Epilator head for trapping hair and facial epilator with such head

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hair removal system, particularly to an epilator head for trapping hair and an epilator with such head, particularly for facial epilation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hair removing devices use one of two methods for removing hair. In one method, the hair is cut, leaving the roots intact beneath the skin surface. This is commonly named depilation ^" . In the other method, hair is removed by pulling it out from its roots. This is commonly called epilation.

There are several mechanisms for removing hair according to the latter method. Disk mechanisms are often used. In general, these mechanisms include discs and associated pincer-like elements. When two pincer-like elements are brought close together, hair is trapped between them. The discs, which rotate and produce a torque, then uproot the hair trapped between their associated pincers. The pincer-like elements and their associated discs move in unison and all pincer-like elements within a fixed distance move close to their adjacent pincer-like elements synchronously. The forces required in such mechanisms are multiples of the number of pincers. In some of these epilatory devices, the disc mechanisms have cylindrical shapes.

Other epilating devices which use disc mechanisms employ a large spring with bearings connected to its ends. In such devices, the spring presses on the bearings producing a constant force which acts identically over all the disks and their associated pincer-like elements. The magnitude of the force is the same throughout the entire mechanism. The forces required in such mechanisms are relatively small and the energy required is not great.

Several of the proposed disk hair removal systems involve the use of tilted discs

which come together at a point to grasp one or more strands of hair. Other disc mechanisms involve the use of cams to alternately bring the discs together and apart, thereby trapping strands of hair. Various disc mechanisms are discussed in US Pat. Nos. 4,935,024; 5,057,115; 5,190,559; 5,797, 925; 5,857,903; 5,312,419; 5,196,021 ; 5,281 ,233; and 5,462,557.

US 5 190 559 is directed to an epilating appliance with a casing for accommodating a rotary cylinder mounted on an axle and adapted to be driven by a motor. The rotary cylinder has associated to it a plurality of pinching members provided with cutouts and extending from one side of the rotary cylinder to the opposite side. The pinching members are capable of pivoting and moving into contact with each other in pairs by means of actuating members located at a distance to the axle of the rotary cylinder and displaceable against the action of at least one spring. In order to increase the lever arm for pivotal movement of the pinching members, the pivot axis of the pinching members of the rotary cylinder extends at a large relative distance to the axis of the rotary cylinder.

In an alternative embodiment of a rotary cylinder, the clamping members are arranged in the rotary cylinder in such manner that, as seen looking at a developed plan view of the cylinder shell surface, the pairs of clamping members are arranged in an angularly offset relation to each other. In contrast to the above-described linear plucking action, an individual plucking action is created on the user's skin. A rotary cylinder of this type is known, for example, from JP H 7-313243. This cylinder is essentially comprised of rod-type clamping members which are arranged on the cylindrical shell surface of a roll and are radially slotted. The slot of a clamping member is disposed in axially offset relation to the slot of an adjacent clamping member.

A rotary cylinder for an epilating appliance is also known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,196,021. This patent discloses a plurality of disk-like elements with radially outwardly extending leg-type clamping elements provided with clamping surfaces. The clamping surfaces of two adjacent disks combine to form a plurality of pairs of clamping elements. Provided on the rear side of a clamping element remote from the respective clamping surface are projections for actuation of the clamping elements,

which projections are integrally formed with the clamping elements, and particularly the disks are made of injection molded plastic material, and the projections are at least partially of different lengths. During rotation of the stack of disks, the projections related to a pair of clamping elements are caused to travel past end cam elements, so that in a plucking zone of the appliance a respective pair of clamping elements performs an approaching movement by being actuated at either end, thus effecting a clamping action. As this occurs, the radially outer ends of the clamping elements which carry the clamping surfaces are bent towards each other, returning to their initial spaced-apart position upon leaving the cam elements. The clamping elements of all the disks forming the rotary cylinder are in such relative arrangement that a single pair of clamping elements at a time is in a plucking zone of the epilating appliance, while the clamping elements of a closed pair, as seen looking in the circumferential direction of the cylinder, overlap partially with the respective adjacent open clamping elements.

