EP2618797A1 - Device - Google Patents

Device

Info

Publication number
EP2618797A1
EP2618797A1 EP11764263.7A EP11764263A EP2618797A1 EP 2618797 A1 EP2618797 A1 EP 2618797A1 EP 11764263 A EP11764263 A EP 11764263A EP 2618797 A1 EP2618797 A1 EP 2618797A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
housing
head assembly
ball
assembly
serum
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP11764263.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2618797B1 (en
Inventor
Sharon Hilditch
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hilditch Sharon
Original Assignee
Hilditch Sharon
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hilditch Sharon filed Critical Hilditch Sharon
Publication of EP2618797A1 publication Critical patent/EP2618797A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2618797B1 publication Critical patent/EP2618797B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45DHAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D34/00Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling liquid toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. perfumes
    • A45D34/04Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball
    • A45D34/041Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball using a roller, a disc or a ball
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H15/00Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains
    • A61H15/0092Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains hand-held
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H15/00Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains
    • A61H15/02Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains adapted for simultaneous treatment with light, heat or drugs
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H23/00Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms
    • A61H23/02Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive
    • A61H23/0245Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive with ultrasonic transducers, e.g. piezoelectric
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45DHAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D2200/00Details not otherwise provided for in A45D
    • A45D2200/20Additional enhancing means
    • A45D2200/207Vibration, e.g. ultrasound
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H15/00Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains
    • A61H2015/0064Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains with freely rotating spheres
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2205/00Devices for specific parts of the body
    • A61H2205/02Head
    • A61H2205/022Face

Definitions

  • the present application relates to a device which dispenses serum onto the skin of a user and provides a massaging effect. It is particularly suited to cosmetic use, improving the appearance and health of the skin of a user and particularly of the facial areas around the eye.
  • Canadian patent application CA215832A concerns a somewhat complex massaging device having a set of rotating brushes and an electrically driven pump for supplying a massaging substance to the brushes at controllable intervals.
  • Japanese patent application 2004-121327 describes a "treatment probe" which is adapted to release a solution through a vibrating head.
  • a conventional dispenser for underarm deodorant, or massage oil uses such a ball arrangement and further examples can be found in GB2194152, EP1472953 and GB2374045.
  • US2006/0072963 provides a twist up pen type dispenser comprising a brush applicator that is capable of receiving material from a reservoir.
  • W097/22326 discloses a massaging appliance for dispensing a massage cream which includes a cream dispenser unit attachable to the appliance housing and coupled to a rotary motor therein to be rotated thereby, and a non-rotatable rod within the appliance housing axially displaceable towards and away from the dispenser housing to block its rotation, and thereby cause a piston within the dispenser housing, and while rotating therewith, to move axially towards an end wall in the dispenser housing, to force cream through dispenser openings therein.
  • US Patent No. 3994290 discloses a massage device including a rotatable containing a plurality of projecting spheres for engaging the skin and kneading the tissues therebeneath.
  • the housing has a cavity therein for storing massaging fluid or lotion which is dispensed over and by the spheres.
  • the massage device may be permanently or removably attached to a rotary drive unit or may be in combination with a fluid metering means contained in a rotary drive means.
  • a shaving device having a handle with an inner chamber for accommodating a shaving cream, a head connected with the handle and having a passage for supplying the shaving cream and massaging and vibration elements, brushes on the head for distributing the shaving cream discharged from the head over the skin of the user, and a shaving element on the head for shaving after the application of the shaving cream and container for refreshing and disinfection.
  • WO2008/075089 discloses a device for dispensing serum and simultaneously massaging the skin of a user. The device comprises a rotating head and a user actuated pump for dispensing serum from a reservoir housed in the device.
  • the present invention is intended to provide an effective device for applying cosmetic fluid to the skin which provides a powered massage effect and is of simpler construction than those devices known from the prior art.
  • a further aim of the present invention is to provide a device in which the serum supply can be easily and conveniently replaced with minimal wastage and burden on the environment.
  • a device comprising a housing assembly and a head assembly, the housing assembly comprising a housing and vibratory means, the head assembly comprising a serum reservoir, at least one ball which is contactable with the skin of the user, a portion of the at least one ball being in fluid communication with the serum reservoir, and retainer means for rotatably retaining the at least one ball in the head assembly, the housing assembly and the head assembly being separately formed and comprising complementary features forming a releasable coupling.
  • the device is of simple construction and enables serum to be applied to the skin of a user in a manner with which the user will be familiar from, for example, the application of 'roll on' deodorants.
  • the at least one ball serves to both dispense serum onto the skin of the user and also simultaneously massage the user's skin.
  • One or both of the dispensation of serum and massaging action is advantageously enhanced by the provision of vibratory means in the device. Additionally, the vibrations emitted by the vibratory means may assist with rotation of the at least one ball.
  • the head assembly and the housing assembly are separately formed and are configured to enable them to be releasably coupled.
  • This formation of the device as two separable assemblies is particularly advantageous for several reasons.
  • the head assembly may be replaced or refilled when its serum reservoir runs dry.
  • This provides a significant advantage over many prior art devices which are disposed of in their entirety once they run out of fluid. More specifically, it is envisaged that the materials and components from which the head assembly is produced will be more easily recycled or safely disposed of than those from which prior art devices are produced.
  • a number of disposable prior art devices include components such as motors, batteries, wires and other electronic components. To safely dispose of such devices, they will firstly have to be deconstructed in order to separate out the various components from which the device was produced.
  • An additional advantage of providing the housing and head assemblies as separate parts is that the head assemblies are interchangeable. Accordingly, if the user wishes to apply different types of serum at different times, this could be permitted by a single housing assembly and a range of head assemblies, each housing a different type of serum. In contrast, with many prior art systems, apparatus to enable the application of a range of sera could only be achieved by the user purchasing a range of devices, which would increase cost to the user as well as storage requirements.
