Patent Description:
The present invention relates to hand held device used in treating facial skin and more particularly to a hand held dermaplaning device for exfoliating facial skin that is safe to use by non-professionals as well as a process for dermaplaning facial skin.

Various processes are known for treating facial skin. These processes are known to include hand-held devices and fall into several categories as follows:.

Shaving is used to remove facial hair by way of a razor. In addition to standard safety razors, <CIT> and Russian Patent <CIT> disclose safety razors with piezo-electric crystals attached to the blade for vibrating the blade at ultrasonic frequencies during shaving. These devices include a safety razor, a piezo-electric crystal, battery and a circuit for coupling the battery to the piezo-electric crystal. These devices are used for removing excess hair from a person's face and do not remove any skin. Such devices are configured for non-professional use.

In addition to manual treatment, cleansing and moisturizing may be accomplished by way of hand-held devices. For example, US Patent Application Publication No. <CIT> and <CIT> and <CIT> disclose hand held devices for dispensing a liquid to a person's face. These devices include a cleansing mode in which a micro-current is applied to cleanse the skin. US Patent Application Publication No. <CIT> Al discloses a hand held device for just applying a moisturizing liquid to a person's face. An example of such a device is also disclosed in: voutube. com/watch?v=W1PcSf253cs.

Other hand-held devices are known for cleansing facial skin which rely on ultrasonic frequencies. Examples of these devices are disclosed in Japanese Patent No. <CIT>; South Korean Patent Nos. : <CIT> and <CIT>. Additional examples of such devices can be found at the following locations:.

Dermabrasion is a cosmetic surgical procedure for removing an outer layer of skin by abrading the skin with fine sandpaper or wire brushes to remove scars or other imperfections. This procedure is used to abrade the skin down to the dermis. The dermis is a layer of skin between the epidermis and subcutaneous tissues that consist of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. Dermabrasion normally requires an anesthetic and is normally done by medical professionals, such as dermatologists. Because of the possibility of infections and scarring, dermabrasion is a relatively unpopular choice for facial skin treatment.

Hand held devices for performing dermabrasion are known. Exemplary hand-held devices used for dermabrasion are disclosed and described in detail in <CIT> and US Patent Application Publication Nos. <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>. In general, such devices include an applicator having an abrasive material applied to the surface. The applicator is attached to a piezo-electric crystal for vibrating the applicator at ultrasonic frequencies. The vibrating applicator is applied to areas of the face of interest. <CIT> discloses a hand-held device that includes a rotating brush with abrasive bristles. Hand-held dermabrasion devices are known to be available for professional and non-professional use.

Debridement is a surgical technique performed by a licensed physician for removing unhealthy tissue, such as. necrotic, i.e., dead, infected, damaged, contaminated tissue or in situations to remove a foreign body in the tissue. US Patent Application Publication No. <CIT> discloses a hand held device that is known to be used for debridement. The device includes blade carried by a handle. The blade is a small, dull flat blade operable to scrape the necrotic tissue away from the tissue site without harming any of the healthy tissue located adjacent the necrotic tissue. A piezoelectric crystal is attached to the blade to vibrate the blade at ultrasonic frequencies. Such debridement devices are only available for professional use.

<CIT> discloses a method and a hand-held device for dermaplaning that includes a blade with a safety cage forming an assembly removably mounted to a housing. The blade includes a safety guard for limiting the amount of penetration of the blade into the facial skin to enable the device to be safely used by non- professionals.

<CIT> also discloses a method and a hand-held device for dermaplaning that includes a blade with a safety cage forming an assembly removably mounted to a housing. A piezo-electric crystal is attached to the blade to cause the blade to vibrate at ultrasonic frequencies.

From <CIT> a cutter is known, which is so formed that an edge body is accessible to a blade body and the edge body installed on an edge body holding part of the blade body is pressed by the energizing force of a plate spring. The blade body comprises an engagement recessed part opening to the lower edge of the blade body and the plate spring comprises, at its base end, an engagement projected piece bent and extending toward the engagement recessed part, and the engagement projected piece inserted through that opening and engaged with the engagement recessed part is covered by a cover body. The engagement recessed part is formed in the side face part of a groove part in a direction orthogonal to its extending direction and in the overall area of its side face part in its thickness direction.

In <CIT> a light weight handle and head is described, which carry a blade with a discontinuous cutting edge. The handle extends at an acute angle to the extent of the blade edge. The handle increases in girth from the head to its free end. The head is slotted to receive the blade in a carrier or guard with a "V"-shaped cross-section. The trough of the "V" is perforated to define slim bands that cross the edge of the blade. The perforate edges are contoured to eliminate drag on the skin and hair of the user. The longitudinal axis of the handle is coplanar with the blade and the handle configuration enables the user to rotate the razor head for ease in shaving difficult areas. The carrier interrupts the skin contact of the cutting edge to prevent slicing the skin.

According to <CIT> , in-line manual razor blade shaving devices feature an elongated frame having an elongated front cutter support portion arranged in-line with an elongated handle portion. The cutter support portion has first and second opposed sides upon which elongated razor blade structures, such as dual razor blade cartridges, are mounted. The elongated razor blade structures each feature at least one razor blade strip spaced from and arranged generally parallel to elongated front and guard portions. The guards define a working plane into which the razor blade edges of the razor blade structure project.

<CIT> describes safety razors having a blade unit carried on a handle that includes a vibration mechanism and a control device for controlling operation of the vibration mechanism, the control device being connected to an electrode arrangement that can comprise a blade and an electrically conductive casing of the handle, to detect water so that the vibration mechanism is activated in response to the blade unit being immersed into a body of water for rinsing.

Dermaplaning is a relatively popular process that is relatively simple and safe and is used for exfoliating the epidermis, i.e. outer layer of cells in the skin, and removing fine vellus hair, i.e. peach fuzz, from the skin. Dermaplaning is a process normally performed by licensed skin care professionals, such as, estheticians because of the use of a scalpel or similar blade. Using a scalpel and a delicate touch, the scalpel is swept across the skin with light feathering strokes to exfoliate the skin. Exfoliation involves the removal of the oldest dead skin cells on the skin's outermost surface.

Dermaplaning facial skin has many benefits. For example, removing epidermal skin allows skin care products to penetrate more readily into deeper layers of the skin for better results. As mentioned above, dermaplaning removes vellus hair which tends to cause a build-up of dirt and oils in the follicles. Removal of the hair results in healthier looking skin.

Hand-held devices used for dermaplaning normally include a surgical style scalpel consisting of a blade and a handle. Such scalpels are not available for non-professional use. As such, dermaplaning is only available at spas with licensed skin care professionals. Such dermaplaning treatments at spas can be relatively expensive. Unfortunately, there are no known dermaplaning devices known for non-professional home use. Thus, there is a need to provide a hand-held device and method for dermaplaning for non-professional use that overcomes this problem.

The invention is defined by a blade assembly according to independent claim <NUM>, with further embodiments defined by the dependent claims. Briefly, the present invention relates a hand-held device for dermaplaning facial skin that is relatively safe for non-professional use. The hand-held device includes a blade assembly that includes a blade, a blade holder and a safety cage that is removably mounted to a housing. The safety cage limits the depth that the blade can penetrate the skin which makes the device safe for use by non-professionals. Various embodiments of the hand-held dermaplaning device are contemplated. In one embodiment, a piezoelectric crystal is used to cause the blade assembly to vibrate at ultrasonic frequencies. In an alternate embodiment, a motor driving an eccentric load may be used for vibrating the blade assembly at other frequencies. In yet another alternate embodiment, the motor with an eccentric load and the piezoelectric crystal are selectively and alternatively used to vibrate the blade assembly. In embodiments that include a motor, the motor speed may be optionally adjustable to enable the vibration frequency to be varied. A dermaplaning process is also disclosed that can be used by non-professionals.

