A comb

Abstract

A comb 1 for use in cutting hair, the comb 1 comprising a first element 20 and a second element 21, wherein the first element 20 comprises a first handle 2 coupled to a first set of teeth 3 by way of

Description

The present invention relates to a comb for use in cutting hair and, in particular, a comb which facilitates the cutting of one's own hair. Haircuts carried out by hairdressers or barbers are expensive and need to be carried out during salon opening hours, which for busy people with hectic schedules can be difficult. However, it is equally difficult to cut your own hair and achieve a salon-type cut. A traditional method of cutting hair involves using a comb to create a section of hair, gripping the section between the fingers to create tension and then cutting along the finger line. This can be difficult when cutting your own hair. Various tools have been developed which hold the hair in place and allow a straight cut to be made. For example, US3877472 provides a cutting gauge which allows a fixed length of hair to be cut consistently but there is no means of gripping the hair; CN2179035 does provide grip, and tensions the hair by securing it in between 2 combs but unless you are consistent with the tension on the handles then the hair might not be held in tension; US4520565 requires a separate comb to be run through the hair before a hair cutting guide is attached which is cumbersome. The ownership of dogs which are hypoallergenic and, therefore, non-shedding has grown in recent years. Such dogs require regular grooming including a hair / fur cut as otherwise their coats become unruly. Even shedding dogs can require the occasional cut. Some dogs find a trip to the groomers to be traumatic as there may be other unknown dogs there and / or there can be loud, strange noises such as the blow-dryer. It is, therefore, convenient for a dog owner to carry out their own grooming but it can be difficult getting an even cut with just your fingers or a comb if you are not trained to do so or do not have the right equipment to hold the dog relatively still. It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to seek to alleviate the above identified problems. According to the present invention there is provided a comb for use in cutting hair, the comb comprising a first element and a second element, wherein the first element comprises a first handle coupled to a first set of teeth by way of a first spine and the second element comprises a second handle coupled to a second set of teeth by way of a second spine; wherein the first and second elements are configured to be moveable relative to one another; wherein the first set of teeth extend longitudinally in a first plane, edge teeth of the first set of teeth defining the longitudinal boundary edges of the first plane, wherein the first handle is offset such that it extends outside of one of the longitudinal boundary edges of the first plane. It is understood that in the context of the invention a "spine" is a component constituting an axis or chief support; "edge teeth" comprise the teeth at the edge or border of the set of teeth and "longitudinally" refers to being placed or running lengthwise - i.e. relative to the length of the teeth; a "plane" is understood to be a substantially flat or level surface. The off-set handle of the invention provides better visual control over the length of the hair captured, especially, if you are cutting the hair yourself but also when cutting a third parties hair because the comb can be held by a straight arm rather than an arm with a bent wrist. In this regard, the present invention reduces the likelihood of injury to the wrist joint. In this connection, hairdressers or dog groomers often suffer from repetitive strain injury, tendonitis, and / or carpal tunnel syndrome due to the repetitive nature of their arm / wrist movements. Any reference to "hair" herein can also be used, where relevant, to relate to "fur." Use of the comb of the present invention by dog groomers allows the dog groomer to keep their hands further away from dog, which can be helpful if the dog is nervous and may react adversely. In this regard, the first and second handle can be of a suitable length in order to divert the position of the hand away from the dog's mouth reach. Preferably, the first and second handles are further inclined relative to the first plane. Each handle, spine, and associated teeth as such resemble a fork with a bent handle. Preferably, the handle incline relative to the first plane is between 90° and 120°. Such an angle further enhances the ability of a user to hold the comb and, therefore, the hair at an optimal angle for cutting without contorting their limbs and having to hold their hand / wrist at an awkward or uncomfortable angle at the same time allowing for good visual control of the length of the captured hair. Preferably, the handle is curved to allow provision of the aforementioned angle of incline. In this regard, the curve of the handle, among other things, allows the user to hold the comb in the curved area by one handle, preferably the off-set handle which provides better visual control of the hair when cutting. In addition, as the handle is curved, the first plane can sit substantially parallel to the head (if hair is being cut) or body (if grooming an animal) while the comb is still being held at a comfortable angle. Preferably, the movement of the first and second elements relative to one another is a pivotal movement. The pivotal movement allows for relative sliding of the elements. Preferably a pivot means is provided within the first and second spines. Alternatively, the pivot means can be provided within the first and second handles. The provision of handles connected by a pivot means allows the handles to benefit from a mechanical advantage, the longer the handles, the less force that is required by a user to operate the comb. Placement of the pivot means and, therefore, the pivot point