| JP2000070030 | HAIR REMOVING PROCESSING SHEET |
| WO/2020/028333 | PORTABLE HAIR REMOVAL APPARATUS |
| WO2009013748A2 | 2009-01-29 | |||
| WO2008002033A1 | 2008-01-03 |
| GB2461878A | 2010-01-20 | |||
| US20120323260A1 | 2012-12-20 | |||
| GB2481638A | 2012-01-04 |
| CLAIMS 1. A manually-operated threading device for moving twists in threads so as to uproot a hair, the threading device comprises a (button) actuator and movable arms, wherein movement of the (button) actuator is arranged to control the movement of the arms, the device also comprising a sensitivity adjuster to adjust the range of movement of the arms. 2. A manually-operated threading device according to Claim 1, wherein sensitivity adjuster comprises an eccentric element. 3. A manually-operated threading device for moving twists in threads so as to uproot a hair, the threading device comprises at least two movable arms, a first thread attachment location for attachment to a first end of a first thread, a second thread attachment location for attachment to a first end of a second thread, a third thread attachment location for attachment to a second end of a first thread, and a fourth thread attachment location for attachment to a second end of a second thread, arranged on the arms, the threading device also comprises a (button) actuator, wherein movement of the (button) actuator is arranged to control the movement of the arms, the first thread attachment location and the second thread attachment location are designed to move inwards towards each other as the third thread attachment location and the fourth thread attachment location move away from each other, and vice versa, for mobilising twists in threads if two twisted threads are fitted to the threading device, the (button) actuator being arranged so that its movement is in a first plane, the first thread attachment location, the second thread attachment location, the third thread attachment location, and the fourth thread attachment location, being arranged so that their movement is in a second plane, wherein the first plane coincides with or is parallel to the second plane. 4. A manually-operated threading device for moving twists in threads so as to uproot a hair, the threading device comprises a first movable arm system and a second movable arm system, the first movable arm system comprises a first movable arm part and a second movable arm part, a first thread attachment location on the first movable arm part for attachment to a first end of a first thread, a second thread attachment location on the second movable arm part for attachment to a second end of a first thread, the second movable arm system comprises a third movable arm part and a fourth movable arm part, a third thread attachment location on the third movable arm part for attachment to a first end of a second thread, and a fourth thread attachment location on the fourth movable arm part for attachment to a second end of a second thread, the threading device also comprises a (button) actuator, wherein movement of the (button) actuator is arranged to control the movement of the first movable arm system and the second movable arm system, the first thread attachment location and the third thread attachment location are designed to move inwards towards each other as the second thread attachment location and the fourth thread attachment location move away from each other, and vice versa, so as to mobilise twists in the threads, the (button) actuator being arranged so that its movement is in a first plane, the first thread attachment location, the second thread attachment location, the third thread attachment location, and the fourth thread attachment location, being arranged so that their movement is in a second plane, wherein the first plane coincides with or is parallel to the second plane. 5. A manually-operated threading device for moving twists in threads so as to uproot a hair, the threading device comprises a first movable arm and a second movable arm, a first thread attachment location and a second thread attachment location on the first movable arm, for attaching, respectively, a first end of a first thread, and a second end of a first thread, a third thread attachment location and a fourth thread attachment location arranged on the second movable arm, for attaching, respectively, a first end of a second thread, and a second end of a second thread, the threading device also comprises a (button) actuator, wherein movement of the (button) actuator is arranged to control the movement of the arms, the first thread attachment location and the third thread attachment location are designed to move inwards towards each other as the second thread attachment location and the fourth thread attachment location move away from each other, and vice versa, so as to mobilise twists in the threads, the (button) actuator being arranged so that its movement is in a first plane, the first thread attachment location, the second thread attachment location, the third thread attachment location, and the fourth thread attachment location, being arranged so that their movement is in a second plane, wherein the first plane coincides with or is parallel to the second plane. 6. A manually-operated threading device according to any preceding claim, wherein the (button) actuator is spring biased to control the movement of the arms. 7. A manually-operated threading device according to any one or more of claims 3 to 6, wherein the device also comprising a sensitivity adjuster to adjust the range of movement of the arms. 8. A manually-operated threading device according to Claim 7, wherein the sensitivity adjuster comprises an eccentric element. 9. A threading device according to any preceding claim, when dependent on Claim 5, wherein each arm has a channel or slot towards each of its ends. 10. A threading device according to Claim 9, wherein the threading device has threads fitted. 11. A threading device according to Claim 10, wherein each thread has a ball or other suitably shaped thread holder towards each end. 12. A threading device according to any preceding claim, when dependent on Claim 5, wherein the arms are concave. 13. A threading device according to Claim 4, wherein the threading device comprises cam surfaces or toothed surfaces. 14. A manually-operated threading device for moving twists in threads so as to uproot a hair, the threading device comprises at least two movable arms, a first thread attachment location for attachment to a first end of a first thread, a second thread attachment location for attachment to a first end of a second thread, a third thread attachment location for attachment to a second end of a first thread, and a fourth thread attachment location for attachment to a second end of a second thread, arranged on the arms, the threading device also comprises a (button) actuator, wherein movement of the (button) actuator is arranged to control the movement of the arms, the first thread attachment location and the second thread attachment location are designed to move inwards towards each other as the third thread attachment location and the fourth thread attachment location move away from each other, and vice versa, for mobilising twists in threads if two twisted threads are fitted to the threading device, wherein the arms are concave. 15. A method of using a threading device comprising the steps of providing a threading device in accordance with any one or more of the claims, and operating it accordingly. 16. A manually-operated threading device according to any one or more of Claims 1 to 13, wherein at least one of the arms is at least partly manually resiliently deformable, so as to allow attachment of a thread to a thread mounting. |
| AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 22 August 2014 (22.08.14) 1. A manually-operated threading device for moving twists in threads so as to uproot a hair, the threading device comprises a (button) actuator and movable arms, wherein movement of the (button) actuator is arranged to control the movement of the arms, the device also comprising a sensitivity adjuster arranged functionally speaking between the actuator and the arms, so as^to be able to vary the limit the distance of the range of movement of the arms. 2. A manually-operated threading device according to Claim 1, wherein sensitivity adjuster comprises an eccentric element. 3. A manually-operated threading device for moving twists in threads so as to uproot a hair, the threading device comprises at least two movable arms, a first thread attachment location for attachment to a first end of a first thread, a second thread attachment location for attachment to a first end of a second thread, a third thread attachment location for attachment to a second end of . -'·., ' hi- - ' YCDi l i Of Lii a first thread, and a fourth thread attachment location for attachment to a second end of a second "ϊ thread, arranged on the arms, the threading device also comprises a (button) actuator, wherein ■*< '■· '· ' ■ ¾, '9 Ui- * r ; movement of the (button) actuator is arranged to control the movement of the arms, the first thread attachment location and the second thread attachment location are designed to move inwards towards each other as the third thread attachment location and the fourth thread 2, . " vt" adjUS'. attachment location move away from each other, and vice versa, for mobilising twists in threads c an · if two twisted threads are fitted to the threading device, the (button) actuator being arranged so that its movement is in a first plane, the first thread attachment location, the second thread attachment location, the third thread attachment location, and the fourth thread attachment location, being arranged so that their movement is in a second plane, wherein the first plane coincides with or is parallel to the second plane. 4. A manually-operated threading device for moving twists in threads so as to uproot a hair, the threading device comprises a first movable arm system and a second movable arm System, the first movable arm system comprises a first movable arm part and a second movable arm part, a first thread attachment location on the first movable arm part for attachment to a first end of a ic'. first thread, a second thread attachment location on the second movable arm part for attachment 'au:i .;■ :.: : . u inree to a lsecond end of a first thread, the second movable arm system comprises a third movable arm part and a fourth movable arm part, a third thread attachment location on the third movable arm AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) part for attachment to a first end of a second thread, and a fourth thread attachment location on the fourth movable arm part for attachment to a second end of a second thread, the threading device also comprises a (button) actuator, wherein movement of the (button) actuator is arranged to control the movement of the first movable arm system and the second movable arm> system, the first thread attachment location and the third thread attachment location are designed to move inwards towards each other as the second thread attachment location and the fourth thread attachment location move away from each other, and vice versa, so as to mobilise twists in the threads, the (button) actuator being arranged so that its movement is in a first plane, the first thread attachment location, the second thread attachment location, the third thread attachment location, and the fourth thread attachment location, being arranged so that their movement is in a second plane, wherein the first plane coincides with or is parallel to the second plane. 5. A manually-operated threading device for moving twists in threads so as to uproot a hair, the threading device comprises a first movable arm and a second movable arm, a first thread attachment location and a second thread attachment location on the first movable arm, for attaching, respectively, a first end of a first thread, and a second end of a first thread, a" third thread attachment location and a fourth thread attachment location arranged on the second movable arm, for attaching, respectively, a first end of a second thread, and a second end of a second thread, the threading device also comprises a (button) actuator, wherein movement of the (button) actuator is arranged to control the movement of the arms, the first thread attachment location and the third thread attachment location are designed to move inwards towards each other as the second thread attachment location and the fourth thread attachment location move away from each other, and vice versa, so as to mobilise twists in the threads, the (button) actuator being arranged so that its movement is in a first plane, the first thread attachment location, the second thread attachment location, the third thread attachment location,, and the fourth thread attachment location, being arranged so that their movement is in a second plane, wherein the first plane coincides with or is parallel to the second plane. 6. A manually-operated threading device according to any preceding claim, wherein the (button) actuator is spring biased to control the movement of the arms. 7. A manually-operated threading device according to any one or more of ciaiifis 3 to 6, wherein the device also comprising a sensitivity adjuster to adjust the range of movement of the arms. AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) 8. A manually-operated threading device according to Claim 7, wherein the sensitivity adjuster comprises an eccentric element. 9. A threading device according to any preceding claim, when dependent on Claim 5, herein each arm has a channel or slot towards each of its ends. 10. A threading device according to Claim 9, wherein the threading device has threads fitted.. 