Abstract:
A beauty care tool, beauty care utensil and a beauty care method is provided for enabling the easy performance of cooling massages of the skin and the widespread popularizing of cooling beauty care methods.  
     A liquid absorption member  5  having liquid absorbed therein, a holding part, and a retaining part  4  provided at one end portion of said holding part for retaining said liquid absorption part are provided, wherein this retaining part  4  retains this liquid absorption member  5  due to the integration and solidifying of the liquid entering into a space  7  formed by a through-hole with the liquid absorbed into the liquid absorption member  5.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 based upon Japanese Patent Application Serial No. 2004-201908, filed on Jul. 8, 2004. The entire disclosure of the aforesaid application is incorporated herein by reference.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to beauty care tools, beauty care utensils, and beauty care methods for use in beautifying through contacting the skin with a member having liquid absorbed therein.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     Conventionally, beauty care methods for tightening the skin, increasing the skin&#39;s blood circulation, and soothing of inflammation and the like, have been known among individuals such as women having a high aesthetic sense, persons such as actresses and models who are engaged in occupations where one&#39;s appearance has importance, and dermatosis patients. Such known beauty care methods involve the placement directly on the skin, of ice or a cold preserving material, or washing the face with cold water or ice water (including massages, beauty therapy, medical practices, and methods similar to those described below).  
         [0006]     Because this type of beauty care method involves cold water, ice or cold water retaining material directly touching the hand, during the winter season, it is difficult to repeat many times or to continue it for a long time.  
         [0007]     Additionally, when massaging while holding ice in one&#39;s hand, the body temperature from the hand quickly melts the ice. Such melted moisture causes discomfort because it flows down the arm and hand or drips on clothes. Also, the problem of the ice easily slipping down exists.  
         [0008]     Regarding such points, the following patent literature 6 (JP Utility Model No. 3004286 Publication) proposes a beauty care utensil, where a tip of a handle is dipped into an ice making box filled with water and frozen, so that the handle and ice become integrated.  
         [0009]     This beauty care utensil does not require the direct manual holding of the ice. However, it still involves a direct placement of the ice on the skin, and the ice can easily melt. The melted moisture causes discomfort by flowing down the face and also, it cannot be associated with usage over a long time period.  
         [0010]     Additionally, because the cold preserving material does not slide well on the skin, it is difficult to perform cooling beauty care while sliding it on the skin. In particular, if the cold preserving material is covered with a cloth or such to alleviate the coldness, the cooling effect is lessened, and sliding over the skin becomes further worsened.  
         [0011]     Furthermore, this cooling beauty care method is effective for massaging the nose and its environs, which have pores that open easily. But, when using the above-mentioned cold preserving material, because the closed-up container is typically formed of a bar or sphere having a thickness, it is difficult to make the cold preserving material fit detailed portions such as the surrounding areas of the nose.  
         [0012]     Also, there exists a method where skin lotion is cooled with cold storage or the like, and then a patting motion is performed. Despite a momentary feeling of pleasant coolness, the skin lotion is quickly warmed up by the body temperature or air temperature, and the resulting tightening effect is weak. Still further, due to its motion by the fingers, the cotton puff or the like having the skin lotion easily distorts or forms fuzzy surfaces and also, rapid evaporation occurs. Thus, a sufficient wetness retaining effect cannot be attained.  
         [0013]     Beauty care utensils that cover the face with refrigerated/cooled, cold preserving materials or the like, as in patent literatures 1 (JP Tokkai Publication No. 2003-299688), 3 (JP Tokkai Publication No. H04-032714) and 7 (JP Jikkai H04-032714), cannot perform localized massages of detailed portions such as the surroundings of the nose. Also, an upward facing pose or the like must be maintained in order to hold the beauty care utensil, resulting in a problem regarding simplicity.  
         [0014]     A facial beauty device that places against the face a cooling part that has been cooled with a pelche element or the like, such as in patent literatures 4 (JP Tokkai H05-237147) and 5 (JP Tokkai H04-092663), has also been proposed. However, this kind of facial beauty device is heavy and large compared to the above-mentioned ice or cold preserving materials, and it is not easy to use for a long period of time while holding it in one hand.  
