Epilating Apparatus

The present invention relates to an epilating apparatus comprising means for extracting hairs from skin and means for reducing pain by applying stimuli to the skin.

An epilating apparatus of the type mentioned in the opening paragraph is known from EP 1 105 017 B1. The epilating apparatus, which is also referred to as depilation system, comprises an epilation device and a cooling device. The epilation device is provided with epilation means in the region of a head portion for removing hair. The cooling device is provided with a skin contact portion which makes contact with a region to be depilated. In operation, the epilation system is guided by hand over the skin regions to be depilated. During such a depilation operation, first the skin contact portion of the cooling device makes contact with a skin portion to be depilated. Subsequently, the epilation means make operational contact with the skin region which has just been cooled. The cooling of a skin region to be depilated before epilation has a pain reducing effect. However, the epilation process will still be regarded as painful by many users.

It is an object of the present invention to further reduce pain during epilation.

In order to achieve this object an epilating apparatus in accordance with the invention is characterized in that the means for reducing pain apply to the skin a combination of at least two of the following stimuli: heat, cold, vibration. The application of two or more stimuli has an additional pain reducing effect, which can be explained as follows: According to the “Gate Control Theory” (Melzack and Wall 1965), a neural mechanism in the spinal cord acts like a gate, i.e. opening and closing, to regulate the flow of nerve signals from the body periphery to the brain. The status of the gate (opened, closed or several intermediate conditions) is controlled by the brain via signals like emotions, expectations, memories, etc. All information from receptors in the body has to pass the gate to be transmitted to the brain and to be defined as an emotion (e.g.: pain, heat, coldness, etc.) and, furthermore, to start a reaction, wherein the information pain, heat, coldness, itchiness is transmitted via nerve tissue at different transmission speeds. The strategy to reduce the pain during epilation is to close the gate for the bad pain signals as far as possible, by the brain, via generating good sensations and emotions. By using two triggers (for example cooling and warming), on the one hand more receptors of different nature can be stimulated (1 cm²of skin on average contains 2 heat, 13 coldness, 25 pressure and 200 pain receptors), so the stimulation effect is significantly increased. On the other hand the brain prefers the pleasant signals which are associated with two sensations (in the present example cooling and warming) and blocks the transmission of the pain signals by closing the gate a little more or by shutting it completely. The fact that the brain is irritated by receiving and recognizing the effect of two contrary principles has an effect of diversion. Additionally, for example, the pre-warming of the skin has a relaxation effect, so that easier hair removal is possible. This effect becomes more important for all subsequent epilation strokes, because the skin has already been contacted by the cooling function of the previous stroke.

In preferred embodiments of the epilating apparatus in accordance with the invention, the means for reducing pain comprise first means which apply at least one of the stimuli and second means which apply at least another of the stimuli. By assigning a stimulus to the first and second means, respectively, a variety of arrangement options can be realized. Furthermore, each means can be optimized separately regarding the stimulus to be applied by the means. However, it is also within the scope of the present invention to combine the first and second means in a constructive manner.

In this context it is preferred that the first means and the second means are arranged in a serial configuration relative to a preferred direction of movement during operation of the epilating apparatus. A serial arrangement of the first and the second means allows for a sequential application of the stimuli to the skin portion being treated with the epilating apparatus. In addition, the application of the stimuli occurs in a close temporal correlation, thus exciting the different receptors for enabling a pain reducing effect.

Alternatively, or additionally, the first means and the second means are at least partially arranged in a parallel configuration relative to the extracting means. The parallel configuration provides for a smooth operation flow and a reliable cooperation between the first and second means and the extracting means.

In preferred embodiments of the epilating apparatus in accordance with the invention, the extracting means, the first means and the second means each comprise an active surface, and the shape of the active surface of the first means and/or the shape of the active surface of the second means are adapted at least partially to the shape of the active surface of the extracting means. The at least partial adaption of the shapes of the active surfaces of the first and second means to that of the extracting means allows for a reliable application of the pain reducing stimuli to the treated skin. In particular, by surrounding the active surface of the extracting means by the active surfaces of the first and second means, a good pain reducing pre-treatment of the skin before epilation and immediate aftercare of the epilated skin is achieved.

