WO2001033991A1 - Procede et dispositif d'epilation - Google Patents

Procede et dispositif d'epilation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001033991A1
WO2001033991A1 PCT/IL2000/000732 IL0000732W WO0133991A1 WO 2001033991 A1 WO2001033991 A1 WO 2001033991A1 IL 0000732 W IL0000732 W IL 0000732W WO 0133991 A1 WO0133991 A1 WO 0133991A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hair
skin
vibrations
vibration generator
treatment zone
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2000/000732
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Yoni Iger
Asher Holzer
Original Assignee
Ultra Cure Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ultra Cure Ltd. filed Critical Ultra Cure Ltd.
Priority to AU12968/01A priority Critical patent/AU1296801A/en
Publication of WO2001033991A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001033991A1/fr

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Classifications

    • 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
    • A45D26/0061—Hair-singeing apparatus; Apparatus for removing superfluous hair, e.g. tweezers with means for reducing pain during hair removal

Definitions

  • the present invention is generally in the field of hair epilating techniques, and relates to a device and method for improving a hair removal process performed by a hair removal system.
  • Wax-based preparations are used to remove body and facial hair, and include both cold and hot wax preparations.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,908,425 discloses a hand-held, manually operated depilatory device which removes hair located along the length of a linear axis. A string-like elongated element is positioned within the frame, and hair is engaged and captured by the moving twisted engagement of this element and pulled away.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,112,341 discloses a hair removal device having a multiple- tweezers element arranged to pluck hair by the plucking motion of a set of movable twist tweezers, which work in a continuously repetitive fashion.
  • the hair-plucking element comprises a set of disc-shaped tweezers elements which are in a fixed position, and an interleaved set of disc-shaped movable tweezers elements mounted on a central shaft.
  • the spaces formed between the elements are repetitively opened and closed by the sliding motion of the shaft against a cam which drives the movable elements in both directions in relation to the fixed position tweezers, in order to trap and pluck out hair.
  • EP 287 976 discloses an epilating appliance having a tweezers arrangement which opens and closes in an oscillating fashion.
  • the tweezers arrangement oscillates in the direction towards and away from the hand-held supporting device, so that the gripping devices are adapted to approach the skin's surface in a spread apart position for receiving the hair.
  • these gripping devices are movable to the gripping position in which they clamp the hair, and when in the closed position, the gripping devices withdraw away from the skin, and the hair is thus plucked out in the process. Then, in the range of the retractive position, the gripping devices move again to the spread apart position in which hair is ejected and additional cycles of removal of hair may be initiated.
  • the main idea of the present invention consists of subjecting a treatment zone to vibrations by using a vibration generator associated with a hair selecting mechanism (e.g., a hair gripping mechanism), therefore vibrating any of, or several parts of the hair, hair follicle or hair supporting element, or the skin around hairs to be treated with epilatory device.
  • a hair selecting mechanism e.g., a hair gripping mechanism
  • the hair selecting mechanism is of a kind enabling selection of a hair to be removed by mechanical gripping of the hair, by affecting the hair by energy transfer, etc., and may be part of a conventional hair removal system.
  • the vibration generator may be coupled to, installed in or contain a conventional hair removal system.
  • the vibration generator together with the hair selecting mechanism may be a stand-alone device that may and may not be used with another non-mechanical hair removal system.
  • the treatment zone shall include any hair component, skin portion around the hair to be removed, and/or any of the hair supporting elements.
  • hair component used herein signifies the hair root and/or hair shaft
  • hair supporting element signifies any one of the following: the hair follicle, the papilla, the blood supply to the hair, hair nervation, bulge, as well as the small muscles attached thereto in proximity to the hair root or any other morphological structure or physiological activity which contribute to the vitality of the hair.
  • hair removal process used herein signifies a process aimed at reducing degree of attachment of the hair shaft to the hair root, of the hair root to the hair supporting element, and/or of the hair supporting element to its surrounding tissues.
  • the vibrations at least partly reach the hair shaft, the shaft-root interconnecting zone, the hair root, the hair follicle or its surroundings to cause a desired effect, namely, loosening or destruction, possibly fatigue, of any of these elements or their interconnecting zones.
  • the vibrations can further reach the skin surface, or the basal hair zones, and repeated mechanical vibrations at the skin surface can further alter the threshold of pain, i.e., elevate the threshold of pain, and therefore reduce or eliminate pain caused by the hair removal process.