In these known appliances, it has shown that the efficiency of the epilating operation often fails to satisfy the user, meaning that it would be desirable for the user to pluck several hairs per unit of time, thus accellerating the process of epilation. Also, it is desirable to reduce the pain felt during epilation still further in order to enable the user to perform a more efficient and low-pain epilating operation.

EP 0 921 744 B1 is directed to a rotary cylinder for an epilating appliance in that each pair of clamping members has associated to it a separate, individually movable actuating member. This results in a rotary cylinder which includes several pairs of clamping members arranged in a substantially angularly offset relation to each other, in addition to enabling a separate actuation of these clamping members. An independent control of individual pairs of clamping members is performed, and a defined introduction of the force acting on each single pair of clamping members. Also, a defined gripping of one or several hairs entered between the clamping members is thereby accomplished; the hair or hairs are thus caught and plucked. In an embodiment, it is proposed arranging the actuating members slidingly parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotary cylinder between each pair of clamping members and the corresponding control member. Particularly, two or more pairs of clamping members are arranged on the rotary cylinder in a line in an axially offset relationship

to each other, thus traversing a plucking zone of the epilating appliance simultaneously. On the one hand, the substantially angularly off-set arrangement of different pairs of clamping members thus reduces the number of clamping members in a line on the rotary cylinder, involving the advantageous effect of a less pain provoking epilation by reason of the greater relative distance of the individual clamping members. The two or more pairs of clamping members in a line is controlled from the two ends of the rotary cylinder. A pair of clamping members is comprised of one stationary and one movable, in particular pivotal, clamping member. In this feature, the movable clamping member is arranged closer to an outer end of the rotary cylinder than the stationary clamping member. The control member is configured as a control disk which includes a control cam, in particular an inclined plane, and has its end arranged so as to face the rotary cylinder in the housing of the epilating appliance or the appliance head. A different construction of the control cam is alleged to afford the advantage of enabling the movement of the actuating members to be varied, so that, for example, the provision of a flat or a steep ramp in the control cam enables a slow or an abrupt actuation of the clamping members to be adjusted. The ramp of the control cam may be of a continuous or a stepped configuration. Further, the pressure pin is axially slidably guided in a bore of the rotary cylinder, the bore extending essentially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotary cylinder. This results in a simple guide for the pressure pin, providing a direct transmission of the clamping force from the control disk via the pressure pin to the clamping member.

An epilating device is subject to several constraints. The pincer-Iike elements associated with each disk must close quickly. The pressure exerted by each contacting pair of pincers must be neither too great nor too little. In the former case, the hair would be cut, while in the latter case, the hair would slide through without being pulled out at its roots. Typically, all the pincers associated with a row of disks must contact their adjacent pincers simultaneously. Lastly, the contacting mechanism must be simple, operate reliably over time, and be easy to maintain.

Presently, there is a need for an epilating device that is easy and inexpensive to assemble and to maintain and which can uproot a greater number of hairs over a larger area than is possible using prior art devices. In addition, there is also an

ongoing need for a epilating device that reduces discomfort associated with hair removal.

Particularly, facial epilation is an operation requiring a confrontation with a very complicated surface. The different areas are small but with limitations as access and exactness on the areas above the lip and close to the nose, and close to ears and brows. Therefore a special appliance is desired with a small diameter and improved arrangement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved epilator head, epilator with such head and an improved epilating method, particularly for facial epilation.

This object is attained with the subject-matter according to the claims.

The invention is directed to an epilator head for trapping hair for removal. The term . epilating in this context does not mean that all hears are plugged out with their roots. It just means that the hairs are gripped and pulled from the skin. Some roots may remain in the skin. The head according to the invention comprising a rotating body which has an axis of rotation and is adapted to be rotated by a motor. Preferably the rotating body is a drum-like or cylindrical body rotating around the axis of rotation.

The present invention is directed to an epilator head for trapping hair for removal. The head comprises a rotating body which has an axis of rotation and is adapted to be rotated. This rotating head is preferably of generally cylindrical shape so as to have a uniform envelope when rotating and when using the device for facial epilation. Other shapes may also be used, particularly a slightly curved or convex configuration along the longitudinal axis for a better adaption to facial curvatures.

