EP0394105B1 - Depilating apparatus - Google Patents

Depilating apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0394105B1
EP0394105B1 EP90401006A EP90401006A EP0394105B1 EP 0394105 B1 EP0394105 B1 EP 0394105B1 EP 90401006 A EP90401006 A EP 90401006A EP 90401006 A EP90401006 A EP 90401006A EP 0394105 B1 EP0394105 B1 EP 0394105B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
blades
head
depilator
movement
skin
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP90401006A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0394105A1 (en
Inventor
Jacques Demeester
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Braun GmbH
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Braun GmbH
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Priority to AT90401006T priority Critical patent/ATE89979T1/en
Publication of EP0394105A1 publication Critical patent/EP0394105A1/en
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Publication of EP0394105B1 publication Critical patent/EP0394105B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D26/00—Hair-singeing apparatus; Apparatus for removing superfluous hair, e.g. tweezers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D26/00—Hair-singeing apparatus; Apparatus for removing superfluous hair, e.g. tweezers
    • A45D26/0066—Tweezers
    • A45D26/0071—Tweezers the hair being extracted automatically, i.e. without manual traction by the user
    • A45D26/0076—Tweezers the hair being extracted automatically, i.e. without manual traction by the user power-driven

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to small depilatory devices capable of being held in the hand to remove excess hair.
  • patent FR 2,395,724 describes an apparatus of this type.
  • the effectiveness of this device is satisfactory, since each hairs grasped are pulled out by a pulling movement exerted perpendicularly to the skin.
  • the performance of this device is extremely limited. Indeed, the hairs do not easily engage between the pliers and are rather pressed against the skin by the movement of the pliers.
  • the present invention aims to achieve a small hair removal device which is designed so as to be able to pull out a large quantity of hairs, but with the advantages of vertical pulling, without breaking the hair.
  • the design of the present device is such that it combines the advantages of a prior combing of the hairs before they are grasped and of a subsequent pulling approximately perpendicular to the surface of the skin.
  • the displacement of the movable blades roughly parallel to the surface of the skin ensures a prior combing of the hairs facilitating their engagement between these blades thanks to the orientation which is thus given to them.
  • the effectiveness of pulling out the hairs this results from the fact that the traction exerted on them after gripping takes place roughly perpendicular to the surface of the skin, and not laterally as is the case in current hair removal devices.
  • the mechanical means for driving the floating depilation head are capable of imparting to it a variable speed during its complex movement of translation and recoil, so that the speed of this head d epilation becomes zero when the pliers are closed and then grows during the recoil movement of this head.
  • the floating epilation head is coupled with one of the ends of a drive arm which, at rest, is substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the free edges of the movable blades, and in an intermediate point the length of which is coupled an actuating finger carried by a crank plate driven in rotation by the motor of the device.
  • This actuating finger can then be engaged inside a slide provided in the drive arm and which has a particular profile determining the nature of the movement imparted to this arm.
  • Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a hair removal device according to the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of its epilation head according to line II-II of FIG. 1.
  • Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the actuation means of the drive arm of the epilation head.
  • FIG. 4 represents a curve illustrating the movements of the epilation head during the use of the this device.
  • FIGS 5 to 8 are diagrams similar to Figure 3 and which correspond to different alternative embodiments.
  • Figures 9 and 10 are schematic perspective views illustrating two other alternative embodiments.
  • Figure 11 is a schematic top plan view of a particular embodiment of the hair removal device according to the invention.
  • Figures 12 and 13 are partial views in vertical section of the epilation head of this device, these views illustrating two different cases of use.
  • Figures 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views of two alternative embodiments of the epilation head of the present apparatus.
  • Figures 16 and 17 are partial views in longitudinal section of the epilation head provided in another embodiment, these views illustrating two different cases of use.
  • Figure 18 is a schematic view of yet another embodiment of the epilation head of an apparatus according to the invention.
  • Figure 19 is a schematic elevational view of yet another embodiment.
  • Figure 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment.
  • Figures 21 and 22 are diagrams illustrating two different modes of operation of the pinch blades provided in this embodiment.
  • Figures 23 and 24 are diagrams illustrating a particular variant of the actuation means of the drive arm of the epilation head.
  • the appliance represented in FIGS. 1 to 3 comprises a depilation head designated by the reference general 1. This is arranged at one end of a small box 2 which can be held in the hand.
  • the latter contains an electric motor 3 for driving the mechanical members of the epilation head, as well as batteries 4 for supplying this motor.
  • the epilation head 1 is surrounded by a cover 5 attached to the corresponding end of the housing 2 and which has an opening 6 through which slightly protrude the free edges of a series of blades 7 constituting the gripping pliers and d pulling out the hairs to be removed. These blades are arranged side by side and parallel to each other on the same support 8. The latter is mounted floating on the corresponding end of the housing 2 while being connected to the latter by spring blades 9.
  • the outer edges pinch blades 7 extend approximately in the same plane XX ′, corresponding to the work plane of the present epilation head, this plane being intended to be placed parallel to the surface of the skin and to very little distance from it.
  • the free edges of the blades 7 may have a slightly curved profile and tangent to the plane XX ′, as is the case in the example shown in FIG. 1.
  • the blades 7 each have the shape of an arch, the lateral branches of which are arranged on either side of two projecting edges 10 carried by the movable support 8.
  • the mounting of these blades on these edges is such that they can pivot , at their foot, around a series of parallel axes Y-Y '.
  • these blades 7 are alternately coupled with two control bars, respectively 11a and 11b which are able to rotate them in one direction and in the other. These two bars are arranged one on the other between the two edges 10 of the movable support 8.
  • Each of them has a small yoke 12a or 12b inside which is engaged a projecting tooth 13a or 13b of the blade corresponding 7a or 7b.
  • the clamping surface of the blades then depends on the shape of the free outer edge of these blades. This makes it possible to define a very good pinch and a good regularity on a very small surface without particular machining precision.
  • each of the control bars 11a and 11b projects at one or the other end of the epilation head 1 and comprises at the end a roller 14a or 14b disposed against the corresponding internal walls of the cover 5.
  • a spring 15, interposed between the two bars 14a and 14b as shown in Figure 2 tends to maintain these two bars in a position such that the outer edges 7a and 7b are spaced from each other as shown in Figure 2 , which ensures the opening of the grippers.
  • the drive means for the floating depilation head 1 comprise an actuating arm 16. At rest, the latter is substantially perpendicular to the plane XX 'defined by the free edges of the blades 7.
  • the movable support 8 of these is coupled to the corresponding end 17 of this actuating arm. To this end, this support is articulated, by means of an axis 8, on a lug 19 carried by this end.
  • the opposite end 20 of the actuating arm 16 is slidably mounted in the axial direction inside a ball joint 21 which is articulated in a fixed seat 22 provided in the housing 2.
  • a thrust spring 23 tends to hold the arm 16 and the floating depilation head 1 in a position for which the outer edges of the blades 7 are placed in the plane XX 'or are tangent to this plane.
  • the actuating arm 16 comprises a slide 24 inside which is engaged a control finger 25 carried by a crank plate 26 driven in rotation by the motor 3 of the device.
  • control finger 25 when the control finger 25 reaches the position 25b, it reaches the bottom of the slide 24 and from this moment the continued rotation of the crank plate 26 has the effect that the control finger 25 drives with it the actuating arm 16 according to arrow F2 until this finger reaches its position 25c. This then causes a movement of recoil to the whole of the floating epilation head, and this approximately perpendicular to the plane XX '.
  • control finger 25 passes from its position 25d to its initial position 25a, it then simply moves inside the slide 24 by imparting a pivoting movement to the actuating arm 16. This therefore results in a new translation of the epilation head according to arrow F1, and so on.
  • Figure 4 shows the rest of a curve illustrating the different displacements of the epilation head 1 during the use of the device.
  • the part drawn by two parallel lines represents the entire stroke during which the grippers are open.
  • the part drawn in solid lines it represents the race during which these same clamps are closed.
  • This closure begins at point B located shortly before point C designating the start of the recoil of the gripping head, this closure ending at point D which corresponds to the end of this recoil movement.
  • the opening of the clamps it begins at this point D and ends at point B mentioned above.
  • the EAC portion of the curve in FIG. 4 represents the displacement carried out in translation parallel to the plane XX ', the point A corresponding to the position represented at Figures 1 and 2.
  • the portion DE represents the return of the epilation head in the vicinity of the plane XX '.
  • control means acting on the two strips 11a and 11b for actuating the blades 7 in order to rotate them in the opposite direction at the desired time to close and open the gripping pliers formed by these blades are also provided.
  • the internal walls of the cover 5 comprise ramps 27a and 27b which are capable of acting on the ends of one and the other bars 11a and 11b.
  • the profile of these cams is such that they cause the gripping pliers to close before the recoil movement imparted to the epilation head 1 and the maintenance of this closure during this entire movement, then a further opening of the pliers during the return of the epilation head to its initial position, and maintaining this opening until shortly before the execution of a new recoil movement by the epilation head.
  • Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment means for driving the floating depilation head.
  • the shape of the slide 24a provided in the corresponding actuating arm 16a is such that the driving speed of the epilation head is variable during the various phases of the movement of the latter. More specifically, the profile of this slide is designed so that the translational movement parallel to the plane XX 'is canceled out during the closing of the clamps and before the backward movement ensuring the pulling of the hairs takes place. This makes it possible to increase the efficiency of pulling out the hairs.
  • the clamping of the clamps being carried out without shock or displacement in translation of the blades, the hair is pinched gently and without risk of being broken. But in this order of idea, it would be possible to provide any other suitable profile for the slide of the drive shaft so as to obtain various speed variations between the different movements printed on the epilation head.
  • FIG. 6 represents another variant in which the slide provided in the previous embodiments is replaced by an opening 24b having a rectangular outline, the control finger 25 carried by the rotary plate 26 being engaged in this opening.
  • the particular shape of this has the effect that the recoil movement imparted to the epilation head is more frank than in the previous embodiments, and that the pulling of the hairs is carried out according to a movement actually perpendicular to the plane. of the epilation head.
  • the finger 25 reaches the end of the rectangular opening 24b, it is caused to slide against the edge of this opening in the direction opposite to the epilation head.
  • the epilating head drive arm 16c has no slide or the like and the corresponding actuating finger 25c is simply rotatably mounted inside. 'a circular hole 24c provided in this drive arm.
  • the arrangement thus provided makes it possible to impart, to the epilation head, an elliptical movement ensuring the same operation as in the other embodiments, that is to say both a movement approximately in the plane working XX 'of the epilation head and a backward movement in relation to this plane.
  • the backward movement can be carried out at different times from the execution of the translational movement carried out parallel to the plane XX '. In the examples described above, this backward movement takes place when the epilation head has reached the end of its stroke to the right of FIG. 1. However, it would be possible to provide an arrangement of the drive means which would be such that this backward movement occurs, on the contrary, in the middle of the translation stroke effected parallel to the plane XX ′, or even at any other appropriate time in this translation stroke.
  • the system constituted by the combination of a crank plate and an actuating finger articulated in the drive arm of the epilation head could be replaced by any other mechanical system capable of ensuring the same combination of movements, that is to say on the one hand a movement carried out approximately in a plane parallel to the plane XX 'and a movement of recoil approximately perpendicular to this plane.
  • the epilation head 1 can be coupled to one of the ends of a drive arm 16d, the opposite end of which is articulated at 30 on a rotary plate 26d driven by the motor. of the device. Furthermore, at an intermediate point along its length, the drive arm carries a lug 31 which is engaged inside a fixed circular guide slide 32. Thanks to this arrangement, part of the movement of the epilation head takes place roughly in the plane XX ', and this is accompanied by a movement of recoil relative to this plane. But again many other drive mechanisms can be used to provide the desired movements for the epilation head.
  • the arm 16 for driving the epilation head can be replaced by two arms linked simply by their similar movement in the plane XX ', but having opposite movements on the axis YY' which would ensure that the blades are pinched by actuation of their respective bars.
  • the movement of the arms on this axis YY ' would be created by kinematics linked to the rotation of the crank plate so as to trigger the pinching always at the same point of the trajectory in the plane XX', periodically.
  • the drive arms can have a particular geometry: scissors, trapezoid, with rotation so as to create this movement. This particular case is advantageously suitable for an epilating appliance comprising a single plucking pliers, the epilation head thus being simpler to produce.
  • the means for controlling the pivoting of the blades 7, forming gripping pliers could be replaced by any other means capable of playing the same role during the various movements of the floating epilation head.
  • the pinching blades 7 instead of being pivotally mounted at their feet, the pinching blades 7 could be integral with the two bars ensuring their actuation. Thus the movement in the opposite direction of these would control the tightening and the spacing of these blades by simple translational movement.
  • the arrangement of the means for driving the epilation head 1 could be such that these print on this head a trajectory of elliptical shape, very flat.
  • some of the blades could be fixed, the others remaining mobile so as to be applied against the fixed blades in the closed position of the clamps formed by these blades.
  • one clamp in two could be fixed and one in two mobile.
  • all the clamps 7a could be fixed, the corresponding bar 11a then simply serving them as a fixed support, and not as an actuating member.
  • the nature of the movement of the movable blades could be different. Instead of being pivoting, as provided in the example of FIGS. 1 to 4, these blades could be movable in translation for ensure the closure of the clips formed by them. However, this closure could also be achieved by bending the working ends of these blades, or at least one blade in two.
  • pinch blades or at least some of them could comprise, at their periphery, a lining or lining elements, made of a material adhering to human hair.
  • the function of such trim elements is to further improve the combing of the hairs by the device before they are gripped between the nip blades.
  • these protective blades can also include, at their periphery, a lining or elements of lining, of a material adhering to human hair.
  • FIG. 9 it represents a variant in which two separate depilation heads 1e and 1f are provided which are similar, in their design and arrangement, to the depilation head 1 provided in the embodiment shown in the figures 1 and 2.
  • the drive means of these two epilation heads are then such that they are driven by movements of the same kind, but with a time shift so as to be symmetrical.
  • these drive means may comprise a rotary plate 26e on one and the other faces of which articulate drive arms 16e and 16f, and this at two diametrically opposite points.
  • One end of these drive arms is coupled to the support 8e or 8f of one and the other epilation heads, while their opposite drive end is slidably mounted in an articulated ball joint 21e or 21f.
  • the arrangement provided in this particular form of realization has the advantage of avoiding the jolts that can occur in the case where there is only one epilation head.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment in which two separate depilation heads are also provided (not shown), but which is designed so that these are driven by movements of the same nature, but taking place reverse.
  • the drive arms 16g and 16h of these two epilation heads are articulated, at an intermediate point of their length, on two rotary plates 33g and 33h which are rotated in opposite directions by a pinion 34 angle return.
  • the ends of the two drive arms, which are opposite to the epilation heads are slidably mounted in articulated ball joints 21.
  • the arrangement thus provided has the advantage of also avoiding the jolts which can occur in the case where there is only one epilation head.
  • FIG. 11 to 13 illustrate a particular embodiment in which a protective grid, designated by the general reference 35, is associated with the epilation head of the corresponding device.
  • the transverse elements 36 of this grid are arranged between two successive pairs of complementary pinching blades 7a and 7b, as shown in FIG. 11.
  • this grid rests on springs 37 which tend to keep it in a position such that the edges of the transverse elements 36 of this grid are projecting from a distance h relative to the free edges of the pinching blades 7a and 7b (see FIG. 12).
  • the user can "dose” the action of the device by applying it more or less strongly against the skin.
  • he can simply place the device in contact with the skin so that the pinch blades have no action. Then he can press the device harder to bring in the pinch blades. But as soon as the operation of pulling out the hairs proves painful, the operator need only release the pressure exerted on the device to interrupt the action of the pinching blades.
  • the device corresponding to this embodiment is more suitable for being used for depilation of certain areas of the skin which are particularly sensitive.
  • Figure 14 illustrates another embodiment which is also designed to allow a progressive action of the device.
  • the corresponding epilation head 1i comprises a series of protective blades 38, each of which is disposed between two successive pairs of pinching blades 7a, 7b.
  • These protective blades 38 are arranged in the same orientation. However, they are mounted on springs 39 which tend to maintain them normally in a position for which their free edge protrudes relative to the free edge of the pinch blades 7a and 7b, and this in approximately the same conditions as it was case for the transverse elements 36 of the protective grid 35 of the embodiment according to FIGS. 11 to 13.
  • FIG. 15 represents another embodiment corresponding to the same general design. The only difference lies in the fact that the protective blades 38, mounted on a spring, are replaced by protective blades 38j having a particular cutout 40 allowing their contraction, and consequently their erasure, when the epilation head 7j is pressed. against the skin. The operation is therefore the same as in the previous embodiment.
  • FIGS 16 to 17 illustrate yet another embodiment which is also designed to allow progressive action of the device.
  • the protective blades 38j are replaced by protective blades 38k capable of bending when the corresponding epilation head 7k is pressed against the skin (see figure 17).
  • these protective blades 38k are made of a material capable of bending under the effect of such pressure.
  • the height of these blades is such that the free edge of these normally protrudes from the free edge of the pinch blades 7a and 7b as shown in FIG. 16. Consequently, when the epilation head 7k is applied against the skin the pinch blades 7a and 7b are inactive until the user presses the device.
  • FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment in which the depilation head 1 l of the corresponding apparatus comprises only two pinching blades 7 l and 7 m. At an intermediate point of their length, these two blades are articulated one on the other about an axis 41 so that their working ends 42 can be clamped one against the other in the position of closing of the clamp thus formed.
  • the means for actuating these two blades are arranged so as to act on their opposite ends 43 as shown diagrammatically by the arrows F1 and F2.
  • This particular arrangement of the means for actuating the nipping blades has the advantage of clearing the working end of the device. Consequently, this end can take the form of a kind of rod of reduced section which is carried by the housing of the device. This allows it to be used for certain specific applications, for example for eyebrow waxing.
  • FIG. 19 it represents yet another embodiment which differs from the previous by the nature of the drive means of the corresponding epilation head 1n.
  • these drive means comprise an operating arm 16n articulated at an intermediate point of its length around a fixed axis 44 and the opposite end of which is articulated at 25n on a rotary plate of drive 26n.
  • the arrangement is such that the depilation head 1n thus follows a trajectory comprising successively a first curved part tangent to the working surface XY of the apparatus, then a second part deviating from this surface and then returning to close to this one.
  • At least some of the additional blades (38, 38j) of the skin protection can participate in the pinching of the hairs to be plucked.
  • the protective blades would not be retractable, but the pinching blades are mounted movable so that they can be brought into a projecting position relative to the protective blades, actuation means being provided for controlling the movement of the pinch blades in this position to put them into service.
  • Figures 20-22 show yet another embodiment, which is designed to allow also delayed entry of the pinch blades.
  • the mounting of the two corresponding series of nipping blades 7c and 7d differs from the mounting provided in Figures 1 to 3, in that the blades 7d of one of the two series can be placed slightly behind to the blades 7c of the other series by a distance d (see FIG. 21) or, on the contrary in agreement.
  • the clamps formed by these two series of blades are inactive, while in the second they are active.
  • the axes 45 of articulation thereof on the edges 10 of the support 8 are made of elastic material. Furthermore, the bar 11d for actuating these blades 7d has a certain clearance clearance 8 in the direction F relative to the bar 11c actuating the blades 7c, and a pusher 46 is provided for moving the bar 11d in the direction of arrow F. This pusher is carried by a sort of sleeve 47 mounted to slide on the drive arm 16 of the present epilation head.
  • This sleeve in one direction and in the other, can be controlled by means of a sliding crosspiece 48 capable of being actuated by hand, the latter comprising two ramps 48a and 48b capable of acting in the opposite direction on a lug 49 carried by the sleeve 47.
  • a bent elastic blade 50 immobilizes the sleeve 47 in each of its useful positions.
  • FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate a particular variant of the actuating means of the arm 16 for driving the epilation head of this device.
  • the crank plate which carries the control finger 25 of this arm, is constituted by a pinion 26 o meshing with the internal toothing of a fixed crown 51.
  • This pinion is driven in movement by a crank pin 52 pivoting around a central axis 53 (see Figure 24).
  • the pinion 26 o and the fixed crown 51 constitute a hypocycloidal mechanism which imparts to the control finger 25 a trajectory of very particular shape, illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24, which determines a movement also very particular of the head. epilation of the corresponding device.