  • the reduction of pain during plucking might be obtained also by the loosening of the intercellular zone due to the vibrations transferred via the hairs it selves.
  • the vibration process is preferably carried out concomitantly with the regular hair removal process performed by a hair removal system, which may be of any known kind utilizing mechanical epilation (e.g., a hair gripping device capable of plucking), electroepilation, laser/light epilation, microwave epilation, etc. It should however be noted that the vibration process can also be carried out either before or after the application of any known hair removal process. The introduction of these vibrations provides high efficient, long lasting non hairy period or slower growth rate, and/or markedly reduced pain epilation.
  • vibration of the hair, any of its sub-components, or the skin around it may be carried out using virtually any known epilation device together with a vibration enabling means coupled to this device, or installed therein or working in parallel (e.g., where laser-based epilation device is used).
  • This vibration enabling means may utilize acoustic (e.g., transducer), mechanical (e.g., eccentric motor), hydraulic or pneumatic (e.g., piston) means as well as similar devices.
  • These vibrations should be of an appropriate frequency, displacement amplitude, power and duration to cause a desired effect, i.e., improved epilation, longer lasting non hairy period, reduced growth rate and there combination, and preferably also numbing or light anesthesia of the epilation treated zone.
  • the desired effect consists of improving the epilation process, prolonging its effect, reducing further hair growth rate and/or numbing, or partial numbing, of the treatment zone.
  • the hair selection may be performed by utilizing a mechanical hair removal system having an effective epilating compartment, composed, for example, of rotating disks or spring, capable of gripping the hair.
  • the frequency of the vibrations is preferably higher than the operational frequency of the hair removal system (i.e., its active epilating compartment) by at least one order of magnitude, e.g.. when a mechanical epilation device of 100 or 600Hz frequency is used, the frequency of the vibrations should preferably be at least 1000 or 6000Hz respectively.
  • the vibrations of a stand-alone type device i.e..
  • an independent device formed of the vibration generator and the hair gripping mechanism whose operation is irrespective of the operation of any other hair removal system, if used) are typically with the frequency in a range from 10Hz to 100kHz, and preferably in the frequency range of 50Hz to 10kHz, and most preferably in the range of 100Hz to 1000Hz.
  • the amplitude should preferably be above 50 ⁇ m. It should, however. be noted that tradeoff of parameters exists, e.g., when higher frequency is used, compensation can be done concerning the amplitude, etc.
  • the duration of the vibration transmission it preferably does not exceed the duration of the epilation process performed by the hair removal system
  • the minimum supply power required to achieve the desired effect is preferably in the range of single Watts or Watt parts.
  • the vibrations may be transmitted to the treatment zone immediately before, during or after the hair removal process carried out by the hair removal system, but preferably concomitantly with the hair removal process.
  • a device for improving a hair removal process performed by a hair removal system comprising a hair selecting means for affecting the hair to be removed. and a vibration generator that generates vibrations having predetermined frequency, amplitude and power, and transmits said vibrations to a treatment zone, such as to cause a desired effect at the treatment zone.
  • the hair gripping means may and may not be part of a hair removal system. This is relevant for such cases when the epilation device according to the invention is to be used with the conventional mechanical hair removal system. However, should the invented device be used for instance with a laser or microwaves based epilation system, which do not have means for gripping hairs, the device according to the invention is capable of gripping hairs with its own hair gripping means.
  • a vibration generator engageable with a mechanical hair removal system, having a hair gripping means and an effective epilation compartment, the vibration generator being capable of generating vibrations of predetermined frequency, amplitude and power, and transmitting said vibrations towards a treatment zone, so as to cause a desired effect at the treatment zone.
  • the hair removal systems suitable to be used in the epilation device according to the invention may include mechanical epilators and shavers, RF hair removals, electroepilation devices, microwave epilation, laser or light epilatory devices, etc.
  • Such hair removal systems may, for example, be those developed by Braun, Philips Co oration, Remington Co ⁇ oration, disclosed in the above prior art patents.
  • the vibration generator comprises at least one vibration element, and optionally, at least one transmitting unit.
  • the vibration element may be of any known suitable kind utilizing, for example, as acoustic (e.g., transducer), mechanical (e.g., eccentric motor), hydraulic or pneumatic (e.g., piston) means, etc.
