SCHEUNERT, Peter (Gottlieb-Daimler-Strasse 3, Künzell, 36093, DE)
GÖBEL, Andreas (Das alte Feld 20, Eiterfeld, 36132, DE)
SCHEUNERT, Peter (Gottlieb-Daimler-Strasse 3, Künzell, 36093, DE)
| Claims: 1 . A clipper device (1 ) for cutting hair, comprising: first and second blade members (2, 3) adapted for relative reciprocating movement to generate a cutting action there-between; a motor (7) for driving the relative reciprocating movement of the blade members (2, 3), wherein the motor has a rotor or shaft (22) which rotates about a rotational axis (R); at least one power cell (16) for providing power to the motor; and a housing (8) which encloses the motor (7) and the at least one power cell (16) and forms a body (9) or hand-piece configured to be held by a user during operation of the device, wherein the at least one power cell (1 6) is arranged in the housing (8) next to the motor laterally spaced from the rotational axis (R). 2. A device (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the body (9) has a squat shape, and wherein the first and second blade members preferably extend from a side of the squat body (9), preferably adjacent a lower face of the body. 3. A device (1 ) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first and second blade members define a cutting plane there-between, and wherein a dimension of the body in a direction substantially perpendicular to the cutting plane is smaller than a dimension of the body in a plane parallel to the cutting plane. 4. A device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body has a central axis which defines a height dimension that is less than a width and/or depth dimension of the body substantially perpendicular to the height dimension, the body preferably being generally circular when viewed along the central axis. Ί 9 5. A device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing or body of the device includes gripping means for promoting a reliable grip on the device by the operator, the gripping means comprising one or more grooves or recesses for receiving fingers of the user's hand when the device is grasped or held. 6. A device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein body of the device has a curved profile and comprises a peripherally extending groove or recess for receiving at least part of a finger and/or thumb when gripping the device. 7. A device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor (7) is arranged in the housing such that a rotational axis (R) of the motor extends substantially parallel to a cutting plane (P) between the blade members or such that a rotational axis (R) of the motor is pitched at an angle to the cutting plane (P) between the blade members of between about 20° and about 30°. 8. A device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one power cell (16) is arranged beside, above and/or below the motor (7) in the housing spaced from the rotational axis of the motor in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis. 9. A device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one power cell (16) is elongate or extensive and is arranged to extend substantially parallel to the rotational axis (R) of the motor (7). 10. A device (1 ) according to claim 9, wherein the at least one power cell (1 6) is arranged above, below, at one lateral side, and/or at both lateral sides of the motor (7). 1 1 . A clipper device (1 ) comprising: a first blade member (2) and a second blade member (3) adapted for reciprocating movement relative to the first blade member (2) to define a cutting plane (P) there-between; a motor (7) for driving the reciprocating movement of the second blade member (3), wherein the motor (7) has a rotor or shaft (22) adapted to rotate about a rotational axis (R); and a housing (8) which encloses the motor (7), wherein the motor (7) is arranged in the housing (8) such that the rotational axis (R) extends substantially parallel to the cutting plane (P) between the blade members or such that a rotational axis (R) of the motor is pitched at an angle to the cutting plane (P) between the blade members of between about 20° and about 30°, and wherein the housing (8) forms a squat body (9) configured as a hand-piece to be held by a user during operation of the device. 12. A device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first blade member is substantially fixed with respect to the housing and the second blade member is adapted for reciprocating movement relative to the first blade member, and wherein the device (1 ) further comprises a connecting member which interconnects a rotor or shaft of the motor and the second blade member, wherein the connecting member extends in a direction transverse to the rotational axis and is connected with the second blade member at a position laterally spaced from the rotational axis. 13. A device (1 ) according to claim 12, wherein the connecting member is adapted to be pivotally connected with the rotor or shaft of the motor and/or pivotally connected with the second blade member. 14. A device (1 ) according to claim 12 or claim 1 3, wherein, when viewed along the rotational axis of the motor, the connecting member is connected with the second blade member at a position laterally spaced to a side of the rotational axis at which the direction of rotation of the motor around the axis is towards a linear leading cutting region of the first and second blade regions. A device (1 ) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein a line extended between the rotational axis of the motor and the position at which the connecting member is connected to the second blade member runs substantially parallel to the linear cutting region. |
Technical Field
The present invention relates to clippers for use in hair-dressing, and particularly to a motorised clipper device for use in trimming hair. In this context, the hair clipper device of the invention is a machine typically configured as a hand-held appliance.
