Hair Cutting System

Abstract

There is provided a hair-cutting system 100, comprising a hair-cutting device 120 having one or more pairs of cutting blades 124 for cutting hair, a comb disposed in front of the cutting blades and configured to guide hair towards the cutting blades, and a hair collector 160 having a hair chamber 168 for receiving hair cut by the hair-cutting device, the hair collector having a coupling portion 170 configured to couple the hair collector to the hair-cutting device. A hair collector for the hair-cutting system is also provided.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair-cutting system, and in particular, but not exclusively, to a hair-cutting system that improves capture of cut hair. [Background technology]

[0002] During hair trimming, cut hairs may typically fall from the hair-cutting device onto and around the person whose hair is being cut, which can be annoying for both the person cutting the hair and the person whose hair is being cut. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Cleaning the hair after cutting requires time and effort. Furthermore, cut hairs that fall onto the skin, for example, of the neck, face, back, arms, and / or hands during hair cutting, can cause itching and irritation, which can make the hair cutting process unpleasant.

[0004] When a child is having their hair cut it is particularly desirable for the hair cutting process to be made as comfortable as possible, as cutting hair on a child's skin can cause itching and irritation which can increase anxiety for the person cutting the hair and lead to a poor outcome of the hair cutting.

[0005] International Patent Application Publication WO2017 / 084897A1 discloses a hair clipping system including a hair clipper, a spacing comb, and a hair collection container, the hair collection container being arranged to be disposed between the comb and the clipper.

[0006] International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2017 / 021202 A1 discloses a hair clipping system including a hair clipper, a spacing comb, and a hair collection receptacle arranged for attachment to the comb such that, in the attached state, the hair collection receptacle extends between the comb and the clippers, as well as behind the comb.

[0007] French patent application FR 2 809 049 A1 discloses a hair clipping device having an air blowing device for blowing severed hair particles into a receiving container at certain intervals of the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hair-cutting system comprising a hair-cutting device having one or more pairs of cutting blades for cutting hair, a comb arranged in front of the cutting blades, for example in the direction of movement (cutting direction) of the hair-cutting device, and configured to guide hair towards the cutting blades, and a hair collector having a hair chamber for receiving hair cut by the hair-cutting device, the hair collector having a coupling portion configured to couple the hair collector to the hair-cutting device.

[0009] The comb and hair collector are configured such that when the hair-cutting system is assembled, a portion of the comb (eg, a distal portion of the comb) is disposed within the hair chamber.

[0010] A wall of the hair chamber, e.g. a front wall of the hair chamber, may extend, e.g. above and forward in the cutting direction, e.g. from the hair-cutting device, to a distal end of the comb, e.g. the end of the comb furthest along the comb from the hair-cutting device.

[0011] A wall of the hair chamber, e.g., a front wall of the hair chamber, may include an opening. The comb may be configured, e.g., such that a distal end of the comb extends into or through the opening when the hair-cutting system is assembled.

[0012] The opening of the hair chamber for receiving the hair may be substantially covered by a comb or a cutting blade and a comb, for example so that the hair exiting the hair chamber passes through the cutting blade or comb.

[0013] The comb may have multiple tines, which may be spaced across the comb, for example perpendicular to the cutting direction. The spacing between the tines may be, for example, about 3.8 mm to restrict hairs from leaving the bristle chamber between the tines. The spacing between the tines may be 6.8 mm or less, 6 mm or less, 5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, 3 mm or less. The spacing between the tines may be 1 mm or more, 2 mm or more, or 3 mm or more.

[0014] The spacing between the tines may be between about 3.8 mm and about 6.8 mm, e.g., less than 6.8 mm and greater than 3.8 mm. In some configurations, the spacing between the tines may be between about 1 mm and 6.8 mm, e.g., greater than 1 mm and less than 6.8 mm. Alternatively, the spacing between the tines may be between about 1 mm and 3.8 mm, e.g., greater than 1 mm and less than 3.8 mm.

