HAIR REMOVAL DEVICE

A hair removal device is provided having a handheld portion, an applicator head having a hair removal surface, the hair removal surface having at least one two-dimensional treatment sheet, the at least one treatment sheet having a plurality of enclosed non-linear cutting edges; and a multi-angle deflector joined to the applicator head, joined to the handheld portion, or both. The multi-angle deflector may be adapted to provide a multidirectional deflection connection of the applicator head and the hair removal surface relative to the base.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to devices for hair removal and more specifically to devices for back hair removal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The discussion of shortcomings and needs existing in the field prior to the present disclosure is in no way an admission that such shortcomings and needs were recognized by those skilled in the art prior to the present disclosure.

Hairs on the body grow in many directions, with hairs located next to each other or in close proximity to one another, often growing in very different directions. Today's wet shave razors require the hairs to be approached by the blade in a particular direction to ensure that they are cut effectively. Hairs which are cut by a blade travelling in a direction opposite to the direction of growth, often termed up-strokes, are cut closer and more consistently than hairs which are cut by a blade travelling perpendicular to the direction of hair growth. To compensate for this shortcoming, it is necessary for the user to take lots of strokes in multiple directions to ensure that all of the hairs are removed effectively. A further shortcoming of today's wet shave razors is that they must only be used to perform strokes which are perpendicular with the direction of the blade edge to ensure that there is no slicing motion of the blade relative to the skin, since this can result in nicks and cuts. When shaving areas of the body which are difficult to reach, such as the back, it can be particularly difficult to ensure that there is no lateral movement of the blade relative to the skin. This results in the user having to expend significant amounts of energy to try to maintain linear strokes or having to ask a third party to help them to remove the hair or for the user to compromise on the safety of their shave.

Blades guarded by combs would likely reduce the risk of nicks and cuts resulting from any slicing motion of the blade but have the undesirable effect of limiting how close to the skin the hair can be cut.

Electric dry foil shavers have the advantage that they can be used safely in any direction over the skin and their hair removal efficiency is less affected by the direction of movement relative to the hairs, however, they do not cut hairs as close to the skin as wet shave razors.

Hair removal surfaces, such as foils, in combination with pivots typically seen in hair removal devices, are generally rigid and inflexible, only allowing movement in one direction, encouraging the user to take linear strokes in-use, and this limitation forces users to expend energy and compensate for poor ergonomics in how they hold and angle the product. As such, even if improved cutting edges are implemented in the product, the product does not allow users to fully benefit.

To ensure effective and efficient hair removal, it is vital that a hair removal surface remains in good contact with the skin. This is easily achieved over large, flat surfaces but is more difficult when removing hair from heavily contoured parts of the body, such as the back, knees, underarms, or shoulders. Many hair removal devices attempt to improve the contact between the hair removal surface and the skin by allowing the hair removal surface to pivot. However, the pivots in current hair removal products are limited to deflection around one or two axes, which limits the ability of the hair removal surface to reorientate itself to improve contact with the skin.

Hair removal surfaces that are used to shave in multiple directions are subjected to forces in multiple directions, which can cause the hair removal surface to tip away from the skin if the edge of the hair removal surface or applicator catches on or snags the skin, for example due to areas of high friction, or on extreme contours of the body, for example the shoulder blades. If this occurs and the hair removal surface/applicator is flipped or tipped it can lead to undesirable effects such as the underside edge of the applicator scratching the skin and reducing hair removal efficiency due to the hair removal surface no longer being in contact with the skin.

Therefore, a need has been identified for a hair removal device to encourage unrestricted multi-directional use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various examples disclosed herein solve the above-mentioned problems by providing devices capable of multi-directional deflection of a hair removal surface to facilitate unrestricted multi-directional use, particularly when shaving back or body hair.

According to various examples, a hair removal device includes a handheld portion, an applicator head having a hair removal surface, the hair removal surface having at least one two-dimensional treatment sheet, the at least one treatment sheet having a plurality of enclosed non-linear cutting edges; and a multi-angle deflector joined to the applicator head, joined to the handheld portion, or both. The multi-angle deflector includes one or more springs, one or more sponges, one or more elastomeric webs, one or more deformable substrates, one or more deflection arms, or any combination thereof.

The one or more springs includes a wave spring, a leaf spring, a coil spring, or any combination thereof. The multi-angle deflector includes a thickness of about 1 mm to 100 mm. The multi-angle deflector is fully compressed under a deflection stiffness ranging from 0.05 N/mm and 5 N/mm. The handheld portion includes one selected from the group consisting of a base, a gripping portion, and combinations thereof.

According to some examples, the hair removal surface is disposed on the applicator head. The multi-angle deflector provides a multidirectional deflection connection of the applicator head relative to the handheld portion. The handheld portion has a circular shape.