  • acoustic e.g., transducer
  • mechanical e.g., eccentric motor
  • hydraulic or pneumatic e.g., piston
  • the effective epilation compartment of the mechanical hair removal system may be of a kind comprising spaced-apart parallel rotation disks, the spaces or gaps between the adjacent disks serving for trapping of hairs therein, thereby enabling clamping of the hairs.
  • the disk's rotation after clamping the hair causes plucking of the hair shaft, or entire hair, out of the follicle.
  • the trapped hair is subjected to vibrations, prior to and/or whilst being plucked, using the vibration generator.
  • the vibration generator preferably causes vibrations of at least the effective component of the plucking device, and further causes vibrations of the clamped hair.
  • the hair is vibrated during the process of clamping the hair between the disks, and is further vibrated, whilst being clamped. This may significantly enhance the efficiency of the hair removal process, and concomitantly reduce pain caused by the effects of clamping and plucking.
  • the hair is plucked with the hair removal device, during, or after the transmission of the vibrations to the hair.
  • the vibration process is carried out for sufficient time to cause loosening or destruction, e.g., enlargement of intercellular spaces or fatigue respectively, of any or several of the vibrated hair components, or areas adjacent to the vibrated components.
  • Vibration of the effective compartment of the hair removal system, during and in addition to its regular operation, further improves the efficiency of the hair plucking due to loosening of tissue and/or fatigue associated with the pre-plucking periodic vibration of the treated hair.
  • the repeated vibration might be further attributed to heating, possible cavitation and denaturation or potential ablation.
  • the repeated high frequency vibration having the appropriate characteristics, reach the skin surface, either directly or via the hair shafts, and cause anesthesia/numbing of the skin surface (treatment zone).
  • vibrations are transmitted in a direction along the long axis of the hair, to omit losses at interface with the skin.
  • Both, the vibration generator and the hair removal system are installed in a common vibrating housing.
  • the transmission of the vibrations through the housing causes vibrations of the entire hair removal system, thereby enabling desired vibrations of at least the hair trapped by this hair removal system.
  • the vibrations might further reach and affect the skin surface, thereby also elevating the threshold of pain.
  • the desired effect can be also achieved by vibrating a rim-like zone around the hair removal system at an area adjacent to the treatment zone. Similar phenomena could be achieved by the vibrations transmitted via hairs to affect nerves.
  • the vibration generator is installed in the hair removal system.
  • hairs are vibrated after being trapped and before being removed (e.g., plucked out of the skin), and this vibration may affect also the skin surrounding the treated hairs.
  • the vibration generator is an auxiliary unit.
  • the vibration of hairs is carried out independently of the hair removal system.
  • the vibration generator itself is provided with a suitable hair selecting means for affecting (e.g., gripping) the selected hair and providing its vibration, preferably without any active mechanical epilation process.
  • An example for this way of operation might be a laser epilation treatment accompanied by the operation of the device according to the invention.
  • pretreatment of the hairs to be treated or the skin might be required, for instance stretching the skin or cleaning the skin surface to reduce absorption of the mechanical energy in the skin.
  • the procedure of vibration itself is preferably performed on tensioned hairs, and therefore another pretreatment to be performed might consist of adding gels to tension the hairs or gripping and slightly pulling the hairs to give them some tension.
  • the same unit used to activate the epilating part of the epilation device can be used also to vibrate the epilating part of the said epilation device (using appropriate transmission parts), i.e., without installment of further mechanical means for vibration, but only certain additives.
  • a motor used to cause rotation of the active part of the epilation device to initiate plucking of hairs can be used utilizing for example an eccentric component, also to vibrate the active part, and thereby to increase the efficiency and longevity of epilation as well as to sedate/reduce pain caused by the epilation process.
  • a hair removal system having no mechanical vibration means is used, implementation of a vibration-enabling means is required.
  • the epilation device may be formed with a spacer to be appropriately located between the vibrating component 5 and the patient's skin, when putting the device in operation (i.e., applying the activated device to the skin).
  • the spacer does not affect the gripping or the actual vibration of the hair, but serves as a buffer preventing vibrations of the vibrating component from reaching the skin, yet allowing them to run via the hairs.
  • Such a spacer can be used also to grip hairs.
