Abstract:
An apparatus for dressing hair with a first comb  1  having a longitudinal axis X 1 , including a plurality of teeth  1.1  with a width B 1  offset from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis X 1  by a gap L 1  and oriented in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X 1 , and a second comb  2  having a longitudinal axis X 2 , including a plurality of teeth  2.1  with a width B 2  offset from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis X 2  by a gap L 2  and oriented in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X 2 , where the two combs are directly or indirectly mechanically coupled to each other. A respective tooth of the one comb meshes with a respective gap of the other comb and thereby the tooth of the one comb closes the gap of the other comb in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to German Application No. 10 2012 108342.8, filed Sep. 7, 2012, which is incorporated herein by specific reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. The Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention relates to an apparatus for dressing hair with a first comb having a longitudinal axis, comprising a plurality of teeth offset from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis by a gap and oriented in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis with a width, and a second comb having a longitudinal axis, comprising a plurality of teeth offset from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis by a gap and oriented in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis with a width, where the two combs are directly or indirectly mechanically coupled to each other. 
         [0004]    2. The Relevant Technology 
         [0005]    For the production of hair strands, it is known to separate a hair section from the drawn hair parting using a rat tail comb or a specific strand comb, and to create a number of hair strands by so-called weaving. 
         [0006]    A comb is described according to DE 60 2004 009 724 T2 in which a respective pair of teeth is composed of a simple tooth and a tooth with a hook, where the tooth provided with a hook serves to isolate individual strands from a hair section. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,152,306 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,694,953 describe one and two-sided combs with hook-like teeth with which hair strands are picked up in order to separate them from the rest of the hair and treat them. 
         [0008]    An apparatus for separating hair strands is described in DE 23 495 46 A, which is formed by a comb with coarse teeth. The comb with coarse teeth isolates individual hair strands and due to its design facilitates threading separated hair strands. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,598,330 describes a heatable comb for removing curls. This comb is pivotally coupled to a second comb, which can be placed in front of the heated comb to protect the scalp. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The invention is based on the object to design a tool that enables repeatable separation of the same and also the selfsame hair strands and that has the separation at the same time be performed easier and faster by non-skilled workers and private individuals. 
         [0011]    The object is according to the invention satisfied in that a respective tooth of the one comb meshes with a respective gap in the other comb and thereby the tooth of the one comb closes the gap of the other comb in the direction of the longitudinal axis. 
         [0012]    It is thereby achieved that hairs bundled in a hair section next to and on top of each other are by the tooth of the one comb pushed into the respectively associated opposite gaps of the other comb and, due to the reciprocal arrangement of the adjacent gaps, are simultaneously separated in the opposite direction, according to the relative movement direction of the combs. 
         [0013]    It is essential for this that the teeth of the two combs be oriented in the opposite direction. In this manner, the teeth can mesh with each other resulting in a separation of the hair section into strands. 
         [0014]    Accordingly, it is advantageous that the two combs are at least partially disposed in a common plane. The two combs share a common plane, i.e. they overlap in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis by an amount that preferably corresponds to the thickness of the combs. Due to this overlapping, the individual hairs are separated either in the one or in the other direction. It is best if the two combs lie entirely in one plane, so that both combs completely coincide and thereby the front and rear sides are totally flush. 
         [0015]    For closing the gaps in the direction of the longitudinal axis, it is advantageous that the teeth abut each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The gap width is minimal between two teeth gliding onto each other, so that no hairs are trapped. It can be provided that the surfaces gliding along each other are profiled so that the groove between the teeth is shaped according to the profile and not straight. The profiles extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis mesh with each other in the manner of a groove and tongue connection. 
         [0016]    It is advantageous in this regard to have the teeth of the one comb be in the direction of the longitudinal axis at least as wide as the gaps of the other comb. During reciprocal meshing, the respective adjacent teeth thereby glide off from each other. Two teeth of the other comb thereby glide onto one tooth of the one comb on both sides in the direction of the longitudinal axis. 
         [0017]    In this, it can advantageously be provided that the two combs are arranged offset from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis. In very simple designs of the combs, meshing of the teeth is enabled in the simplest manner by offsetting the combs. 
         [0018]    It can be of particular importance for the present invention if an optical marking is provided, which serves to position the apparatus relative to a strand of hair and/or contains information about the width of the teeth. With such a marking, the apparatus can be adjusted with respect to a hair section with a given strand pattern, in order to re-color the outgrown hair strand. 
