HK1105339B - Tweezers for cosmetic use - Google Patents

Description

Cosmetic tweezers

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a cosmetic clip. The invention relates in particular to cosmetic tweezers.

Background

Tweezers are small clips consisting of one substantially flat end extending into two branches, which act like springs; and the flat end enables very small objects to be gripped or to perform highly delicate work tasks. Some tweezers are configured for cosmetic purposes. They are commonly used for depilation, their small size enabling them in particular to grasp and pull out hairs accurately.

Prior art tweezers, in particular cosmetic tweezers, are usually thin and long. So that their branches are narrow and elongated. However, this accepted form has several disadvantages. In fact the operation of prior art forceps may prove uncomfortable, especially for people with reduced dexterity, such as the elderly. Prior art forceps also tend to roll unintentionally between the user's fingers, for example when the user presses too hard or askew on the branches.

Such tweezers are known in the prior art: the elongated and substantially narrow branches of which are enlarged in limited portions to provide a larger support area for actuating the forceps. However, such a construction has the following disadvantages: the support areas extending on both sides of the longitudinal axis of the branches provide a large lever arm that allows significant torsion when a force is applied near one end of the lever arm. There is therefore a considerable risk: when actuating the forceps, a user pressing in an off-center manner causes a poor alignment between the jaws when closed, or even irreversibly damages the forceps, especially if the hinge between the two branches is not precise and/or strong.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to propose cosmetic tweezers which do not have the drawbacks of the cosmetic tweezers of the prior art.

This object is achieved by cosmetic tweezers having the features of the independent claim, advantageous variants being further given by the dependent independent claims.

This object is achieved in particular by cosmetic tweezers having two branches containing one metal end for gripping small objects, the maximum width of the two branches being greater than half the average width of the support surface of the thumb of a moderately obese adult user when the tweezers are actuated, and the maximum length of the two branches being less than the average length of the moderately obese adult thumb. Thus, even a person with reduced dexterity can easily grasp the forceps of the invention between two fingers to close it. Furthermore, even when the forceps are closed forcefully or askew, the width of the branches prevents the branches from sliding between the fingers of the user and/or prevents the forceps from undesirably rotating.

Drawings

The invention will be better understood with the aid of the description of the preferred embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 6, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of forceps according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

figure 2 is a top view of the forceps of figure 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the forceps of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of forceps with additional elements mounted on the branches according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

figure 5 is a top view of the forceps of figure 2; and

figure 6 is a side view of the forceps of figure 2.

Detailed Description

According to the preferred embodiment shown in fig. 1-3, the tweezers according to the invention comprise a preferably metallic frame structure 1, the frame structure 1 having an end 2, the end 2 preferably being narrow and e.g. flat, so that small objects can be grasped accurately. The skilled person will understand that the shape of the tip 2 is preferably adapted to the intended use of the forceps, e.g. the shape is pointed, curved, etc. According to a preferred embodiment, the tweezers of the invention are used for making up. The end 2 is therefore preferably suitable for this purpose, in particular for catching and pulling out human hair.

The end 2 gets rapidly larger and extends into two wider branches 3 relative to the end 2. According to the invention, the maximum width of the branches 3, for example at least equal to half the average width of the support surface of the thumb of a moderately obese adult when the forceps are actuated, is preferably 2/3, in order to ensure the flexural rigidity and torsional rigidity of the frame structure 1 along the longitudinal axis, thus providing optimal comfort and precision of use. According to a more preferred embodiment, the maximum width of the branches 3 is at least equal to the average width of the support area of the thumb of a moderately obese adult human when the forceps are actuated. On the other hand, the maximum length of the branch 3 is preferably less than the average length of a moderately obese adult thumb.

Based on the samples completed during the development of the forceps of the present invention, the average width of the support area of the thumb of a moderately obese adult when the forceps are actuated was close to about 20mm, while the average length of the thumb was around 55mm, regardless of gender. The maximum width of the branches 3 is therefore preferably greater than 20mm, while their maximum length is preferably less than 55 mm. According to a preferred embodiment, the maximum width of the branches 3 is at least equal to one third of their maximum length, and according to another preferred embodiment, the maximum width of the branches 3 is at least equal to half of the maximum length. In the illustrated example, the branch 3 becomes wider over less than half of the length of the branch 3 from the end 2, then maintains its maximum width to the connection area 32, the connection area 32 connecting the two branches 3 and being located on the other end. The outer dimension of the widest part of the branch 3 extending over at least half the length of the fork 3 is therefore substantially the outer dimension of a square.