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Abstract

This apparatus comprises a depilating head (1) comprising a series of movable blades (7) forming a plurality of clamps for grasping and uprooting the hairs to be removed. This depilating head is coupled to mechanical drive means capable of imparting to it on the one hand a movement of translation approximately in a plane (X-X') parallel to that defined by the free edges of the mobile blades (7) forming the gripping clamps, and along an axis parallel to the same edges, and on the other hand during this movement of translation a movement of withdrawal with respect to this plane, along an axis (Z-Z') perpendicular to the latter. Furthermore, means of actuating the mobile gripping blades (7) are provided to ensure the closure of the corresponding clamps before the withdrawal movement of the depilating head, and then opening them again until their next closure before a new withdrawal of the depilating head. <??>This apparatus is intended to be used for depilating unwanted hairs. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention concerne les petits appareils à épiler susceptibles d'être tenus à la main pour procéder à l'élimination des poils superflus.The present invention relates to small depilatory devices capable of being held in the hand to remove excess hair.

Il existe déjà un certain nombre d'appareils de ce genre dont certains correspondent à la simple motorisation des pinces à épiler à commande manuelle. Ainsi, le brevet FR 2.395.724 décrit un appareil de ce type. En ce qui concerne l'arrachage des poils, l'efficacité de cet appareil est satisfaisante, car chaque poil saisi se trouve arraché par un mouvement de traction s'exerçant perpendiculairement à la peau. Toutefois, le rendement de cet appareil est extrêmement limité. En effet les poils ne s'engagent pas facilement entre les pinces et sont plutôt plaqués sur la peau par le mouvement des pinces.There are already a number of such devices, some of which correspond to the simple motorization of manually operated tweezers. Thus, patent FR 2,395,724 describes an apparatus of this type. With regard to pulling out the hairs, the effectiveness of this device is satisfactory, since each hairs grasped are pulled out by a pulling movement exerted perpendicularly to the skin. However, the performance of this device is extremely limited. Indeed, the hairs do not easily engage between the pliers and are rather pressed against the skin by the movement of the pliers.

