Abstract:
A method includes the steps of: a) electrically connecting an electric heater to an external electrical power source, b) disconnecting the electric heater from the external electrical power source, c) energizing a motor contained within the housing to impart motion to a body-care surface, and d) applying the body-care surface to the skin surface while the electric heater is disconnected from the external electrical power source. The electric heater heats a thermal energy storage medium in thermal contact therewith, and the electric heater and thermal energy storage medium are associated with a handheld device having a housing arranged and configured for gripping by a human hand. The motor imparts motion to a body-care surface operatively connected to the housing and in thermal contact with the thermal energy storage medium.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a system for applying heat to the skin of a body, such as a human body. The heat application surface is small, lightweight, and cordless. 
         [0002]    Heated, skin care devices are known. Some of these provide motion, such as heated massagers, while others simply apply heat for therapeutic, cosmetic, and/or other purposes. 
         [0003]    Burkardt, U.S. Pat. No. 2,985,166, purports to disclose a heated massaging device including both a motor to provide vibrating motion to the skin and a heating coil to provide heat to the skin. However, in order to provide the power for both motion and heat, the device is directly connected to an external power source, such as a household electrical receptacle. The device is not cordless. 
         [0004]    Rhoades, US Pub. Pat. App. No. 2003/0165550 A1, purports to disclose a battery-operated vibrating microdermabrasion device that may include a heating unit disposed within or adjacent to the device. While the embodiments described in detail in Rhoades are cordless, there is no detail how the heating unit would be included, and it is not clear that such a unit could be cordless in operation. 
         [0005]    Gebhard, U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,070, purports to disclose a cordless facial iron that incorporates rechargeable batteries. The facial iron has a spoon shaped heating surface for applying heat to a user&#39;s skin. The heating surface is powered by the rechargeable batteries and is activated by a thermostatically controlled circuit. This cordless device lacks a motor to provide motion to the heating surface that contacts the user&#39;s skin. 
         [0006]    Finally, Li et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,245,093, purports to disclose several embodiments of an apparatus to treat skin itch and skin rash. The apparatus includes a body heater that can apply heat with a cycle time and pulse. In one embodiment, a motor and crank system moves the heating unit into and away from skin contact to provide this cyclic heating. However, such a movement of the heating unit does not provide substantial movement of the skin that is provided in motions such as vibration, reciprocation, oscillation, rotation, and the like. 
         [0007]    Despite the teaching of the prior art, there is a continuing need for skin care devices that provide sufficient heat for a long enough time to deliver the benefits of a heated surface with the portability of a manual or battery-powered device. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    We have discovered that it is possible to provide the desired portability by de-coupling the power to heat the device from the power (if any) to provide motion to the skin-contacting surface of the device. This method includes the steps of: a) electrically connecting an electric heater to an external electrical power source, b) disconnecting the electric heater from the external electrical power source, c) energizing a motor contained within the housing to impart motion to a body-care surface, and d) applying the body-care surface to the skin surface while the electric heater is disconnected from the external electrical power source. The electric heater heats a thermal energy storage medium in thermal contact therewith, and the electric heater and thermal energy storage medium are associated with a handheld device having a housing arranged and configured for gripping by a human hand. The motor imparts motion to a body-care surface operatively connected to the housing and in thermal contact with the thermal energy storage medium. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a side elevation of a skin care device according to the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is an end view of the skin care device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a cross-section of the skin care device of  FIGS. 1 and 2  taken along section line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a thermal body care element, useful in the device of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
           [0013]      FIGS. 5A-E  are various views of the thermal body care element of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 5A  is a bottom plan view of the heat-generating element. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5B  is a side elevation of the heat-generating element. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5C  is a cross-section of the heat-generating element taken along section line  5 C- 5 C of  FIG. 5A . 
           [0017]      FIG. 5D  is a cross-section of the heat-generating element taken along section line  5 D- 5 D of  FIG. 5A . 
           [0018]      FIG. 5E  is a cross-section of the heat-generating element taken along section line  5 E- 5 E of  FIG. 5B . 
           [0019]      FIG. 6A  is side elevation of an alternative thermal body-care element according to the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6B  is bottom plan view of the alternative thermal body-care element of  FIG. 6A . 
