. Preferably said basic vibrational frequency does not exceed 200 Hz. A preferred basic vibrational frequency may be in a range between 10 Hz and 30 Hz, such as 12 Hz or 24 Hz.
[0048] In a further embodiment of the skin-cleansing implement according to the invention, in each annular zone of the plurality of annular zones, seen in the tangential direction, the axial tip distances of the bristle elements gradually vary between the smallest axial tip distance and the largest axial tip distance such that, seen in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the distal tips of the bristle elements are arranged in a wave-shaped pattern. As a result of said arrangement of the distal tips of the bristle elements in said wave-shaped pattern, the level of discomfort experienced by the user in conjunction with the massaging effect of the bristle elements in the second area of the supporting surface of the carrier is significantly reduced, while the bristle elements still provide efficient massaging of the skin.
[0049] In a still further embodiment of the skin-cleansing implement according to the invention having the arrangement of the distal tips of the bristle elements in said wave-shaped pattern as described here before, in each annular zone of the plurality of annular zones each first sub-group has at least one most-protruding bristle element having the largest axial tip distance in said annular zone, and the distal tips of the most-protruding bristle elements of the plurality of annular zones are arranged on imaginary curved lines which each extend from a most-protruding bristle element in the outermost annular zone to a most-protruding bristle element in the innermost annular zone and which are each concave at a side which faces a direction into which the carrier is rotatable relative to the base portion. Because in this embodiment the distal tips of the most-protruding bristle elements of the plurality of annular zones are arranged on said imaginary curved lines which are concave at a side which faces the rotational direction2024PF00558
[0050] 8
[0051] of the carrier, each group of most-protruding bristle elements arranged on a respective one of said curved lines may provide a pumping effect with respect to a cleansing fluid or gel that the user may have applied to the skin before a treatment of the skin by means of the skin-cleansing implement. In particular, as a result of the concave shape of said imaginary curved lines, the most-protruding bristle elements arranged on said imaginary curved lines will pump, under influence of the rotation of the carrier, the cleansing fluid or gel towards the first central area of the supporting surface of the carrier where the bristle elements of the first group, which are configured to provide the cleansing effect, are arranged. Thus, the cleansing fluid or gel applied to the skin is automatically displaced towards the bristle elements in the first central area of the carrier where the cleansing function takes place.
[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the skin-cleansing implement according to the invention, the first central area is a circular area which is arranged concentrically relative to the axis of rotation, and the bristle elements of the first group are regularly distributed over said circular area. In this embodiment, the bristle elements of the first group may entirely cover a central circular area of the supporting surface of the carrier including the point of intersection of the axis of rotation and the supporting surface, so that the first central area is optimally used to provide the cleansing effect.
[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the skin-cleansing implement according to the invention, the distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements of the first group in the first central area of the supporting surface is zero and each bristle element of the first group has an identical axial tip distance. Since in this embodiment the bristle elements of the first group have identical axial tip distances, an optimum continuous contact of the bristle elements in the first central area of the supporting surface with the skin is achieved during rotation of the carrier, so that an optimum cleansing effect is achieved by the bristle elements in the first central area. In alternative embodiments wherein the distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements of the first group is non-zero, the distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements of the first group is preferably smaller than the distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements in the innermost annular zone of the second area of the supporting surface that surrounds the first central area. In embodiments wherein the bristle elements in the innermost annular zone have the minimum amplitude value, the distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements of the first group is preferably smaller than the minimum amplitude value.
[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the skin-cleansing implement according to the invention, wherein each bristle element of the first group has an identical axial tip distance, the axial tip distance of the bristle elements of the first group is smaller than the largest axial tip distance of the bristle elements in each annular zone of the plurality of annular zones and larger than the smallest axial tip distance of the bristle elements in each annular zone of the plurality of annular zones. This embodiment may provide optimum contact of all bristle elements of the first group and the second group with the user’s skin.
[0055] In a further embodiment of the skin-cleansing implement according to the invention, the supporting surface of the carrier is a planar surface extending perpendicularly to the axis of rotation. In this embodiment, the different axial tip distances of the bristle elements may be achieved by providing2024PF00558
[0056] 9
[0057] bristle elements with different lengths. Alternatively, the bristle elements of the first and second groups may have identical lengths, and the different axial tip distances may be achieved by arranging the bristle elements on a non-planar supporting surface having a three-dimensional (3D) profile corresponding to an imaginary 3D profile extending through the distal tips of the bristle elements. In this alternative embodiment, the bristle elements in the first and second groups may have identical mechanical properties, in particular an identical bending stiffness. Alternatively, the bristle elements in the first group and the bristle elements in the second group, or even the bristle elements in each annular zone of the second group, may have different mechanical properties, for example, by providing the bristle elements with different lengths and / or different thicknesses and / or by using bristle elements made of different materials.
[0058] The present invention further provides a personal care device comprising a main housing and a skin-cleansing implement according to the present invention or any embodiment thereof as described here before, wherein the main housing accommodates a drive system which is configured to rotate the carrier of the skin-cleansing implement relative to the base portion of the skin-cleansing implement in a condition wherein the base portion is coupled to the main housing. In the personal care device according to the invention, the base portion of the skin-cleansing implement may comprise a coupling member by means of which the base portion is releasably couplable to a coupling member of the main housing, and the personal care device may comprise at least one personal care implement different from the skin-cleansing implement, in particular a hair-cutting unit such as a shaving unit, which is releasably couplable to the coupling member of the main housing for being driven by the drive system.
[0059] The above-described and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the following detailed description of embodiments of a skin-cleansing implement and a personal care device in accordance with the invention.
