GB2410457A

GB2410457A - Hair trimming mechanism incorporating an airflow system

Info

Publication number: GB2410457A
Application number: GB0402186A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Garry Ritchie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-01-31
Filing date: 2004-01-31
Publication date: 2005-08-03
Anticipated expiration: 2024-01-31
Also published as: GB2410457B; GB0402186D0

Abstract

A hair trimmer mechanism comprising a passageway intake 3, an internal airflow system and a collection chamber with detachable cover all housed in a unit 20. The passageway intake 3 is an opening formed in the housing in close proximity to the hair trimmers blades 2. When the hair trimmers blades 2 are energised the internal airflow system also turns on and creates a vacuum at the passageway intake 3 thereby drawing hair clippings into the unit. The internal airflow system consists of an air intake, which filters air into the unit 20 a fan assembly 9 that creates a pressurized flow of air which is channelled via ducting that merges with an internal passageway that links the passageway intake to the opposite end of the unit where the hair clippings are collected in a chamber. The pressure differential, caused by the air flow, along the internal passageway 11 causes hair clippings to be drawn into the passageway intake 3 and then blown along the internal passageway and collected in a chamber. The airflow is maintained with outlet vents formed in the detachable cover of the collection chamber.

Description

241 0457 Hair Trimming Mechanism Incorporating an airflow system This

Invention relates to hair clippers and hair lrimn1ing devices designed for the general purpose of trimming bodily hair.

Background of Invention

Hair trimmers when used for trimming hair can be problematic in the sense that the principle of the trimmer operates on reciprocating blades that create a shearing action. The result of such an action when trimming, particularly short hair, causes hair clippings lo be dispersed over a relatively wide area makhig the experience very messy and time consuming. This effect is more pronounced with lrunrners that are cicctrically powered.

An immediate solution would be to secure a vacuum hose to the front end of the trimmers just above the reciprocating blades with the other end of the hose connected to a separate vacuum unit. This approach is not a very practical solution as the device becomes more difficult to operate and the addition of another bulky mechanism (the vacuum unit) complicates the entire process.

A previous attempt at trimming and disposing hair clippings is highlighted in US parent No. 5,()75,971 that consists of a cordless hair trimmer employing a reciprocating blade system with internal vacuum adapted for trimming in small sensitive parts of the body such as the eyebrows, ears and nose. Such a device is not equipped lo handle other areas of the body where a greater area needs to be [rimmed and hence a greater mass of hair cappings are produced.

Another attempt at trimming and disposing hair clippings Is highlighted in US Patent No. 2()()00737095 that employs a hair cupping device with internal vacuum. While such a device is more applicable lo [rimming hair anywhere on ones head or body it requires a sul'l'icienily el'fectve vacuum system to collect the hair clippings. Since the vacuum must create sufficient pressure anal airflow this device' in order to be effective, places great emphasis on the motors operating range and characteristics. One other feature of the device is that it relies totally on suction from the vacuum unit to remove and collect hair cappings.

Accordingly a first object of the present invention is to provide an improved hair trimming mechanism incorporating an airflow system for the easy removal of hair clippings.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved hair trimming mechanism incorporating an airflow system for the easy removal of hair clippings resulting from the process of trimming hair.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved hair trimming mechanism incorporating an airflow system which contains an internal fan mechanism that gives rise to an airflow system for the easy removal and collection of hair clippings resulting frorm the process of trunmng had-.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved hair trimming mechanism incorporating an airflow system that isolates the collected hair clippings from the internal tan mechanism.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved hair trimming mechanism incorporating an airflow system which collects hair clippings in a collection chamber with detachable cover resulting from the process of trimming hair.

According to the present invention there is provided a hair trimming mechanism incorporating an airflow system comprising a housing which contains a passageway intake to allow hair clippings to enter an internal passageway that allows the passage of hair clippings along the length of the trimmer from the passageway retake to the opposite end of the trimmer for collection a fan assembly that generates sufficient airflow ducting that connects the output from the fan assembly to merge with the internal passageway. a collection chamber with detachable cover with filter and vents to collect the hair clippings and allow err to flow freely through the housing an air intake to allow air to flow into the fan assembly a blade assembly consisting of at least two blades where one blade is stationery and mounted lo the frame of the housing and th other(s) is/are moving (in the case -' f conventional hair clippers the moving blade follows a reciprocal action which gives rise to the trimming of hair) a cam mechanism to mechanically link the output drive front the motor shaft to the moving blade a motor whose output shaft drives a cam mechanism and is also coupled to the fan assembly and in a practical situation a vacancy for rechargeable or disposable batteries to enable cordless operation.

