Hair clipper guard arm retainer

Abstract

An arm retainer for hair clipper guards comprises an elongate body configured to attach to a user's forearm. The body includes a series of docks along its length, each designed to simultaneously engage a respective hair clipper guard. This configuration allows for efficient storage and access to multiple clipper guards, enhancing the convenience and efficiency of grooming tasks. The retainer can be easily attached to the forearm, providing a stable and secure means to carry and switch between various clipper guard sizes. The design ensures that clipper guards are readily accessible, reducing time and effort during use.

Description

Hair Clipper Guard Arm RetainerField of the Invention

[0001] This disclosure relates to personal grooming devices and accessories, specifically to a retainer for hair clipper guards that is attachable to a user's forearm. The retainer is designed to store and provide quick access to multiple clipper guards, facilitating efficient use and organization during hair-cutting and grooming activities.Background of the Invention

[0002] A hair clipper guard is an attachment or comb-like accessory that fits onto the blade of a hair clipper. It determines the length of hair that remains after trimming by guiding the clipper at a consistent distance from the scalp. Clipper guards come in various sizes, each corresponding to a specific hair length, allowing for customizable haircuts without using the bare blade directly on the scalp.

[0003] Switching between different sized hair clipper guards during haircutting is required to ensure a uniform length and even haircut and to avoid uneven patches or noticeable lines in the hair.

[0004] However, interchanging different sized hair clipper guards during hair cutting can present challenges wherein fumbling with guards can disrupt the flow of the haircut, leading to inconsistencies and potential discomfort for the client and cause delay.

[0005] The present invention seeks to provide a way to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[0006] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.Summary of the Disclosure

[0007] The present invention relates to a hair clipper guard arm retainer comprising an elongate body configured to attach to a user’s forearm. The body features a plurality of docks arranged along its length, each designed to engage simultaneouslywith a respective hair clipper guard. This configuration allows for efficient storage and access to multiple clipper guards, enhancing usability and convenience during grooming tasks.

[0008] In one embodiment, the body is monolithic, meaning it is crafted from a single piece of material. This construction approach enhances the retainer’s structural integrity and durability, ensuring longevity under regular use. The distal ends of the body may be configured to securely attach to the user's forearm, providing stability and ease of use. Each end of the body might include a channel designed to accommodate a retention strap. These channels could feature a rectangular crosssection across the body, facilitating straightforward and secure attachment of the retention strap.

[0009] Optionally, the retention strap may include hook-and-loop fasteners for easy adjustment and secure fitment. Each channel may also be designed to longitudinally overlap with a respective dock, thereby minimising the overall length of the body and contributing to a more compact design.

[0010] The docks are preferably configured to magnetically attach to the hair clipper guards. This feature facilitates quick attachment and detachment of the guards, enhancing operational efficiency. The docks may comprise magnet retainers that hold magnetic pieces, which in some embodiments are permanent magnets. Alternatively, these magnetic pieces could be ferrous, allowing for flexible material choices and potentially reducing manufacturing costs. The docks might also feature magnetic pieces retained within the retainers, with the retainers designed to recess the magnetic pieces upon installation, providing a flush and unobtrusive interface.

[0011] In another embodiment, each dock could include a pair of magnet retainers intended for holding a corresponding pair of magnetic pieces. These retainers may be aligned along the longitudinal axis of the body to ensure optimal magnetic engagement with the clipper guards. The retainer may further include a hair clipper guard equipped with a magnetic piece attached to it, which may be a permanent magnet or ferrous in nature. This configuration allows the clipper guard to align with the retainer’s magnet retainers effectively, ensuring reliable attachment during use.

[0012] Each dock might define an attachment face adjacent to the magnet retainers, and this face is preferably planar to provide a stable resting surface for the clipper guards. In some configurations, the dock defines a horizontal attachment face that is parallel to the body’s undersurface. This orientation can present rear edges of clipper guards for gripping.

