IL206351A - Hair removal apparatus for personal use and method of using same - Google Patents

Description

■ ( Page 1 A HAIR REMOVAL APPARATUS FOR PERSONAL USE AND THE METHOD OF USING SAME _ · TECHNOLOGY FIELD [0001 ] Tlie method and apparatus are related to the field of personal cosmetic procedures and in particular to hair removal procedures.

BACKGROUND

[0002] External appearance is important to practically everybody. In recent years, methods and apparatus have.been developed for different cosmetic treatments. Among these are hair removal, treatment of vascular lesions, skin rejuvenation and others. In some of these treatments the skin surface is illuminated by visible or infra red (IR) radiation, generally termed optical radiation, to heat lower tissue volumes to a sufficiently high temperature as to achieve a desired effect, which is typically in the range of 38-80 degrees Celsius. The effect may be weakening of the hair follicle or root destruction. Another desired effect may be hair re-growth retardation, which is typically achieved by illumination of earlier depilated skin surface by laser, LED, Xenon lamp. Intense Pulsed Light (I PL), or incandescent lamp radiation, generally termed optical radiation. The optical radiation may have a single wavelength, like, lasers or several wavelengths or. for example, incandescent lamps. The wavelengths are selected to be optimal for the color of the contrasted component of the treated skin segment, and are typically in the range of 400 to 1800 nm. [0003 J Concurrently a number of Radio Frequency (RF) based methods for treatment of deeper skin or tissue layers have been developed. In these methods, electrodes are applied to the skin and an RF voltage in pulse or continuous waveform (CW) is applied across the electrodes. The' properties of the RF voltage are selected to generate RF induced current in a volume of tissue to be treated. The current heats the tissue to the required temperature, which is typically in the range of 38-80 degrees Celsius.

[0004] The above described equipment is both costly and bulky. It is typically operated in an ambulatory set-iip by a qualified operator and frequently requires the presence of medical personnel specialized in such treatments. There is a need on the market for a small size, low cost.

WO 20<)'Mi9 (>32 SiK-cific li m and safe to use apparatus that may be operated by the user, enabl ing him/her to conduct skin treatment and get results simi lar or identical to those provided by professional equipment used for skin treatments.

G LOSSARY

[0005] The term "i l lumination sources" and "light sources" as used in the present disclosure has the same meaning and includes sources of visible and invisible in frared radiation.

[0006] As used herein, the term "hair removal" includes partial or complete hair removal from the treated skin surface as well as hair re-growth retardation.

[0007] The term "skin surface" relates to the most external skin layer, which may be stratum corneum.

[0008] The term "tissue" relates to skin layers located below the stratum corneum. The layers may be located immediately below the stratum corneum and as deep as 6 or even 7 mm below the stratum corneum.

BRI EF LIST OF DRA WINGS

[0009] The disclosure is provided by way of non-l imiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which l ike reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the di fferent views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the method.

[0010] Fig. I is a schematic i llustration of an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus for personal use for hair removal.

J 001 Γ] Figs. 2A - 2C are schematic illustrations of the first exemplary embodiment of the appl icator of the apparatus of Fig I .

[0012] Figs. 3A - 3D are schematic illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of a hair removal mechanism of the applicator.

[0013] Fig. 4 is a magnified schematic i l lustration of a cut and retracted back hair fol licle (shaft).

[0014] Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of the second exemplary embodiment of the hair removal mechanism of the applicator.

WO 2()<)W)W>32 Specifications |00 I 5] Figs. 6A - 6C arc schematic illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of an illumination cartridge of the applicator.

[0016] Figs. 7A - 7C are schematic illustrations of additional exemplary light source configuration of the applicator.

[0017] Figs. 8Λ - 8E are schematic illustrations of the third exemplary embodiment of the applicator. [001 8] Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of a hair removal treatment using the first exemplary embodiment of the present applicator.

[0019] Fig. 10 is a schematic illustration ofa hair removal treatment using the second exemplary embodiment of the present applicator.