         [0019]    In connection with the design and arrangement according to the invention, it can be advantageous if the two combs are mounted in a U-shaped housing and are slideable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This preferred but technically complex solution allows precise guidance of the two combs and single-handed operation of the apparatus. A more detailed explanation is found in the description of the figures. 
         [0020]    It can furthermore be advantageous for the solution with the housing, if the housing comprises a housing member extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in which the two combs are slideably mounted. Single-sided mounting of the combs in the direction of the longitudinal axis represents the simplest solution for precisely moving the combs towards and into each other, because the necessary flush alignment of the individual teeth with the individual gaps is maintained by this mounting. 
         [0021]    For this, it is advantageous if the housing, being formed in a U-shape manner, comprises two housing segments located opposite to each other in relation of the longitudinal axis. Depending on the size of the hair section and depending on the thickness of the hair, more or less pressure can be applied onto the mechanism to move the combs because fairly large forces can be necessary during the separation of hair strands. Due to the two housing segments, mounting of the two combs is stabilized and greater force can be exerted for the sliding engagement of the combs. 
         [0022]    It can further be advantageous if one comb is slideably mounted in each respective housing segment. The combs thereby simultaneously move in the housing and in the housing segments. 
         [0023]    It can be advantageous if a handle is arranged on the housing and the handle comprises a mechanism for moving the combs, and the mechanism is coupled with at least one of the combs in a positive-fit and/or force-locking manner. In this manner, single-handed operation is enabled, since the handle and the actuating mechanism for moving the combs are combined. 
         [0024]    For a second design which is simpler compared with the above-described solution, it is provided that the two combs are each arranged mounted on one respective scissor lever, pivotable towards each other and/or rotatable about a rotational axis. In this manner, the scissors principle can be realized in which the two combs are moved circumferentially on a fixed circular path about the rotational axis. 
         [0025]    It can also be advantageous if the two scissor levers each comprise a handle, where the two combs are disposed on one end and the two handles on the other end of the axis of rotation. In contrast to conventional scissors, however, the combs do not move adjacent to one another in different planes but in a common plane. 
         [0026]    For this purpose, it can be advantageous if the longitudinal axes of the combs intersect in the axis of rotation. In this, the combs are aligned with the plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation and the teeth are curved in directions extending concentrically about the axis of rotation. In this, the teeth have different radii with respect to the axis of rotation. Meshing is thereby realized, the length of the curved teeth increasing outwardly from the axis of rotation, such that the teeth at the same time close the gaps. 
         [0027]    With regard to these two alternatives, it can be advantageous if the longitudinal axes are arranged parallel to the axis of rotation. In this, the teeth have the same radii with respect to the axis of rotation. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0028]    Further advantages and details of the invention are described in the claims and in the specification and illustrated in the figures. 
           [0029]      FIG. 1  shows a side view of two meshing combs; 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  shows a schematic diagram of the two combs closed up to a stop; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3   a  shows an upper shell of a housing for supporting the combs in a front view; 
           [0032]      FIG. 3   b  shows an upper shell of a housing for supporting the combs in a rear view; 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  shows the upper shell with inserted combs; 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  shows the two combs mounted in the upper shell and connected to a handle forming a mechanism; 
           [0035]      FIG. 6  shows the closed upper shell and the lower shell with inserted combs; 
           [0036]      FIG. 7  shows the representation of  FIG. 5  in a side view; 
           [0037]      FIG. 8  shows the two combs mounted in the upper shell and in the lower shell with the handle; 
           [0038]      FIG. 9   a  shows a representation of a first profile of a tooth; 
           [0039]      FIG. 9   b  shows a representation of a second profile of a tooth; 
           [0040]      FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of a comb; 
           [0041]      FIG. 11  shows a side view of a handle with two handle elements, a support and a spring element; 
           [0042]      FIG. 12  shows an application sketch of a hair section placed in an open apparatus; 
           [0043]      FIG. 13  shows the sketch of  FIG. 12  with the closed apparatus and separated hair strands; 
           [0044]      FIG. 14  shows a first scissor-like apparatus; and 
           [0045]      FIG. 15  shows a second scissor-like apparatus. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0046]    A preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention for dressing hair is shown in  FIGS. 1 through 13 . Another basic principle is shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . 
