Attachment comb for hair trimmer with improved hair flow geometry

Abstract

An accessory comb (30) of a hair trimmer is provided for use with an electric hair trimmer (10) having a trimmer blade set (18) including a fixed blade (22) and a moving blade (20) that reciprocates laterally relative to the fixed blade. The accessory comb includes a comb base (32) having a rear edge (34) in operative relationship with the stationary blade, and an opposing front edge (36), the comb base defining a centerline extending between the rear edge and the front edge. A plurality of comb teeth (40) is provided, each comb tooth having a tooth base (42) associated with the leading edge and a tip (44) opposite the tooth base. The teeth are arranged on the accessory comb such that there is a non-uniform spacing between adjacent teeth with respect to the centerline such that the spacing of the teeth is symmetrical about both sides of the centerline.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an attachment comb for use with an electric hair trimmer and trimmer for adjusting the length of hair remaining on a customer after a haircut. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved hair trimmer attachment comb configured to facilitate hair flow for cutting and having an improved attachment comb-hair trimmer interface.

[0002] Attachment combs are commonly used with electric hair cutting devices (e.g., trimmers or trimmers, collectively referred to herein as hair trimmers). Conventional hair trimmers are typically equipped with a set of multiple attachment combs of different sizes. Each size of comb has multiple teeth or pointed teeth. The length of the teeth varies from comb to comb, and all combs in a set are typically attached to the hair trimmer near or on the blade using a snap or friction fit provided by a clip, lug, or magnet. In some cases, the operator will replace the attachment comb several times during a haircut or hairstyle depending on the desired hair length.

[0003] A disadvantage of conventional combs is that when the person receiving the haircut has long hair, the hair may get stuck between adjacent comb teeth, thereby hindering the cutting action of the hair trimmer blade. As the hair is cut by the hair trimmer, it is fed through the teeth of the attachment comb to the blade set, which is attached to the comb at the base portion of the comb. However, in current attachment combs, as the hair is fed through the teeth to the base portion, the hair at the base portion often bunches up or accumulates, causing the hair to be pushed away from the blade set, thereby preventing the hair from being cut or preventing the hair from being cut in a desired manner.

[0004] Another potential problem encountered with conventional trimmer attachment combs is that hairs can become caught on the attachment comb due to interference of the comb teeth with the blade set. This can cause damage to the hair if previously cut hairs are prevented from leaving the comb and can cause the blade set to unnecessarily cut some hairs twice.

[0005] Another disadvantage of the conventional hair trimmer attachment comb is that the rear end (opposite the tip) of the comb teeth is in close proximity to the trimmer cutting blade, more specifically, close to the cutting line defined by the tips of the teeth of the respective fixed and moving blades that make up the trimmer blade set. Each comb tooth is attached to the comb base at the rear end, and the interface area at the rear of the comb defines a hair collection area that sends the hair to the cutting blade. This relationship between the comb teeth and the cutting blade typically causes hair to accumulate near the cutting blade, thereby hindering the cutting efficiency of the hair trimmer.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved attachment comb for a hair trimmer that addresses the above-mentioned shortcomings. Summary of the invention

[0007] The above needs are met or exceeded by the present invention of an attachment comb for a hair trimmer having an improved hair flow geometry. One of the features of the attachment comb of the present invention is that the tines or comb teeth are variably spaced apart from each other along a line parallel to the cutting line of the hair trimmer. In one embodiment, there are multiple spacing distances between adjacent comb tooth pairs going from a first side edge of the comb to a second side edge. In a preferred embodiment, there are three separate, different comb tooth spacings. In one embodiment, a central comb tooth pair has a first spacing distance between adjacent teeth, a comb tooth pair adjacent to the central has a second spacing distance between adjacent teeth, and a comb tooth pair that is a third comb tooth pair relative to the central comb tooth pair has a third spacing distance between adjacent teeth. Preferably, the first spacing distance is greater than the second spacing distance, and the second spacing distance is greater than the third spacing distance.