or fulcrum within the spine rather than the handles increases the relative length. Preferably the comb further comprises a biasing means for urging each set of teeth towards one another. Accordingly, the first and second set of teeth will be urged together when no user pressure is applied or when pressure is released by the user gripping the comb handles. This means that the user will need to put in less effort during the cutting process, the clamping action of the comb doing the work of holding the hair. Preferably the biasing means is provided within the first and second spines. Alternatively, the biasing means can be provided within the first and second handles. Preferably the biasing means comprises a torsion spring. Other suitable means of biasing could be provided. The torsion spring is optionally incorporated into a pivot means that affords the pivotal attachment between the first and second elements. Preferably, the biasing means is resiliently-biased. As the elements are biased towards a closed / gripping position, the present invention will aid keeping the relevant section of hair under the same tension all at the same time. In contrast, when fingers are used to hold the hair, then variable tension may result, especially by someone who is not familiar with cutting hair, due to the knobbly, uneven profile of a finger. Further, where a traditional comb is being used there is no means provided in the comb perse for gripping the hair. Preferably, in use, in a closed position a pressure of 27kPa to 41kPa is applied by the first set of teeth and the second set of teeth. This is approximately the pressure used by gripping hair between two fingers and allows the hair to be gripped without causing damage. Preferably an outer edge of each of the edge teeth of the first set of teeth are spaced in the range of about 4cm to about 15cm, preferably about 6cm to about 12cm apart. The comb spine upon which the teeth are mounted can be manufactured to any suitable width. As the mean finger length of adult males and females are around 7cm to 7.8cm, a comb with a width of above 8cm will be able to grip a wider section of hair than the average human hand. This means that a hairdresser or barber would be able to cut the hair of their customer more quickly. A smaller width may be needed when grooming a dog, especially a smaller dog breed. The smaller width would allow relatively large handed people to grasp and tension small sections of hair or fur. Preferably an edge of a tooth at a coupling point with the spine is spaced from an edge of an adjacent tooth by a distance of in the range of about 1cm to about 3cm. The space between the adjacent teeth need not be identical. As the second set of teeth in a closed position abut the first set of teeth the spacing of the second set of teeth will be similar to the first set of teeth. Preferably, the first set of teeth and / or the second set of teeth comprise in the range of about 5 to about 10 teeth. This spacing and / or number of teeth will ensure a tight grip on the hair and an even spread of hair over the surface area of the comb such that there is not bunching hair within the teeth which would allow an uneven cut to be made. Preferably the first handle further comprises at least one protrusion. The protrusion may be elongate and slightly curved towards the set of teeth in order to provide a suitable thumb or finger rest and / or to aid in applying pressure to the first element so that it moves relative to the second element. The second handle could also be provided with a protrusion to act as a finger / thumb rest and / or to allow easy gripping means during use, for example, the pivoting process. The provision of a protrusion on both handles would also allow the comb to be used either in the left or the right hand. This configuration of the first set of teeth and second set of teeth in which they are in a common plane provides a substantially flat cutting surface along which razors, hair trimmers or hair cutters can be run or against which scissor blades can be guided along to ensure an even cut. Preferably, the first set of teeth are configured to extend / overlap into a common plane with the second set of teeth. The extension / overlap can provide a stop or rest for the second set of teeth and / or ensures that there is a tight abutment of the first and second set of teeth thereby, in use, gripping the hair. Preferably each tooth of the first set of teeth includes a bend at its connection point with the spine, projecting the first set of teeth into the plane of the second set of teeth. Preferably the profile of the first set of teeth matches the profile of the second set of teeth. Accordingly, the profile of each abutting surface of the teeth may be flat or may be provided with an undulating profile or direction change within the profile which provides a means of gripping the hair. The direction change may be stepped such that the direction change involves a substantially perpendicular change, or it can be a softer change utilizing curves, or a mixture of both. Preferably or alternatively an abutting surface of the teeth is provided with a nonslip surface, for example, a rubberised surface. According to the present invention, there is further provided a comb for use in cutting hair, the comb comprising a first element and a second element, wherein the first element comprises a first handle coupled to a first set of teeth by way of a first spine and the second element comprises a second handle coupled to a second set of teeth by way of a second spine; wherein the first element is biased towards the second element, and wherein facing surfaces of the first and second sets of teeth having a matching profile. The matching profile of the teeth, in use, allows the comb to grip the hair. Preferably, as previously mentioned, the matching profile contains a direction change. The direction change may result in a stronger grip of the hair as increased friction will be generated