HAIR REMOVING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

Hair removing device (200) comprising a base member (301) having two elongate arms (302) extending outwardly while maintaining a spacing (310) in between. Two elongate flexible elements (311) form a twined section (304) between their first and second ends (303), (305) that are secured to the two arms (302). The twined section (304) is positioned in the spacing (310), under a tension. A movable member (306) extends outwardly from the base member (301) and is movable relative to the base member (301) in forward and reverse strokes. The movable member (306) urges the twined section (304) to move forward during the forward stroke and releases the twined section (304) to resiliently retract during the reverse stroke. The twined section (304) can engage and uproot hair (314) during the forward stroke.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of hair removing devices and particularly to devices for uprooting facial hair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Removing hair from various parts of the body particularly for cosmetic reasons, is a common practice among women as well as men. Many remove hair from the facial area, like for shaping the eyebrows, for clearing the upper lip hair and for clearing the side cheeks. A common method of removing unwanted hair at skin level is by shaving, by using a razor or other types of blades. Shaving however easily cuts the skin and may require daily shaves. The results are often rather short-lived. Besides, this is not a practical method for precisely removing individual hairs. Another method is to apply chemicals to the skin for dissolving or burning out unwanted hair. Such depilation method may however cause chemical burns or allergic reactions. Besides, this treatment being on the surface, the results may be inconsistent or short-lived, requiring frequent applications of the chemicals. Using such chemicals on the face is generally too harsh.

Hairs when uprooted from their follicles give a cleaner look and the effect is more long lasting. Tweezers are often used for uprooting each hair individually, but is time-consuming and imprecise. Waxing and sugaring involve the application of a wax or sugar solution to the skin and when removed, removes the hair with it. Such methods are imprecise, painful and the top layer of the skin may also get stripped along with the hair. Threading is a popular method of removing hair from the follicles, particularly for removing facial hair. Threading requires a trained practitioner to use a twined section of the thread, while supporting the thread between her teeth and hands. She manipulates the twined section in order to engage and uproot the unwanted hairs. Threading is a precise and a gentle method of removing facial hair. It is less painful than waxing and sugaring, and there are no chemicals or special tools required. FIGS. 1a and 1b illustrate top views of the mechanism of engaging and uprooting hairs (107) from a hairy surface (108) of a body (not shown), by the commonly practiced manual threading mechanism. A thread (102) with two ends (103) and (104), is twined to form a twined section (105) and a loop (106). The thread (102) is manually maintained under a tension. The lengths of the two ends (103) and (104), and the size of the loop (106) are manipulated manually to move the twined section (105) to be closer to the loop (106) as shown in FIG. 1a and to be closer to the two ends (103) and (104) as shown in FIG. 1b. The thread (102) under the tension is rested with a pressure, on the hairy surface (108) as shown in FIG. 1a. As the twined section (105) moves closer to the two ends (103) and (104), hairs (107) get engaged into the moving twined section (105) and uprooted thereafter, as shown in FIG. 1b. FIG. 1c shows an enlarged view of a portion of the two ends (103) and (104) along with a portion of the twined section (105), for illustrating the mechanism of engaging the hairs (107) within the twined section (105) as it moves forward in the direction of the block arrow. This movement results in uprooting of the hairs (107) along the way.

However, threading is an art that generally requires paid service of a trained practitioner. The availability of such service is generally limited in most countries and often not convenient to access. Several threading devices, particularly for self use have been proposed, such as in the patent application GB 2461878, the patent publication US 2009/0030430 and the international publications WO 2006/105011, WO 2009/148209, and WO 2010/148482.

Particularly for self use, it is desirable to have a threading device with simple construction and minimal moving parts particularly on the region that rests on the face while removing the hair. Such features will not only make the device user friendly, but will also enable easier maintenance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a simple construction of a hair engagement and removing device particularly for removing facial hair, the device being easy to operate and having minimal moving parts.