[0013] The body of the retainer may have a cross-section defining a major portion that forms the attachment face and an adjacent minor shelf portion extending across the body’s width. This design can provide torsional resistance against the prying of clipper guards from the attachment faces, enhancing the retainer's overall stability. Each dock may feature a single central magnetic retainer recessed in a triangularshaped recess, with the recess helping to define a surrounding planar attachment face that secures the guards in place.

[0014] In another embodiment, the retainer may include dividing formations between the docks, where the dividing formations comprise a planar wall extending to an apex away from a proximal edge of the body. These formations aid in the alignment and separation of the clipper guards, ensuring precise and organized storage.

[0015] Additionally, diminutive side formations may be incorporated, which are shorter in height and narrower in width compared to the central dividing formations. These formations can assist in guiding the clipper guards into position without obstructing access. Furthermore, the attachment face might include chevron formations to indicate the direction of insertion, offering visual cues for the user and promoting quick and accurate placement of the guards.

[0016] The method of using the hair clipper guard arm retainer involves attaching the body of the retainer to a forearm and engaging a plurality of hair clipper guards of different sizes in the respective docks. The retainer can be secured to the forearm using the retention straps threaded through the channels and tightened to fit snugly. The user can then attach the clipper guards to the docks, allowing for easy access and quick switching between different guard sizes during grooming tasks.

[0017] Through these features, the hair clipper guard arm retainer offers numerous technical advantages, including enhanced ease of use, improved accessibility, andreliable attachment of clipper guards. The design facilitates efficient workflow and enhances the user experience during grooming tasks, making it an invaluable tool for both professional and personal use.

[0018] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0020] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of hair clipper guard arm retainer in accordance with a first embodiment;

[0021] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the retainer according to the first embodiment;

[0022] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the hair clipper guard arm retainer in accordance with a second embodiment;

[0023] Figure 4 shows a top view of the arm retainer according to the second embodiment;

[0024] Figure 5 shows a bottom view of the arm retainer according to the second embodiment;

[0025] Figure 6 shows a side view of the arm retainer according to the second embodiment;

[0026] figure 7 shows a perspective view of the arm retainer according to a set embodiment;

[0027] Figure 8 shows a bottom view of the arm retainer according to the third embodiment;

[0028] Figure 9 shows a top view of the arm retainer according to the third embodiment;

[0029] Figure 10 shows a side view of the arm retainer according to the third embodiment; and

[0030] Figure 1 1 shows exemplary use of the arm retainer.Description of Embodiments

[0031] Figure 1 illustrates an arm retainer 100 designed to hold a plurality of hair clipper guards 109 during use. The retainer 100 features an elongate body 101 configured to attach to a user’s forearm, as shown in Figure 11 , preferably positioned across the top or underneath the forearm. The retainer 100 may be installed up to the wrist without extending across it to avoid restricting hand movement. The body 101 defines a series of docks 102 along its length, each designed to securely engage a corresponding hair clipper guard 109 during use.

[0032] Preferably, the body 101 is monolithic, meaning it is made from a single piece of material, such as plastic, through injection moulding. The distal ends of the body 101 may be designed to attach to the user’s forearm. In the illustrated embodiment, each end of the body 101 includes a channel 103 through which a retention strap 1 10 or similar fastening means can be engaged. The retention strap 1 10 may be adjustable with buckles or hook-and-loop fasteners for size adjustment and tensioning. Alternatively, the retention straps 1 10 may be elasticated. Each channel 103 may be rectangular in cross-section and may overlap with an adjacent dock 102 to minimize the length of the body 101 .

[0033] The docks 102 are preferably configured to magnetically attach the hair clipper guards 109. Each dock 102 includes a magnet retainer 104 designed to hold a permanent magnet 1 1 1 . In the embodiment shown, the magnet retainer 104 is recessed and circular to accommodate a button-style permanent magnet 1 1 1.

