Groin and body shaving devices, and related methods of use

Abstract

A groin and body shaving device has: a handle; a motor; and a shaving head that is pivotally connected to the handle and has: a circumferential side wall that forms a perforated shear foil; and a cutter that is internal to the perforated shear foil and connected to be driven by the motor to cut hair that extends in use through the perforated shear foil. A method includes operating the groin and body shaving device to cut hair on a groin and body of a user.

Description

GROIN AND BODY SHAVING DEVICES, AND RELATED METHODS OF USE TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This document relates to groin and body shaving devices, and related methods of use. BACKGROUND

[0002] A conventional handheld hair and body shaving device, such as a pair of clippers, may be used to shave the hair of a user. Certain areas of the body, such as the groin, buttocks, armpits, and joints, are difficult to shave due to highly changing topography inaccessible to a standard set of clippers or shaver. SUMMARY

[0003] A groin and body shaving device is disclosed comprising: a handle; a motor; and a shaving head that is pivotally connected to the handle and has: a circumferential side wall at least part of which forms a perforated shear foil; and a cutter that is internal to the perforated shear foil and connected to be driven by the motor to cut hair that extends in use through the perforated shear foil.

[0004] A method is disclosed comprising operating the groin and body shaving device to cut hair on a groin and body of a user.

[0005] In various embodiments, there may be included any one or more of the following features: Operating further comprises pivoting the shaving head relative to the handle about a range of angular positions. Locking and unlocking the shaving head in an angular position relative to the handle. The shaving head is structured to pivot across one or more of: an angular range of discrete increments relative to the handle; and an infinite angular range relative to the handle. A lock to: angularly lock the shaving head relative to the handle; and angularly unlock the shaving head relative to the handle. The lock comprises one or more of a threaded lock, a ball and socket lock, a collar lock, and a cam lock. The shaving head is connected to pivot about a pivot axis perpendicular to a shaving head axis of the shaving head. The shaving head is connected to pivot between zero and ninety degrees about the pivot axis. The shaving head is connected to pivot between zero and one hundred and eighty degrees about the pivot axis. The shaving head is connected to pivot about the shaving head axis. The shaving head is connected to pivot between zero and three hundred and sixty degrees about the shaving head axis. The shaving head is connected to pivot relative to the handle from a neutral position upon application of a pressure above a predetermined threshold, and to return to the neutral position upon release of the pressure. The circumferential side wall tapers in radial width along a shaving head axis defined by the shaving head toward a terminal tip of the shaving head. The circumferential side wall tapers with decreasing radial width toward the terminal tip of the shaving head along the shaving head axis. The circumferential side wall is frustoconical or conical. The circumferential side wall is one or more of arcuate and bulbous in a direction along the shaving head axis. A taper angle, defined between an interior surface of the circumferential side wall and a plane defined perpendicular to the shaving head axis, is between seventy and ninety degrees. The circumferential side wall has a consistent radial width along a shaving head axis defined by the shaving head toward a terminal tip of the shaving head. The motor may be mounted within the handle. A flexible linkage, such as a drive shaft or other connector that spins or oscillates) may be connected between the motor and the cutter. A battery may be mounted in the handle and connected to power the motor. The motor, linkage, and battery may be located in full or in part outside the handle, such as in theshaving head. The circumferential side wall is reversibly seemed adjacent to the cutter. The circumferential side wall is reversibly seemed adjacent to the cutter by one or more of a cam lock, a threaded connector, a collar lock, a friction fit, an interference fit, a snap fit, or a latch. The shaving head defines an internal haircollecting compartment. The handle is cylindrical. The shaving head defines a base. The shaving head defines a terminal tip. The terminal tip forms a perforated shear tip foil, with a tip cutter internal to the perforated shear tip foil and connected to be driven by the motor to cut hair that extends in use through the perforated shear tip foil. A tip cap is structured to reversibly attach and detach from a terminal tip of the shaving head. The motor is connected to drive the cutter to oscillate or rotate relative to the perforated shear foil. The handle has an axial handle length of ten centimeters or more. The handle has a radial diameter of two centimeters or more. A base of the shaving head has a radial diameter of two centimeters or more. The terminal tip of the shaving head has a radial diameter of 0.2 centimeters or more. The perforated shear foil extends between two hundred and seventy and three hundred and thirty degrees around the circumferential side wall. The perforated shear foil extends between three hundred and thirty and three hundred and sixty degrees around the circumferential side wall. The perforated shear foil has an axial foil length of five centimeters or more. The axial foil length is ten centimeters or more. The perforated shear foil is formed of a plurality of foil shaving units, which may be parallel one another, arrayed at least partially about a shaving head axis defined by the shaving head toward a terminal tip of the shaving head.