In one aspect of the invention, the device comprises a base member, with two elongate arms extending outwardly from the base member while maintaining a spacing in between the two arms. Two elongate flexible threadlike elements, each having a first end and a second end, are in mutually twined engagement to form a twined section between the two first and second ends. The two first ends are secured correspondingly to the two arms on an outer side and the two second ends are secured correspondingly to the two arms on an inner side, wherein the twined section is positioned in the spacing, under a tension. The outer side is remote from the base member and the inner side is towards the base member. A substantially rigid movable member extends outwardly from the base member and is movable relative to the base member in repeatable reciprocating motion of a forward stroke and a reverse stroke. The movable member urges the twined section to move from the inner side to the outer side during the forward stroke and releases the twined section to resiliently retract to the inner side during the reverse stroke. When in use for removing hair, at least a portion of the arms is rested over a hairy surface and the twined section is capable of engaging and uprooting hair(s) during the forward stroke.

According to an embodiment, the device comprises a resilient means for regulating the reciprocating motion.

According to another embodiment, the resilient means is a spring disposed between a portion of the base member and a portion of the movable member.

According to another embodiment, the device comprises an electrically operable means for regulating the reciprocating motion.

According to another embodiment, the base member and the two arms are relatively so oriented that while use, when the two arms are rested over the hairy surface, there is enough clearance for a user to conveniently hold the base member and perform the reciprocating motion.

According to another embodiment, the inner side is so oriented that while use, when the outer side of the two arms are rested over the hairy surface, the inner side substantially remains above the surface such that the movable member remains substantially contactless with the hairy surface during the reciprocating motion.

According to another embodiment, for providing high resistance to frictional wear and tear, at least a portion of the elements is made of nylon or metal.

According to another embodiment, at least one of the following is detachable from the base member and is replaceable: a) the arms with the elements secured to the arms, and b) the elements.

According to another embodiment, the device further provides the following as spare parts: a) the arms with the elements secured to the arms, and b) the elements.

According to another embodiment, the movable member is movably coupled to the elements in between the twined section and second ends, such that during the reverse stroke, the movable member assists the twined section to resiliently retract towards the inner side.

According to another embodiment, the first and second ends are along a lower face of the two arms, the lower face being in contact with the hairy surface when using the device. With this feature, the twined section makes an enhanced contact with the hairy surface.

According to another embodiment, a kit comprises a plurality of the devices, that are in varying sizes at any part of the devices, for selective use on various parts of body.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for removing hair by using the proposed device is provided. The method is to hold the base member by a first hand and rest the two arms on a first location of the hairy surface such that at least a part of the twined section particularly towards the outer end makes contact with the hairy surface. The movable member is then moved in the reciprocating motion for engaging hair(s) in the twined section and uprooting them. The steps of resting and moving are conducted a selected number of times at more locations, while optionally stretching the hairy surface with a second hand for improving the hair engagement.

According to an embodiment, the method comprises a step of performing the reciprocating motion by a resilient means that is provided between the base member and the movable member. According to an embodiment, the resilient means is a spring disposed between a portion of said base member and a portion of said movable member.

According to an embodiment, the method comprises a step of performing the reciprocating motion by an electrically operable means.

According to an embodiment, the method further comprises a step of replacing at least one of the following in the device: a) the arms with the elements secured to the arms, and b) the elements.

According to an embodiment, the method comprises a step of assisting the twined section to resiliently retract towards the inner side during the reverse stroke, by using the movable member that is movably coupled to the elements in between the twined section and the second ends.

According to an embodiment, the method comprises a step of selectively using a plurality of the devices on various parts of body, wherein the plurality of the devices are in varying sizes at any part of the devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following drawings, same reference numbers generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, instead emphasis is placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 a illustrates a top view for the mechanism of engaging and uprooting hair from a hairy surface of a body, by the means of the commonly practiced manual threading. Here, the twined section is shown to be closer to a loop of the thread.

