WO2014188152A2

WO2014188152A2 - Hair removing devices

Info

Publication number: WO2014188152A2
Application number: PCT/GB2014/000308
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nahid Sultana
Original assignee: Nahid Sultana
Priority date: 2013-05-24
Filing date: 2014-07-24
Publication date: 2014-11-27
Also published as: GB2529792A8; WO2014188152A3; GB201522676D0; GB2529792A

Abstract

A pair of tweezers comprising; opposing first and second pincer arms wherein the arms comprise a fixed end and an open end and wherein the first pincer arm is attached to the second pincer arm at the fixed end and the first pincer arm is spaced apart from the second pincer arm at the open end and wherein the first and second pincer arms comprise a body portion which comprises a first gripping portion and wherein the pincer arms further comprise a head extending from the body portion proximate the open end to the open end, wherein the head comprises an aperture, and wherein the first gripping portion is raised with respect to the plane of the body portion. A hair removing coil, which can be used with these tweezers, comprising two ends and interchangeable tools arranged at both ends, or an interchangeable tool arranged at one end and a fixed tool arranged at another end.

Description

Hair Removing Devices

Field of the Invention:

The present invention relates to devices which are used to remove facial and body hair, for example devices for individual hair plucking and eyebrow shaping.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a pair of tweezers with a viewing aperture in the head and a raised gripping portion on the pincer arms. The present invention also relates to a hair removing coil with at least one interchangeable tool arranged at one end. The hair removing coil can be used with the tweezers of the present invention.

Background:

Unwanted hair on the face or body is usually removed by chemicals, waxing, electrolysis, threading or laser hair removal treatment. These methods of hair removal can be messy and/or expensive and often require multiple visits to the beautician. There has always been a need in the market, therefore, for hair removing devices that can be used by the individual themselves and which devices are easy to use.

One such example of a self-use hair removing device is a hand held depilatory coil device. There are many of these devices currently on the market. It is well known, however, that on certain areas of the face and body, skin elasticity can vary which results in different directions and textures of hair growth. This can result in many of these hand held depilatory coil devices being less effective at hair removal and often painful when used. Furthermore, these devices cannot generally be used to perform eyebrow shaping.

Many individuals, when shaping their eyebrows themselves, will use a pair of tweezers. There are many different types of tweezers on the market. However, many of these tweezers are difficult to grip and hard to use and this often gives rise to imprecise hair removal.

Object of the Invention:

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a pair of tweezers with improved grip and which can be used easily and provide precise hair removal for the user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a further hair removing device which can be used with other beauty devices so as to provide a self-contained multipurpose hair removing tool.

Summary of Invention:

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a pair of tweezers comprising; opposing first and second pincer arms wherein the arms comprise a fixed end and an open end and wherein the first pincer arm is attached to the second pincer arm at the fixed end and the first pincer arm is spaced apart from the second pincer arm at the open end and wherein the first and second pincer arms comprise a body portion which comprises a first gripping portion and wherein the pincer arms further comprise a head extending from the body portion proximate the open end to the open end, wherein the head comprises an aperture, and wherein the first gripping portion is raised with respect to the plane of the body portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hair removing coil comprising two ends and interchangeable tools arranged at both ends, or an interchangeable tool arranged at one end and a fixed tool arranged at another end. Brief Description of the Drawings:

Aspects of the present invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a top view of the tweezers showing one of the pincer arms. It illustrates the polygonal shape of the gripping portion of the pincers and the u-shaped head and aperture in the head. Figure 1 shows these tweezers comprise opposing first (1) and second (2) pincer arms wherein the arms comprise a fixed end (3) and an open end (4) , the first pincer arm (1 ) attached to the second pincer arm (2) at the fixed end

(3) , and the first pincer arm (1) is spaced apart from the second pincer arm (2) at the open end (4), the first (1) and second (2) pincer arms comprise a body portion which comprises a first gripping portion (5), wherein the pincer arms further comprise a head (6) extending from the body portion proximate the open end to the open end

(4) , wherein the head comprises ah aperture (8), and wherein the first gripping portion (5) is raised with respect to the plane of the body portion.

