Patent Description:
Conventional refillable shavers use complicated mechanical assemblies to retain the shaver's shaving head to the shaver's handle. Examples of such assemblies include the cassette assembly disclosed in <CIT>, for example. Magnetic retention of a head to a handle is known, for example from <CIT>, in which a magnet connected to the handle cooperates attractively with a magnet connected to the shaving head to retain the shaving head to the handle. In <CIT>, removal of the shaving head from the handle is accomplished by overcoming the attraction between the head and handle magnets, and attachment of the shaving head to the handle is accomplished by approaching the magnet of the shaving head to the magnet of the handle until magnetic attraction becomes strong enough to draw the shaving head and handle together. <CIT> discloses a shaving device comprising a head assembly including a support member having at least one support member magnet and a blade cartridge having at least one face with at least one razor blade and configured to be rotatably coupled to the support member about a pivot axis. The blade cartridge includes at least one blade cartridge magnet having a pole aligned with a pole of the support member magnet to generate a magnetic force that urges the blade cartridge about the pivot axis towards an initial starting position (ISP), wherein the blade cartridge is further configured to rotate about the pivot axis away from the ISP upon application of an external force sufficient to overcome the magnetic force between the support member magnet and the blade cartridge magnet. <CIT> describes a shaving razor system with a handle having a proximal end portion with a pair of spaced apart arms, each arm having a biasing magnetic element. A connection base is pivotably mounted to the pair of spaced apart arms. The connection base has a pair of spaced apart tabs each defining an opening dimensioned to receive a respective end of the spaced apart arms. Each tab member has a biasing magnetic element that repels the biasing magnetic element of the corresponding arm.

The inventors have recognized that a shaving head can be retained to a handle of a shaving device through magnetic repulsion. To that end, according to examples of the present disclosure, a connector may be provided for connecting a shaving head to a handle of a skincare device. The connector, as defined in claim <NUM>, includes a first piece configured to be connected to the shaving head, a second piece configured to be connected to the handle, at least a first magnet connected to the first piece, and at least a second magnet connected to the second piece. The first and second pieces are insertable inside each other, meaning that one of the first and second pieces is insertable inside the other of the first and second pieces. The first and second pieces are insertable inside each other along an insertion direction. Equal poles of the first and second magnets are arranged obliquely or perpendicularly to the insertion direction for retaining the first and second pieces inside each other through magnetic repulsion.

Equal poles may be understood to mean non-opposite poles. For example, north poles of the first and second magnets are equal poles to each other; south poles of the first and second magnets are equal poles to each other.

Such a connector may be relatively simple compared to the cassette assembly, and offer an improved user experience compared to retention through magnetic attraction.

The first piece may be insertable inside the second piece.

The first and second pieces may be fixed in rotation with respect to each other about an insertion axis along which the first and second pieces are insertable inside each other.

The first magnet may be configured to move past the second magnet during insertion of the first and second pieces inside each other.

The first piece may include a spacer portion which extends from the first magnet past the second magnet when the first and second pieces are inserted inside each other.

The connector, as defined in claim <NUM>, furthermore includes a third piece connected to the second piece. The second magnet is fixed with respect to the third piece. The third piece is movable with respect to the second piece between a first position and a second position. The second magnet repels the first magnet in the first position, so as to increase insertion of the first and second pieces inside each other. The second magnet repels the first magnet in the second position, so as to decrease insertion of the first and second pieces inside each other.

The first and second magnets may be configured to bias the third piece towards the first position when the spacer portion of the first piece extends past the second magnet.

The third piece may include a spacer portion which extends from the second magnet past the first magnet when the first and second pieces are inserted inside each other and the third piece is in the first position.

The third piece may be resiliently connected to the second piece so as to be biased towards the first position.

The second magnet may be configured to move past the first magnet when the third piece moves from the first position to the second position.

According to examples of the present disclosure, a skincare device may be provided, including a handle, a shaving head, and a connector as described earlier herein for connecting the shaving head to the handle.

The shaving head may include one or more cutting elements.

According to examples of the present disclosure, a shaving head, which is not part of the claimed invention, may be provided for a skincare device as described earlier herein, including a connecting portion for connecting to a handle of the skincare device, the handle and connecting portion being insertable inside each other along an insertion direction, the connecting portion including a magnet whose poles are oriented obliquely or perpendicularly to the insertion direction for retaining the head to the handle through magnetic repulsion with the handle.

According to examples of the present disclosure, a handle, which is not part of the claimed invention, may be provided for a skincare device as described earlier herein, including a connecting portion for connecting to a head of the skincare device, the head and connecting portion being insertable inside each other along an insertion direction, the connecting portion including a magnet whose poles are oriented obliquely or perpendicularly to the insertion direction for retaining the handle to the head through magnetic repulsion with the head.