[0015] The hair collector may have a base wall configured to engage or align with a surface of a body of the hair-cutting device when the hair collector is coupled to the hair-cutting device, and a free end of the base wall may at least partially define an opening to the hair chamber.

[0016] The hair-cutting device may have a recess configured to receive at least a portion of the base wall of the hair collector.

[0017] The inside, e.g., inner surface, of the base wall may be oriented substantially perpendicular at the free end, e.g., the opening of the hair collector, to a hair-cutting surface of the hair-cutting device, e.g. the plane in which hair is cut by a cutting blade of the hair-cutting device. The inner surface of the base wall may be substantially aligned with a surface of the body of the hair-cutting device away from the free end. The base wall may have a corner portion where the orientation of the inner surface of the base wall changes.

[0018] The base wall may have a curved wall portion, and the orientation of the base wall, e.g. the inner surface of the base wall, may transition over the curved wall portion from being substantially perpendicular to the hair-cutting plane at the end to being substantially aligned with a surface of the body of the hair-cutting device away from the free end.

[0019] The base wall may have a sloped portion extending from the free end, for example into the bristle chamber. The sloped portion may define a hair flow plane that is substantially perpendicular to the hair cutting surface of the cutting blade. The thickness of the base wall may vary across the sloped portion, from an end thickness at the free end to a wall thickness away from the free end. The end thickness may be less than the wall thickness.

[0020] The base wall may have a wall portion opposite the free end of the angled portion, The wall portion may be substantially aligned with or engaged with a surface of the body of the hair-cutting device.

[0021] The wall portion may be at a smaller angle to the hair cutting plane, for example less perpendicular to the hair cutting plane compared to the hair flow plane.

[0022] In other words, the base wall of the hair collector may have a first angled portion adjacent the free end and a second angled portion opposite the first angled portion relative to the edge, and the first angled portion, e.g., an inner surface of the first angled portion, may be more angled relative to the hair-cutting surface of the hair-cutting device than the second angled portion. In other words, the first angled portion may be more perpendicular to the hair-cutting surface than the second angled portion.

[0023] The cutting blade of the hair-cutting device may extend from the distal end of the body of the hair-cutting device. The free end of the base wall may be substantially aligned with the distal end of the body of the hair-cutting device, e.g. adjacent the cutting blade. Thus, the opening of the hair chamber may be substantially aligned with the distal end of the body of the hair-cutting device. The hair chamber may be surrounded on three or more sides of the chamber at the opening.

[0024] The comb may define a comb surface that is held against the skin of a user when operating the hair-cutting system. The comb surface may be selectively offset from the cutting blades by a hair-cutting length such that the length of hair cut by the hair-cutting system is determined according to the hair-cutting length.

[0025] The comb may be movable relative to the cutting blades, e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the cutting direction of the hair-cutting device, to vary the length of hairs cut by the hair-cutting system. The comb and hair collector may be configured such that the gap between the distal end of the comb and the inner surface of the hair chamber is substantially constant as the comb moves. Alternatively, the gap between the distal end of the comb and the inner surface of the hair chamber may vary, e.g., within a range of gap values, as the comb moves.

[0026] The hair collector may further include a hair retaining wall between the closed end of the hair chamber and the opening of the hair chamber. The hair retaining wall may extend from the base wall into the hair chamber.

[0027] The hair retaining wall may extend away from the base wall in a direction substantially perpendicular to the hair-cutting surface of the cutting blade, or in a cutting direction of the hair-cutting device.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hair collector for the hair-cutting system described above, the hair collector having a hair chamber for receiving hair cut by the hair-cutting device, and a coupling portion configured to couple the hair collector to the hair-cutting device such that a distal portion of the comb is disposed within the hair chamber.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hair collector for the hair-cutting system described above, the hair collector comprising a hair chamber for receiving hair cut by the hair-cutting device and a coupling portion configured to couple the hair collector to the hair-cutting device, wherein a portion of the comb is disposed within the hair chamber when the hair-cutting system is assembled.

[0030] To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition in the text herein, certain features are described in relation to only one or a few aspects or embodiments of the invention, however, it will be understood that, where technically possible, a feature described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention.

