FIELD OF THE INVENTION
-
The present disclosure relates to a hair cutting appliance for a hair cutting operation that can be equipped with an attachment hair collector for catching cut hair. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a hair cutting appliance that can be equipped with an attachment comb, particularly an adjustable comb. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to so-called suction-free hair collectors that do not require a suction device within the appliance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
-
Electric hair cutting appliances, including trimmers, clippers, and shavers, are commonly known and powered by either the electric grid or batteries. They are typically used to trim or remove human (or animal) body hair, particularly facial and head hair, for a well-groomed appearance. The motor-powered cutting unit usually comprises comb-like blades that slide relative to one another to cut hair caught between the teeth of the blades in a scissor-like action. There are also so-called foil shavers that have a cutting unit that is composed of a perforated foil and one or more movable cutting elements beneath the foil that cut hair reaching through the perforated foil. There are also combined hair cutting appliances incorporating a foil shaving section and a trimming section. Hair cutting operations may involve trimming, shaving and styling operations.
-
To guide hair to the cutting unit, these appliances often include a comb, either attachable or integrally formed. A spacing comb sets the cutting unit at a distance from the skin, allowing hair to be cut to a desired length (e.g., 1.0 mm, 3.0 mm, 6.0 mm, etc.) and ensuring even results, making short haircuts and beard trims easier.
-
US 2016/0361826 A1 discloses a hair clipper with a reciprocating blade and a vacuum system that draws hair clippings into an intake. The concept described in
US 2016/0361826 A1 relies on a motor-powered suction device. This makes the device heavier and bulkier.
-
WO 2017/021202 A1 describes a hair container that is attached to a comb, with lateral catching arms to guide hair into the container when used with a hair-cutting appliance. With the concept of
WO 2017/021202 A1 , the hair container can only be attached to the appliance when also the comb is attached, which makes the hair catching concept inoperable in the comb-free state that is used for shaving.
-
When users trim their beards and other hair, the cut hair often scatters, making a mess in the environment, particularly around sinks where toiletries are present. Current consumer solutions (like trimming in the shower or using a beard-bib) are inconvenient or cumbersome.
-
Thus, there is a need for a fairly simple yet effective solution that can easily be integrated into hair cutting appliances without significantly altering their function or ease of use. In addition, there may be applications where it is preferable to operate the appliance without attachments, such as styling applications where visibility of the cutting unit is of great importance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
-
It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a hair cutting appliance that can be equipped with an attachment hair collector that effectively reduces hair scattering and thus facilitates the hair cutting procedure. Preferably, the original hair cutting appliance and the attachment hair collector work together in a manner that does not compromise cutting performance, but also involves a state in which the hair cutting appliance is not equipped with the attachment hair collector. Preferably, at least in some embodiments, the hair cutting appliance is configured to be equipped with an attachment comb enabling a proper setting of the length of the hair after the cutting operation. Preferably, the attachment hair collector does not impair the appliance's design and aesthetics, regardless of whether in the mounted order detached state. Overall, user comfort and cutting performance shall be enhanced. Preferably, the need for extensive cleaning is reduced in accordance with the approach brought about by the present disclosure. Further, it is preferred that the attachment hair collector and corresponding interfaces with the hair cutting appliance are easy to use, manufacture, and assemble. Overall, the present disclosure aims to offer a simple, efficient hair-collecting solution that integrates easily into existing concepts for hair cutting appliances without compromising their functionality or ease of use.
-
In a first aspect of the present disclosure there is presented a hair cutting appliance for a hair cutting operation, the hair cutting appliance comprising:
- a housing portion,
- a cutting unit that is arranged at a cutting head, the cutting unit extending between two lateral ends and having a stationary cutting element and a movable cutting element that together define a cutting edge, and
- an attachment hair collector that is configured to be releasably attached to the housing portion, the attachment hair collector comprising:
- a bucket portion forming a hair container in a mounted state of the attachment hair collector,
- at least one mounting feature formed at a side edge or a bottom edge of the bucket portion, and
- a collar formed at the bucket portion and defining a hair inlet together with the cutting unit,
- wherein the collar has two side walls and a connecting wall extending between the two side walls,
- wherein the connecting wall is arranged opposite to the cutting edge to define a hair entry mouth therebetween,
- wherein each of the side walls extends to one of the two lateral ends of the cutting unit, and
- wherein the two lateral ends are arranged between the side walls in a neighboring relationship.
