WO2005096876A1

WO2005096876A1 - Device, kit and method

Info

Publication number: WO2005096876A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/001331
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Barraclough; Carl Dibnah; Michael Wu
Original assignee: Reckitt Benckiser (Uk) Limited
Priority date: 2004-04-08
Filing date: 2005-04-06
Publication date: 2005-10-20
Also published as: GB2412862A; GB0407992D0

Abstract

A device (2) is provided for the removal of depilatory composition. The device includes a handle (6) which is gripped by the user and a non-shaving head (4) to remove depilatory composition. The head (4) is removable from the handle and may be replaced by an alternative head. The alternative head may have different qualities, useful in depilation (for example different size, different resilience, provision for release of a composition onto the skin). In this way the user can select the optimum head for a particular depilation task or a particular stage of depilation, or for post-depilation skin treatment.

Description

DEVICE, KIT AND METHOD

This invention relates to a device for removing a composition from the skin, especially a depilatory composition, to a depilation kit and to a method of effecting depilation.

Depilatory compositions are widely available. The user applies such compositions to their skin, leaves them for a predetermined interval to allow them to work, and then removes them from the skin, usually using an article which is provided. This is typically a cloth, sponge or elastically flexible plastics sheet. Such a plastics sheet may be formed with a curvature so as to facilitate removal of the composition and the hair entrained in it.

However, some consumers find such a device messy or difficult to use. Many hold the devices close to the edge which contacts the skin and consequently it is difficult for them to keep their hand clear of the composition and hair being removed. In addition, the skin-contacting edge is not suitable for all parts of the body as some parts are sharp in their curvature, for example the ankle and shin area. Consequently, if the skin-contacting edge is shaped to cope with those parts and is therefore fairly narrow in width, hair removal from other parts can take a considerable time as the path removed in a single pass is relatively narrow. Conversely, if the skin-contacting edge is made very broad, it would not be well adapted for use in areas where intricate movement is required. There is no provision for altering such a device. Also, following depilation, there may be dryness or irritation to the skin, so there is a need for a device which can be used to both remove depilatory compositions and degraded hairs from the skin, and also to apply skin treatment compositions to the skin.

Where the user removes the depilatory composition too soon, or when there are strong or thick hairs present which may not have been removed fully by the depilation process, there may be the need to subsequently shave these areas .

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for removing a composition from the skin, the device comprising: a non-shaving head which, in use, is moved over the skin to effect removal of the composition, the non-shaving head having a removal edge; and a handle to effect the movement of the head; the non- shaving head, or a part of the head comprising the removal edge, being removable from the rest of the device .

Preferably the head or head part and the rest of the device are secured together by interengaging parts which permit the head or head part to be released under the control of the user.

Preferably a removed head or head part, or a replacement head or head part, may be bought into engagement with the rest of the device, for continued use.

When the head is removed "the rest of the device" is the handle. When said head part is removed "the rest of the device" is the handle and the rest of the head. Whilst the device may effect the breaking of some hairs which have been weakened by the depilatory composition it cannot be used as a shaving device. Accordingly it does not have a cutting blade and so is a non-shaving device.

Preferably the head of the device is wider than the handle. Preferably the average width of the head is at least 50% greater than the average width of the handle, preferably at least 80% greater. For the purpose of this definition the average width of the handle is determined by taking width measurements at 1cm intervals along the handle, starting 1cm from its distal (free) end, summating the measurements and dividing by the number of measurements; and the average width of the head is determined by taking width measurements at 0.5cm intervals along the head, starting 0.5cm from its distal (free) end, summating the measurements and dividing by the number of measurements .

Preferably the maximum width of the head exceeds the maximum width of the handle. Preferably the maximum width of the head is at least 50% greater than the maximum width of the handle, preferably at least 80% greater.

Preferably the maximum length of the handle exceeds the maximum length of the head, preferably by a factor of at least 3, more preferably by a factor of at least 5. The head will often be quite squat. Nevertheless it will be appreciated that what is meant by "length of the head" is its dimension in the same sense as the length of the handle. Preferably then handle is slender. Preferably the head is not slender. Preferably it is broad.

Preferably the device has a stick-like or wand-like or rod-like handle, and a wider head or head part.