Hair clippers of this type are often employed in hair salons for trimming hair around the collar and side-burns of male customers, as well as for trimming facial hair - i.e. beards and moustaches. Indeed, for people who prefer to wear their hair with a relatively short-cropped or shaved appearance, such clippers may be utilised over the entire head area. Depending on the intended area of use, e.g. the face or the head, the hair clipper machine may be provided in different sizes.
While it will be convenient to hereafter describe the clipper device of the invention in the exemplary context of hair-dressing, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to use in a hair-dressing application, but may also be employed in other areas, such as in animal grooming.
Background of the Invention
A conventional hair clipper device typically comprises a pair of blade members, one of which is driven reciprocally with respect to the other to generate a cutting action there-between. The reciprocating movement of the one blade member is generated by an electric motor, a rotor or shaft of which is coupled to the driven or movable blade member by an eccentric transmission mechanism. The motor and transmission mechanism is typically enclosed within an elongate, generally cylindrical housing which functions as a hand-piece or handle for the operator to hold the clippers. The blade members are located at an end of the housing, i.e. an end of the hand-piece.
A disadvantage of this arrangement resides in the way the elongate hand-piece or handle is suitable to be held. In particular, the design of the conventional clipper device is such that the body of the device is really only suitable to be gripped by holding it in the palm of one's hand and wrapping the fingers around it, essentially in the same manner that one grips the handle of a tennis racket. This is problematic because it only provides a comfortable and ergonomic hand position for the operator at a limited number of angles and positions in relation to the head of the person who is having his/her hair cut. Furthermore, it provides the operator of the clippers with little freedom to change his or her hand position to an alternative stable grip of the device. This not only renders the operator's control of the clipper device more difficult at certain positions and angles with respect to the head of the person having their hair cut, but also leads to more rapid hand and wrist fatigue and possibly also to long-term strain injury for the operator. Naturally, this is highly undesirable in an environment where an operator may be using such a clipper device for an extended period of time, e.g. in a hair salon. The present invention is thus directed to providing a new hair clipper device that substantially overcomes or solves at least one of the above problems of conventional devices. In particular, the invention is directed to the object of providing a clipper device that affords a significantly greater range of positions and orientations in which the user can comfortably and ergonomically operate the device. Another object of the invention is to provide a hair clipper device that allows for alternative hand positions for stably gripping and operating the device.
Summary of the Invention A significant obstacle to developing a more comfortable and more versatile design for a hair clipper appliance has resided in the conventional mechanical relationship between the electric motor and the blade members. Furthermore, the standard hand- piece design has been reinforced by the conventional arrangement of a power cell or battery in the housing for cordless operation. In developing the present invention, therefore, the inventors have completely re-conceptualised the design of a motorised hair clipper device.
In a first aspect, the present invention provides a clipper device comprising: first and second blade members adapted for relative reciprocating movement to generate a cutting action there-between, drive means, such as a motor, for driving the relative reciprocating movement of the blade members, and a housing that encloses the motor. According to this aspect, the housing forms a body having a squat shape, which is configured to be held by a user during operation of the device.
The body formed by the housing enclosing the motor thus forms a hand-piece for the operator, but in this case it has a radically different configuration. By forming the body or hand-piece of the clippers with a squat shape instead of the conventional elongate, generally cylindrical configuration, the operator is not able to grasp the device in the conventional manner. On the contrary, the squat body or hand-piece of the clipper device provides a new and ergonomically much less constrained hand grip for the operator. In addition, it may offer the operator multiple different hand positions for stably gripping and using the device.
