WO2015037006A1

WO2015037006A1 - Apparatus and method for hair removal and skin exfoliation

Info

Publication number: WO2015037006A1
Application number: PCT/IL2014/050818
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ilan Greenberg; Pinchas Shalev
Original assignee: Ilan Greenberg; Pinchas Shalev
Priority date: 2013-09-16
Filing date: 2014-09-14
Publication date: 2015-03-19

Abstract

An apparatus and method for providing cosmetic treatment to skin comprise one material chemically active in a solid form preferably in a tablet form and a second material which is chemically reactive with the first material so that effervescence is produced during the reaction. The chemically active materials may be activated by a user for providing cosmetic treatment to skin. The activation releases effervescence which urges granules of the reacting materials onto the skin. The size of the granules lowers during the reaction thus providing continuously refining peeling to the skin.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HAIR REMOVAL AND SKIN EXFOLIATION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for hair removal and skin exfoliation and more particular, a method for hair removal and skin exfoliation using abrasive material and a gear system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Various hair removal techniques are available today, including shaving, applying depilatories which are chemicals that melt the hair, waxing, plucking with tweezers, Epilation devices, Electrolysis using fine needles, laser treatment, etc. Hair removal techniques may be classified as depilation or epilation, which relate to removal of the part of the hair above the surface of the skin, or removal of the entire hair, including the part below the skin, respectively. Epilation methods may include waxing, sugaring, epilation devices, lasers, threading, intense pulsed light or electrology, and plucking with tweezers.

[003] Most hair removal techniques give temporary results. Typically, hair would reaper faster using depilation in comparison to epilation, because depilation removes the hair off at the skin surface. If the hair is physically pulled out as in waxing, plucking with tweezers or using Epilation devices the hair takes longer to appear again because it has to grow to the surface of the skin before it is noticed. However, epilation techniques typically involve pain and discomfort during hair removal.

[004] Some techniques, such as laser treatments and Electrolysis may give permanent results. However, these techniques typically require professional or even medical supervision and are typically expensive.

[005] Anti-hair regrowth materials that slow hair regrowth are known today. Such materials are typically applied to the skin immediately after hair removal to help reduce the frequency of hair removal processes. However, since applied on the skin surface, the penetration of these materials into the hair follicle is limited and so is the effect of the anti-hair regrowth materials.

[006] Skin exfoliation is known for years. Mechanical skin exfoliation involves rubbing the skin with harsh materials and is usually performed in order to achieve smooth and radiant skin. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[007] The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

[008] Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus for skin treatment according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[009] Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a cut view of the apparatus for skin treatment depicted in Fig. 1 according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[010] Figs. 3A and 3B demonstrate exemplary circular movements of an abrasive surface according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[011] Figs. 4A, 4B and 4C are schematic illustrations of planetary gear according to some embodiments of the present invention, in isometric view, top view and bottom view, respectively;

[012] Fig. 5 is a cross-section view of the planetary gear depicted in Fig. 4A with a basic head according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[013] Figs. 6A and 6B are a cross section view and isometric view, respectively, of the planetary gear depicted in Fig. 4A with a modified head including tillable module according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[014] Figs. 7A and 7B are an exploded view and a isometric view, respectively, of the planetary gear depicted in Fig. 4A with a modified head including a tillable abrasive module according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[015] Figs. 8A and 8B are a side and isometric view of another handle and rotating gear according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[016] Figs. 9 A, 9B are a side and isometric views, respectively, of abrasive module according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[017] Figs. 10A, 10B are a side and isometric views, respectively, of another abrasive module according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[018] Figs. 11 A, 1 IB are a side and isometric views, respectively, of another abrasive module according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[019] Figs. 12A, 12B are a side and isometric views, respectively, of another abrasive module according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[020] Fig. 13 is a schematic isometric illustration of an exemplary multi head hair removal system according to some embodiments of the present invention; and [021] Figs. 14A, 14B and 14C depict skin treatment tool adapted to operate with skin treatment tablet according to some embodiments of the present invention, in side view, bottom view and blown view, respectively.