On the other hand, the tip 2 is preferably narrow, similar to the tip of prior art tweezers, in order to make very small objects, such as human hair, easy to grasp and in a detached state. The maximum width of the end 2 is therefore preferably 1/3 smaller than the maximum width of the branch 3. According to a preferred embodiment, the maximum width of the end 2 is preferably 1/5 smaller than the maximum width of the branch 3.

The branches 3 are interconnected by a flexible sheet 30, the flexible sheet 30 preferably being formed in the widest part of the branches 3, the flexible sheet 30 serving in a spring-like manner to prevent the tweezers 1 from closing. Preferably, each branch 3 has two lamellae 30, each lamella 30 lengthening the corresponding lamella 30 of the other branch 3. The spring action to keep the forceps 1 open is preferably ensured mainly by the flexibility of the lamellae 30 themselves.

The flexibility of the lamellae 30 is determined and controlled, for example, by forming notches 31, the notches 31 locally reducing the thickness of the lamellae 30 on each lamella 30. In particular, by selecting the size and symmetry of the notches 31, it is possible to precisely determine the degree of deflection of each lamina 30 and the area and direction in which the fundamental bending will occur. The notch 31 is preferably arranged as far away from the tip 2 as possible in order to minimize the angle formed between the branches 3 when the forceps are closed and to ensure an optimal transmission of the force exerted by the user on the branches 3 on the tip 2.

The lamellae 30 of each branch 3 are preferably connected to the corresponding lamellae 30 of the other branch 3 by means of connection areas 32, which connection areas 32 are virtually undeformed when the tweezers 1 are actuated, even if the supporting forces on the branches 3 are very large. The connecting area 32 is for example of the same material as the foil 30, but much wider than the latter, so that the rigidity of the connecting area 32 is also much higher. The rigidity of the connection zone 32 ensures in particular that the ends 2 of the tweezers are correctly closed, avoiding any lateral offset between the branches 3.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection areas 32 determine a certain distance between the branches 3, thereby allowing the opening angle between the branches 3 to be relatively small, even if the branches 3 are substantially parallel, when the forceps of the invention are open in the rest position. The opening angle between the branches 3 thus gives the forceps of the invention the best comfort of use and an improved aesthetic appearance when the ends 2 are open, although the branches 3 are relatively short.

Two lamellae 30 of the same limb 3 are preferably arranged on each side of the limb 3 so as to be as far apart from each other as possible. This arrangement allows optimal control of the accuracy with which the flat tip 2 closes when the forceps 1 are actuated. The spacing of the lamellae 30, which connect the branches 3 to one another, in fact allows to prevent the branches 3 from shifting laterally with respect to one another during closing.

It is clear to the skilled person that when conceiving the tweezers of the present invention, the number of lamellae 30 per branch 3 is optional, for example to adapt said tweezers to a particular use and/or to give them a determined resistance. The branches 3 of the tweezers 1 according to the invention may thus contain, for example, one, two, three or more flexible lamellae, depending on the aesthetic appearance and/or the desired operating comfort.

The frame structure 1 of the tweezers of the invention is preferably manufactured by electro-discharge machining and then folding the metal plate. The two branches 3 are thus cut symmetrically and connected to each other by the connecting zone 32. Once cut, the frame structure is folded at the connection area 32. The folding is carried out with the highest precision in order to guarantee the correct alignment of the branches 3 and the desired spacing between them.

However, the skilled person will understand that other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention. According to a variant embodiment, each branch 3 is made, for example, separately and then fixed by the end of its lamina 30 to the other branch 3, directly or through a connecting element. The fixing is for example performed by welding, gluing, etc. However, such an embodiment has the disadvantage that: high cost, brittle and generally less accurate.

In use, the forceps of the invention are preferably held by the user via two branches 3, for example using the thumb and forefinger of the same hand. In contrast to prior art forceps, the forceps of the present invention are preferably held with the thumb oriented upward, while the index finger is bent against the lower branch. Such holding forceps allow the user to exert a greater force on the tip 2 than in the case of prior art forceps, which are typically actuated by a fingertip.

