Blade assembly and adjustable blade assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a blade assembly and an adjustable blade assembly. An adjustable blade attachment is provided that captures an inner blade relative to an outer blade. A mounting bracket captures the inner blade and provides a channel to attach the blade assembly. A hinge or metal stamping extends through the mounting bracket and is adjustable to vary the force exerted on the mounting bracket. Adjustment of the hinge on the mounting bracket varies the tension between the inner and outer blades of the blade assembly. In this manner, the hinge provides an adjustable component that can increase or decrease the tension applied between the inner and outer blades, thereby separating the inner and outer blades in an adjustable manner and reducing friction during operation of the blade assembly.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of the application with the application number of 202180043092.X, the title of “Blade Hinge Assembly” and the filing date of June 24, 2021, which is an application for invention patent. Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 044,118, filed June 25, 2020, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of hair clippers or hair cutting devices. The present invention relates specifically to an adjustable tension assembly configured to adjust a blade gap between a reciprocating blade and a fixed blade of a blade assembly. SUMMARY

[0004] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a blade hinge assembly, such as on a hair trimmer or cutter. The blade assembly includes an inner blade, an outer blade, a mounting bracket, and a metal stamping. The inner blade and the outer blade include blade teeth. The outer blade teeth are oriented parallel to the inner blade teeth. The teeth are configured to facilitate cutting when the inner blade oscillates over the outer blade. The mounting bracket has a plastic tab and is coupled to an inner surface of the inner blade. The mounting bracket presses the inner blade against the outer blade to capture the inner blade against the outer blade. The metal stamping is coupled to the inner surface of the inner blade and extends through the mounting bracket adjacent to the plastic tab. The metal stamping has a snap tab adjacent to and coupled to the plastic tab of the mounting bracket to create an adjustable tension that pulls the mounting bracket away from the inner blade.

[0005] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a blade attachment assembly having an inner blade, an outer blade, a mounting bracket, and a hinge. The inner blade and the outer blade have a plurality of blade teeth. The mounting bracket has a plastic tab and is joined to an inner surface of the inner blade to press the inner blade against the outer blade and capture the inner blade as the blades oscillate. The hinge connects the inner surface of the inner blade to the inner surface of the mounting bracket (e.g., through the mounting bracket). The hinge has a spring constant between 0.1 lbf / in and 4 lbf / in (e.g., a spring rate between 0.25 in / lbf and 10 in / lbf) to vary a tension of the mounting bracket and adjust the inner blade relative to the outer blade.

[0006] Another embodiment of the invention relates to an adjustable blade attachment assembly having an inner blade, an outer blade, a mounting bracket, and a metal stamped hinge. The inner blade and the outer blade have parallel oriented blade teeth to facilitate cutting when the inner blade is swung on the outer blade. The mounting bracket has a plastic snap tab and is coupled to an inner surface of the inner blade to press the inner blade toward the outer blade and capture the inner blade. The hinge links the inner surface of the inner blade to the inner surface of the mounting bracket and has a spring constant between 0.1 bf / in and 4 lbf / in. The hinge creates an adjustable tension that pulls the mounting bracket inward to create tension between the inner blade and the outer blade. A force applied to the snap tab of the hinge changes the tension of the mounting bracket and adjusts the position of the inner blade relative to the outer blade.

[0007] Alternative example embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as can be generally recited in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] The application will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements [like numerals] refer to like elements [like numerals] throughout, and in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hair cutting device according to an example embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 is a top perspective view of a blade assembly according to an example embodiment having a mounting bracket coupled to a metal hinge.

[0011] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the blade assembly of Figure 2 illustrating how the metal hinge is coupled to the mounting bracket according to an example embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the blade assembly of Figure 2 according to an example embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 is a side perspective view of the blade assembly of Figure 2 according to an example embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 is a side view of the blade assembly of Figure 2 according to an example embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 is a top perspective view of the blade assembly of Figure 2 according to an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Referring generally to the drawings, various embodiments of a hair cutter or clipper are shown. The cutters include a blade assembly having an upper or inner blade that oscillates over a lower or outer blade to cut or trim hair. The alignment of the inner blade relative to the outer blade creates competing objectives. When the inner blade teeth oscillate over the outer blade teeth, the inner and outer blades need to be close enough to one another to cut hair. However, pressing the inner blade against the outer blade creates friction between the blades when the inner and outer blades oscillate relative to one another. The inner and outer blades should be pulled together so that the oscillation of the inner and outer teeth does not interfere with the cutting ends of the blades. The blades should be pulled apart to reduce friction. Proper tensioning between the blades reduces friction of the system, wear of the blades, and improves the service life of the motor. Balancing the tension that separates the inner blade from the outer blade with the attraction that captures the inner blade relative to the outer blade both enhances the operation of the blades and ensures that the teeth cooperate to cut hair.

