US20230021756A1

US20230021756A1 - Personal-care device

Info

Publication number: US20230021756A1
Application number: US17/812,096
Authority: US
Inventors: Tim Morel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-07-12
Filing date: 2022-07-12
Publication date: 2023-01-26
Also published as: CA3167448A1

Abstract

A housing assembly defines a housing entrance leading into an interior housing zone configured to receive, at least in part, the personal-care device. A base assembly includes a first support section configured to be selectively connectable to the personal-care device. The base assembly is pivotally mountable to the housing assembly. The base assembly is pivotally rotatable in such a way that the first support section is selectively covered by the housing assembly. The base assembly is also pivotally rotatable in such a way that the personal-care device, which is selectively connectable to the first support section, is selectively positionable within the interior housing zone of the housing assembly and is user-inaccessible.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/220,691, filed on Jul. 12, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates to the technical field of (and is not limited to) (A) a synergistic combination of a personal-care device, a housing assembly and a base assembly (and method therefor); (B) a personal-care device for use with a synergistic combination of a housing assembly and a base assembly (and method therefor); and/or (C) a synergistic combination of a housing assembly and a base assembly for use with a personal-care device (and method therefor), etc.

BACKGROUND

Known personal-care devices, such as skin-care devices, are configured to facilitate at least one regular (daily) routine of personal maintenance of the body, such as washing and/or cleaning dirty skin, combing hair, etc.

SUMMARY

It will be appreciated that there exists a need to mitigate (at least in part) at least one problem associated with known personal-care devices (also called the existing technology). After much study of, and experimentation with, the known personal-care devices, an understanding (at least in part) of the problem and its solution have been identified (at least in part) and are articulated (at least in part) as follows:
What may be needed is an apparatus configured to cover (selectively cover and/or protect) at least one component of a personal-care device (such as a bar of soap, etc.) for the case where the personal-care device is not utilized and/or is user-inaccessible (thereby preventing unintended wearing down of the personal-care device when placed in a storage portion, etc.).
What may be needed is an apparatus configured to uncover (selectively uncover) at least one component of the personal-care device (such as a bar of soap, etc.) for the case where the personal-care device is utilized and/or is user-accessible.
To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with the existing technology, there is provided (in accordance with a first major aspect) an apparatus. The apparatus is for use with a personal-care device. The apparatus includes (and is not limited to) a housing assembly defining a housing entrance leading into an interior housing zone configured to receive, at least in part, the personal-care device. A base assembly includes a first support section configured to be connectable (selectively connectable) to the personal-care device. The base assembly is rotatably mountable to the housing assembly. The base assembly is rotatable in such a way that the first support section is covered (selectively covered) by the housing assembly. The base assembly is also rotatable in such a way that the personal-care device, which is connectable (selectively connectable) to the first support section, is positionable (selectively positionable) within the interior housing zone of the housing assembly and is user-inaccessible.
To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with the existing technology, there is provided (in accordance with a second major aspect) an apparatus. The apparatus includes and is not limited to a personal-care device. A housing assembly defines a housing entrance leading into an interior housing zone configured to receive, at least in part, the personal-care device. A base assembly includes a first support section configured to be connectable (selectively connectable) to the personal-care device. The base assembly is rotatably mountable to the housing assembly. The base assembly is rotatable in such a way that the first support section is covered (selectively covered) by the housing assembly. The base assembly is also rotatable in such a way that the personal-care device, which is connectable (selectively connectable) to the first support section, is positionable (selectively positionable) within the interior housing zone of the housing assembly and is user-inaccessible.
To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with the existing technology, there is provided (in accordance with a third major aspect) an apparatus. The personal-care device is for use with a housing assembly and a base assembly. The personal-care device includes (and is not limited to) a body configured to be received, at least in part, into an interior housing zone defined by the housing assembly defining a housing entrance leading into the interior housing zone. The body is also configured to be connectable (selectively connectable) to a first support section of the base assembly. The base assembly is rotatably mountable to the housing assembly. The base assembly is rotatable in such a way that the first support section is covered (selectively covered) by the housing assembly. The base assembly is also rotatable in such a way that the personal-care device, which is connectable (selectively connectable) to the first support section, is positionable (selectively positionable) within the interior housing zone of the housing assembly and is user-inaccessible.
Other aspects are identified in the claims. Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments may now become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments with the accompanying drawings. This Summary is provided to introduce concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify potential key features or possible essential features of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The figures and the description that follow more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 , FIG. 4 , FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 depict a top view (FIG. 1 ), an end view (FIG. 2 ), a side view (FIG. 3 ), a bottom perspective view (FIG. 4 ), and top perspective views (FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 ) of embodiments of an apparatus for use with a personal-care device (depicted in FIG. 6 ); and

