Patent Publication Number: US-6986206-B2

Title: Hair clipping device with rotating bladeset having multiple cutting edges

Description:
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/736,800, filed Dec. 14, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,684,511. 

   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&#39;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&#39;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. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective elevational view of the present hair clipping device; 
       FIG. 2  is a vertical section of an assembled version of the clipping device of  FIG. 1  equipped with a comb assembly; 
       FIG. 3  is a fragmentary end view of the clipper of  FIG. 1 , showing the bladeset and blade chassis in a rotated position; 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-section taken along the line  4 — 4  of  FIG. 3  and in the direction indicated generally; 
       FIG. 5  is an inverted perspective elevational view of the blade chassis of  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective elevational view of the cam follower of the present bladeset; 
       FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the cam follower of  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-section taken along the line  8 — 8  of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 8A  is a fragmentary enlargement of  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 8B  is a fragmentary enlargement of  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 9  is an overhead view of the present comb assembly shown in a retracted position; 
       FIG. 10  is an underside view of the comb assembly of  FIG. 9 ; 
       FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of the comb assembly of  FIG. 9 ; 
       FIG. 12  is an underside view of the comb assembly of  FIG. 9  shown in the extended position; 
       FIG. 13  is a side elevational view of the comb assembly of  FIG. 12 ; 
       FIG. 14  is a front view of the fan of the present clipping device; 
       FIG. 15  is a side elevational view of the fan of  FIG. 14 ; 
       FIG. 16  is a fragmentary end view of an alternate embodiment of the clipper of  FIG. 3 ; and 
       FIG. 17  is a cross-section taken along the line  17 — 17  of  FIG. 16  and in the direction indicated generally. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a hair clipping device suitable for use with the present invention is generally designated  10 . 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 device  10  includes a housing  12  having a front or cutting end  14 , and an opposite rear or power end  16 . For purposes of the present application, the device  10  is held in a user&#39;s hand in the orientation shown in  FIG. 1 , and as such a top of the device  10  is designated  18 , and a bottom is designated  20 . 
   The cutting end  14  features a blade assembly  22 , which includes a blade chassis  24  to which is attached a bladeset  26  having at least one stationary blade  28  and at least one moving blade  30 . 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 housing  12 . While a preferred chassis  24  is 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 blade  30  relative to the stationary blade  28 . In a preferred embodiment, as will be described below, one of the features of the present invention is that the bladeset  26 , and specifically the blade chassis  24  is rotatable relative to the housing  12 , to provide the user with the capability of selectively performing either “gross” or “fine” trimming with one of a first or relatively wide blade edge  32  and a second or narrow blade edge  34 . 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 device  10  is an internal vacuum system, which is evident from a vacuum intake  36  formed at the cutting end  14  of the housing  12 , and at least one and preferably two exhaust outlets  38  shown in sides  40  of the housing  12 . At the power end  16 , a battery  42  (either rechargeable or non-rechargeable) may be located in a battery compartment  44  ( FIG. 2 ), and/or a receptacle  46  may be provided for an AC adaptor (not shown), as is well known in the art. It is also contemplated that the device  10  be 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 to  FIG. 2 , the power source of the device  10  is an electric motor  48 . In a preferred embodiment, the device  10  is provided with a magnet  49  as 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 motor  48 . The motor  48  is controlled by a switch  50 . In a preferred embodiment, the switch  50  features a lockout button  52  which prevents operation of the motor until the button is depressed and the switch actuated. This prevents the device  10  from becoming accidentally turned on and running in a drawer, or a suitcase while traveling and discharging the battery  42 . An LED  53  preferably provides a visual indication of when the unit  10  is plugged into a transformer for recharging the battery  42 , when a rechargable battery is included. The motor  48  has a drive end  54  and an opposite fan end  56 . At the drive end  54 , an eccentric drive member  58  is configured to matingly engage a follower chamber  60  defined by and extending from a cam follower  62 . As is well known in the clipper art, cam followers are used to translate the eccentric rotary motion of the drive member  58  into 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 to  FIGS. 4–8B , the cam follower  62  is generally “H”-shaped when viewed from above and has a generally planar blade contact member  64 , from which the follower chamber  60  projects normally, and a blade contact surface  66  opposite the side from which the follower chamber  60  projects. The blade contact surface  66  includes locating lugs  68  for engaging at least one and preferably two moving blades  70 ,  72 .  FIG. 17  is a cross-section taken alone the line  17 — 17  of  FIG. 16  and in the direction indicated generally. To account for manufacturing and/or alignment differences between the two moving blades  70 ,  72 , at least one and preferably several leveling ribs  74  are provided on the blade contact surface  66 . When multiple ribs are provided at a specified end of the cam follower  62 , it is important that they be positioned along a common line. In a preferred embodiment, the ribs  74  are elongate for engaging the surface of the corresponding moving blade. An important function of the ribs  74  is engaging the moving blades  70 ,  72  to 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 blade  28 . While the number of ribs  74  may vary to suit the application, where two moving blades  70 ,  72  are employed, it is contemplated that two ribs are provided for each moving blade, with a total of four ribs for the device  10 . 
