WO2018202834A1

WO2018202834A1 - A facial care headset device

Info

Publication number: WO2018202834A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/061472
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aaron HANNON
Original assignee: Hannon Aaron
Priority date: 2017-05-05
Filing date: 2018-05-04
Publication date: 2018-11-08

Abstract

A hands-free headset device comprising a headband, which traverses across a head of user from one ear to the other ear; a first earpiece and a second earpiece integrated with the headband; and a curved frontal element integrated with the first and second earpiece, wherein the curved frontal element passes across the face of the user; the device further comprising a multipurpose head element attached to the curved frontal element and configured to move from one side of the user's face to the other side along the curved frontal element.

Description

Title

A Facial Care Headset Device

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to_a hands-free facial care device. Specifically, the invention relates to a headset device which performs facial care duties such as shaving, applying makeup and other facial treatments, intended for people who suffer from limited hand function/dexterity or those who prefer to have these tasks done by a device. Background of the Invention

People with conditions which cause limited hand function/dexterity including but not limited to spinal cord injuries, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and strokes are often unable to perform basic personal care tasks independently. This can be a source of great frustration. Having a care giver perform these tasks for a person leads to a lack of independence and can cause a sense of humiliation or frustration. If the patient is left to try to complete these tasks unaided, they often struggle to do so which can be very demoralising, while they can also cause injury to themselves if they suffer from a spasm. Presently there is no widely available solution to this problem. Products which currently exist fail to adequately deal with the problems discussed above. They consist of handheld devices which are difficult if not impossible for people with limited hand function to use. Furthermore, there is no device existing which can perform all of the functions listed in an intelligent manner, without the need for extensive user input. It is an object of the present invention to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned problems.

Summary of the Invention

This device is composed of a headset and a curved frontal element mechanism, where a sliding multi-purpose head element, which can contain at its tip a shaver head, makeup brushes or the necessary equipment required to perform tasks as outlined above, is driven along the path of the curved frontal element by use of a motor. The headset itself is composed of an adjustable length or, in other embodiments, a flexible head band attached to at least one ear section which is used to hold the frontal element. In one embodiment, there are two ear sections. Inside a first ear section is a first servo motor - alternative options include DC motors and stepper motors - which, through the use of a gearing mechanism, rotates the frontal element mechanism relative to the head band. The multi-purpose head element is held essentially normal (perpendicular) relative to the face, at a distance depending on the application. This position is maintained through a combination of the use of controlled positioning via the mechanisms mentioned above and also the use of a spring mechanism in the current embodiment. The multi-purpose head element in this embodiment consists of a second servo motor and a gearing system in tandem with the spring mechanism which position the head element distance relative to the face, a sensor to detect potential obstacles (such as a nose) and a motor to drive the device to apply its application, such as those applications mentioned above - a shaving razor, cosmetic application etc. The system makes use of the sensor and a camera fastened to the multi-purpose head element to determine its position, to avoid obstacles, and uses its own robotic intelligence - created through programming a microcontroller - to form patterns and shapes from the input provided by both the sensor and the camera imaging.