C'est la raison pour laquelle d'autres appareils sont conçus de façon à comporter des organes mobiles de pincement et d'arrachage qui effectuent un mouvement permanent de balayage et de peignage dans le plan de la peau. C'est le cas de l'appareil décrit dans le brevet FR 2.586.538. Toutefois, avec un tel appareil la traction est alors exercée latéralement et non plus perpendiculairement à cette surface comme dans le cas avec une pince manuelle à épiler de type classique. Il en résulte que l'efficacité des appareils de ce genre est moindre, car il n'est plus certain que les poils soient effectivement arrachés avec leur bulbe comme cela est le cas avec un mouvement de traction s'exerçant perpendiculairement à la peau. En conséquence, il arrive fréquemment que certains poils soient cassés à leur base au lieu d'être arrachés.This is the reason why other devices are designed so as to have movable pinching and tearing members which carry out a permanent movement of scanning and combing in the plane of the skin. This is the case of the device described in patent FR 2,586,538. However, with such an apparatus the traction is then exerted laterally and no longer perpendicular to this surface as in the case with manual tweezers of conventional type. As a result, the effectiveness of devices of this kind is lower, since it is no longer certain that the hairs are actually pulled out with their bulb as is the case with a pulling movement exerted perpendicular to the skin. As a result, it often happens that some hairs are broken at their base instead of being pulled out.

C'est pourquoi la présente invention a pour but de réaliser un petit appareil à épiler qui est conçu de façon à pouvoir arracher une quantité importante de poils, mais avec les avantages d'un arrachage vertical, sans casser le poil.This is why the present invention aims to achieve a small hair removal device which is designed so as to be able to pull out a large quantity of hairs, but with the advantages of vertical pulling, without breaking the hair.

Cet appareil comporte une tête d'épilation comprenant une série de lames mobiles formant une pluralité de pinces de préhension qui sont successivement ouvertes et fermées pour l'arrachage des poils à éliminer. Cependant cet appareil est caractérisé en ce que sa tête d'épilation, montée à l'une des extrémités du boîtier de cet appareil, est accouplée avec des moyens d'entraînement aptes à lui imprimer à la fois :

  • un mouvement ayant périodiquement une composante principale parallèle, ou à peu près parallèle, au plan de travail de cette tête d'épilation, donc à la surface de la peau, et également parallèle aux bords des lames de pincement, de façon à faciliter l'engagement des poils à arracher par un effet de peignage,
  • et, au cours de ce mouvement, un recul de cette tête d'épilation par rapport à son plan de travail, selon un axe qui est perpendiculaire à celui-ci, ou tout au moins se rapproche d'une telle perpendiculaire,
  • les moyens d'actionnement des lames mobiles de préhension étant aptes à assurer la fermeture des pinces correspondantes avant le recul de la tête d'épilation, puis leur ouverture jusqu'à leur prochaine fermeture avant un nouveau recul de la tête d'épilation.
This device comprises a depilation head comprising a series of mobile blades forming a plurality of gripping pliers which are successively open and closed for pulling out the hairs to be eliminated. However, this device is characterized in that its epilation head, mounted at one end of the housing of this device, is coupled with drive means capable of printing it at the same time:
  • a movement having a main component periodically parallel, or roughly parallel, to the work surface of this epilation head, therefore to the surface of the skin, and also parallel to the edges of the pinching blades, so as to facilitate engagement of the hairs to be plucked by a combing effect,
  • and, during this movement, a retraction of this epilation head relative to its work plane, along an axis which is perpendicular to it, or at least approaches such a perpendicular,
  • the means for actuating the movable gripping blades being able to ensure the closing of the corresponding clamps before the retraction of the epilation head, then their opening until their next closure before a further retraction of the epilation head.

Ainsi la conception du présent appareil est telle que celui-ci combine les avantages d'un peignage préalable des poils avant leur préhension et d'une traction ultérieure à peu près perpendiculairement à la surface de la peau. En effet, le déplacement des lames mobiles à peu près parallèlement à la surface de la peau assure un peignage préalable des poils facilitant leur engagement entre ces lames grâces à l'orientation qui leur est ainsi donnée. Quant à l'efficacité de l'arrachage des poils, celle-ci résulte de ce que la traction exercée sur ceux-ci après préhension a lieu à peu près perpendiculairement à la surface de la peau, et non pas latéralement comme cela est le cas dans les appareils actuels à épiler.Thus, the design of the present device is such that it combines the advantages of a prior combing of the hairs before they are grasped and of a subsequent pulling approximately perpendicular to the surface of the skin. Indeed, the displacement of the movable blades roughly parallel to the surface of the skin ensures a prior combing of the hairs facilitating their engagement between these blades thanks to the orientation which is thus given to them. As for the effectiveness of pulling out the hairs, this results from the fact that the traction exerted on them after gripping takes place roughly perpendicular to the surface of the skin, and not laterally as is the case in current hair removal devices.

Selon une autre caractéristique du présent appareil, les moyens mécaniques d'entraînement de la tête flottante d'épilation sont aptes à lui imprimer une vitesse variable au cours de son mouvement complexe de translation et de recul, de façon que la vitesse de cette tête d'épilation devienne nulle au moment de la fermeture des pinces pour croître ensuite pendant le mouvement de recul de cette tête. Or ceci accroit considérablement l'efficacité du présent appareil.According to another characteristic of the present device, the mechanical means for driving the floating depilation head are capable of imparting to it a variable speed during its complex movement of translation and recoil, so that the speed of this head d epilation becomes zero when the pliers are closed and then grows during the recoil movement of this head. However, this considerably increases the efficiency of the present device.

Dans une forme avantageuse de cet appareil, la tête flottante d'épilation est accouplée avec l'une des extrémités d'un bras d'entraînement qui, au repos, est sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan défini par les bords libres des lames mobiles, et en un point intermédiaire de la longueur duquel est attelé un doigt d'actionnement porté par un plateau-manivelle entraîné en rotation par le moteur de l'appareil. Ce doigt d'actionnement peut alors être engagé à l'intérieur d'une coulisse prévue dans le bras d'entraînement et qui présente un profil particulier déterminant la nature du mouvement imprimé à ce bras.In an advantageous form of this device, the floating epilation head is coupled with one of the ends of a drive arm which, at rest, is substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the free edges of the movable blades, and in an intermediate point the length of which is coupled an actuating finger carried by a crank plate driven in rotation by the motor of the device. This actuating finger can then be engaged inside a slide provided in the drive arm and which has a particular profile determining the nature of the movement imparted to this arm.

Cependant d'autres particularités et avantages du présent appareil apparaitront au cours de la description suivante. Celle-ci est donnée en référence aux dessins annexés à simple titre indicatif, et sur lesquels :However, other features and advantages of the present device will become apparent during the following description. This is given with reference to the accompanying drawings for information only, and in which:

La figure 1 est une vue en coupe transversale d'un appareil à épiler selon l'invention.Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a hair removal device according to the invention.

La figure 2 est une vue schématique en coupe de sa tête d'épilation selon la ligne II-II de la figure 1.FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of its epilation head according to line II-II of FIG. 1.

La figure 3 est un schéma illustrant le fonctionnement des moyens d'actionnement du bras d'entraînement de la tête d'épilation.Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the actuation means of the drive arm of the epilation head.

La figure 4 représente une courbe illustrant les mouvements de la tête d'épilation pendant l'utilisation du présent appareil.FIG. 4 represents a curve illustrating the movements of the epilation head during the use of the this device.

Les figures 5 à 8 sont des schémas similaires à la figure 3 et qui correspondent à différentes variantes de réalisation.Figures 5 to 8 are diagrams similar to Figure 3 and which correspond to different alternative embodiments.

Les figures 9 et 10 sont des vues schématiques en perspective illustrant deux autres variantes encore de réalisation.Figures 9 and 10 are schematic perspective views illustrating two other alternative embodiments.

La figure 11 est une vue schématique en plan de dessus d'une forme particulière de réalisation de l'appareil à épiler selon l'invention.Figure 11 is a schematic top plan view of a particular embodiment of the hair removal device according to the invention.

Les figures 12 et 13 sont des vues partielles en coupe verticale de la tête d'épilation de cet appareil, ces vues illustrant deux cas différents d'utilisation.Figures 12 and 13 are partial views in vertical section of the epilation head of this device, these views illustrating two different cases of use.

Les figures 14 et 15 sont des vues en coupe transversale de deux variantes de réalisation de la tête d'épilation du présent appareil.Figures 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views of two alternative embodiments of the epilation head of the present apparatus.

Les figures 16 et 17 sont des vues partielles en coupe longitudinale de la tête d'épilation prévue dans une autre forme de réalisation, ces vues illustrant deux cas différents d'utilisation.Figures 16 and 17 are partial views in longitudinal section of the epilation head provided in another embodiment, these views illustrating two different cases of use.

La figure 18 est une vue schématique d'une autre forme de réalisation encore de la tête d'épilation d'un appareil selon l'invention.Figure 18 is a schematic view of yet another embodiment of the epilation head of an apparatus according to the invention.

La figure 19 est une vue schématique en élévation d'une autre forme de réalisation encore.Figure 19 is a schematic elevational view of yet another embodiment.

La figure 20 est une vue partielle en coupe transversale d'une autre forme de réalisation.Figure 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment.

Les figures 21 et 22 sont des schémas illustrant deux modes différents de fonctionnement des lames de pincement prévues dans cette forme de réalisation.Figures 21 and 22 are diagrams illustrating two different modes of operation of the pinch blades provided in this embodiment.

Les figures 23 et 24 sont des schémas illustrant une variante particulière des moyens d'actionnement du bras d'entraînement de la tête d'épilation.Figures 23 and 24 are diagrams illustrating a particular variant of the actuation means of the drive arm of the epilation head.

L'appareil représenté sur les figures 1 à 3 comporte une tête d'épilation désignée par la référence générale 1. Celle-ci est disposée à l'une des extrémités d'un petit boîtier 2 qui est susceptible d'être tenu à la main. Ce dernier renferme un moteur électrique 3 d'entraînement des organes mécaniques de la tête d'épilation, ainsi que des piles 4 pour l'alimentation de ce moteur.The appliance represented in FIGS. 1 to 3 comprises a depilation head designated by the reference general 1. This is arranged at one end of a small box 2 which can be held in the hand. The latter contains an electric motor 3 for driving the mechanical members of the epilation head, as well as batteries 4 for supplying this motor.

La tête d'épilation 1 est entourée par un capot 5 rapporté sur l'extrémité correspondante du boîtier 2 et qui comporte une ouverture 6 à travers laquelle font légèrement saillie les bords libres d'une série de lames 7 constituant les pinces de préhension et d'arrachage des poils à éliminer. Ces lames sont disposées côte à côte et parallèlement les unes aux autres sur un même support 8. Celui-ci est monté flottant sur l'extrémité correspondante du boîtier 2 en étant relié à celle-ci par des lames de ressorts 9. Les bords externes des lames de pincement 7 s'étendent à peu près dans un même plan X-X', correspondant au plan de travail de la présente tête d'épilation, ce plan étant destiné à se trouver placé parallèlement à la surface de la peau et à très peu de distance de celle-ci. Cependant les bords libres des lames 7 peuvent avoir un profil légèrement courbe et tangent au plan X-X', comme cela est le cas dans l'exemple représenté à la figure 1.The epilation head 1 is surrounded by a cover 5 attached to the corresponding end of the housing 2 and which has an opening 6 through which slightly protrude the free edges of a series of blades 7 constituting the gripping pliers and d pulling out the hairs to be removed. These blades are arranged side by side and parallel to each other on the same support 8. The latter is mounted floating on the corresponding end of the housing 2 while being connected to the latter by spring blades 9. The outer edges pinch blades 7 extend approximately in the same plane XX ′, corresponding to the work plane of the present epilation head, this plane being intended to be placed parallel to the surface of the skin and to very little distance from it. However, the free edges of the blades 7 may have a slightly curved profile and tangent to the plane XX ′, as is the case in the example shown in FIG. 1.

