GB2584671A

GB2584671A - Hair clipper attachment

Info

Publication number: GB2584671A
Application number: GB1908255.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kelly Joseph
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-06-10
Filing date: 2019-06-10
Publication date: 2020-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 2039-06-10
Also published as: GB201908255D0; GB2584671B

Abstract

An attachment 200 for hair clippers (Figure 1 10) configured to perform a fading haircut. The attachment comprises an attachment 202 means to connect the attachment to the cutting blade of the clippers, and a second adjustable section 204 arranged to be moved relative to the attachment means by a drive wheel 214. The drive wheel is arranged to interface with the head of the subject and as it moves along the head the distance between the cutting blade and the head of the subject is changed. Preferably the second adjustable section comprises a comb 224. The second section may be slidably mounted to the first section. Preferably the orientation of the comb is maintained relative to the cutting blade as it is moved during use. Also disclosed is a hair clipper for performing a fading haircut comprising a first part containing a motor housing and a second part that is movable relative to the first part by a drive wheel.

Description

Hair Clipper Attachment

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns a hair clipper attachment for performing a fading haircut. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns a hair clipper attachment which increases the distance between the head and the cutting blade of the hair clipper as the hair clipper is advanced along the head

Background of the Invention

A fading haircut, also known simply as a fade, is a haircut in which the hair is cut such that the length of the hair gradually increases over the length of the cut. Typically a fade starts at or near the neck and ends somewhere along the side of the head, although longer and shorter distance fades are possible, as are fades which start and end at different positions on the head. The start and end length of the hair typically depends on personal taste, however fades often start at a grade zero or one and increase from there. It will be appreciated that a fade could equally be considered as a haircut in which the hair is cut such that the length of the hair gradually decreases over the length of the cut.

Some degree of skill is required to perform a fade, and thus it is a task typically left to barbers. It is however desirable to provide a device which allows an unskilled person to perform a fade.

US2012/0131801 Al discloses a hair clipper attachment comprising a comb which is clipped onto a hair clipper such that it remains in a fixed position relative to the cutting blade. Various wheel and guide arrangements are disclosed which attach to the comb and engage with the head. The wheels/guides cause the distance between the comb and the head to gradually increase (or decrease) as the hair clipper is advanced along the head. In these arrangements the wheels/guides on either side of the comb are independent, and can therefore be difficult to align if it is not desired to start at the very shortest cut, and also, because the head is not uniformly curved, it may protrude between the wheels by different amounts at different locations on the head, thus making it more difficult to effect a uniform cut around the head. -2 -

US 6243955 B 1 discloses a hair clipper attachment for making fading haircuts. The attachment comprises a wheel for being rolled along the head, the wheel having a half-cylindrical cam which, when the wheel rotates, pushes a carriage bearing the hair clipper comb along a channel which runs parallelti the end face of the hair clipper. A disadvantage of the device of US 6243955 B1 is that, due to the direction of motion of the comb, the actual distance by which the cutting edge of the hair clipper blade can move away from the head is relatively small. In addition, the device requires the hair clipper to have an appropriately positioned hole to accommodate the wheel axle, thus limiting its ability to be retrofit to existing hair clippers The present invention seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems.

Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved hair clipper attachment for performing a fading haircut.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides, according to a first aspect, a hair clipper attachment for performing a fading haircut, the hair clipper attachment comprising: a first part for attaching the hair clipper attachment to a hair clipper, a second part arranged to be moved relative to the first part by a drive mechanism; the drive mechanism being driven by a drive wheel, the drive wheel being rotatably mounted on the second part; and the drive wheel being arranged to engage with the head and be rotatably driven by movement of the hair clippers along the head thereby changing the distance between the head and a cutting blade of the hair clipper as the hair clipper is moved along the head.

With the hair clipper attachment of the present invention, the drive wheel is mounted to, and therefore moves with, the second part. The second part may comprise a comb. The second part may be a comb part. The comb may be for passing through the hair to be cut. In this arrangement, the comb part may maintain a constant distance from the head as it is advanced along the head. This may make it easier to keep the comb straight relative to the head as the hair clippers are advanced. The first part may be an attaching part. The attachment will be understood to be removable attachment. -3 -

The change in distance between the head and a cutting blade of the hair clipper may be an increase and/or decrease as the hair clipper is moved along the head.

Typically hair clippers comprise a first fixed blade and a second reciprocating blade. The fixed blade is typically provided at an end face of the hair clipper. The reciprocating blade is typically provided parallel to, and just under, the fixed blade (i.e. between the fixed blade and the motor housing). Both the fixed blade and the reciprocating blade typically have a serrated edge which moves relative to each other during the reciprocation of the reciprocating blade. Hairs introduced between the serrations of the two blades are cut in a scissor action during the reciprocation. The edge of the blades where this cutting occurs shall be referred to as the cutting edge of the blades.

The second part may be slidable relative to the first part. The second part may be slidably mounted to the first part. The slidable mounting may comprise a slider sliding within a corresponding guide. The slider may be in the form of a rod. The slidable mounting may comprise a linear bearing. The second part or the first part may comprise the slider and the other of the second part or the first part may comprise the guide and/or linear bearing. The guide may, for example, be in the form of an aperture dimensioned to receive a corresponding slider member therethrough. In other embodiments the guide could be in the form of a track, for example. The slider may slide in a direction which is approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the motor housing of the hair clippers. The slider may extend along the side of the motor housing.

An advantage of slidably mounting the second part to the first part is that the second part and the first part may be slidably mounted such that, in use, the relative orientation of the comb and the cutting blades is maintained during movement of the second part relative to the first part. In other words, the plane comprising the face of the comb for being slid along the head may be at a constant angle to the plane comprising the hair clipper blades. This may allow a user to more naturally steer the hair clipper along the contours of the head as there may be no need to accommodate for rotational movements of the hair clippers relative to the comb.

The first part and second part may be slidably mounted such that, in use, the first part moves linearly relative to the second part. Thereby the comb may move linearly relative to the cutting blades. In other words, the second part may travel in a -4 -straight line relative to the first part (and therefore relative to the hair clipper blades). The second part may move linearly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane containing the fixed cutting blade. In other embodiments the hair clipper attachment may be arranged such that the second part follows a curved or arcuate path relative to the first part. The hair clipper attachment may be absent of any pivotal connection between the first part and the second part.

In alternative arrangements, the second part may be arranged to pivot relative to the first part. The second part may be pivotably mounted to the first part. The axis about which the parts pivot may be provided between the cutting edge and the trailing edge of the fixed cutting blade.

The drive wheel may be positioned at least partly forward of the cutting edge of the cutting blades. The drive wheel may be positioned completely forward of the cutting edge of the cutting blades. The drive wheel may be positioned proximate the cutting edge of the cutting blades. The rotational axis of the drive wheel may be closer to the cutting edge of the cutting blade than the trailing edge of the fixed cutting blade. The rotational axis of the drive wheel may be aligned with or forward of the cutting edge of the cutting blades.

Providing the drive wheel proximate and/or at least partially forward of the cutting edge may make it easier to push the wheel into engagement with the head during cutting. This may be because the direction of force applied by the user to engage the drive wheel with the head is more closely aligned with the direction in which the hair clippers must be advanced during cutting. This may increase the friction between the drive wheel and the head, thereby making it easier to ensure rotation of the drive wheel during advancement of the hair clippers.