In a preferred form of the invention, a transmission mechanism which interconnects the motor with the blade members for transmitting relative reciprocating movement to the blade members is also substantially enclosed by the housing. The first blade member is preferably fixed or stationary in the clipper device and the second blade member is configured to move relative to the first blade member. As such, the second blade member may also be referred to as the movable or driven blade member. Thus, the transmission mechanism typically transmits motion from the motor to the second blade member. The first and second blade members are preferably arranged to extend or project from a side of the squat-shaped body of the clipper device, and preferably at a location adjacent a lower end or face of the body. In this regard, it will be understood that the squat body of the clipper device may be considered to have an upper or top face, a lower or bottom face, and lateral sides which extend between the upper and lower faces.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second blade members define a cutting plane there-between, and these blade members are arranged with respect to the squat body of the clipper device such that a dimension of the body in a direction substantially perpendicular to the cutting plane is somewhat smaller than a dimension of the body in a plane parallel to the cutting plane. In this regard, the body may have a central or vertical axis which corresponds to a height dimension. By virtue of its squat shape, this height dimension is typically less than or equal to a width and/or a depth dimension of the body. It is generally not so much less that the term "squat" would no longer be appropriate to describe the body, or that the term "thin" or "narrow" would be more appropriate. Rather, a height dimension of the body or the dimension perpendicular to the cutting plane is desirably within the range of 20% to 95%, and more preferably in the range of 30% to 95% of a width or depth dimension or the dimension of the body parallel to the cutting plane. In this context, for a body of the clipper device which fits comfortably in the hand and can be readily manipulated by an operator, the width or depth of the body or hand-piece is preferably in the range of about 5 cm to about 1 5 cm, more preferably in the range of about 8 cm to about 12 cm. The body of the device is preferably generally symmetrical and may be rotational ly symmetrical. For example, the body of the device may be circular when viewed along the vertical or central axis. As an alternative, however, the body could have an oval or delta shape (e.g. suitable for sitting comfortably between thumb and forefinger of the user) or some other non- symmetrical shape designed for ergonomic handling.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the body of the clipper device is curved or contoured to fit comfortably and/or economically in a user's hand. Furthermore, the housing or body of the device may include one or more gripping means for promoting a reliable grip on the device by the user. For example, the gripping means may include one or more grooves or recesses for receiving fingers of the user's hand when the device is grasped or held. The gripping means may optionally include a strap or band for inserting one or more fingers or at least part of the hand when the user holds the clipper device. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the housing has a generally circular periphery and includes a circumferentially extending groove or recess which is suitable, for example, for receiving sides of a thumb and forefinger extending around the circumference of the body or for receiving the fingertips of the hand when grasped from above.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the motor is arranged in the housing such that a rotational axis of the motor extends substantially parallel to a cutting plane between the blade members. The term "substantially parallel" preferably refers to angles of 0° ("parallel") to maximally 10°. In this connection, it will be appreciated that this configuration or spatial interrelationship of the motor relative to the blade members represents a radical departure from the conventional clipper design. In conventional clipper devices, the rotational axis of the motor is typically pitched at an angle in the range of about 45° to about 65° with respect to a cutting plane between the blade members, with an end of the rotor or shaft of the motor engaging with and being coupled to the driven or movable blade member. In the clipper device of the present invention, however, the rotational axis of the motor shaft is no longer angled to the cutting plane of the blades as in the conventional arrangements. On the contrary, the motor shaft axis is preferably arranged to be substantially parallel with the cutting plane or is pitched at an acute angle of less than 30°, preferably less than 25°, preferably less than or equal to about 15°. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the motor shaft axis or the rotational axis of the motor is arranged in the clipper device such that it is pitched at an acute angle of between about 0° and about 10°, such as about 1 °, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 8° or 9°, with respect to a cutting plane between the blade members. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the motor shaft axis or the rotational axis of the motor is arranged in the clipper device such that it is pitched at an acute angle of between about 20° and about 30°, such as about 21 °, 22°, 23°, 24°, 25°, 26°, 27°, 28° or 29°, most preferably about 25°, with respect to a cutting plane between the blade members. It has been found that the above configurations of the rotational axis of the motor with respect to the cutting plane between the blades are, in particular, ergonomically advantageous. In this context, an acute angle of between 20° and 30° is particularly advantageous. This new orientation of the motor shaft, however, in turn calls for a new configuration of the transmission arrangement. According to a second aspect, then, the present invention provides a clipper device comprising: first and second blade members adapted for relative reciprocating movement to define a cutting plane there-between; a motor for driving the relative reciprocating movement of the blade members, wherein the motor has a rotor or shaft adapted to rotate about a rotational axis; and a housing which encloses the motor. In this aspect, the motor is arranged in the housing such that the rotational axis extends substantially parallel to the cutting plane between the blade members, or is pitched at an angle to the cutting plane of less than 30°, preferably less than 25°, and preferably less than or equal to about 1 5°. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the motor is arranged in the housing such that the rotational axis or the shaft of the motor is pitched at an angle to the cutting plane of between about 0° and about 10°, such as about 1 °, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 8° or 9°. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the motor is arranged in the housing such that the rotational axis or the shaft of the motor is pitched at an angle to the cutting plane of between about 20° and about 30°, such as about 21 °, 22°, 23°, 24°, 25°, 26°, 27°, 28° or 29°, most preferably about 25°.