Figure 2 Is a side view of the tweezers. This figure shows that the outer most surface of the first gripping portion is spaced apart (A) from the outer most surface of the head of the tweezers.

Figure 3 is a diagram of suitable tweezer head shapes.

Figure 4 is a diagram of the tweezers attached to the hair removing coil.

Figure 5 is a diagram of suitable polygonal eross^sections for the surface of the first gripping portion of the tweezers.

Figure 6 a diagram of the tweezer with a U shape metal head, wherein the gripping portions is beaded with chamfered edges.

Figure 7 is a diagram of the hair removing coil detachably connected to the tweezer at one end and fixedly connected to a handle at the other end. Figure 8 is a diagram of a suitable coil for use in the hair removing coil.

Figure 9 is a diagram of suitable surfaces for the wire that makes up the hair removing coil. The diagram shows that the surface can have beads on it, or may have a smoothed finished or a roughened finish to the surface.

Figure 10 is a diagram of the hair removing coil with an interchangeable tweezer at one end which is connected by way of a suitable connector piece.

Figure 11 is a diagram of suitable devicesAools which may be fixed to, or interchangeable with, the hair removing coil.

Figure 12 is a diagram of the hair removing coil with a lid (cap) which covers the interchangeable or fixed tools and which functions as a handle for the hair removing coil. Figure 12 shows a cap 15 which is polygonal in shape and a cap 16 which is cylindrical in shape with rims on the surface.

Figure 13 is a diagram of the hair removing coil with suitable interchangeable tools on both ends. The diagram shows that these suitable interchangeable tools can be tweezers, a brush and a cap that can function as a handle.

Figure 14 is a diagram of the hair removing coil with suitable interchangeable tools on both ends. The diagram shows that these suitable interchangeable tools can be a rubber squeezable container (to store cream or gel) and a makeup applicator.

Figure 15 is a diagram of the hair removing coil with suitable interchangeable fixed tools on both ends. The diagram shows that these suitable interchangeable/fixed tools can have a vibrator fitted inside between the coil and the fixed handle or inside the connector.

Further description of the figures - The tweezer can be made of plastic or metal base of polygonal shape on to and bottom arms (gripping portions) creating better resistance controlling the slim metal head frame 6 which is filed and straight in centre 6.2 and rounded at edges 6.1 with an eyehole (aperture) 8. The tweezer can be attached to a connector 10 that is joined through one of the magnetic fitting 10d to a helical spring 13a with a fixed handle 14 on distal end. The lid (removable cap) 13 covers the tweezer and Can be used as a handle to control and use the hair removing coil.

This hair removing coil has one of many shaped coil 1 1 that maybe a major arc surface 3 joined to flat surface 12 with corners 12a creating pressure and strengths to major arc surface 13 and flat surface 12 in the two surfaces of the coil hich is = connected to one of many devices 5.1 through the plastic piece 10. In figure 10, the distal ends 5.1a and other tools are affixed or interchanged with other devices or parts through 10 when there are no fixed handles. In figure 11 shows some different tools one of which are angled tweezers 5.1a, 5.1b, eyebrow brush and comb 5.1c, a container for creams or gel 5.1d, make up applicator 5.1e make up brush 5.1f and a eyebrow pencil 5.%

5.1a when device not in use securing onto the plastic; or rubber or metal piece connector 10 of hexagon shape 10a or 10b cylinder shape, connector with rims on the outer surrounding covering and protecting one of many beauty tools or devices 5.1 through one of the fitting of push fit iOc or magnet fit lOd. The lid may be placed on the distal end of the coil 11 and may form part of a handgrip when the coil 1 is in use. In another embodiment the coil 11 has fixed handle 14 of polygonal shape or , cylinder shape with spiral rims on outer handle at distal end for manual operation. This fixed handle 14 may be replaced with interchangeable or affixed device 5:1 ith of different shapes or devices and another connector 10 in between the connector and the coil with another lid 5 or 16 to cover device 5.1 at distal ends when not in use creating handle and operating coil.