[022] The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings referred to above. Dimensions of components and features shown in the figures are chosen for convenience or clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown to scale. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[023] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

[024] Hair removal may be achieved by pressing and rotating an abrasive surface against the skin. The rotating abrasive surface may pull and rotate the hair, while filing the hair and skin, until the hair is removed. According to some embodiments of the present invention, a hair removal apparatus may include an abrasive surface assembled to a gear system. When activated, the gear system may move the abrasive surface in circular movement in a plane of the abrasive surface. When the abrasive surface is placed against the skin where hair is to be removed, and the gear system is activated, the abrasive surface may pull and rotate the hair, while filing the hair and skin, until the hair is removed. Additionally, the pulling and rotation of the hair may pull and rotate the hair follicle, opening shafts around the hair follicle. According to some embodiments of the present invention, anti-hair regrowth materials may be applied to the treated skin, before, during or after removing the hair by the hair removal apparatus. The applied anti-hair regrowth materials may penetrate the opened hair shafts reaching deeper into the hair follicle comparing to applying anti- hair regrowth materials without pulling and rotating the hair follicle. Thus, the effect of the anti-hair regrowth materials may be increased. According to some embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus including an abrasive surface rotated by a gear system as described herein may be used to exfoliate skin, e.g., for the removal of dead skin cells and dirt form the epidermis. As used herein skin treatment may refer to any of skin exfoliation or hair removal, or to a combination thereof. [025] The anti-hair regrowth materials may include, for example, KELISOFT™ and KELISOFT™ OS.

[026] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the well known phenomena of the effervescence effect of the chemical reaction of certain first and second materials, such as baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with certain other materials, such as citric acid (CeHsOjfaq₎) may be utilized in hair removal to increase depth and level of penetration of anti-hair regrowth materials and thus improve the effectiveness of these materials and achieve permanent hair reduction. Similar effect may be achieved by gas released from carbon dioxide (C(¾) loaded zeolite when in contact with aqueous solution.

[027] The first material may be a base with low value of pH, for example lower than 7 and the second material may be acidic with high value of pH, for example higher than 7. As is well known the chemical reaction of baking soda with citric acid is defined by:

(1) C₆H,0₇ + 3NaHC0_3(aq)→ 3H₂0_(l) + 3C0_2(g) + Na₃C₆H₅0_1(aq)

Citric Baking Soda Water Carbon Sodium Citrate

Acid Dioxide

Similarly, the chemical reaction of tartaric acid with sodium bicarbonate is defined by:

(2) H₂C₄H₄0₆ + 2NaHC0₃→ Na₂C₄H₄0₆ + 2H₂0 + 2C0₂

Tartaric Acid Sodium Sodium Water Carbon

Bicarbonate Tartarate Dioxide

This phenomenon may be utilized, according to some embodiments of the present invention, by using the gas that is released during the reaction (e.g. COi) to push and force the anti-hair regrowth materials into the treated skin, and specifically, into the hair follicle, deeper than is possible without the assistance of the released gas. The anti-hair regrowth material or materials may be buffed into the skin using one or more of the various means presented and described in details herein. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that other solutions may be used, which, when reacting, create effervescence effect. It will also be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the first and / or second materials may be provided in any adequate phase, e.g. solid, powder, liquid, gel or gas - as long as their chemical reaction will provide gas. In some embodiments at least one active material may be provided in liquid form (e.g. dissolved in water or the like) or dissolved in gel. The liquid or gel in which one of the active materials is dissolved may be used, according to some embodiments of the present invention as a wetting, gliding or oiling material to provide smoother gliding of an apparatus of the present invention with treated skin. According to some embodiments of the present invention the carrying liquid and / or gel may be used to provide anti-hair regrowth materials to the treated skin. The chemical features of such carrying liquid or gel may be selected as may be desired, e.g. to have no effect on the chemical reaction, to release one or more anti-hair regrowth materials, as may be required, etc.

[028] According to some embodiments of the present invention, hair removal and permanent hair reduction may be enhanced by combining the effect of filing the hair while pulling and rotating the hair shaft, with the effervescence effect. For example, an abrasive surface of a hair removal apparatus may include the first material of the chemical reaction or carbon dioxide loaded zeolite. For example, the first material may be provided in the form of a tablet, having an abrasive surface on at least one of its facets. Same effect may be used for buffing desired materials into the skin during skin exfoliation treatments.

Tablet Compositions and Additives

[029] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first material of the chemical reaction, or carbon dioxide loaded zeolite may be provided in the form of a tablet that may have defined from, that may have an abrasive surface on at least one of its facets. The tablet may contain the required materials for achieving anti-hair regrowth effect and/or other possible required materials and may be applied to the treated skin during hair removal or exfoliating treatment using specially designed apparatuses, as is described in details herein below. The term 'tablet', as used throughout this specification, relates to material or materials that are provided in a solid form, having a defined shape. Tablets made according to embodiments of the invention may comprise, additionally to the active materials or zeolite, materials known to have anti-hair regrowth effect, materials for achieving other desired effects as will be described below, etc. The amount of each of the ingredients in a tablet, as well as their order of release, their level of solubility and other respective features may be set so as to fulfill the treatment goals it is designed for, as is explained in details below.