The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of aspects of the disclosure in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

The term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "example," rather than "ideal. " While aspects of the disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit aspects of the disclosure to the particular embodiment(s) described. On the contrary, the intention of this disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

<FIG> shows an exemplary shaving device <NUM> in cross-sectional view. The shaving device <NUM> includes a shaving head <NUM> and a handle <NUM>, and is shown during attachment of its shaving head to its handle, by means of a connector <NUM> including connecting portions <NUM>, <NUM> which will be discussed later.

The head <NUM> includes one or more cutting elements <NUM>, which may be arranged inside a shaving cartridge <NUM> (represented schematically). The cutting element(s) <NUM> is/are able to be connected to the handle <NUM> by way of a connecting portion <NUM> of the head <NUM>. The head's connecting portion <NUM> may be permanently or removably attached to the cutting element(s) <NUM>. The head's connecting portion <NUM> is a non-limiting example of a first piece of the connector <NUM>.

An articulation <NUM>, for example a hinge, a flexure, or any suitable device for allowing movement of a shaving cartridge with respect to a handle of a shaving device during shaving, may be provided between the cutting element(s) <NUM> and the head's connecting portion <NUM>. However, it is also contemplated for the cutting element(s) <NUM> to be rigidly connected to the head's connecting portion <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> includes a grip portion <NUM> for allowing a user to maneuver the shaving device <NUM> during shaving. The grip portion <NUM> is able to be connected to the head <NUM> by way of a connecting portion <NUM> of the handle <NUM>. The handle's connecting portion <NUM> may be permanently or removably attached to the grip portion <NUM>. The handle's connecting portion <NUM> is a non-limiting example of a second piece of the connector <NUM>.

The head's and handle's connecting portions <NUM>, <NUM> can be directly connected to each other by being inserted inside each other along an insertion axis <NUM> by movement of the head <NUM> relative to the handle <NUM> in an insertion direction <NUM> therealong.

The head's connecting portion <NUM> includes a male portion <NUM> extending along the insertion axis <NUM>, and away from the cutting element(s) <NUM>, in the insertion direction <NUM>.

The handle's connecting portion <NUM> is provided as a female portion 42F into which the male portion <NUM> is insertable. It is also contemplated, however, that the female portion 42F be provided on the head <NUM>, and the male portion <NUM> be provided on the handle <NUM>.

The female portion 42F includes an insertion hole <NUM> (in this case provided as a blind hole) extending along the insertion axis <NUM>, with an opening 42V arranged opposite from a grip portion of the handle.

The head's connecting portion <NUM> and the handle's connecting portion <NUM> may include an abutment defining a maximum insertion of the male portion <NUM> inside the female portion 42F. In the present example, the abutment is provided through cooperation of a flange 41B provided on the head's connecting portion <NUM> and a rim 42R provided on the handle's connecting portion <NUM>. The flange 41B is arranged between the male portion <NUM> and the cutting element(s) <NUM>, and extends radially with respect to the insertion axis <NUM>. The rim 42R surrounds the insertion hole's opening 42V, and bears on the flange 41B when the two connecting portions <NUM>, <NUM> are fully inserted inside each other.

The cross-section(s) of the female 42F and/or male portion(s) may be substantially non-circular, as taken normal to the insertion direction <NUM>, to prevent rotation of the head <NUM> relative to the handle <NUM> about the insertion axis <NUM> when their connecting portions <NUM>, <NUM> are inserted inside each other.

The male portion <NUM> includes a spacer portion <NUM> and a magnet <NUM>. The male portion's spacer portion <NUM> separates the male portion's magnet <NUM> from the flange 41B, and extends along the insertion axis <NUM> between them. As a non-limiting example, the male portion's spacer portion <NUM> may have a length of <NUM>-<NUM> (centimeters) as measured in the insertion direction from the flange 41B to the male portion's magnet <NUM>.

The male portion's magnet <NUM> is provided in a magnet hole <NUM> provided in the male portion's spacer portion <NUM>. The male portion's magnet hole <NUM> may be substantially oblique or perpendicular to the insertion direction <NUM>. The male portion's magnet <NUM> is fixed relative to the male portion <NUM> in rotation about the insertion axis <NUM>. In the shaving device illustrated in <FIG>, the male portion's magnet <NUM> is also fixed in rotation about the insertion axis <NUM> with respect to the head <NUM>. In the shaving device illustrated in <FIG>, the male portion's magnet <NUM> is also fixed in translation along the insertion axis <NUM> with respect to the head's connecting portion <NUM>.