[0031] For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a previously proposed hair-cutting system in a first hair-cutting configuration. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of a previously proposed hair-cutting system in a second hair-cutting configuration. [Figure 3(a)] 1 is a perspective view of a hair-cutting system according to an arrangement of the present invention in a disassembled state; [Figure 3(b)] 1 is a perspective view of a hair-cutting system according to an arrangement of the present invention in an assembled state; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the hair-cutting system in a first hair-cutting configuration. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the hair-cutting system in a second hair-cutting configuration. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front view of a hair-cutting system according to an arrangement of the present invention with hidden details of the comb. [Figure 7] 1 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a hair-cutting system according to another configuration of the present invention; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a hair-cutting system. [Figure 9] 1 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a hair-cutting system according to another configuration of the present invention; [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a hair-cutting system according to another configuration of the present invention in a disassembled state; [Figure 11] 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a hair-cutting system according to another configuration of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a previously proposed hair-cutting system 2 includes a hair-cutting device 40, a comb 60 configured to guide hair towards the cutting blade 42 of the hair-cutting device 40 to be cut, and a hair collector 80 for receiving and storing hair cut by the hair-cutting device 40.

[0034] The hair-cutting device 40 has a body 44 that includes a gripping portion 46 that is held by a user when the hair-cutting system is in use. The cutting blade 42 may protrude from a distal end 44a of the body 44.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the hair-cutting system 2 is adjustable such that the position of the comb surface 62 of the comb 60 can be adjusted relative to the body 44 and cutting blades 42 of the hair-cutting device 40 .

[0036] In use, the comb surface 62 is held against the skin of the person whose hair is being cut, and the hair-cutting system 2 is moved over the person's skin in a cutting direction C to cut the person's hair.

[0037] The length of the hair cut by the hair-cutting system 2 is controlled by adjusting the distance between the comb surface 62 of the comb 60 and the cutting blade 42 of the hair-cutting device 40 .

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, hair collector 80 is coupled to comb 60 such that hair collector 80 moves with comb 60 as the position of comb surface 62 is adjusted.

[0039] The hair collector 80 has a number of walls 82, 84, 86 that define a collection chamber 88 for receiving cut hair. In particular, the hair collector 80 has a base wall 82 disposed adjacent the body of the hair-cutting device, a front wall 84 opposite the base wall 82, and two or more side walls 86 between the base wall 82 and the front wall 84. An opening 89 in the hair collection chamber 88 is defined by free ends 82a, 84a, 86a of the walls of the hair collectors 82, 84, 86.

[0040] As shown, when the hair collector 80 is coupled to the comb 60, a portion of the comb 60 is disposed over an opening 89 in the hair collection chamber 88 and acts to restrict the exit of hair from the hair collection chamber 88. Because the hair collector 80 is coupled to the comb and moves with the comb 60, the comb 60 continues to restrict the exit of hair from the hair collection chamber 88 as the hair cut length is adjusted.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, the free end 82a of the base wall 82, which partially forms the opening 89 of the hair collection chamber 88, is offset from the distal end 44a of the body 44 of the hair-cutting device, e.g., away from the comb face 62, so that the base wall 82 does not interfere with the cutting blade 42 of the hair-cutting device when the comb 60 is moved away from the hair-cutting device 40 to adjust the hair-cut length, e.g., as shown in FIG. 2.

[0042] Because the free end 82a of the base wall is offset from the distal end 44a of the body 44, a gap 90 may exist between the body 44 of the hair-cutting device 40 and the side wall 86 of the hair collector 80, which may allow hair to fall out of the hair collection chamber 88, especially when the distance between the comb surface 62 and the cutting blade 42 is at a minimum and the distance between the cutting blade 42 and the free end 82a of the base wall is at a maximum as shown in FIG. 1.

[0043] 3a and 3b, a hair-cutting system 100 according to an aspect of the present invention includes a hair-cutting device 120, a comb 140, and a hair collector 160.

[0044] The hair-cutting device 120 may be similar to the hair-cutting device 40 and the features described above with reference to the hair-cutting device 40 may equally apply to the hair-cutting device 120.