         [0015]     Also, because this kind of facial beauty device cannot hold moisture, the sliding over the skin is poor, and if persons having weak skin use it for a long time, a reverse fear of damaging the skin exists. Furthermore, in cases where the cooling plate is made of metal in order to improve the cooling effect, there is also a fear of causing metal allergies and the like.  
         [0016]     Due to the above-mentioned problems, although the above-mentioned beauty care method is known to be preferable for the skin, it has currently not popularized as a beauty care method performed by the general public on daily basis.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0017]     The object of the present invention is to provide a beauty care utensil, a beauty care tool and beauty care method, which solves the above-mentioned problems and easily performs a cooling beauty care of the skin, while widely popularizing the above-mentioned beauty care method.  
         [0018]     It is embodied in the present invention, a beauty care tool for contacting a liquid absorption member, having absorbed therein a liquid, to a skin, having a holding part, and a retaining part provided at one end portion of the holding part, for retaining the liquid absorption member, wherein the retaining part uses any of a through-hole, a concave part, or a convex part for forming a space where a part of the liquid absorbed in said liquid absorption member enters or remains. It is thus embodied in the present invention, a beauty care tool and a beauty care utensil respectively provided with the liquid absorption member, as well as a beauty care method using the beauty care utensil.  
         [0019]     According to the present invention, by using a through-hole, a concave part or a convex portion of the retaining part arranged at an end of the holding part, one can hold a member that has absorbed liquids such as water, skin lotion, and liquid cosmetics. Thus, one can apply the above-mentioned cooling beauty care without the hand&#39;s directly touching the liquid. Consequently, the user does not have to put up with coldness at the time of operation, and the liquid temperature is not raised by the hand&#39;s body temperature.  
         [0020]     In particular, in cases of use where the liquid is refrigerated or cooled and solidified, a part of the liquid soaked into the liquid absorption member enters or remains in the space of the retaining part. In this state, because that liquid connects and solidifies with the liquid remaining in the liquid absorption member, the liquid absorption member can be firmly locked to the retaining part (the beauty care tool).  
         [0021]     Additionally, compared to liquid at a normal temperature, this further improves the tightening of the skin. Due to a difficulty in evaporation, one can conduct the application slowly, while cooling the skin over a long period of time. Furthermore, this involves the refrigeration and such of the liquid absorption member as a whole, rather than refrigerating/cooling the liquid independently. Thus, a refreshing application feeling, such as the sliding on the cheek of piled up fresh snow, can be provided.  
         [0022]     Still further, the liquid that slowly melts due to the skin&#39;s body temperature exhibits the function of a lubricant. Because this provides good sliding between the skin and the liquid absorption member, irritation to the skin is controlled to a minimum, and degradation of the liquid absorption member and shape alterations of the contacting surface are kept to a minimum.  
         [0023]     A part of the melted liquid is absorbed again by the liquid absorption member. Accordingly, the liquid is familiarized with the skin a little at a time, and the flowing down of the melted liquid is efficiently prevented.  
         [0024]     Consequently, it is possible to achieve skin cooling and preserve wetting by using one liquid absorption member for a comparatively long period of time.  
         [0025]     As thus described, in the case where the liquid is refrigerated, the liquid itself that is soaked into the liquid absorption member functions as a locking member with the retaining part. Simultaneously, beauty care effects and convenience of use are improved, making it highly optimal.  
         [0026]     Also, because the beauty care tool and beauty care utensil of the present invention does not use electricity, etc., there are no harmful influences from electromagnetic waves, etc. The part that directly touches the skin uses the liquid absorption member, being a cotton puff and the like, for cosmetic purposes. Thus, one need not worry about metal allergies, etc. and cooling beauty care can be accomplished safely and easily.  
         [0027]     Still further, unlike the sliding of ice alone, over-sliding can be controlled through the proper frictional drag of the liquid absorption member. Thus, it is possible to draw up the skin of the cheeks, the corners of the eyes and the like, and one can expect preventions or improvements, etc. regarding skin slackening, as well. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0028]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment concerning the beauty care utensil of the present invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 2  is a partial, sectional view of the same.  