The female portion 42F includes a magnet <NUM> which cooperates repulsively with the male portion's magnet <NUM> during insertion and withdrawal of the male <NUM> and female 42F portions inside/from each other. The male <NUM> and female 42F portions' magnets are arranged such that, when the head's and handle's connecting portions <NUM>, <NUM> are fully inserted inside each other, the flange 41B is nearer to the female portion's magnet <NUM> than the flange is to male portion's magnet <NUM>. The female portion's magnet <NUM> is fixed relative to the female portion 42F in rotation about the insertion axis <NUM>, and in translation along the insertion axis. In the shaving device illustrated in <FIG>, the female portion 42F is also fixed in translation and rotation with respect to the grip portion <NUM>.

The male <NUM> and female 42F portions' magnets <NUM>, <NUM> are oriented with respect to the insertion direction <NUM> and with respect to each other such that, when a user begins to insert the connecting portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the head <NUM> and handle <NUM> inside each other - for example as with connecting a head to a handle for the first time - repulsion between the magnets biases the head and handle against insertion of their connecting portions inside each other, and when a user begins to withdraw the head and handle from each other - for example as with removing a head from a handle in order to replace the head - repulsion between the magnets biases the head and handle against withdrawal of the connecting portions from each other. When two magnets repel each other, the repulsion can be considered, from the perspective of a first of the two magnets, to be a repulsive force exerted on it by a second of the two magnets.

The male portion's magnet <NUM> includes a magnetic axis 51A, which is a straight line joining its north pole 51N and its south pole <NUM>. The female portion's magnet <NUM> includes a magnetic axis 52A, which is a straight line joining its north pole 52N and its south pole <NUM>.

The male <NUM> and female 42F portions' magnets' poles are oriented oblique or perpendicular to the insertion direction, meaning that each of these magnets' respective magnetic axes 51A, 52A may be angled up to <NUM> degrees with respect to the insertion direction <NUM>. The magnetic axis 52A of the female portion's magnet <NUM> may be angled an equivalent amount as the magnetic axis 51A of the male portion's magnet <NUM> with respect to the insertion direction <NUM>; however, it is also contemplated for the magnetic axis 52A of the female portion's magnet <NUM> to be oriented at a different angle with respect to the insertion direction from the magnetic axis 51A of the male portion's magnet <NUM>.

The female portion's magnet <NUM> may be provided in a magnet hole <NUM> of the female portion 42F. The female portion's magnet hole <NUM> may extend obliquely or perpendicularly with respect to the insertion direction <NUM>.

The female portion 42F includes a spacer portion <NUM> which separates the female portion's magnet <NUM> from the rim 42R. When the male portion <NUM> is inserted to a depth within the female portion 42F such that the flange 41B is nearer to the male portion's magnet (in this case the head's magnet) <NUM> than to the female portion's magnet (in this case the handle's magnet) <NUM>, and/or such that the male portion's magnet (in this case the head's magnet) <NUM> is at a position along the insertion axis <NUM> that is intermediate a position of the rim 42R along the insertion axis and a position of the female portion's magnet (in this case the handle's magnet) <NUM> along the insertion axis <NUM>, the female portion's spacer portion <NUM> prevents excessive deviation of the male portion <NUM> in directions perpendicular to the insertion direction <NUM>, under the effect of repulsion between the male <NUM> and female 42F portions' magnets <NUM>, <NUM>.

The female portion's spacer portion <NUM> is sufficiently long, as measured in the insertion direction <NUM>, that repulsion between the connecting portions' magnets <NUM>, <NUM> does not substantially interfere with aligning the connecting portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the head <NUM> and handle <NUM> to the insertion axis prior to insertion. For example, the female portion's spacer portion <NUM> may be <NUM>-<NUM> (centimeters).

The female portion's spacer portion <NUM> is arranged to extend from the rim 42R, along the insertion axis <NUM>, to the female portion's magnet <NUM>. However, other spacers and/or locations on the male 41F and/or female 42F portion(s) are also contemplated, which would also allow insertion to be initiated before repulsion between the male and female portions' magnets <NUM>, <NUM> makes alignment of the connecting portions <NUM>, <NUM> to the insertion axis <NUM> difficult.