[0017] For ease of discussion and understanding, the following detailed description will refer to and illustrate blade assemblies incorporating magnetic tensioning and / or blade set adjustment in association with a hair cutting device or "cutter." It should be understood that the "cutter" is provided for illustrative purposes and that the blade assemblies disclosed herein can be used in conjunction with any hair cutting, hair trimming, or hair grooming device. Accordingly, the term "cutter" is inclusive and refers to any hair grooming device, including but not limited to a hair trimmer, a haircutter, or any other hair cutting or hair grooming device. The cutting device can be suitable for use on humans, animals, or any other living or non-living object having hair.

[0018] Figure 1 An example embodiment of a hair cutting device, trimmer, clipper, or cutter 100 is illustrated. The cutter 100 includes a body 102, a blade set or blade assembly 104, and a drive assembly 106. As Figure 1 The body 102 is handheld and includes a two-part clamshell configuration: a first or upper housing 108 and a second or lower housing 110 (e.g., on the top and bottom of the cutter 100), as illustrated in the middle. The body 102 of the cutter 100 can include other configurations. For example, the upper housing 108 and / or the lower housing 110 form a single, unitary body 102 or constituent parts. The body 102 can join the housing 108 and / or the housing 110 in other clamshell configurations (e.g., from one or more sides) and can include additional parts on the top, bottom, sides, or ends of the body 102. The blade assembly 104 includes a translating upper or inner blade 112 and a fixed lower or outer blade 114. The body 102, as well as the housing 108 and / or the housing 110, define a cutting end 116 that includes the blade assembly 104. The body 102 further defines a cavity 118 to house a motor 120. AsFigure 1 As illustrated in FIG. 1, the cavity 118 is formed by the clamshell configuration of the upper housing 108 and the lower housing 110 such that the body 102 encircles the drive assembly 106 and the motor 120 coupled to the blade assembly 104.

[0019] The drive assembly 106 is positioned within the cavity 118 and couples the blade assembly 104 to the motor 120. As illustrated, the motor 120 is a rotary direct current electric motor. In other embodiments, the motor 120 is a pivoting motor or a magnetic motor that generates an oscillating or reciprocating motion for the blade assembly 104 (e.g., the drive assembly 106 is coupled to the inner blade 112 to oscillate the inner blade 112 over the stationary outer blade 114). In other embodiments, the motor 120 is an alternating current electric motor or any other suitable motor for generating an oscillating or reciprocating motion for the blade assembly 104, e.g., the inner blade 112 and / or the outer blade 114. As illustrated, the motor 120 is configured to operate using battery power (e.g., cordless), but can also be configured to operate with power from any suitable power source, e.g., a corded cutter 100 plugged into an outlet.

[0020] The motor 120 is coupled to a rotary motor output shaft 122 that rotates about a rotational axis. An eccentric driver 124 is coupled to the motor output shaft 122 and rotates eccentrically about the rotational axis. The eccentric driver 124 includes an eccentric shaft 126 that is offset from the motor output shaft 122. In other words, the eccentric shaft 126 is offset from the rotational axis of the motor 120 such that the eccentric shaft 126 rotates non-concentrically about the rotational axis to generate an oscillating rotational motion. The eccentric shaft 126 is configured to engage a yoke 128 of the blade assembly 104 (as described below) and cause the inner blade 112 to linearly translate or oscillate. Figure 2 The blade assembly 104 is coupled to the cutting end 116 of the body 102. For example, the blade assembly 104 can be coupled to the body 102 by an adhesive, rivets, welding, bolts, screws, or at least one or more fasteners.