According to still other examples, the handheld portion, the multi-angle deflector, and the hair removal surface define perimeters having substantially the same size. The handheld portion, the multi-angle deflector, and the hair removal surface are aligned along an alignment axis. The handheld portion includes a handle which may be extendable, retractable, foldable, or compressible. The handle is disposed at an angle relative to the handheld portion.

According to various examples, a hair removal device may comprise a base, a multi-angle deflector coupled to the base, an applicator head coupled to the multi-angle deflector, and a hair removal surface coupled to the applicator head. The hair removal surface may comprise a plurality of enclosed, non-linear cutting edges. The multi-angle deflector may be adapted to provide a multidirectional deflection connection of the applicator head and the hair removal surface relative to the base.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of various embodiments will become better understood with reference to the following description, figures, and claims.

It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the examples illustrated in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Introduction and Definitions

This disclosure is written to describe the invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art, who will understand that this disclosure is not limited to the specific examples or embodiments described. The examples and embodiments are single instances of the invention which will make a much larger scope apparent to the person having ordinary skill in the art. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by the person having ordinary skill in the art. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing examples and embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended Claims.

All the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying Claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to the person having ordinary skill in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application. Many variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure. For example, unless otherwise indicated, the present disclosure is not limited to particular materials, reagents, reaction materials, manufacturing processes, or the like, as such can vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purposes of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It is also possible in the present disclosure that steps can be executed in different sequence where this is logically possible.

In everyday usage, indefinite articles (like “a” or “an”) precede countable nouns and noncountable nouns almost never take indefinite articles. It must be noted, therefore, that, as used in this specification and in the Claims that follow, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a support” includes a plurality of supports. Particularly when a single countable noun is listed as an element in a Claim, this specification will generally use a phrase such as “a single.” For example, “a single support.”

In this specification and in the Claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that shall be defined to have the following meanings unless a contrary intention is apparent.

“Disposed on” refers to a positional state indicating that one object or material is arranged in a position adjacent to the position of another object or material. The term does not require or exclude the presence of intervening objects, materials, or layers.

“Align” or “aligned” or “aligning” means to place or to arrange in a straight line. Aligning edges of substrates, therefore, means arranging the substrates so that the edges in question extend along approximately the same line. It is to be appreciated that aligning edges of substrates can be accomplished in a variety of ways, including placing the substrates one on top of the other or side by side.

“Facing relationship” refers to a relative positioning of materials, such as substrates, in which a surface of one material is oriented toward a surface of another material. For example, when two substrates are stacked on top of each other, they are in a facing relationship. The term does not require or exclude the presence of intervening objects, materials, or layers.

“Coupled” refers to a state of being linked or connected, indicating that one object or material is linked or connected to another object or material. The term does not require or exclude the presence of intervening objects, materials, or layers.

“Coupling” when used as a verb refers to an intervening object linking or connecting coupled objects.

“Perimeter” refers to the smallest circle that lies in a plane that is orthogonal to an alignment axis that completely encircles all portions of a structure.

Various Examples

FIG.1,FIG.2,FIG.3,FIG.4,FIG.5, andFIG.6cooperate to illustrate a hair removal device100comprising a base402, a multi-angle deflector500in the form of a wave spring502, and an applicator head600comprising a hair removal surface602. The applicator head600may support and/or surround the hair removal surface602. Details about the multi-angle deflector500and the applicator head600will be discussed hereinafter.

FIG.1provides a schematic bottom perspective view andFIG.2provides a schematic top perspective view of a hair removal device100in a fully assembled state. The hair removal device100illustrated is configured as a handheld or palm-held unit. As used herein, the terms “handheld” or “palm-held” imply a structure having a size that is suited to being grasped and manipulated with a single hand. The base402includes strap apertures416through which a strap (not shown) may be inserted. The strap may be used to secure the hair removal device100to a user's hand. The strap may employ a connection means such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps, or buckles. The strap may be elasticized to provide a comfortable and secure fit to a user's hand. It is to be appreciated that a variety of additional configurations of the base402are possible. The base402may also include one or more central apertures408, which may facilitate rinsing, as will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. As indicated inFIG.2, the base402and/or any associated strap(s) may constitute a handheld portion103of the hair removal device. Other versions of a handheld portion103are possible, some of which will be discussed hereinafter.