  • a further advantage of providing the head assembly and the housing assembly as separate components is that an after sales market is provided for head assemblies.
  • the head assembly will be a sealed unit and the user will not be able to easily gain access to the serum reservoir.
  • the head assembly may be configured to allow it to be manually opened by the user, to enable the serum reservoir to be refilled when required.
  • the serum reservoir may be open ended and be sealed by the housing assembly when the housing assembly and head assembly are coupled.
  • the head assembly could include the serum reservoir at its lower end, the serum reservoir taking the form of an inverted, open-ended cup having coupling means such as screw threads around part or all of the lower rim or the area adjacent thereto.
  • the reservoir once emptied, could be filled by inverting the head assembly, filling the reservoir with serum and then coupling the housing assembly to the head assembly while the head assembly is still inverted.
  • the head assembly could be provided including a temporary seal on the serum reservoir that can be easily removed by the consumer prior to coupling with the housing assembly.
  • the serum reservoir preferably has a capacity of from about 0.1 ml, about 0.2ml, about 0.3ml, about 0.5ml, about 0.7ml or about 1 ml to about 1 ml, about 1 .5ml, about 2ml, or about 5ml.
  • the head assembly and the housing assembly preferably comprise complementary press fit features, so that the head assembly is able to be engaged with the housing assembly simply by pushing the press fit features together, and to be disengaged by pulling the press fit features apart.
  • one or both of the head assembly and the housing assembly may be provided with threading to enable the head assembly to be screwed into the housing assembly or vice versa.
  • the housing assembly may be provided with a threaded member which can be fixed thereto, for example using adhesive.
  • one of the other components of the housing assembly can be provided with threading.
  • Suitable materials for forming the housing will be known to those skilled in the art, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
  • the housing is preferably formed using overmoulding techniques.
  • the housing functions to both house the components of the housing assembly and also to enable the user to grip the device when in operation.
  • the exterior surface of the housing is smooth and / or economically shaped.
  • the housing assembly is preferably provided with a control device to activate and deactivate the vibratory means.
  • the control device may be a switch of any possible construction, for example, a toggle switch, in-line switch, push-button switch, rocker switch.
  • the part of the switch that is actuated by the user does not project from the plane of the housing, to maximise user comfort when gripping the device.
  • At least part of the housing assembly is provided with a damping coating.
  • the purpose of this coating is to minimise vibrations emitted by the vibratory means passing to the user when gripping the housing assembly.
  • the dampening coating may be formed of any material which exhibits the required properties. Thermoplastic elastomers are particularly suitable.
  • the vibratory means may comprise any component which is capable of emitting vibrations which can be channelled towards the head assembly when coupled thereto.
  • the vibratory means comprise a vibration motor which may or may not be piezoelectric.
  • the vibration motor is operated by a voltage in the range of about 0.5 to about 2.0 volts, more preferably in the range of about 1 .0 to about 1 .5 volts.
  • the electric vibration motor preferably operates at a current within the range of about 50 to about 150Ma, more preferably within the range of about 70 to about 100Ma
  • the vibratory means are preferably located such that when the housing assembly and the head assembly are coupled together, the vibratory means are in close proximity to the head assembly.
  • the vibratory means may be located adjacent to the complementary feature/s comprised on the housing assembly for coupling that assembly to the head assembly. Additionally or alternatively, part or all of the vibratory means may extend beyond the housing and / or be received within a portion of the head assembly when the housing and head assemblies are coupled. In a preferred embodiment, the vibratory means are remote from the housing, for example, the vibratory means are in minimal contact with the housing or are not in contact with the housing at all.
  • the housing assembly is preferably adapted to house a power source, such as a battery.
  • the housing assembly comprises a power source, such as a battery.
  • the housing assembly is preferably provided with means to channel vibration from the vibratory means to the head assembly. This may take the form of a monolithic component which at least partly surrounds the vibratory means and connects to or forms at least part of the complementary feature of the housing assembly which enables a releasable connection to be formed with the head assembly.
  • the housing assembly may additionally or alternatively be provided with damping means to minimise the passage of vibrations to the housing.
  • the purpose of the damping means is to prevent user discomfort caused by vibrations when the device of the present invention is operated while held in the user's hand.
  • the damping means preferably comprises a monolithic component which at least partly surrounds the vibratory means and at least partially diverts vibrations to regions of the housing assembly which are remote from the housing.
  • the damping means and the means to channel vibrations towards the head assembly comprise the same monolithic component which is shaped to channel vibrations towards the head assembly and away from housing.
  • the vibratory means is not in direct contact with the housing, so as to minimise the passage of vibrations from the vibratory means to the housing, regardless of whether or not damping means are employed.
  • the serum reservoir is preferably a chamber, a portion of which is open to allow egress of serum to contact the ball.
  • a chamber of any dimensions may be employed.
  • the serum chamber is provided with a collar that is preferably generally cylindrical and extends from the serum chamber towards the ball. The end of the collar is open and is preferably positioned in close proximity to the ball to allow serum to flow from the serum chamber onto a portion of the ball.
  • a single reservoir with a plurality of collars may be used, or the head assembly may comprise a plurality of serum reservoirs.
  • means are provided in the head assembly, preferably in the serum reservoir adjacent the at least one ball, to promote the passage of serum from the reservoir to the ball, regardless of the orientation of the head assembly.
  • the at least one ball is movable between an operative position where serum will be dispensed onto the skin of a user if the at least one ball is rotated across the skin and a non-operative position where serum will not be dispensed.
