Hair clipping device with rotating bladeset having multiple cutting edges

A hair clipping device includes a housing, a bladeset engageable upon the housing and including at least one stationary blade and at least one moving blade configured for reciprocal movement relative to the at least one stationary blade. The stationary blade has a first cutting edge and a second cutting edge, the at least one moving blade including a first moving edge configured for reciprocal movement relative to the first cutting edge, and a second moving edge configured for reciprocal movement relative to the second cutting edge. The housing defines a cutting location for the blades and the bladeset is rotatably engageable on the housing between a first position in which the first edges are employed, and a second position in which the second edges are employed. The housing encloses an apparatus for creating a vacuum, and defines a vacuum intake.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices for clipping hair, and more specifically to hair clipping devices designed for use in trimming facial hair such as moustaches, beards and sideburns, as well as touch up trimming or general trimming of hair anywhere on one's head or body.

A common problem to both individuals sporting facial hair such as moustaches, beards and sideburns, and professional hair stylists having such individuals as customers, is the collection of hair clippings generated in grooming and trimming such facial hair, and/or trimming of other stray hairs on or around the neck, ears, eyes or other light duty general hair trimming. Whether the trimming is accomplished with a powered trimmer or clippers, or with an ordinary scissors, the typically relatively short hair clippings have the tendency to spread over a wide area of a counter, sink or table adjacent the mirror used to facilitate the trimming, as well as upon the individual being trimmed. Clippings on one's clothing are especially unsightly. It has been found that the resulting mess from such trimming is worse when an electric trimmer is used, since the reciprocating blades have the tendency to throw the clippings over a wider area.

In an approach to solving the problem which is designed particularly for hair stylists, an electric hair clipper has been provided in which a vacuum hose is connectable to an outlet on the clipper body. This apparatus is somewhat cumbersome, requires a separate vacuum unit and is not well suited to home use.

Another attempt to address the problem of collecting hair trimmings is commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,075,971, which discloses a cordless trimmer for delicate hairs such as those growing in or around the nose, ears and/or eyes. Since this device is compact, relatively low powered and designed for precise cutting of delicate areas, there is a perceived need for a unit with greater power and cutting capacity. Also, both cordless and AC-powered units are desired. An increase in power will generate additional clippings, and as such a more effective vacuum system is needed.

Another concern of individuals with facial hair is the ability to precisely trim around the nose, lips and ears with the same device as is used for performing the “gross” trimming. In response, some conventional electric clippers or shavers offer auxiliary pop-up trimming blades which are supplemental to the main cutting blades. However, one disadvantage of these supplemental trimming blades is that they are placed in close proximity to the main blades, and in some cases both sets of blades may cut hair, while only one set is so intended. The result is an uneven trimming job and a frustrated user. In some cases, the unintended set of blades may pull the hair or skin of the user. Further, the close proximity of the main and auxiliary blades in some cases obscures the visibility of the area to be trimmed.

Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide an improved hair clipping device with accessible and visible blades for performing both gross and fine trimming.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved hair clipping device with an internal vacuum for easily collecting hair, and with blades for performing both gross and fine trimming wherein the device is configured so that the vacuum is effective in collecting clippings regardless of whether gross or fine trimming is performed.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved hair clipping device with blades for performing both gross and fine trimming, wherein the type of trimming can be selected while the user retains the same hand position, and wherein the cutting location is easily viewed.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved hair clipping device which features a rotatable bladeset which provides a choice between fine and gross trimming, and also featuring a locking assembly to releasably secure the chassis in the selected position.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved hair clipping device which features a rotatable bladeset which provides a choice between fine and gross trimming, wherein when one such type of trimming is selected, the non-selected blades are kept out of the way to minimize interference with cutting or snagging by the selected blades.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide an improved hair clipping device which features a rotatable bladeset which provides a choice between fine and gross trimming, and a comb assembly, with a locking mechanism configured so that both the bladeset and the comb assembly may be released with a single button.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above-listed objects are met or exceeded by the present hair clipping device with rotating wide and narrow bladeset which provides both gross and fine trimming capabilities. Once the user selects a type of trimming to be performed, the non-selected blades are sufficiently isolated from the desired cutting location to prevent their obstruction or interference with the main cutting action. Another feature of the present clipping device is an internal vacuum system. In a preferred embodiment, the vacuum system is powered by the same motor which powers the clipper blades. Clippings are collected within the housing and can easily be removed for disposal. Both wide and narrow blades are provided on a pivotable chassis which is driven by a single drive member. Whichever blade is selected is disposed close enough to the vacuum intake so that clippings are collected. The selected size blade is releasably locked in place, and the comb assembly is also secured to a clipper housing. When the narrow blade is selected, it may project farther over the intake for greater accessibility to the delicate areas to be trimmed, and greater visibility of those areas. When a comb is provided, a single button releases the engagement of the comb and the position of the rotating bladeset relative to the housing.

More specifically, the present invention provides a hair clipping device including a housing, a bladeset engageable upon the housing and including at least one stationary blade and at least one moving blade configured for reciprocal movement relative to the stationary blade. The stationary blade has a first cutting edge and a second cutting edge, the at least one moving blade including a first moving edge configured for reciprocal movement relative to the first cutting edge, and a second moving edge configured for reciprocal movement relative to the second cutting edge. The housing defines a cutting location for the blades and the bladeset is rotatably engageable on the housing between a first position in which the first edges are employed, and a second position in which the second edges are employed.

In another embodiment, a hair clipping device is provided, including a housing enclosing an apparatus for creating a vacuum, and having a vacuum intake. A blade chassis is also provided and is engageable upon the housing, and has a bladeset including at least one stationary blade and at least one moving blade configured for reciprocal movement relative to the stationary blade. The stationary blade has a first cutting edge and a second cutting edge, the at least one moving blade including a first moving edge configured for reciprocal movement relative to the first cutting edge, and a second moving edge configured for reciprocal movement relative to the second cutting edge.

A cutting location is defined by the housing for the blades, and the blade chassis is rotatably engageable on the housing between a first position in which the first cutting edge and the first moving edge are disposed at the cutting location, and a second position in which the second cutting edge and the second moving edge are disposed at the cutting location. The cutting location is adjacent the vacuum intake so that hair clippings generated by the cutting action of the blades are drawn into the vacuum intake regardless of which cutting position is selected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now toFIGS. 1 and 2, a hair clipping device suitable for use with the present invention is generally designated10. It is contemplated that, while the clipper shown is generally referred to as a trimmer, the features and principles of the invention may be applied to other conventional types of electric hair cutting appliances, including clippers and shearers, and whether powered by AC line cord or batteries. The device10includes a housing12having a front or cutting end14, and an opposite rear or power end16. For purposes of the present application, the device10is held in a user's hand in the orientation shown inFIG. 1, and as such a top of the device10is designated18, and a bottom is designated20.

The cutting end14features a blade assembly22, which includes a blade chassis24to which is attached a bladeset26having at least one stationary blade28and at least one moving blade30. In the present application “chassis” refers to any sort of platform or support to which blades can be mounted, and which is movable relative to the housing12. While a preferred chassis24is a generally planar platform with generally vertically extending walls, other configurations of blade supports are contemplated, such as bars, disks, turntables, etc. Also, one piece or multiple piece stationary and moving blades are contemplated. As is well known in the hair clipping art, the cutting action is obtained by the reciprocal linear movement of the moving blade30relative to the stationary blade28. In a preferred embodiment, as will be described below, one of the features of the present invention is that the bladeset26, and specifically the blade chassis24is rotatable relative to the housing12, to provide the user with the capability of selectively performing either “gross” or “fine” trimming with one of a first or relatively wide blade edge32and a second or narrow blade edge34. It is contemplated that the first and second edges may alternatively be narrow and wide, or both may be narrow or both wide, depending on the application.

