US20110106103A1 - Hair removal apparatus and clip - Google Patents
Hair removal apparatus and clip Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110106103A1 US20110106103A1 US12/886,467 US88646710A US2011106103A1 US 20110106103 A1 US20110106103 A1 US 20110106103A1 US 88646710 A US88646710 A US 88646710A US 2011106103 A1 US2011106103 A1 US 2011106103A1
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- Prior art keywords
- thread
- holder
- pincer
- slots
- stopper
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D26/00—Hair-singeing apparatus; Apparatus for removing superfluous hair, e.g. tweezers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D26/00—Hair-singeing apparatus; Apparatus for removing superfluous hair, e.g. tweezers
- A45D26/0066—Tweezers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D26/00—Hair-singeing apparatus; Apparatus for removing superfluous hair, e.g. tweezers
- A45D26/0066—Tweezers
- A45D26/0071—Tweezers the hair being extracted automatically, i.e. without manual traction by the user
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to the field of hair removing apparatuses and more particularly to threading apparatuses clips and kits for plucking out body hairs.
- Hair can be removed from the facial area (e.g. eyebrows hair or hairs that grow anywhere else on a subject's face); from the axilla area; and from the arms, legs and groins areas, for instance.
- facial area e.g. eyebrows hair or hairs that grow anywhere else on a subject's face
- axilla area e.g. eyebrows hair or hairs that grow anywhere else on a subject's face
- Another method involves applying harsh chemicals to the area of the skin that has unwanted hair.
- the chemicals remain on the skin until the hair is dissolved or burned off.
- Use of this depilation method may cause chemical burns or allergic reactions or both.
- the results may be inconsistent or short-lived, requiring additional or frequent re-applications.
- this method may be too harsh and inexact for removing facial hair.
- Removing hairs from their follicles is another option. Areas where the hair was removed from the roots remains hairless longer than if other depilatory methods have been used. Tweezers allow the user to remove each hair individually, but is a time-consuming and imprecise endeavor when removing all of the hairs from a particular area. Waxing and sugaring involve the application of a wax or sugar solution to the skin that, when removed, removes the hair with it. While these methods are suitable for removing facial hair, they are also painful and the top layer of skin may be stripped along with the hair.
- Threading is another method of removing hair from the follicles, most frequently used for removing facial hair. This method dates back to ancient Egyptian times and is quite common throughout Asia and India.
- Threading requires a trained practitioner to hold a twisted intersection point of cotton thread in her teeth and hands. The practitioner then manipulates the twisted section of the intersection point in order to catch and remove the unwanted hairs. There are many benefits to threading. This precise, delicate, and gentle method of removing facial hair is less painful than waxing and sugaring, there are no chemicals or special tools required, and the practitioner has a great deal of control over exactly which hairs are to be removed.
- threading is an art that requires a trained practitioner, and is difficult or even impossible to practice on oneself, and therefore, one must schedule time and spend money for the service. Furthermore, the art of threading is held by few skilled practitioners and in many countries, where plucking out hair is popular, there are hardly any people who can practice this art and skill.
- the present invention in some embodiments thereof, provides an apparatus for plucking out hairs of a subject using a threading method for the removal of the subject's hair, clips for holding the threads used in the apparatuses and kits for their combination.
- the invention provides an apparatus for removing hairs from the skin of a subject, said apparatus comprising; a pair of pincer-parts, each part having: a distal end, a proximal end, an external surface and an internal surface, said pincer parts being hingedly attached and biased toward each other at their distal end; and a single thread having: a first end portion; a second end portion; a central portion extending between the first and second end portions; and a stopper disposed on the first and second end portions, said thread being twisted together defining a twisted portion advancing the twisted portion to engage a hair upon repeatedly separating the distal ends of said pincer-parts by compressing the proximal ends toward each other.
- the invention provides a thread clip, comprising: a first thread having a first end portion, a second end portion, a central portion extending between the first and second end portions, and stoppers on each of the first and second end portions; a first thread holder defining spaced first and second slots, the first slot being configured not to pass the stopper of the thread, the first thread holder configured to allow winding of the central portion of the thread on the thread holder between its first and second slots; and a tray having a toothed crown configured to releasably engage the first thread holder.
- the invention provides an article of manufacture comprising: a thread holder defining spaced first and second slots, a winding surface portion disposed between the first and second slots and adapted to receive a wound thread, two opposed sides, and a grip portion positioned and configured to be engaged while unwinding the wound thread; and a thread having: a first end portion, a second end portion, a central portion extending between the first and second end portions, and stoppers on the first and second end portions, in which the central portion of the thread is wound on the winding surface portion between the first and second slots; in which the dimensions and the spacing of the spaced first and second slots are such that substantially the entire central portion of the thread is wound onto the thread holder, the stopper on the first end portion of the thread is positioned on one side of the thread holder and the stopper on the second end portion of the thread is positioned on the other side of the thread holder.
- the invention provides, in combination; an apparatus for removing hairs from the skin of a subject, said apparatus comprising; a pair of pincer-parts, each part having: a distal end, a proximal end, an external surface and an internal surface, said pincer parts being hingedly attached and biased toward each other at their distal end; and a single thread having: a first end portion; a second end portion; a central portion extending between the first and second end portions; and a stopper disposed on the first and second end portions, said thread being twisted together defining a twisted portion advancing the twisted portion to engage a hair upon repeatedly separating the distal ends of said pincer-parts by compressing the proximal ends toward each other; and a thread clip, comprising: a first thread having a first end portion, a second end portion, a central portion extending between the first and second end portions, and stoppers on each of the first and second end portions; a first thread holder defining spaced first and second slots
- the invention provides a kit comprising: at least a first thread having a first end portion, a second end portion, a central portion between the first and second end portions, and stoppers on the first and second end portions; at least a first thread holder defining spaced first and second slots, at least one slot being configured to engage a stopper of the thread and allow winding of the central portion of the thread on the thread holder between its first and second slots; a tray having a holder configured to releasably engage the first thread holder; and a threading hair removal apparatus comprising a frame configured for receiving two portions of at least one thread twisted together to define a twisted portion and for advancing the twisted portion to engage a hair.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a three-dimensional isometric front view of an apparatus for plucking of a subject's hairs, according to some embodiments of the invention
- FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a three-dimensional isometric back view of an apparatus for plucking of a subject's hairs, according to some embodiments of the invention
- FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B schematically illustrate side views of an apparatus for plucking of a subject's hairs, in a closed an open positions, respectively, according to some embodiments of the invention
- FIG. 4A , FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C schematically illustrate the process of placing a thread in the apparatus to allow the apparatus to hold the thread in a predefined configuration, according to some embodiments of the invention
- FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus for plucking of a subject's hairs having a motor unit, according to some embodiments of the invention.
- FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the tray of the clip ( 6 a ) including a plurality of thread holders and an embodiment of a thread ( 6 b );
- FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the covered clip
- FIG. 8 shows embodiments of several views a thread holder according to the invention, in which 8 a is a perspective; 8 b is a side view; 8 c is a top view and 8 d is a side view including the thread as shown in FIG. 6 b;
- FIG. 9 shows views of an embodiment of the clip tray, where FIG. 9 a shows a top view, 9 b shows a side view and 9 c shows a perspective; and
- FIG. 10 shows views of an embodiment of the clip cover, where FIG. 10 a shows a side view, 10 b shows a top view and 10 c shows a perspective
- the present invention in some embodiments thereof, provides an apparatus 100 for plucking out hairs of a subject using a threading method for the removal of the subject's hair, clips 200 for holding the threads used in the apparatuses and kits for their combination and articles of manufacture 300 for holding the threads in the clips.