<FIG> shows the shaving device <NUM> of <FIG> with the male <NUM> and female 42F portions fully inserted inside each other; <FIG> shows the shaving device <NUM> of <FIG> during movement from the position shown in <FIG> to the position shown in <FIG>. As seen in <FIG>, this movement causes the male portion's magnet <NUM> to pass the female portion's magnet <NUM>. As the male <NUM> and female 42F portions are inserted into each other, moving from the position shown in <FIG> towards the position shown in <FIG>, the male and female portions' magnets <NUM>, <NUM> are made to approach one another, causing an increase in repulsion between them. Although the handle's magnet (in this case the female portion's magnet <NUM>) exerts a repulsive force on the male portion's magnet <NUM> with a component directed perpendicular to the insertion direction <NUM> and with a component directed opposite to the insertion direction <NUM>, the female portion <NUM> applies a contact force to the male portion <NUM> cancels out the component of the repulsive force directed perpendicular to the insertion direction <NUM>. As such, the repulsion sensible by the user may correspond substantially to the component of the repulsive force that is substantially opposite to the insertion direction <NUM>, which may be perceived by a user of the shaving device <NUM> as resistance of the connector <NUM> against connecting the connection portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the head <NUM> and handle <NUM> together.

In <FIG>, the male and female portions' magnets <NUM>, <NUM> are oriented such that equal poles of the male and female portions' magnets are arranged to face in opposite directions as each other - for example, the north pole 52N of the female portion's magnet <NUM> is arranged to face the north pole 51N of the male portion's magnet <NUM>, (though it is contemplated as an alternative for the south pole <NUM> of the female portion's magnet to be arranged to face the south pole <NUM> of the male portion's magnet). When equal poles of the male and female portions' magnets face in opposite directions as each other, it is possible to bring the male portion's magnet <NUM> into a position along the insertion axis <NUM> relative to the female portion's magnet <NUM> such that the net repulsive force exerted on the male portion's magnet <NUM> by the female portion's magnet <NUM> lacks (at least temporarily) components directed along the insertion axis <NUM>.

In the present example, the net repulsive force exerted on the male portion's magnet <NUM> by the female portion's magnet <NUM> lacks (at least temporarily) components directed along the insertion axis <NUM> when the poles arranged to face in opposite direction as each other (in this case the magnets' respective north poles 51N, 52N) have the approximately the same position as each other along the insertion axis <NUM>.

In the present example, the respective north poles 51N, 52N of the male and female portions' magnets <NUM>, <NUM> have approximately the same position as each other along the insertion axis <NUM> when the two magnets <NUM>, <NUM> move past each other. Two magnets can be considered to move past one another when the positions along the insertion axis <NUM> of the front and rear extremities of one of the two magnets (for example the male portion's magnet <NUM>) are arranged between or coincident with the positions along the insertion axis of the front and rear extremities of the other of the two magnets (for example the female portion's magnet <NUM>). A given magnet's front extremity is an extremity of its front surface extending in the insertion direction <NUM>, whereas its rear extremity is an extremity of its rear surface extending opposite the insertion direction <NUM>; its front surface is a surface arranged to face the insertion direction <NUM>, whereas its rear surface is a surface arranged to face opposite the insertion direction <NUM>.

In the present example, the male and female portions magnets' <NUM>, <NUM> are identical to one another. Although they are each represented as cylindrical bar magnets, it is also contemplated for one or both magnets to be provided as any other suitable form or geometry.

As the component directed opposite to the insertion direction <NUM> of the repulsive force exerted by the handle's magnet (in this case the female portion's magnet <NUM>) on the head's magnet (in this case the male portion's magnet <NUM>) diminishes, the user of the shaving device <NUM> may perceive the resistance of the connector <NUM> to connecting the head <NUM> and handle <NUM> together as decreasing.

Comparison of <FIG> & <FIG> reveals that the magnets <NUM>, <NUM> of the male <NUM> and female 42F portions have swapped positions along the insertion axis <NUM> relative to each other, such that the flange 41B is now closer to the female portion's magnet <NUM> than to the male portion's magnet <NUM>. Similarly, the cutting element(s) <NUM> can be seen to be closer to the handle's connecting portion's magnet (in this case the female portion's magnet <NUM>) than to the head's connecting portion's magnet (in this case the male portion's magnet <NUM>).

When the connecting portions <NUM>, <NUM> are in the position shown in <FIG>, the repulsive force exerted by the handle's magnet (in this case the female portion's magnet <NUM>) on the head's magnet (in this case the male portion's magnet <NUM>) includes a component directed in the insertion direction <NUM>, which retains the male portion <NUM> inside the female portion 42F, and thus the head <NUM> to the handle <NUM>.