In one embodiment, the curved frontal element is rotated by the first servo motor in the first ear section and a gearing mechanism consisting of one spur gear on the outer circumference of the rotating element of the first servo motor, and spur gear teeth on the inner circumference of the first ear section. The multi-purpose head element is positioned along the frontal element through the use of a belt inside the frontal element, which is moved by a belt motor in a second ear section causing the multi-purpose head element to be driven along the path of the frontal element. The belt motor does this by supplying torque to a worm gear, which rotates a spur gear on the same axis as a tooth gear designed to fit the spur gear teeth of the belt. An ultrasonic sensor is optionally used in to detect obstacles - for example, the nose - and a force sensor is used to ensure the desired contact force with the face is obtained. This contact force is maintained by a third servo motor with an accompanying spring system within the multi-purpose head element. The third servo motor can position the multi-purpose head element so that it is closer or further away from the face or that it can apply a compressive force to the face as required. In this embodiment the second servo motor helps to create a wave motion of the multi-purpose head element, where the force applied to the face is periodically increased and decreased to ensure that the skin is not dragged or damaged in any way. A shaver motor inside the head element is used to drive a shaving mechanism or element at the tip of the multi-purpose head element. This shaver motor activates as a response to the force sensor detecting a contact force with the face. The shaving mechanism is held normal to the face through a combination of the controlled positioning system discussed above and a mechanical hinging system which allows the tip of the multi-purpose head element to rotate or adjust its position slightly so that it remains normal to the point of contact. An accelerometer may be used to measure the displacement relative to the first and second ear sections and this data is used to ensure a pre-designed shaving pattern is adhered to. A camera on the end of a flexible wire tube casing is fastened into the multi-purpose head element and provides imaging of the face up close and as whole as required. A microcontroller, fitted inside one ear section or earpiece, is used to process this information and is pre-programmed to cause the servo motors to react to the stimuli from the ultrasonic and force sensors and the camera, the images from which are analysed using facial recognition software programmed into the microcontroller. The head band itself is adjustable in length by pulling on the ear sections to reveal a longer length of head band inside the original length, as seen in Figure 7.

Of the mechanisms mentioned above, there are a number which can be replaced by similar mechanisms in other embodiments to perform the same function. The belt system for driving the multi-purpose head element can be replaced in its entirety by a motor placed within the multipurpose head element itself, using a rack and pinion gearing system to drive itself and the multipurpose head element along the curved frontal element. The second servo motor within the multipurpose head element could also use a rack and pinion gearing system to replace the spring system for the purposes of maintaining the desired contact force/proximity to the face. An ultrasonic sensor could be replaced by an accurate accelerometer positioning system which uses mathematical calculations in the program run by a microcontroller to predict when obstacles will need to be avoided. Likewise, the accelerometer can be replaced by sensors such as an ultrasonic sensor. A line-following sensor can be used in other embodiments to ensure that a specific pattern is followed. The servo motors in each element of the device could be replaced by standard DC motors programmed by the microcontroller to perform the same functions. The camera is removed in some embodiments and the system depends solely on the use of sensors and accelerometers. The hinging system discussed above in regards to the tip of the head element could also be performed using a servo motor and a proximity sensor to ensure the tip is always normal to the point of contact on the face. The spring system is formed in some embodiments a three-legged razor foil casing with a spring on each leg, where inward and outward motion with respect to the face are allowed so that the foil maintains its position as normal to the face at the centre point as much as possible. In another embodiment this is performed by a ball and socket joint, with the ball forming a casing for a rotary blade and shaver foil, while a spring forms an axle between the blade and the gearing system through which the blade is driven. This spring allows for the motion of the ball within the socket to match the contour of the face. There are numerous other ways of performing the functions required involving a variety of different mechanisms in a number of different embodiments of the device. In another embodiment, a proximity sensor is used to accurately detect the distance the multipurpose head element is from the face, and this data is communicated to the second servo motor via a microcontroller in the multi-purpose head element, which then positions the multi-purpose head element accordingly. The device is powered in one embodiment by a 9-volt battery, and in others by battery packs of varying voltages. In a further embodiment uses its own rechargeable battery with accompanying wall charger. It should be understood that any appropriately powered battery may be used, such as 1 .2V 2200mAh batteries, 2.4V 600mAh batteries, 2.4V ^"l OOOmAh batteries, 2.4V 2000mAh batteries, 3.2V 700 mAh batteries, 3.7V 750mAh batteries, and the like.

The device in one embodiment uses a suction device, of which the suction tube is fastened into the multi-purpose head element to remove any dirt, debris or in the case of the shaving application facial hairs, and deposits them in a small frame where they can be easily removed.