[0008] Another feature of the attachment comb of the trimmer of the present invention is that each comb tooth is provided with a chamfered edge for reducing hair clogging near the trimmer blade set and improving the flow of hair through the comb. The rear edge of each comb tooth at the rear end is tapered with a chamfered edge, which promotes hair flow by removing sharp corners in this area. In one embodiment, the rear end is formed as a multi-faceted shape with inwardly angled side edges that taper toward the center line of the tooth. The ridge edge of the comb tooth is also preferably chamfered from the rear edge to the end of the comb tooth. In addition, the front edge of the base of the attachment comb near the rear end of the comb teeth defines a rounded portion or "U" shape between adjacent teeth, and the radius of the base of the "U" shape varies with the corresponding tooth spacing.

[0009] Another feature of the attachment comb of the trimmer of the present invention is that the rear edge of the comb teeth defines a comb line, which is parallel to and spaced from the hair trimmer cutting line along the axis of the hair trimmer housing. The gap defined between the comb line and the cutting line promotes the flow of hair through the hair trimmer blade set.

[0010] More specifically, a hair trimmer attachment comb is provided for use with an electric hair trimmer having a trimmer blade assembly including a fixed blade and a moving blade that reciprocates laterally relative to the fixed blade. The attachment comb includes a comb base having a rear edge in operative relationship with the fixed blade and an opposing front edge, the comb base defining a centerline extending between the rear edge and the front edge. A plurality of comb teeth are provided, each having a tooth base coupled to the front edge and a distal end opposite the tooth base. The teeth are arranged on the comb so that adjacent teeth have uneven spacing relative to the centerline, so that the spacing of the teeth is symmetrical about the centerline.

[0011] In one embodiment, the spacing distance of the comb teeth decreases from the center line to the side edges of the attachment comb.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the varying spacing between the comb teeth includes: a first spacing distance of a first pair of teeth across the center line; a second spacing distance of a second pair of teeth adjacent to the center line; and a third spacing distance of a third pair of teeth adjacent to the second pair of teeth.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first spacing distance is greater than the second spacing distance, and the second spacing distance is greater than the third spacing distance. In one embodiment, the first, second and third spacing distances are different from each other.

[0014] In one embodiment, each comb tooth is provided with a chamfered edge for reducing hair clogging near the trimmer blade set and improving the flow of hair through the comb. In a preferred embodiment, the rear edge of the rear end of each comb tooth is at least one of tapered and multi-faceted. In one embodiment, the rear end of the tooth has an inwardly angled side edge that tapers toward the centerline of the tooth. In one embodiment, the ridge edge of the comb tooth is chamfered from the rear edge to the tip of the tooth.

[0015] In one embodiment, the front edge of the comb base of the attachment comb adjacent the rear ends of the comb teeth forms a rounded or "U" shape between adjacent teeth, and the radius of the base of the "U" shape varies with the respective tooth spacing. In one embodiment, the rear edge of each comb tooth defines a line in spaced parallel relationship to a cutting line defined by the trimmer blade set.

[0016] In another embodiment, a hair trimmer attachment comb is provided for use with an electric hair trimmer having a trimmer blade assembly including a fixed blade and a moving blade that reciprocates laterally relative to the fixed blade. The attachment comb includes: a comb base having a rear edge in operative relationship with the fixed blade and an opposing front edge; a plurality of comb teeth, each comb tooth having a tooth base connected to the front edge and a terminal end opposite the tooth base. Each comb tooth is provided with a chamfered edge for reducing hair clogging near the trimmer blade assembly and improving the flow of hair through the comb. Preferably, the rear edge of the rear end of each comb tooth is at least one of tapered and multi-faceted.

