US20160287035A1

US20160287035A1 - Skin cleansing and massaging system

Info

Publication number: US20160287035A1
Application number: US14/678,781
Authority: US
Inventors: Brian Woodard; Michael J. Quinn
Original assignee: Water Pik Inc
Current assignee: Water Pik Inc
Priority date: 2015-04-03
Filing date: 2015-04-03
Publication date: 2016-10-06
Also published as: WO2016161451A2; WO2016161451A3

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to skin brush includes a drive mechanism, a bristle carrier connected to the drive mechanism, and a plurality of bristle or brush groups connected to the bristle carrier. In operation, the bristle carrier is driven by the drive mechanism so as to rotate in a first direction at a first speed and each of the bristle groups rotate in a second direction at a second speed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technology disclosed herein relates generally to cleansing brushes, and more specifically to skin cleansing brushes.

BACKGROUND

Cleaning and exfoliating skin is a typical part of a hygiene routine for many people. Recently, skin brushes including a single rotating brush head have been introduced and have been marketed as a way to clean, stimulate, and/or exfoliate skin better than a person's hands can do alone. However, these skin brushes are typically not designed for use in a wet environment, such as a shower. For example, many current skin brushes are battery powered and may not be submerged or covered in water without malfunctioning. Other categories of skin brushes may be water-driven, but typically do not have sufficient power to rotate the brush head in a desired manner. For example, users may apply some pressure to the brush head as they apply the brush to their skin and the water-driven mechanism may not be sufficiently strong to overcome the force. Thus, the brush head may cease to rotate or stall out. Therefore, there is a need for a water-safe brush having a brush head motion that can overcome pressure against the skin, while also providing a cleansing and exfoliating function.
The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention is to be bound.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present disclosure includes a skin brush. The skin brush includes a drive mechanism, a bristle carrier connected to the drive mechanism, and a plurality of bristle or brush groups connected to the bristle carrier. In operation, the bristle carrier is driven by the drive mechanism so as to rotate in a first direction at a first speed and each of the bristle groups rotate in a second direction at a second speed.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention as defined in the claims is provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the invention and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side isometric view of a cleansing system including a showerhead and a skin brush.

FIG. 2A is a front isometric view of another example of the cleansing system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a rear isometric view of the cleansing system of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a rear isometric view the skin brush from the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is a front isometric view of the skin brush of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the skin brush of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 5A is a cross-section view of the skin brush of FIG. 3A taken along line in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 5B is a cross-section view of the skin brush of FIG. 3A similar to FIG. 5A but with select components hidden for clarity.

FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of the skin brush of FIG. 3A taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 7 is cross-section view of the skin brush of FIG. 3A taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 8A is a top isometric view of an engine housing for the skin brush of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 8B is a bottom isometric view of the engine housing of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a cross-section view of the engine housing of FIG. 8A taken along line 8C-8C in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 is a front isometric view of the skin brush of FIG. 3A with certain elements hidden for clarity.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the skin brush of FIG. 3A illustrating the inlet and exhaust fluid pathways.

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the skin brush of FIG. 3A illustrating the rotation directions of a brush carrier and brushes.

FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a skin brush including an electric drive mechanism.

FIG. 12B is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a skin brush including an electric drive mechanism.

FIG. 13A is a bottom isometric view of a skin brush including one or more outlet nozzles.

FIG. 13B is a top isometric view of the skin brush of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14 is a side isometric view of the skin brush of FIG. 13A with certain elements hidden for clarity.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a skin brush including a removable fluid connection.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a skin brush including a removable nozzle assembly.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating examples of removable brushes for the skin brush.