[0034] In the embodiment depicted in Figure 1 , each dock 102 comprises a pair of magnetic retainers 104 aligned along the longitudinal axis of the body 101 . This arrangement allows the magnetic retainers 104 to securely attach to the sides of the hair clipper guard 109. The magnets 1 1 1 may attract an existing metal plate 1 12 on the backside of the clipper guard 109, eliminating the need for modifications to the clipper guard 109. However, in some embodiments, magnetically attractable pieces may be affixed to the clipper guard 109, preferably on a backside surface to avoid interference with the machine cutting head engagement. These pieces may be glued onto the clipper guard 109. In one embodiment, these pieces are permanent magnetsof opposite polarity to those on the retainer 100. In alternative embodiments, the pieces may be ferrous, allowing them to be attracted by the permanent magnets of the body 101 .

[0035] Each dock 102 features an attachment face 105 adjacent to the magnet retainers 104. In the depicted embodiments, the attachment face 105 is substantially planar to lie flat against the underside of the hair clipper guard 109. The attachment face 105 may be angled away from the far edge of the retainer 100 to present the hair clipper guards 109 towards the user, as shown in Figure 1 1 .

[0036] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment where the retainer 100 includes dividing formations 106 between the docks 102. These formations 106 physically separate the docks 102 and assist in the alignment of the clipper guard 109 when placed in a respective dock 102. In the embodiment of Figure 3, the retainer 100 has three dividing formations 106 separating four docks 102. The dividing formation 106 may take the form of a planar wall, rising to an apex 107 away from a proximal edge 108 of the body 101 , as shown in Figure 7.

[0037] Referring to Figure 2, the body 101 may have a cross-section defining a major portion 1 13 that forms the attachment face 105 and an adjacent minor shelf portion 1 14 that extends the width of the body 101 , providing torsional resistance against prying of the clipper guards 109 from the attachment faces. While the embodiment in Figure 1 features a pair of adjacent magnetic retainers 104, the embodiment in Figure 3 includes a single central magnetic retainer 104 recessed in a triangular-shaped recess 1 15 that defines the surrounding planar attachment face 105.

[0038] Figure 3 also shows the retainer 100 with diminutive side formations 106B, which are smaller than the centrally located dividing formations 106A. These side formations guide the hair clipper guard 109 centrally with respect to the magnet retainer 104 at the ends of the retainer 100 but do not present substantive obstruction. As evident from Figures 3 and 6, these diminutive side formations 106B are both shorter in height and narrower in width compared to the central dividing formations106A.

[0039] Figure 7 presents an embodiment similar to Figure 1 , with a horizontal attachment face 105 (i.e., parallel to an undersurface 1 16 of the body 101 ). The attachment face 105 may include chevron formations 1 17 to indicate the direction of insertion. In this embodiment, the magnetic retainers 104 are shallower than those in Figure 1 and are entirely surrounded by the attachment face 105. Each magnetic retainer 104 is semi-enclosed by a raised edge 1 18 on the outer side (i.e., away from the user). Additionally, the shelf 1 14 defines a recess 1 19 leading into the channel 103.

[0040] To utilise the retainer 100, the body 101 is attached to a forearm, as shown in Figure 1 1 . For instance, the retainer 100 may be attached to the left arm. Attachment may involves inserting hook-and-loop straps 1 10 through the channels 103 and tightening the straps around the forearm. The retainer 100 can be positioned on the undersurface of the forearm, so the docks 102 face the user when the palm is oriented toward the user, or alternatively, across the top of the forearm.

[0041] A plurality of hair clipper guards 109 of different sizes are attached to their respective docks 102, ready for use. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 1 , the retainer 100 holds, in order from left to right, a1 / 2-sized hair clipper guard 109A, a 1 - sized hair clipper guard 109B, a 11 / 2-sized hair clipper guard 109C, and an 8-sized clipper guard 109D. As mentioned earlier, button-style magnets may be glued to the rear surfaces of each hair clipper guard 109, with corresponding button-style magnets 1 1 1 recessed within the magnet retainers 104. Alternatively, the magnets 1 1 1 may attract an existing metal plate 1 12 on the clipper guard 109.

