Applicator for melting and maintaining at melting temperature a meltable solid and for applying the melted solid as depilatory composition

Abstract

The invention relates to an applicator for melting and maintaining at melting temperature a meltable solid and for applying the melted meltable solid as a depilatory composition, a system comprising one or more such applicators and a base station suitable for receiving the applicator or a plurality of applicators, a meltable solid,which can be applied in molten form as a depilatory composition to the surface using the applicator, and a method for epilating a surface with a depilatory composition using the applicator according to the invention and the meltable solid for preparing the depilatory composition. An applicator according to the invention for melting a meltable solid and maintaining it at melting temperature, as well as for applying the molten meltable solid as a depilatory composition to a surface, comprises a substructure for accommodating a storage unit for the meltable solid or the depilatory composition, with an actuating device, wherein the storage unit has a heating unit, wherein the applicator according to the invention further comprises a housing for accommodating the substructure with a first end, wherein the housing has an application area at its first end,wherein a closure element of a slider is arranged inside the storage unit, wherein the slider is movable between a closed position and an open position via the actuating device, wherein the meltable solid in a molten state as a hair removal composition can be brought from the storage unit into the application area when the slider is in the open position and can be applied to the surface through the application area.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to an applicator for melting and maintaining at melting temperature a meltable solid and for applying the melted meltable solid as a depilatory composition, a system comprising one or more such applicators and a base station suitable for receiving the applicator or a plurality of applicators, a meltable solid which can be applied in molten form as a depilatory composition with the applicator to the surface and a method for epilating a surface with a depilatory composition using the applicator according to the invention and the meltable solid for preparing the depilatory composition. Background of the invention

[0002] Currently, there are only a few portable or mobile devices available for the preparation and application of cosmetic depilatory compositions for hair removal by epilation. In many professional hair removal or waxing studios, it is common practice to use wax-like compositions, often referred to as "wax," for the removal of human body hair. In professional epilation hair removal using wax-like compositions, these compositions are typically heated, for example, in pots on stovetops or hotplates, or in specific pot-like devices. A specially trained cosmetic professional applies these compositions to the client's skin and then removes them along with any hair adhering to the composition.

[0003] Both melting at the correct temperature and applying the specific hair removal compound cannot be carried out easily and safely by laypersons at home. Furthermore, this hair removal method, with the existing means for "wax" preparation, application, and subsequent epilation, is associated with a number of disadvantages. For example, when performing this previously complex hair removal method at home by laypersons, unsupervised heating of the hair removal compound, e.g., in open pots, can release paraffin and / or wax vapors, which can be released into the room and thus the air we breathe. Furthermore, maintaining the correct temperature of the hair removal compound after melting and before application to the skin is extremely difficult for laypersons at home.

[0004] There are basically two different methods available in the art: The first method involves heating warm wax, usually in the form of wax beads, in a pot-shaped heating device and applying it in its molten state to the area of ​​skin to be depilated using a spatula. Once the applied wax has cooled, it lies on the skin in a solid strip and can then be grasped by an edge of the wax strip and pulled off along with the hair previously enclosed by the liquid wax. Applying the wax with a spatula is time-consuming and requires a lot of experience in order to apply the wax in a layer that is, on the one hand, firm enough when cooled to allow it to be pulled off the skin in one piece, but on the other hand, not too thick so that it can be peeled off without the need for any additional tools.

[0005] The second method involves a solid wax, usually in a cartridge, which is heated to melting temperature in an applicator and then applied to the skin in a thin, runny state using the applicator. However, the wax layer applied in this way does not have the strength required to be pulled off the skin along with the hairs it contains. To do this, immediately after the wax is applied to the skin, reinforcing strips, for example made of paper or fabric, are pressed into the wax strip. The reinforcing strip and wax strip form a bond that can be pulled off the skin along with the hairs it contains once the wax has cooled. With this method, heating and applying the wax is easier than with the first method. However, this method requires a reinforcing strip as a disposable product for removal.Furthermore, this method also requires experience in applying the wax and using the reinforcement strip. This application is very time-consuming for the inexperienced layperson and results in a large number of disposable items being used up, which then have to be disposed of.

[0006] European patent EP 0 766 938 B1 discloses a device for melting and applying a depilatory wax. The device comprises a container with an outlet opening and a heating means, as well as an application unit connected to the housing. The heating means is configured to melt the depilatory wax in the container, and the application unit is configured to apply the depilatory wax to a surface. The device is suitable for manual handling.

[0007] Also known from international patent application WO 99 / 029207 is a wax applicator for hair removal, comprising a wax cartridge with a roller arranged in its head, the wax cartridge being inserted into an electrically heat-activated sleeve, and the assembly being inserted into the body of the applicator, one of the side walls of the applicator being integrated therein by being removably attached to act as a cover, this wall having a shape complementary to the other walls of the applicator so that, when inserted, it forms a single body. This removable wall can be equipped with temperature sensors and / or viewing windows to display the properties of the wax contained in the cartridge. The removable wall allows the wax cartridge containing the wax to be inserted through easy access from the side.

[0008] Furthermore, from the international patent application WO 96 / 000021 a wax applicator for hair removal is known, comprising a body portion with a mounting part for securing the body portion on a wax container so as to extend outside the wax applicator, a flow passage leading from the mounting part to an outlet with a thin elongated shape, and a distributor means, wherein the distributor means extends out from a longitudinal side and along the longitudinal side of the elongated outlet as a continuation of a wall forming the outlet, wherein the distributor means has a front edge arranged beyond the plane of the outlet.

[0009] The problem with all known applicators is that the wax is difficult to dose during application. If the wax is heated too high, it becomes very thin and runs even after sufficient wax has been applied. Furthermore, wax has the property of being highly adhesive, which is naturally desirable for adhering to hair, but on the other hand, when it cools, it also adheres to the applicator, especially to the outlet openings, making it impossible to seal these outlets tightly.

[0010] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a solution that, on the one hand, allows the wax to be melted in a temperature-controlled and sealed atmosphere without the risk of overheating and burns, or emissions from wax or paraffin vapors. On the other hand, this solution should allow even the layperson to correctly apply the hair removal compound at a skin-friendly temperature at home and then remove it, along with the hair, easily and as residue-free as possible. This solution should ideally also eliminate the use of additional disposable items or at least minimize their use. Summary of the invention

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide an applicator of the type described above which avoids or at least minimizes the disadvantages of applicators known from the prior art. The applicator to be provided should be capable of providing a depilatory composition ready for use, i.e., with an appropriate temperature and viscosity, so that cosmetic treatments, in particular hair removal treatments on the human body, can be carried out efficiently by laypersons, even at home, preferably without the use of additional aids or disposable items. Furthermore, the applicator to be provided should operate with particularly low emissions and prevent or at least minimize the spread of paraffin and / or wax vapors.

[0012] A further object of the invention is to provide a system for epilating human skin.

[0013] Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a meltable solid for use in the system according to the invention.

[0014] Finally, it is an object of the invention to provide a method for epilating a surface with a depilatory composition using the applicator according to the invention and the meltable solid for preparing the depilatory composition.

[0015] The first object is achieved by an applicator having the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the applicator are claimed in dependent claims 2 to 8. The second object is achieved by a system according to independent claim 9, while the third object is achieved by a meltable solid according to independent claim 10. The last object is achieved by a method according to independent claim 11.

[0016] An applicator according to the invention for melting and maintaining a meltable solid at melting temperature and for applying the melted meltable solid as a depilatory composition to a surface comprises a substructure for receiving a storage unit for the meltable solid or the depilatory composition with an actuating device, wherein the storage unit has a heating unit, wherein the applicator according to the invention further comprises a housing for receiving the substructure with a first end, wherein the housing has an application area at its first end, wherein a closure element of a slide is arranged in the interior of the storage unit, wherein the slide is movable between a closed position and an open position via the actuating device,wherein the meltable solid in a molten state as a hair removal composition can be brought from the storage unit into the application area when the slide is in the open position and can be applied to the surface through the application area.

[0017] First, it should be expressly noted that, in the context of this patent application, indefinite articles and numerical expressions such as "one," "two," etc., are generally to be understood as "at least" expressions, i.e., as "at least one...", "at least two...", etc., unless the respective context explicitly indicates, or it is obvious or technically compelling to the person skilled in the art, that only "exactly one...", "exactly two...", etc., can be meant. Furthermore, all numerical expressions as well as information regarding process parameters and / or device parameters are to be understood in the technical sense, i.e., subject to the usual tolerances. Even the explicit specification of the restriction "at least" or "at least" or similar does not imply that the simple use of "one," i.e., without specifying "at least" or similar, means "exactly one."

[0018] Under a Applicatoris understood here as a device, in particular a portable and hand-operated device for epilation. epilation This is a method of hair removal in which the entire hair is removed along with the hair follicle. This means that, in contrast to the depilation, In a hair removal procedure, where the hair is only removed above the skin, it takes longer for the hair to grow back. An applicator for epilation using a depilatory composition obtained by melting a meltable solid is described and claimed. Meltable solids include, in particular, Warm waxes.Warm waxes are solid at room temperature and melt. For epilation, the warm waxes are melted, and the resulting hair removal composition is applied to the area of ​​skin to be epilated. After a cooling period, during which the warm wax solidifies again, the wax is removed from the skin along with the hair. Warm waxes include, for example, wax preparations, wax-containing preparations, or a mixture. The wax can be of natural or synthetic origin. The wax can comprise a microcrystalline wax, a fossil wax from petroleum, a petroleum-based paraffin, and / or a polymer material. In particular, the wax can also be rosin-free.

[0019] Depending on the dimensions of the applicator according to the invention, in particular the storage unit, between 50 and 150 g of meltable solid, e.g., in a cartridge, block, granulate, pellet, or spherical form, can be filled into the storage unit. When using meltable solid in granulate, pellet, or spherical form, preferably up to 70 g of meltable solid can be filled; when using cartridges or block forms, preferably up to 90 g of meltable solid can be filled. If the solid is in a block or "cartridge" form, the dimensions of this block or "cartridge" form are matched or adapted to the internal dimensions of the storage unit, so that at least one block or cartridge of the solid can be inserted or pushed into the storage unit through an opening in the housing.

[0020] The term Depilatory compositionrefers to the molten solid that has been or is being applied in layer form to a surface, for example the skin of a user, for subsequent hair epilation. The layer of applied hair removal composition can, for example, be 1 - 15 cm wide and 0.1 - 1 cm thick. Preferably, the layer of applied hair removal composition is between 1 - 5 cm wide and 1 - 5 mm thick. Layer thicknesses of 0.75 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, or 5 mm or intermediate values ​​are also possible depending on the application. The layer width of the applied hair removal composition can also be between 1 - 10 cm, 2 - 8 cm, 3 - 5 cm, or 4 - 6 cm depending on the application. The application width of the hair removal composition can, for example, be varied between 1 - 4 cm by attaching differently designed application units to the first housing end.The layer thickness can also be varied by varying application speeds. This can be modulated by the user by moving the applicator more slowly or more quickly over the surface during the application process. In preferred embodiments, the layer of applied hair removal composition has a consistency and thickness that allows removal of the hair removal composition along with the hair encased therein without additional tools. The thickness and width of the applied layer, which allows removal of the hair removal composition along with the hair encased therein without additional tools, can depend on the consistency and / or composition of the hair removal composition.The applicator according to the invention can be configured to enable a corresponding adjustment of the melting temperature and / or application temperature of the hair removal composition, so that an application thickness of the composition determined by the application unit enables removal of the hair removal composition together with the hairs enclosed therein without additional aids. In particular, the application area and / or the opening of the applicator according to the invention can be configured to provide a thickness and / or width of the applied layer of hair removal composition that enables removal of the hair removal composition together with the hairs enclosed therein without additional aids.

[0021] The term Application areais to be understood here as the region of the applicator with which the hair removal composition is applied to the surface. The application region can be located directly at the first end of the housing and in particular be designed as a single piece with the housing. However, the application region can also be at least part of an application unit, wherein the application unit can be attached to the first end of the housing as a separate additional part that is separate from the housing. In any case, the application region has an outlet opening through which the hair removal composition can emerge onto the surface. The outlet opening can be designed so that it can be adjusted at least in terms of its width to apply the hair removal composition to the surface, to a width that is desired on the surface.The outlet opening can, for example, comprise a sliding mechanism that allows the outlet opening to be enlarged or reduced in size by means of a diaphragm that can be moved along the outlet opening. The diaphragm can have any suitable shape. The diaphragm can be made of the same material as the application unit or of a different material. This material must be stable to the temperatures of the depilatory composition. The diaphragm can be provided with a non-stick coating in the surface areas that can come into contact with the depilatory composition, just as the outlet opening of the storage unit can be provided with a non-stick coating on its inner peripheral area, i.e., the surface area that can come into contact with the depilatory composition.Such a non-stick coating can consist, for example, of a silicone or polytetrafluoroethylene layer, or a layer of another material with non-stick properties. Other known and suitable materials with non-stick properties are enamel and ceramic materials. The non-stick coating minimizes the risk of the hair removal composition adhering to the corresponding surface and solidifying there upon cooling, which can lead to undefined tearing of the applied hair removal composition strip when the applicator is lifted from the surface or skin to be epilated.

[0022] With the applicator according to the invention, hair removal by means of epilation can be carried out without additional aids and even by a user without expert knowledge.

[0023] The term "housing" refers to the outer enclosure of the applicator, at least around the heating unit and the storage unit. Optionally, additional components can be enclosed by the housing or arranged on the housing. The housing or parts of the housing can be made of materials selected from the group comprising plastics, metals, glass, rubber, fiberglass, natural materials, wood, fabric, precious metals, stone, or semiprecious stones, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the housing and / or any application unit are made of PP / ABS.

[0024] The term Heating unitHere, "heating medium" refers to a suitable heating medium that is capable of melting the meltable solid in the storage unit and maintaining it at melting temperature using direct or indirect heat transfer. A heating medium with direct heat transfer is one that has direct thermal contact with the meltable solid, for example, a heating rod that extends into the meltable solid. A heating medium with indirect heat transfer is one that has indirect thermal contact with the meltable solid. Such indirect thermal contact can occur, for example, when a heating medium heats the storage unit from the outside and the storage unit then transfers the heat to the meltable solid in the storage unit by means of thermal conduction.In preferred embodiments, an optimal consistency of the hair removal composition is enabled in particular by the heating unit of the applicator and optionally by an additional heating unit in the application unit, wherein at least one of the heating unit(s) is preferably monitored by a temperature sensor. The heat of the heating unit can be shielded from the user's hand during use, for example, by insulating layers applied to the outside of the housing, for example made of rubber or natural material. This configuration enables targeted heating and melting of the meltable solid and maintaining the temperature of the hair removal composition within the storage unit, without escaping heat disrupting manual handling of the device or its application.This configuration thus prevents both the loss of heat energy and any potential impairment of comfortable manual handling of the applicator. The heating unit's heat output can range from 15 to 40 watts, preferably up to a maximum of 30 watts.

[0025] The term storage unitHere, "storage unit" refers to the component in which the meltable solid is stored for later use by the applicator and in which the meltable solid is melted by means of the heating unit and subsequently stored as a hair removal composition and kept ready for application to a surface through the application area of ​​the housing or an application unit. The storage unit can be made of any suitable material. For example, the storage unit can be made at least partially of metal in order to ensure good heat transfer to a heating unit with indirect heat transfer. According to the invention, it is preferred that the storage unit be formed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of metal, stainless steel, precious metal, or heat-resistant plastics. Aluminum or aluminum compounds are particularly preferred.Alternatively, the storage unit can be made of a thermally insulating material, for example a suitable plastic, if the heating unit enables direct heat transfer to the meltable solid, for example as one or more heating rods that protrude into the meltable solid within the storage unit. After heating, the molten solid can flow from the storage unit through a suitable opening or line into the application area of ​​the applicator if, for example, the applicator is held upside down or with the first end of the housing downwards, ie substantially in the direction of the earth's gravitational vector, or substantially horizontally, ie perpendicular to the gravitational vector. The term . surfacerefers to any surface to which the depilatory composition can be applied. When using the applicator for hair removal, the surface can be the user's skin where hair removal is to be performed.

[0026] The term Application arearefers here to an area at the first end of the housing which is connected to the storage unit in a suitable manner so that the molten solid can enter the application area as a flowable hair removal composition from the storage unit in order to be applied from there to the surface. The application area can be part of the housing, i.e. made in one piece with the housing. However, the application area can also be designed as a separate part that can be connected to the first end of the housing. The application area can, for example, be attached to a separate application unit, wherein this application unit can be connected to the first end of the housing, for example by being plugged on, in order to change the strip width that can be applied, for example by using a different geometry.The first housing end and the application unit can be configured in such a way that they can be exchanged by the user, depending on the desired discharge or application width of the depilatory composition.

[0027] The applicator according to the invention serves to apply a layer of a depilatory composition made of a meltable solid, e.g., a layer of depilatory wax, which enables uniform hair removal, to a surface, for example, an area of ​​human skin to be epilated. The applicator according to the invention enables the melting and application of a depilatory composition in a novel manner, such that no emissions in harmful concentrations are released into the environment during the melting of the meltable solid and the application of the depilatory composition, and epilation can be carried out without additional aids, e.g., application spatulas, or fabric, plastic, or paper strips / sheets, for applying and / or removing the applied layer of depilatory composition and the hairs enclosed therein, including the hair follicles.With the applicator according to the invention, it is possible to heat a warm wax to a narrow temperature range which enables a controlled application of the depilatory composition to a surface in a substantially constant corresponding layer thickness, wherein after cooling, the depilatory composition layer can be removed together with the enclosed hairs with their hair follicles without further aids.

[0028] The applicator according to the invention can be used in different locations by manual handling depending on the application and user and is portable so that the user can easily carry the applicator with him and take it to another location and use it there.

[0029] Because the closure element of the slider is located inside the storage unit, it is heated together with the meltable solid or the hair removal composition, preventing solid wax particles from forming on the closure element once the meltable solid has melted. This reliably seals the closure element in the closed position after opening, preventing any hair removal composition from flowing out after the slider is closed. This creates a clean finish for the hair removal composition strip applied to the surface. This strip is easy to grasp and, after cooling, has the thickness and strength required for removal.The substructure makes it possible to move the closure element of the slider inside the storage unit between the closed position and the open position, so that the meltable solid in the molten state can be brought from the storage unit into the application area as a depilatory composition and can be applied to the surface.

[0030] Thus, the applicator according to the invention represents a cost-effective and resource-saving improvement over existing preparation systems and application means for depilatory compositions, such as depilatory wax. The applicator according to the invention thus surprisingly also simplifies the hair removal procedure, which represents a further improvement over prior art systems, which require additional aids for hair removal and are thus significantly more cumbersome for the private user. In particular, the applicator according to the invention allows for epilation by non-professional users themselves.

[0031] The applicator according to the invention is particularly suitable for performing cosmetic hair removal on the human body, for example, on the legs, back, armpits, intimate area, certain parts of the face, or elsewhere. Furthermore, the applicator according to the invention is particularly easy to use and enables the controlled and safe melting of the meltable solid, which is present, for example, in the form of cartridges, blocks, granules, pellets, or spheres, as well as the safe and simple application of the depilatory compositions to the skin area to be depilated as the surface, followed by uncomplicated epilation of the treated skin area. In the case of pellets, granules, or spheres, the meltable solid can easily be filled into the storage unit as bulk material.In the case of the block shape, this is preferably adapted to the shape of the storage unit in order to fill the meltable solid into the storage unit with as few gaps as possible. In this case, a maximum amount of meltable solid can be filled into the storage unit that is greater than with a meltable solid in pellet, sphere, or granule form. The meltable solid could also be filled into the storage unit in the form of cartridges filled with meltable solid. In this case, the cartridge has an opening towards the application area so that after the meltable solid has been heated, the depilatory composition can leave the cartridge and be applied to the application area. When using cartridges filled with meltable solid, the user can easily and cleanly refill the storage unit with the meltable solid.The material of the cartridge can, for example, be a material from which the storage unit is also made.

[0032] The compact format of the applicator according to the invention also allows for easy manual application. In summary, all steps of hair removal by epilation using the depilatory composition can be performed in one simple application using the applicator according to the invention, which represents a significant improvement over the prior art.

[0033] The applicator is capable of delivering wax preparations with a temperature and viscosity that allows cosmetic treatments, especially hair removal treatments on the human body, to be efficiently performed at home by laypersons. Furthermore, the applicator is particularly low-emission and energy-efficient, preventing the spread of paraffin and / or wax vapors.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, the application area has an outer side region with a non-stick coating. Such a non-stick coating can consist, for example, of a silicone or polytetrafluoroethylene layer or a layer of another material with non-stick properties. Other known and suitable materials with non-stick properties are enamel and ceramic materials. The non-stick coating allows the applicator to glide easily over the surface. The adhesion of the applied hair removal composition, even when it has cooled down, is greatly reduced or even completely eliminated, whereby the application of the hair removal composition can be carried out very evenly and the applicator can be lifted off the surface very easily when the application is to be completed, without any hair removal composition adhering, for example in the form of stringing.

[0035] Furthermore, the housing can comprise at least one insulating layer, at least in the region of the at least one heating unit, whereby the heat introduced into the hair removal composition during heating is retained for a long time even without active further heating, thus optimizing the temperature constancy of the hair removal composition during application. The insulating layer can be formed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of plastic, rubber, glass, rubber, natural materials, wood, fabric, cork, stone, or semiprecious stones, preferably from a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Furthermore, the housing and / or the storage unit can have at least one temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the meltable solid or the hair removal composition within the storage unit and / or within the application area.Furthermore, the housing can have a control unit that activates the heating unit when the measured temperature falls below a previously entered threshold temperature and / or warns the user of excessively low temperatures, for example, via a light signal and / or an acoustic signal. Furthermore, the housing can also have a battery, for example a rechargeable battery, in particular a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, or a non-rechargeable but replaceable battery, from which the heating unit can draw energy even when it is not connected to an external power source.

[0036] In a further advantageous embodiment, the heating unit comprises a heating foil. The use of a heating foil, for example in the form of a resistive, electrically conductive coating on a foil carrier, has proven advantageous because it enables a slow and / or long-lasting heating and cooling phase, which enables energy-saving and gentle heating of the meltable solid. A further advantage of using a heating element in the form of a heating foil is that it enables a compact design and precise heating of the storage unit containing the meltable solid. Furthermore, due to its small size and flexibility, a heating foil enables temperature control right up to the first end of the housing. Furthermore, the required melting temperature can be suitably regulated and maintained with such a heating unit, thus preventing overheating.Due to the thinness of a heating foil and its flexible design options, this type of heating unit can be applied to a wide variety of designs and components. The heating foil can heat the storage unit by supplying electrical energy from an external power source or a battery in the applicator, for example, with a maximum of 30 watts.

[0037] However, the heating unit can also be designed differently, for example with an electric heating coil or a heating rod.

[0038] In a further advantageous embodiment, the storage unit has a wall that is at least partially made of an aluminum material. Aluminum materials have very good thermal conductivity while simultaneously being high-strength and lightweight.

[0039] In a further advantageous embodiment, the housing has a second housing end opposite the first housing end, wherein the second housing end can be closed with a removable lid. The storage unit can be filled with meltable solid through the second housing end, wherein it can be closed by the lid so that no meltable solid or no hair removal composition can escape from the storage unit, even if the applicator is moved in space, in particular is moved in space such that the second housing end lies lower in the direction of the gravitational vector than the first housing end. Furthermore, the lid prevents any emissions from the meltable solid or the hair removal composition, for example paraffin vapors, from escaping from the storage unit during heating or application of the hair removal composition.The lid can be made of one or more materials selected from the group comprising plastics, metals, glass, rubber, natural materials, wood, fabric, precious metals, stone, fiberglass, semi-precious stones, or any combination thereof. Glass fiber-reinforced polyamide 66 is particularly preferred. The lid can be connected to the second housing end, for example, using a quick-connect system, such as a click system. It is also conceivable for a similar or identical quick-connect system to be located at the first housing end, for example to connect an application unit to the housing. In this configuration, the lid can then also close the applicator, for example for transport. The lid can also have a ventilation hole, which can improve the flow of the molten hair removal composition towards the application area.

[0040] In a further advantageous embodiment, the housing has an opening through which the actuating device can be operated. The actuating device can, for example, have a manually operated lever. The actuating device is attached to the substructure. Through the opening in the housing, the actuating device protrudes through the housing wall and can be operated from the outside of the housing and thus of the applicator, for example, by the user.

[0041] In a further advantageous embodiment, the slide can be opened against an energy accumulator. The energy accumulator can be, for example, a spring, in particular a coil spring. The slide is thus in the closed position when the actuating device is not actuated, i.e., is not under load. The closed position is therefore the normal position, and the open position must be deliberately selected by actuating the actuating device. This prevents depilatory composition from inadvertently escaping from the applicator.

[0042] In a further advantageous embodiment, the housing has contact surfaces on an outer side, wherein, for example, a voltage supply to the heating unit can be established via the contact surfaces. In this case, the contact surfaces are electrically connected either to the heating unit or to a rechargeable battery in the housing, wherein, in the case of the rechargeable battery, this is electrically connected to the heating unit. Contact surfaces can also be used to transmit electrical signals, for example to transmit information about the current temperature of the hair removal composition from the storage unit to an external unit, i.e. one located outside the applicator. Electrical contact can be easily established via the contact surfaces on the outer side of the housing.

[0043] A system according to the invention for epilating human skin comprises an applicator according to the invention with electrical contact surfaces on an outer housing side and a base station, wherein the base station has a suspension device for the applicator and contact pins for an operative connection to the contact surfaces of the applicator. The applicator can be easily hung on the suspension device for heating the meltable solid and / or after applying the hair removal composition, so that the user has their hands free, for example, to pull a cooled hair removal composition strip from the skin to be epilated. The applicator has a defined location from which the user can quickly remove it again, for example, to apply another hair removal composition strip to another strip of skin to be epilated.The contact pins on the base station easily establish an electrical connection to the contact surfaces of the applicator, allowing the heating unit or the rechargeable battery to be supplied with power and / or signals from the applicator to be transmitted when the applicator is suspended from the base station. The base station can also be configured to accommodate two or more applicators. The base station can also have a drip tray positioned below, in the direction of the gravitational vector of the applicator suspended from it, so that any dripping hair removal composition can be collected.

[0044] The system and / or the applicator can further comprise a control unit which monitors and / or controls the heating unit of the respective applicator and / or the battery charge and / or the operation of the system. The control unit can be designed as a controller or regulating unit which monitors, controls, coordinates, interconnects and / or regulates the heating unit and / or one or more temperature sensors and / or a possible display element, for example for the operating state of the applicator and / or switching on and / or off and / or the battery charge of the applicator. This control unit can comprise any suitable control unit known to a person skilled in the art, e.g. a chip, a microchip, a regulating unit, a circuit, a data storage device, a circuit board or any combination thereof.The control unit can be arranged in the applicator and / or in the base station and / or separately from the base station, but connected to the base station by a suitable electrical and / or data connection. The control unit can be configured to optionally implement multi-stage temperature control, with the aid of which, on the one hand, the meltable solid can be heated, but, on the other hand, can also be kept at a predetermined temperature and made available at this temperature. According to the invention, epilation hair removal on the human body is carried out using a molten depilatory composition, which is preferably heated to 60-70°C. A temperature of 60-68°C is particularly preferred. The temperature can vary depending on the body areas to be subjected to hair removal and also depending on the personal sensitivities of the person concerned.However, the control range is 50 to 70°C. By providing effective temperature control, the hair removal composition can be heated particularly gently in the applicator, thus preserving its beneficial properties, which, in particular, enable particularly painless and hygienic hair removal.

[0045] A meltable solid according to the invention for preparing a hair removal composition for use with the applicator according to the invention comes from the group of warm waxes. Warm waxes are solid at room temperature and are meltable. For epilation, the warm waxes are melted, and the hair removal composition thus obtained is applied to the area of ​​skin to be epilated. After a cooling period, during which the warm wax solidifies again, the wax is removed from the skin along with the hair. The group of warm waxes includes, for example, wax preparations, wax-containing preparations, or a mixture. The wax can be of natural or synthetic origin. The wax can comprise a microcrystalline wax, a fossil wax from petroleum, a petroleum-based paraffin, and / or a polymer.A synthetic wax, such as synthetic microcrystalline wax, does not react with the skin and is not absorbed, making it extremely skin-friendly. Petroleum-based raw materials such as synthetic waxes also come from nature. However, they have been optimized for use on the skin so that they do not cause allergic reactions. They do not absorb into the skin, but form a neutral film on it. Pure natural substances such as essential oils or resins like rosin, on the other hand, are often quite aggressive to the skin, not always well-tolerated, and are also absorbed into the skin, thus increasing the potential for irritation. Synthetic raw materials also retain heat longer than natural substances, which often dissipate heat very quickly. This means that the product remains liquid or pasty for longer. This is very helpful during application because the film solidifies more slowly. In particular, the wax can also be rosin-free.Rosin is known to cause allergic reactions. A rosin-free hair removal formula is therefore more tolerable.

[0046] Warm wax modified with paraffin, a petroleum-based oligo- or polymer, is very well suited for hair removal. A polymer is made up of many, at least more than three, identical or related parts as repeating units and is derived from carbon. An oligomer is a polymer with a relatively low molecular weight, made up of only a few identical or related basic building blocks. Oligomer molecules usually have between 3 and 20 basic building blocks. The transition from low-molecular-weight polymers to oligomers is fluid. Paraffin is very soft, elastic, and supple, ensuring that the wax film does not stick or break, or at least only slightly. The paraffin keeps the wax film flexible for longer, making the hair removal composition creamier.As the hair removal composition cools, a stable film forms, the stability of which has a very beneficial effect on the removal of the hair removal composition from the skin's surface. Without the polymers or oligomers, there is a risk that the wax cannot be removed reliably but will disintegrate into small pieces, thus preventing even hair removal across the surface. With this composition, the hair removal composition can be applied to the surface, for example, skin, more thinly than is possible with the state of the art. The raw materials contained have different chain lengths than resins or other materials used in the state of the art. Warm waxes primarily contain small molecules that fit together well, enabling a dense, yet thin, film of the hair removal composition.The composition according to the invention is optimized so that the film is particularly dense, does not break so quickly, can be applied thinly and yet can be removed without the use of removal aids such as paper or fabric strips.

[0047] When applied in a suitable layer thickness, warm waxes are sufficiently strong to be removed from a surface as a whole strip when cooled, without the need for any stripping aids. At the same time, warm waxes exhibit excellent adhesion properties, allowing them to reliably absorb and hold the hairs growing out of the skin.

[0048] With the applicator and system according to the invention, sugar-containing preparations or other hair removal compositions can also be used for epilation, as long as their melting temperature is within the range of the installed heating unit. Possible hair removal compositions are known to those skilled in the art and can be used in the device according to the invention depending on their respective melting temperature.

[0049] A method according to the invention for epilating a surface with a depilatory composition using the applicator according to the invention and the meltable solid according to the invention for preparing the depilatory composition comprises the steps Melting the meltable solid in the storage unit, placing the application area of ​​the applicator on a spot on a skin area to be epilated as a surface, actuating the actuating device to move the slider into the open position, applying the depilatory composition to the surface by moving the application area along the skin area to be epilated as a surface, when the end of the desired epilation area on the surface is reached, moving the slider into the closed position by releasing the actuating device, allowing the depilatory composition on the surface to cool, and peeling the cooled depilatory composition off the surface.

[0050] The meltable solid filled into the storage unit is melted using the heat introduced into the storage unit by the heating unit. For this purpose, the melting temperature, which depends on the meltable solid, can be preset in a control unit of the applicator, for example. The control unit controls the melting process by receiving information about the current temperature of the meltable solid or the hair removal composition in the storage unit via a temperature sensor in the storage unit and comparing it with the preset melting temperature. So that after entering the melting temperature, the user only has to wait until the hair removal composition has been obtained from the meltable solid by melting. The user can be notified when the preset temperature is reached, for example, by a light signal on the applicator.For the melting process, the applicator can, for example, be hung on the system's base station so that the heating unit is supplied with electrical energy via the base station. Once the preset temperature is reached, the user can place the applicator's application area on a spot on the area of ​​skin to be epilated, so that the first housing end is lower than the second housing end of the applicator in the direction of gravity, actuate the actuating device to move the slider to the open position so that depilatory composition emerges from the applicator, and begin applying the depilatory composition to the surface by moving the applicator's application area along the area of ​​skin to be epilated.A strip of hair removal composition is applied to the area of ​​skin to be epilated, the width of which is determined by the geometry of the applicator's application area. The user essentially determines the thickness of the hair removal composition strip by the speed at which they move the applicator's application area over the affected area of ​​skin. Upon reaching the end of the desired epilation area on the surface, the user can move the slider into the closed position by actuating the actuating device. The slider can be spring-loaded, so that the actuating device must be moved into the open position against the spring force via the actuating device and held there. The slider is moved into the closed position by releasing the actuating device via the spring force.The hair removal composition is applied in a liquid or semi-liquid, viscous state to the area of ​​skin to be epilated and encloses any hair present on that area. After the hair removal composition has cooled on the skin, it adheres to the skin and continues to enclose the hair present on that area of ​​skin, so that when the cooled hair removal composition is pulled off the skin, the hairs remain stuck in the hair removal composition and are thus pulled out along with their follicles. During the cooling process, which typically lasts a few seconds, the user can, for example, reconnect the applicator to the base station so that the heating unit is supplied with electrical energy again and can reheat the hair removal composition, which may have cooled in the storage unit during application.Because the storage unit is built into the substructure, which is then built into the applicator housing, it is well thermally insulated from the environment. It is conceivable to further improve this insulation effect by selecting a thermally insulating material for the substructure and / or the housing. Furthermore, it is conceivable to additionally provide a foil-shaped heat insulator between the substructure and the housing. It is also conceivable to install a rechargeable battery in the applicator to power the heating unit, so that the temperature of the hair removal composition can be kept even more constant during application. The cooled hair removal composition is removed from the skin manually by grasping one end of the hair removal composition strip and pulling it back, usually against the direction of hair growth.

[0051] The method according to the invention achieves a reduction in the skin irritation typically occurring after epilation compared to previously known methods. This eliminates the need to supplement the hair removal composition with anti-inflammatory or even anti-redness ingredients, as is common with hair removal compositions according to the prior art.

[0052] The applicator according to the invention is particularly easy to use, even for inexperienced laypersons, and enables the controlled and safe melting of the meltable solid, as well as the safe and easy application of the depilatory compositions to the surface of the skin area to be depilated, followed by uncomplicated epilation of the treated skin area. The compact format of the applicator according to the invention also allows for easy manual application. In summary, all steps of hair removal by epilation using the depilatory composition can be performed in a simple application, even by a layperson, using the applicator according to the invention. Short description of the characters

[0053] In addition, further features, effects, and advantages of the present invention are explained with reference to the attached figures and the following description. Components that are at least substantially identical in terms of their function in the individual figures are identified by the same reference numerals; however, the components need not be numbered and explained in all figures.

[0054] The drawings show: Fig.1: Schematic three-dimensional representation of an embodiment of the applicator according to the invention for heating and applying a depilatory composition to a surface; Fig.2: Schematic representation of the applicator according to the invention according to Fig.1 in a side view; Fig.3: Schematic exploded view of an embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in a perspective view; Fig.4:Schematic representation of an embodiment of the system according to the invention with two applicators and a base station; Fig.5: Schematic representation of an embodiment of a substructure according to the invention with storage unit and slider in the closed position in a side view; Fig.6: Schematic sectional view of the substructure design with storage unit and slider made of Fig.5 in the closed position; Fig.7: Schematic representation of the embodiment of the substructure according to the invention with storage unit and slider made of Fig.5 in the open position in a side view; Fig.8: Schematic sectional view of the substructure with storage unit and slider made of Fig.5 in the open position; Fig.9:Schematic representation of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for heating and applying a depilatory composition to a surface. Examples of implementation

[0055] Fig.1shows a schematic three-dimensional representation of an embodiment of the applicator 100 according to the invention for heating and applying a hair removal composition 200a to a surface 300. The applicator 100 according to the invention has a housing 110 with a first end 1111 and a second end 1112. The second end 1112 is closed with a lid 113. The lid 113 closes the housing 110 and can, for example, be clipped onto the housing. The housing 110 has an application area 112 at its first end 1111. The housing 110 also has an opening (not visible in the view) at its first end 1111 through which the hair removal composition 200a can pass from the applicator 100 onto a surface 300, for example, an area of ​​skin of a person to be epilated. Furthermore, an actuating device 141 can be seen in the figure.This actuating device 141 is operatively connected to a substructure 140 and extends through the housing 110. When the actuating device 141 is actuated, the actuation is transmitted to a slide 131 arranged within the housing 110, which is not visible in the figure, so that the slide 131 is moved into an open position 131o and hair removal composition 200a can exit the applicator 100. The housing 110 has, in its application area 112, an outer region 112a located on the outer surface of the housing 110. With this outer region 112a, the exited hair removal composition 200a can be distributed over the surface 300.

[0056] Fig.2 shows a schematic representation of the applicator 100 according to the invention according to Fig.1in a side view. The side shown is opposite the side on which the actuating device 141 is arranged. On this side of the housing 110, three contact surfaces 114 are arranged, via which the applicator 100 can be supplied with electrical voltage when it is connected to a base station 190 (see Fig. 4 ). Furthermore, electrical signals containing information, for example, about the temperature of the depilatory composition 200a inside the applicator 100, can be transmitted to the base station 190 via the contact surfaces 114.

[0057] Fig.3 shows a schematic representation of the applicator 1 according to the invention according to Fig.1in a perspective exploded view with housing 110, substructure 140, storage unit 130, and heating unit 120 shown separately. In the assembled state, the substructure 140 is located in the housing 110, and the storage unit 130 is located in the substructure 140 in a heating unit 120 surrounding it. Fusible solid 200, shown in the figure as being in bulk form or as a compact rod, can be filled into the storage unit 130, as indicated by the arrow. After filling the fusible solid 200, the housing 110 and thus the storage unit 130 can be closed with a lid 113, which can be placed onto the second end 1112 of the housing. The housing 110 has an opening 112o in the application area 112 located at its first end 1111, through which the hair removal composition 200a can exit from the applicator 100 during operation.The opening 112o is aligned with an outlet opening 130a in the storage unit 130 when the storage unit 130 is installed in the substructure 140, which in turn is installed in the housing 110. In the embodiment shown, the heating unit 120 is designed as a foil heater that can be pushed onto the storage unit 130, so that the storage unit 130 is enclosed by the heating unit 120 on its outer surface. The storage unit 130 is made of an aluminum alloy, so that the wall of the storage unit 130 has good thermal conductivity, and thus the heating unit 120 can quickly melt the meltable solid 200 in the storage unit 130 to form the hair removal composition 200a.

[0058] Fig.4 shows a schematic three-dimensional representation of an embodiment of the system 400 according to the invention with a base station 190 and two applicators 100 according to the invention according to Fig.1 and2The base station 190 is designed to accommodate one or two applicators 100 and to control the heating unit 120 of the accommodated applicator(s) 100 such that the meltable solid 200 in the respective storage unit 130 of the applicator(s) 100 is melted 510 for the application 540 of the depilatory composition 200a, so that the then melted solid 200 represents the depilatory composition 200a to be applied. The respective applicator is suspended from above, i.e., from a direction opposite to the gravitational vector direction, from a free suspension device 191 and held by this in the base station 190. As soon as the meltable solid 200 has been melted by the base station 190 via the heating unit 120 of the applicator 100, the applicator 100 can be removed upwards from the base station 190.The electrical supply interfaces in the form of the contact surfaces 114 of the respective applicator 100 and the corresponding contact pins 192 of the base station 190 are configured in such a way that the applicator 100 can be removed upwards in the direction of the dashed arrow from the base station 190 without any additional actions. The base station further includes a drip tray 193 below each hanging position for applicators 100, into which any drops of hair removal composition that may escape from the applicator 100 can be collected.

[0059] Fig.5shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a substructure 140 according to the invention with a storage unit 130 accommodated therein and a slider 131 in the closed position 131g in a side view. The slider has an outer rod 131a that runs along two opposite sides of the outer side of the substructure 140 in its longitudinal direction, i.e., the x-direction. The outer rod of the slider 131a is suspended from a coil spring 132 that is operatively connected to the substructure 140 and can be moved in the longitudinal direction via the actuating device 141 against the spring force of the coil spring 132 when the actuating device 141 is moved, i.e., pressed, in the direction of the dotted arrow line. Furthermore, the figure shows the tip of the storage unit 130, which is inserted into the substructure 140 and emerges from the substructure 140 at its lower end (opposite the x-direction).The slider 131 has a cross-connecting element 131q, which connects the two strands of the outer rod 131a and the inner rod 131i (not visible in the figure) in a yoke-like manner, running along opposite sides of the substructure 140. The cross-connecting element 131q can be mounted after the storage unit 130 has been inserted into the substructure 140 by being operatively connected to the outer rod 131a and the inner rod 131i of the slider 131. For this purpose, the cross-connecting element 131q can be connected, for example, to the outer rod 131a and the inner rod 131i using a T-shaped or dovetail joint or a snap-in joint.

[0060] Fig.6 shows a schematic sectional view of the lower part, ie a part in the opposite x-direction, of the substructure 140 with storage unit 130 and slider 131 in the closed position 131g from Fig.5The storage unit 130 is enclosed by the heating unit 120 and pushed into the substructure 140 and protrudes from the substructure 140 in an area at the lower end, i.e., the end in the opposite x-direction. The slide 131 has an outer rod 131a and an inner rod 131i, wherein the outer rod 131a and inner rod 131i are connected to one another in a yoke-like manner at the upper end, i.e., the end of the substructure 140 and storage unit 130 lying in the x-direction, via a cross-connecting element 131q (cut off in the figure). Operatively connected to the inner rod 131i is a closure element 131v of the slide 131, which, in the closed position 131g shown, is pushed in front of the outlet opening 130a of the storage unit 130 and closes it. The outlet opening 130a of the storage unit 130 can be formed on its inner peripheral region, ieThe surface area that can come into contact with the depilatory composition 200a can be provided with a non-stick coating (not shown in the figure). Such a non-stick coating can consist, for example, of a silicone or polytetrafluoroethylene layer or a layer of another material that has non-stick properties. Other known and suitable materials with non-stick properties are enamel and ceramic materials. The non-stick coating minimizes the risk of the depilatory composition 200a adhering to the corresponding surface and solidifying there upon cooling, which can lead to undefined tearing of the applied depilatory composition strip when the applicator 100 is lifted from the surface 300.

[0061] Fig.7 shows the opposite situation as in Fig.5shown in a schematic representation of an embodiment of a substructure 140 according to the invention with the storage unit 130 accommodated therein and the slider 131 in the open position 131o in a side view. The actuating device 141 was pressed in the direction of the dashed curve and, via the outer rod 131a, with which it is operatively connected, raised the slider 131 with the cross-connecting element 131q, the inner rod 131i and the closure element 131v against the force of the spiral spring 132 via a lever mechanism (see also the following Fig.8 ).

[0062] Fig.8 shows a schematic sectional view of the lower part, ie a part in the opposite x-direction, of the substructure 140 with storage unit 130 and slider 131 in the open position 131o from Fig.7The entire slider 131 with outer rod 131a, inner rod 131i, cross-connecting element 131q (cut off in the figure), and closure element 131v is raised so that the closure element 131v is no longer pushed in front of the outlet opening 130a of the storage unit 130, whereby the latter is open and hair removal composition 200a can flow through the outlet opening 130a of the storage unit 130 and the opening 112a aligned with it in the application area 112 of the housing 110 (not shown in the figure) onto the surface 300. To reclose the outlet opening 130a of the storage unit 130, it is sufficient to release the actuating element 141. The force of the coil spring 132 moves the slider back into the closed position 131g.Because, in particular, the closure element 131v of the slider is located in the molten hair removal composition 200a within the storage unit 130, the hair removal composition 200a does not freeze during the application process, so that the closure element 131v of the slider 131 can tightly reseal the outlet opening 130a of the storage unit 130. The heating unit 120 extends into the area of ​​the outlet opening 130a of the storage unit 130, so that the storage unit 130 can be heated up to the area of ​​the outlet opening 130a, which prevents the molten hair removal composition 200a from freezing in this sensitive area during application.

[0063] Fig.9shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the method 500 according to the invention for heating and applying a hair removal composition 200a to a surface 300. First, in step 510, the meltable solid 200 introduced into the storage unit 130 is melted. This can occur, for example, while the applicator 100 is still suspended from the base station 190 and its heating unit 120 is supplied with electrical voltage via the contact surfaces 140 or contact pins 191. The melting temperature depends on the material properties of the meltable solid 200 used and can be preset in a control unit of the applicator 100 and / or the system 400.A control unit of the system 400 can control the melting process by receiving information about the current temperature of the meltable solid 200 or the hair removal composition 200a in the storage unit 130 via a temperature sensor in the storage unit 130 and comparing it with the preset melting temperature, so that the user, after possibly entering the melting temperature, only has to wait until the hair removal composition 200a has been obtained from the meltable solid 200 by melting. The user can be notified, for example, by a light signal on the applicator 100 or a base station 190. In step 515, a query is made as to whether the meltable solid 200 has melted into the hair removal composition 200a. If not, the process returns to step 510, i.e.It is necessary to wait until the application of the applicator 100 to a spot on a skin area of ​​the surface 300 to be epilated, which occurs in step 520. If the result of the query in step 515 is positive, the process can immediately continue with step 520 just described. If the applicator 100 was hung on the base station 190, it can previously be removed from the base station 190. The next step 530 involves actuating the actuating device 141 to move the slide 131 against the force of a force accumulator, in the embodiment shown in the previous figures, the coil spring 132, into the open position 131o.The entire slider 131, including the outer rod 131a, the inner rod 131i, the cross-connecting element 131q connecting the outer rod 131a and the inner rod 131i, and the closure element 131v operatively connected to the inner rod 131i, is raised so that the closure element 131v exposes the outlet opening 130a of the storage unit 130. Now, in step 540, the application of the depilatory composition 200a to the surface, for example, a strip-shaped area of ​​human skin to be depilated, can begin. To do so, the user guides the applicator 100, tilted in the direction of the gravitational vector, in a substantially linear motion over the corresponding skin area while holding the actuating element 141 down. Depending on the desired thickness of the strip of depilatory composition 200a on the surface 300, the application area 112 of the applicator 100 can be placed on the skin or lifted off it.The hair removal composition 200a is applied to the surface 300 in a molten, viscous state and encloses hair on the surface 300. Upon reaching the end of the desired epilation area on the surface 300, the user moves the slider 131 into the closed position 131g by releasing the actuating device 141 in the next step 550. Due to the force of the energy accumulator, here the coil spring 132, the slider 131 is moved back into the closed position 131g, in which the closure element 131v closes the outlet opening 130a of the storage unit 130. Since the closure element 131v lies within the heated storage unit 130 and moves within the hot, molten hair removal composition 200a, the closure element 131v can tightly close the outlet opening 130a again.The user can now reattach the applicator 100 to the base station so that the heating unit 120 and / or battery are again supplied with electrical energy and the hair removal composition 200a, which may have cooled during application in the storage unit 130, can be reheated. In the next step 560, the user allows the hair removal composition 200a to cool on the surface 300. The cooling time depends on the hair removal composition 200a itself, the thickness of the applied strip of hair removal composition 200a, but also the ambient temperature and any other factors such as the temperature of the surface 300.When the hair removal composition 200a has cooled and solidified to the point where the minimum strength for removal is reached, which typically takes only a few seconds, the strip of cooled hair removal composition 200a can be removed from the surface 300 in step 570. After the hair removal composition 200a has been allowed to cool on the skin 300, it adheres to the skin 300 and continues to enclose the hair present on this area of ​​skin, such that when the cooled hair removal composition 200a is removed from the skin 300, the hair remains stuck in the hair removal composition 200a and is thus torn out along with its follicles. The cooled hair removal composition 200a is removed from the skin 300 manually by grasping one end of the strip of hair removal composition 200a and pulling it off, typically against the direction of hair growth. List of reference symbols

[0064] 100Applicator 110Housing 1111First housing end 1112Second housing end 112Application area 112aOuter area of ​​the application area 112oOpening in the application area 113Removable cover 114Contact surface 120Heating unit 130Storage unit 130aOutlet opening of the storage unit 131Slider 131aOuter rod of the slider 131gClosed position of the slider 131iInner rod of the slider 131oOpen position of the slider 131qCross-connecting element of the slider 131vClosing element of the slider 132Coil spring 139Wall of the storage unit 140Substructure 141Actuating device 190Base station 191Hanging device 192Contact pin 193Drip tray 200meltable solid 200adepilatory composition 300surface,Skin 400System 500Method 510Melting the meltable solid in the storage unit 520Placing the applicator on a surface to be epilated 530Actuating the actuating device to move the slider to the open position 540Applying the depilatory composition to the surface 550Actuating the actuating device to move the slider to the closed position 560Allowing the depilatory composition to cool on the surface 570Removing the depilatory composition from the surface xDirection,

Claims

1. An applicator for maintaining a molten, meltable solid in the form of a hair removal composition at melting temperature - preferably also for pre-melting the meltable solid - and for applying the molten, meltable solid as a hair removal composition to a surface, comprising: - a receiving structure, in particular a substructure, for receiving a storage unit for the meltable solid or the hair removal composition with an actuating device, wherein the storage unit has a heating unit, - a housing for receiving the receiving structure, in particular a substructure, with a first end, wherein the housing has an application area at its first end, characterized by thata closure element of a closer, in particular a slider, is arranged in the interior of the storage unit, wherein the closer, in particular a slider, is movable between a closed position and an open position via an actuating device, wherein the hair removal composition can be brought from the storage unit into the application area when the closer, in particular a slider, is in the open position and can be applied to the surface through the application area.

2. Applicator (100) according to claim 1, characterized by that the application area (112) has an outer side area (112a) having a non-stick coating.

3. Applicator (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the heating unit (120) has a heating foil.

4. Applicator (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatthe storage unit (130) has a wall (139) which is at least partially made of an aluminum material.

5. Applicator (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing (110) has a second housing end (1112) opposite the first housing end (1111), wherein the second housing end (1112) can be closed with a removable cover (113).

6. Applicator (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing (110) has an opening (110d) through which the actuating device (141) can be operated.

7. Applicator (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the slide (31) can be opened against a force accumulator (142).

8. Applicator (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatthe housing (110) has contact surfaces (114) on an outer side, wherein a voltage supply to the heating unit (120) can be established by means of the contact surfaces (114).

9. System (400) for epilating human skin, characterized by that the system comprises an applicator (100) according to claim 8 and a base station (190), wherein the base station (190) comprises a suspension device (191) for the applicator (100) and contact pins (192) for an operative connection to the contact surfaces (114) of the applicator (100).

10. Meltable solid (200) for preparing a depilatory composition (200a) for use with the applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the meltable solid (200) comes from the group of warm waxes.

11. A method (500) for epilating a surface (300) with a depilatory composition (200a) using the applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and the meltable solid (200) for preparing the depilatory composition (200a) according to claim 10, characterized by the steps - melting (510) the meltable solid (200) in the storage unit (130), - placing the application area (112) of the applicator (100) on a spot on a skin area to be epilated as a surface (300), - actuating (530) the actuating device (191) to move the slider (131) into the open position (131o), - applying (540) the depilatory composition (200a) to the surface (300) through Guide the application area (112) along the skin area to be epilated as a surface (300), - When the end of the desired epilation area on the surface (300) is reached, move the slider into the closed position (131g) throughActuating (550) the actuating device (191), - allowing (560) the depilatory composition (200a) to cool on the surface (300), - peeling (570) the cooled depilatory composition (200a) from the surface (300).

Images