   It will also be seen that the cam follower  62  is not symmetrical, but has a wide end  78  and a narrow end  80 . This is because, in a preferred embodiment, the device  10  is provided with the wide and narrow cutting edges  32 ,  34 . However, it is contemplated that the cam follower  62  could alternately have ends of generally equal width, when the cutting edges  32 ,  34  are 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 blade  28  has a first or wide cutting edge  82  and a second or narrow cutting edge  84 . Likewise, the at least one and preferably two moving blades  70 ,  72  include a first or wide moving edge  86  configured for reciprocal movement relative to the first cutting edge  82 , and a second or narrow moving edge  88  configured for reciprocal movement relative to the second cutting edge  84 . 
   As is seen in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the moving blades  70 ,  72  are disposed in the bladeset  26  so that the respective cutting edges  86 ,  88  are 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. 17  is a cross-section taken alone the line  17 — 17  of  FIG. 16  and in the direction indicated generally. 
   As indicated above, in a preferred embodiment, the device  10  is provided with the wide cutting edge  32  and the narrow cutting edge  34 . 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 edges  32 ,  34  may 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 blade  28  is preferred, it is also contemplated that dual or other multiple arrangements of stationary blades could be employed.  FIG. 17  is a cross-section taken along the line  17 — 17  of  FIG. 16  and in the direction indicated generally. Additional mounting holes  92  are provided as needed. In other respects, the embodiment of  FIG. 16  corresponds to, and is contemplated as being interchangeable with that of  FIG. 3 . 
   Accordingly, the cam follower  62  is preferably provided with a plurality of the locating lugs  68  (best seen in  FIGS. 8A and 8B ) for engaging corresponding slots (not shown) or other formations on the corresponding moving blades  70 ,  72 . In this way, reciprocal linear movement of the cam follower  62  will be transmitted to the moving blades  70 ,  72  to effect the desired cutting action. Also, as is customary, a spring  94  (best seen in  FIG. 4 ) or other type of biasing element is provided to bias the cam follower  62  and the moving blades  70 ,  72  into biased sliding engagement with the stationary blade  28 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 2–5 , another feature of the present device  10  is that the bladeset  26  is rotatably engaged upon the housing  12  through mounting to the blade chassis  24 , which in turn is rotatably engageable on the housing. The blade chassis  24  serves as a housing for the bladeset  26  and is rotatably engageable upon the housing  12  at least between a first position, in which the first cutting edge  32 , including the edges  82 ,  86  are disposed at a cutting location, and a second position in which the second cutting edge  34 , including the edges  84 ,  88  are disposed at the cutting location. In this context, the cutting location is designated  96 , and refers to a position in close operational proximity with the vacuum intake  36 , so that hair clippings generated by the trimming action of the bladeset  26  will be drawn into the vacuum intake. 