         [0030]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of the same.  
         [0031]      FIG. 4  is a partial, sectional view of a second embodiment concerning the beauty care utensil of the present invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 5  is a plan view and a side sectional view of a third embodiment concerning the beauty care utensil of the present invention.  
         [0033]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of a main part and a side sectional view of a fourth embodiment concerning the beauty care utensil of the present invention.  
         [0034]      FIG. 7  is a plan view of an alternative example concerning the beauty care utensil of the present invention, and a perspective view of the liquid absorption member of the alternative example.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0035]     The preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained as follows, in accordance with the practical examples shown in the drawings.  
       EXAMPLE 1  
       [0036]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment regarding the beauty care utensil of the present invention;  FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the same; and  FIG. 3  is a plan view of a condition where one side (the bottom side) of the retaining part has the liquid absorption member installed thereon.  
         [0037]     This beauty care utensil  1  comprises a utensil body (beauty care tool)  2  having a holding part  3  and a flat plate-shaped retaining part  4  integrally arranged at one end of the holding part  3 . Elliptically-shaped liquid absorption members  5  are removably affixed onto both faces of said retaining part  4 .  
         [0038]     In order to make it difficult for the body temperature of the user to conduct to the retaining part  4  or to the liquid absorption member  5 , said holding part  3  is formed of material with a low coefficient of thermal conductivity, such as wood, rubber, or synthetic resin and the like. Material that can withstand heating and freezing is preferable.  
         [0039]     The holding part  3  can be formed in a variety of shapes, such as a spherical-shape, cylindrical-shape, frame-shaped, or with surfaces having irregularities. Additionally, coatings of antibacterial agents, etc. can be applied, and aromatics and the like can be place in the interior spaces.  
         [0040]     Said retaining part  4  is formed of an elliptically-shaped material of a metal and the like having a high coefficient of thermal conductivity, or a resin, etc. An insertion end part  4   a , shown by dashed lines in the drawing, is inserted into the holding part  3  and is integrated with the holding part  3  by adhesion/threaded attachment and the like.  
         [0041]     Regarding the retaining part  4 , it can be plate-shaped, spherical-shaped, pole-shaped, a many-sided shape, or a rotatable roller-shape. It is possible to suitably employ something having an antibacterial effect, or something made of germanium, titanium, etc. that can be expected to have a positive effect on the human body.  
         [0042]     The holding part  3  and the retaining part  4  are formed to be freely releasable. As will be stated later, one can make it so that at the time of freezing the liquid, only the retaining part  4  and the liquid absorption member  5  are cooled, and the beauty care utensil  1  is assembled together at the time of use. In this way, it is not necessary to use a wide space for cooling, and if any component deteriorates, exchanging it becomes easy, as well.  
         [0043]     Furthermore, making it freely releasable allows it to meet the demand for exchangeability according to the type of liquid used by each individual. Also, it becomes possible to allocate the usage according to objectives or parts, when employing a plurality of different shapes and sizes of retaining parts  4 .  
         [0044]     Said retaining part  4  has many through-holes  6  formed in it. If for example the retaining part  4  has a longer axis of about 5 cm, the through-hole  6  can be formed as a circle having a diameter of around 1-6 mm. The geometry, size, number and arrangement of the through-holes  6  can be appropriately changed while including a drainage form. For example, it is possible for the interior to have an expanding diameter or to communicate with other through-holes.  
         [0045]     Liquid absorption members  5  are stuck to both sides of the retaining part  4 , and the beauty care utensil  1  is cooled in a state where a part of the liquid absorbed in the liquid absorption member  5  on the top surface penetrates into the spaces  7  formed by the through-holes  6 . Due to this, the liquid filling up the inside of each space  7 , the liquid remaining behind in the liquid absorption member  5  on the top part, and the liquid absorbed in the liquid absorption member  5  on the bottom part are cooled/frozen/expanded, etc. and solidified in a unified manner (including an increase in viscosity or gelatinization). Thus, the liquid absorption member  5  becomes firmly affixed to the retaining part  4 . Additionally, the spaces may be formed by means of bottomed concave parts.  
