Patent Publication Number: US-2006010625-A1

Title: Cleansing system with disposable pads

Description:
This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. provisional application No. 60/587,657, filed Jul. 14, 2004. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present exemplary embodiments relate to skin cleaning devices. They find particular application in skin care product applicators and skin cleaning devices such as facial cleansers, and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the present exemplary embodiments are also amenable to other like applications.  
      2. Prior Art  
      The use of skin cleaning devices utilizing cleansing brushes or foam pads is known in the art. The devices heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations.  
      While prior art devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, these devices do not disclose a system and method for utilizing disposable pads with a cleaning device comprising a support tool such as, e.g., a self-actuating handle or a pad housing attached to a handle. And, additionally, prior art devices do not offer a method of touchlessly removing a soiled cleansing pad. Typically, in prior art devices, even those utilizing interchangeable, semi-permanent pads, a soiled pad must be touched during the removal procedure. For example, if the pad is affixed to the cleaning device by means of a hook-and-loop arrangement, such as Velcro for example, the user&#39;s hand is not necessarily in contact with the pad during use, however, the user removes the pad after use by grabbing the pad to remove it from the cleaning device, touching the operative side of the pad in the process. Unfortunately, after using the cleaning device for cleansing the skin, or for exfoliating the skin, the operative side of the pad, the side in contact with the facial skin, is no longer clean, and may be contaminated with bacteria, detritus, residue from previously applied cosmetics or medications, etc. Further, the user may contaminate the working area, such as the counter top, sink, etc.  
      The problem is exacerbated when commercially available pads or cleansing pillows currently available in the retail market are used. Examples of such include cleansing pads or pillows include Dove® Face Care Essential Nutrients cleansing pillows or Olay® Daily Facial Pillows. When these are utilized, the user usually pre-wets the pad, and then holds the pad with their fingers as the facial cleansing is performed. Because the pads are in direct contact with the face and the hand, cleansing agents, water and contaminants tend to run down the user&#39;s hand, creating an uncomfortable and unsanitary situation for the user. The pad is intended to then be disposed. Further, because the user is relying on their hands to manipulate and control the pad, the user finds it very difficult, if hot impossible, to obtain an even application or exfoliating.  
      In these respects, the skin cleaning device according to the present application substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus that provides a means of overcoming the above-described problems while also beneficially providing separation of the user&#39;s hand from the cleansing pad during use.  
      Applicant is aware of U.S. Patents which may be considered relevant to the invention described herein, but which have shortcomings and problems which are solved by the present application. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,640,462 to Stearns, III describes a handheld water driven shower massager. The water driven shower massager provides a means for releasably securing pads to the device, however, no specific means of attaching or removing the pads is described or provided. Further, The device, being water driven, is not an electric device and requires attachment to a shower head during normal use, and would not be suitable for the applications described herein.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 6,178,970 to Purifoy et al. describes a portable personal grooming device which utilizes a removably attached sandpaper or massaging sheet. However, each sandpaper or massaging sheet is peeled from a release liner prior to use, requiring some form of contact by the user before and after use.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,289 to Herbert describes a skin cleaning device for removing dirt, oils and dead skin. The device utilizes washable cleaning cloth pads, however, the multi-use pads are attached to a disk in a sock-like fashion by means of an elastic member attached to a periphery edge of each pad. Removal of soiled cloth pads would normally involve touching the used pad.  
      Thus there is a need for a means for conveniently, and more effectively, utilizing disposable, one-time use pads with a skin cleaning device, and with vibrating, oscillating or rotating cleaning devices (facializers) in particular.  
      There is also an additional need for a means for removing disposable pads from a skin cleaning device without contacting contaminated or soiled portions of the used pads, particularly with reference to vibrating, oscillating or rotating facializers.  
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION  
      In accordance with one embodiment of the present application, there is provided a support tool for holding disposable pads. The support tool includes a handle for supporting the pads during use, and a pad gripper system for actuation by a user of the tool to either attach a disposable pad to the handle or to release a previously attached disposable pad from the handle.  
