Patent Application
20150018845
All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.
1. Field of the Present Invention
The present invention relates generally to hair removal from human skin, and, in particular, to a simple, durable device for hair removal from human skin that is capable of repeated use.
2. Background
Epilation, or the removal of hair from a person's body, is a well-known and valued practice across many different cultures. In some cultures, epilation of body hair is encouraged and is believed to promote good hygiene. In other cultures, epilation of body hair is a societal norm and is often performed to provide a person with an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
An adult human is capable of growing body hair in a number of locations on his or her body, including arms, legs and the abdomen. Because body hair will continue to grow, even after removal, there is an ongoing need for a simple, durable device capable of removing undesirable body hair from a person's body. One of the more common hair removal devices is a razor or shaver that relies on one or more blades for trimming body hair at its base. However, razors and shavers can often result in nicks or other injuries to a person's skin. Furthermore, the blades typically require regular maintenance or replacement in order to maintain the effectiveness of the razor or shaver. Another existing device utilizes a flexible rubber pad that includes fine crystalline structures that buff away hair from the skin. However, such devices typically wear down after repeated use and are inefficient in removing body hair. Still other means of removing unwanted body hair include laser hair removal and other medical treatments. However, such treatments can be very expensive to undertake, particularly if repeated treatment sessions are required.
Thus, a need exists for a simple, durable epilation device that is both effective in removing body hair and is capable of withstanding repeated use without wearing down. This, and other needs, is addressed by one or more aspects of the present invention.
The present invention comprises an epilation apparatus. Broadly defined, the present invention according to one aspect includes an epilation apparatus including a support and a glass pad adhered to the support. The glass pad has an exposed roughened surface that, when placed against human skin and manually manipulated in a rotational motion, is adapted to remove hair from the human skin.
In a feature of this aspect, the etched surface may include a roughness parameter value (Ra) within the range of approximately 6 micrometers and approximately 16 micrometers. In another feature of this aspect, the etched surface may include a roughness parameter value (Rq) within the range of approximately 6 micrometers and approximately 18 micrometers. In still another feature of this aspect, the etched surface may include a roughness parameter value (Rz) within the range of approximately 40 micrometers and approximately 76 micrometers.
In a feature of this aspect, the glass pad may have an exposed etched surface.
In a feature of this aspect, the etched surface may include a roughness parameter value (Ra) within the range of approximately 6 micrometers and approximately 16 micrometers, and the etched surface may include a roughness parameter value (Rq) within the range of approximately 6 micrometers and approximately 18 micrometers.
In a feature of this aspect, the etched surface may include a roughness parameter value (Rq) within the range of approximately 6 micrometers and approximately 18 micrometers, and the etched surface may include a roughness parameter value (Rz) within the range of approximately 40 micrometers and approximately 76 micrometers.
In a feature of this aspect, the etched surface may include a roughness parameter value (Ra) within the range of approximately 6 micrometers and approximately 16 micrometers, and the etched surface may include a roughness parameter value (Rz) within the range of approximately 40 micrometers and approximately 76 micrometers.
In a feature of this aspect, the etched surface may include a roughness parameter value (Ra) within the range of approximately 6 micrometers and approximately 16 micrometers, the etched surface may include a roughness parameter value (Rq) within the range of approximately 6 micrometers and approximately 18 micrometers, and the etched surface may include a roughness parameter value (Rz) within the range of approximately 40 micrometers and approximately 76 micrometers.
In another feature of this aspect, the glass pad may be etched using a chemical etching process.
In other features of this aspect, the glass pad may include a rounded shape; and/or the glass pad may include a beveled edge.
In another feature of this aspect, the glass pad may have a thickness of about 0.35 cm. In still another feature of this aspect, the glass pad may have a thickness of about 2.9 mm.
In another feature of this aspect, the glass pad may be comprised of a tempered glass.
In another feature of this aspect, the support may include a handle. In still another feature of this aspect, the support may include a finger grip.
In still other features of this aspect, the glass pad may be adhered to the support with a polymer-based epoxy; and/or the support may include a tray for accommodating the glass pad.
The present invention comprises a method of using an epilation apparatus. Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect includes a method of using an epilation apparatus that includes: providing a support having a glass pad adhered thereto, the glass pad having an exposed roughened surface; configuring the support such that the roughened surface of the glass pad is placed against human skin that has hair; and manually manipulating the support in a rotational motion such the glass pad removes the hair from the human skin.
In a feature of this aspect, manually manipulating the support in a rotational motion may include rotational motion in each of a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction.
