Device and method

Abstract

A device for removing a composition from the skin, for example a depilatory composition, has a handle (1), which carries a non-shaving head (2) which is moved over the skin to effect removal of the composition. There is a zone of flexure (5) which extends laterally across the head separating it into a front portion (4) and a rear portion (3). There may be additional zones of flexure within the device.

Claims

1. A method of removing a depilatory composition from skin, the method comprising: providing a device, wherein the device comprises: a handle; a non-shaving head, which in use is moved over the skin to effect removal of the depilatory composition, the non-shaving head being coupled to the handle to articulate about the handle through an angle between the non-shaving head and the handle of at least 5 degrees up to 170 degrees; and a zone of flexure comprising a substantially flexible material extending laterally across the non-shaving head, between a front portion and a rear portion of the non-shaving head, the front portion and the rear portion of the non-shaving head comprising a substantially rigid material, the front portion having a surface on a first side of the non-shaving head comprising at least one substantially non-sharp element extending transversely therefrom, the at least one substantially non-sharp element comprising at least two fins extending laterally across the non-shaving head, each fin being formed in the shape of an arc, having a tip at a free edge, and having a concave section of the arc facing the handle, the at least two fins being positioned parallel to one another and closely spaced from one another, wherein the rear portion of the non-shaving head is substantially without a substantially non-sharp element extending transversely from a surface on the first side of the non-shaving head, wherein the handle is an elongate shaft adapted to be grasped by one hand and the zone of flexure is substantially orthogonal to the length of the shaft, wherein an angle between the front portion and the rear portion of the non-shaving head is between 90 degrees and 160 degrees in a rest condition, and when in use the front portion is adapted to lie essentially parallel to the skin and the rear portion is adapted to reside at an angle of 90 degrees to 20 degrees to the skin, and wherein the maximum width of the non-shaving head is at least 150% greater than the maximum width of the handle; and moving the non-shaving head of the device over the skin to remove the depilatory composition from the skin.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the zone of flexure of the device is configured to enable an articulation of the front portion relative to the rear portion of the non-shaving head from zero deflection when no force is applied, to progressively increased deflection when a force of less than a predetermined threshold level is applied, and to an abrupt deflection into a displaced position when a force of at least the predetermined threshold level is applied.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the zone of flexure of the device comprises an elastomeric material.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the front portion and rear portion of the device are of a plastics material and wherein a connection therebetween is within the zone of flexure.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein an articulation about the zone of flexure of the device is progressive until a threshold value at which there is an abrupt “flip” to a more deflected position.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the device further comprises an additional zone of flexure in a region where the handle is joined to the non-shaving head.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the device further comprises an additional zone of flexure located at a thinned region of the handle.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least two fins is fabricated from an elastomeric material.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least two fins extend from the front portion of the non-shaving head.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least two fins are oriented parallel to one another.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein one of the at least two fins is fabricated from a material having a different modulus than a material from which another of the at least two fins is fabricated.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein at least one of the at least two fins are fabricated from an elastomeric material.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least two fins extend laterally across the non-shaving head and wherein one fin of the at least two fins exhibits a width in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the handle greater than an adjacent fin of the at least two fins.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least two fins are formed in a curved configuration.

15. A pack comprising: a device; and a supply of a depilatory composition to be applied to skin, wherein the device comprises: a handle; a non-shaving head, which in use is moved over the skin to effect removal of the depilatory composition, the non-shaving head being coupled to the handle to articulate about the handle through an angle between the non-shaving head and the handle of at least 5 degrees up to 170 degrees; and a zone of flexure comprising a substantially flexible material extending laterally across the non-shaving head, between a front portion and a rear portion of the non-shaving head, the front portion and the rear portion of the non-shaving head comprising a substantially rigid material, the front portion having a surface on a first side of the non-shaving head comprising at least one substantially non-sharp element extending transversely therefrom, the at least one substantially non-sharp element comprising at least two fins extending laterally across the non-shaving head, each fin being formed in the shape of an arc, having a tip at a free edge, and having a concave section of the arc facing the handle, the at least two fins being positioned parallel to one another and closely spaced from one another, wherein the rear portion of the non-shaving head is substantially without a substantially non-sharp element extending transversely from a surface on the first side of the non-shaving head, wherein the handle is an elongate shaft adapted to be grasped by one hand and the zone of flexure is substantially orthogonal to the length of the shaft, wherein an angle between the front portion and the rear portion of the non-shaving head is between 90 degrees and 160 degrees in a rest condition, and when in use the front portion is adapted to lie essentially parallel to the skin and the rear portion is adapted to reside at an angle of 90 degrees to 20 degrees to the skin, and wherein the maximum width of the non-shaving head is at least 150% greater than the maximum width of the handle.

16. The pack according to claim 15, wherein the zone of flexure of the device is configured to enable an articulation of the front portion relative to the rear portion of the non-shaving head from zero deflection when no force is applied, to progressively increased deflection when a force of less than a predetermined threshold level is applied, and to an abrupt deflection into a displaced position when a force of at least the predetermined threshold level is applied.