      In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, there is provided a method of exfoliating or cleansing facial skin. The method comprises attaching a disposable pad to a pad housing attached to a handle of a cleansing system by utilizing a grabbing mechanism, moving the affixed disposable pad on the facial skin with moderate pressure, and releasing the disposable pad from the cleansing system by utilizing the grabbing mechanism.  
      In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, there is provided a cleansing system package. The package comprises a cleansing device, a plurality of disposable cleansing pads, and a container holding the cleansing device and the plurality of disposable cleansing pads. The cleansing device includes a handle for holding the cleansing system during use, a pad housing attached to the handle, and a pad gripper, wherein a user of the cleansing system utilizes the pad gripper to attach one of the plurality of disposable cleansing pads to the pad housing after releasing any previously attached disposable cleansing pad. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cleansing system and a disposable pad according to the present application;  
       FIG. 2  is a partially exposed view of the cleansing system of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a cleansing system according to the present application;  
       FIG. 4  is a side sectional view of one embodiment of a cleansing system according to the present application;  
       FIG. 5  is a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of a cleansing system according to the present application;  
       FIG. 6  is a sectional view a gimbaled pad housing mounting according to an embodiment of the cleansing system of the present application;  
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a partially exposed embodiment of a cleansing system utilizing a plurality of grabber carriages according to the present application;  
       FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of a portion of the cleansing system of  FIG. 7  in an attached position;  
       FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of a portion of the cleansing system of  FIG. 7  in a detached position;  
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an engagement mechanism suitable for use in the cleansing system of  FIG. 7 ;  
       FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an engagement mechanism suitable for use in the cleansing system of  FIG. 7 ;  
       FIG. 10B  is a side view of an spring detent mechanism suitable for use in the embodiment of  FIG. 10B ;  
       FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a cleansing system according to the present application;  
       FIG. 12A  is a side view of a grabber hook assembly suitable for use in the cleansing system of  FIG. 11 ;  
       FIG. 12B  is an end view of the grabber hook assembly of  FIG. 12A ;  
       FIG. 13A  is a view of an opened cleansing system showing an arrangement suitable for use in the cleansing system of  FIG. 11 ;  
       FIG. 13B  is a partial exploded view of the assembled cleansing system of  FIG. 13B ;  
       FIG. 14  is an exploded perspective view of another alternate embodiment of a cleansing system according to the present application;  
       FIG. 15  is a top view of a cleansing system including a try-me button according to the present application;  
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of alternate grabber prongs suitable for use in the cleansing system of  FIGS. 1-10B ;  
       FIG. 17  is a sectional view of an oscillating/rotating cleansing device according to an embodiment of the present application;  
       FIG. 18  is a side schematic view of combined packaging of the cleansing system and disposable pads according to the present application; and  
       FIG. 19  is a front schematic view of combined packaging of the cleansing system and disposable pads according to the present application. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      With reference to  FIG. 1 , a vibrating facializer  10  according to the present application is shown. The vibrating facializer  10  generally comprises a support tool for a disposable cleansing pad and includes a handle  12  and a pad support  14  for securing and supporting the disposable pad  16 . Preferred and alternate methods of securing disposable pad  16  to the pad support  14  are described in detail in the following description. In one embodiment, the pad support  14  further comprises a pad housing  18  attached to the handle  12 , a forward flexible pad housing extension  20  and a rear flexible extension  22 . Also shown in the figure is a thumb slide  24  and grabber carriage  25  attached to the pad housing  18  for attaching a disposable pad  16  and releasing the disposable pad  16  from the vibrating facializer  10 . The handle  12  is hinged at the pad housing  18  by hinge mechanism  23 , or is rigidly attached to the pad housing  18 . Also shown in the figure is a gripping rail  26  which is described in more detail in the following description. A second gripping rail  27  is provided on the opposite side of the pad support  14 .  