Preferably the head, even when it is removable in its entirety, is firmly carried by the handle when secured thereto; in the absence of a force or when merely touched there is preferably no tendency for it to be deflected. In use when bearing upon the skin it may articulate against a resistance force.

Securement of the head or head part to the rest of the device may be such that the head or head part may be grasped by the user in order to release it . For example the head or head part, when removable in its entirety, may be a force fit on the rest of the device; or may be latched onto the rest of the device (as by, for example, opposite-facing ramps which slide over each other to interengage) , the arrangement being such that they are disengagable merely by manipulation. The head or head part, when it is removable, may be pushed or slid into place, on the rest of the device. It may be joined to it by a releasable hinge.

In an alternative embodiment the device may be provided with an actuator which the user may operate to release the head or head part from the rest of the device. The actuator may, for example, be a button provided on the handle or head, which button may be depressed or slid to bring about the release. When that release has been brought about, the head or head part may remain in its same place on the device, but the user can now remove the head or head part from the rest of the device without encountering any resistance. Alternatively when the actuator is operated the head or head part may be displaced from the rest of the device. That is, the act of operating the actuator may cause the interengaged parts to become spaced apart. Such displacement may be assisted by the relaxation or partial relaxation of a resilient part. That resilient part is preferably designed such that when the head is on the handle or the head part is on the rest of the head, the resilient part is stressed. Preferably the act of engaging the head or head part on the rest of the handle stresses the resilient part.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a depilation kit comprising a device of the first aspect of the present invention, and at least one alternative head or head part (hereinafter the second head or head part) , different from the head or head part mentioned already (hereinafter the first head or head part) .

The first and second head or head parts may differ from each other in any of a large number of ways, some of which are set out below.

The first and second head or head parts may have respective skin-contacting parts which differ from each other. The first head or head part has a skin-contacting part which has a removal edge. The skin-contacting part of the second head or head part may have a removal edge, or may be an applicator part which applies a composition to the skin, for instance from a solid lubricant strip comprising water-soluble and water-insoluble polymers , or may neither remove a composition from or apply a composition to the skin; for example a skin-contacting part which massages or exfoliates the skin. One head or head part could fulfil one or more of these functions.

The first and second head or head parts may have removal edges of different shape, including different tip profiles.

The first and second head or head parts may have removal edges of different material, including different polymeric material altogether, and different grades of the same polymeric material .

By virtue of material selected and/or physical design, the removal edges of the first and second head or head parts may differ in their hardness or flexibility.

The first and second head or head parts may differ from each other in their visual aesthetic qualities. They may differ in colour. They may (as noted above) differ in their shape.

The first and second head or head parts may differ in their width. For example a user may use a wide head or head part when effecting depilation of an area such as the calf, and use a head or head part of narrower width when effecting depilation of an area such the ankle, or shin.

The first and second head or head parts may differ from each other in terms of personal aesthetic qualities. By personal aesthetic qualities we mean that the device may release a cosmetic, protective or fragrancing agent onto the skin, primarily as a post-depilation skin treatment. Examples of such agents are moisturisers, fragrances, exfoliating agents, sunscreens, after-sun agents, colorants, deodorants, anti-inflammatories, pH buffering agents and insect repellents. At least one of the head or head parts may produce a personal aesthetics effect, for example the release onto the skin of a cosmetic or fragrancing agent, while the other head or head part either does not, or produces a different personal aesthetics effect. In one example one head or head part may release a moisturiser or lubricant onto the skin, and the other head or head part may release a fragrance onto the skin.

A kit in accordance with the invention may have three alternative heads or head parts. For example one head or head part could be a broad removal head or head part, the second head or head part could be a narrow removal head or head part, and the third head or head part could be a post-depilation moisturising head or head part which is not intended for removal .

Another head part for inclusion in alternative or in addition could be, for example, a head or head part with extremely robust depilation qualities, intended for depilation of strong hairs. Such hairs may have been only be weakened by the depilatory composition, not completely removed, but their removal may be effected by the action of a head or head part having robust strigil-like qualities. Such a head or head part may also have beneficial exfoliating or massaging properties. Another head part for inclusion in alternative or in addition in a kit of the invention could be, for example, a head or head part with a shaving blade for tackling regions of strong or thick hair which has not been fully removed by the depilatory agent

The kit could comprise four alternative heads or head parts. Three heads or head parts may be as just described. The fourth head or head part could be, for example, a post-depilation skin cooling/fragrancing head or head part .