[0020] Fig. I is a schematic illustration of the forth exemplary embodiment of the present applicator. [0021 ] Fig 12 is a photographic image of a segment of a subject skin treated by the present method and an image of a untreated segment (control segment) of a subject skin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TH EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The principles and execution of the apparatus and the method described thereby may be understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description of non- limiting, exemplary embodiments. 10023] Reference is made to Fig I , which is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus for personal hair removal. Apparatus 100 comprises an applicator 104 adapted for sliding movement on a subject skin, a charging device 108, and harness I 12 connecting between applicator 104 and charging device 108. l-larness I 12 enables electric communication between applicator 104 and charging device 108. Apparatus 100 may receive power supply from a regular electric supply network receptacle, or from a rechargeable or regular battery. LED I | 8 indicates operational status of applicator 104.

[0024] Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of the llrst exemplary embodiment of the applicator of the apparatus of Fig. I . Applicator 104 (Fig. 2A) includes an ergonomically designed, casing 204 which fits the hand, having a first end 208 and a second end 212. One or more illumination sources 216, at least one hair removal mechanism 220, and at least one contact to skin sensing li' 2i)09<)9W'j2 Specificnlimis mechanism shown as micro switches 228 for activating i l lumination sources 21 6 and a hair removal mechanism 220. Micro switches 228 are located at the first end 208 and are activated by slight pressure developed by application of appl icator 1 04 to skin (not shown). When depressed, micro switches 228 enable one or more illumination sources 216 and other electric and electronic circuits of applicator 104. In one embodiment i llumination sources 2 16 and other electric and electronic circuits may each be operated independently and have their own ON and OFF switch mechanisms, for example. RF current sensing mechanism.

[0025] The i l lumination sources 2 16 may be such as an incandescent lamp, xenon lamp, laser diodes. LED. laser or a combination of these. Illumination sources 216 may operate in a piiised or continuous operation mode. Their power and operational times are selected to avoid potential damage to the treated segment of skin. Each of i l lumination sources 2 16 is packed in a cartridgelike packaging 224 detachable from the ergonomically designed, fitting-the-hand casing 204 of appl icator 1 04. The cartridge like packaging of the illumination source al lows different il l umination sources to be used with the same applicator. Each of the cartridges, like ' illumination sources 216 packaging 224, may be mounted on springs or a flexible mounting enabling freedom of movement of the cartridge-like packaging 224 with light source 21 6 in respect to appl icator casing 204 as shown by arrow 240 in Fig 2B. This allows cartridge 224 with illumination sources 216 to follow skin/casing contour 244 when applicator 104 is translated (moved) over a segment of skin to be treated. Motion direction sensor 232 senses the appl icator movement direction and provides a signal for proper switching of the light sources 2 16.

[0026] A cool ing arrangement, possibly a fan (not shown) which may be placed at a section 236 located at the second end 2 12 of applicator 1 04. The fan removes the heat generated by the operation of electric and electronic circuits and lamps or LEDs of applicator 104 and enables normal operating conditions of the appl icator.

[0027] Fig. 2C is a schematic il lustration of a top view of the first end 208 'of the exemplary embodiment of applicator 104. It shows the cartridge-l ike packaging 224 of light source 2 16, hair removal mechanism 220, and micro switches 228. 1 '

[0028] In one exemplary embodiment, illustrated in Fig. 3A, hair removal mechanism 220 may include at least one set of tweezers 308 attached to a holder 316 rotating around axis 3 12.

Adjacent to tweezers 308 attached to the same axes is a lever 320 terminated by a blade 324.

WO 2009090632 S v iJicilUms Alternatively, lever 320 may be rigidly coupled to tweezers 308 to ensure a constant follow-up after tweezers 308. There is a preset difference between the location of tweezers 308 and the location of blades 324 of lever 320 with respect to skin 330. Typically, blade 324 would be located closer, to. skin 330 than tweezers 308. The difference in the location of blade 324 and tweezers 308 may be regulated according to the type of skin, hair, and particular treated segment of the subject casing,