[0060] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0061] The invention will be explained in greater detail with reference to the figures, in which equal or similar features are indicated by the same reference numbers, and in which:
[0062] Fig. la shows an embodiment of a personal care device according to the invention with an embodiment of a skin-cleansing implement according to the invention coupled to a main housing of the personal care device;
[0063] Fig. lb shows the personal care device of Fig. la with a shaving unit coupled to the main housing;
[0064] Fig. 2 is a side view of the skin-cleansing implement of the personal care device of Fig. la;
[0065] Fig. 3 is a cross-section of the skin-cleansing implement of Fig. 2 taken along a central axis of the skin-cleansing implement;
[0066] Fig. 4 is atop view of a carrier and a plurality of bristle elements of the skin-cleansing implement of Fig. 2;2024PF00558
[0067] 10
[0068] Fig. 5 is a cross-section of the carrier and the bristle elements along the line V-V in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a side view of the carrier and the bristle elements of Fig. 4;
[0069] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the carrier and the bristle elements of Fig. 4;
[0070] Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-section of one half of the carrier of Fig. 4 indicating parameters of the bristle elements;
[0071] Fig. 9 is a top view, similar to Fig. 4, of the carrier and the plurality of bristle elements of the skin-cleansing implement of Fig. 2; and
[0072] Fig. 10 schematically shows a top view of a carrier of an alternative embodiment a skincleansing implement according to the invention.
[0073] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0074] Figs, la and lb show a personal care device 1 according to the invention. The personal care device 1 comprises a main housing 3 which is configured as a handle portion which can be held by a user’s hand during use of the personal care device 1. The main housing 3 accommodates a drive system 5, which is well-known to the skilled person and is only schematically indicated in the figures. The drive system 5 may comprise an electric motor, which can be activated by the user by means of a switch 7 provided on the main housing 3. The electric motor may drive a drive shaft 9 of the drive system 5, which is only schematically indicated in the figures, into rotation.
[0075] The personal care device 1 further comprises a plurality of different personal care implements which can each be selectively and individually coupled to the main housing 3 to be driven by the drive system 5. One of the different personal care implements is an embodiment of a skin-cleansing implement 11 according to the invention. Fig. la shows the personal care device 1 with the skin-cleansing implement 11 coupled to the main housing 3, so that the skin-cleansing implement 11 may be driven by the drive system 5 in the main housing 3. Fig. lb shows the personal care device 1 with a shaving unit 13 coupled to the main housing 3. In this embodiment, the shaving unit 13 is of a rotary type and comprises three hair-cutting units 15 of a rotary type. Such a shaving unit 13 is well-known to the skilled person. The plurality of different personal care implements of the personal care device 1 may comprise, in addition to the skin-cleansing implement 11 according to the invention, any number and any type of personal care implements different from the skin-cleansing implement 11. For example, in addition to or instead of the shaving unit 13, the personal care device 1 may comprise one or more hair-cutting units different from the shaving unit 13, such as a long-hair trimming unit, a beard trimmer, a hair clipper or a nose-hair trimmer, or one or more personal care implements different from a hair-cutting unit. A personal care device according to the invention may also comprise a main housing and a skin-cleansing implement according to the invention which is fixedly mounted to the main housing. In such embodiments the personal care device may be defined as a skin-cleansing device, and the skin-cleansing implement may not be exchanged by a personal care implement of a different type.2024PF00558
[0076] 11
[0077] To enable the user of the personal care device 1 to selectively couple each of the different personal care implements, including the skin-cleansing implement 11, to the main housing 3, the personal care device 1 may comprise a releasable coupling structure of any suitable type comprising a coupling member provided in the main housing 3 and a coupling member provided in each of the different personal care implements, including the skin-cleansing implement 11, configured and arranged to be releasably couplable with the coupling member in the main housing 3 such that the personal care implement is drivable by the drive system 5. An example of a suitable coupling structure is disclosed by EP3856471B1 in the name of the applicant. The details of the coupling structure are not shown in the figures and will not be discussed here.
[0078] Fig. 2 is a side view of the skin-cleansing implement 11, and Fig. 3 is a cross-section of the skin-cleansing implement 11 taken along a central axis 17 of the skin-cleansing implement 11. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the skin-cleansing implement 11 comprises a base portion 19, which is provided with a coupling member 21 by means of which the base portion 19 is releasably couplable to the main housing 3, as discussed here before. In the embodiment shown, the coupling member 21 is of a type as disclosed by EP3856471B1 mentioned here before. The skin-cleansing implement 11 further comprises a carrier 23, which is connected to the base portion 19 and rotatable relative to the base portion 19 about an axis of rotation 25 coinciding with the central axis 17. The skin-cleansing implement 11 further comprises a driven shaft 27, which is shown in Fig. 3 and which is configured and arranged to be coupled to the drive shaft 9 of the drive system 5 in the main housing 3 when the base portion 19 is coupled to the main housing 3. As further shown in Fig. 3, the driven shaft 27 is connected to the rotatable carrier 23 via a transmission system 29, which is arranged in the base portion 19 and comprises a plurality of gear wheels. The carrier 23 is fixedly mounted to an end gear wheel 31 of the transmission system 29. The end gear wheel 31 is rotationally mounted to the base portion 19 by means of a rotational bearing 33, so that the carrier 23 is rotationally mounted to the base portion 19 via the end gear wheel 31 and the rotational bearing 33. Thus, when the base portion 19 is coupled to the main housing 3, the carrier 23 may be rotationally driven relative to the base portion 19 about the axis of rotation 25 by means of the drive system 5 in the main housing 3 via the drive shaft 9 of the drive system 5 and via the driven shaft 27 and the transmission system 29 in the base portion 19.