  • Figs. 1 and 2 are schematic illustrations of two different examples of an 15 epilation device according to the invention aimed at increasing efficiency of the epilation process, and decreasing pain utilizing a mechanical hair gripping or hair removal device installed in a vibration generator;
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of an epilation device according to the invention, utilizing a mechanical hair gripping or hair removal device, with a 0 vibration generator installed therein;
  • Figs. 4A to 4D schematically illustrate the main components of an epilation device according to the invention, utilizing an electro-epilation system associated with a vibration generator;
  • Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of an epilation device according to the 5 invention, utilizing a laser/light epilation device associated with a vibration generator;
  • Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of an epilation device according to the invention, utilizing an RP epilation device associated with a vibration generator;
  • Figs. 7A to 7D schematically illustrate an improved spring-based epilation device according to the invention;
  • FIG. 8A to 8F schematically illustrate an epilation device according to the "hair disconnecting aspect" of the invention
  • Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of one more embodiment of an epilation device according to the invention.
  • Figs. 10A and 10B schematically illustrate a hair removal device according to the invention, in two different operational positions of its gripping device, respectively; and Figs. 11A-11F schematically illustrate a hair gripping and skin stretching device according to the invention.
  • the device 100 comprises such main constructional parts as a hair gripping device 10 (constituting a hair selecting means for affecting a selected hair to be removed) and a vibration generator 16.
  • the hair gripping device may be of any known kind typically formed with an effective epilating compartment 14 accommodated in a housing 12 with a portion of the compartment projecting from the housing towards skin 30.
  • the device 10 could be any mechanical hair removal device, for example those commercially available from Philips, Braun etc.
  • the vibration generator 16 is engageable with the hair gripping device 10.
  • a housing 18 of the vibration generator 16 may be formed with a groove (not shown) shaped and dimensioned so as to enable the mounting of the housing 12 in the groove.
  • the vibration generator 16 is composed of at least one vibration element - two vibration elements 20 and 21 being shown in the present example. These vibration elements transmit vibrations to the hair gripping device 10 (or hair removal device) to cause its vibrations along corresponding axes, shown as arrows 26 and 27, respectively. It should, however, be noted that the provision of the second vibration element, e.g., the element 21, is optional.
  • transmission units 22 and 23 are provided for transmitting vibrations from the elements 20 and 21, respectively, to the hair gripping or hair removal device 10.
  • the provision of these transmission units is optional, and the vibrations may be transmitted directly from the elements 20 to the hair gripping device 10 via an attachment zone 24 (and that associated with the element 21, as the case may be).
  • a vibration absorber 28 attachable to the skin 30, so as to absorb vibrations of the housing 18 during the operation of the apparatus 100.
  • the absorber 28 is preferably located at the interface between the housing 18 and the hair gripping device 10.
  • the vibrations generated by the element 20 and/or element 21 are transmitted through the device 100.
  • the transmitted vibrations concomitantly affect all parts of the entire epilation device
  • the vibrations of the compartment 14 are at least partly transferred to hairs (not shown) in the direction marked as arrows 32 and 31 (corresponding, respectively, to the elements 20 and 21). These affected hairs are those which are gripped by the compartment 14 during the regular epilation process. As for the vibrations of the housing 18, they are absorbed in the vibration absorber 28.
  • the provision of two vibration elements 20 and 21, if put together, causes the vibrations of the compartment 14 in two mutually perpendicular directions 32 and 31, thereby enhancing its movement.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates an epilation device 200, which, similarly to the previous example of Fig. 1, is aimed at reducing pain caused by the epilation process.
  • the device 200 is constructed generally similar to the device 100 of Fig. 1, but differs therefrom in that its effective epilating compartment is only partly vibrated by a vibration generator.
  • the device 200 comprises a hair gripping device (or a mechanical device for hair removal) 35, which may be of any known kind (e.g., the same device 10 of Fig. 1 can be used), and a vibration generator 41.
  • the hair gripping device 35 is composed of a housing 37 carrying an active epilating compartment 39.
  • a housing 43 of the vibration generator 41 may be formed with a groove, which is not specifically shown.
  • a vibration element 45 which is attached to the housing 43 thereinside, generates vibrations and transmits them towards the hair gripping device 35, either directly or via a transmission unit 47.
  • a guiding unit 49 in the form of arms or plates is located inside the housing 43 being interposed between the vibration element 45 (or transmission unit 47, as the case may be) and the housing 37 of the hair gripping device 35.