In some embodiments, for the application of facial creams or treatments involving the application of liquids, there is provided a loading facility or applicator on the multi-purpose head element where the liquid can be poured into, and subsequently withdrawn from the device using, for example, a suction device or a motor and lever system to bring the liquid into the applicator.

A system using the device is controlled in some embodiments by user input via a joystick, keypad or by the use of a mobile phone application, the input data from which can be sent to the microprocessor, for example, an open-source microcontroller (an example of which is the Arduino Uno developed by Adruino cc), via Bluetooth, Ethernet, wireless internet or USB OTG cable. The mobile phone application has, in one embodiment, the ability to track the progress of the shave visually via graphics and also by an endoscope camera attached to the multi-purpose head piece. In this case the device can be manually controlled via the smartphone application using the camera display on screen or by use of a mirror. In other embodiments the system operates automatically in response to input from the user regarding the type of and pattern of treatment or facial cream application desired.

According to the present invention there is provided, as set out in the appended claims, a hands- free headset device comprising a headband, which traverses across a head of user from one ear to the other ear; a first earpiece and a second earpiece integrated with the headband; and a curved frontal element integrated with the first and second earpiece, wherein the curved frontal element passes across the face of the user; the device further comprising a multipurpose head element attached to the curved frontal element and configured to move from one side of the user's face to the other side along the curved frontal element.

Preferably, the first and second earpieces are integrated with the headband by a securing part, and wherein the securing part comprises a cylinder that rests on the user's ear. Ideally, the cylinder is secured to the earpiece by a fastening means. Preferably, both ends of the curved frontal element are accommodated in slots that are integrated with the first and second earpieces. Preferably, the curved frontal element further comprises an outer wall, an inner wall, and a track between the outer wall and inner wall along which the multipurpose head element moves from one side of the user's face to the other side.

Preferably, the earpiece comprises an outer wall that is rotatable about an axis.

Preferably, the first earpiece further comprises a gearing system configured to rotate the curved frontal element.

Preferably, the second earpiece further comprises a gearing system configured to rotate the angle of the multipurpose head element.

Preferably, the multipurpose head element further comprises a housing case within which is a servo housing casing to accommodate a motor and a slot through which the curved frontal element passes through. More preferably, the motor rotates and moves the housing casing of the multipurpose head element relative to the face of the user. Ideally, the motor drives a belt system or a rack and pinion system in the housing case to move the head element along the track.

Preferably, the multipurpose head element further comprises a force sensor, a proximity sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an accelerometer, a camera or a combination thereof. Ideally, the first or second, or both earpieces further comprise a microcontroller that controls the movement of the multipurpose head element.

Preferably, the device further comprises a suction tube connected to the multipurpose head element. More preferably, the suction tube is connected to a frame for collecting dirt or debris.

Preferably, the device is powered by a battery. Preferably, the battery is a non-rechargeable or a rechargeable battery. The device may also be powered by connecting to an electrical supply port or socket. When the device is connected to an electrical supply socket, the earpieces further comprise a port for accommodating a connector adapted to connect to the electrical supply socket.

Preferably, the curved frontal element is adjustable to suit the size of the user's head. Preferably, the headband is adjustable to suit the size of the user's head.

There is also provided a hands-free headset device as described above for use as a shaver. Preferably, the multipurpose head element is coupled to a shaving element at its tip, the shaving element comprising a razor foil, a rotary blade and a foil casing. Preferably, the rotary blade is mounted on support legs enveloped with a coiled spring. Preferably, the shaving element is coupled to the multipurpose head element by a ball and socket arrangement.

There is also provided a hands-free headset device as described above for use in applying cosmetics. There is also provided a hands-free headset device as described above for use in applying topical treatments. Preferably, the device further comprises a loading facility configured to deliver liquid, creams or treatments to the face of the user.