- the apparatus 100 may be suited to pluck hairs of any area in the subject's body such as facial hair (e.g. eyebrows, mustache and the like), hairs in the groins and axilla (armpit) area and the like.
- facial hair e.g. eyebrows, mustache and the like
- hairs in the groins and axilla (armpit) area and the like.
- the subject may be a person which hairs are being plucked by the apparatus 100 .
- the subject may be an animal.
- Any user including the subject him/herself, may use the apparatus 100 to pluck the subject's hairs.
- the apparatus 100 may be designed in various shapes and sizes to be suited for hair plucking of different areas of subjects' bodies. For example, an apparatus 100 for plucking facial hairs may be smaller than an apparatus 100 for axilla and groins hairs.
- FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 schematically illustrate a three-dimensional isometric front and back view, respectively, of the apparatus 100 for plucking of subject's hairs, according to some embodiments of the invention.
- the apparatus 100 for removing hairs from the skin of a subject comprises; a pair of pincer-parts 110 , each part having: a distal end, a proximal end 111 , an external surface and an internal surface, said pincer parts 110 being hingedly attached 120 and biased toward each other at their distal end; and a single thread 10 having: a first and second end portions 12 ; a central portion 13 extending between the first and second end portions 12 ; and a stopper 11 disposed on the first and second end portions 12 , said thread 10 being twisted together defining a twisted portion 15 advancing the twisted portion to engage a hair upon repeatedly separating the distal ends of said pincer-parts 110 by compressing the proximal ends toward each other.
- proximal end 111 serve as a handle, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , enabling a user to hold these edges, using his/her fingers, to manually rotate the pincer parts 110 around a predefined axis of rotation 99 , by moving the edges of the handles 111 , closer to one another.
- the distal end of the pincer-parts 110 may create a pincer-like space in which the thread can be held, where the plucking of the subject's hairs may be carried out by approximating one side of the apparatus 100 with the thread 10 held thereby, and coupling it to a desirable area of the subject's body (close to the skin of that area).
- the handles 111 may be used to manually operate the apparatus 100 by alternatively pressing the handles 111 against each other (clutching the handles 111 ) and releasing the handles 111 , allowing them to retract back to an open position.
- the user may be required to use the fingers of one of his/her hands for clutching of the handles 111 .
- the pincer-parts 110 may be hingedly connected to one another 120 .
- the pair of hingedly connected pincer-parts 110 may create a structure (e.g. a pincer-shaped structure) that is capable of opening and closing.
- the hinged connection 120 may comprise a spring 121 as the biasing means 121 having two edges each protruding and holding the inner surface of a pincer-part 110 , where the spring may be mounted to a pivot inserted therethrough.
- the hinge 120 may further comprise a first locker 122 A and a second locker and 122 B enabling to hold the hinge and spring 121 in place.
- the pincer-parts 110 may comprise receiving-openings 115 such as curved slits or holes, suited to receive and hold the stopper parts 11 of the thread 10 to allow the thread 10 to be held tightly in the preferable configuration.
- the proximal end 111 may further define receiving-openings 115 slits that are suited to hold the middle part 13 of the thread 10 , where the receiving-openings 115 slits situated at the distal end of the pincer-parts 110 may be suited to receive and hold the thread's 10 stoppers 11 .
- the thread 10 ends 12 may be connected to stoppers 11 , which may be objects that are larger in diameter than the cross sectional diameter of the thread 10 .
- the stoppers 11 may be made from any material known in the art such as plastic, rubber, the thread 10 materials and the like.
- the slits receiving-openings 115 of the distal ends of the pincer-parts 110 may define a larger opening 116 to allow receiving the stoppers 11 and holding them therein.
- the receiving-openings 115 may hold the thread 10 in a tight configuration to allow plucking of hairs, using thread tension.
- the adjustable fastener 125 may comprises a coiled spring 126 and a hook 127 , where the hook 127 is connected to one end of the coiled spring 126 and the other end of the spring 126 is connected to the hinged connection 120 .
- the adjustable stretching means 125 may be fasten to the thread 10 and facilitate in farther stretching of the thread 10 , once the thread 10 is already held by the receiving-openings 115 .
- the coiled spring 126 may enable stretching to reach the thread 10 while the hook 127 enables fastening to the thread 10 and allow holding the thread 10 in a more stretched manner.
- each pincer-part 110 may be arched, where the inner side of those frontal arched parts may comprise cavities 113 to facilitate the durability of the structure, since the actuation of the handles 111 may apply pressure that can break those parts in one embodiment, depending on the size, structure and materials from which the pincer-parts 110 are made.
- the outer parts of the handles 111 may be made from rough materials or comprise protrusions 112 to increase the roughness of the handles' 111 outer surface and thereby to facilitate the user in holding and rotating the handles 111 , since a smooth surface may cause the user's hand to slip from the handle 111 .
- the thread 10 may be held by the pincer-parts 110 in such a manner that the thread 10 is wrapped around itself (twisted) creating at least one knot 17 having intersection points 15 where parts of the thread 10 intersect.
- the knots 17 may be moveably held by the pincer-parts 110 and the adjustable fastener 125 .
- the knot 17 may be a loop-shaped tie created by the wrapping of one part of the thread 10 on another.
- the knots 17 of the thread 10 may reach a predefined first end spot, where the knots 17 may reach another second spot when reaching the full open position of the pincer-parts 110 , as illustrated in FIG. 3B .
- the movement of the knot 17 from the open position to the closed position and vice versa defines a movement-path A-A.
- the alternatively changing in the positions (open and closed) may correspondently alternatively change the tension in each of the knots 17 since once side of the movement-path A-A may create less tension than the other thereby enabling the knots 17 to slightly open once shifting to one of the sides and then tightening back when shifting to the other side, due to the alternating opening and closing movement of the handles 111 .
- the pincer-parts 110 may be curved, as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 to allow the thread to change the tension applied on the knot 17 when the knot 17 moves from one end of the movement-path A-A to the other.
- the opening and closing of the pincer-parts 110 may be carried out by pressing the handles 111 toward each other and releasing the pincer-parts 110 handles 111 around the biasing hinge 121 such that the knots 17 in the thread 10 respectively moves back and forth along the movement-path A-A, where the knots 17 enables tightening while moving along the movement-path A-A, towards one of the movement-path's A-A ends and slightly loosening when moving towards the opposite ends of the movement-path A-A.
- the knot 17 may enable capturing of the subject's hairs that are proximate to the movement-path A-A inside the knot 17 and plucking of the hairs by tightening around the captured hairs when reaching one end of the movement-path A-A and pulling them with the moving the knot 17 along the movement-path A-A towards the other end of the path A-A.
- the knots 17 of the thread 10 may tighten and loosen alternatively and thereby pluck whatever the knots 17 captures on their movement along movement-path A-A and then return to a more loosen position when returning back to one of the path's A ends and so forth.