Another feature of the device10is an internal vacuum system, which is evident from a vacuum intake36formed at the cutting end14of the housing12, and at least one and preferably two exhaust outlets38shown in sides40of the housing12. At the power end16, a battery42(either rechargeable or non-rechargeable) may be located in a battery compartment44(FIG. 2), and/or a receptacle46may be provided for an AC adaptor (not shown), as is well known in the art. It is also contemplated that the device10be provided with an AC line power cord, as is well known, to have the capability of operating either from wall current or from battery power.

Referring now toFIG. 2, the power source of the device10is an electric motor48. In a preferred embodiment, the device10is provided with a magnet49as disclosed in German Patent No. DE 19617448 A1, incorporated by reference, for placing a biasing force on a shaft of the motor to reduce noise and increase the life of the motor48. The motor48is controlled by a switch50. In a preferred embodiment, the switch50features a lockout button52which prevents operation of the motor until the button is depressed and the switch actuated. This prevents the device10from becoming accidentally turned on and running in a drawer, or a suitcase while traveling and discharging the battery42. An LED53preferably provides a visual indication of when the unit10is plugged into a transformer for recharging the battery42, when a rechargable battery is included. The motor48has a drive end54and an opposite fan end56. At the drive end54, an eccentric drive member58is configured to matingly engage a follower chamber60defined by and extending from a cam follower62. As is well known in the clipper art, cam followers are used to translate the eccentric rotary motion of the drive member58into linear reciprocating movement of a moving blade relative to a stationary blade, which creates a scissors-like cutting action. Commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,581 discloses a conventional cam follower arrangement, and is incorporated by reference.

Referring now toFIGS. 4–8B, the cam follower62is generally “H”-shaped when viewed from above and has a generally planar blade contact member64, from which the follower chamber60projects normally, and a blade contact surface66opposite the side from which the follower chamber60projects. The blade contact surface66includes locating lugs68for engaging at least one and preferably two moving blades70,72.FIG. 17is a cross-section taken alone the line17—17ofFIG. 16and in the direction indicated generally. To account for manufacturing and/or alignment differences between the two moving blades70,72, at least one and preferably several leveling ribs74are provided on the blade contact surface66. When multiple ribs are provided at a specified end of the cam follower62, it is important that they be positioned along a common line. In a preferred embodiment, the ribs74are elongate for engaging the surface of the corresponding moving blade. An important function of the ribs74is engaging the moving blades70,72to take up space caused by differences in manufacturing tolerances of the moving blades and exerting uniform force in biasing each moving blade against at least one stationary blade28. While the number of ribs74may vary to suit the application, where two moving blades70,72are employed, it is contemplated that two ribs are provided for each moving blade, with a total of four ribs for the device10.

It will also be seen that the cam follower62is not symmetrical, but has a wide end78and a narrow end80. This is because, in a preferred embodiment, the device10is provided with the wide and narrow cutting edges32,34. However, it is contemplated that the cam follower62could alternately have ends of generally equal width, when the cutting edges32,34are of generally equal width. Fundamentally, the cam follower is designed to exert uniform tension across as much of the blade as possible. Accordingly, the at least one stationary blade28has a first or wide cutting edge82and a second or narrow cutting edge84. Likewise, the at least one and preferably two moving blades70,72include a first or wide moving edge86configured for reciprocal movement relative to the first cutting edge82, and a second or narrow moving edge88configured for reciprocal movement relative to the second cutting edge84.

As is seen inFIGS. 2 and 4, the moving blades70,72are disposed in the bladeset26so that the respective cutting edges86,88are in back-to-back relationship to each other. In this context, “back-to-back” refers to a preferred approximately 180° disposition of one moving blade relative to the other. Other relative angular dispositions of the moving blades are contemplated depending on the application.FIG. 17is a cross-section taken alone the line17—17ofFIG. 16and in the direction indicated generally.

