EP0766936A1 - Applicator assembly and depilatory wax applicator - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has a reservoir to hold a quantity of the wax, having an aperture at least partially closed by a dispenser (7). The applicator can be placed on a base (2) containing an electrical heater. The heater comprises an inductor (4) fixed to the base and an induced member (6) fixed to the applicator or reservoir and integrated with the dispenser. The dispenser is immersed in the reservoir and makes contact with the wax inside it, regardless of the level to which it is filled and the position of its aperture. The reservoir is cylindrical in shape, and the dispenser is in the form of a ring which fits inside it. The outer diameter of the ring being between 60 and 95 per cent of the inner diameter of the reservoir.

Description

The present invention relates to the general technical field of devices for applying hot-melt products, such as depilatory wax, in which the product is stored in solid form, and must be subjected to a calorific contribution to change state and pass at least in a pasty state so that it can be applied.

The invention more particularly aims to protect an application assembly and a depilatory wax applicator.

Whatever the type of depilatory wax application considered, the depilation technique by applying a depilatory wax consists in melting a certain amount of wax, then in applying in the molten state, a layer of wax on the area to be epilated. After hardening, that is to say cooling, the cold wax film is removed and the hairs are then extracted from the skin due to their joining with the wax.

The implementation of these techniques generally requires the use of relatively bulky devices, giving rise to a long, tedious, and often messy hair removal operation.

To implement this technique, application devices are already known which essentially consist of a heated reservoir for liquefying the depilatory wax. These devices are completed by an applicator element, of the spatula or roller type, independent of the reservoir, which the user introduces into the mass of molten wax in order to take a certain amount of it which she can spread over the area to be depilated.

These devices have the advantage of being simple and of allowing the use of any kind of wax, however their handling remains particularly delicate. The temperature of application of the wax is poorly controlled, as well as the thickness of application of the layer of wax on the area to be depilated.

To improve the prior devices mentioned above, application devices have already been proposed comprising a portable dispensing member, connected to the reservoir by a flexible hose. A pump system allows the discharge of the wax from the reservoir to the pipe, then to the dispensing member.

These devices have the advantage of having a great autonomy. The pump system allows the discharge of the wax and therefore its application on an area to be depilated, whatever the orientation of this area in space. However, such devices remain relatively bulky, and require a relatively long implementation time.

In order to further improve the prior devices, autonomous devices have been developed, in particular that described in European patent application EP-0.629.366 concerning an applicator of hot-melt products, in particular depilatory wax. This device comprises a housing, associated with gripping means, a reservoir for the depilatory product made of a material which is good conductor of heat and preferably aluminum. This tank is in thermal relation with external heating means. At least one applicator roller is disposed in the vicinity of an outlet opening of the reservoir, in order to allow the application of depilatory wax to the desired area.

Another device of comparable type has been developed in European patent application EP-0.592.340 concerning an applicator of hot-melt products, in particular depilatory wax also comprising a housing, associated with a gripping means, a reservoir for the product to be apply, and at least one product applicator means disposed in the vicinity of the outlet port of the reservoir. In the device described in this document, at least part of the tank is made of plastic material which conducts electrical current, thus constituting heating means.

These two previous devices, of compact form, allow better control and control of the application temperature of the wax, facilitate the use and cleaning of the devices, and limit the risk of soiling the environment.

However, these prior devices, although covering numerous needs of the users, can still be improved.

During the hair removal operation, it is necessary to be able to bring the molten wax, contained in the reservoir, to the point of contact with the skin. In previous devices where the flow of molten wax from the reservoir by means of application is done by gravity, the applicator must operate upside down, which leads to making certain areas inaccessible.

Another difficulty resides in the heating systems used, and intended to ensure the melting of the wax, which makes particularly delicate, if not impossible, the projects of miniaturization of these devices.

The object of the present invention therefore aims to remedy the drawbacks of previous devices and in particular to provide a set of depilatory wax application whose design and construction are particularly simplified, while allowing good control of the temperature d 'application, and great maneuverability.

Another object of the invention is to have an application assembly comprising heating means simplifying the electrical connections, and despite everything reliable, and application means limiting the risk of leakage and untimely spreading.