These and other advantages of the present disclosure will be readily understood with reference to the following specification and attached drawings. A blade assembly in accordance with the claimed invention is shown in <FIG>.

The present disclosure includes a method and a hand-held device for dermaplaning that is relatively safe for non-professional use. Methods of dermaplaning or use of the hand held device for such procedures is not part of the claimed invention. In general, the hand-held device includes a blade assembly removably mounted to a housing. The blade assembly includes a blade or scalpel, a blade holder for carrying the blade and a safety cage. The safety cage is juxtaposed or disposed over the cutting edge of the blade which limits the amount of penetration of the blade into the facial skin. As such, use of the device enables non-professionals to safely perform dermaplaning on a person's face.

Multiple exemplary embodiments of the dermaplaning device are described and illustrated. All embodiments include an exemplary outer housing, for example, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> and a blade assembly and a vibration generator,.

The first embodiment , illustrated in <FIG>, includes a piezoelectric crystal circuit for vibrating the blade at an ultrasonic frequency, for example, frequencies above <NUM>,<NUM> Hertz and a motor with an eccentric rotary load which vibrates the blade assembly at frequencies other than ultrasonic frequencies, for example, frequencies less than <NUM>,<NUM> Hertz.

The second embodiment is illustrated in <FIG>. In this embodiment, the dermaplaning device only includes a piezoelectric crystal circuit attached to the blade.

The third embodiment is illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>. In this embodiment, the dermaplaning device a motor with a rotary eccentric load as a vibration generator.

A fourth exemplary embodiment is illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. This embodiment includes a vibration generator, for example, a motor and an eccentrically mounted mass mounted on the motor shaft, as illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an exemplary base for the device illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> <FIG>, <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates an exemplary blade assembly for the fourth embodiment. <FIG> illustrate an exemplary alternative embodiment of the blade assembly illustrated in <FIG> illustrate an exemplary blade retainer for the blade assemblies illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>.

The fourth embodiment of the dermaplaning device is illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Referring first to <FIG>, <FIG> and 24C, an exemplary housing for the fourth exemplary embodiment of the dermaplaning device is illustrated. An exemplary outline is shown. <FIG> illustrate a housing the dermaplaning device with the blade assembly installed while <FIG> illustrate the dermaplaning device with the blade removed. The housing can accommodate the blade assembly illustrated in <FIG> as well as the blade assembly illustrated in <FIG> as well as any blade assembly which can be inserted and removed and satisfy the functional interlocks of the blade control mechanism, as discussed below. The dermaplaning device, identified with the reference numeral <NUM> (<FIG>), includes a removable blade assembly <NUM>, a handle portion <NUM> and a base portion <NUM> form an outer housing.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an exemplary base or stand for storing and charging the dermaplaning device <NUM>. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the exemplary stand <NUM> is configured to receive a dermaplaning device without a blade assembly, such as the device shown in in <FIG>. One of the reasons for configuring the stand <NUM> in this manner is that the blade assembly is to be removed after each use for sanitary reasons. As will be discussed in more detail below, a blade assembly control mechanism in the device is configured to break off an upwardly extending tab <NUM>, for example, an L-shaped tab <NUM> or other upwardly extending tab that is configured so that the blade assembly can be fully inserted and broken off as the blade assembly is being removed. If an attempt is made to re-insert the blade assembly <NUM> after the tab is broken off, the blade assembly control mechanism <NUM> will sense the lack of the tab 352and prevent the device from operating.

As best shown in <FIG>, the exemplary base <NUM> includes a cradle portion <NUM> for receiving the base portion <NUM> of the dermaplaning device <NUM> and a stand portion <NUM> to enable the handle portion <NUM> of the device <NUM> to rest upon it. As shown, the cradle portion <NUM> is formed with a slot <NUM> contoured to the bottom support surfaces of the base portion <NUM> of the dermaplaning device <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The slot <NUM> is contoured so that the base portion <NUM> of the dermaplaning device <NUM> rests upon the bottom surfaces of the slot <NUM> and the sidewalls of the base portion <NUM> of the dermaplaning device <NUM> are in contact with the sidewalls <NUM> of the slot <NUM>.

The stand portion <NUM> is used to support the dermaplaning device <NUM> in an upright position at approximately at an angle of <NUM>° from the horizontal, as shown in <FIG>. A top surface <NUM> of the stand portion <NUM> is angled to support the handle portion <NUM> intermediate the free end.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the connection between the dermaplaning device <NUM> and the base <NUM> is a mechanical connection. As will be discussed in more detail below, the exemplary device may also include an induction charger. The primary winding of the induction charger is carried in the base and "connects" by magnetic induction to a secondary winding and a battery charger in the device <NUM>. In such an embodiment shown, the dermaplaning device <NUM> is formed as a portable device and may include an internal rechargeable battery. The induction type battery charger may be implemented for charging the internal battery. As will be discussed in more detail below, the internal battery is charged by induction when the dermaplaning device <NUM> is seated in the base <NUM>. The components are configured so that the secondary of the induction battery charger is within a predetermined distance from the primary side of the induction battery charger. Thus, the internal battery is charged even though there is no electrical contact between the dermaplaning device <NUM> and the base <NUM>.

Various alternate embodiments are also contemplated. One alternate embodiment contemplates an internal battery that is not re-chargeable. In such an embodiment, the non-rechargeable battery is periodically replaced. In other alternate embodiments which include re-chargeable batteries, external electrical contacts are formed on the exterior of the dermaplaning device <NUM> that are configured to mate with corresponding contacts on the base <NUM>. In this embodiment, the external contacts on the base <NUM> are connected to an external source of AC or DC for charging the internal rechargeable battery.

In yet another alternate embodiment, the dermaplaning device <NUM> is powered from an external source of AC that is hardwired into the device <NUM>. This embodiment requires a constant source of AC power for operation.

In the embodiment illustrated and described, the device includes an internal rechargeable battery that is charged by an induction charger. The primary induction circuit discussed below is housed between the bottom surface of the base and the top surface of the plate <NUM> (<FIG>). The primary induction circuit is terminated at a fixed connector (not shown) that is accessible by way of a cut-out <NUM> in the bottom plate <NUM>. An external connector <NUM> is configured to mate with the fixed connector. The external connector is connected to a cable that is connected to an external source of electric power.

As shown in <FIG>, the base <NUM> is tipped on its side in order to illustrate a bottom plate <NUM>, attached to the bottom of the base <NUM> by a pair of fasteners <NUM> and <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the space between the bottom plate <NUM> and the bottom side of a top surface <NUM> (<FIG>) of the base <NUM> may be used to carry primary side of the charging circuit. In particular, several of the components including : a ballast block <NUM>, steel block <NUM>, a magnet switch <NUM>, and a printed circuit board <NUM> are carried in the cradle portion <NUM> of the base <NUM>. A socket <NUM> is accessible from the bottom of the base <NUM> for receiving the internal connector <NUM> (<FIG>) for connection to an external power source (not shown). A magnet <NUM> carried by the device <NUM> is configured to be aligned with the steel block <NUM> when the device <NUM> is received in the cradle portion <NUM> of the base <NUM>. This causes the magnetic switch <NUM> to trip to indicate that the device <NUM> is in position for charging. This causes a transmit coil <NUM> in the stand portion <NUM> (<FIG>) of the base <NUM> to be connected to the external source of power. The transmit coil <NUM> is positioned in the stand portion <NUM> of the cradle portion <NUM> so as to be aligned with a receive coil <NUM> formed in the handle portion <NUM> of the device <NUM>. As such, when the device <NUM> is seated in the base <NUM> and the external connector <NUM> (<FIG>) is connected to the socket <NUM> in the base <NUM> and to an external source of power, the power applied to the transmit coil <NUM> is coupled to the receive coil <NUM> by magnetic induction to charge an internal battery <NUM> carried by the device <NUM>.

