Abstract:
The present invention relates to an epilator comprising a pair of corresponding and separable epilator heads ( 2,3; 21,21  A) for trapping hair for removal. Each head ( 2,3; 21,21  A) has an exposed portion for allowing at least one or more parts of each head ( 2,3 ) to get in touch with a user&#39;s skin. Each head ( 2,3; 21,21  A) has a rotating body ( 17 ) having an axis of rotation and being adapted to be rotated by a driving unit (I), wherein the rotating body ( 17 ) is adapted to trap the hair for removal at the exposed portion, and wherein the axis of the rotating body ( 17 ) is essentially concave relative to the exposed portion of each head ( 2,3 ).

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention is directed to an epilator and two heads therefore. The heads are provided for trapping hair for removal from a human&#39;s body. The heads can be separated from each other from a common support structure or and a support structure for both or each of them. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    In the art a number of epilator and head assemblies are known. 
         [0003]    In WO 2009/010815 A1 an epilator is described comprising a head for trapping hair for removal. The head comprises a rotating body that has as an axis of rotation and is adapted to be rotated by a motor. At least one pair of pincers is arranged at or in the rotating body. The pair of pincers is able to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the rotating body. At least their outermost ends are adapted to move towards each other and away from each other depending on the location of the rotating body. According to an aspect, at least one intermediate member is provided which is arranged such that it is at least linearly moveable between the outermost ends of the pincers. The pair of pincers only extends on one side of the axis of rotation. One spring is located between the pair of pincers and is arranged to bias the pincers either away from each other or towards each other. At least one actuator is provided for the pair of pincers which can be supported to move along or parallel to the axis of rotation and engages a first pincer adjacent an end thereof being distal to the axis of rotation and a second pincer at or adjacent an end thereof being proximal to the axis of rotation. 
         [0004]    The epilating device according to EP 0 950 365 B1 includes a single, housing that is shaped to be grasped by the hand of a user and which includes a drive source. The housing can carry a first epilation module provided at its top with a first plucking head that is driven by the drive source to effect the plucking of the body hairs. The first plucking head has a length defining there along a first epilation zone. Also provided is a second epilation module to be carried on the housing that is provided at its top with a second plucking head that is driven commonly by the drive source to effect plucking of the body hairs. The second plucking head has a length defining there along a second epilation zone. 
         [0005]    EP 1 405 701 B1 relates to a linkage mechanism for a hair removal appliance, such as a powered or dry shaver or epilator, having a head rockably mounted on a body, and to such hair depilation apparatus. In order to better conform the head to a user&#39;s skin the device and method realizes a rocking about a virtual pivot axis. 
         [0006]    There is still a need for a new concept for a more effective and/or comfortable way of epilating hair. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    It is the object of the present invention to provide a more effective, comfortable, flexible and/or accurate epilator and respective head assembly and respective epilation methods. 
         [0008]    The solution of the problem is attained by the subject matter of the claims. 
         [0009]    In one aspect the present is directed to pair of corresponding epilator heads for trapping hair for removal, each head comprising a coupling portion for coupling the head to a driving or holding unit. According to an alternative aspect each head is attached to a driving or holding unit in a fixed or releasable manner. In the latter case these driving or holding units can be coupled so as to form an epilator consisting of two heads with two driving units. 
         [0010]    The coupling portion preferably comprises positively locking and corresponding elements at the heads and the driving unit. The driving unit preferably embraces a body with one or preferably two motors for each head one. Further compartments for batteries, a socket for a cable and/or an AC/DC transformer can be provided. Preferably the driving unit is designed being able to be easily and safely held by a user. 
         [0011]    According to the alternative aspect with each head being coupled to a driving unit, the respective driving units can be attached to each other. This is preferably possible by a set of engaging sliding tracks. In addition or alternatively a release button can be arranged. In this case the sliding tracks are arranged to finally snap into a final position in order to form the completed epilator. The snapping arrangement can be released by the release button that is preferably arranged on or in one of the driving units. Further a contact can be arranged between the two driving units so as to allow a switch for activating the epilator to be arranged on one of the driving units but for controlling both driving units. 