   A related advantage of the present device  10  is that the housing  12  is configured so that the user may maintain a single gripping position when the bladeset  26  is in the cutting location  96 , regardless of whether the blade chassis  24  is in the first position or the second position. Referring now to  FIGS. 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 location  96 , it will be seen that the bladeset  26  is configured so that the narrow cutting edge  84  and the corresponding narrow moving edge  88  are displaced a distance D from a centerline CL of the follower chamber  60 , which is also the axis of rotation of the drive member  58 . This distance D is greater than the corresponding distance D′ of the displacement of the wider cutting edge  82  and the wider moving edge  86 . Thus, the narrow edges or blades  34 ,  84 ,  88  extend farther over the vacuum intake  36  than the wide cutting edges or blades  32 ,  82 ,  86 . The vacuum intake  36  and the vacuum apparatus of the present device  10  are sufficient to collect many of the hair clippings generated by the bladeset  26  regardless of whether the narrow blade edge  34  or the wide blade edge  32  is used. Naturally, some clippings may still escape the vacuum intake  36 . Nevertheless, the additional extension of the narrow edges  84 ,  88  increases the accessability of the blade edge  24  to delicate areas and also increases the visibility of the cutting location  96  for the user in that position. In the event that two wide edges are provided to the bladeset  26 , one of the edges would not be dimensioned to extend farther over the exhaust intake  36 . 
   Another important feature of the present device  10  is that only one of the cutting edges  32 ,  34  is in operational proximity to the vacuum intake  36  at a time. Note also that the cam follower  62  is configured to simultaneously reciprocally move at least one and preferably both of the moving blades  70 ,  72  relative to the stationary blade  28 , regardless of whether the bladeset  26  is 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 location  96  that they do not interfere with the cutting or trimming operation. Also, any pulling of the user&#39;s skin is also avoided. To this end, in a preferred embodiment, the unused blades (not at the cutting location  96 ) 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 to  FIGS. 2 ,  4  and  5  to achieve the rotatable engagement with the housing  12 , the blade chassis  24  has a depending, generally cylindrical collar  98  with a radially extending flange  100 . The collar  98  spaces the flange  100  away from a bottom surface  102  of the chassis  24 . 
   At the cutting end  14  of the housing  12 , an end wall  104  has an opening  106  dimensioned to rotatably accommodate the collar  98 , and the flange  100  provides a retaining function on the inside of the end wall. As is typical in the clipper art, the housing  12  is 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 opening  106  is defined by the two halves, and is closed around the collar  98  upon assembly. In a preferred embodiment, an O-ring  108  (best seen in  FIG. 5 ) is inserted between the end wall  104  and the flange  100  to provide a higher quality feel of the rotation action, and to prevent unwanted movement. 
   The flange  100  is provided with at least one and preferably two notches  110 , (best seen in  FIG. 5 ) which are preferably disposed approximately 180° apart from each other. These notches  110  are used to retain the blade chassis  24  in a selected position relative to the cutting location  96 . A locking mechanism generally designated  112  is provided which is configured for releasably securing the bladeset  26 , and specifically the blade chassis  24  in a selected one of the first and second positions at the cutting location  96 . 
   In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism takes the form of a locking member  114  located within the housing  12  and configured to be biased toward a closed position. The biasing force is preferably provided by mounting the plastic locking member  114  in the housing  12  to have an inherent spring force. The locking member  114  is retained within the housing  12  at a socket-like point  116  and has a first lug  118  for engaging the blade chassis and a second lug  120  for engaging a comb assembly  122 , described in more detail below. In addition, the locking member  114  has an actuator button  124  for overcoming the inherent biasing force and for releasing the lug  118  from biasing engagement with a selected one of the notches  110 . If present, the comb assembly  122  is released at this time as well. Until the button  124  is depressed, the lug  118  will engage the notch  110  and secure the blade chassis  24  in a selected cutting position and will prevent unwanted rotation. 
   Referring now to FIGS.  2  and  9 – 13 , the comb assembly  122  will 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 device  10 , the comb assembly  122  is attachable to the housing  12 , and includes a comb base  126  and a comb member  128  slidably engaged on the base. One of the features of the present comb assembly  122  is that the comb member  128  is selectively and slidably adjustable relative to the comb base  126  between 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 assembly  122  include two main components  126 ,  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 housing  12 . Thus, the terms “comb” and “comb assembly” will refer to both single component and multiple component combs. 