      With reference now to  FIG. 2 , a partially exposed view of the vibrating facializer  10  is shown. In the figure, a handle mounted vibration generator  28  and a pad housing mounted vibration generator  30  are shown. In various embodiments of the vibrating facializer  10 , either one of the vibration generators  28 ,  30  or both vibration generators may be utilized. In one embodiment, only the pad housing mounted vibration generator  30  is utilized. An activation switch  31  is preferably provided on the handle  12  for activating the vibration generators  28 ,  30 . The switch may be any suitable type of switch, such as a push-button switch or a slide switch, as known in the art.  
      In some embodiments, the vibration generators  28 ,  30  are each comprised of a small electric motor having a weight  32  mounted on an output shaft of the motor. As shown in the figure, the weight  32  is configured to be mounted eccentric to the motor axis, thereby causing vibration when the motor is activated. Also shown in the figure is a battery  32  for powering the vibration generators  28 ,  30 . Although one battery is shown, various arrangements and numbers of batteries may be utilized, in various sizes such as, for example, AA or AAA batteries. Rechargeable batteries such as Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), Lithium-ion (Li-ion), and others are also included within the scope of the present application.  
      The particular arrangement shown in the figure is an exemplary arrangement only, and the present application is not limited with respect to the arrangement or number of components in the handle  12  or the pad support  14 . For example, the battery  32  may be mounted to any of the pad housing  18 , the grabber carriage  25  or the handle  12 . Further, the handle  12  may be provided in alternate arrangements and styles such as, for example, a contoured shell configured to be held comfortably in the palm of the hand, a half-loop shaped handle attached to the pad housing at both ends of the handle, or other handle shapes known in the art.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 3 , an exploded view of pad housing  18  and the grabber carriage  25  is shown. The piston  34  is fitted between the upper grabber carriage housing  25 ′ and the lower grabber carriage housing  25 ″. The piston  34  engages with the thumb side  24  after assembly by means of a pin  36  on the piston  34 . A spring  38  is provided within the grabber carriage housing  25  which exerts a returning force on the piston  34 . A grabber  40  comprises a plurality of grabber prongs  42  fixedly mounted in a sleeve  44 . After assembly, the grabber  40  is fixedly attached within piston  34  either by means of a threaded fit, a press fit, or by adhesive. Any suitable means for a fixing grabber  40  to piston  34  falls within the scope with the present application. Further explanation of the grabber  40  is provided below.  
      With continued reference to  FIG. 3 , a wing activator arm  46  is provided within the pad housing  18  for the purpose of operating left wing  26  and right wing  27 . Each of the wings  26 ,  27  is formed with a respective spiral groove  48 ,  50 . Each of the spiral grooves, after assembly, engages a respective left pin  52  and right pin  54  included on the wing activator arm  46 . The wing activator arm  46  is also formed with vertical slots  56 ,  58  which, after assembly, engage a wing activator pin  60 . Further, after assembly, wing activator pin  60  engages an extension  62  on the piston  34  by means of a hole  64  in the extension  62 . When a user applies a downward pressure on the thumb slide  24 , the piston  34  compresses the spring  38  as it moves in a downward direction as shown in the figure. Further, as the wing activator pin  60  moves in a downward and forward direction as shown in the figure, the wing activator arm  46  moves in a forward direction as the wing activator pin  60 , at the same time, slides in a downward direction in left vertical slot  56  and right vertical slot  58 . This, in turn, moves left wing activator pin  52  and right wing activator pin  54  in a forward direction within the respective spiral grooves  48 ,  50 .  
      The left wing  26  and the right wing  27  are each pivotally mounted about their respective longitudinal axis to the pad housing  18 . As the left wing activator pin and right wing activator pin  54  move forward in the respective spiral groove, each of the wings  26 ,  27  is rotated about the longitudinal axis on which it is pivotally mounted. This, in turn, causes the lower portion of each of the wings  26 ,  27  to extend in an outward direction as shown by the dashed arrows in the figure.  