[0021] As Figure 2As illustrated in the middle, the inner blade 112 has inner blade teeth 130 and the outer blade 114 has outer blade teeth 132 oriented parallel to the inner blade teeth 130. When the inner blade 112 is swung over the outer blade 114, the inner blade teeth 130 are configured to swing over the outer blade teeth 132 to facilitate cutting. The blade assembly 104 also includes a blade attachment or mounting bracket 134 and a hinge, metal stamping, or biasing spring 136 that extends from an inner surface 138 of the inner blade 112 through the mounting bracket 134 and to an alignment tab 140 (e.g., a plastic tab 140). The biasing spring 136 also includes a snap tab 142 that cooperates with the tab 140 on the mounting bracket 134 to adjust the inner blade 112 relative to the outer blade 114. The mounting bracket 134 is coupled to the inner surface 138 of the inner blade 112 and is configured to press the inner blade 112 against the outer blade 114 to capture the inner blade 112 therebetween.

[0022] In some implementations, the lever 144 is coupled to the blade assembly 104 by a screw or fastener 146. The lever 144 facilitates movement of the inner blade 112 over the outer blade 114 in a direction perpendicular to the blade teeth 130 and / or 132. This adjustment of the inner blade teeth 130 relative to the outer blade teeth 132 adjusts the length of hair cut by the inner blade 112 and the outer blade 114.

[0023] Figure 3 illustrates Figure 2 The exploded blade assembly 104 is illustrated in the middle. The biasing spring 136 includes a snap tab 142 (e.g., a pair of snap tabs 142) coupled to the alignment tab 140 on the mounting bracket 134. In other words, the biasing spring 136 is attached to the inner surface 138 of the inner blade 112 and to an inner surface 148 of the mounting bracket 134 to adjust the pressure that the mounting bracket 134 exerts to the inner blade 112. The biasing spring 136 passes through the mounting bracket 134 from an outer surface 150 of the mounting bracket 134 (adjacent the inner surface 138 of the inner blade 112) to the inner surface 148 of the mounting bracket 134. This configuration enables the biasing spring 136 to adjust the attractive or tensile force between the inner blade 112 and the mounting bracket 134. In the illustrated implementation, the snap tab 142 on the biasing spring 136 is oriented coplanar with the alignment tab 140 on the mounting bracket 134. A retainer 152 is coupled to the mounting bracket 134 and orients the mounting bracket 134 relative to the blade assembly 104 (and the outer blade 114). Figure 1 ) relative to the blade assembly 104.

[0024] This adjustment proportionally changes the attractive or tensile force between the inner blade 112 and the outer blade 114. Thus, changing the biasing spring 136 (e.g., pushing the catch tab 142) pulls the mounting bracket 134 closer to the inner blade 112, creating an attractive force (e.g., reducing a tensile force) between the blade 112 and the blade 114. Pulling the catch tab 142 pulls the mounting bracket 134 away from the inner blade 112, creating a tensile force (e.g., separating the inner blade 112 from the outer blade 114) between the blade 112 and the blade 114. In this way, the biasing spring 136 provides adjustment of the force between the inner blade 112 and the outer blade 114. In some embodiments, the fastener 146 is coupled to the inner blade teeth 130 that capture the mounting bracket 134 relative to the blade assembly 104.

[0025] For example, the catch tab 142 of the biasing spring 136 extends through the mounting bracket 134. The base 154 (e.g., an outer surface) of the biasing spring 136 is coupled to the inner blade 112. Adjusting or changing the offset 156 measured from the base 154 to the catch tab 142 of the biasing spring 136 Figure 6 proportionally changes the attractive or tensile force between the inner blade 114 and the outer blade 114. The biasing spring 136 is a relatively ductile material relative to the mounting bracket 134, which is designed to capture the inner blade 112 of a lightweight, strong, or rigid material. In some embodiments, the biasing spring 136 is a metallic material or alloy (e.g., including a base alloy of aluminum, titanium, or steel), and the mounting bracket 134 is a polymeric, plastic, fiber composite, or thermoset material. The biasing spring 136 has a ductility that enables a permanent deflection, thereby creating a spring constant between 0.1 lbf / in and 4 lbf / in. In various embodiments, the biasing spring 136 has a spring constant between 0.1 lbf / in and 4 lbf / in, specifically between 0.2 lbf / in and 2 lbf / in, and more specifically between 0.5 lbf / in and 2 lbf / in. In other words, the spring 136 has a spring stiffness between 0.25 in / lbf and 10 in / lbf, specifically between 0.5 in / lbf and 5 in / lbf, and more specifically between 0.5 in / lbf and 2 in / lbf. Because the biasing spring 136 can include a ductile material, the permanent deflection of the biasing spring 136 enables a variable force between the inner blade 112 and the mounting bracket 134, which results in a variable force between the inner blade 114 and the outer blade 114. In some embodiments, the permanent deflection of the biasing spring 136 results in a variable or adjustable spring constant.

