Accessory component and grooming arrangement

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an accessory component (38) for a grooming device (12) and to a grooming arrangement (10) comprising a grooming device (12) and an accessory component (38). The accessory component (38) comprises an attachment section (42) that is arranged to be coupled to a grooming device (12), and a locking unit (60) formed in the attachment section (42). The locking unit (60) comprises at least one rocking lever (62) having an engagement portion (84) and a release portion (86). A detent nose (88) is formed in the engagement portion (84). The at least one rocking lever (62) is pivotable about a hinge axis (90) between an engagement position and a release position. The at least one rocking lever (62) is movable into the release position by overcoming a biasing force (138) that urges the at least one rocking lever (62) into the engagement position.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an accessory component for a grooming device and to a grooming arrangement. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a handle extension for a hair cutting device and to a hair cutting arrangement. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to accessories that are formed as so-called back handle extensions that can be attached to a grooming device to increase the operational range for the device on the user's body. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to attachments and accessories that are configured to be attached to grooming devices that are also operational independently, i.e., without the attachment / accessory.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Grooming devices are generally known and typically applied in the field of personal care, involving hair care, skin care, and the like. Grooming devices include hair cutting devices such as trimmers, clippers, and shavers. There exist electrically powered grooming devices, such as motor-powered hair cutting devices. Grooming devices may also include epilators, electric tweezers and the like. Grooming devices may also include massagers and similar devices. Generally, grooming devices are used in the field of personal care to allow a person to have a well-groomed appearance.

[0003] Hair cutting devices are an important category of grooming devices. There may be powered and non-powered hair cutting devices. Hair cutting devices may include trimmers, clippers, and shavers.

[0004] Motor-powered hair cutting devices typically involve two cutting elements that can be brought into a relative movement to cut hair therebetween. There may be trimmers / clippers that have at least one pair of comb-like blades with cutting edges that rapidly slide back and forth relative to each other in order to cut hairs that are positioned between the teeth of the blades with a scissor-like action. There are also implementations that may be referred to as foil shavers, which include a perforated metal screen facing the skin and a moving cutter behind the screen to cut hairs. There may also be combined hair cutting devices having a foil shaving and a trimming section. In addition, hair cutting devices also encompass non-powered shavers (also referred to as safety razors) having one or more non-powered cutter blades, whereas the cutting action includes slicing hair down while moving the device along the skin. Shaving with a safety razor is typically performed as wet shaving. Shaving with powered hair cutting devices may include both wet shaving and dry shaving.

[0005] An important aspect of grooming devices is handling, maneuverability and visibility when being operated at and / or applied to a user's body regions. This may include applications in easy to reach and easy to view body regions, e.g., the face (when used in front of a mirror), arms etc. There is typically also a preferred operating orientation of the device that achieves the best application result.

[0006] However, there is a demand for grooming operations at hard-to-reach body portions, involving the user's back. To this end, handle extensions are known that may be banana-shaped or of a similar shape to allow a user to reach their own back (and other hard-to-reach portions) with the operating head of the grooming device.

[0007] US 2011 / 0225826 A1 discloses an integrated shaver and hair trimmer device including a shaver / trimmer assembly and a handle assembly, wherein the shaver / trimmer assembly has a specific interface for attaching the handle assembly, and wherein the interface is formed at a mounting end of a housing of the shaver / trimmer assembly that is opposite to the hair cutting unit. The handle assembly integrates a pivot mechanism. The handle assembly does not occupy an original handle portion of the shaver / trimmer assembly but only couples to the shaver / trimmer assembly at the mounting end.

[0008] US 2009 / 0163932 A1 discloses a hair removal device that includes a housing with an integrated sliding mechanism. A body part of the housing is slidably seated in a holder part, the body part can be extracted and retracted with respect to the holder part, so in total the hair removal device is length-adjustable. In addition, a pivot mechanism may be provided between the body part and the holder part. The permanent inclusion of the length-adjusting and pivoting mechanism makes the hair removal device bulkier and heavier, which impairs handling of the device in standard situations (e.g., hair removal at the face), where no extended / unfolded configuration is necessary.

[0009] US 2020 / 0230836 A1 discloses a non-powered adjustable razor, the razor having a handle that is length-adjustable by inserting or removing one or more telescopic elements.

[0010] Other accessory components for grooming devices are disclosed in US 2021 / 0308886 A1, WO 2007 / 069177 A2, WO 2017 / 021202 A1 and WO 2024 / 068393 A1, for instance. US 2021 / 0308886 A1 discloses a clipper blade protector that is arranged as a cap that can be attached onto the cutting head of a hair clipper. US 2021 / 0308886 A1 discloses a charging stand for a hair cutting appliance. WO 2017 / 021202 A1 discloses a hair container that can be attached onto a hair cutting appliance together with an attachment comb. WO 2024 / 068393 A1 discloses a cleaning device for a personal care appliance, wherein the personal care appliance is, for example, a shaving apparatus which can be inserted into the cleaning device to have its operating head cleaned there.

[0011] Cutting hair and other grooming operations on one's own back and other hard-to-reach body areas is sometimes challenging, due to the lack of visibility and reach. As a result, controllability is impaired, too, also considering the leverage effect due to the handle extension. Furthermore, the hair cutting device often cannot achieve the optimal orientation with respect to the skin (that would be used for cutting hair at the face, for instance) when treating hard-to-reach body portions.