  • the at least one ball is resiliently biased to move between the operative and non-operative positions.
  • the at least one ball may be resiliently biased using any means known to those skilled in the art.
  • a return spring acting on the ball is especially preferred.
  • the space between the collar and the ball may determine the weight of serum which is dispensed onto the skin of the user. If a low weight of serum is to be dispensed, the head assembly can be configured such that the space is small, meaning that the thickness of the layer of serum applied to the surface of the ball will be limited; if a layer of greater thickness approaches the collar, then part of the layer will be prevented from being carried past the collar by the inner wall of the collar. If a higher weight of serum is to be dispensed, the head assembly can be configured such that a greater space is provided, enabling a thicker layer of serum to be carried by the ball to the skin of the user.
  • the space between the collar and the at least one ball may not be determine the weight of serum which is to be dispensed.
  • deflection means may be provided in the retainer means, which form a space between the deflection means and the at least one ball, corresponding to the maximum thickness of serum that may be carried by the ball, past the deflection means, to the skin of a user.
  • the head assembly is provided with means to limit the amount of serum carried by the at least one ball to the skin of the user.
  • the serum reservoir comprises a collar
  • the ball when the ball is in the non-operative position, preferably no space exists between the open end of the collar and the at least one ball.
  • the serum chamber is effectively closed by the ball. If the ball is rotated when in the non-operative position, any serum adhered to the surface of the ball will be removed therefrom by the inner walls of the collar. It is envisaged that the ball will be located in the non-operative position when the device or the head assembly is in transit, storage, or when not in use by the consumer. The ball being in the non-operative position will prevent the unwanted discharge of serum or the loss of any volatile materials in the serum through evaporation.
  • the head assembly may be provided with a cap.
  • the cap may preferably be releasably coupled to the head assembly, for example via a press fit or snap fit coupling, or in a threaded arrangement.
  • the cap is configured such that, when coupled to the device, a portion of the cap forces the ball into the non-operative position.
  • the cap may be formed of a plastics material that is preferably clear or at least translucent. Examples of such plastics materials include polypropylene, polycarbonates and / or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
  • the cap and / or the head assembly are provided with a tamper evident feature to indicate if the cap has been removed prior to use by the consumer.
  • the tamper evident feature may be a frangible feature moulded to the cap and / or the head assembly.
  • the head assembly preferably includes one ball, although alternate embodiments comprising a plurality of balls are encompassed by the present invention.
  • the ball may be prepared from any material known by those skilled in the art to be suitable.
  • the ball is formed of stainless steel.
  • a head assembly suitable for use in the device of the above first aspect of the present invention.
  • Figure 1 is a front plan view of a device embodying the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the same device
  • Figure 3 is a front plan view of the device with the cap removed
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of the device where the head assembly and the housing assembly have been separated;
  • Figure 5 is a front plan view of a head assembly of a head assembly embodying one aspect of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the same head assembly.
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view of that same head assembly with the cap removed.
  • Figure 8 shows the head assembly, cut away in cross section to reveal interior detail
  • Figure 9 shows a device embodying an aspect of the present invention, cut away in cross section to reveal interior detail
  • Figure 10 is a perspective view of the device from below;
  • Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of the same device including a battery;
  • Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a device embodying one aspect of the present invention in which the housing is transparent enabling the internal components to be seen;
  • Figure 13 shows an exploded view of the device illustrating the components of the device.
  • Figure 14 illustrates a second embodiment of a head assembly and threaded member in exploded view depicting the components of the device.
  • Figure 15 illustrates a cross section view of the second embodiment of the head assembly and threaded member.
  • the drawings show a combined massage and serum dispensing device 10. It is particularly, but not exclusively, suited to treatment of facial areas around the eye.
  • the device is battery powered and portable, such that it can be carried by the user in a small bag or similar.
  • the device 10 has an elongate housing 12 which is shaped and proportioned to permit it to be comfortably hand held. Toward one end the housing 12 broadens to form a base 14, and at the other end it is coupled to a head assembly 16.
  • the head assembly 16 forms a reservoir for the serum and comprises a ball 18 which is rolled across the user's skin to dispense serum.
  • the head assembly 16 is intended to be disposable. Once empty of serum, it is discarded and replaced.
  • the head assembly 16 is releasably coupled to the housing assembly via a press fit coupling formed between complementary features formed in the two assemblies.
  • the housing assembly is provided with a press switch 20 which, when depressed by the user, activates the vibratory means 30, located within the housing assembly 12.
  • the vibratory means 30 can be deactivated by pressing the switch again.
  • the surface of the press switch 20 is in plane with the surface of the housing assembly 12, to provide a smooth handle which is easy for the user to grip.
  • the head assembly 16 is provided with a cap 22.
  • the cap 22 is releasably coupled to the head assembly 16 by an inwardly protruding flange which is received by a complementary groove 24 formed in the head assembly 16.
  • the cap 22 and / or the head assembly 16 are provided with a tamper evident feature which identify to the user whether the cap 22 has previously been removed from the head assembly 16.
  • the cap 22 is formed of a clear material which is sufficiently flexible such that the circumference of the region of the cap where the flange is formed can be transiently expanded to enable the cap 22 to be removed from the head assembly 6 by the user.
  • Figures 5 to 8 those figures depict a head assembly 16 embodying an aspect of the present invention.
  • the head assembly 16 is provided with a ball 18 and cap 22 as described above, with reference to Figures 1 to 4.
  • the serum reservoir is provided with an upwardly extending collar 26, the upper end of which is generally complementary shaped with the surface of the ball 18.
  • the cap 22 is configured to include a region 28 which contacts the ball 18 and, when the cap 22 is coupled to the head assembly 16, forces the ball 18 into a non- operative position.