It is also an objective of the invention to allow the user, easy use on oneself and that even in places that are not very accessible, with a handy device having a standalone applicator whose simplified design allows easy miniaturization. . An object of the invention is also to have an apparatus whose size is small and which is easily manipulated.

• d'un applicateur comprenant un réservoir destiné à contenir un volume de cire à épiler, ledit réservoir disposant d'une ouverture au moins partiellement fermée par des moyens de distribution de ladite cire,
• une embase sur laquelle peut être placé l'applicateur, l'applicateur pouvant être désolidarisé de l'embase afin d'être utilisé de façon autonome lors de l'application de la cire fondue sur la zone à épiler,
• des moyens de chauffage, destinés à faire fondre la cire à épiler contenue dans le réservoir de l'applicateur, et alimenté de façon électrique à partir de l'embase.

To achieve these goals, the invention relates to a set of depilatory wax application comprising:

• an applicator comprising a reservoir intended to contain a volume of depilatory wax, said reservoir having an opening at least partially closed by means of dispensing said wax,
• a base on which the applicator can be placed, the applicator being able to be detached from the base in order to be used independently when applying the molten wax to the area to be depilated,
• heating means, intended to melt the depilatory wax contained in the reservoir of the applicator, and supplied electrically from the base.

According to the invention, the heating means are induction means, comprising an inductor secured to the base, and an armature secured to the applicator.

An induction heating device, applied to the melting of depilatory wax, thus makes it possible to have heating means of simplified design, and this particularly at the level of the applicator. This new design allows significant simplification of electrical connections.

• l'induit solidaire de l'applicateur est solidaire du réservoir,
• l'induit solidaire de l'applicateur est intégré aux moyens de distribution de la cire à épiler,
• les moyens de distribution plongent à l'intérieur du réservoir et sont en contact avec la cire à épiler contenue dans le réservoir, quel que soit le niveau de remplissage de la cire et l'orientation de l'ouverture du réservoir,
• le réservoir a une forme sensiblement cylindrique,
• les moyens de distribution comprennent une bague cylindrique de distribution placée dans le réservoir, mobile en rotation,
• l'axe de la bague cylindrique et l'axe du réservoir de forme cylindrique sont parallèles, le diamètre externe de la bague étant compris entre 60 et 95% du diamètre interne du réservoir, par exemple sensiblement égal à 85%,
• la bague de distribution comprend un premier anneau rigide conducteur d'électricité, avantageusement magnétisable, constituant une partie au moins de l'induit solidaire de l'applicateur, ledit premier anneau étant recouvert à sa surface externe par un second anneau constitué en une matière isolante,
• les moyens de distribution sont maintenus en position à l'intérieur du réservoir par des plots solidaires du réservoir.

In different particular embodiments, the invention includes the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in all their technically possible combinations:

• the armature secured to the applicator is secured to the reservoir,
• the armature integral with the applicator is integrated into the means for dispensing the depilatory wax,
• the dispensing means plunge inside the reservoir and are in contact with the depilatory wax contained in the reservoir, whatever the level of filling of the wax and the orientation of the opening of the reservoir,
• the reservoir has a substantially cylindrical shape,
• the distribution means comprise a cylindrical distribution ring placed in the tank, mobile in rotation,
• the axis of the cylindrical ring and the axis of the cylindrical tank are parallel, the external diameter of the ring being between 60 and 95% of the internal diameter of the tank, for example substantially equal to 85%,
• the distribution ring comprises a first rigid electrically conductive ring, advantageously magnetizable, constituting at least part of the armature integral with the applicator, said first ring being covered on its external surface by a second ring made of an insulating material ,
• the distribution means are held in position inside the tank by studs integral with the tank.

The invention also relates to the depilatory wax applicator intended for use in the application assembly according to the invention.

Various other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description, given by way of example and without limitation, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an application assembly according to the invention, in which an applicator, seen in profile, is arranged on its base, serving as a power supply, seen in section.

FIG. 2 represents another alternative embodiment of the base in a view where the composition is comparable to that of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 represents a front cross section of an embodiment of the depilatory wax applicator, produced according to the plane III-III of FIG. 4.