The epilator head further has at least two pincers which are essentially radially arranged to the axis of rotation of the rotating head and which able to generally rotate in accordance with the rotation of the rotating body. At least their distal ends are adapted to move towards each other and away from each other depending on the rotary location of the rotating body. This ensures the introduction of body hair, such

as facial hairs, their gripping and together with the further rotation their plugging out of the skin.

The epilator head also comprises a means for elastically biasing the pincers so that the distal ends of the pincers are generally biased away from each other. Preferably the biasing force is the result of a previous deformation of the biasing means caused by the epilator head and the respective mainly elastic deformation. Preferably the elastic deformation can recover completely, i.e., the deformation is a complete elastic deformation with no or hardly any plastic deformation. In a most preferred embodiment the biasing means are located directly or indirectly adjacent to one or more pincer(s) or between each neighboring pincers. Once the biasing means is accordingly deformed upon the pincers or neighboring pincers being moved towards each other, it biases the pincers to again move away from each other. As the stronger force being required is the force for clamping and plugging the body hair and a weaker force has to be applied to make the pincers to re-open again, such arrangement is particularly simple but highly effective.

The biasing means has a generally annular shape and preferably has a general shape of an O-ring or washer. Further preferably, it has a cross-section with an elliptical or preferably round shape. Most preferably, the biasing means can be constituted by at least one or more O-rings, such as O-rings for sealing purposes, which are generally very inexpensively available on the market as they are standard mass products mainly for sealing purposes. They are also particularly suitable as also O-ring-shaped seals are made of a material which recovers at least almost completely or elastically. This shows the strong advantage of the present invention, namely to provide a highly effective epilation with a biasing means being a standard mass product which doesn't have to be customized or particularly designed. In a preferred embodiment the invention is realized by an O-ring directly inbetween adjacent pincers so that also a suitable or optimized distance between two adjacent pincers can be easily determined by the width of the cross-section of the O-ring.

The biasing means has an outer diameter of about 2 mm to 6 mm, preferably of about 3 mm to 5 mm, more preferably 3.5 mm and an inner diameter from about 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably of about 1.5 mm to 4 mm, more preferably of about 2 to 3

mm and most preferably of about 2 mm. The biasing means (26) has a diameter of its cross-section of about 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably of about 0.5 mm to 1 mm, more preferably of about 0.7 mm to 0.8 mm and most preferably of about 0.75 mm. These dimensions, particularly the preferred ranges, preferably enable the use of standard O-rings and are nevertheless perfectly able to fulfil the function in the epilator head.

Further preferably, the biasing means is made of artificial, composition or natural rubber, caoutchouc, or a suitable or comparable soft-elastic plastics material. Other materials with the same or similar elastic properties can also or alternatively be used. It is also possible, to select biasing means with different elastic properties, e.g. an O- ring with a more soft elastic property for the most proximal position and the more distal the position gets, the harder the elastic property may become. The elasticity gradient may also be split into two or more groups for each set of pincers. This would ensure that the most proximal pincer(s) move rather easily and quickly towards each other and that the more distal pincers can bear a higher load and are better or quicker able to bring the distal pincers into an open position again.

The epilator head further has a means for pushing at least one of the pincers so that the distal ends of the pincers move towards each other. Such pushing means is preferably constituted by a pushing rod or pusher for each set of pincers which preferably engages the innermost or proximai pincer and moves it to the next neighboring pincer and they move together to the more distal pincer and so on. The pusher is preferably activated by a cam surface onto which it slides during rotation. The cam surface can be steeply or slightly ramped or stepped or can have any other topography according to the needs.

More preferably, the epilator head comprises at least one set of three pincers and two biasing means, one biasing means being arranged between each of the neighboring pincers. In other words, an arrangement is preferably achieved with a pincer, an O-ring, a pincer, an O-ring and another pincer. Preferably four such sets are provided which are each off-set by preferably 90°. Alternatively, an epilator head with less or more such sets of pincers is also embranced, such as one to three or five to twelve sets.