         [0047]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate the basic idea according to which two combs  1 ,  2 , arranged oppositely in a plane E, mesh (see also  FIG. 7 ). The respective comb  1 ,  2  has a plurality of teeth  1 . 1 ,  2 . 1  and multiple gaps L 1 , L 2 , which alternate in the respective direction of the longitudinal axis X 1 , X 2 . The two combs  1 ,  2  are in terms of their longitudinal axes X 1 , X 2 , arranged parallel to one another, such that the teeth  1 . 1 ,  2 . 1  of one comb  1 ,  2  mesh with the gaps L 1 , L 2  of the other comb  1 ,  2 . Both combs  1 ,  2  are displayed open in  FIG. 1  and closed in  FIG. 2 . In the closed position, the two combs  1 ,  2  either, as shown, immediately contact each other or they are limited in another manner, not shown, in their direction of motion. 
         [0048]    The teeth  1 . 1 ,  2 . 1  comprise parallel edges F for meshing, which extend in the direction perpendicular to the respective longitudinal axis X 1 , X 2  or perpendicular to the direction in which the two combs  1 ,  2  are guided into one another, respectively. The edges F according to the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 to 13  and  15  are straight and according to  FIG. 14  are curved. 
         [0049]    The respective width B 1 , B 2  of the teeth  1 . 1 ,  2 . 1  is selected such that the teeth  1 . 1 ,  2 . 1  contact while being pushed to each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis X 1 , X 2  or glide onto each other without any space in-between, respectively, such that the hairs of the hair section  8 , separated with the two combs  1 ,  2  to form hair strands  8 . 2 , can according to  FIGS. 12 and 13  be separated into several hair strands  8 . 2 ,  8 . 3 . In this, the one comb  2  separates a first group of hair strands  8 . 2  and the other comb  1  a second group of hair strands  8 . 3 . No hair is trapped between two teeth  1 . 1 ,  2 . 1  gliding upon each other. 
         [0050]    Separating the hair strands  8 . 2 ,  8 . 3  without trapping hair is improved by various tooth profiles, which are shown in  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b . The cross section of the tooth profile in a plane E parallel to the respective longitudinal axes X 1 , X 2  is significant here. 
         [0051]      FIG. 2  shows the two combs  1 ,  2  closed in their meshed final position. In the direction of the teeth  1 . 1 ,  2 . 1 , a space A 1 , A 2  is formed between each tooth  1 . 1 ,  2 . 1  and the respective other comb  1 ,  2 , which is sufficiently large to accommodate a strand of hair  8 . 2 ,  8 . 3 . 
         [0052]      FIGS. 3 to 8  and  10  to  13  show a housing  4  and a handle  5  in more detail, which serve to guide and to operate as well as to actuate the combs  1 ,  2 . The U-shaped housing  4  comprises a housing section  4 . 1  extending perpendicular to the respective longitudinal axis X 1 , X 2  and in which the two combs  1 ,  2  are primarily mounted and guided. The housing section  4 . 1  is in the direction of the longitudinal axes X 1 , X 2  followed by two housing segments  4 . 2 ,  4 . 3  forming a U-shaped housing  4  together with the housing section  4 . 1 . The housing  4 , as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , is with its open side guided onto a hair section  8  of a patch of hair  8 . 1 . 
         [0053]      FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  show an upper shell  4  from the front and from the rear side, which together with a lower shell  4   b , not illustrated in more detail in  FIGS. 6 to 8 , forms the housing  4 , in which the two combs  1 ,  2  are movably mounted in a direction perpendicular to their longitudinal axes X 1 , X 2 . For this purpose, the upper shell  4   a  and the lower shell  4   b  in the region of the housing segments  4 . 2 ,  4 . 3  comprise multiple guide members  4 . 4 , which guide the combs  1 ,  2  in the direction of the longitudinal axes X 1 , X 2 , and which mesh with the gaps L 1 , L 2  between the teeth  1 . 1 ,  2 . 1 . 
         [0054]    For precise and jam-free support and guidance in the housing  4 , the combs  1 ,  2 , as shown by the embodiment of  FIG. 10  using comb  1 , also comprise a longitudinal groove  1 . 3  with which a corresponding rail  4 . 6  engages, as illustrated in  FIGS. 3   b  and  5 , in the region of the housing section  4 . 1  of the housing  4 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 4  shows how the two combs  1 ,  2  approach each other with the handle  5  shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  7  and  10 , driven in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axes X 1 , X 2 , and thereby enter the free space formed by the U-shaped housing  4 , in which, according to  FIG. 12 , the hair section  8  is arranged. 