         [0012]    Further an exposed portion for allowing at least one or more parts of each head to get in touch with a user&#39;s skin is provided. This is preferably realized by a casing with an open window for exposing an epilating tool. This tool is a rotating body having an axis of rotation and is adapted to be rotated by the driving unit or the motors contained therein. The rotating body is adapted to trap the hair for removal at the exposed portion. One preferred arrangement is disclosed in WO 2009/010815 A1 that is herein adapted by reference. The axis of the rotating body is essentially concave relative to the exposed portion of each head. That is, the rotating body is accessible through the window in the casing of each head. Further pincers are provided being arranged and adapted to grab and epilate hair of a user. 
         [0013]    According to another aspect of the invention the rotating body of each pair of epilator heads are positioned side by side when coupled to the driving unit(s). 
         [0014]    According to a further alternative aspect the epilator head is adapted to be coupled to the driving unit in a spring-biased fashion so as to allow a spring-biased movement of each epilator head upon pressure thereon during use. The springs are adapted to allow during use a proper displacement depending on the pressure in order to appropriately conform each head to the contours of a user. 
         [0015]    In a further aspect of the invention the rotating bodies are adapted to be driven by the driving unit so as to rotate towards each other at the exposed portions. That is, they have an opposing orientation of rotation. 
         [0016]    Each coupling portion comprises a coupling element for a corresponding driving rod connected to the driving unit. The driving rod preferably extends out of the driving unit and couples to a head in the connected position. For each head a separate driving rod is provided. The coupling element is preferably provided with an open polygonal recess that is further preferably hexagonal so as to allow an axial relative movement of the driving rod during driving or use. Any other positively locking and easily insertable shape of the recess and the driving rod can also be used in order to make the rotating body revolve or turn. 
         [0017]    The coupling element is preferably also provided with gear teeth intermeshing with a larger gear driving the rotating body for reducing its rotating speed and enhancing its torque respectively. The gear teeth are preferably imprinted or casted to conform to an outer contour of coupling element. 
         [0018]    According to a further aspect of the invention each head has a snap on mechanism for preferably releasable attaching the head to the driving unit. Such snap on mechanism preferable allows for the spring-biased displacement of each head as described before and below. 
         [0019]    Each head preferably having at least one, preferably a pair of springs biasing each head and thereby removing any play and allowing a retraction or displacement during use of so as to comfortably adapt to the contours of a user upon sufficient pressure. 
         [0020]    Each head is preferably adapted to be snapped onto the driving unit of the epilator by a tooth-like snap protruding from the drive unit into a respectively undercut edge or vice versa. As mentioned before a retracting movement or displacement during use should preferably be possible. 
         [0021]    As mentioned before, one aspect of the invention can implement rotating bodies with pincers as disclosed by WO 2009/010815 A1. In more detail each head is in this case provided with at least two pincers. The pincers comprise at least one substantially radially extending arm wherein the arm is provided with a clamping end. Moreover an engager engages the pincers and drives the pincers in use. A driven actuator driven causes a relative movement of at least a portion of the pincers so as to make the pincers trapping hair during use of the device. At least one spacer is located between the two pincers, the spacer being preferably being made of rubber and being more preferably a standard rubber ring as known for sealing purposes. This is an advantage as preferably a standard element can be used. An axis further receives the pincers, the spacer and/or at least two adjacent discs. The discs further comprise a hub that axially protrudes from the center of a first side of the disc wherein the hub receives the pincers and the spacer. At least one first protrusion substantially axially extends from the first side of the disc and is adapted to cause the pincers which are received by the adjacent disc to trap hair during use. 
         [0022]    According to a further aspect of the present invention a whole device or epilator is also covered. All aspects and features mentioned before and below are also contained in such epilator. 
         [0023]    The epilator further comprises a driving unit with a motor, preferably for each head. This makes it possible to make use of two smaller devices and to avoid making use of a stronger motor driving both heads by further gear elements. The revolutions of the heads don&#39;t need to be exactly adapted or conformed to each other. 
         [0024]    The drive unit preferably has a driving pin for each head. Such driving pin directly or indirectly extends from each motor and extends into a respective coupling element of each head. Each driving pin is preferably at its outer end provided with a positively locking contour of hexagonal shape corresponding to the one of the respective coupling element. This is preferably a male/female connecting arrangement and doesn&#39;t need to be exact in its length. Further preferably the driving pins and engaging coupling elements are adapted such that a gap is provided between the ends of the driving pins and the bottoms of the coupling elements. This play makes it possible to compensate for changes in distance between the heads and the drive unit during use, particularly when the heads are displaced towards the driving unit by the pressure being applied onto them during use. 