   More specifically, the comb base  126  has a cowl  130  which is generally “C”-shaped when viewed from above and defines a blade opening  132  between spaced ends  134  of the cowl. The cowl  130  is substantially enclosed at its upper end by an upper panel  136 . Also, the comb base  126  is dimensioned to substantially enclose the blade chassis  24 , with the blade opening  132  being the portion not enclosing the chassis. 
   The upper panel  136  has at least one and preferably two guide ribs  138  for defining a sliding path for the comb member  128 . In addition, a pair of outer slide tracks  142  are formed along side edges of the comb base  126  where the upper panel  136  meets an upper edge of the cowl  130 . The cowl  130  also has a stop  144  at one end of the slide tracks  142  to prevent excessive retraction of the comb member  128 . 
   A base panel  146  is the central portion of the comb member  128 , and defines a generally rectangular blade aperture  148  which is in communication with the blade opening  132  of the cowl  130 . Projecting from the base panel  146  are a plurality of spaced parallel fins or ribs  150  having a generally triangular shape, with a radiused apex  152 . Lateral edges of the base panel  146  form depending hood-like skirts  154  which slidably engage the outer slide tracks  142 . An underside of the base panel  146  also has at least one rail  156  for slidably engaging the guide ribs  138  on the comb base  126 . 
   An adjustment mechanism is provided to control the amount of extension of the comb member  128  relative to the comb base  126  between an extended and a retracted position, and also to maintain that extension adjustment even if the comb assembly  122  is removed from the device  10 . This adjustment mechanism includes a rotatable actuator  158  mounted at an axial pivot point to an underside  160  of the upper panel  136  of the comb base  126  and having an eccentrically disposed lug  162 . The actuator  158  is preferably a flat circular disk, with a partially serrated outer edge  164 . A handle  166  projects radially from the disk, and is engaged in a slot  168  in the cowl  130 . 
   The eccentric lug  162  is slidably engaged in an arcuate slot  170  (shown hidden) in the upper panel  136  of the comb base  126 . In addition, the lug  162  is of sufficient length to also project through an aperture  172  in the base panel  146  of the comb member  128 . Thus, linear reciprocal movement of the handle  166  in the slot  168  causes rotation of the actuator  158 . Simultaneously, rotation of the actuator  158  causes the lug  162  to move in the arcuate slot  170 , which also, through the engagement in the aperture  172 , causes the comb member  128  to linearly travel along the guide ribs  138  and the slide tracks  142 . It is contemplated that the present adjustment mechanism could also be configured with the actuator  158  and the lug  162  on the comb member  128  and aperture  172  on the comb base  126 . 
   To maintain the selected extension of the comb member  128  relative to the comb base  126 , a depending tab  174  is provided on the underside of the upper panel  136  and is constructed and arranged for ratcheting engagement with the serrations on the edge  164  of the actuator  158 . Thus, unwanted movement of the comb member  128  is prevented, and the user is provided with a tactile and potentially audible indication of the amount of extension movement. 
