EP4674582A1

EP4674582A1 - Handle extension and hair cutting arrangement

Info

Publication number: EP4674582A1
Application number: EP24186023.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Geert-Jan Darwinkel; Steven DE BOER
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Current assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date: 2024-07-02
Filing date: 2024-07-02
Publication date: 2026-01-07
Also published as: WO2026008415A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a handle extension (40) for a hair cutting device (12) and to a hair cutting arrangement (10) comprising a hair cutting device (12) and a handle extension (40). The handle extension (40) comprises a frontal section (44) facing the skin (94) when in operation for cutting hair there, a handle section (46), and an attachment section (42). The attachment section (42) is formed between the frontal section (44) and the handle section (46) and arranged to be coupled to a hair cutting device (12). Two side supports (60, 62) are formed at the frontal section (44) and spaced away from one another such that, when the handle extension (40) is mounted to the hair cutting device (12), a cutting element (22) of the hair cutting device (12) is arranged between the two side supports (60, 62). The two side supports (60, 62) each have a leading portion (70, 72) that is rearwardly offset from a leading edge (24) of the cutting element (22) such that, when an excessive contact force (110) is applied during a hair cutting procedure, a skin contact pressure at the cutting element (22) is delimited through a buffering skin contact of at least one of the leading portions (70, 72).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a handle extension for a hair cutting device and to a hair cutting arrangement. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to so-called back handle extensions that can be attached to a hair cutting device to increase the operational range for cutting hair on the user's body. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to attachments that are configured to be attached to hair cutting devices that are also operational without the attachment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hair cutting devices, particularly electric hair cutting devices, are generally known and may include trimmers, clippers, and shavers. Electric hair cutting devices may also be referred to as electrically powered hair cutting devices. Electric hair cutting devices may be powered by electric supply grids and/or by energy storages, such as batteries, for instance. Electric hair cutting devices are generally used to trim or remove (i.e., shave) body hair, in particular facial hair and head hair, to allow a person to have a well-groomed appearance. Hair cutting devices may also be used to cut body hair on the back, legs, arms and other body parts.
The cutting unit of a hair cutting device typically comprises a pair of comb-like blades with cutting edges that rapidly slide back and forth relative to each other in order to cut hairs that are positioned between the teeth of the blades with a scissor-like action. There are also executions that may be referred to as foil shavers, including a perforated metal screen facing the skin and a moving cutter behind the screen to cut hairs there.
In addition, hair cutting devices also encompass non-powered shavers (also referred to as safety razors) having one or more non-powered cutter blades, whereas the cutting action includes slicing hair down while moving the device along the skin. Shaving with a safety razor is typically performed as wet shaving. Shaving with powered hair cutting devices may include both wet shaving and dry shaving.
Hair cutting devices are generally designed to provide good handling and visibility when cutting or shaving hair in easy to reach and easy to view body regions, e.g. the face (when used in front of a mirror), arms etc. There is typically also a certain operating orientation of the device, where a leading edge (cutting edge) of a cutting element of the device contacts the skin, and where the cutting element assumes a preferred angular position with respect to the skin.
However, there is a demand for hair cutting/shaving at hard-to-reach body portions, involving the user's back. To this end, handle extensions are known that may be banana-shaped or of a similar shape to allow a user to reach their own back (and other hard-to-reach portions) with the cutting element.
US 2011/0225826 A1 discloses an integrated shaver and hair trimmer device including a shaver/trimmer assembly and a handle assembly, wherein the shaver/trimmer assembly has a specific interface for attaching the handle assembly, and wherein the interface is formed at a mounting end of a housing of the shaver/trimmer assembly that is opposite to the hair cutting unit. The handle assembly integrates a pivot mechanism. The handle assembly does not occupy an original handle portion of the shaver/trimmer assembly but only couples to the shaver/trimmer assembly at the mounting end.
US 2009/0163932 A1 discloses a hair removal device that includes a housing with an integrated sliding mechanism. A body part of the housing is slidably seated in a holder part, the body part can be extracted and retracted with respect to the holder part so in total the hair removal device is length-adjustable. In addition, a pivot mechanism may be provided between the body part and the holder part. The permanent inclusion of the length-adjusting and pivoting mechanism makes the hair removal device bulkier and heavier, which impairs handling of the device in standard situations (e.g., hair removal at the face), where no extended/unfolded configuration is necessary.
US 2020/0230836 A1 discloses a non-powered adjustable razor, the razor having a handle that is length-adjustable by inserting or removing one or more telescopic elements.
Cutting hair on one's own back and other hard-to-reach body portions is sometimes challenging in view of the lack of visibility and reachability. As a result, controllability is impaired, too, also in view of the leverage effect due to the handle extension. Further, often the hair cutting device cannot assume the best possible orientation with respect to the skin (that would be used for cutting hair at the face, for instance) when cutting hair at hard-to-reach body portions.
Hence, with such hair cutting procedures, there is often a certain discomfort, which may include skin irritations (reddening) and scratches. Further, the hair cutting result may be unsatisfactory, e.g., when due to a lack of visibility, reachability and controllability some hairs have been missed. Sometimes, users then tend to increase the contact pressure at the hair cutting site, which may further increase the risk of skin irritations and even injuries.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above, it is an object of the present disclosure to present a handle extension for a hair cutting device and a hair cutting arrangement comprising a hair cutting device and a handle extension that improve the user comfort and safety when cutting hair at hard-to-reach body portions. Preferably, the handle extension contributes to a reduction of skin irritations. It is desirable to present a handle extension that increases controllability and overall contributes to an improved hair cutting/shaving performance. Preferably, the handle extension does not impair the original hair cutting capacity and operability of the device in a state where the handle extension is not attached. It is further desirable to present a handle extension that provides better sensory feedback to the user when treating hard-to-reach body portions. Overall, it is an object of the present disclosure to present a handle extension and a corresponding hair cutting arrangement that reduce skin discomfort and damages, while preferably enhancing user experience and safety during use in challenging conditions.
In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is presented a handle extension for a hair cutting device, the handle extension comprising:

a frontal section facing the skin when in operation for cutting hair there,
a handle section,
an attachment section that is formed between the frontal section and the handle section and arranged to be coupled to a hair cutting device, and
two side supports that are formed at the frontal section and spaced away from one another such that, when the handle extension is mounted to the hair cutting device, a cutting element of the hair cutting device is arranged between the two side supports,
wherein the two side supports each have a leading portion that is rearwardly offset from a leading edge of the cutting element such that, when an excessive contact force is applied during a hair cutting procedure, a skin contact pressure at the cutting element is delimited through a buffering skin contact of at least one of the leading portions.

This aspect is based on the insight that the design of the handle extension may not only increase the operational range for cutting hair on hard-to-reach portions, but also addresses controllability and user safety. In certain embodiments, the handle extension may assume at least one configuration that enables cutting/shaving hair on the user's back. This design may enable users to reach their own back by extending their arm either over the shoulder or around the side of the torso.
The side supports limit the contact pressure through a defined contact with the skin. It may thus be avoided that the leading edge of the cutting element is urged against the skin with an excessive load. Excessive pressure on the cutting element would result in considerably dipping the (relatively sharp) leading edge into the skin, which may cause irritations there. The side supports will come into contact with the skin when a certain acceptable load level is reached, but higher contact pressure is preferably avoided. A further increase in the contact force will be absorbed by a force distribution as the contact zone with the skin is considerably enlarged due to the additional contact of the side support's leading portions adjacent to the leading edge of the cutting element. The enlarged contact zone limits the contact pressure.
As the leading portions of the side supports are rearwardly offset from the cutting element's leading edge, it is ensured that the leading edge may come into a sufficiently close contact with the skin to cut hair there. Only when the contact pressure becomes too large, the side supports may act as pressure limiters.
The cutting element with the leading edge is framed on the side by the two side supports. The side supports with their leading portions may be regarded as skin protecting features. The side supports may thus be referred to as skin protecting side supports, the leading portions may be referred to as skin protecting leading portions.
There are two side supports that are spaced away from one another and have the cutting element disposed therebetween. This facilitates bringing the cutting element into a favorable (typically parallel) contact orientation with respect to the skin. Operating and controlling the cutting element without direct sight is facilitated.
In certain embodiments, the leading edge may be referred to as cutting edge. In certain embodiments, the leading edge is defined by frontal tips of the teeth that form the cutting element. In the case of a safety razor, the leading edge is defined by the (continuous) cutting edge of the cutter blade (in the front position, when two or more cutter blades are used).
In certain embodiments, the hair cutting device has two opposite leading edges/cutting edges at the cutting element, enabling hair cutting in a back-and-forth movement. In such a case, when the handle extension is attached to the hair cutting device, one of the two opposite leading edges/cutting edges is typically in an inoperative state.
Further, in certain embodiments, the preferred orientation of the cutting unit with the cutting element with respect to the skin in the state where the handle extension is attached is different from the orientation in an original, normal state of the hair cutting device, where no extension handle is attached.
Due to the side supports, the contact zone/width at the skin is enlarged, which may improve sensory feedback. The density of nerve cells in the skin at the back is much lower than in other body regions (e.g. the face), therefore an enlarged contact zone may provide for a more robust and reliable sensory feedback.
In certain embodiments, the handle extension is arranged to be releasably attached to a hair cutting device. That is, at least in certain embodiments, the hair cutting device is also operable in a standalone configuration, where no handle extension is attached thereto. As a result, in a standard, original operation mode, the handle extension does not add weight or bulkiness to the original hair cutting device.
The handle extension is provided with side supports so that when the handle extension is attached to the hair cutting device, the side supports are automatically positioned in their operating position with respect to the cutting unit of the device.
Further, with the cutting element arranged between the two side supports, positioning the cutting element in an unfavorable orientation (e.g. only point contact) is less likely, so the user's comfort is enhanced also in this respect. A proper handling of the hair cutting device with the cutting unit is facilitated due to the widened contact zone.
In certain embodiments, the attachment section of the handle extension and the side supports are integrally formed. This facilitates positioning the side supports in their operating position.
The side supports with their leading portions may also be referred to as side wings. The leading portions may have a V-shaped or wedge-shaped form, with the tip being rounded and facing the skin in an operative orientation.
In an exemplary embodiment, a rearward offset of the leading portions from the leading edge of the cutting element is in the range of 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm. That is, the leading edge of the cutting element protrudes beyond the leading portions towards the skin when in operation. When the leading edge is dipped into the skin by the offset dimension, then the leading portions of the side supports will come into contact with the skin, thereby inhibiting a further increase in the contact pressure. In this way, a considerable buffering of excessive contact forces is permitted, which further enhances the user's comfort and decreases skin irritations.
In another exemplary embodiment, the two side supports form part of a collar that surrounds a rear side of the cutting element that faces away from the skin when in operation for cutting hair at the skin. In this way, the side supports may be integrated into a collar that is for instance formed at a frontal end of the attachment section. The rear side of the cutting element is the side that is opposite to the leading edge. When the cutting element has two opposite leading edges, then the rear side is the side of the leading edge that is not active when the handle extension is attached to the hair cutting device.
The collar provides additional stability and protection of the cutting element, which further increases user safety. In addition, the side supports may be relatively rigid and can thus accommodate relatively large contact forces without deflecting.
In another exemplary embodiment, the collar forms a U-shaped end surface that surrounds the cutting element but omits (leaves out) the leading edge of the cutting element, wherein the end surface is outwardly offset from an outer surface of the cutting element.