[0012] Hence, with such hair cutting procedures, there is often a certain discomfort, which may include skin irritations (reddening) and scratches. Further, the grooming result may be unsatisfactory, e.g., when due to a lack of visibility, reachability and controllability some portions have been missed. Sometimes, users then tend to increase the contact pressure at the hair cutting site, which may further increase the risk of skin irritations and even injuries.

[0013] There may be other accessory components than handle extensions, for instance, including stands for grooming devices, cleaning boxes (for instance, ultrasonic cleaning devices), charging units and combined stands that have a charging feature. Generally, an easy-to-operate and reliable coupling between accessory components and corresponding grooming devices is sought for. A repeated coupling and uncoupling of the accessory component and the grooming device shall not have a negative influence on the device's performance and / or appearance. Further, a certain level of accuracy has to be ensured even in the case of repeated coupling and uncoupling. In addition, operating errors shall not result in an unwanted loosening of the connection between the grooming device and / or the accessory component.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In view of the above, it is an object of the present disclosure to present an accessory component for a grooming device and a grooming arrangement comprising a grooming device and an accessory component that enable reliable and stable on-demand coupling and decoupling between the grooming device and the accessory component. Preferably, an interface between the grooming device and the accessory component is provided that is easy to operate. Preferably, the interface between the grooming device and the accessory component provides a detachment protection feature. Preferably, the interface does not require substantial design changes at the grooming device. More preferably, the accessory component's design simplifies manufacturing, thereby reducing production and assembly costs. It is further desirable to present specific implementations of the accessory component, in particular a handle extension that extends the operational range of the grooming device. In such a case, it is preferred that the handle extension does not impair the original function and operability of the grooming device when the handle extension is not attached.

[0015] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is presented an accessory component for a grooming device, comprising an attachment section that is arranged to be coupled to a grooming device, and a locking unit formed in the attachment section and comprising at least one rocking lever having an engagement portion and a release portion, wherein a detent nose is formed in the engagement portion, wherein the at least one rocking lever is pivotable about a hinge axis between an engagement position and a release position, and wherein the at least one rocking lever is movable into the release position by overcoming a biasing force that urges the at least one rocking lever into the engagement position.

[0016] This aspect is based on the insight that a reliable and repeatable coupling between the accessory component and the grooming device can be brought about by the locking unit with the at least one rocking lever as the rocking lever has a certain tendency to assume the engagement position, whereas the rocking lever can be brought into the release position by an external actuation. Only after overcoming the biasing force, the rocking lever may disengage from the grooming device.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the biasing force is inherently induced when the grooming device and the accessory component are brought into the mounted state. This may involve that the accessory component displaces the rocking lever, thereby generating the biasing force.

[0018] The rocking lever can be operated to engage and / or disengage the grooming device. In this way, both positive-fit and force-fit coupling between the grooming device and the accessory component may be achieved.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the grooming device is provided with one or more openings, clearances, recesses and / or depressions that can be engaged by the detent nose of the rocking lever. Hence, only minor design features have to be formed at the grooming device.

[0020] The hinge axis does not necessarily have to involve a distinct pin and corresponding bearing. Rather, the hinge axis may also include an integral hinge / living hinge. This may include embodiments where the position of the hinge axis is not permanently fixed, but can slightly move as the rocking lever is actuated (instant hinge axis).

[0021] In certain embodiments, the detent nose is an inwardly projecting snap-in nose. In certain embodiments, when two or more rocking levers are provided, the detent noses project inwardly, that is, towards the grooming device. The detent nose may be referred to as locking nose.

[0022] The use of a rocking lever with an engagement and release mechanism ensures a secure and stable attachment to the grooming device. Accidental detachment during use can be prevented. The rocking lever itself provides a locking element (the detent nose) and an actuation section for disengagement (the release portion). Hence, the number of parts for the locking feature and its actuation can be significantly reduced.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the engagement portion and the release portion are formed on opposite sides of the hinge axis. In certain embodiments, the rocking lever has a seesaw-like design. Having the engagement portion and a release portion on opposite sides of the hinge axis facilitates actuation of the locking unit, particularly for disengagement. The release portion can be pressed or pushed and thereby the rocking lever can be brought into the release position. Disengagement can be brought about by a pressing / pushing action rather than by a pulling action.

[0024] In another exemplary embodiment, the at least one rocking lever is movable into the release position by actuating the release portion. It is thus not necessary to act directly on the engagement portion (e.g., by pulling the engagement portion). The design of the rocking lever and the hinge axis allows for a beneficial leverage that facilitates disengagement. Hence, the locking unit can be an easy-to-use mechanism for the release of the accessory component, which allows for quick and simple operation.

[0025] Overall, the rocking lever may have three different states / positions. There is a neutral position, in which the detent nose is positioned most inwardly, for instance. The neutral position is assumed by the rocking lever when no external forces are applied. The coupling between the accessory component and the grooming device may involve a forced displacement of the rocking lever due to the shape of the grooming device, thereby generating a biasing force that urges the detent nose into an engagement recess at the grooming device. In this way, the rocking lever may be brought into the engagement position. For disengagement, the rocking lever can be brought into the release position while overcoming the biasing force so that the detent nose may disengage from the engagement recess.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the locking unit has a self-locking feature, wherein a pull-out force applied to the grooming device results in a torque or force that further urges the detent nose into engagement with the engagement recess. This can be achieved by an appropriate design, placement and orientation of the detent nose and the hinge axis with respect to the direction of the pull-out force.

[0027] Hence, when the release portion of the rocking lever is not actuated, the pull-out force may actually increase the retaining force between the grooming device and the accessory component. Overall, the accessory component and the grooming device can be firmly held in place during use.