[0079] In an alternative embodiment of a personal care device according to the invention, the base portion of the skin-cleansing implement may be part of the main housing and arranged in a fixed position relative to the main housing, and the carrier with the bristle elements may be releasably coupled directly to the drive system in the main housing. In this alternative embodiment, the driven shaft 27 as described with reference to the embodiment of Fig. 3 may be mounted in a fixed position to the carrier 23, and the carrier 23 may be reliably coupled to the drive shaft 9 of the drive system 5 in the main housing 3 by means of the driven shaft 27 and may be only supported, via the driven shaft 27, by the drive shaft 9 without being supported by other structural elements. This direct and only support of the carrier 23 by the drive shaft 9 may be realized by a suitable bearing of the drive shaft 9. In this alternative embodiment, the2024PF00558
[0080] 12
[0081] base portion of the skin-cleansing implement may be formed by an upper portion of the main housing that accommodates said bearing of the drive shaft 9.
[0082] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the skin-cleansing implement 11 further comprises a plurality of bristle elements 35, which are arranged on a supporting surface 37 of the carrier 23. In the embodiment of the skin-cleansing implement 11 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the supporting surface 37 is a planar surface extending perpendicularly to the axis of rotation 25. As shown in Fig. 3, the carrier 23 comprises a first portion 39, which is fixedly mounted to the end gear wheel 31 of the transmission system 29, and a second portion 41, which is fixedly mounted to the first portion 39 and comprises the bristle elements 35 and the supporting surface 37. In the embodiment shown, the bristle elements 35 are integrally formed with the second portion 41 of the carrier 23. The bristle elements 35 and the second portion 41 may be made by means of an injection molding process from a plastics material, for example liquid silicone rubber (LSR). Thereby, the bristle elements 35 may be flexible to some extent. As indicated in Fig. 3 for one of the bristle elements 35, the bristle elements 35 each have a distal tip 43 which is arranged, in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation 25, at an axial tip distance DT from an imaginary reference plane 45, which extends perpendicularly to the axis of rotation 25 and through the carrier 23. In the embodiment of the skin-cleansing implement 11 with the planar supporting surface 37, the imaginary reference plane 45 extends parallel to the supporting surface 37. The bristle elements 35 thus extend as elongated protrusions from the supporting surface 37 with their distal tips 43 being arranged at an axial tip distance DT from the imaginary reference plane 45. The bristle elements 35 may extend parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of rotation 25. However, this is not necessary. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, some of the bristle elements 35 of the skin-cleansing implement 11 have an inclined orientation relative to the axis of rotation 25, and an inclination angle of the bristle elements 35 relative to the axis of rotation 25 increases in an outward radial direction R from the axis of rotation 25 towards an outer circumference 47 of the carrier 23.
[0083] Fig. 4 is a top view of the carrier 23 and the plurality of bristle elements 35 arranged on the supporting surface 37 of the carrier 23. As shown in Fig. 4, a first group 49 of the plurality of bristle elements 35 is arranged in a first central area 51 of the supporting surface 37. In the embodiment of the skin-cleansing implement 11 shown in Fig. 4, the first central area 51 is a circular area which is arranged concentrically relative to the axis of rotation 25. In Fig. 4, a boundary of the first central area 51 is indicated by means of the dashed circle 53. In this embodiment, the bristle elements 35 of the first group 49 are regularly distributed over the first central area 51. In particular, as shown in Fig. 4, in this embodiment the bristle elements 35 of the first group 49 comprise a central bristle element 35-c, which is arranged at the axis of rotation 25, and three annular rows of bristle elements 35 arranged concentrically about the axis of rotation 25. However, alternative boundaries of the first central area 51 of the supporting surface 37 and alternative arrangements of the bristle elements 35 in the first central area 51 are possible. In this embodiment, each bristle element 35 of the first group 49 in the first central area 51 has an identical axial tip distance DTI, as indicated in Fig. 3 for only the central bristle element 35-c.2024PF00558
[0084] 13
[0085] Alternatively, the bristle elements 35 of the first group 49 may have different axial tip distances.
[0086] However, in accordance with the invention a distal -tip amplitude of the bristle elements 35 of the first group 49, which is defined as a difference between a largest axial tip distance and a smallest axial tip distance of the bristle elements 35 of the first group 49, is smaller than 1 mm.
[0087] As further shown in Fig. 4, a second group 55 of the plurality of bristle elements 35 of the skin-cleansing implement 11 is arranged in a second area 57 of the supporting surface 37 of the carrier 23. The second area 57 surrounds the first central area 51 and comprises a plurality of annular zones 59, which are arranged concentrically and in consecutive mutually adjacent radial positions relative to the axis of rotation 25. The plurality of annular zones 59 includes an outermost annular zone 59-1, which is at a largest radial distance from the axis of rotation 25, an innermost annular zone 59-2, which is at a smallest radial distance from the axis of rotation 25, and at least one intermediate annular zone 59-i arranged between the innermost annular zone 59-2 and the outermost annular zone 59-1. In the embodiment of the skin-cleansing implement 11 shown in Fig. 4, the second area 57 extends from the dashed circle 53, which indicates the boundary of the first central area 51, until the outer circumference 47 of the carrier 23, and each annular zone 59 comprises a single annular row of bristle elements 35. An annular zone within the second group 55 of bristle elements 35 as defined by the present invention may however comprise two or more annular rows of bristle elements arranged at different radial distances from the axis of rotation 25 or bristle elements arranged in a pattern different from (a) row(s). The second area 57 of the embodiment of the skin-cleansing implement 11 shown in Fig. 4 comprises, besides the outermost annular zone 59-1 and the innermost annular zone 59-2, five intermediate annular zones 59-i. The boundaries between the annular zones 59 of the second area 57 are partially indicated by dashed circle segments in the upper half of Fig. 4.