As insertion proceeds from the position shown in <FIG> to the position shown in <FIG>, the male portion's spacer portion <NUM>, causes the male portion's magnet <NUM> to advance past the female portion's magnet <NUM>. Thus, the male portion's spacer portion <NUM> is made to extend past the female portion's magnet <NUM>. The component directed in the insertion direction <NUM> of the repulsive force exerted on the head's magnet (in this case the male portion's magnet <NUM>) by the handle's magnet (in this case the female portion's magnet <NUM>) increases. The user of the shaving device <NUM> may perceive the connector <NUM> as beginning to urge the male portion <NUM> into the female portion 42F.

The head <NUM> may be disconnected from the handle <NUM> by moving the head with respect to the handle opposite to the insertion direction <NUM>. During disconnection of the head <NUM> from the handle <NUM>, the relative positions of the male <NUM> and female 42F portions' magnets <NUM>, <NUM> to one another along the insertion axis <NUM> are made to approach one another. The repulsive force of the handle's magnet (in this case the female portion's magnet <NUM>) on the head's magnet (in this case the male portion's magnet <NUM>) may increase. Since contact between the male <NUM> and female 42F portions cancels the component of the repulsive force that is oriented perpendicular to the insertion direction <NUM>, this increase in the repulsive force may be perceived by the user as resistance by the connector <NUM> to withdrawal of the male portion <NUM> from the female portion 42F.

As the male <NUM> and female 42F portions are withdrawn to the position illustrated in <FIG>, the component directed in the insertion direction <NUM> of the repulsive force exerted by the handle's magnet (in this case the female portion's magnet <NUM>) on the head's magnet (in this case the male portion's magnet <NUM>) diminishes. The user may perceive this as a decrease in resistance by the connector <NUM> to disconnection of the head's connection portion <NUM> from the handle's connection portion <NUM>.

After the male <NUM> and female 42F portions are withdrawn from each other beyond the position illustrated in <FIG>, the repulsive force of the handle's magnet (in this case the female portion's magnet <NUM>) on the head's magnet (in this case the male portion's magnet <NUM>) regains its component directed opposite to the insertion direction <NUM>. The user may perceive the return of this component as the connector <NUM> urging male portion <NUM> to withdraw from the female portion 42F.

Although the foregoing description concerned a shaving device <NUM>, whose head <NUM> includes a connecting portion <NUM> with a flange 41B and a male portion <NUM>, and whose handle <NUM> includes a connecting portion <NUM> with a rim 42R and a female portion 42F, it is also contemplated for the head's connecting portion to include the rim and female portion, and for the handle's connecting portion to include the flange and male portion.

<FIG> shows an exemplary shaving device <NUM> as per the claimed invention in cross-sectional view with its shaving head <NUM> retained inside its handle <NUM> by means of the shaving device's connector <NUM>, shown with the male <NUM> and female portions 46F of the head's connecting portion <NUM> and the handle's connecting portion <NUM> fully inserted inside each other. The head <NUM>, grip portion <NUM>, rim 42R, and insertion hole <NUM> of the shaving device <NUM> and connector <NUM> are identical to those seen in <FIG>. Identical reference numbers in <FIG> designate to identical items.

The connector <NUM> includes an ejection switch <NUM>. The switch <NUM> is a non-limiting example of a third piece of the connector <NUM>. The switch <NUM> is movable between a retaining position and an ejecting position. Moving from the retaining position to the ejecting position involves a net translation of the switch <NUM> in the insertion direction <NUM>.

The switch <NUM> includes a magnet <NUM> (in this case the handle's magnet) to cooperate repulsively with the head's magnet (in this case the male portion's magnet <NUM>). The switch's magnet <NUM> includes a magnetic axis 53A, which is a straight line joining its north pole 53N and its south pole <NUM>. The magnetic axis 53A of the switch's magnet <NUM> may be angled up to <NUM> degrees with respect to the insertion direction <NUM>. The switch's magnet <NUM> is fixed in rotation about the insertion axis <NUM>.

The handle's connecting portion <NUM> may include a switch slot <NUM>, which in this case is provided in an exterior surface 46E of the female portion 46F. The switch's magnet <NUM> is slidable within the switch slot <NUM> between the retaining and ejecting positions.

The switch slot <NUM> may retain the switch's magnet <NUM> radially with respect to the insertion axis <NUM>, and possibly also in rotation about the insertion axis. This will be discussed in greater detail with regard to <FIG>.

The switch <NUM> is permanently or removably attached to the handle's connecting portion <NUM> (which in this case includes the female portion 46F, including the rim 42R and insertion hole 42I). A resilient component <NUM>, for example a spring (represented schematically), is provided between the switch <NUM> and the handle's connecting portion <NUM>, to bias the switch towards the retaining position. The resilient component <NUM> may be at a rest position when the switch <NUM> is in the retaining position.