The epilator head preferably comprises a shaft for driving the rotating body, wherein the pincers and the biasing means each being further preferably provided with a hole for the shaft to extend therethrough. The shaft may also be replaced by any suitable means to transfer the rotational movement from the motor through the transmission to the epilator head. E.g. one or more positively or frictionally locking means, or a frictionally or positively locking arrangement of the components of the head or any combination thereof may be used.

The shaft and the respective holes in the pincers and the biasing means are round, elliptical, polygonal or any combination thereof. Preferably at least the holes of the pincers have a larger size than the shaft in order to allow a tilting movement for the closing of the distal ends of the pincers. Alternatively the pincers may not be arranged on or around the shaft but just being beard by other components of the epilator head.

Preferably the pincers are generally T-shaped, preferably with the holes at the bottom of the T with an enlarged width for the hole and the distal ends at the top of the T with an enlarged gripping portion. This shape is exemplified in the figures attached but may also be modified according to the needs and the space available.

More preferably, the epilator head has a first support and/or a second support, wherein the first support is preferably located proximally and the second support is preferably located distally. At least the second support and/or the first support are provided to support respective outermost pincer(s) of the corresponding set of pincers. This is particularly effective regarding space being necessary. Alternatively, any other suitable and known bearing of the outermost pincers can be used.

Further preferably, the first support is adapted to support the pushing means in a manner such that the pushing means can be translationally moved towards to and away from the at least one of the pincers, preferably the most proximal one.

Preferably, (an) intermediate pincer(s) of the respective set of pincers is held in place by the biasing means neighboring the respective intermediate pincer(s) with the biasing means being supported by the respective outer pincer(s). This preferred

arrangement is shown in the figures attached and is preferably advantageous regarding space needed. However, any other suitable arrangement is possible.

More preferably, the first support is adapted to support at least one pusher for each set of pincers. Preferably, the pusher extends proximally through the first support with a free end so that it is at least in part longitudinally displaceable through the first support to push at least the most proximal pincer of the respective set of pincers to move the distal end(s) of the pincers towards each other. It may also be possible that one pusher extends along a side or some of each set of pincers and engages each pincer individually.

More preferably, the epilator head comprises a cam surface on which the pusher(s) can slide when the rotating body is rotated and which controls the axial displacement of the pusher(s) according to the rotary location of the respective pusher(s). Any other mechanical and/or electrical, electronical components may also be used for the displacement of the pincers, such as little excenter shafts, motors, rollers etc.

The epilator head described and claimed can be used in any type of epilator or hair removing device, such as an epilator with an arrangement of the epilator head to be moved with its axis of rotation generally perpendicular to the handle of the epilator. However, the present invention is particularly directed to an epilator of a specific arrangement, particularly with an epilator head as described and claimed in this application. The concept is to provide an epilator having a longitudinal axis and the epilator head being arranged so that a rotating axis of the epilator head is parallel to or coincides with the longitudinal axis of the epilator. In other word, the epilator head is oriented to have a free distal end. The epilator preferably has an essentially bar- shaped configuration with a generally serial arrangement of a motor, a transmission and the epilator head. The epilator further preferably has a battery compartment for a built in or preferably a disposable battery. The battery is preferably re-loadable.

The epilator head is removably arranged to the remaining epilator. However, it can also be fixedly arranged to the remaining part of the epilator.

The epilator further preferably has a lid which has is shaped so as to make a first side of the epilator head accessible to a body of a user. Preferably, the epilator has a switch knob for switching the epilator on or off which is preferably located on the second side opposite to the first side of the epilator head.

The present invention is also directed to a method for trapping hair for removal, particularly with an epilator head and/or an epilator as described or claimed above or below. The method comprises the steps of rotating a rotating body which has an axis of rotation; and rotating at least two pincers, the pincers being essentially radially arranged to the axis of rotation, in accordance with the rotation of the rotating body. The method also comprises the movement of at least the pincer's distal ends towards each other and away from each other depending on the rotary location of the rotating body and elastically biasing the pincers by a biasing means so that the distal ends of the pincers are biased away from each other, the biasing means having a generally annular shape; and the step of pushing at least one of the pincers by a pushing means so that the distal ends of the pincers move towards each other.