         [0046]     For the liquid soaked into the liquid absorption member  5 , water, skin lotion, liquid cosmetics, or foundation, and also, various liquids that provide a beauty effect, fair skin effect, cosmetics effect, etc. can be used singly or combined together. Additionally, it is possible to employ a matter which, even if at room temperature is a solid or a fluid having a high viscosity, it liquifies and lowers viscosity when heated to around body temperature.  
         [0047]     In that case, after heating and being absorbed by the liquid absorption member  5 , it is returned to room temperature. Consequently, the liquid cools/solidifies and the liquid absorption member  5  becomes held to the retaining part  4 . At the time of use, due to the liquid absorption member  5  touching the skin, the solidified matter slowly melt at body temperature and gets applied to the skin.  
         [0048]     Said liquid absorption member  5  has a material/construction to enable the appropriate retention of liquid. Since it directly contacts the skin, it should be selected to avoid causing allergies, to provide lesser irritations to the skin, and to have material qualities that are healthy.  
         [0049]     For example, one can suitably adopt cottons or silks that are conventionally widely used in cosmetics, puffs from natural materials such as silk, etc., gauzes for medical treatment use, nonwoven fabrics, elastic materials such as sponges, etc., or cloths using microfibers (super extra-fine fibers) that can easily wipe off dirt on the skin from its deeper parts. Also, materials that have beauty care/medical treatment effects when sliding over the skin may be suitably employed.  
         [0050]     Additionally, these materials can be combined with animal or plant extract components of collagen, herbal essences, olive oil, etc., fragrance components, acid or acidity components, nutritional components of coenzyme Q10 or vitamins, etc., placentas, skin beautifying components of hyaluronic acid, etc., minerals of tolmarin, germanium, etc., charcoal, things that cause anionizing, and the like can be combined to further raise the beauty care effects.  
         [0051]     Also, in considering the lessening of irritations to the skin, adhesion to the retaining part  4 , adhesion between the members  5  and the like, the geometry of the liquid absorption members  5  is formed to have an elliptical shape or circular shape that is a little larger than the retaining part  4 .  
         [0052]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the edge parts  5   a ,  5   a  of the liquid absorption members  5  are adhered to each other. This allows the edge parts  5   a ,  5   a , in a respectively adhered state, to solidify and harden making separation from the retaining part  4  difficult.  
         [0053]     As one example, if the retaining part  4  has an elliptical shape with a longer axis of 5 cm and a shorter axis of 3 cm, the liquid absorption member  5  can be formed to have a circular shape or an elliptical shape with a diameter of 4-8 cm. Additionally, it is desirable for the thickness of the liquid absorption member  5  to be around 4-6 mm in a condition prior to absorbing the liquid.  
         [0054]     The shape, size and thickness of the liquid absorption member  5  can be suitably changed depending on the type or quantity of the liquid to be absorbed, the positioning in which it will be used, etc. Furthermore, it is possible to retain liquid absorption members  5  having differing shapes/materials on each respective side of the retaining part  4 .  
         [0055]     Then again, it is possible for a long sash-shaped liquid absorption member  5  to be retained on the retaining part  4  by winding it around in many layers; or to fold into two a large-sized liquid absorption member  5  and place the retaining part  4  in between; or to cover the retaining part  4  with a bag-shaped liquid absorption member  5  having an opening at one end part. Furthermore, a plurality of identical or differently shaped liquid absorption members  5 , either laminated or juxtaposed to each other, can also be used.  
         [0056]     In the present embodiment, a liquid absorption member  5  having absorbed therein a differing liquid is retained at each respective side of the retaining part  4 . For example, one side may have water and the many other sides may have skin lotion or liquid cosmetics, etc. By changing the sides of the retaining part  4 , one can easily achieve different beauty care effects.  
         [0057]     A method of use of a beauty care tool arranged in this manner will be explained as follows.  
