EPILING SPRING FOR HAIR REMOVAL

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an epilating spring for hair removal according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such an epilating spring for hair removal is already known from WO2014 / 041211 A1. This design incorporates a spring element in the form of a helical spring with a central axis, which has an epilating section with a plurality of spring coils. These coils are spaced apart when the spring element is unloaded, and the hairs can be clamped between them by compressing the spring element axially using the handles. At the ends of the spring element, cap elements are arranged by means of which the helical spring can be compressed against its spring force.

[0003] Another epilating spring of this type is known from DE 1 198 964 B. This epilating spring, which is approximately V-shaped overall and designed like tweezers, consists of two metal legs connected at one end. At the other end, each metal leg has a pin between which a helical spring is arranged. FR 462 759 A and JP6231710B1 also show similar epilating spring designs.

[0004] A hair removal device composed of many parts is known from KR 100 693 870 B1. The hair removal device comprises a gripping unit, a pressure unit, and a body. The section of the gripping unit for grasping the hairs is planar. The pressure unit supports both ends of the gripping unit and pressurizes it. When the gripping unit is in the outward-facing position, the body supports the pressure unit to pressurize it. The gripping unit is a helical spring with a planar cross-section. The pressure unit comprises a knob and a pressure body, which pressurizes the gripping unit by pressing the knob.

[0005] From DE 1 242 815 B, an epilating spring made of a metal wire is known, the legs of which are formed by creating a coil, at the opposite end of which a helical spring is arranged.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to create an epilating spring of the type mentioned above, whose spring element can be compressed particularly reliably in a linear axial direction and which enables simple and precise operation of the epilating spring with one hand.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by an epilating spring with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims.

[0008] The epilating spring according to the invention comprises a spring element having a central axis, which is preferably designed as a helical spring. However, it would also be conceivable for the spring element to have a triangular, square, or polygonal shape instead of a circular one. The spring element comprises an epilating section with a plurality of spring coils and end caps arranged at the ends of the spring element. The spring coils are spaced apart from one another when the spring element is unloaded, and the hair can be clamped between them by compressing the spring element axially using the end caps. The end caps arranged at the ends of the spring element are connected to each other via a connecting section by means of a bracket element, each having legs. The end caps and the bracket element are made from a single piece of plastic.The spring wire itself has a square cross-section with an edge length of, for example, approximately 0.75 to 2 mm, and particularly approximately 1 to 1.5 mm. Of course, other edge lengths are conceivable. The spring coils are preferably arranged at a very small distance from each other, for example, less than 1 mm. This prevents the skin from being pinched between the spring coils, especially when the spring element is actuated.

[0009] According to the invention, the two cover elements are connected by a bracket element formed in one piece with the bracket element, which is made of a plastic material. The cover elements transition into the legs of the bracket element, or rather, the cover elements are formed as part of the legs – at their ends. The advantage of such a bracket element is that, by means of this bracket element – ​​mediated by the cover elements – the spring element can be compressed with particular precision in a linear direction along the axial direction of the helical spring, so that the individual coils of the spring element lie precisely against each other in the epilation area. This enables particularly reliable and skin-friendly epilation. This also eliminates the possibility of user error.

[0010] In addition, the ironing element allows for particularly good handling of the relatively small spring element.

[0011] The one-piece design of the ironing element and the lid elements made of a single plastic enables cost-effective production of the epilator spring.

[0012] According to the invention, the connection area is also designed as an arc with a chord that corresponds to the distance between the two legs. This also ensures that, due to the geometric shape of the bracket element, at least essentially no transverse forces are introduced into the spring element, so that the spring element can be compressed particularly precisely in a linear fashion in the axial direction of the helical spring.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the legs of the bracket element, whether the spring element is unloaded or loaded, run at least substantially parallel to each other at a corresponding distance, with the legs being connected to each other via a connecting area on their side opposite the spring element. The at least substantially parallel orientation of the legs ensures that, due to the geometric shape of the bracket element, at least substantially no transverse forces are introduced into the spring element. This allows the spring element to be compressed with particular precision in a linear fashion in the axial direction of the helical spring, resulting in the individual coils of the spring element lying precisely against each other in the epilation area. This enables the desired reliable and skin-friendly epilation.

[0014] Because this compression occurs axially along the spring element, it prevents skin from becoming trapped between the individual spring coils. Furthermore, this results in a particularly large epilation area for the spring element, allowing for the removal of hairs. Additionally, the axial compression of the spring element makes it possible to operate the entire epilator spring with just one hand. With the spring element compressed, the hairs can then be easily plucked by lifting the epilator spring, or more specifically its epilation area, away from the skin to be treated. Releasing the spring element, at least substantially removing the pressure, restores its initial state, in which the corresponding spring sections or coils are once again spaced apart, at least within the epilation area.This allows the plucked hairs to be removed from the epilator spring, for example by tapping, blowing with the mouth or similar methods.

[0015] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the legs extend over at least 50%, and in particular over 70%, and further, in particular over 90% of the length of the bracket element. This also ensures that the spring element is compressed with particularly precise linearity in the axial direction of the helical spring.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cover elements are adapted in their outer diameter to the outer diameter of the spring element, or the outer diameters of the cover elements and the spring element are at least substantially identical. This allows the epilating area of ​​the spring element to be positioned parallel to the surface of the skin to be depilated over a corresponding length.

[0017] In this context, it has proven further advantageous if the legs of the bracket element – ​​at least in the transition between the cover elements and the associated legs – correspond in width at least substantially to the diameter of the cover element. The legs may also taper in width towards the connection area.

[0018] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the cover elements have respective plug pins whose outer diameter is adapted to the inner diameter of the spring element, wherein 1.5 to 2.5 coils of the spring element are in contact at both ends, and the axial length of the plug pins corresponds at least substantially to the length of the contacting coils. The contact of at least 1.5 to 2.5 coils creates a particularly durable plug connection between the spring element and the respective plug pin of the cover elements. Nevertheless, the cover elements can be removed from the spring element due to the plug connections, for example, to clean or replace the spring element. The combination of the contacting spring coils and the plug pins prevents the accumulation of plucked hairs in this area.

[0019] Such a design can also be provided for cover elements that are not connected to each other via a bracket element, but rather are designed separately from each other, analogous to the object described in WO2014 / 041211 A1. With regard to this object, the disclosure in WO2014 / 041211 A1 is to be considered as expressly included.

[0020] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the axial length of the plug pins corresponds to a maximum of 2.5, and especially 2, adjacent turns. This creates a particularly secure connection between the plug pins of the cover elements and the spring element, while also allowing for easy removal of the cover elements from the spring element. It also prevents hair from accumulating between the turns in the area of ​​the plug pins.

[0021] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the spring element is easily detachable from the pins. "Easily detachable" here means that the cover elements can be removed from the spring element with sufficient force, particularly force that can be applied manually. On the other hand, the pins of the cover elements should be held securely to the spring element so that the cover elements and the spring element do not detach from each other during use of the epilator spring.

[0022] As an alternative to the easily detachable arrangement of the cover elements on the spring element, it would also be conceivable to fix the cover elements to the spring element, for example by joining them.

[0023] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that grip structures are provided on the outer side of the legs in the area of ​​the cover elements. This results in particularly convenient handling of the epilating spring.

[0024] In this context, it has proven to be a further advantage that the respective handle structures are formed by ridges running transversely to the legs. Such ridges enable simple, slip-free handling of the epilator spring.

[0025] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the connection area has a thinner wall thickness, at least in some sections, than the two legs. This allows the spring element to be actuated with comparatively little handling force.

[0026] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the wall thickness is reduced in the transition area between the legs and the connection area. This results in a smoother transition between the legs and the connection area.

[0027] Finally, it has proven advantageous to reinforce the legs with webs. This results in particularly favorable torsional stiffness of the legs.

[0028] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings; these show in: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a first embodiment of the epilating spring for hair removal, with a spring element designed as a helical spring, at the ends of which cover elements are arranged, which are connected to each other via a bracket element having a respective leg, wherein the cover elements and the bracket element are made in one piece from a plastic; Fig. 2 a side view of the epilating spring according to Fig. 1 , in which the legs of the ironing element run at least substantially parallel to each other at a distance and are connected to each other via an arc-shaped connecting area; Fig. 3 a top view of the epilating spring according to the Fig. 1 and 2; Fig. 4 a side view of a second embodiment of the epilating spring; Fig. 5 a perspective view and a side view of a third embodiment of the epilating spring; and Fig. 6 a perspective view and a side view of a fourth embodiment of the epilating spring.

[0029] The Fig. 1 , 2 and 3 Figure 1 shows a perspective view, a side view, and a top view of a first embodiment of an epilating spring for hair removal, particularly in the facial and head area. This epilating spring essentially comprises a spring element 10, which in this case is designed as a helical spring with a central axis M. As shown in Figure 2, the following is a description of the following: Fig. 1 and 2As can be seen, the spring element 10, designed as a helical spring, comprises a plurality of spring coils 12. At least in a central epilation area 14, these spring coils 12 are spaced apart from each other at a respective distance a ( in the unloaded state of the spring element 10 shown here, i.e., when no axial manual pressure is exerted on it). Fig. 2 The spring wire of the metallic coil spring is spaced apart, preferably by a distance of less than 1 mm. In this case, the cross-section of the spring wire is rectangular or square. However, other cross-sections are also conceivable. Likewise, other basic shapes are conceivable instead of the circular coil spring shown here. In particular, a polygonal, for example triangular, hexagonal, or octagonal basic shape of the spring element 10 is conceivable.

[0030] As further evidenced by the Fig. 1As can be seen in Figure 3, respective cover elements 20 and 22 are attached to the ends 16 and 18 of the spring element 10 and the coil spring, respectively. These cover elements are made of plastic and their diameters are adapted to the diameters of the coil spring and the spring element 10, respectively. Therefore, the outer diameter of the spring element 10 is at least substantially equal to the outer diameter of the cover elements 20 and 22. In this case, the two handles 20 and 22 are designed as disc elements. Since the outer diameter of the cover elements 20 and 22 is equal to the outer diameter of the spring element 10, the epilating area 14 can be positioned parallel to the surface of the skin to be depilated over a corresponding length.

[0031] For other basic forms of the spring element 10, other forms of the cover elements 20, 22 are therefore conceivable, whereby these are in their basic form at least essentially identical to the basic form of the spring element 10.

[0032] Furthermore, it is from the Figs. 1 to 3 It can be seen that the cover elements 20, 22 are connected to each other in one piece via a bracket element 24 and are made of a plastic. The bracket element 24 comprises respective legs 26, 28, which are connected to each other via a connecting area 30 on the side facing away from the spring element 10 or the cover elements 20, 22.

[0033] The legs 26, 28 of the bracket element 24, whether the spring element 10 is unloaded or loaded, run at least substantially parallel to each other at a distance s. The at least substantially parallel orientation of the legs 26, 28 ensures that, due to the geometric shape of the bracket element 24, at least substantially no transverse forces are introduced into the spring element 10. This allows the spring element 10 to be compressed with particular precision in a linear direction along the axial axis M, resulting in the individual coils 12 of the spring element 10 lying precisely against each other in the epilation area. This enables the desired reliable and skin-friendly epilation.

[0034] The essentially semi-circular connecting area 30 is therefore designed as an arc with a chord that corresponds to the distance s between the two legs 26, 28. A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the legs extend over at least 50%, and in particular over 70%, and further, in particular over 90% of the length of the bracket element. This also ensures that the spring element is compressed with exceptional linear precision in the axial direction of the helical spring. This also ensures that, due to the geometric shape of the bracket element 24, at least substantially no transverse forces are introduced into the spring element, so that the spring element 10 can be compressed with exceptional linear precision in the axial direction of the helical spring.

[0035] In particular Fig. 1 and 3Furthermore, the figures show that the legs 26, 28 of the bracket element 24 – at the transition between the cover elements 20, 22 and the associated legs 26, 28 – correspond in width at least substantially to the diameter of the respective cover element 20, 22. Starting from the transition between the cover elements 20, 22 and the associated legs 26, 28, these legs can also taper in width towards the connection area 30, as is shown, for example, by the figures. Fig. 3 becomes clear.

[0036] The connecting area 30 has a thinner wall thickness, at least in some areas, than the two legs 26, 28. Furthermore, the wall thickness can be reduced in the transition area between the legs 26, 28 and the connecting area. This allows the legs 26, 28 to be compressed particularly easily in order to bring the spring coils 12 of the spring element 10 into contact with each other for clamping the hair.

[0037] On the outer side of the legs 26, 28, in close proximity to the cover elements 20, 22, respective grip structures 32 are provided, which here are formed by webs 34 extending transversely to the legs 26, 28. These webs 34 can, for example, be arc-shaped with their center axially aligned with the cover elements 20, 22, or linear.

[0038] Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of the ironing element 24 with the spring element 10 omitted, which is essentially the embodiment according to the Figs. 1 to 3 This corresponds to the above. Therefore, the following discussion will focus solely on special features or particularly recognizable details of this design.

[0039] As from Fig. 4As is particularly evident, the illustrated bracket element 24, like all other embodiments shown here, has respective plug-in pins 36, 38 on the cover elements 20, 22, the outer diameter of which is adapted to the inner diameter of the spring element 10. Thus, the spring element 10 can be easily and detachably attached to the plug-in pins 36, 38, but is nevertheless sufficiently firmly fixed to the respective plug-in pins 36, 38 in everyday use.

[0040] In conjunction with the first embodiment, it also becomes clear that in the spring element 10, between 1.5 and 2.5 turns, in this case in particular 1.5 turns, of the spring coils 12 are in contact with each other at both ends. This corresponds, as can be seen in particular from the Fig. 1 and 2It can be seen that the plug pins 36, 38 have an axial length l that is at least substantially the same as the length of the adjacent coils. The combination of the adjacent spring coils and the plug pins prevents the accumulation of plucked hairs in this area.

[0041] The plug pins 36, 38 can correspond in their axial length l to a maximum length of 2.5, and in particular 1.5, adjacent turns.

[0042] The Fig. 5 and 6 Two further embodiments of the epilating spring are shown with the spring element 10 omitted, i.e., the ironing element 24, which is essentially the embodiment according to the Figs. 1 to 4 This corresponds to the above. Therefore, the following discussion will focus solely on special features or particularly recognizable details of this design.

[0043] In particular, the Fig. 5 and 6It can be seen that the legs 26, 28 are reinforced by webs 40, which either rise or fall obliquely along the course of the legs 26, 28 ( Fig. 5 ), or are constant ( Fig. 6 )

[0044] The epilator spring is preferably operated by gripping the handle element 24 with one hand, for example, with the thumb and index finger gripping the two legs 26, 28 in the area of ​​the grip structures 32. By squeezing and releasing the legs 26, 28, the spring coils of the spring element 10 can be easily compressed so that they come into contact with each other, or separated from each other again. The distance s between the legs 26, 28, or the length of the spring element 10, is preferably between approximately 1.5 cm and approximately 4 cm. In the present embodiments, the spring element 10 is approximately 2 cm long. This length has proven particularly advantageous because the epilator spring can be easily operated by both women and men, regardless of the size of the user's hand.

[0045] Fig. 1 and 2Figure 1 shows the epilating section 14 in the unloaded state of the spring element 10, that is, when the epilating spring is held by the user via the two legs 26, 28, but is not subjected to any significant pressure. In this unloaded state, it can be seen that the individual spring coils 12 are arranged at a distance a of, for example, approximately 1 mm from each other. In this unloaded state, the epilating section 14 can be easily placed on the surface of skin to be depilated. Any hairs protruding from the skin then extend into the spaces between the spaced spring coils 12. Furthermore, it can be seen that the spring element 10, or the epilating section 14, has a correspondingly straight extension with a central axis M. This allows the epilating section 14 to be placed parallel to the skin 32 over a corresponding length.

[0046] The spring element 10 is then compressed by applying pressure to it via the legs 26, 28 using the fingers, particularly the thumb and index finger. It can be seen that this pressure is exerted on the spring element 10 primarily in the axial direction, i.e., parallel or coaxial to the central axis M of the spring element 10, due to the special shape of the bracket element 24. This reduces or eliminates the distance a between the spring coils 12, causing the hairs 34 to be clamped between the respective clamping surfaces of the spring coils 12. It can be seen that the respective spring coils 12 have a substantially rectangular, and in particular a square, cross-section, at least in the epilation area 14. This enables the corresponding clamping surfaces to allow for a large-scale clamping of the hairs, rather than just a point or line clamping.Naturally, the spring coils 12, which are preferably made of a stainless metal, are free of burrs at their edges and may also have a slight radius. However, it is essential that suitable clamping surfaces are present so that the hair can be reliably clamped between the respective spring coils 12.

[0047] Finally, the hairs are plucked out by applying a corresponding pulling force. It is clear that, for this to happen, corresponding compressive forces must still be applied to the spring element 10 via the legs 26, 28, so that the hairs remain reliably clamped between the spring coils 12. After the hairs have been plucked out, the force applied by the fingers, preferably the thumb and forefinger, can be released, allowing the spring element 10 in the epilation area 14 to relax again.

[0048] Thus, the respective distances a between the spring coils 10 are achieved, so that the plucked hairs can be removed.

[0049] In another embodiment, not shown here, it would also be conceivable to use an epilating spring as described in WO2014 / 041211 A1, which, with its cover elements / handles shown therein, can be clipped onto the respective legs of a bracket element. Thus, the bracket element could be easily clipped to the epilating spring according to WO2014 / 041211 A1 to obtain an epilating spring according to the present invention. Reference symbol list

[0050] 10 Spring element 12 Spring coil 14 Epilation area 16 End of spring element 10 18 End of spring element 10 20 Cover element 22 Cover element 24 Handle element 26 Leg of handle element 26 28 Leg of handle element 26 30 Connection area of ​​handle element 26 32 Handle structures 34 Bars 36 Plug pin 38 Plug pin 40 Bars aDistance sDistance lLength MCentral axis

Claims

1. An epilator spring for hair removal, comprising a spring element (10) formed as a coil spring and having a central axis (M), which comprises an epilation region (14) with a plurality of spring windings (12), with cover elements (20, 22) arranged at the ends (16, 18) of the spring element (10), wherein the spring windings (12) are spaced apart from one another in the unloaded state of the spring element (10), and between which the hairs can be clamped by pressing together the spring element (10) in the axial direction by means of the cover elements (20, 22), and wherein the cover elements (20, 22) are connected to each other via a bracket element (24), characterized in that the respective arms (26, 28) of the bracket element (24) are connected to each other via a connecting region (30), which is formed as an arch with a chord, which corresponds to the distance of the two arms (26, 28), and that the cover elements (20, 22) and the bracket element (24) are produced as a single part from a plastic.

2. The epilator spring according to claim 1, characterized in that the arms (26, 28) of the bracket element (24) run at least substantially parallel to one another at a distance (s) in the unloaded or loaded state of the spring element (10) and are connected to one another via the connecting region (30).

3. The epilator spring according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arms (26, 28) extend at least over 50%, and in particular over 70%, and further in particular over 90% of the length of the bracket element (24).

4. The epilator spring according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover elements (20, 22) in their outer diameter are at least substantially equal to the outer diameter of the spring element (10), whereby the epilation region (14) can be placed parallel to a surface of a skin (32) to be epilated over a corresponding length.

5. The epilator spring according to claim 4, characterized in that the arms (26, 28) of the bracket element (24) in their width at least substantially correspond to the diameter of the respective cover element (20, 22).

6. The epilator spring according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover elements (20, 22) have respective plug pins (36, 38), which are adapted in their outer diameter to the inner diameter of the spring element (10), wherein in the spring element (10), between 1.5 and 2.5 turns abut one another at both ends, and the plug pins (36, 38) in their axial length (I) at least substantially correspond to the length of the turns abutting one another.

7. The epilator spring according to claim 6, characterized in that the plug pins (36, 38) in their axial length (I) maximally correspond to the length of 2.5, and in particular 1.5, turns abutting one another of the spring windings 12.

8. The epilator spring according to claim 6, characterized in that the spring element (10) is easily detachably connected to the plug pins (36, 38).

9. The epilator spring according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that respective handle structures (32) are provided on the outside of the arms (26, 28) in the region of the cover elements (20, 22).

10. The epilator spring according to claim 9, characterized in that the respective handle structures (32) are formed by linear bars (34) running transversely to the arms (26, 28).

11. The epilator spring according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting region (30) has, at least regionally, a smaller wall thickness than the two arms (26, 28).

12. The epilator spring according to claim 11, characterized in that the wall thickness decreases in the transition region (30) of the arms (26, 28) to the connecting region (30).

13. The epilator spring according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arms (26, 28) are reinforced by bars (40).

14. The epilator spring according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (10) is formed as a coil spring or with a polygonal, in particular triangular, square or octagonal basic shape.