The coil device may include a vibrator function to mitigate pain and illuminator light to see hairs clearly, powered wherein a power source of a battery which is built within the fixed handle 14 and the connecter piece 10 at one of the distal ends. The coil 3a may have another connecter piece 10 connected to the device 6 with lids of 15 or 16 on both distal ends.

The device with vibrator 18a is fitted inside coil 1 in between coil and fixed handle 14 with fitted illuminating lights 19 fitted in the top base of the fixed handle 14 in between the outer coil. The vibrator joined to a flexible cable 17 passing in the coil to connector 10 and is joined to another vibrator 18a fitted in between the end of coil and the connector. In the fixed handle 14 the light has a circuit board 20 with a switch 21 to activate the light and vibrator powered through battery 22. In another embodiment the coil 13a may have a vibrator 18a, and illuminating lights 19 within a fixed handle.

Description:

This present invention relates to a pair of tweezers and also to a hair removing coil with an interchangeable tool on at least one end. One example of a suitable interchangeable tool is a tweezer. Preferably, this tweezer is the tweezer of the present invention.

Tweezers are tools which can be used for picking up objects which are too small to be easily handled by human hands. Tweezers can be used for tasks such as plucking out hairs from the face or body, picking up small objects, and also for applying false eyelashes. In the context of the present invention, the tweezers of the present invention are preferably used for plucking out individual hairs from the face or body.

The tweezers of the present invention comprise two opposing pincer arms. These arms together comprise a fixed end (the fulcrum point) and an open end (the point at which the tweezers grab an object). The first pincer arm is attached to the second pincer arm at the fixed end and the first pincer arm is spaced apart from the second pincer arm at the open end. By applying pressure to the two pincer arms the open end can be closed when required (i.e. to grab an object such as a hair). Both of the pincer arms comprise a body portion which comprises a first gripping portion. This first gripping portion is raised with respect to the plane of the body portion. In other words, the outer most surface of the first gripping portion is spaced apart (A) from the outer most surface of the head of the tweezers. Figure 2 illustrates this feature.

The surface of the body portion (which comprises the first gripping portion) of the two opposing pincer arms may have a polygonal cross-section. For example, the cross- section may have 3 or more sides, preferably 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more sides. The cross-section may be of regular polygonal shape or irregular polygonal shape. The polygonal cross-sectional surface is non-slippery and provides better grip for the fingers of the user. The tweezers can then be controlled more firmly by the user which helps in the precision of hair removal

The first gripping portion may also have chamfered edges. These chamfered edges can be rounded edges.

The first gripping portion can further comprise a second gripping portion. This second gripping portion can be used by the user's forefinger and thumb to securely grip the pincer arms of the tweezer. This helps the user to pull hair out more firmly and gives the user more control and precision of use. The second gripping portion may taper towards the other pincer arm.

The surface of both the first and second gripping portion may also be beaded. These surfaces may also comprise a beaded gel that may be, for example, transparent. This beading helps the tweezers to be gripped more tightly.

Both the first and second gripping portion may be plastic, metal, steel, ceramic or rubber. Preferably, the first and second gripping portion is made from plastic or rubber. This provides the advantage of being able to take the tweezers on planes as they pose less of a security risk when compared to traditional all metal tweezers which are particularly sharp and thus pose a security risk. The features of both the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion allow for more precision in hair removal when compared to the previously known tweezers which have their gripping means on the same plane of the body portion of the pincer arms.

Furthermore, the second gripping portion is particularly close to the head of the tweezers when compared to prior art tweezers. In other words, in terms of a lever, the effort is closer to the load when compared to the prior art tweezers, thereby giving more precision to the user.