In a feature of this aspect, the glass pad may have an exposed etched surface.
In a feature of this aspect, the etched surface may include a roughness parameter value (Ra) within the range of approximately 6 micrometers and approximately 16 micrometers. In another feature of this aspect, the etched surface may include a roughness parameter value (Rq) within the range of approximately 6 micrometers and approximately 18 micrometers. In still another feature of this aspect, the etched surface may include a roughness parameter value (Rz) within the range of approximately 40 micrometers and approximately 76 micrometers.
In a feature of this aspect, the etched surface may include a roughness parameter value (Ra) within the range of approximately 6 micrometers and approximately 16 micrometers, and the etched surface may include a roughness parameter value (Rq) within the range of approximately 6 micrometers and approximately 18 micrometers.
In a feature of this aspect, the etched surface may include a roughness parameter value (Rq) within the range of approximately 6 micrometers and approximately 18 micrometers, and the etched surface may include a roughness parameter value (Rz) within the range of approximately 40 micrometers and approximately 76 micrometers.
In a feature of this aspect, the etched surface may include a roughness parameter value (Ra) within the range of approximately 6 micrometers and approximately 16 micrometers, and the etched surface may include a roughness parameter value (Rz) within the range of approximately 40 micrometers and approximately 76 micrometers.
In a feature of this aspect, the etched surface may include a roughness parameter value (Ra) within the range of approximately 6 micrometers and approximately 16 micrometers, the etched surface may include a roughness parameter value (Rq) within the range of approximately 6 micrometers and approximately 18 micrometers, and the etched surface may include a roughness parameter value (Rz) within the range of approximately 40 micrometers and approximately 76 micrometers.
In another feature of this aspect, the glass pad may be etched using a chemical etching process.
In other features of this aspect, the glass pad may include a rounded shape; and/or the glass pad may include a beveled edge.
In another feature of this aspect, the glass pad may have a thickness of about 0.35 cm. In still another feature of this aspect, the glass pad may have a thickness of about 2.9 mm.
In another feature of this aspect, the glass pad may be comprised of a tempered glass.
In another feature of this aspect, the support may include a handle. In still another feature of this aspect, the support may include a finger grip.
In still other features of this aspect, the glass pad may be adhered to the support with a polymer-based epoxy; and/or the support may include a tray for accommodating the glass pad.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein:
As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.
Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.
Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, no claim element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element.
Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.”
When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers,” “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese,” and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”
Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like components throughout the several views, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
The support 12 may also include one or more surface protrusions 22 arranged thereon. Surface protrusions 22 can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the epilation apparatus 10 and may also enhance the user's comfort in gripping and manipulating the epilation apparatus 10 during use. Still further, the support 12 may also include an aperture 18 therethrough, which may facilitate storage of the epilation apparatus 10, such as by suspension from a hook or hanger, when the apparatus is not in use.
With general reference to
The glass pad 14 can be attached or adhered to the support 12 in any of a variety of different mechanisms. In one contemplated embodiment, the glass pad 14 is adhered to the support 12 with an adhesive, such as a polymer-based epoxy adhesive. One such polymer-based epoxy adhesive is PATTEX® Power Fix, which is manufactured by Henkel International, headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany.
The support 32 is composed of a durable material, such as a polymeric material. Additionally, it is contemplated that the support 32 may be manufactured using an injection molding process. The support 32 has a generally flat portion 33, having a generally flattened underside to which the glass pad 34 is attached, and an extension portion 35 that curves away from the generally flat portion 33 and forms the handle 36. Dimensions of the support 32 can be adjusted to accommodate user comfort and the intended purpose for using the apparatus. In a contemplated embodiment, the support 32 has a thickness of approximately 2 mm and a width within the range of approximately 22 mm and approximately 34 mm. Furthermore, in a contemplated embodiment, the handle 36 extends approximately 26 mm above a plane defined by the generally flat portion 33 of the support 32. In use, the user is thus enabled to grasp the support 32 by the handle 36 and place the epilation apparatus 30, in an unobstructed manner, against human skin.
The glass pad 34 is a glass component having a rounded shape or footprint. It is contemplated that the glass pad 34 can have any of a variety of different shapes and dimensions, including rounded shapes as well as shapes with straight edges. In at least some embodiments, the glass pad 34 is relatively thin relative to its overall size. In at least one contemplated embodiment, the glass pad 34 has a uniform thickness of approximately 2.9 mm. However, in other embodiments, the thickness of the glass pad 34 may vary.