Compositions of Effervescent Tablet

[030] The choice of ingredients for effervescent granules may be deducted both by the requirement of the manufacturing process and the necessity of making a preparation which dissolves in water. The required ingredients are at least one acid or at least one base. The base should release, according to some embodiments of the present invention, carbon dioxide upon reaction with the acid. Examples of such acids may include tartaric acid and citric acid. Examples of bases include sodium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate. Effervescent granules may usually be prepared from a combination of citric and tartaric acid rather than from a single acid because the use of either acid alone may cause difficulties. When tartaric acid is the sole acid, the resulting granules readily crumble and lack mechanical strength. Citric acid alone may result in a sticky mixture which is difficult to granulate during the manufacturing process. Effervescent salts may include the following ingredients, which may actually produce the effervescence: sodium bicarbonate, citric acid and tartaric acid. When added to water the acids and base may react to liberate carbon dioxide, resulting in effervescence. It should be noted that any acid-base combination which results in the liberation of carbon dioxide could be used in place of this combination as long as the ingredients are suitable for pharmaceutical use.

[031] The reaction between citric acid and sodium bicarbonate and tartaric acid and sodium bicarbonate, which results in liberation of carbon dioxide, has been shown above in formulas (1) and (2). It should be noted that it requires 3 molecules of sodium bicarbonate to neutralize 1 molecule of citric acid and 2 molecule of sodium bicarbonate to neutralize 1 molecule of tartaric acid. The proportion of acids may be varied, as long as the total acidity is maintained and the bicarbonate completely neutralized. Usually it is desired that ratio of citric acid to tartaric acid equals 1 :2 so that the desired ratio of the ingredients can be calculated as follows:

(3) Citric acid: Tartaric acid: Sodium bicarbonate = 1 :2:3.44 (by weight)

[032] The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) 24 includes the following seven monographs, that may be used for tablets according to some embodiments of the present invention:

1. Acetaminophen for Effervescent Oral Solution;

2. Aspirin Effervescent Tablets for Oral Solution;

3. Potassium Bicarbonate Effervescent Tablets for Oral Solution;

4. Potassium Bicarbonate and Potassium Chloride for Effervescent Oral Solution;

5. Potassium Bicarbonate and Potassium Chloride Effervescent Tablets for Oral Solution;

6. Potassium and Sodium Bicarbonates and Citric Acid for Oral Solution; and

7. Potassium Chloride, Potassium Bicarbonate, and Potassium.

[033] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the effervescent tablet may include CO₂ loaded zeolite. The tableted zeolite may include molecular sieve zeolite material reinforced with fibers and loaded or charged with CO₂. CO₂ absorbed within the zeolite may be released in aqueous solution thus creating effervescence effect.

[034] The tableted zeolite may include other materials as may be needed for the specific application, as long as the effervescence effect is not adversely affected thereby. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many such optional materials which may be added to the composite zeolite tablets without adversely affecting their CO₂ adsorption and release capacities.

Abrasive surface [035] An abrasive surface at the facet of the tablet may include natural or synthetic harsh particles similar to those known in the art for the application of exfoliating skin or hair removal. Natural particles may include sand, pumice, ground nut shells, ground apricot or peach pits etc. Synthetic materials used for abrasive surfaces may include plastic or polyethylene microbeads and the like.

Lubricants

[036] A perfect lubricant for effervescent products must be nontoxic and water-soluble. Very few traditional lubricants fulfill these requirements. Intrinsic lubricants are added to the powder mixture and consequently included in the formulation. When added in solid form, the lubricant will have to be finely divided. Metal stearates, such as magnesium or calcium stearate that serve as lubricants in conventional tablets, are seldom used as intrinsic lubricants in connection with effervescent tablets due to their insolubility in water. Use of stearates results in an undissolved, foamy, soapy- tasting layer on the surface of the cloudy solution. In addition, normal lubricant concentrations of metal stearates make the tablets hydrophobic, which entail a slow dissolution of the effervescent tablet in the water.

Disinte grants or dissolution aids

[037] Disintegrants, which are used in conventional tablets, are not normally used in effervescent tablets because one of the marketing demands is that a clear solution should be obtained within a few minutes after adding the tablet to a glass of cold water.

Aroma via Flavors or Fragrances

[038] Various dry flavors are available. The flavors used must be water-soluble or water- dispersible. Suitable emulsifier or surfactant may be added for better incorporation of liquid aromatic oils into dry tablet formulation and its better dispersibility on the skin.

Surfactants

[039] This type of excipient is sometimes used to increase the wetting and dissolution rate of drugs and actives. Attention must be paid to the formation of foam.

Antifoaming agents

[040] To reduce the formation of foam, and consequently the tendency of additives to the tablet to stick surfaces nest to the water border line, an antifoaming agent, such as polydimethyl-siloxane, can be used. However, antifoaming agents do not normally form constituents of effervescent products.

