Hair cutting kit

Abstract

A hair cutting kit (10), the hair cutting kit comprising: a handle (20); a first trimmer head (30) configured to be reversibly and releasably attached to the handle (20); a second trimmer head (40) configured to be reversibly and releasably attached to the handle (20); and a comb tool (50) comprising at least one row of teeth and a mechanical interface (59) operative to reversibly and releasably attach the comb tool (50) to the first trimmer head (30) and to reversibly and releasably attach the comb tool (50) to the second trimmer head (40).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect relates to a hair cutting kit. In particular, one aspect relates to a hair cutting kit that includes a comb tool that can be releasably attached to a cutting unit having a fixed blade. Background Art

[0002] Hair trimmers or hair clippers are used, for example, by hairstylists or private users in professional salons to trim scalp hair or beards. Another field of application is body grooming, where the user mainly wishes to achieve an aesthetic effect by thoroughly removing hair in other areas of the body, such as the axillary area, the bikini area or the intimate area.

[0003] Hair cutting kits offer a greater degree of flexibility in use. By way of illustration, depending on the body area where the user intends to use the device, the handle can be combined with different types of trimmer heads. Versatility and configurability can also be obtained through one or several comb tools. When the hair trimmer is used directly on the skin, the hair is cut into a shape determined by the blade configuration of the trimmer. To obtain longer hair lengths, a comb tool can be used.

[0004] The use of comb tools can be associated with various challenges. When the hair cutting kit includes various trimmer heads to provide reconfigurability (e.g., for beard trimming or body grooming), a corresponding set of comb tools can be provided, where each comb tool is customized to be used with only one of the trimmer heads. While this approach allows each of the comb tools to be customized for the trimmer head it is intended to be used with, the provision of several comb tools that are customized for only one trimmer head may increase manufacturing complexity and increase the complexity of using the hair cutting kit. There is a risk that the user will combine the comb tool with a trimmer head that the comb tool is not intended for, which adversely affects the efficiency of the cutting operation.

[0005] Ensuring good cutting efficiency is desirable not only when the comb tool is used in combination with a hair cutting kit that includes several replaceable trimmer heads, but also when the comb tool is used in combination with only one trimmer head.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to solve at least some of the above-mentioned challenges in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] There is a need for an improved hair cutting kit. There is a need for a hair cutting kit that can use a comb tool while ensuring good cutting efficiency. Alternatively or in addition, there is a need for a hair cutting kit that reduces the risk of the comb tool being used with a trimmer head in an incorrect manner and / or in a manner that adversely affects the cutting efficiency.

[0008] According to one aspect, a hair cutting kit includes a handle, a first trimmer head, a second trimmer head, and a comb tool.

[0009] The first trimmer head is configured to be reversibly and releasably attached to the handle. The first trimmer head includes at least one first stationary blade, which includes at least one row of first teeth. At least one row of first teeth extends in a first direction. Adjacent first teeth in at least one row of first teeth are separated from each other by a first gap in the first direction. The central longitudinal axis of the first teeth is perpendicular to the first direction. The central longitudinal axes of adjacent first teeth are spaced apart from each other by a first pitch in the first direction.

[0010] The second trimmer head is configured to be reversibly and releasably attached to the handle. The second trimmer head includes at least one second stationary blade, which includes at least one row of second teeth. At least one row of second teeth extends in a first direction. Adjacent second teeth in at least one row of second teeth are separated from each other by a second gap in the first direction. The central longitudinal axis of the second teeth is perpendicular to the first direction. The central longitudinal axes of adjacent second teeth are spaced apart from each other by a second pitch in the first direction.

[0011] The comb tool includes at least one row of comb teeth. The comb tool may include a mechanical interface that is operative to reversibly and releasably attach the comb tool to the first trimmer head and to reversibly and releasably attach the comb tool to the second trimmer head.

[0012] The comb tool is configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the first trimmer head or the second trimmer head, at least one row of comb teeth extends in the first direction, adjacent comb teeth in at least one row of comb teeth are separated from each other by a comb tooth gap in the first direction, the intermediate plane of the comb teeth is perpendicular to the first direction, and the intermediate planes of adjacent comb teeth are spaced apart from each other by a third pitch in the first direction.

[0013] The third pitch is equal to the first pitch multiplied by a first integer. The third pitch is equal to the second pitch multiplied by a second integer different from the first integer.

[0014] A hair cutting kit according to another aspect includes a handle, a trimmer head, and a comb tool.

[0015] The trimmer head is attached or releasably attached to the handle. The trimmer head includes at least one stationary blade, the at least one stationary blade including at least one row of blade teeth, wherein at least one row of blade teeth extends in a first direction, the blade teeth have a central longitudinal axis perpendicular to the first direction, and adjacent blade teeth are separated from each other by a gap in the first direction.

[0016] The comb tool includes at least one row of comb teeth. The comb tool is configured to be reversibly and releasably attached to a trimmer head or a handle. The comb tool is configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the trimmer head or the handle, at least one row of comb teeth extends in a first direction, adjacent comb teeth are separated by a comb tooth gap, and some, most, or all of the comb teeth overlap at least a portion of at least some of the gaps between adjacent blade teeth.

[0017] The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached, the mid-planes of some, most, or all of the comb teeth are aligned with the mid-planes of at least some of the gaps between adjacent blade teeth, wherein the mid-planes of the comb teeth and the gaps are perpendicular to the first direction.

[0018] According to one aspect, a hair cutting kit includes a handle, a first trimmer head, and a second trimmer head.

[0019] The first trimmer head is configured to be reversibly and releasably attached to the handle. The first trimmer head includes at least one first fixed blade, which includes at least one row of first teeth. At least one row of first teeth extends in a first direction. Adjacent first teeth in at least one row of first teeth are separated from each other in the first direction by a first gap. The central longitudinal axis of the first teeth is perpendicular to the first direction. The central longitudinal axes of adjacent first teeth are spaced apart from each other in the first direction by a first pitch.

[0020] The second trimmer head is configured to be reversibly and releasably attached to the handle. The second trimmer head includes at least one second fixed blade, which includes at least one row of second teeth. At least one row of second teeth extends in a first direction. Adjacent second teeth in at least one row of second teeth are separated from each other in the first direction by a second gap. The central longitudinal axis of the second teeth is perpendicular to the first direction. The central longitudinal axes of adjacent second teeth are spaced apart from each other in the first direction by a second pitch.

[0021] According to one aspect, a method of using a comb tool of a hair cutting kit is provided. The hair cutting kit includes a handle, a first trimmer head, a second trimmer head, and a comb tool. The method includes selectively and releasably engaging the comb tool with the first trimmer head or the second trimmer head.

[0022] The first trimmer head is configured to be reversibly and releasably attached to the handle. The first trimmer head includes at least one first fixed blade, which includes at least one row of first teeth. At least one row of first teeth extends in a first direction. Adjacent first teeth in at least one row of first teeth are separated from each other in the first direction by a first gap. The central longitudinal axis of the first teeth is perpendicular to the first direction. The central longitudinal axes of adjacent first teeth are spaced apart from each other in the first direction by a first pitch.

[0023] The second trimmer head is configured to be reversibly releasably attached to the handle. The second trimmer head includes at least one second fixed blade, which includes at least one row of second teeth. At least one row of second teeth extends in a first direction. Adjacent second teeth in at least one row of second teeth are separated from each other in the first direction by a second gap. The central longitudinal axis of the second teeth is perpendicular to the first direction. The central longitudinal axes of adjacent second teeth are spaced apart from each other in the first direction by a second pitch.

[0024] The comb tool includes at least one row of comb teeth. The comb tool may include a mechanical interface that is operative to reversibly releasably attach the comb tool to the first trimmer head and to reversibly releasably attach the comb tool to the second trimmer head.

[0025] The comb tool is configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the first trimmer head or the second trimmer head, at least one row of comb teeth extends in the first direction, adjacent comb teeth in at least one row of comb teeth are separated from each other in the first direction by a comb tooth gap, the intermediate plane of the comb teeth is perpendicular to the first direction, and the intermediate planes of adjacent comb teeth are spaced apart from each other in the first direction by a third pitch.