Les lames 7 affectent chacune la forme d'un arceau dont les branches latérales sont disposées de part et d'autre de deux rebords saillants 10 portés par le support mobile 8. Le montage de ces lames sur ces rebords est tel qu'elles puissent pivoter, à leur pied, autour d'une série d'axes parallèles Y-Y'. Ainsi, par un mouvement de pivotement en sens inverse de deux lames voisines 7, désignées respectivement 7a et 7b, les bords externes de celles-ci peuvent être serrés l'un contre l'autre pour former une pince de préhension et de traction. A cet effet, ces lames 7 sont alternativement accouplées avec deux barrettes de commande, respectivement 11a et 11b qui sont aptes à les faire pivoter dans un sens et dans l'autre. Ces deux barrettes sont disposées l'une sur l'autre entre les deux rebords 10 du support mobile 8. Chacune d'elles comporte une petite chape 12a ou 12b à l'intérieur de laquelle est engagée une dent saillante 13a ou 13b de la lame correspondante 7a ou 7b. La surface de pincement des lames dépend alors de la forme du bord libre extérieur de ces lames. Ceci permet de définir un très bon pincement et une bonne régularité sur une surface très faible sans précision d'usinage particulier.The blades 7 each have the shape of an arch, the lateral branches of which are arranged on either side of two projecting edges 10 carried by the movable support 8. The mounting of these blades on these edges is such that they can pivot , at their foot, around a series of parallel axes Y-Y '. Thus, by a pivoting movement in the opposite direction of two neighboring blades 7, designated respectively 7a and 7b, the outer edges of these can be clamped against each other to form a gripper and traction. For this purpose, these blades 7 are alternately coupled with two control bars, respectively 11a and 11b which are able to rotate them in one direction and in the other. These two bars are arranged one on the other between the two edges 10 of the movable support 8. Each of them has a small yoke 12a or 12b inside which is engaged a projecting tooth 13a or 13b of the blade corresponding 7a or 7b. The clamping surface of the blades then depends on the shape of the free outer edge of these blades. This makes it possible to define a very good pinch and a good regularity on a very small surface without particular machining precision.

Comme représenté sur la figure 2, chacune des barrettes de commande 11a et 11b fait saillie à l'une ou l'autre extrémité de la tête d'épilation 1 et comporte en bout un galet 14a ou 14b disposé contre les parois internes correspondantes du capot 5. Un ressort 15, interposé entre les deux barrettes 14a et 14b comme représenté sur la figure 2, tend à maintenir ces deux barrettes dans une position telle que les bords externes 7a et 7b sont écartés les uns des autres comme représenté sur la figure 2, ce qui assure l'ouverture des pinces de préhension.As shown in FIG. 2, each of the control bars 11a and 11b projects at one or the other end of the epilation head 1 and comprises at the end a roller 14a or 14b disposed against the corresponding internal walls of the cover 5. A spring 15, interposed between the two bars 14a and 14b as shown in Figure 2, tends to maintain these two bars in a position such that the outer edges 7a and 7b are spaced from each other as shown in Figure 2 , which ensures the opening of the grippers.

Dans l'exemple représenté les moyens d'entraînement de la tête flottante d'épilation 1 comportent un bras d'actionnement 16. Au repos celui-ci est sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan X-X' défini par les bords libres des lames 7. Le support mobile 8 de celles-ci est attelé à l'extrémité correspondante 17 de ce bras d'actionnement. A cet effet ce support s'articule, par l'intermédiaire d'un axe 8, sur une patte 19 portée par cette extrémité.In the example shown, the drive means for the floating depilation head 1 comprise an actuating arm 16. At rest, the latter is substantially perpendicular to the plane XX 'defined by the free edges of the blades 7. The movable support 8 of these is coupled to the corresponding end 17 of this actuating arm. To this end, this support is articulated, by means of an axis 8, on a lug 19 carried by this end.

Quant à l'extrémité opposée 20 du bras d'actionnement 16, elle est montée coulissante dans le sens axial à l'intérieur d'une rotule 21 qui s'articule dans un siège fixe 22 prévu dans le boîtier 2. Par ailleurs, un ressort 23 de poussée tend à maintenir le bras 16 et la tête flottante 1 d'épilation dans une position pour laquelle les bords externes des lames 7 se trouvent placés dans le plan X-X' ou sont tangents à ce plan.As for the opposite end 20 of the actuating arm 16, it is slidably mounted in the axial direction inside a ball joint 21 which is articulated in a fixed seat 22 provided in the housing 2. By elsewhere, a thrust spring 23 tends to hold the arm 16 and the floating depilation head 1 in a position for which the outer edges of the blades 7 are placed in the plane XX 'or are tangent to this plane.

En un point intermédiaire de sa longueur, le bras d'actionnement 16 comporte une coulisse 24 à l'intérieur de laquelle est engagé un doigt de commande 25 porté par un plateau-manivelle 26 entraîné en rotation par le moteur 3 de l'appareil.At an intermediate point of its length, the actuating arm 16 comprises a slide 24 inside which is engaged a control finger 25 carried by a crank plate 26 driven in rotation by the motor 3 of the device.

Grâce à la conception des moyens d'entraînement ainsi prévus, la tête flottante 1 d'épilation est animée d'un double mouvement, à savoir :

  • a) un mouvement de translation, selon la flèche F1, à peu près dans un plan parallèle au plan X-X' et selon un axe parallèle aux bords externes des lames 7, donc un axe parallèle aux axes Y-Y' de pivotement de ces lames,
  • b) et, au cours de ce mouvement de translation, un mouvement de recul par rapport au plan X-X', à peu près selon un axe Z-Z' perpendiculaire à celui-ci.
Thanks to the design of the drive means thus provided, the floating depilation head 1 is driven by a double movement, namely:
  • a) a translational movement, along arrow F1, roughly in a plane parallel to plane XX 'and along an axis parallel to the external edges of the blades 7, therefore an axis parallel to the axes YY' of pivoting of these blades,
  • b) and, during this translational movement, a backward movement with respect to the plane X-X ', roughly along an axis ZZ' perpendicular thereto.

En effet, la rotation du plateau-manivelle 26 dans le sens de la flèche F à partir de la position de repos représentée à la figure 2, a pour effet de déplacer le doigt de commande 25 de la position 25a à la position 25b, ce qui entraîne une translation de la tête d'épilation selon la flèche F1. Au cours de ce mouvement, le doigt de commande 25 se déplace à l'intérieur de la coulisse 24 de sorte que le bras d'actionnement 16 effectue simplement un mouvement de pivotement par articulation de la rotule 21 à l'intérieur de son siège et que les bords libres des lames 7 restent sensiblement dans le plan X-X'.Indeed, the rotation of the crank plate 26 in the direction of the arrow F from the rest position shown in Figure 2, has the effect of moving the control finger 25 from position 25a to position 25b, this which causes a translation of the epilation head according to arrow F1. During this movement, the control finger 25 moves inside the slide 24 so that the actuating arm 16 simply performs a pivoting movement by articulation of the ball joint 21 inside its seat and that the free edges of the blades 7 remain substantially in the plane XX '.

Cependant lorsque le doigt de commande 25 parvient à la position 25b, il atteint le fond de la coulisse 24 et à partir de ce moment la poursuite de la rotation du plateau-manivelle 26 a pour effet que le doigt de commande 25 entraîne avec lui le bras d'actionnement 16 selon la flèche F2 jusqu'à ce que ce doigt atteigne sa position 25c. Ceci provoque alors un mouvement de recul à l'ensemble de la tête flottante d'épilation, et ce à peu près perpendiculairement au plan X-X'.However, when the control finger 25 reaches the position 25b, it reaches the bottom of the slide 24 and from this moment the continued rotation of the crank plate 26 has the effect that the control finger 25 drives with it the actuating arm 16 according to arrow F2 until this finger reaches its position 25c. This then causes a movement of recoil to the whole of the floating epilation head, and this approximately perpendicular to the plane XX '.

Puis lorsque le doigt de commande passe de sa position 25c à sa position 25d, il permet au bras d'actionnement 16 de revenir dans sa position initiale de coulissement à l'intérieur de la rotule 21. Ceci ramène donc les bords libres des lames 7 dans le plan X-X'.Then when the control finger passes from its position 25c to its position 25d, it allows the actuating arm 16 to return to its initial sliding position inside the ball joint 21. This therefore brings back the free edges of the blades 7 in the X-X 'plane.

Enfin, quand le doigt de commande 25 passe de sa position 25d à sa position initiale 25a, il se déplace alors simplement à l'intérieur de la coulisse 24 en imprimant un mouvement de pivotement au bras d'actionnement 16. Ceci se traduit donc par une nouvelle translation de la tête d'épilation selon la flèche F1, et ainsi de suite.Finally, when the control finger 25 passes from its position 25d to its initial position 25a, it then simply moves inside the slide 24 by imparting a pivoting movement to the actuating arm 16. This therefore results in a new translation of the epilation head according to arrow F1, and so on.

La figure 4 représente du reste une courbe illustrant les différents déplacements de la tête d'épilation 1 au cours de l'utilisation de l'appareil. Sur cette courbe, la partie dessinée par deux traits parallèles représente la totalité de la course pendant laquelle les pinces de préhension sont ouvertes. Quant à la partie dessinée en trait plein, elle représente la course durant laquelle ces mêmes pinces sont fermées. Cette fermeture commence au point B situé peu avant le point C désignant le début du recul de la tête de préhension, cette fermeture prenant fin au point D qui correspond à la fin de ce mouvement de recul. Quant à l'ouverture des pinces, elle commence à ce point D pour se terminer au point B mentionné ci-dessus. La portion EAC de la courbe de la figure 4 représente le déplacement effectué en translation parallèlement au plan X-X', le point A correspondant à la position représentée aux figures 1 et 2. Quant à la portion CD de cette courbe, elle représente le mouvement de recul de la tête d'épilation. Enfin la portion DE représente le retour de la tête d'épilation au voisinage du plan X-X'.Figure 4 shows the rest of a curve illustrating the different displacements of the epilation head 1 during the use of the device. On this curve, the part drawn by two parallel lines represents the entire stroke during which the grippers are open. As for the part drawn in solid lines, it represents the race during which these same clamps are closed. This closure begins at point B located shortly before point C designating the start of the recoil of the gripping head, this closure ending at point D which corresponds to the end of this recoil movement. As for the opening of the clamps, it begins at this point D and ends at point B mentioned above. The EAC portion of the curve in FIG. 4 represents the displacement carried out in translation parallel to the plane XX ', the point A corresponding to the position represented at Figures 1 and 2. As for the CD portion of this curve, it represents the backward movement of the epilation head. Finally, the portion DE represents the return of the epilation head in the vicinity of the plane XX '.

Or il est par ailleurs prévu des moyens de commande agissant sur les deux barrettes 11a et 11b d'actionnement des lames 7 afin de les faire pivoter en sens inverse au moment voulu pour fermer et ouvrir les pinces de préhension constituées par ces lames. En l'occurrence, les parois internes du capot 5 comportent des rampes 27a et 27b qui sont aptes à agir sur les extrémités de l'une et l'autre barrettes 11a et 11b. Le profil de ces cames est tel que celles-ci provoquent la fermeture des pinces de préhension avant le mouvement de recul imprimé à la tête d'épilation 1 et le maintien de cette fermeture pendant tout ce mouvement, puis une nouvelle ouverture des pinces lors du retour de la tête d'épilation dans sa position initiale, et le maintien de cette ouverture jusque peu avant l'exécution d'un nouveau mouvement de recul par la tête d'épilation.However, there are also provided control means acting on the two strips 11a and 11b for actuating the blades 7 in order to rotate them in the opposite direction at the desired time to close and open the gripping pliers formed by these blades. In this case, the internal walls of the cover 5 comprise ramps 27a and 27b which are capable of acting on the ends of one and the other bars 11a and 11b. The profile of these cams is such that they cause the gripping pliers to close before the recoil movement imparted to the epilation head 1 and the maintenance of this closure during this entire movement, then a further opening of the pliers during the return of the epilation head to its initial position, and maintaining this opening until shortly before the execution of a new recoil movement by the epilation head.