In certain embodiments, the end surface is basically parallel to the outer surface of the cutting element. The U-shaped form of the end surface is open on the side of the cutting element where the leading edge is formed. In view of the outward offset, the collar may form a U-shaped end surface surrounding the cutting element, except for its leading edge. The likelihood of an unwanted skin contact of the cutting element is thus further reduced, due to the shielding by the outwardly offset collar. This may involve the prevention of direct skin contact with sharp edges. The risk of skin irritations is further reduced.
In another exemplary embodiment, the two side supports are wedge-shaped in a side view, with the leading portions forming skin-facing tips that are rounded. In certain embodiments, in a side view, the side supports, at least the leading portions thereof, are V-shaped with a (typically rounded) tip of the V being slightly offset from the leading edge. A radius of the rounded tips of the leading portions may be in the range of 1.0 mm to 15.0 mm. An angle between legs of the wedge-shaped or V-shaped design may be in the range of 10° to 85°. The skin-facing tips ensure a smooth contact with the skin.
In another exemplary embodiment, a connecting line between the leading portions is parallel to the leading edge of the cutting element, but rearwardly offset therefrom. By way of example, the (imaginary) connecting line is defined by the tips of the two leading portions of the side supports. This may involve the point at each of the tips that is the most frontal towards the skin (but not as close to the skin as the leading edge) when the handle is in operation. The rearward offset dimension can be defined by an offset between the connecting line and the most frontal line of the leading edge.
In this way, the leading edge can be properly positioned with respect to the skin even if a relatively high contact force is applied.
In another exemplary embodiment, each of the side supports is adjacent to but laterally spaced from one of two opposite lateral sides of the cutting element. In other words, the side supports are not integrally formed with the cutting unit of the hair cutting device. In certain embodiments, the side supports are not integrally formed with the housing or any other part of the hair cutting device. A certain minimum spacing enables the skin to adapt to the transition between the relatively sharp design of the protruding leading edge and the rounded leading portions of the side supports. In certain embodiments, where the cutting element is pivotable within defined limits (so-called skin-following feature), the spacing between the cutting element and the side supports provides room for any pivot movement of the cutting element.
In another exemplary embodiment, a lateral spacing between the side supports and the cutting element is in the range of 0.2 mm to 2.0 mm. A spacing in this range may further contribute to effective hair cutting while distributing the contact forces to avoid excessive skin contact pressure.
In another exemplary embodiment, each of the leading portions of the side supports has a width extension in a direction that is parallel to the orientation of the leading edge of the cutting element, wherein the combined width extension of the leading portions amounts to 50% to 100% of a length of the leading edge of the cutting element.
In this way, the width of the two side supports adds to the corresponding length of the leading edge of the cutting element. Contact pressure can thus be distributed over a greater contact zone. Further, the broader contact zone (contact width) also facilitates positioning and maneuvering the cutting element at and along the skin in hard-to-reach positions. Cutting performance and skin protection may thus be enhanced.
In another exemplary embodiment, the attachment section is releasably attachable to an original handle portion of a hair cutting device. Hence, the user is free to operate the hair cutting device with or without the handle extension. In certain embodiments, quick attachment and removal of the handle extension without any tools is enabled, which further increases the versatility and ease of use.
The hair cutting device can be used in an original, standard configuration for easy-to-reach portions and together with the handle extension in an extended range mode for hard-to-reach portions. The hair cutting device is also operable without the handle extension. The handle extension is not operable without the hair cutting device.
In another exemplary embodiment, the handle extension assumes, at least in an operating configuration, an elongated bow shape, wherein the frontal section and the handle section are formed at opposite ends of the elongated bow shape. In certain embodiments, the handle section faces away from the frontal section, at least in an operating configuration of the attachment handle.
The elongated bow shape may also be referred to as banana shape, boomerang shaped or the like. With such configurations, users can reach their back while the hair cutting device is in a favorable orientation for cutting hair there. In certain embodiments, the handle extension may be referred to as back handle attachment.
In another exemplary embodiment, the handle extension is movable between the elongated bow shape (i.e., unfolded state) and a folded state about a swivel axis, wherein the swivel axis is arranged between the handle section and the attachment section. This allows for compact storage and a sufficient length extension in the operable configuration.
In another exemplary embodiment, a swivel position between the handle section and the attachment section is adjustable so that intermediate positions can be assumed between a folded and a fully unfolded position.
Hence, the orientation of the hair cutting device to the handle section of the handle extension can be adjusted so the cutting edge can be properly oriented and positioned with respect to the to be treated skin portion.
In another exemplary embodiment, a T-handle is formed at an end of the handle portion, wherein the T-handle has a main extension direction that is parallel to the leading edge of the cutting element. In certain embodiments, the main extension of the T-handle is orthogonal to a (possibly curved) main extension direction of the handle extension.
The T-handle may be used to translate operating commands at the T-handle into respective movements of the frontal and of the handle extension with the side supports. The side supports and the connecting line thereof is also parallel to the main extension direction of the T-handle. The T-handle may have the shape of an ellipsoid, may be cigar-shaped and/or have the shape of an airship (zeppelin).
It has been observed that with the T-handle at the end of the handle section, operating and guiding the device for cutting hair on the user's back is considerably facilitated. The T-handle provides for direct and comprehensible haptic feedback at the user's hand. Steerability and controllability of the cutting element may be improved.
It is to be noted in this context that the specific design of the handle portion with the T-handle at the end of the handle extension that is opposite to the frontal section may form part of a separate, independent aspect that does not necessarily have to be combined with the side supports as described herein. In other words, There may be provided a handle extension for a hair cutting device, comprising an attachment section that is arranged to be coupled to a hair cutting device and a handle section, wherein a T-handle is formed at an end of the handle portion that is opposite to the cutting unit of the hair cutting device when the handle extension is attached thereto, and wherein the T-handle has a main extension direction that is parallel to a leading edge of a cutting element of the hair cutting device. The handle extension may have an elongated but curved main extension with the T-handle having a main extension direction that is orthogonal to the overall main extension of the handle extension.
In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is presented a hair cutting arrangement, comprising:

a handle extension according to at least one aspect or embodiment as described herein,
a hair cutting device that is arranged to be moved through hair to cut hair, comprising:
an original handle portion, and
a cutting unit having at least one cutting element that is arranged to contact the skin with a leading edge to cut hair there,

In certain embodiments, the handle extension is releasably attachable to the hair cutting device, particularly to the original handle portion thereof. The handle extension expands the operational range of the hair cutting device to hard-to-reach body regions, such as the user's back. The hair cutting device may be used on a larger area and with improved ease-of-use in hard-to-reach regions.
The hair cutting arrangement may also be referred to as hair cutting set, hair cutting assembly, or hair cutting kit.
In an exemplary embodiment of the hair cutting arrangement, the hair cutting device is a motor-powered cutting device, wherein the cutting unit comprises two cutting elements that are arranged to be moved relative to one another to cut hair therebetween. In certain embodiments, the two cutting elements are composed of a stationary blade and a movable blade.
With such an arrangement, the stationary blade is motor-powered, while the movable blade is brought into movement relative to the stationary blade. This may involve a reciprocating movement and the like. The leading edge that serves as a reference for the rearward offset of the side supports with their leading portions is typically defined by the (most frontal portion of the) stationary blade. The stationary blade is typically the blade that contacts the user's skin, while a direct skin contact with the movable blade is to be avoided for safety reasons.
In accordance with the aspects and embodiments disclosed herein, an improved hair cutting arrangement and a corresponding handle extension is presented that enhance user comfort, minimizes skin irritation and enables efficient hair cutting even in hard-to-reach areas.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. In the following drawings

