WO2023160780A1

WO2023160780A1 - Epilating spring for hair removal

Info

Publication number: WO2023160780A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/054551
Authority: WO
Inventors: Damiano Palummo
Original assignee: Damiano Palummo
Priority date: 2022-02-23
Filing date: 2022-02-23
Publication date: 2023-08-31
Also published as: DE202023100451U1

Abstract

The invention relates to an epilating spring for hair removal, comprising a spring element (10) designed as a coil spring and having a central axis (M), as well as having an epilating region (14) with a plurality of spring windings (14) which are spaced apart from one another in the unloaded state of the spring element (10) and between which the hairs can be clamped by pressing together the spring element (10) in the axial direction by means of the handles (20, 22), and comprising cover element (20, 22) arranged at the ends (16, 18) of the spring element (10), which are connected to one another via a bracket element having respective arms (26, 28), wherein the cover elements (20, 22) and the bracket element are produced as a single part from plastic.

Description

Epilation pen for hair removal

The invention relates to an epilation spring for hair removal according to the preamble of patent claim 1 .

Such an epilation spring for hair removal is already known from WO2014/041211 A1. A spring element is provided in the form of a helical spring with a central axis, which has a depilation area with a plurality of spring coils which are spaced apart from one another when the spring element is in the unloaded state and between which the hair can be pinched by compressing the spring element in the axial direction using the handles. At the ends of the spring element are respective cover elements, by means of which the helical spring can be pressed together against its spring force.

The object of the present invention is to create an epilation spring of the type mentioned at the outset, the spring element of which can be compressed linearly in the axial direction in a particularly reliable manner and which enables simple and precise operation of the epilation spring with one hand.

This object is achieved according to the invention by an epilating spring having the features of patent claim 1 . Advantageous configurations with expedient developments of the invention are specified in the remaining patent claims.

The epilating spring according to the invention comprises a spring element which has a central axis and is designed in particular as a helical spring. The same However, it would also be conceivable for the spring element to have a triangular, square, polygonal basic shape instead of a circular basic shape. The spring element here comprises a depilation area with a plurality of spring coils which are spaced apart from one another in the unloaded state of the spring element and between which the hair can be clamped by compressing the spring element in the axial direction using the handles. Cover elements are arranged at the ends of the spring element, which are connected to one another via a bracket element having respective legs, the cover elements and the bracket element being produced in one piece from a plastic. The spring wire itself has, in particular, a square cross-section with an edge length of, for example, approximately 0.75 to 2 mm, and in particular approximately 1 to 1.5 mm. Of course, other edge lengths are conceivable. The spring windings are preferably arranged at a very small distance from one another, for example <1 mm. In this way, pinching of the skin between the spring coils can be avoided, in particular when the spring element is actuated.

According to the invention, it is provided that the two cover elements are connected via a clip element that is made of a plastic material in one piece with the cover element. In this case, the cover elements merge into legs of the bracket element, or the cover elements are designed as part of the legs—at their ends. The advantage of such a clip element is that it can be used to compress the spring element linearly in the axial direction of the helical spring with the help of the cover elements, so that the individual coils of the spring element lie exactly against one another in the epilation area. This enables a particularly reliable epilation that is gentle on the skin. In this way, incorrect operation by the user can be ruled out.

In addition, the bracket element enables particularly good handling of the relatively small spring element.

The one-piece design of the bracket element and the cover elements made of a plastic enables the epilating spring to be manufactured at low cost. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the legs of the bracket element run at least substantially parallel to one another at a corresponding distance when the spring element is in the unloaded or loaded state, with the legs being connected to one another via a connecting region on their side opposite the spring element. The at least substantially parallel course of the legs makes it possible that, due to the geometric shape of the bracket element, at least essentially no transverse forces are introduced into the spring element, so that the spring element can be compressed particularly exactly linearly in the axial direction of the helical spring, whereby the individual turns of the spring element fit exactly together in the epilation area. This enables the desired reliable epilation that is gentle on the skin.