           [0021]      FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of an energizer stand useful with the body-care device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 7B  is a side elevation of the energizer stand shown in  FIG. 7A  with a body-care device of  FIG. 1  placed thereon. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a partially exploded, perspective view of an alternative skin care device according to the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an attachment surface of a thermal body-care element designed to be used with the skin care device of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is an end view of the skin care device of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a side elevation of an energizer stand with the body-care device of  FIG. 8  placed thereon. 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is an electrical schematic of one embodiment of an energizer stand and a thermal body-care element according to the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of elements of the thermal body care element of  FIGS. 4-5 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0029]    The challenge that has faced and continues to face developers of commercial heated, skin care devices relates to providing sufficient heat for a long enough time to deliver the benefits of a heated surface with the portability of a manual or battery-powered device. We have discovered that it is possible to provide the desired portability by de-coupling the power to heat the device from the power (if any) to provide motion to the skin-contacting surface of the device. A number of preferred embodiments of the invention are discussed in this section. 
         [0030]    The first preferred embodiment may be understood by referring to  FIGS. 1-5  and  7 . In  FIGS. 1-3 , a cordless, handheld, skin care device  10  includes a housing  20  that contains a motion-generating system  30  with a thermal body-care element  40  attached thereto. The housing  20  includes one or more gripping surfaces  21 , a power switch  22 , and electrical contacts  23 . 
         [0031]    The motion-generating system  30  is shown in more detail in  FIG. 3 . This includes a power source, such as one or more batteries  31 , coupled to a motor  32  through the power switch (element  22  shown in  FIGS. 1-3 ). The motor  32  may be coupled to the thermal body-care element  40  in a manner to transfer vibrating motion as known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, vibrations may be generated by means of an eccentrically mounted weight  33  on the motor shaft. Alternatively, the motor  32  may be coupled to the thermal body care element  40  via gears or other transfer mechanisms to provide rotation, reciprocation, oscillation, or other motions to the thermal body care element  40 . The transfer mechanism may include one or more clutches to permit the system to selectively transfer one or more of these motions, as desired. 
         [0032]    The thermal body-care element  40  is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 4-5 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , thermal body-care element  40  is a compact, self-contained heating system, and it includes a heat-generating element  41  that contains a heat source (described more fully, below) thermally coupled to a body-care surface  42 . The heat-generating element  41  includes a container  43  having at least one thermally conductive surface  44  and one or more thermally insulating surfaces  45  enclosing the heat source and a thermal energy storage medium. The container  43  is sealed to contain the heat source and thermal energy storage medium to provide a safe heating system for use by consumers in their homes. A supplemental body-care component  46  may be releasably coupled to the body-care surface  42  via a coupling structure  47 , which may include a plurality of plastic hooks (available from Velcro USA Inc., Manchester, N.H., USA). 
         [0033]    In a preferred embodiment shown in detail in  FIGS. 5A-5E , the container  43  of the thermal body-care element  40  includes a base  401  formed of a thermally insulating material that at least partially defines a first chamber  402  and a second chamber  403  separated by a wall  401   a.  The first chamber  402  contains a heat source, such as an electric heater  404  and the thermal energy storage medium  405  (indicated by cross-hatching in  FIGS. 5C and 5E ). The container also includes a thermally conductive cap  406  that cooperates with the base  401  to enclose the first chamber  402  and the second chamber  403 . The cap  406  has walls  406   a  extending into the first chamber  402  to improve thermal contact with the thermal energy storage medium  405  and a flange  406   b  extending into the second chamber  403 . The container  43  may also include additional thermal insulating surfaces  45  in the form of an external sleeve  407  to contain one or more portions of the thermally conductive cap  406 . Other portions of the thermally conductive cap  406  may form the body-care surface  42  of the container  43 . 