- the thread 10 may be held in such a manner that the knots 17 may slightly protrude one of the apparatus's 100 sides.
- This side is the one that should be proximate or coupled to the subject's skin and body area to perform the plucking process and hair removal.
- the second lock 122 B may be connected at one side of the biased hinge connector 121 , which is proximate to the subject body area and the first locker 122 A may be connected to the opposite side of the biased hinge connector 121 . Therefore, the second locker 122 B may be positioned between the pincer-parts 110 and sunken therein, to prevent the locker 122 B from interfering with the knots 17 reaching the hairs of the subject when proximate to the subject's skin.
- the user is required to first position the apparatus 100 and especially the protruding area of the knots 17 and movement-path A-A against the subject's selected skin area; and moving the distal ends of the pair of pincer-parts 110 (e.g. using the handles 111 ), closer to one another and apart from one another in an alternating manner.
- the moving of the handles 111 enables the knots 17 to move back and forth along the movement-path A-A and thereby carry out the plucking of hairs, where subject's hairs that are positioned approximately to the movement-path A-A are captured inside the knot 17 and the moving of the knot 17 along the movement-path A-A enables tightening the knot 17 around the hairs and thereby plucking them by pulling the knot 17 further along the movement-path B-B.
- FIG. 4 a , FIG. 4B and FIG. 3C schematically illustrate a process for placing the thread 10 in the receiving-openings 115 and adjusting means 125 .
- the process may comprise:
- the adjustment may be carried out by stretching the coiled spring 126 towards the thread 10 middle part 13 that is held between the handles 111 and fastening the thread 10 by the hook 127 .
- the apparatus 100 may further comprise a motor unit 500 , which may be operably associated with the biased hinge connector 121 (e.g. the spring).
- the motor unit 500 may enable moving the pincer-parts 110 automatically, by automatically actuating the spring 121 , while the user holds the apparatus 100 against a body area in which hairs are to be plucked, such that the movement-path A-A of the intersection point 15 is situated in that area.
- the motor unit 500 may comprise a motor, a shaft, rotated by the motor and a power source operating the motor, for example, enabling to apply torque to repeatedly actuate the biased hinge connector 121 .
- the motor unit 500 may facilitate the user (which may be the subject) in operating the apparatus 100 applying less effort.
- a multiplicity of pincer-parts 110 pairs may be hingedly connected to the biased hinge connector 121 , each pair may hold a different thread 10 , to facilitate in enlarging the subject's body area from which hairs are to be plucked.
- the threads 10 may be of different length, type or thickness.
- the pincer-parts 110 may be made from any solid material known in the art, such as plastic, wood, polymeric solids, metal, etc.
- the thread 10 may be made from any materials known in the art that has high level of roughness, to allow high friction between the thread 10 and the subject's hairs, such as, for instance, cotton or any other fabric of low smoothness.
- the thread 10 may be coated with, impregnated with and/or comprise soothing materials, enabling to sooth the skin of the subject while or after the knots 17 plunk the subject's hairs.
- the soothing materials may be any liquid, gel or solid materials known in the art that can sooth skin such as, for example, aloe vera gel coating the thread 10 , chamomile powder or liquid absorbed in the thread 10 , a mixture of soothing materials both absorbed and coating the thread 10 and the like.
- FIG. 6 showing in 6 a an embodiment of the clip tray 200 comprising a plurality of thread holders 300 , arranged radially where each thread holder 300 is slidably coupled to the tooth-crown 201 protruding axially in the center of clip tray 200 via grip portion 310 of thread holder 300 , such that in certain embodiments, toothed crown 201 is configured to releasably engage a first thread holder 300 .
- clip tray 200 is adapted to support the thread holders 300 more closely spaced together than the combined width of two adjacent stoppers 11 , and to receive two of the stoppers 11 of the multiple threads 10 in offset relation between two adjacent thread holders 300 .
- thread 10 used with the apparatus 100 or, in another embodiment, with any other hair removal apparatus capable of receiving and holding thread 10 for the purpose of hair removal.
- thread 10 comprises in one embodiment, stopper 11 , attached to end portions 12 , with middle portion 13 disposed therebetween.
- FIG. 7 showing covered clip tray 200 with locking cover 210 .
- thread holder 300 in one embodiment is defining spaced first and second slots 301 , 302 respectively, the first slot being configured not to pass the stopper 11 of the thread 10 , the first thread holder configured to allow winding of the central portion 13 of the thread 10 on the thread holder 300 between its first and second slots 301 , 302 respectively.
- Thread holder 300 comprises a winding surface 303 portion ( FIG. 8 a ) adapted to receive a wound thread 10 and a grip portion 310 ( FIG. 8 c ), positioned and configured to be engaged while unwinding the wound thread 10 ( FIG. 8 d ).
- thread 10 is wound across winding surface 303 by inserting the end portion 12 of one end of thread 10 to slot 301 winding the middle portion of the thread 13 by looping the middle portion 13 between slots 305 and 304 to the point where enough thread 10 is left to allow for the end point 12 not inserted to slot 301 , to be inserted to slot 305 , thereby winding thread 10 onto thread holder 300 .
- the dimensions and the spacing of the spaced first and second slots 301 , 302 respectively of thread holder 300 and thread 10 are such as to allow substantially the entire central portion of the thread 13 to be wound onto the thread holder 300 .
- thread holder 300 has two opposed sides 303 a and 303 b respectively, defining a third and fourth slots 304 , 305 respectively and the dimensions and spacing of the spaced third and fourth slots 304 , 305 respectively; and the thread 10 are such as to provide the stopper 11 on the first end portion 12 of the thread positioned on one side of the thread holder 303 a and the stopper 11 on the second end portion 12 of the thread 10 to be positioned on the other side of the thread holder 303 b .
- the first slot 301 is positioned above the second slot 302 when the thread holder 300 is received by the tray 200 , one stopper 11 of a thread 10 wound on the thread holder 300 is positioned adjacent to the first slot 301 , and the other stopper 11 of the thread 10 wound on the thread holder 300 is positioned below the one stopper 11 and suspended from the first slot 301 as shown for example in FIG. 6 a.
- FIG. 9 showing a top view of tray 200 in FIG. 9 a , illustrating the toothed crown 201 disposed axially ( FIG. 9 b ) at the center of clip tray 200 in which the circumference of clip tray 200 is having a wall which defines a lip 205 configured to engage clip cover 210 ( FIG. 7 ) and lock clip tray 200 and clip cover 210 to each other.
- clip tray 200 in a side view cross section, is arcuate, having two lobes and may define a torus in top view. It should be noted that many other configurations are possible for clip tray 200 capable of fulfilling the requirements of the subject invention.
- FIG. 9 shows a top view of tray 200 in FIG. 9 a , illustrating the toothed crown 201 disposed axially ( FIG. 9 b ) at the center of clip tray 200 in which the circumference of clip tray 200 is having a wall which defines a lip 205 configured to engage clip cover 210 ( FIG. 7 ) and lock clip tray 200 and clip cover 210 to each other.
- the toothed crown 201 of clip tray 200 is configured such that the position and spacing between the teeth of the toothed crown 201 engage the grip portion 310 of thread holder 300 via groove 311 ( FIG. 8 ), thereby securing each individual thread holder 300 to clip tray 200 (see for Example FIG. 6 a ).