[0028] The self-locking feature can be brought about, for instance, by arranging the hinge axis closer to a central longitudinal direction that is parallel to the pull-out force than the detent nose. This applies in particular when the detent nose is arranged further forward than the hinge axis, seen in the direction of the pull-out force. There exist other implementations of such self-locking features that have in common that the at least one rocking lever is urged toward the engagement position when the pull-out force acts on the detent nose.

[0029] More generally, the locking unit with the at least one rocking lever can be formed such that the line of a normal (vector) on the detent nose of the rocking lever passes the hinge axis at the outside, e.g., spaced away from the wall of a receptacle provided by the attachment section. Basically, a normal force caused by the pull-out force coincides with the normal. With such a design, it is ensured that the at least one rocking lever is urged toward the engagement position when the normal force that is caused by the pull-out force and that is basically parallel to a normal of the contact surface acts on the detent nose, in particular on a contact surface thereof. In other words, a normal on the contact surface that faces the hinge axis has to pass the hinge axis with an offset to the outside. This applies in particular to a portion of the contact surface that faces the hinge axis and actually contacts the engagement recess when in the engaged position to secure the accessory component there.

[0030] In another exemplary embodiment, the locking unit comprises a living hinge that forms the hinge axis. A living hinge is a hinge that is integrally formed with the rocking lever and neighboring elements of the accessory component. The living hinge can provide a sufficiently defined hinge axis. In addition, the living hinge may act as an energy storage for the biasing force when the rocking lever is displaced to assume the engagement position.

[0031] Forming the hinge axis as a living hinge dispenses with the need for additional parts and assembly efforts. Hence, manufacture and assembly of the accessory component may be simplified.

[0032] In another exemplary embodiment, the attachment section and the locking unit are integrally formed. That is, essential components of the accessory component that define the interface for coupling with the grooming device may be integrally formed. This includes embodiments, wherein the attachment section, the locking unit and also the hinge axis are integrally formed. As used herein, the term integrally formed refers to a one-piece design.

[0033] Integrally forming relevant parts of the accessory component increases the structural integrity and durability of the accessory component. Due to the absence of separate assembly steps for the one-piece design, overall production costs may be reduced.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the attachment section and the locking unit with the hinge axis are an injection molded plastic part that is formed in one piece. By way of example, the attachment section may provide a receptacle that is arranged to accommodate the grooming device. The locking unit may be formed in a wall of the receptacle.

[0035] By integrating the rocking lever, hinge axis, and other structural elements into a single molded piece, the production and assembly process may be simplified. In addition, stability and reliability of the functional elements of the accessory component can be enhanced.

[0036] In another exemplary embodiment, the attachment section forms a receptacle that is adapted to an original handle portion of the grooming device. The receptacle may be an injection-molded plastic part. The attachment section may integrate further elements.

[0037] The receptacle may be of a tubular shape and / or a quiver shape that provides a seat for the grooming device that can be inserted in the receptacle for coupling the grooming device and the accessory component. The (interior) geometry of the receptacle may be adapted to the geometry of the original handle portion of the grooming device. The original handle portion is the portion that is typically used for grasping and maneuvering the grooming device when the accessory component is not attached thereto.

[0038] In another exemplary embodiment, the at least one rocking lever is arranged as a pivotable bar having an inner side and an outer side, wherein one or more stiffening ribs are formed on the inner side. In this way, the rocking lever may be a relatively flat, also in view of wall thickness limitations for injection molded parts, but also considerably rigid. Overall, creeping of the rocking lever during operation may be reduced to the increased stiffness. In certain embodiments, the pivotable bar is a relatively flat bar extending in a main extension direction that is basically parallel to a neighboring housing portion of the grooming device, when in the mounted state. In other words, in certain embodiments, the main extension direction of the rocking lever is basically parallel to a main extension direction of the attachment section of the accessory component and a main extension direction of the grooming device, at least in the portion to which the accessory component is attached in the mounted state.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the hinge axis intersects at least one of the one or more stiffening ribs. In certain embodiments, the hinge axis is inwardly offset from the inner side of the pivotable bar. Either way, the design may contribute to the self-locking feature in the mounted state.

[0040] In another exemplary embodiment, the detent nose has a main extension direction that is inclined with respect to the hinge axis. This applies in particular when seen in a side view, in particular in a plane that is parallel to the hinge axis and parallel to the central longitudinal direction. In certain embodiments, the main extension direction of the detent nose is also non-orthogonally inclined with respect to the central longitudinal direction of the attachment section and / or the grooming device. The inclined main extension of the detent nose defines the position of the grooming device in the mounted state with respect to the accessory component in two directions. When for instance two opposite rocking levers are used, the position of the grooming device in the mounted state with respect to the accessory component can be defined in three directions. However, also a parallel orientation of the detent nose's main extension with respect to the hinge axis can be envisaged, provided that other measures are taken to define the mounted position of the grooming device with respect to the accessory component.

[0041] In another exemplary embodiment, the attachment section defines a central longitudinal direction, wherein the at least one rocking lever is urged toward the engagement position when a pull-out force that is basically parallel to the central longitudinal direction acts on the detent nose. The pull-out force is directed away from the hinge axis. The pull-out force is typically applied to the grooming device in an attempt to extract / remove the grooming device from the accessory component, when the rocking lever is still in the engagement position. In such a case, the self-locking feature prevents a loosening of the grooming device to avoid unwanted operational conditions. When the rocking lever is actuated, the grooming device may be removed from the accessory component with relatively little pull-out force.