A kit of the present invention could have five heads or head parts. Four of those heads or head parts could be as just described. The fifth could be, for example, a head or head part with extremely robust depilation qualities, intended for depilation of strong hairs. Such hairs may have been only be weakened by the depilatory composition, not completely removed, but their removal may be effected by the action of a head or head part having robust strigil-like qualities. Such a head or head part may also have beneficial exfoliating or massaging properties.

The kit may comprise further alternative heads or head parts.

The material of at least one skin-contacting edge in a replaceable head or head part may be a plastics material, preferably a plastics material which is not regarded as an elastomeric material . Examples include polyethylene and polypropylene. Such a skin-contacting edge is preferably angular but not sharp, to the extent that it might effect cutting of undegraded hair.

The head or head part may comprise a resilient material (for example an elastomeric material) , preferably connected to a plastics supporting material. For example there may be a resilient fin or, preferably, a plurality of resilient fins.

In one embodiment a removal edge is carried at the distal end of the head or head part . In another preferred embodiment, a removal edge is carried on a generally flat under-surface of a head or head part, at a position spaced from the frontal edge .

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of effecting depilation comprising the steps of : applying a depilatory composition to the skin; allowing the composition to remain on the skin for a predetermined interval ; providing a depilatory removal device having a demountable removal edge; removing depilatory composition and depilated hair from the skin using the device; replacing the removal edge with an alternative removal edge or with an alternative part providing a different personal or cosmetic benefit; and continuing to remove depilatory composition and depilated hair from the skin, or effecting massaging, cosmetic or fragrancing treatment of the skin (depending on the nature of the alternative edge or part) .

The method may comprise changing a head or head part during a procedure to remove a depilatory composition that has previously been applied, the replacement head or head part having different removal properties. The method may comprise changing a head or head part once a procedure to remove a depilatory composition has been completed, the replacement head or head part having beneficial personal aesthetic qualities.

The present invention also includes a method of effecting depilation in accordance with the third aspect when using a device of the first aspect and/or a kit of the second aspect .

The invention will now be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device 2 for the removal of depilatory composition, showing its removable head 4 carried by a handle 6;

Figure 2 is a side view of the device, and

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the engagement of the head 4 on the handle 6; Figure 4 shows the head 4 disengaged from the handle 6;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of device;

Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the disengagement of the head of the second embodiment;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the device;

Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the disengagement of the head of the third embodiment ;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the device;

Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the disengagement of the head of the fourth embodiment;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the device;

Figure 12 shows the head of the fifth embodiment being disengaged from the handle;

Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the disengagement of the head of the fifth embodiment;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the device; Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the disengagement of the head of the sixth embodiment;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the device having a removable head part;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the seventh embodiment, showing the head part disengaged from the device;

Figure 18 shows an eighth embodiment of a device having a removable head part; and

Figure 19 is a perspective view of one head part about to be engaged on the device of the eighth embodiment, and two alternative head parts for later use.

The handle 6 of the device 2 shown in Figures 1 to 4 is slender, being in the form of a rod-like body, and is connected, at its proximal end, to the head 4. The head 4 is considerably wider than the handle even at its maximum width and has a frontal edge 8, terminating in a co- moulded elastomeric part 10 having four removal fins. Between the ends of the frontal edge and the handle are two convex peripheral sweeping edges 12. The geometry is such that the head 4 is approximately D-shaped in plan view.

The head 4 is releasably connected to the handle 6 by a simple hinge-and-latch connection. The proximal end of the head 4 is one with two aligned, opposed, integrally moulded, pins 14, carried on stub formations 15. The interengaging end of the handle 6 is formed with two integrally moulded, matching sockets 16. Above the sockets the handle continues in a nose-like formation 18 having a downwardly facing, undercut surface 20, the front end of which has a latch formation 22. The upper face of the head has a corresponding wall formation 24 to receive latch formation 22 in a snap-fitting manner.

To secure the head to the handle the pins 14 are manoeuvred into the sockets 16 and the handle is then pivoted upwards, until the latch formation 22 clicks into engagement with the wall formation 24.