FIGS. 18-73 illustrate various views of different embodiments of a skin cleansing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is related to a skin cleansing system including a skin brush and optionally a showerhead and bracket for connecting the skin brush to the showerhead. The skin brush includes a drive mechanism that may be water and/or electrically powered and a bristle carrier for supporting one or more bristle groups. In one embodiment, the bristle carrier and the bristle groups are driven by a planetary gear arrangement, such that as the bristle carrier is rotated by the drive mechanism, the bristle carrier rotates in a first direction at a first speed and the bristle groups are the planet gears for the gear mechanism and each rotate in a second direction at a second speed. This configuration allows the bristles to exert a sufficiently strong force on a user's skin, while also alternatingly stimulating different sections of the user's skin in a particular location. This motion exerts a sufficiently stimulating effect so that users are less likely to exert a strong force against the brush, such as to push the brush against the skin. Thus, the skin brush may be less likely to stall out during use.
The bristles groups and/or the bristle carrier may be removable to allow replacement. For example, some users may wish to share the brush with different people, but may not want to have others use the bristle groups due to hygienic reasons.
In some embodiments, the brush may include nozzles that provide water or other fluid (e.g., cleaning solutions, medicines, etc.) output to the user, such as outputting a massaging stream of water. In one example, the brush may include integrated nozzles that are formed within a handle or on the face of the brush. In this embodiment, the brush may include a releasable water connection to enhance the portability of the brush. In another example, the brush may include a releasable nozzle assembly that selectively connects and disconnects to the brush. In this embodiment, the nozzle assembly may be permanently attached to a fluid source or may include a releasable attachment to the fluid source.
Turning to the figures, a cleansing system of the present disclosure will now be discussed in more detail. FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified schematic diagram of the cleansing system 100. FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate various views of the cleansing system of FIG. 1 including a bracket and integrated hose for connecting the brush to a showerhead. With reference to FIG. 1, the cleansing system 100 may include a brush 102, a showerhead 104, and optionally a hose 118 fluidly connecting the brush 102 to the showerhead 104.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2B, the showerhead 104 is a fixed mount showerhead. However, in other embodiments, the showerhead 104 may be a handheld showerhead. The showerhead 104 connects to a fluid source by a J-pipe 106 or other mechanism. In embodiments where the brush 102 is fluidly connected to the showerhead 104 and/or fluid source, the cleansing system 100 may include a diverter 108 for selectively directing fluid from the J-pipe 106 to the brush 102 and/or the showerhead 104. The diverter 108 may be located between the showerhead 104 and the J-pipe 106 and/or between the hose 118 and the skin brush 102 or on the brush 102 itself.
In some embodiments, the cleansing system 100 of FIGS. 1-2B may include a bracket 116 for connecting the brush 102 to the showerhead 104. The bracket 116 provides a convenient place to store the brush 102 and helps to prevent the brush 102 from collecting debris and the like. The bracket 116 may be curved or shaped to direct the brush 102 out of the spray path of the showerhead 104, as well as enhance the aesthetics of the system 100. The bracket 116 may include a brush recess 112 or aperture for receiving a front face of the brush 102 and securing the brush 102 to the bracket 102. In embodiments including the brush recess 112, the recess 112 may include a plurality of drying apertures 124 defined through a back surface thereof. The drying apertures 124 may be defined around an outer perimeter of the back surface and provide an air pathway through the bracket 116 to the brush 102 to allow the bristles on the brush 102 to dry more quickly.
The brush 102 of the cleansing system 100 will now be discussed in more detail. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate various isometric views of the brush 102. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the brush 102. FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate various cross-section views of the brush 102. With reference to FIGS. 3A-5B, the brush 102 includes a handle 130 having a top surface 142 and a bottom surface 144 and a brush assembly 132. The brush assembly 132 includes a brush carrier 136 including three brushes 134 a, 134 b, 134 c spaced apart from another. The brush assembly 132 is driven by an engine 146 housed within the handle 130. The hose 118 fluidly connects the brush 102 to the showerhead 104 and includes an inlet passage 138 and an outlet fluid passage 140. Each of the components will be discussed, in turn, below.
The handle 130 houses the various components of the brush 102 and provides a mechanism to allow a user to manipulate the brush 102. For example, the handle 130 includes a handle cavity 184 that receives the engine 146, brush assembly 136 and one or more fluid conduits. The handle 130 includes an elongated shaft 180 and a head 182. The shaft 180 is typically sized to allow a user to comfortably grip the outer surface to manipulate the brush 102. Additionally, the shaft 180 may be sized and shaped to allow a user's fingers to extend around, as well as to be aesthetically pleasing. The head 182 may be formed separately from the shaft 180 and connected thereto or may be integrally formed with the shaft 180 and extend therefrom. The head 182 may have a round shape and be configured to receive the various components of the brush assembly 136 and engine 146. The shape of the handle 130, including the head 182, shaft 180, and handle cavity 184 may be varied as desired based on the configurations of the brush 102, type of drive mechanisms, and so on.