[0006] These and other aspects of the device and method are set out in the claims, which are incorporated here by reference.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0007] Embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures, in which like reference characters denote like elements, by way of example, and in which:

[0008] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a groin and body shaving device. Fig. 1 A is a close-up view of a square area denoted by dashed lines in Fig. 1. Fig. IB is a close-up view of a second square area denoted by dashed lines in Fig.1. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the groin and body shaving device of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a side elevation view of the groin and body shaving device of Fig. 1, with a range of pivoting motion of the shaving head shown in dashed lines. Fig. 4 is a section view taken along the 4-4 section lines in Fig. 2. Figs. 5A and 5B are side elevation views of the shaving device of Fig. 1, grasped by a hand of a user, and shown in two different configurations. Figs. 6A-E are perspective views of the groin and body shaving device of Fig. 1, showing a process of removing a tip cap from the shaving head, and removing the foil sheath and shaving head from the groin and body shaving device. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the groin and body shaving device of Fig. 1 being used to cut hair on a groin of the user. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a threaded ball and socket lock for connecting the shaver head and handle of a groin and body shaving device. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a ball and socket lock for connecting the shaver head and handle of a groin and body shaving device. Fig. 10 is a section view taken along the 10-10 section lines in Fig. 3. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a universal joint for connecting the shaver head and handle of a groin and body shaving device. Fig. 12 is a side elevation view of a double universal joint for connecting the shaver head and handle of a groin and body shaving device. Fig. 13 is a side elevation view of a conical cutter for use with agroin and body shaving device, with the orientation of axial and lateral cutter blades shown on the left and right sides separated by a lightning bolt, for ease of illustration. Fig. 14 is a side elevation view of a cylindrical cutter for use with a groin and body shaving device, with the orientation of axial and lateral cutter blades shown on the left and right sides separated by a lightning bolt, for ease of illustration. Fig. 15 is a side elevation view of a cylindrical cutter for use with a groin and body shaving device, with the orientation of triangular and diamond shaped cutter blades shown on the left and right sides separated by a lightning bolt, for ease of illustration. Fig. 16 is a side elevation view of a conical cutter for use with a groin and body shaving device, with helical cutter blades. Fig. 17 is a side elevation view of a cylindrical cutter for use with a groin and body shaving device, with helical cutting blades. Fig. 18 is a side elevation view of a cylindrical cutter for use with a groin and body shaving device, with short, spaced, lateral cutter blades shown. Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the of the conical cutter of Fig. 16. Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the cylindrical cutter of Fig. 17. Fig. 21 is top plan view of a foil for a cutter that is made of a circular array of linear foil cutters for use with a groin and body shaving device. Fig. 22 is a side elevation view of the foil of Fig. 21. Fig. 23 is a close-up view of the circular area denoted by the dashed lines of Fig. 22. Fig. 24 is a top plan view of an oscillating blade cutter designed to fit within the foil of Fig. 21. Fig. 25 is a side elevation view of the oscillating blade cutter of Fig. 24. Fig. 26 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a groin and body shaving device with a ball and socket pivoting mechanism. Fig. 27 is a side elevation view of the groin and body shaving device of Fig. 26, with the shaving head oriented at a forty -five-degree angle relative to the handle. Fig. 28 is a side elevation view of the groin and body shaving device of Fig. 26, with the shaving head oriented at a ninety-degree angle relative to the handle. Figs. 29 and 30 are side elevation exploded views of the groin and body shaving device of Fig. 26 at different orientations relative to one another. Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the groin and body shaving device of Fig. 28 with the shaving head oriented at a ninety -degree angle relative to the handle. Fig. 32 is a side elevation view of the groin and body shaving device of Fig. 26, with the shaving head oriented at a forty -five-degree angle relative to the handle. Fig. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the groin and body shaving device of Fig. 32. Fig. 34 is a front-end view of the groin and body shaving device of Fig. 26 with the shaving head oriented at a ninety -degree angle relative to the handle. Fig. 35 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a groin and body shaving device with a cylindrical cutter head, with the shaving head oriented at a twenty -degree angle relative to the handle. Fig. 36 is a side elevation view of the groin and body shaving device, using dashed lines to indicate a range of pivoting motion of the shaving head relative to the handle.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Immaterial modifications may be made to the embodiments described here without departing from what is covered by the claims.

[0010] Unwanted body hair may be removed via a variety of suitable methods, the most common of which include depilation and epilation. Depilation refers to the removal of the part of the hair above the surface of the skin, leaving the root intact under the skin. Common physical forms of depilation include cutting, which includes trimming, clipping, and shaving, for example via static methods such as with a traditional blade tool or scissors, or via motorized methods such as with an electric shaver. Chemicaldepilatories may be used to dissolve or weaken hair by breaking disulfide bonds that link protein chains of hair. Depilatories may take the form of creams or powders, and may be used alone or in combination with mechanical depilation methods. Depilation may also involve buffing away hair via a friction pad or other device that incorporates a rough sandpaper texture.

[0011] Epilation refers to the removal of the entire hair from the root. Epilation methods may involve one or more of tweezing, waxing, sugaring, threading, or electrology. A suitable epilation device may be used such as a laser or other pulsed light source. Epilation chemicals may be used such as thanaka powder or hair development inhibiting drugs. Epilation and depilation methods may be combined in a hair removal treatment. Hair removal methods including epilation and depilation methods may require the assistance of trained and / or licensed professionals, assistants, and other personnel, particularly when the target hair-covered area is difficult for the user him or herself to reach unaided.

[0012] A common consumer depilation device is an electrically -powered hair clipper / shaver, which may comprise an electric motor, a movable blade that is caused to move (for example rotate or oscillate) by output from the motor, and a stationary blade (or a second movable blade) that is positioned adjacent to the movable blade so that, together, the blades cut hair by shearing action. An electric hair cutting device may have a straight, single or dual cutting blade assembly where each blade includes a linear fixed cutter and a linear movable cutter, each defining a leading edge or cutting profile that collectively define a single direction of skin travel. Some hair cutting devices are able to cut in plural directions, such as rotary electric razors. An electric hair cutting device may comprise an electric motor and a power source, for example an electrical power source. The power source may be a portable power source, for example a battery, or a power cable may be used to plug the device into a wall-mounted A / C outlet to receive power. A rechargeable battery may be used. An electric razor, such as a beard shaver, may have foil or rotary cutters, which may come in multicutter head arrangements.

[0013] Electric shaver / razors are cutting devices with an electrically powered rotating or oscillating blade. The electric shaver usually does not require the use of shaving cream, soap, or water, although models exist that permit wet, dry, or wet and dry operation. The shaver may be powered by a small DC motor, which is either powered by batteries or mains electricity. Many modern electric shavers are powered using rechargeable batteries. Alternatively, an electro-mechanical oscillator driven by an AC-energized solenoid may be used. Some very early mechanical shavers had no electric motor and had to be powered by hand, for example by pulling a cord to drive a flywheel. Electric shavers generally fall into two main categories: foil or rotary-style, although other varieties exist including oscillating open ring designs such as the EVEN CUT™ model by CONAIR™. Many modern shavers are cordless in that such are charged up with a plug charger or placed within a cleaning and charging unit when not in use.

[0014] Multidirectional shavers are shavers where the shaver head is able to cut in more than one direction relative to the shaver head. A common design incorporates multiple rotary cutting heads that pivot relative to the base or handle of the shaver. There are different multidirectional rotary shavers on the market including the CONAIR EVEN CUT ™, the Remington Balder Rotary Head Shaver ™, and the Remington Ultimate Series Pure Confidence Lady Shaver ™. The CONAIR EVEN CUT™ design comprises an openblade rotary cutting system with guide combs that allow the user to adjust and control the closeness of the cut. The EVEN CUT™ features a large open circular blade that permits a user to cut hair in all directions in a cutting plane defined by a base of the hair cutter. The Remington Balder Pro Rotary Head Shaver™ comprises five dual track individual rotary shaver heads that pivot and flex in a multitude of directions to allow for a multidirectional shave. The Remington Ultimate Series Pure Confidence Lady Shaver™ comprises three rotary shaver heads that flex and a neck that pivots 360 degrees allowing for constant contact between the skin and the rotary cutting heads during use. Both of the Remington ™ devices are rotary shavers designed to fit in the palm of the user’s hand.

[0015] A foil shaver may use a foil screen or micro foil that is a thin, perforated metal screen that covers the blades of the razor. A foil shaver may use sharp or dull reciprocating, rotating, or oscillating blades that move sideways behind the protective screen or foil, shearing and cutting hairs that poke through the perforated foil screen. The cutter may form a knife edge or series of knife edges, however, the cutter may also form a dull cutting edge, such as a 90-degree edge, or another shape, such as formed by a cutter block or series of cutter blocks. A cutter that cooperates with a perforated foil to cut hair does so by using close contact between the tips of the cutter and the inside of the foil to pinch and shear hair that extends through the perforations of the foil into the interior of the foil where the cutter can be found. A foil shaver may incorporate specialized cutting elements such as made up of a substrate body that carries a number of cutting elements or trimmers, including plural individual cutters. A foil shaver may have a handle and a removable cassette, which mounts the foil, and thus as the foil or cutters wear out, the cassette may be removed and replaced by a new cassette. A classic foil shaver design incorporates a rectangular block shaver head.

[0016] A rotary foil shaver is a foil shaver that operates similar to a classical unidirectional foil shaver but may have multiple circular heads for multi -directional cutting. As a result, a rotary shaver is often operated in a circular motion rather than a linear motion as is used with a classical foil shaver. Rotary shavers may have flexible heads on a rigid unit or may include a plurality of cutting heads mounted on a shaver body and including a pivoting neck connecting the rotary cutting heads to the body of the shaver. Rotary shavers have the advantage of ease of use when navigating tight contours of the body, such as around the nose, knees and ankles. Rotary and foil shavers may incorporate flexible heads that may adjust in response to skin pressure during use.

[0017] Personal grooming of the groin presents a variety of different challenges that are unique to the groin. The pubic hair of the groin may grow in areas that are difficult to see and access. The changing topography and nature of the groin manifests tight crevasses, making it even more difficult to see and access, making it a challenge to a) adequately and efficiently groom the area, and b) verify visually that the area is adequately groomed. The groin is also very sensitive, with any nicks or cuts causing pain to the user. It is also common to get ingrown pubic hairs in this area after shaving, causing more pain and tenderness. A problem unique to males is that the scrotum consists of relatively loose skin, which can easily be nicked or cut if the proper technique or equipment is not used. A perforated shear foil razor may reduce nicks and cuts as it functions by only letting the hair (and thus not the skin) come in contact with the cutting part of the razor. Thehair is able to pass through the perforations of the foil razor, and subsequently be cut, with the wall of the foil razor acting as a skin guard.

[0018] Referring to Figs. 1, IB, 2-4 and 7, a groin and body shaving device 10 has a handle 12, and a shaving head 14. The device 10 may have a motor 28. The shaving head 14 may be pivotally connected to the handle 12. The shaving head 14 may comprise a base 16, a terminal tip 18 and a circumferential side wall 22. The circumferential side wall 22 may form a perforated shear foil 24. A cutter 26 may be internal to the perforated shear foil 24 and may be connected to be driven by the motor 28 to cut hair 88 that may extend through the perforated shear foil 24. The perforated foil 24 may comprise a plurality of passageways 24A, through which hair 88 may pass through during use. The shaving device 10 may be used to cut hair 88 on a groin 84, buttocks, or body 82 of a user 80. Operating the shaving device 10 may comprise pivoting the shaving head 14 relative to the handle 12 about a range of angular positions.

[0019] Referring to Figs. 3-4, the shaving head 14 of the shaving device 10 may be structured to pivot across an angular range of motion, for example one or more of an angular range of discrete increments relative to the handle, and an infinite angular range relative to the handle 12, for example relative to a handle axis 52. An infinite range may be exactly that, a range 44 of angular positions, with infinite adjustability for the user to set and lock the angular position of the head 14 relative to handle 12. An angular range of discrete increments may include a suitable number of discrete increments. For example, the device 10 may permit angular adjustment about two, four, six, or more or less positions, such as a first position 44A, a second position 44B, a third position 44C and a fourth position 44D, in an angular range 44. The first position 44A may be at any suitable angle relative to the handle 12, such as one hundred and eighty degrees, and may represent a neutral position. The second position 44B may be at any suitable angle relative to the handle 12, such as one hundred and fifty degrees. The third position 44C may be at any suitable angle relative to the handle 12, such as one hundred and thirty degrees. The fourth position 44D may be at any suitable angle relative to the handle 12, such as one hundred and ten degrees.

[0020] Referring to Fig. 3-4 and 7, the shaving head 14 may be connected to pivot in a suitable fashion. The head 14 may be connected to pivot about a pivot axis 48 perpendicular to a shaving head axis 50 of the shaving head 14. The shaving head 14 may be connected to pivot between zero and ninety degrees about the pivot axis 48, or larger angles, for example up to one hundred and eighty degrees about the pivot axis 48. The rotation of the shaving head 14 about the pivot axis 48 (angular range 44) may allow for the user 80 to manipulate the shaving head 14 into the desired position to navigate the unique topography of their body 82. Referring to Fig. 10, the shaving head 14 may be connected to pivot about the shaving head axis 50. The shaving head 14 may be connected to pivot between zero and three hundred and sixty degrees about the shaving head axis 50. The rotation of the shaving head 14 about the shaving head axis 50 may allow for the user 80 to manipulate the shaving head 14 into the desired position to navigate the unique topography of their body 82. Referring to Figs. 3, 7 and 10, by permitting the head 14 to pivot about axes 50 and 48, multidimensional pivoting flexibility is achieved, allowing the user infinite and diverse repositioning of the head 14 of the tool.

[0021] Referring to Figs. 2-3, and 8-9, the groin and body shaving device 10 may further comprise an angular lock 36. The lock 36 may lock the shaving head 14 in a selected angular position relative to the handle 12 and unlock the shaving head 14 relative to the handle 12. The lock 36 may be used to lock the shaving head 14 at a selected angular position along a range 44 of increments, holding the head 14 in that selected position until unlocked. The lock 36 may comprise a suitable mechanical part, such as one or more of a threaded lock, a ball and socket lock 38 (Fig. 8), a collar lock, and a cam lock. In some cases, a button or quick release (for example quarter turn or threaded) part 42 may be used to actuate and / or deactivate the lock 36. In Fig. 8, the part 42 may comprise a button, biased outward, that when depressed disengages the ball 38A of the joint to permit pivoting, and when released, engages the ball 38A to lock the angular position of the head 14. In Fig. 9, the part 42 may be a threaded fastener that is screwed into and out of engagement with ball 38A of the joint. In some cases, the shaving head 14 may be connected to pivot relative to the handle 12 from a neutral position upon application of a pressure above a predetermined threshold, and to return to the neutral position upon release of the pressure. When the shaving head 14 is angularly locked by the lock 36, the shaving head 14 may be restrained or prevented from returning to the neutral position until unlocked.

[0022] Referring to Figs. 13-20, various blade 91 arrangements and shapes may be used on the cutter 26. Referring to Figs. 13-14, axial or lateral blades 91 may be used, as may other arrangements. Referring to Fig. 15, blades 91 of different shapes may be used beyond simply elongate blades, for example triangular or diamond blades 91 may be used. Referring to Figs. 16-17 and 19-20, helical blades 91 may be used, as may other arrangements. Referring to Fig. 18, blades 91 may be staggered in rows axially and laterally to ensure adequate cutting coverage. Blades 91 may be oriented to act like an auger, for example angled or curved, collecting and moving hair out of the way of the cutters 26.

[0023] Referring to Figs. 1, 4, and 7, the circumferential side wall 22 may have a suitable shape. The circumferential side wall 22 may be tapered, for example frustoconical or conical. In order to define a frustoconical or conical shape, the circumferential side wall 22 may taper in radial width along a shaving head axis 50 defined by the shaving head 14 toward the terminal tip 18. Referring to Fig. 2, as a result of the taper of the circumferential side wall 22, the terminal tip 18 may have a smaller diameter 64 than the diameter 62 of the base 16. Referring to Figs. 1-4 and 7, the angle or severity of the taper of the circumferential side wall 22 may be selected as is suitable. Referring to Fig. 4, the amount of taper may be described by reference to a taper angle 58 defined between an interior surface 22B of the circumferential side wall 22 and a plane 92 defined perpendicular to the shaving head axis 50. In some cases, the taper angle is between seventy and ninety degrees, although smaller angles may be used. The taper angle 58 may vary at different points along the interior surface 22B of the circumferential side wall 22, for example if an arcuate or bulbous side wall 22 is used. The diameter 64 of the terminal tip 18 may be sized to allow the user 80 to maneuver the shaving head 14 into small, hard to reach areas, such as the crevasses of the groin 84, buttocks, or at a joint between limbs. In some cases, the wall 22 may have other shapes, such as that of a circular or polygonal cylinder.

[0024] Referring to Fig. 4, the handle 12 may be structured to incorporate one or more various parts. The handle 12 of the shaving device 10, may be hollow. The hollow body of the handle 12 may be structured to allow for the mounting of other parts. The motor 28 may be mounted within the handle 12. The motor 28may be connected to a suitable source of power, such as one or more of a battery 30 or a power cord structured to connect to a wall outlet. The battery 30 may be mounted in the handle 12 and may be connected to power the motor 28. The motor 28 may be connected to drive the internal cutter 26 to oscillate or rotate relative to the perforated shear foil 24. Referring to Figs. 4 and 7, the oscillation or rotation of the internal cutter 26 may allow the shaving head 14 to cut the hair 88 of a user 80. The handle 12 may house other components such as one or more of a drive shaft 32, a power converter, an inverter, a power connector, a power cable, a data recorder and a network connector. The data recorder may collect the usage data from the device 10, and the network connector may be used to transmit the data to a smart device, a mobile application or other platform.

[0025] Referring to Figs. 2, 4, 5A, 5B, and 7, the device 10 may be sized to fit in the hand 86 of a user 80, as well as in the crevasses of the exterior of the user 80. The handle 12 may have a suitable axial handle length 54, for example of ten centimeters or more, for further example between ten and twenty centimeters. The axial handle length 54 may be structured to allow the user 80 to easily hold the handle 12, and provide the user 80 with enough length to reach all areas of the groin and buttocks of the average male or female body 82. The handle 12 may have a suitable radial diameter 56, for example of two centimeters or more, for further example between two and five centimeters. The diameter 56 of the handle 12 may be sized to fit easily and comfortably into the hand 86 of the average male or female user 80. The base 16 of the shaving head 14 may have a suitable radial diameter 62, for example of two centimeters or more, for further example between two and five centimeters. The terminal tip 18 of the shaving head 14 may have a suitable radial diameter 64, for example of 0.2 centimeter or more, for further example between 0.2 and three centimeters. The diameter 62 of the base 16 and the diameter 64 of the terminal tip 18 may be sized to create a suitable taper angle 58, allowing the user 80 to maneuver the shaving head 14 into hard-to-reach areas and external crevasses of the body 82.

[0026] Referring to Figs. 1, IB, 2, 4 and 7, the perforated shear foil 24 may be structured to allow the device 10 to cut hair 88. The perforated shear foil 24 may have a suitable axial foil length 66, for example of five centimeters or more, for further example between five and twenty centimeters. The length 66 of the perforated shear foil 24 may provide a suitable surface area for efficient cutting of hair 88. The axial foil length 66 may be ten centimeters or more in order to increase the surface area of the perforated shear foil 24. The perforated shear foil 24 may extend to a suitable extent about the side wall 22, for example between two hundred and seventy and three hundred and thirty degrees 68 around the circumferential side wall 22. The perforated shear foil 24 may extend between three hundred and thirty and three hundred and sixty degrees 68 around the circumferential side wall 22 in other cases. The extension of the shear foil 24 around the circumferential side wall 22, up to three hundred and sixty degrees 68, may allow for the shaving head 14 to have the highest amount of surface area possible. The foil may thus be continuous or discrete in terms of extent of angular coverage of wall 22. In some cases, smaller angular sizes of foils 24 may be used, such as ones that extend ninety degrees or less around the wall 22.

[0027] Referring to Fig. 4, the device 10 may be structured to permit drive between motor 28 and cutter 26 at any suitable selected angle between head 14 and handle 12. The device 10 may comprise aflexible drive shaft 32, which may connect the motor 28 and the internal cutter 26. The flexible drive shaft 32 may be able to transfer the power from the motor 28 to the internal cutter 26, despite the angle therebetween. A flexible linkage, such as a drive shaft 32, may be able to transfer power to the cutter 26 from the motor 28 over a discrete or infinite range 44. There are numerous flexible linkages that may be used, including ones made of continuous resilient material, segmented shafts made of a plurality of small joints, and others. Referring to Figs. 11 and 12, a universal joint may be used to transmit the rotary action to the internal cutter 26. Any suitable universal joint may be used, such as a single universal joint 98 (Fig. 11), or a double universal joint 100 (Fig. 12). The universal joints 98 and 100 may allow the shaving head 14 of the device 10 to rotate about the angular range 44, whilst still being able to rotate the internal cutter 26. In some cases, the hair cutter 26 may be operated to cut hair while the head 14 is also being pivoted actively relative the handle 12.

[0028] Referring to Figs. 6C-6E, the circumferential side wall 22 and / or head 14 may be reversibly secured to the handle 12, for example adjacent to the internal cutter 26. Referring to Figs. 6C-6D, the circumferential side wall 22 may be attached adjacent to the internal cutter 26 through the use of a suitable reversible connector, for example, a quick release cam lock, such as a quarter turn cam lock. A threaded connection, interference fit, friction fit, snap fit, latch, or other connection may be used to secure the side wall 22 to the head 14 adjacent the cutter 26, or the head 14 to the handle 12. Once the side wall 22 is detached, any hair 88 that has collected within the side wall 22 may be removed, and the head 14 internals cleaned. Referring to Figs. 6C and 6E, the head 14 may be removed from the handle 12, for example using a suitable connector 40. The shaving head 14, for example the side wall 22 and / or cutter 26 may define an internal haircollecting compartment 93, which may be emptied by removing the part containing the compartment. The shaving head 14 may be removed from the device through a method of turning the shaving head a suitable angular range, for example, ninety degrees relative to the handle 12 of the device 10, allowing the shaving head 14 to uncouple from the connector. A stem 40 A of the cam lock may act as a threaded connection, which may allow the shaving head 14 to couple and uncouple the connector 40. The stem 40A may also function as a drive shaft or other linkage for the cutter 26. Once the shaving head 14 and / or side wall 22 is removed from the device 10 the internal components of the shaving head 14 may be accessed. Removal of the shaving head 14 may allow for repair or replacement of the internal cutter 26, replacement of blades 91 of the cutter 26, cleaning of an inner surface 22B of the circumferential side wall 22, cleaning of the hole passageways 24A of the perforated shear foil 24 and removal of hair 88 from the hair collection cavity compartment 93. The shaving head 14 may be recoupled to the same or a different connector 40, for example by being turned in the opposite direction as uncoupling, for example ninety degrees relative to the handle 12, onto the threaded stem 40A. Referring to Fig. 8-9, various embodiments of a ball and socket lock 38 may comprise different forms of a cam lock, such as a lock button part 42.

[0029] A reversible connector may have suitable features. A cam lock may be a suitable connector that is intended to secure the circumferential side wall 22 adjacent to the cutter 26 in a fashion that allows the circumferential side wall 22 to be reversibly detached, for example in a quick release fashion. A quick release connection permits the circumferential side wall 22 to be connected adjacent to the cutter 26 to a degreesufficient to retain the circumferential side wall 22 in use (during cutting) at the desired position adjacent to the cutter 26 until the user desires to remove the circumferential side wall 22. A reversible connection connects parts by a relatively low degree of permanence, and can be removed without the use of tools, without causing damage to any of the parts of the shaving device 10, and in a fashion that permits the parts to be re-used for example re-secured. The connector 40 may be selected to not be exhausted during the detachment process, meaning that it may be able to be reused. The reusability of the connector 40 may allow for the re-use of the circumferential side wall 22 in order to carry out the method of attachment again.

[0030] Referring to Figs. 1A and 6A-6B, the terminal tip 18 may be structured to be reversibly connected to the head 14. A tip cap 20 may define the tip 18, and may be structured to reversibly attach and detach from the head 14. The tip cap 20 may comprise an aperture 20A, through which a tool 94 may be inserted. The tool 94 may be used by the user 80 to manually detach the cap 20, or to perform more complicated mechanical functions such as to depress a button (not shown) that may allow the release of the tip cap 20 from the shaving head 14. Referring to Figs. 6B-E, once the tip cap 20 is removed from the shaving head 14, the shaving head 14 may in some cases be able to be removed from the shaving device 10. A conical or frustoconical or otherwise tapered tip 18 may be provided. The tip foil may extend a suitable angular range about the tip side wall, for example up to 360 degrees.

[0031] Referring to Fig. 1A and 4, the terminal tip 18 of the shaving head 14 may be structured to cut hair 88 of the user 80. The terminal tip 18 may form a perforated shear tip foil 20B, with an internal tip cutter 26A internal to the perforated shear tip foil 20B and connected to be driven by the motor 28 to cut hair 88 that extends in use through the perforated shear tip foil 20B. The tip cap 20 may be present at the terminal tip 18 of the shaving head 14. The tip cap 20 may be structured to reversibly attach and detach from the terminal tip 18. The tip cap 20 may be detached from the terminal tip 18 as above.

[0032] Referring to Fig. 7, the device 10 may be adjusted in a variety of ways to provide flexibility to the user 80 to shave hard-to-access areas of the body, such as those defined by the groin, buttocks, armpits, and joints.

[0033] Referring to Figs. 21-25, the shaving head 14 may comprise a plurality of foil shavers, such as linear foil shaver units 25. In the examples shown, the linear foil shaver units 25 may be arrayed about the shaving head axis 50. In the examples shown, four sets of dual foil shaver units 25 are illustrated, with each set roughly ninety -degree angles relative to one another, to effectively form a cylindrical cutting head. Referring to Figs. 24-25, each set of units 25 may resemble a foil shaver from a Braun™ dual foil electric shaver head. Each unit 25 may incorporate a curved perforated cylindrical foil wall 103, beneath which is connected a corresponding cutter 91, which may have a correspondingly -shaped curved cylindrical blade 91, such as a series of blades 91 whose edges run parallel to the wall 103. Each unit 25 may incorporate a stem or stems 101 that may connect to the motor or drive shaft for reciprocating or rotating action. Each set may be separated by a structural member such as a column 104.

[0034] Referring to Figs. 26-34, the shaving head 14 may be structured to pivot via a ball and socket pivot lock (ball and socket pivot). The ball 38A of the ball and socket pivot 38 may be structured to allow the pivoting of the shaving head 14 in a range of motion, such as a universal range of motion, or a limited rangeof motion in a plane, or in discrete steps for example in a plane. The socket 38B of the ball and socket pivot 38 may be structured to receive the ball 38A. A collar 38E may be structured to retain the ball 38A within the socket 38B. The pivoting action of the ball and socket pivot 38 may reorient the head such that the axis 50 of the shaving head 14 is pivoted relative to the pivot axis 48. The shaving head 14 may be able to pivot to any suitable angle within a range of motion, whether universal, in a plane, or in discrete steps in one of the foregoing. Referring to Figs. 29-30, the ball 38A may comprise a slot 38C. The slot 38C may connect to a suitable connector, such as connector 38D. The connection of the slot 38C to the connector 38D, may securely mount the shaving head 14 while limiting or controlling the pivoting motion. A collar 38E may limit the angular range of the shaving head 14, as the base 16 of the shaving head 14 may abut the collar 38E, and may not be able to move past the collar 38E.

[0035] Referring to Figs. 31 and 33, the internal components of the device 10 may be structured to allow the device 10 to retain function during pivoting. The lock 36 may be any suitable lock, such as a thread pivoting lock, in this case the collar 38E. A thread pivoting lock may be of a suitable style, such as a collet style. A flexible drive shaft 32 may extend through the pivoting mechanism between handle and head, and may pivot with the lock 36. The flexible drive shaft 32 may be connected at a point 75 to the internal cutter 26, and a point 74 to the motor (not shown) in the handle. Such may allow the drive shaft 32 to transfer the power from the motor to the internal cutter 26 whether the head is pivoted or not. The flexible drive shaft 32 may be able to bend as the shaving head 14 pivots along the infinite angular range of motion, relative to the pivot axis 48. The flexibility of the drive shaft 32 allows the drive shaft to continue to transfer torque or reciprocating action from the motor to the internal cutter 26 along the entirety of the infinite angular range of motion, relative to the pivot axis 48. The flexible drive shaft 32 may be made of any suitable material, for example the drive shaft 32 could be made of a plastic, such as nylon.

[0036] Referring to Figs. 35 and 36, a groin and body shaving device 10 is illustrated having a cylindrical shaving head 14. As above, a cylindrical head may incorporate a cylindrical cutter 26, such as one identical or similar to that shown in Figs. 14, 15, 17, 18, and 20. A terminal tip cap 20 of the head 14 may have a suitable shape, such as a planar shape as shown, and in some cases may have a foil cutter itself. The tip cap 20 may be conical or bulbous in some cases.

[0037] In the claims, the word “comprising” is used in its inclusive sense and does not exclude other elements being present. The indefinite articles “a” and “an” before a claim feature do not exclude more than one of the feature being present. Each one of the individual features described here may be used in one or more embodiments and is not, by virtue only of being described here, to be construed as essential to all embodiments as defined by the claims. The use of top or bottom or base or lateral or up or down or other directional language is understood to be relative and not defined with respect to the surface of the Earth or the direction of gravitational acceleration unless context dictates otherwise.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A groin and body shaving device comprising: a handle; a motor; and a shaving head that is pivotally connected to the handle and has: a circumferential side wall at least part of which forms a perforated shear foil; and a cutter that is internal to the perforated shear foil and connected to be driven by the motor to cut hair that extends in use through the perforated shear foil.