FIG. 1 b illustrates the mechanism as described in FIG. 1a, but with the twined section shown to be moved closer to the two ends of the thread.

FIG. 1 c shows an enlarged view of a portion of the two ends and a portion of the twined section as described in FIGS. 1a and 1b, for illustrating the mechanism of engaging the hair within the twined section as it moves forward, to result in uprooting of the hair.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method of use of the hair removing device, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 a illustrates a perspective view of the hair removing device according to an embodiment of the invention. Herein, the twined section is towards an inner side.

FIG. 3 b illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the device as illustrated in FIG. 3a.

FIG. 3 c shows the two elongate flexible threadlike elements, that are in mutually twined engagement to form the twined section between the two first and second ends, as shown in FIG. 3a.

FIG. 4 a illustrates a perspective view of the device as illustrated in FIG. 3a, when the twined section is moved towards the outer side.

FIG. 4 b illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the device as illustrated in FIG. 4a.

FIG. 4 c shows the two elongate flexible threadlike elements, that are in mutually twined engagement to form the twined section between the two first and second ends, as shown in FIG. 4a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description presents several preferred embodiments of the present invention in sufficient detail such that those skilled in the art can make and use the invention.

The embodiments of the present invention provide a device particularly (though not exclusively) for self use, for engaging and uprooting body hair. The device is simple to operate, whether manually or by electrical means. The device has a simple construction and has minimal moving parts, particularly in the region resting on the body for removing hair. Hence, the device is particularly suitable for removing facial hair, such as for eyebrow shaping, for clearing upper lip hair and for clearing side cheek hair. Although the device is self usable, it can also be used on another body, whether for private or for commercial application like in beauty parlors.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method of use of the device (200), according to an embodiment of the invention. The device (200) is hand held either for self use or for use on another body, while a portion of the device (200) is rested on a hairy surface (202). As indicated by the double sided arrow, the device (200) is operable by a finger such as the thumb for repeatedly pressing and releasing.

FIG. 3 a illustrates a perspective view of the device (200) according to an embodiment and FIG. 3b illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the device (200) shown at FIG. 3a. The device (200) includes a base member (301), from which two elongate arms (302) extend outwardly while maintaining a spacing (310) in between. The device (200) also includes two elongate flexible threadlike elements (311), each having a first end (303) and a second end (305). The elements (311) are in mutually twined engagement to form a twined section (304) between the two first and second ends (303), (305). FIG. 3c shows the elements (311), separately. Referring back to FIG. 3a, the two first ends (303) are secured correspondingly to the two arms (302) on an outer side (312) and the two second ends (305) are secured correspondingly to the two arms (302) on an inner side (313), such that the twined section (304) is positioned in the spacing (310) and under a tension. The outer side (312) is defined to be remote from the base member (301) and the inner side (313) is defined to be towards the base member (301). A substantially rigid movable member (306) extends outwardly from the base member (301) and is movable relative to the base member (301) in repeatable reciprocating motion of a forward stroke and a reverse stroke. The movable member (306) urges the twined section (304) to move from the inner side (313) to the outer side (312) during the forward stroke and releases the twined section (304) to resiliently retract to the inner side (313) during the reverse stroke. FIGS. 3a to 3c illustrate the configuration of the device (200) when the twined section (304) is towards the inner side (313). Correspondingly, FIGS. 4a to 4c illustrate the configuration of the device (200) when the twined section (304) is moved towards the outer side (312). The second ends (305) may each terminate on the respective arm (302) or be connected together, similarly the first ends (303) may each terminate on the respective arm (302) or be connected together as shown by the dashed lines in FIGS. 3c and 4c. However, such connection is unlikely to serve any purpose for the operation of the device (200).