- a downward protrusion 312 on thread holder 300 grip portion 310 creates a hook with dimensions configured to tightly fit into valley 202 between two adjacent teeth 303 , enabeling sliding engagement and disengagement between the thread holder 300 and the toothed crown 201 of clip tray 200 .
- clip cover 210 may, in one aspect have a perimeter wall defining a lip 211 configured to engage a complementary lip on clip tray 200 , securing clip cover 210 onto clip tray 200 and a cross section defining a re-curve bow having three inflection points 212 a , 212 b and 212 c .
- a cylinder 220 protrudes around inflection point 212 c in certain aspects, is configured with outer diameter dimensioned to engage the internal diameter of toothed crown 201 and secure at least one thread holder 300 in place.
- cylinder 220 is positioned such that its internal diameter defines an opening, eliminating inflection point 212 c , making clip cover 210 define a torus, which, in another aspect may be used as a cover for a torus-shaped clip tray 200 .
- Clip cover 210 , clip tray 200 and thread holder 300 may be made from any suitable resilient material, such as resin, plastic, metal, wood and the like, based on their mechanical and aesthetical requirements such as flexure, clarity, durability, cost and the like, all which are within the discerning abilities of those skilled in the art.
- grip portion 310 of thread holder 300 is configured to allow securing of the thread holder 300 to the tray 200 and a sliding engagement and disengagement between the thread holder 300 and the toothed crown 201 .
- grip portion 310 of thread holder 300 is configured to allow securing of the thread holder 300 to the tray 200 and a sliding engagement and disengagement between the thread holder 300 and the toothed crown 201 .
Abstract
An apparatus for plucking out hairs of a subject using a thread knots method. The apparatus may comprise at least one pair of pincer-parts hingedly connected through hinged connection; and at least one thread. The pair of hingedly connected pincer-parts creates a structure that is capable of opening and closing when rotated by a user around said rotation mechanism, where the thread is held by the pincer-parts in such a manner that the thread is wrapped around itself creating at least one knot having intersection points. Upon rotating the pincer-parts around the rotation mechanism back and forth in opposite rotation directions, the knots respectively move along a movement-path, where the knots enable capturing the hairs of the subject by tightening around the subject's hairs and plucking them by moving along the movement path, when tightened.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/935,083, filed Jul. 25, 2007, now expired, and pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/178,699, both which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- The present invention relates generally to the field of hair removing apparatuses and more particularly to threading apparatuses clips and kits for plucking out body hairs.
- Removing of hair from various parts of the body is an ancient custom, carried out by women as well as men throughout the history and in various religions and cultures all over the world. Hair can be removed from the facial area (e.g. eyebrows hair or hairs that grow anywhere else on a subject's face); from the axilla area; and from the arms, legs and groins areas, for instance.
- There are various methods for removing of hairs from various areas in a subject's body. Perhaps one of the most common methods of removing unwanted hair is to use a razor or other type of blade that shaves off the unwanted hair at skin level. Among the drawbacks of this method are that it is quite easy to cut oneself, the results are often rather short-lived and may require at least daily shaves, and this is not a practical method for precisely removing individual hairs.
- Another method involves applying harsh chemicals to the area of the skin that has unwanted hair. The chemicals remain on the skin until the hair is dissolved or burned off. Use of this depilation method may cause chemical burns or allergic reactions or both. Furthermore, the results may be inconsistent or short-lived, requiring additional or frequent re-applications. Moreover, this method may be too harsh and inexact for removing facial hair.
- Removing hairs from their follicles is another option. Areas where the hair was removed from the roots remains hairless longer than if other depilatory methods have been used. Tweezers allow the user to remove each hair individually, but is a time-consuming and imprecise endeavor when removing all of the hairs from a particular area. Waxing and sugaring involve the application of a wax or sugar solution to the skin that, when removed, removes the hair with it. While these methods are suitable for removing facial hair, they are also painful and the top layer of skin may be stripped along with the hair.
- Threading is another method of removing hair from the follicles, most frequently used for removing facial hair. This method dates back to ancient Egyptian times and is quite common throughout Asia and India.
- Threading requires a trained practitioner to hold a twisted intersection point of cotton thread in her teeth and hands. The practitioner then manipulates the twisted section of the intersection point in order to catch and remove the unwanted hairs. There are many benefits to threading. This precise, delicate, and gentle method of removing facial hair is less painful than waxing and sugaring, there are no chemicals or special tools required, and the practitioner has a great deal of control over exactly which hairs are to be removed.
- However, threading is an art that requires a trained practitioner, and is difficult or even impossible to practice on oneself, and therefore, one must schedule time and spend money for the service. Furthermore, the art of threading is held by few skilled practitioners and in many countries, where plucking out hair is popular, there are hardly any people who can practice this art and skill.
- The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, provides an apparatus for plucking out hairs of a subject using a threading method for the removal of the subject's hair, clips for holding the threads used in the apparatuses and kits for their combination.
- In one embodiment the invention the invention provides an apparatus for removing hairs from the skin of a subject, said apparatus comprising; a pair of pincer-parts, each part having: a distal end, a proximal end, an external surface and an internal surface, said pincer parts being hingedly attached and biased toward each other at their distal end; and a single thread having: a first end portion; a second end portion; a central portion extending between the first and second end portions; and a stopper disposed on the first and second end portions, said thread being twisted together defining a twisted portion advancing the twisted portion to engage a hair upon repeatedly separating the distal ends of said pincer-parts by compressing the proximal ends toward each other.
- In another embodiment, the invention provides a thread clip, comprising: a first thread having a first end portion, a second end portion, a central portion extending between the first and second end portions, and stoppers on each of the first and second end portions; a first thread holder defining spaced first and second slots, the first slot being configured not to pass the stopper of the thread, the first thread holder configured to allow winding of the central portion of the thread on the thread holder between its first and second slots; and a tray having a toothed crown configured to releasably engage the first thread holder.
- According to some embodiments, the invention provides an article of manufacture comprising: a thread holder defining spaced first and second slots, a winding surface portion disposed between the first and second slots and adapted to receive a wound thread, two opposed sides, and a grip portion positioned and configured to be engaged while unwinding the wound thread; and a thread having: a first end portion, a second end portion, a central portion extending between the first and second end portions, and stoppers on the first and second end portions, in which the central portion of the thread is wound on the winding surface portion between the first and second slots; in which the dimensions and the spacing of the spaced first and second slots are such that substantially the entire central portion of the thread is wound onto the thread holder, the stopper on the first end portion of the thread is positioned on one side of the thread holder and the stopper on the second end portion of the thread is positioned on the other side of the thread holder.
- According to some embodiments the invention provides, in combination; an apparatus for removing hairs from the skin of a subject, said apparatus comprising; a pair of pincer-parts, each part having: a distal end, a proximal end, an external surface and an internal surface, said pincer parts being hingedly attached and biased toward each other at their distal end; and a single thread having: a first end portion; a second end portion; a central portion extending between the first and second end portions; and a stopper disposed on the first and second end portions, said thread being twisted together defining a twisted portion advancing the twisted portion to engage a hair upon repeatedly separating the distal ends of said pincer-parts by compressing the proximal ends toward each other; and a thread clip, comprising: a first thread having a first end portion, a second end portion, a central portion extending between the first and second end portions, and stoppers on each of the first and second end portions; a first thread holder defining spaced first and second slots, the first slot being configured not to pass the stopper of the thread, the first thread holder configured to allow winding of the central portion of the thread on the thread holder between its first and second slots; and a tray having a toothed crown configured to releasably engage the first thread holder.