  • the arms or plates 49 surround the hair gripping device 35.
  • the transmitted vibrations are guided by the unit 49 towards its lower portion 51 that further transfers the vibrations in the direction shown by arrows 57 .
  • These vibrations affect the portion of skin 55 within the zones 53 of direct contact between the device 200 and the skin.
  • These zones preferably form a rim surrounding the hair gripping device 35, and the active epilating compartment 39 of the device 35 thereby always passes an area previously sedatively treated, i.e., an area similar to that defined by the zones 53.
  • the hair gripping device may be of any known kind, including an effective epilation compartment 64 and a driving compartment 60 (containing for instance all electronic circuits required for the device operation) which are accommodated in a common housing 62.
  • the vibration generator is composed of two vibration elements 68 and 69 (the provision of only one of them being sufficient for the device operation), associated with transmission units 72 and 73 (whose provision is optional) and supported inside the housing 62 by supporting elements 70 and 71, respectively. Vibrations generated and transmitted by the vibration elements 68 and 69 are transmitted to the compartment 64 via a further transmission unit 74, which may be part of the original hair gripping or hair removal device.
  • the device 300 also comprises buffers or spacers 79 interposed between the bottom side of the housing 62 and skin 66 in a manner to surround the active compartment 64.
  • the above-described devices 100, 200 and 300 exemplify the epilation devices aimed at improving a conventional mechanical epilation device (hair gripping device and/or hair removal device) by providing it with a vibration generator, which can either be coupled to the hair gripping device or be integral therewith.
  • Figs. 4A-4D an epilation device 400 is illustrated, which utilizes an electro-epilation system (rather than a mechanical epilation system) and a vibration generator.
  • the electro-epilation system might be of a known kind, composed of an electro-epilation needle 180 mounted within a central slot of a cylindrically shaped housing 190 and supported by support elements 191.
  • the needle 180 is by its distal end 182 insertable into a hair follicle 184 towards the hair root 188.
  • Figs. 4A and 4C illustrate, respectively, a front-section view and a top-section view (taken along line I-I) of the device 400 in its initial, ready to hair removal position.
  • Figs. 4B and 4D illustrate, respectively, a front-section view and a top-section view (taken along line II-II) of the device 400 in its operative position, the needle 180 being inserted into the hair follicle 184, the hair shaft 181 being trapped.
  • the vibration generator is composed of a vibration element 189 , such as acoustic transducer, coupled to a vibrating element 196 (optionally, via a transmission unit 195) extending towards a skin surface 186 and serving also for transmitting vibrations to the skin surface 186.
  • the element 192 is substantially of an annular shape surrounding the needle portion 180 and defining an annular space 193 therebetween for a hair shaft 181 to be inserted therein and gripped by gripping arms 192.
  • the latter when in inoperative position thereof (without gripping hairs), are movable within an outer margin of a gripping area defined by an annular space 194 between the inner wall of the housing 190 and the outer wall of the vibrating element 196.
  • the needle 180 and the vibration generator (vibration element 189) are coupled to a power source (not shown) through wires 197 to be electrically supplied.
  • the vibrations generated and transmitted by the vibration generator reach the skin surface 186 thereby performing a massage of the skin surface in the direction along the axis of vibration shown by arrows 198.
  • This massage effect reduces pain caused by the hair gripping procedure.
  • the vibrations are also transmitted to the hair root 188 causing its movement in the direction along the axis of hair vibration, shown as arrow 199. This increases intra-follicular alterations and facilitates the hair removal.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates an epilation device 500 utilizing the principles of light/laser epilation.
  • the device 500 comprises a light source (not shown) generating a plurality of light beams, generally at 92, and directing them onto a skin surface 94. Irradiated beams 92 might also be microwaves.
  • a vibration generator is composed of a vibrating element 80, such as acoustic transducer, and a transmission unit 82, for example in the form of an acoustic horn and tip. Mounted on the distal end of the tip is a gripping element 84.
  • That portion of the device which is brought into direct contact with the skin surface 94 is formed with a spacer or buffer element 86 aimed at preventing the transmitted radiation, e.g., acoustic waves, from reaching the skin surface.
  • the transmission unit 82, gripping element 84 and buffer element 86 could be made of a material transparent for the incident light (or the incident microwaves, as the case may be).