The brush assembly 132 includes the brush carrier 136 and the plurality of brushes 134 a, 134 b, 134 c. The brush carrier 136 supports the brushes 134 a, 134 b, 134 c on the brush 102 and allows movement of the brushes 134 a, 134 b, 134 c relative thereto. The brush carrier 136 includes an outer surface 216 that forms an outer surface of the brush 102. The outer surface 216 transitions to an outer wall 210 that extends outward and upward from around a perimeter of the outer surface 216. The outer wall 210 may include a lip 218 formed on a terminal end thereof. The outer wall 210 and the outer surface 216 define a recess 208 for receiving one or more components of the engine 146. Additionally, one or more brush compartments 212 may be defined on the outer surface 216. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-5B, three brush compartments 212 are defined on the outer surface 216, each receiving a portion of one of the brushes 134 a, 134 b, 134 c. With reference to FIG. 5B, each of the brush compartments 212 may include a bushing wall 214 surrounding a bushing aperture 220 defined through the outer surface 216.
Each of the brushes 134 a, 134 b, 134 c may be substantially similar to one another and each may include a brush base 204 and a plurality of bristles 202 extending from or otherwise connected thereto. The brush base 204 supports the bristles 202 and allows the bristles 202 to be rotated in a collective group. The bristles 202 may be glued or otherwise connected to the brush base 204. The bristles 202 may be arranged in any desired manner, but in some embodiments are arranged in concentric rows and so as to define a fastening aperture 224 through a central region of each brush 134 a, 134 b, 134 c. The fastening aperture 224 may be defined so as to assist in the assembly of the brush 134 a, 134 b, 134 c so that a fastener may be more easily inserted through the base 204 and bristles 202. However, in other embodiments, the bristles 202 may be otherwise configured and the fastening aperture 224 may be omitted or defined in another manner.
With reference to FIGS. 4, 5A, 5B, and 6, the engine 146 defines a drive assembly or drive mechanism for the brush 102 and includes the components for creating the motion of the brush 102 and, in particular, the brushes 134 a, 134 b, 134 c and brush carrier 136. The engine 146 includes an engine cap 156, an engine housing 164, a sun gear 282, a plurality of planet gears 148 a, 148 b, 148 c, a turbine 158, a plurality of shaft elements (e.g., planet shafts 152 a, 152 b, 152 c and turbine shaft 154), a plurality of bushings 150 a, 150 b, 150 c, 162, and a plurality of fasteners.
The engine cap 156 forms an end cap for the engine 146 assembly and includes a top surface 188 and a base 196 extending downward from the top surface 188. An annular groove 194 is defined around an outer edge circumference of the base 196 and is configured to receive a sealing element, such as O-ring 168. A fastening protrusion 190 extends upward from the top surface 188 and includes a fastening recess 191 defined through a portion thereof, configured to receive a fastening element 174. Additionally, the cap 156 may include a plurality of fastening apertures 157 defined around an outer perimeter of the top surface 188 that are configured to receive fasteners 159 to secure the engine cap 156 to the engine housing 164. The engine cap 156 may include a beveled ledge 192 extending from a front end.
The engine 146 also includes a turbine 158 for driving the brushes 134 a, 134 b, 134 c and brush carrier 136. The turbine 158 includes a disc shaped body 230 having a fastening protrusion 198 extending upward from a first surface of the body 230 and a plurality of fins 200 extending downward from a second surface. FIG. 7 is a cross-section of brush 102 taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 3B. With reference to FIGS. 5A-7, the fins 200 extend radially from a center of the body 230 and are curved as they extend from the center of the body 230 toward the outer perimeter of the body 230. The fins 200 may be differently configured but are generally designed so as to define a surface onto which water exerts a force to spin the turbine 158 as will be discussed in more detail below, e.g., tangentially oriented relative to an inlet nozzle.
The engine housing 164 houses a number of engine components, as well as defines a gearing component for the engine 146. FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate various views of the engine housing 164. With reference to FIGS. 8A-8C, the engine housing 164 includes a housing body 234, including a bottom surface 260 and an outer wall 252. With reference to FIGS. 8A-8C, the engine 164 includes an inlet 236 and an exhaust 238 for directing fluid into and out of the engine, respectively. A chamber inlet passage 254 is defined by a portion of the outer wall 252 and extends substantially around the entire outer perimeter of the engine housing 164, such that the inlet 236 and the exhaust 238 may be positioned adjacent to one another.
With reference to FIGS. 8B and 8C, an outer gear 262 extends downward from the bottom surface 260 and includes a plurality of gear teeth 264. The outer gear 262 may be circular and arranged concentrically with the outer wall 252. Additionally, the gear teeth 264 may be defined on an interior surface of the outer gear 262 such that the teeth 264 face inwards toward a center of the engine housing 164.