         [0034]    The heat-generating element  41  is heated by means of electric heater  404  contained within the first chamber  402 . The electric heater  404  is in thermal contact with the thermal energy storage medium  405  also contained within first chamber  402 . Thus, when the electric heater  404  is energized, it heats the thermal energy storage medium  405 . The electric heater  404  is preferably controlled, at least in part, by a thermal switch  408 , and the heating system is preferably protected from overload by a safety cut-off switch  409 . These two switches are mounted in thermal contact with the flange  406   b  of the cap  406  to enable them to sense the temperature of the first chamber  402 , during use, and they are arranged along the electrical power supply circuit between the electric heater  404  and internal electrical contacts  410  that are connectable to an external power source, described below. 
         [0035]    While the thermal body-care element  40  has been shown in use with the handheld housing  20  having the motion-generating system  30 , it will be recognized that the thermal body-care element  40  may be used, and shaped appropriately, without the housing  20  and motion-generating system  30 . The thermal body-care element  40  can keep the geometries shown in FIGS.  4  and  5 A- 5 E, or it may take on a different form factor, such as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the thermal body-care element  40 ′ is a hot stone replica that is capable of generating heat instead of being heated in a water bath or other heating system. Again, this thermal body-care element  40 ′ is an improvement over existing, natural hot stones as it is capable of maintaining a desired temperature, as described in greater detail, below. The thermal body-care element  40 ′ may be generally circular when viewed from the top or bottom ( FIG. 6B ), and elliptical when viewed from the side ( FIG. 6A ). The thermal body-care element  40 ′ again has a thermally conductive body-care surface  42 ′, thermally insulating surfaces  45 ′ and contains a heat-generating element. The thermal body-care element  40 ′ also has electrical contacts  23 ′ disposed on an outer surface of the thermal body-care element  40 ′ for selective coupling the heat-generating element to an external electrical power source. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 7A-7B , the skin care device  10  can be connected to a combination stand and energizer (or “energizer stand”)  50  that includes a plug  51  to electrically connect it to an external power source, such as a power grid (for example, through  110 V household power). While plug  51  is shown as extending from a rear portion of the energizer stand  50 , it will be recognized that this integrated plug may be replaced by a power cord and plug combination. The skin care device can be supported on a platform  52 , and external electrical connector  53  is arranged and configured to engage the electrical contacts  23  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the device  10  to energize the heat-generating element. The energizer stand  50  preferably includes an energizing circuit to control the energization of the heat-generating element. The energizing circuit may include a timer and may be initiated by activating an energizing circuit switch  54 . 
         [0038]    In an alternate embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8-11 , the housing  20 ″ further incorporates a mount  60  for the thermal body-care element  40 ″. The thermal body-care element  40 ″ is then operatively connected to the mount  60  on the housing  20 ″. In one embodiment, the thermal body-care element  40 ″ is releasably connected to the mount  60 . The mount  60  secures the thermal body-care element  40 ″ to the housing  20 ″ without affecting the ability of the thermal body-care element  40 ″ to function as desired. For example, the mount  60  may rotate, oscillate, or provide other desired movement to the thermal body-care element  40 ″, or it may remain stationary on the housing  20 ″ to transfer desired vibrations from the motion-generating system  30 . Suitable mounts will be known to those of ordinary skill in the art. A representative, non-limiting list of useful mounts include snap-fit mounts; threaded mounts; pinned, clipped, or ringed mounts (using a removable pin, peg, clip, or ring to immobilize the thermal body-care element in or to the mount), clamped mounts, bayonet mounts, hook-and-loop (VELCRO) mounts, and the like. 