FIG. 7 , FIG. 8 , FIG. 9 , FIG. 10 , FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 depict a perspective view (FIG. 7 ), a top view (FIG. 8 ), cross-sectional side views (FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 ), and end views (FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 ) of embodiments of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ; and

FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 depict cross-sectional side views of embodiments of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ; and

FIG. 15 , FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 depict cross-sectional side views of embodiments of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ; and

FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 depict cross-sectional views of embodiments of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ; and

FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 depict side views of embodiments of a personal-care device for use with the apparatus of FIG. 1 .

The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details unnecessary for an understanding of the embodiments (and/or details that render other details difficult to perceive) may have been omitted. Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several figures of the drawings. Elements in the several figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not been drawn to scale. The dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be emphasized relative to other elements for facilitating an understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. In addition, common, and well-understood, elements that are useful in commercially feasible embodiments are often not depicted to provide a less obstructed view of the embodiments of the present disclosure.


LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
USED IN THE DRAWINGS

housing assembly 100	soap bar assembly 302
housing entrance 102	soap unit 304
interior housing zone 104	connection device 306
water drain 106	hollow feature 308
connectors (108A, 108B)	coupling connector 310
base assembly 200	portal 312
outer circumferential edge 202	detent 314
rotation axis 204	seat 316
connector receivers (206A, 206B)	semi-spherical shape 318
coupling feature 210	auxiliary skin-care device 400
connection feature 208	massage head unit 402
first support section 211	smooth curved undulating surface
	403
second support section 212	comb assembly 404
groove 214	brush assembly 406
seat receiver 216	connection element 408
personal-care device 300	rope 500
rope connector 502	mold cavity 602
soap mold 600	hand 900

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)