An exemplary blade assembly <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. The blade assembly <NUM> may be injection molded around the blade and configured so that the body portion or blade holder <NUM> can slide between the rails <NUM> (<FIG>) of the dermaplaning device <NUM>. The exemplary blade assembly <NUM> includes a body portion <NUM>, a nose portion <NUM> and a may include a safety cage portion <NUM>. Alternatively, the safety cage portion <NUM> may be formed as part of the blade. The nose portion <NUM> is formed to fit into a cut-out <NUM> in the base portion <NUM> (<FIG>) of the dermaplaning device <NUM>. The safety cage portion <NUM> extends outwardly from the bottom of the body portion <NUM>. The safety cage portion <NUM> is formed with a plurality of outwardly extending teeth, generally identified with the reference numeral <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> extend substantially the entire length of the blade assembly <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> are spaced apart. The blade <NUM> is disposed slightly below the tips of the teeth <NUM>, for example, as illustrated and discussed in connection with <FIG>. In other words, the teeth extend farther out than the edge of the blade. The distance between the tips of the teeth <NUM> and the edge of the blade establishes the penetration of the blade. Typically, a penetration of several millimeters is suitable for non-professional use.

As will be discussed in more detail below, the body portion <NUM> of the blade assembly <NUM> is formed to cooperate with a blade assembly control mechanism, discussed below, to provide interlocks with respect to certain aspects of the control logic. In particular, in an exemplary embodiment, the control logic utilizes the configuration of the body portion <NUM> of the blade assembly <NUM> to perform one or more of the following functions:.

Each of these functions are described in detail. Several of these functions are formed as interlocks. The interlocks are the result of interaction between the blade assembly <NUM> and the blade assembly control mechanism <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>). In particular, the body portion <NUM> of the of the blade assembly <NUM> may be configured to cooperate with one or more mechanisms in the blade assembly control mechanism <NUM> to provide one or more of the above-mentioned functions.

The blade assembly control mechanism <NUM> includes a body portion and one or more micro-switches <NUM>, <NUM> responsive to one or more spring loaded bullet pins <NUM>, <NUM> which form electrical interlocks. The bullet pins <NUM>, <NUM> are biased downwardly. When the bullet pins <NUM>, <NUM> are forced upwardly, the micro-switches <NUM>, <NUM> are actuated. The blade assembly control mechanism <NUM> may also include mechanical interlocks. For example, the blade assembly control mechanism <NUM> may include a spring loaded knife blade <NUM> that is biased downwardly. The spring loaded knife <NUM> is configured to break off the extending tab <NUM>, as the blade assembly is being removed. On re-insertion of the blade assembly <NUM>, the spring loaded bullet pin <NUM> is not moved upwardly and the micro-switch <NUM> is not actuated. The blade assembly control mechanism <NUM> may also include a one or more mechanical interlocks. For example, the blade assembly control mechanism <NUM> may also include spring loaded bullet pin <NUM> that is biased downwardly which cooperates with an arcuate notch <NUM> formed in the lower shelf surface <NUM> of the blade assembly <NUM> in order to create a locking mechanism that is released when the blade assembly <NUM> is removed from the device <NUM>.

Various types of locking mechanisms are contemplated for locking the blade assembly <NUM> in place during use. An exemplary locking mechanism is illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates an enlarged partial sectional view of a head portion <NUM> of the dermaplaning device <NUM>. <FIG> is similar to <FIG> but is more detailed and illustrates the head portion <NUM> of the dermaplaning device <NUM> seated in a base <NUM>, as discussed above.

Referring first to <FIG>. an exemplary locking mechanism is illustrated as a spring loaded bullet pin <NUM> is carried by the blade assembly control mechanism <NUM>. The bullet pin <NUM> is configured to cooperate with an arcuate notch <NUM>, formed in the body portion <NUM> of the blade assembly <NUM>. As the blade assembly <NUM> is slid into place, the spring loaded bullet pin <NUM> slides along the top surfaces of the body portion <NUM> of the blade assembly <NUM>. As the blade assembly <NUM> approaches its fully inserted position, the spring force urges the bullet pin <NUM> downwardly until it is seated in the arcuate notch <NUM> formed at an end of the blade assembly <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, thus locking the blade assembly <NUM> in place.

In order to remove the blade assembly <NUM>, a lateral force, opposite the insertion force, is applied to the blade assembly <NUM>. The lateral force causes the bullet pin <NUM> to retract as its tip rides up the curved surface of the arcuate notch <NUM>. Once the bullet pin <NUM> is free of the arcuate notch <NUM>, the blade assembly <NUM> is essentially unlocked and the blade assembly <NUM> can be removed.

Positive indication may also be provided to the control logic for the dermaplaning device <NUM> to indicate that the blade assembly <NUM> is fully inserted in the dermaplaning device <NUM>. In particular, a pair of micro-switches <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided to provide a positive indication that the blade assembly <NUM> is fully inserted in the dermaplaning device <NUM>. These micro-switches <NUM> and <NUM> are actuated by spring loaded bullet pins <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. In particular, the spring loaded bullet pin <NUM> is configured to actuate the micro-switch <NUM> while the spring loaded bullet pin <NUM> is configured to actuate the micro-switch <NUM>. The bullet pins <NUM> and <NUM> ride along the top surfaces of blade assembly <NUM> as it is being inserted or removed from the dermaplaning device <NUM>. In particular, as the blade assembly <NUM> is being inserted, the bullet pin <NUM> rides along an upper shelf surface <NUM> (<FIG>) of the body portion <NUM> of the blade assembly <NUM> and initially activates the micro-switch <NUM>. As the bullet pin <NUM> is moved past the upper shelf surface <NUM> and onto a lower shelf surface <NUM>, the spring loaded bullet pin <NUM> is urged downwardly by the spring force, thus de-activating the micro-switch <NUM>. As the blade assembly <NUM> is continuously inserted, the bullet pin <NUM> is biased upwardly by the tab <NUM> formed on an upper shelf surface <NUM> of the blade assembly, thereby actuating the micro-switch <NUM>, which remains actuated while the blade assembly <NUM> is fully inserted into the dermaplaning device <NUM>. At this point, both bullet pins <NUM> and <NUM> are biased upwardly, thereby actuating both micro-switches <NUM> and <NUM>. As will be discussed below, the dermaplaning device <NUM> is inoperable until both micro-switches <NUM> and <NUM> are actuated.

The dermaplaning device <NUM> may also be configured so that a blade assembly <NUM> cannot be re-used once the blade assembly <NUM> has been removed from the device. Various mechanical interlock systems are contemplated for this function. An exemplary interlock system is illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. For example, a spring loaded knife blade <NUM> extends downwardly from the blade assembly control mechanism <NUM> extends into the path of the blade assembly <NUM> as it is being inserted and removed from the dermaplaning device <NUM>. A forward surface <NUM> of the knife blade <NUM> is formed with a cammed surface. As such, as the blade assembly <NUM> is being inserted, the extending tab <NUM> on the blade body <NUM> of the blade assembly <NUM> causes the knife blade <NUM> to push the knife blade <NUM> upwardly against the spring force. As the blade assembly <NUM> continues advancing toward a fully inserted position, the knife blade <NUM> returns to a normal position, as shown, under the influence of the spring.

When the blade assembly <NUM> is removed from the device, the tab <NUM> of the blade assembly <NUM> catches against a flat surface <NUM> of the knife blade <NUM>. In order to remove the blade assembly <NUM>, a sufficient lateral force must be exerted to break the tab <NUM> to allow the blade assembly <NUM> to be removed. After the tab <NUM> is broken off, the blade assembly <NUM> can continue to be removed. The surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> will slide under the knife blade <NUM> to allow the blade assembly <NUM> to be completely removed.