En conséquence, le mouvement de translation imprimé aux lames 7 dans un plan parallèle au plan X-X' s'effectue pour majeure partie alors que les pinces de préhension sont ouvertes. Il en résulte un peignage des poils à arracher ce qui les oriente parallèlement aux lames 7 en facilitant par là même l'engagement de ces poils entre ces lames.Consequently, the translational movement imparted to the blades 7 in a plane parallel to the plane XX 'takes place for the most part while the gripping pliers are open. This results in a combing of the hairs to be plucked which directs them parallel to the blades 7 thereby facilitating the engagement of these hairs between these blades.

Quant à l'arrachage des poils, il est effectué par une traction qui s'exerce à peu près perpendiculairement au plan X-X', donc à la surface de la peau. Ceci permet un excellent arrachage des poils avec leur bulbe sans risque de simple cassure des poils à leur base, comme cela est le cas dans les appareils à épiler existant actuellement.As for the pulling out of the hairs, it is carried out by a traction which is exerted roughly perpendicular to the plane XX ', therefore to the surface of the skin. This allows an excellent pulling out of the hairs with their bulb without risk of simple breakage of the hairs at their base, as is the case in the existing hair removal devices.

La figure 5 représente une variante de réalisation des moyens d'entraînement de la tête flottante d'épilation. Dans cette variante, la forme de la coulisse 24a prévue dans le bras d'actionnement correspondant 16a est telle que la vitesse d'entraînement de la tête d'épilation soit variable au cours des diverses phases du mouvement de celle-ci. Plus précisément, le profil de cette coulisse est conçu pour que le mouvement de translation parallèlement au plan X-X' s'annule pendant la fermeture des pinces et avant que le mouvement de recul assurant l'arrachage des poils s'effectue. Ceci permet d'accroître l'efficacité de l'arrachage des poils. Le serrage des pinces étant réalisé sans choc ni déplacement en translation des lames, le poil est pincé en douceur et sans risque d'être cassé. Mais dans cet ordre d'idée, il serait possible de prévoir tout autre profil approprié pour la coulisse de l'arbre d'entraînement de façon à obtenir des diverses variations de vitesse entre les différents mouvements imprimés à la tête d'épilation.Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment means for driving the floating depilation head. In this variant, the shape of the slide 24a provided in the corresponding actuating arm 16a is such that the driving speed of the epilation head is variable during the various phases of the movement of the latter. More specifically, the profile of this slide is designed so that the translational movement parallel to the plane XX 'is canceled out during the closing of the clamps and before the backward movement ensuring the pulling of the hairs takes place. This makes it possible to increase the efficiency of pulling out the hairs. The clamping of the clamps being carried out without shock or displacement in translation of the blades, the hair is pinched gently and without risk of being broken. But in this order of idea, it would be possible to provide any other suitable profile for the slide of the drive shaft so as to obtain various speed variations between the different movements printed on the epilation head.

La figure 6 représente une autre variante dans laquelle la coulisse prévue dans les précédentes formes de réalisation est remplacée par une ouverture 24b ayant un contour rectangulaire, le doigt de commande 25 porté par le plateau rotatif 26 étant engagé dans cette ouverture. La forme particulière de celle-ci a pour effet que le mouvement de recul imprimé à la tête d'épilation est plus franc que dans les précédentes formes de réalisation, et que l'arrachage des poils s'effectue selon un mouvement réellement perpendiculaire au plan de travail de la tête d'épilation. En effet lorsque le doigt 25 parvient à l'extrémité de l'ouverture rectangulaire 24b, il est amené à glisser contre le bord de cette ouverture dans la direction opposée à la tête d'épilation.FIG. 6 represents another variant in which the slide provided in the previous embodiments is replaced by an opening 24b having a rectangular outline, the control finger 25 carried by the rotary plate 26 being engaged in this opening. The particular shape of this has the effect that the recoil movement imparted to the epilation head is more frank than in the previous embodiments, and that the pulling of the hairs is carried out according to a movement actually perpendicular to the plane. of the epilation head. When the finger 25 reaches the end of the rectangular opening 24b, it is caused to slide against the edge of this opening in the direction opposite to the epilation head.

Il est possible de prévoir de nombreux autres profils pour la coulisse ou l'ouverture à l'intérieur de laquelle est engagé le doigt d'actionnement 25 porté par le plateau rotatif 26, et ce en fonction de la nature du mouvement à impartir à la tête d'épilation.It is possible to provide many other profiles for the slide or the opening inside which is engaged the actuating finger 25 carried by the rotary plate 26, and this depending on the nature of the movement to impart to the epilation head.

Cependant, dans une forme de réalisation plus simple représentée à la figure 7, le bras 16c d'entraînement de la tête d'épilation ne comporte aucune coulisse ou similaire et le doigt d'actionnement correspondant 25c est simplement monté rotatif à l'intérieur d'un trou circulaire 24c prévu dans ce bras d'entraînement.However, in a simpler embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the epilating head drive arm 16c has no slide or the like and the corresponding actuating finger 25c is simply rotatably mounted inside. 'a circular hole 24c provided in this drive arm.

L'agencement ainsi prévu permet d'impartir, à la tête d'épilation, un mouvement elliptique assurant le même fonctionnement que dans les autres formes de réalisation, c'est-à-dire à la fois un mouvement à peu près dans le plan de travail X-X' de la tête d'épilation et un mouvement de recul par rapport à ce plan.The arrangement thus provided makes it possible to impart, to the epilation head, an elliptical movement ensuring the same operation as in the other embodiments, that is to say both a movement approximately in the plane working XX 'of the epilation head and a backward movement in relation to this plane.

Il convient de noter que le mouvement de recul peut être réalisé à des moments différents de l'exécution du mouvement de translation effectué parallèlement au plan X-X'. Dans les exemples décrits ci-dessus, ce mouvement de recul a lieu lorsque la tête d'épilation est parvenue à la fin de sa course vers la droite de la figure 1. Cependant il serait possible de prévoir un agencement des moyens d'entraînement qui serait tel que ce mouvement de recul se produise au contraire au milieu de la course de translation effectuée parallèlement au plan X-X', ou bien encore à tout autre moment approprié de cette course de translation.It should be noted that the backward movement can be carried out at different times from the execution of the translational movement carried out parallel to the plane XX '. In the examples described above, this backward movement takes place when the epilation head has reached the end of its stroke to the right of FIG. 1. However, it would be possible to provide an arrangement of the drive means which would be such that this backward movement occurs, on the contrary, in the middle of the translation stroke effected parallel to the plane XX ′, or even at any other appropriate time in this translation stroke.

De plus, le système constitué par la combinaison d'un plateau-manivelle et d'un doigt d'actionnement s'articulant dans le bras d'entraînement de la tête d'épilation pourrait être remplacé par tout autre système mécanique susceptible d'assurer la même combinaison de mouvements, c'est-à-dire d'une part un mouvement effectué à peu près dans un plan parallèle au plan X-X' et un mouvement de recul à peu près perpendiculairement à ce plan.In addition, the system constituted by the combination of a crank plate and an actuating finger articulated in the drive arm of the epilation head could be replaced by any other mechanical system capable of ensuring the same combination of movements, that is to say on the one hand a movement carried out approximately in a plane parallel to the plane XX 'and a movement of recoil approximately perpendicular to this plane.

Ainsi, comme représenté sur la figure 8, la tête d'épilation 1 peut être attelée à l'une des extrémités d'un bras d'entraînement 16d dont l'extrémité opposée est articulée en 30 sur un plateau rotatif 26d entraîné par le moteur de l'appareil. Par ailleurs, en un point intermédiaire de sa longueur, le bras d'entraînement porte un ergot 31 qui est engagé à l'intérieur d'une coulisse circulaire fixe 32 de guidage. Grâce à cet agencement une partie du mouvement de la tête d'épilation s'effectue à peu près dans le plan X-X', et ceci s'accompagne d'un mouvement de recul par rapport à ce plan. Mais encore une fois de nombreux autres mécanismes d'entraînement peuvent être utilisés pour assurer les mouvements désirés pour la tête d'épilation.Thus, as shown in FIG. 8, the epilation head 1 can be coupled to one of the ends of a drive arm 16d, the opposite end of which is articulated at 30 on a rotary plate 26d driven by the motor. of the device. Furthermore, at an intermediate point along its length, the drive arm carries a lug 31 which is engaged inside a fixed circular guide slide 32. Thanks to this arrangement, part of the movement of the epilation head takes place roughly in the plane XX ', and this is accompanied by a movement of recoil relative to this plane. But again many other drive mechanisms can be used to provide the desired movements for the epilation head.

Eventuellement le bras 16 d'entraînement de la tête d'épilation peut être remplacé par deux bras liés simplement par leur mouvement similaire dans le plan XX', mais ayant sur l'axe YY' des mouvements opposés qui assureraient le pincement des lames par actionnement de leurs barrettes respectives. Le mouvement des bras sur cet axe YY' serait créé par une cinématique liée à la rotation du plateau manivelle de façon à déclencher le pincement toujours au même point de la trajectoire dans le plan XX', de manière périodique. Les bras d'entraînement peuvent avoir une géométrie particulière : ciseaux, trapèze, avec rotation de façon à créer ce mouvement. Ce cas particulier convient avantageusement à un appareil à épiler comportant une pince unique d'arrachage, la tête d'épilation étant ainsi plus simple à réaliser.Optionally, the arm 16 for driving the epilation head can be replaced by two arms linked simply by their similar movement in the plane XX ', but having opposite movements on the axis YY' which would ensure that the blades are pinched by actuation of their respective bars. The movement of the arms on this axis YY 'would be created by kinematics linked to the rotation of the crank plate so as to trigger the pinching always at the same point of the trajectory in the plane XX', periodically. The drive arms can have a particular geometry: scissors, trapezoid, with rotation so as to create this movement. This particular case is advantageously suitable for an epilating appliance comprising a single plucking pliers, the epilation head thus being simpler to produce.

De même on peut envisager un système où un ressort en compression assurerait le pincement et où le mouvement mécanique provoquerait l'ouverture des pinces, en comprimant le ressort. Ce système où l'on a inversé le rôle du mouvement mécanique par rapport à l'autre a l'avantage de nécessiter moins de précision. En effet, l'effort de poussée du ressort dépend peu des dimensions des pièces et de l'usure, ce qui n'est pas le cas de l'effort mécanique précédent.Likewise, it is possible to envisage a system where a compression spring would ensure pinching and where mechanical movement would cause the clamps to open, by compressing the spring. This system where the role of mechanical movement has been reversed with respect to the other has the advantage of requiring less precision. Indeed, the thrust force of the spring depends little on the dimensions of the parts and on the wear, which is not the case with the preceding mechanical force.