[0026] Figure 4 is Figure 2An exploded perspective view of the blade assembly 104. (See image below.) Figure 4 As shown, the bias spring 136 passes through the mounting bracket 134 to align the snap-fit ​​tab 142 of the bias spring 136 adjacent to the plastic tab 140 of the mounting bracket 134. In some embodiments, the bias spring 136 is press-fitted into the plastic mounting bracket 134 (e.g., a blade attachment). In some embodiments, the bias spring 136 is molded into the plastic mounting bracket 134. Figure 4 As shown, the inner blade teeth 130 can serve as a mechanism for connecting the inner blade 112 to the bias spring 136 and / or the mounting bracket 134. In some embodiments, the metal snap-fit ​​tab 142 of the bias spring 136 can be adjusted (e.g., pulled) to increase the tension between the inner blade 112 and the outer blade 114 by 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or more. Similarly, the metal snap-fit ​​tab 142 of the bias spring 136 can be adjusted (e.g., pushed) to decrease the tension between the inner blade 112 and the outer blade 114 by 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or more.

[0027] In some embodiments, the bias spring 136 is coupled to the inner blade 112 and / or the inner blade teeth 130. For example, the bias spring 136 may be brazed, spot-welded, and / or (e.g., fastened with screws or fasteners 146) to the inner blade 112 and / or the inner blade teeth 130. This allows the bias spring 136 to be directly coupled to the retaining bracket in a non-oscillating position, or to oscillate with the inner blade 112 and generate a spring force or biasing force on the mounting bracket 134.

[0028] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The snap-fit ​​tab 142 protrudes outward to form the proximal end of the bias spring 136. The snap-fit ​​tab 142 extends through and beyond the mounting bracket 134 to provide an adjustment surface that can be pushed or pulled to change the force between the bias spring 136 and the mounting bracket 134, thereby adjusting the attraction and / or tension between the inner blade 114 and the outer blade 114.

[0029] Figures 5 to 7 Different perspective views of the blade assembly 104 are illustrated. As shown, the yoke 128 is coupled to the eccentric shaft 126 of the eccentric drive 124 to oscillate the inner blade 112. The yoke 128 has an opening 158 between the tabs 140 of the mounting bracket 134 (…). Figure 4 The drive assembly 106 is connected to the blade assembly 104 via a yoke 128, which is connected to the inner blade 112 through an opening 158. (The text abruptly ends here.) Figure 6As shown in the figure, rotating the lever 144 in a clockwise direction 160 will move the inner blade 112 in a linear direction 162 over the outer blade 114. Similarly, rotating the lever 144 in a counterclockwise direction opposite the direction 160 will move the inner blade 112 in a linear direction opposite the direction 162 over the outer blade 112. The gap 164 between the outer surface of the outer blade 114 and the inner blade teeth 130 changes as the inner blade 112 moves in the linear direction 162 shown. In this way, the lever 144 is adjusted to control the length of the hair. Similarly, the snap tab 142 can be pulled through the alignment tab 140 to increase the tension 166 (or attraction 168) between the inner blade 112 and the outer blade 114, or pushed through the alignment tab 140 to decrease the tension 166 (or attraction 168) between the inner blade 112 and the outer blade 114.

[0030] It is to be understood that the drawings detail exemplary implementations and that no limitation of the present application is to be imputed therefrom or the details or methodology set forth in the specification. It is also to be understood that the terminology used is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0031] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the application will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. A number of exemplary embodiments are shown in the drawings and described in detail below. While certain improvements have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, directions, etc.). Some elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logic algorithm, or method steps can be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions can also be made to the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present application.

[0032] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining can be stationary or can be moveable or displaceable where both or either member so joined move with respect to one another. Such joining can be achieved with the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another, or with the two members and any additional member being attached to one another.

[0033] While the present application recites combinations of particular features in the appended claims, various implementations of the application include any combination of the features described herein, whether or not such combination is claimed in the application, and any such combination can be claimed in future applications. Any feature, element or component of any of the example embodiments discussed above can be used alone or in combination with any other feature, element or component of any of the other example embodiments discussed above.