FIG.3provides a schematic exploded top perspective view andFIG.4provides a schematic exploded bottom perspective view of a hair removal device100. As shown inFIGS.3and4, the base402, the multi-angle deflector500, and the applicator head600are aligned along an alignment axis700. The multi-angle deflector500may comprise a deflector-applicator connection portion530. Similarly, the applicator head600may comprise an applicator-deflector connection portion614. The deflector-applicator connection portion530and the applicator-deflector connection portion614may be adapted to permanently or releasably couple the multi-angle deflector500to the applicator head600. The deflector-applicator connection portion530and the applicator-deflector connection portion614may comprise any suitable connection mechanism, such as for example, snaps, threads, or magnets. An adhesive may also be applied to the deflector-applicator connection portion530and/or to the applicator-deflector connection portion614to adhere the multi-angle deflector500to the applicator head600. Additionally, the multi-angle deflector500may comprise a deflector-base connection portion520and the base402may comprise a base-deflector connection portion404, which may be adapted to permanently or releasably couple the multi-angle deflector500to the base402. The deflector-base connection portion520and the base-deflector connection portion404may comprise any suitable connection mechanism, such as for example, snaps, threads, or magnets. An adhesive may also be applied to the deflector-base connection portion520and/or to the base-deflector connection portion404to adhere the multi-angle deflector500to the base402. As a non-limiting example, the base-deflector connection portion404may comprise female threads and the deflector-base connection portion520may comprise corresponding male threads.

FIG.5provides a schematic top view andFIG.6provides a schematic bottom view of the base402for the hair removal device100comprising strap apertures416. As shown inFIG.5, a base encircling perimeter411may encircle the base402in a plane that is normal to the alignment axis700. The base encircling perimeter411may be the smallest circle to completely encircle the base402. The base encircling perimeter411may lie in a plane that is orthogonal to the alignment axis700.

FIG.7,FIG.8,FIG.9,FIG.10, andFIG.11cooperate to illustrate the applicator head600and the hair removal surface602.FIG.7provides a schematic bottom view,FIG.8provides a schematic top view,FIG.9provides a schematic bottom perspective view,FIG.10provides a schematic top perspective view, andFIG.11provides a schematic side view of an applicator head600comprising a hair removal surface602. Referring toFIG.7andFIG.8, an applicator head perimeter620may encircle the maximal extents of the applicator head600in a plane that is orthogonal to the alignment axis700(not shown). The applicator head perimeter620may be the smallest circle to completely encircle the applicator head600. The applicator head620may comprise one or more treatment sheets604. The hair removal surface perimeter630is defined as the smallest circle that encircles all of the treatment sheets604. The hair removal surface602is the area on the applicator head600that is enclosed by the hair removal surface perimeter630and encloses the one or more treatment sheets604. Referring toFIG.9,FIG.10, andFIG.11, the hair removal surface602may provide for the removal of hair, and may optionally provide for the removal of oil, debris, or dead skin cells. The hair removal surface602may include a plurality of treatment sheets604, each of which may include one or more cutting edges606that surround and define one or more apertures608. The cutting edges606may be enclosed, meaning that each cutting edge606encircles an aperture608and is surrounded by solid material comprising the treatment sheet604. The cutting edges606may also be linear or non-linear, meaning that the cutting edges606may define any suitable shape, such as a circle, oval, ellipsoid, or an n-sided polygon, where n is from 3 to 20 sides. The treatment sheets604may comprise any suitable material, including but not limited to a metallic material.

The non-linear cutting edges606may allow a hair to be cut when it extends into the associated aperture608. Since the non-linear cutting edges606encircle the aperture608, a hair may be cut when the treatment sheet604passes over it in any direction, allowing for multi-directional hair cutting. Multi-directional hair cutting is particularly beneficial in the context of back hair removal because a user of a back hair removal device100may have difficulty in moving the device100in a limited or consistent direction, for example, while reaching the device100over or under a shoulder to reach the back. Small apertures608deliver a safe shave as the skin cannot bulge into the opening which could cause nicks and cuts. The surface of the treatment sheet604around the apertures608also supports the skin reducing bulge and increasing safety. In other words, the apertures608may be sized to ensure that skin does not bulge into the aperture to be cut by the cutting edges606. To facilitate rinsing of hair, oil, and/or debris from the apertures608, the cutting edges606, and/or the treatment sheets604, the applicator head600may comprise a plurality of applicator head apertures618.

FIG.12,FIG.13,FIG.14,FIG.15,FIG.16,FIG.17,FIG.18, andFIG.19cooperate to illustrate various examples of an applicator head600comprising a hair removal surface602. Each of these figures shows a hair removal surface602comprising a plurality of treatment sheets604, except forFIG.14, which shows a single treatment sheet604. It is to be appreciated that a wide variety of configurations for both the applicator head600and the hair removal surface602are within the scope of this disclosure and that the illustrated variations are merely exemplary. As shown, an applicator head perimeter620may encircle each applicator head600. Similarly, a hair removal surface perimeter630is the smallest circle that encircles the hair removal surface602that lies in a plane that is orthogonal to the alignment axis700. The maximal extents of the hair removal surface602are typically defined by the outermost edges of the treatment sheet or treatment sheets604.