  • the hair shaft 87 is gripped by the element 84, and the vibrations of this element are transmitted to the hair root 88 and papillae 90. The repeated vibrations facilitate the thermal effect caused by the irradiated light or microwaves.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates the main components of an epilation device 600 utilizing RF radiation.
  • the device 600 comprises a tweezers 112, covered by isolation 114. with pivotal arms about an axis 110. Front sides 106 and 108 of the tweezers arms
  • 112 define opposite walls 102 and 103, respectively, of a hair holding compartment.
  • a vibration generator is accommodated in a handle of the device formed with an insulation cover 120, and is composed of a vibrating element 118 (e.g., as acoustic transducer) coupled to the original source of an RF transmitting unit 116, and supported by a support element 124, and a further transmission unit 122 that transmits both the RF signals and vibrations.
  • the leading edge of the tweezers intended to be brought in contact with skin is formed with a buffer element 104.
  • a hair shaft (not shown) located between the opposite walls 102 and 103 is affected by the vibrations, in addition to the RF effect, if any, to facilitate the hair removal process.
  • Figs. 7A-7D illustrate a spring-based epilation device 700.
  • Figs. 13A and 13B illustrate a spring-based epilation device 700.
  • FIGS. 13B are bottom views of two different implementations of the device, with and without the use of a buffering spacer 134, respectively, to contact a skin surface 140.
  • Figs. 7C and 7D are section views of the devices of Figs. 7A and 7B, respectively, taken along the lines I-I and II-II (of Figs. 7A and 7B respectively).
  • a spring 132 is held by an appropriately designed flat tip 130 having its end portion 135.
  • the spring 132 is preferably round, and is pressed within the mould of tip.
  • the device 700 is formed with a screw area 136 to be attached to a horn (not shown).
  • the element 136 might also be an acoustic transducer.
  • Figs. 8A-8F illustrate an epilation device 800 according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figs. 8 A and 8B are bottom views of the device, showing two different operative positions of the device with discs 154 being opened and closed, respectively.
  • Figs. 8C and 8D are side views of the device 800 corresponding to the positions of Figs. 8 A and 8B.
  • Figs. 8E and 8F more specifically illustrate the discs 154 in their opened and closed positions, respectively.
  • the discs 154 are arranged in a spaced-apart parallel relationship and are associated with a flat disc runner 152 that keeps the discs in the correct orientation.
  • a hair 162 becomes inserted into the space between two adjacent discs 154 in their opened position, and shifting of the discs into their closed position results in the gripping of the hair 162 by the discs.
  • the construction and operation of such a discs-based hair gripping device are also known er se and need not be more specifically described.
  • the device 800 is provided with a spacing layer 150 in zones of direct contact of the device with a skin surface 160.
  • An appropriately designed flat tip 156 or other vibration conducting element holds the discs 154, and is formed with a screw member 158 for coupling the tip to a horn of a vibration generator, which is not specifically shown.
  • the provision of the screw member 158 is optional and it can be replaced by a transducer directly attached to the vibration conducting element 156. However, the member 158 might also be an acoustic transducer.
  • a side transducer 164 that operates the opening and closing of the discs 154, and further provides actual vibration of the trapped hairs 162.
  • the entire system 800 is isolated from the skin 160 by the vibration buffers 150. Fig.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates an epilation device 900 having a clip member 202 activated by a spring 200 for pivotal movement about an axis 206 with respect to a tip element 204.
  • the distal end of the clip 202 is formed with a gripping part 208 projecting from the clip 202 towards the tip 204.
  • the clip member 202 is shiftable between its normally closed position and opened position against the tension of the spring 200. In the opened position of the clip member, a hair shaft 216 can be inserted into a space between the gripping part 208 and the tip 204.
  • the gripping part becomes retracted towards the tip 204 thereby clamping the hair shaft 216 between the clip and tip.
  • the gripping part 208 is made of a material having special characteristics enabling the fastening of the hair and vibration of at least a portion of the clip together with the tip. In other words, the clip is sufficiently firm to grasp the hair, while being sufficiently flexible to enable its vibration with the tip.
  • a spacing layer 210 is provided within the zone of direct contact of the device with a skin surface 217.
  • Figs. 10A and 10B illustrate a device 1000 for hair removal in two different operational position of its gripping unit, respectively.
  • the gripping unit is composed of a tip 220 and a strong leaf spring 222.