-
This aspect is based on the insight that the interface between the appliance with the cutting unit and the attachment hair collector can be optimized to provide a beneficial trade-off between hair catching efficiency, but also operability and appearance of the appliance in a state where the hair collector is not attached. Preferably, at least in certain embodiments, the appliance is prepared to be fitted with an attachment comb regardless of whether the attachment hair collector is fitted or not. Preferably, the hair cutting appliance exhibits a pleasant and integral design also in a state, where the attachment hair collector is not fitted, also in consideration of the necessary interfaces and contact areas.
-
In certain embodiments, the appliance is not fitted with a vacuum generator/suction device for hair suction and may thus be referred to as a suction-free hair cutting appliance. The attachment hair collector may also be referred to as passive hair collector, as it is not configured for sucking in hair due to a vacuum generated by a sucking device in the hair collector and/or the appliance. In other words, with such passive embodiments, the hair should fall into the hair collector by itself. This also contributes to avoiding an increase in weight and/or bulkiness for the original hair cutting appliance.
-
The bucket portion of the hair collector forms a hair container when in the mounted state. In this way, cut hair can be collected before it can scatter. The design of the collar ensures a close fit with the cutting unit and the cutting edge (where the hair is actually cut), minimizing the escape of hair. The hair collector can be easily attached to and detached from the appliance, which on the one hand facilitates cleaning and on the other hand enables an operation of the appliance without the hair collector (e.g., for styling purposes where better visibility is preferred over hair catching).
-
The attachment hair collector efficiently catches cut hair during operation, reducing the mess caused by scattered hairs. It is designed to be easily attachable and detachable, offering user convenience without affecting performance.
-
Overall, in accordance with the disclosure, cleanliness of the hair cutting (trimming/shaving) procedure can be significantly improved by catching the majority of the cut hair in a dedicated container that is formed when the hair collector is attached. In certain embodiments, the hair catching effect is also present when an attachment comb is attached to the appliance, at least in certain adjustment states of the comb.
-
In certain embodiments, the stationary cutting element may be referred to as guard. In certain embodiments, the movable cutting element may be referred to as cutter. In such a case, the scissor-like cutting action is brought about by an active reciprocating movement of the cutter relative to the guard.
-
The attachment hair collector may be referred to as releasable hair collector. Preferably, the collector may be attached to and detached from the housing portion of the appliance without the need of tools, etc. In certain embodiments, the hair collector is arranged for snappingly engaging corresponding mounting features at the housing portion of the appliance.
-
The two side walls are arranged to shield opposite lateral ends of the cutting unit to reduce hair scattering there. In certain embodiments, the two side walls are each raised up to one of the two lateral ends of the cutting unit. Hence, the side walls and the connecting wall of the collar may form three sides of the hair entry mouth, whereas the cutting edge forms the fourth side of the hair entry mouth.
-
The neighboring relationship between the side walls and the lateral ends means that there does necessarily not have to be a physical contact between the side walls and the lateral ends, but the gap therebetween is small enough to prevent significant amounts of hair from escaping therethrough. The term neighboring relationship may also be referred to as close proximity.
-
In an exemplary embodiment, a frontal section of the housing portion is shielded by the bucket portion in the mounted state of the attachment hair collector such that the bucket portion and the frontal section together form the hair container.
-
Hence, together with the bucket portion of the hair collector also the housing portion forms part of the hair container. An advantage of this design is that the hair container can have a greater internal volume without adding much volume to the hair cutting appliance when the hair collector is attached. When the bucket portion and the frontal section of the housing are arranged sufficiently tight (i.e., in a neighboring relationship), hair can be collected therebetween without the risk of significant amounts of hair escaping therethrough.
-
In other words, in accordance with this embodiment, the hair container is a hair collecting cavity commonly formed by the bucket portion and the frontal section of the housing portion. The frontal section of the housing portion is a portion that is typically at the front when the appliance is moved along a user's skin in a moving direction for cutting hair there.
-
In another exemplary embodiment, a hair inlet constriction is formed at the hair inlet, the hair inlet constriction being inwardly spaced from the hair entry mouth, wherein the hair inlet constriction has a width in the range of about 3.0 mm to 5.0 mm, at least in a central section along a lateral direction that is parallel to the cutting edge.
-
This applies particularly as seen in a longitudinal half section of the appliance in a side view. The hair inlet constriction is a narrowing resulting in a reduced cross-section of an air inlet passage there. The width in the range of about 3.0 mm to 5.0 mm is particularly present in a central section, whereas at the lateral ends a smaller (or even larger) local width may be present.
-
The hair inlet constriction acts like a funnel to guide hair into the container efficiently without making it too easy to escape from the container in the opposite direction. Both at the outward side and the inward side of the hair inlet constriction, the passage for hair is widened.