[0026] The third pitch is equal to the first pitch multiplied by a first integer. The third pitch is equal to the second pitch multiplied by a second integer different from the first integer.

[0027] Various effects are obtained. The hair cutting kit allows hair to be effectively guided to the cutting unit including the fixed blade while reducing the risk of incorrect use of the comb tool. Description of the Drawings

[0028] Figure 1 View of the hair cutting kit.

[0029] Figure 2 View of the first trimmer head and the comb tool of the hair cutting kit in a disassembled state.

[0030] Figure 3 View of the second trimmer head and the comb tool of the hair cutting kit in a disassembled state.

[0031] Figure 4 Perspective view of the comb tool.

[0032] Figure 5 Partial plan view of the fixed blade of the first trimmer head.

[0033] Figure 6 Partial plan view of the fixed blade of the second trimmer head.

[0034] Figure 7 Partial plan view of the fixed blade of the second trimmer head on the other hand.

[0035] Figure 8 Partial plan view of a comb tool.

[0036] Figure 9 Plan view of a first trimmer head and a comb tool in a disassembled state.

[0037] Figure 10 Plan view of a first trimmer head and a comb tool in an assembled state.

[0038] Figure 11 Plan view of a second trimmer head and a comb tool in a disassembled state.

[0039] Figure 12 Plan view of a second trimmer head and a comb tool in an assembled state.

[0040] Figure 13 For the Figure 12 Partial enlarged plan view of the second teeth of the second trimmer head and the comb teeth of the comb tool in the assembled state.

[0041] Figure 14 Plan view of a second trimmer head and a comb tool in an assembled state.

[0042] Figure 15 Functional block diagram of the handle of a hair cutting kit. Detailed implementation

[0043] Aspects will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like or identical reference numerals represent like or identical features or elements in construction, operation, and / or function.

[0044] Aspects relate to a hair cutting kit. The hair cutting kit may include a handle, a combination of different trimmer heads with different tooth pitches, and one, two, or more comb tools. Although the tooth pitches of the different trimmer heads are different, the comb tools are configured to function effectively on the different trimmer heads.

[0045] According to one aspect, a hair cutting kit includes a handle, a first trimmer head, a second trimmer head, and a comb tool. The first trimmer head is configured to be reversibly and releasably attached to the handle. The first trimmer head includes at least one first fixed blade, which includes at least one row of first teeth. At least one row of first teeth extends in a first direction. Adjacent first teeth in at least one row of first teeth are separated from each other in the first direction by a first gap. The central longitudinal axis of the first teeth is perpendicular to the first direction. The central longitudinal axes of adjacent first teeth are spaced apart from each other in the first direction by a first pitch. The second trimmer head is configured to be reversibly and releasably attached to the handle. The second trimmer head includes at least one second fixed blade, which includes at least one row of second teeth. At least one row of second teeth extends in the first direction. Adjacent second teeth in at least one row of second teeth are separated from each other in the first direction by a second gap. The central longitudinal axis of the second teeth is perpendicular to the first direction. The central longitudinal axes of adjacent second teeth are spaced apart from each other in the first direction by a second pitch. The comb tool includes at least one row of comb teeth. The comb tool may include a mechanical interface that is operable to reversibly and releasably attach the comb tool to the first trimmer head and to reversibly and releasably attach the comb tool to the second trimmer head. The comb tool is configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the first trimmer head or the second trimmer head, at least one row of comb teeth extends in the first direction, adjacent comb teeth in at least one row of comb teeth are separated from each other in the first direction by a comb tooth gap, the intermediate plane of the comb teeth is perpendicular to the first direction, and the intermediate planes of adjacent comb teeth are spaced apart from each other in the first direction by a third pitch. The third pitch is equal to the first pitch multiplied by a first integer. The third pitch is equal to the second pitch multiplied by a second integer different from the first integer.

[0046] The hair cutting kit according to this aspect allows hair to be effectively guided to the cutting unit including the fixed blade, regardless of whether the comb tool is used in combination with the first trimmer head or the second trimmer head.

[0047] The ratio of the first integer divided by the second integer may be 0.3 or greater and / or 3.0 or less. The ratio of the first integer divided by the second integer may be 0.5 or greater and / or 2.0 or less. These ratios allow one of the trimmer heads to have a pitch for, for example, body grooming or other uses in areas where the skin is more likely to be cut, while the other trimmer head may have a pitch for, for example, cutting beards or scalp hair. These ratios of the first pitch and the second pitch also align the comb teeth with the blade tooth gaps and / or blade teeth of the first trimmer head and the second trimmer head in a manner that provides sufficient protection to the skin without seriously impairing the cutting efficacy.

[0048] The first integer and the second integer can differ from each other by 1 or 2. The first integer and the second integer can be greater than 1. The first integer and the second integer can be 5 or less. These pitch ratios allow the comb teeth to align with the blade teeth clearances and / or the blade teeth of the first trimmer head and the second trimmer head in such a way as to provide sufficient protection to the skin without seriously impairing the cutting efficacy.

[0049] The second pitch can be less than the first pitch. The second trimmer head is then particularly suitable for body areas with soft skin (such as intimate areas), thus providing reconfigurability between body grooming and beard or scalp hair trimming.

[0050] Each comb tooth in the comb teeth can be substantially mirror-symmetrical with respect to its middle plane. When observed in an observation direction perpendicular to the first direction and the central longitudinal axis of the first tooth or the second tooth, each comb tooth in the comb teeth can have a tip, and the middle plane of each comb tooth can pass through its tip. The tips of the comb teeth can be arranged at the foremost edge of the device assembled from the handle, one of the trimmer heads, and the comb tool, where the foremost edge is the foremost part of the skin-adjacent surface in the operating movement direction. This configuration allows the comb teeth to effectively guide the hair towards the cutting unit while providing ease of manufacture.

[0051] Each comb tooth in the comb teeth can extend along its middle plane from the comb tooth base to the free comb tooth end.

[0052] The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the second trimmer head, some, most, or all of the comb teeth overlap with the associated second clearances between adjacent second teeth. The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the second trimmer head, when observed in an observation direction perpendicular to the first direction and the central longitudinal axis of the second tooth, some, most, or all of the comb teeth can be arranged in a relationship overlapping with the associated second clearances. This configuration takes advantage of the fact that, surprisingly, especially when the pitch between the blade teeth is relatively small, the cutting efficiency can be increased by arranging the comb teeth in a relationship overlapping with the blade tooth clearances.

[0053] The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the second trimmer head, at least some of the second gaps do not overlap with any of the comb teeth. The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the second trimmer head, when viewed in a viewing direction perpendicular to the first direction and the central longitudinal axis of the second teeth, at least some of the second gaps do not overlap with any of the comb teeth. The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the second trimmer head, every L second gaps overlap with the comb teeth, where L is a positive integer of 2, 3, or greater than 3. This configuration takes advantage of the fact that, surprisingly, by arranging the comb teeth in a relationship that overlaps with some of the blade tooth gaps while leaving other gaps between the blade teeth unobstructed, the cutting efficiency can be improved. This is particularly useful when the spacing between the blade teeth is relatively small.

[0054] The second gaps can have a midplane perpendicular to the first direction. The midplane of the second gaps can be centered between the tips of adjacent second teeth. The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the second trimmer head, the midplanes of some, most, or all of the comb teeth are aligned with the midplanes of the second gaps. The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the second trimmer head, the midplanes of some, most, or all of the comb teeth coincide with the midplanes of the second gaps. This configuration takes advantage of the fact that, surprisingly, by arranging the comb teeth in a relationship that overlaps with some of the blade tooth gaps while leaving other gaps between the blade teeth unobstructed, the cutting efficiency can be improved. This is particularly useful when the spacing between the blade teeth is relatively small.