         [0058]     Additionally, the following explains a case where the liquid absorbed in the liquid absorption member  5  is frozen. However, the temperature for such cooling should be adjusted appropriately according to the nature of the liquid.  
         [0059]     First, liquid absorption members  5  having a suitable size/thickness and a liquid are prepared. After causing the liquid to be absorbed into the liquid absorption members  5 , the water surface tension is used to adhere them to both sides, respectively, of the retaining part  4  of the beauty care tool body  2 . Additionally, the liquid can also be dripped on and absorbed after positioning the liquid absorption member  5  at a predetermined position on the retaining part  4 .  
         [0060]     At this point, if the liquid amount is too great, when frozen, the liquid may concentrate at the bottom surface of the lower side of the liquid absorption member  5 . This may result in a concern that the smoothness of the liquid absorption member  5  may be decreased or that the liquid may leak out around the beauty care utensil  1 . For this reason, before freezing, it is desirable to make adjustments by squeezing out a liquid amount to a point where it does not drip out from the liquid absorption member  5 .  
         [0061]     Also, in a case where the liquid absorption member  5  is larger than the retaining part  4 , the edge parts  5   a ,  5   a  respectively should be stuck together through pressing with a finger, etc., or an edge part  5   a  can be made to stick through folding it over to the opposite side surface of the retaining part  4 .  
         [0062]     Accordingly, the entire peripheral portion of the retaining part  4  is covered by the liquid absorption member  5 . Thus, the top-bottom large wide surfaces and the peripheral portion of the retaining part  4  can be suitably used according to objectives or positions. For example, in portions desired to be cooled in a localized manner or narrow parts having unevenness such as the surroundings of the nose, it would be suitable to use the peripheral portion of the retaining part  4 .  
         [0063]     Subsequently, the liquid is frozen (solidified) through placing it for a fixed time in a below freezing point atmosphere, such as placing it in a freezer or the freezer chamber of the refrigerator, or keeping it near a coolant such as dry ice.  
         [0064]     At this point, it is desirable to store this beauty care utensil  1  in a case or box/bag that can be easily sealed, with the liquid absorption member  5  having a fixed direction/positioning to make it roughly level. This is to prevent deviations of the liquid, deformations of the liquid absorption member  5 , transfers of odors, etc. Additionally, because the retaining part  4  is arranged to be freely removable from the holding part  3  as described above, it is possible to miniaturize the case or box used for freezing, or to freeze a plurality of retaining parts  4  at once.  
         [0065]     Up to the point of freezing, the liquid absorbed in the upper side liquid absorption member  5  slowly penetrates into the spaces  7  formed by the many through-holes  6  of the retaining part  4 , and reaches the liquid absorption member  5  on the lower side. The freezing progresses in this condition, and the liquid within the through-holes  6  and the liquid remaining at the respective top-bottom liquid absorption member  5  become integrated, so that the liquid absorption members  5  become truly secured to the retaining part  4 .  
         [0066]     Around 1-3 hours should be sufficient freezing time. However, that can be adjusted suitably according to external air temperatures, the temperature of the freezer, amounts or types of liquids, user preferences, etc.  
         [0067]     The beauty care utensil  1  cooled in this manner is then removed from the freezer. If the surfaces of the liquid absorption members  5  are gritty from frost or ice, they should be left at room temperature for from dozens of seconds to several minutes.  
         [0068]     After confirming that the surfaces of the liquid absorption members  5  have become smooth, a liquid absorption member  5  is glided or patted over clean skin while holding the holding part  3 , after a face washing, and the cooling beauty care is provided. In particular, portions where the pore openings are of concern or areas where tightening is desired should be worked carefully.  
         [0069]     In this manner, by refrigerating the liquid within the liquid absorption member  5 , an excellent feeling and a refreshing application, like the shearing of the cheek with piled up fresh snow, can be provided. Additionally, because the liquid slowly melts out by the body temperature of the skin exhibits the function of a lubricant, the sliding between the liquid absorption member  5  and the skin is improved. Thus, irritations to the skin are kept to a minimum and also, deformations or the napping up of the liquid absorption member  5  is kept to a minimum.  