      It can be seen from the figure that each of the wings  26 ,  27  is generally configured in the shape of a U-shaped channel. When a user is affixing a disposable pad  16 , the user will move the thumb slide  24  in a downward direction thereby pivoting wings  26  and  27  in an outward direction as the lower pad housing  18 ″ is placed in contact with disposable pad  16 . The user then releases the thumb slide  24 , and the left wing  26  and the right wing  27  return to their normal position, thereby contacting the respective sides of the disposable pad  16 . The purpose of the wings  26 ,  27  is to more securely hold the disposable pad  16  in a correct alignment with the lower pad housing  18 ″ and to prevent the pad  16  from twisting or rotating on the lower pad housing  18 ″. The primary grabbing mechanism, however, is the grabber  40  as explained in the following paragraph.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 4 , a side sectional view of the vibrating facializer  10  is shown. In its normal rest state, the thumb slide  24  will be moved to an upper position on the grabber carriage  25  by means of the spring  38 . In this normal rest position the grabber prongs  42  will be retracted within an opening  64  in the pad housing  18 . When an operator wishes to attach a disposable pad  16 , the operator will slide the thumb slide in a downward direction, toward the pad housing  18 , thereby extending the grabber prongs  42  outside the lower surface of the pad housing  18  as shown by the dashed lines in the figure. Because the grabber prongs are made of a spring wire type of material they expand circumferentially as they extend beneath the surface of the pad housing  18 .  
      The operator places the pad housing  18  in contact with the pad  16  while moving the thumb slide  24  in a downward direction. Consequently, when the grabber prongs  42  extend outwardly from the bottom of the pad housing  18 , the prongs make contact with and penetrate an upper portion of the disposable pad  16 . The operator gradually releases the thumb slide  24  causing the grabber prongs  42  to attempt to return to their rest position, and thereby compress in a circumferential direction into the opening  64  and the pad housing  18 . Because of the hooked nature of the grabber prongs  42 , a firm grip is established on the disposable pad  16  and the grabber prongs  42  are not able to return fully within the pad housing  18 , however, a firm grip is established on the disposable pad  16  and it is held firmly in place against the lower portion of the pad housing  18 .  
      In the Figure, for clarity, the side wings have not been shown, however, left wing  26  and right wing  27 , in one embodiment, assist the grabber prongs  42  to hold the pad in position on the pad housing  18 . The wings  26  and  27  are not a necessary component of the vibrating facializer  10 , and the present application is not so limited. It is to be appreciated that, in alternate embodiments, the thumb slide  24  may be replaced by other suitable controls. For example, a push button may be fitted at the handle end of the grabber carriage  25 .  
      With reference now to  FIG. 5 , a bottom view of the electric vibrating facializer  10  is shown. As shown in the figure, the front extension  20  and the rear extension  22  may be configured with a plurality of marks, slots, indentations, or ridges  65  in order to further aide in preventing the disposable pad from shifting position with respect to the pad support  14 . The front extension  20  and the rear extension  22  may also be formed without the grooves in a solid fashion, however, they may be formed from a material having a high coefficient of friction to further aide in maintaining the pad alignment with respect to the pad support  14 . Any number of configurations for the front extension  20  and rear extension  22  may be used with the vibrating facializer  10  of the present application. Further, in one embodiment, the front extension  20  and rear extension  22  are made of an elastomer material while the pad housing  18  is made of a harder, more rigid, material more suitable for securely mounting the vibration generator  30 . However, in alternate embodiments the front extension  20  and rear extension  22  may be formed of a rigid material similar to the pad housing  18 , particularly in embodiments where the front extension  20  and  22  include grooves or other irregular surface elements to assist in maintaining the pad position on the pad support  14 .  
      Among the advantages offered by the above-described arrangements of the vibrating facializer  10  are a reduced complexity, and an increased stimulation of the facial tissues in contact with the vibrating disposable pad. Further, the vibrations may further stimulate blood flow in the region contacted by the vibrating disposable pad. The stimulated blood flow may even provide an anti-aging benefit if used regularly. The vibrations may also assist when using the pad as an exfoliating agent or as a cleansing agent. The front extension  20  and rear extension  22 , when made of an elastomer material, enhance the comfort and utility of the vibrating facializer by enabling the disposable pad to more readily and comfortably conform to the user&#39;s facial features, even while the pad housing  18  is made of a rigid material. Yet another advantage in some embodiments, is the enabling a user to touchlessly remove a soiled disposable pad, thereby avoiding contact with contaminants acquired by the pad during use.  