[0055] The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the second trimmer head, some, most, or all of the comb teeth are aligned with the associated second teeth. The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the second trimmer head, the midplanes of some, most, or all of the comb teeth are aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the associated second teeth. The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the second trimmer head, the central longitudinal axes of some of the second teeth extend along the midplanes of some, most, or all of the comb teeth. This configuration takes advantage of the fact that if the comb width of the comb teeth does not significantly enclose the second gap adjacent to the blade teeth aligned with the comb teeth, the hair can be effectively guided into the gap of the fixed blade of the second trimmer head, which is adjacent to the tooth of the fixed blade aligned with the comb teeth.

[0056] The comb tool can be configured such that when the first trimmer head is attached to the handle and the comb tool is attached to the first trimmer head, some, most, or all of the comb teeth overlap with the associated first teeth. The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the first trimmer head, the mid-planes of some, most, or all of the comb teeth are aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the associated first teeth. The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the first trimmer head, some, most, or all of the first gaps do not overlap with any of the comb teeth or only partially overlap with any of the comb teeth. The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the first trimmer head, when viewed in an observation direction perpendicular to the first direction and the central longitudinal axis of the first teeth, some, most, or all of the first gaps do not overlap with any of the comb teeth or only partially overlap with any of the comb teeth. This configuration takes advantage of the fact that if the comb tooth width of the comb teeth does not significantly close the first gap adjacent to the blade teeth aligned with the comb teeth, the hair can be effectively guided into the gap of the fixed blade of the first trimmer head, which is adjacent to the teeth of the fixed blade aligned with the comb teeth. This is particularly applicable when the first trimmer head has fixed blade teeth with a spacing greater than the spacing of the blades of the second trimmer head.

[0057] Each comb tooth can have a J-shaped portion. The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the first trimmer head or the second trimmer head, the J-shaped portion bends about the first direction. The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the first trimmer head or the second trimmer head, the J-shaped portion extends out of a plane parallel to the plane spanned by the first direction and the central longitudinal axis of the first or second teeth. The J-shaped portion can have a width measured along the first direction, which is less than the first spacing and / or the second spacing. The width of the J-shaped portion can be the distance between two tangential planes tangent to the opposite side surfaces of the J-shaped portion, where the two tangential planes are spaced apart by the comb tooth width along the first direction. This configuration provides effective guidance of the hair towards the blades of the corresponding trimmer head.

[0058] The width of the J-shaped portion can be greater than or less than the tooth width of the first teeth.

[0059] The first trimmer head can include a first movable blade arranged to reciprocate relative to a first fixed blade. The first teeth of the first fixed blade can have cutting edges. The teeth of the first movable blade can have another cutting edge. The first trimmer head is operable to perform scissor cutting on the hair disposed between the cutting edge of the first teeth of the first fixed blade and the other cutting edge of the teeth of the first movable blade. When the first trimmer head is assembled to the handle, this configuration facilitates effective cutting by means of scissor cutting.

[0060] The second trimmer head may include a second movable blade arranged to reciprocate relative to a second fixed blade. Second teeth of the second fixed blade may have cutting edges. Teeth of the second movable blade may have another cutting edge. The second trimmer head is operable to perform scissor cutting on hair disposed between the cutting edge of the second teeth of the second fixed blade and the other cutting edge of the teeth of the second movable blade. This configuration facilitates effective cutting by scissor cutting when the first trimmer head is assembled to the handle.

[0061] The mechanical interface of the comb tool may include engagement structures that are operable to reversibly and releasably engage with the engagement structures of the first trimmer head and the second trimmer head. This configuration allows the comb tool to be securely mounted on either the first trimmer head or the second trimmer head while facilitating reconfiguration in which one trimmer head is replaced by the other (e.g., to reconfigure the device to be used as a body groomer after the device has been used for beard or scalp hair trimming and vice versa).

[0062] The first trimmer head may have mating engagement structures that are operable to reversibly and releasably engage with the mechanical interface of the comb tool. The second trimmer head may have mating engagement structures that are operable to reversibly and releasably engage with the mechanical interface of the comb tool. The first trimmer head may have a first handle interface that is operable to reversibly and releasably engage with the handle. The second trimmer head may have a second handle interface that is operable to reversibly and releasably engage with the handle. This configuration facilitates reconfiguration in which one trimmer head is replaced by the other (e.g., to reconfigure the device to be used as a body groomer after the device has been used for beard or scalp hair trimming and vice versa).

[0063] The handle may include an electric motor having a motor shaft and a drive element coupled to or integral with the motor shaft, the drive element operating to drive a driven element to drive the movable blade. The handle may include a rechargeable battery. These features increase user comfort.

[0064] The hair cutting kit may further include at least one additional comb-like tool. The at least one additional comb-like tool includes at least one row of additional comb teeth. The at least one additional comb-like tool may include a mechanical interface that is operable to reversibly and releasably attach the comb-like tool to the first trimmer head and to reversibly and releasably attach the comb-like tool to the second trimmer head. The at least one additional comb-like tool is configured such that when the at least one additional comb-like tool is attached to the first trimmer head or the second trimmer head, the at least one row of additional comb teeth extends in a first direction, adjacent additional comb teeth of the at least one row of additional comb teeth are separated from each other in the first direction by an additional comb tooth gap, a midplane of the additional comb teeth is perpendicular to the first direction, and midplanes of adjacent additional comb teeth are spaced apart from each other in the first direction by a third spacing. The additional comb teeth of the at least one additional comb-like tool may have a width measured parallel to the first direction and / or a height measured perpendicular to a plane spanned by the first direction and a central longitudinal axis of the teeth of the first trimmer head or the second trimmer head, which is different from the comb teeth of the comb-like tool. This configuration allows the at least one additional comb-like tool to be easily used with both the first trimmer head and the second trimmer head. For example, the comb-like tool and the additional comb-like tool can be used to set different cutting heights.

[0065] The first spacing may be 1 mm or greater, 1.5 mm or greater, 1.6 mm or greater, or 1.7 mm or greater. The second spacing may be 1.5 mm or less, 1.2 mm or less, 1.15 mm or less, or 1.13 mm or less. The third spacing may be 2 mm or greater, 2.5 mm or greater, 3 mm or greater, 3.2 mm or greater, or 3.4 mm or greater. Such spacings are suitable for providing the use of a hair cutting kit for beard and scalp hair trimming and body grooming.

[0066] The first direction along which the blade teeth and the comb teeth are arranged may be determined as a line of interconnected tips of outermost first teeth arranged at opposite ends of a row of first teeth, a line of interconnected tips of outermost second teeth arranged at opposite ends of a row of second teeth, a line of interconnected free comb tooth ends of outermost comb teeth arranged at opposite ends of a row of comb teeth.

[0067] The first direction may be the direction of movement of the movable blade. The movable blade may reciprocate or oscillate in the first direction.

[0068] According to another aspect, a hair cutting kit includes a handle, a trimmer head, and a comb tool. The trimmer head is attached or releasably attached to the handle. The trimmer head includes at least one fixed blade, the at least one fixed blade including at least one row of blade teeth, wherein the at least one row of blade teeth extends in a first direction, the blade teeth having a central longitudinal axis perpendicular to the first direction, and adjacent blade teeth being spaced apart from each other in the first direction by a gap. The comb tool includes at least one row of comb teeth. The comb tool is configured to be reversibly and releasably attached to the trimmer head or the handle. The comb tool is configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the trimmer head or the handle, the at least one row of comb teeth extends in the first direction, adjacent comb teeth being spaced apart by a comb tooth gap, and some, most, or all of the comb teeth overlapping at least a portion of at least some of the gaps between adjacent blade teeth. The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached, the mid-plane of some, most, or all of the comb teeth is aligned with the mid-plane of at least some of the gaps between adjacent blade teeth, wherein the mid-plane of the comb teeth and the mid-plane of the gaps are perpendicular to the first direction.

[0069] The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached, the comb teeth are arranged in a relationship non-overlapping with a portion of the gaps between adjacent blade teeth.

[0070] Each of the comb teeth of the comb tool can be substantially mirror symmetric with respect to its mid-plane.