Par ailleurs, les moyens de commande du pivotement des lames 7, formant pinces de préhension, pourraient être remplacés par tous autres moyens susceptibles de jouer le même rôle pendant les divers mouvements de la tête flottante d'épilation. A ce sujet, il faut noter qu'au lieu d'être montées pivotantes à leur pied, les lames de pincement 7 pourraient être solidaires des deux barrettes assurant leur actionnement. Ainsi le déplacement en sens inverse de celles-ci commanderait le serrage et l'écartement de ces lames par simple mouvement de translation.Furthermore, the means for controlling the pivoting of the blades 7, forming gripping pliers, could be replaced by any other means capable of playing the same role during the various movements of the floating epilation head. In this regard, it should be noted that instead of being pivotally mounted at their feet, the pinching blades 7 could be integral with the two bars ensuring their actuation. Thus the movement in the opposite direction of these would control the tightening and the spacing of these blades by simple translational movement.

Mais encore une fois, de nombreuses autres formes de réalisation encore peuvent être prévues.Again, however, many other embodiments can be provided.

Ainsi l'agencement des moyens d'entraînement de la tête d'épilation 1 pourrait être tel que ceux-ci impriment à cette tête une trajectoire de forme elliptique, très applatie.Thus, the arrangement of the means for driving the epilation head 1 could be such that these print on this head a trajectory of elliptical shape, very flat.

Par ailleurs dans la tête d'épilation certaines des lames pourraient être fixes, les autres restant mobiles de façon à s'appliquer contre les lames fixes en position de fermeture des pinces formées par ces lames. Ainsi une pince sur deux pourrait être fixe et une sur deux mobile. Par exemple toutes les pinces 7a pourraient être fixes, la barrette correspondante 11a leur servant alors simplement de support fixe, et non d'organe d'actionnement. Mais il est possible de prévoir de nombreuses autres combinaisons de lames fixes et de lames mobiles.Furthermore, in the depilation head, some of the blades could be fixed, the others remaining mobile so as to be applied against the fixed blades in the closed position of the clamps formed by these blades. Thus one clamp in two could be fixed and one in two mobile. For example, all the clamps 7a could be fixed, the corresponding bar 11a then simply serving them as a fixed support, and not as an actuating member. However, it is possible to provide many other combinations of fixed blades and movable blades.

D'autre part, la nature du mouvement des lames mobiles pourrait être différente. Au lieu d'être pivotantes, comme prévu dans l'exemple des figures 1 à 4, ces lames pourraient être mobiles en translation pour assurer la fermeture des pinces formées par celles-ci. Cependant cette fermeture pourrait également être réalisée par flexion des extrémités de travail de ces lames, ou tout au moins d'une lame sur deux.On the other hand, the nature of the movement of the movable blades could be different. Instead of being pivoting, as provided in the example of FIGS. 1 to 4, these blades could be movable in translation for ensure the closure of the clips formed by them. However, this closure could also be achieved by bending the working ends of these blades, or at least one blade in two.

Ces lames de pincement, ou tout au moins certaines d'entre elles pourraient comporter, à leur périphérie, une garniture ou des éléments de garniture, en une matière adhérant sur les poils humains. De tels éléments de garniture ont pour fonction d'améliorer encore le peignage des poils par l'appareil avant leur préhension entre les lames de pincement. Lorsqu'il existe des lames intermédiaires de protection entre les lames de pincement, comme prévu dans les formes de réalisation des figures 14 à 17 décrites par la suite, ces lames de protection peuvent également comporter, à leur périphérie, une garniture ou des éléments de garniture, en une matière adhérant sur les poils humains.These pinch blades, or at least some of them could comprise, at their periphery, a lining or lining elements, made of a material adhering to human hair. The function of such trim elements is to further improve the combing of the hairs by the device before they are gripped between the nip blades. When there are intermediate protective blades between the nipping blades, as provided in the embodiments of FIGS. 14 to 17 described below, these protective blades can also include, at their periphery, a lining or elements of lining, of a material adhering to human hair.

Quant à la figure 9 elle représente une variante dans laquelle il est prévu deux têtes distinctes d'épilation 1e et 1f qui sont similaires, dans leur conception et leur agencement, à la tête d'épilation 1 prévue dans la forme de réalisation représentée aux figures 1 et 2. Les moyens d'entraînement de ces deux têtes d'épilation sont alors tels que celles-ci soient animées de mouvements de même nature, mais avec un décalage dans le temps de façon à être symétriques. A cet effet, ces moyens d'entraînement peuvent comporter un plateau rotatif 26e sur l'une et l'autre faces duquel s'articulent des bras d'entraînement 16e et 16f, et ce en deux points diamétralement opposés. Une des extrémités de ces bras d'entraînement est accouplée avec le support 8e ou 8f de l'une et l'autre têtes d'épilation, cependant que leur extrémité opposée d'entraînement est montée coulissante dans une rotule articulée 21e ou 21f. L'agencement prévu dans cette forme particulière de réalisation a pour avantage d'éviter les à-coups pouvant se produire dans le cas où il existe une seule tête d'épilation.As for FIG. 9, it represents a variant in which two separate depilation heads 1e and 1f are provided which are similar, in their design and arrangement, to the depilation head 1 provided in the embodiment shown in the figures 1 and 2. The drive means of these two epilation heads are then such that they are driven by movements of the same kind, but with a time shift so as to be symmetrical. To this end, these drive means may comprise a rotary plate 26e on one and the other faces of which articulate drive arms 16e and 16f, and this at two diametrically opposite points. One end of these drive arms is coupled to the support 8e or 8f of one and the other epilation heads, while their opposite drive end is slidably mounted in an articulated ball joint 21e or 21f. The arrangement provided in this particular form of realization has the advantage of avoiding the jolts that can occur in the case where there is only one epilation head.

La figure 10 illustre une autre forme de réalisation dans laquelle il est également prévu deux têtes distinctes d'épilation (non représentées), mais qui est conçue de façon à ce que celles-ci soient animées de mouvements de même nature, mais s'effectuant en sens inverse. A cet effet, les bras d'entraînement 16g et 16h de ces deux têtes d'épilation s'articulent, en un point intrmédiaire de leur longueur, sur deux plateaux rotatifs 33g et 33h qui sont entraînés en rotation en sens inverse par un pignon 34 de renvoi d'angle. Comme précédemment, les extrémités des deux bras d'entraînement, qui sont opposés aux têtes d'épilation, sont montées coulissantes dans des rotules articulées 21. L'agencement ainsi prévu a pour avantage d'éviter également les à-coups pouvant se produire dans le cas où il existe une seule tête d'épilation.FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment in which two separate depilation heads are also provided (not shown), but which is designed so that these are driven by movements of the same nature, but taking place reverse. To this end, the drive arms 16g and 16h of these two epilation heads are articulated, at an intermediate point of their length, on two rotary plates 33g and 33h which are rotated in opposite directions by a pinion 34 angle return. As before, the ends of the two drive arms, which are opposite to the epilation heads, are slidably mounted in articulated ball joints 21. The arrangement thus provided has the advantage of also avoiding the jolts which can occur in the case where there is only one epilation head.

Les figures 11 à 13 illustrent une forme particulière de réalisation dans laquelle une grille de protection, désignée par la référence générale 35, est associée à la tête d'épilation de l'appareil correspondant. Les éléments transversaux 36 de cette grille sont disposés entre deux paires successives de lames complémentaires de pincement 7a et 7b, comme représenté sur la figure 11. Or cette grille repose sur des ressorts 37 qui tendent à la maintenir dans une position telle que les bords des éléments transversaux 36 de cette grille se trouvent en saillie d'une distance h par rapport aux bords libres des lames de pincement 7a et 7b (voir figure 12).Figures 11 to 13 illustrate a particular embodiment in which a protective grid, designated by the general reference 35, is associated with the epilation head of the corresponding device. The transverse elements 36 of this grid are arranged between two successive pairs of complementary pinching blades 7a and 7b, as shown in FIG. 11. However, this grid rests on springs 37 which tend to keep it in a position such that the edges of the transverse elements 36 of this grid are projecting from a distance h relative to the free edges of the pinching blades 7a and 7b (see FIG. 12).

Dans ces conditions, lorsque la grille 35 se trouve appliquée contre la peau, seuls les éléments transversaux 36 de celle-ci sont au contact de la peau, car les bords des lames de pincement 7a et 7b se trouvent alors en retrait. Mais lorsqu'on appuie fortement l'appareil contre la peau, ceci provoque un recul de la grille 35 dans le sens de la flèche F à l'encontre de l'action des ressorts 37 jusqu'à ce que les bords des lames de pincement 7a et 7b viennent au contact de la peau comme représenté sur la figure 13. A partir de ce moment ces lames sont aptes à pincer entre elles les poils à arracher. Mais dès que l'utilisateur relache la pression exercée sur l'appareil, la grille de protection 36 est à nouveau repoussée vers l'extérieur par les ressorts 37, ce qui a pour effet de neutraliser l'action des lames de pincement 7a et 7b.Under these conditions, when the grid 35 is applied against the skin, only the transverse elements 36 thereof are in contact with the skin, because the edges of the pinch blades 7a and 7b are then set back. But when the device is strongly pressed against the skin, this causes the grid 35 to recede in the direction of the arrow F against the action of the springs 37 until the edges of the pinching blades 7a and 7b come into contact with the skin as shown in Figure 13. From this moment these blades are able to pinch the hairs between them. But as soon as the user releases the pressure exerted on the device, the protective grid 36 is again pushed outwards by the springs 37, which has the effect of neutralizing the action of the pinching blades 7a and 7b .

En conséquence, l'utilisateur peut "doser" l'action de l'appareil en appliquant plus ou moins fortement celui-ci contre la peau. En début d'opération il peut simplement placer l'appareil au contact de la peau de façon que les lames de pincement n'aient pas d'action. Puis il peut presser plus fortement l'appareil pour faire intervenir les lames de pincement. Mais dès que l'opération d'arrachage des poils se révèle douloureuse, il suffit à l'opérateur de relacher la pression exercée sur l'appareil pour interrompre l'action des lames de pincement.Consequently, the user can "dose" the action of the device by applying it more or less strongly against the skin. At the start of the operation, he can simply place the device in contact with the skin so that the pinch blades have no action. Then he can press the device harder to bring in the pinch blades. But as soon as the operation of pulling out the hairs proves painful, the operator need only release the pressure exerted on the device to interrupt the action of the pinching blades.

Dans ces conditions, l'appareil correspondant à cette forme de réalisation est plus adapté à être utilisé pour l'épilation de certaines zones de la peau qui sont particulièrement sensibles.Under these conditions, the device corresponding to this embodiment is more suitable for being used for depilation of certain areas of the skin which are particularly sensitive.

Dans le même but il est possible de prévoir, à la place de la grille 35 un cadre mobile entourant simplement les lames de pincement 7a, 7b, ce cadre étant monté mobile sur des ressorts 37 comme la grille 35. Il serait également possible de prévoir un cadre portant une sorte de peigne en saillie sur le bord interne de ses deux longs côtés.For the same purpose, it is possible to provide, in place of the grid 35, a movable frame simply surrounding the nip blades 7a, 7b, this frame being movably mounted on springs 37 like the grid 35. It would also be possible to provide a frame carrying a sort of protruding comb on the inner edge of its two long sides.

