DESCRIPTION

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a cutting tool especially for cutting hair. The tool according to the invention finds application especially, though not exclusively, in the field of hairdressers and hairstylists.

Background Art

As is known, scissors are cutting tools usually consisting of a pair of blades which extend from connecting elements referred to as shafts and ending with handle rings in which the user’s fingers can be introduced. The blades are further usually pivoted to each other in an overlapping configuration, whereby, when the scissors are closed, the two blades are substantially aligned with each other. A pivot, or a rivet or screw, is usually used for pivoting the blades.

Scissors may be of different shape and size and have straight or curved blades and corresponding shafts oriented in different manners. Handle rings, too, can be of different shape and size according to the type of scissors.

Hairdressers, also referred to as friseurs, hairstylists or barbers, are professionals specialized in hair cutting and setting, hairdressing and haircare. They interpret their customers’ wishes in order to recommend the most suitable style and color and offers qualified counseling for the health and beauty of hair. In this field, the need for new and innovative tools has developed over time to meet the need for better and original results.

Numerous types of scissors, designed specifically for hairdressing salons, are known in the art. Each cutting job may require the use of a different pair of scissors, suitable for the specific job and result to be achieved. Evidently, therefore, the operator will have to change, even very frequently, the scissors used, depending on the area of the head where the cut is made and depending on the effect he/she wants to produce. The need for frequent replacement of the scissors used is time-consuming, in addition to requiring nearby availability of the most suitable scissors.

To meet these needs, scissors have been developed over time that are capable of performing different operations and cuts, depending on how they are oriented and held by the operator. US5970615A describes an example of a cutting tool for hairdressers which incorporates cutting scissors and hair thinning scissors.

However, the growing demand for ever new and surprising effects in haircutting, as well as the need to work quickly during a job to produce the desired effect, are not yet adequately met. Well-known cutting tools, which allow different effects to be achieved depending on, for example, the direction in which they are used or the way in which they are held, are in fact impractical, overweight and sometimes also considerably complicated.

Cutting tools of this kind, which have, however, these drawbacks are described for example in US2005283981A, US5996592A and US6434832B1.

A first object of the invention is to provide a cutting tool especially for cutting hair that is versatile and easy to use.

Another object of the invention is to provide a cutting tool of the aforementioned type that is lightweight and has a fluid and precise movement.

A further object of the invention is to provide a cutting tool that can be manufactured at low cost and is therefore suitable for industrial production.

These and other objects are achieved with the cutting tool as claimed in the appended claims. Summary of Invention

The cutting tool according to the invention mainly comprises two scissors articulated to each other at handle rings. Preferably, the scissors are arranged substantially coplanar to each other and with their respective distal end tips substantially oriented in opposite directions relative to each other. Alternatively, the two scissors can be arranged on respective planes inclined relative to each other. In addition, the two scissors forming the tool can be oriented so that the distal end tips are directed along a coinciding direction or along directions inclined relative to each other.

The tool according to the invention comprises a pair of handle rings associated with the shafts of the two scissors. According to the invention, at least either of the two scissors has its own shafts rotatably associated with said pair of handle rings.

Advantageously, thanks to the fact that at least either of the two scissors has its own shafts rotatably associated with said pair of handle rings, by spreading said rings apart from each other and bringing them close to each other, relative to the longitudinal axis of the tool, opening and closing of the scissors shafts, and therefore of the blades associated therewith, are obtained, respectively.

Advantageously, thanks to the configuration according to the invention, it is possible to manufacture cutting tools comprising two scissors that can be held either with the right hand or with the left hand, indifferently. In addition, the availability of two scissors in a single tool advantageously makes it possible to obtain different results depending on the type of scissors incorporated in the tool and according to the scissors being used. According to the invention, it is indeed possible to quickly alternate use of either scissors of the two scissors with which the tool is provided, without losing grip on the handle rings, but by simply orienting the wrist of the hand either in a direction or in the other direction with the skill typical of, for example, hairdressers.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the shafts of first scissors are rotatably associated with the pair of handle rings, whereas the shafts of second scissors are integral with said pair of rings and form, preferably, a single body therewith.

Preferably, according to the invention, the shafts are rotatably associated with the rings by means of a pivot connection obtained, preferably, by cooperation between a projection, extending radially outside each ring, and the proximal end of the shaft affected by the rotatable association of the corresponding scissors with the handle rings. Preferably, the pivot connection is further completed by a pivot pin that can be received in a hole provided in the radial projection and in said proximal end of the shaft.