[0042] The self-locking feature ensures a firm connection between the grooming device and the accessory component during operation, even if unwanted pull-out forces are applied. Overall, operational safety can be increased. Accidental detachments can be avoided.

[0043] In another exemplary embodiment, the hinge axis is arranged at a first distance from the central longitudinal direction, wherein the detent nose is arranged at a second distance from the central longitudinal direction that is greater than the first distance.

[0044] In accordance with this design, the self-locking effect can be brought about. The locking unit has a self-reinforcing characteristic when in the engaged state. By actuating the rocking lever, the locking unit can be brought into a release position, in which separating the grooming device from the accessory component is facilitated.

[0045] In another exemplary embodiment, the detent nose has a contact surface facing the hinge axis, wherein the contact surface is arranged at an angle with respect to the central longitudinal direction that is in the range of 88° to 105°, at least in the engagement position. Also in this way, the self-locking capacity can be supported. The contact surface contacts the grooming device at the engagement recess when in the mounted state. With such an angle, the self-locking feature can be further optimized, ensuring reliable and durable attachment.

[0046] A major goal of the self-locking design is that the pull-out force does not inevitably result in the detent nose being forced out of the engagement recess, but may be translated into a force / torque - due to the design of the locking unit - that urges the detent nose into the engagement recess.

[0047] In another exemplary embodiment, the locking unit comprises two opposite rocking levers, each having a detent nose, wherein the detent noses of the two opposite rocking levers are positioned closer together in the engaged position than in the release position of the two opposite rocking levers. The two opposite rocking levers may be referred to as left and right rocking lever. Having two or more rocking levers makes the attachment more redundant and reliable. The locking unit may withstand even higher pull-out forces. In addition, two opposite rocking levers may accurately define the position of the grooming device therebetween in the mounted state. The two opposite rocking levers may be simultaneously brought into the release position by pressing their release portions towards one another.

[0048] In another embodiment, the grooming device has a housing that is tapered and / or V-shaped in the region adjacent to the rocking levers, with the wider side facing away from the receptacle provided by the accessory device. In such a case, the grooming device may - upon insertion - gently displace and thus bias the rocking levers to generate the biasing force that urges the detent noses into the engagement recesses.

[0049] In another exemplary embodiment, the two opposite rocking levers are arranged on opposite sides of the attachment section and assume their respective release position when the release portions of the two opposite rocking levers are pushed together while overcoming the biasing force. This facilitates the detachment of the grooming device from the accessory component. The two rocking levers may be pressed together so that they are simultaneously moved into the respective release position.

[0050] In another exemplary embodiment, the accessory component is a handle extension that is arranged to be attached to a grooming device, wherein the attachment section is releasably attachable to an original handle portion of the grooming device to increase the operational range thereof, and wherein the handle extension further comprises a handle section.

[0051] The handle extension expands the operational range of the grooming device to hard-to-reach body regions, such as the user's back. The grooming device may be used on a larger area and with improved ease-of-use in hard-to-reach regions. In certain embodiments, the handle extension may be referred to as back handle attachment

[0052] In another exemplary embodiment, a T-handle is formed at an end of the handle section, wherein the T-handle has a main extension direction that is parallel to a width extension of an operating head of the grooming device when the accessory component is in the mounted state. In certain embodiments, the main extension of the T-handle is orthogonal to a (possibly curved) main extension direction of the handle extension.

[0053] The T-handle may be used to translate operating commands at the T-handle into respective movements of the frontal end of the handle extension, with the grooming device being mounted there. The T-handle may have the shape of an ellipsoid, may be cigar-shaped, and / or have the shape of an airship (zeppelin).

[0054] It has been observed that with the T-handle at the end of the handle section, operating and guiding the grooming device on the user's back and other hard-to-reach body portions is considerably facilitated. The T-handle provides for direct and comprehensible haptic feedback at the user's hand. Steerability and controllability of an operating head of the grooming device may be improved.

[0055] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is presented a grooming arrangement, comprising: an accessory component according to at least one aspect or embodiment as described herein, a grooming device that is arranged to be moved along a user's skin, comprising: an original handle portion, an operating head that is arranged to contact the skin, and at least one engagement recess, wherein the accessory component is arranged to be releasably mounted to the grooming device, and wherein the detent nose of the at least one rocking lever engages the at least one engagement recess when the accessory component is in the mounted state.

[0056] The grooming arrangement may also be referred to as grooming set, grooming assembly, or grooming kit.

[0057] In certain embodiments, the handle extension is releasably attachable to the grooming device, particularly to the original handle portion thereof. The handle extension expands the operational range of the grooming device to hard-to-reach body regions, such as the user's back. The grooming device may be used on a larger area and with improved ease-of-use in hard-to-reach regions.

[0058] In another exemplary embodiment, the grooming device is a motor-powered hair cutting device, wherein the operating head comprises at least one motor-powered hair cutting section that is arranged to cut hair. By way of example, the grooming device may be arranged as a hair trimming device, a shaving device and / or a combined trimming / shaving device.

[0059] The operating head may be arranged as a cutting head having two or more cutting elements that can be brought into relative motion to cut hair. This may involve a foil shaving section, a trimming section and the like. Needless to say, there may also be non-powered grooming devices, including also non-powered hair cutting devices (e.g., razors).

[0060] As already set out further above, grooming devices may also include other devices than hair cutting devices. This may involve epilators, massagers and the like. Similarly, accessory components may also include other components than handle extensions.