When the male <NUM> and female 46F portions are fully inserted inside each other, and the switch <NUM> is in the retaining position, the switch's magnet <NUM> and the head's magnet <NUM> repel one another so as to increase insertion of the male <NUM> and female 46F portions inside each other. For example, when the head's connecting portion <NUM> and the handle's connecting portion <NUM> are fully inserted inside each other, and the switch <NUM> is in the retaining position, the position of the switch's magnet <NUM> along the insertion axis <NUM> is intermediate those of the head's magnet <NUM> and the cutting element(s) <NUM>. In this position, the head's spacer portion <NUM> extends past the switch's magnet <NUM>, along the insertion axis <NUM>.

The handle's connecting portion's spacer portion 46P (in this case the female portion's spacer portion) has a length as measured in the insertion direction <NUM>, from the opening 42V to the switch's magnet <NUM> in the retaining position. The length of the handle's connecting portion's spacer portion 46P may be approximately <NUM>-<NUM>, for example.

The switch <NUM> may include a magnet-retaining portion <NUM> for retaining the switch's magnet <NUM>, and a manipulation portion <NUM> for allowing a user to move the switch's magnet between the retaining and ejecting positions. The magnet-retaining portion <NUM> may include a magnet hole <NUM>, in which the switch's magnet <NUM> is disposed.

The manipulation portion <NUM> may protrude away from the insertion axis <NUM> with respect to the handle's connecting portion <NUM>, and/or may present a textured surface arranged away from the handle's connecting portion, to allow a user to gain purchase on the switch <NUM> during movement between the retaining and ejecting positions.

When the switch <NUM> is in the retaining position and the connecting portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the head <NUM> and handle <NUM> are retained inside each other, the switch's magnet <NUM> (and the magnet-retaining portion <NUM>, when present) may be arranged in an extremity of the switch slot <NUM> which is relatively near to the cutting element(s) <NUM>. For example, the magnet-retaining portion <NUM> may be arranged to abut this extremity of the switch slot <NUM>.

The switch <NUM> may be provided with a spacer portion <NUM> that separates the magnet-retaining portion <NUM> from the manipulation portion <NUM>. For example, the switch's spacer portion <NUM> may extend from the switch's magnet <NUM> to the manipulation portion <NUM> and past the head's magnet <NUM> when the switch's magnet is in the retaining position and the male <NUM> and female 46F portions are fully inserted inside each other. The switch's spacer portion <NUM> may allow the manipulation portion <NUM> to be relatively remote from the cutting element(s) <NUM>, compared to the switch's magnet <NUM>.

The head's connecting portion <NUM> and the handle's connecting portion <NUM> can be connected to one another in a similar manner to the connection portions described with respect to <FIG>.

When insertion begins, the switch's magnet <NUM> exerts a repulsive force on the head's magnet <NUM> that includes a component directed opposite to the insertion direction <NUM>, and a component directed perpendicular to the insertion direction <NUM>. Contact forces between the male <NUM> and female 46F portions cancel the component directed perpendicular to the insertion direction in the same manner as described with regard to <FIG>. The component of the repulsive force that is directed opposite to the insertion direction <NUM> may be perceived by the user as resistance by the connector <NUM> to insertion of the male <NUM> and female 46F portions into each other.

As insertion progresses, the position of the head's magnet <NUM> relative to the switch's magnet <NUM> along the insertion axis <NUM> becomes such that the repulsive force exerted by the switch's magnet <NUM> on the head's magnet <NUM> and the switch's magnet <NUM> (at least temporarily) lacks components directed along the insertion axis <NUM>. The male <NUM> and female 46F portions limit or prevent movement of the head's magnet <NUM> perpendicular to the insertion direction <NUM>. Additionally, the switch <NUM> and/or the switch slot <NUM> limit(s) or prevent(s) movement of the switch's magnet <NUM> perpendicular to the insertion direction <NUM>. This will be discussed in greater detail with regard to <FIG>.

When the position of the switch's magnet <NUM> along the insertion axis <NUM> is intermediate those of the head's magnet <NUM> and the cutting element(s) <NUM>, the repulsive force exerted by switch's magnet <NUM> on the head's magnet <NUM> includes a component directed in the insertion direction <NUM>. The user may perceive this repulsion as the connector <NUM> urging the male portion <NUM> into the female portion 46F. Additionally, the head's magnet <NUM> can be considered to exert a repulsive force on the switch's magnet <NUM>, opposite to that of the repulsive force exerted by the switch's magnet <NUM> on the head's magnet <NUM>. The repulsive force exerted on the switch's magnet <NUM> by the head's magnet <NUM> includes a component directed opposite to the insertion direction <NUM>. The repulsive force exerted on the switch's magnet <NUM> by the head's magnet <NUM> in this position may be perceived by the user as biasing the switch <NUM> towards the retaining position, independently of whether a resilient component <NUM> is also provided to bias the switch's magnet <NUM> towards the retaining position. <FIG> shows the shaving device <NUM> of <FIG> during movement of the switch <NUM> from its positon seen in <FIG>, where the switch is in the retaining position, towards its position as seen in <FIG>, where the switch is in the ejecting position.