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a hair cutting arrangement that is composed of a hair cutting device and a handle extension that are shown in Fig. 1 in a state attached from one another;
Fig. 2 shows a corresponding perspective view of the arrangement of Fig. 1 with the handle extension being attached to the hair cutting device;
Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the arrangement of Figs. 1 and 2, wherein a folded state and an unfolded state of the handle extension is depicted;
Fig. 4 shows a schematic side view of a torso of a user to elucidate an exemplary configuration and orientation of the hair cutting arrangement when cutting hair at the user's back;
Fig. 5 shows a partial enlarged side view of a frontal portion of a hair cutting arrangement in an operational state;
Fig. 6 shows a partial perspective frontal view of a frontal portion of a hair cutting arrangement; and
Fig. 7 shows a corresponding frontal view of the arrangement of Fig. 6 with cutting elements of the hair cutting device facing the viewing plane.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 shows a hair cutting arrangement 10 that includes a hair cutting device 12 and a handle extension 40 that can be attached to the hair cutting device 12. Fig. 1 shows a detached state. Fig. 2 shows a corresponding mounted/attached state.
The hair cutting device 12 is operable also without the handle extension 40 and comprises an original handle portion 14 that is grasped by the user in a normal operation state for cutting hair. Cutting may involve shaving, trimming, styling and the like. The hair cutting device 12 comprises a housing 16 that supports a cutting unit 20. The cutting unit 20 includes at least one cutting element 22 that defines a (frontal) leading edge 24. In certain embodiments, the cutting unit 20 has two cutting elements 22, for instance a stationary blade and a movable blade. In an application for shaving hair, the leading edge 24 of the cutting element 22 typically contacts the skin to cut hair there. In the exemplary embodiment, a rear side of the cutting element 22 is designated by 26. The rear side 26 is opposite to the leading edge 24.
In a normal shaving operation with the hair cutting device 12, an outer surface 28 of the cutting element 22 is typically facing the skin but arranged at a (small) angle with respect to the skin. An arrow designated by 30 illustrates an original moving direction when the hair cutting device 12 is used in a standalone configuration (without the handle extension 40) to be moved through hair in the moving direction to cut hair.
In the exemplary embodiment, the hair cutting device 12 is a motor-powered appliance. Hence, a motor 32 is indicated by a dashed block within the housing 16. In certain embodiments of the hair cutting arrangement 10, the hair cutting device 12 is a non-powered device, for instance a safety razor or the like. Also in such a case, a cutting unit having at least one cutting element defining a frontal leading edge is provided.
The handle extension 40 comprises an attachment section 42, a frontal section 44, and a handle section 46. In the exemplary embodiment, the attachment section 42 is arranged to be attached to the original handle portion 14 of the hair cutting device 12. Instead, the user may grasp the handle extension 40 and thus the whole hair cutting arrangement 10 at the handle section 46.
In the exemplary embodiment, the attachment section 42 comprises a receptacle 50 that is adapted to the housing 16 of the hair cutting device 12. The receptacle 50 is formed by a shell 52 that is adapted to an external shape of the housing 16. Additional reference is made to Fig. 3 that shows that in the shell 52, an aperture 54 is formed through which an operating switch 34 of the hair cutting device 12 is accessible. In the mounted state of the handle extension 40, the attachment section 42 may be attached to the hair cutting device 12 through positive and/or non-positive coupling.
Reference is made again to Figs. 1 and 2 that show a front view of the frontal section 44, whereas Fig. 3 shows a rear view of the frontal section 44. At the frontal section 44, two side supports 60, 62 are formed that are spaced away from one another to accommodate the cutting element 22 of the cutting unit 20 therebetween, as can be seen in Figs. 2 and 3. The side supports 60, 62 may also be referred to as side wings.
The side supports 60, 62 form part of a collar 64 that surrounds the rear side 26 of the cutting element 22. The collar 64 does not extend around the front side of the cutting element 22, where the leading edge 24 is defined. The collar 64 has a U-shaped end surface 66 whose general orientation is adapted (e.g., parallel) to the outer surface 28 of the cutting element 22.