[0061] In accordance with the aspects and embodiments disclosed herein, an improved grooming arrangement and a corresponding accessory component is presented that enhance user comfort and provide for a reliable, accurate, firm and repeatably releasable attachment of the accessory component and the grooming device.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] These and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. In the following drawings Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a grooming arrangement that is composed of a grooming device in the form of a hair cutting device and an accessory component in the form of a handle extension that are shown in Fig. 1 in a state detached from one another; Fig. 2 shows a corresponding partial perspective view of the arrangement of Fig. 1 with the accessory component being attached to the grooming device; Fig. 3 shows a side view of the arrangement of Figs. 1 and 2, wherein a folded state and an unfolded state of the handle extension is depicted; Fig. 4 shows a schematic side view of a torso of a user to elucidate an exemplary configuration and orientation of the grooming arrangement when cutting hair at the user's back; Fig. 5 shows a perspective partial detached view of the grooming device and the accessory component, with the accessory component in a partially cross-sectional state; Fig. 6 shows a partial perspective frontal view of an attachment section of the accessory component; Fig. 7 shows a partial side view of the grooming arrangement with the grooming device and the accessory component in the mounted state, where a locking unit is in an engaged state; Fig. 8 shows a partially cross-sectional view of the arrangement of Fig. 7 in a plan view, with the view orientation indicated by a dashed line VIII-VIII in Fig. 7; Fig. 9 shows a schematic simplified half view of the arrangement of Fig. 8, with a rocking lever of the locking unit in an engagement position; and Fig. 10 shows another view in accordance with Fig. 9, with the rocking lever in the release position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0063] Fig. 1 shows a grooming arrangement 10 that includes a grooming device 12 and an accessory component 38 for the grooming device 10. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1, the grooming arrangement 10 is arranged as a hair cutting arrangement that includes a hair cutting device 14 (as an exemplary implementation of the grooming device 12) and a handle extension 40 (as an exemplary implementation of the accessory component 38). As already mentioned herein before, there may be other implementations of grooming devices 12 and accessory components 38.

[0064] While Fig. 1 shows a detached state, corresponding Fig. 2 shows a mounted / attached state, where the grooming device 12 and the accessory component 38 are coupled to one another.

[0065] The grooming device 12 is operable also without the accessory component 38 and comprises an original handle portion 16 that is grasped by the user in a normal operation mode. Overall, the grooming device 12 comprises a housing 18 that supports an operating head 20. In the exemplary embodiment, where the grooming device 12 is arranged as a hair cutting device 14, the operating head 20 comprises a cutting unit 22. The cutting unit 22 may comprise at least one of a trimming section 24 and a foil shaving section 26. In Fig. 1, the cutting unit 22 is a combined cutting unit including both a trimming section 24 and a foil shaving section 26.

[0066] A width extension of the operating head 20 is indicated by an arrow designated by 28. By way of example, the width extension 28 is basically orthogonal to a general moving direction when the grooming device 12 is moved along a user's skin, for instance to cut hair there, see reference numeral 82 in Fig. 2. Hence, the width extension 28 is a reference for a preferred operational orientation of the grooming device 12 and its operating head 20.

[0067] Operating controls, such as an operating switch 30, are disposed on the housing 18. The housing 18 accommodates a motor 32 that is indicated by a dashed block in Fig. 1. There may be other components accommodated within the housing 18, such as a battery, a power adapter, circuitry, force transmission and the like.

[0068] Generally, the grooming device 12 may be a motor-powered and / or a non-powered device. When the grooming device 12 is arranged as a hair cutting device 14, the motor 32 sets at least one cutting element of the cutting unit 22 into motion. This may involve a relative cutting movement between two cutting elements to cut hair therebetween. This may involve shaving, trimming, clipping and the like.

[0069] The operating head 20 is attached to the housing 18 at a neck portion 34 thereof. At the neck portion, at least one engagement recess 36 is formed. The engagement recess 36 may be engaged by a corresponding part of the accessory component 38 to secure the mounted state between the grooming device 12 and the accessory component 38. The mounted state is illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0070] In the exemplary embodiment, the accessory component 38 is arranged as a handle extension 40. As can be best seen in Fig. 1 and also in the side view of Fig. 3, the handle extension 40 may have an elongated extension including an overall bow shape, boomerang-shape and / or banana-shape.

[0071] The handle extension 40 comprises an attachment section 42, where the grooming device 12 and the accessory component 38 are attached to one another. As can be seen in Figs. 1 and 2, the grooming device 12 can be inserted in a frontal collar 44 of the attachment section 42. In addition, the handle extension 40 comprises a handle section 46 at an end that is opposite to the frontal collar 44. The handle section 46 is the portion of the handle extension 40, where the user typically grasps and carries the grooming arrangement 10 that is formed by the handle extension 40 and the grooming device 12 mounted thereon.

[0072] In the exemplary embodiment, the attachment section 42 provides a receptacle 50 that is arranged to accommodate and / or otherwise support the original handle portion 16 of the grooming device 12. By way of example, the receptacle 50 is delimited by a wall 52, that may be a circumferential wall. In certain embodiments, the receptacle 50 provides a quiver-like and / or tubular seat for the housing 18 of the grooming device 12.

[0073] The grooming device 12 can be inserted in and retracted from the receptacle 50 through the frontal collar 44. A double-arrow designated by 54 illustrates a central longitudinal direction of the attachment section 42. The central longitudinal direction 54 corresponds to an insertion / extraction direction and also to a main extension of the grooming device 12. An aperture 58 is formed in the wall 52 through which the operating switch 30 is accessible.