[0088] In each annular zone 59 of the second group 55 of bristle elements 35, the bristle elements 35 have different axial tip distances DT, including a smallest axial tip distance DTS and a largest axial tip distance DTL. In Fig. 5, which is a cross-section of the carrier 23 and the bristle elements 35 along the line V-V in Fig. 4, the smallest axial tip distance DTS and the largest axial tip distance DTL are indicated for the bristle elements 35 in the outermost annular zone 59-1 of the plurality of annular zones 59.
[0089] Furthermore, in each annular zone 59 a distal -tip amplitude AT of the bristle elements 35 is defined as a difference between the largest axial tip distance DTL and the smallest axial tip distance DTS of the bristle elements 35 arranged within the respective annular zone 59. In accordance with the invention, the distal -tip amplitude AT of the bristle elements 35 in the outermost annular zone 59-1 has a maximum amplitude value ATMAX, and the distal -tip amplitude AT of the bristle elements 35 in the innermost annular zone 59-2 and in each of the intermediate annular zones 59-i is smaller than said maximum amplitude value ATMAX. Particularly, in the embodiment of the skin-cleansing implement 11 shown in Figs. 4 and 5 the distal -tip amplitude AT of the bristle elements 35 in the innermost annular zone 59-2 has a minimum amplitude value AT IN, which is smaller than said maximum amplitude value AT AX,2024PF00558
[0090] 14
[0091] and the distal -tip amplitude AT of the bristle elements 35 in each intermediate annular zone 59-i is larger than said minimum amplitude value ATMIN and smaller than said maximum amplitude value ATMAX. More particularly, in the embodiment of the skin-cleansing implement 11 shown in Figs. 4 and 5 the distal-tip amplitude AT of the bristle elements 35 in each intermediate annular zone 59-i is larger than the distal -tip amplitude AT of the bristle elements 35 in a first adjacent annular zone 59, which is surrounded by said intermediate annular zone 59-i, and smaller than the distal -tip amplitude AT of the bristle elements 35 in a second adjacent annular zone 59 which surrounds said intermediate annular zone 59-i. As a result, in the embodiment shown in Figs. 4 and 5 the distal-tip amplitude AT of the bristle elements 35 in the annular zones 59 of the second group 55 of bristle elements 35 gradually increases, in the outward radial direction relative to the axis of rotation 25, from the minimum amplitude value ATMIN at the innermost annular zone 59-2 to the maximum amplitude value AT AX at the outermost annular zone 59-1. This gradual increase of the distal-tip amplitude AT is visible at best in Fig. 5 and, to a somewhat lesser extent, in Fig. 6, which is a side view of the carrier 23 and the bristle elements 35 of the skin-cleansing implement 11, and in Fig. 7, which is a perspective view of the carrier 23 and the bristle elements 35 of the skin-cleansing implement 11.
[0092] The above-mentioned parameters of the bristle elements 35 of the second group 55, i.e., the distal-tip amplitude AT, the largest axial tip distance DTL, the smallest axial tip distance DTS, the minimum amplitude value ATMIN, and the maximum amplitude value ATMAX are further illustrated in Fig.
[0093] 8, which is a schematic cross-section, along the axis of rotation 25, of one half of the carrier 23 and does not show the bristle elements 35 for simplicity reasons. Fig. 8 shows the first central area 51 of the supporting surface 37 of the carrier 23 on which the first group 49 of the bristle elements 35 is arranged. As discussed before, the bristle elements 35 in the first central area 51 each have an identical axial tip distance DTI, which is indicated in Fig. 8. The dashed line 61 in Fig. 8 indicates a virtual line which is crossed by the distal tips 43 of the bristle elements 35 of the first group 49 during use of the skincleansing implement 11, i.e., during rotation of carrier 23 about the axis of rotation 25.
[0094] Fig. 8 further indicates the position of the second area 57 on the supporting surface 37 of the carrier 23 on which the second group 55 of bristle elements 35 is arranged. In Fig. 8 the boundary between the first central area 51 and the second area 57 of the supporting surface 37 is indicated by means of dashed line 53’. Fig. 8 also shows the outermost annular zone 59-1, the innermost annular zone 59-2, and the intermediate annular zones 59-i of the second area 57 mutually separated by dashed lines. As described before, in each annular zone 59 of the second area 57 the bristle elements 35 have different axial tip distances DT, including a smallest axial tip distance DTS and a largest axial tip distance DTL. The bristle elements 35 in an annular zone 59, which have the largest axial tip distance DTL within said annular zone 59, will be referred to as the most-protruding bristle elements 35M of the annular zone 59. The bristle elements 35 in an annular zone 59, which have the smallest axial tip distance DTS within said annular zone 59, will be referred to as the least-protruding bristle elements 35L of the annular zone 59. Fig. 8 indicates the smallest axial tip distance DTS and the largest axial tip distance DTL for the bristle2024PF00558
[0095] 15
[0096] elements 35 in one of the intermediate zones 59-i. For this intermediate annular zone 59-i, Fig. 8 also indicates the amplitude value AT (= DTL - DTS) of the bristle elements 35 within this intermediate annular zone 59-i. Furthermore, the upper curved dashed line 63 in Fig. 8 indicates a virtual line which is crossed by the distal tips 43 of the most-protruding bristle elements 35M within the different annular zones 59 during rotation of carrier 23 about the axis of rotation 25. The lower curved dashed line 65 in Fig. 8 indicates a virtual line which is crossed by the distal tips 43 of the least-protruding bristle elements 35L within the different annular zones 59 during rotation of carrier 23. Accordingly, a distance between the upper and lower curved dashed lines 63 and 65, measured in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation at the location of an annular zone 59, corresponds to the amplitude value AT of the bristle elements 35 within this annular zone 59. Accordingly, as indicated in Fig. 8, the distance between the upper and lower curved dashed lines 63 and 65, measured at the location of the outermost annular zone 59-1, corresponds to the maximum amplitude value AT AX, and the distance between the upper and lower curved dashed lines 63 and 65, measured at the location of the innermost annular zone 59-2, corresponds to the minimum amplitude value AT IN. Thus, the upper and lower curved dashed lines 63 and 65 nicely show the gradual increase, in the outward radial direction R relative to the axis of rotation 25, of the distal-tip amplitude AT of the bristle elements 35 in the annular zones 59 in the second area 57 from the minimum amplitude value AT IN at the innermost annular zone 59-2 to the maximum amplitude value ATMAX at the outermost annular zone 59-1, as already described before with reference to the embodiment of the skincleansing implement 11 shown in Figs. 2 to 7.