- According to some embodiments, the invention provides a kit comprising: at least a first thread having a first end portion, a second end portion, a central portion between the first and second end portions, and stoppers on the first and second end portions; at least a first thread holder defining spaced first and second slots, at least one slot being configured to engage a stopper of the thread and allow winding of the central portion of the thread on the thread holder between its first and second slots; a tray having a holder configured to releasably engage the first thread holder; and a threading hair removal apparatus comprising a frame configured for receiving two portions of at least one thread twisted together to define a twisted portion and for advancing the twisted portion to engage a hair.
- The subject matter regarded as the invention will become more clearly understood in light of the ensuing description of embodiments herein, given by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the present invention only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a three-dimensional isometric front view of an apparatus for plucking of a subject's hairs, according to some embodiments of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a three-dimensional isometric back view of an apparatus for plucking of a subject's hairs, according to some embodiments of the invention; -
FIG. 3A andFIG. 3B schematically illustrate side views of an apparatus for plucking of a subject's hairs, in a closed an open positions, respectively, according to some embodiments of the invention; -
FIG. 4A ,FIG. 4B andFIG. 4C schematically illustrate the process of placing a thread in the apparatus to allow the apparatus to hold the thread in a predefined configuration, according to some embodiments of the invention; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus for plucking of a subject's hairs having a motor unit, according to some embodiments of the invention; -
FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the tray of the clip (6 a) including a plurality of thread holders and an embodiment of a thread (6 b); -
FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the covered clip; -
FIG. 8 shows embodiments of several views a thread holder according to the invention, in which 8 a is a perspective; 8 b is a side view; 8 c is a top view and 8 d is a side view including the thread as shown inFIG. 6 b; -
FIG. 9 shows views of an embodiment of the clip tray, whereFIG. 9 a shows a top view, 9 b shows a side view and 9 c shows a perspective; and -
FIG. 10 shows views of an embodiment of the clip cover, whereFIG. 10 a shows a side view, 10 b shows a top view and 10 c shows a perspective - The drawings together with the description make apparent to those skilled in the art how the invention may be embodied in practice.
- The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, provides an
apparatus 100 for plucking out hairs of a subject using a threading method for the removal of the subject's hair,clips 200 for holding the threads used in the apparatuses and kits for their combination and articles of manufacture 300 for holding the threads in the clips. - The
apparatus 100 may be suited to pluck hairs of any area in the subject's body such as facial hair (e.g. eyebrows, mustache and the like), hairs in the groins and axilla (armpit) area and the like. - The subject may be a person which hairs are being plucked by the
apparatus 100. In another embodiment, the subject may be an animal. - Any user, including the subject him/herself, may use the
apparatus 100 to pluck the subject's hairs. - The
apparatus 100 may be designed in various shapes and sizes to be suited for hair plucking of different areas of subjects' bodies. For example, anapparatus 100 for plucking facial hairs may be smaller than anapparatus 100 for axilla and groins hairs. - The principles and uses of the teachings of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description, figures and examples. It is to be understood that the details set forth herein do not construe a limitation to an application of the invention. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention can be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the invention can be implemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description below.
- Reference is made to
FIG. 1 andFIG. 2 , which schematically illustrate a three-dimensional isometric front and back view, respectively, of theapparatus 100 for plucking of subject's hairs, according to some embodiments of the invention. - According to these embodiments, the
apparatus 100 for removing hairs from the skin of a subject, comprises; a pair of pincer-parts 110, each part having: a distal end, aproximal end 111, an external surface and an internal surface, saidpincer parts 110 being hingedly attached 120 and biased toward each other at their distal end; and asingle thread 10 having: a first andsecond end portions 12; acentral portion 13 extending between the first andsecond end portions 12; and astopper 11 disposed on the first andsecond end portions 12, saidthread 10 being twisted together defining atwisted portion 15 advancing the twisted portion to engage a hair upon repeatedly separating the distal ends of said pincer-parts 110 by compressing the proximal ends toward each other. - In one embodiment,
proximal end 111 serve as a handle, as illustrated inFIG. 1 , enabling a user to hold these edges, using his/her fingers, to manually rotate thepincer parts 110 around a predefined axis ofrotation 99, by moving the edges of thehandles 111, closer to one another. The distal end of the pincer-parts 110 may create a pincer-like space in which the thread can be held, where the plucking of the subject's hairs may be carried out by approximating one side of theapparatus 100 with thethread 10 held thereby, and coupling it to a desirable area of the subject's body (close to the skin of that area). - According to some embodiments of the invention, the
handles 111 may be used to manually operate theapparatus 100 by alternatively pressing thehandles 111 against each other (clutching the handles 111) and releasing thehandles 111, allowing them to retract back to an open position. To press thehandles 111, the user may be required to use the fingers of one of his/her hands for clutching of thehandles 111. - According to some embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in
FIG. 1 andFIG. 2 , the pincer-parts 110 may be hingedly connected to one another 120. The pair of hingedly connected pincer-parts 110 may create a structure (e.g. a pincer-shaped structure) that is capable of opening and closing. - According to some embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in
FIG. 1 andFIG. 2 , the hingedconnection 120 may comprise a spring 121 as the biasing means 121 having two edges each protruding and holding the inner surface of a pincer-part 110, where the spring may be mounted to a pivot inserted therethrough. Thehinge 120 may further comprise afirst locker 122A and a second locker and 122B enabling to hold the hinge and spring 121 in place. - According to some embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 6 b, the pincer-parts 110 may comprise receiving-openings 115 such as curved slits or holes, suited to receive and hold thestopper parts 11 of thethread 10 to allow thethread 10 to be held tightly in the preferable configuration. Theproximal end 111 may further define receiving-openings 115 slits that are suited to hold themiddle part 13 of thethread 10, where the receiving-openings 115 slits situated at the distal end of the pincer-parts 110 may be suited to receive and hold the thread's 10stoppers 11. - According to some embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in