Advantageously, according to the invention, the scissors can be either of the type equipped with blades fixed relative to the respective shafts, or of the type equipped with interchangeable blades. In the first case, the blades are pivoted to each other and preferably overlap each other when the scissors are closed, i.e. when the rings are brought to a condition of maximum mutual approach. In the second case, the blades comprise a distal cutting portion and a proximal pivot portion. The proximal portions of each pair of blades are pivoted to each other and are attached to the respective shafts. The two cutting portions, instead, can be separated from the corresponding pivot portions, preferably by acting onto a fastening screw. Advantageously, in this way, if necessary for example as a result of wear or in order to provide the scissors with blades of a different type, it is possible to replace one or both of the cutting portions of one or both of the scissors of the tool according to the invention.

In addition, in the various embodiments, the tool can preferably be provided with an abutment stop element arranged between the pair of handle rings and having the function of stopping the closing movement of the two scissors when they come into abutment against it.

In a second embodiment of the invention, both pairs of shafts of the two scissors defining the tool are rotatably associated with the handle rings.

Preferably, according to this embodiment of the invention, the shafts are pivoted to respective rings, or more preferably to corresponding radial projections of the rings, by means of pivot pins. The connection between the shafts and the handle rings can be obtained at a single pivot pin for each ring, or, alternatively, by means of a pair of pivot pins, one for each shaft.

In a fourth embodiment of the invention, the scissors comprise a central shaft in common, rotatably associated with the shafts of both scissors. The central shaft further extends centrally between the two scissors, substantially along the longitudinal axis of the tool incorporating them.

Preferably, the central shaft is further rotatably associated at the pivot axis of the scissors. Preferably, said central shaft comprises a longitudinal slot in which there is provided a slider with which pairs of arms extending between said slot and the lateral shaft of the scissors are associated. Preferably, each pair of shafts of each scissors comprises a pair of arms rotatably associated with a corresponding slider slidable in the slot of the central shaft.

Said arms are advantageously pivoted to each other at corresponding pivot pins.

In a variant of the fourth embodiment, the central shaft comprises a longitudinal extension extending centrally and preferably between the blades of both scissors of the tool. The longitudinal extension defines a corresponding central blade for the corresponding scissors and can comprise one or both sharp edges.

In a variant of embodiment of the handle rings of the tool according to the invention, each handle ring comprises a pair of concentric crowns rotatably associated with each other. Each crown is associated, preferably in a rigid manner, with a corresponding shaft of one of the scissors of the tool.

Balls can be provided interposed between the crowns, said balls advantageously making smoother the mutual rotational movement of the two crowns forming the rings.

According to the invention, in at least all the described embodiments, one or both of the rings can optionally be provided with an appendix for resting a finger. The resting appendix extends radially outside the corresponding ring in a distal direction. According to the invention, the shape of the resting appendix can be varied according to the type and use of the tool and can further be customized in order to meet the needs of the end user. In addition, several appendices, even of different shapes, can be provided on a same handle ring and both rings can be provided with said appendices.

Brief Description of Drawings

Some preferred embodiments of the invention will be provided by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the annexed drawings, in which:

Fig.l is a plan view of the cutting tool according to a first embodiment of the invention; Fig.2 is a plan view of the cutting tool according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Fig.3 is a plan view of the cutting tool according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Fig.4 is a plan view of the cutting tool according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

Fig.5 is a plan view of the cutting tool according to a variant of the fourth embodiment of the invention;

Fig.6 is a plan view of a detail of the cutting tool of an embodiment variant of the rings;

Fig.7 is a plan view of a detail of the cutting tool provided with an appendix for resting the finger.

In all the annexed figures, the same reference numerals are used to denote identical or functionally similar components.

Description of Embodiments

Referring to Fig.l, this shows a first preferred embodiment of the cutting tool according to the invention.

The cutting tool has been indicated as a whole with reference numeral 11 and mainly comprises two scissors 13a, 13b articulated to each other. The scissors 13a, 13b are arranged substantially coplanar to each other and oriented in substantially opposite directions relative to each other. In this embodiment, the end tips 15a, 15b of the two scissors 13a, 13b are therefore arranged on a longitudinal axis in common passing through the pivot axis of the blades of the scissors.

The tool 11 further comprises a pair of handle rings 17a, 17b, associated with the shafts 19a, 21a and 19b, 21b of said scissors.