In other embodiments, the drive wheel may be rearward of, or closer to, the trailing edge of the fixed cutting blade than the cutting edge (leading edge) of the blades.

The hair clipper attachment may comprise a self-return mechanism arranged to bias the second part towards the first part. This may mitigate the need to manually reset the hair clipper attachment when performing a fade on a new area of hair.

The self-return mechanism may comprise a resilient bias, such as a spring or a resilient strap, for example a rubber strap. The resilient bias may be disposed between the second part and the first part. The resilient bias may pass through apertures on -5 -opposing portions of the first part and second part. The resilient bias may be provided integral with the drive mechanism. For example the drive wheel may comprise a spring, such as a wound spring, which is arranged such that the drive wheel is driven in a direction that bias the second part towards the first part. Alternatively, the resilient bias could bias the second part away from the first part.

The hair clipper may comprise a ratchet. The ratchet may be arranged to allow the first part to move relative to the second part in a first direction, but prevent movement of the first part relative to the second part in a second direction. The second direction may be opposite to the first direction. For example, the ratchet may allow the first part to move away from the second part so as to increase, in use, the distance between the comb and the cutting blades (and increase the hair cutting length), but prevent movement of the first part towards the second part so as to decrease, in use, the distance between the comb and the cutting blades (and decrease the hair cutting length). The ratchet could alternatively be configured to allow the first part to move towards the second part, but prevent movement of the first part away from the second part.

The ratchet may be di sengageable to allow movement of the first part relative to the second part in said second direction. The ratchet may be manually engageable and/or disengageable, for example under finger pressure of a user. The ratchet may be biased towards an engaged or disengaged configuration.

The ratchet may comprise a gear and a pawl. The drive wheel may be arranged to act as the gear of the ratchet. When the ratchet is in an engaged configuration, the pawl may allow the drive wheel to rotate in one direction, preferably a direction in which the drive wheel rotates as the hair clipper is progressed forward along the head in use, but prevent the drive wheel from rotating in the opposite direction.

The drive wheel may comprise a plurality of projections around the circumference thereof, for example around the outer surface of the drive wheel. The projections may act as gear teeth. The pawl may ride over those projections to allow the drive wheel to rotate in a first direction. When the drive wheel is turned in the opposite direction, the projections may lock against the pawl thereby preventing the drive wheel from further rotating in that direction. When the ratchet is in a disengaged configuration, the pawl may be positioned out of the way of the drive wheel, for -6 -example by moving the pawl to a position where it cannot interact with the projections, such that the drive wheel can freely rotate in either direction. Alternative arrangements of the ratchet are envisaged; the alternative arrangements need not use the drive wheel as the gear. For example, the ratchet may comprise a gear in the form of a linear gear (rack gear). Such a linear gear may, for example, be associated with the slideable mounting between the first part and the second part.

The pawl may be resiliently biased into engagement with the gear. The pawl may be provided on a resilient arm. The arrangement of the resilient arm may be such that the pawl is biased into engagement with the gear. The arm may be arranged to be bendable, preferably under finger pressure, so as to move the pawl away from the gear, and thereby disengage the ratchet. The resilient arm may be arranged such that it is arranged to be bent against the hair clipper in use. The hair clipper may act as a fulcrum about which the resilient arm is bent.

One or more parts of the ratchet mechanism, for example the gear, pawl and/or resilient arm, may be mounted to and/or be integral with the first and/or second part of the hair clipper attachment.

The ratchet may help prevent unintended movement of the first part towards or away from the second part, for example in the event that the drive wheel loses frictional engagement with the head. There may also be a threshold force associated with moving first part relative to the second part due to the way the pawl engages the gear of the ratchet. For example, a certain minimum force may be required to move a gear tooth past the pawl (in the direction in which movement is permitted). The threshold force may have the effect of helping to maintain the separation of the first part and second part when the hair clipper is removed from the head. The comb may comprise a plurality of teeth. The teeth may have a length in the direction in which the hair clipper is intended to be advanced along the head. The teeth may extend forward of the cutting edge of the hair clipper blade. The teeth may form channels between adjacent teeth through which hair may pass. The channels may act so as to direct the hair onto the cutting edge of the cutting blade. The comb may be for abutting the head of the person whose hair is to be cut. The comb may have a face providing a surface which can be slid along the head and/or for abutting the head. The face may be -7 -substantially flat, except for the gaps between the teeth of the comb. Such a surface may be parallel to, or at a shallow angle to, the outer face of the cutting blade. The second part may be arranged so as to provide a passage for the hair between the outer face of the cutting blade and the head. The passage may be created after the second part has moved away from the first part after commencing the fade.

Said passage may comprise the channels between the teeth of the comb. The passage may allow the cut hair (the hair remaining on the head and/or the hair that has been cut off) to pass between the head and the outer face of the cutting blade. Preferably the passage allows the remaining hair to pass unimpeded between the cutting blade and the head. This may prevent the cut hair bending forward and interacting with hair coming towards the cutting edge of the hair clipper blade. The second part may be arranged such that there is a gap, or a series of gaps (defined between teeth of the comb), between the head and the outer face of the cutting blade to allow the unimpeded passage of hair beneath the cutting blade. The gap(s) may allow the hair remaining on the head to pass beneath the cutting blade without it being deflected out of the way. In addition, the passage may allow the hair that has been cut off to move away from the blade and so as to reduce clogging of the moving parts.

The drive wheel may be located between the lateral edges of the second part and/or comb. The drive wheel may be substantially centrally located between the lateral edges of the second part and/or comb. The drive wheel may thereby be substantially centrally located relative to the cutting blades. The drive wheel may be provided between two teeth of the comb. When only a single drive wheel is provided, a centrally located drive wheel may make it easier to keep the hair clippers straight while engaging the drive wheel with the head. In alternative embodiments, the drive wheel may be located off centre and/or at a lateral side of the second part. A plurality of drive wheels, for example two drive wheels on opposing lateral sides of the second part, may be provided.

Preferably the drive wheel protrudes beyond the outer surface of the comb a small amount so as to allow it to engage with the head yet enable the comb to be as close as possible to the surface of the head. It will be appreciated that the comb may not, in use, fully contact the surface of the head in the same way as the drive wheel. The drive wheel must of course be pushed onto the head sufficiently to create enough friction to drive the wheel around, thus the drive wheel must protrude enough to -8 -enable that engagement. The drive wheel may protrude by more than 1mm, 2mm or 3mm, for example. The drive wheel may protrude by less than 6mm, 5mm or 4mm, for example.

The drive wheel preferably comprises resiliently deformable and/or soft portions around the circumference thereof For example the outer edge of the drive wheel may comprise brushes, foam, rubber or the like. This may be beneficial because the outer edge of the drive wheel may thereby deform and/or deflect, this may provide comfort to the user and/or enable the comb to be closer to the surface of the head. The edges of the drive wheel may comprise projections and/or be knurled. The projections and/or knurling may improve the grip of the drive wheel on the head.