11. A threading device according to Claim 10, wherein each thread has a ball or Other suitably shaped thread holder towards each end. 12. A threading device according to any preceding claim, when' · 'dependent * b¾ ''Gl¾u¾;. S; wherein the arms are concave. 13. , A threading device according to Claim 4, wherein the threading device comprises cam surfaces or toothed surfaces. 14. ', A manually-operated threading device for moving twists in threads so as to uproot a hair, the threading device comprises at least two movable arms, a first thread attachment locatibii for attachment to a first end of a first thread, a second thread attachment location for attachment to a first end of a second thread, a third thread attachment location for attachment to a second end of a first thread, and a fourth thread attachment location for attachment to a second end of a second thread, arranged on the arms, the threading device also comprises a (button) actuator,' 'whereiri [ '.. -v' t% Vf CSlshiv. !r; movement of the (button) actuator is arranged to control the movement of the arms, the first thread attachment location and the second thread attachment location are designed to move inwards towards each other as the third thread attachment location and the fourth thread attachment location move away from each other, and vice versa, for mobilising twists in threads if two twisted threads are fitted to the threading device, wherein the arms are concave. 15. A method of using a threading device comprising the steps of providing a threading device in accordance with any one or more of the claims, and operating it accordingly. AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) 16. A manually-operated threading device according to any one or more of Claims 1 to 13, wherein at least one of the arms is at least partly manually resiliently deformable, so as to allow attachment of a thread to a thread mounting. AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) |
The invention relates to a threading device. The threading device is particularly, but not exclusively, for extracting human eyebrow hairs.
An aim of the present invention is to provide an improved, or at least an alternative, threading device.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a threading device in accordance with Claim 1.
According to other aspects of the invention there is provided a threading device, or method, in accordance with Claim 3, 4, 5, 14 or 15.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a manually-operated threading device for moving twists in threads so as to uproot a hair, the threading device comprises a (button) actuator and movable arms, wherein the (button) actuator is spring biased to control the movement of the arms.
Other optional and preferred features of the threading device invention are set out in the dependent claims, and the description, below. It will be appreciated that the features of the independent claims can be combined in any complimentary manner, with one or more features of another independent claim, the dependent claims, and/or with one or more features of the description, where such a combination of features would provide a working embodiment of the invention.
Various threading devices in accordance with the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which,
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a threading device in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, in a first operational condition, with arms closed,
Figure 2 is a further perspective view of the threading device of Figure 1, in a different operational condition, with arms open, Figure 3 is a front view of the threading device of Figure 2,
Figure 4 is a side view of the threading device of Figure 3,
Figure 5 is a view from above of the threading device of Figure 2,
Figure 6 is an end view of the threading device of Figure 2,
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a part, a first body part, of the threading device,
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a further part, a second body part, of the threading device,
Figure 9 is a further perspective view of the second body part shown in Figure 8, viewed from a different position,
Figure 10 is a plan view of the threading device, showing all of the parts separately, Figure 11 shows another part, a shaft, of the threading device, Figure 12 shows another part, a further shaft, of the threading device,
Figure 13 shows other parts, a trigger linkage, first link element, and second link element, of the threading device,
Figure 14 is a perspective view of another part of the threading device, a sensitivity wheel and lock, in close up, the second body part being omitted for clarity,
Figure 15 is a perspective view of the threading device, in close up, from another position, showing the sensitivity wheel, a trigger, and a spring,
Figure 16 is a frontal view of the threading device, with the second body part being omitted for clarity, to show the internal mechanism, in a first operational condition, Figure 17 is a frontal view of the threading device, with the second body part being omitted for clarity, to show the internal mechanism, in a further operational condition,
Figure 18 is a frontal view of the threading device in an inactivated operational condition, at a first sensitivity setting,
Figure 19 is a frontal view of the threading device in an inactivated operational condition, at a second sensitivity setting,
Figure 20 is a frontal view of the threading device in an inactivated operational condition, at a third sensitivity setting,
Figure 21 is a frontal view of the threading device in an inactivated operational condition, at a fourth sensitivity setting,
Figure 22 is a frontal view of the threading device in an activated operational condition, at a first sensitivity setting,
Figure 23 is a frontal view of the threading device in an activated operational condition, at a second sensitivity setting,
Figure 24 is a frontal view of the threading device in an activated operational condition, at a third sensitivity setting,
Figure 25 is a frontal view of the threading device in an activated operational condition, at a fourth sensitivity setting,
Figure 26 is a schematic frontal view of another threading device in accordance with the invention, in a first operational condition, that is to say an open arms position,
Figure 27 is a schematic frontal view of the threading device of Figure 26, in a second operational condition, that is to say a closed arms position, Figure 28 is schematic frontal view of the threading device of Figure 26, from another position, and with the body removed for clarity of the internal mechanism,
Figure 29 shows a possible change to part of the mechanism with respect to the threading device of Figure 28, and
Figure 30 is a perspective view of the threading device of Figure 26 or Figure 28, showing another part, that is to say capped arms.