With reference to FIGS. 8A and 8C, the engine housing 164 also includes a chamber outer wall 242 defined within the perimeter of the outer wall 252. The chamber outer wall 242 is spaced apart from the outer wall 252 so as to define a gap therebetween. In these embodiments, one or more fastening posts 248 may be defined therebetween to help support the chamber outer wall 242 relative to the outer wall 252 of the housing body 234. The chamber outer wall 242 is connected to a chamber floor 258 that is positioned above the bottom surface 260 to define an exhaust passage 256 between the two levels or planes. With reference to FIG. 8C, in some embodiments, the engine housing 164 may include one or more support beams 266 extending between the chamber floor 258 and the bottom surface 260 to support the chamber floor 258 above the bottom surface 260 by a gap.
A turbine chamber 240 is defined by the chamber floor 258 and the chamber outer wall 242. A plurality of chamber inlets 244 a, 244 b, 244 c extend between the outer wall 252 and a chamber inlet passage 254 defined therein and the turbine chamber 240. For example, the chamber outer wall 242 may include a plurality of inlet apertures that are fluidly connected to the chamber inlet passage 254 via the inlets 244 a, 244 b, 244 c. In some embodiments, the chamber inlets 244 a, 244 b, 244 c may be shaped to direct one or more streams of water in a desired direction with the turbine chamber 240, such as to impinge on the turbine 158 in a desired manner. The chamber floor 258 includes a plurality of chamber outlets 246 a, 246 b, 246 c defined therethrough. The chamber outlets 246 a, 246 b, 246 c are fluidly connected to the exhaust passage 256 and direct fluid out of the turbine chamber 240 into the exhaust passage 256. The chamber floor 258 may also include a shaft 251 having a shaft aperture 250 defined therethrough at a center of the chamber floor 258.
The planet gears 148 a, 148 b, 148 c are configured to transmit rotation of the turbine 158 to the brushes 134 a, 134 b, 134 c. With reference to FIGS. 5B and 6, each of the planet gears 148 a, 148 b, 148 c may be substantially the same and each may include a disc shaped lower gear 276 having a plurality of gear teeth 270 extending from an outer periphery thereof. Additionally, each of the planet gears 148 a, 148 b, 148 c may include an upper level gear 272 extending upward from a top surface of the planet gears 148 a, 148 b, 148 c and include a plurality of gear teeth 274 extending around an outer surface. The upper level gear 272 may have a smaller diameter than the lower gear 276. In these embodiments, each of the planet gears 148 a, 148 b, 148 c form a two-plane gear that includes gear teeth 270, 274 on two different planes. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5B and 6, the planet gears 148 a, 148 b, 148 c are formed integrally or monolithically such that the upper gear 272 and the lower gear 276 are a single component. However, in other embodiments, the two gears 272, 276 may be formed by two separate gears that are connected together (e.g., via adhesive, fasteners, etc.) such that the gears 272, 276 rotate together with one another.
Assembly of the brush 102 will now be discussed. With reference to FIGS. 5A and 6, the engine 146 may be assembled and a turbine bushing 162 is received into the shaft aperture 250 of the engine housing 164 and the turbine shaft 154 is received through the bushing 162 and receives a seal-cup 155 or other sealing element therearound. The turbine 158 is then positioned within the turbine chamber 240 and arranged such that a center aperture of the turbine 158 is positioned over the turbine shaft 154. A fastener 280 may then be inserted into the aperture of the turbine 158 and the turbine shaft 154 to secure the two components together. The O-ring 168 is received into the annular groove 194 of the base 196 of the engine cap 156 and the engine cap 156 may then be positioned over the engine housing 164. The engine cap 156 is secured thereto by a plurality of fasteners 159 that are received into the fastening apertures 157 defined through the top surface 188 of the engine cap 156 and into the fastening posts 248 of the engine housing 164. The engine cap 156 extends over the turbine chamber 240 to seal the top end of the turbine chamber 240.
With continued reference to FIGS. 5B, 6, and 9, the sun gear 282 having a plurality of teeth 284 around an outer surface thereof is connected to the turbine shaft 154 by a fastener 286. In one embodiment, the sun gear 282 is aligned within and interfaces with the bottom surface of the turbine bushing 162. The sun gear 282 is connected to the turbine 158 by the turbine shaft 154 such that as the turbine 158 rotates, the sun gear 282 will rotate about the same axis.
With reference to FIGS. 5A-6, to assemble the brush assembly 132, the brushes 134 a, 134 b, 134 c are connected to the brush carrier 136. For example, a planet shaft 152 a, 152 b, 152 c may be inserted into the fastening aperture 224 in each of the brushes 134 a, 134 b, 134 c and a carrier bushing 150 a, 150 b, 150 c is received around each of the planet shafts 152 a, 152 b, 152 c. The planet gears 148 a, 148 b, 148 c are received around the planet shafts 152 a, 152 b, 152 c and fasteners 153 are used to secure the planet shafts 152 a, 152 b, 152 c to the planet gears 148 a, 148 b, 148 c and the brushes 134 a, 134 b, 134 c.