[0045] The hair-cutting device 120 has a body 122 having a gripping portion 123 and a cutting blade 124 for cutting hair. As shown, the cutting blade 124 may protrude from a distal end 122a of the body 122. The hair-cutting device 120 may further include one or more coupling portions 128 configured to allow a hair collector 160 to be coupled to the hair-cutting device 120, as described below.

[0046] In the illustrated configuration, the cutting blade 124 has a pair of blades including a movable blade and a fixed blade (which may be referred to as a comb or guard blade). The movable blade and the fixed blade each include a plurality of teeth, the teeth of the fixed blade corresponding to the teeth of the movable blade. The movable blade is driven by a motor of the hair-cutting device to perform a reciprocating, oscillating, or rotating motion relative to the fixed blade to open and close a gap between the corresponding teeth of the movable blade and the fixed blade, respectively. When the gap is open, hair can be received between the teeth, and when the gap is closed, the hair is cut. In some configurations, the teeth of both the movable blade and the fixed blade may include sharpened ends. Alternatively, the teeth of the movable blade or the fixed blade may not be sharpened, and the hair may be cut by the sharpened blade acting over the blunt end of the unsharpened blade. The cutting blade 124 is arranged to cut the hair at a cutting surface 126 defined by the cutting blade. The present invention may also be applied to hair-cutting devices having different arrangements of cutting blades or other cutting elements for cutting human hair.

[0047] The comb 140 has a plurality of tines 142 spaced laterally across the comb 140, e.g., parallel to the cutting surface 126 and perpendicular to the cutting direction C, and the tines 142 are shaped and positioned to lift hair from the skin and guide the hair towards the cutting blades 124 as the hair-cutting system 100 moves in the cutting direction C, so that, for example, the hair can be more easily received in the gap between the movable blade and the fixed blade.

[0048] The comb 140 defines a comb surface 144 that is placed against the skin of a person whose hair is being cut when the hair-cutting system 100 is being used. As mentioned above, the length at which hair is cut by the hair-cutting system is determined according to the distance between the comb surface 144 and the cutting blade 124.

[0049] The comb 140 includes a coupling portion 146 configured to movably couple the comb 140 to the hair-cutting device 120 to allow the comb 140 to be moved relative to the hair-cutting device to adjust the hair-cutting length. The comb 140 may be movable relative to the hair-cutting device 120 between a retracted position as depicted in FIG. 4 and an extended position as depicted in FIG.

[0050] The tines 142 may include first portions 142a extending from the coupling portion 146 in the cutting direction C, and the first portions 142a of the tines may define at least a portion of the comb surface 144, e.g., the underside of the first portions 142a. The tines 142 may also include second portions 142b extending from each first tine portion 142a to the distal end 140a of the comb 140. As shown, the second portions 142b of the tines may extend in a direction having a perpendicular component to the comb surface 144, e.g., away from the comb surface. For example, the second portions 142b of the tines may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the comb surface 144.

[0051] The second portion 142b of the tines may support the hair lifted from the skin as the hair is guided towards the cutting blade 124. Additionally, the second portion 142b of the tines may limit the hair from falling out of the hair collector 160, as described below.

[0052] As shown, the comb 140 may further include a connecting bar 148 disposed at a distal end 140a of the comb 140. The connecting bar 148 may extend in the left-right direction of the comb shape. The connecting bar 148 may extend between two or more tines 142 to connect the tines to one another.

[0053] The hair collector 160 has a base wall 162 that is disposed adjacent to the body 122 of the hair-cutting device 120 when the hair-cutting system 100 is assembled. The hair collector 160 further has a front wall 164 opposite the base wall 162, and two or more side walls 166 between the base wall 162 and the front wall 164. The walls 162, 164, 166 together define a collection chamber 168 for receiving hair cut by the hair-cutting device 120.