Stability [041] The greatest problem with effervescent products is the loss of reactivity with time if exposed prematurely to moisture (i.e., the stability of the effervescent system). In addition, the stability of tablet additives and some excipients, such as flavors, also must be considered. Effervescent compositions may be markedly stabilized if the NaHC(¾ is partly converted to the corresponding carbonate. Usually, the desired degree of stability is attained if approximately 2-10% of the weight of the bicarbonate is converted to the carbonate.

Potential Cosmetic Actives

[042] The tablets according to some embodiments of the present invention may include various cosmetic materials for achieving desired side effects on the treated skin in addition to hair removal, delayed hair regrowth and skin exfoliation.

Vitamins

[043] Water soluble vitamins which can be incorporated in a powder form are preferred: Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid - can serve also as acid for effervescent reaction), group of Vitamins B (Bl (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), Pro-vitamin B5 (Panthenol), B9 (Folic Acid) ,B12 (cobalamin). But to some extent, fat soluble vitamins such as A, E,D,F, K and their derivates and co-enzymes can be added for a spread on and rubbing/massage stage of topical application. Vitamins can serve as moisturizing, anti-oxidant, wrinkle reduction, skin whitening and anti-acne activity.

Plants Extracts

[044] Plant extracts in powder form can be used in both water soluble and water non- soluble forms. Water non-soluble powder plant extracts can serve as a natural mechanical peeling and toxins/dirt absorbing agent. Plant extracts can serve as moisturizing, anti-oxidant, wrinkle reduction, skin whitening, slimming and anti-acne activity, for example caffeine. Plant extracts and oils can serve also as aromatic additives.

Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids

[045] Malic, maleic, lactic, salicylic, fruit acids, glycolic acid, hydroxyoctanoic acid, azelaic acid and mixtures of these as well as their salts may serve as chemical peeling for wrinkle reduction, skin whitening and anti-acne activity.

Amino acids and Proteins

[046] These actives are mostly water soluble powders, and may serve as moisturizing and film forming/emollients agents during and after application of the cosmetic skin treatment according to some embodiments of the present invention. Suitable amino acids include, e.g., L-tyrosine, isoleucine, ornithine, glutamine, phenylalanine, leucine, lysine, methionine, threonine, taurine, tryptophan, valine, alanine, glycine, arginine, histidine, cysteine, asparagine, proline and serine, and mixtures thereof.

Polyssacharides

[047] Polysaccharides that may be useful according to embodiments of this invention are dry solid anhydrous substances such as sorbitol, sugars, (such as trehalose) starches, modified starches (e. g. aluminum octenyl succinate) and mixtures thereof. These actives are water soluble powders, can serve as moisturizing and film forming/emollients agents during and after application. Their film forming activity has usually a soothing effect. Alginic acid, guar gum and algae extracts are typical examples. These materials may also serve as dirt absorbing and water swelling medium during and after application. Starches are also suitable emollients. Typical of this class is tapioca and arabinogalactan. Furthermore, polyssacharides and their derivates can serve as tablet formulation binders: starches, natural gums, cellulose gums, microcrystalline cellulose, methylcellulose, cellulose ethers, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, gelatin, dextrose, lactose, sucrose, sorbitol, mannitol, polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, pectins, alginates, polyacrylamides, polyvinyloxoazolidone, polyvinylalcohols and mixtures thereof.

Gliding agent

[048] Gliding agent, such as PEG-14M (usable in shaving gels), can ease the gliding of tablet on the skin during the application. It also can serve as binder during tablet production.

Minerals

[049] Examples of minerals which may be used as additives to tablets for hair removal according to some embodiments of the present invention include calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, copper, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus, chromium and mixtures thereof. The base which is capable of generating carbon dioxide is also considered as mineral. Examples of suitable carbonate bases include sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide, sodium glycine carbonate, L-lysine carbonate, arginine carbonate, zinc carbonate, zinc oxide and mixtures thereof. Some natural minerals such as sodium or magnesium, magnesium silicate and bentonites can serve also as swelling agents. Some minerals such as magnesium oxide or zeolites can serve for exothermic effect during water addition.

Disinfectants

[050] Antibacterials and fungicidals may be included as skin benefit agents. Representative of these categories are triclosan, tricloban, hexetidene, chlorhexadene, gluconates, zinc salts (e. g. zinc citrate and zinc phenolsulfonate) and combinations thereof. Benzoyl peroxide is known as very effective treatment for acne and may be added to tablet for hair removal according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Pain relief and anti-inflammatory agents

[051] Menthol, camphor, methyl salicylate, clove oil, allantoin, benzyl alcohol may be used as pain relief and/or anti-inflammatory agents for use as ingredients of a tablet for hair removal according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Surfactants

[052] Surfactants such as polysorbate 80 and sodium lauryl sulfate may serve for cleansing of the skin or as surfactant aid during tablet formulation when added to tablets for skin treatment.