As indicated above, in a preferred embodiment, the device10is provided with the wide cutting edge32and the narrow cutting edge34. This is for allowing the user to be able to perform “gross” trimming of a beard, moustache, sideburns or the like with a wide edge, as well as fine edge or detail trimming with a relatively narrower edge. In the context of this application, the terms “blade” or “cutting edge” will refer to conventional types of clipper blades with a plurality of spaced teeth, as are well known in the art. The cutting action of the clipping device is obtained by linear reciprocal movement of one set of teeth relative to the other. The size and type of the first and second edges32,34may be changed as desired, both blades might be the same size and type, or reversed, depending on the application. It is also contemplated that the pitch or spacing of teeth of the respective blades may also vary to suit the application, as is known in the art. As indicated above, while a single stationary blade28is preferred, it is also contemplated that dual or other multiple arrangements of stationary blades could be employed.FIG. 17is a cross-section taken along the line17—17ofFIG. 16and in the direction indicated generally. Additional mounting holes92are provided as needed. In other respects, the embodiment ofFIG. 16corresponds to, and is contemplated as being interchangeable with that ofFIG. 3.

Accordingly, the cam follower62is preferably provided with a plurality of the locating lugs68(best seen inFIGS. 8A and 8B) for engaging corresponding slots (not shown) or other formations on the corresponding moving blades70,72. In this way, reciprocal linear movement of the cam follower62will be transmitted to the moving blades70,72to effect the desired cutting action. Also, as is customary, a spring94(best seen inFIG. 4) or other type of biasing element is provided to bias the cam follower62and the moving blades70,72into biased sliding engagement with the stationary blade28.

Referring now toFIGS. 2–5, another feature of the present device10is that the bladeset26is rotatably engaged upon the housing12through mounting to the blade chassis24, which in turn is rotatably engageable on the housing. The blade chassis24serves as a housing for the bladeset26and is rotatably engageable upon the housing12at least between a first position, in which the first cutting edge32, including the edges82,86are disposed at a cutting location, and a second position in which the second cutting edge34, including the edges84,88are disposed at the cutting location. In this context, the cutting location is designated96, and refers to a position in close operational proximity with the vacuum intake36, so that hair clippings generated by the trimming action of the bladeset26will be drawn into the vacuum intake.

A related advantage of the present device10is that the housing12is configured so that the user may maintain a single gripping position when the bladeset26is in the cutting location96, regardless of whether the blade chassis24is in the first position or the second position. Referring now toFIGS. 3 and 4, to improve the accessability of the device to trim hair in delicate areas, i.e., around the mouth, nose, ears and/or eyes, and also to improve the visibility of the cutting location96, it will be seen that the bladeset26is configured so that the narrow cutting edge84and the corresponding narrow moving edge88are displaced a distance D from a centerline CL of the follower chamber60, which is also the axis of rotation of the drive member58. This distance D is greater than the corresponding distance D′ of the displacement of the wider cutting edge82and the wider moving edge86. Thus, the narrow edges or blades34,84,88extend farther over the vacuum intake36than the wide cutting edges or blades32,82,86. The vacuum intake36and the vacuum apparatus of the present device10are sufficient to collect many of the hair clippings generated by the bladeset26regardless of whether the narrow blade edge34or the wide blade edge32is used. Naturally, some clippings may still escape the vacuum intake36. Nevertheless, the additional extension of the narrow edges84,88increases the accessability of the blade edge24to delicate areas and also increases the visibility of the cutting location96for the user in that position. In the event that two wide edges are provided to the bladeset26, one of the edges would not be dimensioned to extend farther over the exhaust intake36.