In one embodiment, the curved frontal element can rotate from the front of a user's face to the back of the head of the user. This allows the device to access all areas of the head (front, back, sides) and permit the device to shave the head (cranial area) as well as the face, and also allow the user to apply cosmetics or treatments to the head (cranial area) area as well.

There is also provided a system for controlling the hands-free headset device as described above, the system comprising a joystick, a keypad or a mobile phone application, wherein input data from the user via the joystick, keypad or mobile phone application is relayed to a microprocessor in the first earpiece, the second earpiece, the multipurpose head element, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, there is provided a device comprising a headset and a curved frontal element mechanism, where a sliding multi-purpose head element, which can contain at its tip a shaver head, makeup brushes or the necessary equipment required, is driven along the path of the curved frontal element by use of a motor.

Preferably, the headset is composed of an adjustable length or a flexible head band attached to at least one ear section which is used to hold the frontal element. Preferably, there are two ear sections. Preferably, the first ear section comprises a first servo motor and a gearing mechanism, which rotates the frontal element mechanism relative to the head band.

Definitions

In the specification, the term "servo motor" should be understood to mean any suitable motor that can be used with eh device of the invention, such as a DC motor (any rotary electrical machine that converts direct current electrical energy into mechanical energy), a stepper motor (a brushless DC electric motor), and the like. In the specification, the term "facial care" should be understood to mean grooming or health- related activities which one would perform on one's face - i.e. shaving the hair on one's face, applying various facial creams, applying makeup (cosmetics), brushing one's teeth or other cosmetic or medical treatments.

There are many advantages associated with this invention. It solves a need for vulnerable people in society and allows them to regain a sense of independence, which they may have lost. It allows the intended end user to dictate their own life and make their own decisions as regards the personal tasks which are mentioned above. Furthermore, this invention prevents injury (potentially serious injury) befalling people whose health becomes at risk due to even the most minor of facial care accidents - i.e. a small cut obtained from a spasm or hand weakness when using a razor could lead to bleeding, which could cause serious issues for a stroke survivor or for those who are taking prescribed blood thinning medication. This is significant considering that the World Heart Federation has stated that approximately 5 million people across the globe will become disabled as a result of a stroke each year - stroke being only one of the causes of the problem of limited hand dexterity/function. Initial end user research has suggested that the device would be largely welcomed and make a lasting difference on the life of someone with limited hand function.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention is more clearly understood from the below description of a current embodiment which references the following accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of the apparatus according to the facial care headset device description. This shows a side elevation of the positioning of the apparatus and its components relative to each other and a model head of an end user.

Figure 2 is a view from behind the model of the head showing the correct positioning of the invention relative to the head of the end user.

Figure 3 is a cross section of the rotating ear element, with a side elevation view of the curved frontal element, the model head and the multi-purpose head element visible in the background to show the position of the cross section relative to these elements. The accompanying Fig. 3.1 gives a clearer view of the inner workings of the rotating ear element in question.

Figure 4 is a plan view of the invention and its positioning relative to the model head.

Figure 5 and Figure 6 offer isometric views of the assembled components.

Figure 7 and the accompanying Figure 7.1 are cross sections of the opposite ear element showing the positioning of the ear element and its inner components relative to the rest of the components, and a clearer view of these inner components respectively. The belt is not shown in the diagrammatic representation; however, it normally fits around the spur gear shown in Figure 7 and fits into the two tracks left on the visor. The function of this belt is to pull the multi-purpose head piece along the visor.

Figure 8 and the accompanying Figure 8.1 offer a detailed view of the user facing side of the housing for the multi-purpose head element in this embodiment.

Figure 9, and the enlargement of this detail Figure 9.1 show a cross sectional view of the multipurpose head piece assembly, showing the detail of the rotary shaver and movable foil system.

Figure 10 and the accompanying enlargement Figure 10.1 also show a cross sectional view of the multipurpose head piece assembly, in this case demonstrating the servo motor and rack and pinion gearing system which cause the inward and outward motion of the assembly with respect to the face of the user.