As the switch <NUM> moves from the retaining position to the ejecting position, it undergoes a translation in the insertion direction <NUM>. For example, the net translation of the switch's magnet <NUM> when moved from the retaining position to the ejecting position may be approximately <NUM>-<NUM> in the insertion direction <NUM>.

When the connector's connection portions <NUM>, <NUM> abut one another, movement of the head <NUM> in the insertion direction relative to the handle <NUM> is prevented. The translation of the switch's magnet <NUM> from the retaining position to the ejecting position causes the switch's magnet and the head's magnet <NUM> to pass each other. As the switch's magnet <NUM> moves from the retaining position towards the position shown in <FIG>, the magnets <NUM>, <NUM> of the head <NUM> and switch <NUM> are made to approach one another, causing an increase in repulsion between them. The repulsive force exerted by the head's magnet <NUM> on the switch's magnet <NUM> includes a component directed opposite to the insertion direction <NUM> and a component directed perpendicular to the insertion direction <NUM>. The switch <NUM> and/or switch slot <NUM> counteract the component of the repulsive force exerted by the head's magnet <NUM> on the switch's magnet <NUM>. As the head's magnet <NUM> and the switch's magnet <NUM> approach one another, the component of the repulsive force exerted by the head's magnet <NUM> on the switch's magnet that is directed opposite the insertion direction increases, and may be perceived by a user of the shaving device <NUM> as resistance by the connector <NUM> against disconnection of the connector's connecting portions <NUM>, <NUM> from one another.

The head's and switch's magnets <NUM>, <NUM> are oriented such that equal poles of the head's and switch's magnets (in this case north poles 51N, 53N, though south poles <NUM>, <NUM> are also contemplated) are arranged to face in opposite directions as each other, as described with respect to the magnets of <FIG>. When, as seen in <FIG>, equal poles of these magnets have approximately the same position as each other along the insertion axis <NUM>, the repulsive force exerted by the switch's magnet <NUM> on the head's magnet <NUM> lacks (at least temporarily) components directed along the insertion axis <NUM>. As mentioned earlier, cooperation between the male <NUM> and female portions 46F can stabilize the head's magnet <NUM> with respect to the insertion axis <NUM>. Additionally, the repulsive force exerted by the head's magnet <NUM> on the switch's magnet <NUM> lacks (at least temporarily) components directed along the insertion axis <NUM>. The switch slot <NUM> stabilizes the switch's magnet <NUM> relative to the insertion axis <NUM>. For example, the switch's magnet <NUM> may be enclosed within the magnet-retaining portion <NUM>, and the switch slot <NUM> may stabilize the magnet-retaining portion relative to the insertion axis <NUM>.

When the switch's magnet <NUM> is not enclosed within the magnet-retaining portion <NUM>, the magnet-retaining portion's magnet hole <NUM> may be provided as a blind hole which opens towards the insertion axis. In this way, magnetic repulsion between the head's magnet and the switch's magnet may urge the switch's magnet into the magnet-retaining portion's magnet hole, in a direction away from said magnet hole's opening <NUM>.

When repulsion between the head's magnet <NUM> and the switch's magnet <NUM> is susceptible to dislodge the switch's magnet from the magnet-retaining portion <NUM>, the switch slot <NUM> may be arranged such that a surface of the switch slot limits movement of the switch's magnet relative to the magnet-retaining portion <NUM>.

The switch slot <NUM> may surround the magnet-retaining portion <NUM> in all directions perpendicular to the insertion direction <NUM>, for example. A window 46W may be practiced in a peripheral wall 46C of the switch slot <NUM>, which is on an opposite side of the switch slot from the insertion axis <NUM>. The manipulation portion <NUM> of the ejection switch <NUM> may protrude may protrude through the window 46W. The window 46W may have a length as measured in the insertion direction <NUM> that is sufficient for allowing the manipulation portion <NUM> to move the switch's magnet <NUM> between the retaining and ejecting positions.

As the switch's magnet <NUM> advances past the head's magnet <NUM>, repulsion of the switch's magnet from the head's magnet transitions from being substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction to being such that the head's magnet repels the switch's magnet in the insertion direction <NUM>. A user may perceive this transition as a decrease in resistance by the connector <NUM> to moving the switch <NUM> to the ejecting position.