Since this compression takes place in the axial direction of the spring element, the skin cannot be pinched between the respective spring coils, for example. In addition, there is a particularly large depilation area of the spring element, by means of which hair can be depilated. In addition, by compressing the spring element in the axial direction, it is possible to operate the entire depilation spring with just one hand. With the spring element compressed, the hair can then be plucked out in a simple manner by the depilation spring or in particular its depilation area being lifted off the skin to be depilated and moved away. By relieving the spring element by at least substantially removing the pressure on the spring element, the initial state is then produced, in which the corresponding partial spring areas or spring coils are again spaced apart from one another at least in the epilation area. In this way, the plucked hairs can be removed from the depilation spring, for example by beating them out, blowing them out with your mouth or the like.

Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous that the connection area is designed as an arc with a chord which corresponds to the distance between the two legs. This also ensures that, due to the geometric shape of the bracket element, at least essentially no transverse forces are exerted on the spring element be initiated, so that the spring element can be linearly compressed particularly exactly in the axial direction of the coil spring.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the legs extend at least over 50%, and in particular over 70%, and further in particular over 90% of the length of the bracket element. This also causes the spring element to be compressed linearly in a particularly precise manner in the axial direction of the helical spring.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the outer diameter of the cover elements is adapted to the outer diameter of the spring element or the outer diameters of the cover elements and the spring element are at least essentially identical. As a result, the depilation area of the spring element can be placed parallel to a surface of a skin to be depilated over a corresponding length.

In this context, it has also been shown to be advantageous if the width of the legs of the bracket element—at least in the transition between the cover elements and the associated legs—corresponds at least substantially to the diameter of the cover element. The width of the legs can also taper towards the connection area.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the cover elements have respective plug-in pegs, the outer diameter of which is adapted to the inner diameter of the spring element, with the spring element having between 1.5 and 2.5 winding turns at both ends and the plug-in pegs being at least essentially the same in their axial length Correspond length of the adjacent turns. The abutting at least 1.5 to 2.5 winding turns produce a particularly durable plug-in connection between the spring element and the respective plug-in pin of the cover elements. Nevertheless, due to the plug-in connections, the cover elements can be removed from the spring element, for example in order to clean or replace the spring element. By combining the adjacent spring windings and the plug-in pin, an accumulation of plucked hairs is avoided in this area.

Such a configuration can also be provided for cover elements which are not connected to one another via a bracket element, but rather are formed separately from one another, analogously to the subject matter described in WO2014/041211 A1. With regard to this subject matter, the disclosure of WO2014/041211 A1 is to be regarded as expressly included.

Furthermore, it has been shown to be advantageous if the axial length of the plug-in pins corresponds at most to the length of 2.5, and in particular 2, adjacent turns. On the one hand, this creates a particularly favorable plug-in connection between the plug-in pins of the cover elements and the spring element, while on the other hand the cover elements can be easily removed from the spring element. Gathering hairs between the windings in the area of the plug-in pins are also avoided.

It is also advantageous if the spring element is connected to the plug-in pins in an easily detachable manner. Easily detachable is to be understood here as meaning that the cover elements can be removed from the spring element by means of a sufficient force, in particular one that can be applied manually. On the other hand, however, the plug-in pins of the cover elements should be held on the spring element with a sufficiently large force so that the cover elements and the spring element do not become detached from one another when the epilating spring is manipulated.

As an alternative to the easily detachable arrangement of the cover elements on the spring element, fixing the cover elements on the spring element, for example by joining, would also be conceivable.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that respective handle structures are provided on the outside of the legs in the area of the cover elements. This results in a particularly favorable handling of the epilating spring. In this context, it has also been shown to be advantageous that the respective handle structures are formed by webs running transversely to the legs. Webs of this type allow the depilation spring to be handled without slipping in a simple manner.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the connecting area has a smaller wall thickness than the two legs, at least in some areas. As a result, the spring element can be actuated with a comparatively small handling force.

It is also advantageous if the wall thickness is reduced in the transition area of the legs to the connection area. This results in an advantageous transition between the legs and the connection area.