The method according to the present invention preferably comprises the step of providing the biasing means with a general shape of an O-ring or washer and a cross-section with an elliptical or preferably round shape and by providing the pincers in sets with at least two pincers with the biasing means between the pincers and by pushing at least one of the outermost pincer(s) in a manner that the distal ends of the pincers move towards each other. The method can also comprise the step of controlling the movement of the pushing means depending on the rotary location of the rotating body, preferably by a cam action as described above and below. The method according to the present invention is also directed to method steps corresponding to features which are rather discussed in more structural terms herein.

The present invention also comprises the method with the step of epilating a face of a user or customer and the use of an epilator head, an epilator and/or a method according to anything described above and described and claimed below for trapping hair for removal for facial epilation.

The present invention, particularly the biasing means, has preferably at three advantages in one unit: it provides or assists an axle, it acts as a returning spring and it is able to compensate for any abrupt closing or clamping forces.

The present invention provides a highly effectivce epilating action with a quiet, smooth, reliable and nevertheless inexpensive realization which doesn't require great exactness and many parts. The device can also be easily assembled. The design of the epilator according to the present invention enables an exact operation with an ability to approach the protruding parts as the nose etc.

Thus a minimum possible number of movable components is necessary, whereby a minimum possible body mass is moved. Advantageously, a reduced force for driving the rotary cylinder and a reduced noise are thereby proposed. Because the movable clamping member is disposed closer to the outer end of the rotary cylinder than the stationary clamping member, the shortest relative distance of the pivotal clamping member to the control member is provided, the control member being usually disposed at the end of the rotary cylinder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

For a better understanding of the invention the following figures show or exemplify preferred embodiments.

Fig. 1 shows a side view of an epilator with an epilator head according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 shows a partly disassembled perspective view of details of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 shows a further disassembled perspective view of details of the embodiment according to Figs 1 and 2, particularly with an arrangement of a battery Fig. 4 shows a further disassembled perspective view of details of the embodiment according to Figs 1 to 3, particularly with the drive chain for driving and controlling the epilation;

Fig. 5 shows a further disassembled perspective view of details of the embodiment according to Figs 1 to 4, particularly with parts of a preferred epilator head according to the present invention; Fig. 6A shows a further perspective view of details of the embodiment according to

Figs 1 to 5, particularly with the drive chain for driving the epilation and a preferred epilator head according to the present invention; Fig. 6B shows a cross-section of the embodiment according to Fig. 6A, particularly with the drive chain for driving the epilation and a preferred epilator head according to the present invention; Fig. 7 shows a cross-section of the embodiment according to Fig. 6A, particularly with the drive chain for driving and controlling the epilation and a preferred epilator head according to the present invention; and Fig. 8 shows a principal sketch of a preferred cooperation between pincers and a biasing means in a preferred embodiment of an epilator head according to the present invention.

Fig. 1 is intended to illustrate a preferred arrangement and design of an epilator 2 with an epilator head 1. It is apparent that it is preferred to provide a generally serial arrangement of a body of the epilator 2 and the epilator head 1 with a preferred free distal end of the epilator head 1. The epilator 2 according to the present invention can also have a cap (not shown) to be removably put onto the epilator 2 to cover particularly the epilator head 1. The cap may be frictionally engageable or positively locking with the body of the epilator 2.The epilator head 1, particularly pincers 23 provided therein, are freely accessible and able to be exposed to a user or customer, particularly to the facial area, such as the lips, the nose, the neck etc. In the embodiment shown a lid 7 is shaped with an inclination to just expose one side of the epilator head 1. It goes without saying that also other shapes of the lid 7 are possible as long as a portion of the epilator head 1 is exposed and able to grip hair to be removed. Preferably generally opposite to the exposed portion or area of the cutting head 1 is provided a knob 10 for activating or de-activating the epilator 2. In the embodiment shown a battery can be inserted into the bottom of a grip portion of the epilator 2. Alternatively or additionally, the epilator 2 may be connectable to a wire for an electrical connection or insertable into a socket for charging.