  • the non-operative position is achieved when the ball 18 is pressed flush against the upper end of the collar 26.
  • the ball 1 8 is resiliently biased, such that, upon removal of the cap 22, the ball moves into its operative position. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 8, this is achieved by the ball 18 moving upward, such that a space between the upper end of the collar 26 and the ball is formed. The distance of the space between the ball 1 8 and the upper end of the collar 26 is configured to correspond to the maximum thickness of the layer of serum which is to be carried by the ball upon rotation to the skin of the user.
  • Figure 9 illustrates a device of the present invention in cross section, enabling the internal components to be seen.
  • Vibration motor 30 is retained by a monolithic component 38 which, in the illustrated embodiment, not only serves to retain the vibration 30 motor in position but also functions as damping means (as the lower part of that component is stepped inwardly, away from the housing 12) and means to channel vibration from the vibration motor 30 toward the head assembly (as the upper part of that component is adjacent to the head assembly 16 and actually forms the press fit coupling of the housing assembly).
  • the vibration motor 30 is retained remotely from the housing 12, to further minimise the passage of vibrations to the housing 12 which can cause user discomfort.
  • the vibration motor is located adjacent the coupling feature of the housing assembly which is coupled with a complementary feature of the head assembly and extends beyond the upper end of the housing.
  • the vibration motor is also positioned such that it will be partly received in the head assembly when the head and housing assemblies are coupled.
  • the power source employed in the illustrated embodiment is an AAA battery 32, which is located in a chamber positioned at the base 14 of the housing assembly 12 and retained within the device 10 by a threaded stop 34.
  • a contact member 36 is provided to conduct electrical energy to the vibration motor 30 via the switch 20.
  • Figures 10 and 1 1 illustrate how the battery 32 is received in the housing assembly 12.
  • Figures 12 and 13 depict flow exemplified components of the device may be arranged. The operation of the device exemplified above will now be explained.
  • the user firstly couples the head assembly 16 to the housing assembly if the device is not provided in assembled form.
  • the user then removes cap 22 and activates the vibratory means 30 using switch 20.
  • the ball 18 is then rolled over the user's skin.
  • the passage of the vibrating ball 18 provides a massage effect to the user.
  • serum is carried from the region of the ball 18 which is in fluid communication with the serum reservoir to the user's skin. The dispensation of serum in this way may be enhanced by the vibrations emitted by the vibratory means 30.
  • the entire head assembly 16 When empty, the entire head assembly 16 is simply removed, by decoupling it from the housing assembly 12, and replacing it with a new head assembly 16. This is hygienic; those parts exposed to serum and to the skin of the user being replaced. An after sales market for head assemblies is also provided. Importantly, the amount of waste materials generated upon replacement of the head assembly is far lower than when prior art serum dispensing devices are replaced, which are generally disposable in their entirety.
  • the invention therefore relates to a device which dispenses serum onto the skin of a user, and which also provides a massage effect. It is particularly well suited to cosmetic use.
  • the device comprises a housing assembly which is to be hand held and a head assembly 16.
  • a vibratory motor 30 is mounted in the housing and causes the head assembly to vibrate to execute a massage effect.
  • a further embodiment of the present invention is depicted in Figures 14 and 15 in which the serum reservoir 142 is intended to be refillable.
  • the head assembly comprises a cap 122, ball 18 and ball retaining collar 138.
  • the cap 122 and ball 1 18 function as in the embodiment shown in preceding figures.
  • the ball retaining collar 138 includes a serum reservoir 42 in its lower end.
  • the reservoir 142 takes the form of an inverted cup having threading at its lower rim. Complementary threading is provided on the threaded member 140.
  • the serum reservoir 142 is sealed by the threaded member 140, when that member 140 is screwed into the head assembly. It will be understood that the threaded member 140 will be releasably or permanently coupled to the housing assembly, for example using adhesive.
  • the serum reservoir 142 when the serum reservoir 142 is empty, it can be conveniently refilled by unscrewing the head assembly from the threaded member 140 to open its bottom end. The user can then invert the head assembly, refill the serum reservoir 142 and then screw the threaded member 140 into the threading provided at the lower rim of the serum reservoir 142.

Abstract

A device comprising a housing assembly and a head assembly, the housing assembly comprising vibratory means and the head assembly comprising a serum reservoir, at least one ball which is contactable with the skin of the user, a portion of the at least one ball being in fluid communication with the serum reservoir, and retainer means for rotatably retaining the at least one ball in the head assembly, the housing assembly and the head assembly being separately formed and comprising complementary features forming a releasable coupling, wherein the serum is dispensed by rolling the ball across the skin of the user.

Description

DEVICE
The present application relates to a device which dispenses serum onto the skin of a user and provides a massaging effect. It is particularly suited to cosmetic use, improving the appearance and health of the skin of a user and particularly of the facial areas around the eye.
There are certain known devices which massage the skin whilst dispensing a lotion or massage oil. Canadian patent application CA215832A, for example, concerns a somewhat complex massaging device having a set of rotating brushes and an electrically driven pump for supplying a massaging substance to the brushes at controllable intervals.
Japanese patent application 2004-121327 describes a "treatment probe" which is adapted to release a solution through a vibrating head.
Other devices do not use a powered drive as such, but use freely movable balls or rollers for dispensing of a liquid onto the skin. A conventional dispenser for underarm deodorant, or massage oil uses such a ball arrangement and further examples can be found in GB2194152, EP1472953 and GB2374045.
Alternatively, there are devices that do not use a power drive, but use a hand-driven, twisting mechanism for releasing a lotion onto the skin. Such a device is taught in GB2404370, which also provides a massager located at the opposite end to the twist operated lotion dispenser.