  • the spring 222 is connected to the tip 220 via a surface 224 of a direct part 226 of the spring.
  • Two wings 228 and 230 of the spring are flexible, and are shiftable between their opened position (Fig. 10A) and closed position (Fig. 10B) by rotation of prism 238 about an axis 236.
  • the spring 222 does not contact the prism 238 due to air gap 240 surrounding the prism.
  • Distal parts 232 and 234 of the wings 228 and 230, respectively, are intended to catch hair 244 (Fig. 10B).
  • An outer sleeve 242 prevents the hands of an individual (a medic, cosmetician, etc) from touching the vibrating tip 220.
  • the rotation of the prism 238 causes enlargement of the space between the wings 228 and 230. Accordingly, the distance between the distal parts 232 and 234 is increased, thereby enabling the entrance of the hair shaft
  • the gripping device could utilize two brushes movable along an axis.
  • the gripping device can be used as a stand-alone hair removal device, or in combination with other hair removal devices utilizing any suitable hair removal technique.
  • Figs. 11A-11F schematically illustrate a hair gripping and skin stretching device 1100 constructed and operated according to the invention.
  • Figs. 11A and 11D showing, respectively a cross-sectional view and a bottom view of the device, correspond to an inoperative position of the device.
  • Figs. 11B and HE show, respectively, a cross-sectional view and a bottom view of the device 1100 at its initial operational stage.
  • Figs. 11C and 11F demonstrate the device 1100 during vibrating, by e.g., sonication, of hair 1024.
  • the device 1100 comprises a tip 1002 formed with preferably equally spaced grooves 1010 and arms 1004, and has a central groove 1020 for receiving the hair 1024 therein.
  • Each groove 1010 contains a corresponding one of skin-stretching legs 1006, whose distal end is formed with a legs-attachment disk 1008.
  • the arms 1004 are displaceable between their opened and closed positions. The opening of the arms 1004 causes a downward movement of the legs 1006 along the axes of the grooves 1010 towards a skin 1022, which movement is limited by stoppers 1012 installed in the preferably equally spaced grooves 1010.
  • the legs-attachment disks 1008 are in their retracted, upper position in the grooves 1010, the legs-attachment disks 1008 not touching the skin surface 1022. At this position, the arms 1004 are located close to each other, and the central groove 1020 is rather closed. The stoppers 1012 do not affect the legs 1008.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Percussion Or Vibration Massage (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un procédé et un appareil (100) permettant d'améliorer un processus d'épilation mis en oeuvre par un système d'épilation. Un poil devant être enlevé est sélectionné, puis des vibrations de fréquence, d'amplitude et de puissance prédéfinies sont produites et transmises à une zone de traitement. Les vibrations de la zone de traitement sont maintenues pendant un temps suffisant pour provoquer un effet souhaité sur la zone de traitement. L'effet souhaité peut comprendre au moins un des effets suivants : décollement, destruction, dégénérescence ou fatigue d'au moins une partie de la zone de traitement, et l'entrave à la morphologie ou la physiologie d'au moins un des composants de la zone de traitement.
PCT/IL2000/000732 1999-11-11 2000-11-09 Procede et dispositif d'epilation WO2001033991A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

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AU12968/01A AU1296801A (en) 1999-11-11 2000-11-09 Epilation method and device

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IL13286799A IL132867A0 (en) 1999-11-11 1999-11-11 Epilation method and device
IL132867 1999-11-11

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Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2301372A1 (es) * 2006-07-06 2008-06-16 Universidad De Alcala Depiladora electrica combinada con emision de ultrasonidos.