The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims. For the description, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the examples as oriented in the drawings. There is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory in the preceding Technical Field, Background, Summary, or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are exemplary embodiments (examples), aspects, and/or concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. It is understood that the phrase “at least one” is equivalent to “a”. The aspects (examples, alterations, modifications, options, variations, embodiments and any equivalent thereof) are described regarding the drawings. It should be understood that the disclosure is limited to the subject matter provided by the claims and that the disclosure is not limited to the particular aspects depicted and described. It will be appreciated that the scope of the meaning of a device configured to be coupled to an item (that is, to be connected to, to interact with the item, etc.) is to be interpreted as the device being configured to be coupled to the item, either directly or indirectly. Therefore, “configured to” may include the meaning “either directly or indirectly” unless specifically stated otherwise.
FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 , FIG. 4 , FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 depict a top view (FIG. 1 ), an end view (FIG. 2 ), a side view (FIG. 3 ), a bottom perspective view (FIG. 4 ), and top perspective views (FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 ) of embodiments of an apparatus for use with a personal-care device 300 (skin-treatment device).
Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1 to FIG. 6 , there is an apparatus for use with a personal-care device 300. At least some of the components of the personal-care device 300 may be made by a molding system configured to mold plastic parts via a mold assembly, etc.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 6 , there is depicted the personal-care device 300. The personal-care device 300 includes any device configured to provide personal care to a user when the personal-care device 300 is used (either by the user or an assistant to the user). The personal-care device 300 may include, for instance, any one of (or more or) the following configurations: (A) a brush assembly 406 brushing the skin (as depicted in FIG. 2 ); and (B) a comb assembly 404 for combing the hair (as depicted in FIG. 3 ); and (C) a massage head unit 402 having a massage surface for massaging the skin and underlying muscle (as depicted in FIG. 5 or FIG. 11 ); and (D) a soap bar assembly 302 having a soap unit or a soap bar for washing dirt from the skin (as depicted in FIG. 6 ), and (E) any equivalent thereof. The soap unit may include a shampoo soap bar, a conditioning soap bar, a body soap bar, etc., and any equivalent thereof.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the apparatus includes a synergistic combination of a housing assembly 100 and a base assembly 200. The housing assembly 100 and/or the base assembly 200 may be made of any type of suitable material(s), such as a plastic material, wood, bamboo wood, recyclable material(s), etc., and/or may be molded by a molding system using a mold assembly, etc. At least some of the components of the apparatus may be made by a molding system configured to mold plastic parts via a mold assembly, etc.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 17 , the housing assembly 100 defines a housing entrance 102 leading into an interior housing zone 104.
Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 , the interior housing zone 104 is configured to receive, at least in part, the personal-care device 300.
Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 6 , FIG. 11 , FIG. 14 , FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 , the base assembly 200 includes a first support section 211.
Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 6 and FIG. 16 , the first support section 211 is configured to be selectively connectable to the personal-care device 300.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 , the base assembly 200 is rotatably (pivotally) mountable to the housing assembly 100. The base assembly 200 is rotatable (pivotally rotatable) in such a way that the first support section 211 is selectively covered by the housing assembly 100. It will be appreciated that the base assembly 200 is rotatable (pivotally rotatable) after the base assembly 200 is rotatably mounted to the housing assembly 100 and rotated (pivotally rotated).
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2 , the housing assembly 100 and the base assembly 200 are configured to be user grasped and holdable. The housing assembly 100 and the base assembly 200 are configured (preferably) to be grasped and held, at least in part, by the hand 900 of a user (as depicted in FIG. 2 or FIG. 10 ). The housing assembly 100 and the base assembly 200 are configured (preferably) to be grasped and held, at least in part, by the hand 900 of the user after (once) the base assembly 200 is rotatably (pivotally) mounted to the housing assembly 100. The combination of the personal-care device 300, the housing assembly 100 and the base assembly 200 are (preferably) configured to be user grasped and holdable.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 3 , connectors (108A, 108B) are configured to rotatably connect, or couple, the housing assembly 100 with the base assembly 200. A rotation axis 204 extends through the connectors (108A, 108B) after the connectors (108A, 108B) rotatably connect, or couple, the housing assembly 100 with the base assembly 200. The connectors (108A, 108B) may include bolts, screws, etc., made of any type of suitable material(s), such as a plastic material or metal, etc., and any equivalent thereof.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 4 , the base assembly 200 has (preferably) an outer circumferential edge 202 (of an outer-facing circumferential sidewall, etc.).
Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 , a storage position of the personal-care device 300 is depicted in FIG. 5 , and a deployed position of the personal-care device 300 (as depicted in FIG. 6 ). The base assembly 200 is configured to be rotatable. This is done in such a way that the base assembly 200 selectively moves (or positions) the personal-care device 300 between (A) a user-inaccessible position (that is, moved away from the deployed position and placed in the storage position), and (B) a user-accessible position (that is, moved away from the storage position and to the deployed position). The personal-care device 300 is selectively connectable to the base assembly 200 (such as selectively connectable to the first support section 211), as depicted in FIG. 6 .
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 5 , the housing assembly 100 is configured to selectively rotate and cover, at least in part, the first support section 211. This is done in such a way that the housing assembly 100 covers the personal-care device 300, which is selectively connectable to the first support section 211, and the personal-care device 300 becomes positioned within the interior housing zone 104, and the personal-care device 300 is user-inaccessible.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 6 , the housing assembly 100 is also configured to selectively rotate and uncover, at least in part, the first support section 211. This is done in such a way that the housing assembly 100 uncovers the personal-care device 300, which is selectively connectable with the first support section 211, and the personal-care device 300 becomes user-accessible (the personal-care device 300 may be exposed and/or revealed to the user, etc.).
Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1 , the housing assembly 100 includes (forms) a water drain 106, or at least one or more water drains 106. The water drain 106 is configured to permit drainage of any excess water from the interior housing zone 104 of the housing assembly 100 (either via gravity or the by user shaking the excess water, etc.).
Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 , the base assembly 200 includes (preferably) a second support section 212 configured to be selectively connectable to an auxiliary skin-care device 400 (also called a second skin-care device). The housing assembly 100 forms, preferably, an ergonomically friendly shape, such as a semi pill-shaped dome. It will be appreciated that the auxiliary skin-care device 400 may include any one of a comb assembly 404 (as depicted in FIG. 2 ), a massage head unit 402 (as depicted in FIG. 5 or FIG. 11 ), a brush assembly 406 (as depicted in FIG. 3 ), and/or a soap bar assembly 302 (as depicted in FIG. 6 ), and any equivalent thereof. At least some of the components of the auxiliary skin-care device 400 may be made by a molding system configured to mold plastic parts via a mold assembly, etc. The components of the auxiliary skin-care device 400 may include any type of suitable material(s).
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2 , the auxiliary skin-care device 400 includes (preferably) a comb assembly 404.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 3 , the auxiliary skin-care device 400 includes (preferably) a brush assembly 406.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 4 , the auxiliary skin-care device 400 is not used with (or installed to) the base assembly 200.
Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 5 (as well as in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 ), the auxiliary skin-care device 400 includes (preferably) a massage head unit 402.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 6 , the personal-care device 300 includes the soap bar assembly 302. It will be appreciated that the auxiliary skin-care device 400 may include the soap bar assembly 302, which is hidden within the interior of the housing assembly 100 (in accordance with the depiction provided by FIG. 6 ).
FIG. 7 , FIG. 8 , FIG. 9 , FIG. 10 , FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 depict a perspective view (FIG. 7 ), a top view (FIG. 8 ), cross-sectional side views (FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 ), and end views (FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 ) of embodiments of the apparatus of FIG. 1 . The cross-sectional side views of FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are taken along a cross-sectional line B-B of FIG. 8 .
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 8 , the base assembly 200 is rotatably mounted (pivotally mounted) to the housing assembly 100. The base assembly 200 is rotatably mounted (pivotally mounted) to the spaced-apart outer side sections of the housing assembly 100 (that is, at the opposite outer sides of the housing assembly 100). Preferably, the connectors (108A, 108B) are configured to rotatably connect, or couple, the housing assembly 100 with the base assembly 200. The rotation axis 204 extends through the connectors (108A, 108B) after the connectors (108A, 108B) rotatably connect, or couple, the housing assembly 100 with the base assembly 200. The rotation axis 204 is aligned between the opposite (lateral) sides of the base assembly 200. The rotation axis 204 bisects the base assembly 200 (as depicted in FIG. 8 ). The rotation axis 204 is aligned midway between the opposite lateral sidewalls of the base assembly 200. The rotation axis 204 also extends between opposite lateral side sections (spaced-apart side sections) of the base assembly 200. The rotation axis 204 is aligned between the opposite (lateral) sides of the base assembly 200. The base assembly 200 is selectively rotatable (pivotally movable) along the rotation axis 204.
Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 , there is depicted a rope 500 and a rope connector 502 rope 500. Preferably, the rope 500 has bamboo fibers, and/or the rope connector 502 is made of a resiliently deformable plastic material, etc. The base assembly 200 defines a circumferentially aligned side groove 214 defined on an outer-facing circumferential sidewall. The outer sidewall of the rope 500 is configured to fit into the circumferentially aligned side groove 214. The rope 500 is configured to wrap around the circumferentially aligned side groove 214. The rope connector 502 is configured to selectively secure a length of the rope 500 after the rope 500 is wrapped around the circumferentially aligned side groove 214 (as depicted in FIG. 8 ).
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 9 , the rope connector 502 selectively secures two portions of the rope 500 after the rope 500 is wrapped around the circumferentially aligned side groove 214 (as depicted in FIG. 8 ).
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 10 , the rope connector 502 is resiliently deformable. The hand 900 of the user pinches the rope connector 502 so that the rope connector 502 may deflect and open sufficiently enough for the user to remove at least one portion of the rope 500 from within the interior housing zone 104 of the rope connector 502, thereby releasing the rope 500 from the circumferentially aligned side groove 214 (as depicted in FIG. 8 ).
Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 11 , the base assembly 200 is configured to be selectively locked into position; this is done such a way that the base assembly 200 is not rotatable (and is locked to or affixed to the housing assembly 100) after the base assembly 200 is rotated to urge, or move, the second support section 212 to face interior housing zone 104 of the housing assembly 100.
Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 12 , the base assembly 200 is configured to be selectively locked into position. This is done in such a way that the base assembly 200 is not rotatable relative to the housing assembly 100. The base assembly 200 is locked to or affixed to the housing assembly 100 after the base assembly 200 is rotated to urge, or move, the first support section 211 to face interior housing zone 104 of the housing assembly 100.
FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 depict cross-sectional side views of embodiments of the apparatus of FIG. 1 . The cross-sectional side views are taken along a cross-sectional line A-A of FIG. 1 .
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 13 , the personal-care device 300 includes (preferably) a soap bar assembly 302. The soap bar assembly 302 includes (preferably) a synergistic combination of a soap unit 304 and a connection device 306. The connection device 306 is configured to (A) be embedded, at least in part, in the soap unit 304, and (B) extend from the soap unit 304. The connection device 306 and the soap bar assembly 302 (or the personal-care device 300) are (is) configured to be user inaccessible, after the housing assembly 100 is pivotally moved to hide, or cover, the soap bar assembly 302 from the user. The soap bar assembly 302 cannot be selectively disconnected (user disconnected), by the user (from the first support section 211 of the base assembly 200), after the housing assembly 100 is pivotally moved to hide or cover the soap bar assembly 302. As depicted in FIG. 13 , the user has access to the auxiliary skin-care device 400 (for the case where the auxiliary skin-care device 400 is installed to the second support section 212 of the base assembly 200), after the housing assembly 100 is pivotally moved to hide or cover the soap bar assembly 302 from the user (in which the soap bar assembly 302 is user inaccessible, and the auxiliary skin-care device 400 is user-accessible).
