AU2020220218A1

AU2020220218A1 - Improvements in Shearing Combs

Info

Publication number: AU2020220218A1
Application number: AU2020220218A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Selwyn Williams
Original assignee: Heiniger Ltd
Current assignee: Heiniger Ltd
Priority date: 2019-10-16
Filing date: 2020-08-21
Publication date: 2021-05-06
Also published as: GB202013323D0; FR3102081A1; GB2589196A; GB2589196B; FR3102081B1

Abstract

A shearing comb (10) comprising a comb body (12) having forward (34) and rear surfaces (36), and a plurality of spaced apart teeth (14) formed integrally therewith and projecting forwardly from the forward surface (34), characterised in that the comb body (12) further comprises at least one groove (32) provided between adjacent teeth (14) and at least one lateral channel (44) extending across two or more adjacent said grooves (32), the or each groove (32) and the or each lateral channel (44) being provided in a bottom surface (26) of the comb body (12). 1/4 10 Q16 1 A 44 1 20 18 14 34 30 32 32 12 42 D--\24 0\24 42 242 !*A 22 2638 40 22A 36 40 3 Figure 1 14 4444 28 28 26 26 A-A Figure 2 Figure 3

Description

1/4

Q16 1 A 44 1

20

18

14 34 30

32 32

12 42 D--\24 0\24 42 242

2638 40 22A !*A 22 36 40 3

Figure 1

14

4444

28

28 26 26 A-A Figure 2 Figure 3

"Improvements in Shearing Combs"

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a shearing comb. More particularly, the shearing comb of the present invention is intended for use with a shearing hand piece and cutter, for shearing sheep or other animals. It is intended that the features of the shearing comb of the present invention are such that the build-up of lanolin or other waxy material originating from an animal during shearing is substantially minimised.

Background

[0002] At present, the shearing, crutching and trimming of animal wool and hair is most commonly achieved using either an electric or externally driven shearing hand piece utilising both a comb and cutter to cut hair or wool through which the comb and cutter are pushed. The comb is generally releasably fixed relative to the shearing hand piece whilst the cutter passes over a top surface of the comb in a reciprocating fashion. Both the cutter and comb are provided with a plurality of teeth that perform the cutting action.

[0003] In typical use, a shearer moves the hand piece through the wool, for example, such that a bottom surface of the comb rests on the animal's skin, while the cutter sweeps across the top surface of the comb, cutting the wool fibres caught between the teeth. However, such an arrangement typically results in the build-up of a waxy material, such as lanolin, on the bottom surface of the comb that in operation rests against the animal's skin. The build-up of lanolin in this area may hinder the ease of entry and flow of the comb through the wool fibres. As such, the comb requires periodic cleaning to remove any built-up lanolin in order to maintain an efficient forward motion and cutting action. The periodic cleaning of shearing combs is time-consuming and inconvenient, thereby reducing the overall productivity of sheep shearing operations.

[0004] The present invention is in some respects an improvement of the Applicant's Australian Patent 2013224692 titled "A Shearing Comb". The same problem is described therein, being a reduction in overall productivity due to the build-up of waxy material, inter alia, grease and lanolin on the comb body. The comb described in Australian Patent 2013224692 has channels provided on a bottom surface thereof and extending from the forward surface toward the rear surface. Whilst this arrangement aids in movement of any build-up rearwardly through the channels, build-up occurring toward a centre or mid-line of the comb is unable to migrate through the channels.

[0005] It is one object of the shearing comb of the present invention to overcome substantially the abovementioned problems of the prior art, or at least provide a useful alternative thereto.

[0006] Each document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, which means that it should be read and considered by the reader as part of this text. That the document, reference, patent application, or patent cited in this text is not repeated in this text is merely for reasons of conciseness.

[0007] Reference to cited material or information contained in the text should not be understood as a concession that the material or information was part of the common general knowledge or was known in Australia or any other country.

[0008] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Summary of the Invention

[0009] In accordance with the present invention there is provided a shearing comb comprising a comb body having forward and rear surfaces, and a plurality of spaced apart teeth formed integrally therewith and projecting forwardly from the forward surface, characterised in that the comb body further comprises at least one groove provided between adjacent teeth and at least one lateral channel extending across two or more adjacent said grooves, the or each groove and the or each lateral channel being provided in a bottom surface of the comb body.