It will be appreciated that, in use,' there is no tendency for the head to separate from the handle. When the device is used the reaction force arising from the pressing of the head onto the skin urges the head upwardly and thus, so as to keep it in place. However, when the user wishes to change the head it may be grasped and moved downward relative to the handle and then manoeuvred so as to disengage the pins 14 from the socket 16. A replacement head having identical securement formations, may be engaged in its place (see Figure 3) .

The device is arched. When laid flat on a surface the distal end 18 of the handle and the edge 8 of the head or head part contact the surface, and the rest of the device is raised from it.

The device 2 is formed unitarily of a plastics material, namely polypropylene. On the head shown, the fins 10 are straight, and 35mm in length. This head is intended for use on areas of skin, such as calves and thighs, where broad sweeps can be used, to effect removal of depilatory composition. Alternative heads (not shown) are supplied with the device 2. One head is of the same material and similar design to head 4, but has a shorter, straight, edge, 20mm in length. This is intended for use when it is desired to effect removal from more angular regions, such as ankles and shins. Another alternative head is similar in overall shape to head 4, but it is intended for use after removal of the depilatory composition has been completed. Its function is to apply a desirable agent to the skin via an impregnated pad. The pad may be impregnated with an oil which is both fragrant and effective as a skin moisturiser.

The second embodiment shown in Figure 5 and 6 differs from the first embodiment most significantly in the manner in which the head 204, one of a number of alternative heads (the others not being shown) connects to the handle 206.

In the second embodiment one part is slid into engagement with the other. At its proximal end the handle terminates in a projection 240 with undercut sides, and the proximal end of the head has a socket 242 of matching shape. The handle 206 may be slid onto the head 204 by movement transverse to the general plane of the head. This movement terminates when the projection 240 abuts a blind wall (not shown) which terminates the socket 242. The head must be removed by moving it downwards relate to the handle. Thus, the design is such that the head will not work free in use .

In the third embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, the handle 306 is engagable with the head 304 by longitudinal movement of the handle . The proximal end of the handle has projecting from it two resilient, spaced apart tangs 340. The proximal end of the head 304 is formed with a socket 342 to receive the tangs. The socket has apertures 344 on its opposed sides. When the tangs are fully home inside the socket 342, they relax into the apertures 344

(the action of pushing them into the socket having inwardly deflected them somewhat) . Having relaxed into the apertures 344 they are held in place by abutment faces 346, facing towards the handle, and engaging pillars 348 at the proximal end of the opening apertures 344. To release the head the tangs 346 are simply pressed inwards

(see Figure 7) and the head is then free to be removed. Again, alternative heads (not shown) are provided.

The fourth embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10 is similar in concept to the second embodiment, but, as can clearly be seen the head 404 is slid sideways relative to the handle 406. To this end, the proximal end of the handle is formed with a projection 440 with undercut upper and lower edges. The proximal end of the handle is formed with a correspondingly shaped recess 442. A stop may be provided to terminate the movement of the head once the correct position is reached. However, this may not be necessary and in the embodiment shown it is not present. The tolerance between the projection 440 and the socket 442, and the resulting friction is sufficient to retain the head 404 in the correct position. Alternative heads (not shown) are again provided.

The fifth embodiment shown in Figures 11 to 13 shows a spring latch connection between the head 504 and the handle 506. The proximal end of the handle 506 is formed with curved tang 520. The tang has its end facing towards the rest of the handle an undercut face 522. The handle has an opening 524 to receive the tang 520. At its end towards the handle the opening 524 terminates in a band of moulded material 526. To engage the handle and the head, one is simply pushed onto the other. The tang 520 is deflected downwardly by the band but once the tang 520 is in its home position inside the opening 524 it relaxes and the abutment 522 becomes aligned with the band 526, which prevents its removal . Removal can only be effected once the user depresses the tang 520 (see Figure 12) .

The sixth embodiment shows a handle 606 whose proximal end terminates in a hollow ribbed projection 608. The head 604 has a formation 610 which defines a socket, very closely matching the projection 608 in size and shape, and also ribbed. The head and handle are a simple push-to- fit, pull-to-remove connection together, with the projection 608 being inserted into/removed from the socket .