The first part may be arranged to clip onto the hair clippers. The first part may therefore comprise a clip and an opposing holding surface. The clip and holding surface may cooperate so as to hold the first part onto the hair clippers. The clip may be arranged to clip over and/or behind a (non-cutting) edge of the fixed cutting blade, for example the trailing edge of the fixed cutting blade. It will be appreciated that the clip arrangement of the first part may need, to some extent, to be configured for particular makes and models of hair clipper. The clip and/or holding surface may be movable so as to increase the number of different types of hair clipper that the hair clipper attachment may potentially be used with.

The first part may comprise a sleeve arranged to receive at least part of a motor housing (handle) of the hair clipper. The sleeve may comprise a material that is resiliently deformable. The sleeve may comprise neoprene material. The sleeve may be formed of neoprene material. Neoprene may be a good material for the sleeve as it is both stretchy and one side of a sheet of neoprene typically provides a grippy surface. Preferably the sleeve is resilient (i.e. able to stretch and return to its same shape) and/or the inside of the sleeve comprises a grippy material such as rubber. This may enable the sleeve to more securely hold the hair clippers therein. The end of the hair clippers bearing the cutting blades may be inserted into the sleeve. The sleeve may comprise an aperture through which the cutting blades extend. The sleeve may comprise one or more further apertures for providing access to switches and/or for power cables to extend therethrough. Preferably the sleeve creates a tight fit around the hair clippers. The sleeve may comprise one or more straps and/or elastic portions to assist in securing the sleeve to the hair clippers. -9 -

The guide and/or linear bearing may be mounted to the sleeve via a bracket. The position of the guide and/or linear bearing may be adjustable relative to the bracket, and thus the sleeve. This may allow for the second part, more particularly the comb, to be aligned with the cutting edge of hair clippers, and for differently dimensioned hair clippers to be accommodated by the hair clipper attachment.

The first part may comprise one or more straps arranged to be strapped to the motor housing of the hair clipper. The straps may, for example, comprise hook and loop fasteners to allow the straps to conform to various differently dimensioned hair clippers. Preferably at least one strap is arranged to extend around the motor housing.

Preferably, at least one strap is arranged to extend around an end face of the hair clipper, for example around the outer surface of the fixed hair clipper blade.

A first part comprising a sleeve and/or straps may advantageously enable the hair clipper attachment to be attached to a plurality of different makes and models of hair clipper without the need for clips and the like to be provided in specific locations which are particular to a specific hair clipper make or model. This may increase the number of different hair clipper types the hair clipper attachment can be used with. In embodiments, the second part may be of a standard arrangement and a plurality of different first parts may be interchangeably used with the second part Most generally the drive mechanism may be arranged so as to convert rotational motion of the drive wheel into translational motion of the first part relative to the second part. The translational motion may be linear motion.

The drive mechanism may comprise a cam driven by the drive wheel. The cam may be engageable with a follower connected to the first part such that when the cam is driven by the drive wheel, the comb part moves relative to the first part. The first part may provide the cam follower. The follower may have a profile which corresponds to that of the cam.

Preferably the follower is movable relative to the first part. Changes to the position of the follower may in turn change the position of the first part relative to the second part. In particular, the follower may be arranged such that movement of the follower relative to the first part changes, in use, the distance between the head and a cutting blade of the hair clipper for a given position of the cam. Preferably the position of the follower is constant when a fade is performed. The follower position can be set so as to set the starting length of the fade. Preferably the follower is -10 -movable in increments, preferably regular increments. The increments preferably correspond to different cutting grades. Preferably the follower is movable between positions which would (for a given cam/drive wheel) set the starting length to a grade zero, one, two, or three.

The follower position may be indexed. The follower may comprise a series of apertures, allowing it to be adjusted to different grades. The follower may also be adjusted using a wheel that is rotatable to adjust the position of the follower. The follower may comprise a formations, for example of pegs, engagable with corresponding formations on the first part, for example holes. The hair clipper attachment may comprise a scale which indicates the hair length at the start of the fade for the possible positions of the follower.

The drive wheel may be coaxial with the cam. The drive wheel and the cam may be integrally formed. The drive wheel may have a substantially circular outer circumference (including when taking into account the outermost edges of any projections or knurls). The rotational axis of the drive wheel may be substantially central to the drive wheel.

The cam may have a spiral shaped engagement surface (with which the cam engages the follower). A spiral shaped engagement surface may enable the second part to be driven away from the first part in a motion which corresponds to the diameter and gradient of the spiral. It will be appreciated that different diameters of the spiral and different gradients will lead to different cutting lengths along the length of the fade.

Preferably the cam comprises a stop arranged to prevent rotation of the cam beyond an end position. The stop may prevent the follower returning to a lower diameter part of the engagement surface involuntarily due to over rotation of the drive wheel.

Preferably the hair clipper attachment is arranged to permit replacement of the cam with a second cam having a different pitch. This may allow different lengths and gradients of fades to be performed. For example, the start and end diameters of the cam may be different, thus the start and end lengths of the fade may be different. The stop may be at different radial distances from the start, thus the length of the fade may be different.

The hair clipper attachment may be arranged to permit replacement of the drive wheel with a second drive wheel. The second drive wheel may have a different outer diameter. This may provide for a different distance and/or gradient of fade. In embodiments in which the cam and drive wheel are integral or fixed together in some way, it will of course be appreciated that both the cam and drive wheel may be replaceable with other cam and drive wheel combinations having different dimensions.

The drive mechanism may comprise a rack and pinion. The pinion may be driven by the drive wheel. The rack may be connected, preferably fixedly connected, to the first part. When the rack is driven by the pinion, the second part may move relative to the first part.

The drive mechanism may comprise one or more gears between the drive wheel and the pinion. Thus the drive wheel may drive the pinion at a distance which is bridged by the one or more gears. The drive wheel may drive the pinion via a gear train, a drive belt, and/or a coupling rod.

The drive mechanism may comprise a scotch yoke. The pin of the scotch yoke may be rotatably driven by the drive wheel. Preferably the pin is mounted to the drive wheel. The slot of the scotch yoke, in which the pin slides, is preferably joined to a pinion which is connected to the first part such that when the slot is driven by the pin, the comb part moves relative to the first part. The piston may be integral with the first part, or may simply abut the first part so as to push against it.

The drive mechanism may comprise a belt arranged to wrap around an axle thereby forming a roll of belt. The belt may be wrapped around the axle by rotation of the axle by a drive wheel. The axle about which the belt wraps (the belt axle) may be the same as the axle of the drive wheel. Alternatively, the belt axle may be distal to the axle of the drive wheel. Rotation of the drive wheel may effect rotation of the belt axle, thereby winding, or unwinding, the belt. The rotational movement may be transferred from the drive wheel to the belt axle via, for example, one or more cogs, a drive belt, and/or a coupling rod. Alternatively, the roll of bell may be considered to be the drive wheel itself, and wrap by way of the outer layer of belt engaging the head. The roll of belt may be cammingly engaged with a follower such that as the diameter of the roll increases the comb part is moved relative to the first part. The belt may be biased towards a position in which the diameter of the roll is smaller and/or -12 -the belt is unwrapped around the axle. This may act as a self-return mechanism for the hair clipper attachment.