         [0056]    For actuating the combs  1 ,  2 , a pin  1 . 2 ,  2 . 2  is according to  FIGS. 5 to 8  provided on each of the combs  1 ,  2  on either side, to which the handle  5  is articulated. The pin  1 . 2 ,  2 . 2  protrudes through a long hole  4 . 5  through the housing  4  up to the handle  5  and is at the same time guided in the long hole  4 . 5  in the housing  4 . 
         [0057]    The handle  5  is composed of two handle members  5 . 1 ,  5 . 2 , which are mounted on a support  5 . 3 . pivotable about a support  5 . 4 . On the sides of the handle members  5 . 1 ,  5 . 2  opposite to the bearing  5 . 4 , form-fit connection of the respective handle member  5 . 1 ,  5 . 2  is provided with a respective pin  1 . 2 ,  2 . 2 , so that the comb  1 ,  2  can be moved by the handle member  5 . 1 ,  5 . 2  in the long hole  4 . 5 . The pins  1 . 2 ,  2 . 2 , as is shown in  FIG. 7 , protrude on both sides from the housing  4  and are grasped respectively on both sides by the handle member  5 . 1 ,  5 . 2 .  FIG. 7  again illustrates that both combs  1 ,  2  are arranged in one plane E. 
         [0058]    By manually pressing the two handle members  5 . 1 ,  5 . 2  together, the combs  1 ,  2  are closed and the hair strands  8 . 2 ,  8 . 3  are separated. Using a spring element  5 . 6 , which according to  FIG. 11  acts between the two handle members  5 . 1 ,  5 . 2  and is mounted in an aperture  5 . 5  in the support  5 . 3 , the handle members  5 . 1 ,  5 . 2  are again moved outwardly and the two combs  1 ,  2  open. 
         [0059]    The widths B 1 , B 2  of the opposite teeth  1 . 1 ,  2 . 1 , and the corresponding size of the respective gaps L 1 , L 2 , i.e. the distances between the teeth  1 . 1 ,  2 . 1 , vary such that the meshing teeth  1 . 1 ,  2 . 1  are of different or the same width. The specifications 10/7, 7/4 or 40/7 shown in the figures contain the information as to which width B 1  in millimeters the teeth  1 . 1  of the one comb  1  have and which width B 2  the teeth of the other comb  2  have. 
         [0060]    The marking  7  is used as an aid to align the apparatus to the already colored hair section  8  that has to be re-colored. 
         [0061]    The embodiments according to  FIGS. 14 and 15  are based on the active principle of scissors, in which two scissor levers  6 . 1 ,  6 . 2  are arranged rotatably about an axis of rotation  3 . The two scissor levers  6 . 1 ,  6 . 2  on the one side of the axis of rotation  3  each comprise a handle member  6 . 3 ,  6 . 4  and on the other side of the axis of rotation  3  comprise two legs  6 . 5 ,  6 . 6 , instead of two blades, at each end of which a comb  1 ,  2  is arranged. The two combs  1 ,  2  move in the same plane E so as to mesh. 
         [0062]    For the arrangement of the combs  1 ,  2 , moving in the circumferential direction U about the axis of rotation  3 , there are again two basic principles. 
         [0063]    According to the embodiment of  FIG. 14 , the longitudinal axes X 1 , X 2  intersect the axis of rotation  3  in the perpendicular direction. In this, the teeth  1 . 1 ,  2 . 1  move concentrically in plane E in circular paths about the axis of rotation  3  and accordingly have different radii R 1 , R 2 . The edges F of the teeth  1 . 1 ,  2 . 1  are curved corresponding to the respective circular path, i.e. according to the respective radius R 1 , R 2 , so that they can mesh with one another according to the circular motion. The teeth  1 . 1 ,  2 . 1  become longer and longer towards the outside so that they all have the same distance A 1 , A 2  to the respective other comb  1 ,  2  when in the closed position. Another essential difference to scissors is that both combs being embodied as scissor levers  6 . 1 ,  6 . 2  are arranged together in the plane E and do not glide past each other like two scissor blades of a pair of scissors. 
         [0064]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 15 , the two longitudinal axes X 1 , X 2  extend parallel to the axis of rotation  3 , so that the two combs  1 ,  2 , are arranged perpendicular to the scissor levers  6 . 1 ,  6 . 2 . Both combs  1 ,  2  move on an identical circular path having the radius R 12 .