[0029] For hair 304 removal, tweezers 308 are applied to skin 330. Holder 3 16 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow 328 and concurrently with rotation may move linearly on- the surface of skin 330 in the direction indicated by arrow 332. As tweezers 308 continue to rotate they pick-up at least one hair shaft 304 (Fig. 3B) and begin pulling it out of skin 330. A pulling force generated by the rotation of tweezers 308 and assisted by linear movement of holder 3 16 applied to hair shaft 304 pulls together with hair shaft 304, skin 330 surrounding the hair shaft , and follicle. This force deforms skin 330 and forms a type of goose bump or goose pimple 340 protruding over the rest of the skin surface surrounding the follicle. Blade 324 cuts hair 304 (Fig. 3C) as close as possible to the peak of goose bump 340. The pulling force is set to tension the hair but not to pull it out of the skin. [00301 Fig- 4, is a magnified schematic illustration of a cut and retracted back hair shaft or follicle. Following the cut of hair shaft 304, skin 330 that formed bump 340, retracts. The residuals of hair shaft 304, retract to the original position in the direction of follicle 306. The hair shaft 304 retracts deeper than skin surface or stratum corneuml44 and as indicated by numeral . 404 (Fig. 4), which marks the difference in the locations of hair and skin surface, resides substantially below skin surface. Numeral 408 indicates the tissue. 1003 1 j Holder 3 16 (Figs. 3C and*3D) continues to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow 328 and move linearly or in any other type of motion on the surface of skin 330 in the direction indicated by arrow 332. Tweezers 308 catch another hair shaft 304 and form bump 340 in a way similar to the one explained above. Next, hair 304 is cut in a way similar to the way that the previous hair shaft was cut. The tweezers 308 and blades 324 may be orientated in the same direction or staggered and oriented in different directions. When some of the tweezers 308 and blades 324 oriented in different directions the user may move back along the earlier treated skin segment and still be efficacious. When tweezers 308 and blades 324 are orientated in the same H'O 20

[0032] Alternatively, the hair removal mechanism 220 may be any one of the well-known mechanical hair removal mechanisms such as a razor, shaving, or an electric shaver such as for example, feminine electric shaver commercially available from Braun GmbH, Germany - model 3470 Softperfect™. This model also includes other detachable heads of plucking and tweezing mechanisms. Similar or even the same mechanisms are also, of course, appl icable to male hair removal/shavers. The illumination head/s may be attached and operate with a conventional cpi lator with only one head of either a shaver or epi lator, or even a razor. The hair removal mechanism may be an exchangeable mechanism, where the mechanism most appropriate for the task is assembled on the appl icator.

[0033] Illumination sources 21 6 (Fig. 2) may operate simultaneously with hair removal mechanism 220. However; they il luminate a different segment of skin from which hair removal mechanism 220 has already removed hair. Il lumination destroys or weakens hair fol l icles and roots that are occasionally left, and should follow mechanical hair epi lation. In order to synchronize the operation of il lumination sources 2 16 with hair removal mechanism 220, a motion direction sensor, or even just a direction sensor (not shown) that switches between light sources 2 1 6 equips applicator 104. The direction sensor may be of di fferent types, for example, a rotating wheel with a plurality of openings to modulate a source of l ight, a mechanical switch of any type, an optical mouse type direction sensor, and others. Activation of the i l lumination sources by direction sensors alleviates occasional skin burns or other treatment side effects, since il lumination sources are operative only when the appl icator moves over the skin in a. minimum velocity. Moreover, it is possible to ensure that the appropriate illumination source il luminating the treated skin segment is activated based on the direction of advance of the appl icator.

I llumination sources 2 16 operate typically in continuous or pulse operation mode.

[0034] Fig 5 is a schematic illustration of the second exemplary embodiment of the hair removal mechanism. A comb type protective. plate 500 protects skin 330 and especially bumps 340 from occasional damage by rotating blades 324 (Fig 3). Blades 324 may be replaced by a fixed blade, which would cut hair 306 pulled by tweezers 308. In such embodiment, hpider 3 16 in addition to WO 2009090632 Specifications , ■ . rotation may have a linear motion. Alternatively, two comb-like blades linearly sliding with respect to each other may be implemented to cut the hair.