[0010] Preferably, the comb body further comprises a top surface, wherein the bottom surface of the comb body is in contact with an animal's skin during shearing.

[0011] The comb body preferably further comprises a pair of positioning and pendulum holes, wherein the or each lateral channel provided between adjacent grooves extends rearwardly but not beyond the forwardmost point of the pair of pendulum holes.

[0012] The teeth are preferably separated by a second groove, defining a gullet. The forward surface of the comb body is preferably defined by the gullets between the teeth.

[0013] The comb body preferably further comprises a pair of screw receiving recesses that project forwardly thereinto from the rear surface.

[0014] In one form, the comb body further comprises at least one longitudinal channel that extends from the forward surface toward the rear surface of the comb body, wherein said at least one longitudinal channel being disposed on a bottom surface of the comb body.

[0015] Still preferably, the or each longitudinal channel extends rearwardly beyond a forwardmost point of the screw receiving recess.

[0016] Preferably, the or each lateral channel is arranged so as to intersect a longitudinal channel.

[0017] In one form of the invention, the or each longitudinal channel extends between the forward and rear surfaces of the comb body. Preferably, the or each longitudinal channel extends in a straight line between the forward and rear surfaces of the comb body.

[0018] The rear surface of the comb body preferably comprises cut-away portions and rear edge portions.

[0019] Preferably, the comb body further comprises a first pair of longitudinal channels that extend from the forward surface to the rear surface forming a cut away portion therein.

[0020] The first pair of longitudinal channels preferably has each channel located adjacent opposed sides of the comb body. Each channel of the first pair of longitudinal channels preferably has a width that is substantially identical to the width between an outer tooth and an adjacent inner tooth.

[0021] Preferably, the or each lateral channel is arranged so as to extend laterally between each channel of a pair of longitudinal channels.

[0022] In one form of the invention, the comb body further comprises a second pair of longitudinal channels.

[0023] The second pair of longitudinal channels is preferably located inwardly from the first pair of longitudinal channels.

[0024] Preferably, the second pair of longitudinal channels has each channel extending from the forward surface to the respective rear edge portion of the rear surface.

[0025] Still preferably, each channel of the second pair of longitudinal channels is located adjacent to a screw receiving recess.

[0026] Each channel of the second pair of longitudinal channels preferably has a width that is substantially identical to the width between two adjacent inner teeth.

[0027] In accordance with the present invention there is still further provided a shearing comb comprising a comb body having forward and rear surfaces, and a plurality of spaced apart teeth formed integrally therewith and projecting forwardly from the forward surface, characterised in that the comb body further comprises at least one channel that extends from the forward surface toward the rear surface of the comb body and at least one groove extending laterally across the comb body, said at least one channel and said at least one groove being disposed on a bottom surface of the comb body that is in contact with an animal's skin during shearing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] The shearing comb of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to two embodiments thereof and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a shearing comb in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, showing first and second grooves formed therein between adjacent teeth, the second groove forming a gullet between adjacent teeth, and a lateral channel formed between and extending across adjacent first grooves;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along line AA of the shearing comb of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a detail view of section X shown in Figure 2, showing particularly the profile of the lateral channel;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the shearing comb of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a top plan view of a shearing comb in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line AA of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a detail view of section X shown in Figure 6, showing particularly the profile of the lateral channel; and

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the shearing comb of Figure 5.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0029] In Figures 1 to 4 there is shown a shearing comb 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The shearing comb 10 comprises a comb body 12, a plurality of teeth 14, wherein the plurality of teeth 14 are formed integrally with the body 12 and projecting forwardly therefrom. Outer teeth 16 are referred to respectively as a top-rider 18 and a bottom-rider 20. The comb body 12 has a pair of screw receiving recesses 22 provided therein to aid location in known manner on a shearing hand piece (not shown). The screw receiving recesses 22 extend forwardly into the body 12 from a rear surface to be described below. In addition, there are provided a pair of positioning and pendulum holes 24 in the comb body 12 to facilitate location and attachment of the shearing comb 10 to a pendulum (not shown) during the grinding or sharpening of the shearing comb 10.

