GB2574842A

GB2574842A - Rotary hair clipper

Info

Publication number: GB2574842A
Application number: GB201810069A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Palin Edward
Original assignee: Heiniger AG
Current assignee: Heiniger AG
Priority date: 2018-06-19
Filing date: 2018-06-19
Publication date: 2019-12-25
Anticipated expiration: 2038-06-19
Also published as: GB2574842B; GB201810069D0

Abstract

A hair clipping device comprises a handle (112, fig 3) and a clipping head mounted or otherwise provided at a first end of the handle, the clipping head defining a clipping region (116, fig 2) at its distal end. The clipping device further comprises an elongate blade 442 mounted, at a generally central location along its length, on a rotary blade mount 440 mounted on the clipping head and is coupled to a motor 328 for selectively rotating the elongate blade about a cutting circle defined by the length of the blade. The clipping device further comprises a comb member 118 comprising a plate (136, fig 2) having first and second opposing side edges and mounted on the clipping head, over the blade, such that said first side edge thereof is at the cutting region. The comb member has a set of spaced-apart teeth along at least the first side edge, each of the teeth extending from the first side edge to a location within the cutting circle defined by the blade.

Description

Rotary Hair Clipper

This invention relates generally to a rotary animal hair clipping device, and particularly, but not necessarily exclusively, to a rotary animal hair clipping device especially suitable for use on farm animals, such as cattle and horses.

It is a common requirement for large animals, such as cattle and horses to be regularly groomed for a variety of reasons. A key part of grooming requires the hair of the large animals to be clipped. The clipping of animals is usually implemented in order to maintain standards of health and for grooming purposes to increase aesthetic appeal, the latter being more common for horses and sheep.

The clipping of cattle and horses is also important for sanitary reasons, as regions of hair around more sensitive areas of livestock are required to be regularly removed in order to prevent build up of dirt and mud which becomes matted into the hair during daily activity, and which can, if left untreated, attract infections and disease to a herd.

A typical animal hair clipping device comprises a handle and a clipping head, wherein the clipping head comprises a comb for separating the hair strands to make them easier to cut, and a set of blades for performing the cutting. In a typical clipping set-up the comb to blade ratio defines the depth of cut provided by the blades. It is commonplace for clippers to incorporate a motor mechanism to drive the clipper blades. Typical clipper blades are formed of two rows of ‘teeth’ on top of each other, wherein one row of teeth is stationary, and the other row of teeth moves in a linear oscillatory or reciprocating motion (longitudinally relative to the device handle, back and forth), providing small gaps for hairs to enter between oscillations. This movement causes the teeth to perform a scissor-like motion, cutting the hairs which fall between the two sets of teeth.

However, there are a number of issues associated with conventional hair clippers. Firstly the relative movement of the set of teeth, rubbing against each other, causes heat build up due to the friction between the blades. This means that during clipping, regular breaks must be taken in order to allow the clippers to cool so as not to cause discomfort to the animals. Additionally the repeated friction between the two sets of blades causes rapid wearing and blunting, which means that the blades require regular maintenance or replacement to maintain their effectiveness.

In order to mitigate these issues and avoid wear on the clipper blades, it is common practice to regularly oil the blades before and during use to reduce the friction between the blades. However the oil required can be expensive and is an additional cost to bear.

Furthermore when the two blades come into regular contact during operation, they can create a large amount of noise and vibration. This is undesirable as it can be uncomfortable for a user to operate the clippers for a large amount of time, and loud clippers have been known to startle more jumpy animals and cause them undue distress while they are being groomed.

It is therefore an object of aspects of the present invention to address at least some of these issues, and exemplary embodiments provide a hair clipper which has a longer operational life span and does not require maintenance as frequently as conventional clippers.

In accordance with the first aspect of the present invention there is provided a hair clipping device comprising a handle and a clipping head mounted or otherwise provided at a first end of the handle, the clipping head defining a clipping region at its distal end, the clipping device further comprising an elongate blade mounted, at a generally central location along its length, on a rotary blade mount mounted on said clipping head and coupled to a motor for selectively rotating said elongate blade about a cutting circle defined by the length of the blade, and a comb member comprising a plate having first and second opposing side edges and mounted on said clipping head, over said blade, such that said first side edge thereof is at said cutting region, the comb member having a set of spaced-apart teeth along at least said first side edge, each of said teeth extending from said first side edge to a location within said cutting circle defined by said blade.