         [0039]    For example as shown in  FIG. 8 , the handheld device  10 ″ has a rotating mount  60  with a receptacle  61  into which coupling elements of the thermal body-care element  40 ″ fit. The thermal body-care element  40 ″ is substantially circular and has a diameter between about 20 mm and about 60 mm. The attachment surface  62  of the thermal body-care element  40 ″ designed to fit into the receptacle  61  of the mount  60  of this embodiment is shown in more detail in  FIG. 9 . The attachment surface  62  has a plurality of engagement arms  63  extending from the attachment surface  62  in a direction away from the thermal body-care element  40 ″, at least one of said engagement arms comprising a snap-fit projection  64  for engagement with recesses  65  of an associated receptacle  61  (shown in  FIG. 8 ). At least one spacer leg  66  extends from the attachment surface  62  in a direction away from the thermal body-care element  40 ″ to support it when fitted into the associated receptacle  61 . The attachment surface  62  also has at least one key  67  extending from the attachment surface  62  in a direction away from the thermal body-care element  40 ″ that is arranged and configured to fit into a notch  68  in the associated receptacle  61 . The attachment surface  62  may also have one or more optional centering flange(s)  69  to improve the fit of the thermal body-care element  40 ″ in the receptacle  61 . Alternatively, the functions of the spacer leg(s) and the centering flange(s) may be combined into one or more separate structures spaced about the attachment surface  62 . 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , the electrical contacts  23 ″ for selective coupling the heat-generating element to an external electrical power source are disposed on an outer surface of the thermal body-care element  40 ″. The skin care device  10 ″ of this embodiment can be connected to a modified energizer stand  50 ″ that includes a plug  51  to electrically connect it to an external power source as shown in  FIG. 11 . The skin care device can be supported on a platform, and external electrical connector  53 ″ is arranged and configured to engage the electrical contacts  23 ″ of the device  10  to energize the heat-generating element. Again, the energizer stand  50 ″ preferably includes an energizing circuit to control the energization of the heat-generating element. The energizing circuit may include a timer and may be initiated by activating an energizing circuit switch. 
         [0041]    In greater detail, the heat source of the thermal body-care element is disposed within the thermal body-care element and is in thermal contact with the thermal energy storage medium. The heat source can be any heat source that receives energy from outside of the thermal body-care element and provides thermal energy. Preferred heat sources include without limitation, electrical heat sources, such as resistance heaters, positive temperature coefficient (“PTC”) heaters, cartridge heater (typically a resistance heater in a cartridge), and the like; electromagnetic heat sources, such as infrared heaters, and the like. More preferably, the heat source is an electrical heat source, and most preferably, the heat source is a Positive Temperature Coefficient heater (PTC). PTC heaters are known for their self-regulating features and can operate at a nearly constant temperature over a broad range of voltage and dissipation conditions by increasing their resistance as temperature increases. PTC&#39;s can permit the omission of thermostats in certain situations since PTC;&#39;s increase resistance as the temperature increases. Alternatively, a fixed resistance heater would require a more sophisticated control system in order to maintain temperature and to overshooting its temperature set point. This design uses both a PTC heater and a simple bimetallic temperature switch for control. More specifically a bimetallic “creeps action” switch was used instead of a “snap action” in order to maintain the temperature within +/−3° C. 
         [0042]    Additional safety can be achieved by incorporating a thermal switch. This provides the added safety in the event that both the bimetallic switch was to fail (not open) and the PTC heater somehow produced excess heat. The thermal switch would permanently open the circuit thus removing all energy. 
         [0043]    An example of a circuit for the energizer stand  50 ″ and thermal body-care element  40 ″ of  FIGS. 8-11 , is shown in  FIG. 12 . The energizer stand  50 ″ includes a plug  51 ″ for selective coupling to a power grid  55 . The energizer stand  50 ″ also includes an energizing circuit including a transformer to convert alternating current to direct current and an appliance leakage circuit interrupter (shown schematically as  56 . In addition, the circuit includes a timer  57  and a charging circuit switch  54 ″. The energizer stand  50 ″ is connected to the thermal body-care element  40 ″ through the external electrical connector  53 ″ and the thermal body-care element electrical contacts  23 ″. In this schematic, the thermal body-care element  40 ″ includes a safety cut-off switch  409 , a thermal switch  408 , and a PTC heater  404 . An optional indicator light  58  is also shown. 
         [0044]    To generate heat, the heat source requires energy to be delivered from outside of the thermal body-care element. One traditional method may include wire leads or other metallic connections from the heat source to the outside of the thermal body-care element. Other possibilities include electromagnetic induction. In one preferred embodiment, wire leads extend from the heat source to one or more couplers disposed on the thermal body-care element that can engage a connector of an outside power source. This power source may be a conduit through the housing to electrical contacts disposed thereon. These electrical contacts in turn are connected to an external power source, such as household electrical supply through a power plug. 