With reference to FIGS. 5A-6 and 9, once the planet gears 148 a, 148 b, 148 c are secured to the brushes 134 a, 134 b, 134 c and the brush carrier 136, the planet gears 148 a, 148 b, 148 c are then arranged within the outer ring gear 262 of the engine housing 164. Specifically, the upper gears 272 of each of the planet gears 148 a, 148 b, 148 c are arranged so that the teeth 274 mesh with the teeth 264 of the outer ring gear 262. Due to the orientation of the planet gears 148 a, 148 b, 148 c, the upper gears 272 of each planet 148 a, 148 b, 148 c mesh with only the outer ring gear 262 and do not engage the sun gear 282. However, with reference to FIG. 9, the teeth 270 on the outer edge of the lower gear 276 for each planet gear 148 a, 148 b, 148 c mesh with the teeth 284 of the sun gear 282, which, as will be discussed below, allows the sun gear 282 to drive each of the planet gears 148 a, 148 b, 148 c substantially simultaneously. With reference to FIGS. 5A-6 and 9, a carrier thrust washer 166 may be positioned between the engine housing 164 and the brush carrier 136 to help reduce friction between the two components so that the brush carrier 136 can more easily rotate relative to the engine housing 164.
The engine 146 and brush assembly 136 may then be connected to the handle 130. In particular, the engine 146 is positioned within the handle cavity 184 within the head 182 of the handle 140. The brush carrier 136 may define a lip 218 or edge that sits on a corresponding ledge 139 or lip within the handle 130 to secure the components of the engine 146 and brush carrier 136 within the handle 130. The fastener 174 may then be inserted through a fastening aperture in the top surface 142 of the handle 130 and into the fastening recess 191 defined in the protrusion 190 of the engine cap 156, securing the engine 146 to the handle 130 and in desired location.
The engine 146 may then fluidly connect to the hose 118, either before or after insertion to the handle 130. For example, a dual lumen connector 290 may be connected to the inlet 236 and exhaust 238 of the engine housing 164, fluidly connecting the inlet passage 138 and outlet passage 140 of the hose 118 to the engine 146.
In operation, the brush 102 is driven such that the brush carrier 136 rotates in a first direction at a first speed and the brushes 134 a, 134 b, 134 c rotate in a second direction in a second speed. In one embodiment, the brush 102 may be water driven and, when selected by the diverter valve 108, fluid flows from the J-pipe 106 (or other fluid source) into the inlet 138 of the hoses 118 and enters the inlet 236 of the engine 146. FIG. 10 is a partially translucent view of the brush 102 illustrating the fluid flow paths therethrough. With reference to FIGS. 5A, 6, 8A, and 9, the fluid enters into the inlet 286 and into the chamber inlet passage 254. The fluid then travels through the chamber inlet passage 254 around a perimeter of the turbine chamber 240 and, as the fluid travels around the chamber 240, fluid enters the turbine chamber 240 via the chamber inlets 244 a, 244 b, 244 c.
With reference to FIGS. 5A-6, as the fluid enters into the turbine chamber 240, the fluid impinges on the fins 200 of the turbine 158. This causes the turbine 158 to rotate about the turbine shaft 154 and rotate within the chamber 240. Fluid is expelled from the turbine chamber 240 via the chamber outlets 246 a, 246 b, 246 c located within the chamber floor 258. With reference to FIGS. 5A-6, 8B, and 10, from the chamber outlets 246 a, 246 b, 246 c, the fluid enters into the exhaust passage 256 b located beneath the floor 258 and exits the exhaust 238 of the engine housing 164. The fluid returns to the showerhead 104 to be completely expelled from the system 100.
While the fluid is flowing and the turbine 158 is rotating, the rotation of the turbine 158 causes the sun gear 282 to rotate therewith. With reference to FIGS. 5A-6, 9, and 11, as the sun gear 282 rotates, the planet gears 148 a, 148 b, 148 c are rotated in a planet rotation direction Rp due to the meshed engaging of the lower gear 276 teeth 270 with the gears 284 of the sun gear 282. In one embodiment, the planet rotation direction Rp is the same direction as the rotation of the sun gear 282. As the lower gear 276 of the planet gears 148 a, 148 b, 148 c rotate, the teeth 274 of the upper gear 272 mesh with the teeth 264 on the outer ring 262 of the engine housing 164. As the engine housing 164 is secured in position, the rotation force exerted by the planet gears 148 a, 148 b, 148 c causes the brush carrier 136 to rotate in a second direction, a carrier rotation direction Rc.
Additionally due the gearing ratios, the brush carrier 136 may experience a large speed reduction as compared to the brushes 134 a, 134 b, 134 c. For example, in one embodiment, the brush carrier 136 may rotate in the carrier rotation direction Rc at a 25:1 speed reduction and the brushes 134 a, 134 b, 134 c may rotate in the planet rotation direction Rp at a speed reduction of 4:1. In these embodiments, the planetary gear arrangement of the brush 102 provides the brush 102 with two types of output motion profiles, namely, a brush carrier 136 motion profile of rotation in a first direction at a first speed and a brush 134 a, 134 b, 134 c motion profile of rotation in a second direction at a second speed. In other words, the sun gear 282 forms a first stage of the gearing system and the upper gears 272 of the planet gears 148 a, 148 b, 148 c form the second stage as they engage with the stationary outer ring 262. These features allow the brush 102 to feel more powerful to a user and exert a cleaning and exfoliating feeling to a user, without requiring substantial levels of power.
FIGS. 18-73 illustrate various views of a cleansing system according to various embodiments disclosed herein. As shown in FIGS. 18-73 various elements, such as the showerhead, skin brush, and bracket have aesthetically pleasing characteristics in addition to the functional components.