[0054] An opening 169 in the hair collection chamber 168 is defined by the free ends 162a, 164a, 166a of the hair collector walls. When the hair-cutting system 100 is assembled, the opening 169 is positioned such that hairs cut by the hair-cutting device reach the opening 169 in the hair chamber. The opening 169 may be located adjacent to the cutting blade 124. The opening 169 may be defined on the opposite side of the cutting surface 126 to the comb surface 144.

[0055] 3a and 3b, the hair collector 160 further comprises one or more coupling portions 170 configured to couple to the hair-cutting device 120. The hair collector 160 may have a coupling portion 170 disposed on each side of the hair collector 160. The coupling portion 170 may extend from the sidewall 166 of the hair collector 160, for example, on each side of the hair collector 160.

[0056] The coupling portions 128 of the hair-cutting device 120 may be configured to couple with respective coupling portions 170 of the hair collector 160. The coupling portions 170 of the hair collector 160 and the corresponding coupling portions 128 of the hair-cutting device 120 may be connectable using mechanical coupling methods such as clips, snap connectors, buttons or straps, or any other mechanical coupling methods.

[0057] Additionally or alternatively, the coupling portion 170 of the hair collector 160 and the corresponding coupling portion 128 of the hair-cutting device 120 may be capable of coupling using any other coupling method. For example, one or both of the coupling portion 170 and the corresponding coupling portion 128 may comprise a magnet, and the hair collector 160 may be configured to couple to the hair-cutting device using a magnet.

[0058] 4 and 5, the hair collector 160 is coupled to the hair-cutting device 120 so that the opening 169 of the hair collection chamber 168 remains in the same position relative to the cutting blade 124 of the hair-cutting device 120 when the position of the comb 140 relative to the hair-cutting device 120 is changed, for example to adjust the hair cut length. The free end 162a of the base wall is substantially aligned with the distal end of the body of the hair-cutting device, so that the opening 169 remains stationary relative to the cutting blade 124, for example adjacent to the cutting blade 124, when the comb 140 moves relative to the hair-cutting device 120. Furthermore, because the base wall 162 of the hair collector extends to the distal end of the hair-cutting device, no gap exists between the base wall 162 and the side wall 166 of the hair collector 160 adjacent to the cutting blade 124.

[0059] When the hair collector 160 is coupled to the hair-cutting device 120, a portion of the comb 140 is disposed within the hair collection chamber 168. In the illustrated configuration, a distal end 140a of the comb 140, e.g., a portion of the connecting bar 148 and the second portion of the tines 142b, is disposed within the hair collection chamber 168. The comb 140 and the hair collector 160 are configured together to act to restrict the comb 140 from exiting the hair collection chamber 168.

[0060] The opening 169 may be substantially covered by a comb, such as the tines 142 , so that cut hair passes through the comb to exit the hair collection chamber 168 through the opening 169 .

[0061] As shown in FIG. 6, the spacing S between the tines 142 may be selected to improve retention of hair in the hair collection chamber by the tines 142, for example, by restricting the flow of hair between the tines 142. As shown, the spacing between the tines may be 6.8 mm or less, 6 mm or less, 5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, mm or less. The spacing between the tines may be 1 mm or more, 2 mm or more, or 3 mm or more. For example, the spacing between the tines 142 may be about 3.8 mm. In other configurations, the spacing between the tines 142 may be between about 6.8 mm and about 1 mm.

[0062] Returning to Figures 4 and 5, the front wall 164 of the hair collector 160 extends from the base wall 162 above and forward of the distal end 140a of the comb 140, e.g., in the cutting direction C, and the front wall 164 is shaped such that the gap 150 between the distal end 140a of the comb 140, e.g., the connecting bar 148, and the front wall 164 of the hair collector remains substantially constant as the comb 140 moves relative to the hair-cutting device 120, e.g., between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0063] In other configurations, the front wall 164 may be shaped such that the gap 150 varies, for example, within a range of gap values, as the comb 140 moves relative to the hair-cutting device 120. The maximum gap value of the range may be selected such that cut hairs are restricted from passing between the distal end 140a of the comb and the front wall 164 when the gap 150 is at its maximum value. The minimum gap value of the range may be selected to prevent interference with the front wall 164 as the comb moves. Alternatively, the minimum gap value may be, for example, about 0 mm, such that the distal end of the comb contacts the front wall 164 when the gap 150 is at its minimum value.

[0064] The front wall 164 of the hair collector 160 may be shaped such that the front wall 164 extends above and in front of the distal end 140a of the comb 140 when the comb 140 is in the retracted and extended positions, for example, for all hair-cutting lengths. In this way, the comb 140 continues to cover the opening 169 of the hair collector 160 for all hair-cutting lengths.

[0065] 7, in an alternative configuration, the front wall 164 of the hair collector may include an opening 700, and when the hair collector 160 is coupled to the hair-cutting device 120, the distal end 140a of the comb 140 may extend into or through the opening 700. Thus, there may not be a gap between the front wall 164 and the comb 140, e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the inner surface of the front wall 164, through which hair may exit the collection chamber 168.

[0066] In such a configuration, the length of the tines 142, e.g., the second portion 142b of the tines, may be selected such that the tines 142 and / or the connecting bar 148 extend into or through the opening 700 when the comb 140 is in the retracted and extended positions, e.g., for all hair-cutting lengths.

[0067] 8, a sloped portion 162b of the base wall 162 may be formed adjacent the free end 162a of the base wall 162. The sloped portion 162b may include a portion of the base wall 162 where the wall thickness tapers away from the free end 162a to an edge thickness at the base wall's free end 162a. The edge thickness may be less than the wall thickness.

[0068] The inner surface 162d of the angled portion 162b of the base wall 162 may be referred to as a hair flow surface and may be substantially perpendicular to the cutting surface 126 and / or the comb surface 144. By arranging the inner surface 162d of the angled portion 162b in this manner, hair flow into the hair collection chamber 168 on the base wall 162 is improved.

[0069] The inner surface 162e of the wall portion 162c of the base wall opposite the free end 162a of the inclined portion 162b may be aligned, e.g., substantially parallel, with the outer surface of the body 122 of the hair-cutting device 120, e.g., adjacent the hair collector 160.

[0070] An inner surface 162e of wall portion 162c may be angled relative to an inner surface 162d of angled portion 162b. Base wall 162 may have a corner portion 162f between angled portion 162b and wall portion 162c. The orientation of the inner surface of base wall 162 may change at corner 162f, for example, from the orientation of angled portion inner surface 162d to the orientation of wall portion inner surface 162e. As shown, the orientation of the inner surface of base wall 162 may change discretely or abruptly at corner portion 162f.

[0071] The inner surface 162e of wall portion 162c may be at a smaller angle relative to the hair-cutting surface 126 and / or cutting direction C, and by orienting the inclined portion and the inner surfaces of the wall portion in this manner, both the flow of hair into the chamber and the retention of hair within the chamber may be improved.

[0072] 9, in addition to or as an alternative to the angled portion 162f, the base wall 162 may include a curved wall portion 162g. The orientation of the inner surface of the base wall 162 may transition from being substantially perpendicular to the cutting surface 126 and / or the comb surface 144 at the free end 162a to being substantially parallel, e.g., aligned parallel, to the body 122 of the hair-cutting device 120 away from the free end 162a over the curved wall portion 162g. The curved wall portion 162g may be at least partially formed by the angled portion 162b. Additionally or alternatively, the curved wall portion 162g may be at least partially formed by the wall portion 162c.

[0073] 10, the body 122 of the hair-cutting device 120 may have a recess 122b. The recess 122b may be configured to receive a portion of the hair collector 160 when the hair collector is coupled to the hair-cutting device 120. For example, the base wall 162 of the hair collector 160 may be received in the recess 122b. The depth of the recess 122b may be substantially equal to the thickness, e.g., the maximum thickness, of the base wall 162. In this manner, the inner surface of the base wall 162 may be substantially aligned within the outer surface 122c of the body 122 around the recess 122b. In other words, the inner surface of the base wall 162 may be disposed at a position that would be the outer surface of the body 122 if the recess 122b was not provided in the body 122.