[0017] In yet another embodiment, a hair trimmer attachment comb is provided for use with an electric hair trimmer having a trimmer blade set, including a fixed blade and a moving blade that reciprocates laterally relative to the fixed blade. The attachment comb includes a comb base having a rear edge in an operative relationship with the fixed blade and an opposite front edge. A plurality of comb teeth are provided, each comb tooth having a tooth base connected to the front edge and a terminal end opposite to the tooth base. The rear edge of each comb tooth defines a line that is spaced apart and parallel to a cutting line defined by the trimmer blade set. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a hair trimmer equipped with the attachment comb of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 is a top view of the attachment comb of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A top perspective view of an attachment comb;

[0021] Figure 4 is a partial top perspective view of the interface between the hair trimmer blade assembly and the attachment comb of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged partial top perspective view of the interface of the attachment comb / hair trimmer blade assembly;

[0023] Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of the attachment comb of the present invention; and

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Magnified detail view of the attachment comb. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Reference now Figure 1-3 , an electric hair trimmer is generally designated as 10 and includes a trimmer housing 12 having a rear end 14 and an opposing blade end 16. The housing encloses a power source (e.g., an electric motor powered by line current or a battery), and a transmission assembly that converts the rotary motion of the motor into linear motion. The transmission assembly is connected to a blade set 18 for moving a moving blade 20 that reciprocates laterally relative to a fixed blade 22. Preferably, the blade set 18 is removably mounted to the trimmer housing 12 for maintenance. Each of the moving blade 20 and the fixed blade 22 has a corresponding set of teeth 24, 26. An adjustment lever 28 is optionally provided for adjusting the relative positions of the corresponding teeth 24, 26 as required for various hair cutting styles.

[0026] The attachment comb of the hair trimmer is generally designated 30 and is releasably attached by a user to the trimmer blade set 18 to adjust the length of hair to be trimmed by the hair trimmer 10. Attachment combs are typically provided in sets having combs of different lengths to provide a hair stylist with a wide range of options for desired hair lengths. The depicted attachment comb 30 is contemplated to be provided in a variety of sizes, however, it is envisioned that each size has the configuration described herein. Comb 30 includes a comb base 32 having a rear edge 34 in operative relationship with the stationary blade 22 and an opposing front edge 36. A centerline C of the attachment comb is provided. LThe comb base 32 is defined and extends at least between the rear edge 34 and the front edge 36. Figure 2 As shown, the center line C L Preferably it extends beyond the front edge 36 .

[0027] The accessory comb 30 is configured to be releasably attached to the blade set 18, and in particular to the stationary blade 22. Thereby, a clip 38 extends from the rear edge 34 and is constructed and arranged to engage the stationary blade 22. Alternative comb fastening means are contemplated, including but not limited to magnets and designated brackets. Preferably, the clip 38 is integrally molded with the accessory comb 30 from injection molded plastic, but a separate clip secured by a fastener or chemical adhesive is also contemplated.

[0028] A plurality of comb teeth or tines 40 are attached to the comb base 32, respectively, each tooth having a tooth base 42 coupled to the front edge 36 of the comb base and a tip 44 opposite the tooth base. Between the tooth base 42 and the tip 44, each tooth 40 defines a side wall 46 having a rounded end 48 adjacent to the comb base and a tapered end 50 adjacent to the tip 44. In addition, the first side edge 52 and the second side edge 54 of the comb 30 include vertically extending supports 56, which are configured to enhance the strength of the comb and direct the flow of hair into the trimmer blade set 18.

[0029] Reference now Figure 2 The feature of the accessory comb 30 of the present invention is that the comb teeth 40 are arranged on the comb so that relative to the center line C L There is a variable spacing between adjacent teeth of the comb teeth 40. Preferably, the variable spacing includes a plurality of different spacing distances between adjacent pairs of comb teeth 40. In one embodiment, the distance between adjacent pairs of comb teeth 40 varies as the progress from the first side edge 52 to the second side edge 54. Moreover, the different spacing distances are different from each other. In addition, preferably, the comb teeth 40 are arranged on the accessory comb 30 so that relative to the center line C L The spacing between adjacent teeth is uneven, and the spacing between the teeth is symmetrical about the center line. In other words, the center line C L The spacing of the teeth on either side is a mirror image of each other. In addition, it is preferred that the spacing distance of the comb teeth is from the center line C L Each respective side edge 52 , 54 tapers to the attachment comb 30 .