[0074] The accessory component 38 further comprises a locking unit 60 that includes one or more rocking levers 62. In the exemplary embodiment, two opposite rocking levers 62 are provided in the vicinity of the frontal collar 44. This is not to be understood in a limiting sense. In the exemplary embodiment, the two rocking levers 62 are facing one another and are displaced in the width extension 28 from one another to engage the grooming device 12 at two corresponding engagement recesses 36 that may be formed at the housing 18.

[0075] The locking unit 60 locks and secures the coupled state of the grooming device 12 and the accessory component 38. To this end, the rocking levers 62 may be actuated to be moved between an engagement position and a release position. In certain embodiments, the rocking levers 62 are designed such that upon insertion of the grooming device 12 into the receptacle 50 along the central longitudinal direction 54 a self-locking may take place, resulting in the engagement recesses 36 of the grooming device 12 being engaged by the rocking lever 62, thereby securing the coupling between the accessory component 38 and the grooming device 12.

[0076] In certain embodiments, the handle extension 40 that forms the accessory component 38 in Figs. 1 to 4 is foldable between an unfolded state (see Fig. 1) and a folded state (see Fig. 3). As can be seen in Figs. 1, 3 and 4, a folding mechanism 70 may be provided between the handle section 46 and the attachment section 42. The folding mechanism 70 enables a folding / unfolding function of the handle extension 40 between at least two states. In the exemplary embodiment, the folding mechanism 70 enables a relative swivel movement between the attachment section 42 and the handle section 46 about a swivel axis 72. In Fig. 3, the swivel movement is indicated by a curved double-arrow designated by 74.

[0077] In Fig. 3, the handle section 46 is shown in a solid line representation to illustrate the folded state, whereas a dashed line representation illustrates the unfolded state, where the handle extension 40 assumes an elongated bow shape (as in Fig. 1). The elongated bow shape may also be referred to as banana shape and / or boomerang shape. The elongated bow shape is advantageous for shaving a user's back 80, as can be seen in Fig. 4. Hence, a greater operational range is possible and hard-to-reach body portions can be reached.

[0078] Referring again to Figs. 1 and 3, an embodiment is elucidated, where at an end of the handle section 46, a T-handle 76 is formed having a main extension direction 78 that is parallel to the width extension 28 of the operating head 20 of the grooming device 12. The T-handle 76 is formed at the end of the handle section 46 that is opposite to the frontal collar 44 when the handle extension 40 is in the unfolded elongated bow shape.

[0079] The T-handle 76 is beneficial for some applications, in particular when there is only a limited view of the operational site. This applies for instance when users want to shave their back 80 as illustrated in Fig. 4. As the T-handle 76 is oriented parallel to the width extension 28 and basically orthogonal to a typical moving direction (see the double arrows indicated by reference numeral 82 in Figs. 2 and 4) for the movement of the grooming device 12 along the user's skin, maneuverability and controllability is improved as the T-handle 76 translates control movements directly to the frontal section 44 and the operating head 20 of the grooming device 12. In addition, the T-handle 76 improves sensory feedback, as the user can deduce the orientation of the operating head 20 from the orientation of the T-handle 76.

[0080] Further reference is made to Figs. 5 and 6, where the locking unit 60 is illustrated in more detail. Fig. 5 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the grooming device 12 and the attachment section 42 of the accessory component 38 in a detached state. More particularly, Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the two opposite rocking levers 62. Fig. 6 shows a corresponding perspective frontal view of the frontal collar 44 of the attachment section 42 without the grooming device 12 being mounted.

[0081] In the exemplary embodiment, the rocking levers 62 are integrally formed with the corresponding portions of the attachment section 42. More particularly, the rocking levers 62 are integrally formed with the wall 52 that defines the receptacle 50 for the grooming device 12. In certain embodiments, the attachment section 42 is a one-piece component that integrates the rocking levers 62 of the locking unit 60. In such a way, a single injection-molded component may provide the receptacle 50 and the locking unit 60 for the grooming device 12. The rocking levers 62 each have an engagement portion 84 and a release portion 86.

[0082] At the engagement portion 84, detent noses 88 are formed that may engage the engagement recesses 36 at the neck portion 34 of the grooming device 12. The engaged state is illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8, with the detent noses 88 engaging the engagement recesses 36.

[0083] As can be seen in Figs. 5 to 7, the rocking levers 62 are each pivotable about a hinge axis 90. In the exemplary embodiment, the engagement portion 84 and the release portion 86 are formed on opposite sides of the hinge axis 90.

[0084] Overall, the rocking lever 62 may assume an engagement position (shown in Figs. 8 and 9) and a release position (shown in Fig. 10). In the engagement position, the detent noses 88 can engage the engagement recesses 36 and thus secure the mounted state of the grooming device 12 at the attachment section 42. In the release position, the detent noses 88 are disengaged from the locking recesses 36 and thus the grooming device 12 can be detached from the accessory component 38.

[0085] The rocking levers 62 can be moved from the engagement position into the release position by actuating the release portions 86 of the rocking levers 62, refer also to block arrows 92 in Fig. 5 that illustrate the actuation.

[0086] Fig. 6 illustrates that the rocking levers 62 are each shaped as a pivotable bar 96 that is pivotable about the hinge axis 90. The pivotable bar 96 is a relatively flat bar having a main extension that is basically parallel to the central longitudinal direction 54. The rocking levers 62 (and thus their pivotable bars 96) each have an inner side 98 facing the grooming device 12 in the mounted state and an outer side 100 facing away from the inner side 98.