Once it is removed, the tab <NUM> will not be available on a re-insertion to activate bullet pin <NUM> and the micro-switch <NUM>, thus preventing re-use of that blade assembly <NUM> and thus will not actuate the micro-switch <NUM> if the blade assembly <NUM> is re-inserted. As will be discussed in more detail, unless both micro-switches <NUM> and <NUM> are activated, the dermaplaning device <NUM> will not operate. Thus, the tab <NUM> prevents the blade assembly <NUM> from being re-used.

Alternatively, the upper shelf surface can be extended further along the length of the blade assembly <NUM> defining an extended upper shelf surface to actuate the bullet pin <NUM> and the micro-switch <NUM> as the blade assembly is being fully inserted and as it is being fully removed. This configuration results in a reusable blade assembly.

As described below, any blade assembly used with the device <NUM> must satisfy two interlocks or conditions. The first interlock relates to the micro-switch <NUM>. This micro-switch <NUM> indicates that a blade assembly has been inserted into the device <NUM>. As discussed below, the first interlock alone is insufficient to enable the device <NUM> to be started. The second interlock relates to the micro-switch <NUM>. This second interlock indicates that the blade assembly is fully inserted. Both interlocks are required before the device <NUM> can be enabled. With reference to <FIG>, the second interlock is responsive to the spring loaded bullet pin <NUM>. The spring loaded bullet pin <NUM> will actuate the micro-switch <NUM> only if the tab <NUM> is in place. Once the tab <NUM> is broken off, any attempts to reuse the blade assembly <NUM> will result in the bullet pin being unable to move upwardly to actuate the micro-switch <NUM>.

Other variations of the blade assembly <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> are contemplated. Any blade assembly that includes a body portion <NUM> that is configured to be inserted and removed from the dermaplaning device <NUM> and satisfy both interlocks with the blade assembly control mechanism <NUM>, i.e. actuate micro-switches <NUM> and <NUM>, is considered to be within the broad scope of the disclosure.

An exemplary alternative embodiment of the blade assembly <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> and identified with the reference numeral <NUM>'. The blade assembly <NUM>' lends itself to be re-used while still satisfying the various interlocks of the blade assembly control mechanism <NUM> that allow the device <NUM> to work.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the alternative blade assembly <NUM>' fully inserted into the device <NUM> while <FIG> illustrates the alternative blade assembly <NUM>' in the process of being removed. Referring first to <FIG>, the tab <NUM> in the blade assembly <NUM>, illustrated in <FIG>, is replaced with a ramp <NUM>'. The configuration of the alternative blade assembly <NUM>' satisfies both interlocks discussed above. As the blade assembly <NUM>' is being inserted, the spring loaded knife blade <NUM> and the bullet pin <NUM> slide up the ramp <NUM>'. As the blade assembly <NUM>' reaches the fully inserted position as shown in <FIG>, the bullet pin <NUM> reaches the apex of the ramp <NUM>'. This causes the bullet pin <NUM> to move upwardly and actuate the micro-switch <NUM> to indicate that the blade assembly <NUM>' is fully inserted, thus satisfying the second interlock, discussed above. As the blade assembly <NUM>' is removed, as indicated in <FIG>, the spring loaded knife blade <NUM> rides up the ramp <NUM>' allowing the blade assembly <NUM>' to be removed. The blade assembly <NUM>' can be re-inserted, as discussed above.

The alternative blade assembly <NUM>' also satisfies the first interlock. With reference to <FIG>, the alternative blade assembly <NUM>' also includes a body portion <NUM>' having a top shelf <NUM>', similar to the blade assembly <NUM>. As such, as the alternative blade assembly <NUM>' is inserted into the device <NUM>, the bullet pin <NUM> contacts the top shelf <NUM>' of the alternative body portion <NUM>', which, in turn, actuates the micro-switch <NUM> thus satisfying the first interlock.

In order to be useable with the device <NUM>, any alternative blade assembly must be able to satisfy the two interlocks discussed above. In other words, any alternative blade assembly must be able to actuate the limit switches <NUM> and <NUM> when inserted. As discussed above, embodiments are contemplated which allow the blade assembly to be re-used after it has been removed from the device. Other embodiments are contemplated that do not include the locking feature. In these embodiments, the alternative body portion <NUM>, is formed without an arcuate notch <NUM>, as discussed above, in these embodiments, the spring loaded bullet pin <NUM> would simply rest on a surface other than an arcuate surface that provides a locking feature.

<FIG> illustrate a simplified drawing of the blade assembly control mechanism <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the blade assembly <NUM>" fully inserted. <FIG> illustrates the blade assembly <NUM>" removed from the blade assembly control mechanism <NUM>. The blade assembly control mechanism <NUM> is configured to carry one or more of the spring loaded bullet pins <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> and the spring loaded knife blade <NUM>. The blade assembly control mechanism <NUM> may also be configured to carry the micro-switches <NUM> and <NUM>. As mentioned above, the micro-switch <NUM> is responsive to the bullet pin <NUM> while the micro-switch <NUM> is responsive to the bullet pin <NUM>. The micro-switches <NUM> and <NUM> as well as the battery charging circuit and control circuit illustrated in <FIG> are connected together by way of a printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM> (<FIG>) carried by blade assembly control mechanism <NUM>.

An exemplary electrical schematic diagram and an exemplary software logic flow diagram are illustrated in Figs. 32A and <FIG>, respectively. Turning first to Fig. 32A, an exemplary embodiment of a battery charging circuit is illustrated. In particular, the battery charging circuit is coupled to an external source of electric power by magnetic induction. In particular, a primary winding (not shown) is disposed in the base <NUM> (<FIG>). The device <NUM> is charged by magnetic induction charging and includes a receive coil <NUM> (<FIG>) in the device <NUM> that cooperates with a transmit coil <NUM> in the cradle portion of the base <NUM>. As mentioned above, the transmit coil <NUM> (<FIG>) as well as the balance of the primary circuit are carried by the cradle portion <NUM> of the base <NUM>. When the device <NUM> is fully seated in the cradle portion <NUM> of the base <NUM>, a magnetic switch <NUM>, located in the base <NUM> will detect the magnet <NUM> located in the belly of the device <NUM> and will connect the primary winding <NUM> to the socket <NUM>. If the connector <NUM> is connected to a socket <NUM> and to an external source of power, a voltage will be induced in the secondary winding <NUM> (<FIG>), which in turn, is connected to a battery charger circuit for charging the internal battery <NUM>. The components of the primary side of the magnetic induction circuit are connected together by way of a PCB <NUM>, located in the cradle portion <NUM> of the base <NUM>.

An exemplary configuration for the primary winding diameter <NUM> and the secondary winding <NUM> diameter (<FIG>) is <NUM> by <NUM> with a maximum coupling distance of <NUM>. The secondary winding <NUM> is connected to a bridge rectifier <NUM> which includes four diodes. The output of the bridge rectifier <NUM> is an unregulated DC voltage that is connected to a battery charger U1, for example, a lithium ion constant current/constant voltage battery charger, Model No. TP054. A pair capacitors C1 and C2 are connected across the output of the bridge rectifier <NUM> to stabilize the voltage to the battery charger U1. In addition, a Zener diode D2 is also connected as a shunt regulator across the output of the bridge rectifier <NUM> to protect the battery charger U1 from voltages above the Zener voltage. A pair of series connected resistors R1 and R3 are also connected across the rectified <NUM> output. These resistors form a voltage divider and are used to generate a signal < POW IN> representative of the voltage applied to the battery charger U1. This signal <POW IN> is used to indicate to a microprocessor <NUM>, for example, a Tenx Model No. TM57/PA10A-SOP16, that the charging circuit is connected to an external source of power.