FIG. 1 , thethread 10 ends 12 may be connected tostoppers 11, which may be objects that are larger in diameter than the cross sectional diameter of thethread 10. Thestoppers 11 may be made from any material known in the art such as plastic, rubber, thethread 10 materials and the like. - As illustrated in
FIG. 1 , the slits receiving-openings 115 of the distal ends of the pincer-parts 110 may define alarger opening 116 to allow receiving thestoppers 11 and holding them therein. - The receiving-
openings 115 may hold thethread 10 in a tight configuration to allow plucking of hairs, using thread tension. - According to some embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in
FIG. 2 , theadjustable fastener 125 may comprises acoiled spring 126 and ahook 127, where thehook 127 is connected to one end of thecoiled spring 126 and the other end of thespring 126 is connected to the hingedconnection 120. - The adjustable stretching means 125 may be fasten to the
thread 10 and facilitate in farther stretching of thethread 10, once thethread 10 is already held by the receiving-openings 115. - As illustrated in
FIG. 3 a andFIG. 3B , thecoiled spring 126 may enable stretching to reach thethread 10 while thehook 127 enables fastening to thethread 10 and allow holding thethread 10 in a more stretched manner. - According to some embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in
FIG. 1 , the distal end of each pincer-part 110 may be arched, where the inner side of those frontal arched parts may comprisecavities 113 to facilitate the durability of the structure, since the actuation of thehandles 111 may apply pressure that can break those parts in one embodiment, depending on the size, structure and materials from which the pincer-parts 110 are made. - Additionally, or alternatively, as illustrated in
FIG. 1 , the outer parts of thehandles 111 may be made from rough materials or compriseprotrusions 112 to increase the roughness of the handles' 111 outer surface and thereby to facilitate the user in holding and rotating thehandles 111, since a smooth surface may cause the user's hand to slip from thehandle 111. - According to some embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in
FIG. 3A andFIG. 3B , thethread 10 may be held by the pincer-parts 110 in such a manner that thethread 10 is wrapped around itself (twisted) creating at least oneknot 17 having intersection points 15 where parts of thethread 10 intersect. Theknots 17 may be moveably held by the pincer-parts 110 and theadjustable fastener 125. Theknot 17 may be a loop-shaped tie created by the wrapping of one part of thethread 10 on another. - When the apparatus's 100
pincer parts 110 are in a full closed position, as illustrated inFIG. 3A , theknots 17 of thethread 10 may reach a predefined first end spot, where theknots 17 may reach another second spot when reaching the full open position of the pincer-parts 110, as illustrated inFIG. 3B . The movement of theknot 17 from the open position to the closed position and vice versa defines a movement-path A-A. According to some embodiments of the invention, the alternatively changing in the positions (open and closed) may correspondently alternatively change the tension in each of theknots 17 since once side of the movement-path A-A may create less tension than the other thereby enabling theknots 17 to slightly open once shifting to one of the sides and then tightening back when shifting to the other side, due to the alternating opening and closing movement of thehandles 111. The pincer-parts 110 may be curved, as illustrated inFIG. 1 andFIG. 2 to allow the thread to change the tension applied on theknot 17 when theknot 17 moves from one end of the movement-path A-A to the other. - The opening and closing of the pincer-
parts 110 may be carried out by pressing thehandles 111 toward each other and releasing the pincer-parts 110handles 111 around the biasing hinge 121 such that theknots 17 in thethread 10 respectively moves back and forth along the movement-path A-A, where theknots 17 enables tightening while moving along the movement-path A-A, towards one of the movement-path's A-A ends and slightly loosening when moving towards the opposite ends of the movement-path A-A. - The
knot 17 may enable capturing of the subject's hairs that are proximate to the movement-path A-A inside theknot 17 and plucking of the hairs by tightening around the captured hairs when reaching one end of the movement-path A-A and pulling them with the moving theknot 17 along the movement-path A-A towards the other end of the path A-A. By rotating thehandles 111 back and forth with enough rotation speed and torque, theknots 17 of thethread 10 may tighten and loosen alternatively and thereby pluck whatever theknots 17 captures on their movement along movement-path A-A and then return to a more loosen position when returning back to one of the path's A ends and so forth. - As illustrated in
FIG. 3A andFIG. 3B , thethread 10 may be held in such a manner that theknots 17 may slightly protrude one of the apparatus's 100 sides. This side is the one that should be proximate or coupled to the subject's skin and body area to perform the plucking process and hair removal. - According to some embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in
FIG. 1 ,FIG. 3A andFIG. 3B , thesecond lock 122B may be connected at one side of the biased hinge connector 121, which is proximate to the subject body area and thefirst locker 122A may be connected to the opposite side of the biased hinge connector 121. Therefore, thesecond locker 122B may be positioned between the pincer-parts 110 and sunken therein, to prevent thelocker 122B from interfering with theknots 17 reaching the hairs of the subject when proximate to the subject's skin. - According to some embodiments of the invention, to pluck the subject's hairs from a predefined desirable body area, the user is required to first position the
apparatus 100 and especially the protruding area of theknots 17 and movement-path A-A against the subject's selected skin area; and moving the distal ends of the pair of pincer-parts 110 (e.g. using the handles 111), closer to one another and apart from one another in an alternating manner. - The moving of the
handles 111 enables theknots 17 to move back and forth along the movement-path A-A and thereby carry out the plucking of hairs, where subject's hairs that are positioned approximately to the movement-path A-A are captured inside theknot 17 and the moving of theknot 17 along the movement-path A-A enables tightening theknot 17 around the hairs and thereby plucking them by pulling theknot 17 further along the movement-path B-B. - Reference is now made to
FIG. 4 a,FIG. 4B andFIG. 3C , which schematically illustrate a process for placing thethread 10 in the receiving-openings 115 and adjusting means 125. The process may comprise: -
- placing each end of the thread 10 (possibly by placing the
stoppers 11 in the niches 116) in the receiving-opening 115 situated at the edge of each pincer-part 110, as illustrated inFIG. 4A ; - twisting the
thread 10 around itself to create a at least oneknot 17, as illustrated inFIG. 4B ; and - stretching the
thread 10 and placing parts of thethread 10 at the handles' 111 receiving-openings 115, as well as adjusting the stretching level and thereby the tension of thethread 10 that is held by the receiving-openings 115, as illustrated inFIG. 4C .