It will be understood that the function of the belt axle is to provide a part about which a roll of belt can form. Accordingly, the belt axle may take a variety of shapes and/or cross sections, for example the belt axle may comprise a solid or hollow cylinder, the belt axle may comprise a drum, the belt axle may have a circular or polygonal cross section The belt may be of variable thickness. For example the thickness may increase from a first end to a second end of the belt. For example the belt may have a thickness of 0.5 mm at the first end and a thickness of 3.5 mm at the second end. The thickness profile of the belt may dictate the profile of the fade. Different belts may be used to effect different profiles of fade. For example a belt could be used to effect a fade from a grade 1 to a grade 3, and a different belt could be used to effect a fade from a grade 2 to a grade 5. The length of the belt could also be varied depending on the style of fade desired.

The drive mechanism may comprise a spiral shaped drive wheel. In other words the drive wheel may have a spiral shaped circumference. In such embodiments, the drive wheel may also act as a cam. The spiral drive wheel may therefore cammingly engage with a follower connected to the first part. The follower may be provided by a portion of the first part.

The drive mechanism may comprise a wedge which abuts the follower. Rotation of the drive wheel may cause the wedge to be translated parallel to the surface of the follower. As the thicker part of the wedge abuts the follower, and/or as the thicker part of the wedge comes between the drive wheel and the follower, the second part may be moved away from the first part of the hair clipper attachment. The rotational movement of the drive wheel may cause translational movement of the wedge by turning a cog which abuts the wedge, wherein the turning of the cog translates the wedge. The rotational movement of the drive wheel may cause translational movement of the wedge by turning a drive belt which passes around a distal axle, wherein the drive belt abuts the wedge and movement of the drive belt translates the wedge. The rotational movement of the drive wheel may cause translational movement of the wedge by being connected to a second drive wheel via -13 -a coupling rod, wherein the second drive wheel abuts the wedge and the turning of the second drive wheel translates the wedge.

The present invention provides, according to a second aspect, a hair clipper attachment for performing a fading haircut, the hair clipper attachment comprising: a first part for attaching the hair clipper attachment to a hair clipper, and a second part for engaging with the head of a person whose hair is to be cut; the second part being movable relative to the first part thereby, in use, changing the distance between the head and a cutting blade of the hair clipper; the hair clipper attachment further comprising a resilient bias arranged to urge the second part in a direction which increases the distance between the head and the cutting blade.

The hair clipper attachment of the second aspect of the invention may allow the hair clipper to be advanced along the head and the hair clipper to be gradually allowed to move away from the head by the user, thereby gradually cutting the hair to increasingly longer lengths as the hair clipper is advanced.

The resilient bias may comprise a spring, for example a compression spring. The hair clipper attachment may further comprise a damper arranged to damp the motion of the spring. The damper may thereby allow the second part to move relative to the first part at a slower maximum rate than would otherwise be the case with an undamped resilient bias.

It will be appreciated that other features set out in relation to the first aspect of the invention may be present in the second aspect of the invention. For example, the first part may be an attaching part and the second part may be a comb part comprising a comb, the first part may be slidably mounted to the second part, the first part may comprise clips/straps/a sleeve, etc. The second part may comprise sliding surfaces arranged to slide along the head of a user. The sliding surfaces may be provided by the teeth of the comb Alternatively or additionally, the second part may comprise a wheel arranged to roll along the head. The wheel may have the features, for example soft portions and/or projections, of the drive wheel of the first aspect of the invention (except the wheel would not drive a drive mechanism, and therefore not be a drive wheel as such). The present invention provides, according to a third aspect, a hair clipper attachment for performing a fading haircut, the hair clipper attachment comprising: -14 -a first part for attaching the hair clipper attachment to a hair clipper, and a belt arranged to wrap around an axle thereby forming a (first) roll of belt; wherein the roll of belt is arranged to engage with the head and be rotatably driven by movement of the hair clippers along the head so as to change the length of belt wrapped around the axle, thereby changing the diameter of the roll of belt and, in use, changing the distance between the head and the cutting blade of the hair clippers. The belt may be biased towards a position in which the diameter of the roll is smaller and/or the belt is unwrapped around the axle. This may act as a self-return mechanism for the hair clipper attachment.

The belt may be arranged to form a second roll of belt. The hair clipper attachment may be arranged such that the belt is transferred from the second roll to the first roll (or from the first roll to the second roll) as the hair clippers are advanced along the head. The second roll may be arranged such that it does not engage with the head in use. Thus the second roll may be considered to supply belt to the first roll.

The hair clipper attachment may comprise a second part, which may be a comb part comprising a comb for passing through the hair to be cut. In this aspect of the invention the second part may be fixed (i.e. not be moveable) relative to the first part. The first part and the second part could be integrally formed.

The first roll may be positioned relative to the first part and/or relative to the comb similarly to how the drive wheel of the first aspect is positioned relative to the first part and/or relative to the comb (references to the drive wheel being replaceable by references to the first roll).

There may be one or more further rolls of belt arranged to engage with the head and be rotatably driven by movement of the hair clippers along the head so as to change the length of belt wrapped around an axle, thereby changing the diameter of the roll of belt and, in use, changing the distance between the head and the blade of the hair clippers. For example the hair clipper attachment may comprise two such rolls, one on either side of the comb. As described above, the belt may be of nonuniform thickness. The thickness profile of the belt may determine the profile of the fade, for example the thickness may determine the start and end hair lengths.

It will be appreciated that other features set out in relation to the first aspect of the invention may be present in the third aspect of the invention. For example, the first part may be an attaching part, the first part may comprise clips/straps/a sleeve, etc. -15 -The present invention provides, according to a fourth aspect, a kit of parts comprising a hair clipper and a hair clipper attachment according to any preceding aspect of the invention.

The present invention provides, according to a fifth aspect, a kit of parts comprising: a hair clipper attachment according to the first aspect, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a replaceable cam and/or replaceable drive wheel; and (i) one or more further cams, each cam having a different diameter and/or pitch, and/or (ii) one or more further drive wheels, each drive wheel having a different diameter. This aspect of the invention thereby provides a kit which enables a user to perform different fades, for example fades having different distances, different start lengths, different finish lengths, and/or different gradients. In embodiments, the drive wheels and cams may be fixedly connected to each other. In such cases, the drive wheel and cam may be replaced by a further drive wheel and cam having either a differently dimensioned drive wheel or a differently dimensioned cam.

The present invention provides, according to a sixth aspect, a hair clipper for performing a fading haircut. The hair clipper comprises a motor housing, the motor housing comprising a first part, wherein the first part is the first part of the hair clipper attachment according to any of the preceding aspects of the invention. In this aspect of the invention the first part is an integral part of the motor housing, rather than a part of a removable attachment which is to be attached to the motor housing. In other words, in the hair clipper of the sixth aspect of the invention, the first part of the motor housing is configured to perform the function of the first (attaching) part of the preceding aspects of the invention.

The hair clipper may comprise any of the features of the preceding aspects of the invention. It will of course be appreciated that some features discussed in relation to the first (attaching) part of the preceding aspects should be thought of as applying to the first part of the motor housing itself For example, the sixth aspect of the invention may provide (when based on the first aspect of the invention) a hair clipper for performing a fading haircut, the hair clipper comprising: a motor housing comprising a first part; a second part arranged to be moved relative to the first part by a drive mechanism; the drive mechanism comprising a drive wheel rotatably mounted on the second part, the drive wheel being arranged to engage with the head and be rotatably driven by movement of the hair -16 -clippers along the head thereby, in use, changing the distance between the head and a cutting blade of the hair clipper as the hair clipper is moved along the head.