[0035] Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of" an exemplary embodiment of an illumination cartridge of the applicator. Plastic enclosure 602 of cartridge 224 incorporates a source of illumination such as an incandescent lamp, xenon flash lamp, laser diode, LED, laser or a combination of these. Fig. 6 illustrates cartridge 224 with a xenon lamp 606 and a reflector 610 configured to collect a large part of the irradiance emitted by the lamp and direct it towards the treated segment of skin,

[0036] Plastic enclosure 602 of cartridge 224 includes two guides 618 supporting easy cartridge 224 insertion and cartridge movement along a direction indicated by arrow 622. The disclosed cartridge construction allows the treated skin segment contour 244 to be easily followed, as shown in Fig. 2B, and uniform illumination maintained of the treated skin segment. In one embodiment cartridge 224 movement is utilized to replace micro switches 228. This may be enabled by allowing the pressed-in cartridge 224 to activate electrical and electronic circuits of applicator 104 in a mode similar to that of micro switches 228. Alternatively, guides 618 may be metallized and their descent would close an electric circuit. It is also possible to have a section of guides to be transparent and another section opaque. Linear movement of such guide can modulate a light beam and activate or deactivate the electrical and electronic circuits of applicator 104. As will be explained below, additional methods of replacing micro switches by other sensing and switching mechanisms can be used. ,[0037] Reflector 610 is shown to be constructed from two similar halves enabling free airflow for cooling lamp 606. Alternatively, a reflector formed as an integral body with respective air intake openings 608 may be used. Reflector openings 608 cooperate with respective air vents or air intake openings 612 enabling convective cooling of lamp 606 or LEDs (not shown). [0038] Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of another exemplary light source configuration of lhe applicator. Fig. 7A illustrates cartridge 702 similar to cartridge 224 with a plurality of LEDs 706. Each of LEDs 706 may emit a single wavelength or a plurality of wavelengths. LEDs 706 are configured to illuminate the treated segment of skin by a flux having relatively uniform flux distribution. Fig 7B illustrates a cartridge 7 I O.with two light sources 714, such as Xenon or other type lamps. Sources 714 may be identical sources or different light sources. Their illumination WO 20(19090032 Specifications fields may overlap and they may be configured to get a desired spectrum and i l lumination distribution on the treated skin segment. Sources 7 14 may be operated simultaneously, at di fferent or partial ly overlapping periods and at different operating mode e.g. pulsed or continuous.

[0039] The described appl icator architecture supports di fferent combinations of hair removal mechanisms and illumination sources. Accordingly, a particular combination of the exchangeable hair removal mechanism and illumination sources may determ ine the mode of operation of the appl icator. The mechanical hair removal mechanisms may be selected, for example, from a rotary-based tweezing epilator, spring type epilator, razor, or electric shaver. The il lumination source may be. for example, selected from continuous or pulse operating sources, sources providing a desired spectrum and illumination distribution on the treated. skin segment. There may be a mix of sources operating simultaneously or at partially overlapping periods. This selection provides practical ly an endless variety of combinations that may be adapted for di fferent skin treatments. In an additional embodiment shown in Pig. 8A. applicator 802 includes one or more RF electrodes 806 configured to contact the treated segment of skin and provide RF energy, generated by an RF generator located in applicator casing 8 10 (Fig. A) to the segment of skin 8 14 (Fig. 8B) located between electrodes 806. Typical ly, the electrical and electronic circuits of appl icator 802 include circuits that enable power to one or more i llumination sources and RF sources. When RF electrodes 806 touch the subject skin (Fig. 813). they provide a path for the current of the electrical and electronic circuits of applicator 802. An impedance sensing mechanism senses the impedance change from an infinite value to a measurable finite value and activates supply of RF energy having a magnitude sufficient to produce a desired skin or tissue treatment effect. RF induced current flows through tissue 8 1 8 as shown by lines 822 between electrodes 806 heating tissue volume schematically indicated by reference numeral 826. Thus, the use of an applicator is safer than mechanical switching, since little or no RF is emitted if there is no contact of RF electrodes 806 and the skin. The electrical response to the impedance changes is faster than mechanical switching and if one electrode loses contact with the skin, the RF emission is instantly switched-off. (General ly, a very tow level of RF power may continue to be emitted in order to be able to activate the illumination sources and RF energy when contact with the skin will be once again established.) Optionally, applicator 802 WO 20(1909003: Sivcificitlirmx may have an ON -OFF switch to switch off applicator 802 completely. Fig. 8C is another schematic illustration of the third exemplary embodiment of the applicator. In this embodiment. RF electrodes 806 are located at the external side of the cartridges 224 and Fig. 8D illustrates an additional of embodiment of the applicator, where RF electrodes 806 are located on both sides of the cartridges 224. Fig. 8E illustrates still a further embodiment of the applicator 802. where one cartridge 224 only with RF electrodes 806 located on both sides of the cartridge 224 are used.