         [0070]     Furthermore, because a part of the melted liquid is re-absorbed by the liquid absorption member  5 , the liquid is consequently familiarized with the skin in small quantities at a time, and the flowing down of melted liquid is efficiently prevented.  
         [0071]     Because of this, it is possible to provide the cooling beauty care for a comparatively long time while using one liquid absorption member.  
         [0072]     Furthermore, through the refrigeration of the liquid, the liquid itself within the liquid absorption member  5  functions as a locking member with the retaining part  4 , and the effectiveness of the beauty care and convenience of use are also improved. Still further, through the ice within the many spaces  7 , the effective maintenance of cooling of the retaining part  4  and the liquid absorption member  5  can be continued for a long period of time.  
         [0073]     According to the measurements of the present inventor, with the beauty care utensil  1  of this practical example, a cooling beauty care of longer than 7 minutes at a lower than normal temperature is possible.  
         [0074]     Before employing this beauty care utensil  1 , it is effective to warm the skin, open the pores and remove dirt through face-washing with a bath or hot water, steaming the skin with warm towels, etc. By employing the beauty care utensil  1  to such cleaned skin, the entire face including details such as the nose and its environs, etc. can be effectively cooled and moistened.  
         [0075]     Additionally, such mild cooling stimulation promotes blood circulation and activates the metabolism. As a result, it becomes possible to effectively achieve aging prevention, improvement, and tightening of the pores and skin, related to stains, wrinkles, dullness, slackening, etc. Also, the beauty care utensil  1  of the present embodiment can be formed to be small-sized/lightweight, so that it can be conveniently stored or carried.  
       EXAMPLE 2  
       [0076]     Next, referring to  FIG. 4 , a second practical example of the present invention will be explained.  
         [0077]     Additionally, the arrangements that are the same as that described above will use the same numbering and will be omitted.  
         [0078]     The beauty care utensil  10  of this practical example has, as a characteristic point, a retaining member  14  for retaining the liquid absorption member  5  with a structure of layered top-bottom retaining members  14   a ,  14   b . A plurality of small-diameter through-holes  16   a ,  16   a  are formed in the upper layer retaining member  14   a , and a plurality of bottomed openings  16   b , having larger diameters than the through-holes  16   a , are formed in the lower retaining member  14   b . A characteristic point is that at least one part of a space  17   a  formed by the through-hole  16   a  communicates with a space  16   b  formed by the opening  16   b.    
         [0079]     With this type of structure, the liquid absorption member  5 , which has the liquid absorbed within and is shown in alternating long and short dashed lines in the figure, is cooled on the retaining part  14  (the upper layer&#39;s retaining member  14   a ). Thus, the liquid slowly penetrates into the spaces  17   a ,  17   b  and solidifies.  
         [0080]     As a result, the liquid which has entered into these spaces  17   a ,  17   b  integrates with the liquid remaining in the upper part&#39;s liquid absorption member  5  and solidifies in this condition. Because of this, the liquid absorption member  5  becomes firmly locked onto the retaining part  14 .  
         [0081]     Additionally, it may be desirable to form the through-holes  16   a  of the upper layer retaining member  14   a  and the holes  16   b  of the lower layer retaining member  14   b  to have roughly the same diameters, or to form the through-holes  16   a  and/or the holes  16   b  to be longer-length furrows, or still further, to make the shapes of the through-holes  16   a  and the holes  16   b  to be different.  
       EXAMPLE 3  
       [0082]     Next, referring to  FIG. 5 , a third practical example of the present invention will be explained.  
         [0083]     Additionally, the arrangements that are the same as the above-described practical examples 1, 2 will use the same numbering and will be omitted.  
         [0084]      FIG. 5A  is a plan view of the beauty care utensil  20  of the present embodiment, and  FIG. 5B  is a sectional view of  FIG. 5A  along line X-X.  
         [0085]     The beauty care utensil  20  of this practical example has as a characteristic point the formation, on roughly the entire surface of the retaining part  24 , of a plurality of furrows  26   a ,  26   b  extending up-down. As shown in  FIG. 5B , a characteristic point is that these furrows  26   a ,  26   b  are drilled to incline in different directions. In the example shown in the drawing, one part of the furrows  26   a ,  26   b  are bottomed, and the others are formed to penetrate to the reverse side.  