[0030] The shearing comb 10 further has a "sheep side" or bottom surface 26 and a "grinding side" or top surface 28, wherein in use the bottom surface 26 is in contact with the animal (not shown), for example, a sheep, being shorn. A first groove 32 is provided in the body comb 12 between adjacent teeth 14. Furthermore, a steep or second groove 30 is formed in the comb body 12 between adjacent teeth 14 and defines a gullet.

[0031] The shearing comb 10 further comprises at least one lateral channel 44 formed between and extending across adjacent grooves 32. The lateral channel 44 extends across the bottom surface 26 of the shearing comb 10 between the top-rider 18 and bottom-rider 20 teeth, such that lateral ends of the lateral channel 44 terminate in or at the first groove 32 provided between the respective teeth 18 and 20, and their immediately inwardly adjacent teeth 14.

[0032] The lateral channel 44 extends rearwardly but not beyond the forwardmost point of the pair of pendulum holes 24. As is best seen in Figures 2 and 3, the profile of the lateral channel 44 is that of a smooth scalloped cut-away.

[0033] The lateral channel 44 substantially minimises the buildup of material such as grease, lanolin on the bottom surface 26 and across all teeth 14 of the comb body 12, thereby facilitating the ease of movement of the shearing comb 10 over the animal.

[0034] The comb body 10 further comprises a forward surface 34 and a rear surface 36. The forward surface 34 is defined by the gullets 30 formed between the teeth 14, while the rear surface 36 is defined by the rearmost extent of the comb body 10 and further comprises cut away portions 38 and rear edge portions 40. Each of the lateral channel 44 extends forwardly to a point approximate to the forward surface 34. The shearing comb 10 further comprises generally opposing sides 42.

[0035] In Figures 5 to 8 there is shown a shearing comb 46 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, the shearing comb 46 being in many respects similar to the shearing comb 10, like numerals denoting like parts.

[0036] The bottom surface 26 of the shearing comb 46 further comprises two pairs of longitudinal channels 48a & 48b and 52a & 52b, wherein the second pair of channels 52a and 52b is located inwardly from the first pair of channels 48a and 48b. Each channel of the first pair of longitudinal channels 48a and 48b extends in a straight line from the forward surface 34 to the cut away portions 38 of the rear surface 36. Each channel of the first pair of channels 48a and 48b is located adjacent to a respective opposing side 42 of the comb body 12. Furthermore, the width of each channel of the first pair of channels 48a and 48b generally matches the width between an outer tooth 16 and an adjacent inner tooth 50.

[0037] Each channel of the second pair of channels 52a and 52b extends from the forward surface 34 to the rear edge portion 40 of the rear surface 36. Furthermore, each channel of the second pair of channels 52a and 52b is formed adjacent to a screw slot 22.

[0038] The lateral channel 44 extends across the bottom surface 26 of the shearing comb 10 between the top-rider 18 and bottom-rider 20 teeth, such that lateral ends of the lateral channel 44 terminate in or at the respective channels 48a and 48b of the first pair of channels.

[0039] In use, the shearing comb 10 and the shearing comb 46 of the present invention provides lateral channel 44 extending between and across adjacent grooves 32, thereby allowing reduction of grease build up on the bottom side 26 of the comb body 12 as grease is able to migrate laterally across the comb, thereby facilitating the ease of movement of the shearing comb 46 over the animal when the cutter (not shown) cuts the wool fibre.

[0040] The two pairs of channels 46a and 46b, and 52a and 52b of shearing comb 46 of the present invention act to further minimise the buildup of lanolin or any other waxy material on the bottom surface 26 of the comb body 12 that is in contact with the skin of the animal when the shearing comb 46 is in use.