         [0025]    In a further aspect the present invention is also directed to an epilation method making use of the before and below described aspects and features discussed in connection with the heads and/or the epilator. Such method can concern the operating of a pair of corresponding epilator heads for trapping hair for removal and comprises the following steps of coupling each head to a common driving unit, adapting at least one or more parts of each head being able to get in touch with a user&#39;s skin by an exposed portion, revolving in each head a rotating body having an axis of rotation and being rotated by the driving unit thereby causing the rotating bodies to trap the hair for removal at the respective exposed portion and wherein the axis of each rotating body is essentially concave relative to the exposed portion of each head. 
         [0026]    Instead of or additionally to the latter feature the step of coupling the epilator head to the driving unit in a spring-biased fashion is provided according to another aspect of the invention so as to allow a spring-biased movement of each epilator head upon pressure thereon during use. 
     
    
     
       PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
         [0027]    The figures attached exemplify the present invention and aspects thereof. They are not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown. 
           [0028]    The figures show the following 
           [0029]      FIG. 1  an assembled epilator according to a preferred aspect of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  an exploded view with preferred aspects of the head assemblies, a supporting structure and motors for driving the epilator; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  an bottom view of a preferred aspect of head assemblies according the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  detailed perspectives and insights onto or into preferred aspects of head assemblies and a support structure according to the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  a perspective view onto another preferred aspect of the present invention with an completed epilator comprising two separable head assemblies each attached to a corresponding supporting unit; 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  a first perspective view onto the preferred aspect of the present invention according to  FIG. 5  with two separated head assemblies each attached to a corresponding supporting unit; and 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  a second perspective view onto the preferred aspect of the present invention according to  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6  with two separated head assemblies each attached to a corresponding supporting unit. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]    According to  FIG. 1  a view onto a preferred aspect of the present invention is shown. A driving unit  1  with a body can comprise one or more batteries and/or a socket for a cable for loading the device or for supplying power to one or more motors (not shown) contained in the driving unit  1 . Onto the driving unit  1  a rear or first head  2  and a front or second head  3  is shown. These heads  2 , 3  are mounted onto the driving unit  1 , preferably in a manner allowing some movement up and down as indicated by the arrows. This movement is biased as to essentially ensure that the heads are in the outermost positions before use. When during use pressure is exerted onto the heads by attaching and slightly pressing the device against a user&#39;s skin they can preferably more downwardly in order to better conform to the contours of the user&#39;s skin under treatment. 
         [0037]    Moreover a knob is shown on the right hand side and also present on the opposite side in order to allow one or both heads  2 , 3  to be released from the driving unit  1 . Any other arrangement can fulfill the same function. 
         [0038]    According to  FIG. 2  an exploded drawing shows the heads  2 , 3  in a released position. Below are shown elements that are preferably assembled to the driving unit  1 . One motor  6 , 7  is shown for driving each head  2 , 3 . The driving pin extends in this embodiment to the upper side towards the heads  2 , 3 . On top of such driving pins is a polygonal element such as a hexagon  4 , 5  in order to engage the respective coupling element (not shown) to each head  2 , 3 . A support  8  is also shown for supporting the motors  6 , 7 . In the assembled status the driving rods of the motors  6 , 7  extend through the support  8  and the hexagons  4 , 5  are placed on top of them. 
         [0039]    A snap on element or latch  10  is also shown which in this preferred embodiment is provided on a tongue of support  8 . Preferably  4  latches are provided, a pair for each head  2 , 3 . Such latches engage respective elements (not shown) provided in the heads  2 , 3 . Such latches can be brought out of engagement by the respective knobs. 
         [0040]    The rotating bodies in heads  2 , 3  are covered at their ends by the head cover and allow the accessibility of them to the user&#39;s skin in use through respectively formed windows. 
         [0041]      FIG. 3  depicts an example of a head  2  from the underside that is directed towards or onto the driving unit (not shown) in use. As already also visible in the previous  FIG. 2  the concave shape of the rotating body  17  towards the user in use is apparent. 
         [0042]    Moreover, a coupling  13  with a coupling element  13   a  can be seen which usually engages the driving pin of the motor (not shown) in use. As mentioned this connection between the coupling element  13   a  and the driving pin allows for some movement of the driving pins within the coupling elements  13   a  in uses, particularly for compensating the displacement of the respective head in use. 