[0040] All earlier described applicator 104 (Fig. 2) components such as a hair removal mechanism, illuminators and their functionality are mutatis mutandis applicable to applicator 802. |0041 ] Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration ofa hair removal treatment using the first exemplary embodiment of the present applicator. The first end 228 of applicator 104 is applied to skin 244. 1 This applies slight pressure on micro switches 228 and therefore hair removal mechanism 220 and appropriate illumination sources are enabled. (Generally, both the hair removal mechanism and the illumination source may be enabled by other mechanisms independent of a micro switch mechanism). User of the applicator translates applicator 104 in a scanning motion in the first direction indicated by arrow 902 (Fig 9A) from one segment of skin 244 to another skin segment. During the translation, hair removal mechanism 220 removes hair from the treated > segment of skin 244. A motion direction sensor senses the movement direction and activates trailing illumination source located in cartridge 224-1 to illuminate a skin segment from which the hair was removed. Continuous illumination flux produced by the trailing illumination source 224- 1 heals the skin segment from which earlier hair was attempted to be removed mechanically, weakens and perhaps destroys the hair follicles and bulbs. Typical useful values of the illumination flux would have a value in the range of 0.5 J/cm2 to 20 J/cm2. In addition to destroying hair follicles and bulbs, illumination flux accelerates skin-healing effect.

[0042] When applicator 104 moves in a second direction indicated by arrow 906 (Fig 6B), hair removal mechanism 220 functions in a similar way and removes hair from the mechanically treated skin segment. The motion direction sensor senses the changes in the direction movement and switches off illumination source located in cartridge 224- 1 that has become a leading illumination source to the trailing illumination source located in cartridge 224-2 to illuminate a skin segment from which the hair has been removed. Illumination sources located in cartridges WO 2 0909 Λ32 Spc ijkni ns 224- 1 and 224-2 may operate simultaneously (concurrently) with hair removal mechanism 220. However, illumination sources located in cartridge 224- 1 and 224-2 operate on different segments of skin 244 than the hair removal mechanism 220 operates. I llumination sources may operate in a continuous mode and their power set to cause a desired skin effect and prevent skin burns. An optional temperature sensor may be used to continuously measure skin temperature and accordingly deactivate the RF +light sources

[0043] As noted the illumination flux produced by the trailing illumination source located in cartridge 224- 1 generates the effects described above of stunning the hair shaft growth as well as skin-healing effect. The effect may be further enhanced by proper selection of the illuminating wavelength and intensity.

[0044] The trai ling and leading illumination sources typically, may be operative to generate di fferent flux values most appropriate for getting the desired effect. When i llumination sources are LED based sources such as shown in Fig. 7A, the trailing and leading i llumination sources may be operative to emit di ferent wavelength more suitable for getting the desired effect.

Generally, as explained the il lumination source cartridge may be constructed to include more than one lamp to operate them at different power or obtain di fferent spectrum, as would be most appropriate for getting the desired treatment effect.

[0045] Fig. 1 0 is a schematic illustration of a hair removal treatment using another exemplary embodiment of the present applicator. Applicator 1000 is applied to skin 1002 such that it forms a contact between R F electrodes 806 and skin 1002. Impedance sensing mechanism senses the change in the impedance from infinity to a certain value and activates electric and electronic circuits of appl icator 1000. Thus, the impedance sensing mechanism can replace the micro switch mechanism described earl ier, although both mechanisms may be combined to provide a safety treatment. Mechanical hair removal mechan ism physically removes the hair. R F induced current shown by lines 1 022 heats tissue 1006 and in particular volume 1026, weakens or even destroys residual hair fol l icles and bulbs. The user of the applicator translates appl icator 1000 in a scanning motion from one segment of skin 1002 to another skin segment and heats respective tissue volumes 1026. In the course of the translation, hair removal mechanism 220 removes hair from the segments of skin 1 002 located over the heated tissue volumes. Motion direction sensor 232 (Fig. 2A) senses the movement direction and activates trailing i llumination source 224 to \VO 200 ΙΜΗ : Specifictvinns illuminate a skin segment from which the hair was removed. Illumination flux produced by the trailing illumination source 224 weakens the hair follicle and hair shaft, and to some extent, heals the skin and destroys the remaining hair follicles and bulbs riot removed by mechanical means,. In addition to destroying hair follicles and bulbs, illumination flux accelerates skin-healing effect. All disclosed above illumination flux and wavelength variations and illumination source switching are mutatis mutandis applicable to the present embodiment that uses RF to heat deeper tissue layers.