at the point where there is a direction change. The direction change can take the form of a set of steps or connected curves such as in the letter S. The features of the present invention, such as the gripping of the hair and / or the off-set handle to allow better visual control, makes it easier for a user to blow dry and style hair than with a comb alone Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention. Within this specification, the term "about" means plus or minus 20%, more preferably plus or minus 10%, even more preferably plus or minus 5%, most preferably plus or minus 2%. Within this specification, the term "substantially" means a deviation of plus or minus 20%, more preferably plus or minus 10%, even more preferably plus or minus 5%, most preferably plus or minus 2%. It will be appreciated that reference to "one or more" includes reference to "a plurality". For example, it will be appreciated that all preferred features described herein are applicable to all aspects of the invention described herein and vice versa. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Example embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which Figure 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of the hair cutting comb of the present invention in an open position. Figure 2 shows a front view of an embodiment of the hair cutting comb of the present invention in a closed position. Figure 3 shows an underside (i.e. the side which would traditionally be facing the floor during use) view of a further embodiment of the hair cutting comb of the present invention in an open position. Figures 4a and 4b show examples of the cross-section of two sets of teeth with different matching profiles which can be used in the present invention. The teeth are almost in a closed position. Figures 5a to 5f show the components of a pivot and biasing means which can be used in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 shows a hand holding an embodiment of the present invention from the underside. Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the comb of the present invention in use. Figure 1 shows a comb 1 which can be used to cut hair or fur (not shown). The comb 1 in Figure 1 is in the open position. The comb 1 has a first element 20 having a first handle 2 and is coupled to a first set of teeth 3 by way of first spine 19. The edge teeth 4 and 5 define the longitudinal boundary of the first handle 2. The comb also has second element 21 having a second handle 6 coupled to a second set of teeth 7 by way of second spine 18. The edge teeth 8 and 9 define the longitudinal boundary of the second handle 6. The first element and the second element are mounted relative to one another by a pivot means 12. Pivot means 12 is located in the first and second spine 18 and 19 but could, if preferred, be located in first and second handles 2 and 6. The pivot means 12 can also optionally comprise a biasing means (not shown in Figure 1). Alternatively, the biasing means can be provided in a separate location. The pivot and biasing means can be provided by way, for example, of a screw and a torsion spring (see Figures 5a to 5f). The first set of teeth 3 are provided at the first spine 19 with an extension 17 which projects the first set of teeth 3 into a common plane with the second set of teeth 7. An abutting surface of each tooth (or at least a portion of the teeth) in said first set of teeth 3 has a matching profile with the equivalent abutting surface of each tooth (or at least a portion of the teeth) in said second set of teeth 7 which allows the two sets of teeth to abut. The second set of teeth 7 have a cutting surface 16 which is the surface facing away from spine 19. The extension 17 also mimics the use of fingers by elevating slightly the hair. The elevation of the hair graduates the cut and, therefore, softens the finish. The abutting surface can be a flat surface, with or without an anti-slip coating or it can be two surfaces which incorporate a change of direction and match each other. Examples of the change of direction are shown in Figures 4a and 4b. As can be seen in Figure 4a, the cross-section of the teeth can be a stepped change. In this connection, the profile of the abutting surface 20 of tooth 21 matches the profile of the abutting surface 22 of tooth 23. Alternatively, the change of direction can be softer such that curves are introduced rather than a substantially perpendicular step change (see Figure 4b). In this connection, the profile of the abutting surface 24 of tooth 25 matches the profile of the abutting surface 26 of tooth 27. Ina further alternative embodiment, the step change could be a mixture of substantially perpendicular changes and softer curved changes. The teeth within a set of teeth do not have to have the same profile. The exact cross-sectional shape of the teeth is not necessarily important provided that the first set of teeth and the second set of teeth are configured to abut each other and grip the hair which, in use, will be caught therebetween. As can be seen in the Figures, the first handle 2 is offset such that the distal end 10 extends outside the longitudinal boundary edge of the edge teeth 4 and 5. Moreover, the first and second handles 2 and 6 are inclined relative to the first plane, such that each handle and set of teeth resemble a fork having a bent handle (see, for example, Figure 3 and 5). In the open position there is space for hair (not shown) to be trapped between the teeth. The first handle 2 has an elongate protrusion 11 which can be used as a finger or thumb rest. This elongate protrusion 11 aids gripping the comb and applying pressure to the first handle 2. Embodiments are envisaged which do not include such an elongate protrusion. When pressure is applied to the first handle 2 the first handle 2 pivots in respect to the second handle 6 on pivot means 12. The pivot action moves the comb from a closed position shown in Figure 2 to an open position as