[0042] Thus, each hair clipper guard 109 can be magnetically engaged by a respective dock 102. The magnetic attraction prevents dislodgement of the hair clipper guards 109 while allowing them to be easily removed from their respective docks 102. In embodiments where the retainer 100 includes dividing formations, the dividing formations 106 help guide the alignment of the hair clipper guards 109 to their respective docks 102.

[0043] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it willbe apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims1 . A hair clipper guard arm retainer comprising an elongate body configured to attach to a user’s forearm in use, having a plurality of docks therealong configured to engage a respective plurality of hair clipper guards along the elongate body.

2. The retainer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the body is monolithic.

3. The retainer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein distal ends of the body are configured to attach to the user’s forearm in use.

4. The retainer as claimed in claim 3, wherein each end of the body comprises a channel therethrough configured to engage a retention strap.

5. The retainer as claimed in claim 4, wherein each channel has a rectangular crosssection across the body.

6. The retainer as claimed in claim 4, further comprising the retention strap, wherein the retention strap comprises hook-and-loop fasteners.

7. The retainer as claimed in claim 4, wherein each channel longitudinally overlaps with a respective adjacent dock.

8. The retainer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the docks are configured to magnetically attach to the hair clipper guards in use.

9. The retainer as claimed in claim 8, wherein the docks comprise magnet retainers for magnetic pieces.

10. The retainer as claimed in claim 9, wherein the magnetic pieces are permanent magnets.1 1 . The retainer as claimed in claim 9, wherein the magnetic pieces are ferrous.

12. The retainer as claimed in claim 9, wherein the dock further comprises the magnetic pieces retained within respective retainers.

13. The retainer as claimed in claim 12, wherein the magnet retainers are configured to recess the magnetic pieces when the magnetic pieces are installed therein.

14. The retainer as claimed in claim 9, wherein each dock comprises a pair of magnet retainers for a respective pair of magnetic pieces.

15. The retainer as claimed in claim 14, wherein the pair of magnet retainers are oriented along the longitudinal axis of the body.

16. The retainer as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a hair clipper guard comprising a magnetic piece attached thereto.

17. The retainer as claimed in claim 16, wherein the magnetic piece comprises a permanent magnet.

18. The retainer as claimed in claim 16, wherein the magnetic piece is ferrous.

19. The retainer as claimed in claim 16, wherein the hair clipper guard comprises a pair of magnetic pieces attached thereto, which are configured to align with respective magnet retainers of the body of the retainer in use.

20. The retainer as claimed in claim 16, wherein the magnetic piece is attached to a rear surface of the hair clipper guard.21 . The retainer as claimed in claim 9, wherein each dock defines an attachment face adjacent to the magnet retainers.

22. The retainer as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the attachment face is planar.

23. The retainer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each dock defines an attachment face angled away from a rear edge of the body.

24. The retainer as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising dividing formations between the docks.

25. The retainer as claimed in claim 24, wherein the dividing formation comprises a planar wall.

26. The retainer as claimed in claim 25, wherein the planar wall extends to an apex away from a proximal edge of the body.

27. The retainer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the body has a cross-section defining a major portion forming an attachment face and an adjacent minor shelf portion extending the width of the body.

28. The retainer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each dock comprises a single central magnetic retainer recessed in a triangular-shaped recess that defines the surrounding planar attachment face.

29. The retainer as claimed in claim 24, further comprising diminutive side formations that are smaller in height and width than centrally located dividing formations.

30. The retainer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each dock defines a horizontal attachment face parallel to an undersurface of the body.31 . The retainer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the attachment face includes chevron formations to indicate a direction of insertion.

32. The retainer as claimed in claim 9, wherein the magnetic retainers are entirely surrounded by the attachment face.

33. A method involving the hair clipper guard retainer as claimed in claim 1 , comprising attaching the body of the retainer to a forearm and engaging a plurality of hair clipper guards of different sizes in respective docks.

Images