FIG.20,FIG.21, andFIG.22cooperate to illustrate a multi-angle deflector500. The multi-angle deflector500may have an open architecture which enables cut hairs and other debris to be rinsed away.FIG.20is an example illustrating a schematic side view of a multi-angle deflector500in the form of a wave spring502. The wave spring502may comprise a plurality of leaf springs or shaped washers stacked and interconnected. The plurality of leaf springs may have a deflection stiffness ranging from 0.05 N/mm and 5 N/mm. It is to be appreciated that other configurations and types of multi-angle deflectors500may be employed, including but not limited to those described hereinafter. The wave spring502includes rinsing windows552, a deflector-base connection portion520, and a deflector-applicator connection portion530.FIG.21is an example illustrating a schematic top view of a multi-angle deflector500as shown inFIG.20.FIG.22is an example illustrating a schematic bottom view of a multi-angle deflector500as shown inFIGS.20and21. A deflector perimeter540may encircle the maximal extents of the multi-angle deflector500in a plane that is orthogonal to the alignment axis700.

Still referring toFIG.20,FIG.21, andFIG.22, the multi-angle deflector500may comprise one or more central apertures550similar to and optionally cooperating with the one or more central apertures408of the base402, as shown inFIG.3. Cut hair and other debris may be rinsed by allowing water to pass through the central aperture408of the base402and into the central aperture550of the wave spring502. The water may subsequently pass through one or more applicator head apertures618, as shown inFIG.10, and through the apertures608of the hair removal surface602and/or through the rinsing windows552. Of course, the direction of water flow may be reversed or redirected as desired. For example, water may enter through the apertures608of the hair removal surface602or through the rinsing windows552.

The multi-angle deflector500enables contact between the hair removal surface602and skin to be maintained across all areas of the body. This is useful when the user is unable to see. A multi-angle deflector500also helps maintain contact between the hair removal surface602and skin when moving over steeply contoured areas such as around the shoulder blades. Since the hair removal surface602, described herein, may provide multi-directional hair cutting, the user may move the hair removal device100in any direction without having to maintain a consistent stroke pattern or direction. The combination of a hair removal surface602and a multi-angle deflector500enabling a three-dimensional pivoting movement for all points of the hair removal surface602enables the device to be used in any direction and maintain good contact with the contours of the skin. The multi-angle deflector500provides deflection in all planes enabling a controlled tipping motion as well as cushioning. This reduces the load on the cutting tip providing a safer shave. Moreover, the multi-angle deflector500enables the entirety of a cutting edge606to be used to cut hair, maximizing the efficiency and benefits of being able to cut in all directions. As previously discussed, the apertures608with a cutting edge606in one or more treatment sheets604allow the user to take strokes in any direction without worrying that a cutting edge606is perpendicular to the skin (e.g., to avoid slice cuts). Particularly when an applicator head600having such a hair removal surface602is used in combination with a multi-angle deflector500, the user can move their arm freely in non-linear strokes like they would do if they were using a scrubber. Using a scrubbing motion; up, down, or sideways, reduces the time and effort taken compared to linear blades.

FIG.23is an example illustrating a schematic of various relevant perimeters of a hair removal device100according to any of the various examples described herein. A hair removal device100may comprise a base402having a base encircling perimeter411. The hair removal device100may also comprise an applicator head600, having an applicator head perimeter620. The applicator head600may be coupled to the base402and may comprise a hair removal surface602, having a hair removal surface perimeter630. The hair removal device100may further comprise a multi-angle deflector500coupling the base402to the applicator head600. The multi-angle deflector500may have a deflector perimeter540.

The base encircling perimeter411may be any size, for example in some configurations it may be from 30 mm to 420 mm.

The deflector perimeter540may be any size, for example in some configurations it may be from 30 mm to 420 mm.

The applicator head perimeter620may be any size, for example in some configurations it may be from 30 mm to 420 mm.

The hair removal surface perimeter630may be any size, for example in some configurations it may be from 30 mm to 420 mm.

According to various configurations, the deflector perimeter540may be greater than or equal to the applicator head perimeter620. To provide a non-limiting example, the deflector perimeter540may be greater than or equal to the applicator head perimeter620by 0% to 200%.

According to various configurations, the applicator head perimeter620may be greater than or equal to the base encircling perimeter411. To provide a non-limiting example, the applicator head perimeter620may be greater than or equal to the base encircling perimeter411by 0% to 200%.

According to various configurations, the applicator head perimeter620may be greater than or equal to the hair removal surface perimeter630. To provide a non-limiting example, the applicator head perimeter620may be greater than or equal to the hair removal surface perimeter630by 0% to 200%.

According to various configurations, the deflector perimeter540may be greater than or equal to the hair removal surface perimeter630. To provide a non-limiting example, the deflector perimeter540may be greater than or equal to the hair removal surface perimeter630by 0% to 200%.