A particular embodiment of the epilating apparatus in accordance with the invention is characterized in that at least the first means and the second means are arranged in front of the extracting means relative to a preferred direction of movement of the extracting means during operation. The application of a pain reducing combination of two stimuli before the epilation operation generates the pain masking effect before the pain receptors are excited. Thus, the transmission of the pain information generated by the pain receptors is reduced.

Further embodiments of an epilating apparatus in accordance with the invention are characterized in that at least the first means and the second means are arranged behind the extracting means relative to a preferred direction of movement of the extracting means during operation. This arrangement provides good visibility of the epilating process and enhances the observation of the epilation operation by the user.

A particular embodiment of an epilating apparatus in accordance with the invention is characterized in that at least the first means are arranged behind the extracting means and at least the second means are arranged in front of the extracting means relative to, a preferred direction of movement of the extracting means during operation. The skin is pre-treated before the epilating process occurs, thus lowering the sensitivity for pain, while the after-treatment afterwards reduces the painful sensations of the epilating process and prevents such a sensation from remaining after the epilating process. Therefore, the painful sensation is covered with positive sensations during every step of the epilating operation.

In accordance with a further development of the epilating apparatus, at least an active surface of the first means and an active surface of the second means match at least partially in a complementary manner. The matching of the active surfaces applying different stimuli provides an arrangement which enables a locally very close application of different stimuli. In particular, there may be provided an active surface for applying one stimulus, e.g. vibration, protruding from the active surface applying a different stimulus, e.g. cold. Thus, a locally very close application of two different stimuli can be achieved by still separating the active surfaces of the different stimuli at the same time.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, at least an active surface of the first means and an active surface of the second means coincide. If two different stimuli are applied by one active surface, the overall size of the means for reducing pain may be reduced.

Also in preferred embodiments of the epilating apparatus in accordance with the invention, it is preferred that at least the first means and the second means are adapted to contact a skin portion synchronously. Synchronous excitation of two or more different receptors in a skin portion results in a pain masking effect, even if the different receptors are localized in different skin portions, as long as the nerval transmission of the information passes the same gate.

A particular embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the means for reducing pain apply the stimuli cold and heat. The combined application of the stimuli heat and cold additionally has a diversion effect. The brain receives and recognizes two contrary sensations and is irritated. An additional advantage may also arise if the heat is applied before the hair extraction occurs. Pre-warming the skin has a relaxational effect on the skin and may ease the hair removal. This effect may gain more importance if the same skin portion has to be epilated in several runs. If the after-treatment provides a cooling of the skin, the skin has to be relaxed by warming it before the next epilation step can be performed. Alternatively, the application of the cold stimulus before extracting hairs and warming the skin afterwards is also possible as well as a combined application of the two stimuli at the same time.

Another particular embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the means for reducing pain apply the stimuli cold and vibration. This embodiment excites the coldness and pressure receptors in the skin, thereby evoking the pain masking effect. This combination in particular facilitates the usage of one active surface for two different stimuli.

Yet another preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the means for reducing pain apply the stimuli heat and vibration. This embodiment has similar advantages to the embodiments described above.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the above object is solved in that the means for reducing pain apply cold to the skin on an electrical basis. Generating the cold to be applied to the skin on an electrical basis provides a significant advantage for the user, compared to solutions using a cold storage that has to be charged separately, for example in a refrigerator. Since the epilating apparatus usually provides a power supply for driving the extracting means, generating the cold on an electrical basis can be realized easily in many cases. Time consuming cooling of the cooling means can be omitted, leading to a continuous and more comfortable epilating process.

In particular, it is preferred that the means for reducing pain comprise at least one Peltier element. A Peltier element may be used for generating the required low temperatures for the cold stimulus. Alternatively, it can be employed for providing high temperatures for the heat stimulus. In a further embodiment of the application, one Peltier element for the two temperature stimuli, namely heat and cold, can be envisaged. The use of a Peltier element has several advantages: The electrical power supply of a Peltier element results in more comfortable handling of the epilating apparatus. The small overall size of a Peltier element and its ability to be customized makes a Peltier element an adequate temperature source for an epilating apparatus.

Alternatively, or additionally, the means for reducing pain comprise at least one resistor. The generation of the heat stimulus can be achieved by employing a resistor. This solution provides a cheap and reliable heat source.

Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the means for reducing pain comprise at least one PTC. A PTC with its typical characteristics well known to one skilled in the art can also be applied as a heating element in an epilating apparatus in accordance with the invention.

In some preferred embodiments the means for reducing pain are detachable from the epilating apparatus, at least partially. In particular, if the means for applying the cold stimulus do not work on an electrical basis, it may be advantageous to provide at least one detachable element. Such an element can be separated from the epilating apparatus and can be recharged at a different place. It may also be advantageous for other means for reducing pain to be detachable in order to provide different embodiments for different skin regions. It is even possible to provide the epilating apparatus with different stimuli for different skin regions.

In some embodiments of the epilating apparatus in accordance with the invention, the cold source for the means for reducing pain is a cold storage. This is a cheap and effective cold source for applying the cold stimulus to the skin.

Another embodiment according to the invention is characterized in that the means for reducing pain comprise a cylindrical element for contacting a skin portion, the axis of the cylinder being perpendicular to a preferred direction of movement during operation. The cylindrical element is well suited for transferring pain-reducing stimuli to a skin portion. It may be employed, for example, for transferring the cold stimulus or the heat stimulus and simultaneously the vibration stimulus. In particular, pins protruding from the surface of the cylindrical element have a vibrating/massaging effect on the skin when the cylindrical element is rolled over the surface of the skin.

Embodiments and further advantages of an epilating apparatus in accordance with the invention will be explained in detail in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A-1B show an epilating apparatus providing the stimuli vibration and cold by separate means;

FIGS. 2A-2B show an epilating apparatus applying the stimuli vibration and cold via one active surface;

FIGS. 3A-3C show an epilating apparatus applying the stimuli vibration and cold via two complementary active surfaces;

FIGS. 4A-4C show an epilating apparatus applying the stimuli vibration and cold comprising a detachable cooling means;

FIGS. 5A-5C show an epilating apparatus applying the stimuli heat and cold;

FIGS. 6A-6B show an epilating apparatus applying the stimuli heat and cold, the stimuli being applied via a cylindrical element;

FIGS. 7A-7B show an epilating apparatus applying the stimuli heat and cold, wherein the active surfaces embrace the active surface of the extracting means;

FIGS. 8A-8C show an epilating apparatus applying the stimuli heat, cold, and vibration, with the stimuli heat and vibration being applied via a heated ceramic member; and

FIGS. 9A-9D show an epilating apparatus adapted for applying several combinations of different stimuli via cylindrical elements.

Referring to FIG. 1A, an epilating apparatus 10 is shown comprising means for extracting hairs from skin in the form of an epilating member 12, first means for reducing pain in the form of a cooling member 16 as well as second means for reducing pain in the form of a vibration member 20. The epilating member 12 is implemented in a housing 24 and comprises an active surface 14 for contacting a skin portion. It also comprises a number of pinching discs 26, drawn schematically and not to scale. In operation, the pinching discs 26 rotate around an axis 28. The epilating member 12 provides the hair removing effect by clamping hairs between the pinching discs 26 and pulling out the hairs from the skin by a rotational movement of the pinching discs 26. The epilating member 12 is connected with the vibration member 20, the vibration member 20 being in front of the epilating member 12 relative to the preferred direction of movement 29 during operation of the epilating apparatus 10. The epilating member 12 is also connected with the cooling member 16, which is arranged behind the epilating member 12 relative to the direction of movement 29 of the epilating apparatus 10. The vibration member 20 comprises a row of pins 21 arranged perpendicularly to the preferred direction of movement 29 during operation and parallel to the axis 28. The pins 21 have active surfaces 22 for contacting a skin portion and applying the vibration stimulus. The vibration member 20 as well as the epilating member 12 are connectable to a power supply (not shown), alternatively batteries may be applied. The cooling member 16 comprises a housing 17 and an active cooling surface 18. Furthermore, the cooling member 16 comprises a storage element (not shown) for providing a cold source; alternatively it can be provided with an electrical cooling element.