US2006/0072963 provides a twist up pen type dispenser comprising a brush applicator that is capable of receiving material from a reservoir.
W097/22326 discloses a massaging appliance for dispensing a massage cream which includes a cream dispenser unit attachable to the appliance housing and coupled to a rotary motor therein to be rotated thereby, and a non-rotatable rod within the appliance housing axially displaceable towards and away from the dispenser housing to block its rotation, and thereby cause a piston within the dispenser housing, and while rotating therewith, to move axially towards an end wall in the dispenser housing, to force cream through dispenser openings therein.
US Patent No. 3994290 discloses a massage device including a rotatable containing a plurality of projecting spheres for engaging the skin and kneading the tissues therebeneath. The housing has a cavity therein for storing massaging fluid or lotion which is dispensed over and by the spheres. The massage device may be permanently or removably attached to a rotary drive unit or may be in combination with a fluid metering means contained in a rotary drive means. US Patent No. 5092041 discloses a shaving device having a handle with an inner chamber for accommodating a shaving cream, a head connected with the handle and having a passage for supplying the shaving cream and massaging and vibration elements, brushes on the head for distributing the shaving cream discharged from the head over the skin of the user, and a shaving element on the head for shaving after the application of the shaving cream and container for refreshing and disinfection. WO2008/075089 discloses a device for dispensing serum and simultaneously massaging the skin of a user. The device comprises a rotating head and a user actuated pump for dispensing serum from a reservoir housed in the device. The present invention is intended to provide an effective device for applying cosmetic fluid to the skin which provides a powered massage effect and is of simpler construction than those devices known from the prior art. A further aim of the present invention is to provide a device in which the serum supply can be easily and conveniently replaced with minimal wastage and burden on the environment.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device comprising a housing assembly and a head assembly, the housing assembly comprising a housing and vibratory means, the head assembly comprising a serum reservoir, at least one ball which is contactable with the skin of the user, a portion of the at least one ball being in fluid communication with the serum reservoir, and retainer means for rotatably retaining the at least one ball in the head assembly, the housing assembly and the head assembly being separately formed and comprising complementary features forming a releasable coupling.
The device is of simple construction and enables serum to be applied to the skin of a user in a manner with which the user will be familiar from, for example, the application of 'roll on' deodorants. The at least one ball serves to both dispense serum onto the skin of the user and also simultaneously massage the user's skin. One or both of the dispensation of serum and massaging action is advantageously enhanced by the provision of vibratory means in the device. Additionally, the vibrations emitted by the vibratory means may assist with rotation of the at least one ball.
The head assembly and the housing assembly are separately formed and are configured to enable them to be releasably coupled. This formation of the device as two separable assemblies is particularly advantageous for several reasons. The head assembly may be replaced or refilled when its serum reservoir runs dry. This provides a significant advantage over many prior art devices which are disposed of in their entirety once they run out of fluid. More specifically, it is envisaged that the materials and components from which the head assembly is produced will be more easily recycled or safely disposed of than those from which prior art devices are produced. For example, a number of disposable prior art devices include components such as motors, batteries, wires and other electronic components. To safely dispose of such devices, they will firstly have to be deconstructed in order to separate out the various components from which the device was produced. Those components which need to be processed in a specific way prior to disposal will have to be handled accordingly. An additional advantage of providing the housing and head assemblies as separate parts is that the head assemblies are interchangeable. Accordingly, if the user wishes to apply different types of serum at different times, this could be permitted by a single housing assembly and a range of head assemblies, each housing a different type of serum. In contrast, with many prior art systems, apparatus to enable the application of a range of sera could only be achieved by the user purchasing a range of devices, which would increase cost to the user as well as storage requirements. A further advantage of providing the head assembly and the housing assembly as separate components is that an after sales market is provided for head assemblies. In certain embodiments, the head assembly will be a sealed unit and the user will not be able to easily gain access to the serum reservoir. However, in alternative embodiments, the head assembly may be configured to allow it to be manually opened by the user, to enable the serum reservoir to be refilled when required.
In one arrangement, the serum reservoir may be open ended and be sealed by the housing assembly when the housing assembly and head assembly are coupled. For example, the head assembly could include the serum reservoir at its lower end, the serum reservoir taking the form of an inverted, open-ended cup having coupling means such as screw threads around part or all of the lower rim or the area adjacent thereto. The reservoir, once emptied, could be filled by inverting the head assembly, filling the reservoir with serum and then coupling the housing assembly to the head assembly while the head assembly is still inverted. In such an embodiment, the head assembly could be provided including a temporary seal on the serum reservoir that can be easily removed by the consumer prior to coupling with the housing assembly. The serum reservoir preferably has a capacity of from about 0.1 ml, about 0.2ml, about 0.3ml, about 0.5ml, about 0.7ml or about 1 ml to about 1 ml, about 1 .5ml, about 2ml, or about 5ml. The head assembly and the housing assembly preferably comprise complementary press fit features, so that the head assembly is able to be engaged with the housing assembly simply by pushing the press fit features together, and to be disengaged by pulling the press fit features apart.
Alternatively, one or both of the head assembly and the housing assembly may be provided with threading to enable the head assembly to be screwed into the housing assembly or vice versa. For example, the housing assembly may be provided with a threaded member which can be fixed thereto, for example using adhesive. Alternatively or additionally, one of the other components of the housing assembly can be provided with threading.
Suitable materials for forming the housing will be known to those skilled in the art, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The housing is preferably formed using overmoulding techniques.
The housing functions to both house the components of the housing assembly and also to enable the user to grip the device when in operation. In preferred embodiments, the exterior surface of the housing is smooth and / or economically shaped.