The elongate blade and the comb member may beneficially be separated by an air gap such that the blade and the comb member do not come into contact, which would otherwise cause wearing and heat build up, thus the need for oiling is eliminated. Optionally the motor is mounted on a motor mount, the motor mount being selectively adjustable by actuating at least one adjusting screw, such that actuation of the said at least one screw causes an increase or decrease of said air gap between the blade and the comb member. The first side edge of said comb region may optionally be substantially curved to form a generally semi-circular convex profile. The depth of the teeth may be substantially the same such that the end locations thereof also form a generally arcuate profile.

In an exemplary embodiment, the motor may be directly coupled to the rotary blade mount, such that the rotational frequency of the motor directly corresponds to the rotational frequency of the blade mount. The hair clipping device may advantageously additionally comprise a manually actuatable switch, the switch, optionally, being electronically coupled to the motor, wherein actuation of the switch may selectably change the direction of rotation of the motor.

A hair clipping device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may additionally comprise an internal frame member for securing the comb member to the cutting head. The comb member may, optionally, be attached to the internal frame by means of at least one screw. The at least one screw may advantageously comprise a captive screw to prevent the screw from being unintentionally removed/misplaced.

The at least one screw may, optionally be mechanically coupled to a failsafe mechanism which prevents operation of the device if the screw is not properly secured. The failsafe mechanism may comprise a micro-switch electronically coupled to the motor, and mechanically coupled to the screw, wherein rotation of the screw may actuate the micro-switch, thereby disconnecting the motor.

The cutting blade may, optionally, be selectively removable from the blade mount, for replacement and maintenance. Thus, the blade mount may comprise a blade receiving portion and a securing means. The blade receiving portion may comprise an elongate recess, having opposing side walls that may be oriented to receive said blade.

The securing means may comprise at least one magnet. The blade may comprise an elongate, generally rectangular having a diagonally tapered region to form a point at each end thereof. Each side edge of said diagonally tapered region may be substantially bevelled to form a sharpened edge, such that the blade can be configured to cut when rotating in either direction. Optionally said blade may comprise a substantially curved member. The blade may be formed of magnetic stainless steel.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the following specific description, in which embodiments of the present invention are described, by way of examples only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic top perspective view of a rotary animal clipping device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic bottom perspective view of a rotary animal clipping device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotary animal clipper as illustrated in figure 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic exploded view of the internal motor and cutting mechanism showing the sub-frame and moulding insert according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic bottom perspective view of the animal clipping device configured for use;

Figure 6 is a schematic close-up view of the cutting mechanism showing the blade, and blade attachment means according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a schematic view of the cutting blade and blade attachment means; and

Figure 8 is a schematic exploded view of the cutting blade and blade attachment means as illustrated in figure 6.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is illustrated a perspective view of an animal clipping device indicated generally at 110 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The clipping device 110 comprises a handle 112, a motor housing 114 for housing an internal motor, and a clipping region 116. At one end of the handle 112, a power cable 120 is provided. The power cable 120 passes through the handle 112 at a substantially flat end 119. Said substantially flat end 119 is additionally provided with an air vent 121. The air vent provides a fluid flow path to draw in clean air to the device to cool the electronics and motor during use. The handle 112 additionally comprises a switch 134 for selectively operating the device 110.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the motor housing 114 comprises a generally cylindrical body which extends at a perpendicular angle to the clipping region 116. At one end of the cylindrical body there is a substantially flat motor housing top plate 122. The substantially flat motor housing top plate 122 has, on a surface thereof, a manually actuatable switch 126 and a pair of removable screws 124. The switch 126 is electronically coupled to the internal motor (328 - Figure 3) and can be used to select the direction of rotation of the clipping blade (not shown in figures 1 and 2). The screws 124 can be removed to allow servicing of the switch. At a point on the circumferential side of the motor housing, a vent 128 is provided. The vent 128 forms a fluid flow path through the motor housing 114 providing cooling to the internal motor. A plurality of vents 128 may be provided around the motor housing 114 and the invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard.

The clipping region 116 has a substantially flat, smooth base plate 136, and a rotational clipping blade (not shown in figures 1 and 2). The base plate 136 has a generally circular shape and includes a comb 118 formed of a plurality of teeth along a side edge of the base plate 136 for, in use, separating stands of hair/fibre into smaller groups for cutting. The elongate teeth are arranged in sideby-side, spaced apart, parallel relation. The base plate 136 further comprises fixing means 130 for removably attaching the base plate 136 to the device. The fixing means may optionally be a plurality of screws, and it will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that other means of fixing may be used and the present invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard. Toward the rear of the clipping region 116, a pair of openings 132 is provided. The openings 132 provide a path from the front of the clipping region 116 to the rear of the clipping region 116 allowing the cut strands of hair to exit the clipping region 116, to prevent build up of waste.