[0087] The rocking levers 62 are formed in a cutout 104 in the wall 52 of the attachment section 42. The cutout 104 has a closed shape in the embodiment of Fig. 6 so that the rocking levers 62 are fully surrounded by the wall 52. In this way, a certain level of protection for the rocking levers 62 is provided.

[0088] The rocking levers 62 can be pivoted about the hinge axes 90 within the cutouts 104. In the exemplary embodiment, the hinge axes 90 are formed by a living hinge 106 that is integrally formed with the wall 52. The living hinge 106 on the one hand provides for a well-defined hinge axis 90. On the other hand, the living hinge 106 enables the generation of a certain biasing force, due to the inherent moment of resistance as the living hinge 106 is deformed when the rocking lever 62 is pivoted. Hence, any pivot movement departing from a neutral position generates a certain biasing force in the living hinge 106 that has a tendency to urge the rocking lever 62 back into the neutral position.

[0089] In the embodiment as illustrated in Figs. 5 to 8, the living hinge 106 is formed on the inner side 98 of the rocking levers 62. In other words, a bead is formed on the inner side 98 of the rocking lever 62 and connected to neighboring portions of the wall 52. The longitudinal extension of the bead defines the hinge axis 90. In certain embodiments, one or more stiffening ribs 108 are formed on the inner side 98 of the rocking levers 62. The stiffening ribs 108 provide the rocking levers 62 with increased stiffness and rigidity, in particular in terms of the pivot movement about the hinge axis 90. In the exemplary embodiment, the bead that forms the living hinge 106 extends through the stiffening ribs 108. The stiffening ribs 108 have a main extension direction that is basically parallel to the central longitudinal direction 54.

[0090] Fig. 8 shows a partially cross-sectional view of the mounted state of the grooming appliance 12 on the accessory component 38, wherein a dot-dashed line VIII-VIII in Fig. 7 illustrates the sectional plane.

[0091] As can be best seen in Fig. 7, the detent nose 88 (see Figs. 5, 6 and 8) at the engagement portion 88 of the rocking lever 62 has a main extension direction 110 that is inclined by an inclination angle 112 with respect to the hinge axis 90. By way of example, the inclination angle 112 is in the range of 20° to 45°. In this way, the detent nose 88 has a design and main extension 110 that is adapted to the shape of the neck portion 34 of the grooming device 12. Further, the inclination angle 112 between the hinge axis 90 and the detent nose 88 has the effect that the position of the grooming device 12 in the receptacle 50 can be defined in more than one direction. If the main extension direction 110 was parallel to the hinge axis 90, then the relative position between the grooming device 12 and the rocking lever 62 could only be defined in one direction (that is, along the central longitudinal direction 54).

[0092] Fig. 8 shows that the two opposite rocking levers 62 secure the grooming device 12 therebetween by engaging respective opposite engagement recesses 36 at the neck portion 44. Overall, the position of the grooming device 12 in the mounted state can be accurately defined in three directions.

[0093] In Fig. 8, a central axis 114 through the attachment section 42 and the grooming device 12 is illustrated. The central axis 114 may be an axis of symmetry. In the exemplary embodiment, the central longitudinal direction 54 is parallel to the central axis 114.

[0094] Figs. 9 and 10 show by means of respective half views schematic illustrations of the arrangement in Fig. 8 to elucidate the operating principle of the locking unit 60 with the two rocking levers 62. In Figs. 9 and 10, the central axis 114 forms a reference for the respective half views.

[0095] As can be seen in Figs. 8 to 10, the grooming device 12 is overall V-shaped or tapered, at least in the vicinity of the rocking levers 62 of the locking unit 60. In other words, the grooming device 12 is V-shaped or tapered towards the respective original handle portion 16 of the grooming device 12 (refer to Fig. 1). This has the effect that, upon insertion of the grooming device 12 into the receptacle 50, the housing 18 may displace the rocking levers 62 with their detent noses 88 until the detent noses 88 can engage the engagement recesses 36. Due to the displacement of the rocking levers 62, a biasing force can be generated that urges the detent noses 88 into the engagement recesses 36.

[0096] In certain embodiments, the locking unit 60 provides a load-amplifying self-locking feature. The rocking levers 62 are arranged in such a way that the hinge axis 90 is arranged at a first distance 118 from the central axis 114, and that the detent noses 88 are arranged at a second distance 120 from the central axis 114 that is greater than the first distance 118. The second distance 120 spans between the central axis 114 and a contact surface 124 of the detent nose 88 that faces the hinge axis 90.

[0097] In addition, in certain embodiments, the contact surface 124 is arranged at an angle 126 with respect to the central axis 114. By way of example, the angle 126 may be in the range of 88° to 105°. That is, the contact surface 124 is basically orthogonal to the central axis 114.

[0098] With the respective position of the rocking lever 62 and the detent noses 88 with respect to the central axis 114, a pull-out force 130 that is parallel to the central axis 114 and / or the central longitudinal direction 54 would not urge the detent nose 88 out of engagement with the engagement recess 36, but would rather generate a retaining force or moment 132 that urges the detent nose 88 into the engagement recess 36. Hence, if a user applies a pull-out force 130 to the grooming device 12 when the rocking levers 62 are in the engagement position (as in Fig. 9), an unwanted loosening of the grooming device 12 is prevented.

[0099] In the arrangement as illustrated in Fig. 9, the rocking lever 62 has a tendency to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. An opposite rocking lever 62 (not shown in the half view of Fig. 9) would have the tendency to rotate in the clockwise direction. Overall, the two rocking levers 62 can cooperate to apply the load-amplifying self-locking feature that secures the mounted state of the grooming device 12 at the accessory component 38 and avoids unwanted loosening.