-
In another exemplary embodiment, a minimum spacing between the connecting wall of the collar and a cutting edge tip of the cutting unit is in the range of about 1.0 mm to 8.0 mm, at least in a central section along a lateral direction that is parallel to the cutting edge. This applies particularly as seen in a longitudinal half section of the appliance in a side view. The corresponding spacing may be even smaller at the lateral ends.
-
Having the minimum spacing in the range of about 1.0 mm to 8.0 mm (e.g., in the range of about 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm) provides a beneficial trade-off between hair collecting efficiency and cutting performance, in particular visibility of the cutting edge. In case the minimum spacing is significantly enlarged, even more hair can be collected after cutting. However, in such a case, visibility of the cutting edge would be considerably impaired.
-
In another exemplary embodiment, the stationary cutting element has a top side facing way from the movable cutting element, wherein the top side defines a top plane, and wherein a perpendicular distance between the top plane and the connecting wall of the collar is in the range of about 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm, at least in a central section along a lateral direction that is parallel to the cutting edge. This applies particularly as seen in a longitudinal half section of the appliance in a side view.
-
Similarly, also with the perpendicular distance in the range of about 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm (e.g., in the range of about 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm) a beneficial trade-off between visibility of the cutting operation and efficient hair collection (only few hairs can escape through that gap) can be provided. The top side is the side that faces and contacts the skin when the appliance is used for shaving purposes (i.e., without an attachment comb).
-
In another exemplary embodiment, the collar has a width extension between the two side walls that is smaller than the corresponding overall width of the bucket portion.
-
Hence, the collar can be snugly fitted to the form and size of the cutting unit with the cutting edge, which improves hair collection efficiency and prevents for instance a scattering along the lateral ends of the cutting unit. When the overall width of the bucket portion is greater than the width between the two side walls, a large capacity can be provided in the hair container.
-
In certain embodiments, the width extension of the collar amounts to no more than 80 % of the overall width of the bucket portion. In certain embodiments, the width extension of the collar amounts to no more than 60 % of the overall width of the bucket portion.
-
In another exemplary embodiment, the bucket portion has two side edges, with the bottom edge extending therebetween, wherein the housing portion has one or more snap-in recesses engaged by a corresponding engagement protrusion of one of the two side edges, wherein the housing portion has one or more alignment recesses engaged by a corresponding alignment protrusion of the bottom edge. With this embodiment, the one or more engagement protrusions and the one or more alignment protrusions can be formed as spacers that define a minimum clearance between the side edge/the bottom edge of the bucket portion and the housing portion of the appliance.
-
The snap-in and alignment features ensure secure, precise attachment of the bucket, minimizing the risk of misalignment or detachment during use. The defined spacing prevents damages to the housing or bucket, improving durability. In certain embodiments, the spacing provided between the housing portion and the hair collector is in the range of between 0.3 and 0.5 mm, preferably at about 0.4 mm. In this way, hair can be prevented from excessively leaking through that gap.
-
In another exemplary embodiment, a detachment aid formed as a laterally extending wing or tab is formed at each of the two side edges. The detachment aid simplifies the process of removing the bucket, making cleaning and maintenance easy for the user without compromising the secure attachment during operation. The detachment aid may also be used for the mounting procedure, which may involve a snapping engagement between the hair collector and the housing portion.
-
In another exemplary embodiment, the appliance further comprises an attachment comb, preferably a releasable snap-lock mounting attachment comb, that is arranged to be attached to the cutting head, the attachment comb comprising a base and a plurality of comb teeth that form a contact portion for a skin contact, wherein the contact portion is offset from the stationary cutting element to define a cutting length, wherein the attachment comb and the attachment hair collector are attachable to the appliance independently of each other, and wherein the attachment comb has a frame portion that is arranged in a neighboring relationship with the collar when the attachment comb and the attachment hair collector are mounted, at least in a retracted position of the attachment comb.
-
The user can choose to attach either or both the attachment comb and the attachment hair collector, offering flexibility for different grooming needs and allowing the appliance to adapt to various hair lengths and trimming styles. Also the attachment comb can be configured for a snapping engagement and disengagement with the appliance.
-
When the hair collector is mounted, the attachment comb can be slid over it to improve hair-catching efficiency. Additional features on the attachment comb reduce hair escape, especially in comb settings of 5 mm or below (i.e., partially extracted position), where the comb may also form part of the hair inlet.
-
In another exemplary embodiment, the appliance is operable in a non-equipped basic state, wherein the appliance is operable in a state equipped with the attachment comb, wherein the appliance is operable in a state equipped with the attachment hair collector, and wherein the appliance is operable in a state equipped with the attachment hair collector and the attachment comb.