The side support 60 has a frontal leading portion 70. The side support 62 has a frontal leading portion 72. The leading portions 70, 72 are aligned with the leading edge 24 but slightly rearwardly offset therefrom. A connecting line 74 connecting the frontal ends/tips of the leading portions 70, 72 is parallel to the leading edge 24, but slightly rearwardly offset therefrom.
The side supports 60, 62 with the leading portions 70, 72 increase the effective length/width of the contact zone with the skin when the hair cutting arrangement 10 is operated for hair cutting.
As can be seen throughout Figs. 1 to 3, a folding mechanism 80 is provided between the handle section 46 and the attachment section 42. The folding mechanism 80 enables a folding/unfolding function of the handle extension 40 between at least two states. In the exemplary embodiment, the folding mechanism 80 enables a relative swivel movement between the attachment section 42 and the handle section 46 about a swivel axis 84. In Fig. 3, the swivel movement is indicated by a curved double-arrow designated by 84.
In Fig. 3, the handle section 46 is shown in a solid line representation to illustrate the folded state, whereas a dashed line representation illustrates the unfolded state, where the handle extension 40 assumes an elongated bow shape (as in Figs. 1 and 2). The elongated bow shape may also be referred to as banana shaped and/or boomerang shaped. The elongated bow shape is advantageous for shaving a user's back, as can be seen in Fig. 4.
Referring again to Figs. 1-3, an embodiment is elucidated where at an end of the handle section 46, a T-handle 86 is formed having a main extension direction 88 that is parallel to the connecting line 74 between the leading portions 70, 72 and the leading edge 24. The T-handle 86 is formed at the end of the handle section 46 that is opposite to the frontal section 44 when the handle extension 40 is in the unfolded elongated bow shape.
The T-handle 86 is beneficial for some applications, in particular when there is only a limited view of the cutting site. This applies for instance when users want to shave their back 92 as illustrated in Fig. 4. As the T-handle 86 is oriented parallel to the side supports 60, 62 and the leading edge 24 of the cutting element 22 that is arranged therebetween, maneuverability and controllability is improved as the T-handle 86 translates control movements directly to the frontal section 44 and the side supports 60, 62 with the interposed leading edge 24. In addition, the T-handle 86 improved sensory feedback as the user can deduce the orientation of the side supports 60, 62 with the interposed leading edge 24 from the orientation of the T-handle 86.
Figs. 4 and 5 each show a side view of the hair cutting arrangement 10, whereas in Fig. 5 a detail view of the hair cutting arrangement's 10 engagement for cutting hair at a user skin 94 is shown. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the hair cutting device 12 and the respective cutting element 22 may assume a specific configuration for cutting hair at hard-to-reach regions, e.g. at the user's back 92. That is, a cutting orientation of the hair cutting device 12 in such cases may be different from a cutting orientation of the hair cutting device 12 in normal cases, where the hair cutting device 12 is used as a stand-alone device without the handle extension 40.
In the configuration and orientation as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, at least the leading edge 24 of the cutting element 22 is dipped into the skin 94. This may cause skin irritations and the like when the contact pressure becomes too high. The hair cutting device 12 can be moved in the moving direction(s) (cf. double-arrow 96) along the skin 94 to cut hair there. With the orientation shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the hair cutting device 12 can be moved both up and down (arrow 96) to cut hair on the user's back 92. More generally, this feature may be referred to as dual-action back and forth (and/or push and pull) movement, which enhances the cutting performance for this specific scenario and similar applications.
The T-handle 86 forms the highest point of the hair cutting arrangement 10 in the orientation and cutting application illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5. The T-handle 86 may further increase the possible reach for the user, as the user can hold and guide the handle extension 40 in the downward orientation with only two fingers at the T-handle 86 at the very end of the handle portion 46. As compared to grasping the handle portion 46 with the user's hand and palm, a greater reach is possible because less overlap of the user's hand and fingers with the main extension direction of the handle portion 46 is required for grasping the handle extension 40.