   Another feature of the device  10 , and particularly the comb assembly  122 , is that it provides a deflection function, in that it facilitates the entry of hair clippings into the vacuum intake  36 . The main deflective surfaces are the hooded skirts  154  preferably provided on the side edges of the comb member  128 , but also contemplated as being provided on a single piece comb. More specifically, free ends  176  of the skirts which are adjacent the bladeset  26  are also adjacent the vacuum intake  36 . As such, they receive and deflect clippings which are thrown laterally by the action of the bladeset  26 , into the intake  36 . This deflection is enhanced by projections  178  on the ends  134  of the cowl  130 , which are in general vertical alignment with the corresponding skirts  154  to form a more extensive deflective barrier against the escape of stray clippings. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 10–13 , as the comb assembly  122  is extended from the retracted position of  FIGS. 10 and 11  to the extended position of  FIGS. 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 skirts  154  progress farther over the vacuum intake  36 , and provide increased deflective capability. On the blade chassis  24 , generally triangular extensions  179  which project toward the vacuum intake  36  assist in the deflection action. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the locking member  114  is also used for retaining the comb assembly  122  upon the housing  12 . In fact, another feature of the present device  10  is that the locking member also has the lug  120 , which engages a slot  180  on the cowl  130 . The engagement of the lug  120  in the slot  180  retains the cowl, and the comb assembly  122  in general, upon the housing  12 . By depressing the button  124 , the lug  120  is disengaged, and the comb assembly  122  can be removed. Thus, the button  124  serves two functions simultaneously when a comb assembly  122  is provided. Also, to improve visibility, and accessibility to sensitive areas, it is preferred that the comb assembly  122  is engageable on the housing  12  only when the blade chassis  24  is in the first position, for cutting by the relatively wide blade edge  32 . Thus, to use the narrow blade edge  34 , the comb assembly  122  should be removed. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  14 – 15 , another feature of the present device  10  is that it creates a vacuum for the collection of cut hair clippings. In addition to the vacuum intake  36 , the housing  12  defines a vacuum passageway  182  connecting the intake to a fan chamber  184 . The passageway  182  is generally rectangular in cross-section and in a preferred embodiment generally follows the ergonomically-shaped contour of the housing  12 . While not completely airtight, the passageway  182  is isolated from the motor  48 , the bladeset  26  and the battery compartment  44  of the device  10 . A first portion  186  of the passageway  182  is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing  12 . However, a second portion  188  of the passageway  182  is located between the battery compartment  44  and the fan chamber  184 , and is oriented at an approximate 90° angle to the first portion  186 . Both portions  186 ,  188  are in fluid communication with each other, and also with the fan chamber  184 . 
   A fan  190  is rotatably disposed in the fan chamber  184 , and has an axis of rotation defined by the fan end  56  of the motor  48  to which the fan is attached. While, in a preferred embodiment, the fan  190  is powered by the same motor  48  which powers the bladeset  26 , 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 fan  190  is configured so that, upon rotation, it draws air into the vacuum intake  36 , down the first portion  186 , into the second portion  188  and into the fan chamber  184 . 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 portion  186 , which is generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the fan, to the fan chamber  184 . This flow path is indicated by the arrows F. 
   Another feature of the device  10  is that the second portion  188  of the vacuum passageway  182  is removable from the housing  12  as a clipping trap (best seen in  FIG. 1 ). More specifically, the second portion  188  is formed as an open tray or box, with four walls  192  and a floor  194 . The open end of the box is in communication with the first portion  186  of the passageway  182 , and also with the fan chamber  184 . Due to the 180° turn of air flow, clippings are deposited from the air flow into the second portion  188 . A lower end  196  of the portion  188  is secured to, or is integrally molded with, a segment  198  of the housing  12  which serves as a handle for removing the clippings when needed. The second portion  188  is removable in a perpendicular direction relative to the flow of air in the first portion  186 . 
   To prevent clippings from migrating into the fan chamber and fouling the fan  190  and/or the motor  48 , a filter  200 , shown in  FIG. 1  in place and exploded away, is disposed at an entrance  202  to the fan chamber  184 . The filter  200  includes a frame  204  dimensioned to fit within the second portion  188  to be removable from the housing therewith, and a sheet of filter cloth  206  secured to the frame. The mesh size of the cloth  206  is fine enough to prevent the entry of clippings, but large enough to permit air flow. To prevent loss of the filter  200 , the frame  204  is preferably provided with at least one and preferably two pivot projections  207 , one located on each side. These projections  207  engage corresponding recesses (not shown) on the walls  192  to allow the frame  204  to pivot relative to the second portion  188 . This allows the portion  188  to be emptied and the filter cloth  206  cleaned, without removing the filter from the device  10 . However, the frame  204  is also removable from the second portion  188 . 