Electrically Powered Embodiments

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-11, the brush 102 is driven by fluid, however, in other embodiments the brush may be driven by other methods. FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate examples of an electrically driven brush. With reference to FIG. 12A, in one embodiment, a brush 302 may be substantially similar to the brush 102 shown in FIGS. 1-11, but rather than the engine being driven by fluid, an electric drive mechanism, e.g., a motor 322 may be used. In particular, in this example the brush 302 may include a gear assembly 320 and an engine 346. The gear assembly 320 may be substantially the same as the planetary gear arrangement described above and the brushes 134 a, 134 b, 134 c may be connected via dual geared planet gears 148 a, 148 b, 148 c to a sun gear 282 such that as the sun gear 282 rotates, the brushes 134 a, 134 b, 134 c rotate in a first direction and the brush carrier 136 rotates in a second direction.
The engine 246 in this embodiment, however, may include a power source 326, a control circuit 324, a motor 322, a driving gear 332, a driven gear 328, and a sun gear shaft 328. The power source 326, which may be a battery pack, power cord, or the like, is in electronic communication with the motor 322 via the control circuit 324. The control circuit 324 selectively provides power to the motor 322 from the power source 326 to activate the brush 302. The motor 322 includes a drive shaft 334 that is rotated when the motor 322 is activated. The driving gear 332 is connected to the drive shaft 332 and rotates with the drive shaft 334. A driving gear 330 in meshed engagement with the driving gear 332 is rotated correspondingly, which causes the sun gear shaft 328 to rotate. As the sun gear shaft 328 rotates, the sun gear 282 rotates in a similar manner as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-11, causing the rotation and movement patterns as described above.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12A, the engine 346 is configured to fit within the handle 130, but with the driving gear 332 orientated substantially perpendicular to the driven gear 330. For example, the driving gear 332 may be a worm gear oriented at a right angle to the driven gear 330. However, in other embodiments, the electric brush may be in a direct drive configuration with respect to the planetary gear assembly 320. For example, with respect to FIG. 12B, the sun gear shaft 328 may form the drive shaft of the motor 322 or may otherwise be directly connected thereto. The motor 322 and sun gear shaft 328 in this embodiment may be positioned in the head 182 portion of the handle 130 and the control circuit 324 and power source 326 may be located in the shaft 180 or other area of the handle 130. In this configuration, the communication wires between the control circuit 324 and motor 322 may curve as the handle 130 transitions from the shaft 180 to the head 182. However, it should be noted that many other types of drive mechanisms are envisioned and the examples shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B are illustrative only.