Figure 11 A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a shaving element used with the handsfree device. Figure 11 B illustrates a plan view of the shaving element of Figure 1 1 A. Figure 11 C illustrates view of Section A-A in Figure 1 1 B.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

The present invention relates to a hands-free headset device which performs facial care duties such as shaving, applying makeup and other facial treatments, intended for people who suffer from limited hand function/dexterity or those who prefer to have these tasks done by a device. The device consists of a headset with a curved frontal element which moves with both an angular motion and a vertical motion, and a multi-purpose head element which is driven along the curved frontal element, and can be fitted with a shaving mechanism, a makeup brush or other equipment pertaining to the needs of various facial care treatments. This device enables the movement of the multi-purpose head element to apply treatments to all areas of the face and head as needed.

Referring now to the illustrations, where Figure 1 illustrates a general embodiment of a hands- free device of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a hands-free device of the present invention and is generally referred to by reference numeral 1 . As shown in Figure 1 , the hands-free device 1 comprises a headpiece 5 connected to a second earpiece 4. The second earpiece 4 is connected to a frontal curved element 3, on which is attached a multipurpose head element 6.

In this embodiment of the invention, the handsfree device 1 uses a shaver mechanism to shave the facial hair and/or head of the user. The head of the user is generally referred to by the reference numeral 31 . The frontal curved element 3 is typically moved with an angular rotation via a spur gear 15 (see Figure 3.1 ), interlocking with a plurality of spur gear teeth 18a on an inner circumference 2b of a first earpiece 2 (see Figure 2). The rotation of the frontal curved element 3 is caused by a first servo motor 16 (see Figure 3). The frontal curved element 3 is connected to the first and second earpieces 2,4 (see Figure 2), which are attached to the headpiece 5, by means of securing parts 13, 14, respectively (see Figure 2), which lie against the ears of the user. The securing parts 13,14 consist of a cylinder 50 which protrudes from a lower section of the headpiece 5 and towards an inner surface of an outer wall 2a,4a of the first and second earpieces 2,4, respectively. The cylinder 50 is attached to the first and second earpieces 2,4 by a fastening means 30a, such as a screw (see Figure 2), which passes through an aperture 30 (see Figure 1 ) to connect to the earpieces 2,4. The curved frontal element 3 is attached to each of the first and second earpieces 2,4 by means of a slot 32,33 (see Figures 1 and 3), respectively, where each slot 32,33 is integrated with the earpieces 2,4, respectively, and in which ends 3a,3b of the curved frontal element 3 are accommodated.

Figure 2 shows components 2, 4, 13 and 14. As detailed above, the first and second earpieces 2,4 secure the curved frontal element 3 and house the mechanisms for rotating this element 3. The first and second earpieces 2,4 are also attached or secured to the headpiece 5. The securing parts 13, 14 lie against the ears of the user and form the connection between the first and second earpieces 2,4 and the headpiece 5. The first and second earpieces 2,4 further comprise an outer wall 2a,4a, respectively, which is connected to the cylinder 50 by the fastening means 30a.

Elements 2, 15, 16 and 33 are detailed in Figure 3 and Figure 3.1 . As detailed above, the spur gear 15 is rotated by the plurality of teeth 18a on the inner circumference 2b of the first earpiece 2. This spur gear 15 is driven by the motion of the first servo motor 16. The slot 33 allows the attachment of the curved frontal element 3 to the first earpiece 2. The multi-purpose head element 6 is attached to the curved frontal element 3. Figure 4 offers a plan view of the invention to provide more clarity on the workings of the invention. The hands-free device 1 is shown having the headband 5 connecting the two earpieces 2,4, which themselves are integrated with the securing parts 13,14, respectively. The outer wall 2a,4a, of the first and second earpieces 2,4 is shown to be connected to the cylinder 50 of the securing parts 13,14. The multipurpose head element 6 is attached to the curved frontal element 3, which itself is secured in place by engagement with the slots 32,33, respectively. The curved frontal element 3 further comprises an outer wall 36 and an inner wall 37. Within or between the walls 36, 37 of the curved frontal element 3 are a track 38,39. The tracks 38,39 are configured to engage with and guide the multipurpose head element 6 when in use. The multipurpose head element 6 runs along the tracks 38,39 when in use.