Finally, it has proven to be advantageous if the legs are reinforced by webs. This results in a particularly favorable torsional rigidity of the legs.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention result from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments and from the drawings; these show in:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the epilation spring for hair removal, with a spring element designed as a helical spring, at the ends of which are arranged cover elements which are connected to one another via a bracket element having respective legs, the cover elements and the bracket element being made in one piece from a plastic are;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the depilation spring according to FIG. 1 , in which the legs of the clip element run at least essentially parallel to one another at a distance and are connected to one another via an arcuate connecting region;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the depilating spring of Figures 1 and 2; 4 shows a side view of a second embodiment of the depilating spring;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view and a side view of a third one

Embodiment of the epilating spring; and

6 shows a perspective view and a side view of a fourth embodiment of the depilating spring.

1, 2 and 3 show a first embodiment of an epilation spring for hair removal, particularly in the face and head area, in a perspective view, a side view and a plan view. This epilating spring essentially comprises a spring element 10 which is designed as a helical spring with a central axis M in the present case. As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the spring element 10 designed as a helical spring comprises a plurality of spring coils 12. At least in a central depilation area 14, these spring coils 12 are in the unloaded state of the spring element 10 shown here, i.e. when there is no axial manual pressure on it is exerted, spaced from each other by a respective distance a (Fig.2), which is preferably less than 1 mm. In the present case, the spring wire of the metallic helical spring has a rectangular or square cross section. However, other cross sections are also conceivable. Likewise, other basic forms are conceivable instead of the circular helical spring here. In particular, a polygonal, for example triangular, hexagonal or octagonal basic shape of the spring element 10 is conceivable.

As can also be seen from Figs. 1 to 3, respective cover elements 20, 22 are attached to the respective ends 16, 18 of the spring element 10 or the helical spring, which are made of plastic in the present case and their diameter corresponds to the diameter of the helical spring or of the spring element 10 are adjusted. Accordingly, the outer diameter of the spring element 10 is at least essentially equal to the outer diameter of the cover elements 20, 22. In the present case, the two handles 20, 22 are designed as disk elements. Since the cover elements 20, 22 in their outer diameter equal to that are outer diameters of the spring element 10, the epilation area 14 can be placed over a corresponding length parallel to a surface of a skin to be depilated.

With other basic shapes of the spring element 10, other shapes of the cover elements 20, 22 are therefore also conceivable, with these being at least essentially identical in their basic shape to the basic shape of the spring element 10.

Furthermore, it can be seen from FIGS. 1 to 3 that the cover elements 20, 22 are connected to one another in one piece via a bracket element 24 and are made of a plastic. The bracket element 24 comprises respective legs 26, 28, which are connected to one another via a connection area 30 on the side facing away from the spring element 10 or the cover elements 20, 22.

In the present case, the legs 26, 28 of the bracket element 24 in the unloaded or loaded state of the spring element 10 run at least essentially parallel to one another at a distance s. The at least essentially parallel course of the legs 26, 28 makes it possible, due to the geometric shape of the bracket element 24 at least essentially no transverse forces are introduced into the spring element 10, so that the spring element 10 can be compressed particularly exactly linearly in the axial direction of the central axis M, whereby the individual turns 12 of the spring element 10 in the epilation area lie exactly against one another. This enables the desired reliable epilation that is gentle on the skin.

The essentially semi-annular connection area 30 is therefore designed as an arc with a chord which corresponds to the distance s between the two legs 26, 28. A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the legs extend at least over 50%, and in particular over 70%, and further in particular over 90% of the length of the bracket element. This also causes the spring element to be compressed linearly in a particularly precise manner in the axial direction of the helical spring. This also ensures that due to the geometric shape of the bracket element 24, at least essentially no transverse forces are introduced into the spring element, so that the spring element 10 can be compressed particularly exactly linearly in the axial direction of the helical spring.

In particular, Fig. 1 and 3 also show that the width of the legs 26, 28 of the bracket element 24 - in the transition between the cover elements 20, 22 and the associated legs 26, 28 - corresponds at least essentially to the diameter of the respective cover element 20, 22 . Starting from the transition between the cover elements 20, 22 and the associated legs 26, 28, these can also taper in width towards the connecting region 30, as is clear from FIG. 3, for example.

The connection area 30 has a smaller wall thickness than the two legs 26, 28, at least in some areas. In addition, the wall thickness can be reduced in the transition area of the legs 26, 28 to the connection area. As a result, the legs 26, 28 can be pressed together particularly easily in order to bring the spring coils 12 of the spring element 10 into mutual contact in order to pinch the hair.