[0041] The Applicant envisages that the first pair of longitudinal channels 48a and 48b and the second pair 52a and 52b act to minimise the buildup of material on the bottom surface 26 of the comb body 12, in addition to the lateral channel 44. The lateral channel 44 and longitudinal channels 48a, 48b, 52a and 52b work together to maximise the shedding of any build up on the bottom surface 26 of the comb body 12. Furthermore, the presence of the first pair of channels 48a and 48b further provides the outer teeth 16 with the desired degree of flex and movement at their tip, thereby optimising the entry and flow of the outer teeth 16 through the wool.

[0042] It is envisaged that the provision of, and location of, the lateral channel 44 is such that the teeth 14 are able to flex more relative to the teeth of combs of the prior art, providing in turn a more harmonic cutting action and improving performance.

[0043] It is further envisaged that the shearing comb on the present invention will be suitable for use with shearing handpieces and cutters available in the art.

[0044] Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A shearing comb comprising a comb body having forward and rear surfaces, and a plurality of spaced apart teeth formed integrally therewith and projecting forwardly from the forward surface, characterised in that the comb body further comprises at least one groove provided between adjacent teeth and at least one lateral channel extending across two or more adjacent said grooves, the or each groove and the or each lateral channel being provided in a bottom surface of the comb body.

2. A shearing comb according to claim 1, wherein the comb body comprises a top surface.

3. A shearing comb according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom surface of the comb body is in contact with an animal's skin during shearing.

4. A shearing comb according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the comb body comprises a pair of positioning and pendulum holes.

5. A shearing comb according to claim 4, wherein the or each lateral channel provided between adjacent grooves extends rearwardly but not beyond the forwardmost point of the pair of pendulum holes.

6. A shearing comb according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the teeth are separated by a second grove, defining a gullet.

7. A shearing comb according to claim 6, wherein the forward surface of the comb body is defined by the gullets between the teeth.

8. A shearing comb according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the comb body further comprises a pair of screw receiving recesses that project forwardly thereinto from the rear surface.

9. A shearing comb according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the comb body further comprises at least one longitudinal channel that extends from the forward surface toward the rear surface of the comb body.

10. A shearing comb according to claim 9, wherein said at least one longitudinal channel being disposed on a bottom surface of the comb body.

11. A shearing comb according to claims 9 or 10, wherein the or each longitudinal channel extends rearwardly beyond a forwardmost point of the screw receiving recess.

12. A shearing comb according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each lateral channel is arranged so as to intersect a longitudinal channel.

13. A shearing comb according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the or each longitudinal channel extends between the forward and rear surfaces of the comb body.

14. A shearing comb according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the or each longitudinal channel extends in a straight line between the forward and rear surfaces of the comb body.

15. A shearing comb according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear surface of the comb body comprises cut-away portions and rear edge portions.

16. A shearing comb according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the comb body further comprises a first pair of longitudinal channels that extend from the forward surface to the rear surface forming a cut-away portion therein.

17. A shearing comb according to claim 16, wherein the first pair of longitudinal channels has each channel located adjacent opposed sides of the comb body.

18. A shearing comb according to claims 16 or 17, wherein each channel of the first pair of longitudinal channels has a width that is substantially identical to the width between an outer tooth and an adjacent inner tooth.

19. A shearing comb according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the or each lateral channel is arranged so as to extend laterally between each channel of a pair of longitudinal channels.

20. A shearing comb according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the comb body further comprises a second pair of longitudinal channels.

21. A shearing comb according to claim 20, wherein the second pair of longitudinal channels is located inwardly from the first pair of longitudinal channels.

22. A shearing comb according to claims 20 or 21, wherein the second pair of longitudinal channels has each channel extending from the forward surface to the respective rear edge portion of the rear surface.

23. A shearing comb according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein each channel of the second pair of longitudinal channels is located adjacent to a screw receiving recess.

24. A shearing comb according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein each channel of the second pair of longitudinal channels has a width that is substantially identical to the width between two adjacent inner teeth.

25. A shearing comb comprising a comb body having forward and rear surfaces, and a plurality of spaced apart teeth formed integrally therewith and projecting forwardly from the forward surface, characterised in that the comb body further comprises at least one channel that extends from the forward surface toward the rear surface of the comb body and at least one groove extending laterally across the comb body, said at least one channel and said at least one groove being disposed on a bottom surface of the comb body that is in contact with an animal's skin during shearing.