US20200154854A1

US20200154854A1 - Skincare tool organizer

Info

Publication number: US20200154854A1
Application number: US16/588,748
Authority: US
Inventors: Elizabeth Kennedy Zdanow
Original assignee: Citizen Cosmetics Ltd
Current assignee: Beauty Magnet LLC
Priority date: 2018-09-28
Filing date: 2019-09-30
Publication date: 2020-05-21

Abstract

A skincare tool is configured with a base member that includes a magnetic coupling device. The magnetic coupling device allows one tool to be coupled to another tool, and for a plurality of tools to be coupled together. A tool member is disposed at the opposite end of the base member. The base member, which can also function as a grip or handle for the skincare tool, has a unique and ornamental design. The base member enables multiple skincare tools to be magnetically coupled together while at the same time providing improved handling and hygiene of skin care tools.

Description

FIELD

The aspects of the disclosed embodiments are directed to skincare tools, and in particular to an assembly of different skincare tools that are magnetically coupled together.

BACKGROUND

There are a variety of different skincare tools available to consumers. Some of these tools include, but are not limited to, derma rollers, blackhead removers, tweezers, onyx rollers, and eye serum rollers. The skincare tools are always sold separately, which can create frustration when consumers are looking for them. The skincare tools rarely have enclosed casings, which can present hygiene issues for the consumers.
Skincare tools come in different shapes and sizes, generally depending upon the specific application. Due to the varying shapes, there is no efficient way to carry or store a variety of skincare tools.
It would be advantageous to be able to provide a skincare tool and skincare tool assembly that addresses at least the problems identified above.