FIG. 1B shows schematically the arrangement of the active surfaces 22, 14, 18 of the vibration member 20, the epilation member 12, and the cooling member 16 of the apparatus in accordance with FIG. 1. In operation, the active surfaces 22, 14, 18 of the epilating apparatus 10 are brought into contact with the skin to be epilated. With the active surfaces 22, 14, 18 in contact with the skin, the epilating apparatus 10 is moved along its preferred direction of movement 29 during operation. The pins 21 of the vibration member 20 perform a reciprocating movement along their longitudinal axis, which extends perpendicularly to the rotation axis 28 of the epilating member 12, and also perpendicularly to the preferred direction of movement 29 during operation, i.e. perpendicular to the surface of the skin to be epilated. This movement of the pins 21 excites the pressure receptors in the skin and results, as described above, in a first pain masking effect. After the vibration member 20 has treated the skin portion, the hairs being present on the surface of the skin are removed by the epilating member 12, in particular by the pinching discs 26. Since the pain masking effect caused by the vibration stimulus is still present when the respective skin portion is treated by the epilation member 12, the painful sensation caused by the extraction of the hairs is reduced. After the epilating process the respective skin portion gets into contact with the active surface 18 of the cooling member 16. Thereby, the skin is cooled to a lower temperature, causing a second pain masking effect. The combined application of two pain reducing stimuli, i.e. cold and vibration in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, reduces the perception of pain by the user significantly. It has to be mentioned that the frequency and intensity of the signals being transmitted via the nerve tissue can be maximized for an optimum pain reduction effect. For example, it has been found that a cooling surface of 2-12 cm², in particular about 6 cm², and a temperature of 10-30° C., in particular 16-27° C. provide a good cooling effect. Furthermore, a vibration frequency of approximately 20-500 Hz, in particular approximately 100 Hz, using certain massage members has proven to provide a good pain reducing effect.

Referring to FIG. 2A, an epilating apparatus 10 is shown comprising means for extracting hairs from skin in the form of an epilating member 12 and means for reducing pain in the form of a cooling and vibration member 36. The epilating member 12 corresponds to the one shown and discussed with reference to FIG. 1. The member 36 combining cooling and vibration comprises a housing 37 with an ice reservoir (not shown) providing a cold source for cooling the skin. In contrast to the active surface 18 shown in FIG. 1, the active surface 38 of the cooling and vibration member 36 is movably connected with the housing 37. In the housing 37 there is further provided a suitable electrical drive for creating the vibration of the element 36. The epilating member 12 is attached to the cooling member 36 by a connection between the respective housings 24, 37.

FIG. 2B shows schematically the arrangement of the active surfaces 14, 38 of the epilation member 12 and the member 36 for cooling and vibrating simultaneously. In operation, the epilating apparatus 10 is moved along its preferred direction of movement 29, contacting a skin portion by the active surfaces 16, 38 of the epilating member 12 and of the cooling and vibration member 36, respectively. In this embodiment, no pain masking is performed before the epilating process. After the pain exciting epilation, the surface 38 gets into contact with the already epilated skin portion and applies the stimuli cold and vibration to it. The cooling and vibrating surface 38 not only provides a good thermal contact between the active surface 38 and the skin by exerting a certain pressure to the skin surface, but also enhances the thermal flow from the ice reservoir in the housing 37 of the cooling member 36 to the vibrating active surface 38. Alternatively, the vibrating surface 38 could also be cooled by electrical means or could provide a heat stimulus instead of the cold stimulus.

Referring to FIG. 3A, an epilating apparatus 10 comprising means for extracting hairs from skin in the form of an epilating member 12, first means for reducing pain in the form of a cooling member 56 and second means for reducing pain in the form of a vibration member 60 is shown in a cross-sectional view. Again, the epilating member 12 corresponds to the one described with reference to FIG. 1. The vibration member 60 extends out of the housing of the epilating member 12 and comprises a row of pins 61 arranged parallel to the rotation axis 28 of the epilating member 12.

FIG. 3B shows the arrangement of the pins 61 in more detail. The pins 61 are arranged perpendicularly to the rotation axis 28 and perpendicularly to the direction of movement 29 in order to contact the epilated skin perpendicularly. In this arrangement, the pins 61 are fed through corresponding holes in the active surface 58 of the cooling member 56, which is connected to the epilating member 12 by any suitable contacting means 64.