Figures 1 to 6, and 10, for example, show a threading device 10 in accordance with the invention.
Referring to Figures 1 to 7, and 10, for example, the threading device 10 comprises a first body part 12.
Referring to Figures 4 to 6, and 8 to 10, for example, the threading device 10 comprises a second body part 14.
Together, the first body part 12 and second body part 14 form a body, or housing for certain internal parts.
The outer surfaces of the first body part 12 and the second body part 14, towards the right hand side of Figure 1, define a handle for the user. The handle comprises a generous radius to fit comfortably in the user's palm.
An end of each of the first and second body parts 12, 14 remote from the handle is bifurcated or split into two sections, leaving a space between the two bifurcated sections.
Referring to Figures 1 to 6, and 10, for example, the threading device 10 comprises a first arm 50 and a second arm 52, for mounting on the body 12, 14.
Referring to Figures 7 and 10, the first body part 12 comprises a first arm mounting aperture 30, and a second arm mounting aperture 32, located in, respectively, the first of the bifurcated sections and the second of the bifurcated sections. Referring to Figures 8 and 10, the second body part 14 comprises a first arm attachment part 20, and a second arm attachment part 22. The first arm attachment part 20 comprises a first recess 24. The second arm attachment part 22 comprises a second recess 26. The recesses 24, 26 extend through the second body part 14, to its outer surface, as can be seen in Figure 9.
Fastening together of the body parts 12, 14 will now be described.
Referring to Figures 7 and 10, the first body part 12 comprises a first body fastening aperture 40, a second body fastening aperture 42, and a third body fastening aperture 44. Referring to Figures 8 and 10, the second body part 14 comprises a first fastening bore 240, a second fastening bore 242, and a third fastening bore 244. Referring to Figure 10, the threading device 10 also comprises a first body fastener 180, a second body fastener 182, and a third body fastener 184. To fasten together the body parts 12, 14 when they are aligned, the first body fastener 180 is fastened through the first body fastening aperture 40, and into the first fastening bore 240. The second body fastener 182 is fastened through the second body fastening aperture 42, and into the second fastening bore 242. The third body fastener 184 is fastened through the third body fastening aperture 44, and into the third fastening bore 24.
Installation of the first arm 50 and second arm 52 on the housing 12, 14 will now be described.
Referring to Figure 10, the first arm 50 has a first (central) aperture 54, and the second arm 52 has a second (central) aperture 56.
Still referring to Figure 10, the threading device 10 comprises a first arm shaft 60, and a second arm shaft 62, both made of metal.
Referring to Figures 10 and 11, each of the first shaft 60 and the second shaft 62 has a knurled edge 63.
Still referring to Figures 10 and 11, the first arm shaft 60 is pushed into the first recess 24 of the first arm attachment part 20, knurled edge 63 foremost, until the foremost end of the first arm shaft 60, i.e. the knurled edge 63 ends, coincides with the level of the outer surface of the second housing part 14 in the region surrounding the recesses 24, 26. The knurled edges 63 help the arm shafts 60 to stay rotationally fixed in the (plastics) first arm attachment part 20. The second arm shaft 62 is similarly fitted into the second recess 26 of the second arm attachment part 22.
Referring to Figure 10, the threading device 10 comprises a first (fixed) arm linkage 150 and a second (fixed) arm linkage 160.
The first (fixed) arm linkage 150 comprises a first end 152 and a second end 154. The second (fixed) arm linkage 160 comprises a first end 162 and a second end 164. The second end 154 of the first (fixed) arm linkage 150 comprises a cylindrical part 156 which extends out of the page in Figure 10 from the linkage. The second end 154 of the first (fixed) arm linkage 150 also comprises a bore 158. The second end 164 of the second (fixed) arm linkage 160 is substantially the same.
The free end of the first arm shaft 60 is then passed through the bore 158 in the second end 154 of the first (fixed) arm linkage 150 so that the cylindrical part 156 of the first (fixed) arm linkage 150 sits against the first arm attachment part 20. The second arm shaft 62 is arranged in a similar manner with respect to the second (fixed) arm linkage 160.
The first arm mounting aperture 30 and the second arm mounting aperture 32 of the first body part 12 are passed over, respectively, the cylindrical part 156 of the first (fixed) arm linkage 150, and the cylindrical part of the second (fixed) arm linkage. When the first body part 12 and the second body part 14 are attached together an upper surface of the cylindrical part 156 protrudes very slightly from the outer surface of the first body part 12.