Figure 4 is a cross section of the profile of the applicator shown in Figure 3, taken along the plane IV-IV of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is another embodiment of the depilatory wax applicator, produced according to the plane V-V of Figure 6, and shown in a comparable manner to Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a profile cross section taken along the plane VI-VI, relating to the applicator shown in Figure 5.

Figure 7 shows in a view similar to that of Figure 3 and Figure 5 another embodiment of the applicator.

Figure 8 shows the applicator ring 1 shown in Figure 7 in perspective.

Figure 9 shows a view comparable to Figure 7 of another embodiment of the depilatory wax applicator.

As far as possible, the same reference signs have been used to represent the identical elements used in the various embodiments of the invention.

The depilatory wax application assembly shown more particularly in FIG. 1, comprises an applicator 1 shown in position on its base 2. This base 2 serves to support the applicator 1, and also allows the electrical supply of the heating means.

The base 2 essentially comprises the means inducing the heating means. This inductor includes a coil 4, which is traversed by suitable alternating currents to create a magnetic field. This magnetic field is transmitted to a ferrite 3, or magnetic field conductive material, having two parallel faces located opposite one another on each side of the housing intended to receive the applicator 1, so as to constitute a gap at the level of this accommodation.

The applicator comprises a housing 5 in which is arranged an armature 6 conducting electricity, and means 7 for distributing the depilatory wax contained in the applicator 1.

In operation, and when the applicator 1 is placed on its base 2, the appropriate alternating current flowing through the coil 4 creates a magnetic field, channeled by the ferrite 3 outside the applicator 1. The magnetic field passes through the induces 6 and generates induction currents there. The armature 6, integral with the applicator 1 then heats up by electromagnetic induction phenomenon, and transmits a caloric contribution to the depilatory wax contained inside the applicator 1, which under the action of the heat changes physical state to liquefy enough so that it can be spread as a layer.

In another embodiment, shown more particularly in Figure 2, the inductor integrated in the base 2 is produced in a particularly simplified form.

The inductor essentially comprises a coil 4 in two parts arranged on either side of the housing intended to receive the applicator 1, so as to produce induction effects there. The armature 6 integral with the applicator 1 can therefore be put in direct contact with the magnetic field created by the coil 4 and transmit a caloric contribution to the depilatory wax contained in the application 1 by electromagnetic induction phenomenon.

The base therefore also allows an electrical supply of the heating means. The electrical transmission being produced by electromagnetic induction phenomenon, the connections between the applicator 1 and the base are therefore particularly simplified and allow in particular a miniaturization of the applicator 1.

The use of the depilatory wax application assembly can therefore be carried out as follows: the user places the applicator 1 on the base 2 intended for this purpose, then activates the electrical supply to the coil 4. The induced currents transmitted in the armature 6 heat it, the heat dissipates in the wax and melts it. When the wax is melted, the user removes the applicator 1 from its base 2 and can stop the electrical supply to the inductor.

It is also possible to provide devices for regulating or automating certain stages, and in particular to have means for delaying the electrical supply allowing an automatic shutdown of the heating means and thereby limiting the risks of overheating. Various other means may also be provided in order to provide the appropriate alternating current.

Different embodiments of the applicator 1 are shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

In the embodiment represented in FIG. 3, the applicator 1 comprises a reservoir 8 intended to contain a volume of depilatory wax 20. This reservoir 8 also allows the manipulation of the applicator 1, and therefore thus fulfills a role of housing.

The reservoir 8 is provided with an opening 14 at least partially closed by means 9 for distributing the wax 20.

The reservoir 8 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and more precisely a circular cylindrical shape comprising a flat bottom and a flat top or cover connected together by a truncated side wall at the level of the opening.

The distribution means 9 comprise a cylindrical distribution ring movable in rotation, placed in the tank 8. Advantageously the axis of rotation of the cylindrical distribution ring and the axis of the tank of cylindrical shape are parallel.