[0071] When viewed in an observation direction perpendicular to the first direction and the central longitudinal axis of the blade teeth, each of the comb teeth can have a tip, and the mid-plane of each comb tooth can pass through its tip.

[0072] The tips of the comb teeth can be arranged at the foremost edge of the device assembled from the handle, the trimmer head, and the comb tool, wherein the foremost edge is the foremost part of the skin-adjacent surface in the operating movement direction.

[0073] The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the trimmer head, some, most, or all of the comb teeth overlap the associated gaps between adjacent blade teeth.

[0074] The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the trimmer head, when viewed in an observation direction perpendicular to the first direction and the central longitudinal axis of the blade teeth, some, most, or all of the comb teeth are arranged in a relationship overlapping the associated gaps between adjacent blade teeth.

[0075] The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the trimmer head, at least some of the gaps between the blade teeth do not overlap with any of the comb teeth.

[0076] The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the trimmer head, at least some of the gaps between the blade teeth do not overlap with any of the comb teeth when viewed in a viewing direction perpendicular to the first direction and the central longitudinal axis of the blade teeth.

[0077] The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the trimmer head, the comb teeth overlap every L gaps between adjacent blade teeth, where L is a positive integer of 2, 3, or greater than 3.

[0078] The gap between adjacent blade teeth can have a middle plane perpendicular to the first direction.

[0079] The middle plane of the gap between adjacent blade teeth can be centered between the tips of the adjacent blade teeth.

[0080] The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the trimmer head, the middle planes of some, most, or all of the comb teeth are aligned with the middle plane of the gap between adjacent blade teeth.

[0081] The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the trimmer head, the middle planes of some, most, or all of the comb teeth coincide with the middle plane of the gap between adjacent blade teeth.

[0082] Each comb tooth can have a J-shaped portion.

[0083] The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the trimmer head, the J-shaped portion bends about the first direction.

[0084] The comb tool can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the trimmer head, the J-shaped portion extends out of a plane parallel to the plane spanned by the first direction and the central longitudinal axis of the first or second tooth.

[0085] The J-shaped portion can have a width measured along the first direction, which is less than the blade tooth pitch, where the blade tooth pitch is the distance between the central longitudinal axes of adjacent blade teeth perpendicular to the first direction.

[0086] The width of the J-shaped portion can be the distance between two tangential planes tangent to the opposite side surfaces of the J-shaped portion, where the two tangential planes are spaced apart along the first direction by the width of the comb tooth.

[0087] The trimmer head can include a movable blade arranged to reciprocate relative to a fixed blade.

[0088] The blade teeth of the fixed blade can have cutting edges.

[0089] The teeth of the movable blade can have another cutting edge.

[0090] The trimmer head is operable to perform scissor cutting on hair disposed between the cutting edges of the blade teeth of the fixed blade and the other cutting edges of the teeth of the movable blade.

[0091] The mechanical interface of the comb tool may include engagement structures that are operable to reversibly and releasably engage with the engagement structures of the trimmer head.

[0092] The trimmer head may have mating engagement structures that are operable to reversibly and releasably engage with the mechanical interface of the comb tool.

[0093] The trimmer head may have a handle interface that is operable to reversibly and releasably engage with a handle.

[0094] The handle may include an electric motor having a motor shaft and a drive element coupled to or integral with the motor shaft, the drive element operating to drive a driven element to drive the movable blade.

[0095] The handle may include a rechargeable battery.

[0096] The handle may include an electric motor having a motor shaft and a drive element coupled to or integral with the motor shaft, the drive element operating to drive a driven element to drive the movable blade.

[0097] The handle may include a rechargeable battery.

[0098] The central longitudinal axis of the blade teeth may be perpendicular to the first direction. The central longitudinal axes of adjacent blade teeth may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction by a blade tooth pitch.

[0099] The comb tool may be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the trimmer head, at least one row of comb teeth extends in the first direction, adjacent comb teeth of at least one row of comb teeth are separated from each other in the first direction by a comb tooth gap, the intermediate plane of the comb teeth is perpendicular to the first direction, and the intermediate planes of adjacent comb teeth are spaced apart from each other in the first direction by a comb tooth pitch.

[0100] The comb tooth pitch is equal to the blade tooth pitch multiplied by 2, 3, or an integer greater than 3.

[0101] According to one aspect, a hair cutting kit includes a handle, a first trimmer head, and a second trimmer head. The first trimmer head is configured to be reversibly and releasably attached to the handle. The first trimmer head includes at least one first fixed blade that includes at least one row of first teeth. The at least one row of first teeth extends in a first direction. Adjacent first teeth in the at least one row of first teeth are separated from each other by a first gap in the first direction. The central longitudinal axis of the first teeth is perpendicular to the first direction. The central longitudinal axes of adjacent first teeth are spaced apart from each other by a first pitch in the first direction. The second trimmer head is configured to be reversibly and releasably attached to the handle. The second trimmer head includes at least one second fixed blade that includes at least one row of second teeth. The at least one row of second teeth extends in the first direction. Adjacent second teeth in the at least one row of second teeth are separated from each other by a second gap in the first direction. The central longitudinal axis of the second teeth is perpendicular to the first direction. The central longitudinal axes of adjacent second teeth are spaced apart from each other by a second pitch in the first direction.

[0102] The ratio of the first pitch to the second pitch is a rational number.

[0103] The ratio of the first pitch to the second pitch can be 0.3 or greater and / or 3.0 or less.

[0104] The ratio of the first pitch to the second pitch can be 0.5 or greater and / or 2.0 or less.

[0105] The hair cutting kit may further include a combing tool configured and operable as described herein.

[0106] According to one aspect, a method of using a comb tool of a hair cutting kit is provided. The hair cutting kit includes a handle, a first trimmer head, a second trimmer head, and a comb tool. The method includes selectively and releasably engaging the comb tool with the first trimmer head or the second trimmer head. The first trimmer head is configured to be reversibly and releasably attached to the handle. The first trimmer head includes at least one first fixed blade that includes at least one row of first teeth. At least one row of first teeth extends in a first direction. Adjacent first teeth in at least one row of first teeth are separated from each other by a first gap in the first direction. The central longitudinal axis of the first teeth is perpendicular to the first direction. The central longitudinal axes of adjacent first teeth are spaced apart from each other by a first pitch in the first direction. The second trimmer head is configured to be reversibly and releasably attached to the handle. The second trimmer head includes at least one second fixed blade that includes at least one row of second teeth. At least one row of second teeth extends in the first direction. Adjacent second teeth in at least one row of second teeth are separated from each other by a second gap in the first direction. The central longitudinal axis of the second teeth is perpendicular to the first direction. The central longitudinal axes of adjacent second teeth are spaced apart from each other by a second pitch in the first direction. The comb tool includes at least one row of comb teeth. The comb tool may include a mechanical interface that is operative to reversibly and releasably attach the comb tool to the first trimmer head and to reversibly and releasably attach the comb tool to the second trimmer head. The comb tool is configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the first trimmer head or the second trimmer head, at least one row of comb teeth extends in the first direction, adjacent comb teeth in at least one row of comb teeth are separated from each other by a comb tooth gap in the first direction, the intermediate plane of the comb teeth is perpendicular to the first direction, and the intermediate planes of adjacent comb teeth are spaced apart from each other by a third pitch in the first direction. The third pitch is equal to the first pitch multiplied by a first integer. The third pitch is equal to the second pitch multiplied by a second integer different from the first integer.

[0107] The hair cutting kit can be a hair cutting kit according to any of the aspects disclosed herein.

[0108] In assembly, the hair cutting kit can operate as a hair trimmer, a hair clipper, and / or a body groomer. At least one trimmer head of the hair cutting kit is operative to trim hair in the axillary area, the bikini area, and / or the intimate area. At least one other trimmer head of the hair cutting kit is operative to trim scalp hair or a beard. The comb tool is operatively used when the hair cutting kit is configured (e.g., by assembling the second trimmer head onto the handle) to trim hair in the axillary area, the bikini area, and / or the intimate area, and when the hair cutting kit is configured (e.g., by assembling the first trimmer head onto the handle) to trim scalp hair or a beard.