-
This modular approach provides flexibility, allowing the device to be used in its basic configuration, with just the attachment comb, with just the attachment hair collector, or with both the attachment comb and the attachment hair collector, suitable for different grooming preferences.
-
In other words, there may be provided a kit including a basic appliance and attachments units, such as the attachment comb and/or the attachment hair collector. Attaching only the hair collector or only the adjustment comb is possible.
-
In another exemplary embodiment, the attachment comb is an adjustable attachment comb that is movable between a retracted position and an extracted position when in the mounted state of the attachment comb, wherein the frame portion maintains the neighboring relationship with the collar, at least in a partially extracted position.
-
The adjustable comb allows for precise control of hair length while maintaining efficient hair collection in various comb positions, ensuring consistent performance and cleanliness. In certain embodiments, the partially extracted position involves a cutting length of at least 5.0 mm.
-
In another exemplary embodiment, the attachment comb comprises two arms that are inserted in corresponding mounting slots of the appliance in the mounted state of the attachment comb, wherein the appliance has an adjustment mechanism arranged in the housing portion that is operable to move the two arms in the mounting slots to move the attachment comb between the retracted position and the extracted position.
-
The adjustment mechanism allows users to easily adjust the cutting length, providing greater control over the exact length of the trim, whether for beards, haircuts, or body hair. At least in some cutting length states of the adjustable comb, an improved hair catching capacity may be maintained.
-
In certain embodiments, a snapping engagement between the two arms of the attachment comb and the appliance is provided in the mounting slots.
-
In another exemplary embodiment, the frame portion of the attachment comb comprises two opposite side walls that overlap the side walls of the collar in a neighboring relationship, at least when the attachment comb is in the retracted position.
-
Hence, additional measures against hair scattering may be provided that come into effect when the attachment comb is mounted and in a retracted or (partially) extracted position, improving the efficiency of the hair collection system even when the appliance is used for hair trimming with the attachment comb mounted.
-
In certain embodiments, the side walls of the attachment comb and the side walls of the collar of the attachment hair collector have an opposite main extension direction. Due to the overlap, the neighboring relationship can be maintained at least in a partially extracted position of the attachment comb when the side walls of the attachment comb are lifted from the appliance and the hair collector mounted thereto.
-
In another exemplary embodiment, the attachment comb comprises an inner skirt that protrudes towards a rear edge of the stationary cutting element and that overlaps the rear edge of the stationary cutting element in a neighboring relationship, at least when the attachment comb is in the retracted position, wherein preferably a hair collecting cavity is formed between the attachment comb and the stationary cutting element that is delimited by the inner skirt. The inner skirt forms together with the stationary cutting element an additional hair collection cavity that comes into effect when the attachment comb is in a partially extracted position. Hence, hair clippings that would otherwise slip through the gap at the rear edge of the stationary cutting element can be trapped and contained there.
-
In another exemplary embodiment, the attachment comb has a frontal comb extension that overlaps the connecting wall of the collar in a neighboring relationship, at least when the attachment comb is in the retracted position.
-
In such a way, improved hair guiding due to the frontal comb extension and also the collection of clipped hair due to the cooperation of the attachment hair collector and the attachment comb can be maintained, which brings about a synergistic effect when both the hair collector and the comb are mounted. Due to the overlap, further potential hair escape routes are covered, ensuring that most hair clippings are directed into the hair container.
-
In addition, the neighboring relationship can be maintained at least in a partially extracted position when the frontal comb extension still overlaps the collar of the hair collector.
