Cosmetic device having vibrator

What is this patent about?

’036 is related to the field of handheld cosmetic massage tools designed to apply mechanical and electrical stimulation to the skin. Traditional devices often struggle to maintain a uniform layer of treatment agents, such as gels or creams, because the rigid edges of the applicator head tend to scrape the product away during use. Furthermore, transmitting mechanical vibrations through a rigid housing can cause discomfort to the operator’s hand and interfere with sensitive electronic components like ultrasonic oscillators.

The underlying idea behind ’036 is to decouple the vibrating treatment surface from the main handle while providing a specialized interface that retains topical agents. By utilizing a flexible annular pleat structure—essentially a bellows-like geometry—the device allows the treatment face to oscillate freely without transferring those vibrations back into the support member. This mechanical isolation is paired with an outermost layer featuring an uneven surface, such as a porous sponge or fine silicone protrusions, which holds the treatment agent in place rather than wiping it off the skin.

The claims of ’036 focus on a multi-component assembly comprising a support member, a cap member housing a vibration actuator, and an uneven surface member that serves as the skin-contacting interface. A critical limitation in the independent claims is the inclusion of the annular pleat structure concentric with the outer circumference of the cap, which acts as a vibration dampener. Additionally, the claims cover configurations that integrate a second, conductive cap member housing an ultrasonic oscillator, allowing for simultaneous or sequential mechanical and electrical therapy.

In practice, the device functions by mounting a replaceable sponge or textured rubber cover over the vibrating head using a specialized ring member. This ring secures the flexible material via an interlocking concave-convex fit, ensuring the treatment surface remains stable even during high-frequency operation. The vibration actuator, typically an eccentric weight motor, is mounted directly to the inner support of the cap, ensuring that the energy is concentrated at the skin interface while the pleats absorb the lateral energy that would otherwise reach the gripper.

This approach differentiates itself from prior art by solving the dual problems of agent denudation and vibration leakage. Unlike rigid applicators that require expensive precision rounding to avoid scraping the skin, ’036 uses the inherent compliance of the porous member and the pleat geometry to provide a soft, uniform contact. Furthermore, the inclusion of ground terminals on the handle allows the device to safely deliver low and moderate frequency currents through the conductive ultrasonic head, creating a comprehensive multi-modal treatment tool that is comfortable for both the user and the operator.