[0109] Figure 1View of the hair cutting kit 10. The hair cutting kit 10 includes a handle 20, a first trimmer head 30, a second trimmer head 40, and a comb tool 50. Although Figure 1 only one comb tool 50 is shown in

[0110] the hair cutting kit may include two, three, or more than three different comb tools, at least some of which are configured to operate effectively on different trimmer heads 30, 40 having different tooth pitches.

[0111] The first trimmer head 30 is configured to be reversibly and releasably attached to the handle 20. The first trimmer head 30 is configured to repeatedly engage and disengage with the handle 20 in a non-destructive manner. As will be described in more detail below, the first trimmer head 30 includes at least one first fixed blade that includes at least one row of first teeth, wherein the first teeth have a first pitch.

[0112] The second trimmer head 40 is configured to be reversibly and releasably attached to the handle 20. The second trimmer head 40 is configured to repeatedly engage and disengage with the handle 20 in a non-destructive manner. As will be described in more detail below, the second trimmer head 40 includes at least one second fixed blade that includes at least one row of second teeth, wherein the second teeth have a second pitch that is different from the first pitch.

[0113] The comb tool 50 has a mechanical interface that allows the comb tool 50 to selectively engage either the first trimmer head 30 or the second trimmer head in a non-destructive manner. The comb tool 50 has comb teeth with a third pitch. The comb tool 50 is configured to effectively guide hair into the gaps between the first teeth of the first fixed blade when used in association with the first trimmer head 30. The comb tool 50 is configured to effectively guide hair into the gaps between the second teeth of the second fixed blade when used in association with the second trimmer head 40. The third pitch of the comb tool may match both the first pitch and the second pitch, being an integer multiple of the first pitch and another integer multiple of the second pitch.

[0113] The handle 20 may include a motor control control element 22 operatively coupled to the handle 20. In response to activation of the control element 22, a motor integrated in the housing of the handle 20 may be powered on or off. The output shaft of the motor may drive a movable blade in each of the trimmer heads attached to the handle via a rotary-to-linear motion conversion mechanism, causing the movable blade to oscillate in a reciprocating manner.

[0114] The handle 20 may include an adjustment mechanism 21 for adjusting the trimmer heads attached to the handle 20 and / or for adjusting the comb tool 50. The adjustment mechanism 21 may allow the comb tool 50 to be repositioned relative to the trimmer heads attached to the handle 20. The adjustment mechanism 21 may include a rotary or linear adjustment mechanism.

[0115] The handle 20 has a first handle end 29 and an opposite second handle end, the first handle end being away from the user's skin in use, and the second handle end having a mechanical interface for reversibly and releasably attaching a first trimmer head 30 or a second trimmer head 40, 40' as required. The longitudinal direction 27 of the handle extends from the first handle end 29 to the opposite second handle end, and one of the trimmer heads is attached to the second handle end in use. As will be described in more detail below, the trimmer heads 30, 40, 40' each have a fixed blade and a movable blade. The fixed blade includes a row of teeth that extends in a direction (referred to herein as the first direction) transverse to the longitudinal direction 27 of the handle.

[0116] Different first trimmer heads 30 and second trimmer heads 40, 40' can be assembled by the user to the handle according to the cutting operation desired by the user. For thick hair and normal skin, the first trimmer head 30 with a larger spacing can be assembled to the handle 20. Due to the larger spacing, many hairs can be captured and cut simultaneously. For body areas where the skin is very sensitive and soft and the hair density is low (such as the intimate area), the second trimmer heads 40, 40' with a smaller spacing can be assembled to the handle 20. The smaller spacing protects the skin because it cannot easily enter the small gaps in the cutting system of the second trimmer heads 40, 40'. The smaller spacing means that fewer hairs can be cut.

[0117] The comb tool 50 does not always need to be assembled to the trimmer head. The first trimmer head 30 and / or the second trimmer heads 40, 40' can be used directly on the skin, in which case the hair is cut to a length approximately equal to the thickness of the fixed blade of the trimmer head. To obtain longer hair lengths, the comb tool 50 can be assembled.

[0118] These comb tools 50 have comb teeth. The comb teeth operate to increase the distance between the skin and the blades of the trimmer head. The comb teeth operate to guide the hair to the blades of the trimmer head. The comb tool 50 is configured to effectively supply the hair to the blades of the trimmer head, regardless of whether the same comb tool 50 is assembled to the first trimmer head 30 or to the second trimmer heads 40, 40'.

[0119] Figure 2 View of the first trimmer head 30 and the comb tool 50 of the hair cutting kit 10 in the disassembled state. Figure 3 View of the second trimmer head 40 and the comb tool 50 of the hair cutting kit in the disassembled state. Figure 4 Perspective view of the comb tool 50.

[0120] The first trimmer head 30 has a first shank interface 38 that is operable to reversibly and releasably engage with the engagement structure 28 of the shank 20. The first trimmer head 30 includes a fixed blade 31 and a movable blade 37. When the driven element 61 of the first trimmer head 30 is driven by the output element of the shank 20, the movable blade 37 is operable to oscillate relative to the fixed blade 31.

[0121] The fixed blade 31 includes a row of first teeth 32. The row of first teeth 32 extends in a first direction 91. The first direction 91 is also referred to herein as the x - direction. When the first trimmer head 30 is assembled to the shank 20, the first direction 91 can be generally transverse to the shank longitudinal axis 27.

[0122] The first trimmer head 30 includes a mating engagement structure 39 that is operable to reversibly and releasably engage with the mechanical interface 59 of the comb tool 50. The engagement structure 39 and the mechanical interface 59 are operable to fix the comb tool 50 to the first trimmer head 30. This can be achieved by a form - fit and / or force - fit (e.g., friction fit) between the mechanical interface 59 of the comb tool 50 and the engagement structure 39 of the first trimmer head 30.

[0123] The second trimmer heads 40, 40' have a second shank interface 48 that is operable to reversibly and releasably engage with the engagement structure 28 of the shank 20. The second trimmer head 40 includes fixed blades 41, 41' and movable blades 47, 47'. Different configurations of these blades will be described in more detail below. When implemented with the fixed blade 41, the second trimmer head is denoted by the reference numeral 40. When implemented with the fixed blade 41', the second trimmer head is denoted by the reference numeral 40'. When the driven element 62 of the second trimmer head 40 is driven by the output element of the shank 20, the movable blades 47, 47' are operable to oscillate relative to the fixed blade 41.

[0124] The fixed blade 41 includes a row of second teeth 42. The row of second teeth 42 extends in the first direction 91. The first trimmer head 30 and the second trimmer heads 40, 40' are configured such that the first direction 91 in which the row of teeth of the fixed blade extends can be the same (which encompasses the case of parallel lines that extend in the same first direction but have an offset).

[0125] The second trimmer head 40 includes a mating engagement structure 49 that is operable to reversibly and releasably engage with the mechanical interface 59 of the comb tool 50. The engagement structure 49 and the mechanical interface 59 are operable to fix the comb tool 50 to the second trimmer head 40. This can be achieved by a form - fit and / or force - fit (e.g., friction fit) between the mechanical interface 59 of the comb tool 50 and the engagement structure 49 of the second trimmer head 40.

[0126] The comb tool 50 includes a mechanical interface 59 that is operable to reversibly and releasably attach the comb tool 50 to the first trimmer head 30 and to reversibly and releasably attach the comb tool 50 to the second trimmer heads 40, 40'. When the comb tool 50 is attached to the first trimmer head or the second trimmer head, a row of comb teeth 52 extends in a first direction 91. The position of the comb teeth 52 in the first direction 91 may depend on the position of the first teeth 32 of the fixed blade 31 of the first trimmer head 30 in the first direction 91 and the position of the second teeth 42, 42' of the fixed blades 41, 41' of the second trimmer heads 40, 40' in the first direction 91, which will be described hereinafter. For illustration, the spacing of the comb teeth 52 in the first direction 91 may depend on the spacing of the first teeth 32 of the fixed blade 31 of the first trimmer head 30 in the first direction 91 and the spacing of the second teeth 42, 42' of the fixed blades 41, 41' of the second trimmer heads 40, 40' in the first direction 91, which will be described hereinafter.