      In still other embodiments, the front extension  20 , rear extension  22 , and the pad housing  18  may all be formed of a flexible material so long as the material comprising the pad housing  18  is sufficiently rigid to hold the vibration generator  30  securely, and the pad housing  18  is sufficiently rigid to permit adequate sealing of the vibration generator  30  against infiltration of water and cleansing agents. In yet other embodiments, the front extension  20  and the rear extension  22  may be eliminated, wherein the pad housing  18  is formed in the shape, including the regions normally occupied by the front extension  20  and the rear extension  22 , such that the pad housing  18  is essentially the same shape as the disposable pad  16 .  
      As described with reference to  FIG. 1 , the pad housing  18 , in the embodiment shown, is pivotally mounted to the handle  25  by means of the hinge mechanism  23 . However, in alternate embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 6 , a gimbaled mount may be used to permit the pad housing  18  a degree of flexibility in any direction. As shown in the figure, a ball  70  is rotatably secured in a socket  72  formed between the pad housing lower half  18 ″ and a socket upper half  74 . The ball  70  is shown in the figure having pins  73  extending from the ball  70  and also pivotally secured between the pad housing lower half  18 ″ and a socket upper half  74 . The socket upper half  74  is fastened to the pad housing lower half  18 ″ by means of fasteners  76 . Any suitable fastener such as a rivet or a screw may be used. The socket upper half  74  may also be bonded to the pad housing lower half  18 ″ by means of an adhesive or by means of plastic welding techniques. In the embodiment shown, a ring  78  is fixed to the grabber carriage  25  and a rubber boot  80  is formed between the ring  78  and the socket upper half  74  and adhered to each respectively. The rubber boot  80  permits a degree of movement of the pad housing  18  while, at the same time, providing a restoring or centering action. In this manner, the pad housing  18  may more readily follow the contour of a user&#39;s face thereby increasing comfort to the user.  
      The embodiments so far described herein, utilize a vibration generator such as the vibration generators  28 ,  30  as shown in  FIG. 2 . It is to be appreciated that aspects of the present application, such as the separation of the user&#39;s hand from the disposable pad  16  may also be accomplished by means of an un-powered, non-vibrating facializer, similar in other respects to the facializer  10  hereinbefore described. Further, it is also to be appreciated that aspects of the present application may also be accomplished by utilizing a pad support and handle that are rigidly/flexibly attached to each other without any pivoting mechanism as hereinbefore described, thereby simplifying the cleansing device even further.  
      While the previously described embodiments show a facializer  10  having one grabber carriage  25 , it is to be appreciated that a facializer may incorporate more than one grabber carriage. For example, with reference to  FIG. 7 , another embodiment of a facializer  10 ′ is shown having three grabber carriages  25   a ,  25   b ,  25   c . In this embodiment, a push button mechanism  82  is provided which is operatively connected to pins  36   a - 36   c  on pistons  34   a - 34   c . The grabber carriages  25   a - 26   c  shown in the figure operate essentially as previously described in the previous embodiments. Further, this embodiment utilizes a one-piece flexible extension  83  rather that the two-piece extension as in the previously described embodiments.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 8A  and with continuing reference to  FIG. 7 , a bottom view of the pad housing  18  of the present embodiment is shown. As shown in the figure, the grabbers  40   a - 40   c  are in a retracted position within the pad housing  18 . With reference now to  FIG. 8   b , the grabbers  40   a - 40   c  are shown in an extended position wherein a user has depressed the push button mechanism  82  in order to attach a disposable pad. One advantage offered by the arrangement shown in the figures is that the triangular arrangement of the grabbers  40   a - 40   c  provides a firmer grasp of the disposable pad  16  while, at the same time, preventing any rotation of the disposable pad on the pad housing  18  during use.  