The housing assembly is preferably provided with a control device to activate and deactivate the vibratory means. The control device may be a switch of any possible construction, for example, a toggle switch, in-line switch, push-button switch, rocker switch. In especially preferred arrangements of the present invention, the part of the switch that is actuated by the user does not project from the plane of the housing, to maximise user comfort when gripping the device.
In an especially preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least part of the housing assembly is provided with a damping coating. The purpose of this coating is to minimise vibrations emitted by the vibratory means passing to the user when gripping the housing assembly. The dampening coating may be formed of any material which exhibits the required properties. Thermoplastic elastomers are particularly suitable.
The vibratory means may comprise any component which is capable of emitting vibrations which can be channelled towards the head assembly when coupled thereto. Preferably, the vibratory means comprise a vibration motor which may or may not be piezoelectric. In a preferred arrangement, the vibration motor is operated by a voltage in the range of about 0.5 to about 2.0 volts, more preferably in the range of about 1 .0 to about 1 .5 volts. The electric vibration motor preferably operates at a current within the range of about 50 to about 150Ma, more preferably within the range of about 70 to about 100Ma The vibratory means are preferably located such that when the housing assembly and the head assembly are coupled together, the vibratory means are in close proximity to the head assembly. For example, the vibratory means may be located adjacent to the complementary feature/s comprised on the housing assembly for coupling that assembly to the head assembly. Additionally or alternatively, part or all of the vibratory means may extend beyond the housing and / or be received within a portion of the head assembly when the housing and head assemblies are coupled. In a preferred embodiment, the vibratory means are remote from the housing, for example, the vibratory means are in minimal contact with the housing or are not in contact with the housing at all.
The housing assembly is preferably adapted to house a power source, such as a battery. In a preferred embodiment, the housing assembly comprises a power source, such as a battery. When the device of the present invention is operated, vibrations from the vibratory means will pass to the head assembly, specifically, to the at least one ball comprised in that assembly. To minimise the passage of vibrations in other directions, the housing assembly is preferably provided with means to channel vibration from the vibratory means to the head assembly. This may take the form of a monolithic component which at least partly surrounds the vibratory means and connects to or forms at least part of the complementary feature of the housing assembly which enables a releasable connection to be formed with the head assembly.
The housing assembly may additionally or alternatively be provided with damping means to minimise the passage of vibrations to the housing. The purpose of the damping means is to prevent user discomfort caused by vibrations when the device of the present invention is operated while held in the user's hand. The damping means preferably comprises a monolithic component which at least partly surrounds the vibratory means and at least partially diverts vibrations to regions of the housing assembly which are remote from the housing.
As those skilled in the art will be aware, certain materials, for example rigid and / or hard plastics materials, will be suited for channelling vibrations through the housing assembly. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is especially suitable for forming the damping means and / or the means to channel vibration toward the head assembly.
In a preferred arrangement of the present invention, the damping means and the means to channel vibrations towards the head assembly comprise the same monolithic component which is shaped to channel vibrations towards the head assembly and away from housing.
In an especially preferred arrangement of the present invention, the vibratory means is not in direct contact with the housing, so as to minimise the passage of vibrations from the vibratory means to the housing, regardless of whether or not damping means are employed.
The serum reservoir is preferably a chamber, a portion of which is open to allow egress of serum to contact the ball. A chamber of any dimensions may be employed. In a preferred arrangement, the serum chamber is provided with a collar that is preferably generally cylindrical and extends from the serum chamber towards the ball. The end of the collar is open and is preferably positioned in close proximity to the ball to allow serum to flow from the serum chamber onto a portion of the ball.
In arrangements where a plurality of balls are to be used, a single reservoir with a plurality of collars may be used, or the head assembly may comprise a plurality of serum reservoirs. In a preferred arrangement of the present invention, means are provided in the head assembly, preferably in the serum reservoir adjacent the at least one ball, to promote the passage of serum from the reservoir to the ball, regardless of the orientation of the head assembly.
As the ball is moved and rotated across the skin of the user, a portion of the ball having serum applied thereto will be moved towards the user's skin, carrying the serum thereon.
In a preferred arrangement, the at least one ball is movable between an operative position where serum will be dispensed onto the skin of a user if the at least one ball is rotated across the skin and a non-operative position where serum will not be dispensed.
In an especially preferred embodiment, the at least one ball is resiliently biased to move between the operative and non-operative positions. The at least one ball may be resiliently biased using any means known to those skilled in the art. A return spring acting on the ball is especially preferred.
In arrangements where the serum reservoir includes a collar extending towards the at least one ball, when that ball is in the operative position, a space between the open end of the collar and the ball will exist. In a preferred arrangement, the space between the collar and the ball may determine the weight of serum which is dispensed onto the skin of the user. If a low weight of serum is to be dispensed, the head assembly can be configured such that the space is small, meaning that the thickness of the layer of serum applied to the surface of the ball will be limited; if a layer of greater thickness approaches the collar, then part of the layer will be prevented from being carried past the collar by the inner wall of the collar. If a higher weight of serum is to be dispensed, the head assembly can be configured such that a greater space is provided, enabling a thicker layer of serum to be carried by the ball to the skin of the user.
Additionally or alternatively, the space between the collar and the at least one ball may not be determine the weight of serum which is to be dispensed. Instead, deflection means may be provided in the retainer means, which form a space between the deflection means and the at least one ball, corresponding to the maximum thickness of serum that may be carried by the ball, past the deflection means, to the skin of a user. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the head assembly is provided with means to limit the amount of serum carried by the at least one ball to the skin of the user. In a preferred arrangement in which the serum reservoir comprises a collar, when the ball is in the non-operative position, preferably no space exists between the open end of the collar and the at least one ball. Thus, the serum chamber is effectively closed by the ball. If the ball is rotated when in the non-operative position, any serum adhered to the surface of the ball will be removed therefrom by the inner walls of the collar. It is envisaged that the ball will be located in the non-operative position when the device or the head assembly is in transit, storage, or when not in use by the consumer. The ball being in the non-operative position will prevent the unwanted discharge of serum or the loss of any volatile materials in the serum through evaporation.