The glass pad 34 includes a top side, a bottom side, and a peripheral wall. The top side of the glass pad 34 is attached to the support 32, and the bottom side provides an exposed surface. The exposed surface of the glass pad 34 is roughened or textured to have a rough finish. The rough finish of the glass pad 34 provides the epilation apparatus 30 with an appropriate surface roughness to facilitate hair removal, as will be explained in greater detail below. A lower edge 44 of the glass pad 34, along the bottom of the peripheral wall, is beveled or rounded, and the peripheral wall, including the lower edge 44, is preferably smooth. In a contemplated embodiment, the beveled edge 44 of the glass pad 34 has at least a quarter-turn radius. By providing the bottom of the peripheral wall of the glass pad 34 with a beveled edge 44 instead of a sharp edge, the glass pad 34 is better equipped for placement against a user's skin for hair removal. In particular, with a smooth, beveled edge 44, the epilation apparatus 30 can be manipulated in a rotational motion against a user's skin without otherwise digging into the user's skin. Additionally, the support 32 extends beyond and overhangs the dimensions of the glass pad 34, thereby preventing the glass pad 34 from jutting out from the epilation apparatus 30.
The glass pad 34 can be attached or adhered to the support 32 in any of a variety of different mechanisms. In one contemplated embodiment, the glass pad 34 is adhered to the support 32 with an adhesive, such as a polymer-based epoxy adhesive. One such polymer-based epoxy adhesive is PATTEX® Power Fix, which is manufactured by Henkel International, headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany.
In a method of using the epilation apparatus 10,30, a user grasps the epilation apparatus 10,30 by the handle 16,36 and positions the epilation apparatus 10,30 against his or her skin in an area having hair that the user desires to remove. The handle 16 of the epilation apparatus 10 of
When the epilation apparatus 10,30 is in proper position, the exposed, roughened surface of the glass pad 14,34 is placed against the user's skin directly on an area with hair to be removed. Then, the user manually manipulates the epilation apparatus along the skin. In particular, in at least one preferred method of use, the user manually manipulates the epilation apparatus in a rotational motion along the skin. Notably, the user is not necessarily required to press the epilation apparatus 10,30 against the skin with much force, as a soft pressure is often sufficient to accomplish hair removal. Rotational motion is first applied in a first direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise), and then followed by rotational motion in the opposite direction. In a contemplated method of use, a plurality of rotations in a first direction is followed by a plurality of rotations in the opposite direction. If hair removal is incomplete following rotation of the epilation apparatus 10,30 in both directions, the rotational steps can be repeated. As the epilation apparatus 10,30 is rubbed gently against the user's skin, the exposed, roughened surface of the glass pad 14,34 twists the body hair in the treated area and pulls the hair away from the skin. The surface roughness of the glass pad 14,34 is sufficiently rough to remove the user's body hair, but not so strong as to damage or injure the user during use of the epilation apparatus 10,30. In addition to the removal of body hair, the epilation apparatus 10,30 is effective at scrubbing the user's skin so as to help remove dead skin cells. Though the method of use described herein contemplates rotational movement of the epilation apparatus 10,30, it is further contemplated that use by other means, such as by straight line movements back and forth, can also be effective in hair removal.
The epilation apparatus 10,30 is effective at removing body hair from both men and women. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the epilation apparatus 10,30 is effective to remove longer body hair as well as shorter body hair, such as stubbles. Additionally, as a manually operated device, the epilation apparatus 10,30 can be used with relative ease in a variety of settings, as no outside power source is required for operation. The glass pad 14,34 provides a roughened, durable surface for the removal of body hair and is capable of maintaining its effectiveness even after repeated use.
The glass pad 14,34 of the epilation apparatus 10,30 is prepared in a manner so as to equip the bottom surface of the glass pad 14,34 with an appropriate surface roughness for hair removal from human skin. Roughness testing was conducted on three different samples of glass pads 14,34, which were made in accordance with the processes described herein, to ascertain roughness parameter values of the exposed, roughened surface of the glass pads 14,34 in accordance with different industry standards.
The glass pad 14,34 for use with the epilation apparatus 10,30 can be constructed by various processes and by using a variety of different raw materials. One such process is detailed below.