Having the perimeter of the multi-angle deflector500being similar or nearly close to the perimeter of the base402, the applicator head600or hair removal surface602provides stability by ensuring that the deflection stiffness and compression is equal at all points around the perimeter of the hair removal surface602which helps provide a hair removal device100that is stable and that may be used in all directions, as opposed to just linear strokes.

FIG.24is an example illustrating a schematic top perspective view of a hair removal device100. The hair removal device100may include a proximal portion200, a medial portion300, and a distal portion400, including the handheld portion103, aligned along a longitudinal axis702. The medial portion300may be disposed between the proximal portion200and the distal portion400. The proximal portion200may include a handle202. The handle202may provide an ergonomic shape, which may conform to a user's hand. The handle202may include a grip204, including a texture to increase the coefficient of friction between a user's hand and the proximal portion200of the hair removal device100, which may be particularly useful for a hair removal device100commonly used in the shower or in other wet conditions. The handle202and the grip204may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials, such as, for example, a plastic, a metal, or a combination thereof. Since the distal portion400may be detached or separable from the medial portion, the base402may also be a discrete, handheld portion103. The medial portion300may be coupled to the proximal portion200and may comprise one or more segments, such as, for example, a first telescoping segment302and a second telescoping segment304. The one or more segments may allow the medial portion300to be extendable, retractable, foldable, or compressible. The segments of the medial portion300may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials, such as, for example, a plastic, a metal, or a combination thereof. The distal portion400may be coupled to the medial portion300. As will be discussed in greater detail, the distal portion400may comprise a base402, a multi-angle deflector500coupled to the base402, and an applicator head600coupled to the multi-angle deflector500. The base402, the multi-angle deflector500and the applicator head600, as well as any subcomponents thereof, may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials, such as, for example, a plastic, a metal, or a combination thereof. As previously discussed, the multi-angle deflector500may be adapted to provide a multidirectional deflection connection of the applicator head600relative to the base402.

Increasing the length of the hair removal device100, for example via the plurality of telescoping segments, enables the user to reach all areas of their back. Modifying the length of the hair removal device100enables the user to set their desired length, tailoring the experience to their specific ergonomic requirements. The adjustable length also allows different lengths to be used for different areas of the back (e.g., the length required for removing hair from the shoulders may be different to the length required for removing hair around the middle of the spine). To enable the most difficult areas such as along the spine to be reached, the combined length of the proximal portion and the medial portion along the longitudinal axis702when fully extended may be between 1 cm and 75 cm. When fully collapsed, the combined length of the proximal portion and the medial portion along the longitudinal axis702may be between 0.5 cm and 70 cm, or from 10 cm to 50 cm. A collapsible or foldable medial portion also enables more discreet storage and improved travel options.

FIG.25is an example illustrating a schematic bottom perspective view of a distal portion400of a hair removal device100. The distal portion400may comprise a base402, a multi-angle deflector500coupled to the base402, and an applicator head600coupled to the multi-angle deflector500. The multi-angle deflector500may comprise a wave spring502. The applicator head600may comprise or may be coupled to a hair removal surface602.FIG.25also illustrates a base-handle connection portion406of the base402. The base-handle connection portion406may provide a permanent or releasable connection between the base402and the medial portion300. For example, the base-handle connection portion406may comprise male or female threads that engage a corresponding thread on one of the segments302,304of the medial portion300as illustrated inFIG.24. It is to be appreciated that any type of connection may be employed, including but not limited to a threaded connection or a friction connection.

FIG.26is an example illustrating a schematic exploded side view of a distal portion400of a hair removal device100. The base402, the multi-angle deflector500, and the applicator head are aligned along an alignment axis700. More specifically, a first portion402aof the base402is aligned along the alignment axis while a second portion402bis not. The second portion402bextends along a longitudinal axis702of the hair removal device100along which the medial portion300and the proximal portion200may be aligned and connected. A base longitudinal axis703may extend along the first portion of the base402a.The base longitudinal axis703may be orthogonal to the alignment axis700and may be disposed at an angle704relative to the longitudinal axis702. The angle704may be of any suitable degree, such as, for example, 5 to 80 degrees, or from 10 to 70 degrees, or from 20 to 60 degrees, or from 30 to 50 degrees, or about 45 degrees, specifically reciting all 0.5 degrees increments therebetween. The first portion402aof the base402may have a base thickness414, the multi-angle deflector500may have a deflector thickness518, and the applicator head600may have an applicator head thickness616. In a relaxed, non-compressed state, the multi-angle deflector thickness518may be greater than the base thickness414and/or greater than the applicator head thickness616. According to various configurations, the thickness518of the multi-angle deflector500may also be substantially similar to the base thickness and/or the applicator head thickness. According to various configurations, the thickness518of the multi-angle deflector500may be 1 mm to 100 mm. The wave spring502may have a diameter560of 75 mm or from about 10 to 150 mm, which may be substantially similar or equal to a diameter650of the applicator head600to prevent the applicator head600catching on sharp contours which would otherwise cause a flipping or tipping effect (e.g., heeling up).