-
Overall, with the hair cutting appliance according to the present disclosure that can be equipped with the attachment hair collector and, if any, the attachment comb, the grooming experience can be enhanced by improving cleanliness, user control, and the overall functionality of the hair cutting appliance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
-
These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter. In the following drawings
- Fig. 1 shows a perspective rear view of a basic configuration of a hair cutting appliance that can be equipped with an attachment hair collector and an attachment comb, wherein the hair collector and the comb are shown in Fig. 1 in a detached state;
- Fig. 2 shows a partial perspective frontal view of the arrangement of Fig. 1;
- Fig. 3 shows a partial perspective frontal view of the appliance of Fig. 1 with the hair collector mounted thereto and the attachment comb still in a detached state;
- Fig. 4 shows a further view of the arrangement of Fig. 3, with the hair collector and the comb mounted to the appliance, whereas the hair collector and the comb are shown in a cross-sectional view;
- Fig. 5 shows a side view of a cutting head of a hair cutting appliance with an attachment hair collector mounted thereto, and with the hair collector shown in a cross-sectional view;
- Fig. 6 shows an enlarged view of the arrangement of Fig. 5 that shows a hair inlet passage, whereas the hair collector and a frontal section of the appliance's housing are shown in a cross-sectional view;
- Fig. 7 shows another side view based on the arrangement of Fig. 5, wherein an adjustable comb is mounted to the appliance and shown in a cross-sectional view, the comb being in a retracted position;
- Fig. 8 shows another view based on the arrangement of Fig. 7, with the comb in a partially extracted position;
- Fig. 9 shows a frontal view of a cutting head of a hair cutting appliance with an attachment hair collector mounted thereto, and with the hair collector shown in a half-sectional view;
- Fig. 10 shows an enlarged view of the arrangement of Fig. 9, wherein also an adjustable comb is mounted to the appliance and shown in a half-sectional view, the comb being in a retracted position;
- Fig. 11 shows another view based on the arrangement of Fig. 10, with the comb in a partially extracted position;
- Fig. 12 shows a perspective bottom view of an attachment comb for a hair cutting appliance;
- Fig. 13 shows a perspective rear and side view of a cutting head of a hair cutting appliance with an adjustable comb being mounted thereto and set to a partially extracted position;
- Fig. 14 shows a perspective rear view of an attachment hair collector for a hair cutting appliance; and
- Fig. 15 shows a detailed partial rear view of a cutting head of a hair cutting appliance with a hair collector mounted thereto that is shown in a cross-sectional view.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
-
Fig. 1 shows in a perspective rear view a hair cutting appliance 10 that is arranged as a hair clipper or trimmer 12. The appliance 10 illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 is provided as a kit and includes one or more attachments, such as an attachment hair collector 14 and/or an attachment comb 16.
-
The appliance 10 comprises an elongated housing portion 20 extending between a first and a second end. The first end may also be referred to as top end, and the second end may also be referred to as bottom end. The housing portion 20 has an elongated shape. The housing portion 20 accommodates internal components of the appliance 10, such as a drive motor, transmission, controls, a battery and the like. Typically, the housing portion 20 also provides a handling portion and houses one or more controls, such as a power button and the like.
-
At the first end (i.e., top end) of the housing portion 20, a cutting head 22 is provided. At the cutting head 22, a cutting unit 24 is supported that comprises a stationary cutting element 26 and a movable cutting element 28 (see also Fig. 2). At their frontal ends, the stationary cutting element 26 and the movable cutting element 28 together define a cutting edge 30. The cutting unit 24 comprises two opposite lateral ends 36. The cutting edge 30 extends in a lateral direction 34 between the two lateral ends 36. In certain embodiments, the stationary cutting element 26 and the movable cutting element 28 may together be referred to as blade set. Hence, the stationary cutting element 26 may be referred to as the stationary blade (guard blade), and the movable cutting element 28 may be referred to as movable blade (cutter blade).
-
For cutting hair, in the appliance 10 is moved along a user's skin in a moving direction 40, with the stationary cutting element 26 facing the skin. For shaving or clipping hair at the shortest possible length, the stationary cutting element 26 touches the skin. For trimming hair at a defined length, the cutting unit 24 of the stationary cutting element 26 is spaced away from the skin by a defined of said, for instance by using the attachment comb 16. The arrow 40 also indicates a frontal direction as the cutting edge 30 is arranged at the front when the appliance 10 is moved in the moving direction 40 for hair cutting purposes.
-
The appliance 10 illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 is operable in different configurations. In a first, basic configuration, the appliance 10 is operable without the attachment hair collector 14 and the attachment comb 16 mounted thereto. In another configuration, the appliance 10 is operable with the hair collector 14 attached thereto. In another configuration, the appliance 10 is operable with the comb 16 attached thereto. In another configuration, the appliance 10 is operable with both the hair collector 14 and the comb 16 attached thereto. In other words, the appliance 10 may be provided in the form of a kit that includes a basic apparatus (e.g., trimmer 12) and attachments, such as the hair collector 14 and the comb 16.
-
The attachment hair collector 14 is basically composed of a bucket portion 50 having a bucket design. The hair collector 14 is arranged to be attached to the housing portion 20 of the appliance 10, see Figs. 1-4. The bucket portion 50 has two opposite side edges 52 and a bottom edge 54. The side edges 52 and the bottom edge 54 are arranged in a neighboring relationship with the appliance's 10 housing portion 20 when the hair collector 14 is in the mounted state.