Natural or Synthetic Oils and Waxes

[053] Emollients may be in the form of natural or synthetic esters/waxes, silicone oils/waxes, hydrocarbons, starches, fatty acids and mixtures thereof, including bees wax, silicon waxes, bee pollen, bran, wheat germ, kelp, cod liver oil, ginseng, and fish oils, glucosamine, chondroitin, methylsulfonylmethane, and mixtures thereof.

Peptides

[054] A long list of additives may be included in hair removal and/or skin exfoliation tablets for anti-aging activity, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Skin tighteners

[055] Additives typical of this category that may be added to hair removal and/or skin exfoliation tablets are niacinamide, kojic acid, arbutin, vanillin, ferulic acid and esters thereof, resorcinol, hydroquinone, placental extract and combinations thereof.

Typical Formulation Example

[056] One effervescent tablet made with weights 1.5 grams (1500 mg), formula for 1 piece of Vitamin C effervescent tablets:

Vitamin C 500 mg

Pyridoxine 20 mg

PVP 3% 45 mg

Sucrose 15% 225 mg

Citric Acid Monohydrate 208 mg Tartaric Acid 222,9 mg

PEG 8000 30 mg

Calculations

[057] Exemplary calculations for 1500mg tablet for hair removal and/or skin exfoliation tablets according to some embodiments of the present invention:

Weight of effervescent tablet = 1500 mg

Inner Phase weight (consist of active ingredient, acid, base, binder and filler) (98%) = 98/100 xl500 mg = 1470 mg

Outer Phase (consists of glidant) (2%) = 2/100 x 1500 mg = 30 mg

Acid and Base weight = Inner phase- (active ingredient + binder +filler) = 1470 mg - ( 520 + 45 + 225 ) mg = 680 mg

Citric acid monohydrate:

Molecular weight = 210,13

Equivalent number = 3

Equivalent weight = 210,13/3 = 70,04

Tartaric Acid:

Molecular weight = 150,09

Equivalent number = 2

Equivalent weight = 150,09/2 = 75,05

Sodium Bicarbonate:

Molecular weight = 84,01

Equivalent number = 1

Equivalent weight = 84,01/1 = 84,01

70,04 mol Equivalent + 75,05 mol Equivalent + 84,01 mol Equivalent = 680 mg

229,1 mol Equivalent = 680 mg

mol Equivalent = 2,97

Citric acid monohydrate = 70,04 x 2,97 = 208 mg

Tartaric Acid = 75,05 x 2,97 = 222,9 mg

Sodium Bicarbonate = 84,01 x 2,97 = 249,5 mg

Consideration of Materials in the Formula and Method of Manufacture Selection

[058] A preferable binder for use in the preparation of tablets according to some embodiments of the present invention is Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) because PVP is a water soluble binder and a concentration of 3% of PVP for use as a binder may be selected because in pharmaceutical formulations and technology a typical range is 0.5 to 5%. As filler sucrose may be used, because filler used in the effervescent tablet is sugar. The concentrations of the selected filler may be, e.g. 15%. The acid that may be used is a combination of citric acid monohydrate and tartaric acid which is adapted to formulate tablets with strong effervescent effect. When using citric acid monohydrate only, the produced granules may be sticky and soft, so it can not be compressed, whereas when used in single-tartaric acid the produced effervescent tablets may be hard and crack able. Sodium bicarbonate may be used as base. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 8000 may be used as lubricant.

[059] Illustrative embodiments of an apparatus for hair removal and/or skin exfoliation according to embodiment of the present invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features/components of an actual implementation are necessarily described.

[060] Reference is now made to Figs. 1 and 2, which are schematic illustrations of an apparatus for hair removal and/or skin exfoliation 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows a cut view of apparatus 100. According to some embodiments of the present invention, apparatus 100 includes handle 101 and abrasive head 102. Head 102 may be fitted with abrasive surface 103. Abrasive head 102 may be configured to be rotatable in the plane of abrasive surface 103, which is the plane that is configured to be in contact with and treat the skin. Handle 100 may include gear system 112, shaft 114, motor 110, power source 116 (optional) and input device 104. Handle 101 may include an electrical circuit to control motor 110 (not shown). Input device 104 may include a switch, a selector or any other input device suitable for receiving instructions from a user as to the required mode of operation of apparatus 100, as known in the art.

[061] Motor 110 may be activated by input device 104. Motor 110 may rotate shaft 114 that may rotate gear system 112 that may rotate head 102 and abrasive surface 103. Motor 110 may be powered by power source 116 or by an external power source (not shown).