A positive rail of the bridge rectifier <NUM> is connected to a voltage terminal VDD on the battery charger U1. A negative rail of the bridge rectifier <NUM> is connected to a ground terminal GND on the battery charger U1. A charge status terminal CHRG on the battery charger U1 is used to indicate the state of charging. This terminal CHRG is applied to the microprocessor <NUM> and is pulled low during battery charging and is thus used to indicate to the microprocessor <NUM> the presence of a charging cycle. A terminal BAT, connected to a positive rail of the battery <NUM> for charging. A pair of voltage divider resistors R2 and R5 is connected across the battery <NUM> to develop a signal <POW BT>. This signal <POW BT> is fed to the microprocessor <NUM>. The battery <NUM> is connected across the positive and negative rails of the charging circuit. Anytime, the battery <NUM> falls below <NUM> volts DC, the battery charger U1 causes a trickle charge to be applied to the battery <NUM> until the battery <NUM> reaches <NUM> volts DC. The battery charger U1 then enters a constant current mode. The charging current is programmable and is programmed by the resistor R4 attached to the PROG terminal of the battery charger U1.

A voltage stabilizing capacitor C3 is connected across the input of a voltage regulator <NUM>. The positive rail is also connected to an input terminal Vin on a voltage regulator <NUM>. The voltage regulator <NUM> regulates the output voltage of the battery to a nominal <NUM> volts DC. The <NUM> volt DC output is available at an output terminal Vout of the regulator <NUM>. A ground terminal GND on the voltage regulator <NUM> is connected to system ground. A pair of capacitors C3 and C4 is connected between the output terminal Vout on the voltage regulator <NUM> and system ground. These capacitors C3 and C4 are connected in parallel and are used to stabilize the output voltage at the output terminal Vout of the regulator <NUM>.

The microprocessor <NUM> controls the dermaplaning device <NUM>. The microprocessor <NUM> receives inputs from the micro-switches <NUM> and <NUM> (<FIG>), the state of charging by the battery charger U1, the battery voltage, whether the on-off switch is actuated and whether the dermaplaning device <NUM> is being charged by the charging cradle portion <NUM>. In particular, a CHRG signal from the battery charger U1 is applied to a port PA3 of the microprocessor <NUM>. The CHRG signal is low when the battery charger U1 is charging the battery <NUM>. The signal CHRG is also applied to a VDD pin of the microprocessor <NUM> by way of a current limiting resistor R7. During conditions when the battery <NUM> is not charging the pin VDD is pulled up by way of <NUM> volts DC. During charging, the pin VDD is pulled low indicating that the battery <NUM> is not fully charged. The signal <POW IN> is applied to a transistor switch Q2. When input power is available, as indicated by the <POW IN> signal, the voltage regulator <NUM> and a current limiting resistor R11. When the micro-switch <NUM> is engaged as the blade assembly <NUM> is inserted into the dermaplaning device <NUM>, the switch <NUM> closes pulling the port PB0 low. The micro-switch <NUM> is connected to a port PA0. In particular, port PA0 is normally pulled high by way of a <NUM> volt DC signal from the voltage regulator <NUM> and a current limiting resistor R6. When the micro-switch <NUM> is engaged as the blade assembly <NUM> is inserted into the dermaplaning device <NUM>, the switch <NUM>/<NUM> closes pulling the port PA0 low. An on-off switch <NUM>/<NUM> is connected to port PB2 of the microprocessor <NUM>. When the switch <NUM>/<NUM> is depressed, the port PB2 is pulled low, causing the motor <NUM> to be turned on, as discussed below.

As will be discussed below in connection with the control logic, the microprocessor <NUM> outputs a signal <MOT> to control the motor <NUM> that forms part of a vibration generator. The microprocessor <NUM> also controls LED0. The LED0 is connected between the output voltage of the regulator and a port PA1 by way of a current limiting resistor R8. The microprocessor <NUM> also develops a feedback signal <AD MOT> that is used to stabilize the vibration and to make it independent of the battery level.

An exemplary motor control circuit is illustrated. As shown, the motor <NUM> is powered from <NUM> volts DC, available at the positive terminal of the battery <NUM>. The motor <NUM> is connected between the <NUM> volts DC and ground by way of a switching circuit and a feedback circuit. The motor <NUM> is connected between <NUM> volts DC, available at the battery <NUM> and ground by way of a switch circuit <NUM> and a resistor R12. The switch circuit <NUM> includes a switching transistor Q1 that is driven by the <MOT> signal by way of a current limiting resistor R9. When the signal <MOT> is asserted by the microprocessor <NUM>, the transistor switch Q1 will cause the motor <NUM> to be connected to ground by way of the resistor R12, thus turning the motor on. A capacitor C6 stabilizes the voltage to the motor. When the motor <NUM> is turned off, a freewheeling diode D3 provides a current path. The diode D4 blocks the motor current from bypassing the switching circuit <NUM>.

A feedback circuit <NUM> stabilizes the operation of the motor <NUM> and essentially isolates it from the level of the battery <NUM>. Nominally, the battery <NUM> is at <NUM> volts DC. Once the motor <NUM> is turned on, a feedback signal <AD MOT> goes high and applies about <NUM> volts DC across the resistor R13. A capacitor C8 stabilizes this voltage. The resistors R10 and R13 form a voltage divider to provide a portion of the <NUM> volts from the <AD MOT> signal across the resistor R12. The voltage across R10 is stable and is applied to the resistor R12. The capacitor C7 stabilizes the voltage applied to the resistor R12. The constant voltage across R12 will cause a constant current to flow through the motor <NUM> irrespective of the level of the battery <NUM>. The constant current will cause the motor to operate at a constant speed since the speed of a DC motor is proportional to current.

The software flow diagram that is executed by the microprocessor <NUM> (<FIG>) is illustrated in <FIG>. Initially, when the on/off switch <NUM>/<NUM> (<FIG>) is depressed in step <NUM>, battery power is connected to the dermaplaning device <NUM>, as indicated in step <NUM>. Next in step <NUM>, the system checks whether a blade assembly <NUM> is detected. More particularly, the system checks whether the micro-switches <NUM> and <NUM> (<FIG>) have been actuated-indicating that a blade assembly <NUM> has been full inserted into the device <NUM>. If a blade assembly has not been detected, the system loops back to step <NUM> and keeps checking for the insertion of the blade assembly <NUM>. Once a blade assembly <NUM> is inserted into the device <NUM>, the motor <NUM> is started in step <NUM>. In particular, the microprocessor <NUM> generates a <MOT> which is applied to gate of the transistor Q1 to turn the transistor Q1 on. This completes the circuit from the <NUM> volt supply voltage through the series motor to the ground by way of the resistor R12. The microprocessor <NUM> also generates the <AD MOT> signal to stabilize the speed of the motor <NUM> and isolate the speed of the motor <NUM> from the voltage of the battery <NUM>. In addition, the microprocessor <NUM> illuminates the LED0 and causes it to blink with two long and two short pulses.

The system checks in step <NUM> whether the on/off switch <NUM>/<NUM> (<FIG>) has been switched off. If so, the system loops back to step <NUM> and waits for the switch <NUM>/<NUM> to be turned back on. If the switch <NUM>/<NUM> has not been turned off, the system checks in step <NUM> whether the blade assembly <NUM> has been at least partially released. In particular, as the blade assembly <NUM> is partially removed to the point the micro-switch <NUM> (<FIG>) is de-actuated, the microprocessor <NUM> causes the LED0 to blink at <NUM> in step <NUM>. As the blade assembly <NUM> is removed to the point the second micro-switch <NUM> is de-actuated, as indicated in step <NUM>, the LED0 is turned steady on in step <NUM>. The system then loops back to step <NUM> and waits for the blade assembly <NUM> to be detected.