         [0045]    Again, the thermal body-care element includes a container includes a base formed of a thermally insulating material and a thermally conductive cap. The container may also include additional thermal insulating surfaces, such as the external sleeve. A representative, non-limiting list of useful thermally insulating materials includes polymeric and other organic materials, ceramic materials, and the like. Preferred thermally insulating materials have low thermal and electrical conductivity, such as polymers and ceramics, and are dimensionally stable. 
         [0046]    Thermally conductive materials useful for the cap and other thermally conductive elements of the container may be formed of any thermally conductive material. A representative, non-limiting list of useful thermally conductive materials includes thermally conductive polymeric materials, metals, and the like. Preferred thermally conductive materials include thermally conductive polymers that have low electrical conductivity. 
         [0047]    The thermal energy storage medium is used to store the heat generated by the heat source while it is connected to the external power source and to release the heat to the body-care surface during use. Preferably, the thermal energy storage medium has a high heat storage density. There are three main physical ways for thermal energy storage: sensible heat, phase change reactions and thermo-chemical reactions. Sensible heat storage is based on the temperature change in the material and the unit storage capacity is equal to heat capacitance x temperature change. Sensible heat systems generally have a large thermal mass or require a large temperature range. 
         [0048]    Phase change heat storage results when a material changes its phase while heating; the heat stored in the phase change is dissipated during cooling of the material as the phase change is reversed. The storage capacity of the phase change materials is equal to the phase change enthalpy at the phase change temperature +sensible heat stored over the whole temperature range of the storage. 
         [0049]    Phase change systems generally have a much higher energy storage density than sensible heat storage systems. 
         [0050]    Therefore, one preferred form of thermal energy storage medium is a phase change material. Preferred phase change materials have high latent heat of fusion per unit mass (increases energy storage density), high specific heat that provides additional sensible heat storage effect, high thermal conductivity, high density, and most significantly, a melting point at the desired operating temperature range. Additional considerations include safety (non-flammable, non-poisonous, non-explosive), non-corrosive, no chemical decomposition. Classes of phase change materials include organic and inorganic materials. Organic materials include, without limitation, waxes such as paraffins (C n H 2n+2 ) and fatty acids (CH 3 —(CH 2 ) 2n )—COOH) such as lauric acid, stearic acid, pentaglycerine. These materials generally are chemically stable, have a high heat of fusion, are safe, are non-reactive, and are recyclable. However, they may suffer from relatively low thermal conductivity in their solid state, their volumetric latent heat storage capacity is relatively low; they may be flammable. In particular, paraffin waxes are available from many commercial sources. These waxes generally do not have a distinct melting point temperature. Rather, they have a melting point range. For example, one material available from Strahl &amp; Pitsch, Inc. West Babylon, N.Y., USA has a melting point range (Melting Point Open Cap. Tube USP Class II) of 122-127° F. (50-53° C.). Other paraffin waxes may have a melting point range of up to 69-73° C. 
         [0051]    One issue identified above in phase change material systems is significant change in volume in during the phase change and/or chemical reaction. Therefore, it may be desirable to employ a “pressure block”  411  (shown in  FIG. 5C ) or material that is capable of expanding or contracting to volume changes that can be created by an air pocket or the thermal energy storage medium. The pressure block  411  can be a separate item, attached to the cup or an integrated into the molding process of the thermal body care element. Another purpose of the pressure block is to help maintain the thermal energy storage medium in a specific location such as against the electric heater or on one side of the thermal body care element. 
         [0052]    The thermal energy storage medium can be selected for its operating temperature range. Generally, a sensible heat system will be operable over a very broad temperature range—a range over which it does not change phase. A phase change system will have particularly usefulness when the operating temperature range spans the phase change temperature—especially a phase change temperature near and/or slightly above the desired heat application temperature 
         [0053]    The amount of thermal energy storage medium used in the thermal body-care element will be determined by the available volume and the desired heat capacity of the thermal body-care element. In one preferred embodiment for use in a handheld device having a motion-generating system may include about 1 to about 5 g of a wax or wax mixture. More preferably, this embodiment may include about 1 to about 3 g of the wax or wax mixture. 
         [0054]    In alternative embodiments, such as the hot stone shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , described above, the amount of wax may be increased. For example, one size of hot stone may include about 2 to about 12 g wax or wax mixture, and more preferably, between about 3 and about 10 g of the wax or wax mixture. 