      In the embodiment described with reference to  FIG. 7 , the push button mechanism  82  operates parallel to the grabber carriages  25   a - 25   c . With this arrangement, if the grabber carriages  25  are mounted obliquely with respect to the pad housing  18 , then the movement of the push button mechanism  82  will be at an oblique angle to the pad housing  18  as well.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 9 , another embodiment is provided wherein the push button mechanism  82  operates perpendicular to the pad housing  18  irrespective of the angle of the grabber carriages  25   a - 25   c . In the arrangement shown, the push button mechanism  82  acts upon a rack gear  84  preferably mounted vertically with respect to the pad housing  18 . Operation of the rack gear  84  causes a rotary motion of a pinion gear  86  which is also engaged with a first grabber carriage rack gear  88  and a second grabber carriage rack gear  90 . The rotary motion of the pinion gear  86  is converted into a linear motion of the two grabber carriage rack gears which are attached by means of pins, rivets, screws or other means to a carrier plate  92  which is further connected to the pins  36   a - 36   c  of the grabber carriage pistons  34   a - 34   c . The linear motion of the carrier plate  92  causes the grabber carriage pistons  34   a - 34   c  to operate as previously described for extending and retracting the grabbers  40   a - 40   c.    
      With reference now to  FIG. 10 , yet another embodiment is provided for utilizing a slide button  90  for operation of the grabber carriages  25   a - 25   c . In this embodiment, the slide button  90  is configured so that it is attached directly to the pins  36   a - 36   c  of the grabber carriages. In this arrangement, as shown in  FIG. 10B , a leaf spring  92  is provided within the handle  12  which is in contact with a tab or projection  94  on the slide button  90 . A leaf spring  92  is configured with a first attached detent  96  and a second detached detent  98  so that, as the slide button  90  is operated, the button has a natural tendency to continue motion and stop in either the attached or detached position. The advantage of this arrangement is that partial activation or engagement of the grabbers  40   a - 40   c  is prevented or minimized.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 11 , yet another embodiment is described. In this embodiment, a slide button  100  is slidably mounted to the handle  12  and engages a crown gear  102  by means of a link pin  104 . Operation of the slide button  100  by means of the link pin  104  causes a rotary motion of the crown gear  102  which engages grabber gears  106   a - 106   c  which, when rotated by the crown gear  102 , cause grabber hooks  108   a - 108   c  to rotate from or to an attached position or a detached position. A more detailed illustration of the grabber hook  108   a  and the grabber gear  106   a  is provided in  FIG. 12A . A grabber  106   a  and the grabber hook  108   a  are fixedly mounted to a shaft  110   a  which is rotatably mounted in the pad housing  18 . As shown in  FIG. 12B , rotation of the shaft  110   a  moves the grabber hook  108   a  alternately between a detached position, shown as numeral  112  in the figure, and an attached position shown as numeral  114  in the figure. In the detached position  112 , a grabber hook  108   a  rotated in the pad housing  18  to a detached position in anticipation of engaging with a disposable pad  16 . In the attached position  114 , the grabber hook  108   a  is rotated through a portion of the disposable pad  16  for securing and maintaining a grip on the disposable pad  16 . In the attached position, the grabber hook  108   a  is preferably retracted to a position not protruding beyond, or at least not significantly beyond, the outer surface of the pad housing  18 .  
      With reference now to  FIGS. 13A-13B , and continuing reference to  FIG. 11 , another embodiment is shown wherein the link  104  is replaced by a rack gear  116 . In this embodiment, the rack gear  116  is fixedly attached to the sliding button  100 , and the rack gear is elongated in the vertical direction as shown so that it maintains engagement with a pinion gear  118  formed with the crown gear  102  during operation. As the slide button  100  is operated, the rack gear  116  causes a rotation of the crown gear  102  and operation of the grabbers is otherwise as described with reference to  FIG. 11 . To provide positive stopping action in either the detached or the attached position, a tab  120  is provided on a flexible portion of the rack gear structure  116  which engages detents  122  and  124  at the desired limited of travel with the rack gear  116 .  