As noted above, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first blade member is substantially fixed relative to the housing and the second blade member is configured for reciprocating movement relative to the first blade member. Preferably, the clipper further includes a connecting member that interconnects a rotor or shaft of the motor and the second blade member. Preferably, the connecting member extends in a direction transverse to a rotational axis of the motor to be connected with the second blade member at a position laterally spaced from the rotational axis. The connecting member forms part of the transmission mechanism and provides a positive coupling between the rotor/shaft of the motor and the second blade member for directly transferring movement from the motor to the second blade member. In a preferred form of the invention, the connecting member is substantially rigid for ensuring an efficient transfer of motion from the motor to the second blade member. The connecting member is typically elongate and may be formed as a rod designed to link the motor with the second blade member. Preferably, the connecting member may have a length within the range of about 6 mm to 24 mm, and more preferably in the range of about 8 mm to 20 mm. The connecting member or connecting rod is desirably connected with the rotor or shaft of the motor at a position eccentric to the rotational axis. In this respect, the connecting member is preferably connected to the rotor or shaft of the motor via a disc member or a partial disc member which is rigidly mounted on the rotor or shaft of the motor. An end region of the connecting member may include a pivot coupling element, such as an eyelet or a pin, for pivoting connection with the rotor or shaft of the motor. Further, the other, opposite end region of the connecting member may include a pivot coupling element, such as an eyelet or a pin, for pivoting connection with the second blade member.
Thus, in a preferred form of the invention, the connecting member is pivotally coupled with the rotor or shaft of the motor and/or is pivotally coupled with the second blade member. Each pivot coupling or connection desirably provides surface contact with the connecting member. The pivot coupling between the connecting member and the rotor or shaft of the motor, on the one hand, and/or between the connecting member and the second blade member, on the other hand, provides for pivoting movement about respective pivot axes and is preferably in the form of a journal bearing. In a preferred form of the invention, the connecting member is connected with the second blade member such that rotation of the motor generates a force component that acts to maintain the second blade member in close contact or engagement with the first blade member. In this regard, when viewed along the rotational axis of the motor, the connecting member is desirably connected to the second blade member at a position laterally spaced to a side of the rotational axis at which the direction of rotation of the rotor or shaft around the axis is towards the cutting region. Preferably, a line extended between the rotational axis of the motor and the position at which the connecting member is connected to the second blade member runs substantially parallel to the linear cutting region.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the clipper device comprises a power source, preferably in the form of at least one power cell, for providing power to the motor, and the housing encloses both the motor and the power source/cell. In this embodiment, the power cell is advantageously arranged within the housing beside the motor laterally spaced from a rotational axis of the motor. In other words, this embodiment of the invention specifically provides a new configuration that departs from the conventional positioning of the power cell(s) at an end of the motor axially aligned with the rotational axis. Instead, the hair clipper device of the invention changes the configuration of the hand-piece from a generally cylindrical body to a shape that dictates or predetermines a new hand orientation for the operator. According to a third aspect, therefore, the present invention provides a hair clipper device having: first and second blade members adapted for relative reciprocating movement to define a cutting plane there-between; a motor for driving the relative reciprocating movement of the blade members, wherein the motor has a rotor or shaft which rotates about a rotational axis; a power source for providing power to the motor; and a housing which encloses the motor and the power source and forms a body configured to be held by a user during operation of the device. In this aspect, the power source, preferably in the form of at least one power cell, is arranged in the housing beside the motor laterally spaced or offset from the rotational axis. In the device according to present invention, the at least one power cell may be arranged beside, above and/or below the motor in the housing spaced from the rotational axis of the motor in a direction perpendicular or parallel to the rotational axis. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one power cell is elongate or extensive and is arranged to extend substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the motor, wherein preferably the at least one power cell is arranged above, below, at one lateral side, and/or at both lateral sides of the motor. In a preferred form of the invention, the power source comprises at least one power cell, and more particularly, at least one electric power cell. Each of the one or more power cells is preferably configured as a battery or voltaic cell, with nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH) and lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells being particularly preferred. It will be appreciated, however, that the power source in the device of the invention may comprise any of a variety of energy storages. For example, one or more fuel cells (e.g. hydrogen fuel cell) may also be contemplated as the power source in the device of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the power source may be renewable or able to be replenished. Thus, if the energy that was stored in the at least one power cell becomes depleted or exhausted, the power cell can be replenished or recharged so that the energy therein is essentially restored. Thus, it may not be necessary to remove and replace a depleted or exhausted power cell with a new power cell. The energy of the existing power cell may simply be renewed or recharged. For example, where the power source comprises one or more electric power cell in the form of a battery or voltaic cell, the power cell(s) may be rechargeable in a manner known in the art. That is, the clipper device may designed to be connected to a recharging station. The recharging station may comprise a stand or mount, upon which the device can be temporarily placed to recharge the depleted power cell. Alternatively, the device may be connected to an external power supply - e.g. to a standard "mains" or domestic electricity supply - to effect recharging of the internal or built-in power source. In this regard, the device of the invention may also be adapted for operation via a standard cable connection to a standard "mains" or domestic electricity supply.
Preferably, the power source of the device is removable and/or replaceable. In this way, if the power source (i.e. the at least one power cell) becomes defective or exhausted, it may be removed and replaced with a new power cell.
In a preferred form of the invention, the power cell is elongate or extensive, and is arranged to extend substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the motor. For example, the power cell may have a relatively flat and two-dimensionally extensive form, as is e.g. typical of the electrical cells (i.e. batteries) often found in mobile telephones. Alternatively, the power cell could have a generally cylindrical form, as is common with household batteries. The power cell may be arranged above, below, at one lateral side, and/or at both lateral sides of the motor.
In a preferred form of the invention, the reciprocating movement of the second blade member relative to the first blade member may be an essentially linear displacement within the range of about 1 mm to about 6 mm, and more preferably in the range of about 2 mm to 4 mm. The second blade member is preferably positioned on or adjacent to the first blade member and is adapted to move relative to the first blade member in a cutting plane. Preferably, either or both of the first blade member and the second blade member is/are substantially flat. Further, the first and second blade members may preferably together define a substantially linear cutting region. In use, this linear cutting region may form a leading or front edge of the device during a hair cutting operation.
It will be appreciated that the terms "upper", "lower", "above", "below", "lateral", "side", "front" and "leading", as well as other similar terms used herein in respect of various parts of the clipper device of the invention are intended to be given their ordinary meaning in view of the normal or in-use orientation of the clipper device described herein. It will also be appreciated, however, that other interpretations of these terms may be appropriate depending on the particular orientation of the device at the time.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The above and further features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters identify like features, and in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a hair clipper device according to one preferred embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a top view of the hair clipper device shown in Fig. 1 ;
Fig. 3 is a side view of the hair clipper device shown in Fig. 1 ;
Fig. 4 is a front view of the hair clipper device shown in Fig. 1 ; Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the hair clipper device shown in Fig. 1 , with the cross-section taken in the direction of the arrows V-V in Fig. 2; and
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a hair clipper device according to an alternative embodiment, but closely resembling the clipper device of Fig. 1 , with the cross- section taken in the direction of the arrows VI-VI in Fig. 3.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
With reference to Figs. 1 to 5 of the drawings, a preferred embodiment of a clipper device 1 according to the invention will now be described. The clipper device 1 is a hand-held appliance, which is preferably designed for cordless operation. As will be immediately apparent to an ordinary practitioner, the hair clipper device 1 shown in the drawings has a radically different configuration compared to conventional clipper devices. Some of the features of the clipper device 1 are relatively standard, however, and these will firstly be briefly described for the sake of completeness.