The motor housing may comprise a handle for holding the hair clipper.

The present invention provides, according to a seventh aspect, a method of using a hair clipper attachment, or a hair clipper, according to any preceding aspect of the invention. The method may comprise a step of attaching the hair clipper attachment to a hair clipper. The method may comprise the steps of operating the hair clipper, engaging the drive wheel with the head, and advancing the hair clipper along the head so as to perform a fade.

I 0 It will be appreciated that, whilst the present invention is most likely to be used on the head of a human subject, it may equally be used on other hair bearing surfaces. Therefore references to head could equally be considered as references to hair bearing surfaces more generally. Head may at the very least be understood to incorporate the face and neck. The hair clipper attachment may be used on animals, for example as a means of grooming.

A fading haircut is considered to be a type of tapered haircut. The present invention could therefore be considered to be more generally usable to perform a tapered haircut (sometimes known as a taper).

It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention. For example, the method of the invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the apparatus of the invention and vice versa.

Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a hair clipper attachment according to a first embodiment of the invention attached to a hair clipper; Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a hair clipper attachment according to a second embodiment of the invention attached to a hair clipper; -17 -Figures 3a to 3d show a sequential perspective view of a hair clipper attachment according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figures 4a to 4d show a sequential side view of a hair clipper attachment according to a second embodiment of the invention, Figure 5 shows a side view of replacement cams according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 shows an exploded perspective view of a hair clipper attachment according to a third embodiment of the invention with a hair clipper to be received therein; Figure 7 shows an exploded perspective view of a hair clipper attachment according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 shows an exploded perspective view of a hair clipper attachment according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 shows an exploded perspective view of a hair clipper attachment according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 shows an exploded a perspective view of a hair clipper attachment according to a seventh embodiment of the invention; Figure 11 shows a perspective view of three drive mechanisms according to an eighth embodiment of the invention; Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a hair clipper attachment according to a ninth embodiment of the invention; Figure 13a to 13c show a side view of a roll of belt according to a ninth embodiment of the invention; Figure 14 shows an exploded a perspective view of a hair clipper attachment according to a tenth embodiment of the invention; Figures 15a to 15c show sequential perspectives views of a hair clipper attachment according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention; Figures 16a to 16c show a perspective view of a ratchet mechanism according to the eleventh embodiment of the invention

Detailed Description

-18 -Figure 1 shows a hair clipper attachment 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention attached to a hair clipper 10. The hair clipper 10 comprises a motor housing 12 and a set of cutting blades positioned at an end of the motor housing. The cutting blades comprise an outermost fixed cutting blade 14. The cutting blades have a cutting edge 16 at which hair is cut between serrations of the fixed cutting blade 14 and a reciprocating cutting blade.

Figure 2 shows a hair clipper attachment 200 according to a second embodiment of the invention in an exploded view. The hair clipper attachment 200 according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as the hair clipper attachment 100 according to the first embodiment, except for the arrangement of the comb, as will be described below.

The hair clipper attachment 200 comprises a first part 202 slidably mounted to a second part 204. The first part 202 is an attaching part for attaching the hair clipper attachment 200 to the hair clipper 10. The first part 202 attaches by way of a clip 206 clipping over the trailing edge of the fixed cutting blade 14. The first part 202 comprises a generally L-shaped frame, the portion of the frame opposing the clip 206 acts as a holding surface which cooperates with the clip 206 to hold the hair clipper 10 therebetween, thereby securing the first part 202 to the hair clipper 10.

The first part 202 comprises two guides 208 comprising a circular aperture which are each arranged to receive a correspondingly shaped slider 210, the sliders 210 being a part of the second part 204. The guide 208 and slider 210 arrangement permits linear translational movement of the second part 204 relative to the first part 202 by way of the sliders 210 sliding within the guides 208, as indicated by arrow D. In embodiments the guide may comprise linear bearings.

The second part further comprises a comb comprising teeth 212 which, when the hair clipper attachment 200 is attached to the hair clipper 10, are positioned forward of the cutting edge 16 of the hair clipper blades. In use, the comb passes through the hair in front of the cutting blades and acts to channel the hair onto the cutting blades. In alternative embodiments, such as the first embodiment, the leading edge of the teeth 212 are curved which may provide a more comfortable interaction between the head and the comb teeth 212.

A drive wheel 214 formed of two parts either side of a spiral shaped cam 220 is rotatably mounted to the second part 204 by way of an axle pin 216 received within -19 -a corresponding aperture 218 in the second part 204. The aperture 218 is formed in a forwardly extending part of two comb teeth 212. The drive wheel 214 is therefore positioned forward of the cutting edge 16 of the hair clipper blades.

A rear portion 224 of the second part also comprises comb teeth which are positioned rearward of the cutting edge 16 of the hair clipper blades. The space between the forward and rear comb teeth provides a gap in which the hair clipper blade can be accommodated thereby allowing the cutting edge 16 to sit flush with the outer surface of the comb. Two side portions 222 and the rear portion 224 of the second part 204 create, together with the teeth 212 of the comb, an end face which is arranged to face the head in use. The drive wheel 214 is positioned such that a portion of the drive wheel 214 extends beyond the end face and can engage with the head as the hair clippers 10 are advanced along the head.

The drive wheel 214 comprises a series of radially extending projections for improving the grip of the drive wheel 214 with the head in use. In embodiments the projections comprise resilient end portions. Preferably the portions of the drive wheel extending above the end face are deflectable so as to allow the end face to more closely slide across the head.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the upper ends of the comb teeth 212 extend so as to join up with the comb teeth of the rear portion. This may provide easier sliding of the end face along the head, however it may increase the minimum distance between the hair clipper blade and the head.

The spiral shaped cam 220 cammingly engages with a follower 226. The follower 226 comprises a series of apertures 228 and is mounted to the first part 202 by engaging the apertures 228 with corresponding pegs 230 incorporated in the first part 202. The follower 226 can be repositioned by engaging different apertures 228 of the follower 226 with the pegs 230, thereby moving the follower 226 towards and away from the second part 202. The position of the follower 226 is also thereby indexed. The spacing between the holes 228 corresponds to the spacing between different cutting grades (an eighth of an inch). Although in other embodiments other spacing may be provided. In alternative embodiments a follower positioning means is provided whereby the follower position is adjusted by turning a dial which moves the follower. The position of the follower 226 can be seen as setting the starting/minimum -20 -hair length of the fade for a given cam 220 (the starting/minimum hair length being where the cam's 220 minimum radius engages the follower 226).

The drive wheel 214, cam 220 and follower 226 each make up the drive mechanism of the hair clipper attachment 100.

The cam 220 comprises a stop 232 at the point of maximum radius of the cam 220. The stop 232 abuts against a corresponding edge of the follower 226 when the point of maximum radius engages the follower, this defining an end of the fade when the hair length being cut is at a maximum. The stop 232 prevents the cam 220 over rotating and returning to the start position inadvertently when advancing the hair clippers 10 along the head.