The pincer arms of the tweezer further comprise a head extending from the body portion proximate the open end to the open end. Preferably, the head of the tweezer (which can be metal, for example steel) is substantially u-shaped (wherein the grabbing end of the head is straight). This shape of the head comprises outer edges that are rounded and this means that the tweezer head is less likely to cut or graze the skin when the tweezer is in contact with the user. Alternatively, the grabbing end of the head is pointed or slanted. Figure 3 shows these alternative tweezer head shapes. Alternatively, the aperture and/or head can be of other shapes. For example, the grabbing end of the head may be pointed or it may be slanted.

The tweezer of the present invention has an eye opening (aperture). More specifically, the head of the tweezers comprises an aperture. This aperture allows objects (such as hairs) to be more visible (i.e. it does not obstruct the view of the hairs.) and also stops shadows from being created. In the context of hair removal, this allows more efficient and fast plucking of the hair when compared to some prior art tweezers. This is particularly advantageous in eyebrow shaping or when precision removal of hair is required (e.g. from the nostrils). The aperture is preferably substantially u-shaped. Alternatively, the aperture can be pointed or slanted.

Prior art tweezers have a single piece gripping system whereas the tweezer of the present invention has a raised first gripping portion (which can have a second gripping porition) and also has an aperture (opening) in the head of the tweezers. The combination of the head having an aperture (for viewing hairs) with the gripping portion(s) provides better precision for the user.

The pincer arms of the tweezer which comprise the gripping portion can be made of any suitable material with a matt or gloss finish or colour coated and decorated. The metal framework can also be of liquid colour, coated, or gold or silver or other finishes to enhance the look of this device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the entire device can be made of steel with such finishes.

The pair of tweezers of the present invention may further comprise a light. For example, an illuminating light may be fitted into the pincer arms of the tweezer. in one preferred embodiment of the tweezers of the present invention, the tweezer head is made from metal and this metal frame of the head extends to the fixed end of the tweezers (i.e. the body portion is metal). The gripping portion is made from plastic and is raised above the plane of the body portion of the metal frame.

The tweezer of the present invention is small and uniformed in size and it can be used in conjunction with another depilatory device such as the depilatory device of the present invention, that of the hair removing coil. More specifically, the tweezer can be fixed or interchangeably connected at either end (distal end) of the device. The interchangeable connection can be of any conventional means including a screw thread, a push fit, a magnet, a collet fit or a interference fit to a connecter piece made of metal or plastic.

In one preferable embodiment, this tweezer is interchangeably attached to one end of the hair removing coil and a fixed handle is at the other end of the hair removing coil.

The tweezer (or any other beauty tool) and the hair removing coil can be contained in a compact case, which can be made of plastic and have a matt or gloss finish. The case allows the user to neatly and cleanly carry on their person (for example in a handbag) their own self-contained multi-purpose hair removing kit. The present invention also provides a hair removing coil comprising two ends 1) interchangeable tools arranged at both ends, or 2) an interchangeable tool arranged at one end and a fixed tool arranged at another end.

The hair removing coil of the present invention is a hand held manually operated coil for removing hair from the face or body. It is a complete facial hair removing device. The hair removing coil comprises a major arc cross section joined to a flat cross section. The hair removing coil comprises fine helical metal (for example, stainless steel) springs/coils/coiling members.

The hand held hair removing coil of the present invention can remove hairs, including coarse hairs, quickly and effectively from the face and body. In use, the user holds the two ends of the hair removing coil and forms a bend in the coil. The flat surface of this bended coil then is placed directly onto the skin to capture hairs between the individual coiling members (coils of the helical spring) that make up the coil. In other words, the unwanted hair gets trapped in the openings between the individual coiling members. Once the hair has been captured the user can bend the coil in the opposite direction which acts to close the coil and, when combined with pulling the coil away from the skin, functions to pluck the hairs from the skin. This is a much less painful hair removing method than some other methods of hair removal. Furthermore, the flat end of the coil, when in use, is able to follow the direction of hair growth and can compensate for different hair textures/coarseness (resulting from the user's natural elasticity of the skin around the face).