   A function of the frame  204  is to axially displace the filter cloth  206  away from the entrance  202  to the fan chamber  184 . This displacement, along with the substantially greater area of the filter cloth  206  relative to the entrance diameter, reduces the probability of a large number of clippings becoming caught in the filter and bogging down the motor  48 . In operation, the frame  204  snaps into the second portion  188  of the vacuum passageway  182 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , it has been found that the fan  190  needs 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 motor  48 . 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 passageway  182  to create vacuum pressure and to move the clippings into the second portion  188  of the passageway. In other words, for a specified diameter of the fan  190 , 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 intake  36 . 
   The diameter of the fan  190  is determined by the size of the fan chamber  184 . The fan  190  should extend almost to the wall of the entrance  202  and 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 entrance  202  to the fan chamber  184  has a diameter of approximately 0.7 00 inches. These are minimum desired values for the performance of the fan  190  as 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 passageway  182  is approximately the same as the diameter of the entrance  202  to the vacuum chamber  184 . 
   In a preferred embodiment, the fan  190  includes five arcuate blades  208  spaced upon, and secured to, a circular base  210 . Rear edges  212  of each blade  208  reach the outer diameter of the base. Front edges  214  of each blade  208  are pointed. The number and configuration of the blades may change to suit the application. 
   In operation, once the motor  48  is turned on, the fan  190  begins to rotate, drawing air in through the intake  36 , down the vacuum passageway  182 , into the fan chamber  184  and out the exhaust outlets  38 . Once hair clipping begins, the airflow created by the fan  190  is sufficient to draw clippings into the passageway  182 . As indicated above, a feature of the present invention is that the comb assembly  122  and the blade chassis  24  are configured to assist the deflection of hair clippings into the passageway  182 . When the device  10  is oriented so that the bladeset  26  is disposed vertically above the vacuum intake  36 , the collection of clippings will be enhanced by gravity. The use of the device  10  in the position shown in  FIG. 1  will increase the In addition, as seen in  FIG. 1 , the intake  36  itself is configured to aid in this deflection, or at least facilitate the collection of hair clippings. In a preferred embodiment, the intake  36  has flared end walls  208  which are generally aligned with the triangular extensions  179  on the blade chassis  24 , and also are adjacent the ends  176  of the hooded skirts  154 . 
   Another feature of this configuration for the vacuum intake  36 , 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 device  10  with the intake  36  in close proximity to the surface to be cleaned. Still another feature of the configuration of the vacuum intake  36  and the cutting end  14  in general, is that it is configured so that if placed against the user&#39;s cheek or other skin surface, the a vacuum seal will not result. The proximity of the blades  70 ,  72  to the intake  36 , and the triangular extension  179  of the blade chassis  24  assist in this function. 
   Once the motor  48  is turned on, not only does the fan  190  begin to rotate, but the bladeset  26  also begins to reciprocate, regardless of the position that the blade chassis  24  is fixed to relative to the housing  12 . Gross trimming is accomplished with the wide blade edge  32  in the cutting location  96 , with or without the use of the comb assembly  122 . When the comb assembly  122  is in place, the amount of extension of the comb member  128  relative to the comb base  126  is determined by the position of the handle  166  in the slot  168 . Additional deflection of clippings into the intake  36  is accomplished as the comb member  128  is extended further. 
   As clippings are generated, they are collected in the second portion  188  of the vacuum passageway  182 . At the completion of trimming, the portion  188  may be removed from the housing  12 , with the filter  200 , to dispose of the clippings. If the user desires to perform some fine or detail trimming, the button  124  is depressed, enabling the removal of the comb assembly  122 , and also the rotation of the blade chassis  24 , until the narrow edge  34  is in the cutting location  96 . The button  124  is then released, allowing for engagement between the lug  118  in the corresponding notch  110 . Trimming on a fine level is then performed with the narrow edge  34 , which projects farther over the vacuum intake  36  for greater visibility and accessibility to trimmable areas. 
   Any clean-up of the surrounding area, or of the user&#39;s clothes can be accomplished with the device  10  by orienting the vacuum intake  36  near the area to be cleaned. The collected clippings can then be removed by sliding out the second portion  188  of the vacuum passageway, as seen in  FIG. 1 , at which time the filter  200  can 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.