FIG. 3C shows schematically the arrangement of the active surfaces 14, 58, 62 of the epilation member 12, the cooling means 56 and the vibration means 60 as well as the complementary matching of the surfaces 58, 62.

In operation, the epilating apparatus 10 in accordance with FIGS. 3A-3C is brought into close contact with the skin to be epilated. Thereby the active surfaces 14, 58, 62 touch the skin. When the epilating apparatus 10 is moved along its direction of movement 29, the epilation process is visible and can be monitored by the user. Immediately after the epilation process, the vibration member 60 contacts the epilated skin portion with its active surface 62. The frequent exertion of pressure to the skin excites the pressure receptors in the skin and releases the first pain masking signals. In a closed temporal and local constellation, the skin is also cooled by the active surface 58 of the cooling member. This applies the second stimulus, i.e. cold, to the already epilated skin and adds coldness information to the vibration information. This enhances the pain masking effect significantly. Furthermore, this embodiment provides the benefit of two separate members for two different stimuli, namely cold and vibration, enabling a separate optimization for the two different members. At the same time, the two different stimuli are applied to approximately the same skin portion, which improves the pain masking results.

Referring to FIG. 4A, an epilating apparatus 10 is shown comprising a detachable cooling member 76 forming first means for reducing pain, an epilating member 12 as discussed above, providing means for extracting hairs from skin, and a vibration member 80 forming second means for reducing pain. The cooling member 76 includes a housing 77 and an active surface 78. In this embodiment, the vibration head 83 is equipped with pyramidal projections forming the active surface 82. The overall active surface 82 forms a concave surface adapted to a typical convex surface of a human body.

FIG. 4B shows the epilating apparatus 10 with the cooling member 76 being detached. The cooling member 76 can be attached to the body of the epilating member 12 by means of a connection member 79 enabling a rigid and detachable connection. The epilation member 12 includes the vibration member 80 comprising a vibration head 80 with active surfaces 82.

FIG. 4C shows schematically the arrangement of the active surfaces 14, 82, 78 of the epilation member 12, the vibration member 80, and the cooling member 76. The vibration means 80 is arranged between the epilating member 12 and the cooling member 76. Both means for reducing pain 80, 76 are arranged behind the epilating means 12 relative to the preferred direction of movement 29 during operation.

In operation, the active surfaces 14, 78, 82 contact the skin to be epilated, as described above. The vibration member 80 performs movements at least partially perpendicularly to the skin surface. Thereby, a first pain masking effect is evoked by exciting the pressure receptors in the skin. Afterwards, the cooling surface 78 touches the already epilated and massaged skin and adds the second pain masking stimulus: coldness. The protrusions of the active surface 82 of the vibration member 80 enhance the application of pressure to the epilated skin. The cooling member 76 can be detached from the body of the epilated member 12 and moved to a cool place, e.g. a cold storage, for recharging the cold source inside the cooling member 76.

Referring to FIG. 5A, an epilating apparatus 10 is shown comprising means for extracting hairs from skin in the form of an epilating member 12, first means for reducing pain in the form of a cooling member 16 and second means for reducing pain in the form of a heating member 104. The epilating member 12 and the cooling member 16 have already been discussed in detail above in connection with FIG. 1. The heating member 104 comprises a heating plate 110 with an active surface 106 for contacting the skin portion to be epilated.

FIG. 5B shows an exploded view of the epilating apparatus 10, in particular of the heating member 104. The heat source for the heating member 104 is provided by a resistor 108. Alternatively, the resistor 108 can be a PTC. In the assembled condition, the resistor 108 is in close contact with the heating plate 110. This provides a good heat transfer between the resistor 108 and the heating surface 106 for contacting the skin portion to be epilated. In a further preferred embodiment, the heating plate 110 is connected to the epilation member 12 in such a manner that it is possible to swivel the heating plate 110 with respect to the epilation member 12. Thereby, the contact between the skin and the active surfaces may be improved.

FIG. 5C shows schematically the arrangement of the active surface 106 of the heating member 106 in front of the active surface 14 of the epilation member 12 as well as the arrangement of the active surface 18 of the cooling member 16 behind the active surface 14 of the epilation member 12.