2. The groin and body shaving device of claim 1 in which the shaving head is structured to pivot across one or more of: an angular range of discrete increments relative to the handle; and an infinite angular range relative to the handle.

3. The groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 1 - 2 further comprising a lock to: angularly lock the shaving head relative to the handle; and angularly unlock the shaving head relative to the handle.

4. The groin and body shaving device of claim 3 in which the lock comprises one or more of a threaded lock, a ball and socket lock, a collar lock, and a cam lock.

5. The groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 1 - 4 in which the shaving head is connected to pivot about a pivot axis perpendicular to a shaving head axis of the shaving head.

6. The groin and body shaving device of claim 5 in which the shaving head is connected to pivot between zero and ninety degrees about the pivot axis.

7. The groin and body shaving device of claim 6 in which the shaving head is connected to pivot between zero and one hundred and eighty degrees about the pivot axis.

8. The groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 5 - 7 in which the shaving head is connected to pivot about the shaving head axis.

9. The groin and body shaving device of claim 8 in which the shaving head is connected to pivot between zero and three hundred and sixty degrees about the shaving head axis.

10. The groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 1 - 9 in which the shaving head is connected to pivot relative to the handle from a neutral position upon application of a pressure above a predetermined threshold, and to return to the neutral position upon release of the pressure.

11. The groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 1 - 10 in which the circumferential side wall tapers in radial width along a shaving head axis defined by the shaving head toward a terminal tip of the shaving head.

12. The groin and body shaving device of claim 11 in which the circumferential side wall tapers with decreasing radial width toward the terminal tip along the shaving head axis.

13. The groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 11 - 12 in which the circumferential side wall is frustoconical or conical.

14. The groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 11 - 13 in which the circumferential side wall is one or more of arcuate and bulbous in a direction along the shaving head axis.

15. The groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 11 - 14 in which a taper angle, defined between an interior surface of the circumferential side wall and a plane defined perpendicular to the shaving head axis, is between seventy and ninety degrees.

16. The groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 1 - 10 in which the circumferential side wall has a consistent radial width along a shaving head axis defined by the shaving head toward a terminal tip of the shaving head.

17. The groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 1 - 16 in which the motor is mounted within the handle.

18. The groin and body shaving device of claim 17 further comprising a flexible drive shaft connected between the motor and the cutter.

19. The groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 1 - 18 further comprising a battery mounted in the handle and connected to power the motor.

20. The groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 1 - 19 in which the circumferential side wall is reversibly secured adjacent to the cutter.

21. The groin and body shaving device of claim 20 in which the circumferential side wall is reversibly secured adjacent to the cutter by one or more of a cam lock, a threaded connector, a collar lock, a friction fit, an interference fit, a snap fit, or a latch.

22. The groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 20 - 21 in which the shaving head defines an internal hair-collecting compartment.

23. The groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 1 - 22 in which the handle is cylindrical.

24. The groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 1 - 23 in which a terminal tip of the shaving head forms a perforated shear tip foil, with a tip cutter internal to the perforated shear tip foil and connected to be driven by the motor to cut hair that extends in use through the perforated shear tip foil.

25. The groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 1 - 24 further comprising a tip cap structured to reversibly attach and detach from a terminal tip of the shaving head.

26. The groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 1 - 25 in which the motor is connected to drive the cutter to oscillate or rotate relative to the perforated shear foil.

27. The groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 1 - 26 in which the handle has an axial handle length of ten centimeters or more.

28. The groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 1 - 27 in which the handle has a radial diameter of two centimeters or more.

29. The groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 1 - 28 in which a base of the shaving head has a radial diameter of two centimeters or more.

30. The groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 1 - 29 in which a terminal tip of the shaving head has a radial diameter of 0.2 centimeters or more.

31. The groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 1 - 30 in which the perforated shear foil extends between two hundred and seventy and three hundred and thirty degrees around the circumferential side wall.

32. The groin and body shaving device of claim 31 in which the perforated shear foil extends between three hundred and thirty and three hundred and sixty degrees around the circumferential side wall.

33. The groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 1 - 32 in which the perforated shear foil has an axial foil length of five centimeters or more.

34. The groin and body shaving device of claim 33 in which the axial foil length is ten centimeters or more.

35. The groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 1 - 34 in which the perforated shear foil is formed of a plurality of foil shaving units arrayed at least partially about a shaving head axis defined by the shaving head toward a terminal tip of the shaving head.

36. A method comprising operating the groin and body shaving device of any one of claim 1 - 35 to cut hair on a groin and body of a user.

37. The method of claim 36 in which operating further comprises pivoting the shaving head relative to the handle about a range of angular positions.

38. The method of claim 37 further comprising locking and unlocking the shaving head in an angular position relative to the handle.

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