[0127] The comb tool 50 may define a skin surface that operably abuts the skin when the device is in use. When the comb tool 50 is assembled to the first trimmer head 30 or the second trimmer heads 40, 40', the comb tool 50 may include a plurality of ridges 55 each oriented perpendicular to the first direction 91. The ridges 55 are offset from each other in the first direction 91. The tangential planes of the plurality of ridges 55 may define a skin abutment surface. As Figure 4 best shown, the comb teeth 52 may have a J-shaped portion 56 that extends to the free end of the comb teeth 52. The J-shaped portion 56 may curve out from the skin abutment surface, toward and at least partially around the fixed blade of the trimmer head to which the comb tool is attached.

[0128] Reference will be made to Figures 5 to 8 describe in more detail the features of the fixed blade 31 of the first trimmer head 30, the fixed blades 41, 41' of the second trimmer heads 40, 40' and a row of comb teeth 52.

[0129] Figure 5 is a partial plan view of the fixed blade 31 of the first trimmer head 30. Figure 6 is a partial plan view of the fixed blade 41 of the second trimmer head 40. Figure 7 is a partial plan view of the fixed blade 41' of the second trimmer head 40' according to another aspect. Figure 8 is a partial plan view of the comb tool 50.

[0130] As Figure 5 shown, the fixed blade 31 of the first trimmer head 30 includes a row of first teeth 32. The number of the first teeth 32 may be the same as Figure 5The quantities shown are different. For illustration, the first trimming head 30 may have ten or more, twelve or more, fifteen or more, or seventeen or more first teeth 32.

[0131] Each of the first teeth 32 has a central longitudinal axis 35. The central longitudinal axis 35 may be defined as an axis that extends on the surface of the fixed blade 31 adjacent to the movable blade 37, where the central longitudinal axis 35 is perpendicular to the first direction 91 and passes through the tip 33 of one of the first teeth. The central longitudinal axes 35 of different first teeth 32 may be parallel to each other. The central longitudinal axes 35 of different first teeth 32 may be arranged to extend coplanarly.

[0132] The tip 33 of the first tooth 32 may be the outermost point as seen in a plan view (which is arranged to point in the moving direction of the hair cutting device assembled by the hair cutting kit during use), where the viewing direction of the plan view is oriented perpendicular to the first direction 91 and the second direction 92 (also referred to as the y - direction herein), and the central longitudinal axis 35 of the first tooth 32 extends along the first direction and the second direction.

[0133] The first teeth 32 may be arranged at equal intervals. The first pitch p1 may be determined as the distance between the central longitudinal axes 35 between adjacent first teeth 32a, 32b.

[0134] Adjacent first teeth 32 are separated by gaps 34 respectively. The intermediate plane 36 of the gap 34 may be defined as a plane that is orthogonal to the first direction 91 and is equidistantly spaced from the central longitudinal axes 35 of the adjacent teeth 32a, 32b arranged on opposite sides of the gap 34.

[0135] Each first tooth 32 of the first fixed blade 31 may have a cutting edge. The teeth of the first movable blade 37 may have another cutting edge. The first trimming head 30 is operable to perform scissor - type cutting on the hair disposed between the cutting edge of the first teeth 32 of the first fixed blade 31 and the other cutting edge of the teeth of the first movable blade 37.

[0136] Each first tooth 32 of the first fixed blade 31 may have a tooth width w1 measured in the first direction. Each comb tooth may have a comb tooth width w (which will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 8 ). The comb tooth width w may be greater than or less than the tooth width w1 of the first tooth.

[0137] As Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, the fixed blades 41, 41' of the second trimming heads 40, 40' include a row of second teeth 42, 42'. The number of the second teeth 42, 42' may be the same as Figure 6 and Figure 7The quantities shown are different. For illustration, the second trimmer heads 40, 40' may have fifteen or more, seventeen or more, twenty or more, or twenty-five or more second teeth 42, 42'.

[0138] Each of the second teeth 42, 42' has a central longitudinal axis 45, 45'. The central longitudinal axes 45, 45' may be defined as axes extending on the surface of the fixed blades 41, 41' adjacent to the movable blades 47, 47', wherein the central longitudinal axes 45, 45' are perpendicular to the first direction 91 and pass through the tips 43, 43' of one of the second teeth. The central longitudinal axes 45, 45' of different second teeth 42, 42' may be parallel to each other. The central longitudinal axes 45, 45' of different second teeth 42, 42' may be arranged and extended coplanarly.

[0139] The tips 43, 43' of the second teeth 42, 42' may be the outermost points seen in a plan view (which are arranged to point in the moving direction of the hair cutting device assembled by the hair cutting kit in use), wherein the viewing direction of the plan view is oriented perpendicular to the first direction 91 and the second direction 92, and the central longitudinal axes 45, 45' of the second teeth 42, 42' extend along the first direction and the second direction.

[0140] The second teeth 42, 42' may be arranged at equal intervals. The second pitch p2 may be determined as the distance between the central longitudinal axes 45, 45' between adjacent second teeth 42a, 42b or 42a', 42b'.

[0141] Adjacent second teeth 42, 42' are separated by gaps 44, 44' respectively. The intermediate planes 46, 46' of the gaps 44, 44' may be respectively defined as planes orthogonal to the first direction 91 and equidistantly spaced from the central longitudinal axes 45, 45' of the adjacent second teeth 42a, 42b or 42a', 42b' arranged on opposite sides of the gaps 44, 44'.

[0142] As will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 11 to 14 the second trimmer head 40 and the second trimmer head 40' may be distinguished according to the way they interact with the comb-like tool 50 during assembly.

[0143] Each second tooth 42, 42' of the second fixed blades 41, 41' may have a cutting edge. The teeth of the second movable blades 47, 47' may have another cutting edge. The second trimmer head 40 is operable to perform scissor cutting on the hair between the cutting edge of the second teeth 42, 42' of the second fixed blades 41, 41' and the other cutting edge of the teeth of the second movable blades 47, 47'.

[0144] Figure 8A plan view of the comb tool 50 as seen in an observation direction perpendicular to the first direction 91 and perpendicular to the second direction 91. The comb tool 50 includes a row of comb teeth 52. The number of the comb teeth 52 can be different from Figure 8 the number shown. For illustration, the comb tool 50 can have five or more, eight or more, or ten or more comb teeth 52.

[0145] Each of the comb teeth 52 has a middle plane 55. The middle plane 55 can be defined as a plane extending perpendicular to the first direction 91 and passing through the tip 53 of one of the comb teeth. The middle planes 55 of different comb teeth 52 are parallel to each other.

[0146] The tip 53 of the comb tooth 52 can be the outermost point seen in the plan view (which is arranged to point in the moving direction of the hair cutting device assembled by the hair cutting kit in use), where the observation direction of the plan view is oriented perpendicular to the first direction 91 and the second direction 92.

[0147] The comb teeth 52 can be arranged at equal intervals. The third pitch p3 can be determined as the distance between the middle planes 55 of adjacent comb teeth 52a, 52b.

[0148] The adjacent comb teeth 52 are separated by gaps 54 respectively. The middle plane 56 of the gap 54 can be defined as a plane orthogonal to the first direction 91 and equidistantly spaced from the middle planes 55 of the adjacent teeth 52a, 52b arranged on opposite sides of the gap 54.

[0149] The comb teeth 52 can have a comb tooth width w. The comb tooth width w can be the distance between two tangential planes 57 tangent to the opposite side surfaces of the J-shaped portion 56 of the comb tooth 52, where the two tangential planes 57 are spaced apart by the comb tooth width w in the first direction 91.