In operation, the epilating apparatus 10 contacts the skin to be epilated by means of its active surfaces 106, 14, 18. In this embodiment, the two pain reducing stimuli are heat and cold. The first stimulus, i.e. heat, is applied to the skin before the epilating process occurs. This pre-warming of the skin exerts a relaxation effect, so that easier hair removal can take place. The heat generated by the resistor 108 is transferred via the heating plate 110 to the active heating surface 106. The heat is transferred to the skin by the close contact between the active surface 108 and the surface of the skin. It has been found that a temperature range between 35 and 60° C., in particular between 40 and 50° C., is suitable for obtaining a pain reduction effect. After the pre-warming and relaxation of the skin portion contacting the active surface 106 of the heating member 104, the skin portion gets into contact with the epilating member 12 by moving the epilating apparatus 10 along its preferred direction of movement 29. After epilation, the skin is cooled by the active cooling surface 18, as already described above. The advantages of this embodiment are a reduced number of moving parts, the pre-warming of the skin, which is important in particular in the case of several epilating runs, and the presence of two contrary positive sensations, namely cold and heat.

Referring to FIG. 6A, an epilating apparatus 10 is shown comprising means for extracting hairs from skin in the form of an epilating member 12, first means for reducing pain in the form of a cooling member 16 and second means for reducing pain in the form of a heating member 128. The heating member 128 comprises a bracket 125 on which a plurality of cylindrical heating elements 127 is rotatably arranged. The cylindrical heating elements 127 together provide an active surface 124 for contacting a skin portion. Preferably, the heating elements 127 are heated via the bracket 125. The epilating member 12 and the cooling member 16 are configured and connected as already discussed above with reference to FIG. 1.

FIG. 6B shows schematically the arrangement of the active surfaces 124, 14, 18 of the epilating apparatus 10. The active heating surface 124 is arranged in front of the active epilating surface 14. The active cooling surface 18 is arranged behind the active epilating surface 14 relative to the preferred direction of movement 29 during operation.

In operation, the epilating apparatus 10 is moved along its preferred operating direction 29, as already discussed above. In this particular embodiment, the heating element 128 transfers the generated heat via its active surface 124 to the skin portion to be epilated. The cylindrical design of the heating element 128 assures smooth movement of the apparatus and allows for good heat contact between the active surface 124 and the surface of the skin. Further advantages arising from said pre-warming and from the presence of contrary sensations have already been discussed above. It may also be preferred that the heating element 128 is inclinably attached to the epilating member 12, providing a constant contact pressure between the active heating surface 124 and the surface of the skin portion to be epilated.

Referring to FIG. 7A, an epilating apparatus 10 is shown comprising means for extracting hairs from skin in the form of an epilating element 12, first means for reducing pain in the form of a cooling element 136 and second means for reducing pain in the form of a heating element 144. The heating member 144 comprises an active heating surface 146 and the cooling member 136 comprises an active cooling surface 138. The heating surface 146 is arranged in front of the epilating member 12 already described above. The cooling surface 138 is arranged behind the epilating member 12 relative to the preferred direction of movement 29 during operation. The active surfaces 146, 138 of, respectively, the heating member 144 and the cooling member 136 are designed to embrace the active surface 14 of the epilating member 12, leaving only small gaps 133 between the two active surfaces 146, 138 having different temperatures. The temperatures are generated by electrical means, e.g. by a single Peltier element, and are conducted to the active surfaces 146, 138 of the heating member 134 and the cooling member 136, respectively.

In operation, the epilating apparatus 10 is moved along the skin to be epilated, with the active surfaces 146, 14, 138 shown in FIG. 7B being in close contact with the surface of the skin to be epilated. The advantages of these particular embodiments result from a very compact design of the housing 131. This compact design is possible due to the electrical generation of both the heat and the cold. The compact design leads to easy handling of the epilating apparatus and to a lightweight construction. The embracing of the active surface 14 of the epilating member 12 enhances the pain masking effects described above even more, since the contrary sensations, namely heat and cold, follow in a very close local and temporal correlation.