In a contemplated embodiment, the raw glass material used in generating the glass pad 14,34 is composed of approximately 72% silica (also known as silicon dioxide, having a chemical formula of SiO2), approximately 15% soda (also known as sodium carbonate, having a chemical formula of Na2CO3), approximately 10% limestone (also known as calcium carbonate, having a chemical formula of CaCO3), and approximately 2-3% miscellaneous additives to impart the glass material with particular desired qualities. Additives can be included to accomplish a variety of different purposes. For example, a coloring additive may be added to the mixture in order to impart the raw glass material with a particular desired color property. Additives to enhance hardness are also contemplated. An appropriate raw glass material capable of use with the epilation apparatus 10,30 of the present invention is a CE-certified 3 mm Planibel Clear™ glass material, which is available from AGC Glass Europe, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
The raw glass material is formed by adding the ingredients to a cast-iron crucible and stir mixing. The ingredients are mixed at a high temperature so that the ingredients form a molten glass, which is allowed to cool in the form of float glass pieces having rectangular dimensions of approximately 60 cm by approximately 80 cm. Once cooled, a surface of the float glass pieces is roughened by an etching process, which forms the surface roughness of the exposed surface of the glass pad 14,34. It is contemplated that the float glass pieces may be etched or roughened by a variety of different mechanisms, including chemical etching, machine etching, and etching by mechanical abrasion, such as by blasting.
One contemplated chemical etching process that can be used in generating the glass pad 14,34 for use in the epilation apparatus 10,30 is detailed below. In this contemplated chemical etching process, the float glass pieces are etched by dipping the pieces into an acid mixture. One such acid mixture is a mixture of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and hydrofluoric acid (HF). The acid treatment roughens the surface of the treated glass pieces by creating cuts in the surface of the glass pieces. The depth of the cuts governs the roughness parameters of the treated glass pieces.
Etched glass pieces can then be cut into the desired shape for use as the glass pad 14,34 of the epilation apparatus 10,30. As discussed above, the etched glass pieces can be cut to have any desired shape. In a contemplated embodiment, the etched glass pieces are cut into smaller pieces having a rounded shape, such as an oval shape. After the etched glass pieces are cut, edges of the cut pieces are beveled or rounded so that they are smooth and less likely to injure users' skin when the epilation apparatus 10,30 is used. Once the etched glass pieces are cut and beveled at the edges, the glass pieces can be tempered by reheating the glass in order to remove molecular instability. In so doing, the resultant glass pads 14,34 are toughened and less likely to shatter or wear down, thereby enhancing durability.
Chemical etching, cutting, and temperation for use in preparing the glass pad 14,34, as discussed herein, can be conducted by Glavia s.r.o., which is headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic.
After temperation, the finished glass pads 14,34 are ready for attachment to the support 12,32 to form the epilation apparatus 10,30.
Glass pad samples made in accordance with the methodology described herein, including treatment by a chemical etching process, were tested to determine roughness parameters of the etched surfaces. In particular, a contact profilometer was used to measure the roughened surface of the glass pad samples in order to quantify the roughness parameter. The contact profilometer used in testing roughness was a SURFTEST® SJ-210 Series profilometer, manufactured by the Mitutoyo America Corporation, headquartered in Aurora, Ill. The contact profilometer measures surface roughness by measuring the surface's profile.
Roughness can be measured using different standard roughness parameters, each of which is determined using a different method of calculation. Different roughness parameters are considered standard in different parts of the world. For example, the Ra roughness parameter is treated as a standard measurement of roughness in much of North America, while the Rz roughness parameter is treated as a standard measurement of roughness predominantly in European countries.
During testing, roughness parameter values were determined using the following standard roughness parameters: Ra, Rq, and Rz. For each of three glass pad samples, the Ra, Rq, and Rz roughness parameter values were determined at four evaluation lengths along the glass pad sample. Each evaluation length for each of the three samples measured 4 mm in length. Thus, for each of the four evaluation lengths on each of the three glass pad samples, the contact profilometer measured the glass pad sample's surface profile for that particular 4 mm evaluation length and determined a roughness parameter value for each of Ra, Rq, and Rz.
In determining roughness parameter values, the contact profilometer conducts measurements of profile deviations from a hypothetical mean line. Profile deviations are portions of the profile that project above the mean line, which take the form of mountains, and portions of the profile that project below the mean line, which take the form of valleys. Roughness parameter values for each of Ra, Rq, and Rz were calculated as follows:
The profilometer measuring data suggests a range of roughness parameter values for each of Ra, Rq, and Rz that correspond to an appropriate level of surface roughness for the glass pad 14,34 of the epilation apparatus 10,30. Used glass pad samples, measured in connection with
Based on the foregoing information, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements; the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.
The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/845,855, filed Jul. 12, 2013 and entitled “NINA EPILATION PAD”, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The disclosure of the '855 patent application is contained in Appendix A, attached hereto, which is likewise incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61845855 | Jul 2013 | US |