The hair clipper attachment further comprises a self-return mechanism in the form of two elastic straps 234 which extend between the first part 202 and the second part 204. The elastic straps 234 urge the first part 202 and second part 204 together and towards the position corresponding to the starting/minimum cutting length.

Figures 3a to 3d and 4a to 4d show sequentially how the second part 204 moves relative to the first part 202 as the drive wheel 214 rotates. Figures 3a and 4a show the minimum separation between the first part 202 and the second part 204. At that stage the drive wheel 214 is angled such that the portion of the spiral shaped cam 220 having the minimum radius is engaged with the cam follower 226. As the drive wheel 214 rotates On the clockwise direction when viewed from the angle shown in Figures 3a to 3d and 4a to 4d) the radius of the cam 220 at the point where it is engaged with the follower 226 increases. Thus the first part 202 and second part 204 are driven apart (against the force of the elasticated self-return straps 234) until the stop 232 on the cam 220 abuts the follower 226 to prevent further clockwise rotation.

In use, the drive wheel 214 is driven by engaging it with the head and moving the hair clippers 10 relative to the head so as to advance the cutting edge 16 of the hair clipper blades forward and towards uncut hair. As can best be seen in Figures 4a to 4d, a portion of the drive wheel 214 protrudes beyond the upper end face of the hair clipper attachment so as to allow its engagement with the head. When the drive wheel 214 is disengaged with the head the elasticated straps 234 move the second part 202 back towards the first part 204 and the cam 220 and drive wheel 214 are driven in reverse back to the starting position. -21 -

Figure 5 shows three drive wheels each having a different cam 220, 220', 220-. The drive wheel 214 and cam 220 present in the hair clipper attachment 200 can be replaced by the drive wheels cams 220', 220". The engagement surface of each cam 220, 220', 220" has a different profile. Therefore each cam 220, 220', 220" will, in use, cause the fade to be cut over a different distance. The gradient of the hair in the fade will also depend on which cam 220, 220', 220" is used. In embodiments the hair clipper attachment may also accommodate different sized drive wheels.

In alternative embodiments, there are two drive wheels, one mounted to each side portion 222. The drive wheels are each coaxial with spiral shaped cams which engage corresponding followers on either side of the first part.

Figure 6 shows a hair clipper attachment 300 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The hair clipper attachment 300 of the third embodiment operates in a similar way to the first and second embodiments. The hair clipper attachment 300 of the third embodiment differs in that it comprises a first part 302 which comprises a sleeve 344 which is arranged to receive one end of the hair clipper 10 through an opening in one end of the sleeve 344. Further openings 346, 348 are also provided for the cutting blades 14 to extend therethrough, and for access to the operating switch 18 of the hair clipper 10. The sleeve 344 in this embodiment is made of neoprene and is arranged to provide a snug fit around the hair clippers 10 such that the hair clippers are held securely in the sleeve 344.

Two guides 308, each for receiving a slider 310 therethrough, are mounted to the sleeve 344. The guides 308 are mounted to the sleeve 344 via a bracket 345. The position of the guides 308 relative to the bracket 345, and thus the sleeve 344, is adjustable. This allows the comb to be aligned with the cutting edge of the hair clipper blade 14, and for differently dimensioned hair clippers to be accommodated. In use the drive wheel 314 is held forward of the cutting edge of the hair clipper 10.

Figure 7 shows a hair clipper attachment 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The hair clipper attachment 400 of the fourth embodiment operates in a similar way to the first and second embodiments, and is similar to the third embodiment of the invention, except that the first part 402 comprises a strap 450 for attaching the hair clipper attachment 400 to the hair clipper 10. The strap 450 is arranged to be tied around the motor housing 12 of the hair -22 -clippers 10 so as to hold the hair clipper attachment 400 in position. The strap can be adjusted and tightened according to the dimensions of the hair clipper 10.

Figure 8 shows a hair clipper attachment 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. The hair clipper attachment 500 of the fifth embodiment is similar to the first and second embodiments, however the drive mechanism, which in the aforementioned embodiments comprises a cam and follower, instead comprises a rack and pinion arrangement.

The rack 554 is fixedly connected to, and in embodiments is integral with, the first part 502. A pinion 556 is rotatably mounted to the second part 504 and engages with the rack 554. Rotation of the pinion 556 thereby causes movement of the first part 502 relative to the second part 504. Rotation of the drive wheel 514, drives rotation of the pinion 556. Figure 8 shows three examples of how the rotational movement of the drive wheel 514 can be transferred to the pinion 556. In the first example the rotational movement is transferred via a gear train, in the second example the rotational movement is transferred via a drive belt, and in the third example the rotational movement is transferred via a coupling rod.

Figure 9 shows a hair clipper attachment 600 according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. The hair clipper attachment 600 of the sixth embodiment is similar to the first and second embodiments, however the drive mechanism, which in the aforementioned embodiments comprises a cam and follower, instead comprises a scotch yoke.

The scotch yoke comprises a drive wheel 614 rotatably mounted to the second part 604. A pin 660 protrudes from one side of the drive wheel 614. The pin 660 slides within a slot 662. The slot 662 is arranged perpendicular to the translational axis of the slider (not shown) when sliding within the guide. When the drive wheel rotates, the pin 660 slides linearly within the slot 662 in a direction perpendicular to the translational axis of the slider, and at the same time the pin 660 drives the slot 662 in a direction parallel to the translational axis of the slider. The slot 662 is connected to a piston 664 which abuts against the first part 602. The second part 604 is thereby driven relative to the first part 602. In the orientation shown in Figure 9, with the pin 660 furthest from the guide, the separation between the first and second parts 603, 604 is at its minimum, and therefore the cutting height is also at a minimum. A 180 degree -23 -rotation of the drive wheel 614 would see the maximum separation between the first and second parts 603, 604, and thereby the maximum cutting height.

Figure 10 shows a hair clipper attachment 700 according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. The hair clipper attachment 700 of the seventh embodiment is similar to the first and second embodiments, however the drive mechanism, which in the aforementioned embodiments comprises a cam and follower, instead comprises belt arrangement.

A belt 766 is arranged to wrap around an axle rotationally mounted to the second part 704 and form a roll of belt around the axle. A drive wheel 714 causes the belt 766 to be rolled up as the hair clippers are advanced along the head. As the belt 766 is further rolled up the diameter of the roll increases. The roll of belt is cammingly engaged with a follower on the first part 702. Thus the first part 702 is moved relative to the second part 704 as the diameter of the roll increases, thus moving the cutting blade away from the head. In embodiments the follower is a roller.

Figure 10 shows three examples of how rotation of the drive wheel effects rolling up of the belt 766. The first example transfers the rotational movement via a pair of cogs, the second example transfers the rotational movement via a drive belt, and the third example transfers the rotational movement via a coupling rod.

In an alternative embodiment, the belt is connected to the drive wheel by sharing the same axle, such that the belt is wrapped up as the drive wheel rotates; the cutting blade being moved away from the head by camming enjoyment of the outer edge of the roll of belt and a follower on the first part. In this embodiment the belt takes the place of the spiral shaped cam 220 in the second embodiment, the belt being rolled up around the axle 216 as the drive wheel 214 rotates. In the above mentioned embodiments based on using a roll of belt to increase the distance between the hair clipper blades and the head, there may be a second roll of belt from which the belt is transferred onto the first roll and back again.