[0046] The skin treatment results may be improved by proper preparation of the skin segment to be treated. Post treatment rash may be reduced by application of creams and lotions. Tig. 1 is a schematic illustration of the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present applicator. Applicator 1 100, in addition to the earlier described hair removal mechanism 228, illumination sources 224, RF electrodes 806, and micro switches 228 includes a skin and hair pre-treatment device I 104 and a skin and hair post treatment device. The skin and hair pre-treatment device I 104 may be operative to clean by spray or similar solution a segment of skin to be treated. The skin and hair post treatment device I 108 may be operative to disperse over the treated segment of the skin a cream or solution reducing irritation that the treatment may occasionally. cause to the skin.

Optional variable length spacers 1 1 12 may be used to maintain a desired gap between the location of the hair removal mechanism and the skin.

[0047] Typically, any one of the applicators described will be electrically driven, i.e. by a drive rotating the hair removal mechanism and operating other units of the applicators. Alternatively, the applicator may be configured such that the sliding movement over the skin of the subject would provide a rotational movement to the hair removal mechanism.

[0048] Application of the method enables almost hair free skin area to be achieved due to mechanical hair removal, and retard or completely eliminate hair re-growth enabled by (concurrent, or subsequent, or prior to mechanical hair removal) RF application and skin illumination. Skin healing process is accelerated by selection of proper skin illumination wavelengths. [0049J Fig 12 is a photographic image of a segment of a subject skin treated by the present method and an image of ηοη-treated· segment (control) of a subject skin. The treated segment WO 200 09M32 Sfiecificttt ms 1206 does not contain even residual hair. The non-treated segment 1202 is shown for comparative purposes.

[0050] A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modi ications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the method. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims: WO 2 0Μ9ΟΛ32 /xvi/kiiti m

Claims (15)

1. What is claimed is: I'. An applicator (104, 1000, 1 100) tor hair removal, the applicator comprising: an exchangeable mechanical hair removal mechanism (220); one or more illumination cartridges (224) located on both sides of the hair removal mechanism (220) con igured to follow a treated skin segment contour (244) and provide illumination with one or more wavelengths; one or more sensors, with at least one of the sensors being a movement direction sensor; said pplicator ( 104, 1000, 1 100) characterized in that the sensor is configured to activate at least one illumination cartridge (224) according to the applicator ( 104) displacement direction when the applicator ( 104) is applied to a subject skin (244,330,814, 1002, 1206) and displaced over the skin (244,330,814, 1002, 1206).

2. The applicator ( 104, 1000, 1 100) according to claim I further characterized in that one or more RF electrodes (806). are located on both sides of the hair removal mechanism (220) and configured to provide RF energy to heat a segment of skin (814) being in contact with the RF electrodes (806) and located between the electrodes (806).

3. The applicator ( 104, 1000, 1 100) according to claim I further characterized in that the illumination cartridges (224) when pressed-in activate electrical and electronic circuits of the applicator ( 104, 1000, 1 100).

4. The applicator ( 104, 1000, 1 100) according to any one of claims I and 2 wherein at least one sensing mechanism activates supply of RF energy to RF electrodes (806) or activates one or more illumination cartridges (224, 702, 710).

5. The applicator ( 104, 1000, I 100) according to claim I wherein the sensing mechanism is one of a group of direction sensors (232), micro switches (228), temperature sensors, or an impedance sensing mechanism. WO 2(>32 Spixijicvkms

6. The applicator ( 104, 1000, and 1 100) according to claim I wherein the hair removal mechanism (220) is one of a group of rotary based tweezing epilator, spring type epilator, razor, or electric shaver and wherein the rotary based tweezers (308) include a lever (320) terminated . by a blade (324) with a preset and regulated difference between the location of tweezers (308) and the location of blades (324) of lever (320).