Figure 5 portrays parts 6, 7, 8, 9, 23, 27 and 28. The multipurpose head element is referred to generally by the reference numeral 6 and included components are rotated by means of a belt (as mentioned in the description of Figure 7), the motion of which is caused by a gearing system (described in more detail below for Figure 7.1 description) connected to and driven by a first DC motor 18 (see Figure 7), embedded within the second earpiece 4. When the multipurpose head element 6 is configured to be a shaver, a razor foil 9 is at the front of the element 6 close to the face of the user. The outer wall 2a,4a is rotatable around the circumference of the earpieces 2,4, respectively, and rotate in tandem. The allows the curved frontal element 3 to move upwards or downwards across the user's face. The component 23 is a third spur gear 23 and is co-axial with a second spur gear 22. The spur gears 22,23 drive the belt motor within the second earpiece 4, which moves the multipurpose head element 6 along the curved frontal element 3.

Figure 10.1 is a closer view of the multi-purpose head element 6 illustrated in Figure 10 and Figure 5. The multipurpose head element 6 consists of a housing case 8 in which a servo motor casing 7 houses a second servo motor 27. This housing 8 also contains a slot 28 (see Figure 5), through which the curved frontal element 3 is received, and thus serves as an attachment mechanism between the multipurpose head element 6 and the curved frontal element 3. The angular rotation of the second servo motor 27 causes the housing case 8 to move towards the face of the user 31 by means of a rack and pinion gearing system 19 consisting of a first spur gear 19a and a plurality of gear teeth 20 (see Figure 10.1 ) forming a rack, itself integrated into the main housing 8. The second servo motor 27 is fixed in position relative to the curved frontal element 3 (i.e. it can move side-to-side but not toward the face). The first spur gear 19a and the plurality of gear teeth 20 form the rack and pinion gearing system 19 which allows the second servo motor 27 to move the multipurpose head element 6 towards the face of the user. So, when the second servo motor 27 rotates, the first spur gear 19a "moves" along the plurality of gear teeth 20 of the rack. As the second servo motor 27 is fixed, it is the teeth 20 that move, and so the razor foil 9 is moved towards the face due to the overall motion of the outer housing 8.

Figure 6 shows the positioning of component 30. As referenced above in the description of Figure 1 , this is an aperture 30 which is used to accommodate the fastening means 30a to connect the outer wall 2a,4a of the earpieces 2,4, respectively, to the cylinder 50 of the securing parts 13,14, respectively. The securing parts 13,14 are also known as the inner earpiece sections. The outer and inner walls 36,37 are also indicated.

In Figures 7 and 7.1 more detail is presented on elements 18, 21 and 22. As mentioned above, the first DC motor 18, drives a first gearing system 60 which causes the motion of the belt and multipurpose head element 6 across the curved frontal element 3. The gearing system 60 is composed of a worm gear 21 (see Figure 7.1 ), a second spur gear 22, and the third spur gear 23 (see Figure 5), specifically fitted for the belt, which is attached to and rotates about the same axis as the first spur gear 22. Components 17, 25, 26 and 29 are shown in Figures 8 and 8.1. Figure 8 illustrates a plan view of a second gearing system 70, which is another gearing system of the device 1 . The second gearing system 70 drives the rotary blade of a shaving element that can be coupled to the multipurpose head element 6. The second gearing system 70 consists of two spur gears, where the smaller of the gears, a fourth spur gear 17, is attached to a shaft 26 of a small, coreless second DC motor 24, and a larger fifth spur gear 25 is attached to the housing 8. The fifth spur gear 25 shares an axle 29 with a rotary blade (not shown in the diagram - it sits behind a razor foil 9 (see Figure 9)), which is rotated behind a foil casing in which the facial hair is inserted. Figure 8.1 is a closer view of the second gearing system 70 of Figure 8.