After the system checks whether the on/off switch <NUM>/<NUM> has been depressed in step <NUM> and after the system the system checks whether the blade assembly <NUM> is fully inserted into the device <NUM> in step <NUM>, the system checks in step <NUM> whether an external source of power has been connected to the primary winding <NUM> of the charger circuit, the voltage VDD is detected by the microprocessor <NUM> by way of a power in signal <POW IN>. The power in signal <POW IN> is a signal at the junction of the series connected resistors R1 and R3. The serially connected resistors R1 and R3 are in parallel with the output if the bridge rectifier <NUM>. Thus, anytime an external source of power is connected to the primary winding <NUM> (<FIG>), the power is induced in the secondary winding <NUM>, which causes an AC voltage across the resistors R1 and R3. This voltage, in turn, causes the signal <POW IN> to have a positive voltage indicating that the external power has been applied to the primary winding <NUM> and that the primary winding <NUM> is in the cradle <NUM> to cause the voltage on the primary winding <NUM> to be coupled to the secondary winding <NUM>, as indicated in step <NUM>. Once a voltage on the secondary winding <NUM> has been detected, the microprocessor <NUM> causes the LED0 to blink with four (<NUM>) long pulses in step in step <NUM>.

The system also determines when the battery charge is complete. This is done by monitoring the CHRG pin on the battery charger U1, as indicated in step <NUM>. Once the charge is complete, the microprocessor <NUM> turns the LED0 steady on in step <NUM> to indicate that the external source of power may be disconnected in step <NUM>. Once the external source of power is removed, the signal <POW IN> goes low causing the system loops back to step <NUM>.

<FIG> provides exemplary details for the vibration generator. In particular, the vibration generator <NUM> includes a motor <NUM> having a shaft <NUM> and a counterweight <NUM>. The counterweight <NUM> is eccentrically configured and is attached to the motor shaft <NUM> so as to rotate with the motor shaft <NUM> without slippage. As the motor shaft <NUM> rotates, the counterweight <NUM> rotates. Because the counterweight <NUM> is eccentrically, i.e. not symmetrically, disposed relative to the motor shaft <NUM>, rotation of the counterweight <NUM> causes vibrations to be transferred to the blade assembly <NUM>, thus causing the blade assembly <NUM> to vibrate.

The counterweight <NUM> may be <NUM> in length and have a radius of <NUM>. The speed of the motor <NUM> is <NUM>,<NUM> RPM. As such, when the motor is energized with <NUM> volts DC and an operating current of <NUM> mA, the vibration generator <NUM> generates sub-sonic frequencies.

With reference to <FIG>, the dermaplaning device <NUM> includes a top housing portion <NUM> and a base housing portion <NUM>. These housing portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be fastened together by various conventional means. For example, screws may be used and covered with screw covers, such as the screw cover <NUM>. The sides of the housing are shown in <FIG>. The top of the housing is shown in <FIG>.

An exemplary blade retainer <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. The blade retainer <NUM> is used to carry extra blade assemblies <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the exemplary blade retainer <NUM>, as shown, includes an exemplary six (<NUM>) slots <NUM> for carrying six (<NUM>) blade assemblies <NUM>. The blade assemblies <NUM> and <NUM>" are oriented in the blade retainer <NUM> to enable the blade assemblies <NUM>" to be loaded directly into the dermaplaning device <NUM> without requiring the user to touch the blade assembly <NUM>". As shown in <FIG>, the blade retainer <NUM> is formed in an exemplary oval shape with the slots <NUM> formed perpendicular to the major axis of the oval.

Referring to <FIG>, an alternate embodiment of the blade retainer <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is includes a plurality of slots <NUM> for carrying alternative blade assemblies <NUM>", as best illustrated in <FIG>. As shown best in <FIG>, each blade assembly <NUM>" includes one or more notches <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>) adjacent the slots <NUM> (<FIG>) on each side of the blade assembly <NUM>". These notches <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>) cooperate with one or more "L" shaped arms <NUM> (<FIG>) adjacent the slots <NUM> (<FIG>) in the blade retainer <NUM>' which have an extending horizontal leg portion <NUM> (<FIG>) that is configured to be received in the notches <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>) on each side of the slots <NUM> in the blade retainer <NUM>' which hold both sides of the of blade assembly <NUM>" (<FIG>).

The "L" shaped arms <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) are beneath the slots <NUM> on the sides of the blade assembly <NUM>" (<FIG>). This configuration enables the rails <NUM> (<FIG>) on the device <NUM> to be received in the slots <NUM> on the blade assembly <NUM>", as generally shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a blade assembly <NUM>" just before being loaded into a device <NUM>. In order to load a blade assembly <NUM>" into the device <NUM>, the rails <NUM> on the device <NUM> are aligned with the slots <NUM> on the blade assembly <NUM>". The device <NUM> is then inserted toward the blade retainer <NUM>' to enable the rails <NUM> to be received in the slots <NUM> on the blade retainer <NUM>'. Once, the rails <NUM> on the device <NUM> are received in the slots <NUM>, the device <NUM> is moved toward the nose <NUM> of the blade assembly <NUM>", as shown in <FIG>. When the blade assembly <NUM>" is fully loaded, the device <NUM> is removed from the blade retainer <NUM>'. The "L" shaped legs <NUM> are flexible and allow the blade assembly <NUM>" to be removed from the blade retainer <NUM>' with little upward force.

The symmetry of the device <NUM> makes it suitable for easily treating both the left and right sides of a person's face. The handle portion <NUM> (<FIG>) is angled to be <NUM>° to <NUM>° with respect to the horizontal, preferably <NUM>°. In addition, the device <NUM> is contoured to treat both sides of a person's face in a downward motion. To treat the right side of a person's face, the device <NUM> may be held with a person's right hand. Similarly, to treat the left side of a person's face, the device may be held with the persons left hand.

As mentioned above, <FIG> illustrates an exemplary outer housing, generally identified with the reference numeral <NUM> that can be used with the various embodiments that include piezo-electric crystal and circuit and/or a motor and an optional rheostat for controlling the speed of the motor, for example, illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The outer housing <NUM> may be formed as a cylindrical hollow member closed on each end and formed in two parts by way of injection molded plastic, for example, or other material. Specifically, the outer housing <NUM> includes an end cap <NUM> which forms a handle portion and a top cap <NUM> which forms a cover portion. The cover portion <NUM> may be configured to attach to a main housing <NUM>, discussed below, at a parting line <NUM>. The handle portion <NUM> attaches to the main housing <NUM> at a parting line <NUM>. In this exemplary embodiment, an on-off switch and optional integrated LED (light emitting diode), generally identified with the reference numeral <NUM>, for controlling power to the device is carried by the main housing <NUM> and may be exposed between the handle portion <NUM> and the cover portion <NUM>. As discussed in more detail below, an optional thumb wheel control switch <NUM>, carried by the main housing <NUM>, may be used to control the speed of the motor <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an alternative outer housing, generally identified with the reference numeral <NUM>. The outer housing <NUM> is used in embodiments that do not include a rheostat and optional thumbwheel.

As used herein, the term housing refers to the outer housing <NUM> (<FIG>) and <FIG> (<FIG>) individually as well as the combination of the outer housing <NUM>, <NUM> in combination with the main housing <NUM> (<FIG>), individually and collectively.

Various embodiments of the blade assembly are contemplated. For example, <FIG> illustrate an embodiment with a <NUM> piece blade assembly which includes a scalpel and a removable blade. In this embodiment, the scalpel may be fixedly mounted to the main housing or alternatively may be coupled to the main housing with a bayonet mount or other conventional coupling means.

Referring first to <FIG>, a first embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated and described and identified with the reference numeral <NUM>. The first embodiment includes a main housing <NUM>, a piezo-electric crystal <NUM>, a DC motor <NUM>, an eccentric rotary load <NUM>, coupled to a shaft <NUM> and a power supply, such as a battery <NUM>. It is further contemplated that the power supply for the device can be an alternating current power supply. Such alternating current power supplies are well known in the art.

The main housing <NUM> may be made from an electrically conductive material forming a battery holder portion, generally identified with the reference numeral <NUM> defining a positive battery contact <NUM> and a negative battery contact <NUM>. As will be discussed in more detail, below, a portion of the wiring between the various devices can be accomplished by way of a printed circuit board <NUM> which may be formed from a flexible printed circuit board Alternatively, the printed circuit board <NUM> may be omitted and the connections between the various devices can be made with electrical wiring.