As an additional or alternative way to prevent any such unwanted loss, the head assembly may be provided with a cap. The cap may preferably be releasably coupled to the head assembly, for example via a press fit or snap fit coupling, or in a threaded arrangement. In an especially preferred arrangement, the cap is configured such that, when coupled to the device, a portion of the cap forces the ball into the non-operative position. The cap may be formed of a plastics material that is preferably clear or at least translucent. Examples of such plastics materials include polypropylene, polycarbonates and / or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. In a preferred embodiment, the cap and / or the head assembly are provided with a tamper evident feature to indicate if the cap has been removed prior to use by the consumer. The tamper evident feature may be a frangible feature moulded to the cap and / or the head assembly.
The head assembly preferably includes one ball, although alternate embodiments comprising a plurality of balls are encompassed by the present invention. The ball may be prepared from any material known by those skilled in the art to be suitable. In a preferred embodiment, the ball is formed of stainless steel.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a head assembly suitable for use in the device of the above first aspect of the present invention.
For the avoidance of any doubt, where reference is made to the features of the head assembly of the device of the above first aspect of the present invention, those features are equally applicable to the head assembly of the second aspect of the present invention.
A specific embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front plan view of a device embodying the present invention;
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the same device; Figure 3 is a front plan view of the device with the cap removed;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the device where the head assembly and the housing assembly have been separated; Figure 5 is a front plan view of a head assembly of a head assembly embodying one aspect of the present invention.
Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the same head assembly. Figure 7 is a perspective view of that same head assembly with the cap removed.
Figure 8 shows the head assembly, cut away in cross section to reveal interior detail;
Figure 9 shows a device embodying an aspect of the present invention, cut away in cross section to reveal interior detail;
Figure 10 is a perspective view of the device from below; Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of the same device including a battery;
Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a device embodying one aspect of the present invention in which the housing is transparent enabling the internal components to be seen; and
Figure 13 shows an exploded view of the device illustrating the components of the device.
Figure 14 illustrates a second embodiment of a head assembly and threaded member in exploded view depicting the components of the device. Figure 15 illustrates a cross section view of the second embodiment of the head assembly and threaded member.
The drawings show a combined massage and serum dispensing device 10. It is particularly, but not exclusively, suited to treatment of facial areas around the eye. The device is battery powered and portable, such that it can be carried by the user in a small bag or similar.
Referring particularly to Figures 1 to 4, the device 10 has an elongate housing 12 which is shaped and proportioned to permit it to be comfortably hand held. Toward one end the housing 12 broadens to form a base 14, and at the other end it is coupled to a head assembly 16.
The head assembly 16 forms a reservoir for the serum and comprises a ball 18 which is rolled across the user's skin to dispense serum. The head assembly 16 is intended to be disposable. Once empty of serum, it is discarded and replaced.
In the arrangement illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the head assembly 16 is releasably coupled to the housing assembly via a press fit coupling formed between complementary features formed in the two assemblies.
The housing assembly is provided with a press switch 20 which, when depressed by the user, activates the vibratory means 30, located within the housing assembly 12. The vibratory means 30 can be deactivated by pressing the switch again. As best illustrated in Figure 4, the surface of the press switch 20 is in plane with the surface of the housing assembly 12, to provide a smooth handle which is easy for the user to grip. In the arrangement illustrated in Figures 1 , 2 and 4, the head assembly 16 is provided with a cap 22. The cap 22 is releasably coupled to the head assembly 16 by an inwardly protruding flange which is received by a complementary groove 24 formed in the head assembly 16. In embodiments of the present invention, the cap 22 and / or the head assembly 16 are provided with a tamper evident feature which identify to the user whether the cap 22 has previously been removed from the head assembly 16. The cap 22 is formed of a clear material which is sufficiently flexible such that the circumference of the region of the cap where the flange is formed can be transiently expanded to enable the cap 22 to be removed from the head assembly 6 by the user. Turning now to Figures 5 to 8, those figures depict a head assembly 16 embodying an aspect of the present invention. The head assembly 16 is provided with a ball 18 and cap 22 as described above, with reference to Figures 1 to 4. As best illustrated in Figure 8, the serum reservoir, is provided with an upwardly extending collar 26, the upper end of which is generally complementary shaped with the surface of the ball 18. The cap 22 is configured to include a region 28 which contacts the ball 18 and, when the cap 22 is coupled to the head assembly 16, forces the ball 18 into a non- operative position. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-operative position is achieved when the ball 18 is pressed flush against the upper end of the collar 26. In this way, even if there is any rotation of the ball 18 during manufacture, transit or handling (which is unlikely, given the presence of the cap 22), any serum which is adhered to the lower region of the ball 1 8 which is exposed to the serum chamber will be deflected from the surface of the ball 18 upon rotation of the ball 18 by the inner walls of the collar 26, causing the deflected serum to run back down into the serum reservoir.