7. The applicator ( 104, 1000, and 1 100). according to claim 1 wherein a pulling force of the tweezers (308) of the hair removal mechanism (220) is set to tension the hair (304) without pulling it out of the skin (330) and form a goose bump (340) protruding over the rest of the skin (330) surface surrounding the hair (304) such that when blade (324) cuts the hair (304) the hair retracts deeper than skin surface ( 144).

8. The applicalor ( 104, 1000, 1 100) according to claim I wherein the illumination cartridge (224) includes at least one of a group of illumination sources consisting of an incandescent lamp, xenon lamp (606), laser diode, LEDs (706), laser or a combination of them.

9. The applicator ( 104, 1000, 1 100) according to claim I wherein the illumination source operates in a continuous (or pulse) operation mode and wherein the illumination cartridge (224, 702, 710) is an interchangeable and removable cartridge.

10. The applicator ( 104, 1000, and 1 100) according to claim I wherein the illumination cartridge (224, 702, 710) is detachable from the applicator casing (204, 810) and the illumination cartridge (224, 702, 710) has a freedom of movement with respect to the applicalor ( 104, 1000, 1 100) casing (204, 8 10).

11. 1 1 . The applicator ( 104, 1000, 1 100) according to claim I further comprising skin and hair rc-treatment ( 1 104) and post-treatment ( 1 108) devices operative to clean the skin to be treated and to disperse over the treated segment of the skin a cream or solution reducing skin irritation. IVO 2 09 WI632 S ' fictil m

12. A safe method of hair from skin removal, said method comprising applying to the skin a mechanical hair removal mechanism, a pair of RF electrodes (806) configured to heat the skin, and at least one illumination cartridge (224, 702, 710) configured to illuminate the treated skin segment, said method characterized in that presence of finite impedance between the applied to the segment of the skin to be treated RF electrodes activate RF skin heating and treated skin segment illumination by at least one illumination source.

13. The method according to claim 12 further characterized in that the mechanical hair removal mechanism (220) pulls at least one hair shaft (304) and skin (330) surrounding the hair shaft (304) to form a goose bump (340) protruding over the rest of the skin (330) surface surrounding the hair (304) and blade (324) cuts hair (304) substantially close to the peak of goose bump (340) and a comb type protective plate (500) protects skin (330) and bumps (340) from occasional damage.

14. A method for removal of hair from skin said method comprising: applying to skin ( 1002) an applicator ( 1000) with a hair removal mechanism, a pair of RF electrodes, one or more illumination cartridges and an impedance sensing mechanism; sensing change in the skin impedance between the pair of RF electrodes (806) and activating electric and electronic circuits of applicator (1000); translating the applicator ( 1000) in a scanning motion from one segment of skin (1002) to another skin segment and removing hair by hair removal mechanism; and applying RF energy and heating tissue ( 1006) to weaken and destroy residual hair follicles and hair shafts.

15. The method according to claim 14 further comprising operating a motion direction sensor (232) to sense the applicator ( 1000) movement direction and activate trailing illumination source (224) to illuminate a skin segment from which the hair was mechanically removed to further weaken the hair follicle (306) and hair shaft (304) and destroy the remaining hair follicles and shafts not removed by mechanical means. A HAIR REMOVAL APPARATUS FOR PERSONAL USE AND THE M ETHOD OF USINC SAME ABSTRACT Presented is an applicator and a method for hair removal. The applicator includes one or more i l lum ination sources and at least one hair removal mechanism. The hair may be removed by mechanical means or by application of RF. The hair removal mechanism may be an exchangeable mechanism and includes such mechanisms as a rotary based tweczing epi lator, spring type epi lator, razor, or electric shaver. The illumination sources are xenon lamp, L Ds and a mix of them. The hair is removed by translating in a scanning motion the applicator having a hair removal mechanism over a target section of the skin and treating the section of the skin from which the hair was removed by a suitable illumination. WO 200W)9l)f>32 Sin-cificiiti ns