[0150] As will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 9 to 14 the comb tool 50, the first trimmer head 30, and the second trimmer heads 40, 40' are constructed in such a way that the third pitch p3 of the comb tool 50 matches the first pitch p1 of the first trimmer head 30 and the second pitch p2 of the second trimmer heads 40, 40' (for example, in the sense of an integer multiple). Thus, good alignment between the comb tool and the cutting units of the two trimmer heads can be achieved.

[0151] In terms of the cutting efficiency of concern, the comb tool 50, the first trimmer head 30, and the second trimmer heads 40, 40' are constructed in such a way that the third pitch p3 is equal to the first pitch p1 multiplied by a first integer (which will also be referred to as M). The third pitch p3 is equal to the second pitch p1 multiplied by a second integer different from the first integer (which will also be referred to as N).

[0152] In order to operate itself together with the same comb tool 50, the first trimmer head 30 and the second trimmer heads 40, 40' are constructed in such a way that the ratio of the first pitch to the second pitch p1 / p2 is a rational number.

[0153] The ratio M / N of the first integer divided by the second integer can be 0.3 or greater and / or 3.0 or less. The ratio M / N of the first integer divided by the second integer can be 0.5 or greater and / or 2.0 or less. This configuration allows the comb tool 50 to effectively guide the hair to the blades of the cutting unit, regardless of whether the comb tool 50 is assembled with the first trimmer head 30 or with the second trimmer heads 40, 40'.

[0154] The first integer and the second integer can differ from each other by 1 or 2. That is, the modulus of the difference between the first integer and the second integer |M - N| can be 1 or 2.

[0155] The first integer and the second integer can be greater than 1. The first integer and the second integer can be 5 or less. These multiplication factors provide benefits in terms of efficiency.

[0156] By way of illustration and not limitation, the first integer can be equal to 2, and the second integer can be equal to 3. In this case, when the comb tool 50 is assembled with the first trimmer head 30, the comb teeth 52 can be aligned with every second tooth 32 of the first fixed blade 31. When the comb tool 50 is assembled with the second trimmer head 40, the comb teeth 52 can be aligned with every third tooth 42 of the second fixed blade 41. When the comb tool 50 is assembled with the second trimmer head 40', the comb teeth 52 can be aligned with every third tooth gap 44' of the fixed blade 41'.

[0157] Reference will be made Figures 9 to 14 to describe the interaction between the comb tool 50 and the trimmer heads in more detail. Figure 9 A plan view of the first trimmer head 30 and the comb tool 50 in a disassembled state, showing the comb tool 50 offset perpendicularly to the first direction 91 from the first trimmer head 30. Figure 10 A plan view of the first trimmer head 30 and the comb tool 50 in an assembled state. Figure 11 A plan view of the second trimmer head 40' and the comb tool 50 in a disassembled state, showing the comb tool 50 offset perpendicularly to the first direction 91 from the second trimmer head 40'. Figure 12 A plan view of the second trimmer head 40' and the comb tool 50 in an assembled state. Figure 13 For the Figure 12 locally enlarged plan view of the second tooth 42' of the second trimmer head 40' and the comb teeth 52 of the comb tool 50 in the assembled state. Figure 14Plan view of the second trimmer head 40 and the comb tool 50 in an assembled state.

[0158] Figure 9 and Figure 10 shows the first trimmer head 30 and the comb tool 50. The third spacing p3 is equal to the first spacing p1 multiplied by a first integer. The first integer can be 2 or greater than 2. The first integer can be 5 or less than 5.

[0159] The comb tool 50 can be configured such that when the first trimmer head 30 is attached to the handle 20 and the comb tool 50 is attached to the first trimmer head 30, some, most, or all of the comb teeth 52 overlap with the associated first teeth 32. At least some of the first teeth 32 may not overlap with any of the comb teeth 52.

[0160] The intermediate plane 55 of some, most, or all of the comb teeth 52 can be aligned with the central longitudinal axis 35 of the associated first tooth 32. The central longitudinal axes of other first teeth 32 that do not overlap with any of the comb teeth 52 can be spaced apart from the intermediate plane of all the comb teeth 52. As Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown, the intermediate plane 55 of all the comb teeth 52 can be aligned with the central longitudinal axis 35 of the associated first tooth 32, but other configurations can be used.

[0161] When the comb tool 50 is attached to the first trimmer head 30, some, most, or all of the first gaps 34 between the first teeth 32 do not overlap with any of the comb teeth 52 or only partially overlap.

[0162] This configuration allows the comb tool 50 to effectively direct the hair towards the fixed blade 31 and the movable blade 37 for scissor cutting.

[0163] Figure 11 and Figure 12 shows the second trimmer head 40' and the comb tool 50. The third spacing p3 is equal to the second spacing p2 multiplied by a second integer. The second integer can be 2 or greater than 2. The second integer can be 5 or less than 5.

[0164] The comb tool 50 can be configured such that when the comb tool is attached to the second trimmer head 40', some, most, or all of the comb teeth 52 overlap with the associated second gaps 44' between the adjacent second teeth 42'. When observed in an observation direction perpendicular to the first direction 91 and the central longitudinal axis 35' of the second tooth 42' (i.e., Figure 11 and Figure 12 the observation direction), some, most, or all of the comb teeth 52 can be arranged in a relationship that overlaps with the associated second gaps 44'.

[0165] The comb tool 50 can be configured such that when the comb tool 50 is attached to the second trimmer head 40', at least some of the second gaps 44' do not overlap with any of the comb teeth 52, as Figure 12 shown.

[0166] The comb tool 50 can be configured such that each L second gaps overlap with the comb teeth 52, where L is a positive integer of 2, 3, or greater than 3. L can be 5 or less.

[0167] In Figure 11 and Figure 12 configurations, when the comb tool 50 is attached to the second trimmer head 40', the intermediate planes 55 of some, most, or all of the comb teeth 52 are aligned (e.g., coincide) with the intermediate plane 55 of the second gaps 44'.

[0168] Although Figure 11 and Figure 12 configurations reduce or substantially block the supply of hair into some of the gaps 44', the comb teeth 52 are arranged not to block most of the gaps 44'. Surprisingly, even though the comb teeth 52 reduce or substantially block the supply of hair into some of the gaps 44' with which they overlap, effective supply is achieved using Figure 11 and Figure 12 configurations.

[0169] Figure 13 is an enlarged plan view of adjacent second teeth 42a' and 42b' and the comb teeth 52 overlapping the gap 44' between the adjacent second teeth 42a' and 42b'. The size of the comb teeth 42 can be set to extend in a relationship of at least partial overlap with the sides 71, 74 of the adjacent second teeth 42a' and 42b' in a plan view perpendicular to the first direction 91 and the second direction 92 (as Figure 13 shown), the sides defining the gap 44' therebetween. The size of the comb teeth 42 can be set such that it does not extend to or beyond the sides 72, 73 of the adjacent second teeth 42a' and 42b' in a plan view perpendicular to the first direction 91 and the second direction 92 (as Figure 13 shown), the sides being arranged opposite to the sides 71, 74 defining the gap 44'. This configuration ensures that the second gaps adjacent to the second gaps 44' covered by the comb teeth 52 remain completely or substantially unblocked for receiving hair.

[0170] Refer to Figures 11 to 13The described configuration requires less for the implementation of the smaller spacing p2 of the second trimming head 40'. It is not necessary to align the comb teeth 52 with the second teeth 42', but the middle plane 55 of the comb teeth should preferably be located on or along the central region of the gap 44'. The comb teeth 52 can be manufactured to have a width w wider than the width of the second teeth 42' of the fixed cutting blade 41', while ensuring that most of the second gap 44' remains unobstructed by the comb teeth 52.

[0171] Figure 14 The second trimming head 40 and the comb-like tool 50 are shown. The third spacing p3 is equal to the second spacing p2 multiplied by a second integer. The second integer can be 2 or greater than 2. The second integer can be 5 or less than 5.