The ball 1 8 is resiliently biased, such that, upon removal of the cap 22, the ball moves into its operative position. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 8, this is achieved by the ball 18 moving upward, such that a space between the upper end of the collar 26 and the ball is formed. The distance of the space between the ball 1 8 and the upper end of the collar 26 is configured to correspond to the maximum thickness of the layer of serum which is to be carried by the ball upon rotation to the skin of the user. Figure 9 illustrates a device of the present invention in cross section, enabling the internal components to be seen. Vibration motor 30 is retained by a monolithic component 38 which, in the illustrated embodiment, not only serves to retain the vibration 30 motor in position but also functions as damping means (as the lower part of that component is stepped inwardly, away from the housing 12) and means to channel vibration from the vibration motor 30 toward the head assembly (as the upper part of that component is adjacent to the head assembly 16 and actually forms the press fit coupling of the housing assembly). Importantly, the vibration motor 30 is retained remotely from the housing 12, to further minimise the passage of vibrations to the housing 12 which can cause user discomfort. Further, the vibration motor is located adjacent the coupling feature of the housing assembly which is coupled with a complementary feature of the head assembly and extends beyond the upper end of the housing. The vibration motor is also positioned such that it will be partly received in the head assembly when the head and housing assemblies are coupled. The power source employed in the illustrated embodiment is an AAA battery 32, which is located in a chamber positioned at the base 14 of the housing assembly 12 and retained within the device 10 by a threaded stop 34. A contact member 36 is provided to conduct electrical energy to the vibration motor 30 via the switch 20.
Figures 10 and 1 1 illustrate how the battery 32 is received in the housing assembly 12. Figures 12 and 13 depict flow exemplified components of the device may be arranged. The operation of the device exemplified above will now be explained.
The user firstly couples the head assembly 16 to the housing assembly if the device is not provided in assembled form. The user then removes cap 22 and activates the vibratory means 30 using switch 20. The ball 18 is then rolled over the user's skin. The passage of the vibrating ball 18 provides a massage effect to the user. Additionally, as the ball 1 8 is rotated over the user's skin, serum is carried from the region of the ball 18 which is in fluid communication with the serum reservoir to the user's skin. The dispensation of serum in this way may be enhanced by the vibrations emitted by the vibratory means 30.
When empty, the entire head assembly 16 is simply removed, by decoupling it from the housing assembly 12, and replacing it with a new head assembly 16. This is hygienic; those parts exposed to serum and to the skin of the user being replaced. An after sales market for head assemblies is also provided. Importantly, the amount of waste materials generated upon replacement of the head assembly is far lower than when prior art serum dispensing devices are replaced, which are generally disposable in their entirety.
The invention therefore relates to a device which dispenses serum onto the skin of a user, and which also provides a massage effect. It is particularly well suited to cosmetic use. The device comprises a housing assembly which is to be hand held and a head assembly 16. A vibratory motor 30 is mounted in the housing and causes the head assembly to vibrate to execute a massage effect. A further embodiment of the present invention is depicted in Figures 14 and 15 in which the serum reservoir 142 is intended to be refillable. The head assembly comprises a cap 122, ball 18 and ball retaining collar 138. The cap 122 and ball 1 18 function as in the embodiment shown in preceding figures. The ball retaining collar 138 includes a serum reservoir 42 in its lower end. The reservoir 142 takes the form of an inverted cup having threading at its lower rim. Complementary threading is provided on the threaded member 140. The serum reservoir 142 is sealed by the threaded member 140, when that member 140 is screwed into the head assembly. It will be understood that the threaded member 140 will be releasably or permanently coupled to the housing assembly, for example using adhesive.
Following use, when the serum reservoir 142 is empty, it can be conveniently refilled by unscrewing the head assembly from the threaded member 140 to open its bottom end. The user can then invert the head assembly, refill the serum reservoir 142 and then screw the threaded member 140 into the threading provided at the lower rim of the serum reservoir 142.

Claims

1 . A device comprising a housing assembly and a head assembly, the housing assembly comprising a housing and vibratory means, the head assembly comprising a serum reservoir, at least one ball which is contactable with the skin of the user, a portion of the at least one ball being in fluid communication with the serum reservoir, and retainer means for rotatably retaining the at least one ball in the head assembly, the housing assembly and the head assembly being separately formed and comprising complementary features forming a releasable coupling.
2. The device of Claim 1 , wherein the vibratory means is activated by means of a control device provided on the housing assembly.
3. The device of Claim 1 or 2, wherein the rate at which serum is dispensed is greater when the vibratory means is activated.
4. The device of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the complementary features comprised on the head assembly and / or the housing assembly comprise screw threading and the releasable coupling is achieved by screwing the housing into the head assembly or vice versa.
5. The device of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the complementary features comprised on the head assembly and / or the housing assembly comprise press fit features and the releasable coupling is a press fit coupling.
6. The device of any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the serum reservoir is sealed by a part of the housing assembly when the housing assembly and head assembly are coupled.
7. The device of any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the vibratory means is located adjacent to the coupling feature of the housing assembly.
8. The device of any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein at least part of the vibratory means extend beyond the housing.
9. The device of any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein at least a part of the vibratory means is received within the head assembly.
10. The device of any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the housing assembly is provided with means to channel vibration from the vibratory means toward the head assembly.
1 1 . The device of any one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the housing assembly is provided with damping means to minimise the passage of vibrations from the vibratory means to the housing.
12. The device of any one of Claims 1 to 1 1 , wherein at least part of the housing is provided with a dampening coating.
13. The device of any one of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the vibratory means and the housing are remote from each other.
14. The device of any one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the at least one ball is movable between an operative position and a non-operative position.
15. The device of any one of Claims 1 to 14, wherein a collar extends from the serum reservoir toward the at least one ball, the collar having an open end.
16. The device of Claim 15, wherein the at least one ball is resiliently movable between an operative position in which a space exists between the open end of the collar and the at least one ball and a non-operative position in which the at least one ball abuts the open end of the collar. The device of any one of Claims 1 to 16, wherein the device further comprises a cap which is releasably coupled to the device.
A head assembly for use in a hand held serum dispensing and massage device according to any one of Claims 1 to 17.
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