When the resilient element <NUM> is provided, the biasing force may be sufficient to prevent the repulsion between the switch's magnet <NUM> and the head's magnet <NUM> from moving the switch's magnet into the ejecting position during insertion of the male <NUM> and female 46F portions into each other.

When the switch <NUM> is in the ejecting position, the switch's magnet <NUM> and the head's magnet <NUM> repel one another so as to decrease insertion of the male potion <NUM> inside the female portion 46F. For example, when the head's connecting portion <NUM> and the handle's connecting portion <NUM> are fully inserted inside each other, and the switch <NUM> is in the ejecting position, the position of the head's magnet <NUM> along the insertion axis <NUM> is intermediate those of the switch's magnet <NUM> and the cutting element(s) <NUM>. The switch's magnet <NUM> repels the head's magnet <NUM> opposite to the insertion direction <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the shaving device <NUM> of <FIG> during ejection of the head <NUM> from the handle <NUM>. The switch <NUM> is shown in the ejection position, in this case abutting an extremity of the switch slot <NUM> which is remote from the head <NUM>.

The positions of these magnets <NUM>, <NUM> relative to each other along the insertion axis <NUM> is reversed with respect to that shown in <FIG>, such that the cutting element(s) <NUM> is/are closer to the head's magnet than to the switch's magnet, and the repulsive force exerted on the head's magnet <NUM> by the switch's magnet <NUM> has urged the male portion <NUM> to begin withdrawing from the female portion 46F.

After the user releases the switch <NUM>, the resilient element <NUM> returns to its rest position, moving the switch opposite to the insertion direction <NUM>. If the head <NUM> and handle <NUM> are not fully withdrawn from one another, this movement of the switch <NUM> may cause the switch's magnet <NUM> to approach the head's magnet <NUM>, increasing the repulsive force exerted on the head's magnet by the switch's magnet (including its component directed opposite to the insertion direction <NUM>), and further encouraging withdrawal of the male <NUM> and female 46F portions from each other.

This movement of the switch <NUM> may also be performed by the user, for example as an alternative to or so as to supplement the action of the resilient element <NUM>. When no resilient element is provided <NUM>, or when the biasing action of the resilient element is insufficient to prevent the switch <NUM> from being moved into the ejecting position during insertion of the male <NUM> and female 46F portions inside each other, the user may use the manipulation portion <NUM> to maintain the switch's magnet in the retaining position until the male and female portions are fully inserted inside each other.

Although the foregoing discussion showed the manipulation portion <NUM> as being moved in the insertion direction <NUM> in order to move the switch's magnet <NUM> from the retaining position to the ejecting position, it is contemplated, as an alternative, for the switch <NUM> to be configured such that the switch's magnet moves in the insertion direction <NUM> in response to movement of the manipulation portion opposite to the insertion direction. For example a user may be able to move the switch's magnet <NUM> from the retaining position to the ejecting position by moving the manipulation portion <NUM> towards the head <NUM>.

Although the foregoing discussion related to connecting a shaving head to a handle of a skincare device, it is also contemplated to provide such connectors to other sorts of skincare devices. For example, the connector may be provided to connect an exfoliator head to a handle of a skincare device.

Claim 1:
A connector (<NUM>, <NUM>) for connecting a shaving head (<NUM>) to a handle (<NUM>, <NUM>) of a skincare device (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising a first piece (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to be connected to the shaving head, a second piece (<NUM>, 42F, <NUM>, 46F) configured to be connected to the handle, at least a first magnet (<NUM>) connected to the first piece, at least a second magnet (<NUM>, <NUM>) connected to the second piece, the first and second pieces being insertable inside each other along an insertion direction (<NUM>), such that equal poles (51N-53N, <NUM>-<NUM>) of the first and second magnets are arranged obliquely or perpendicularly to the insertion direction for retaining the first and second pieces inside each other through magnetic repulsion, characterized in that the connector (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a third piece (<NUM>) connected to the second piece (<NUM>, 46F), the second magnet (<NUM>) being fixed with respect to the third piece, the third piece (<NUM>) being movable with respect to the second piece (<NUM>, 46F) between a first position, in which the second magnet (<NUM>) repels the first magnet (<NUM>) so as to increase insertion of the first (<NUM>, <NUM>) and second pieces (<NUM>, 46F) inside each other, and a second position, in which the second magnet (<NUM>) repels the first magnet (<NUM>) so as to decrease insertion of the first (<NUM>, <NUM>) and second pieces (<NUM>, 46F) inside each other.