In this regard, the clipper device 1 comprises a pair of blade members 2, 3, one of which is driven reciprocally with respect to the other to generate a cutting action there-between. In particular, the clipper device 1 includes a stationary first blade member 2 and a moveable second blade member 3 which is positioned on the first blade member 2 and is adapted for reciprocating movement in a lateral or transverse direction relative to the first blade member 2 such that the two blade members 2, 3 cooperate to generate a cutting action between them. In this regard, the first blade member 2 has a substantially flat or plate-like configuration and the second blade member 3 is mounted on an upper surface of the first blade member. Each of the first and second blade members 2, 3 has a comb-like structure at a leading or front edge region 4 thereof, with each of these comb structures having a plurality of prongs or teeth 5 arranged in parallel, as is known in the art. The stationary lower first blade member 2 is thicker and more solidly constructed than the second blade member 3, which is built lighter (i.e. with lower inertia) for rapid reciprocating movement. Both of the blade members 2, 3 have essentially flat facing surfaces and the reciprocating movement of the second blade 3 relative to the first occurs in a lateral or sideways direction S in a cutting plane P between the two blade members. The relative movement between the first and second blade members 2, 3 thus generates a shearing action between the prongs or teeth 5 of the respective comb structures, which in turn generates the cutting action between the blade members 2, 3 in the cutting plane P. Spring elements 6 are typically provided to apply downward pressure to the movable second blade member 3 to ensure that it is constantly biased into contact with the first blade member 2. These spring elements 6 are typically able to pivot in a lateral direction so as not to inhibit the reciprocating sideways movement S of the second blade member 3.
Further, as is relatively standard in the art, the clipper device 1 includes drive means in the form of an electric motor 7 for driving the reciprocating sideways movement S of the second blade member 3 relative to the first blade member 2, with the motor 7 having a shaft that is driven in rotation about a rotational axis R. The manner in which the motor 7 is integrated within the clippers 1 of the invention, however, is not standard. Rather, it differs from the conventional clipper devices in a number of important respects. The motor 7 is enclosed within a housing 8 which forms a body 9 configured to function as a hand-piece of the appliance which is to be held by a user during operation of the device. As is immediately apparent from the drawings, the body or hand-piece 9 of the device 1 is radically different when compared with conventional clipper devices. In particular, the body 9 of the clipper device 1 has a squat shape, i.e. it is short and relatively broad or thick-set. In this connection, a width or diameter D of the body 9 in a plane parallel to the cutting plane P is somewhat greater than a height H of the body substantially perpendicular to the cutting plane P. The diameter D of the body 9 in this particular embodiment, for example, is in the range of about 7 to 10 cm whereas the height H is about in the range of about 5 to 8 cm.
Referring to the drawings, the squat body 9 or hand-piece of the clipper device 1 has an upper or top face 10, a lower or bottom face 1 1 , and lateral sides 12 that extend between the upper and lower faces 10, 1 1 . In this particular embodiment, the housing 8 is rotationally symmetrical about a central axis C with a circular outer periphery making it reminiscent of a "puck" and having a curved and contoured outer surface to fit comfortably and ergonomically in a hand of a user or operator. The housing 8 is preferably moulded from a relatively robust and durable polymer plastic material. Further, the housing 8 may be substantially rigid or, alternatively, it may be slightly resiliently yieldable in the hand of the user, such that the body 9 has a more comfortable "feel" for the user without sacrificing structural stability. With reference to Figs. 1 , 3 and 4, it will also be noted that the housing 8 and, thus, also the body or hand-piece 9 of the device 1 comprises gripping means 1 3 provided in the form of a protrusion 14 and/or a groove or recess 15 in the contoured outer profile of the housing 8 for promoting a reliable grip on the device by the user or operator. Specifically, the body 9 includes circumferential ly extending protrusion 14 and/or a circumferentially extending groove or recess 1 5 around its periphery. The protrusion 14 and/or the recess 1 5 is/are designed to interact with parts of the hand (e.g. fingers) of the user/operator when the body 9 of the device 1 is held in the user's hand.