Another important feature of the present device10is that only one of the cutting edges32,34is in operational proximity to the vacuum intake36at a time. Note also that the cam follower62is configured to simultaneously reciprocally move at least one and preferably both of the moving blades70,72relative to the stationary blade28, regardless of whether the bladeset26is in the first position or the second position. Even while simultaneously moving in a cutting action, the non-selected or unused blades are kept sufficiently remote from the selected blades at the cutting location96that they do not interfere with the cutting or trimming operation. Also, any pulling of the user's skin is also avoided. To this end, in a preferred embodiment, the unused blades (not at the cutting location96) are disposed at least approximately 90° and preferably approximately 180° away from the blades at the cutting location. Other amounts of displacement are contemplated depending on the application.

Referring toFIGS. 2,4and5to achieve the rotatable engagement with the housing12, the blade chassis24has a depending, generally cylindrical collar98with a radially extending flange100. The collar98spaces the flange100away from a bottom surface102of the chassis24.

At the cutting end14of the housing12, an end wall104has an opening106dimensioned to rotatably accommodate the collar98, and the flange100provides a retaining function on the inside of the end wall. As is typical in the clipper art, the housing12is provided in two vertically symmetrical halves. Assembly is achieved by loading one half with components, then placing the other half on top of the assembled half and securing the two halves together. In this case, the opening106is defined by the two halves, and is closed around the collar98upon assembly. In a preferred embodiment, an O-ring108(best seen inFIG. 5) is inserted between the end wall104and the flange100to provide a higher quality feel of the rotation action, and to prevent unwanted movement.

The flange100is provided with at least one and preferably two notches110, (best seen inFIG. 5) which are preferably disposed approximately 180° apart from each other. These notches110are used to retain the blade chassis24in a selected position relative to the cutting location96. A locking mechanism generally designated112is provided which is configured for releasably securing the bladeset26, and specifically the blade chassis24in a selected one of the first and second positions at the cutting location96.

In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism takes the form of a locking member114located within the housing12and configured to be biased toward a closed position. The biasing force is preferably provided by mounting the plastic locking member114in the housing12to have an inherent spring force. The locking member114is retained within the housing12at a socket-like point116and has a first lug118for engaging the blade chassis and a second lug120for engaging a comb assembly122, described in more detail below. In addition, the locking member114has an actuator button124for overcoming the inherent biasing force and for releasing the lug118from biasing engagement with a selected one of the notches110. If present, the comb assembly122is released at this time as well. Until the button124is depressed, the lug118will engage the notch110and secure the blade chassis24in a selected cutting position and will prevent unwanted rotation.

Referring now to FIGS.2and9–13, the comb assembly122will be described in greater detail. As is known in the art, replaceable attachment combs are known for hair clipping devices, as exemplified in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,1033, incorporated by reference, and are used for assisting the user in obtaining hair cut to a uniform length.

In the present device10, the comb assembly122is attachable to the housing12, and includes a comb base126and a comb member128slidably engaged on the base. One of the features of the present comb assembly122is that the comb member128is selectively and slidably adjustable relative to the comb base126between a retracted position (FIGS. 9–11) and an extended position (FIGS. 12–13). For the purposes of this invention, while it is preferred that the comb assembly122include two main components126,128, it is contemplated that an equivalent comb could be a single piece unit. For example, a single piece comb could be adjustable between an extended and a retracted position relative to the housing12. Thus, the terms “comb” and “comb assembly” will refer to both single component and multiple component combs.

More specifically, the comb base126has a cowl130which is generally “C”-shaped when viewed from above and defines a blade opening132between spaced ends134of the cowl. The cowl130is substantially enclosed at its upper end by an upper panel136. Also, the comb base126is dimensioned to substantially enclose the blade chassis24, with the blade opening132being the portion not enclosing the chassis.

The upper panel136has at least one and preferably two guide ribs138for defining a sliding path for the comb member128. In addition, a pair of outer slide tracks142are formed along side edges of the comb base126where the upper panel136meets an upper edge of the cowl130. The cowl130also has a stop144at one end of the slide tracks142to prevent excessive retraction of the comb member128.