[0097] Fig. 8 also shows that, in the embodiment of the skin-cleansing implement 11 shown in Figs. 2-7, the axial tip distance DTI of the bristle elements 35 of the first group 49 in the first central area 51 of the supporting surface 37 of the carrier 23 is smaller than the largest axial tip distance DTL of the bristle elements 35 of the second group 55 in each annular zone 59 of the second area 57 of the supporting surface 37, and larger than the smallest axial tip distance DTS of the bristle elements 35 in each annular zone 59 of the second area 57. This is also visible, although to a lesser extent, in Figs. 6 and 7.
[0098] As may be seen at best in Figs. 6 and 7, in each annular zone 59 of the second area 57 of the supporting surface 37 of the carrier 23, the distal tips 43 of the bristle elements 35 are arranged in a wave-shaped pattern. In Fig. 6, which shows the carrier 23 and the bristle elements 35 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation 25, the wave-shaped pattern of the distal tips 43 of the bristle elements 35 can be seen at best for the bristle elements 35 in the outermost annular zone 59-1. In the perspective view of the carrier 23 and the bristle elements 35 of Fig. 7, the wave-shaped pattern of the distal tips 43 of the bristle elements 35 can be seen also, although to a lesser extent, for the bristle elements 35 in the intermediate annular zones 59-i and the innermost annular zone 59-2. As seen in Figs.
[0099] 6 and 7, said wave-shaped pattern of the distal tips 43 of the bristle elements 35 in each annular zone 59 implies that, seen in a tangential direction relative to the axis of rotation 25, i.e., in the circumferential direction of each annular zone 59, the axial tip distances DT of the bristle elements 35 within the annular zone 59 gradually vary between the smallest axial tip distance DTS and the largest axial tip distance DTL.2024PF00558
[0100] 16
[0101] Furthermore, as may be seen at best in Fig. 7, in the embodiment of the skin-cleansing implement 11 shown in Figs. 2-7, each annular zone 59 of the second area 57 of the supporting surface 37 of the carrier 23 comprises three most-protruding bristle elements 35M, which have the largest axial tip distance DTL within said annular zone 59 as discussed before, and three least-protruding bristle elements 35L, which have the smallest axial tip distance DTS within said annular zone 59 as discussed before. In Fig. 7, for simplicity reasons, the three most-protruding bristle elements 35 and the three leastprotruding bristle-elements 35L are indicated for only the outermost annular zone 59-1. Within each annular zone 59, the three most-protruding bristle elements 35M and the three least-protruding bristle elements 35L are regularly distributed about the axis of rotation 25 with mutual angular spaces of 60°. Thus, as illustrated in Fig. 9 being a top view, similar to Fig. 4, of the carrier 23 and the plurality of bristle elements 35 of the skin-cleansing implement 11, in each annular zone 59 the bristle elements 35 may be seen as being arranged in three first sub-groups 67 and three second sub-groups 69, wherein each of the three most-protruding bristle elements 35M is arranged, seen in a tangential direction relative to the axis of rotation 25, centrally within a respective one of the three first sub-groups 67, and wherein each of the three least-protruding bristle elements 35L is arranged, seen in the tangential direction relative to the axis of rotation 25, centrally within a respective one of the three second sub-groups 69. In Fig. 9, for simplicity reasons, the three first sub-groups 67 and the three second sub-groups 69 are indicated only for one of the intermediate annular zones 59-i. It will be clear that, in each first sub-group 67, an average axial tip distance of the bristle elements 35 is larger than an average axial tip distance of the bristle elements 35 in each second sub-group 69. Furthermore, as can be seen in Fig. 9, seen in a tangential direction relative to the axis of rotation 25, each first sub-group 67 is arranged between two second subgroups 69. Furthermore, it is clear that in each annular zone 59 the first sub-groups 67 and the second sub-groups 69 each extend in the tangential direction over an identical angular range of 60° about the axis of rotation 25, as shown in Fig. 9.
[0102] As discussed with reference to Fig. 9, in each annular zone 59 of the second area 57 of the supporting surface 37 of the carrier 23, each first sub-group 67 of bristle elements 35 has a most-protruding bristle element 35M having the largest axial tip distance DTL in said annular zone 59. As further shown in Fig. 9, the distal tips 43 of the most-protruding bristle elements 35M of the plurality of annular zones 59 are arranged on three imaginary curved lines 71-1, 71-2, 71-3, which each extend from a most-protruding bristle element 35M in the outermost annular zone 59-1 and via adjacent most-protruding bristle elements 35M in the intermediate annular zones 59-1 to a most-protruding bristle element 35M in the innermost annular zone 59-2. As shown in Fig. 9, the three imaginary lines 71-1, 71-2, 71-3 are each concave at a side which faces a direction DR into which the carrier 23 is rotatable relative to the base portion 19.