SUMMARY

The aspects of the disclosed embodiments are directed to a skincare tool and skincare tool assembly that allows multiple skincare tools to be removably coupled together. A skincare tool is configured with a base member that includes a magnetic coupling device. The magnetic coupling device allows one tool to be coupled to another tool, and for a plurality of tools to be coupled together. A tool member is disposed at the opposite end of the base member. The base member, which can also function as a grip or handle for the skincare tool, has a unique and ornamental design. The unique and ornamental design of the base member enables multiple skincare tools to be magnetically coupled together while at the same time providing improved handling and hygiene of skin care tools.
These and other aspects, implementation forms, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become apparent from the embodiments described herein considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the description and drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the disclosed invention. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description and claims that follow, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Moreover, the aspects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out herein and in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed portion of the present disclosure, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments will be explained in more detail with reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an assembly of exemplary skincare tools incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an exemplary assembly of magnetically coupled skincare tools incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an exemplary assembly of magnetically coupled skincare tools incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an exemplary assembly of skincare tools incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary assembly of skincare tools incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of an exemplary assembly of skincare tools incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary assembly of skincare tools incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary assembly of skincare tools incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 9 illustrates an assembly view of an exemplary assembly of skincare tools incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are directed to an exemplary assembly or set 100 of skin care tools, generally referred to as skincare tool assembly 100. The skincare tool assembly 100 of the disclosed embodiments is configured to enable individual ones or tools of the skincare tool assembly 100 to be connected together in a removable and portable manner. In the example of FIG. 1, the individual skincare tools 102 a-102 f of the assembly 100 are shown in the connected or storage state. For purposes of the description herein, individual ones of the skincare tool assembly 100 are referred to herein as skincare tool 102 a to skincare toll 102 f. An individual skincare tool can also be referred to as skincare tool 102.
Although there are five individual skincare tools 102 a-102 f shown in FIG. 1, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not so limited. In alternate embodiments, the number of skincare tools can include any suitable number other than including five. For example, the skincare tool assembly 100 can include as few as two skincare tools 102, such as skincare tools 102 a, 102 b, for example, or more than five skincare tools. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not intended to be limited by the number, type or particular combination of skincare tools in the skincare tool assembly 100. In one embodiment, the skincare tool assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1 could be considered or referred to as a “5 in 1” skincare tool assembly.
Furthermore, while a particular order of skincare tools 102 a-102 f is illustrated in FIG. 1, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not so limited. Individual ones of the skincare tools 102 a-102 f are configured so that any one of the skincare tools 102 a-102 f can be coupled to any other one of the skincare tools 102 a-102 f, as is generally described herein. Thus, for example, tool 102 b can be coupled to tool 102 e. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not intended to be limited by the particular arrangement and order of tools 102 a-102 f a skincare tool assembly 100 incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.
The aspects of the disclosed embodiments are directed to a skincare tool assembly 100 where individual skincare tools 102 can be connected or coupled together, for example when stored, but easily removed for use. In the example of FIG. 1 the individual skincare tools 102 a-102 f are magnetically coupled together to form the skincare tool assembly 100. Individual ones of the skincare tools 102 a-102 f can be selectively removed or separated from the assembly 100 when desired and then put back into the assembly 100.
In one embodiment, when the individual skincare tools 102 a-102 f are connected together in the set 100 as shown in FIG. 1, individual ones of the tools 102 a-102 f can be swivelled or rotated around a connection axis 104. The connection axis 104 generally comprises the axis along which the tools 102 a-102 f are connected together at one end as will be described further below.
Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary skincare tool 102 generally comprises a tool member 110 and a body or handle member 112. The body member 112 includes a coupling member or portion 114. While the tool 102 a is generally described with respect to three members or sections, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not so limited. In alternate embodiments, the tool 102 can comprise two sections, such as a single body portion made up of members 112, 114 and a tool end 110 or even a single, unitary member.
For purposes of the description herein, the body member 112 and the coupling member of a skincare tool 102 as described herein will be the same. The tool portion 110 of the exemplary skincare tool 102, as well as the manner of attachment of the tool can vary.
The tool member 110 generally comprises the cosmetic tool. Examples of such tools can include, but are not limited to, a derma roller, a blackhead remover, tweezers, onyx roller, and an eye serum roller. In alternate embodiments, the skincare tool assembly 100 can include any suitable or desired skincare tools, other than including the skincare tools listed herein.
The tool member 110 can be bent metal for the face roller, eye roller, and micro roller skincare tools. The tweezers will be metal, the black head remover will be metal, the ball bearing for the eye roller is metal and the needles in the micro roller are metal. The face roller can be black onyx or similar stone material. All metal components will comprises stainless steel. Although certain materials are referenced herein, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not so limited, and any suitable material(s) can be used. For example, in one embodiment, the tool members can comprise a plastic material or other suitable metal.
The body or handle member 112 is the portion of the tool 102 that the user may grip or hold while using or otherwise manipulating the tool 102. The handle member 112 provides a suitable gripping and holding surface. The handle member 112, which can also be referred to as the body portion of the tool 102, is also configured to serve as a holder or attachment for the skincare tool 110 that is disposed on the one end of the skincare tool 102. In one embodiment, the skincare tool components, which are generally metal, can be insert molded into the handle member 112. In an alternate embodiment, the skincare tool components can be removably connected to the handle member 112 to allow for removal and replacement of a skincare tool.
In one embodiment, the neck portion 116 of the handle member 112 is configured to hold or secure the tool member 110. The neck portion 116 can be configured to hold any suitable tool member 110 in a secure manner, but also release the tool member 110 when desired for cleaning or replacement, for example. This can allow for different skincare tools 102 a-102 f to be interchanged or replaced as desired.
In one embodiment, the material of the handle member 112 can be a plastic material, such as an injection molded plastic. The handle member 112 can also have an electroplated metal coating. In alternate embodiments, the material of the handle member 112 can be any material that is suitable for a skincare tool.
The coupling member 114 is generally disposed at the end of the tool 102, opposite the tool portion 110. The coupling member 114 is configured to allow one skincare tool, such as tool 102 a to be coupled to another skincare tool, such as tool 102 b, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the coupling member 114 is a magnetic coupling member. In this manner, the tools 102 a-102 f can be magnetically coupled together, as is illustrated in FIG. 1. When it is desired to use a tool, such as tool 102 a, the tool can be easily separated and removed from the assembly 100.
In one embodiment, when the tools 102 a-102 f are coupled together such as is shown in FIG. 1, any one or more of the tools 102 a-102 f can be swivelled or rotated about the connection axis 104 of the coupling member 114. As will be described herein, the particular structure and geometry of the coupling member 114 enables any one or more of the tools 102 a-102 f to be rotated or swivelled while in the coupled or connected state.
The coupling member 114 can also include a magnet or magnet assembly, which will be described further herein. The magnet will be disposed in the coupling member 114 in a manner that allows one tool 102 to be magnetically coupled to another tool 102, such as in the example shown in FIG. 1.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in one embodiment, coupling member 114 of the tool 102 includes an outwardly rounded or convex portion 118. The convex portion 118 is configured to be received in a suitably shaped or corresponding concave portion 120 of the coupling member 114. In one embodiment, the shape of the portions 118, 120 allows the coupling end 114 of one too 102 to be received in and “nest” in a coupling end of another tool 114. Examples of how the tools 102 a-102 f can be assembled together is illustrated in FIGS. 4-8. The rounded shapes of the convex portion 118 and the concave portion 120 is configured to enable the rotation of one tool relative to another tool in the assembly 100.
FIG. 9 illustrates an assembly view of the skincare tools 102 a-102 f in a skincare tool assembly 100 incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments. The individual components of a skincare tool 102 are illustrated.
In this example, the tool member 110 is configured to be releasably inserted into the handle member 112 of a corresponding skincare tool 102. For example, referring to skincare tool 102 a, the neck portion 118 a includes a cap member 202 a, a post member 204 a, and a retaining member 206 a. The post member 204 a is configured to be inserted into the retaining member 206 a. In one embodiment, the cap member 202 a is configured to fit over the post member 204 a and the retaining member 206 a.
In this example, the tool 110 a includes wire posts 111 a and 113 a. The wire posts 111 a and 113 a are configured to be inserted into corresponding openings in the cap member 202 a.
The post member 204 a includes retaining portions 214 a and 224 a. The retaining portions 214 a and 224 a are configured to receive end portions of the wire posts 111 a and 113 a.
The post member 204 a is configured to be inserted into the retaining member 206 a. The retaining member 206 a is configured to be inserted into the handle member 112. The assembly 200 is configured to be secured together by pressing of the various components into their receiving apertures or openings. The tool 110 a and cap member 202 a are forced downwards which puts pressure on the wire posts 111 a, 113 a. The wire posts 111 a, 113 a are securely retained in this manner in the cap member 202 a and post member 204 a. The retaining assembly 200 will be the same for tools 102 b, 102 c and 102 e, which all have wire posts.
For tool 102 d, a different retaining assembly 300 is used. In this example, the tool 102 d is a tweezer 110. One end 302 of the tweezer 110 includes a retaining opening or hole 304. The handle member 112 d includes an opening or aperture 306. A retaining pin 308 is inserted into the aperture 306 when the end 302 is inserted into the handle member 112 d. This retains the tweezer 110 d in the handle member 112 d.
Referring to FIG. 9, the coupling member 114 a includes a magnet 402. The magnet 402 is disposed in an opening or space 404 of the coupling member 114 a. In this example, the magnet or magnetic device 402 is generally cylindrical in shape, although any suitable magnetic device is contemplated, other than including a cylindrical shaped magnet.
As shown in this example, a retaining cap structure 406 is used to hold the magnet 402 within the opening 404. The retaining cap structure 406 is generally a snap-fit structure that includes a first cap member 408 and a second cap member 410. An opening in the second cap member 410 is configured to receive and retain the magnet 402 in a receiving aperture 412. When the first cap member 408 and the second cap member 410 are squeezed together within the opening 404, the first cap member 408 and the second cap member 410 snap together.
As shown in FIG. 9, the first cap member 408 includes tab members that are received in corresponding tab receiving sections of the second cap member 410. The retaining cap structure 406 is configured to be retained within the opening 404. In one embodiment, the retaining cap structure 406 is configured to rotate within the opening 404.
In one embodiment, a collar member 502 is disposed around an interior perimeter of the opening 404. An edge member 504 of the first cap member 408 and an edge member 506 of the second cap member are suitable sized to abut against the sides of the collar member 502 when the first cap member 408 and the second cap member 410 are snapped together. In this manner, the magnetic coupling device 402 is securely retained within the opening 404 of the coupling member.
Although a snap-fit connection is generally described herein, in alternate embodiments, the first cap member 408 and second cap member 410 can be connected together around the magnetic device 402 in any suitable manner. For example, a twist lock mechanism is also contemplated.
The aspects of the disclosed embodiments are directed to a skincare tool and skincare tool assembly that allows multiple skincare tools to be removably coupled together. A skincare tool is configured with a coupling or base member that includes a magnetic coupling device. The unique and ornamental design of the handle and coupling members enables multiple skincare tools to be magnetically coupled together while at the same time providing improved handling and hygiene of skin care tools.
Thus, while there have been shown, described and pointed out, fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form and details of apparatus and methods illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed invention. Further, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements, which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results, are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice.
What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A skincare tool assembly comprising:

at least two skincare tools, each of the at least two skincare tools comprising a tool member and a body member; and

wherein the body member includes a magnetic coupling member that has a convex surface portion and a concave surface portion, and the convex surface portion of one of the at least two skincare tools is configured to engage the concave surface portion another one of the at least two skincare tools in an assembled state to the skincare tool assembly.

2. The skincare tool assembly according to claim 1, wherein the body member comprises a magnetic coupling member, the magnetic coupling member being disposed between the convex surface portion and the concave surface portion of the body member.

3. The skincare tool assembly according to claim 2, wherein the magnetic coupling member is disposed at end of the body member opposite the tool end.

4. The skincare tool assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least two skin care tools comprise one or more of a derma roller, a blackhead remover, tweezers, an onyx roller, or an eye serum roller.

5. The skincare tool assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least two skincare tools are configured to rotate about the magnetic coupling member relative to one another in the assembled state of the skincare tool assembly.

6. The skincare tool assembly according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic coupling portion further comprises a retaining cap structure, the retaining cap structure having a first cap member and a second cap member, the first cap member and the second cap member being configured to retain a magnet in an assembled state of the retaining cap structure.

7. The skincare tool assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first cap member comprises the convex surface portion and the second cap member comprises the concave surface portion.

8. The skincare tool assembly according to claim 6, wherein the body member includes an opening at an end of the body member opposite the tool member and the retaining cap structure is configured to be retained in the opening.

9. The skincare tool assembly according to claim 8, wherein the retaining cap structure is configured to rotate within the opening.

10. The skincare tool assembly according to claim 1, where a skincare tool of the at least two skincare tools comprises a neck portion configured to receive a tool member, the neck portion being detachable from the body portion.

11. The skincare tool assembly according to claim 10, wherein the tool member is releasably retained in the neck portion.