[062] Gear system 112 may include any suitable gear adapted to move head 102 in a desired pattern in the plane of abrasive surface 103. For example, gear system 112 may include a gear adapted to rotate abrasive surface 103 in circular or elliptic movements. For example, gear system 112 may include a planetary gear adapted to rotate head 102 in circular movements about two axes of rotation: one located substantially at the center of abrasive surface 103 and a second axis located at a distance form the center of abrasive surface 103. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to moving of abrasive surface 103 in a specific orbits described herein. Any movement pattern that may file the hair and somewhat open the hair shafts may be suitable.

[063] Reference is now made to Figs. 3A and 3B, which demonstrate exemplary circular movements of abrasive surface 103 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 3A depicts simple circular movement of abrasive surface 103 about a single axis of rotation 105 located substantially at a center point of abrasive surface 103. Fig. 3B depicts a planetary movement of abrasive surface 103 about two axes of rotation: first axis of rotation 105 located substantially at a centre point of abrasive surface 103 and second axis of rotation 107 located at a distance from the centre point of abrasive surface 103. Abrasive surface 103 may be rotated to the same direction, or to the opposite direction about axes of rotation 105 and 107. It should be noted that embodiments of the present invention are not limited to circular movements of abrasive surface 103 and that other patterns of movements of abrasive surface 103 that may result in filing of hair and opening of the hair shafts may be utilized. For example, abrasive surface 103 may be adapted to move in elliptic movements or even linear movements back and forth.

[064] Reference is now made to Figs. 4A, 4B and 4C, which are schematic illustrations of exemplary planetary gear 111 according to some embodiments of the present invention in isometric view, top view and bottom view, respectively. Planetary gear 111 may be an exemplary embodiment of gear system 112.

[065] Planetary Gear 111 may include various gears, including ring gear 120, planet gear 122, and sun gear (optional, not shown). The sun gear may be installed on central axis 124 surrounded by planet gear 122. Planet gear 122 may be engaged with ring gear 120. Ring gear 120 may be affixed to handle 101, and thus be kept from rotating and become the stationary gear. Planet gear 122 may be operatively connected to motor 110 which may rotate planet gear 122 about ring gear 120 and/or the sun gear, rotating planet gear 122 along rotation pattern 128, so that the centre of planet gear 122 rotates around the centre of ring gear 120 and/or the sun gear. Head 102 may be connected, for example, using pin 126, to planet gear 122, thus head 102 follows the rotation pattern 128 of planet gear 122.

[066] Reference is now made to Fig. 5, which is a cross-section view of planetary gear 111 with basic head 123 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[067] Planet gear 122 of planetary gear 111 may be connected to, or installed on basic head 123 using pin 126. Pin 126 may be a part of basic head 123. Head 123 may include disc 130 and abrasive module 132. Disc 130 may be rigid and may be fitted with various abrasive modules 132 having an abrasive surface 136, wherein each module may include other features. Module 132 may be replicable. Module 132 may include cap 134, abrasive surface 136, container 138, and aperture 140. Anti-hair regrowth materials and other materials contained inside container 138 may be released during the usage of head 123 through aperture 140. Cap 134 may feature some level of flexibility to allow pressurizing container 138 and thus releasing of the contained liquids and materials. [068] Reference is now made to Figs. 6A and 6B, which show a cross section view and isometric view, respectively, of planetary gear 111 with modified head 109 including tillable module 143 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[069] According to the embodiment presented in Figs. 6A and 6B, head 109 includes a compressible spacer 142, for example a sponge like spacer, to connect second disc 144 and first disk 146. Disc 144 may further include pin 144A, similar to pin 126, and at the opposite side, spherical pin 148 to support first disk 146 and module 143 while first disk 146 tilts relatively to disc 144 and to its first axis of rotation LI (that is analog to axis of rotation 105 of Fig. 3B). First disk 146 may be fitted with an abrasive module 143, for example, an abrasive module similar to abrasive module 132. Tilting of first disk 146 fitted with abrasive module 143 relatively to disc 144, may allow abrasive module 143 to follow the curves of the treated area. Abrasive module 143 may include cap 134, abrasive surface 136, container 138, and aperture 140 that are similar to these of abrasive module 132 and therefore maintain the same reference numeral.

[070] Reference is now made to Figs. 7A and 7B, which show an exploded view and an isometric view, respectively, of planetary gear 111 with modified head 161 including tillable abrasive module 160 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[071] According to the embodiment presented in Figs. 7A and 7B, a second disc 162 of head 161 may include a projection 164. For example, projection 164 may be spherically hex shaped, or may have any suitable shape that may fit a respective depression 168 of first disk 166 and allow transferring of rotational movement during changes in the relative angel between the axis of projection 164 (which is also the axis of rotation of modified head 161 marked as LI) and depression 168/ first disk 166. First disk First disk 166 may include a snap in depression 168 fitted to hold spherical projection 164 while enabling tilting of abrasive module 160 with respect to the axis of rotation LI. Abrasive module 160 may be similar to abrasive module 132.