In Figures 9 and 9.1 there is a more detailed presentation of elements 10, 1 1 , 12, 24, 26, 34, 35 and 36, which form part of a shaving element 80 attached to the multipurpose head element 6. The shaving element 80 itself is powered by the small, coreless second DC motor 24 from which the torque provided is multiplied by means of the second gearing system 70 detailed in the above description of Figures 8 and 8.1 . The shaving element 80 further comprises three support legs 34,35,36, each support leg enveloped by a spring mechanism 10,1 1 ,12. The shaving element 80 also comprises a shaving head 82, which has at its end closest to the face of the use the razor foil 9. The shaving element 80 has the ability to move with a small degree of freedom due to the presence of the spring mechanisms 10,1 1 ,12 on each of the three support legs 34,35,36. This allows the razor foil 9 (see Figure 5 also) to fit the natural contour of the face of the user and help adjust the angle of the razor foil 9 so that it is normal (perpendicular) to the user's face. A rotary blade 9b is rotated behind a foil casing 9a in which the facial hair is inserted. The rotation of the blade 9b cuts the facial hair. Figure 9.1 is a closer view of the shaving element 80 of Figure 9. In this embodiment, the system is coded and controlled using a microprocessor such as but not limited to an Arduino Uno board or similar device and thus the DC motors are controlled via H- Bridge systems with connections to the relevant PWM pins on the microprocessor board - the H- Bridge systems allowing for control of the motor direction. A voltage regulator is connected in series with the motor to ensure the correct operating voltage is supplied. The servo motors are controlled by a direct connection to the relevant PWM pin. In one embodiment, this is coded via the Arduino IDE platform. The system is controlled by an on/off toggle switch which is connected to the Arduino or equivalent board via the relevant PWM pin. In this embodiment the system is controlled by a mobile phone application which communicates via a Bluetooth connection to the Arduino or equivalent other board, with the ability to cause the system to turn on or off, and to select the style of shave desired.

The handsfree device 1 described Figures 8, 9 and 10 each illustrate having the shaving element 80 attached to the multipurpose head element 6. Figures 11 A, 11 B and 11 C illustrate a shaving element 180 which can be used instead of the shaving element 80, and meets the same functions performed as the shaving element 80, and in which parts or steps described with reference to the previous embodiment are assigned the same numerals. The shaving element 180 uses a rack and pinion gearing system 19 to drive the shaving head 82 towards the face of the user. This is done by the linear translation of the overall housing case 8 towards the face, with the servo motor casing 7 remaining stationary. The embodiment is attached to the curved frontal element 3 by the exact same mechanism as the previous embodiment, through the slot 28 in the servo motor casing 7.

The key difference between the embodiment of Figures 1 1 A-1 1 C and the previous embodiments is the use of a ball 182 and socket 184 joint to allow the shaving head 82 match the natural contours of the user's face passively, with less force applied and with a greater level of dexterity. The rotary blade 9b is driven using a spur gear system 186 as seen in the section view in Figure 11 C. The spur gear system 186 comprises a smaller sixth spur gear 187 that is driven by a small coreless DC motor 189, similar to that illustrated in the previous embodiment (see Figure 9). This in turn drives a larger seventh spur gear 189, which shares the same axis of rotation as the rotary blade 9b. The blade 9b thus turns, shaving the user's face.