         [0086]     Also, although the 4 furrows  26   a  towards the right side of the drawing and the 4 furrows  26   b  towards the left side are drilled in different directions, the drilling directions may be modified randomly, as well. Still further, the furrows  26  may be made to extend laterally (the left-right directions in the drawing), or vertical-horizontal furrows may be mixed together.  
         [0087]     Again with this type of structure, as in the above-described practical examples 1, 2, liquid enters into the spaces  27   a ,  27   b  formed by each furrow  26   a ,  26   b  and freezes. Thus, the liquid absorption member  5  can be firmly locked onto the retaining part  24 .  
       EXAMPLE 4  
       [0088]     Next, referring to  FIG. 6 , a fourth practical example of the present invention will be explained.  
         [0089]     Additionally, the arrangements that are the same as the above-described practical examples 1-3 will use the same numbering and will be omitted.  
         [0090]      FIG. 6A  is a plan view of the beauty care tool  30  of the present embodiment, and  FIG. 6B  is a sectional view of  FIG. 6A  along line Y-Y.  
         [0091]     The beauty care utensil  30  of this practical example has as a characteristic point a retaining part  34 , having protrusions  36 ,  36  extending in the up-down directions of the drawing and formed respectively at the left-right edge portions of the retaining part  34 . Another characteristic point is that a large-size liquid absorption member  35  is folded together left-right to cover the entire retaining part  34 .  
         [0092]     As shown in  FIG. 6B , said protrusions  36  have end tips that bend towards the interior. Thus, between them and the flat surfaces of the retaining part  34 , spaces  37  are formed where the liquid absorbed in the liquid absorption member  35  can remain.  
         [0093]     This protrusion  36  can be integrally formed through injection molding, etc. at the time of formation of the retaining part  35 . It can also be made integral with the retaining part  34  through the depositing, etc. of a separate protrusion member.  
         [0094]     When said liquid absorption member  35  absorbs liquid and then is attached to the retaining part  34  by covering it, a part of the liquid collects in said remaining space  37 . When this liquid and the liquid remaining in the liquid absorption member  35  freeze and integrate, the frozen liquid is locked onto the end tips of said protrusions  36 , so that the liquid absorption member  35  becomes securely held onto the retaining part  34 .  
         [0095]     Additionally, the edge portions  35   a ,  35   a  of the folded over liquid absorption member  35  also freeze together and integrate, so that an even firmer locking occurs.  
       Alternative Example  
       [0096]     The present invention is not limited to each of the practical examples, and within the range wherein the main points of the invention are not altered, a variety of changes are possible.  
         [0097]     For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the retaining part  54  may have two connected circles which have a large-diameter through-hole  56  formed at each of the respective circles&#39; centers, thereby forming a figure-8 shape. In this case, as shown in  FIG. 7B , it is desirable to also form the liquid absorption member  55  as two connected circles, in a gourd-shape.  
         [0098]     The large-diameter through-hole may be bottomed and be a concave part. Accordingly, one can employ the beauty care utensil while keeping differing liquids in the resulting respective spaces  56 ,  56  and the liquid absorption member  55 .  
         [0099]     Additionally, it is possible to suitably combine the above-described plurality of practical examples or alternative example.  
         [0100]     Furthermore, it may also be good to have one part of the liquid absorption member adhere to or pinch, etc. the retaining part, so that it becomes fixed in advance of the solidifying the liquid.  
         [0101]     In such a case, it would be desirable to form the liquid absorption member of a material that can withstand repeated usage.  
         [0102]     Still further, the above description explains a beauty care utensil (beauty care tool) and beauty care method. However, the fields of application of the present invention should not be limited by the words “beauty care”.  
         [0103]     As examples, it is possible to take advantage of the present invention in the medical treatment and related fields, such as in the treatment and prevention of dermatosis and postoperative skin revival or cosmetic surgery. One can also take advantage of the present invention as a medical device or as a make-up tool, etc.