[0103] During use of the skin-cleansing implement 11, the distal tips 43 of the bristle elements 35 are brought into contact with the user’s skin, and the carrier 23 is rotated relative to the base portion 19 in the direction DR about the axis of rotation 25, as indicated in Fig. 9. When the skin-cleansing2024PF00558
[0104] 17
[0105] implement 11 is held in a stationary position relative to the user’s skin, the bristle elements 35 of the first group 49 in the first central area 51 of the supporting surface 37 will provide, as a result of their identical axial tip distances DTI, equal impacts on the portion of the user’s skin below the first central area 51. This may be considered as a homogeneous or continuous contact of the bristle elements 35 with the skin, which was found to provide an optimum cleansing effect to the skin. Thus, the first group 49 of bristle elements 35 of the skin-cleansing implement 11 is configured and arranged to provide an optimum skincleansing effect, in particular in conjunction with the use of a cleansing gel, cream or fluid. However, due to the elasticity of the human skin, a continuous contact of the bristle elements 35 of the first group 49 with the skin during rotation of the carrier 23 may also be achieved if the bristle elements 35 of the first group 49 have non-identical axial tip distances. To achieve an effective cleansing effect, the distal -tip amplitude of the bristle elements 35 of the first group 49 should be limited to a value smaller than 1 mm.
[0106] Due to the varying axial tip distances DT of the bristle elements 35 in each annular zone 59 of the second area 57 of the supporting surface 37, the bristle elements 35 of the second group 55 will provide impacts of varying intensities on the portion of the user’s skin below the second area 57. This may be considered as a non-homogeneous or intermittent contact of the bristle elements 35 with the skin, which will provide a skin-massaging effect. The strength of the skin-massaging effect of the bristle elements 35 in a particular annular zone 59 of the second area 57 will depend on the distal-tip amplitude AT and the linear velocity of the bristle elements 35 in the annular zone 59. As a result of their largest radial distance from the axis of rotation 25, the bristle elements 35 in the outermost annular zone 59-1 will have the largest linear velocity during rotation of the carrier 23. Because in accordance with the present invention the distal-tip amplitude AT of the bristle elements 35 in the outermost annular zone 59-1 has the maximum amplitude value AT AX larger than the distal -tip amplitude AT of the bristle elements 35 in the innermost annular zone 59-2 and in each intermediate annular zone 59-i, the skin-cleansing implement 11 provides an optimum skin-massaging effect at the outermost annular zone 59-1. Although the bristle elements 35 in the innermost annular zone 59-2 and in the intermediate annular zones 59-i also provide a skin-massaging effect as a result of their varying axial tip distances DT, the skin-massaging effect of the bristle elements 35 in the innermost annular zone 59-2 and in the intermediate annular zones 59-1 will be weaker compared to the strong skin-massaging effect of the bristle elements 35 in the outermost annular zone 59-1. This, however, has the advantage that the discomfort experienced by the user as a result of the skin-massaging effect will be reduced. In addition, due to their smaller distal-tip amplitudes AT, the bristle elements 35 in the innermost annular zone 59-2 and the innermost ones of the intermediate annular zones 59-i may contribute to some extent to the skin-cleansing effect of the skincleansing implement 11. An optimum balance between the skin-massaging effect, the skin-cleansing effect and the discomfort experienced by the user may be achieved when a ratio between the minimum amplitude value ATMIN (at the innermost annular zone 59-2) and the maximum amplitude value ATMAX (at the outermost annular zone 59-1) is between 0.05 and 0.25. Furthermore, a sufficiently strong skinmassaging effect may be achieved by the bristle elements 35 in the outermost annular zone 59-1 when the2024PF00558
[0107] 18
[0108] maximum amplitude value ATMAX (at the outermost annular zone 59-1) is between 1.0 and 3.0 mm, and preferably between 1.5 and 2.5 mm, such as 2 mm.
[0109] Furthermore, the gradually increasing distal -tip amplitude AT of the bristle elements 35 in the outward radial direction from the innermost annular zone 59-2 towards the outermost annular zone 59-1 will result in an optimum contact between the bristle elements 35 in the second area 57 and the portion of the user’s skin below the second area 57 of the supporting surface 37 of the carrier 23. The contact between the user’s skin and the bristle elements 35 in the first central area 51 of the supporting surface 37, which provide the main skin-cleansing effect, is optimized by the fact that the axial tip distance DTI of the bristle elements 35 in the first central area 51 is smaller than the largest axial tip distance DTL of the bristle elements 35 in each annular zone 59 of the second area 57 and larger than the smallest axial tip distance DTS of the bristle elements 35 in each annular zone 59 of the second area 57, as described before with reference to Fig. 8.
[0110] In the embodiment of the skin-cleansing implement 11 as shown in Figs. 2-9, a basic (first order) vibrational frequency of the skin-massaging effect provided by the bristle elements 35 in the second area 57 of the supporting surface 37 of the carrier 23 may be defined as the mathematical product of the number of the first sub-groups 67 of bristle elements 35 in each annular zone 59 times the frequency of the rotational motion of the carrier 23 about the axis of rotation 25. Preferably said basic vibrational frequency does not exceed 200 Hz. A preferred basic vibrational frequency may be in a range between 10 Hz and 30 Hz, such as 12 Hz or 24 Hz. In the embodiment of the skin-cleansing implement 11 as shown in Figs. 2-9, having three first sub-groups 67 of bristle elements 35 in each annular zone 59, a basic vibrational frequency of 12 Hz may be achieved by a rotational frequency of 4 Hz of the carrier 23 about the axis of rotation 25. A skilled person will be able to create different values for the basic vibrational frequency of the skin-massaging effect by using suitable values for the rotational frequency of the carrier 23 and the number of first sub-groups 67 and / or second sub-groups 69 of bristle elements 35 in each annular zone 59 of the second area 57.