A base panel146is the central portion of the comb member128, and defines a generally rectangular blade aperture148which is in communication with the blade opening132of the cowl130. Projecting from the base panel146are a plurality of spaced parallel fins or ribs150having a generally triangular shape, with a radiused apex152. Lateral edges of the base panel146form depending hood-like skirts154which slidably engage the outer slide tracks142. An underside of the base panel146also has at least one rail156for slidably engaging the guide ribs138on the comb base126.

An adjustment mechanism is provided to control the amount of extension of the comb member128relative to the comb base126between an extended and a retracted position, and also to maintain that extension adjustment even if the comb assembly122is removed from the device10. This adjustment mechanism includes a rotatable actuator158mounted at an axial pivot point to an underside160of the upper panel136of the comb base126and having an eccentrically disposed lug162. The actuator158is preferably a flat circular disk, with a partially serrated outer edge164. A handle166projects radially from the disk, and is engaged in a slot168in the cowl130.

The eccentric lug162is slidably engaged in an arcuate slot170(shown hidden) in the upper panel136of the comb base126. In addition, the lug162is of sufficient length to also project through an aperture172in the base panel146of the comb member128. Thus, linear reciprocal movement of the handle166in the slot168causes rotation of the actuator158. Simultaneously, rotation of the actuator158causes the lug162to move in the arcuate slot170, which also, through the engagement in the aperture172, causes the comb member128to linearly travel along the guide ribs138and the slide tracks142. It is contemplated that the present adjustment mechanism could also be configured with the actuator158and the lug162on the comb member128and aperture172on the comb base126.

To maintain the selected extension of the comb member128relative to the comb base126, a depending tab174is provided on the underside of the upper panel136and is constructed and arranged for ratcheting engagement with the serrations on the edge164of the actuator158. Thus, unwanted movement of the comb member128is prevented, and the user is provided with a tactile and potentially audible indication of the amount of extension movement.

Another feature of the device10, and particularly the comb assembly122, is that it provides a deflection function, in that it facilitates the entry of hair clippings into the vacuum intake36. The main deflective surfaces are the hooded skirts154preferably provided on the side edges of the comb member128, but also contemplated as being provided on a single piece comb. More specifically, free ends176of the skirts which are adjacent the bladeset26are also adjacent the vacuum intake36. As such, they receive and deflect clippings which are thrown laterally by the action of the bladeset26, into the intake36. This deflection is enhanced by projections178on the ends134of the cowl130, which are in general vertical alignment with the corresponding skirts154to form a more extensive deflective barrier against the escape of stray clippings.

Referring now toFIGS. 10–13, as the comb assembly122is extended from the retracted position ofFIGS. 10 and 11to the extended position ofFIGS. 12 and 13, it will be seen that the deflective action of the comb assembly becomes more comprehensive, in that the amount of deflective area increases. Specifically, the hooded skirts154progress farther over the vacuum intake36, and provide increased deflective capability. On the blade chassis24, generally triangular extensions179which project toward the vacuum intake36assist in the deflection action.

Referring now toFIG. 2, the locking member114is also used for retaining the comb assembly122upon the housing12. In fact, another feature of the present device10is that the locking member also has the lug120, which engages a slot180on the cowl130. The engagement of the lug120in the slot180retains the cowl, and the comb assembly122in general, upon the housing12. By depressing the button124, the lug120is disengaged, and the comb assembly122can be removed. Thus, the button124serves two functions simultaneously when a comb assembly122is provided. Also, to improve visibility, and accessibility to sensitive areas, it is preferred that the comb assembly122is engageable on the housing12only when the blade chassis24is in the first position, for cutting by the relatively wide blade edge32. Thus, to use the narrow blade edge34, the comb assembly122should be removed.