-
Both at the hair collector 14 and the housing portion 20 there may be mounting features for a snapping engagement between the hair collector 14 and the housing portion 20. In the exemplary embodiment, one or more engagement protrusions 56 are formed at the side edges 52 of the bucket 50. Further, one or more alignment protrusions 58 are formed at the bottom edge 54. Correspondingly, one or more snap-in recesses 60 and one or more alignment recesses 62 are formed at the housing portion 20. With such mounting features, an on-demand attachment of the hair collector 14 is possible. While the hair collecting capacity is appreciated in many use cases, there may be used cases (e.g., styling), where visibility of the cutting edge is of great importance so that the appliance 10 can be operated without the hair collector 14.
-
At an upper end of the bucket 50 facing the cutting edge 30 when in the mounted state, a collar 66 is formed that is adapted to the shape of the cutting unit 24 in the vicinity of the cutting edge 30. As can be best seen in Figs. 2 and 3, the collar 66 comprises two opposite side walls 68 and a connecting wall 70 extending therebetween.
-
In the exemplary embodiment, detachment aids 72 are formed at the side edges 52 of the bucket 50. The detachment aids 72 are formed as a laterally extending wings or tabs and may be actuated by the user to release the hair collector 14 by disengaging the engagement protrusions 56 from the snap-in recesses 62.
-
For some applications, the appliance 10 may be fitted with the attachment comb 16. The attachment comb 16 may be arranged as an adjustable comb. The attachment comb 16 comprises a base 76 and a plurality of comb teeth 78 extending therefrom. A slot 80 interrupts the comb teeth 78. In the mounted state of the comb 16, particularly for considerably small cutting lengths, the cutting unit 24 with the cutting edge 30 protrudes into the slot 80 (refer also to Figs. 4 and 7).
-
In the exemplary embodiment, the comb 16 is configured for a snapping engagement with the appliance 10. To this end, the comb 16 comprises two arms 82 that can be inserted into corresponding mounting slots 84 in the appliance's 10 housing portion 20. The mounting slots 84 are formed in a shoulder 86 of the housing portion 20. In the mounted state of the comb 16, the cutting unit 24 is arranged between the two arms 82.
-
A dashed block arrow 88 in
Fig. 1 indicates an adjustment mechanism that is provided in the housing-portion 20. The adjustment mechanism 88 may include a mechanical adjustment and/or a motor powered adjustment of the position of the attachment combs 16 with respect to the cutting unit 24 to adjust the effective cutting length. In this connection, reference is made to
WO 2017/021202 A1 , which discloses an exemplary implementation of an adjustment drive for an attachment comb.
-
The comb 16 further comprises a frontal comb extension 90 that extends towards the bottom end of the housing portion 20 when the comb 16 is in the mounted state. The frontal comb extension 90 overlaps the housing portion 20 and, if any, the hair collector 14, at least in a retracted position of the comb 16, refer also to Figs. 3 and 4.
-
Fig. 3 illustrates a state where the hair collector 14 is mounted to the appliance 10. Fig. 4 illustrates a state where also the comb 16 is mounted. In Fig. 4, the hair collector 14 and the comb 16 are shown in a half-sectional view.
-
In the mounted state, a hair container 94 is formed between the hair collector 14 and the housing portion 20 that is covered by the bucket portion 50 of the hair container 94. More particularly, in the exemplary embodiment, the bucket portion 50 covers a frontal section 102 (see Fig. 4) of the housing portion 20 and provides a cavity therebetween that serves as the hair container 94.
-
Fig. 3 shows by means of an arrow designated by 96 that the collar 66 and the cutting unit 24 together define a hair inlet 96 through which hair may enter the hair container 94. A dashed line 100 describes a hair entry mouth formed between the cutting edge 30 of the cutting unit 24 and the opposite connecting wall 70 of the collar 66, together with the side walls 68. The hair entry mouth 100 forms part of the hair inlet 96 into the hair container 94.
-
The frontal section 102 is exposed and visible in a state of the appliance 10 without the hair collector 14 attached thereto. In the exemplary embodiment, in the attached state of the hair collector 14, the frontal section 102 and the bucket portion 50 together form the hair container 94. Hence, the hair collector 14 itself must not be provided with an enclosing wall that entirely defines the hair container 94. As a result, the overall design of the appliance 10 with the attached hair collector 14 is less bulky and yet provides sufficient hair catching and collecting capacity.
-
The side walls 68 are in a neighboring relationship with the lateral ends 36 of the cutting unit 24 when in the mounted state. This will be discussed in more detail further herein below. In the mounted state of the comb 16, when also the hair collector 14 is mounted, a frame portion 106 of the attachment comb 16 is arranged adjacent to the side walls 68 of the collar 66 and preferably in a neighboring relationship therewith. Further, also the frontal comb extension 90 extends from the frame portion 106. Such measures contribute to a closed design of the hair inlet 96 in the region of the hair entry mouth 100. Hence, even though the hair inlet 96 can be flexibly formed on demand by attaching the hair container 14 to the appliance 10, hair catching efficiency is increased, and unwanted hair leakage is minimized.