The external diameter of the distribution ring is advantageously between 60 and 95% of the internal diameter of the reservoir 8 of cylindrical shape, and for example substantially equal to 85%. This embodiment thus makes it possible to have distribution means 9 which plunge inside the reservoir 8 so as to be in contact with the depilatory wax 20, and this whatever the level of filling the depilatory wax and the orientation of the opening 14 of the reservoir 8. When the dispensing ring 9 is subjected to rotation, it causes by its surface the wax 20 contained inside the reservoir 8. It covers with a thickness of wax corresponding to the clearance left by the opening 14. The wax can then be deposited on the surface to be depilated. This wax transfer works regardless of the position of the housing. The application of the depilatory wax therefore does not depend on the flow by gravity of the wax 20 contained in the reservoir 8.

Advantageously, the dispensing ring 9 comprises a first rigid ring 10 made of an electrically conductive material, constituting at least part of the armature integral with the applicator.

The armature 6 can also itself include a magnetizable circuit channeling the flux of the magnetic field inside the applicator 1, which advantageously reduces the reluctance, or resistance to the passage of the magnetic field, of the armature 6.

Thus, in a more sophisticated version than the previous one, the first ring 10 itself consists of a magnetizable inner ring, made of ferrite for example, and an adjoining outer ring made of highly electrically conductive material, for example in copper.

In another version, the first ring 10 combines both magnetic field conduction properties and electricity. Typically, it can be made of steel.

The first ring 10 therefore also serves as an induction coil and can act as a heating element, disposed inside the reservoir 8, in the manner of a immersion heater disposed inside the wax 20 and in direct contact with that -this.

Advantageously, the first ring 10, made at least partially of electrically conductive material, is covered on its outer surface by a second ring 11, concentric with the first, made of an insulating material of small thickness. This second ring 11 serves as an envelope for the distribution ring 9 and allows a better distribution of the heat inside the depilatory wax 20. On the other hand, during the application of the molten wax to the area to depilate, this second ring 11 avoids a feeling of too much heat due to its low thermal conductivity.

The distribution ring 9 is held in position inside the reservoir 8 by means of studs 12 integral with the reservoir 8. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the studs 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, 12-4 come into contact with the outer surface of the distribution ring 9. These external studs 12 can be arranged in pairs, placed facing one another as shown for studs 12-3 and 12-3b in FIG. 4.

The particular shape of the dispensing means 9 allows them to cover most of the interior volume of the reservoir 8, the dimension of the dispensing ring being of a size comparable to that of the interior of the reservoir 8. However, the open shape of the distribution ring makes it possible to limit only slightly the volume of depilatory wax 20 which may be contained inside the reservoir 8. The lateral clearance disposed between the distribution ring and the interior walls of the reservoir 8 allowing the wax 20 to circulate inside the tank, and therefore essentially coat the external surface of the distribution ring during its rotation.

Another embodiment of the applicator 1 is shown more particularly in Figures 5 and 6.

The essential characteristics of this alternative embodiment consist in the mode of positioning the distribution roller inside the tank 8. The distribution ring is held in position inside the tank 8 by studs 13 secured to the tank 8. However here, the pads 13-1, 13-2, 13-3 come into contact with the inner surface of the distribution ring.

This particular arrangement allows the dispensing ring to drive the depilatory wax 20 over its entire outer surface without being scraped in some way by the action of studs coming into contact with this outer surface. The depilatory wax can therefore be distributed uniformly over the entire outer surface of the distribution ring, this distribution being effected by means of the clearance left for this purpose between the distribution ring and the opening 14 arranged in the wall 16 of the reservoir 8.

The studs 13 also make it possible to connect the two flat faces 15, 17 of the reservoir 8, and thus to increase its rigidity.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the plane cover 17 of the reservoir 8 can be assembled in a removable manner, so as to facilitate filling of the reservoir 8 for new use. Different other arrangements can be envisaged in order to allow the refilling of the reservoir 8, in particular by having side openings which can be closed.

It can also be envisaged to produce an applicator 1 for single use, that is to say for single filling. In this case, the applicator 1 is pre-filled before marketing and when it is empty the user replaces it with a new applicator. In this case, advantageously, at least one of the walls of the tank 8 is partially made of a transparent material making it possible to control the filling level of the tank 8.

In Figures 7 and 8 are shown alternative embodiments of the applicator 1.