Referring to FIG. 8A, an epilating apparatus 10 is shown comprising means for extracting hairs from skin in the form of an epilation member 12, first means for reducing pain in the form of a cooling member 16 and second means for reducing pain in the form of a vibration member 160. The vibration member 160 comprises a vibration head 161 and a Peltier element 164. The vibration member 160 is arranged in front of the epilating member 12 described above, the cooling member 16 is arranged behind the epilating element 12 relative to its preferred direction of movement 29 during operation. The Peltier element 164 is arranged inside the vibration head 161 and provides a heat source, as is also illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 8B. The vibration head 161 preferably consists of a ceramic material with good heat conducting properties.

In operation, the vibration head 161 performs movements at least partially perpendicular to the axis 28 of the epilating member 12 and perpendicular to the preferred direction of movement 29, i.e. perpendicular to the surface of the skin to be epilated. Additionally, the vibration head 161, particularly the active surface 162 thereof, is heated by the Peltier element 164. Thereby, this particular embodiment enables the application of three different stimuli to the skin to be epilated. Two stimuli, namely heat and vibration, are applied by the heated vibration head 161 before the epilating process takes place. This allows for significant pain masking of the skin region to be epilated before the pain receptors in the skin are excited. After the epilating process the active surface 18 of the cooling member 16 adds the third pain masking stimulus: cold. Alternatively, the vibration head 161 can also be cooled with a different Peltier element 164, or cold generated by the Peltier element 164 is used for this purpose.

Referring to FIG. 9A, an epilating apparatus 10 is shown comprising means for extracting hairs from skin in the form of an epilating member 12 and first and second means for reducing pain in the form of a cylindrical massage/vibration member 178 which, besides applying massages/vibrations, can also transfer heat or cold to the skin. The massage/vibration member 178 is arranged with its rotational axis parallel to the axis 28 (FIGS. 9B, 9C and 9D) of the epilating member 12. The cylindrical massage/vibration member 178 comprises small pin-like protrusions 176 and/or ribs for enhancing vibration. It is possible that the massage/vibration member 178 can be cooled for providing the cold stimulus to the skin. It is therefore preferably detachable from the epilating member 12 and can be charged in a cold source 182. Additionally, or alternatively, the massage/vibration member 178 can be brought to an increased temperature for providing the heat stimulus to the skin to be epilated. The detached massage/vibration element 178 can, for this purpose, be placed in a microwave, an oven, heated water or the like. While in FIG. 9A there is shown an epilating apparatus comprising only one massage/vibration member 178, it is also possible to provide two or more of such members, arranged on one or both sides of the epilating member 12. In FIGS. 9B-9D, several possible arrangements are shown. In FIG. 9B, one massage/vibration member 178 is placed behind the epilation member 12 relative to its preferred direction of movement 29 during operation, which massage/vibration member 178 can apply heat and/or cold to the skin, depending on its charge state. In FIG. 9C, two vibration/massage members 178 are arranged parallel to the axis 28 of the epilating member 12. One massage/vibration member 178 adapted to apply heat is arranged in front of the epilating member 12. Another massage/vibration member 178 adapted to apply cold is placed behind the epilating member 12. In FIG. 9D, a single massage/vibration member 178 adapted to apply heat is placed in front of the epilating member 12. The massage/vibration member 178 preferably is suitable to store heat and cold. However, it is also possible that for storing heat and cold there are provided different massage/vibration members 178, optimized accordingly.

In operation, the epilating apparatus 10 is moved over the skin to be epilated, as described above. At the same time, the massage/vibration member 178 is rotated and applies the vibration stimulus, especially via the small protrusions 176. At the same time at least one temperature different to that of the skin is applied. This particular embodiment provides the advantages of a simple and cost-effective combination of a cooling/warming member with a vibration member, without needing any drive or active heating/cooling means. Furthermore, this embodiment provides a very flexible arrangement of the different stimuli.

It should be clear that single features of different embodiments described above can be combined without any problem by a person skilled in the art to create further embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, such combinations of features shall be regarded as being disclosed herein, even if they are not explicitly shown and/or described. That is to say, every possibility to apply at least two of the stimuli heat, cold and vibration shall be deemed to be disclosed, regardless of the order of appliance of the stimuli and regardless of the order of the stimuli with respect to the epilation process. Furthermore, it is within the skill of the person skilled in the art to realize the means necessary for applying at least two of the stimuli heat, cold and vibration, dependent upon the actual demands.

Epilating Apparatus

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