La figure 14 illustre une autre forme de réalisation qui est également conçue de façon à permettre une action progressive de l'appareil. Dans cette forme de réalisation la tête d'épilation correspondante 1i comporte une série de lames de protection 38 dont chacune est disposée entre deux paires successives de lames de pincement 7a, 7b. Ces lames de protection 38 sont disposées dans la même orientation. Cependant elles sont montées sur des ressorts 39 qui tendent à les maintenir normalement dans une position pour laquelle leur bord libre fait saillie par rapport au bord libre des lames de pincement 7a et 7b, et ce à peu près dans les mêmes conditions que cela était le cas pour les éléments transversaux 36 de la grille de protection 35 de la forme de réalisation selon les figures 11 à 13.Figure 14 illustrates another embodiment which is also designed to allow a progressive action of the device. In this embodiment, the corresponding epilation head 1i comprises a series of protective blades 38, each of which is disposed between two successive pairs of pinching blades 7a, 7b. These protective blades 38 are arranged in the same orientation. However, they are mounted on springs 39 which tend to maintain them normally in a position for which their free edge protrudes relative to the free edge of the pinch blades 7a and 7b, and this in approximately the same conditions as it was case for the transverse elements 36 of the protective grid 35 of the embodiment according to FIGS. 11 to 13.

Ainsi, lorsque l'utilisateur place la tête d'épilation 1i contre la peau, seules les lames de protection 38 se trouvent au contact de celle-ci, les lames de pincement 7a et 7b étant alors en retrait, de sorte que leur action est en quelque sorte neutralisée. Mais il suffit à l'utilisateur de presser l'appareil contre la peau pour provoquer ainsi l'éffacement des lames de protection 38 et l'entrée en action progressive des lames de pincement 7a et 7b.Thus, when the user places the epilation head 1i against the skin, only the protective blades 38 are in contact with the latter, the pinching blades 7a and 7b then being set back, so that their action is somehow neutralized. But it suffices for the user to press the device against the skin to thus cause the erasure of the protective blades 38 and the progressive action of the nipping blades 7a and 7b.

La figure 15 représente une autre forme de réalisation correspondant à la même conception générale. La seule différence réside dans le fait que les lames de protection 38, montées sur ressort, sont remplacées par des lames de protection 38j présentant une découpe particulière 40 permettant leur contraction, et par suite leur effacement, lorsque la tête d'épilation 7j est pressée contre la peau. Le fonctionnement est donc le même que dans la forme de réalisation précédente.FIG. 15 represents another embodiment corresponding to the same general design. The only difference lies in the fact that the protective blades 38, mounted on a spring, are replaced by protective blades 38j having a particular cutout 40 allowing their contraction, and consequently their erasure, when the epilation head 7j is pressed. against the skin. The operation is therefore the same as in the previous embodiment.

Les figures 16 à 17 illustrent une autre forme de réalisation encore qui est également conçue pour permettre une action progressive de l'appareil.Figures 16 to 17 illustrate yet another embodiment which is also designed to allow progressive action of the device.

Dans celle-ci les lames de protection 38j, prévues dans le cas de la figure 15, sont remplacées par des lames de protection 38k susceptibles de se courber lors d'une pression de la tête d'épilation correspondante 7k contre la peau (voir figure 17). A cet effet ces lames de protection 38k sont réalisées en un matériau susceptible de fléchir sous l'effet d'une telle pression. La hauteur de ces lames est telle que le bord libre de celles-ci fasse normalement saillie par rapport au bord libre des lames de pincement 7a et 7b comme représenté sur la figure 16. En conséquence lorsque la tête d'épilation 7k est appliquée contre la peau les lames de pincement 7a et 7b sont sans action tant que l'utilisateur ne presse pas l'appareil.In it the protective blades 38j, provided in the case of FIG. 15, are replaced by protective blades 38k capable of bending when the corresponding epilation head 7k is pressed against the skin (see figure 17). To this end, these protective blades 38k are made of a material capable of bending under the effect of such pressure. The height of these blades is such that the free edge of these normally protrudes from the free edge of the pinch blades 7a and 7b as shown in FIG. 16. Consequently, when the epilation head 7k is applied against the skin the pinch blades 7a and 7b are inactive until the user presses the device.

La figure 18 illustre une autre forme de réalisation dans laquelle la tête d'épilation 1l de l'appareil correspondant comprend seulement deux lames de pincement 7l et 7m. En un point intermédiaire de leur longueur, ces deux lames s'articulent l'une sur l'autre autour d'un axe 41 de telle façon que leurs extrémités de travail 42 puissent être serrées l'une contre l'autre dans la position de fermeture de la pince ainsi constituée. Cependant les moyens d'actionnement de ces deux lames sont disposés de façon à agir sur leurs extrémités opposées 43 comme cela est schématisé par les flèches F1 et F2. Cette disposition particulière des moyens d'actionnement des lames de pincement a pour avantage de dégager l'extrémité de travail de l'appareil. En conséquence, cette extrémité peut affecter la forme d'une sorte de bâtonnet de section réduite qui est porté par le boîtier de l'appareil. Ceci permet d'utiliser celui-ci pour certaines applications particulières, par exemple pour l'épilation des sourcils.FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment in which the depilation head 1 l of the corresponding apparatus comprises only two pinching blades 7 l and 7 m. At an intermediate point of their length, these two blades are articulated one on the other about an axis 41 so that their working ends 42 can be clamped one against the other in the position of closing of the clamp thus formed. However, the means for actuating these two blades are arranged so as to act on their opposite ends 43 as shown diagrammatically by the arrows F1 and F2. This particular arrangement of the means for actuating the nipping blades has the advantage of clearing the working end of the device. Consequently, this end can take the form of a kind of rod of reduced section which is carried by the housing of the device. This allows it to be used for certain specific applications, for example for eyebrow waxing.

Quant à la figure 19 elle représente une autre forme de réalisation encore qui se différencie des précédentes par la nature des moyens d'entraînement de la tête d'épilation correspondante 1n. En effet dans cette forme de réalisation ces moyens d'entraînement comprennent un bras de manoeuvre 16n articulé en un point intermédiaire de sa longueur autour d'un axe fixe 44 et dont l'extrémité opposée s'articule en 25n sur un plateau rotatif d'entraînement 26n. L'agencement est tel que la tête d'épilation 1n suit ainsi une trajectoire comportant successivement une première partie courbe tangente à la surface de travail X-Y de l'appareil, puis une seconde partie s'écartant de cette surface pour revenir ensuite à proximité de celle-ci.As for FIG. 19, it represents yet another embodiment which differs from the previous by the nature of the drive means of the corresponding epilation head 1n. Indeed in this embodiment these drive means comprise an operating arm 16n articulated at an intermediate point of its length around a fixed axis 44 and the opposite end of which is articulated at 25n on a rotary plate of drive 26n. The arrangement is such that the depilation head 1n thus follows a trajectory comprising successively a first curved part tangent to the working surface XY of the apparatus, then a second part deviating from this surface and then returning to close to this one.

Dans les formes de réalisation selon les figures 14 à 17, il est possible de remplacer les lames supplémentaires de protection de la peau par d'autres organes appropriés de protection, par exemple des tiges ou doigts saillants semi-rigides, ou bien des éléments similaires à des poils semi-rigides ou analogues.In the embodiments according to FIGS. 14 to 17, it is possible to replace the additional skin protection blades by other suitable protection organs, for example semi-rigid protruding rods or fingers, or similar elements to semi-rigid bristles or the like.

Par ailleurs, dans les formes de réalisation selon les figures 14 à 17, certaines au moins des lames supplémentaires (38, 38j) de la protection de la peau peuvent participer au pincement des poils à arracher.Furthermore, in the embodiments according to Figures 14 to 17, at least some of the additional blades (38, 38j) of the skin protection can participate in the pinching of the hairs to be plucked.

D'autre part il est possible de prévoir une solution inverse de celle représentée aux figures 14 à 17, afin d'obtenir le même résultat, c'est-à-dire une entrée en action différée, et non brutale, des lames de pincement. Dans un tel cas les lames de protection ne seraient pas escamotables, mais les lames de pincement sont montées mobiles de façon à pouvoir être amenées dans une position saillante par rapport aux lames de protection, des moyens d'actionnement étant prévus pour commander le déplacement des lames de pincement dans cette position pour les mettre en service.On the other hand, it is possible to provide a solution opposite to that shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, in order to obtain the same result, that is to say a delayed, and not abrupt, entry into action of the nipping blades. . In such a case, the protective blades would not be retractable, but the pinching blades are mounted movable so that they can be brought into a projecting position relative to the protective blades, actuation means being provided for controlling the movement of the pinch blades in this position to put them into service.

Les figures 20 à 22 représentent une autre forme de réalisation encore, qui est conçue pour permettre également une entrée en action différée des lames de pincement. Dans celle-ci, le montage des deux séries correspondantes de lames de pincement 7c et 7d diffère du montage prévu aux figures 1 à 3, par le fait que les lames 7d de l'une des deux séries peuvent être placées légèrement en retrait par rapport aux lames 7c de l'autre série d'une distance d (voir figure 21) ou, au contraire en concordance. Dans le premier cas les pinces formées par ces deux séries de lames sont inactives, alors que dans le second elles sont actives.Figures 20-22 show yet another embodiment, which is designed to allow also delayed entry of the pinch blades. In it, the mounting of the two corresponding series of nipping blades 7c and 7d differs from the mounting provided in Figures 1 to 3, in that the blades 7d of one of the two series can be placed slightly behind to the blades 7c of the other series by a distance d (see FIG. 21) or, on the contrary in agreement. In the first case, the clamps formed by these two series of blades are inactive, while in the second they are active.

Pour permettre ce déplacement des lames 7d, les axes 45 d'articulation de celles-ci sur les rebords 10 du support 8 sont en matière élastique. Par ailleurs, la barrette 11d d'actionnement de ces lames 7d présente un certain jeu de débattement 8 dans le sens F par rapport à la barrette 11c actionnant les lames 7c, et il est prévu un poussoir 46 permettant de déplacer la barrette 11d dans le sens de la flèche F. Ce poussoir est porté par une sorte de manchon 47 monté coulissant sur le bras 16 d'entraînement de la présente tête d'épilation. Le déplacement de ce manchon, dans un sens et dans l'autre, peut être commandé au moyen d'une traverse coulissante 48 susceptible d'être actionnée à la main, celle-ci comportant deux rampes 48a et 48b aptes à agir en sens inverse sur un ergot 49 porté par le manchon 47. Une lame élastique coudée 50 assure l'immobilisation du manchon 47 dans chacune de ses positions utiles.To allow this movement of the blades 7d, the axes 45 of articulation thereof on the edges 10 of the support 8 are made of elastic material. Furthermore, the bar 11d for actuating these blades 7d has a certain clearance clearance 8 in the direction F relative to the bar 11c actuating the blades 7c, and a pusher 46 is provided for moving the bar 11d in the direction of arrow F. This pusher is carried by a sort of sleeve 47 mounted to slide on the drive arm 16 of the present epilation head. The movement of this sleeve, in one direction and in the other, can be controlled by means of a sliding crosspiece 48 capable of being actuated by hand, the latter comprising two ramps 48a and 48b capable of acting in the opposite direction on a lug 49 carried by the sleeve 47. A bent elastic blade 50 immobilizes the sleeve 47 in each of its useful positions.

Initialement celui-ci se trouve dans la position représentée à la figure 20 pour laquelle les lames 7d sont légèrement en retrait par rapport aux lames 7c. Dans ces conditions seules ces dernières viennent au contact de la peau lorsque la tête d'épilation est placée contre celle-ci. En conséquence les pinces d'épilation formées par les deux séries de lames sont alors inactives. Mais il suffit de faire coulisser la traverse 48 dans le sens de la flèche F1 pour amener les lames 7d dans leur position normale pour que les pinces d'épilation entrent en action.Initially it is in the position shown in Figure 20 for which the blades 7d are slightly set back from the blades 7c. In these conditions only the latter come into contact with the skin when the epilation head is placed against it. As a result, the tweezers formed by the two series of blades are then inactive. But it suffices to slide the cross-member 48 in the direction of the arrow F1 to bring the blades 7d into their normal position so that the tweezers come into action.