On the outside of the legs 26, 28, in the vicinity of the cover elements 20, 22, respective handle structures 32 are provided, which are formed here by webs 34 running transversely to the legs 26, 28. These webs 34 can, for example, be arc-shaped with their center axially of the cover elements 20, 22, or else linear.

FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of the bracket element 24 with the omitted spring element 10, which essentially corresponds to the embodiment according to FIGS. Accordingly, only special features or particularly easily recognizable details of this embodiment will be discussed below.

As can be seen particularly well from Fig. 4, the clip element 24 shown, as well as all other embodiments shown here, has plug-in pins 36, 38 on the cover elements 20, 22, which in their outer diameter match the inner diameter of the spring element 10 are adjusted. The spring element 10 can thus be easily detached onto the plug-in pins 36, 38 plugged on, but still fixed sufficiently firmly to the respective plug-in pins 36, 38 in everyday use.

In combination with the first exemplary embodiment, it is also clear that in the spring element 10 at both ends between 1.5 and 2.5 coil turns, in this case in particular 1.5 coil turns of the spring coils 12 bear against one another. In this case, as can be seen in particular from FIGS. 1 and 2, the plug-in pins 36, 38 correspond in their axial length I at least essentially to the length of the adjacent turns. The combination of the spring coils lying against one another and the plug-in pins avoids an accumulation of plucked hairs in this area.

In terms of their axial length I, the plug-in pins 36, 38 can correspond at most to the length of 2.5, and in particular 1.5, of the adjacent turns.

5 and 6 show two further embodiments of the depilation spring with the spring element 10 omitted, ie therefore the bracket element 24, this essentially corresponding to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 4. Accordingly, only special features or particularly easily recognizable details of this embodiment will be discussed below.

In particular, it can be seen from Figs. 5 and 6 that the legs 26, 28 are reinforced by webs 40, which either rise or fall obliquely over the course of the legs 26, 28 (Fig. 5), or are constant (Fig. 6)

The handling of the epilating spring is preferably carried out by gripping the bracket element 24 with one hand, with the thumb and forefinger gripping the two legs 26 , 28 in the area of the handle structures 32 , for example. By squeezing and releasing the legs 26, 28, the spring coils of the spring element 10 can be compressed in a simple manner, so that they come into contact with one another, or are spaced apart again. The distance s between the legs 26, 28 or the length of the spring element 10 is preferably between approximately 1.5 cm and approximately 4 cm. In the present exemplary embodiments, the spring element 10 is approximately 2 cm long. This Length has proven to be particularly advantageous since the epilation spring can be conveniently operated by both women and men, regardless of the size of the operator's hand.

1 and 2 show the depilation area 14 in the unloaded state of the spring element 10, ie when the depilation spring is held by the respective operator via the two legs 26, 28, but is not subjected to any appreciable pressure. In this unloaded state it can be seen that the respective spring coils 12 are arranged at a distance a of, for example, about 1 mm from one another. In this unstressed state, the depilation area 14 can be placed in a simple manner on the surface of a skin to be depilated. Corresponding hairs, which protrude from the skin, protrude into the respective intermediate spaces of the spring coils 12 spaced apart from one another. It can also be seen that the spring element 10 or the depilation area 14 has a correspondingly straight extension with a central axis M. As a result, the depilation area 14 can be placed parallel to the skin 32 over a corresponding length.

Furthermore, the spring element 10 is now compressed in that a corresponding pressure is exerted on the spring element 10 by means of the legs 26, 28 by means of the fingers, in particular the thumb and the index finger. It can be seen that this pressure is exerted on the spring element 10 by the special shape of the bracket element 24 essentially in the axial direction, ie parallel or coaxial to the central axis M of the latter. As a result, the distance a between the spring coils 12 is reduced or eliminated, so that the hair 34 is clamped between the respective clamping surfaces of the spring coils 12 . It can be seen that the respective spring coils 12 have a substantially rectangular and in particular square cross-section, at least in the depilation area 14 . This enables the corresponding clamping surfaces, which enable large-scale and not just punctiform or linear pinching of the respective hair. Of course, the spring coils 12, which are preferably made of a rust-free metal, are correspondingly free of burrs at their edges or possibly also have a slight radius. However, it is essential that appropriate clamping surfaces are available so that the hair can be reliably pinched between the respective spring coils 12.