As will be appreciated, because of its radically different geometrical configuration, the squat body or hand-piece 9 of the clipper device is not able to be grasped by the user in the same manner as for conventional clipper devices. That is, the manner in which the elongate hand-piece or handle of a conventional clipper device is grasped like the handle of a tennis racket is simply not practicable for a user or operator with the clipper device of the invention. Upon seeing the device of Figs. 1 to 5, the user or operator knows immediately that a different hand-grip is required. Furthermore, by virtue of the contoured outer profile and the gripping means 10, the user/operator realises intuitively how the body 9 may be comfortably grasped and held. With the present embodiment, for example, the body 9 of the clipper device 1 provides at least three different grips or hand positions for holding and operating the appliance. One of these is with the sides 12 of the body 9 of the device 1 grasped between the user's thumb and forefinger such that thumb and forefinger nestle in the circumferential groove 1 5, i.e. embracing the sides 12 of the housing. An alternative hand position for stably and ergonomically holding this embodiment of the clipper device is from above, such that the palm of the hand is centred over the top face 10 of the body 9, with the fingertips extending around the circumferential protrusion 14 and into the groove 1 5 to grasp and securely hold the hand-piece. A third alternative hand position for securely holding the clipper device 1 during the use is with the fingers of the operator extending under the lower face 1 1 of the body 9 to support the clipper device and with the thumb of the operator extending over the top face 10 for stabilizing the device in the hand.
Referring now to Fig. 5 of the drawings, further significant aspects of the invention are illustrated with respect to this embodiment. Specifically, it will be noted that, in addition to the electric motor 7, the housing 8 also encloses a power cell 1 6 for supplying electrical power to the motor 7 when the device 1 is operated cordlessly. In this embodiment, the power cell 16 has a rectangular and relatively flat, extensive shape which extends across the width of the housing 8 arranged below the motor 7. It will be appreciated, however, that instead of a single flat power cell 16, a number of elongate cells could be arranged alongside one another and still provide the same view as that show in Fig. 5. Significantly, instead of arranging the power cell 1 6 at an axial end of the motor 7 as conventional wisdom has dictated, the present inventors have re-conceptualized the configuration of the clipper device and re-arranged these parts. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, the power cell 1 6 is located next to (i.e. below) the motor 7 and is laterally spaced from the rotational axis R of the motor 7 by a distance X. Conventionally, the arrangement of the power cell in the housing has been at an axial end of the motor, which has reinforced and contributed to the provision of a narrow elongate hand-piece. The invention, however, provides a much more compact body 9 of the clipper device and results in a different handgrip for the user. The electrical connection between the power cell 1 6 and the electric motor 7 may be via wiring as it is known in the art, or via mutually aligned contact areas 1 7 on the motor 7 and the power cell 16, respectively.
The power cell 1 6 is typically formed as a battery, such as a nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH) or lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery. The power cell 1 6 is electrically connected by wiring (not shown) to a circuit board 18 that incorporates electronic circuitry for controlling the operation of the hand-held clipper device 1 . This circuit board 18 is enclosed within an upper part of the housing 8 above the motor 7 and has a number of control switches 19 (e.g. button switches) mounted thereon. With regard to the operation of the device, the control switches 1 9 may be activated via push-pads 20 at the top face 10 of the device 1 and typically include a power "on/off" switch for activating or deactivating the appliance, as well as one or more switches for activating a particular setting, e.g. speed of the blade members 2, 3 and/or relative position of the blade members to regulate the hair length to be cut. The power cell 1 6 is desirably rechargeable so that it need not be replaced when it becomes depleted. As is known in the art, the clipper device 1 may be designed for receipt on a stand that functions as a recharging station. In this regard, a connector (not shown) is preferably provided somewhere at the sides 12 or at the lower face 1 1 of the housing 8 for electrical contact with an external power source when the device 1 is mounted on the recharging station. In this way, the power cell 1 6 can be recharged when the device is not in use. The body 9 may include registration means (not shown) for ensuring the correct orientation and/or correct placement of the device on the recharging station. As an alternative, recharging of the clipper device 1 may be effected via induction, e.g. via an induction coil arrangement. In this way, the clippers may be placed on the stand or recharging station in different orientations without negatively affecting the recharging operation. In this embodiment, therefore, there would be no need for electrical contact elements that are coupled in physical contact with one another.