17. The pack according to claim 15, wherein the zone of flexure of the device comprises an elastomeric material.

18. The pack according to claim 15, wherein the front portion and rear portion of the device are of a plastics material and wherein a connection therebetween is within the zone of flexure.

19. The pack according to claim 15, wherein an articulation about the zone of flexure of the device is progressive until a threshold value at which there is an abrupt “flip” to a more deflected position.

20. The pack according to claim 15, wherein the device further comprises an additional zone of flexure in a region where the handle is joined to the non-shaving head.

21. The pack according to claim 15, wherein the device further comprises an additional zone of flexure located at a thinned region of the handle.

22. The pack of claim 15, wherein at least one of the at least two fins is fabricated from an elastomeric material.

23. The pack of claim 15, wherein the at least two fins extend from the front portion of the non-shaving head.

24. The pack of claim 23, wherein the at least two fins are oriented parallel to one another.

25. The pack of claim 23, wherein one of the at least two fins is fabricated from a material having a different modulus than a material from which another of the at least two fins is fabricated.

26. The pack of claim 23, wherein at least one of the at least two fins is fabricated from an elastomeric material.

27. The pack of claim 23, wherein the at least two fins extend laterally across the non-shaving head and wherein one fin of the at least two fins exhibits a width in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the handle greater than an adjacent fin of the at least two fins.

28. The pack of claim 15, wherein the at least two fins are formed in a curved configuration.

29. A method of effecting depilation, comprising: applying a depilatory composition to skin; allowing the depilatory composition to remain on the skin for a pre-determined interval; and removing depilated hair and the depilatory composition by moving the device as defined in claim 15 over the skin.

30. A pack comprising: a device; and a supply of a depilatory composition to be applied to skin, wherein the device comprises: a non-shaving head which in use is moved over the skin to effect removal of the depilatory composition, the non-shaving head comprising at least two fins; a handle coupled to the non-shaving head, wherein the non-shaving head is articulatable about the handle through an angle of at least 5 degrees up to 170 degrees; and at least two zones of flexure, wherein one zone of flexure of the at least two zones of flexure is made of a different material from the non-shaving head and is configured to enable a portion of the non-shaving head to angularly translate from a position substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the handle to a position substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle, wherein the maximum width of the non-shaving head is at least 150% greater than the maximum width of the handle.

31. The pack according to claim 30, wherein one zone of flexure of the at least two zones of flexure of the device is configured to enable an articulation of a front portion of the non-shaving head relative to a rear portion of the non-shaving head from zero deflection when no force is applied, to progressively increased deflection when a force of less than a predetermined threshold level is applied, and to an abrupt deflection into a displaced position when a force of at least the predetermined threshold level is applied.

32. The pack according to claim 30, wherein one zone of flexure of the at least two zones of flexure of the device comprises an elastomeric material.

33. The pack according to claim 30, wherein a front portion of the non-shaving head and a rear portion of the non-shaving head are of a plastics material and wherein a connection therebetween is within one zone of flexure of the at least two zones of flexure.

34. The pack according to claim 30, wherein an articulation about one zone of flexure of the at least two zones of flexure of the device is progressive until a threshold value at which there is an abrupt “flip” to a more deflected position.

35. The pack according to claim 30, wherein the device further comprises an additional zone of flexure in a region where the handle is joined to the non-shaving head.

36. The pack according to claim 30, wherein the device further comprises an additional zone of flexure located at a thinned region of the handle.

37. The pack of claim 30, wherein at least one of the at least two fins is fabricated from an elastomeric material.

38. The pack of claim 30, wherein the at least two fins extend from a front portion of the non-shaving head.

39. The pack of claim 38, wherein the at least two fins are oriented parallel to one another.

40. The pack of claim 38, wherein one of the at least two fins is fabricated from a material having a different modulus than a material from which another of the at least two fins is fabricated.

41. The pack of claim 38, wherein at least one of the at least two fins is fabricated from an elastomeric material.

42. The pack of claim 38, wherein the at least two fins extend laterally across the non-shaving head and wherein one fin of the at least two fins exhibits a width in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the handle greater than an adjacent fin of the at least two fins.

43. The pack of claim 30, wherein the at least two fins are formed in a curved configuration.

44. A method of removing a depilatory composition from skin, the method comprising: providing the device as defined in claim 30; and moving the non-shaving head of the device over the skin to remove the depilatory composition from the skin.

Description

(1) The invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view from above of a device in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

(3) FIG. 2 shows the head and front part of the handle of the device of FIG. 1, in an alternative perspective view from above;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the underside of the head of the device of FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 shows only the polypropylene portion of the head of the device of FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 5 shows the device of FIG. 1 in use with the front portion of the head articulated relative to the rear portion.

(7) FIG. 6 shows a side view of a second embodiment of the invention.

(8) FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show a depilatory device having a handle 1 connected to a head 2. The head 2 consists of a front portion 4 and rear portion 3 connected to each other by a zone of flexure 5. The front portion carries two fins 9. The front and rear portions of the head 3, 4 and the zone of flexure 5 all form part of the same slightly domed continuous surface when the device is not in use.