In use for removing hair (314), when at least the outer side (312) of the arms (302) are rested over the hairy surface (202), the twined section (304) is capable of engaging and uprooting hair (314) during the forward stroke. A resilient means (307) is shown between the base member (301) and the movable member (306) for regulating the reciprocating motion. In this embodiment, the resilient means (307) is a spring disposed between a portion of the base member (301) and a portion of the movable member (306). In this embodiment, the movable member (306) is shown to have a cap (308), that can be pressed manually to compress the resilient means (307) and allow the forward stroke. Upon release of the cap (308), the resilient means (307) retracts to allow the reverse stroke.

The base member (301) and the two arms (302) are relatively so oriented that while use, when the two arms (302) are rested over the hairy surface (202), there is enough clearance (316) as illustrated in FIGS. 3b and 4b, for a user to conveniently hold the base member (301) and perform the reciprocating motion. In this embodiment, the inner side (313) is also so oriented that while use, when the outer side (312) of the two arms (302) is rested over the hairy surface (202), the inner side (313) remains substantially above the hairy surface (202) such that the movable member (306) remains substantially contactless with the hairy surface (202) during the reciprocating motion. This feature makes the use of the device (200) more convenient, as the movable member (306) does not rub on the hairy surface (202) during the repeated reciprocating motions.

According to another embodiment (not shown), the device (200) is operable by an electrical means such as a motor, for regulating the reciprocating motion. The user may operate a switch to regulate the operation of the motor instead of pressing and releasing the cap (308).

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the base member (301) is shown in a cylindrical shape, that is generally convenient to hold by hand. However, according to other embodiments, other shapes may equally be used. The dimensions of the cylinder may be just large enough for a convenient grip by hand. Smaller sizes are of convenience particularly when the device (200) is for use with precision, as for example in case of shaping the eyebrows. The base member (301) may have a hollow structure for reducing weight. The material may desirably have enough rigidity such that it does not collapse while holding and performing the reciprocating motion.

In the embodiment shown in the FIGS. 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, the central region of the movable member (306) passes through the cylindrical base member (301) axially, while the two end regions are protruding out of the base member (301). As shown, one end region urges the twined section (304) to move to the outer side (312) and the other end is used for accommodating the resilient means (307) and the cap (308). In operation, as an example, the cap (308) may be pressed with the thumb for the forward stroke and released for the reverse stroke, while holding the base member (301) between other fingers. According to other embodiments, other arrangements for causing the relative motion between the base member (301) and the movable member (306) may equally be used. The material and dimensions for the movable member (306) need to provide enough rigidity for its operation.

In this embodiment, the movable member (306) is movably coupled to the elements (311) in between the twined section (304) and second ends (305), by a guide (309) such that during the reverse stroke, the movable member (306) assists the twined section (304) to resiliently retract towards the inner side (313). Besides, the guide (309) also assists the movable member (306) to have better control when urging the twined section (304) during the forward stroke. The guide (309) may preferably be of a simple design, such that it can be easily slipped over the second ends (305) for the coupling, particularly when the elements (311) and the arms (302) with the elements (311) secured to them are detachable and replaceable.

According to various embodiments, the elements (311) are made of nylon or metal for providing substantially high resistance to the frictional wear and tear that is likely to occur due to the repeated forward and reverse strokes, while also having high resilience or elasticity. According to other embodiments, other materials that are suitable to serve this purpose may also be used.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the following is detachable and replaceable: a) the arms (302) with the elements (311) secured to the arms (302), and b) the elements (311). The device (200) may also be provided with the following as spare parts: a) the arms (302) with the elements (311) secured to the arms (302), and b) the elements (311). Replacing the elements (311) would need adjusting the tension as well. Directions may need to be provided for the user to adjust the tension appropriately, without which the device (200) would not function properly. Alternatively, the device (200) as a whole may be used as a disposable item, that can be used a few times and replaced with a new one, such as when the elements (311) lose the required elasticity or break.