Brush Embodiments with Fluid Output

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-12B, the brush is depicted without a fluid output. However, in some embodiments, the brush may include a fluid output to allow a user to apply water, cleansers (e.g., facial washes), or medicine to his or her skin while using the skin brush. FIGS. 13A-16 illustrate various views of fluid-outputting skin brushes. The brushes may be substantially similar to the brushes shown and described with respect to FIGS. 1-12B, but may include a fluid output mechanism. Accordingly, to the extent certain features are not described, it should be understood that the brushes shown in FIGS. 13A-16 include the same or similar features as the brushes of FIGS. 1-12B.
FIGS. 13A-14 illustrate an example of a fluid powered brush 402 including a nozzle assembly 410. With reference to FIGS. 13A-14, the brush 402 is substantially the same as the brush 102 of FIGS. 1-11, but includes a nozzle assembly 410 having a first nozzle group 404 and a second nozzle group 406 that are in fluid communication with the hose 118. The nozzles 404, 406 output fluid from the hose 118 in a desired spray pattern and the nozzle assembly 410 may include a turbine or massage feature such that nozzles 404, 406 output a massage spray or the like. The nozzles 404, 406 may be configured as desired, but in one example, they are oriented side by side to one another. The nozzle assembly 410 may be integrated with the handle 130 or may be removable therefrom.
The brush 402 in this embodiment may also include a control assembly 408 for selectively providing fluid and varying the fluid flow and pressure to the brush carrier 136 and/or nozzle assembly 410. The control assembly 408 may include a user actuator button, such as a slide 416, a valve 418, an inlet 412, and an exhaust 414. Fluid from the hose 118 may enter into the engine 146 and the nozzle assembly 410 via the control assembly 408. For example, the inlet of the hose 118 may be fluidly connected to the inlet 412 of the control assembly which may be in fluid communication with both the engine 146 and the nozzle assembly 410. Similarly, the outlet of the hose 118 is fluidly connected to the exhaust 414 of the control assembly 410 which may be in fluid communication with the engine 146. The valve 418 of the control assembly 408 determines whether fluid form the hose 118 reaches the nozzle assembly 410 and/or brush engine 146 so that a user can selectively modify the speed of the brush 102, as well as the amount of fluid and pressure exiting the nozzles 404, 406. The valve 418 may be a rotary valve with a linear slide control or substantially any other type of control or mode selecting valve.
In operation, as a user slides the slide 416 from an off position to a first on position, the hose 118 is fluidly connected to the nozzles 404, 406 but not to the engine 146, such that fluid exits the nozzles 404, 406 but the brush is not activated, i.e., not spinning. As the user moves the slide 416 to a second on position, the amount of fluid reaching the nozzles 404, 406 may be reduced, but the brush 102 may become activated as fluid may be directed into the engine 146. As the user moves the slide 416 to a third on position, the fluid directed to the brush engine 146 increases, while the fluid directed to the nozzle assembly 410 decreases, such that the brush 102 speeds up and the fluid output by the nozzles 404, 406 is reduced. Then finally in a fourth on position, the valve 418 of the control assembly 408 may direct all of the fluid from the hose 118 to the brush engine 146 and the nozzles may be turned off. Moving the slide 416 in the opposite directions changes the modes in the opposite manner, i.e., moving the slide from the fourth on position to the third on position will activate the nozzles, but a lower fluid pressure while the brush remains spinning. However, the number of modes and order of selecting the modes may be varied as desired and the above description is meant as illustrative only.
In embodiments where the brush may be electrically controlled, rather than fluidly controlled, the brush may include a selectively removable fluid supply to provide fluid to the nozzle assembly. FIG. 15 illustrates an example of the brush including a removable fluid supply. With reference to FIG. 15, in this example, the brush 502 may be electrically driven and may include an internal nozzle flow path 506 that is selectively connectable to a water supply, such as a hose 508, via a quick disconnect connector 504. In this example, the connector 504 fluidly connects the nozzle flow path 506 to the hose 508 and may include an optional shutoff valve to prevent fluid captured within the flow path 5067 from leaking out when not connected to the hose 508. In this embodiment, a user connects the brush 502 to the hose 508 to fluidly connect the nozzle assembly 410 to a fluid source to output a spray pattern or fluid flow via the nozzles 404, 406.
As briefly mentioned above, the nozzle assembly 410 may be detachable from the brush. For example, with reference to FIG. 16, the nozzle assembly 610 in this example may be removable from the brush 602. The nozzle assembly 610 may attach to the handle 130 or other location on the brush 602 so as to be removable therefrom, such as via a magnetic connector, snap-fit connector, twist connector, or the like. This allows a user to use the brush 602 with or without the nozzle assembly 610. For example, a user can use the brush 602 in the shower and use the nozzle assembly 610 or alternatively may remove the nozzle assembly while traveling with the brush and use the brush 602 without the nozzle assembly 610.
With continued reference to FIG. 16, in some embodiments, the brush 602 may include an external fluid pathway for the nozzle assembly 610. For example, an external hose 606 may be used to fluidly connect the nozzle assembly 610 with a fluid source, such as the hose 608. In these examples, a connector, such as a quick disconnected 604, may be used to selectively connect the external hose 606 and the fluid source hose 608 together.