The free end of the first arm shaft 60 is passed through the first aperture 54 of the first arm 50. The second arm shaft 62 is arranged in a similar manner with respect to the second (fixed) arm linkage 160 and the second arm 52.
Still referring to Figure 10, in the embodiment shown, a square recess 159 in the cylindrical part 156 at the second end 154 of the first and second arm linkages 150 cooperates with a square protrusion on the underside of the arms 50, 52, formed around the first and second apertures 54, to ensure the second end 154 of the first arm linkage 150 is rotationally fast with the first arm 50. A similar arrangement ensures the second end 164 of the second arm linkage 160 is rotationally fast with the second arm 52. Referring to Figure 10, first fastener means 70 and second fastener means 72, in the form of push-fit Capped Spider fixes, are provided to fasten to the free ends of the arm shafts 60, 62, thereby retaining the arms 50, 52 on the shafts 60, 62, whilst allowing the arms 50, 52, and the first (fixed) arm linkage 150, and the second (fixed) arm linkage 160, to rotate on the arm shafts 60, 62.
Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 10, the first arm 50 comprises a first thread mounting 90 at a first end of the first arm, and a second thread mounting 92 at a second end of the first arm remote from the first end. The second arm 52 comprises a second arm first thread mounting 94 at a first end of the second arm, and a second arm second thread mounting 96 at a second end of the second arm remote from the first end. Each thread mounting 90, 92, 94, 96 comprises a channel or slot. The slots extend in the same direction as a straight line from the first end of the arm 50, 52 to the second end of the arm. Each thread mounting 90, 92, 94, 96 also comprises a seat.
Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 10, the threading device 10 comprises a first thread 100 and a second thread 102.
Referring to Figure 10, a first thread holder 110, second thread holder 112, third thread holder 114, and fourth thread holder 116 are also provided. Each thread holder 110, 1 12, 114, 116 takes the form of a ball with a hole through the centre.
A first end of the first thread 100 is fitted to the first thread holder 110, i.e. thread is passed through hole in ball, thread is cut to the correct length if necessary, and then thread is fastened to prevent it passing back through the holes in the ball shaped thread holders. A second end of the first thread 100 is similarly fitted to second thread holder 112. A first end of second thread 102 is similarly fitted to third thread holder 114. A second end of second thread 102 is similarly fitted to fourth thread holder 116.
It is envisioned the threads 100, 102 can be provided in pre-determined lengths with the ball shaped thread holder 110, 112, 114, 116 integrally attached to the threads 100, 102. The threads 100, 102 are twisted, say five to ten times, to form a twisted part 104. For simplicity the twisted part 104 is only generally depicted in Figures 1 and 10, showing the length of the twisted part.
Then, the first thread holder 110 at the first end of the first thread 100 is attached to the first thread mounting 90 at the first end of the first arm 50. The second thread holder 112 at the second end of the first thread 100 is attached to the second thread mounting 92 at the second end of the first arm 50. The third thread holder 114 at the first end of the second thread 102 is attached to the second arm first thread mounting 94 at the first end of the second arm 52. And, the fourth thread holder 116 at the second end of the second thread 102 is attached to the second arm second thread mounting 96 at the second end of the second arm 52. In particular, the threads are passed through the slots, and the ball shaped thread holders abut against the seats of the thread mountings. Due to the length of each thread 100, 102 exceeding the length between the two thread mountings (for example 90, 92) at opposite ends of an arm (e.g. 50), it is easy to fit the first end of the first thread 100 to the first thread mounting 90, the second end of the first thread 100 to the second thread mounting 92, and the first end of second thread 102 to second arm first thread mounting 94. In order to make it easier to fit the second end of the second thread 102 to second arm second thread mounting 96 (or any of the other three ends if done in a different sequence), and have tension in the threads 100, 102 thereafter, at least one of the arm 52 (or 50) can be at least partly manually resiliently deformable. The thread mountings 94, 96 at opposite ends of the arm 52 (or thread mountings 90, 92 on arm 50) can be manually pushed together in the direction of the opposing thread mounting in Figure 4, to temporarily shorten the distance between thread mountings, so that the (ball shaped) fourth thread holder 116 at the second end of the second thread 102 passes the thread mounting 96 on the arm 52, permitting the second thread 102 to move into the slot of the thread mounting 96. Upon release by the user of the thread mountings 94, 96 at opposite ends of the arm 52, the thread mountings 94, 96 spring back to their original position (and length). This movement causes tension in the thread 102, which in turn causes the (ball shaped) fourth thread holder 116 to exert a force on the thread mounting 96. In this way, the threads 100, 102 are properly attached to, and retained on, the thread mountings 90, 92, 94, 96.