Fig. 2 demonstrates in a more specific manner the preferred serial arrangement of the general elements or components of the epilator 2. The epilator head 1 is preferably provided at the distal end of the epilator. More proximally arranged is a motor 4 with a transmission 3, the transmission 3 being preferably be disposed between the motor 4 and the epilator head 1. A battery compartment 11 for a battery 6 is preferably placed in or closed to the bottom of the epilator 2. In other words, the mostly preferred arrangement of the components is the serial placement of the battery compartment 11 , the motor 4, the transmission 3 and the epilator head 1. In Fig. 2 also a switch 5 is shown for preferably transferring the movement of the knob 10 (shown in Fig. 1) to an electric connector between the battery compartment and the motor 4.

Fig. 3 shows the further preferred arrangement of components in a disassembled perspective view. The lid 7 can be positioned over the epilator head 1 and be brought into engagement with a casing 8, 9 of the epilator 2. This casing is preferably composed of a first half 8 and a second half 9. They can also be brought into engagement by a snap fit or any other suitable means which also may not be releasable after the engagement of these components. The further arrangement of the knob 10 to the switch 5 with the casing 8, 9 inbetween is generally known. A battery lid 12 can be provided with an electrically connecting base plate and can be releasably attached to the housing 8, 9 to close the battery compartment 11. As can be seen in this figure, a bayonet coupling between the battery lid 12 and the housing 8, 9 is preferred.

It is particularly apparent from Fig. 3 that the motor 4 is connected with the epilator head 1 by another component which is preferably the transmission 3. The transmission 3 is preferably not only to provide the transfer of the rotary movement of the motor 4 to the epilator head 1 but preferably also accommodates a cam surface which can better be seen in Fig. 7.

Fig. 4 is intended to particularly visualize the arrangements for the transfer of rotary movement to the epilator head 1 and how the gripping function can be generally realized. The motor 4 is provided with a drive gear 13 attached to its driving shaft. The rotary motion is transferred to a transmission gear 16 by the drive gear 13 via an

intermediated double gear 15. This is just a preferred embodiment for a double speed reduction. Any other transmission depending on the parameters of the motor 4 and the required forces and speeds can also be applied.

The transmission is preferably housed in a first transmission housing 14 and a second transmission housing 18 which can preferably be easily connected by a generally known frictional or positively locking connection. In the embodiment shown there are connecting rods protruding from each of the first and second transmission housings 14, 18 and being insertable into the respective other one of the transmission housings 14, 18.

Attached to the transmission gear 16 is a shaft 21 for transferring the rotary movement further to the epilator head 1. This is preferably realized by a locking element 19 connecting the transmission gear 16 with the shaft in a respective cavity provided within the transmission gear 16. This is also derivable from Fig. 6B in more detail.

The second transmission housing 18 is preferably also provided with cam surfaces for the engagement with the pushing means or pusher rods or pushers 20. However, the cam surfaces may also be provided at any other component as long as there is a relative rotational movement between the cam surfaces and the pushers.

Fig. 5 shows details of the epilator head, particularly the preferred arrangement of the shaft 21 , a first support 24, the pincers 23, the second support 22 with support bores 25 and their interaction. The shaft 21 extends through the first support 24, the pincers 23 into the second support 22. Both supports 22, 24 are attached to the shaft 21 in a manner that they rotate together with the shaft. The pincers 23 are placed with the biasing means 26 inbetween, and their holes are dimensioned that they are still able to tilt on the shaft 21 so that they can be closed at their distal ends. As is apparent, the pincers 23 preferably have a T-shaped configuration with slightly broadened widths at the bottom for the holes and at the top in the area of the gripping portion. This configuration reduces the space required within the epilator head while nevertheless enlarging the area for gripping and plugging the hair.

The pushing means or pushers are not shown in Fig. 5 but in the first and second support 22, 24 the holes for the pushers can be seen along their respective circumference, preferably 4 holes each for 4 sets of pincers 23 which are each offset by 90°. Depending on the sizes of the pincers 23nand of the epilator head 1 , more or less sets of pincers 23 can be provided.