Finally, the hair is plucked out by applying an appropriate pull-off force. It is clear that, for this purpose, as before, corresponding compressive forces must be applied to the spring element 10 via the legs 26 , 28 , so that the hair is still reliably clamped between the spring windings 12 . After the hair has been plucked out, the force applied by the fingers, preferably the thumb and the forefinger, can be removed so that the spring element 10 in the epilation area 14 relaxes again. Thus, in turn, the respective distances a between the spring coils 10 are achieved, so that the plucked hair can be removed.

In another embodiment, not shown here, it would also be conceivable to use an epilating spring, as described in WO2014/041211 A1, which can be clipped with the cover elements/handles shown there to the respective legs of a bracket element. Thus, the clip element could easily be clipped to the depilation spring according to WO2014/041211 A1 in order to obtain a depilation spring according to the present invention.

Reference List

10 spring element

12 spring coil

14 epilation area

16 end of spring element 10

18 end of spring element 10

20 lid element

22 lid element

24 bracket element

26 leg of the bracket element 26

28 leg of the bracket element 26

30 connection area of the bracket element 26

32 grip structures

34 bars

36 spigots

38 spigots

40 webs a distance s distance

l length

M central axis

Claims

CLAIMS: Depilation spring for hair removal, with a spring element (10) which has a central axis (M) and is designed as a helical spring, which has an epilation region (14) with a plurality of spring windings (12) which are separated from one another when the spring element (10) is in the unloaded state are spaced apart and between which the hair can be clamped by compressing the spring element (10) in the axial direction by means of the handles (20, 22), and with cover elements (20, 22) arranged at the ends (16, 18) of the spring element (10), characterized in that the cover elements (20, 22) are connected to one another via a bracket element (24) having respective legs (26, 28), the cover elements (20, 22) and the bracket element (24) being produced in one piece from a plastic. The epilating spring as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the legs (26, 28) of the clip element (24) run at least substantially parallel to one another at a distance (s) in the unloaded or loaded state of the spring element (10) and via a connecting region (30) are connected to each other. Depilation spring according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting region (30) is designed as an arc with a chord which corresponds to the distance (s) between the two legs (26, 28). Epilation spring according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the legs (26, 28) extend at least over 50%, and in particular over 70%, and more particularly over 90% of the length of the bracket element (24). The depilation spring as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer diameter of the cover elements (20, 22) is at least substantially equal to the outer diameter of the spring element (10), as a result of which the depilation region (14) extends parallel over a corresponding length on a surface of a depilating skin (32) can be placed. The epilating spring as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the width of the arms (26, 28) of the clip element (24) corresponds at least substantially to the diameter of the respective cover element (20, 22). The epilating spring as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover elements (20, 22) have respective plug-in pins (36, 38), the outside diameter of which is adapted to the inside diameter of the spring element (10), with the spring element (10) at both ends between 1.5 and 2.5 turns abut one another and the plug-in pins (36, 38) correspond in their axial length (I) at least essentially to the length of the turns abutting one another. The epilating spring as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the axial length (I) of the plug-in pins (36, 38) corresponds at most to the length of 2.5, and in particular 1.5, turns of the spring coils 12 lying against one another. Epilation spring according to claim that characterized in that the spring element (10) is connected to the plug-in pins (36, 38) in an easily detachable manner. The epilating spring as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that respective handle structures (32) are provided on the outside of the legs (26, 28) in the region of the cover elements (20, 22). An epilating pen according to claim 10, characterized in that the respective handle structures (32) are formed by linear webs (34) running transversely to the legs (26, 28). Epilation spring according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting region (30) has a smaller wall thickness than the two legs (26, 28), at least in certain regions. The epilating spring as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the wall thickness is reduced in the transition area (30) of the legs (26, 28) to the connection area (30). Depilation spring according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the legs (26, 28) are reinforced by webs (40). Epilation spring according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (10) is designed as a helical spring or with a polygonal, in particular triangular, square or octagonal basic shape.