         [0055]    Supplemental body-care component  46  may be a pad or other element that is capable of transferring heat from the heat-generating element  41  and that is placed in association with the body-care surface  42 . The supplemental body-care component  46  may be mated to the body-care surface  42  and may include a securing surface for contacting a coupling structure  47  of the body-care surface  42  to temporarily secure the supplemental body-care component  46  to the body-care surface  42  during operation of the device. As discussed above, the securing surface may be engaged by the coupling structure. 
         [0056]    Alternatively, the supplemental body-care component  46  may be held in place during operation of the device via any number of suitable mechanical or magnetic components (not shown), such as clamps, snaps, adhesive, and the like may be used to facilitate the attachment and detachment of the supplemental body-care component  46 . 
         [0057]    In one preferred embodiment, the supplemental body-care component  46  is or includes a porous material, such as a porous sheet. The pores may be capable of transporting liquid from within the supplemental body-care component  46  to a skin-contactable surface thereof. The sheet may be fibrous and/or film-based (e.g., may include fibrous and/or plastic film materials, such as one or more layers of these materials). The layers of material may be relatively rigid or relatively compliant and may serve one or more functions such as enhancement of friction by the skin-contactable surface on the skin, transport of sebum away from the skin, transport of various cleansers and/or benefit agents, as described below, towards the skin so that they may provide some benefit thereto, among other functions. Suitable fibrous materials that may be used include those based from organic polymers such as, for example, polyester, polyolefin, rayon, cellulose such as from wood pulp, bicomponent fibers, and other combinations thereof. The fibers are woven or non-woven and arranged in a network via, for example, a carding process, and bonded via, for example, an air-through bonding, chemical bonding, or an embossing process. The layer of fibrous material may include binders such as organic resins or other ingredients to manipulate the mechanical or fluid management properties thereof. The layer of fibrous material may have a basis weight that supports the layer to maintain its mechanical integrity for one or more uses of the supplemental body-care component  46 . The basis weight may be, for example, between about 10 grams per square meter (gsm) and about 100 gsm, such as between about 40 gsm and about 60 gsm. 
         [0058]    Alternatively, the supplemental body-care component  46  may have massaging protrusions, oriented fibers (such as a brush or dilour surface), and/or a coated surface. However, it may be desirable to have the massaging protrusions and/or coated surface be the body-care surface  42 , itself. 
         [0059]    In one embodiment of the invention, the supplemental body-care component  46  includes one or more cleansers and/or benefit agents. Various cleansers are known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the chosen cleanser (if any) is not critical to the operation of the present invention. What is meant by an “benefit agent” is a compound (e.g., a synthetic compound or a compound isolated from a natural source) that has a cosmetic or therapeutic effect on the skin including, but not limited to, lightening agents, darkening agents such as self-tanning agents, anti-acne agents, shine control agents, anti-microbial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, antifungals, anti-parasite agents, external analgesics, sunscreens, photoprotectors, antioxidants, keratolytic and exfoliating agents, surfactants, moisturizers, nutrients, vitamins, energy enhancers, anti-perspiration agents, astringents, deodorants, hair growth inhibitors, anti hair-loss agents, hair growth promoters, hair removers, skin-firming agents, anti-callous agents, anti-aging agents such as anti-wrinkle agents, skin conditioning agents, allergy inhibitors, antiseptics, external analgesics, antipruritics, antihistamines, antiinfectives, anticholinergics, vasoconstrictors, vasodilators, wound-healing promoters, peptides, polypeptides, proteins, deodorants, anti-perspirants, film-forming polymers, counterirritants, enzymes, enzyme inhibitors, poison ivy treatment agents, poison oak treatment agent, burn treatment agents; anti-diaper rash treatment agents; prickly heat agents; botanical extracts including herbal extracts; flavenoids; sensates; anti-oxidants, keratolytics; sunscreens; and anti-edema agents; and combinations thereof. 