Fig. 6A shows at least parts of the drive train and of the epilator head 1 in an assembled arrangement. It is apparent that drive gear 13 meshes with the first portion of the double gear 15 which meshes with the transmission gear 16. The shaft 21 is fixed to the transmission gear 16 and rotates together therewith. The first support 24 and the second support 22 preferably form in part a generally cylindrically shaped portion of the epilator head 1 with windows exposing the pincers 23. The pushers 20 can also be seen to extend with their free ends over the first support 24. In the view according to Fig. 6A further preferred components of the epilator and epilator head are not depicted, such as a cam surface on which the free ends of the pushers 20 slide and which make the pushers to move towards the respective set of pincers 23 or which release them so that the biasing elements bring them back into the released position as shown in Fig. 6A. These pushers 20 may also be activated by other means such as by pressure rolls or they may have a different shape.

The spring 17 is preferably provided to minimize or eliminate any piay in the drive chain and to bias the transmission gear 16 against the first transmission housing (not shown).

Fig. 6B shows a cross-sectional view of Fig. 6A and depicts particularly how the shaft 21 is supported and locked to the transmission gear 16 by the locking element 19.

It can also be seen from Fig. 6B how the pushers 20 are supported by the first support 24 and how they extend from the free or proximal ends to the outermost of the respective set of pincers 23. The pushers 20 preferably extend parallel to the shaft 21 and along the inner circumference of the first support 24. The shaft 21 at its distal end has a protrusion which engages the second support 22.

Fig. 7 shows a more detailed section through a preferred embodiment of the epilator head. Particularly in connection with Fig. 8 the functioning principle of the pincers 23, the biasing means 26 inbetween and the pushers 20 can be derived. In case a pusher 20 is at a position on the cam surface 27 with a relative protrusion, the pusher 20 is moved towards the most proximal of the respective set of pincers 23. It then pushes the distal end of this most proximal pincer 23 so that it preferably moves towards or touches the neighboring pincer 23, depending on the fact whether or not one of more hairs are trapped between this particular couple of the pincers 23. The pusher is moved further so that the first pair of pincers 23 tilt further into the direction of the next pincer 23 and so on. It can be seen that the pushers 20 have different lengths depending on the position of the respective set of pincers 23. This goes on until the pincers 23 reach or come close to the most distal pincer 23 of the respective set of pincers. The biasing means 26 inbetween are deformed preferably fully elastically in order to secure a definite position of each pincer 23. Upon release of the pusher 20 by the topography of the cam surface 27, the biasing means 26 urge the pincers 23 again back into the open position and the respective pusher is also moved accordingly back to their initial position.

In Fig. 8 it is also shown that the leverage of the pushers 20 is preferably longer than the one of the biasing means 26 which means that the respective force which has to be applied by the pushers 20 in order to make the pincers 23 to move is relatively low. On the other hand the equal damping of the movement by the elastic biasing means 26 is also ensured. Therefore, the present invention provides a simple, effective and elegant solution.

The biasing means 26 are most preferably made of a material with an elastic modulus in order to assure a proper functioning of the epilator head during its lifetime.

The invention also covers all further features shown in the figures individually although they may not have been described in the afore description. The present invention covers further embodiments with any combination of features from different embodiments described above.

The present invention also covers the exact terms, features, values and ranges etc. in case these terms, features, values and ranges etc. are used in conjunction with terms such as about, around, generally, substantially, essentially, at least etc. (i.e., "about 3" shall also cover exactly 3 or "essentially radial" shall also cover exactly radial).

List of reference numerals:

1 Epilator head

2 facial epilator

3 transmission

4 motor

5 switch

6 battery

7 lid

8 first half of casing

9 second half of casing

10 switch knob

11 battery compartment

12 battery lid

13 drive gear

14 first transmission housing

15 double gear

16 transmission gear

17 spring

18 second transmission housing

19 locking element

20 pusher(s)

21 shaft

22 second support

23 pincer(s)

24 first support

25 support bore(s)

26 biasing means

cam surface(s) distal end(s) of pincer(s)