Figure 11 shows three examples of a further drive mechanism according to an eighth embodiment. The drive mechanisms comprises a wedge 868 which abuts against a follower 826. Rotation of the drive wheel 814 causes the wedge 868 to be translated parallel to the surface of the follower 826. As the thicker part of the wedge 868 comes between the drive wheel 814 and the follower 826, the second part of the hair clipper attachment is moved away from the first part of the hair clipper -24 -attachment. Figure 11 shows three examples of how the rotational movement of the drive wheel 814 causes translational movement of the wedge 868. In the first example the drive wheel comprises a cog 870, the cog 870 abuts the wedge 868 and the turning of the cog 870 translates the wedge 868. In the second example the drive wheel 814 is connected to a drive belt 872, the drive belt 872 passes around a distal axle and the drive belt 872 abuts the wedge 868 and movement of the drive belt translates the wedge, In the third example the drive wheel 814 is connected to a second drive wheel via a coupling rod 874, the second drive wheel abuts the wedge 868 and the turning of the second drive wheel translates the wedge 868.

Figure 12 shows a hair clipper attachment 900 according to a ninth embodiment of the invention. The general shape of the hair clipper attachment 900 differs slightly from the above described embodiments in that the second part 902 comprises a single rectangular slider 910 which is arranged to slide within a correspondingly shaped guide 908 in the first part 904. In addition the comb teeth 912 have a generally rectangular shape.

The hair clipper 900 comprises a belt 966 that is arranged to wrap around an axle rotationally mounted to the second part 904 and form a roll of belt around the axle. The hair clipper attachment 900 of the ninth embodiment is similar to the seventh embodiment, however, in the ninth embodiment the roll of belt 966 acts as a drive wheel whereby the outer layer of the roll of belt 966 engages with the head and is arranged to be further rolled up as the hair clippers are advanced along the head. As the belt 966 is further wrapped up the diameter of the roll increases. Figures 13a to 13c show this increase in diameter. The wrapping up of the belt acts, in use, to move the cutting edge of the cutting blade away from the head in two ways. Firstly, as the diameter increases the roll of belt will protrude further from the face of the comb.

Therefore the second part itself, and in turn the cutting blade, will get further away from the head. Secondly, the roll of belt is cammingly engaged with a follower on the first part. Thus the first part 902 is also moved relative to the second part 904 as the diameter of the roll increases, again moving the cutting blade further from the head.

Preferably the follower is a roller.

In an alternative embodiment, based on the ninth embodiment, there is no camming engagement of the roll with a follower; thus the cutting blade is moved away from the head by only the first described action. In such an embodiment the hair -25 -clipper attachment need not be formed into two distinct parts which move relative to each other.

Figure 14 shows a hair clipper attachment 1000 according to a tenth embodiment of the invention. The hair clipper attachment 1000 comprises, as per the first and second embodiment, a first part 1002 slidably mounted to a second part 1004. A wheel 1014 is rotatably mounted to the second part 1004 in a similar position to the drive wheel 214 of the first embodiment such that it engages the head as the hair clippers are advanced along the head in use. A resilient bias in the form of a compression spring is provided between the first part 1002 and the second part 1004 so as to urge the parts apart. Figure 14 shows the wheel 1014 and the spring 1068 in exploded view in both a compressed state and an extended state.

In use the hair clippers are advanced along the head, the comb being passed through the hair to be cut. The wheel 1014 reduces the friction between the head and the comb. The user can gradually release the force applied to the hair clippers in the direction of the head which will allow the cutting blade of the hair clipper to be moved away from the head, thereby cutting increasingly longer lengths of hair. Figures 15a to I Sc show a hair clipper attachment 1100 according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention. The hair clipper attachment 1100 comprises, as per the first and second embodiment, a first part 1102 slidably mounted to a second part 1104. The shape of the hair clipper attachment 1100 differs slightly from the first and second embodiments in that the second part 1104 only has a single set of comb teeth, rather than a forward and rear set of teeth having a gap therebetween to accommodate the hair clipper blade.

The hair clipper attachment 1100 further comprises a ratchet. The drive wheel 1114 acts as the gear of the ratchet. The radially extending projections around the outer surface of the drive wheel act as gear teeth which are engaged by a pawl 1136. The pawl is arranged such that it can ride up over the projections when the drive wheel 1114 is rotated in a direction in which it would turn when the hair clippers are advanced forward along the head (this is a clockwise direction in the orientation shown in Figure 15a to 15c). Figure 15b shows how the pawl 1136 rides up and down, in direction Dl, as it travels over the projections on the drive wheel 1114.

-26 -The projections around the outer surface of the drive wheel 1114 are asymmetric, having a ramped side and a locking side, to help the pawl 1136 pass the projections in one direction but not the other.

The drive wheel 1114 is prevented from rotating in the opposite direction by the locking side of a projection abutting against the pawl 1136, which in turn abuts against the main body of the first part 1102.

As shown in Figure 15c, the ratchet can be disengaged by pulling back and pushing down on catch 1138, in direction D2, to move the pawl 1136 out of the way of the projections on the drive wheel 1114. The drive wheel 1114 can then be rotated freely in either direction.

Figures 16a to 16c show the ratchet in more detail. As can be seen, the pawl 1136 is connected to the first part 1102 via a resilient arm 1140. In embodiments, the pawl 1136, resilient arm 1140 and first part 1102 are all integrally formed. The pawl 1136 and arm 1140 form a spring which is arranged to bias the pawl 1136 into engagement with the drive wheel 1114 and allow the pawl 1136 to ride up over the projections on the drive wheel 1114 as the drive wheel turns in the direction shown by the arrow.

As is best shown in Figure 16c, the pawl 1136 may be disengaged from the drive wheel 1114 by pulling back on the catch 1138 and also pushing the catch 1138 towards the hair clipper body. In use, the resilient arm 1140 contacts and bends against the hair clipper body, the hair clipper body acting as a fulcrum, so as to lift the pawl 1136 away from the drive wheel 1114, in direction D3. The drive wheel 1114 is thereby allowed to freely rotate in either direction. The resilient arm 1140 has a bend or vertex 1142 between its two ends which helps the resilient arm 1140 to bend and pivot the pawl 1136 away from the drive wheel 1114. Pulling on the catch 1138 also acts to pull the second part 1104 towards the first part 1102. Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, certain possible variations will now be described.

In a twelfth embodiment of the invention, which is similar to the first and second embodiments, the circular drive wheel and cam are replaced by a spiral shaped drive wheel which acts as both the drive wheel and a cam.

-27 -The spiral shaped drive wheel is rotatably mounted to the second part and engages with the head such that it is rotated when the hair clippers are advanced along the head. The spiral shaped drive wheel moves the cutting edge of the cutting blade away from the head in two ways. Firstly, as the wheel rotates, one side of the wheel will protrude further from the face of the comb. Therefore the second part itself, and in turn the cutting blade, will get further away from the head. Secondly, the wheel is cammingly engaged with a follower on the first part. Thus the first part is also moved relative to the second part as the wheel rotates, again moving the cutting blade further from the head.