Claims

1. A blade assembly, comprising: A first blade, the first blade including a first tooth; The second blade includes a second tooth oriented parallel to the first tooth; A mounting bracket is connected to the inner surface of the first blade, and the mounting bracket includes: First convex plate; Second convex plate; An opening, wherein the opening is positioned between the first protrusion and the second protrusion; and A hinge member, said hinge member being coupled to the inner surface of the first blade and extending through the mounting bracket, said hinge member comprising: A first snap-fit ​​tab, the first snap-fit ​​tab being configured to engage the first tab; and The second snap-fit ​​tab is configured to engage with the second tab.

2. The blade assembly according to claim 1, wherein, When the first snap-fit ​​tab is connected to the first snap-fit ​​tab and the second snap-fit ​​tab, tension is generated that pulls the mounting bracket away from the first blade.

3. The blade assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The first or second snap-fit ​​tab can be adjusted to increase the tension between the first blade and the second blade by 5% or more.

4. The blade assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The first or second snap-fit ​​tab can be adjusted to reduce the tension between the first blade and the second blade by 5% or more.

5. The blade assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The hinge is made of metal.

6. The blade assembly of claim 1, wherein, The opening is defined in the upper surface of the mounting bracket, and wherein the first snap-fit ​​tab at the end of the hinge extends beyond the upper surface of the mounting bracket.

7. The blade assembly of claim 6, wherein, The second snap-fit ​​tab on the second end of the hinge extends beyond the upper surface of the mounting bracket.

8. The blade assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The hinge is brazed, spot-welded, or fastened to the first blade.

9. The blade assembly of claim 1, wherein, The base of the hinge is connected to the first blade, and wherein changing the offset measured from the base to the first snap tab changes the force between the first blade and the second blade.

10. A blade assembly, comprising: A first blade, the first blade comprising a plurality of first teeth; A second blade, the second blade including a plurality of second teeth, the first blade being supported relative to the second blade; The mounting bracket includes a tab and is connected to the inner surface of the first blade; as well as A hinge that connects the inner surface of the first blade to the mounting bracket via a snap-fit ​​tab, the snap-fit ​​tab engaging with a tab of the mounting bracket, the hinge comprising a spring constant between 0.1 lbf / in and 4 lbf / in.

11. The blade assembly of claim 10, wherein, The adjustment of the latching tab relative to the tab on the mounting bracket changes the tension applied to the mounting bracket, thereby adjusting the position of the first blade relative to the second blade.

12. The blade assembly of claim 11, wherein, The hinge changes the tension generated by the mounting bracket by 5% or more.

13. The blade assembly of claim 11, wherein, The hinge also includes a base coupled to the first blade, wherein changing the offset measured from the base to the snap tab of the hinge changes the tension between the first blade and the second blade.

14. The blade assembly of claim 10, wherein, The hinge is a metal stamping that is press-fitted into the mounting bracket.

15. The blade assembly of claim 14, wherein, The hinge is a metal comprising an alloy of at least one of aluminum, titanium, or steel.

16. The blade assembly of claim 10, wherein, The snap-fit ​​tabs are located at the ends of the hinge, and each snap-fit ​​tab extends beyond the upper surface of the mounting bracket.

17. An adjustable blade assembly, comprising: A first blade, the first blade including an inner surface and a first tooth extending from the inner surface; The second blade includes a second tooth oriented parallel to the first tooth; Mounting bracket, the mounting bracket including a tab extending from the upper surface of the mounting bracket, the mounting bracket being coupled to the inner surface of the first blade; as well as A hinge, the hinge including a snap-fit ​​tab, the snap-fit ​​tab engaging with a tab of the mounting bracket to connect the first blade to the mounting bracket; The adjustment of the buckle protrusion on the hinge changes the force between the hinge and the mounting bracket.

18. The adjustable blade assembly of claim 17, wherein the hinge comprises a spring constant between 0.1 lbf / in and 4 lbf / in.

19. The adjustable blade assembly of claim 17, wherein, The respective end of each of the snap-fit ​​tabs of the hinge extends beyond the mounting bracket and provides a movable surface to adjust the force between the hinge and the mounting bracket.

20. The adjustable blade assembly of claim 17, wherein, The snap-fit ​​tab on the hinge is oriented to be coplanar with the tab on the mounting bracket.

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