The coil may also have one or more faces that maybe flat, convex or concave joined with a round coil which can be connected to the tweezer. It may have one or more varied corners in the coil. The faces may be flat, convex or concave. These faces can help to create pressure and stability when the coil sits on the skin.

The coiling members that make up the hair removing coil may be made from metal wire. They may further comprise beads on the surface of the wire to massage the skin when removing hair. The wire may be smooth. Alternatively, the wire may be roughened causing hair to stick closer to the coil and thus pull easier out of the skin. Further, the wire may have a liquid colour coating or finish so as to enhance the look of the device.

The coil may be disposed after wear and replaced with a new coil affixed to the connectors when the coil is not permanently fixed to the device.

Known hair removing coils have fixed handles on the outer ends of the coil. The hair removing coil of the present invention, however, has at least one interchangeable tool arranged at one end. These interchangeable tools are removable and are not fixed. In other words, the hair removing coil of the present invention comprises interchangeable tools arranged at both ends, or an interchangeable tool arranged at one end and a fixed tool arranged at another end. The hair removing coil can still be bent by holding the coil at both ends at the connecting section (connecter part). As such, the coil can still be guided in circles across the skin to capture and remove unwanted hair. However, the hair removing coil of the present invention has the additional advantage of being able to have other beauty tools/hair removing devices removably attached to its end(s).

For example, suitable tools/devices include a pair of tweezers (preferably the tweezers of the present invention), a brush (for example an eyebrow brush), a comb, a make-up applicator, a make-up brush, an eyebrow pencil, a spot remover tool or a container for storing cream or gel to apply onto the skin after hair removal. All of these tools would be suitably sized with respect to the dimensions of the hair removing coil.

The advantages of these removable interchangeable tools are many for the user. For example, the user not only has a hair removing coil for the removal of hair but also can have a tweezer to perhaps remove stubborn hairs. Also, the user could also have an eyebrow pencil to colour and enhance the eyebrow once the eyebrow had been plucked. The interchangeable and removable nature of the tools allows the user to pick and choose suitable tools to keep and use with the hair removing coil. In essence, the hair removing coil of the present invention provides a self-contained multi-purpose hair removing tool.

The tools are connected with a suitable connector which holds the tool (s) in place, meaning that they will not get misplaced or lost. This device also functions as a gripping means for the user and can be held with the forefinger and thumb of the user.

The connector used to removably connect the interchangeable tools can be made from plastic, rubber or metal. It can be of polygonal (for example hexagonal) or cylindrical shape and it can have rims (from the outer end to the inner end) to create a non-slippery surface for gripping.

The connector may comprise any suitable means of removably connecting an object. For example, the connector may comprise a screw thread, a push fit, a magnet, a collet fit or an interference fit.

The arms of the tools (excluding the main functioning part of the tool (for example a brush head) can be made of plastic or metal. The arms can have surfaces of polygonal cross-section or cylindrical cross-section and these surfaces can have rims which allow for better, non-slip grip, which is especially advantageous when the tool is being used as a stand-alone item (i.e. when removed from the hair removing coil).

The hair removing coil can further comprise a removable cap (lid) which acts to cover the fixed or interchangeable tools (for example, a lweezer). This removable cap functions as a handle for the hair removing coil when in use (an alternative gripping means to the connector piece). It also functions to protect the interchangeable/fixed tools. A handle can also be fixed onto one end of the hair removing cool, with for example a removable handle covering an interchangeable tool at the other end. The hair removing coil may also further comprise a vibrator function to mitigate pain. It also may include an illuminator light to see the hairs for removal (this could be powered by battery).