AL

Hair Trimming Mechanism Incorporating an airflow system

Brief summary of operation

In accordance with the present Invention the hair trimmer mechanism incorporates an airflow system for the removal and collection calf hair C Ippmgs.

Removal and collection of hair clippings, for the present clevce, revolves around an internal airflow system that is powered from the hair trimmers motor which also powers the blade assembly.

A fan assembly, connected t<.'the motor shaft, draws air m through an air intake. The air intake is a fine mesh/filter arrangement to prevent any f<-'regn objects entering the fan assembly.

The output airflow from the fan assembly is redirected along an internal passageway via ducting. The internal passageway spans the length of the trimmer mechanism and connects the passageway intake, where the hair clippings enter, to the collection chamber at the rear of the trimmer mechanism.

The airflow along the internal passageway creates a pressure differcnual allowing hair clippings formed by the blade assembly to he drawn in through the passageway intake. Once the hair clippings have passed through the passageway intake they are 'hewn' along the remaining section of the internal passageway and into the collection chamber.

In order to maintain a steady airflow through the housing the airflow Into the collection chamber is vented with a similar mesh/filter arrangement to the air intake.

The trimmer mechanism also features a detachable cover for the collection chamber thereby allowing hair clippings to be easily disposed of.

The blade assembly, as is with most hair trimmers/clippers, features a stationery and movmg blade system which are is driven fron1 the mot<.'r shaft via a cam mechanism to give a reciprocating action. 'I'he blade assembly can feature attachments or the blades themselves can he ad justecl for coarse or fuse scLLngs.

Hair Trimming Mechanism Incorporating an airflow system

Description of drawings

Fig. I Shows a perspective view of the hair trimmer mechanism Fig. 2 Shows a sectional view ol the side of the hair trrnrmer rmccllanism Fig.3 Shows a perspective view of the fan assembly connected lo the motor Fig.4 Shows an exploded perspective view of the components of the fan assembly Fig.5 Shows a cutaway perspective view of the hair trimmer mechanism exposing the ducting, the fan assembly, the passageway intake and the internal passageway Fig.6 Shows a perspective view of the of lset drvc member that forms part of the cam mechanism attached to the motor shaft.

Fig.7 Shows a plan view and end elevation of an example blade assembly showing stationery and moving blades.

Fg.8 Shows an exploded perspective view ol the components ol another example blade assembly showing stationery and moving blades Hair Trimming Mechanism Incorporating an airflow system

Detailed Description

Although the present invention relates to a hair trimmer mechanism it Is thought that the techniques which form the basis of this invention can be applied to other devices designed for cutting/trmming hair i.e. clippers, shavers, trimmers and shears that operate electrically from either an AC mains supply car from rechargeable or disposable batteries.

For future reference the trimming mechanism relating to the current invention shown in fig.1 and fig.2 is identified as 20.

From fig. I the unit 20 comprises a housing I, a blade assembly 2 that Is made up of a stationery blade 2a (fg.2) and a moving blacie 2b (t'g,.2). F,r this particular application of hair trimmer mechanism the moving blade 2b (fig.2) is driven m a reciprocating manner relative to the stationery blade 2a (l'ig2) to provide the hair trimming. Although not shown on any drawing the current invention Is applicable to hair trimmers, clippers, shears or similar hair cubing dcvces that embody adjustment of the blade assembly 2 and/or the addition of attachments to provide coarse or l'ine trimnmng of hair.

lig.1 also shows the unit 20 consisting of a passageway intake 3 whose location is such that any hair clippings generated by the blade assembly2 will he exposed to the opening defined by the passageway mtake 3.The passageway intake 3 supports an internal airflow system that consists of an air intake 4, a fan assembly (fig.2), ducting 10 (fig.2), an Internal passageway 11 (fig.2) and outlet vents 5. An on/off switch not only engages the motor 12 (fig.2) that drives the moving blade 2b (fig.2) but starts the internal airflow system.

A collection chamber with detachable cover 6 is situated at the rear of the unit 2() for collecting hair clippings.

Referring to fig.2 the motor 12 Is the source that drives the moving blade 2b that gives rise lo the blade assembly 2 Irrnmmg hair anti also starling the Internal airflow system that is responsible for the removing and collecimg ol'har clippings.'I'he addition of an internal airflow system will require the motor specification to be uprated from the normal or standarci motor in hair trimmers of that class by al least I OUT lo cope with the excess demand for power. An additional reriuremenl regarding IhC motor 12 is that the motor shaft 22 will need try be longer in order to accommcdale the fan assembly 9 since a feature of the current invention involves util.mg only one end ol'the motor 12 to generate the internal airflow and drive the moving blade 2b that gives rise IO the blade assembly 2 trimming hair.

A practical application of the current invention would normally include a vacancy to include a battery 13, which can he either rechargeable or the disposable type, for cordless operation. In the event of a rechargeable battery unit heirig the preferred optiorl then an AC mains adaptor unit Is required 1O charge the battery 13 or in some cases the unit 2() may be operated directly from an AC mains supply. The AC mains adaptor unit and the AC input connection to the unit 20 are not shown on any drawing since this detail may vary in specificatior1 and design from one country to the next. The motor 12 and the battery 1.3 are secured by partitions 16, 17 and 18.

The internal airflow system consists of an air intake 4 (fig. I), a fan assembly 9.

ducting 10, an internal passageway 11 and outlet vents 5 (fg.l). The air intake 4 (fig.l) is situated between partitions 14 and 15 and is In close proximity to the fall assembly 9 so that air can pass easily through the air intake 4 (fig.l) and into the fan assembly 9. In a practical arrangement the air intake 4 (fig.1) would normally consist ol'a fine mesh/filter arrangement to prevent any foreign objects or debris entering the fan assembly 9.

With reference to fig.4 the fan assembly 9 (fig.2) is made up of three parts: a forward outercasing 9a, the fan wheel 9b and a rear outercasing 9c. The forward outercasing 9a encloses the fan wheel 9b from the front and provides an mlel for airflow. When assembled as a whole the forward outercasing 9a clips onto the rear outercasing 9c to form a reasonable air-tight seal around the fan wheel 9b.

The fan wheel 9b is secured to the motor shaft 22 (fig.2) and is such that up rotation will draw air in though the forward outercasing 9a. Although from the drawing the fan wheel 9b is shown as a backward inclined type which Is a standard choice of fan considering vacuum/pump applications it is possible that this type of fan may vary according to the amount of airflow that is required.

The rear outercasing 9c encloses the fan wheel 9b from the rear and provides an outlet for airflow. The ducting 10 provides a channel for the airflow. 'I'hc rear outercasing 9c is secured to the partition 15 (1'ig.2) . From a manufacturing perspective with current injection moulding technology it is possible that the rear outercasing 9c, the ducting 10 and the partition 15 (fig.2) can be moulded as one item. The partition 14 (fig.2) isolates the fan assembly 9 (fig.2) from the from end of the unit 20 (fig.2) which contains the -'ffse1 drive member (fig.2), the drive follower unit 7 (fig.2) which both form the cam mechanism and the blade assembly 2 (fig.2) which is made up of a stationery blade 2a (fig.2) and moving blade 2b (fig.2).

With rcfcrcnce to fig.3 this arrangement illustrates the ducting l 0 which forms part of the internal airflow system. When the motor 12 is energiscd the motor shaft 22 rotates hdicaled by the arrow R. The molter shaft 22 is linked lo the fan assembly via the fan wheel 9h (fig.4) which, when rotating, draws air into the fan assembly 9 through the opening of the forward outercasing 9a (fogy) as indicated by the arrows i. The rotation of the fan wheel 9b (fig.4) forces the air out through the operTing in the rear outercasing 9c (fig.4) of the fan assembly to which forms the entry to the ducting 10 (fig.4). The air Is then forced out through the ducling10 in the direction indicated by the arrow O. Referring to fig.5 this drawing gives a clearer representation of the ductuTg10 and the role it plays in the internal airflow system. From the drawing the duclirTg l() merges to become part of the internal passageway 11. The fan assembly 9 produces an output airflow through the ducting 1() indicated by the arrow O. Sufficient airflow indicated by the arrow O will give rise tea pressure dl'ferental being setup along the internal passageway 11 which will cause air to be drawn u, through the passageway intake 3 in the direction indicated by the arrow A. Therefore any hair clippings created by the blade assembly 2 will be, initially' drawn in through the passageway intake 3 and then 'blown' along the internal passageway 11 by the airflow coming -'ut through the decline l().

Referring to the drawing in fight the final section ol' the miernal airflow system are the vents 5. In order lo maintain a constant flow of air through the unit 20 there needs to be adequate venting of air that flows into the collection chamber with detachable cover 6 to allow hair clippings to be continuously collected. Like the air intake 4 the vents 5 would normally consist of a fme mesh/flter arrangement to nap the clippings and let the air flow the unit 2().

From fig.2 the collection chamber with detachable cover 6 Is situated al the rear of the unit 2() and is shaped such that hair clippings will follow the path of the airflow indicated by arrow A along the internal passageway 11 and Into the collection chamber with detachable cover 6 where it will take a circular path and eventually come to rest in the contre -'f the chamber 6. The delachahle cover of the collection chamber 6 contains vents 5 (fig.1) which allows additional hair clippings lo he collected with hille interference lo the airflow along the internal passageway 1 1.

For trimmers, clippers, shears or similar hair cutting devices the blade assembly 2 (fig. l) may vary depending on the make, model and size therefore it is thought that provided an effective cam system or mechanism such like that converts the output rotation of the motor shaft 22 (fig.2) to the reciprocal motion ol' the moving blade(s) 2b (fig.2) then the techniques which form the basis of this invention can be applied to hair trimmers, clippers, shears or similar hair cutting devices that support dift'ering blade assemblies. One example of such a blade assembly is shown in fig.7 and can be explained with the aid of the drawing of the offset drive member featured in fig.6 Referring lo fig.6 the offset drive member 8 featured is a common prel'erencc for forming part of the cam mechanism which converts rotary motion from the motor shaft 22 into reciprocal motion. The r-'talion of the motor shaft 22 in the direction specified by the arrow R gives rise to the offset drive member 8 rotating according to the path indicated by the arrow O. Fig.7 shows an example of a blade assembly with a plan view and end elevation showing stationery blade 2a, moving blade 2b, drive follower 7. springs 23 and studs 24. Each spring 23 slides firmly onto its corresponding stud 24 with the other end of each spring 23 extending to opposing ends ol' the moving blade 2h lo which it is firmly attached thereby providing balance for the moving blade 2b while also holding it firmly in the vertical plane. The tip of the offset drive member 8 (fig.6) locates onto the slot labelled S on the drive follower 7 so that as the motor shaft 22 (fig.6) rotates the drive follower 7, which Is attached to the moving blade 2b, will be driven in the direction of the plane labelleci X thereby giving rise to the reciprocal motion of the moving blade 2b. The springs 2.3 also provide tension for the moving blade 2b so that it can easily return to its equilibrium position. The reciprocal motion gives rise to the shearing action of the blade assembly required lo cut/trim hair.

Fig.8 shows an exploded perspective view of another possible blade assembly arrangement for hair trimmers, clippers, shears or similar hair clotting cievices The stationary blade 2a is fixed to the chassis r-,f the trimmer with the aid of screws 2..

The moving blade 2b is 'sandwiched' between the trimmer chassis 26 and the stationary blade 2a and engages with the offset drive member 8 via the drive follower 7 which is secured to the moving blade 2b. Although not indicated fin the drawing the moving blade 2b locales and is fixed lo the trimmer chassis 26 in a secure fashion lo allow only lateral movcrnenl In the plane cicntfiefl as X which gives ruse lo reciprocal movement thereby resulting m the shearing action that allows hair to be cut and trimmed. With regards to this invention it Is not a specific requirement to emphasize the detail of the secure fxmg of the rnovng blade 2b to the trimmer chassis 26. 'thus detail is left al the manufacturers discretion.

Claims

Hair Trimming Mechanism Incorporating an airflow system

1. A hair trimmer mechanism incorporating an airflow system, comprising an encic-'sure, a blade assembly consisting of a stationary blade, with reciprocating blade(s).

secured to the aforementioned enclosure.

means within the aforementioned encksure for driving the al'oremenloned reciprocalmg blade(s) that gives rise to the trirnmhg of hair, a passageway intake within close proximity to the aforementioned blacie assembl y, means for generating an airflow within the aforementioned enclosure, means for extracting hair clippings from the aforementioned blade assembly area and drawing the hair clippings towards the aforementioned passageway intake by the aforementioned airflow, means for conveying the hair cappings from the aforementioned extracting means, means for collecting the hair clippings from the aforementioned conveying means, means of disposing the waste hair clippings from the aforementioneci collecting means, means within the aforementioned enclosure to allow air tc'flow freely through the aforementioned enclosure thereby preventing any build up of air pressure which may restrict the aforementioned means of collecting hair clippings.

2. The device claimed m claim I wherein the aforementioned arficw creathg means comprise a fan assembly.

3. The device claimed m claim 2 wherein the aforementioned fan assembly comprises a rotating sanction l'an housed between a forward outercasing and a reverse outercasing where the afore mentioned forward outercasing has an opening at the centre to allow air to be drawn into the aforementioned fan assembly and the aforementioned reverse outercasmg has an outlet situated on the rim to allow air to be blown out of the aforementioned l'an assembly and means for securing the aforementioned forward outercasing to the aforementioned reverse outercasing.

4. The device claimed in claim 3 comprising means for directing the airflow blown out of the aforementioned fan assembly.

5. The device claimed in claim 4 wherein the aforementioned airflow directing means comprises of ducting.

6. The device claimed in claim 3 wherein the aforementioned reciprocating blade(s) driving means comprise a motor where the aforementioned motor is also responsible for rotating the aforementioned suction fan.

7. The device claimed in claims comprising means for filtering to prevent foreign objects/debris from entering the aforementioned enclosure and hence contaminating the aforementioned fan assembly.

8. The device claimed h1 claim 7 wherein the al'orernentioned filtering means c.,mprse a l'ine mesh screen.

9. The device claimed in claim 1 comprising means for allowing a fre flow of air through the aforementioned enclosure to prevent a build Up ol air pressure which may restrict the aforementioned means of'collecting hair clippings.

10. The device claimed m claim 9 wherem the aforementioned allowance of air to flow freely through the aforementioned enclosure means comprises air vents.

11. The device claimed in claim lo comprising means for preventing hair clippings from escaping through the aforemerrtioned air vents.

12. The device claimed in claim 1 I wherein the aforementioned prevention of hair cappings from escaping through the aforementioned air vents means comprises a fine mesh screen.

13. The device claimed in claim I wherein the aforementioned extraction of hair clippings from the aforementioned blade assembly area and the drawing of hair clippings towards the aforementioned passageway intake by the aforementioned airl'low means comprises the union:,i'the aforementioned ducting with an internal passageway.

14. The device claimed in claim I wherem the aforcmcutioned conveying ol' hair cappings from the aforementioned extracting means comprises the aforementioned internal passageway.

15. The device claimed in claim I wherem the af'orementoned collecting of hair clippings from the aforementioned conveying means comprises a collection chamber.

D

16. The device claimed in claiml wherein the aforementioned disposal of hair chppings from the aforementioned collecting means comprises a detachable cover that encloses the aforementioned collection chamber.

17. The device clanged in claim 6 cornprsmg means for supplying power to the af'oremcntioned motor to drive the al'oremcntioned reciprocating blade(s) and provide rotation of the aforementioned suction fan.

18. The device claimed in claim 17 wherein the aforementioned power supply lo the aforementioned motor means comprises a vacancy within the aforementioned enclosure to house a battery the af'orernentoned battery can be either disposable or rechargeable with means for recharging/operathg from an adaptor unit derived from a domestic mains supply. the aforementioned vacancy within the aforementioned enclosure also being withy close proximity lo the aforementioned motor.

19.'I'he device claimed m claim 18 comprising means for starting and stopping the aforementioned motor to drive the aforementioned reciprocating blade(s) and provide rotation of'the aforementioned suction fan.

2(). The device claimed m claim 19 wherein the aforementioned starting and stopping of the aforementioned motor comprises a switch.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

1. A hair trimmer mechanism comprising: an enclosure that supports a fan assembly unit comprising a rotating suction fan housed between forward and rear outercasings where the aforementioned forward outercasing has an opening at the centre which represents an inlet to allow air to be drawn into the aforementioned fan assembly unit and the aforementioned rear outercasing has an opening situated on the rim which represents an outlet to channel the airflow out of the aforementioned fan assembly unit, an air intake, situated adjacent to the aforementioned tan assembly unit, that represents the primary source for air flowing into the aforementioned enclosure which supplies the aforementioned fan assembly unit that generates an airflow through the aforementioned enclosure, j an internal passageway that spans the length of the aforementioned enclosure that allows the passage of hair clippings for collection, a ducting conduit that connects the outlet of the aforementioned rear outercasing and merges with the aforementioned internal passageway thereby allowing the airflow generated by the aforementioned fan assembly to be directed along a given section of the aforementioned internal passageway; the point at which the aforementioned ducting conduit merges with the aforementioned internal passageway occurs aft of the aforementioned fan assembly unit thereby isolating the aforementioned tan assembly unit from any hair clippings entering the aforementioned enclosure, a passageway intake in the form of an opening at one end of the aforementioned internal passageway that represents the secondary source of air flowing into the aforementioned enclosure resulting from the airflow generated along a given section or the aforementioned internal passageway by the aforementioned fan assembly unit via the aforementioned ducting conduit thus providing a point of entry for hair clippings into the aforementioned and along the aforementioned internal passageway, a collection chamber located at the OppOShlg end of the aforementioned internal passageway formed in the shape of a spiral to isolate the collected hair clippings from the airflow with a detachable cover that allows collected hair clippings to be discarded. 1L