      With reference now to  FIG. 14 , yet another embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, the crown gear  102  is formed with a turning knob  126  on the upper portion of the crown gear. The turning knob  126  extends up through the handle  12  where a user may rotate the turning knob  126  to rotate the grabbing hooks  108   a - 108   d  into either the attached or the detached position. As previously described with reference to  FIG. 11 , the crown gear  102  engages with gears  106   a - 106   d  for operation of the grabber hooks  108 - 108   d . It is to be appreciated that the pad housing  18  may be configured with any number of grabber hook mechanisms and in this particular embodiment, the pad housing  18  is configured to hold four grabber hook mechanisms  108   a - 108   d . In this embodiment, the grabber hooks are mounted to a separate locking plate  128  which has been attached to the pad housing  18  which is flexible for the comfort of the user.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 15 , an embodiment of a facializer  10  is shown having a “try me” feature. In this embodiment, a facializer  10  is fitted with a try-me button  130  in addition to the activation switch  31 . The try-me button  130  may be made accessible to a perspective purchaser by means know in the art, such as a flexible blistered pack. The try-me button  130  is preferably fitted with a return spring so that its action is momentary and the facializer  10  operates only while the user is pressing the try-me button. It is to be appreciated, however, that other arrangements of try-me buttons are known in the art and the present application is not limited in this respect.  
      While the previously described embodiments have been described either with wire grabber prongs  42  or grabber hooks  108 , it is to be appreciated that alternate methods of attaching the disclosable pad  16  fall within the scope of the present application. For example, with reference to  FIG. 16 , the wire grabber prongs  42  may be replaced by plastic grabber prongs  42 ′ as shown in the figure. It is also to be appreciated that the grabber prongs  42 , while formed of wire, may also be coated with a coating such as powder coating in order to facilitate smoother operation and corrosion resistance. Still further, it is to be appreciated that alternate methods of grabbing the pad may be deployed, such as pincher jaws having teeth which may grab the disposable pad  16 , pairs of counter-rotating spiked rollers which may grab and secure the disposable pad  16 , or flexible rollers having a surface with a high coefficient of friction which may grab the disposable pad  16  in a fashion similar to the spiked rollers. In these embodiments, either the spiked rollers or the flexible rubber rollers are provided in counter-rotating pairs parallel to each other for purposes of gripping portions of the disposable pad between adjacent rollers.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 17 , an oscillating/rotating facializer  140  according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. The oscillating/rotating facializer  140  generally comprises a handle  142  and a pad support  144  for securing and supporting a disposable pad  16 . Preferred and alternate methods of securing disposable pad  16  to the pad support  144  are similar to the above-described embodiments and are not described in further detail here. Also shown in the figure, however, is a motor  146  and a gear arrangement  148  connecting the motor  146  to the pad support  144  for driving the pad support  144  in an oscillating or rotating manner as known in the art. The oscillating/rotating embodiments of the present application are more complex than the vibrating embodiments described above, however, the oscillating/rotating movements may be preferred by some users.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 18 , a method of packaging the vibrating facializer  10  with a plurality of disposable pads  16  is shown. A pad carton  150  containing a plurality of facial pads  16 , fourteen pads for example, and a vibrating facializer  10  are packaged within a blister  152 , or foil pack or other packaging system, provided with an opening  154  such that the blister  152  may be supported by a display hook  156  for display to customers, as is well known in the art. It is to be appreciated that the plurality of facial pads are not necessarily contained in a carton but may be packaged by other means such as, for example, foil packs containing individual or multiple facial pads.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 19 , a front view of the blister  152  containing a facializer  10  and the pad carton  150  is shown. The vibrating facializer  10  may be attractively displayed in this manner with compatible disposable pads. The vibrating facializer  10  may be configured to be compatible with a number of commercially available pre-treated pads or cleansing pillows currently available in the retail market. Examples include Dove® Face Care Essential Nutrients cleansing pillows or Olay® Daily Facial Pillows. An advantage to packaging the vibrating facializer  10  with the disposable pads  16  is that the benefits of using the cleansing pad  16  in combination with the vibrating facializer may be advertised. For example, the improved cleansing provided by the vibrating actions of the vibrating facializer  10  and the stimulating effect of the vibrations on the facial skin may be made readily apparent to the consumer.  