-
With reference to Figs. 5 and 6, the internal design of the hair inlet 96 jointly formed by the hair collector 14, the cutting unit 24 and the frontal section 102 is described in more detail. In Fig. 5, the hair collector 14 is shown in a sectional view to reveal the (internal) hair container 94. In the enlarged view of Fig. 6, both the hair collector 14 and the frontal section 102 of the housing portion 20 are shown in a sectional view, with the hair container 94 therebetween.
-
Fig. 6 illustrates several parameters that have a positive impact on the desired trade-off between hair catching and/o retaining efficiency and cutting performance and/or visibility and/or maneuverability of the appliance 10. A minimum spacing between a tip 114 of the cutting edge 30 and the connecting wall 70 is designated by 116. The minimum spacing 116 is preferably in the range of 1.0 mm to 8.0 mm.
-
The stationary cutting element 26 of the cutting unit 24 has a top side 110 that defines a top plane 112. The top side 110 is the side that is facing and (at least partially) contacting the skin when the appliance 10 is used for shaving without an attachment comb 16. A (minimum) perpendicular distance 116 between the top plane 112 and the connecting wall 70 of the collar 66 is preferably in the range of 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm.
-
Along the passage of the hair inlet 96 towards the hair container 94, a hair inlet constriction 124 is formed between the housing portion 20 and the hair collector 14. The hair inlet constriction 124 is inwardly spaced from the hair entry mouth 100 (see Fig. 3). A (minimum) width 126 of the hair inlet constriction 124 is in the range of about 3.0 mm to 5.0 mm. The hair inlet constriction 124 is a bottleneck/funnel-like contour the hair passes on its way along the hair inlet 96 towards the hair container 94. Before and after the hair inlet constriction 124, the passage is widened.
-
The above indicated values for the parameters 116, 120 and 126 are particularly present in a central section along a lateral direction (see the arrow 34 in Figs. 1 and 3) that is parallel to the cutting edge 30. The lateral direction 34 is perpendicular to the view plane of Figs. 5 and 6. As can be seen in Fig. 3, the hair inlet 96, and/or the hair entry mouth 100 do not necessarily have to exhibit a constant width/shape in their total extension along the lateral direction 34.
-
The above set of parameters 116, 120, 126 provides a viable compromise between hair catching and retaining in the hair container 94 and in operability and maneuverability of the appliance 10 when equipped with the hair collector 14. Needless to say, having only one or two of the parameters 116, 120, 126 in the indicated ranges may already bring about some of the benefits discussed herein.
-
Figs. 7 and 8 are based on Fig. 5 and illustrate the device 10 in a state equipped with both the hair collector 14 and the comb 16. In Fig. 7, the comb 16 is in a fully retracted position. In Fig. 8, the comb 16 is in a partially extracted position. An adjustment movement is indicated in Fig. 8 by a double arrow designated by 128. The adjustment movement 128 can be brought about by the adjustment mechanism 88 (see Fig. 1). The teeth 78 of the comb 16 form a contact portion 130 that contacts the skin when the appliance 10 is used with the comb 16 for trimming hair at a desired length. A resulting moving direction 40 of the appliance 10 is illustrated by a respective arrow.
-
Both in the retracted position of Fig. 7 and the partially extracted position of Fig. 8, the frontal comb extension 90 overlaps the connecting wall 70 of the collar 66. At least in the partially extracted position, a hair collecting cavity 136 is formed between the comb 16 and the stationary cutting element 26. More particularly, an inner skirt 132 is formed at the comb 16 that extends towards the shoulder 86 of the housing portion 20 when the comb 16 is attached. The inner skirt 132 is arranged in a neighboring relationship with a rear edge 134 of the stationary cutting element 26. There is a considerable overlap (in a top/bottom direction) between the skirt 132 and the rear edge 134, at least when the comb 16 is in the retracted position. When the comb 16 is in the partially extracted position and thus the base 76 is slightly lifted from the stationary cutting element 26, hair may be collected in the cavity 136 and largely prevented from escaping through a gap between the rear edge 134 and the inner skirt 132.
-
In a top/bottom view, both the skirt 132 and the rear edge 134 may have a U-shape (see also Figs. 12 and 13) so that the neighboring relationship may be present along a circumferential zone therebetween that extends along the U-shape.