         [0043]    At the bottom of the coupling element  13   a  gear teeth are visible forming a gear. This intermeshes with another gear  14  for preferably reducing the turning speed or respectively enhancing the torque of the respective rotating body  17 . The gear  14  is further connected with gears (not shown) driving the rotating body  17 . 
         [0044]    Moreover, a pair of springs  15  is shown biasing the head  2  against the support as shown in the previous figure. They cause the biasing and the possibility of displacement of the head during use when sufficiently pressed to the skin of a user. 
         [0045]    A window  16  is also apparent in  FIG. 3  for allowing the latches (not shown) provided in the support to engage and to releasably hold the head  2  in the outermost position when no displacement takes place. This is usually the case when the head  2  is attached to the driving unit but when the device is not in use or no pressure is exerted onto the head  2 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 4  shows in the upper part a top view onto the two heads with the exposed rotating bodies being visible through the windows of the head&#39;s casing. The hair of a user preferably is clamped or grasped and pulled into the gap between the two rotating bodies and thereby epilated or removed. 
         [0047]    Further below is shown a sectional view A-A onto the support, one motor  6  and one head  2 . The exposed part of the rotating body  17  is shown in its concave configuration from the side in order to better conform to the skin of a user. The front hexagon  5  is shown in the engagement with the coupling  13  and the gear formed therein. Also the dimensions and tolerances allowing the displacement of the head  2  downwardly or towards the driving unit (not shown) are apparent. This is even better shown in Detail C showing hexagon  6  engaging coupling  13 . 
         [0048]    During the activation of the motor  6  the coupling  13  is turned which drives the further gear  14  that itself drives another gear within the head  2  for driving or making the rotating body  17  turn. 
         [0049]    In section A-A the functioning of the head  2  and its biasing arrangement onto the support or driving unit by springs  15  is already apparent. Further the engagement of the latch  10  into the window  16  is shown. This part is shown enlarged in Detail B showing the displacement of the head towards the driving unit (not shown) or the support by the distance of latch  10  and the lowermost edge of window  16 . 
         [0050]    In  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7  a further aspect according to the present invention is shown. In these figures the epilator can be separated into two halves while preferably still allowing the epilator to be operated by a user from one side or by one knob or button. 
         [0051]    In more detail shows  FIG. 5  the two halves of epilator  19  are attached to each other. The heads  21 , 21 A are provided similarly as described before. However, they are either fixedly attached to corresponding driving units  20 , 20 A as shown or are attachable to separate driving units in a releasable manner. In the embodiment shown a switch  22  is provided on one side of one driving unit  20  of the driving units. A release button  23  is preferably provided on the same side as the switch  22 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 6  exemplifies the separation of an epilator according to  FIG. 5 . It specifically allows a view onto one example of connecting means  28 . Slide tracks  28  are shown at the inner side of driving unit  20 A engaging corresponding slide tracks (not shown) at the inner side of driving unit  20 . In the embodiment shown the drive units  20  and  20 A are attached at the inner sides. Electric contacts  27  are also visible which allow a control of both driving units  20 , 20 A by one switch  25 . The release button  26  allows the release of both drive units  20 , 20 A upon its activation. 
         [0053]      FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7  together show one example of the arrangement of both halves of the epilator or of both driving units  20 , 20 A together. Connecting projections  29  arranged at driving unit  20  can be inserted into respective windows or recesses in the driving unit  20 A formed into the sliding tracks  28 . To be more precise, the upper pair of projections can be inserted into the upper pair of recesses on the opposing side and the lower pair of projections  29  is adapted to be inserted into the lower pair of recesses. The driving units are then moved along their inner surfaces until the projections are positioned in the undercut parts of the sliding tracks  28 . Preferably a release button projection  30  arranged in drive unit  20  engages a respective corresponding element (not shown) arranged in drive unit  20 A. The two drive units  20 , 20 A snap then into a position where they are aligned with each other. Upon activation of release button  26  on the outer surface of drive unit  20  shown in  FIG. 6  the release button projection  30  connected therewith is retracted and allows a repositioning of both driving units  20 , 20 A so that they can be slid again into the position to be taken apart. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 6 and 7  also show electric contacts  27  at drive unit  20 A and corresponding contacts  31  at drive unit  20 . They get in touch with each other in the locked position of both drive units  20 , 20 A so that the epilator can be activated by one switch  25  that corresponds to switch  22  shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0055]    The embodiments shown and described are intended to exemplify the nature of the present invention and do not limit the scope or gist of the present invention.