A thirteenth embodiment of the invention will now be described. The thirteenth embodiment is similar to the first and second embodiments, except that in the thirteenth embodiment the first part and second part are at a different orientation relative to the hair clipper. In the hair clipper attachment of the thirteenth embodiment, the drive wheel is positioned above the outer face of the fixed cutting blade and between the cutting edge and the trailing edge of the blade. The first part is attached to the hair clippers by a clip which clips over the trailing edge of the fixed cutting blade and a holding bar which opposes the clip.

A comb is provided on the second part. The teeth of the comb provide a surface for facing the head. The comb is oriented such that the head facing surface is at an angle of about 50 degrees to the plane of the fixed cutting blade. The slider and guide are oriented such that the comb progresses in a direction normal to the head facing surface. Thus the comb in part progresses forward of the cutting edge. In the starting position, the underside of the teeth rest against the outer face of the fixed cutting blade. Elasticated self-return straps are also provided to urge the first part and second part back to the starting position (i.e, the position at which the cutting edge 16 is closest to the head in use). Additionally or alternatively to the elasticated self-return straps, a ratchet mechanism may be provided.

A fourteenth embodiment of the invention will now be described. The fourteenth embodiment is similar to the first and second embodiments, except that second part is pivotally mounted to the first part. The second part pivots relative to the first part about a pivot point proximate the clip which is, in use, proximate the trailing edge of the fixed cutting blade. Elasticated self-return straps are provided to urge the first part and second part back to the starting position.

-28 -In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a hair clipper attachment may be provided with a ratchet mechanism which does not use the drive wheel as a part of the ratchet. For example, the hair clipper attachment may comprise a slider that comprises gear teeth so as to form a rack gear that is engaged by a disengageable spring loaded pawl In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a hair clipper for performing a fading haircut. The hair clipper has a motor housing by which the hair clipper can be held. The motor housing has a guide which receives a slider. The slider is integral with a comb. The comb provides a head facing surface. A drive mechanism comprising a drive wheel and spiral shaped cam is provided, the drive wheel being coaxial with the spiral shaped cam and rotatably mounted to the comb. The spiral shaped cam engages with a portion of the motor housing which forms a follower to the cam. The drive wheel is rotated by engaging with the head as the hair clippers are advanced. The rotation of the drive wheel and subsequent camming engagement of the cam with the motor housing moves the comb relative to, and away from, the blades of the hair clippers, thus increasing the separation between the cutting edge and the head. It will be understood that the above described hair clipper corresponds to the hair clipper attachment of the first/second embodiment of the invention, wherein the first part is essentially an integral part of the motor housing. Further hair clippers may be provided which correspond to the other embodiments of the invention herein described.

Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims

-29 -Claims 1. A hair clipper attachment for performing a fading haircut, the hair clipper attachment comprising: a first part for attaching the hair clipper attachment to a hair clipper, a second part arranged to be moved relative to the first part by a drive mechanism; the drive mechanism being driven by a drive wheel, the drive wheel being rotatably mounted on the second part; and the drive wheel being arranged to engage with the head and be rotatably driven by movement of the hair clippers along the head thereby changing the distance between the head and a cutting blade of the hair clipper as the hair clipper is moved along the head.
2. A hair clipper attachment according to claim 1, wherein the second part comprises a comb.
3. A hair clipper attachment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second part is slidably mounted to the first part.
4. A hair clipper attachment according to claim 3, when dependent on claim 2, wherein the first part and second part are slidably mounted such that, in use, the relative orientation of the comb and the cutting blade is maintained during movement of the second part relieve to the first part.
5. A hair clipper attachment according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first part and second part are slidably mounted such that, in use, the second part moves linearly relative to the cutting blade.
6. A hair clipper attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein the drive wheel is at least partly forward of the cutting edge of the cutting blades.

-30 -
7. A hair clipper attachment according to claim 6, wherein the rotational axis of the drive wheel is forward of the cutting blades.
8 A hair clipper attachment according to any preceding claim, when dependent on claim 2, wherein the comb comprises a plurality of teeth and the drive wheel is provided between two teeth
9 A hair clipper attachment according to any preceding claim, when dependent on claim 2, wherein the drive wheel is located between the lateral edges of the comb.
10. A hair clipper attachment according to any preceding claim, comprising a ratchet mechanism arranged to allow the first part to move relative to the second part in a first direction, but prevent movement of the first part relative to the second part in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.
11 A hair clipper attachment according to any preceding claim, further comprising a self-return mechanism arranged to bias the second part towards the first part
12 A hair clipper attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein the first part comprises a sleeve arranged to receive at least part of the hair clipper.
13. A hair clipper attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein the first part comprises one or more straps arranged to hold the hair clipper.
14. A hair clipper attachment according to any of claims Ito 11, wherein the first part is arranged to clip over a non-cutting surface of the cutting blade of the hair clipper.
15. A hair clipper attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer circumference of the drive wheel comprises resiliently deformable projections.
16. A hair clipper attachment according, to any preceding claim, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a cam driven by the drive wheel, the cam being engageable -31 -with a follower connected to the first part such that when the cam is driven by the drive wheel, the second part moves relative to the first part.
17. A hair clipper attachment according to claim 16, wherein the cam has a spiral shaped engagement surface.
18. A hair clipper attachment according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the cam comprises a stop arranged to prevent rotation of the cam beyond an end position 1 0
19. A hair clipper attachment according to any of claims 16 to 18 wherein the follower is movable relative to the first part so as to change, in use, the distance between the head and a cutting blade of the hair clipper for a given position of the cam.
20 A hair clipper attachment according to any of claims 16 to 19, wherein the hair clipper attachment is arranged to (i) permit replacement of the cam with a second cam having a different diameter and/or pitch, and/or (ii) permit replacement of the drive wheel with a second drive wheel.
21. A hair clipper attachment according to any of claims Ito 15, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a rack and pinion, the pinion being driven by the drive wheel and the rack being connected to the first part such that when the rack is driven by the pinion, the second part moves relative to the first part.
22. A hair clipper attachment according to any of claims Ito 15, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a scotch yoke comprising a pin rotatably driven by the drive wheel and a slot in which the pin slides, the slot being connected to the first part such that when the slot is driven by the pin, the second part moves relative to the first part.
23 A hair clipper attachment according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a belt arranged to wrap around an axle thereby forming a roll of belt as the drive wheel is driven, the roll of belt being cammingly engaged with a follower such that as the diameter of the roll increases the second part is moved relative to the first part.-32 -
24. Kit of parts comprising: a hair clipper, and a hair clipper attachment according to any preceding claim.
25. Kit of parts comprising: a hair clipper attachment according to claims 20, and (i) one or more further cams, each cam having a different diameter and/or pitch, and/or (ii) one or more further drive wheels.
26. A hair clipper for performing a fading haircut, the hair clipper comprising: a motor housing comprising a first part; a second part arranged to be moved relative to the first part by a drive mechanism; the drive mechanism comprising a drive wheel rotatably mounted on the second part, the drive wheel being arranged to engage with the head and be rotatably driven by movement of the hair clippers along the head thereby, in use, changing the distance between the head and a cutting blade of the hair clipper as the hair clipper is moved along the head.