Referring to Figure 4, the arms 50, 52 are shown as U shaped, but they could be V shaped, or any suitable shape that places both ends of the arm are at equal distance (in the line of the thread) from the arm rotation mounting. Means to actuate the arms 50, 52 will now be described.
Referring to Figures 5 and 7, the first body part 12 comprises an (internally mounted) first trigger mounting 78, a spring mounting support 75, and a first trigger aperture 86.
Referring to Figures 8 and 10, the second body part 14 comprises a second trigger mounting 84, a second trigger aperture 85, and a spring mounting 88. The second trigger mounting 84 defines a trigger mounting aperture 99, which extends through the second body part 14, to its outer surface, as can be seen in Figure 9.
When the first body part 12 and the second body part 14 are fitted together, the position of the first trigger mounting 78 on the first body part 12 coincides with the position of the second trigger mounting 84 on the second body part 14,
Referring to Figures 1 and 10, the threading device 10 comprises a trigger or button 80. The trigger 80 comprises a mounting aperture 82.
To install the trigger 80 on the body 12, 14, the mounting aperture 82 of the trigger 80 is aligned with the first trigger mounting 78 on the first body part 12, and therefore the second trigger mounting 84 on the second body part 14, and a trigger shaft 81 is installed through the trigger 80, first trigger mounting 78, and the second trigger mounting 84, in a manner that the trigger remains pivotable.
When the first body part 12 and the second body part 14 are fitted together, the position of the first trigger aperture 85 and second trigger aperture 86 align, and the trigger 80 is arranged to move into the first trigger aperture 85 and second trigger aperture 86.
When the first body part 12 and the second body part 14 are fitted together, the position of the spring mounting support 75 on the first body part 12 coincides with the position of the spring mounting 88 on the second body part 14.
A spring 87 is mounted on the spring mounting 88, in particular the coil of the spring surrounding the spring mounting, so as to fix the spring but enable it to pivot. Referring to Figure 15, the trigger 80 comprises walls 98 defining a cavity 89 for the spring 87.
One limb of the spring 87 abuts an inside surface of the first body part 12 (see Figure 10), and the other limb of the spring 87 is located in the cavity 89 (see Figure 15) of the trigger 80, such that the spring 87 is biased to push the trigger 80 upwardly (as viewed in Figure 1) through the trigger aperture defined by trigger aperture 85 and trigger aperture 86.
Referring to Figure 10, the trigger 80 connects to a trigger linkage 120. Referring to Figure 15, the trigger linkage 120 is arranged in the cavity 89 between walls 98 of the trigger 80, and a shaft 121 is passed through an aperture 122 in the rear wall 98 of the trigger 80 (on the hidden side of the trigger in Figure 10), and an aperture 124 of the trigger linkage 120. The trigger 80 and the trigger linkage 120 are pivotable with respect to each other.
Referring to Figures 10 and 15, the trigger linkage 120 connects to a U shaped slider 130.
The U shaped slider 130 comprises at the base of the U shaped slider (i.e. the right hand side of the slider in Figure 10), and on its underside (which is hidden in Figure 10), a protrusion which is sized and designed to cooperate with an aperture 125 in the trigger linkage 120, to allow connection of the U shaped slider 130 and the trigger linkage 120. The U shaped slider 130 and the trigger linkage 120 are pivotable with respect to each other.
The U shaped slider 130 comprises a guide element 136 which protrudes from the front surface of the U shaped slider as shown in Figure 10. A slightly shorter guide element protrudes from the (hidden) rear surface in Figure 10, whilst leaving sufficient space for the U shaped slider 130 and the trigger linkage 120 to connect. The guide element 136 is slideable within a guide channel 137 defined by the interior of the first body part 12 as shown in Figure 7. The other guide element (on the reverse) is slideable within a slightly shorter guide channel 138 defined by the interior of the second body part 14 as shown in Figure 8.
The U shaped slider 130 comprises a first free end 132 and a second free end 134. The U shaped slider 130 comprises on its underside (which is hidden in Figure 10) protrusions at each of the first free end 132 and second free end 134, which are sized to cooperate with apertures at a first end of a first link element 140 and a first end of a second link element 142. The first free end 132 of the U shaped slider 130 is connected to the first end of the first link element 140. The second free end 134 of the U shaped slider 130 is connected to the first end of the second link element 142.
An aperture at the second end of the first link element 140, remote from first end, is sized and designed to connect to a protrusion on the hidden side (in Figure 10) of the first end 152 of the first (fixed) arm linkage 150. The second link element 142 is similarly connected to the second (fixed) arm linkage 160.
Referring to Figures 10 and 13, the trigger linkage 120, first link element 140, and second link element 142 can be made to a similar shape and size, and used interchangeably.
The link elements 140, 142 are optional, in that free ends of U shaped slider 130 can connect directly to, respectively, the first end 152 of first (fixed) arm linkage 150 and first end 162 of second (fixed) arm linkage 160.