[0111] The arrangement of the distal tips 43 of the most-protruding bristle elements 35M of the annular zones 59 on the imaginary curved lines 71-1, 71-2, 71-3, as described before with reference to Fig. 9, results in a pumping effect with respect to a cleansing gel or fluid being provided by each group of most-protruding bristle elements 35 arranged on a respective one of the curved lines 71-1, 71-2, 71-3. Because the curved lines 71-1, 71-2, 71-3 are concave at a side which faces the rotational direction DR of the carrier 23, said pumping effect will occur, under the influence of the rotation of the carrier 23, in a direction towards the first central area 51 of the supporting surface 37 of the carrier 23 where the bristle elements 35 of the first group 49, which are configured to provide the cleansing effect, are arranged. In alternative embodiments, the most-protruding bristle elements 35M and the least-protruding bristle elements 35L may be arranged on imaginary straight lines extending radially relative to the axis of rotation 25. In these alternative embodiments said pumping effect is not achieved.2024PF00558
[0112] 19
[0113] As a result of the arrangement of the distal tips 43 of the bristle elements 35 in said waveshaped pattern in each annular zone 59 of the second area 57 of the supporting surface 37 of the carrier 23, the level of discomfort experienced by the user in conjunction with the skin-massaging effect of the bristle elements 35 in the second area 57 of the supporting surface 37 is significantly reduced, while the bristle elements 35 in the second area 57 still provide an efficient skin-massaging effect. In alternative embodiments, said wave-shaped pattern of the distal tips 43 of the bristle elements 35 in the second area 57 is not present. In such alternative embodiments, a larger average axial tip distance of the bristle elements 35 in each first sub-group 67 of a particular annular zone 59 compared to an average axial tip distance of the bristle elements 35 in each second sub-group 69 of the annular zone 59 may be achieved in a different way, as will be illustrated here after with reference to Fig. 10.
[0114] Fig. 10 schematically shows a top view of a carrier 123 of an alternative embodiment of a skin-cleansing implement according to the invention. The carrier 123 has a supporting surface 137 on which a plurality of bristle elements is arranged. For simplicity reasons, the bristle elements are not shown. The supporting surface 137 has a first central area 151 and a second area 157 surrounding the first central area 151. The bristle elements in the first central area 151 have identical axial tip distances DTI (not indicated in Fig. 10). The second area 157 has an outermost annular zone 159-1, an innermost annular zone 159-2, and an intermediate annular zone 159-i. Each of the annular zones 159-1, 159-2, 159-i has two first sub-groups 167 of bristle elements and two second sub-groups 169 of bristle elements. The first and second sub-groups 167, 169 each extend over an angle of 90° about an axis of rotation 125 of the carrier 123. The bristle elements in the first sub-groups 167 of the outermost annular zone 159-1 each have an axial tip distance DTMAX (not indicated). The bristle elements in the first sub-groups 167 of the innermost annular zone 159-2 each have an axial tip distance DT2 (not indicated), wherein DT2 < DTMAX and DT2 > DTI. The bristle elements in the first sub-groups 167 of the intermediate annular zone 159-i each have an axial tip distance D- (not indicated), wherein DTS DT2. The bristle elements in the second sub-groups 169 of each annular zone 159-1, 159-2, 159-i all have an axial tip distance DTI (not indicated) equal to the axial tip distance of the bristle elements in the first central area 151. Thus, a distal -tip amplitude of the bristle elements in the outermost annular zone 159-1 has a maximum amplitude value ATMAX = DTMAX - DTI . A distal -tip amplitude of the bristle elements in the innermost annular zone 159-2 has a minimum amplitude value ATMIN = DT2 - DTI . And a distal -tip amplitude of the bristle elements in the intermediate annular zone 159-i has an amplitude value AT = D-n - DTI, SO that ATMIN < AT < ATMAX. In an alternative embodiment, DTI may be equal to DT2, SO that AT = ATMIN. In the embodiment of Fig. 10, all axial tip distances are measured relative to the planar supporting surface 137 and, thus, correspond to the lengths of the bristle elements measured parallel to the axis of rotation 125.
[0115] The bristle elements 35 of the skin-cleansing implement 11 may have equal or mutually different mechanical properties, such as the mechanical stiffness. The mechanical stiffness of the bristle elements 35 may vary as a result of, for example, different bristle lengths, bristle diameters, or bristle2024PF00558
[0116] 20
[0117] material properties. For example, the bristle elements 35 of the first group 49 in the first central area 51 of the supporting surface 37 of the carrier 23 may have a lower stiffness than the bristle elements 35 of the second group 55 in the second area 57 of the supporting surface 37.