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 14 , the connection device 306 and the soap bar assembly 302 are also configured to be selectively disconnectable (that is, user disconnectable) from the first support section 211 of the base assembly 200 (as depicted in FIG. 15 ), after the housing assembly 100 is pivotally moved to expose the soap bar assembly 302 (as depicted in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 ) to the user. The connection device 306 and the soap bar assembly 302 (or the personal-care device 300) are (is) also configured to be selectively connectable (user connectable) to the first support section 211 of the base assembly 200 (as depicted in FIG. 16 ), after the housing assembly 100 is pivotally moved to expose the first support section 211 of the base assembly 200 (as depicted in FIG. 14 and FIG. 16 ) to the user.
Connecting the connection device 306 and the soap bar assembly 302 to the first support section 211 may be by any suitable means, such as by screwing a threaded member on the connection device 306 into a threaded aperture on the first support section 211, as shown in FIG. 16 . Thus the threaded member on the connection device 306 may be referred to as a connection device connector, and the threaded aperture on the first support portion 211 may be referred to as a first support portion connector. Disconnecting the connection device 306 and the soap bar assembly 302 from the first support section 211 may be by any suitable means, such as by unscrewing the aforementioned threaded member on the connection device 306 from the aforementioned threaded aperture on the first support section 211, as shown in FIG. 15 .
In an alternative embodiment, which is not shown, the connection device 306 may connect to the first support portion 211 by means of any other suitable type of connection device connector and any other suitable type of first support portion connector. For example, the connection device 306 may include one or more (at least one) snap buttons and the first support portion 211 may include one or more (at least one) studs that are releasably received by the one or more snap buttons on the connection device 306. Such snap buttons and studs may be less expensive than the aforementioned threaded member and threaded aperture, and may render the connection device 306 more easily and quickly connectable to and removable from the first support portion 211.
As depicted in FIG. 14 , the user has no access to the auxiliary skin-care device 400 (for the case where the auxiliary skin-care device 400 is installed to the second support section 212 of the base assembly 200), after the housing assembly 100 is pivotally moved to uncover the soap bar assembly 302 so that user may access the soap bar assembly 302 (the auxiliary skin-care device 400 is user inaccessible).
Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 4 , FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 , the base assembly 200 has the rotation axis 204 extending into the outer circumferential edge (the outer facing circumferential sidewall).
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 13 , the first support section 211 is configured to face the interior housing zone 104, after the base assembly 200 is rotated to urge the second support section 212 to face away from interior housing zone 104 of the housing assembly 100. Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 14 , the second support section 212 is configured to face the interior housing zone 104, after the base assembly 200 is rotated to urge (or move) the first support section 211 to face away from interior housing zone 104 of the housing assembly 100.
FIG. 15 , FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 depict cross-sectional side views of embodiments of the apparatus of FIG. 1 . The cross-sectional side views are taken along a cross-sectional line A-A of FIG. 1 .
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 15 , the connection device 306 and the soap bar assembly 302 (or the personal-care device 300) are (is) also configured to be selectively disconnectable from the first support section 211 of the base assembly 200 (after the housing assembly 100 is pivotally moved to uncover the soap bar assembly 302, thereby permitting access to the user). The connection device 306 and the soap bar assembly 302 (or the personal-care device 300) are (is) also configured to be selectively disconnectable (user disconnectable) from the first support section 211 of the base assembly 200, after the housing assembly 100 is pivotally moved to expose the soap bar assembly 302 to the user. FIG. 15 depicts the case in which the personal-care device 300 (or the soap bar assembly 302 and connection device 306) is configured to be selectively detached (by the user) from the base assembly 200, after the soap unit 304 has become worn down (due to usage, etc.).
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 16 , the connection device 306 and the soap bar assembly 302 (or the personal-care device 300) are (is) also configured to be selectively connectable to the first support section 211 of the base assembly 200. The connection device 306 and the soap bar assembly 302 (or the personal-care device 300) are (is) also configured to be selectively connectable (user connectable) to the first support section 211 of the base assembly 200, after the housing assembly 100 is pivotally moved to expose the soap bar assembly 302 to the user. FIG. 16 depicts the case in which after the removal of a worn-down instance of the soap unit 304 (as depicted in FIG. 15 ), a replacement instance of the soap bar assembly 302 (or the personal-care device 300) may be selectively attached (by the user) to the base assembly 200.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 17 , the housing assembly 100 defines a housing entrance 102 leading into an interior housing zone 104 (as depicted in FIG. 17 ). The connector receivers (206A, 206B) (defined by the base assembly 200) are configured to receive the connectors (108A, 108B). The base assembly 200 is configured to selectively cover and uncover the housing entrance 102 and the interior housing zone 104 of the housing assembly 100 in response to the rotating movement (pivotal movement) of the housing assembly 100 (along the rotation axis 204).
FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 depict cross-sectional views of embodiments of the apparatus of FIG. 1 . The cross-sectional side views are taken along a cross-sectional line A-A of FIG. 1 .
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 18 , the base assembly 200 includes a connection feature 208. The connection feature 208 is positioned at the second support section 212 of the base assembly 200. The auxiliary skin-care device 400 (such as the massage head unit 402, etc.) includes a connection element 408. The connection element 408 extends (preferably) from the auxiliary skin-care device 400. The connection feature 208, of the base assembly 200, is configured to selectively connect with (and selectively detach from) the connection element 408 of the auxiliary skin-care device 400 (such as the massage head unit 402, etc.). The massage head unit 402 includes (preferably) a smooth curved undulating surface 403.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 19 , the base assembly 200 includes (defines) spaced apart connector receivers (206A, 206B) configured to securely receive connectors (108A, 108B), as depicted in FIG. 18 . The base assembly 200 includes a coupling feature 210 configured to interface with a coupling connector 310 of the personal-care device 300 (as depicted in FIG. 20 ). The base assembly 200 includes a seat receiver 216 configured to interface with the seat 316 of the personal-care device 300 (as depicted in FIG. 18 or FIG. 20 ).
FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 depict side views of embodiments of a personal-care device 300 for use with the apparatus of FIG. 1 .
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 20 , the connection device 306 includes a body defining a hollow feature 308 that is centrally positioned within the body. The connection device 306 includes a coupling connector 310 configured to mate with the coupling feature 210 (as depicted in FIG. 19 ). Preferably, the coupling connector 310 includes exterior threads configured to mate with interior threads of the coupling feature 210 (as depicted in FIG. 19 ). The connection device 306 includes a semi-spherical shape 318 (shell) defining a portal 312 (at least one or more portals). The semi-spherical shape 318 includes a detent device 314 (at least one or more detents). The semi-spherical shape 318 includes a seat 316 configured to securely fit in, and mate with, the seat receiver 216 (as depicted in FIG. 19 ). Various features of the connection device 306 (such as the portal 312, the detent device 314 and/or the semi-spherical shape 318, etc.) are configured to improve the secured connection between the connection device 306 and the soap unit 304 (as depicted in FIG. 18 ).
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 21 , there is depicted a soap mold 600 (also called a (soap mould) defining a mold cavity 602. The mold cavity 602 is configured to receive liquefied soap (known and not depicted). The connection device 306 is positioned (at least in part), and held in position, in the mold cavity 602 before the liquefied soap is poured into the mold cavity 602. The mold cavity 602 is configured to form the soap unit 304 after the liquefied soap is received in the mold cavity 602, and the liquefied soap has sufficient time to cool off, etc.; this is done while the connection device 306 remains positioned (at least in part) in the mold cavity 602. The soap unit 304 is formed (solidified) after the liquefied soap has hardened in the mold cavity 602 (while the connection device 306 remains positioned (at least in part) in the mold cavity 602). After the liquefied soap has hardened in the mold cavity 602, the connection device 306 becomes securely mounted to the soap unit 304 that becomes formed. Features of the connection device 306 (such as the portal 312, the detent device 314 and/or the semi-spherical shape 318, etc.) are configured to improve the secured connection between the connection device 306 and the soap unit 304 while the liquefied soap hardens in the mold cavity 602. The soap unit 304 and the connection device 306 are removed (together) from the mold cavity 602. In this manner, the soap bar assembly 302 is manufactured. The soap bar assembly 302 is configured to be selectively attached to (or selectively detached from) the base assembly 200 (as depicted in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 ). Referring to FIG. 15 , the case is depicted in which the soap bar assembly 302 is configured to be selectively detached from the base assembly 200 after the soap unit 304 has become worn down (due to usage, etc.). Referring to FIG. 16 , the case is depicted in which after removal of a worn-down instance of the soap unit 304 (as depicted in FIG. 15 ), a replacement instance of the soap bar assembly 302 is configured to be selectively attached to the base assembly 200.
The following is offered as further description of the embodiments, in which any one or more of any technical feature (described in the detailed description, the summary, and the claims) may be combinable with any other one or more of any technical feature (described in the detailed description, the summary, and the claims). It is understood that each claim in the claims section is an open-ended claim unless stated otherwise. Unless otherwise specified, relational terms used in these specifications should be construed to include certain tolerances that the person skilled in the art would recognize as providing equivalent functionality. By way of example, the term perpendicular is not necessarily limited to 90.0 degrees and may include a variation thereof that the person skilled in the art would recognize as providing equivalent functionality for the purposes described for the relevant member or element. Terms such as “about” and “substantially”, in the context of configuration, relate generally to disposition, location, or configuration that are either exact or sufficiently close to the location, disposition, or configuration of the relevant element to preserve operability of the element within the disclosure which does not materially modify the disclosure. Similarly, unless specifically made clear from its context, numerical values should be construed to include certain tolerances that the person skilled in the art would recognize as having negligible importance as they do not materially change the operability of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that the description and/or drawings identify and describe embodiments of the apparatus (either explicitly or inherently). The apparatus may include any suitable combination and/or permutation of the technical features as identified in the detailed description, as may be required and/or desired to suit a particular technical purpose and/or technical function. It will be appreciated that, where possible and suitable, any one or more of the technical features of the apparatus may be combined with any other one or more of the technical features of the apparatus (in any combination and/or permutation). It will be appreciated that persons skilled in the art would know that the technical features of each embodiment may be deployed (where possible) in other embodiments even if not expressly stated as such above. It will be appreciated that persons skilled in the art would know that other options may be possible for the configuration of the components of the apparatus to adjust to manufacturing requirements and still remain within the scope as described in at least one or more of the claims. This written description provides embodiments, including the best mode, and also enables the person skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments. The patentable scope may be defined by the claims. The written description and/or drawings may help to understand the scope of the claims. It is believed that all the crucial aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been provided in this document. It is understood, for this document, that the word “includes” is equivalent to the word “comprising” in that both words are used to signify an open-ended listing of assemblies, components, parts, etc. The term “comprising”, which is synonymous with the terms “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. Comprising (comprised of) is an “open” phrase and allows coverage of technologies that employ additional, unrecited elements. When used in a claim, the word “comprising” is the transitory verb (transitional term) that separates the preamble of the claim from the technical features of the disclosure. The foregoing has outlined the non-limiting embodiments (examples). The description is made for particular non-limiting embodiments (examples). It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are merely illustrative as examples.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for use with a personal-care device, the apparatus comprising:

a housing assembly defining a housing entrance leading into an interior housing zone being configured to receive, at least in part, the personal-care device; and

a base assembly including a first support section being configured to be selectively connectable to the personal-care device; and

the base assembly being rotatably mountable to the housing assembly; and

the base assembly being rotatable in such a way that the first support section is selectively covered by the housing assembly; and

the base assembly also being rotatable in such a way that the personal-care device, being selectively connectable to the first support section, is selectively positionable within the interior housing zone of the housing assembly and is user-inaccessible.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the personal-care device includes any one, or more of, a brush assembly, a comb assembly, a massage head unit, and a soap bar assembly.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the base assembly is configured to be pivotally rotatable in such a way that the base assembly selectively moves the personal-care device between a user-inaccessible position and a user-accessible position.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the housing assembly is configured to selectively rotate and cover, at least in part, the first support section, and the first support section is configured to support the personal-care device in such a way that the personal-care device becomes user-inaccessible and positioned within the interior housing zone; and

the housing assembly is also configured to selectively rotate and uncover, at least in part, the first support section in such a way that the housing assembly uncovers the personal-care device, and the personal-care device becomes user-accessible.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the base assembly includes a second support section being configured to be selectively connectable to an auxiliary skin-care device; and

the auxiliary skin-care device is installed to the second support section of the base assembly; and

the auxiliary skin-care device is user-accessible after the housing assembly is pivotally moved to cover the personal-care device so that the personal-care device is user inaccessible; and

the auxiliary skin-care device is user inaccessible after the housing assembly is pivotally moved to uncover the first support section configured to support the personal-care device.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein:

the base assembly includes a connection feature positioned at the second support section of the base assembly; and

the auxiliary skin-care device includes a connection element; and

the connection feature is configured to selectively connect with, and selectively detach from, the connection element.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein:

the auxiliary skin-care device includes any one of a comb assembly, a massage head unit, a brush assembly and a soap bar assembly.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

connectors are configured to rotatably connect, or couple, the housing assembly with the base assembly; and