In the seventh embodiment shown in Figures 16 and 17, the head 704 is not removable from the handle 706. However, a part of the head 710, the part which makes contact with the skin in use, is removable from the rest of the head. In this embodiment the removable head part 710 comprises four parallel elastomeric fins 712 carried by an embracing cradle 714. The cradle 714 carries pins 716 at opposed ends . The interengaging part of the head has corresponding sockets 718 carried by forwardly projecting stub arms 720. The sockets 718 are accessed by guideways whose width is slightly less than the diameter of the pins 716. The pins can be forced through the guideways and into the slightly larger sockets 718. The cradle is then free to turn within the sockets, so that the user can adjust the manner in which the handle is held, so that it is comfortable whilst still achieving good removal of depilatory composition. Alternatively such guideways may not be provided, but the stub arms 720 may be slightly springy so that the head part 710 can be engaged after slight splaying of the stub arms, followed by their relaxation.

Alternative head parts 710 may again be provided, with different depilatory removal properties, or with different post-depilation characteristics (for example massaging, application of moisturiser, application of perfume etc) .

The eighth embodiment shown in Figures 18 and 19 has, like the seventh embodiment, a head 804 which is integral with the handle 806, the head having removable head parts 820, 830 and 840. Each of these has four parallel elastomeric fins. The distal edge of the head has a recess 826 in the form of a slideway with undercut upper and lower edges. Each head part has a projection 824 of matching shape, facing in the opposite direction to the fins. As is shown graphically in Figure 19, a head part can be slid sideways - horizontally, lengthwise - to locate it in place. In this embodiment one head part 820 has slightly concave fins. The respective end regions of such a head part may be useful in removing depilatory composition and depilated hair from an intricate region such as the ankle. The second head part 830 is somewhat convex in form. This shape may be useful for removing depilatory composition and depilated hair from generally concave regions, such as the underarm region. The third hard part 840 has straight fins and may be favoured for removing depilatory composition and depilated hair from regions which are not significantly curved, such as the thigh or calf. In Figure 18 the straight-fin head part 840 is shown engaged in place.

Claims

1. A device for removing a composition from the skin, the device comprising: a non-shaving head which, in use, is moved over the skin to effect removal of the composition, the non-shaving head having a removal edge; and a handle to effect the movement of the non-shaving head; the non- shaving head, or a part of the head comprising the removal edge, being removable from the rest of the device.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 comprising an actuator which the user may operate to release the head or head part .

3. A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein when the actuator is operated the non-shaving head or head part is displaced from the rest of the device, assisted by the relaxation or partial relaxation of a resilient part.

4. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the securement of the non-shaving head or head part to the rest of the device is such that the head or head part may be grasped by the user in order to release the head or head part.

5. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the non-shaving head is removable from the handle.

6. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 where the non-shaving head part is removable from the rest of the head and the handle.

7. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the non-shaving head releases a composition onto the skin.

8. A depilation kit comprising a device as claimed in any preceding claim and at least one alternative head or head part, different from the aforementioned head or head part, being a skin-contacting part having a further removal edge, or a skin-contacting part which applies a composition to the skin, or a skin-contacting part which exfoliates or massages the skin or a shaving head.

9. A kit as claimed in claim 8 comprising an alternative head or head part that has a skin-contacting part which is of a different material, to the skin-contacting part of the first-mentioned head.

10. A kit as claimed in claim 8 comprising an alternative head that has a skin-contacting part which is of a different shape, to the skin-contacting part of the first- mentioned head.

11. A kit as claimed in claim 8 comprising an alternative head that has a skin-contacting part which is of a different width, to the skin-contacting part of the first- mentioned head.

12. A kit as claimed in claim 8 wherein the alternative head or head part releases onto the skin a cosmetic or fragrancing agent .

13. A kit as claimed in any of claims 8 wherein the alternative head or head part is a shaving head.

14. A method of effecting depilation comprising the steps of: applying a depilatory composition to the skin; allowing the composition to remain on the skin for a predetermined interval; providing a depilatory removal device having a demountable non-shaving head comprising a removal edge; removing depilatory composition and depilated hair from the skin using the device; replacing the removal edge with an alternative head; and continuing to remove depilatory composition and depilated hair from the skin, or effecting other treatment of the skin.

15. A method of effecting depilation as claimed in claim 14 when using a device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 or a kit as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 13.