In use, and referring to Figures 17, the user presses the trigger 80 to compress the spring 87. Upon release of the trigger 80, as represented by Figure 16, the spring 87 biases the trigger upwardly. The trigger 80 on its way up pulls the first linkage 120. The linkage then pulls the slider 130, which then pulls the two symmetrical link elements 140, 142. The link elements 140, 142 then symmetrically drive the arm linkages 150, 160, and the arms 50, 52. The first ends of the arms 50, 52 move in an opposite direction to the second ends of the arms 50, 52, so that the twisted section of the threads moves from one side to the other, in the process trapping and removing hairs that need to be removed. The arms 50, 52 move smoothly and at the same speed.
An arm length of about 65mm has been proved in private tests to be very effective.
The concave design of the arms 50, 52 is beneficial in that it can allow the hand / fingers some space. Referring to Figure 4, a suitable depth from the upper part of the arms to the upper surface of the handle dl is about 16.5mm.
The concave design can also allow a little tension in the thread as and when it needs it.
Various thread material can be employed but the applicant has found that a cotton thread performs well. The sensitivity of the arms can be adjusted so that the twisted section of the threads moves the full length or just a small amount for delicate single hair removal.
Means is provided to adjust the sensitivity of the arm movement.
Referring to Figure 7, the first body part 12 comprises a sensitivity wheel aperture 79.
The first body part 12 comprises an aperture 170 for the sensitivity adjuster (thumb) wheel 260.
Referring to Figure 10, the second body part 14 comprises a sensitivity wheel mounting part 210 on its interior.
In accordance with the invention, and referring to Figures 10, 14, and 15, the threading device 10 comprises a sensitivity adjuster (thumb) wheel 260.
Referring to Figure 15, the sensitivity adjuster (thumb) wheel 260 comprises an integral sensitivity wheel shaft 262. The sensitivity wheel shaft 262 is concentric with the periphery 264 of the sensitivity adjuster (thumb) wheel 260.
Referring to Figure 15, the sensitivity adjuster (thumb) wheel 260 comprises a disc 267. The disc 267 is sized and designed to prevent downward movement of the trigger 80. The disc is eccentric. In the position of the eccentric disc 267 shown in Figure 15, the trigger is least inhibited in its downward movement. Due to the eccentricity of the disc 267, when the disc is rotated, downward movement of the trigger is inhibited at an earlier position.
Referring to Figure 14, the front of the sensitivity adjuster (thumb) wheel 260 comprises a disc like part 266 which is concentric with the periphery 264 of the sensitivity adjuster (thumb) wheel 260. The periphery 267 of the disc like part 266 comprises four notches 268 (see Figure 10), one notch being hidden in Figure 14, corresponding to four pre determined sensitivity settings.
The disc like part 266 comprises a pointer 269 at its centre. The pointer 269 position in Figure 14 in which the lock 190 coming into alignment with the most clockwise notch 268 corresponds to a sensitivity setting 4 shown in Figure 25 where the pointer 269 points to the most anti clockwise dial setting, setting 4, which corresponds with the position of the arms 50, 52 shown in Figure 25. The thread mountings 92, 96 at the second end of the arms 50, 52 are almost in contact. In other words, the arms 50, 52 are open to their maximum.
Referring to Figure 10, the outer surface of the first body part 12 comprises indicia 200 which denote different rotational settings for the sensitivity adjuster (thumb) wheel 160.
The sensitivity adjuster (thumb) wheel 260 is mounted on the sensitivity wheel mounting part 210 of the second body part 14. The spring 87 does not interfere with the sensitivity adjuster (thumb) wheel 260. When the first body part 12 is placed against the second body part 14, the sensitivity adjuster (thumb) wheel 260 protrudes through the sensitivity wheel aperture 79 in the first body part 12, and the pointer 269 extends into the aperture 170 of the first body part 12. In this way, the user of the threading device 10 can manually move the periphery of the wheel 260, and view the position of the pointer 269.
It should be noted that Figures 16 and 17 also show the user manually adjusting the position of a sensitivity wheel, as the trigger is operated.
Figures 18 to 21 show the starting position of the arms 50, 52, at all of the sensitivity settings, of the threading device when the trigger 80 is inactivated, threads also being shown.
Figure 18 shows the trigger up at setting 1, and the closed arms position.
Figure 19 shows the trigger up at setting 2, and the closed arms position.
Figure 20 shows the trigger up at setting 3, and the closed arms position.
Figure 21 shows the trigger up at setting 4, and the closed arms position.
To operate the threading device 10, the user depresses the trigger 80.
Figure 22 shows the trigger down at setting 1, the least anti clockwise dial setting, and the open arms in a position a quarter between the extremes of arm movement. Threads are omitted for clarity and conciseness. Figure 23 shows the trigger down at setting 2, and the open arms in a position half way between the extremes of arm movement. Threads are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
Figure 24 shows the trigger down at setting 3, and the open arms in a position three quarters between the extremes of arm movement. Threads are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
Figure 25 shows the trigger down at setting 4, the most anti clockwise dial setting, and the open arms in a fully open position, threads also being shown.