The enlarged side view of the frontal section 44 in Fig. 5 further shows that in the exemplary embodiment, a rounded tip 100 is formed at each of the leading portions 70, 72. A radius of the rounded tip 100 is indicated by 102. The radius 102 may be in the range of 1.0 to 15.0 mm.
As already discussed hereinbefore, the side supports 60, 62 with their leading portions 70, 72 are rearwardly offset from the leading edge 24. A rearward offset is indicated in Fig. 5 by 106. When a user operates the hair cutting arrangement 10 with a relatively high contact force 110, the leading edge 24 of the cutting element 22 dips into the skin 94. The rearward offset 106 of the side supports 60, 62 with the leading portions 70, 72 enables a proper engagement of the skin 94 with the leading edge 24 of the hair cutting element 22. However, when the contact force 110 becomes too high, the leading edge 24 would dip even deeper into the skin 94. In such a case, the leading portions 70, 72 would come into contact with the skin 94, thereby preventing a further local increase in the contact pressure. A further benefit is that the side supports 60, 62 with the leading portions 70, 72 facilitate positioning the cutting element 22 of the leading edge 24 in a preferred parallel orientation of the leading edge 24 with respect to the skin 94. In certain embodiments, the rearward offset 106 of the leading portions 70, 72 from the leading edge 24 of the cutting element 22 is in the range of 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm.
In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the leading portions 70, 72 are wedge-shaped in side view having a wedge angle indicated by 112 that originates from the tip 100.
Further reference is made to Figs. 6 and 7, illustrating detail views of the frontal section 44 with the handle extension 40 being mounted to the hair cutting device 12.
Fig. 6 illustrates that the U-shaped end surface 66 protrudes outwardly beyond the outer surface 28 of the cutting element 22. Hence, the likelihood of skin contacts of the cutting element 22 in rear/outward portions that are not relevant for the cutting operation is reduced.
Figs. 6 and 7 further illustrate that the cutting unit 20 may be equipped with a stationary blade 114 and a movable blade 116 that form respective cutting elements. The outer blade is the stationary blade 114. The movable blade 116 is arranged behind and covered by the stationary blade 114. With the specific shape of the frontal section 44 of the handle extension 40, the cutting unit 20 is surrounded by the collar 64 and thus the skin 94 is better protected from unwanted contact with the cutting unit 20, apart from the desired hair cutting action at the leading edge 24.
At the leading edge 24 (see Fig. 5) the configuration is different. The cutting element 24 slightly protrudes beyond the side supports 60, 62, which is required for cutting hair close to the skin.
Fig. 7 shows several extensions and dimensions that elucidate an exemplary design of the handle extension 40 (and the hair associated cutting device 12). As with the arrangement of Fig. 6, the cutting unit 20 includes a movable blade 116 and a stationary blade 114.
A lateral spacing between the two lateral ends of the cutting element 22 (e.g., stationary blade 114) and the side supports 60, 62 is indicated by 122. It is preferred that the side supports 60, 62 are arranged adjacent to but slightly spaced from the cutting element 22.
A width extension of the side supports 60, 62 with their leading portions 70, 72 is indicated by 124. A width extension (length) of the cutting element 22 is indicated by 126. Together, the width extension(s) 124, the cutting element's 22 length 126 and the lateral spacing(s) 122 form an overall contact width 128 that is considerably greater than the original width/length 126 of the cutting element 22, which reduces the contact pressure during operation. In addition, maneuverability and controllability with the (considerably distant) handle section 46 is improved. In certain embodiments, the lateral spacing 122 between the side supports 60, 62 and the cutting element 22 is in the range of 0.2 mm to 2.0 mm. In certain embodiments, the sum of the width extensions 124 of the two leading portions 70, 72 amounts to 50% to 100% of the length 126 of the leading edge 24 of the cutting element 22.
The offset between the U-shaped end surface 66 and the outer surface 28 of the cutting element 22 is indicated by 130 in Fig. 7.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.
In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