Referring to Figure 3 of the drawings, the handle 112 comprises an outer casing, an electronic control module 326 at one end thereof, and, at the other end thereof, a substantially hollow cavity 324. The substantially hollow cavity 324 allows for space for a power cable or charging lead to pass through. At the other end of the handle 112, there is an electronic control module 326 for providing control to the motor 328 and enabling power to be supplied thereto. The handle 112 is suitably sized so that it can be gripped by a user, and additionally shaped so that the orientation of the device can be determined via touch alone, this is advantageous as its is common when clipping the underside of an animal that the device cannot be seen..

The electronic control module 326 receives power from a power cable (shown in Figures 1 and 2) connected to a power supply (not shown). In this exemplary embodiment of the invention the power supply comprises a mains power supply. However, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention the power supply comprises a battery pack housed externally to the handle 112, for example. The external battery back can be, for example, mounted on the belt of a user.

The handle 112 additionally comprises a switch (as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings), which is electronically coupled to the electronic control module 326, for selectively operating the animal clipper. In one embodiment the switch comprises a push switch for selectively turning the animal clipping device on or off. In another embodiment the switch comprises a slide switch, allowing the user to select the speed of operation of the clipper for different applications, the slide switch may have several distinct settings, or optionally the switch may be analogue. In yet another embodiment of the present invention the switch comprises a touch sensitive input device allowing for more accurate speed and/or direction selection and removing the need for additional moving parts. It will apparent to those skilled in the art that many types of switch may be suitable for embodiments of the present invention and the invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard.

The motor housing 114 is secured at one end of the handle 112. The motor housing 114 comprises an outer casing 320, a motor 328, a motor casing 322, and a motor mounting means 330. The motor 328 is electronically coupled to the electronic control module 326. Actuation of the electronic control module 326 causes actuation of the motor 328. The motor 328 may comprise a permanent magnet brushless DC motor, although the invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard, and a person skilled in the art will understand that a brushed or brushless motor will be suitable.

The motor casing 322 encloses the motor 328, and secures it in place during use. The motor casing 322 is fixed to the motor mounting means 330 via a flexible insert (424 in Figure 4) to the sub-frame and three adjustable screws (438a, 438b, 438c in Figure 5). The flexible insert and three adjustable screws can be used to accurately position the blade relative to the comb. The motor 328 is securely fixed to the inside of the motor casing 322 to prevent movement of the motor 328 and to secure it in place.

Referring now to Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings, an exploded view of the internal motor and cutting mechanism showing the sub-frame and motor mount frame can be seen. The motor 328 is mounted on a motor mount frame 412. The motor mount frame 412 is affixed to the motor 328 by two screws. The motor mount frame 412 comprises a substantially disc shaped member with a central hole 416 therethrough. The central hole 416 is sized and configured to receive the motor boss 414. The motor mount frame 412 additionally comprises a three tabs 418a through which a screw 420 can be fastened. Each tab 418a is located equidistant around the circumference of the motor mount frame 412. The tabs 418a align with a plurality of corresponding holes 418b on the sub-frame 422. The holes 418b are shaped and configured to receive a screw 420 therethrough. When configured for use a moulded insert 424 is provided between the motor mount frame 412 and the sub-frame 422. The moulded insert 424 forms a substantially air tight seal between the motor mount frame 412 and the subframe 422 to prevent waste from entering the motor housing, shown generally at 400.

The sub-frame 422 comprises a substantially ring shaped centre, and five securing leg members 426 extending therefrom. The five securing leg members 426 comprise an elongate support member 428 and an attaching foot 430. In a preferred embodiment, and referring specifically to figure 5 of the drawings, the attaching foot 430 additionally comprises a region 432 for selectively receiving an attaching means. In the preferred embodiment the sub-frame 422 is affixed to the base plate via the attaching means. The attaching means 432 comprises a cavity for receiving an attachment member. In an exemplary embodiment the attachment member comprises a screw 434 combination. In an exemplary embodiment the screw is advantageously a captive screw, so the likelihood of the screw being unintentionally removed from the attaching means is decreased. In an alternative embodiment the screw is a countersink screw coupled to an Oring member (not shown) to prevent the screw falling from the comb member 118.