The user exerts pressure on the outer surface of the branch 3, preferably on the area located between the notch 31 and the flat end 2. The flexible sheet 30 is then folded substantially in the region of the notch 31, while the remaining parts of the branches 3 retain their original shape, thus having the effect of closing the flat end 2, for example for gripping small objects. When the user releases the pressure on the outer surface of the branches 3, the tweezers 1 open under the spring force of the lamellae 30 which returns the lamellae 30 to their initial position.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ends 2 are off-centre with respect to the branches 3 and are connected to the branches 3 along an axis different from their longitudinal axis. This off-centre and off-axis position of the tip 2 allows to avoid that the wide part of the frame structure 1 interferes with the user's line of sight when using the forceps of the invention. This position also enables the wide portion of the frame structure 1 to be held correctly in the palm of the user's hand, while ensuring optimal contact with the tip 2. However, the skilled person will appreciate that other positions may be used for the tip 2. In particular it may be coupled to branches 3 in pairs with respect to branches 3 and/or along axes parallel to their longitudinal axes.

The width of the limbs 3 allows to provide a considerable support surface for the user to actuate the forceps against the elastic force of the sheet 30. Even a person with reduced dexterity can easily hold the forceps of the invention between the two fingers to close it. Furthermore, the width of the branches 3 allows to prevent the branches 3 from sliding between the fingers of the user and/or to prevent the tweezers from accidentally rotating when the branches 3 are closed even hard or askew.

The width of the branches 3 also gives the frame structure 1 better stability with respect to the ends 2.

The width of the frame structure 1, in particular the large surface of the branches 3, also allows to easily fix there, for example additional elements allowing to further enlarge the support surfaces on the branches 3, to provide contact surfaces that are more suitable and less slippery than the contact surfaces of said frame structure and/or to give the tweezers of the invention a particular appearance, for example for aesthetic, ergonomic and/or advertising purposes. According to a variant embodiment of the invention, described further below, the additional element or elements fixed on the branches 3 also allow to add new functions to the forceps of the invention.

According to a preferred embodiment of the tweezers according to the invention, the branches 3 contain fixing elements, such as openings 38, 39 and/or notches 37, which allow to fix, for example by removable clamping, an additional element of moulded or injected synthetic material here, said additional element being provided with suitable fixing elements intended to cooperate with the fixing elements of the branches 3.

Fig. 4-6 illustrate, for example, a variant embodiment of the invention in which each branch 3 comprises a cover 9 mounted on and almost completely covering its outer surface. According to this embodiment, the cover 9 gives the tweezers a particular aesthetic appearance, while further enlarging the support area for actuating the tweezers. Each cover 9 preferably comprises fixing elements 97, 99, partially visible in figures 4 and 6, cooperating with the openings 39 and notches 37 of the respective branches 3.

In the illustrated example, the lid 9 is heart-shaped and therefore has a distinct aesthetic appearance. However, the skilled person will understand that other lids are also envisaged within the scope of the invention. The shape and/or material of such a cover may in particular be varied at will in order to give the tweezers of the invention convenience of use and/or a desired aesthetic appearance. The cover may for example provide a particularly ergonomic support surface, for example for left-handed or right-handed people. They may also be ornamental elements belonging to jewellery and containing precious metals, setting stones, etc. They may also contain advertising titles. The skilled person will also understand that the additional element fixed to the frame structure 1 cannot cover its entire outer surface.

According to another variant embodiment of the invention, the additional elements fixed to the branches 3 provide an additional function to the tweezers 1 of the invention. According to this embodiment, the at least one additional element comprises, for example: a watch, a thermometer, a lamp for illuminating the end 2 when pressure is applied on the branch 3, etc.

Additional elements, such as a cover 9, are preferably mounted on the branches 3 in a removable manner so that they can be easily interchanged without special tools or the risk of irreversibly damaging the forceps 1. According to the invention, the user can thus be provided with several different additional elements, each providing, for example, other functions, other ergonomic and/or different aesthetic appearances. The user can thus adapt the forceps of the invention to his likings and/or needs by fixing his chosen attachment element from the available ones.