shown in Figure 1. The pivot means 12 allows the respective first and second sets of teeth 3, 7 and their spines 18, 19 to slide or swivel over one another as the first and second handles 2 and 6 are squeezed and released. Figures 5a to 5d show an example of the components which can be used in pivot means 12. The pivot means 12 is configured from a screw 28 which mates with an axle 29 to form a bobbin shaped pivot means. The pivot means can be resiliently biased using a torsion spring 30 which sits around the axle 29. Figures 5e and 5f show the torsion spring 30 in place before element 20 and element 27 are attached using the screw 28 and axle 29. The provision of handles 2, 6 connected by a pivot 12 allows the handles to benefit from a mechanical advantage, the longer the handles, the less force being required by a user to operate the comb. Placement of the pivot means within the spine 18, 19 rather than the handles enhances the effect. Figure 2 shows comb 1 in a closed position which would be the position of the teeth when cutting of the hair (not shown) occurs. As can be seen from Figure 2, in the closed position, the first set of teeth 3 move in a direction to abut the second set of teeth 5. Further the spines 18 and 19 align and overlap each other. An aperture 13 is provided in the second handle 6. The aperture 13 can be used to hang the comb on a hook (not shown). It will be appreciated that the aperture 13 could be provided on either handle 2 or handle 6 at any appropriate place. Further, the aperture 13 could be too small to hold a hook but sufficiently large to hold a suitable cord / thread or similar which could be formed into a loop and, therefore, hung on a suitable hook. The aperture is an optional feature and may not appear in all embodiments. Turning to Figure 6, it is intended that the handle 6 is gripped with the fingers of a user's hand 32 while the thumb 33 curls around handle 2 and rests below the protrusion 11. When the user (not shown) brings their fingers 31 towards their thumb 33 (or vice versa), the first set of teeth 3 and the second set of teeth 7 will part as shown in Figure 1. Turning to Figure 7, in use, the hair 24 can, if necessary, be sectioned and the section(s) which are not being cut can be separated from the hair which will be cut. The separation can be achieved by any suitable means (e.g. pins, hair bobbles, or tucking behind the ear). Thereafter, pressure is applied to the first handle 2 which moves the first set of teeth 3 away from an abutting position with the second set of teeth 7. The comb 1 is then run through the section of hair 24 of the user 35 or, if a user is cutting the hair of a third party (including an animal) (not shown), the third party's section of hair, which is intended to be cut. At the appropriate hair length, pressure is released from the first handle 2 which results in the second set of teeth 7 moving towards the first set of teeth 3 as they are biased in that direction. The second set of teeth 7 then abut the first set of teeth 3 trapping the hair therebetween (as shown). As is represented in Figure 7, the comb is configured so that it can be held in one hand, moreover, in either hand depending upon the user's dominant hand. The comb would be intended to be held in the user's less dominant hand so that hair / fur cutting means are held in the user's dominant hand. However, if convenient for the user, then the comb 1 could be used in the dominant hand. Once the hair is gripped by the comb, the hand can, if convenient, be moved to hold a single handle 2 or 6. An advantage of an embodiment of the present invention comprising a resiliently-biasing means, such as the torsion spring, is that, as the hair is gripped by the comb, and the comb is resiliently biased towards the closed position. Accordingly, once the hair is gripped, hands can be removed from the comb to allow the comb to be picked up and held in whichever way suits the user. Further, there is no need to apply constant tension to the hair during the cutting process. In use, the comb is held away from the head and the scissors (not shown) are opened and placed around the hair (not shown) such that the outer flat surface of a blade of the scissors abuts the second handle 6. Although scissors are mentioned herein, any suitable means of cutting hair could be used such as hair trimmer, hair clippers or a razor. If a hair trimmer, hair clippers or razor is used then the relevant means can abut the second handle and then be run along cutting surface 16. For example, in the direction of the teeth and / or in the direction of the spine. The offset nature of the handles 2, 6 ensures that the hand (arm) holding the comb 1 is not in the way of the other hand (arm) holding the cutting means. The extensions 17 mimic the use of fingers in the cutting process and slightly elevates the hair which will naturally give the hair a slight graduation when cutting, therefore, softening the cut. Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention. For example, it will be appreciated that all preferred features described herein are applicable to all aspects of the invention described herein and vice versa. It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications are covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A comb for use in cutting hair, the comb comprising a first element and a second element, wherein the first element comprises a first handle coupled to a first set of teeth by way of a first spine and the second element comprises a second handle coupled to a second set of teeth by way of a second spine; wherein the first and second elements are configured to be moveable relative to one another; wherein the first set of teeth extend longitudinally in a first plane, edge teeth of the first set of teeth defining the longitudinal boundary edges of the first plane, wherein the first handle is offset such that it extends outside of one of the longitudinal boundary edges of the first plane.