[0030] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the varying spacing between the comb teeth 40 includes: L Or on the center line C LA first spacing distance "A" of a first pair of teeth 40a on each side; a second spacing distance "B" of a second pair of teeth 40b away from the centerline, adjacent to or located on either side of teeth 40a; and a third spacing distance "C" of a third pair of teeth 40c further away from the centerline, adjacent to or located on either side of the second pair of teeth 40b. It can be seen that in the preferred comb 30, teeth 40c are also the outermost teeth on the comb. Depending on the application, it is contemplated that fewer or additional teeth may be provided in the comb 30. Although the corresponding tooth spacing distances "A", "B" and "C" are contemplated to vary to accommodate the application, in a preferred embodiment, the first tooth spacing distance "A" is greater than the second distance "B", and the second distance "B" is greater than the third distance "C". In other words, the tooth spacing distances vary relative to each other and increase as the distance away from the centerline C increases. L And decrease.

[0031] Since the cutting force generated by the hair trimmer 10 at the blade assembly 18 is at the center line C L The comb 30 of the present invention with the above-mentioned tooth spacing "A", "B" and "C" allows more hair to be fed into the blade set 18 near the center line for more efficient trimmer operation. L As one moves laterally away from and toward the edges 52, 54, the varying tooth spacing accommodates the decreasing cutting force by gradually limiting the amount of hair delivered to the blade set 18 at that location.

[0032] Reference now Figure 3-5 Another feature of the hair trimmer attachment comb 30 of the present invention is that each tooth 40, and in particular each tooth rear end 60, is provided with a chamfered edge 62 to reduce hair clogging near the trimmer blade set 18 and improve hair flow through the comb by creating a funnel effect. In operation, the funnel effect encourages hair to flow into the spaces between the teeth 40. More particularly, the rear edge 64 of each tooth 40 has a corner removed and replaced by a tapered or faceted portion 66. This angled portion 66 is angled inwardly and tapers toward a tooth centerline 68 that is aligned with the comb centerline C. L Different but parallel.

[0033] Further improvement of hair flow in the comb 30 is also provided by chamfering the ridge edge 70 of each comb tooth 40 extending from the rear edge 64 to the tip 44. The chamfering of the ridge edge 70 is considered to include a beveled or rounded edge to reduce friction with hair moving through the comb 30 to be cut by the blade set 18.

[0034] Reference now Figure 2 and 3The hair flow through the attachment comb 30 of the present invention is also improved by providing the front edge 36 of the comb base 32 adjacent the rear end 60 of the comb teeth with a configuration defining a rounded or "U" shape at 72, and preferably the radius of the base 74 of the "U" varies with the corresponding tooth spacing. Thus, the radius of the base 74 varies with the distance from the centerline C L It decreases away from and approaching the side edges 52 , 54 .

[0035] Reference now Figure 4-7 The hair flow through the attachment comb 30 of the present invention is further improved by the following configuration: the rear edge 64 of each comb tooth 40 defines a line "L" ( Figure 5 ), which is in spaced parallel relationship with the cutting line ("K") defined by the trimmer blade set 18. It is particularly preferred that the cutting line "K" is defined by the end of the stationary blade 22. The gap or spacing or distance "D" between the lines "L" and "K" varies with the application, but it is contemplated to be in the range of 0.0625 to 0.25 inches.

[0036] While specific embodiments of the hair trimmer attachment comb of the present invention having improved hair flow geometry have been described herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the invention in its broader aspects as set out in the following claims.

Claims

1. An accessory comb (30) for a hair trimmer, characterized in that: For use with an electric hair trimmer (10), the electric hair trimmer having a trimmer blade set (18) including a fixed blade (22) and a movable blade (20) that reciprocates laterally relative to the fixed blade, the accessory comb comprising: a comb base (32) having a rear edge (34) in operative relationship with the stationary blade, and an opposing front edge (36), the comb base defining a centerline extending between the rear edge and the front edge; a plurality of comb teeth (40), each comb tooth having a tooth base (42) connected to the front edge and a tip (44) opposite the tooth base; and The teeth are arranged on the accessory comb with uneven intervals between adjacent teeth relative to the center line, such that the intervals of the teeth are bilaterally symmetrical about the center line.

