Surgery: kinesitherapy – Kinesitherapy – With light – thermal – magnetic – or electrical application
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-07
2001-11-06
Richman, Glenn E. (Department: 3764)
Surgery: kinesitherapy
Kinesitherapy
With light, thermal, magnetic, or electrical application
Reexamination Certificate
active
06312397
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The field of the present invention relates to cosmetic devices, more particularly to facial irons for alleviating or reducing wrinkles on the face of a user through the application of massage and heat.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cosmetic devices know in the art are used to apply cremes and ointments to a person's face. Heated surfaces are taught that, when applied to the skin, the heated surface causes the creme to be more readily absorbed by the skin. The iron used to apply the heat generally is heated by a remote element, and is then applied to a user's face. The iron heater is activated by plugging the iron into a wall socket. The device warms the iron, which is then applied to the face of a user.
Representative of the art is:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,702 (1998) to Gelfgat et al. discloses an improvement for devices which provide local massage of the facial skin for improvement of the effectiveness of the massage while making the device more ergonomic.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,705 (1998) to Belcher discloses the reduction of facial wrinkles by rolling the face and scalp with implements having free wheeling rollers.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,585 (1996) to Nash-Morgan discloses a disposable adhesively engagable neck and facial wrinkle gathering device.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,646 (1996) to Miller discloses a jaw and neck muscle exercise apparatus which includes a spring-loaded support arm attached to a soft chin support on one end and to a chest plate on the other end.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,561 (1995) to Schweisfurth discloses a massage device for the rolling massage of skin areas and reflex zones of the human body which includes a shaft mounted on a handle and massage rings or rolling bodies which are freely rotatably mounted on the shaft.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,218,955 (1993) to Gueret discloses a massage device which is adapted to be applied to the skin.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,092 (1990) to Klein discloses a facial mask for use in effecting isometric toning of facial muscles.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,787,373 (1988) to Vogel discloses a facial ironer. The facial ironer apparatus includes a housing which holds a heating element having a base and a head. There is an electrical cord connecting the apparatus to a conventional AC electrical cord outlet. There is a thermostatic switch in the housing for maintaining the temperature of the heating element at a predetermined setting. The facial ironer itself is demountably attached to the head of the heating element. The facial ironer includes a triangular-shaped soleplate. The soleplate is heated by the transfer of heat from the heating element.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,291,685 (1981) to Taelman discloses a therapeutic heat and cosmetic applicator. A cosmetologist cleans the skin with unscented makeup remover and lotions. Then a lubricant is applied with a small hot iron to soften the pores. This face ironing is followed by a herbal or seaweed steam facial, manual and deep-pore cleaning.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,189,141 (1980) to Rooney discloses a mask which completely covers the face and which has pockets in which weights may be placed while the facial muscles are exercised.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,911,909 (1975) to Di Matto discloses a facial wrinkle remover.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,507,493 (1970) to Robins discloses an eye and forehead area muscle exerciser in which a portion of the face is covered by the device to hold the facial muscles against movement.
What is needed is a portable facial iron for applying a heated facial message for an effective 15 to 30 minute period. What is needed is a facial iron having a spoon shaped heating element. What is needed is a facial iron having a temperature control circuit. What is needed is a facial iron having a separate charger base and rechargeable batteries for convenience and safety. What is needed is a facial iron having an ergonomically shaped handle for improved ease of control and leverage. What is needed is a facial iron having LED's for indicating the charge and operational status of the heating element. What is needed is a facial iron having a three position switch. The present invention meets all these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The primary aspect of the present invention is to provide a facial iron for providing a controlled, heated massage to a users face.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a facial iron having rechargeable batteries.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a facial iron having a spoon shaped heating element.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a facial iron having LED's for indicating the charge status of the heating element.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a facial iron having an ergonomically shaped handle.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a facial iron having a temperature control circuit.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a facial iron having a separate charger base.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a facial iron having a three position switch.
Other aspects of this invention will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.
The invention comprises a facial iron having a charger base. The facial iron contains a battery pack. The battery pack charge status is indicated by a set of LED's. A red LED in the iron indicates the functional status of the unit. The red LED illuminates when the batteries are discharging and the spoon shaped heating surface is heating. When the facial iron is in the charger base, the red LED in the base is illuminated until the batteries in the facial iron are fully charged. When they are fully charged, a green LED in the base lights up. When the facial iron is removed from the charger base the LED's go out. The batteries then heat a heating element adjacent to the spoon shaped heating surface on the facial iron to approximately 110 degrees F. A red LED on the iron illuminates while the iron is in use and the batteries are discharging. The facial iron circuitry includes a thermistor and controller designed to maintain the spoon shaped surface at a temperature of 98° to 120° F. In the preferred embodiment the range is 108° to 110° F. A full charge allows for up to 30 minutes of use. When the charge in the facial iron is exhausted, it is returned to the charger base where the batteries are recharged. The facial iron decreases wrinkles in a user's face through heated massage. A three position switch allows a user to operate the invention in the preferred mode; to turn on the invention regardless of its location; or, to turn off the invention upon removal from the charger for use at a later time.
Alternate embodiments include an iron having a 120V electrical cord for connecting the facial iron directly to an outlet for use. The iron maintains heat on the spoon shaped surface while it is plugged into the outlet. Yet another alternate embodiment includes an iron having rechargeable batteries which are recharged by connecting the iron to a recharger which plugs into an outlet, such as the type in use with portable rechargeable shavers. The iron is then disconnected from the cord for use.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5782857 (1998-07-01), Machuron
patent: 5925002 (1999-07-01), Wollman
patent: 327751 (1998-03-01), None
Martin Rick
Patent Law Offices of Rick Martin P.C.
Richman Glenn E.
Tri-Angels LTD
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