FIG.27,FIG.28, andFIG.29cooperate to illustrate distal portion400of a hair removal device100comprising a base402.FIG.27provides a schematic top perspective view,FIG.28provides a schematic side view, andFIG.29provides a schematic top view.

FIG.30,FIG.31,FIG.32,FIG.33,FIG.34,FIG.35,FIG.36,FIG.37,FIG.38,FIG.39,FIG.40, andFIG.41cooperate to illustrate deflection and compression of the multi-angle deflector500.FIGS.30,33,36, and39provide schematic side views of a distal portion400of a hair removal device100in an uncompressed state, for example, without a load applied to the applicator head600and/or to the base402. When in the uncompressed state, the multi-angle deflector500may have an uncompressed thickness640. The uncompressed thickness640may be 1 mm to 100 mm.FIGS.31,34,37, and40provide schematic side views of a distal portion400of a hair removal device402compressed at a compression angle644relative to an alignment axis700. The compression angle644may be 0 to 60 degrees. Although the angle644is illustrated in a single plane, it is to be appreciated that the multi-angle deflector500may deflect in any direction relative to the alignment axis700. Under such an uneven load, one portion of the multi-angle deflector500may maintain the uncompressed thickness640, while another portion of the multi-angle deflector500may be compressed to a compressed thickness642. The compressed thickness642may maintain at least some separation between the applicator head600and the base402or the compressed thickness642may allow the applicator head600and the base402to touch, which may be referred to as a “zero value” thickness.

FIGS.32,35,38, and41provide schematic side views of a distal portion400of a hair removal device402compressed along an alignment axis700. When compressed, the multi-angle deflector500may have a compressed thickness642. The compressed thickness642may be 0 mm to 100 mm. InFIGS.30,31, and32the multi-angle deflector is a wave spring502. The wave spring502may comprise a metal or rigid material. The wave spring502may be produced via any suitable method, including, for example, an additive manufacturing technique such as 3D printing or via metal forming. InFIGS.33,34, and35the multi-angle deflector is a sponge508. The sponge508may comprise a natural or synthetic material. InFIGS.36,37, and38the multi-angle deflector is an elastomeric web510. The elastomeric web510may comprise an elastomeric material. The elastomeric web510may be produced via any suitable method, including, for example, an additive manufacturing technique such as 3D printing. InFIGS.39,40, and41the multi-angle deflector is a deformable substrate512. The deformable substrate512may comprise any material capable of providing the multi-angular compression and deflection described herein.

The multi-angle deflector500may have a compressive load range, representing its resistance to being compressed from an uncompressed thickness640to a compressed thickness642when the alignment axis is parallel with a direction of the force of gravity and the multi-angle deflector500, with the applicator head600hanging freely. The compressive deflection stiffness in the present invention may be measured on an Instron 5965 electromechanical testing system or other testing standards such as, but not limited to, ASTM, ISO, or DIN. The compressive load range may be between 0.05N/mm and 5N/mm as measured when an upward force is applied at the center of the applicator head600. Similarly, the multi-angle deflector500may have a deflection stiffness, representing its resistance to being deflected at an angle644, when the alignment axis is parallel with a direction of the force of gravity and the multi-angle deflector500, with the applicator head600hanging freely. The deflection stiffness may be between 0.05N/mm and 5N/mm as measured when an upward force is applied at the perimeter of the applicator head600. The multi-angle deflector500may have a range of travel, defined as the difference between the uncompressed thickness640and the fully compressed thickness642. The range of travel may be in a range of 1 mm to 100 mm.

Referring toFIG.31,FIG.34,FIG.37, andFIG.40, according to various configurations, the multi-angle deflector500may be compressed because of one or more non-uniform forces F1applied to the hair removal surface602. The one or more non-uniform forces F1may be applied, for example, unevenly or only to one edge of the applicator head600. A non-uniform force F1may result in a pivoting or see-sawing force F2at the opposite side of the applicator head600. According to various configurations, this pivoting or see-sawing force F2may be balanced or countered by an opposing force F3from the multi-angle deflector500, because the multi-angle deflector500may be coupled to the applicator head600. A similar result may be obtained with a plurality of springs504, or a plurality of cantilever springs514, as discussed hereinafter.