         [0060]    What is meant by a “botanical extract” is a blend of two or more compounds isolated from a plant. Examples of botanical extracts include, but are not limited to legumes such as Soy, Aloe Vera, Feverfew, Hedychium, Rhubarb, Portulaca, Cedar Tree, Cinnamon, Witch Hazel, Dandelion, Chinese Angelica, Turmeric, Ginger, Burnet, Houttuynia, Coix Seed, and Thyme. 
         [0061]    In one embodiment of the invention, the benefit agent is designed for application on the forehead region and includes, but is not limited to: oil-control agents such as titanium dioxides, alcohols, botanical extracts, and talc; pore refining agents such as alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, and enzymes; anti-acne agents such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, trichlorcarban, triclosan, azelaic acid, clindamycin, adapalene, erythromycin, sodium sulfacetamide, retinoic acid, and sulfur; oil-absorbing agents such as titanium dioxides and clays; shine control agents such as silicones, alcohols, talc, and clays; dark spot reduction agents such as vitamin C, hydroquinone, botanical extracts, alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, and retinoids; and/or wrinkle/fine-line reduction agents such as retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids, and enzymes. 
         [0062]    In another embodiment of the invention, the benefit agent is designed for application around the mouth and includes, but is not limited to: hydration/moisturization agents such a glycerin, silicone, glycols, botanical extracts, and esters; pore-refining agents; anti-acne agents; vasodilators such as niacinamide and horsechesnut extract; vasoconstrictors such as caffeine and botanical extracts; skin-lifting agents such as (e.g., copper containing peptides, dimethyaminoethanol, and polymers); skin-firming polymers; wrinkle/fine-line reduction agents; depigmenting/skin lightening agents such as vitamin C, hydroquinone, botanical extracts, alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, retinoids, arbutin, and kojic acid; and depilatory/hair reducing agents such as soy extracts, n-acetyl-cysteine, and isoflavones. 
         [0063]    In order to use the system of the present invention, a user may connect the energizer stand  50  to household current through plug  51 . In a preferred embodiment, the user would power the system by pressing the energizing circuit switch  54  to enable electrical current to flow into the thermal body-care element  40 . When the thermal body-care element  40  is fully energized to provide the desired heat, a signal may alert the user to remove the handheld skincare device  10  from the energizer stand  50 . 
         [0064]    If desired, the optional, supplemental body-care component  46  may be applied to the body-care surface  42  of the thermal body-care element  40 . In addition, the supplemental body-care component  46  may be moistened or wetted by running under tap water. The supplemental body-care component may be applied any time before use. For example, the supplemental body-care component  46  may be applied before energizing the thermal body-care element  40 , or it may be applied after the thermal body-care element  40  has been fully energized and heated, immediately prior to application to the user&#39;s skin. 
         [0065]    The motion-generating system  30  can be activated by the user, and the skin care device  10  can be moved about in contact with the user&#39;s skin for the desired effect. 
         [0066]    One way to make the thermal body-care element  40  of  FIG. 5  is shown in  FIG. 13 . A thermally-insulating, cylindrical cup  401  having two chambers is formed of plastic and has external threads. A PTC heater  404  is secured to the plastic base of the first chamber  402 . 
         [0067]    A thermally conductive cap  406  has walls  406   a  arranged and configured to line the first chamber of the cup  401  when assembled. A flange  406   b  extends from the top surface of cap  406  into the second chamber  403  of the cup  401 . A thermal switch  408  and safety cut-off switch  409  are secured to the flange to enable them to sense and control the temperature in the first chamber  402  via the thermal conductivity of the cap  406 . 
         [0068]    A gasket  48 , such as an o-ring, is disposed on the top of the cup  401 , and the cap  406  with the thermal switch and safety cut-off switch mounted on the flange is placed on the cup  401 . The heater, thermal switch and safety cut-off switch are electrically interconnected, e,g, via insulated wires that pass through the wall  401   a  dividing the two chambers, in an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit also has electrical contacts  23 ″  410  to engage the external power source. 
         [0069]    An optional coupling structure  47 , such as plastic hooks may be adhered to a portion of the body-care surface  42  of the cap  406 , and a threaded external sleeve  407  of the thermal body-care element  40  is screwed onto the external threads of the cup  401  to complete the container  43 . A thermal energy storage medium  405 , such as wax, can be injected through a port into the enclosed first chamber, and the port can be sealed to complete the assembly. 