[0118] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the principles and techniques described herein, from a study of the figures, 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. 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. Any reference numbers in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
Claims
2024PF0055821CLAIMS:Claim 1. A skin-cleansing implement (11) comprising a base portion (19), a carrier (23) which is connected to the base portion and rotatable relative to the base portion about an axis of rotation (25), and a plurality of bristle elements (35) provided on a supporting surface (37) of the carrier, wherein the bristle elements each have a distal tip (43) and an axial tip distance (DT) at which the distal tip is arranged, in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation, from an imaginary reference plane (45) which extends perpendicularly to the axis of rotation and through the carrier, wherein:a first group (49) of the plurality of bristle elements is arranged in a first central area (51) of the supporting surface;a distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements of the first group, which is defined as a difference between a largest axial tip distance and a smallest axial tip distance of the bristle elements of the first group, is smaller than 1 mm;a second group (55) of the plurality of bristle elements is arranged in a second area (57) of the supporting surface, said second area surrounding the first central area and comprising a plurality of annular zones (59) which are arranged concentrically and in consecutive mutually adjacent radial positions relative to the axis of rotation and which include an outermost annular zone (59-1) which is at a largest radial distance from the axis of rotation, an innermost annular zone (59-2) which is at a smallest radial distance from the axis of rotation, and at least one intermediate annular zone (59-i) arranged between the innermost annular zone and the outermost annular zone; andin each annular zone of said plurality of annular zones the bristle elements have different axial tip distances including a smallest axial tip distance (DTS) and a largest axial tip distance (DTL), and a distal-tip amplitude (AT) of the bristle elements is defined as a difference between the largest axial tip distance and the smallest axial tip distance of the bristle elements in the respective annular zone;characterized in that:the distal-tip amplitude (AT) of the bristle elements (35) in the outermost annular zone (59-1) has a maximum amplitude value (AT AX); andthe distal -tip amplitude of the bristle elements in the innermost annular zone ( 9-2) and in each of the intermediate annular zones (59-i) is smaller than the maximum amplitude value.Claim 2. The skin-cleansing implement (11) as claimed in claim 1, wherein:the distal-tip amplitude (AT) of the bristle elements (35) in the innermost annular zone (59-2) has a minimum amplitude value (ATMIN) smaller than the maximum amplitude value (ATMAX); and the distal -tip amplitude of the bristle elements in each intermediate annular zone ( 9-i) is larger than the minimum amplitude value and smaller than the maximum amplitude value.2024PF0055822Claim 3. The skin-cleansing implement (11) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the distal -tip amplitude (AT) of the bristle elements (35) in each intermediate annular zone (59-i) is larger than the distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements in a first adjacent annular zone (59-2, 59-i) which is surrounded by said intermediate annular zone, and smaller than the distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements in a second adjacent annular zone (59-1, 59-i) which surrounds said intermediate annular zone.Claim 4. The skin-cleansing implement (11) as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein a ratio between the minimum amplitude value (ATMIN) and the maximum amplitude value (ATMAX) is between 0.05 and 0.25.Claim 5. The skin-cleansing implement (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the maximum amplitude value (ATMAX) is between 1.0 and 3.0 mm, preferably between 1.5 and 2.5 mm.Claim 6. The skin-cleansing implement (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein in each annular zone (59) of the plurality of annular zones:the bristle elements (35) are arranged in first sub-groups (67) and second sub-groups (69); an average axial tip distance of the bristle elements in each first sub-group is larger than an average axial tip distance of the bristle elements in each second sub-group;a number of first sub-groups is equal to a number of second sub-groups and is at least two; andseen in a tangential direction relative to the axis of rotation (25), each first sub-group is arranged between two second sub-groups.Claim 7. The skin-cleansing implement (11) as claimed in claim 6, wherein in each annular zone (59) of the plurality of annular zones the first sub-groups (67) and the second sub-groups (69) each extend in the tangential direction over an identical angular range about the axis of rotation (25).Claim 8. The skin-cleansing implement (11) as claimed in claim 7, wherein in each annular zone (59) of the plurality of annular zones, seen in the tangential direction, the axial tip distances (DT) of the bristle elements (35) gradually vary between the smallest axial tip distance (DTS) and the largest axial tip distance (DTL) such that, seen in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation (25), the distal tips (43) of the bristle elements are arranged in a wave-shaped pattern.Claim 9. The skin-cleansing implement (11) as claimed in claim 8, wherein:in each annular zone (59) of the plurality of annular zones each first sub-group (67) has at least one most-protruding bristle element (35 ) having the largest axial tip distance (DTL) in said annular zone; and2024PF0055823the distal tips (43) of the most-protruding bristle elements of the plurality of annular zones are arranged on imaginary curved lines (71-1, 71-2, 71-3) which each extend from a most-protruding bristle element in the outermost annular zone (59-1) to a most-protruding bristle element in the innermost annular zone (59-2) and which are each concave at a side which faces a direction (DR) into which the carrier (23) is rotatable relative to the base portion (19).Claim 10. The skin-cleansing implement (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first central area (51) is a circular area which is arranged concentrically relative to the axis of rotation (25), and wherein the bristle elements (35) of the first group (49) are regularly distributed over said circular area.Claim 11. The skin-cleansing implement (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the distal-tip amplitude of the bristle elements of the first group is zero and each bristle element of the first group has an identical axial tip distance (DTI).Claim 12. The skin-cleansing implement (11) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the axial tip distance (DTI) of the bristle elements (35) of the first group (49) is smaller than the largest axial tip distance (DTL) of the bristle elements in each annular zone (59) of the plurality of annular zones and larger than the smallest axial tip distance (DTS) of the bristle elements in each annular zone of the plurality of annular zones.Claim 13. The skin-cleansing implement (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting surface (37) of the carrier (23) is a planar surface extending perpendicularly to the axis of rotation (25).Claim 14. A personal care device (1) comprising a main housing (3) and a skin-cleansing implement (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the main housing accommodates a drive system (5) which is configured to rotate the carrier (23) of the skin-cleansing implement relative to the base portion (19) of the skin-cleansing implement in a condition wherein the base portion is coupled to the main housing.Claim 15. The personal care device (1) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the base portion (19) of the skin-cleansing implement (11) comprises a coupling member (21) by means of which the base portion is releasably couplable to a coupling member of the main housing (3), and wherein the personal care device comprises at least one personal care implement different from the skin-cleansing implement, in particular a hair-cutting unit such as a shaving unit (13), which is releasably couplable to the coupling member of the main housing for being driven by the drive system (5).