- placing each end of the thread 10 (possibly by placing the
- According to some embodiments of the invention, the adjustment may be carried out by stretching the
coiled spring 126 towards thethread 10middle part 13 that is held between thehandles 111 and fastening thethread 10 by thehook 127. - According to some embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in
FIG. 5 , theapparatus 100 may further comprise amotor unit 500, which may be operably associated with the biased hinge connector 121 (e.g. the spring). Themotor unit 500 may enable moving the pincer-parts 110 automatically, by automatically actuating the spring 121, while the user holds theapparatus 100 against a body area in which hairs are to be plucked, such that the movement-path A-A of theintersection point 15 is situated in that area. Themotor unit 500 may comprise a motor, a shaft, rotated by the motor and a power source operating the motor, for example, enabling to apply torque to repeatedly actuate the biased hinge connector 121. Themotor unit 500 may facilitate the user (which may be the subject) in operating theapparatus 100 applying less effort. - According to some embodiments of the invention, a multiplicity of pincer-
parts 110 pairs may be hingedly connected to the biased hinge connector 121, each pair may hold adifferent thread 10, to facilitate in enlarging the subject's body area from which hairs are to be plucked. Thethreads 10 may be of different length, type or thickness. - According to some embodiments of the invention, the pincer-
parts 110 may be made from any solid material known in the art, such as plastic, wood, polymeric solids, metal, etc. - According to some embodiments of the invention, the
thread 10 may be made from any materials known in the art that has high level of roughness, to allow high friction between thethread 10 and the subject's hairs, such as, for instance, cotton or any other fabric of low smoothness. - According to some embodiments of the invention, the
thread 10 may be coated with, impregnated with and/or comprise soothing materials, enabling to sooth the skin of the subject while or after theknots 17 plunk the subject's hairs. The soothing materials may be any liquid, gel or solid materials known in the art that can sooth skin such as, for example, aloe vera gel coating thethread 10, chamomile powder or liquid absorbed in thethread 10, a mixture of soothing materials both absorbed and coating thethread 10 and the like. - Reference is now made to
FIG. 6 , showing in 6 a an embodiment of theclip tray 200 comprising a plurality of thread holders 300, arranged radially where each thread holder 300 is slidably coupled to the tooth-crown 201 protruding axially in the center ofclip tray 200 viagrip portion 310 of thread holder 300, such that in certain embodiments,toothed crown 201 is configured to releasably engage a first thread holder 300. In one embodiment,clip tray 200 is adapted to support the thread holders 300 more closely spaced together than the combined width of twoadjacent stoppers 11, and to receive two of thestoppers 11 of themultiple threads 10 in offset relation between two adjacent thread holders 300.FIG. 6 b illustrates an embodiment of thethread 10 used with theapparatus 100 or, in another embodiment, with any other hair removal apparatus capable of receiving and holdingthread 10 for the purpose of hair removal. As shown inFIG. 6 b,thread 10 comprises in one embodiment,stopper 11, attached to endportions 12, withmiddle portion 13 disposed therebetween. - Reference is drawn now to
FIG. 7 , showing coveredclip tray 200 with lockingcover 210. - Turning to
FIG. 8 , showingthread 10 holder 300. As shown, thread holder 300 in one embodiment is defining spaced first andsecond slots stopper 11 of thethread 10, the first thread holder configured to allow winding of thecentral portion 13 of thethread 10 on the thread holder 300 between its first andsecond slots surface 303 portion (FIG. 8 a) adapted to receive awound thread 10 and a grip portion 310 (FIG. 8 c), positioned and configured to be engaged while unwinding the wound thread 10 (FIG. 8 d). In one embodiment,thread 10 is wound across windingsurface 303 by inserting theend portion 12 of one end ofthread 10 to slot 301 winding the middle portion of thethread 13 by looping themiddle portion 13 betweenslots 305 and 304 to the point whereenough thread 10 is left to allow for theend point 12 not inserted to slot 301, to be inserted to slot 305, thereby windingthread 10 onto thread holder 300. In another embodiment, the dimensions and the spacing of the spaced first andsecond slots thread 10 are such as to allow substantially the entire central portion of thethread 13 to be wound onto the thread holder 300. In another aspect, thread holder 300 has two opposed sides 303 a and 303 b respectively, defining a third andfourth slots 304, 305 respectively and the dimensions and spacing of the spaced third andfourth slots 304, 305 respectively; and thethread 10 are such as to provide thestopper 11 on thefirst end portion 12 of the thread positioned on one side of the thread holder 303 a and thestopper 11 on thesecond end portion 12 of thethread 10 to be positioned on the other side of the thread holder 303 b. In another aspect, thefirst slot 301 is positioned above thesecond slot 302 when the thread holder 300 is received by thetray 200, onestopper 11 of athread 10 wound on the thread holder 300 is positioned adjacent to thefirst slot 301, and theother stopper 11 of thethread 10 wound on the thread holder 300 is positioned below the onestopper 11 and suspended from thefirst slot 301 as shown for example inFIG. 6 a. - Turning now to
FIG. 9 , showing a top view oftray 200 inFIG. 9 a, illustrating thetoothed crown 201 disposed axially (FIG. 9 b) at the center ofclip tray 200 in which the circumference ofclip tray 200 is having a wall which defines alip 205 configured to engage clip cover 210 (FIG. 7 ) andlock clip tray 200 andclip cover 210 to each other. In one aspect shown inFIG. 9 b, in a side view cross section,clip tray 200 is arcuate, having two lobes and may define a torus in top view. It should be noted that many other configurations are possible forclip tray 200 capable of fulfilling the requirements of the subject invention. In one aspect as shown inFIG. 9 b, thetoothed crown 201 ofclip tray 200 is configured such that the position and spacing between the teeth of thetoothed crown 201 engage thegrip portion 310 of thread holder 300 via groove 311 (FIG. 8 ), thereby securing each individual thread holder 300 to clip tray 200 (see for ExampleFIG. 6 a). In one aspect, adownward protrusion 312 on thread holder 300grip portion 310 creates a hook with dimensions configured to tightly fit intovalley 202 between twoadjacent teeth 303, enabeling sliding engagement and disengagement between the thread holder 300 and thetoothed crown 201 ofclip tray 200. - Turning now to
FIG. 10 . As shown inFIG. 10 a,clip cover 210 may, in one aspect have a perimeter wall defining a lip 211 configured to engage a complementary lip onclip tray 200, securingclip cover 210 ontoclip tray 200 and a cross section defining a re-curve bow having threeinflection points cylinder 220 protrudes aroundinflection point 212 c in certain aspects, is configured with outer diameter dimensioned to engage the internal diameter oftoothed crown 201 and secure at least one thread holder 300 in place. In another aspect,cylinder 220 is positioned such that its internal diameter defines an opening, eliminatinginflection point 212 c, makingclip cover 210 define a torus, which, in another aspect may be used as a cover for a torus-shapedclip tray 200. -
Clip cover 210,clip tray 200 and thread holder 300 may be made from any suitable resilient material, such as resin, plastic, metal, wood and the like, based on their mechanical and aesthetical requirements such as flexure, clarity, durability, cost and the like, all which are within the discerning abilities of those skilled in the art. - In one aspect,
grip portion 310 of thread holder 300 is configured to allow securing of the thread holder 300 to thetray 200 and a sliding engagement and disengagement between the thread holder 300 and thetoothed crown 201. In one aspect, - While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of some of the preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other possible variations, modifications, and applications that are also within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be limited by what has thus far been described, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
Claims (26)
1. An apparatus for removing hairs from the skin of a subject, said apparatus comprising;
a pair of pincer-parts, each part having:
a distal end,
a proximal end,
an external surface and
an internal surface,
said pincer parts being hingedly attached and biased toward each other at their distal end; and
a single thread having:
a first end portion;
a second end portion;
a central portion extending between the first and second end portions; and
a stopper disposed on the first and second end portions,
said thread being twisted together defining a twisted portion advancing the twisted portion to engage a hair upon repeatedly separating the distal ends of said pincer-parts by compressing the proximal ends toward each other.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the pincer parts are biased toward each other via a spring disposed around a hinge connecting the pincer parts.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein each of said pincer-parts further define a receiving-opening at the proximal end, configured to receive and hold the stoppers on the first and second end portions of the thread, and wherein each of said pincer-parts further define a receiving-opening at the distal end, configured to receive and hold a section of the central portion of the thread.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein said receiving-openings are curved slits.
5. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising an adjustable fastener configured to further increase tension on the thread.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein said adjustable fastener is a coiled spring with a hook at each end, connected at one end to the thread and at the other end to the hinge.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the external surface of each of said pincer-parts comprises protrusions to increase the roughness of the external surface.
8. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein said spring is operably associated with a motor unit.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising at least one first locker enabling to fix the distal ends of the pincer parts at a maximum distance.
10. The apparatus of claim 3 , in which the openings defined in the proximal and distal ends of each of the pincer parts is configured to force the thread in close proximity to the subject's skin.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the distal end of each pincer-part is arched.
12. The apparatus 100 of claim 1 wherein said thread further comprises soothing materials.
13. A thread clip, comprising:
a first thread having a first end portion, a second end portion, a central portion extending between the first and second end portions, and stoppers on each of the first and second end portions;
a first thread holder defining spaced first and second slots, the first slot being configured not to pass the stopper of the thread, the first thread holder configured to allow winding of the central portion of the thread on the thread holder between its first and second slots; and
a tray having a toothed crown configured to releasably engage the first thread holder.