[0100] An easy detachment of the grooming device 12 is possible in the release position of the rocking lever 62, as illustrated in Fig. 10. To this end, the rocking lever 62 can be actuated (see the block arrow 92 in Fig. 10) at the release portion 86, thereby overcoming a biasing force 138 that is inherent to the rocking lever 62 in the respective position, see also Fig. 10. A pivoting movement of the pivotable bar 96 forming part of the rocking lever 62 about the hinge axis 90 is illustrated in Fig. 10 by a curved arrow designated by 144.

[0101] At the inner side 98 of the pivotable bar 96, the detent nose 88 is formed that is arranged to engage the engagement recess 36. The rocking levers 62 can be actuated at the respective outer side 100, see the actuation arrow 92 in Fig. 10.

[0102] Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 further illustrate a normal (vector) 150 on the contact surface 124 that faces the hinge axis 90. The normal 150 passes the hinge axis 90 with an offset to the outside, away from the central axis 114. This applies in particular to a portion of the contact surface 124 that faces the hinge axis 90 and actually contacts the engagement recess 36 when in the engaged position (see Fig. 9) to secure the accessory component 38 there. With such a design, it is ensured that the rocking lever 62 with the detent nose 88 is urged into the engaged position when the pull-out force 130 is applied.

[0103] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0104] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0105] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An accessory component (38) for a grooming device (12), comprising - an attachment section (42) that is arranged to be coupled to a grooming device (12), and - a locking unit (60) formed in the attachment section (42) and comprising at least one rocking lever (62) having an engagement portion (84) and a release portion (86), wherein a detent nose (88) is formed in the engagement portion (84), wherein the at least one rocking lever (62) is pivotable about a hinge axis (90) between an engagement position and a release position, and wherein the at least one rocking lever (62) is movable into the release position by overcoming a biasing force (138) that urges the at least one rocking lever (62) into the engagement position.

2. The accessory component (38) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one rocking lever (62) is movable into the release position by actuating the release portion (86).

3. The accessory component (38) claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking unit (60) comprises a living hinge (106) that forms the hinge axis (90), and wherein preferably the attachment section (42) and the locking unit (60) are integrally formed.

4. The accessory component (38) as claimed in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the attachment section (42) forms a receptacle (50) that is adapted to an original handle portion of the grooming device (12).

5. The accessory component (38) as claimed in any one of claims 1-4, wherein the at least one rocking lever (62) is arranged as a pivotable bar (96) having an inner side (98) and an outer side (100), wherein one or more stiffening ribs (108) are formed on the inner side (98), and wherein the hinge axis (90) preferably intersects at least one of the one or more stiffening ribs (108).

6. The accessory component (38) as claimed in any one of claims 1-5, wherein the detent nose (88) has a main extension direction (110) along the rocking lever that is inclined with respect to the hinge axis (90).

7. The accessory component (38) as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, wherein the attachment section (42) defines a central longitudinal direction (54), and wherein the at least one rocking lever (62) is urged toward the engagement position when a pull-out force (130) that is basically parallel to the central longitudinal direction (54) acts on the detent nose (88).

8. The accessory component (38) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the hinge axis (90) is arranged at a first distance (118) from the central longitudinal direction (54), and wherein the detent nose (88) is arranged at a second distance (120) from the central longitudinal direction (54) that is greater than the first distance (118).

9. The accessory component (38) as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the detent nose (88) has a contact surface (124) facing the hinge axis (90), and wherein the contact surface (124) is arranged at an angle (126) with respect to the central longitudinal direction (54) that is in the range of 88° to 105°, at least in the engagement position.

10. The accessory component (38) as claimed in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the locking unit (60) comprises two opposite rocking levers (62), each having a detent nose (88), and wherein the detent noses (88) of the two opposite rocking levers (62) are positioned closer together in the engaged position than in the release position of the two opposite rocking levers (62).

11. The accessory component (38) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the two opposite rocking levers (62) are arranged on opposite sides of the attachment section (42) and assume their respective release position when the release portions (86) of the two opposite rocking levers (62) are pushed together while overcoming the biasing force (138).

12. The accessory component (38) as claimed in any one of claims 1-11, wherein the accessory component (38) is a handle extension (40) that is arranged to be attached to a grooming device (12), wherein the attachment section (42) is releasably attachable to an original handle portion (16) of the grooming device (12) to increase the operational range thereof, and wherein the handle extension (40) further comprises a handle section (46).

13. The accessory component (38) as claimed in claim 12, wherein a T-handle (76) is formed at an end of the handle section (46), and wherein the T-handle (76) has a main extension direction (78) that is parallel to a width extension (28) of an operating head (20) of the grooming device (12) when the accessory component (38) is in the mounted state.

14. A grooming arrangement (10), comprising: - an accessory component (38) as claimed in any one of claims 1-13, - a grooming device (12) that is arranged to be moved along a user's skin, comprising: - an original handle portion (16), - an operating head (20) that is arranged to contact the skin, and - at least one engagement recess (36), wherein the accessory component (38) is arranged to be releasably mounted to the grooming device (12), and wherein the detent nose (88) of the at least one rocking lever (62) engages the at least one engagement recess (36) when the accessory component (38) is in the mounted state.

15. The grooming arrangement as claimed in claim 14, wherein the grooming device (12) is a motor-powered hair cutting device (14), and wherein the operating head (20) comprises at least one motor-powered cutting section (22, 24) that is arranged to cut hair.

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