Therefore, according to various configurations, compression of the multi-angle deflector500in one region does not necessarily result in extension of the multi-angle deflector500in any other region, avoiding an uncontrolled seesawing motion of the hair removal surface602. Even when subjected to forces F1in multiple directions, multi-angle deflectors500according to various configurations do not allow the hair removal surface602to tip away from the skin. For example, even if, the edge of the hair removal surface602or the applicator head600were to catch on the skin, for example due to areas of high friction, or on extreme contours of the body, the hair removal surface602is not flipped or tipped, which could lead to undesirable effects such as the underside edge of the applicator scratching the skin and reducing hair removal efficiency due to the hair removal surface no longer being in contact with the skin. Avoiding an uncontrolled seesawing motion may result in better contact between the hair removal surface and the skin, ensuring better hair removal efficiency and maintaining the ability to shave in multiple directions. Leaf springs or a wave spring, enable the applied force F1to be distributed evenly around the perimeter of the hair removal surface. This ensures that the multidirectional movement of the hair removal surface is smooth and therefore avoiding any sudden movement of the blades relative to the skin which may cause nicks and cuts.

FIG.42,FIG.43,FIG.44,FIG.45, andFIG.46cooperate to illustrate a multi-angle deflector500comprising a plurality of springs504as well as a deflector perimeter540defined with respect to the plurality of springs504.FIG.42andFIG.43provide schematic bottom perspective views of hair removal devices100comprising multi-angle deflectors500comprising a plurality of springs504.FIG.44provides a schematic side view the hair removal device100shown inFIG.42.

Referring toFIG.42andFIG.43, the hair removal device100includes an applicator head600, a multi-angle deflector500, a base402, and a handle202aligned along an alignment axis. The multi-angle deflector500may comprise a ball and socket pivot570. The applicator head602may comprise a screw or other aperture672aligned and cooperating with a threaded portion572of the ball and socket pivot570. The ball and socket pivot570may allow the applicator head600to pivot in any direction while remaining attached to the multi-angle deflector. A plurality of springs504may be disposed around the ball and socket pivot570to bias the applicator head600into a neutral position that is approximately parallel to the multi-angle deflector500and in a plane orthogonal to the alignment axis700.

Referring toFIG.44, the hair removal device100includes a proximal portion200, a medial portion300, and a distal portion400aligned along the alignment axis700, along which the applicator head600, the multi-angle deflector500, and the base402are aligned. The medial portion300includes only a single segment305. The proximal portion200includes a handle202with a knob shape. It is to be appreciated that any version of the hair removal device100described herein may employ a similar configuration for the proximal portion200, medial portion300, and distal portion400. Similarly, it is to be appreciated that the multi-angle deflector500comprising a plurality of springs504may be employed in any configuration of the hair removal device100described herein.

FIG.45andFIG.46provide schematic bottom views of a multi-angle deflector500having a plurality of springs504. The deflector perimeter540of a multi-angle deflector500comprising a plurality of springs504may encircle the maximal extents of the plurality of springs504in a plane that is orthogonal to the alignment axis700.

FIG.47is a schematic perspective view of a hair removal device100comprising a multi-angle deflector500comprising plurality of springs504, showing the applicator head600in a deflected state. As shown inFIG.47, non-uniform compression of the multi-angle deflector500in one region does not result in extension of the multi-angle deflector in any other region, therefore, avoiding an uncontrolled seesawing motion of the hair removal surface602. A non-uniform force F1may result in a pivoting or see-sawing force F2at the opposite side of the applicator head600.

According to various configurations, this pivoting or see-sawing force F2may be balanced or countered by an opposing force F3from the multi-angle deflector500, because the multi-angle deflector500may be coupled to the applicator head600, via one or more of the plurality of springs504.

FIG.48,FIG.49,FIG.50, andFIG.51cooperate to illustrate a multi-angle deflector500comprising a plurality of deflection arms506as well as a deflector perimeter540defined with respect to the plurality of deflection arms506.FIG.48provides a schematic bottom perspective view andFIG.49provides a schematic side view of a hair removal device100comprising a multi-angle deflector500having a plurality of deflection arms506. Referring toFIG.48, the multi-angle deflector500may comprise a ball and socket pivot570. The applicator head602may comprise a screw aperture672aligned and cooperating with a threaded portion572of the ball and socket pivot570. The ball and socket pivot570may allow the applicator head600to pivot in any direction while remaining attached to the multi-angle deflector. A plurality of deflection arms506may be disposed around the ball and socket pivot570and optionally attached thereto. The deflection arms506may bias the applicator head600into a neutral position that is approximately parallel to the multi-angle deflector500and in a plane orthogonal to the alignment axis700.

Referring toFIG.49, the hair removal device100may include a proximal portion200, a medial portion300, and a distal portion400aligned along the alignment axis700, along which the applicator head600, the multi-angle deflector500, and the base402are aligned. The medial portion300includes only a single segment305. The proximal portion200includes a handle202with a knob shape. It is to be appreciated that any version of the hair removal device100described herein may employ a similar configuration for the proximal portion200, medial portion300, and distal portion400. Similarly, it is to be appreciated that the multi-angle deflector500comprising a plurality of deflection arms506may be employed in any configuration of the hair removal device100described herein.