      Among the advantages offered by the above-described arrangements of the vibrating facializer  10  are and an increased stimulation of the facial tissues in contact with the vibrating disposable pad. Further, the vibrations may further stimulate blood flow in the region contacted by the vibrating disposable pad. The stimulated blood flow may even provide an anti-aging benefit if used regularly. The vibrations may also assist when using the pad as an exfoliating agent or as a cleansing agent. The flexible pad housing extension or extensions, preferably made of an elastomer material, enhance the comfort and utility of the vibrating facializer by enabling the disposable pad to more readily and comfortably conform to the user&#39;s facial features, even while the pad housing is made of a rigid material. Yet another advantage in some embodiments, is the enabling a user to touchlessly remove a soiled disposable pad, thereby avoiding contact with contaminants acquired by the pad during use. Further, because the disposable pad is not being touched during use, the user&#39;s hands do not become “dried out” from extended contact with the cleansing and/or medicinal agents contained in the pad. Or, still further, the user&#39;s manicure or, e.g., nail polish, are nor damaged by contact with the cleansing and/or medicinal agents. These particular advantages will generally be considered very beneficial by many users of the vibrating facializer.  
      According to popular wisdom, and recommendations from many cosmetic products companies, it is advisable to avoid “pulling” the skin when cleansing it because the pulling can lead to premature wrinkling of the skin. Users are advised to gently “pat” the skin, rather than pulling the cleansing pad across the skin. By providing the facializer with an ergonomically designed handle, users are provided with an improved control of the attached disposable pad, while the vibrations provide an effective and soothing cleansing action. Users are able to provide a steady, and more constant, pressure on the skin. The pad housing, and flexible extension, also provide an even contact pressure over the full breadth of the pad, which would be very difficult to obtain when holding the pads in one&#39;s fingers.  
      Additionally, the provision of a handle on the facializer facilitates use of the disposable pads on other parts of the body, in addition to the facial skin. For example, some persons are afflicted with acne on other bodily areas in addition to the face, such as on the back. The provision of a handle enables a user to reach the afflicted areas of the back, particularly if the handle is extended in length, or provided with a removable handle extension. In such cases, even if the cleansing and/or medicinal agents provided on the disposable pad are applied by a clinician or other assistant, provision of the handle provides an improved control and pressure while eliminating the need for the assistant to touch the disposable pad.  
      The handle of the facializer provides other beneficial advantages related to convenience and comfort. For example, a user may answer a phone, or attend to other events requiring attention such as turning off a TV or an iron, or unplugging a hair dryer, when using the facializer without first setting the disposable pad aside and drying the hands prior to attending to the event requiring attention or intervention.  
      Full use of the disposable pad, i.e., use of 100% of the surface area, is easily achieved with the above-described embodiments. All of the pad gripping action takes place on the back side of the disposable pad, without covering any usable area of the pad while, at the same time, permitting an easy, touchless release of the soiled disposable pad. Other, previously mentioned devices, either utilize an inconvenient sock-like pad which wraps around the pad housing, or utilize contact adhesives, requiring contact and effort to remove the soiled pads, while also increasing the expense and complexity of the pads. Further, the use of contact adhesives can also cause adverse reactions upon contact with the skin, or some users may be allergic to some contact adhesives.  
      Another benefit, apart from the previous described cleansing functions, is to employ the subject system as an applicator, such as for sunless tanning lotions, skin medications, selective creams and the like, where contact between the applied material and the user&#39;s hands is desired to be avoided. In such cases the applied material is only contacting the tool pad, and the areas that the pad touches, while upon completion of application, the pad can be easily disposed, as above.  
      The embodiments described herein also encourage further development of additional types of pads. For example, specific pads may be developed for epidermal medications, chemical treatments, etc. The provision of a handle and a flexible disposable pad support further facilitates the use and design of disposable pads for these and other purposes.  
      The exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the exemplary embodiments be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.