[072] Reference is now made to Figs. 8A and 8B, which show a side and isometric view of another handle 172 and rotating gear according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[073] According to the embodiment presented in Figs. 8A and 8B, head 102 may be connected to an ex-centric axle 170. Head 102 may rotate and tilt relative to axle 170 as illustrated by arrow 174, and axle 170 may rotate to generate planetary movement of head 102 about two axes of rotation. Handle 172 may include activation button 176.

[074] Reference is now made to Figs. 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, 11 A, 11B, 12A and 12B, which are schematic illustrations of exemplary abrasive modules according to some embodiments of the present invention. Each of exemplary abrasive modules 182, 194, 202 and 210 depicted in Figs. 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, 11 A, 11B, 12A and 12B, may be fitted to planetary gear 111 or to axle 170 as described herein with reference to figs. 1 , 2, 5, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B.

[075] Figs. 9A and 9B depict a side and isometric views, respectively, of head 902 including disk 900 fitted with abrasive module 182. Disk 900 may be rigid to support abrasive module 182. Abrasive module 182 may include cap 186, abrasive surface 188, compartment 190, and aperture 192. Materials in the form of fluid or gel contained inside compartment 190 may be released during the usage of head 902 through aperture 192. Cap 186 feature some level of flexibility to allow pressurizing compartment 190 thus release of the contained materials.

[076] Figs. 10A and 10B depict a side and isometric views, respectively, of head 904 including disk 900 fitted with abrasive module 194. Abrasive module 194 may include a sponge like spacer 198, and abrasive surface 200. Abrasive surface 200 may contain holes or may be permeable or porous. Materials soaked into spacer 198 may be released from sponge like spacer 198 during usage of head 904 as head 904 is pressed against the treated skin.

[077] Materials contained inside compartment 190 or soaked into spacer 198 may include, inter alia, anti-hair regrowth materials, or any other material having a desired effect on the treated skin as described hereinabove.

[078] Figs. 11A and 11B depict a side and isometric views, respectively, of head 906 including disk 900 fitted with abrasive module 202. Abrasive module 202 may include dome shaped body 206 having an abrasive surface 208, wherein body 206 is made from compounds to be rubbed and released during the usage of head 102. These compounds may include, inter alia, anti-hair regrowth materials, or any other material having a desired effect on the treated skin as described hereinabove. If effervescent effect is needed an appropriate material may be applied to the treated skin prior to applying the abrasive module 202. For example, if body 206 includes CO₂ loaded zeolite, water or other aqueous solution or gel may be applied to the treated skin prior to treatment. If body 206 includes the first material of the chemical reaction, the second material may be applied to the skin before treatment.

[079] Figs. 12A and 12B depict a side and isometric views, respectively, of head 908 including disk 900 fitted with abrasive module 210. Abrasive module 210 may include head 102 and abrasive surface 214.

[080] Reference is now made to Fig. 13, which is a schematic illustration of an exemplary multi head hair removal system 222 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Hair removal system 222 may include at least two heads 113, wherein each head is assembled on a dedicated gear system 115. Heads 113 may be similar to any of heads 102, 123, 109, 161 , 902, 904, 906 and 908 (shown in Figs. 1, 2, 5, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, 11A, 11B, 12A and 12B). Gear systems 115 may be similar to gear systems 111, 112 depicted in Figs. 1, 2, 4A, 4B, 5, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B), or may be replaced with ex-centric axle 170 depicted in Figs. 8A and 8B. Each pair of a head 113 and a gear system 115 composes an abrasive sub-system 222 and 224. Abrasive sub-systems 222 and 224 may operate separately or together, synchronized or un-synchronized, wherein each head 113 may tilt as needed, for example in order to follow changes in the curvatures of the treated skin. In the example presented in Fig. 13, the two sub-systems 222 and 224 are operated together and are synchronized with each other, as shown by arrows 226. It should be noted that hair removal system 222 may include more than two heads 113, wherein each head is assembled on a dedicated gear system 115, as needed.