Referring now toFIGS. 1,2and14–15, another feature of the present device10is that it creates a vacuum for the collection of cut hair clippings. In addition to the vacuum intake36, the housing12defines a vacuum passageway182connecting the intake to a fan chamber184. The passageway182is generally rectangular in cross-section and in a preferred embodiment generally follows the ergonomically-shaped contour of the housing12. While not completely airtight, the passageway182is isolated from the motor48, the bladeset26and the battery compartment44of the device10. A first portion186of the passageway182is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing12. However, a second portion188of the passageway182is located between the battery compartment44and the fan chamber184, and is oriented at an approximate 90° angle to the first portion186. Both portions186,188are in fluid communication with each other, and also with the fan chamber184.

A fan190is rotatably disposed in the fan chamber184, and has an axis of rotation defined by the fan end56of the motor48to which the fan is attached. While, in a preferred embodiment, the fan190is powered by the same motor48which powers the bladeset26, it will be appreciated that a separate fan motor could be provided. It is also contemplated that other fan drive mechanisms may be alternately provided, such as indirect gear or pulley mechanisms. The fan190is configured so that, upon rotation, it draws air into the vacuum intake36, down the first portion186, into the second portion188and into the fan chamber184. Hair clippings entrained in the airflow will tend to fall out of the flow as the air makes a 180° turn in directional flow from the first portion186, which is generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the fan, to the fan chamber184. This flow path is indicated by the arrows F.

Another feature of the device10is that the second portion188of the vacuum passageway182is removable from the housing12as a clipping trap (best seen inFIG. 1). More specifically, the second portion188is formed as an open tray or box, with four walls192and a floor194. The open end of the box is in communication with the first portion186of the passageway182, and also with the fan chamber184. Due to the 180° turn of air flow, clippings are deposited from the air flow into the second portion188. A lower end196of the portion188is secured to, or is integrally molded with, a segment198of the housing12which serves as a handle for removing the clippings when needed. The second portion188is removable in a perpendicular direction relative to the flow of air in the first portion186.

To prevent clippings from migrating into the fan chamber and fouling the fan190and/or the motor48, a filter200, shown inFIG. 1in place and exploded away, is disposed at an entrance202to the fan chamber184. The filter200includes a frame204dimensioned to fit within the second portion188to be removable from the housing therewith, and a sheet of filter cloth206secured to the frame. The mesh size of the cloth206is fine enough to prevent the entry of clippings, but large enough to permit air flow. To prevent loss of the filter200, the frame204is preferably provided with at least one and preferably two pivot projections207, one located on each side. These projections207engage corresponding recesses (not shown) on the walls192to allow the frame204to pivot relative to the second portion188. This allows the portion188to be emptied and the filter cloth206cleaned, without removing the filter from the device10. However, the frame204is also removable from the second portion188.

A function of the frame204is to axially displace the filter cloth206away from the entrance202to the fan chamber184. This displacement, along with the substantially greater area of the filter cloth206relative to the entrance diameter, reduces the probability of a large number of clippings becoming caught in the filter and bogging down the motor48. In operation, the frame204snaps into the second portion188of the vacuum passageway182.

Referring now toFIGS. 14 and 15, it has been found that the fan190needs to have at least certain minimum performance characteristics to properly draw clippings into the housing. One characteristic is that the fan must draw sufficient vacuum when operating in the range of between 2,500 and 9,000 RPM, the range contemplated in conventional electric hair clipping devices. In a preferred embodiment, the desired motor speed is approximately 7,000 RPM, and is achieved with a 2.5 Amp, 1.2 Volt motor48. It has been found that at speeds below 2,500 RPM, insufficient vacuum is obtained, and at speeds above 9,000 RPM, excessive power use and motor wear is encountered. In contrast, the fans of conventional vacuum appliances operate at much higher speeds, in the range of 13,000–15,000 RPM or more. Another design factor is that sufficient air movement must be generated in the vacuum passageway182to create vacuum pressure and to move the clippings into the second portion188of the passageway. In other words, for a specified diameter of the fan190, the goal is to maximize water lift and also maximize the air flow in CFM (cubic feet per minute). Low air flow will not overcome the mechanical advantage of thrown hair clippings, and will not draw the clippings into the intake36.