As shown in FIGS. 3b and 4b, in this embodiment, the first and second ends (303), (305) are secured to the arms (302) on a lower face (317) as indicated by the block arrow, where the lower face (317) is the one to make contact with the hairy surface (202) while using the device (200). This helps the twined section (304) to make an enhanced contact with the hairy surface (202), which is desirable for engaging hair (314) and uprooting. According to an alternate embodiment (not shown), when the lower face (317) makes contact with the hairy surface (202), if the elements (311) are positioned higher on the hairy surface (202) the performance of the device (200) is likely to suffer.

According to another embodiment (not shown), a kit comprises a plurality of the devices (200) in varying dimensions at any part, for selective use on various parts of the body. For example, for use on the face, the various dimensions for the device (200) may be smaller such that the length of the forward stroke is smaller than for the device (200) that is usable on other parts of the body.

The base member (301) is held by a first hand, while resting said two arms (302) on a first location on said hairy surface (202) such that at least a part of said twined section (304) particularly towards the outer end (312) makes contact with said hairy surface (202). The movable member (306) is then moved in said reciprocating motion, for engaging hair (314) in said twined section (304) and uprooting said hair (314). The steps of resting and moving may be conducted a selected number of times at more locations, while optionally stretching said hairy surface (202) with a second hand, for improving said hair engagement.

The two arms (302) may desirably be of minimum possible thickness and width, for the convenience of resting over the hairy surface (202), particularly during precise removal of hair (314). However, the thickness and the width need to provide the required mechanical strength to withstand the pressure when these are rested on the hairy surface (202). The two arms (302) may be longer or the spacing (310) may be wider for use on areas for non-precise removal of hair(s) (314). The two arms (302) may be composed of metal or polymer or any other suitable material.

Since the elements (311) are under tension when secured to the two arms (302), during the forward stroke, the twined section (304) can be moved forward by only a limited length. Hence, the length for the forward stroke should be maintained within this limit, such that the elements (311) do not break or lose their resilience too fast. The elements (311) need to be of a material of substantially high elasticity or resilience. In this embodiment, the length of the end of the movable member (306) that accommodates the resilient member (307) and the cap (308), automatically regulates a predetermined length for the forward stroke.

During the construction of the device (200), the relative dimensions for the lengths of the two arms (302), the length of the twined section (304) and the spacing (310) may be optimized for the material of the twined section (304) used, for a maximum achievable length of the forward movement of the twined section (304) during the forward stroke. This would help remove more hairs (314) in a single forward stroke. For a given length of the two arms (302), smaller the spacing (310), lesser is the acute angle between the two first ends (303) and easier it is for the twined section (304) to move forward during the forward stroke. Smaller lengths for the two arms (302) and smaller spacing (310) are also desirable for the device (200) when used for removing facial hair (314) such as for shaping the eyebrows and clearing the upper lip. While use, the cap (308) may as well be pressed to achieve a partial length of the forward stroke, particularly for precise hair removal.

The main challenge regarding the construction of this device (200) is the elastic property of the elements (311), that would determine their lifetime for use. Achieving longer lengths of the forward stroke for removing more hairs (314) in the same forward stroke is likely to be at the cost of the lifetime of the elements (311).

The foregoing description presents a preferred embodiment of the present invention and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many variations or modifications in details of design, construction and operation may be made without departing from the present invention as defined in the claims. The scope of the invention is as indicated by the appended claims and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A hair engagement and removing device (200), comprising: a base member (301);two elongate arms (302) extending outwardly from said base member (301) while maintaining a spacing (310) in between said two arms (302);two elongate flexible threadlike elements (311), each having a first end (303) and a second end (305), said two elements (311) being in mutually twined engagement to form a twined section (304) between said two first and second ends (303), (305), said two first ends (303) being secured correspondingly to said two arms (302) on an outer side (312) and said two second ends (305) being secured correspondingly to said two arms (302) on an inner side (313), wherein said twined section (304) is positioned in said spacing (310) under a tension, said outer side (312) being remote from said base member (301) and said inner side (313) being towards said base member (301); anda substantially rigid movable member (306) extending outwardly from said base member (301) and being movable relative to said base member (301) in repeatable reciprocating motion of a forward stroke and a reverse stroke, wherein said movable member (306) urges said twined section (304) to move from said inner side (313) to said outer side (312) during said forward stroke and releases said twined section (304) to resiliently retract to said inner side (313) during said reverse stroke,wherein in use for removing hair (314), when at least a portion of said arms (302) is rested over a hairy surface (202), said twined section (304) is capable of engaging and uprooting hair (314) during said forward stroke.