14. The clip of claim 13 , further comprising:
an additional thread having a first end portion, a second end portion, a central portion between the first and second end portions, and stoppers on the first and second end portions; and
an additional thread holder defining spaced first and second slots, at least one slot being sized to engage a stopper of the second thread, the second thread holder configured to allow winding of the central portion of the thread on the second thread holder between its first and second slots, wherein
the tray having the toothed crown is configured to releasably engage the additional thread holder.
15. The clip of claim 14 , further comprising:
a plurality of threads, including the first thread and the second thread, respectively having a first end portion, a second end portion, a central portion between the first and second end portions, and stoppers on the first and second end portions; and
multiple thread holders, including the first thread holder and the second thread holder, defining spaced first and second slots, at least one slot of each thread holder being sized to engage a stopper of one of the threads, the multiple thread holders configured to allow winding of central portions of the threads on between their first and second slots, in which the tray having toothed crown is configured to releasably engage the plurality of thread holders.
16. The clip of claim 14 , in which the tray is adapted to support the thread holders more closely spaced together than the combined width of two adjacent stoppers, and to receive two of the stoppers of the multiple threads in offset relation between two adjacent thread holders.
17. The clip of claim 16 , in which one or more thread holders are individually removable from the tray.
18. The clip of claim 17 , in which one or more thread holders comprise a winding surface portion adapted to receive a wound thread and a grip portion positioned and configured to be engaged while unwinding the wound thread.
19. The clip of claim 18 , in which the dimensions and the spacing of the spaced first and second slots of at least one thread holder and at least one thread are such as to allow substantially the entire central portion of the thread to be wound onto the thread holder.
20. The clip of claim 19 , in which at least one thread holder has two opposed sides defining a third and fourth slots and the dimensions and spacing of the spaced third and fourth slots and the thread are such as to provide the stopper on the first end portion of the thread positioned on one side of the thread holder and the stopper on the second end portion of the thread positioned on the other side of the thread holder.
21. The clip of claim 20 , in which the first slot is positioned above the second slot when the thread holder is received by the tray, one stopper of a thread wound on the thread holder is positioned adjacent to the first slot, and the other stopper of the thread wound on the thread holder is positioned below the one stopper and suspended from the first slot.
22. The clip of claim 21 , in which the grip portion of the thread holder is configured to allow securing of the thread holder to the tray and a sliding engagement and disengagement between the thread holder and the toothed crown.
23. The clip of claim 22 , further comprising a cover configured to engage the tray and cover the thread holders.
24. A manufacture comprising:
a thread holder defining spaced first and second slots, a winding surface portion disposed between the first and second slots and adapted to receive a wound thread, two opposed sides, and a grip portion positioned and configured to be engaged while unwinding the wound thread; and
a thread having:
a first end portion,
a second end portion,
a central portion extending between the first and second end portions, and
stoppers on the first and second end portions,
in which the central portion of the thread is wound on the winding surface portion between the first and second slots; in which the dimensions and the spacing of the spaced first and second slots are such that substantially the entire central portion of the thread is wound onto the thread holder, the stopper on the first end portion of the thread is positioned on one side of the thread holder and the stopper on the second end portion of the thread is positioned on the other side of the thread holder.
25. The invention of claim 24 , in which, when the first slot is positioned above the second slot, one stopper of the thread is positioned adjacent to the first slot and the other stopper of the thread is positioned below the one stopper and suspended from the first slot.
26. In combination:
An apparatus for removing hairs from the skin of a subject, said apparatus comprising;
at least one pair of pincer-parts, each part having:
a distal end,
a proximal end,
an external surface and
an internal surface,
said pincer parts being hingedly attached and biased toward each other at their distal end; and
a single thread having:
a first end portion;
a second end portion;
a central portion extending between the first and second end portions; and
a stopper disposed on the first and second end portions,
said thread disposed between the pincer parts and comprises at least two twists, whereupon repeatedly separating the distal ends of said pincer-parts by compressing the proximal ends toward each other, said twists respectively moves back and forth; and
A thread clip, comprising:
a first thread having a first end portion, a second end portion, a central portion extending between the first and second end portions, and stoppers on each of the first and second end portions;
a first thread holder defining spaced first and second slots, the first slot being configured not to pass the stopper of the thread, the first thread holder configured to allow winding of the central portion of the thread on the thread holder between its first and second slots; and
a tray having a toothed crown configured to releasably engage the first thread holder.
a. The combination of claim 26 , in which the apparatus for removing hairs from the skin of a subject is any one of the apparatuses of claims 2 -12.
b. The combination of claim 26 , in which the thread clip is any one of the clips of claims 14 -23.
c. A kit comprising:
at least a first thread having a first end portion, a second end portion, a central portion between the first and second end portions, and stoppers on the first and second end portions;
at least a first thread holder defining spaced first and second slots, at least one slot being configured to engage a stopper of the thread and allow winding of the central portion of the thread on the thread holder between its first and second slots;
a tray having a holder configured to releasably engage the first thread holder; and
a threading hair removal apparatus comprising a frame configured for receiving two portions of at least one thread twisted together to define a twisted portion and for advancing the twisted portion to engage a hair.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/886,467 US20110106103A1 (en) | 2007-07-25 | 2010-09-20 | Hair removal apparatus and clip |
CA 2752832 CA2752832A1 (en) | 2010-09-20 | 2011-09-20 | Hair removal apparatus and clip |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US93508307P | 2007-07-25 | 2007-07-25 | |
US12/178,699 US20090030430A1 (en) | 2007-07-25 | 2008-07-24 | Hair Plucking Apparatus |
US12/886,467 US20110106103A1 (en) | 2007-07-25 | 2010-09-20 | Hair removal apparatus and clip |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/178,699 Continuation-In-Part US20090030430A1 (en) | 2007-07-25 | 2008-07-24 | Hair Plucking Apparatus |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20110106103A1 true US20110106103A1 (en) | 2011-05-05 |
Family
ID=43926193
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/886,467 Abandoned US20110106103A1 (en) | 2007-07-25 | 2010-09-20 | Hair removal apparatus and clip |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20110106103A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120089156A1 (en) * | 2010-10-11 | 2012-04-12 | Creative Properties, Ltd. | Apparatus and method for hair removal |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5887720A (en) * | 1997-09-03 | 1999-03-30 | Lin; Teng Ko | Earphone case |
US5908425A (en) * | 1997-09-22 | 1999-06-01 | Adam; Helen | Depilatory device and method of use |
-
2010
- 2010-09-20 US US12/886,467 patent/US20110106103A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5887720A (en) * | 1997-09-03 | 1999-03-30 | Lin; Teng Ko | Earphone case |
US5908425A (en) * | 1997-09-22 | 1999-06-01 | Adam; Helen | Depilatory device and method of use |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120089156A1 (en) * | 2010-10-11 | 2012-04-12 | Creative Properties, Ltd. | Apparatus and method for hair removal |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: INNOVATIVE COSMETICS, ISRAEL Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LEVI, OSNAT;REEL/FRAME:025018/0052 Effective date: 20100920 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |