Abstract:
This invention provides both a method and an apparatus for hair removal using thread. Using the concept of rotational motion, this method improves upon the ancient art of threading by using a rotational mechanism that allows for threading with only one manipulation point instead of the conventional tour manipulation points as well as one or more threads to be used as a guide lo help identity and/or isolate hair to be removed. With these enhancements, a self-threading apparatus is invented that is more precise and less unwieldy than existing self-threading apparatuses. It minimizes the amount of manual labour and skills required in such a way that a person not skilled in the art can easily use this apparatus to thread with precision.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention is related to epilation devices. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Hair removal can be done by a variety of techniques and methods. One such method, called threading, originates from the ancient practice of hair removal by the use of thread that is first manually twisted and then manipulated at lour points. Hereinafter “thread” includes thin wire, thin filament or any thread/wire like material. The twisted section of the thread is placed near the surface of the skin and is manipulated in such a way that as it moves along a row of hair that is to be removed, the hair is grasped and pulled from the follicle. 
         [0003]    However this method requires a certain amount of skill. Furthermore, it is time consuming, manually intensive and difficult to do by ones-self with precision. Thus threading usually requires the need for a second person trained in the art. 
         [0004]    Recent attempts at self-threading apparatuses have been made however they suffer from being unwieldy and compromise precision. 
       SUMMARY OF Tim INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present inventors have recognized that the limitations of existing self-threading apparatuses are due to two things. First, the conventional use of four manipulation points and their method of manipulating the twisted thread to remove hair. Second, the lack of a guide and the corresponding inability to precisely determine what hair is to he removed. 
         [0006]    The present inventors realized that a new method tor threading by twisting thread using rotational motion at one point with the use of a guide would result in numerous benefits including a device that was less cumbersome and easier to use without coin promising precision. 
         [0007]    Through our research. we have discovered a new method tor threading by use of a rotational mechanism (hereinafter “rotational mechanism” is defined as a mechanism that conveys rotational motion) to twist and untwist thread by alternating rotational motion in opposite directions. With this method, the tour conventional manipulation points are no longer required as the rotational mechanism allows threading to be achieved by using it as the only manipulation point. This method also allows for the utilization of one or more threads to be used as a guide by placing them along the twist axis where the hair removal occurs. Hereinafter, twist axis is defined as the axis created by the twisting of the threads by the rotational mechanism. This allows the self-threading apparatus to be smaller, more precise and less unwieldy than existing self-threading apparatuses. It minimizes the amount of manual labour and skills required in such a way that a person not skilled in the art can easily use this apparatus to thread with precision. 
         [0008]    The rotational mechanism of this threading apparatus may comprise an electric motor to enhance ease and precision by eliminating the need to manipulate the rotational motion manually. 
         [0009]    Certain embodiments, including the inventors preferred embodiment of this invention, may place the guide thread in a different plane than the other threads. Hereinafter, guide thread is defined as one or more threads that deviate least from the twist axis of the rotational mechanism and arc used as a guide to isolate hair to be removed. This will permit the guide thread to precisely determine what hair is to be removed by allowing the threader to be held at an angle so that only one plane is placed next to the skin. This will become clearer in the ensuing description and drawings. 
         [0010]    Some embodiments of this invention may include a magnifying mechanism and/or a light to improve visibility and thus enhance precision. If desired, a cleaning brush to help remove dislodged hair left on the thread may also be included on particular embodiments of this invention. 
         [0011]    Please note that each of these options provides particular advantages and can he implemented independently or in any combination of the others. 
         [0012]    These and other features, as well as advantages of the invention over the prior art will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1A  &amp;  FIG. 1B  illustrate the conventional method of threading using four manipulation points; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2A  At  FIG. 2B  are diagrams illustrating the new method of threading by use of a bidirectional rotational mechanism and guide thread. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3A  is a detailed diagram depicting the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3B  depicts a sectional view of this embodiment illustrating the electric motor and power source. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3C  is a diagram depicting the preferred embodiment of the threading apparatus with its arm folded when net in use. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B  are diagrams illustrating how this threading embodiment functions.  FIG. 4A  depicts the default untwisted state of the embodiment.  FIG. 4B  depicts the maximally twisted state of the embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5A  illustrates how the plane that is created by threads  702  and  704  can he used for precise hair removal around the eyebrow using thread  704  as a guide. For clarity, thread  703  is purposely not depicted in the image. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5B  illustrates how the plane that is created by threads  703  and  704  can be used for precise hair removal around the eyebrow using said thread  704  as a guide. For clarity, thread  702  is purposely not depicted in the image. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  depicts an embodiment with a tension control mechanism. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is an illustration of a particular embodiment which makes use of an elastic to relieve tension. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is an illustration of a particular embodiment which makes use of elastics on its arms to relieve tension. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9A  is an illustration of an embodiment that has no arms. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9B  is a diagram illustrating a particular embodiment of the present invention that has two arms. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    Hair removal by the conventional practice of threading uses thread that is manually twisted and then placed next to the surface of the skin. The twisted thread is then manipulated at four points in such a way that hair is grasped and pulled from the follicle.  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B  illustrate this conventional method of threading (labels  1 , 2 , 3 , 4  depict the four manipulation points respectively). 
         [0027]    Existing self-threading devices have recently been developed that follow this conventional method of hair removal. However, by following this method, these self-threading apparatuses are limited by the conventional placement of the four manipulation points that manipulate the manually twisted thread to remove hair. Thus these devices suffer from being unwieldy and do not provide the same precision as manual threading by a second person. 
         [0028]    Other self-threading devices have recently been developed that use a rotational mechanism. However due to the absence of a guide, these devices also suffer from imprecision and do not provide the same precision as manual threading by a second person. 
         [0029]    The present inventors realized that a new method for threading by twisting thread using rotational motion at one point and the use of a guide would result in numerous benefits including, a device that was less cumbersome and easier to use without compromising precision. 
         [0030]    Through our research, we have discovered, as depicted in  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B , that precise threading can be achieved by use of a rotational mechanism  802  that twists and untwists threads  902 ,  903  using bidirectional rotation in conjunction with a guide thread  901  that is placed along the twist axis of the rotational mechanism  802 . In  FIG. 2A  the rotation in direction causes threads  902 ,  903  and guide thread  901  to twist whereas in FIB  28  the rotation in the opposite direction r causes threads  902 ,  903  and guide thread  901  to untwist. Please note that twisting and untwisting can occur in either direction and only one direction has been shown for illustration purposes. Using this method we have invented a threading apparatus that achieves hair removal without following the conventional method of four manipulation points but instead removes hair by use of only one manipulation point  801  and guide thread  901 . Please also note that the guide may consist of more than one thread. Thus sonic embodiments may make use of more than a single guide thread. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 38  are diagrams of a self-threading apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “threader”) embodying the principles of the present invention. The threader comprises a body  100 . A rotational mechanism  300 , comprising an electric motor with power source  104 , is substantially housed within body  100  and its trigger  103  to turn it on and off is attached outside. A switch  105  to adjust the speed of the threader is also located on body  100 . One arm  201  comprising three protrusions  202 ,  203 ,  204  extends out from body  100 . As depicted in  FIG. 3C , arm  201 , can be folded into a storage position when not in use. One endpoint of thread  702  is fastened to manipulation point  301  located on rotational mechanism  300 . The other endpoint of thread  702  is fastened to connection point  402  located on arm protrusion  202 . Hereinafter “connection point” is defined as a structural element on the arm that connects to the thread. Please note that in reference to connection points, an arm protrusion is considered part of the arm, and thus a connection point can be located on arm  201  or any of its protrusions. One endpoint of a second thread  703  is also fastened to manipulation point  301  while its other endpoint is fastened to connection point  403  located on arm protrusion  203 . One endpoint of a third thread  704  is also fastened to manipulation point  301  while the other end point is fastened to connection point  404  located on arm protrusion  204 , As depicted in  FIG. 3A , arm protrusions  202 ,  203 ,  204  are angled in such a way that threads  704  and  702  form a different plane than threads  704  and  703 . 
         [0032]    In accordance with the invention,  FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B  illustrate how this embodiment functions. When trigger  103  is manipulated, rotational mechanism  300  will start to rotate in one direction causing threads  702 ,  703  and  704  to begin twisting. This twisting will cause an increase in the tension of threads  702 ,  703  and  704 , To relieve this tension, arm protrusions  201 ,  202 ,  203  are made of flexible material so as to yield in proportion to the increasing tension in the threads. 
         [0033]    The bidirectional rotation of rotational mechanism  300  is controlled electronically by which it will continue to rotate in one direction until the twisting of the threads as depicted in  FIG. 4B  causes a predetermined tension threshold to be reached. The rotational mechanism  300  will then begin to rotate in the opposite direction thereby untwisting threads  702 ,  703  and  704 . As the threads  702 .  703  and  704  untwist and the tension in the threads  702 ,  703 ,  704  decreases the threader will return to an untwisted state as depicted in  FIG. 4A . At this point the process may be repeated as desired until the trigger is turned off. 
         [0034]    When placed next to the skin. the twisting of threads  702 ,  703  and  704  will cause hair to be grasped and removed from its follicles while the untwisting of threads  702 ,  703  and  704  will cause the removed hair to be dislodged from threads  702 ,  703 , and  704 . Since the plane formed by threads  704  and  702  is different than the plane formed by threads  704  and  703 ; thread  704  can also be used as a guide in situations requiring greater precision such as eyebrows. As depicted in  FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B , the two separate planes Pinned by the threads allow the threader to be held at art angle so that only one plane is placed next to the skin while the other is away from the skin. In this way the area of potential hair removal is constricted to only that of the plane that is placed next to the skin; i.e., either the area between threads  704  and  702  or when angled the other way, the area between threads  704  and  703 . In both cases, thread  704  delineates the boundary between where hair is removed and where hair is not, Thus thread  704  can he used as a guide to precisely determine what hair is to be removed by holding the threader at an angle so that only one plane (bounded by thread  704 ) is placed next to the skin. 
         [0035]    For added precision and visibility, a light  701  is connected to body  100 . 
       Other Embodiments 
       [0036]    The inventors are aware that this method for hair removal may be achieved using other embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0037]    Some embodiments may include a tension adjustment mechanism. This would allow the ability to tine tune the tension in the thread. A particular embodiment containing a tension adjustment mechanism is depicted in  FIG. 6  and is similar to the inventors&#39; embodiment. Though connected to manipulation point  301 , threads  702 ,  703  and  704  are not fastened to connection points  402 ,  403 , and  404 . Instead, in this embodiment, the endpoints of threads  702 ,  703  and  704  are guided through connection points  402 ,  403 , and  404  respectively and then fastened to adjustment mechanism  601  located on arm  201 . Adjustment mechanism  601  may be manipulated to increase or decrease the tension in the threads as desired. 
         [0038]    The inventors are aware that there are various methods to achieve tension control. For example instead of only one adjustment mechanism, there could be three, allowing the ability to control tension in each thread separately. Alternatively, the inventors also appreciate that in some embodiments connection point  301  may be connected to an adjustment mechanism that allows for the ability to adjust the tension in threads  702 ,  703  and  704  when desired. 
         [0039]    The inventors are also aware that in addition to the ability to adjust tension, there are many alternative methods for removing tension in the threads. Two examples depicted in  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 . utilize different methods to remove tension, These embodiments arc similar to the inventors preferred embodiment however utilize elastics to relieve tension, Hereinafter elastic(s) is defined as any material that has the property of elasticity and is used as a biasing means, including but not limited to springs, elastic cords, rubber bands. 
         [0040]    The embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7  utilizes an elastic  501  as a manipulation point that is connected to rotational mechanism  300 . In this embodiment, one endpoint of thread  702  is fastened to elastic  501  which is connected to rotational mechanism  300 , The other endpoint of thread  702  is fastened to connection point  402  located on arm protrusion  202 . One endpoint of a second thread  703  is also fastened to elastic  501  while its other endpoint is fastened to connection point  403  located on arm protrusion  203 . One endpoint of a third thread  704  is also fastened to elastic  501  while the other end point is fastened to connection point  404  located on arm protrusion  204 . Similarly to the inventors preferred embodiment, when trigger  103  is manipulated, rotational mechanism  300  will start to rotate in one direction causing threads  702 ,  703  and  704  to begin to twist. This twisting will cause an increase in the tension of threads  702 ,  703  and  704 . However, unlike the preferred embodiment, to relieve this tension, elastic  501  will yield in proportion to the increasing tension. 
         [0041]    The embodiment depicted in  FIG. 8  is similar however it utilizes elastics placed on arm protrusions  203 ,  204 ,  205  instead of one elastic on rotational mechanism  300 . In this embodiment, one endpoint of thread  702  is fastened to manipulation point  301  on rotational mechanism  300  while its other endpoint is guided through connection point  402  then fastened to connection point  302  located on arm protrusion  202 . One endpoint of a second thread  703  is also fastened to manipulation point  301  on rotational mechanism  300  while its other endpoint is guided through connection point  403  then fastened to connection point  303  located on arm protrusion  203 . One endpoint of a third thread  704  is also fastened to manipulation point  301  while the other end point is guided through connection point  404  and then fastened to connection point  304  located on arm protrusion  204 . Like the preferred embodiment, protrusions  202 ,  203 ,  204  are angled in such a way that threads  704  and  702  form a different plane than threads  704  and  703 . When trigger  103  is manipulated. rotational mechanism  300  will begin to rotate in one direction causing threads  702 ,  703  and  704  attached to manipulation point  301  to begin twisting. This twisting will cause an increase in the tension of threads  702 ,  703  and  704 . To relieve this tension, connection points  302 ,  303  and  304  arc respectively connected to elastics  502 ,  503  and  504  that yield in proportion to the increasing tension. Though not required, in this embodiment two adjustment. mechanisms have also been included. Elastics  502  and  503  arc connected to an adjustment mechanism  601  that allows far the ability to adjust the tension in elastics  502  and  503 . Elastic  504  is connected to an adjustment mechanism  602  that allows for the ability to adjust the tension in elastic  504 . 
         [0042]    The inventors realize that a predetermined tension threshold is not the only way to determine when the change in direction of rotation of rotational mechanism  300  occurs and other embodiments may use different criteria, For instance, other embodiments could achieve change in direction of rotation of rotational mechanism  300  by use a predetermined duration of time, a predetermined number of rotations, or any combination of the above. For example, by use of a predetermined number of rotations, rotational mechanism  300  will rotate a number of rotations in one direction until the twisted state depicted in  FIG. 4A  is reached and then rotate a number of rotations in the opposite direction until the untwisted stated depicted in  FIG. 4B  is reached. For further illustration, this can be described mathematically as follows: 
         [0043]    Let D be the default untwisted state of the apparatus; 
         [0044]    Let T be the twisted state of the apparatus; 
         [0045]    Let Ra be the number of rotations of the rotational mechanism  300  in direction a; 
         [0046]    Let Rb he the number of rotations of the rotational mechanism  300  in the opposite direction b. 
         [0047]    Let x by the number of rotations required to reach T 
         [0048]    Then at default untwisted state D (threads  702 ,  703  and  704  untwisted), 
         [0000]      Ra=Rb=0. 
         [0049]    And at the twisted state T (threads  702 ,  703 , and  704  twisted), 
         [0000]      Ra=x and Rb=0. 
         [0050]    When T is reached rotational mechanism  300  will begin to rotate in the opposite direction thus untwisting the twisted threads  702 ,  703  and  704 . The inventors have discovered the ideal rotational scheme to be one in which rotational mechanism  300  rotates an equal number of times x in direction b from the twisted state T. 
         [0051]    Thus Rb=x until default state D (threads  702 ,  703 ,  704  untwisted) is again reached. 
         [0052]    Thus there may be a number of different methods to determine when the change of direction of rotation of rotational mechanism  300  occurs. 
         [0053]    The inventors appreciate that in some embodiments arm  201  may slide into position or it and its protrusions may fold together in different ways. There are many different ways that it may be put into a storage position. Alternatively arm  201  may be in a fixed position to the body. 
         [0054]    Other embodiments of the present invention may have no arms as depicted in  FIG. 9A , or two arms and/or arm protrusions as depicted in  FIG. 9B . It is also possible that particular embodiments of the present invention may comprise a plurality of arms and/or arm protrusions greater than 3. 
         [0055]    It must also be noted that in some embodiments, a guide thread may minimally be achieved by the use of only two threads. This is done by holding one thread more firmly than the other thread. As the rotational mechanism begins twisting the threads, the firmly held thread will direct the twist axis closer to it than the less firmly held thread and enabling the more firmly held thread to be used as a guide thread. 
         [0056]    The inventors also appreciate that in other embodiments of the invention, rotational mechanism  300  need not be fully enclosed within body  100 . It may he partially enclosed within body  100  or totally outside. Similarly, trigger mechanism  103  need not be attached to the outside of body  100 . Other embodiments may have trigger mechanism  103  attached to other parts of the apparatus such as arm  201  while some embodiments may have it totally separate from the apparatus altogether. 
         [0057]    Though the preferred embodiment for the present invention makes use of a microchip to control the bidirectional rotation in rotational mechanism  300 , the inventors appreciate that other embodiments may make use of manual, mechanical, electrical or any other means to control the bidirectional rotation. There may he also other electronic ways other than a microchip to control the bidirectional rotation. More over, in other embodiments of the present invention, rotational mechanism  300  may be manually, and/or mechanically powered or powered by other sources. 
         [0058]    Though the preferred embodiment of the present invention uses three threads the inventors are aware that particular embodiments of the present may use a single thread. Thus, hereinafter. “Plurality of threads” is defined as multiple threads or two loose ends of a single length of thread.” 
         [0059]    Other embodiments of this invention may include a magnifying mechanism to improve visibility and thus enhance precision. If desired, a cleaning brush to help remove dislodged hair left on the thread may also be included on particular embodiments of this invention. 
         [0060]    Please note that each of these options and embodiments provides particular advantages and may be implemented independently or in combination of the others. 
         [0061]    The fore going merely illustrates the principles of the invention. It is thus appreciated that others skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous other arrangements that while not shown and/or described herein, embody the principles of the invention and thus are within its spirit and scope.