A handle extension (40) for a hair cutting device (12), the handle extension (40) comprising:
- a frontal section (44) facing the skin (94) when in operation for cutting hair there,

- a handle section (46),

- an attachment section (42) that is formed between the frontal section (44) and the handle section (46) and arranged to be coupled to a hair cutting device (12), and

- two side supports (60, 62) that are formed at the frontal section (44) and spaced away from one another such that, when the handle extension (40) is mounted to the hair cutting device (12), a cutting element (22) of the hair cutting device (12) is arranged between the two side supports (60, 62),
wherein the two side supports (60, 62) each have a leading portion (70, 72) that is rearwardly offset from a leading edge (24) of the cutting element (22) such that, when an excessive contact force (110) is applied during a hair cutting procedure, a skin contact pressure at the cutting element (22) is delimited through a buffering skin contact of at least one of the leading portions (70, 72).
The handle extension (40) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein a rearward offset (106) of the leading portions (70, 72) from the leading edge (24) of the cutting element (22) is in the range of 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm.
The handle extension (40) as claimed in claim 1 or 2,
wherein the two side supports (60, 62) form part of a collar (64) that surrounds a rear side (26) of the cutting element (22) that faces away from the skin (94) when in operation for cutting hair at the skin (94).
The handle extension (40) as claimed in claim 3,
wherein the collar (64) forms a U-shaped end surface (66) that surrounds the cutting element (22) but omits the leading edge (24) of the cutting element (22), and

wherein the end surface (66) is outwardly offset (130) from an outer surface (28) of the cutting element (22).
The handle extension (40) as claimed in any one of claims 1-4,
wherein the two side supports (60, 62) are wedge-shaped in a side view, with the leading portions (70, 72) forming skin-facing tips (100) that are rounded.
The handle extension (40) as claimed in claim 5,
wherein a connecting line (74) between the leading portions (70, 72) is parallel to the leading edge (24) of the cutting element (22), but rearwardly offset therefrom.
The handle extension (40) as claimed in any one of claims 1-6,
wherein each of the side supports (60, 62) is adjacent to but laterally spaced from one of two opposite lateral sides of the cutting element (22).
The handle extension (40) as claimed in claim 7,
wherein a lateral spacing (122) between the side supports (60, 62) and the cutting element (22) is in the range of 0.2 mm to 2.0 mm.
The handle extension (40) as claimed in any one of claims 1-8,
wherein each of the leading portions (70, 72) of the side supports (60, 62) has a width extension (124) in a direction that is parallel to the orientation of the leading edge (24) of the cutting element (22), and

wherein the combined width extension of the leading portions (70, 72) amounts to 50% to 100% of a length (126) of the leading edge (24) of the cutting element (22).
The handle extension (40) as claimed in any one of claims 1-9,
wherein the attachment section (42) is releasably attachable to an original handle portion (14) of a hair cutting device (12).
The handle extension (40) as claimed in any one of claims 1-10,
wherein the handle extension (40) assumes, at least in an operating configuration, an elongated bow shape, and

wherein the frontal section (44) and the handle section (46) are formed at opposite ends of the elongated bow shape.
The handle extension (40) as claimed in claim 11,
wherein the handle extension (40) is movable between the elongated bow shape and a folded state about a swivel axis (82), and

wherein the swivel axis (82) is arranged between the handle section (46) and the attachment section (42).
The handle extension (40) as claimed in any one of claims 1-12,
wherein a T-handle (86) is formed at an end of the handle section (46), and wherein the T-handle (86) has a main extension direction (88) that is parallel to the leading edge (24) of the cutting element (22).
A hair cutting arrangement (10), comprising:
- a handle extension (40) as claimed in any one of claims 1-13,

- a hair cutting device (12) that is arranged to be moved through hair to cut hair, comprising:

- an original handle portion (14), and

- a cutting unit (20) having at least one cutting element (22) that is arranged to contact the skin (94) with a leading edge (24) to cut hair there,
wherein the handle extension (40) is arranged to be mounted to the hair cutting device (12) to increase the operational range for hair cutting.
The hair cutting arrangement (10) as claimed in claim 14,
wherein the hair cutting device (12) is a motor-powered cutting device, and

wherein the cutting unit (20) comprises two cutting elements (22) that are arranged to be moved relative to one another to cut hair therebetween.