[0074] 11, the hair collector 160 may further include a hair retaining wall 1000. The hair retaining wall 1000 may extend from the base wall 162 into the collection chamber 168. The hair retaining wall 1000 is disposed between the closed end of the collection chamber 168 and the opening 169. The hair retaining wall 1000 may extend across the width of the collection chamber 168, for example, between the side walls 166. A hair gap 1002 may be left between the hair retaining wall 1000 and the front wall 164 of the hair collector 160 to allow hair to move through the hair retaining wall 1000 toward the closed end of the hair collection chamber 168. As shown in FIG. 11, the cut hair may be retained by the wall 1000, for example, between the wall 1000 and the closed end of the hair collection chamber 168.

[0075] As shown, the hair retaining wall 1000 may extend from the base wall 162 in a direction having a component perpendicular to the cutting plane 126, the cutting direction C, and / or the comb plane 144. For example, the hair retaining wall 1000 may extend away from the base wall 162 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the cutting plane 126. When the hair retaining wall 1000 is oriented in this manner, the hair retaining wall 1000 may be particularly effective in retaining hair within the collection chamber 168 when the hair cutting system 100 is being used on a substantially horizontal surface, such as the top of a person's head.

[0076] Although the present invention has been described by way of example with reference to one or more illustrative examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples and that alternative examples may be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A hair cutting system comprising: a hair-cutting device having one or more pairs of cutting blades for cutting hair; a comb disposed in front of the cutting blade and configured to guide hair towards the cutting blade; a hair collector having a hair chamber for receiving hair cut by the hair-cutting device, the hair collector having a coupling portion configured to couple the hair collector to the hair-cutting device; a portion of the comb disposed within the hair chamber when the hair-cutting system is assembled; A hair-cutting system, wherein a wall of the hair chamber has an opening and a distal end of the comb extends through the opening.

2. The hair-cutting system of claim 1 , wherein the walls of the hair chamber extend over and in front of a distal end of the comb.

3. A hair-cutting system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening of the hair chamber for receiving hair is substantially closed by the cutting blade and the comb.

4. 4. A hair-cutting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the comb has a plurality of tines, the spacing between the tines being between 1 mm and 6.8 mm so as to restrict the passage of hair out of the hair chamber between the tines.

5. 5. A hair cutting system according to claim 1, wherein the hair collector has a base wall configured to engage a surface of a body of the hair-cutting device when the hair collector is coupled to the hair-cutting device, and a free end of the base wall at least partially defines an opening of the hair chamber.

6. The hair-cutting system of claim 5 , wherein the hair-cutting device is configured to receive at least a portion of a base wall of the hair collector.

7. 7. A hair-cutting system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein an inner surface of the base wall is oriented substantially perpendicular to a hair-cutting surface of the hair-cutting device at the free end and substantially aligned with a surface of a body of the hair-cutting device at a position away from the free end.

8. 8. The hair-cutting system of claim 7, wherein the base wall has a curved wall portion, the orientation of the base wall transitioning across the curved wall portion from an orientation generally perpendicular to the hair-cutting surface at the free end to an orientation generally aligned with a surface of the body of the hair-cutting device at a position away from the free end.

9. 9. A hair-cutting system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the base wall has an inclined portion extending from the free end, the inclined portion defining a hair flow plane substantially perpendicular to a hair-cutting surface of the cutting blade.

10. A hair-cutting system according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the free end of the base wall is generally aligned with a distal end of a body of the hair-cutting appliance.

11. 11. A hair cutting system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the comb is movable relative to the cutting blade to vary the length of hair cut by the hair cutting system, and the comb and hair collector are configured such that a gap between a distal end of the comb and an inner surface of the hair chamber remains substantially constant during movement of the comb.

12. 12. A hair-cutting system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hair collector further comprises a hair-retaining wall between the closed end of the hair chamber and the opening of the hair chamber.

13. A hair-cutting system according to claim 12 when dependent on claim 5, wherein the hair retaining wall extends away from the base wall in a direction generally perpendicular to a hair-cutting surface of the cutting blade.

Images