FIG.50provides a schematic bottom view of a multi-angle deflector500having a plurality of deflection arms506. The deflector perimeter540of a multi-angle deflector500comprising a plurality of deflection arms506may encircle the maximal extents of the plurality of deflection arms506in a plane that is orthogonal to the alignment axis700.

FIG.51is a schematic side view of a hair removal device100comprising a multi-angle deflector500comprising a plurality of deflection arms506, showing the applicator head600in a deflected state. A non-uniform force F1may result in a pivoting or see-sawing force F2at the opposite side of the applicator head600. Unlike other configurations wherein this pivoting or see-sawing force F2is balanced or countered by an opposing force F3from the multi-angle deflector500, the multi-angle deflector500is not coupled to the applicator head600, via one or more of the plurality of deflection arms506. Instead, the stiffness of the deflection arms506may be calibrated to ensure that even under a non-uniform force F1that deflects the applicator head600to a maximum extent, all of deflection arms506maintain contact with the applicator head600. Thus, a non-uniform compression of the multi-angle deflector500in one region does not result in extension of the multi-angle deflector in any other region, therefore, avoiding an uncontrolled seesawing motion of the hair removal surface602.

A situation to be avoided is shown inFIG.52, which is a schematic side view of a hair removal device100comprising a multi-angle deflector500comprising a plurality of deflection arms506, showing the applicator head600in a deflected state during an uncontrolled seesawing. The non-uniform force F1deflects the applicator head600resulting in a pivoting or see-sawing force F2at the opposite side of the applicator head600. Since the stiffness of the deflection arms506is not properly calibrated, at least one of the deflection arms506loses contact with the applicator head600, forming a gap580. This is an undesirable configuration which could lead to an uncontrolled seesawing effect that could lead to nicks and cuts as previously discussed.

FIG.53,FIG.54, andFIG.55cooperate to illustrate a multi-angle deflector500comprising a plurality of cantilevered springs514as well as a deflector perimeter540defined with respect to the plurality of cantilevered springs514.FIG.53provides a schematic bottom perspective view andFIG.54provides a schematic side view of a hair removal device100comprising a multi-angle deflector500having a plurality of cantilevered springs514. The multi-angle deflector500may comprise a ball and socket pivot570. The applicator head602may comprise a screw aperture672aligned and cooperating with a threaded portion572of the ball and socket pivot570. The ball and socket pivot570may allow the applicator head600to pivot in any direction while remaining attached to the multi-angle deflector. A plurality of cantilever springs514may be disposed around the ball and socket pivot570to bias the applicator head600into a neutral position that is approximately parallel to the multi-angle deflector500and in a plane orthogonal to the alignment axis700.

Referring toFIG.54, the hair removal device100may include a proximal portion200, a medial portion300, and a distal portion400aligned along the alignment axis700, along which the applicator head600, the multi-angle deflector500, and the base402are aligned. The medial portion300includes only a single segment305. The proximal portion200includes a handle202with a knob shape. It is to be appreciated that any version of the hair removal device100described herein may employ a similar configuration for the proximal portion200, medial portion300, and distal portion400. Similarly, it is to be appreciated that the multi-angle deflector500comprising a plurality of cantilevered springs514may be employed in any configuration of the hair removal device100described herein.FIG.55provides a schematic bottom view of a multi-angle deflector514having a plurality of cantilevered springs514. The deflector perimeter540of a multi-angle deflector500comprising a plurality of cantilevered springs514may encircle the maximal extents of the plurality of cantilevered springs514in a plane that is orthogonal to the alignment axis700. As in other similar configurations, a non-uniform force F1may result in a pivoting or see-sawing force F2at the opposite side of the applicator head600, which may be balanced or countered by an opposing force F3from the multi-angle deflector500, because the multi-angle deflector500may be coupled to the applicator head600, via one or more of the cantilever springs514.

Referring toFIG.56, the hair removal device100may include a proximal portion200, a medial portion300, and a distal portion400aligned along the alignment axis700, along which the applicator head600, the multi-angle deflector500, and the base402are aligned. The medial portion300includes only a single segment305. The proximal portion200includes a handle202with a knob shape. It is to be appreciated that any version of the hair removal device100described herein may employ a similar configuration for the proximal portion200, medial portion300, and distal portion400. Similarly, it is to be appreciated that the multi-angle deflector500comprising a plurality of circumferential leaf springs503may be employed in any configuration of the hair removal device100described herein.FIG.57provides a schematic perspective view of a multi-angle deflector500having a plurality of circumferential leaf springs503.

Further Definitions and Cross-References