The user then releases the trigger 80, and the trigger rises under the bias of the spring 87 back to its original position at each setting, and arms also return to their original position at each setting.
Setting 1 (Figures 18 and 22) provides the minimum range of arm movement.
Setting 2 (Figures 19 and 23) provides a greater range of arm movement.
Setting 3 (Figures 20 and 24) provides a still greater range of arm movement.
Setting 4 (Figures 21 and 25) provides the maximum range of arm movement.
Referring to Figures 10, 14, and 15, the threading device 10 comprises a sensitivity locking element 190.
Referring to Figures 10, the lock element 190 comprises a mounting part on its hidden side which extends into the page. The mounting part resiliently deforms to pass through the lock mounting aperture 174 and resiliently expands after it has passed through the lock mounting aperture, i.e. a snap fit. In this way, the lock element 190 is attached to the first body part 12, and is slideable in the lock mounting aperture.
The mounting part on the hidden side of the lock element 190 comprises an abutment, which is sized and designed to engage with one of the notches on the sensitivity adjuster (thumb) wheel 260, to provide predetermined sensitivity settings. The second body part 14 comprises a lock mounting aperture 174 for the lock 190.
Locking the sensitivity at a particular setting means the user does not need to manually keep the wheel in position, thereby freeing up a hand for assisting in the threading procedure.
Figures 26 to 30 show another embodiment of a threading device 300 in accordance with the invention.
The threading device 300 comprises a body, made of first and second body parts, with a handle for a user, a trigger 387 (see Figures 26 to 28), a spring 380, a sensitivity adjuster (thumb) wheel 360 (see Figures 26 to 28), with an eccentric 367 (see Figure 28), and a pointer 369 (see Figures 26 and 27). The threading device 300 also comprises indicia 400, on the body, and a lock element 390. These parts, broadly speaking correspond, functionally speaking, to the similarly named parts of the threading device 10.
Unlike in the threading device 10, which has two arms, and referring to Figures 26 to 30, the threading device 300 comprises four arms, a first arm 350a, a second arm 350b, a third arm 352a, and a fourth arm 352b. Referring to Figure 27 for clarity (although the parts are also shown in other Figures), the threading device 300 comprises a first thread mounting 310, a second thread mounting 312, a third thread mounting 314, and a fourth thread mounting 316. Referring to Figure 30, each thread mounting 310, 312, 314, 316 comprises an (elongate) hollow tube (or other suitable shape) defining a recess. The thread mountings 310, 312, 314, 316 are mounted on the first arm 350a, second arm 350b, third arm 352a, and fourth arm 352b perpendicular to the plane of the arms.
Each thread mounting 310, 312, 314, 316 comprises a cap 320 (only the cap for the second thread mounting is shown for clarity).
The threading device 300 comprises a first thread 450 and a second thread 452.
The threads are twisted as in the threading device 10, and, a first end of the first thread 450 is placed into the hollow tube of the first thread mounting 310, a second end of the first thread 450 is placed into the hollow tube of the second thread mounting 312 (as shown in Figure 30), a first end of the second thread 452 is placed into the hollow tube of the third thread mounting 314, and a second end of the second thread 452 is placed into the hollow tube of the fourth thread mounting 316.
The cap 320 is then pushed into the end of the thread mounting to trap the (cotton) thread in place. The caps 320 allow replacement of the threads.
Referring to Figure 28, the threading device 300 comprises cam elements (only the first cam element 330 is referenced). The cam element 330 is fixed to its respective arm 350a, 352a, and is rotationally fast therewith. The cam element 330 comprises a cam surface 332 for cooperation with a cam surface on an end of the second arm 350b, to move the second arm 350b. The other cam element fixed to the third arm 352a has a similar effect on the fourth arm 352b.
Referring to Figure 29, the threading device 300 can comprise teeth 330b, instead of cooperating cam surfaces, if the friction based method does provide enough friction to move the arms adequately.
In use, and referring to Figure 28, the user of the threading device 300 presses the trigger 380 to compress the spring 387. Upon release of the trigger 80, the spring 87 biases the trigger upwardly. The trigger 380 on its way up pulls the first linkage 420. The linkage then pulls the slider 422, which then pulls the two symmetrical link elements 424, 426. The link elements 424, 426 then symmetrically drive the first arm 350a, and the third arm 352a. Due to the cam elements 330, or teeth elements, the first arm 350a, and the third arm 352a, move, respectively, the second arm 350b and the fourth arm 352b. The first arm 350a and the third arm 352a move in an opposite direction to the second arm 350b and the fourth arm 352b. This movement of the arms 350a, 350b, 352a, 352b drives the twists in the thread, which plucks hair(s) accordingly. The arms 350a, 350b, 352a, 352b remain symmetrical.