The hair removing device and its interchangeable and fixed tools may be carried in a casing. The casing may be of polygonal or cylindrical shape with rims in the centre between the two connectors. The casing can further have a mirror attached. The casing functions to protect and carry the hair removing coil and would be easily fitted into a handbag of the user.

All features of the hair removing coil can be finished (including matt or gloss finish) and decorated in different colours and decorated designs so as to improve the appearance of the device.

Claims

Claims:

1. A pair of tweezers comprising;

opposing first (1) and second (2) pincer arms wherein the arms comprise a fixed end

(3) and an open end (4),

the first pincer arm (1) attached to the second pincer arm (2) at the fixed end (3), and the first pincer arm (1) is spaced: apart from the second pincer arm (2) at the open end (4),

characterised in that,

the first (1) and second (2) pincer arms comprise a body portion which comprises a first gripping portion (5), wherein the pincer arms further comprise a head (6) extending from the body portion proximate the open end to the open end

2. The pair of tweezers according to claim 1 , wherein the surface of the first gripping portion is beaded

3. The pair of tweezers according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first gripping portion comprises a second gripping portion (7) proximate the open end.

4. The pair of tweezers according to claim 3, wherein the second gripping portion tapers towards the other pincer arm.

5. The pair of tweezers according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the second gripping portion is beaded.

6. The pair of tweezers according to any preceding claim, wherein the first gripping portion comprises chamfered edges.

7. The pair of tweezers according to any preceding claim, wherein the surface of the first gripping portion is of a polygonal cross-section.

8. The pair of tweezers according to any preceding claim, wherein the first gripping portion is made of rubber or plastic.

9. The pair of tweezers according to any preceding claim, wherein the head is made of metal.

10. T e pair of tweezers according to any preceding claim, wherein the head is of u-shape and wherein the grabbing end of the head is straight.

1 1. The pair of tweezers according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer surface of the head tapers towards the other pincer arm.

12. The pair of tweezers according to any preceding claim, wherein the grabbing end of the head is pointed.

13. The pair of tweezers according to any preceding claim, wherein the grabbing end of the head is slanted.

14. The pair of tweezers according to any preceding claim, wherein the pair of tweezers further comprises a light.

15. The pair of tweezers according to any preceding claim, wherein the pair of tweezers is fixed to a hair removing coil

16. The pair of tweezers according to any preceding claim, wherein the pair of tweezers is an interchangeable tool at one or both ends of a hair removing coil.

17. The pair of tweezers according to claims 15 or 16, wherein the tweezer further comprises a removable cap.

18. A hair removing coil comprising two ends and 1) interchangeable tools arranged at both ends, or 2) an interchangeable tool arranged at one end and a fixed tool arranged at another end.

19. The hair removing coil according to claim 18, wherein the interchangeable or fixed tool is a tweezer, a brush, a comb, a make-up applicator, a make-up brush, an eyebrow pencil, a spot remover tool or a container for storing cream or gel.

20. The hair removing coil according to claim 19, wherein the interchangeable or fixed tool is a tweezer.

21. The hair removing coil according to claim 20, wherein the tweezer has a gripping surface of polygonal cross-section.

22. The hair removing coil according to any one of claims 18 to 21 , wherein the fixed and/or interchangeable tool further comprises a removable cap that functions as a handle.

23. The hair removing coil according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the interchangeable tool is connected byway of a connector.

24. The hair removing coil according to claim 23, wherein the connector comprises a screw thread, a push fit, a magnet, a collet fit or an interference fit.

25. The hair removing coil according to any one of claims 8 to 24, wherein the coil is made of metal wire.

26. The hair removing coil according to any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the coil comprises beads on the surface, has a roughened finish surface or has a smooth finished surface.

27. The hair removing coil according to any one of claims 18 to 26, wherein the coil further comprises a vibrator.

28. The hair removing coil according to any one of claims 18 to 27, wherein the coil further comprises a light.