Les figures 23 et 24 illustrent une variante particulière des moyens d'actionnement du bras 16 d'entraînement de la tête d'épilation du présent appareil. Dans cette variante le plateau-manivelle, qui porte le doigt de commande 25 de ce bras, est constitué par un pignon 26o engrènant avec la denture intérieure d'une couronne fixe 51. Ce pignon est entraîné en mouvement par un maneton 52 pivotant autour d'un axe central 53 (voir figure 24). Ainsi le pignon 26o et la couronne fixe 51 constituent un mécanisme hypocycloïdal qui impartit, au doigt de commande 25 une trajectoire de forme très particulière, illustrée sur les figures 23 et 24, ce qui détermine un mouvement également très particulier de la tête d'épilation de l'appareil correspondant.Figures 23 and 24 illustrate a particular variant of the actuating means of the arm 16 for driving the epilation head of this device. In this variant the crank plate, which carries the control finger 25 of this arm, is constituted by a pinion 26 o meshing with the internal toothing of a fixed crown 51. This pinion is driven in movement by a crank pin 52 pivoting around a central axis 53 (see Figure 24). Thus the pinion 26 o and the fixed crown 51 constitute a hypocycloidal mechanism which imparts to the control finger 25 a trajectory of very particular shape, illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24, which determines a movement also very particular of the head. epilation of the corresponding device.

Claims (22)

  1. A depilating apparatus comprising a depilator head including movable blades forming one or several pairs of gripping tweezers which are successively opened and closed for plucking hairs which are to be eliminated, characterised in that said depilator head (1) being mounted on one end of the housing (2) of said apparatus is coupled with actuating means adapted for imparting to said head, at the same time:
    - a first movement having periodically a main component which is parallel or substantially parallel to the working plane (X-X') of said depilator head and hence to the skin surface, and is also parallel to the edges of the gripping blades (7) so as to facilitate, by means of a combing action, the engagement of the hairs which are to be plucked;
    - and, during this movement, a recoil of said depilator head away from its working plane, along an axis (Z Z') which is perpendicular or at least substantially perpendicular to said working plane, while the gripping blades remain orientated in the same direction with their free edge oriented towards the working surface;
    - the driving means for actuating the movable gripping blades (7) being adapted for causing the closing of the corresponding tweezers prior to the recoil of the depilator head and then the re-opening of said tweezers until they become closed again before another recoil movement of the depilator head takes place.
  2. A depilating apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the depilator head (1) is mounted as a floating unit at the corresponding end of the housing (2).
  3. A depilating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the means for driving the depilator head are adapted for imparting thereto a combined movement including a translation movement parallel to the working plane (X X') and a recoil movement away from said plane.
  4. A depilating apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the mechanical means for driving the floating depilator head (1) are adapted for imparting thereto a variable speed during its combined movement, in such manner that the translational movement taking place substantially along the working plane (X X') of said depilator head is cancelled while the tweezers are closed and before the recoil movement which effects the plucking of the hairs to be eliminated.
  5. A depilating apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the floating depilator head (1) is coupled with one end of a driving arm (16, 16a) which comprises at an intermediate point of its length a slot (24, 24a, 24b) inside which is engaged a driving pin (25) carried by a crank-disk (26) rotatably driven by the motor of the apparatus.
  6. A depilating apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the floating depilator head (1) is coupled with one end of a driving arm (16c) pivotally linked, at an intermediate point along its length, with a driving pin (25c) carried by a crank-disk (26) rotatably driven by the motor of the apparatus.
  7. A depilating apparatus according to one of claims 5 to 6, characterised in that the end (20) of the driving arm (16) opposite to the floating depilator head (1) is mounted for sliding axially through a ball (21) or the like articulated inside a fixed socket (22).
  8. A depilating apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the depilator head comprises only two gripping blades, each one of which is coupled with a driving arm adapted for imparting thereto at the same time a movement being substantially parallel to the working surface and a movement of recoil away from said surface.
  9. A depilating apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the means for driving the depilator head (1) are adapted for imparting thereto a movement along a path having a very flat elliptical shape.
  10. A depilating apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that there are provided two movable depilator heads (1e, 1f) with mechanical means adapted for imparting thereto movements of the same nature but with a time lag, so as to cause these movements to be symmetrical.
  11. A depilating apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that it comprises two movable depilator heads with mechanical drive means adapted for imparting thereto movements of the same nature, but in opposite directions.
  12. A depilating apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the depilator head or heads are surrounded by a frame (35) serving as a supporting element against the skin, said frame being movably mounted in the housing of the apparatus in a direction perpendicular to the working surface, resilient means (37) being provided for urging this frame in a position where it projects slightly beyond the movable blades (7a, 7b) of the depilator head(s), so that however by pressing this frame (35) against the skin it can be pushed back into a position where it lies substantially in the same plane as the free edges of the depilator blades (7a, 7b).
  13. A depilating apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that each depilator head comprises a protective grid (35) serving as a supporting element against the skin, said grid comprising cross-members (36), each of which is arranged between the two complementary gripping blades (7a, 7b) belonging to one same pair of tweezers, said grid (35) being movably mounted on the housing of the apparatus in a direction perpendicular to the working surface, resilient means (37) urging said grid in a position projecting slightly beyond the movable blades (7a, 7b) of the depilator head(s), so that however by pressing this grid against the skin it can be pushed back into a position lying substantially in the same plane as the free edges of the depilator blades (7a, 7b).
  14. A depilating apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the depilator head or heads (1i) comprise semi-rigid fingers for protecting the skin or additional blades (38) for protecting the skin, which normally project slightly beyond the movable gripping blades (7a, 7b) but are preferably adapted for being retracted relative to said gripping blades when these protective blades (38) are pressed against the skin.
  15. A depilating apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the depilator head or heads (1j) comprise semi-rigid fingers for protecting the skin or additional blades (38j) for protecting the skin, which normally project slightly beyond the movable gripping blades (7a, 7b) but are preferably adapted for flexing resiliently rearwardly of said gripping blades when these protective blades (7a, 7b) are pressed against the skin.
  16. A depilating apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that some of the gripping blades (7a, 7b) in the depilator head or heads are fixed, for example every second blade, the other blades being movable and adapted for being pressed, in the closing position, against the adjacent fixed blades.
  17. A depilating apparatus according to claim 1, of which the depilator head (1l) comprises only two gripping blades (7l, 7m) characterised in that they are pivotally linked together at an intermediate point (41) along their length, the means for actuating said blades acting on the ends (43) of said blades remote from the working surface.
  18. A depilating apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least some of the gripping blades (7a, 7b) and/or some of the protective blades (38) are provided on their periphery with a lining or with lining elements made of a material capable of adhering to human hairs.
  19. A depilating apparatus according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the depilator head or heads (1n) are attached to one end of a driving arm (16n), the opposite end of which is pivotally linked to a rotatable crank-disk (26n), the arrangement being such that the depilator head or heads (1n) follow a continuous path comprising a first arcuate portion tangential to the working surface and then a second portion extending away from said surface before returning into the close vicinity thereof, and so on.
  20. A depilating apparatus according to one of claims 14 and 15, characterised in that at least some of the additional skin-protecting blades (38, 38j) take part in the gripping action on the hairs to be plucked.
  21. A depilating apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the depilator head or heads comprise additional skin-protecting blades which normally project slightly beyond the movable gripping blades (7a, 7b), said gripping blades being movably mounted so they can be brought into a position projecting beyond said protective blades, actuating means being provided for controlling the displacement of the gripping blades into this position for bringing them into operation.
  22. A depilating apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that one of the two rows of gripping blades (7d) is initially recessed relative to the blades (7c) of the other row, but mechanical control means make it possible subsequently to bring these blades (7c) into alignment with the blades (7d) for putting into action the depilating tweezers constituted by these blades.
EP90401006A 1989-04-21 1990-04-12 Depilating apparatus Expired - Lifetime EP0394105B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT90401006T ATE89979T1 (en) 1989-04-21 1990-04-12 DEHAIRING DEVICE.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8905324A FR2646065B1 (en) 1989-04-21 1989-04-21 HAIR REMOVAL APPARATUS
FR8905324 1989-04-21

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0394105A1 EP0394105A1 (en) 1990-10-24
EP0394105B1 true EP0394105B1 (en) 1993-06-02

Family

ID=9380991

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP90401006A Expired - Lifetime EP0394105B1 (en) 1989-04-21 1990-04-12 Depilating apparatus

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US (1) US5108409A (en)
EP (1) EP0394105B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH02295510A (en)
AT (1) ATE89979T1 (en)
DE (1) DE69001782T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2041156T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2646065B1 (en)

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DE3939874A1 (en) * 1989-12-02 1991-06-06 Klaus Dipl Ing Becker HAIR REMOVAL DEVICE
EP0500075B1 (en) * 1991-02-20 1999-05-06 Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. Depilating device
NL9100439A (en) * 1991-03-12 1992-10-01 Philips Nv SHAVER.
US5555778A (en) * 1994-08-03 1996-09-17 Otters; Timothy P. Can opener for pull top cans
US5899910A (en) * 1996-09-17 1999-05-04 Etman; Sameer A. Direct acting cam gripping mechanism
FR2810216B1 (en) 2000-06-15 2002-08-16 Seb Sa DEPILATURE APPARATUS WITH CLAMPS CARRIED BY A CHAIN
AT7596U1 (en) * 2003-07-01 2005-06-27 Payer Int Technologies Gmbh epilation device
RU2557994C2 (en) * 2012-11-28 2015-07-27 Вячеслав Вадимович Митяшов Method of applying depilatory based on salts of thioglycolic acid, its derivatives and potassium, sodium, calcium hydroxides to stop unwanted hair growth
US20140316437A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-10-23 Spectrum Brands, Inc. Epilator
US9713877B2 (en) 2014-11-12 2017-07-25 Medline Industries, Inc. Clipper head with drag reduction
USD779123S1 (en) 2014-11-12 2017-02-14 Medline Industries, Inc. Clipper head
USD794871S1 (en) 2016-01-15 2017-08-15 Medline Industries, Inc. Clipper
USD795497S1 (en) 2016-01-15 2017-08-22 Medline Industries, Inc. Clipper
USD802217S1 (en) 2016-06-10 2017-11-07 Medline Industries, Inc. Clipper head
USD802216S1 (en) 2016-06-10 2017-11-07 Medline Industries, Inc. Clipper head
USD802214S1 (en) 2016-06-10 2017-11-07 Medline Industries, Inc. Clipper head
USD802215S1 (en) 2016-06-10 2017-11-07 Medline Industries, Inc. Clipper head

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NL7805230A (en) * 1978-05-16 1979-11-20 Philips Nv EPILER.
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FR2556939B1 (en) * 1983-12-22 1987-10-23 Jean Alazet HAIR REMOVAL DEVICE
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US4917678A (en) * 1988-09-01 1990-04-17 Remington Products, Inc. Depilatory device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2646065A1 (en) 1990-10-26
FR2646065B1 (en) 1991-06-21
JPH02295510A (en) 1990-12-06
ATE89979T1 (en) 1993-06-15
ES2041156T3 (en) 1993-11-01
DE69001782D1 (en) 1993-07-08
EP0394105A1 (en) 1990-10-24
US5108409A (en) 1992-04-28
DE69001782T2 (en) 1993-09-09

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