In another exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in figures 8A and 8B of the drawings, the attachment means comprises an attaching foot 800, wherein the attaching foot additionally comprises several crenelated protrusions 802. The base plate 806 is provided with corresponding holes 804 for receiving the crenelated protrusions 802 therethrough. The protrusions 802 are configured such that in a first configuration the protrusions 802 can be aligned with the holes 804 allowing the protrusions 802 to pass therethrough. A second configuration can be achieved by rotating the base plate 806 such that the protrusions 802 are misaligned with the holes 804 and the sub-frame 808 is secured to the base plate 806.

In an exemplary embodiment one of the screws is coupled to a failsafe mechanism (not shown). If the screw attached to the failsafe mechanism is loosened during operation of the device, then the device is powered off and operation is ceased. This failsafe function serves to increase safety for the user of the device and the animal being clipped as it reduces the likelihood that the blade will unintentionally be revealed while moving. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention the failsafe mechanism comprises a micro-switch coupled to the motor and the screw, and wherein rotation of the screw actuates the switch to disengage the motor.

Referring specifically to figure 5 of the drawings, the sub-frame 422 is secured to the outer case 400 via four screws 438 therethrough.

Referring back to Figure 4 of the drawings, the cutting mechanism comprises a selectively rotatable blade mount 440 coupled to a selectively removable blade 442. When configured for use the selectively rotatable blade mount 440 is mechanically coupled to the motor 328 such that the motor 328 can drive the blade mount 440. The speed of rotation of the blade mount 440 can be much higher than conventional clippers, which is enabled by the fact that the blade 442 and the baseplate 436 (to be described hereafter) are not in contact during use, and the motor 328 is directly coupled to the blade mount 440 enabling direct drive action. As the blade 442 is mounted in the blade mount 440, it rotates at the same rotational frequency. It will be evident to a person skilled in the art that other rotational frequencies will be available and the invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard. The blade mount is secured in place between the base plate member 436 and the subframe 422.

The base plate 436 comprises a substantially disk shaped member and a comb 118. The comb 118 is provided towards the front of the device when configured for use. The base plate 436 additionally comprises a central receiving portion (not shown) for receiving the blade mount member 440. The comb 118 comprises a plurality of teeth for receiving and separating hairs. The comb 118 is substantially curved. The base plate 436 is preferably made of a light-weight, hard wearing material that is compatible with use in outdoor environments. In a preferred embodiment the material is comprised of a steel alloy.

Referring to figures 6 and 7 of the drawings, the blade mounting mechanism is illustrated. In a preferred embodiment the mounting mechanism comprises a substantially elliptical blade mounting member 440. The blade mounting member 440, additionally comprising a motor shaft adaptor 610, at least one region 612a, 612b for receiving magnets, and two opposing side walls

614 defining a longitudinal recess for receiving the blade 442. The motor shaft adaptor 610 is configured, in use, to receive the motor shaft and secure it in place. The magnet receiving regions 612a, 612b are configured to receive magnets of strength capable of fixing the blade during operation 442. The magnets are affixed in the magnet receiving region 612a, 612b by friction fitting, however a person skilled in the art will appreciate that there are multiple methods of affixing magnets. In a preferred embodiment there are 4 magnets receiving regions 612a, 612b. In an exemplary embodiment the magnet receiving regions 612a, 612b allow for two sizes of magnet, a larger magnet towards the centre 612a and a smaller magnet towards the far end 612b. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that a wide variety of magnet configurations are achievable.

The side walls 614 define a longitudinal recess configured to receive and secure the blade 442.

The blade 442 comprises a substantially straight, smooth elongate blade member 618. At either end of the substantially flat elongate blade member 618 the blade is tapered diagonally inwards to form a point 620 at each end thereof. In another exemplary embodiment, said blade 442 may comprise a substantially curved blade member.

Each of the diagonal edges 622 at each end of the blade member 618 is substantially bevelled to form a sharpened edge to improve cutting efficiency. As each pair of the diametrically opposed sides 622 are bevelled making both sides of the blade 442 sharp, the blade 442 can be actuated to cut while rotating in either direction, effectively doubling the lifetime of the blade 442.

The blade 442 additionally comprises a central hole 624 dimensioned to receive the motor shaft (not shown). Upon receiving the motor shaft the blade 442 is substantially aligned with the centre of the blade mounting member 440. The motor shaft passing through the central hole 624 provides stability for the blade 442 and ensures that the blade 442 cannot leave the cutting region, should the magnets fail.

The length of the blade 442 can be chosen so that the furthest ends thereof reach a point partially along the comb teeth, allowing the blade 442 to reach and cut the hairs, without extending so far that there is a risk of coming into contact with the skin of the animal.