In the embodiment shown more particularly in Figure 7, the armature secured to the applicator 1 is secured to the reservoir 8. A truncated ring 18 disposed along the inner surface of the side walls of the reservoir 8 constitutes the armature for heating the wax 20 contained inside the tank 8. This ring 18 can cover the entire interior surface of the tank 8, or cover it only partially, in particular cover only the circular side wall or the two flat faces or only one of these two faces.

In the case where the ring 18 covers only the circular side wall, the continuity of the passage of the induced current is ensured by two branches 25 conducting electricity, arranged on either side of the opening 14 parallel to the flat faces of the inner surface of the tank 8.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, a part 19 constituting the armature integral with the applicator 1, is attached to the interior of the reservoir 8. Advantageously, this part 19 is placed substantially in the center of the reservoir 8, or slightly in his part lower. This piece made of ferromagnetic material is smaller in size than that of the distribution ring 9. This makes it possible to minimize the dimensions of the electromagnetic circuit. However, this arrangement also reduces the useful volume of the reservoir 8 and limits its capacity.

The invention is not limited to the details of the embodiments described above, but includes in particular variants employing equivalent means. Different variants of the application assembly are possible, particularly with regard to the shape of the base 2, its size or the number of turns constituting the coil 4. Different embodiments of complementary means also make it possible to have the current suitable alternative to create the electromagnetic field.

The distribution ring 9 is held inside the reservoir by studs 12, 13 coming into contact with the internal surface or the external surface of the ring 9. The number of these studs can also be variable from one embodiment to the 'other.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the distribution ring 9 consists of a rigid ring 10 covered by an insulating ring 11. The material of this insulating ring makes it possible to limit the sensation of heat during application depilatory wax. The material of this ring can also be chosen so as to facilitate the application of the depilatory wax, the depilatory wax adhering sufficiently to this material to be entrained, but adhering more to the skin so as to be easily applied.

Claims (11)

Set of depilatory wax application composed: an applicator (1) comprising a reservoir (8) intended to contain a volume of depilatory wax (20), said reservoir (8) having an opening (14) at least partially closed by distribution means ( 7, 9) of said wax (20), - a base (2) on which the applicator (1) can be placed, the applicator (1) being able to be detached from the base (2) in order to be used independently during the application of the wax (20) fondue on the area to be epilated, - heating means, intended to melt the depilatory wax (20) contained in the reservoir (8) of the applicator (1), and supplied electrically from the base (2), characterized in that that the heating means are induction means, comprising an inductor (4) integral with the base (2) and an armature (6, 18, 19) integral with the applicator (1). Depilatory wax application assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the armature (6, 18, 19) integral with the applicator (1) is integral with the reservoir (8). Depilatory wax application assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the armature (6, 11) integral with the applicator (1) is integrated into the distribution means (7) of the depilatory wax (20) . Depilatory wax application assembly according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the dispensing means (7) plunge inside the reservoir (8) and are in contact with the depilatory wax (20 ) contained in the reservoir (8), whatever the level of filling of the wax (20) and the orientation of the opening (14) of the reservoir (8). Depilatory wax application assembly according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reservoir (8) has a substantially cylindrical shape. Depilatory wax application assembly according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the distribution means (7) comprise a cylindrical distribution ring (9) placed in the reservoir (8), movable in rotation. Depilatory wax application assembly according to Claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the axis of the cylindrical ring (9) and the axis of the cylindrical reservoir (8) are parallel, the external diameter of the ring (9) being between 60 and 95% of the internal diameter of the reservoir (8), for example substantially equal to 85%. Depilatory wax application assembly according to one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the distribution ring (9) comprises a first rigid electrically conductive ring (10) constituting at least part of the armature integral with the applicator (1), said first ring (10) being covered on its external surface by a second ring (11) made of an insulating material. Depilatory wax application assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the first electrically conductive ring (10) is magnetizable. Depilatory wax application assembly according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the dispensing means are held in position inside the reservoir (8) by studs (12, 13) integral with the reservoir (8). Depilatory wax applicator, intended for use in the application set according to one of claims 1 to 10.

Images