One end <NUM> of the main housing <NUM> may be formed with a reduced diameter cylindrical portion <NUM> which accomplishes several functions. First, as best shown in <FIG>, an interior portion of the reduced diameter cylindrical portion <NUM> is configured to provide a friction fit for the piezoelectric crystal <NUM>. Second, as best shown in <FIG>, the exterior portion of the reduced diameter cylindrical portion <NUM> provides a bayonet interface for an exemplary replaceable blade <NUM> mounted with a bayonet interface that cooperates with the bayonet interface on the exterior portion of the reduced diameter portion <NUM>. In accordance with an important aspect of the disclosure, a safety cage <NUM> (<FIG>) fits over the blade <NUM> to limit the penetration of the blade <NUM> into the facial skin.

Turning to <FIG>, a sectional view of the first embodiment of the dermaplaning device <NUM>, is illustrated. <FIG> illustrates the main housing <NUM> in detail and how all of the various components fit into it. As shown, the various components may be wired and connected, for example, by soldering to the printed circuit board <NUM>.

As mentioned above, this embodiment includes a piezo-electric crystal for vibrating the blade <NUM> at an ultrasonic frequency defining an ultrasonic mode of operation. The device may also include a DC motor with at least one eccentric rotary loads, generally identified with the reference numeral <NUM> for generating a vibration frequency other than an ultrasonic vibration frequency defining a sub-ultrasonic frequency mode. The eccentric may be formed as a semi-circular disc <NUM>. A stationary bearing <NUM> may be disposed axially outwardly from the disc <NUM> to stabilize the motor shaft <NUM>. Depending on the speed of rotation of the motor shaft, a vibration will be created which will be transmitted to the blade assembly <NUM>.

Driver circuits that drive piezo-electric crystals to generate ultrasonic sound waves/vibrations are well known in the art. Such circuits normally include an alternating current or voltage applied to the piezo-electric crystal. Examples of such driver circuits are disclosed in <CIT>; <CIT> and US Patent Application Publication No. <CIT>. Such a driver circuit is also disclosed in South Korean patent publication no. All references to a piezo electric devices are to be understood to include the driver circuit that causes the piezoelectric device to generate ultrasonic sound waves/vibrations. The driver circuit including its respective components may be disposed on the printed circuit board <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate the electrical details for controlling a device <NUM> that includes a piezoelectric element <NUM> and a DC motor <NUM> with at least one eccentric rotary load <NUM>. A key aspect of the control is an optional exemplary <NUM>-position rotary switch <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. Such <NUM> position switches are commonly available and include <NUM> wires. Normally open rotary contacts are provided between terminals <NUM> and <NUM> for controlling power to the piezo-electric crystal <NUM> and between terminal <NUM> and <NUM> for controlling power to the DC motor <NUM>. The terminals <NUM> and <NUM> are connected together and to the positive terminal of the battery <NUM>.

In a first position of the rotary switch <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the contact between terminals <NUM> and <NUM> for controlling the power to the piezo-electric crystal <NUM> is open as is the contact between the terminals <NUM> and <NUM> for controlling power to the DC motor <NUM> is open. As such in the position illustrated in <FIG>, no power is delivered to either the piezo-electric crystal <NUM> or the motor <NUM>. In a second position of the rotary switch <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, the contact between the terminals <NUM> and <NUM> is closed, thus providing power, i.e. connecting the + battery terminal, to the piezoelectric crystal <NUM>. Since the contact between the terminals <NUM> and <NUM> is open, no power is delivered to the motor <NUM> when the switch <NUM> is in the position, as illustrated in <FIG> illustrates another OFF position in which the contact between the terminals <NUM> and <NUM> and the contact between the terminals <NUM> and <NUM> are both open, thus disconnecting the power from both the piezo-electric crystal <NUM> and the motor <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a position of the switch <NUM> in which the contact between the terminals <NUM> and <NUM> is closed thus providing power to the motor <NUM>. Since the contact between terminals <NUM> and <NUM> is open in this position, no power is delivered to the piezoelectric crystal <NUM> in this position.

An exemplary schematic diagram for the dermaplaning device <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. As shown, the circuit is powered by the battery <NUM>. As discussed above, the rotary switch <NUM> enables the battery <NUM> to be selectively connected to the piezo-electric crystal <NUM> or alternatively to motor <NUM> defining an ultrasonic mode or a sub-ultrasonic frequency mode, respectively. Optional LEDs <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided to indicate the mode of the device <NUM>. In particular, the LED <NUM> is connected in parallel with the piezo-electric crystal <NUM>. Thus, any time the piezo-electric crystal <NUM> is connected to the positive terminal of the battery <NUM>, the LED <NUM> is illuminated indicating that the device <NUM> is operating in an ultrasonic mode of operation. Similarly the optional LED <NUM> is connected essentially in parallel with the motor <NUM>. Thus, any time the motor <NUM> is connected to the positive terminal of the battery <NUM>, the LED <NUM> will be illuminated indicating a sub-ultrasonic mode of operation. Both LEDs <NUM> and <NUM> will be off when neither the piezoelectric crystal <NUM> nor the motor <NUM> are connected to the positive terminal of the battery <NUM>.

An optional rheostat <NUM> may be connected in series with the motor <NUM>. As is known in the art, the speed of a DC motor can be control the voltage applied to the motor. The optional rheostat <NUM> is adjustable and can be controlled to vary its resistance, which, in turn, varies the current and voltage to the motor <NUM>. By varying the speed of the motor <NUM>, the vibration frequency can be varied. As shown in <FIG>, an optional thumb wheel <NUM> is accessible from outside the housing <NUM> to allow the rheostat <NUM> to be adjusted. The motor <NUM> may be operated at <NUM> RPM, for example.

<FIG> is an optional and exemplary printed circuit board <NUM> which may be used to connect the various components to the circuit. It is contemplated that the configuration of the printed circuit board <NUM> may be different from that shown. Also, various conventional techniques are contemplated for connecting the various components to the printed circuit board <NUM>. One such technique is soldering. Alternatively, the printed circuit board <NUM> can be omitted and connections between the various components be made with electrical wires. It is also contemplated that the rotary switch <NUM>, as well as the optional LEDs <NUM> and <NUM> and the optional rheostat <NUM> can be mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>.

The second embodiment is illustrated in <FIG> and identified with the reference number <NUM>. In this embodiment, like components are identified with like reference numerals with a <NUM> prefix. In this embodiment, the dermaplaning device <NUM> only includes a piezoelectric crystal <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a simple single pole single throw micro switch <NUM> may be used to control the piezo-electric vibration device <NUM>. An optional LED <NUM> may be included as part of the micro switch <NUM>. A printed circuit board <NUM> may be provided for making the connections between the various devices. Moreover, the micro switch <NUM> may be mounted to the printed circuit board <NUM>.

The third embodiment is illustrated in <FIG> and identified with the reference numeral <NUM>. In this embodiment, like components are identified with like reference numerals with a <NUM> prefix. In this embodiment, the dermaplaning device <NUM> only includes a motor <NUM> and the eccentric rotary load <NUM> supported by a bearing <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a simple single pole single throw micro switch <NUM> may be used to control power to the motor <NUM>. An optional LED <NUM> may be included as part of the micro switch <NUM>. In addition, an optional rheostat <NUM> may be provided for controlling the speed of the motor <NUM>. As shown best in <FIG>, the rheostat <NUM> includes a thumb wheel <NUM>. The thumb wheel <NUM> may optionally be mounted as shown in <FIG> to enable adjustment of the motor speed from the outside of the device <NUM>. to A printed circuit board <NUM> may be provided for making the connections between the various devices. Moreover, the micro switch <NUM> may be mounted to the printed circuit board <NUM>.