In an exemplary embodiment, the blade 442 is formed of a magnetic material so that it can be attached to the blade mounting member 440 via magnetic attraction to the magnets present in the blade mounting member 440. The magnetically attractive material may be a magnetic stainless steel, although the invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard. In an alternative embodiment the blade 442 may additionally comprise at least one magnet which corresponds to the magnets on the mounting mechanism.

Referring to back to figure 5 of the drawings, the blade 442 as configured for use is illustrated. The motor shaft being coupled to the motor shaft adaptor provides rotational power to the blade mount, the rotational power being equally transferred to the blade. The motor provides a direct drive for the rotary blade mechanism. Thus, the blade can rotate at the same time as the motor shaft. This enables significantly faster cutting speed than the cutting speed of a conventional clipper, and contributes significantly to the overall improved performance of the device. In addition this significantly faster rotational speed changes the cut method from a scissor action to an impact cutting method. It also eliminates the need for gears to step down the motor speed. This requirement in conventional clippers results in a very large, heavy drive unit 5 which, as a result, must be housed in the handle and is heavy. In contrast, the drive unit of the present invention is relatively small and light and can be accommodated in the cutting head.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made to the described embodiments, without departing from 10 the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hair clipping device comprising a handle and a clipping head mounted or otherwise provided at a first end of the handle, the clipping head defining a clipping region at its distal end, the clipping device further comprising an elongate blade mounted, at a generally central location along its length, on a rotary blade mount mounted on said clipping head and coupled to a motor for selectively rotating said elongate blade about a cutting circle defined by the length of the blade, and a comb member comprising a plate having first and second opposing side edges and mounted on said clipping head, over said blade, such that said first side edge thereof is at said cutting region, the comb member having a set of spaced-apart teeth along at least said first side edge, each of said teeth extending from said first side edge to a location within said cutting circle defined by said blade.

2. A hair clipping device according to claim 1, wherein said elongate blade and said comb member are separated by an air gap.

3. A hair clipping device according to claim 2, wherein said motor is mounted on a motor mount, said motor mount being selectively adjustable by actuating at least one adjusting screw, such that actuation of said at least one screw causes an increase or decrease of said air gap between said blade and said comb member.

4. A hair clipping device according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein said first side edge of said comb member is substantially curved to form a generally semi-circular convex profile.

5. A hair clipping device according to claim 4, wherein the length of each of the teeth is substantially the same such that the end locations thereof for a general arcuate profile.

6. A hair clipping device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said comb member is formed of a steel alloy.

7. A hair clipping device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said motor is directly coupled to said rotary blade mount, such that the rotational frequency of the motor directly corresponds to the rotational frequency of said blade mount, in use.

8. A hair clipping device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a manually actuatable switch.

9. A hair clipping device according to claim 8, wherein said switch is electronically coupled to said motor, and wherein actuation of said switch selectably changes the direction of rotation of said motor.

10. A hair clipping device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an internal frame member for securing said comb member to said cutting head.

11. A hair clipping device according to claim 10, wherein said comb member is attached to said internal frame by means of at least one screw.

12. A hair clipping device according to claim 10 or claim 11 wherein said at least one screw comprises a captive screw.

13. A hair clipping device according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein one of said at least one screws is mechanically coupled to a failsafe mechanism which prevents operation of the device if said screw is not properly secured.

14. A hair clipping device according to claim 13, wherein said failsafe mechanism comprises a micro-switch electronically coupled to said motor, and mechanically coupled to said screw, wherein rotation of said screw actuates said micro-switch, which disconnects said motor.

15. A hair clipping device according to any preceding claim, wherein said cutting blade is selectively removable from said blade mount.

16. A hair clipping device according to claim 15, wherein said blade mount comprises a blade receiving portion and a securing means.

17. A hair clipping device according to claim 16 wherein said blade receiving portion comprises an elongate recess, having opposing side walls that are oriented to receive and secure said blade.

18. A hair clipping device according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein said securing means comprises at least one magnet.

19. A hair clipping device according to any preceding claim, wherein said blade comprises an elongate, generally rectangular blade member, having a diagonally tapered region to form a point at each end thereof.

20. A hair clipping device according to claim 21 wherein each side edge of said diagonally tapered region is bevelled to form a sharpened edge.

21. A hair clipping device according to any of claims 1 to 17, wherein said blade comprises a substantially curved member.

22. A hair clipping device according to claim 21, wherein said blade is formed of magnetic stainless steel.