The diameter of the fan190is determined by the size of the fan chamber184. The fan190should extend almost to the wall of the entrance202and still rotate freely. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the fan is approximately 1.5 inches, actually 1.42 inches, the fan, operating at 7,000 RPM, and generates at least 6 CFM of air flow at 0.7 inches of water lift. Also, it has been found that the fan as sized above works well when the entrance202to the fan chamber184has a diameter of approximately 0.7 00 inches. These are minimum desired values for the performance of the fan190as provided. It will be appreciated that other fan diameters will generate different requirements to create effective vacuums. It is also preferred that the cross-sectional area of the vacuum passageway182is approximately the same as the diameter of the entrance202to the vacuum chamber184.

In a preferred embodiment, the fan190includes five arcuate blades208spaced upon, and secured to, a circular base210. Rear edges212of each blade208reach the outer diameter of the base. Front edges214of each blade208are pointed. The number and configuration of the blades may change to suit the application.

In operation, once the motor48is turned on, the fan190begins to rotate, drawing air in through the intake36, down the vacuum passageway182, into the fan chamber184and out the exhaust outlets38. Once hair clipping begins, the airflow created by the fan190is sufficient to draw clippings into the passageway182. As indicated above, a feature of the present invention is that the comb assembly122and the blade chassis24are configured to assist the deflection of hair clippings into the passageway182. When the device10is oriented so that the bladeset26is disposed vertically above the vacuum intake36, the collection of clippings will be enhanced by gravity. The use of the device10in the position shown inFIG. 1will increase the In addition, as seen inFIG. 1, the intake36itself is configured to aid in this deflection, or at least facilitate the collection of hair clippings. In a preferred embodiment, the intake36has flared end walls208which are generally aligned with the triangular extensions179on the blade chassis24, and also are adjacent the ends176of the hooded skirts154.

Another feature of this configuration for the vacuum intake36, is that it can be used to clean clippings from the surface of the counter or sink where, or above which, the trimming occurs. The user merely positions the device10with the intake36in close proximity to the surface to be cleaned. Still another feature of the configuration of the vacuum intake36and the cutting end14in general, is that it is configured so that if placed against the user's cheek or other skin surface, the a vacuum seal will not result. The proximity of the blades70,72to the intake36, and the triangular extension179of the blade chassis24assist in this function.

Once the motor48is turned on, not only does the fan190begin to rotate, but the bladeset26also begins to reciprocate, regardless of the position that the blade chassis24is fixed to relative to the housing12. Gross trimming is accomplished with the wide blade edge32in the cutting location96, with or without the use of the comb assembly122. When the comb assembly122is in place, the amount of extension of the comb member128relative to the comb base126is determined by the position of the handle166in the slot168. Additional deflection of clippings into the intake36is accomplished as the comb member128is extended further.

As clippings are generated, they are collected in the second portion188of the vacuum passageway182. At the completion of trimming, the portion188may be removed from the housing12, with the filter200, to dispose of the clippings. If the user desires to perform some fine or detail trimming, the button124is depressed, enabling the removal of the comb assembly122, and also the rotation of the blade chassis24, until the narrow edge34is in the cutting location96. The button124is then released, allowing for engagement between the lug118in the corresponding notch110. Trimming on a fine level is then performed with the narrow edge34, which projects farther over the vacuum intake36for greater visibility and accessibility to trimmable areas.

Any clean-up of the surrounding area, or of the user's clothes can be accomplished with the device10by orienting the vacuum intake36near the area to be cleaned. The collected clippings can then be removed by sliding out the second portion188of the vacuum passageway, as seen inFIG. 1, at which time the filter200can also be cleaned.

While a particular embodiment of the hair clipping device with rotating bladeset having multiple cutting edges of the invention has been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the invention in its broader aspects and as set forth in the following claims.