2. The accessory comb according to claim 1, characterized in that The spacing of the teeth decreases from the centerline of the attachment comb to the side edges (52, 54).

3. The accessory comb according to claim 1, characterized in that The varying spacing between the comb teeth (40) includes: a first spacing distance of a first pair of teeth across the center line; a second spacing distance of a second pair of teeth adjacent to the center line; and a third spacing distance of a third pair of teeth adjacent to the second pair of teeth.

4. The accessory comb according to claim 3, characterized in that The first spacing distance is greater than the second spacing distance, and the second spacing distance is greater than the third spacing distance.

5. The accessory comb according to claim 3, characterized in that The first spacing distance, the second spacing distance, and the third spacing distance are different from each other.

6. The accessory comb according to claim 1, characterized in that Each comb tooth (40) is provided with a chamfered edge (62) for reducing hair clogging adjacent the trimmer blade set and improving the flow of hair through the comb.

7. The accessory comb according to claim 6, characterized in that The rear edge (64) of each comb tooth rear end (60) is at least one of tapered and multi-faceted.

8. The accessory comb according to claim 7, characterized in that The comb tooth rear end (60) has inwardly angled side edges (66) that taper toward the tooth centerline.

9. The accessory comb according to claim 6, characterized in that The ridge edge (62) of each comb tooth (40) is chamfered from the rear edge to the tip.

10. The accessory comb according to claim 6, characterized in that The front edge of the base (36) of the accessory comb adjacent the rear end of the comb teeth forms a rounded or "U" shape (72) between adjacent teeth (40), and the radius of the base of the "U" shape varies with the corresponding tooth spacing.

11. The accessory comb according to claim 1, characterized in that The rear edge (64) of each of the comb teeth (40) defines a line in spaced parallel relationship with a cutting line defined by the trimmer blade set (18).

12. An accessory comb (30) for a hair trimmer, characterized in that: For use with an electric hair trimmer (10), the electric hair trimmer having a trimmer blade set (18) including a fixed blade (22) and a movable blade (20) that reciprocates laterally relative to the fixed blade, the accessory comb comprising: a comb base (32) having a rear edge (34) in operative relationship with the stationary blade and an opposing front edge (36); a plurality of comb teeth (40), each comb tooth having a tooth base (42) connected to the front edge and a tip (44) opposite to the tooth base; Each comb tooth (40) is provided with a chamfered edge (62) for improving the flow of hair through the comb; and The rear edge (64) of each comb tooth rear end (60) is at least one of tapered and multi-faceted.

13. The accessory comb according to claim 12, characterized in that The comb tooth rear end (60) has inwardly angled side edges (66) that taper toward a tooth centerline (68).

14. The accessory comb according to claim 12, characterized in that The front edge of the base (36) of the accessory comb adjacent the rear ends (60) of the comb teeth defines a rounded or "U" shaped portion (72), and the radius of the base of the "U" shaped portion varies with the corresponding tooth spacing.

15. The accessory comb according to claim 12, characterized in that The rear edge (64) of each of the combs defines a line in spaced parallel relationship to a cutting line defined by the trimmer blade set (18).

16. An accessory comb (30) for a hair trimmer, characterized in that: For use with an electric hair trimmer (10), the electric hair trimmer having a trimmer blade set (18) including a fixed blade (22) and a movable blade (20) that reciprocates laterally relative to the fixed blade, the accessory comb comprising: a comb base (32) having a rear edge (34) in operative relationship with the stationary blade and an opposing front edge (36); a plurality of comb teeth (40), each comb tooth having a tooth base (42) connected to the front edge and a tip (44) opposite the tooth base; and The rear edge (64) of each of the comb teeth defines a line in spaced parallel relationship to a cutting line defined by the trimmer blade set (18).

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