(9) The device is a comoulding of polypropylene, as a generally rigid plastics material, and a thermoplastic elastomeric material. The upper surface of handle 1 and the head portions 3 and 4 are made from a single moulding of polypropylene, as shown in FIG. 4. Rear head portion 3 and handle 1 are connected by a zigzag-shaped section of polypropylene 6 which forms an N-shape when viewed from the side. Rear head portion 3 is joined to front portion 4 by two thin webs of polypropylene 15. These exist so that the device may be cast in a single moulding operation, as well as conferring greater stability to the junction.

(10) The remainder of the device is made from an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material is present in the zone of flexure 5, in the underside 11 of the handle, in an upwardly facing depression 10 located at the distal tip of the handle, for gripping, in fins 9 and in wedges or nocks 7 within the N-shaped junction. All of these sections are connected and are moulded together.

(11) The fins are parallel to each other, and are spaced apart by a small gap. They are slightly curved, rearwardly. That is, they have a slightly concave side which faces the handle. They are approximately parallel to front edge 13, and are approximately 40 mm long and thus extend across most of the width of the head. They are 1 mm wide, 3 mm tall and separated by a space of 2 mm. The distal edges of the fins are tapered.

(12) The device as a whole when viewed from the side is downwardly concave or arched, with a continuous curvature from the handle to the head. The handle is approximately 10 cm long, and the head approximately 3 cm long.

(13) The handle is widest near the rear end (up to 22 mm wide) and tapers to a narrow portion 8 (approximately 9 mm wide) just before the N-shaped junction. The narrow portion of the handle provides a second zone of flexure.

(14) The head of the device is shaped approximately as an isosceles triangle, but having curved edges and corners. At the junction with the handle, the head is approximately 15 mm wide, and at the front edge 13, the width is approximately 45 mm.

(15) The zone of flexure 5 within the head is provided by the mainly elastomeric region. This is generally curved, across the head of the device, and separates it into the front and rear portions. On the lower surface of the head, the elastomeric region forms a thin layer 14 which extends across the centre of rear portion 3 to reach the junction.

(16) The two zones of flexibility described above define axes of flexure which are generally perpendicular to the length of the handle and generally parallel to the fins.

(17) A thin elastomeric layer continues onto the underside of the front portion 4 of the head, from which the two elastomeric fins project transversely.

(18) The head 2 has curved sides 12 around the lower surface. These act as a barrier, holding the removed composition underneath and thus preventing it from coming into contact with the user's hands.

(19) In use, the user holds the device by the handle, typically either grasping it in the palm or fingers, or holding it by finger and thumb using the gripping depression 10. The latter manner may be employed when it is wished to use the device on parts which are awkward to reach, for example the backs of legs. Whatever the manner of holding the device, the fins are placed on the skin, and the device is drawn backwards over the skin; that is, with the head trailing the handle. Force is transferred through the handle via the zone of flexure and junction 6 to the head, in particular to the front portion of the head 4. The two head portions 3 and 4 may articulate relative to each other about zone of flexure 5 so that in use, they no longer form one continuous surface. When viewed from the side, portions 3 and 4 together define an obtuse angle (see FIG. 5).

(20) Alternatively, the user could hold the device between the thumb and forefinger at the sides of the N-shaped junction 6, or by the rear portion of the head, thus bypassing the zone of flexure 8. This may allow closer control of the movement of the device, and/or firmer application of pressure to the skin.

(21) In use the deflection of the device about the zone of flexure defined by narrow portion 8 is progressive; a steadily increasing force causes a steadily increasing deflection. The deflection of the front portion about the zone of flexure 5 with the head is initially progressive. Up to this point the distal edges of the fins have been the main or only parts of the fins in contact with the skin. However at a threshold force the front portion abruptly rocks or flips into a displaced condition, extending upwardly from the rest of the head, as shown in FIG. 5. The trailing side walls of the fins are now the main or only parts of the fins in contact with the skin. Further deflection is substantially inhibited. Instead the application of yet more force is substantially accommodated by further deflection of the fins.

(22) The first embodiment of the invention thus has an in-built safety mechanism minimising the risk of damage to the skin by application of excessive force; at the threshold force the front portion “flips” into its raised position and the contact of the fins with the skin is changed.

(23) The device is sufficiently elastic so that it returns to its original shape when no longer in use.

(24) A second embodiment shown in FIG. 6, also has a handle 41 and a head 42 which is separated into front and rear portions 46 and 60 by a zone of flexure 52. The front portion of the head 46 is tilted relative to the rear portion 60, even when the device is not in use. The front portion is a generally oval-shaped, flat body. It has a planar under-surface which carries four straight, parallel fins 48. It is connected to the rear portion by a wedge 52 of elastomeric material which represents a first zone of flexure of the device. On the handle there is a formation 58 designed for a finger or thumb to rest comfortably against it. Just beyond the formation 58, towards the head, a plastics region is formed in the profile of a letter N. From the right-hand limb of this rear head portion 60 extends up to the elastomeric wedge 52. Within the spaces or nocks defined by the letter N formation there are wedges 62, 64, of elastomeric material. The device thereby has two points of flexure, one being the N-shaped region, and the other being the elastomeric wedge 52.