2. A comb according to claim 1 wherein the first and second handles are inclined relative to the first plane.

3. A comb according to claim 2 wherein the handle incline relative to the first plane is between 90° and 120°.

4. A comb according to any preceding claim wherein movement of the first and second elements relative to one another is a pivotal movement.

5. A comb according to any preceding claim wherein a pivot means is provided within the first and second spines.

6. A comb according to any preceding claim further comprising a biasing means for urging each set of teeth towards one another.

7. A comb according to claim 6 wherein the biasing means is provided within the first and second spines.

8. A comb according to either claim 6 or 7 wherein the biasing means comprises a torsion spring.

9. A comb according to any preceding claim wherein an edge of a tooth at a coupling point with the spine is spaced from an edge of an adjacent tooth by a distance of in the range of about 1cm to about 3cm .

10. A comb according to any preceding claim wherein the first set of teeth and / or the second set of teeth comprise in the range of about aa to bb teeth11. A comb according to any preceding claim wherein the first handle further comprises at least one protrusion.5 12. A comb according to any preceding claim wherein the first set of teeth areconfigured to project into a common plane with the second set of teeth.

13. A comb for use in cutting hair, the comb comprising a first element and a second element, wherein the first element comprises a first handle coupled to a first set of teeth by way of a first spine and the second element comprises a second io handle coupled to a second set of teeth by way of a second spine; wherein the first element is biased towards the second element and wherein facing surfaces of the first and second sets of teeth having a matching profile.

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