[0172] The comb-like tool 50 can be configured such that when the comb-like tool 50 is attached to the second trimming head 40, some, most, or all of the comb teeth 52 are aligned with the associated second teeth 42. The middle plane 55 of some, most, or all of the comb teeth 52 can be aligned with the central longitudinal axis 45 of the associated second teeth 42.

[0173] In Figure 14 the configuration, the comb teeth 52 are aligned with a subset of the second teeth 42 such that no gap 44 is completely covered. This helps to effectively supply hair towards the cutting unit of the second trimming head 40.

[0174] As described with reference to Figures 5 to 14 effective cutting is obtained when the third spacing p3 of the comb teeth is an integer multiple of the first spacing and / or the second spacing p2, p3 of the blade teeth of the comb-like tool 50. For small integer multiples and relatively narrow comb teeth 52, it is appropriate to position the comb teeth 52 and the teeth 32, 42 of the fixed blade in alignment with each other, for example in an overlapping arrangement where the comb teeth 52 partially or completely overlap the teeth 32, 42 of the fixed blade. For larger integer multiples and relatively wide comb teeth 52, it is appropriate to position the comb teeth 52 in alignment with the gaps 44' between adjacent blade teeth 42'.

[0175] To allow different trimming heads 30, 40, 40' to be used with one, two, or more comb-like tools 50, a particularly effective hair cutting kit is obtained when the comb-like tool 50 functions effectively on different trimming heads 30, 40, 40'. Thus, the third spacing p3 of the comb-like tool 50 (or several comb-like tools, if provided) is an integer multiple of the first spacing p1 of one trimming head 30 and another integer multiple of the second spacing p2 of another trimming head 40, 40'. Good compatibility of the comb-like tool with various trimming heads is thereby achieved. Compatibility with different trimming heads is achieved not only in terms of geometric fit but also in terms of hair cutting efficiency and skin sensitivity.

[0176] In the hair cutting kit 10, at least one comb tool (or optionally more comb tools) can be effectively used with several different trimmer heads. It is not necessary to provide different comb tools each customized for only one of the different trimmer heads, because the same comb tool can be used with different trimmer heads without compromising skin sensitivity and cutting efficiency.

[0177] The movable blades in the trimmer heads 30, 40, 40' can be driven in various ways. Figure 15 Schematic block diagram of the handle 20. The handle 20 can have a housing in which a rechargeable battery 23 and a motor 24 are accommodated. The output shaft 25 of the motor 24 is rotated during operation. The drive element 26 can be integrally formed with or attached to the output shaft 25. The drive element 26 can engage with the driven elements 61, 62 of the trimmer head that engages with the handle.

[0178] Although the hair cutting kit and its components have been described with reference to the drawings, modifications and changes can be made. By way of illustration, a comb tool is provided having comb teeth aligned with the gaps between the blade teeth, as illustrated by reference Figures 11 to 13 Even when the comb tool is used in combination with only a single trimmer head, various benefits are provided, such as robustness against manufacturing tolerances and gaps.

[0179] The dimensions and values disclosed herein should not be construed as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to represent the recited value and a range functionally equivalent around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to represent "about 40 mm".

Claims

1. A hair cutting kit (10), comprising: a handle (20); a first trimmer head (30) configured to be reversibly and releasably attached to the handle (20), the first trimmer head (30) including at least one first fixed blade (31), the at least one first fixed blade including at least one row of first teeth (32), wherein the at least one row of first teeth (32) extends in a first direction (91), adjacent first teeth (32) of the at least one row of first teeth (32) are separated from each other by a first gap (34) in the first direction (91), a central longitudinal axis (35) of the first teeth (32) is perpendicular to the first direction (91), and the central longitudinal axes (35) of adjacent first teeth (32a, 32b) are spaced apart from each other by a first pitch (p1) in the first direction (91); a second trimmer head (40; 40'), the second trimmer head being configured to be reversibly and releasably attached to the handle (20), the second trimmer head (40; 40') including at least one second fixed blade (41; 41'), the at least one second fixed blade including at least one row of second teeth (42; 42'), wherein the at least one row of second teeth (42:42') extends in the first direction (91), adjacent second teeth (42; 42') of the at least one row of second teeth (42; 42') are separated from each other by a second gap (44; 44') in the first direction (91), a central longitudinal axis (45; 45') of the second teeth (42; 42') is perpendicular to the first direction (91), and the central longitudinal axes (45; 45') of adjacent second teeth (42a, 42b) are spaced apart from each other by a second pitch (p2) in the first direction (91); a comb tool (50) including at least one row of comb teeth (52) and a mechanical interface operative to reversibly and releasably attach the comb tool (50) to the first trimmer head (30) and to reversibly and releasably attach the comb tool (50) to the second trimmer head (40; 40'); wherein the comb tool (50) is configured such that when the comb tool (50) is attached to the first trimmer head (30) or the second trimmer head (40; 40'), the at least one row of comb teeth (52) extends in the first direction (91), adjacent comb teeth (52) of the at least one row of comb teeth (52) are separated from each other by a comb tooth gap (54) in the first direction (91), a middle plane of the comb teeth (52) is perpendicular to the first direction (91), and the middle planes of adjacent comb teeth (52a, 52) are spaced apart from each other by a third pitch (p3) in the first direction (91); Wherein the third pitch (p3) is equal to the first pitch (p1) multiplied by a first integer, and the third pitch (p3) is equal to the second pitch (p2) multiplied by a second integer different from the first integer.

2. The hair cutting kit (10) according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the first integer divided by the second integer is 0.5 or greater, and / or wherein the ratio of the first integer divided by the second integer is 2.0 or less.

3. The hair cutting kit (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first integer and the second integer differ from each other by 1 or 2.

4. The hair cutting kit (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first integer and the second integer are greater than 1.

5. The hair cutting kit (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second pitch (p2) is less than the first pitch (p1).

6. The hair cutting kit (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the comb tool (50) is configured such that when the comb tool (50) is attached to the second trimmer head (40'), some, most, or all of the comb teeth (52) overlap with the associated second gaps (44') between adjacent second teeth (42').

7. The hair cutting kit (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the comb tool (50) is configured such that when the comb tool (50) is attached to the second trimmer head (40'), the intermediate plane of some, most, or all of the comb teeth (52) is aligned with the intermediate plane of the second gap (44), wherein the intermediate plane of the second gap (44) is perpendicular to the first direction (91).

8. The hair cutting kit (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the comb tool (50) is configured such that when the comb tool (50) is attached to the second trimmer head (40), some, most, or all of the comb teeth (52) are aligned with the associated second teeth (42), and / or the intermediate plane of some, most, or all of the comb teeth (52) is aligned with the central longitudinal axis (45) of the associated second teeth (42).

9. The hair cutting kit (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the comb tool (50) is configured such that when the first trimmer head (30) is attached to the handle (20) and the comb tool (50) is attached to the first trimmer head (30), some, most, or all of the comb teeth (52) overlap with the associated first teeth (32), and / or the intermediate plane of some, most, or all of the comb teeth (52) is aligned with the central longitudinal axis (35) of the associated first teeth (32).

10. The hair cutting kit (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each comb tooth (52) has a J-shaped portion (56).

11. The hair cutting kit (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the J-shaped part (56) has a width (w) measured along the first direction (91), and the width is less than the first spacing (p1) and / or the second spacing (p2).

12. The hair cutting kit (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first trimmer head (30) includes a first movable blade (37) which is arranged to reciprocate relative to the first fixed blade (31), and the second trimmer head (40; 40') includes a second movable blade (47) which is arranged to reciprocate relative to the second fixed blade (41; 41').

13. The hair cutting kit (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the mechanical interface of the comb-like tool (50) includes a engaging structure which is operable to reversibly and releasably engage with the engaging structures of the first trimmer head (30) and the second trimmer head (40; 40').

14. The hair cutting kit (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the handle (20) includes an electric motor (24) having a motor shaft (25) and a drive element (26) coupled to or integral with the motor shaft (25), and the drive element (26) operates to drive a driven element (61; 62) to drive the movable blades (37; 47).

15. The hair cutting kit (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the handle (20) includes a rechargeable battery (23).

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