With further reference to Fig. 5, it will be noted that the electric motor 7 is arranged within the housing 8 such that the rotational axis R of the motor extends substantially parallel to the cutting plane P of the blade members 2, 3. This represents another substantial departure from the conventional wisdom in hair clipper machine design. As noted earlier, conventional clipper devices have the rotational axis of the motor pitched at an angle to, and intersecting with, the cutting plane between the blade members. In re-conceptualizing the fundamentals of such hair clipper appliances, however, the inventors have succeeded in dispensing with this conventional pitched or angled orientation of the electric motor.
In arriving at the horizontal orientation of the motor 7 and its rotational axis R shown in Fig. 5, a new transmission mechanism 21 is desirably employed in the device 1 for transforming the rotary motion of the motor shaft 22 into the required reciprocating motion of the second blade member 3 relative to the first blade member 2. That is, the transmission mechanism 21 in this embodiment includes an elongate connecting member (i.e. a connecting rod) 23 which is pivotally connected at one end thereof to motor shaft 22 (i.e. via an eccentric pin 24), and pivotally connected at the other end thereof to the second blade member 3 (i.e. via an upright pin 25). The connecting rod 23 extends in a direction essentially transverse to the rotational axis R of the motor 7 and connects with the second blade member 3 (i.e. pin 25) at a position spaced from the rotational axis R, indeed laterally spaced from the shaft 22. Further details of such a transmission mechanism are described more extensively in the co-pending European patent application no. 09 007 1 1 1 .9, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
With reference to Fig. 6 of the drawings, a somewhat alternative embodiment of the clipper device 1 of the invention is illustrated, in which the power cell 1 6 has a slightly different position with respect to the electric motor 7. In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the power cell 16 has a generally circular cylindrical form and is arranged positioned laterally to one side of the motor 7 instead of being below the motor, as shown in Fig. 5. As the ordinary practitioner will appreciate, however, it would be possible to incorporate multiple power cells 1 6 at different positions spaced around the motor laterally spaced from the rotational axis R. By including two or more power cells 16, it may be possible to increase the total energy storage in the device and also to provide a more even weight distribution for more comfortable handling by the user. Again, the power cell 16 is desirably embodied as rechargeable cell and, ordinarily, the hair clipper device 1 may be operated as a cordless device. However, connectors (not shown) may be provided for connecting the device 1 to an external power source, such as to a "mains" or domestic electricity supply, for operating the clippers from the external power supply and/or for recharging the power cell 1 6. As is again apparent from Fig 6, the clipper device 1 incorporates a circuit board 1 8 with switch contacts to control the operation of the appliance. In particular, switch pads 20 are again provided at the top face 10 of the appliance body 9 for selective control of the operational characteristics of the device.
It will be appreciated that the above description of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings has been made by way of example only. Thus, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, modifications and/or additions may be made to the parts particularly described and illustrated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. It will be appreciated, for example, that an alternative transmission arrangement based on a variation of a known mechanism could also be employed in the clipper device 1 of the invention. In the alternative transmission mechanism, an eccentric pin member extends from the shaft of the motor parallel to the rotational axis to be received in and engage with the sides of a slot provided in a transmission component attached to the blade member. In such an embodiment, the pin member transcribes a circular path of motion around the rotational axis as the rotor or shaft of the motor rotates. The interaction between the pin member and the slot in the transmission component would be such that essentially only lateral movements of the pin from the circular path it transcribes would be transmitted to the movable blade member, thereby to produce the reciprocating motion of the blade member.