a rotation axis extends through the connectors after the connectors rotatably connect the housing assembly with the base assembly; and

the rotation axis extends into an outer facing circumferential sidewall of the base assembly.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein:

the rotation axis is aligned between opposite lateral sides of the base assembly; and

the rotation axis bisects the base assembly; and

the base assembly is selectively rotatable along the rotation axis.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a rope; and

a rope connector; and

the base assembly defines a circumferentially aligned side groove defined on an outer-facing circumferential sidewall; and

an outer sidewall of the rope is configured to fit into, at least in part, the circumferentially aligned side groove; and

the rope is configured to wrap around, at least in part, the circumferentially aligned side groove; and

the rope connector is configured to selectively secure a length of the rope after the rope is wrapped around the circumferentially aligned side groove.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the base assembly is configured to be selectively locked into position in such a way that the base assembly is not rotatable and is locked to the housing assembly after:

the base assembly is rotated to urge a second support section of the base assembly to face the interior housing zone of the housing assembly; or

the base assembly is rotated to urge the first support section to face the interior housing zone of the housing assembly.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the personal-care device includes a soap bar assembly; and

the soap bar assembly includes:

a soap unit; and

a connection device; and

the connection device is configured to be embedded, at least in part, in the soap unit, and extend from the soap unit.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein:

the connection device and the soap bar assembly are configured to be user inaccessible, after the housing assembly is pivotally moved to cover the soap bar assembly away from the user, in which the soap bar assembly cannot be selectively disconnected by the user, after the housing assembly is pivotally moved to cover the soap bar assembly.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein:

the connection device and the soap bar assembly are also configured to be selectively disconnectable from the first support section of the base assembly, after the housing assembly is pivotally moved to expose the soap bar assembly; and

the connection device and the soap bar assembly are also configured to be selectively connectable to the first support section of the base assembly, after the housing assembly is pivotally moved to expose the first support section of the base assembly.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the base assembly further includes a second support section spaced apart from the first support section; and

the first support section is configured to face the interior housing zone, after the base assembly is rotated to urge the second support section to face away from the interior housing zone of the housing assembly; and

the second support section is configured to face the interior housing zone, after the base assembly is rotated to urge the first support section to face away from the interior housing zone of the housing assembly.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

connector receivers are defined by the base assembly; and

the connector receivers are configured to receive connectors, and the connectors are configured to rotatably connect the housing assembly with the base assembly; and

the base assembly is configured to selectively cover and uncover the housing entrance and the interior housing zone of the housing assembly in response to rotated movement of the housing assembly.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the base assembly includes:

a coupling feature configured to interface with a coupling connector of the personal-care device; and

a seat receiver configured to interface with a seat of the personal-care device.

18. An apparatus, comprising:

a personal-care device; and

the base assembly being pivotally mountable to the housing assembly; and

the base assembly being pivotally rotatable in such a way that the first support section is selectively covered by the housing assembly; and

the base assembly also being pivotally rotatable in such a way that the personal-care device, being selectively connectable to the first support section, is selectively positionable within the interior housing zone of the housing assembly and is user-inaccessible.

19. A personal-care device for use with a housing assembly and a base assembly, and the personal-care device being configured to be received, at least in part, into an interior housing zone defined by the housing assembly defining a housing entrance leading into the interior housing zone, and the personal-care device comprising:

a portion of the personal-care device; and

a connection device extending from the portion of the personal-care device; and

the connection device being configured to be selectively connectable to a first support section of the base assembly, and the base assembly being pivotally mountable to the housing assembly, and the base assembly being pivotally rotatable in such a way that the first support section is selectively covered by the housing assembly, and the base assembly also being pivotally rotatable in such a way that the personal-care device, being selectively connectable to the first support section, is selectively positionable within the interior housing zone of the housing assembly and is user-inaccessible.

20. The personal-care device of claim 19, wherein:

the personal-care device includes any one of a brush assembly, a comb assembly, a massage head unit, and a soap bar assembly.

21. The personal-care device of claim 19, wherein:

the connection device includes a body defining a hollow feature that is centrally positioned within the body; and

the connection device includes a coupling connector configured to mate with a coupling feature of the base assembly.

22. The personal-care device of claim 21, wherein:

the coupling connector includes exterior threads configured to mate with interior threads of the coupling feature; and

the connection device includes a semi-spherical shape defining a portal; and

the semi-spherical shape includes a detent device; and

the semi-spherical shape includes a seat configured to securely fit in, and mate with, a seat receiver of the base assembly.

23. The personal-care device of claim 22, wherein:

the personal-care device includes a soap bar assembly.