[081] Reference is made to Figs. 14A, 14B and 14C, which depict hair removal apparatus 1100 adapted to operate with hair removal tablet 1106, according to some embodiments of the present invention, in side view, bottom view and blown view, respectively. Apparatus 1100 may comprise compartment 1102 which is formed to contain a first active material in the form of fluid or gel and to be used also as a handle. Compartment 1102 may be squeezable to allow squeezing compartment 1102 by a user. Compartment 1102 may be connected to mediator element 1104 at a first end of compartment 1102. Mediator 1104 may comprise a passage allowing the first active material to flow from compartment 1102 towards tablet 1106 connectable to the other end mediator 1104. Tablet 1106 may be formed to fit onto the other end of mediator element 1104 and may be connected to it by one of various possible means, such as snap-to, adhesive, and others. Tablet 1106 may include a second active material and may be formed with an abrasive surface 1109 at a facet of tablet 1106 facing away from compartment 1102 and towards the treated skin. Tablet 1106 may be formed with hole 1108 in it. Hole 1108 may fit the passage (not shown) leading the first active material from compartment 1102 so as to allow the first active material to pass through it and wet abrasive surface 1109 of tablet 1106, and react with the second active material thus creating the effervescent effect. The outer circumference 1105 of mediator 1104 may be formed with rounded and soft edge on the side facing the treated skin to provide soft and smooth touch with the skin when approaching the end of the tablet during treatment. Outer circumference 1105 may be formed to protrude outwardly from the diameter of compartment 1102, to prevent undesired touch of long nails with the treated skin. When used for hair removal, or for skin exfoliation, the user may press abrasive surface 1109 of apparatus 1100 against the treated skin in circular movements, while squeezing compartment 1102. Thus, when used for hair removal, apparatus 1100 may pull and rotate the hair and hair follicle, while filing the hair, and the effervescence effect of the chemical reaction of the first and second materials may push and force the anti-hair regrowth materials that may be provided either in compartment 1102 or in tablet 1106, or in both, into the treated skin, and specifically, into the hair follicle. When used for skin exfoliation, apparatus 1100 exfoliates the skin, and the effervescence effect of the chemical reaction of the first and second materials may push and force the desired materials that may be provided either in compartment 1102 or in tablet 1106, or in both, into the treated skin.

[082] It should be noted that embodiments of the current invention are not limited to the specific examples presented hereinabove, and that implementations of the principles described herein may vary as may be required to meet specific design requirements, for example, to fit different areas of the body in which hair is to be removed, to have different appearance, etc.

[083] It should be understood that the above description is merely exemplary and that there are various embodiments of the present invention that may be devised, and that the features described in the above-described embodiments, and those not described herein, may be used separately or in any suitable combination, and the invention can be devised in accordance with embodiments not necessarily described above.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A skin treatment apparatus comprising:

an abrasive surface;

a gear system connected to the abrasive surface; and

a motor to activate the gear system;

wherein the gear system to move the abrasive surface in circular movement in a plane of the abrasive surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the gear is a planetary gear and wherein the gear system to move the abrasive surface in a planetary movement in the plane of the abrasive surface.

3. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the gear to move the abrasive surface in a circular movement about two axes of rotation, the first axis located substantially in a center of the abrasive surface and the second axis located at a distance form the center of the abrasive surface.

4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the gear to move the abrasive surface in

opposite directions over the two axes of rotation.

5. The apparatus of any of any preceding claim, comprising:

a compartment to contain anti-hair regrowth material; and

a passage to controllably allow the anti-hair regrowth material to flow to the abrasive surface.

6. The apparatus of any of any preceding claim, comprising:

a tablet comprising CO₂ loaded zeolite configured to release the CO₂ when in contact with aqueous solution thus providing an effervescence effect.

7. A hair removal apparatu s comprising :

a compartment to contain a first active material;

a tablet comprising:

a second active material; and

an abrasive surface on a facet of the tablet facing away from the compartment;

and a passage to controllably allow the first active material and the second active material to combine thereby to activate a chemical reaction,

wherein pH of the second active material is higher than 7 and pH of the first active material is lower than 7, and

wherein the chemical reaction to create effervescent effect, and wherein at least one of the tablet and the compartment to comprise a material having anti-hair regrowth effect.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first active material is provided in a form selected from the list consisting of: fluid and gel.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the compartment is squeezable.

10. The apparatus of any of claims 7-9, wherein the passage is in the form of at least one of hole and channel.

11. The apparatus of any of claims 7-10, comprising:

a gear system connected to the tablet;

a motor to activate the gear system;

wherein the gear system to move the tablet in a circular movement in a plane of the abrasive surface.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the gear is a planetary gear and wherein the gear system to move the tablet in a planetary movement in the plane of the abrasive surface.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the gear to move the tablet in a circular movement over two axes of rotation, the axes of rotation are substantially perpendicular to the plane of the abrasive surface, the first axes located substantially in a center of the tablet and the second axes located at a distance form the center of the tablet.

14. The apparatus of any of claims 7-13, wherein the gear to move the tablet in opposite directions over the two axes of rotation.