-
In the partially elevated position of the comb 16 with respect to the housing portion 20 according to Fig. 8, a side wall 140 of the frame portion 106 extends towards the side wall 68 of the collar 66, thereby preventing excessive hair leakage in this portion. Generally, the comb 16 may have a design that is snugly fitted to the blade set 24 and the attachment hair collector 14 to maintain the hair catching efficiency also in the state where the comb 16 is attached. This must not necessarily apply to any extraction state of the comb 16, but preferably includes a retracted position and a partially extracted position of the comb 16.
-
Further reference in this context is made to Figs. 9 to 11, each showing a partial front view of the appliance 10 that is fitted with the hair collector 14. In Figs. 10 and 11, also the comb 16 is attached. In Fig. 10, the comb 16 is in the retracted position, refer also to Fig. 7. In Fig. 11, the comb 16 is in the partially extended position, refer also to Fig. 8. In Figs. 9 to 11, the hair collector 14 and the comb 16 are each shown in half-sectional view.
-
Fig. 9 illustrates a neighboring relationship between the side walls 68 of the collar 66 and the lateral ends 36 of the cutting unit 24. There is a considerable overlap (in a top/bottom direction) between the side walls 68 and the lateral ends 36. Generally, as used herein, the term neighboring relationship does not necessarily imply a zero gap between two components. Rather, the term neighboring relationship relates to arrangements that are sufficiently close to one another so that hair escape through the resulting gap can be significantly prevented.
-
In Figs. 10 and 11, also the comb 16 is fitted to the appliance 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the side walls 140 of the frame portion 106 of the comb 16 are in a neighboring relationship with the side walls 68 of the collar 66 of the hair collector 14. In the state as illustrated in Fig. 10, the lateral ends 36 of the cutting unit 24 are arranged between the side walls 68 of the collar 66 of the hair collector 14, and the side walls 68 are arranged between the side walls 140 of the frame portion 106 of the comb 16. There is a considerable overlap (in a top/bottom direction) between the side walls 68 and the side walls 140.
-
The overlap makes it possible that also in the partially extracted state as shown in Fig. 11, still a neighboring relationship is provided between the side walls 68 and the side walls 140 so that also with this configuration, hairs are reliably guided into the hair container 94 formed between the housing portion 20 and the bucket 50 of the hair collector 14.
-
Fig. 12 shows a perspective bottom view of the comb 16 with the two arms 82. Further, the skirt 132 is shown at an inner bottom side of the comb 16. Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of the cutting head 22 in a state where both the hair collector 14 and the comb 16 are mounted. The comb 16 is shown in a half-sectional view. As already discussed in connection with Figs. 7 and 8, the skirt 132 is adapted to the outer shape, particularly to the rear edge 134, of the stationary cutting element 26 so that the hair collecting cavity 136 can be formed there when the comb 16 is elevated, but only to an extent that still ensures the neighboring relationship between the skirt 132 and the rear end 134. Fig. 13 also shows the detachment aids 72 formed at the hair collector 14.
-
Fig. 14 shows a perspective rear view of the hair collector 14 illustrating the inner side thereof. A width extension of the collar 66 between the two side walls 68 is designated by 146. An overall width of the bucket 50 is designated by 148. The width extension 146 is smaller than the overall width 148. For instance, the width extension 146 amounts to no more than 80% of the overall width 148.
-
In connection with Fig. 14, Fig. 15 illustrates in an enlarged partial view a mounted state of the hair collector 14, wherein the hair collector 14 is shown in a cross-sectional state with the sectional plane extending through an engagement protrusion 56 that is formed on one of the two side edges 52 of the bucket 50. In the exemplary embodiment, the engagement protrusions 56 and/or the at least one alignment protrusion 58 (see Fig. 14) are formed as spacers when they are brought into engagement with the corresponding mounting features (snap-in recesses 60, alignment recesses 62) at the housing portion 20 of the appliance 10.
-
In the mounted state, the spacers (e.g., engagement protrusion(s) 56 and/or alignment protrusion(s) 58) define a minimum clearance between the side edges 52 and the bottom edge 54 of the bucket 50 and the corresponding opposite contour of the housing portion 20 to which the hair collector 14 is mounted. In this way, due to a defined clearance between the bucket 50 and the housing portion 20, damages, scratches and the like at the frontal section 102 of the housing portion 20 can be largely avoided or at least minimized during the mounting/mounting procedure. In certain embodiments, a direct contact (zero gap) between the hair collector 14 and the housing portion 20 of the appliance 10 is only present at the engagement protrusion(s) 56 and/or the alignment protrusion(s) 58.
-
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.