Replaceable Brushes

As mentioned above, the brushes 134 a, 134 a, 134 c and/or carrier 136 may be replaceable to allow different users to use the brush 102, as well as to allow users to change out the brushes for different cleansing effects, textures, and to replace brushes as they wear down. FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a skin brush illustrating examples of removable brushes. With reference to FIG. 17, in one embodiment, one or more individual brushes 734 may be connected to a carrier 736 on the handle 130. In this embodiment, the single brush 734 may cover the entire face of the brush and be driven by one or more drive dogs 738 a, 738 b, 738 c of the brush 702. Alternatively, three or more brushes 734 may be connected to each of the drive dogs 738 a, 738 b, 738 c and be driven individually by the carrier 736.
With continued reference to FIG. 17, as yet another example, in some embodiments, the brush carrier may include two sub carriers 735, 736, where the first sub carrier 735 is removable from the brush 702 and the second sub carrier 736 remains fixed to the brush 702. In this example, the brushes 134 a, 134 b, 134 c are secured to the removable sub carrier 735 and to replace the brushes 134 a, 134 b, 134 c the removable sub carrier 735 is detached from the fixed sub carrier 736. For example, the fixed sub carrier 736 may include one or more gearing connections, such as drive dogs 738 a, 738 b, 738 c or planet gear shafts that connect to the brushes 134 a, 134 b, 134 c once the removable sub carrier 735 is connected to the brush 702 and handle 730. The drive dogs 738 a, 738 b, 738 c then act to drive the brushes 134 a, 134 b, 134 c in a rotating motion.

CONCLUSION

It should be noted that any of the features in the various examples and embodiments provided herein may be interchangeable and/or replaceable with any other example or embodiment. As such, the discussion of any component or element with respect to a particular example or embodiment is meant as illustrative only.
All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the examples of the invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth in the claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between the connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.
In some instances, components are described by reference to “ends” having a particular characteristic and/or being connected with another part. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to components that terminate immediately beyond their point of connection with other parts. Thus the term “end” should be broadly interpreted, in a manner that includes areas adjacent rearward, forward of or otherwise near the terminus of a particular element, link, component, part, member or the like. In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation but those skilled in the art will recognize the steps and operation may be rearranged, replaced or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A skin brush comprising

a drive mechanism;

a brush carrier connected to the drive mechanism, wherein the brush carrier rotates in a first direction at a first speed; and

a plurality of brushes connected to the bristle carrier, wherein each of the brushes rotate in a second direction and at a second speed.

2. The skin brush of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism is fluid powered.

3. The skin brush of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism is electrically powered.

4. The skin brush of claim 1, further comprising a handle, wherein the brush carrier is connected to the handle and the drive mechanism is received within the handle.

5. The skin brush of claim 4, further comprising a nozzle assembly connected to the handle.

6. The skin brush of claim 5, wherein the nozzle assembly is removable from the handle.

7. The skin brush of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism comprises

a turbine;

a sun gear connected to the turbine and rotatable therewith; and

a plurality of planet gears engaged with the sun gear and connected to the plurality of brushes.

8. The skin brush of claim 7, further comprising an engine housing comprising

a turbine compartment for receiving the turbine therein; and

an outer gear defined on a bottom surface, wherein the outer gear engages the plurality of planet gears.

9. The skin brush of claim 8, wherein the brush carrier is positioned between the plurality of brushes and the plurality of planet gears.

10. The skin brush of claim 8, wherein the engine housing defines an inlet and an exhaust both in fluid communication with the turbine compartment and a fluid source.

11. The skin brush of claim 10, wherein the inlet directs fluid into the turbine compartment from the fluid source and the exhaust directs fluid out of the turbine compartment.

12. A cleansing system comprising

a showerhead in fluid communication with a fluid source;

a bracket connected to the showerhead; and

a skin brush removable from the bracket.

13. The cleansing system of claim 12, wherein the skin brush is in fluid communication with the fluid source.