         [0070]    The foregoing is only one way to make the thermal body-care element of the present invention. Persons of ordinary skill will recognize various alternatives of assembling the inventive thermal body-care element. 
       EXAMPLES 
     Example 1 
       [0071]    The following is an example of the determination of the mass of paraffin wax needed to provide a desired amount of heat for a predetermined period of time. For this example, the values are approximate and rounded to no more than 2 significant figures. In this example, we show a process to determine the system necessary to heat a wetted pad (2 grams of water held by a small nonwoven pad) from 20° C. to 40° C. and providing that heat for 120 seconds. Based upon the mass of water, temperature range, duration of heat and an assumed 50% efficiency in transferring heat to the wetted pad, we determined that 450 Joules (“J”) of energy was required. 
         [0072]    In this example, we used a paraffin wax having a specific heat of about 2000 J/(kg-° C.) in the liquid phase, about 1000 J/(kg-° C.) in the solid phase, and a heat of fusion of about 210000 J/kg, and a melting point range of about 53-57° C. We assumed an initial liquid phase temperature of about 60° C., and a final solid phase temperature of about 40° C. when used to warm the wetted pad. In order to provide the 450 J to the pad, we determined that about 0.002 kg (2 g) of the wax was required. 
         [0073]    In order to store 450 J of thermal energy in 2 g of the paraffin wax, we determined the amount of electrical energy necessary to heat 2 g of the paraffin wax from an initial solid phase temperature of 20° C. to a final liquid phase temperature of about 55-60° C. In order to minimize the electrical energy required, we chose to maximize thermal transfer efficiencies by using an internal electric heater surrounded by the wax. Based upon assumed operating efficiencies and assumed thermal transfer efficiencies, we determined the electrical energy required to store 450 J of thermal energy in 2 g of the wax to be about 1000 J. Finally, we set a target time to heat the wax of 90 seconds. Therefore, the electrical power necessary to provide and store the heat energy is 1050 J/90 s, or about 12 Watts (“W”). 
         [0074]    In order to determine whether the energy source to provide the necessary electrical power [Power (W)=Voltage (V)*Current (I)] could have been provided in the cordless, handheld skin-care device, we made the following assumptions and calculations. Assuming a 1.5 V single cell battery is used, the current necessary to generate 12 W would be: 
         [0000]      12 W=1.5 V* I,    
         [0000]      or 
         [0000]        I= 12 W/1.5 V, 
         [0000]      or 
         [0000]      I=8 Amps 
         [0075]    As AA batteries operate in the range of milliamps (“mA”), a large number of AA batteries would be required. Larger capacity batteries are too large and heavy and/or too expensive. Therefore, an external power source, such as at 120 VAC, was selected. At 120 VAC, the required current would be orders of magnitude lower: 
         [0000]        I= 12 W/120 V, 
         [0000]      or 
         [0000]        I= 0.1 Amps(100 mA) 
         [0000]    Thus, the external power source permits the use of low currents and consequently smaller components. 
       Example 2 
       [0076]    The following is an example of the determination of the mass of paraffin wax needed for an embodiment of a hot stone for placement on skin for 10 to 30 minutes. 
         [0077]    Again, we used a paraffin wax having a specific heat of about 2000 J/(kg-° C.) in the liquid phase, about 1000 J/(kg-° C.) in the solid phase, and a heat of fusion of about 210000 J/kg, and a melting point range of about 53-57° C. We assumed an initial liquid phase temperature of about 60° C., and a final solid phase temperature of about 40° C. when used to warm the wetted pad. We also assumed that the heat energy was transferred to the skin at 1 J/sec or 1 W. Thus, for a duration of 10 minutes, 600 J of heat energy was required. For a duration of 30 minutes, 1800 J was required. This results in a mass of wax of about 2.5 g (10 minute application) to about 8 g (30 minute application). Of course, the electrical power required to heat and store the heat in the wax (and larger container) would be increased from Example 1. 
         [0078]    The specification and embodiments above are presented to aid in the complete and non-limiting understanding of the invention disclosed herein. Since many variations and embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.