WO2009150645A2 (fr) * 2008-06-09 2009-12-17 Applisonix Ltd. Dispositif destiné à appliquer des vibrations haute fréquence à un poil afin de le retirer
WO2010023667A2 (fr) * 2008-08-29 2010-03-04 Applisonix Ltd. Dispositif d'épilation
US7993331B2 (en) 2004-02-24 2011-08-09 Applisonix Ltd. Method and device for removing hair
US8025700B2 (en) * 2004-05-04 2011-09-27 L'oreal Method and system for optically bleaching keratinous fibers
US8585618B2 (en) 2008-12-22 2013-11-19 Cutera, Inc. Broad-area irradiation of small near-field targets using ultrasound

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EP0287976A2 (fr) 1987-04-18 1988-10-26 Braun Aktiengesellschaft Dispositif d'épilation
JPH02279107A (ja) * 1989-04-21 1990-11-15 Hoomaa Ion Kenkyusho:Kk 超音波脱毛方法及び装置
US5112341A (en) 1991-03-05 1992-05-12 Moshe Doley Hair removal device with central multiple-tweezer element
EP0493849A1 (fr) * 1990-12-17 1992-07-08 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Procédé d'épilation
JPH04218103A (ja) * 1990-11-26 1992-08-07 Motoyasu Kanehara 共振器による毛抜き
JPH07298921A (ja) * 1994-05-06 1995-11-14 Japan Fitness:Kk 脱毛装置
JPH08154728A (ja) * 1994-12-02 1996-06-18 Betaa Life Kk 脱毛装置
EP0795283A1 (fr) * 1996-03-13 1997-09-17 Seb S.A. Dispositif d'épilation mécanique antidouleur et procédé associé
US5704935A (en) 1994-03-16 1998-01-06 Braun Aktiengesellschaft Appliance for epilating hair
EP0860123A2 (fr) * 1991-10-29 1998-08-26 Thermolase Corporation dispositif et procédé d'épilation
US5857903A (en) 1996-08-06 1999-01-12 Braun Aktiengellschaft Rotary cylinder for an epilating appliance
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JPH02279107A (ja) * 1989-04-21 1990-11-15 Hoomaa Ion Kenkyusho:Kk 超音波脱毛方法及び装置
JPH04218103A (ja) * 1990-11-26 1992-08-07 Motoyasu Kanehara 共振器による毛抜き
EP0493849A1 (fr) * 1990-12-17 1992-07-08 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Procédé d'épilation
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EP0860123A2 (fr) * 1991-10-29 1998-08-26 Thermolase Corporation dispositif et procédé d'épilation
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JPH07298921A (ja) * 1994-05-06 1995-11-14 Japan Fitness:Kk 脱毛装置
JPH08154728A (ja) * 1994-12-02 1996-06-18 Betaa Life Kk 脱毛装置
EP0795283A1 (fr) * 1996-03-13 1997-09-17 Seb S.A. Dispositif d'épilation mécanique antidouleur et procédé associé
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US5857903A (en) 1996-08-06 1999-01-12 Braun Aktiengellschaft Rotary cylinder for an epilating appliance
US5901446A (en) 1997-09-15 1999-05-11 Remington Corporation, L.L.C. Long hair cutting and beard lifting foil construction
US5908425A (en) 1997-09-22 1999-06-01 Adam; Helen Depilatory device and method of use
US5899900A (en) 1997-11-03 1999-05-04 Burke; Robert E. High frequency tweezer type epilator

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Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7993331B2 (en) 2004-02-24 2011-08-09 Applisonix Ltd. Method and device for removing hair
US8025700B2 (en) * 2004-05-04 2011-09-27 L'oreal Method and system for optically bleaching keratinous fibers
ES2301372A1 (es) * 2006-07-06 2008-06-16 Universidad De Alcala Depiladora electrica combinada con emision de ultrasonidos.
WO2009150645A2 (fr) * 2008-06-09 2009-12-17 Applisonix Ltd. Dispositif destiné à appliquer des vibrations haute fréquence à un poil afin de le retirer
WO2009150645A3 (fr) * 2008-06-09 2010-02-04 Applisonix Ltd. Dispositif destiné à appliquer des vibrations haute fréquence à un poil afin de le retirer
US20110224692A1 (en) * 2008-06-09 2011-09-15 Alon Goren Device for applying high-frequency vibrations to hair for removing same
CN102098941B (zh) * 2008-06-09 2013-06-12 阿普里松尼克斯有限公司 用于将高频振动施加于毛发以去除毛发的装置
US8636750B2 (en) 2008-06-09 2014-01-28 Applisonix Ltd. Hair removal device
WO2010023667A2 (fr) * 2008-08-29 2010-03-04 Applisonix Ltd. Dispositif d'épilation
WO2010023667A3 (fr) * 2008-08-29 2010-05-14 Applisonix Ltd. Dispositif d'épilation
US8585618B2 (en) 2008-12-22 2013-11-19 Cutera, Inc. Broad-area irradiation of small near-field targets using ultrasound

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IL132867A0 (en) 2001-03-19
AU1296801A (en) 2001-06-06

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