The handsfree headset device 1 may also further comprise a camera mounted on the multipurpose head element 6. The camera can be used to provide

In the specification the terms "comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising" or any variation thereof and the terms "include, includes, included and including" or any variation thereof are considered to be totally interchangeable and they should all be afforded the widest possible interpretation and vice versa.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail.

Claims

1 . A hands-free headset device comprising a headband, which traverses across a head of user from one ear to the other ear; a first earpiece and a second earpiece integrated with the headband; and a curved frontal element integrated with the first and second earpiece, wherein the curved frontal element passes across the face of the user; the device further comprising a multipurpose head element attached to the curved frontal element and configured to move from one side of the user's face to the other side along the curved frontal element.

2. A hands-free headset device of Claim 1 , wherein the first and second earpieces are integrated with the headband by a securing part, and wherein the securing part comprises a cylinder that rests on the user's ear.

3. A hands-free headset device of Claim 2, wherein the cylinder is secured to the earpiece by a fastening means.

4. A hands-free headset device of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein both ends of the curved frontal element are accommodated in slots that are integrated with the first and second earpieces.

5. A hands-free headset device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the curved frontal element further comprises an outer wall, an inner wall, and a track between the outer wall and inner wall along which the multipurpose head element moves from one side of the user's face to the other side.

6. A hands-free headset device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the earpiece comprises an outer wall that is rotatable about an axis.

7. A hands-free headset device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first earpiece further comprises a gearing system configured to rotate the curved frontal element.

8. A hands-free headset device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second earpiece further comprises a gearing system configured to rotate the angle of the multipurpose head element.

9. A hands-free headset device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the multipurpose head element further comprises a housing case within which is a servo housing casing to accommodate a motor and a slot through which the curved frontal element passes through.

10. A hands-free headset device of Claim 9, wherein the motor rotates and moves the housing casing of the multipurpose head element relative to the face of the user.

1 1 . A hands-free headset device of Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein the motor drives a belt system or a rack and pinion system in the housing case to move the head element along the track.

12. A hands-free headset device of any one of the preceding claims, in which the multipurpose head element further comprises a force sensor, a proximity sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an accelerometer, a camera or a combination thereof.

13. A hands-free headset device according to Claim 12, wherein the first or second, or both earpieces further comprise a microcontroller that controls the movement of the multipurpose head element.

14. A hands-free headset device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a suction tube connected to the multipurpose head element.

15. A hands-free headset device according to Claim 14, wherein the suction tube is connected to a frame for collecting dirt or debris.

16. A hands-free headset device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is powered by a battery.

17. A hands-free headset device according to Claim 16, wherein the battery is a rechargeable battery.

18. A hands-free headset device of any of one of the preceding claims, wherein the curved frontal element is adjustable to suit the size of the user's head.

19. A hands-free headset of any of one of the preceding claims, wherein the headband is adjustable to suit the size of the user's head.

20. A hands-free headset device of any one of the preceding claims for use as a shaver.

21 . A hands-free headset device of Claim 20, wherein the multipurpose head element is coupled to a shaving element at its tip, the shaving element comprising a razor foil, a rotary blade and a foil casing.

22. A hands-free headset device according to Claim 21 , wherein the rotary blade is mounted on support legs enveloped with a coiled spring.

23. A hands-free headset device of any one of Claims 20 to 22, wherein the shaving element is coupled to the multipurpose head element by a ball and socket arrangement.

24. A hands-free headset device of any one of Claims 1 to 19 for use in applying cosmetics.

25. A hands-free headset device of any one of Claims 1 to 19 for use in applying topical treatments.

26. A hands-free headset device according to Claim 24 or 25, further comprising a loading facility configured to deliver liquid, creams or treatments to the face of the user.

27. A system for controlling the hands-free headset device of any one of the preceding claims, the system comprising a joystick, a keypad or a mobile phone application, wherein input data from the user via the joystick, keypad or mobile phone application is relayed to a microprocessor in the first earpiece, the second earpiece, the multipurpose head element, or a combination thereof.