An alternate embodiment of the embodiment in <FIG> is illustrated in <FIG>. In this embodiment, like reference numerals with an "a" suffix are used to identify like parts. In this embodiment no rheostat is provided. Also, in this embodiment as well as the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the printed circuit board may be eliminated. In this embodiment as well as the other embodiments, the blade or scalpel 250a can be bayonet mounted or fixedly mounted to the housing 228a.

In all of such embodiments, the scalpel or blade 250a can be a one piece blade and configured with a bayonet mount, as illustrated and described above. Alternatively, the blade 250a can be formed as a <NUM> piece device; namely a scalpel 250a with a removable blade 249a, as shown in <FIG>. In such an embodiment, the scalpel 250a may be fixedly mounted to the housing 228a. Other configurations of a scalpel with a removable blade are also considered to be within the broad scope of the claims.

Scalpels with removable blades are extremely well known in the art. An example of a scalpel with a removable blade is illustrated and described in detail in <CIT>. In embodiments with a removable blade 249a, a safety cage 266a, as discussed above, may be formed on the blade 249a. The device illustrated in <FIG> may also include a safety cover, for example, a safety cover (not shown) similar to the safety cover <NUM> as shown in <FIG> which fits over the scalpel 250a and the removable blade 249a.

<FIG> illustrates the scalpel 250a with a removable blade 249a attached thereto. <FIG> illustrate bow the removable blade 249a is attached to the scalpel 250a. The scalpel 250a is formed with a plurality of posts, for example <NUM> posts, identified with the reference numerals 253a, 255a and 257a. These posts 253a, 255a and 257a are formed on the scalpel and extend outwardly therefrom on one side as shown. These posts 253a, 255a and 257a are formed to co-operate with slots 259a, 261a and 263a, formed in the removable blade 253a. As shown best in <FIG>, the slots 259a and 259b are open slots and are configured to receive the extending posts 255a and 257a on the scalpel 250a. An aperture 263a is formed in the blade 250a for receiving the post 253a formed on the scalpel 250a. As is apparent from <FIG>, the post 253a is shorter than the posts 255a and 257a. This feature allows the post 253a to snap in place and be received in the aperture 249a and essentially lock the blade 249a in place with respect to the scalpel 250a.

Another alternate embodiment of the embodiment in <FIG> is illustrated in <FIG>. In this embodiment, like reference numerals with an "b" suffix are used to identify like parts. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> except in this embodiment, the device <NUM> is provided with a one-piece blade 252b that attaches to the device by way of a bayonet mount, as discussed above. In this embodiment a blade cover 270b is provided. The blade cover 270b may be provided with a c-type cross-section and formed with a spring force causing buttons, generally identified with the reference numeral 272b to pinch the blade 252b once the cover 270b is slid over the blade 252b.

An important aspect of the disclosure relates to the blade assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The blade assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is best shown in <FIG>. As best shown in <FIG>, the blade assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is mounted to a generally cylindrical portion <NUM> and is configured to mate with the cylindrical portion <NUM> (<FIG>) attached to the handle portion <NUM> (<FIG>). The blade assembly <NUM>. <NUM>, <NUM> is only used on a single user. As such, the blade <NUM> assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is removable for disposal and replaced for each new user and for each use.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cylindrical portion <NUM> of the blade assembly <NUM>. <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to attach to the cylindrical portion <NUM> attached to the handle portion <NUM>, for example by way of a bayonet connection. Other connections are also suitable.

In accordance with an important aspect of the disclosure, the blade assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> includes a surgical blade or scalpel <NUM> and a molded housing <NUM>, shown best in <FIG> with a wedge shaped cross section. The blade <NUM> extends along an axis generally parallel to or at an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the device housing <NUM> (<FIG>), <NUM> (<FIG>). In order to limit the depth of the cut into the skin and to prevent non-professionals from accidentally cutting below the epidermis layer of facial skin, a safety cage <NUM> is juxtaposed over an extending portion of the blade <NUM>. More particularly, the safety cage <NUM> extends over a cutting edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM> and extends from the blade housing <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, the safety cage <NUM> is formed as an exemplary comb-like structure defining posts <NUM> and valleys <NUM>. The comb-like structure <NUM> may be injection molded over the cutting edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM>. Alternatively, the comb-like structure <NUM> may be snapped in place over the cutting edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM>. The depth of the valleys <NUM> limits the depth of the cut by limiting the depth of the valleys <NUM>, for example, to several millimeters. As such, the blade assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is rendered safe for use by non-professionals as a part of a dermaplaning device.

As mentioned above, two piece blades or scalpels may be used. In such embodiments, the safety cage is provided over the cutting edge portion of the removable blade.

An example of a process for treating facial skin is described for non-professionals. An exemplary process for treating facial skin by the non-professional is discussed below which includes dermaplaning. The process is not part of the claimed invention.

Begin by grasping the and switching on the device. A subtle vibration will immediately be noticed.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, begin the treatment at the center of face focusing on right side, using gentle yet firm pressure, move the device across forehead and towards hair line, following the contours of your face, avoiding the brow and eye area.

Once you have completed the upper face move to the lower face and begin again at the centerline using the same gentle but firm pressure moving the device along the jawline up toward the ear. Continue working up and onto the cheek moving from the nose toward the ear following the contour of the cheek. The nose and eye area should be avoided. When working around the mouth use short strokes with gentle yet firm pressure and move toward the vermillion border (edge of lip) and avoid the surface of the lip.

The dermaplaning device is very efficient at exfoliating the skin and no more than two passes in any area are necessary. When the right side of the face is completed, move to the left side, following the same pattern.

Peel A chemical peel completes the exfoliation process. Various chemical peels are suitable. For example, a chemical peel comprising a blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids combined with an anti-oxidant compound, for example, Bioperfect's Anti-Oxidant Complex, completes the exfoliation process and amplifies cellular turnover to help stimulate production of collagen. This peel is to be used immediately following the use of the dermaplaning device.

Open prepared peel pad. Begin on forehead, apply peel to entire face and neck beginning on forehead and using a circular motion. Avoid contact with delicate eye and lip areas.

Post Treatment Comforting Balm--Use a balm that has been specifically formulated to comfort, nourish, and protect delicate post treatment skin. The balm is absorbed deeply into newly exfoliated skin, leading to optimum absorption of our proprietary multidimensional complex of cosmeceuticals.

Use a small amount and massage into face and neck avoiding eye area.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Thus, it is to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described above.

Claim 1:
A blade assembly (<NUM>", <NUM>) comprising:
a blade holder (<NUM>) and a nose portion (<NUM>) only at one end of the blade holder, the blade holder having an upper shelf surface (<NUM>) extending in a rearward direction away from the nose portion, the blade holder having a first blade holder side and a second blade holder side;
a single blade carried by the blade holder and disposed at a lower portion of the blade holder, the blade extending along a centerline of the blade holder and in the rearward direction away from the nose portion, the blade located between the first blade holder side and the second blade holder side, the blade having a cutting edge, a first blade side and a second blade side, the first and second blade sides being disposed adjacent the cutting edge;
a safety cage (<NUM>, <NUM>) fixed over the first and second blade sides, the safety cage constructed and arranged to limit the amount of penetration of the blade into facial skin;
a pair of parallel aligned slots (<NUM>) including a first slot and a second slot, the first slot disposed along a length of the first blade holder side and below the upper shelf surface, the second slot disposed along a length of the second blade holder side,
each slot constructed and arranged to slidingly receive a complementary rail of a hand-held dermaplaning device for mounting the blade assembly thereto; and
one or more first notches (<NUM>, <NUM>) located on the first blade holder side and one or more second notches (<NUM>, <NUM>) located on the second blade holder side, each of the first and second notches configured to cooperate with a blade retainer (<NUM>') to hold the blade holder (<NUM>) in position on the blade retainer for slidably attaching the blade assembly (<NUM>") to the hand-held dermaplaning device when the blade assembly is held by the blade retainer.