One advantage of the forceps 1 of the invention is that: because of the width of the branches 3 and their small length, they are not considered dangerous goods according to the new regulations implemented in the field of aeronautical transport. They are carried in the cabin and used by travelers during travel.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, described further above, the two branches 3 of the forceps 1 are much wider than the flat tip 2, preferably at least as wide as the thumb of a moderately obese adult user. According to a variant embodiment of the invention, only one branch is large and comprises, for example, a fixing element for fixing an additional element, while the other branches are narrow and elongated, similar to the branches of tweezers of the prior art.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, further described above, the frame structure 1 of the forceps of the invention is metallic and comprises the ends 2 of the same material. However, the skilled person will understand that it is also conceivable within the scope of the invention to envisage a frame structure of another material, for example of moulded or injection-moulded synthetic material, having a metal end 2, for example consisting of a pair of metal prongs fixed, for example incorporated, to the synthetic frame structure.

Claims (23)

1. Cosmetic tweezers having two branches (3), each with a metal tip (2) for gripping a small object, characterized in that: the maximum width of the two branches (3) is greater than half the average width of the support surface of the thumb of a moderately obese adult user when the forceps are actuated, wherein the average width of the support area of the moderately obese adult thumb is about 20 mm; the maximum length of the two branches (3) is less than the average length of the thumb of a moderately obese adult, wherein the average length of the thumb of a moderately obese adult is around 55 mm.

2. Tweezers according to claim 1, having a metallic frame structure (1), said frame structure (1) containing said two branches (3) and said ends (2).

3. Tweezers according to claim 2, the maximum width of said two branches (3) being greater than 2/3 of the average width of the support area of the thumb of a medium-fat adult user when actuating said tweezers.

4. Tweezers according to claim 2, the maximum width of the two branches (3) being greater than the average width of the support area of the thumb of a moderately obese adult user when actuating said tweezers.

5. Tweezers according to claim 2, the maximum width of said two branches (3) being greater than 1/4 of the maximum length of said two branches (3).

6. Tweezers according to claim 2, the maximum width of said two branches (3) being greater than half the maximum length of said two branches (3).

7. Tweezers according to claim 2, the external shape of the maximum width portion of said two branches (3) being substantially square.

8. Tweezers according to claim 2, said tip (2) having a maximum width smaller than 1/3 of the maximum width of said two branches (3).

9. Tweezers according to claim 2, said tip (2) having a maximum width smaller than 1/5 of the maximum width of said two branches (3).

10. Tweezers according to claim 2, each of said two branches (3) having at least one flexible sheet (30), the flexible sheet (30) connecting said branch (3) to the other of said two branches (3).

11. Tweezers according to claim 10, said at least one flexible sheet (30) having a notch allowing to determine the flexibility of said at least one sheet (30).

12. Tweezers according to claim 10, each of said two branches (3) having two flexible laminae (30).

13. Tweezers according to claim 10, the flexible lamellae (30) of each of said branches (3) being connected to the corresponding flexible lamellae (30) of the other branch (3) by rigid connection areas (32).

14. Tweezers according to claim 13, said connection area (32) determining a certain spacing between said two branches (3).

15. The forceps of claim 14, said spacing being determined such that: the two branches (3) are substantially parallel when the forceps are open in the rest position.

16. Tweezers according to claim 13, said connection areas (32) being formed in the prolongation of said flexible sheet (30), the width of said connection areas (32) being greater than the width of said flexible sheet (30).

17. Tweezers according to claim 2, said frame structure (1) being made of a metal plate by electro-spark machining.

18. Tweezers according to claim 17, formed by folding said frame structure (1).

19. Tweezers according to claim 2, at least one of said two branches (3) containing fixing elements (37, 38, 39) for fixing an additional decorative element (9).

20. Tweezers according to claim 19, said additional decorative element being a cover (9), said cover (9) at least partially covering the outer surface of said at least one of said two branches (3).

21. Tweezers according to claim 19, said additional decorative element (9) having a support surface greater than the outer surface of said at least one of said two branches (3).

22. Tweezers according to claim 19, said additional decorative element (9) being made of moulded or injected synthetic material.

23. Tweezers according to claim 2, said tip (2) being off-axis with respect to the longitudinal axis of said two branches (3).