2. The device (200) according to claim 1 comprising a resilient means (307) for regulating said reciprocating motion.

3. The device (200) according to claim 2, wherein said resilient means (307) is a spring disposed between a portion of said base member (301) and a portion of said movable member (306).

4. The device (200) according to claim 1 further comprising an electrically operable means for regulating said reciprocating motion.

5. The device (200) according to claim 1 wherein said base member (301) and said two arms (302) are relatively so oriented that while use, when said two arms (302) are rested over said hairy surface (202), there is enough clearance (316) for a user to conveniently hold said base member (301) and perform said reciprocating motion.

6. The device (200) according to claim 1 wherein said inner side (313) is so oriented that while use, when said outer side (312) is rested over said hairy surface (202), said inner side (313) remains substantially above said hairy surface (202), such that said movable member (306) remains substantially contactless with said hairy surface (202) during said reciprocating motion.

7. The device (200) according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said elements (311) is made of one of the following two materials: nylon and metal.

8. The device (200) according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the following is detachable and replaceable: a) said arms (302) with said elements (311) secured to said arms (302), andb) said elements (311).

9. The device (200) according to claim 8 further providing the following as spare parts: a) said arms (302) with said elements (311) secured to said arms (302), andb) said elements (311).

10. The device (200) according to claim 1 wherein said movable member (306) is movably coupled to said elements (311) in between said twined section (304) and said second ends (305), such that during said reverse stroke, said movable member (306) assists said twined section (304) to resiliently retract towards said inner side (313).

11. The device (200) according to claim 1 wherein said first and second ends (303), (305) are along a lower face (317) of said arms (302) such that said twined section (304) makes an enhanced contact with said hairy surface (202), wherein at least a portion of said lower face (317) makes contact with said hairy surface (202) when said arms (302) are rested over said hairy surface (202).

12. A kit comprising a plurality of devices (200) according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of devices (200) are in varying dimensions at any part of said devices (200), for selective use on various parts of body.

13. A method of removing hair (314) by using said device (200) according to claim 1, said method comprising: holding said base member (301) by a first hand;resting said two arms (302) on a first location of said hairy surface (202) such that at least a part of said twined section (304) particularly towards said outer end (312) makes contact with said hairy surface (202);moving said movable member (306) in said reciprocating motion for engaging said hair (314) in said twined section (304) and uprooting said hair (314); andconducting said steps of resting and moving a selected number of times at more locations, while optionally stretching said hairy surface (202) with a second hand for improving said engagement.

14. The method according to claim 13 comprising a step of: regulating said reciprocating motion by a resilient means (307) that is provided between said base member (301) and said movable member (306).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein said resilient means (307) is a spring disposed between a portion of said base member (301) and a portion of said movable member (306).

16. The method according to claim 13 comprising a step of: regulating said reciprocating motion by an electrically operable means.

17. The method according to claim 13 further comprising a step of: replacing at least one of the following, in said device (200):a) said arms (302) with said elements (311) secured to said arms (302), andb) said elements (311).

18. The method according to claim 13 comprising a step of: assisting said twined section (304) to resiliently retract towards said inner side (313) during said reverse stroke, by using said movable member (306) that is movably coupled to said elements (311) in between said twined section (304) and said second ends (305).

19. A method according to claim 13 comprising a step of: selectively using a plurality of said devices (200) on various parts of the body, wherein said devices (200) are in varying sizes at any part of said devices (200).