According to this embodiment of the invention, the shafts 19a,21a of the scissors 13a are rotatably associated with the pair of handle rings 17a, 17b, whereas the shafts 19b, 21b of the scissors 13b are fixedly associated with said pair of handle rings 17a, 17b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the association of the shaft 19a, 21a of the scissors 13a with the pair of handle rings 17a, 17b takes place by means of a pivot connection 23. Said pivot connection 23 is obtained, in the illustrated embodiment, by cooperation between a projection, extending radially outside each ring 17a, 17b, and the end 27 of each shaft 19a, 21a affected by the rotatable association of the corresponding scissors with the handle rings. Referring again to the illustrated embodiment, the appendix 25 and the end 27 comprises each a corresponding hole in which a pivot pin 29 is received.

Advantageously, thanks to the fact that the two shafts 19a, 21a of the scissors 13a are pivoted to the pair of handle rings 17a, 17b, by spreading said rings 17a, 17b apart from each other and bringing them close to each other, relative to the longitudinal axis of the tool, opening and closing of the blades 3 la, 33a and 3 lb, 33b of the two scissors 13a and 13b are obtained, respectively.

In the shown embodiment, the scissors 13a and 13b are of the type provided with interchangeable blades 31. According to this embodiment, the blades 31 comprise a distal cutting portion 35 and a proximal pivot portion 37. The proximal portions 37 of each pair of blades are pivoted to each other at 39 and are fixedly attached to the respective shafts 19a,21a and 19b, 21b. The two portions 35 and 37 can, however, be separated by acting onto a fastening screw 41. Advantageously, in this way, if necessary for example as a result of wear or in order to provide the scissors with blades of a different type, it is possible to replace one or both of the cutting portions 35 of either or both of the two scissors.

The tool can further be provided with an abutment stop element 43 arranged between the pair of handle rings 17a, 17b, and having the function of stopping the closing movement of the two scissors as they come into abutment against it.

Referring to Figure 2, this shows a second embodiment of the tool 11 according to the invention, wherein both pairs of shafts 19a, 21a and 19b, 21b of the two scissors 13a, 13b defining the tool 11 are pivoted to the handle rings 17a, 17b. According to this embodiment, the pair of shafts 19a, 21a and 19b, 21b are pivoted at a pair of pivot pins 45a, 45b, a first pin 45a being associated with a first ring 17a for a first shaft 19a of first scissors 13a and for second shaft 21b of the second scissors 13b, and a second pin 45b on the second ring 17b for a second shaft 21a of the first scissors 13a and for a first shaft 19b of the second scissors 13b.

In this embodiment, the connection between the shafts 19a,21a and 19b, 2 lb and the handle rings 17a, 17b is obtained at a projection 25 extending radially outside each ring 17a, 17b. The two radial projections 25 are further substantially adjacent to each other when the blades 3 la, 33a and 3 lb, 33b of the scissors are closed.

Referring to Fig. 3, this shows a third embodiment of the tool 11 according to the invention, wherein both pairs of shafts 19a, 21a and 19b, 21b of the two scissors defining the tool 11 are pivoted to the handle rings 17a, 17b. According to this embodiment, the shafts are pivoted at corresponding pivot pins 45a, 45b, namely a first pair of pins 45a on a first ring 17a for a first shaft 19a of the first scissors 13a and for a second shaft 21b of the second scissors 13b, and a second pair of pins 45b for a second shaft 21a of the first scissors 13a and a first shaft 19b of the second scissors 13b.

In this embodiment, the connection between the shafts 19a,21a and 19b, 2 lb and the handle rings 17a, 17b is obtained at corresponding projections 25 extending radially outside each ring 17a, 17b. An axis passing through the two radial projections 25 of a first ring 17a is further parallel to an axis passing through the two radial projections 25 of the second ring 17b, when the blades 3 la, 33a, 3 lb, 33b of the two scissors forming the tool are closed, as shown in Fig.3. Referring now to Fig.4, this shows a fourth embodiment of the invention, wherein the scissors 13a, 13b comprise a central shaft 47 in common. According to the shown embodiment, said central shaft 47 is rotatably associated with the shafts 19a, 21a and 19b, 21b of both scissors 13a, 13b and further extends centrally between said scissors 13a, 13b and between said handle rings 17a, 17b, substantially along the longitudinal axis of the tool 11, which, in the illustrated embodiment, passes through the pivot axes at 39 of the blades of the scissors.

Referring again to the embodiment illustrated in Fig.4, the central shaft 47 is rotatably associated at the pivot axis 39 of the scissors 13a, 13b. Said central shaft 47 comprises a longitudinal slot 49 provided for sliding of a slider 51 with which pair of arms 53 extending between said slot 49 and the lateral shafts 19a, 21a and 19b, 21b of each scissors are rotatably associated. In the illustrated embodiment, each pair of shafts 19a, 21a and 19b, 21b of each scissors 13a, 13b comprises a pair of said arms 53 rotatably associated with a corresponding slider 51 slidable in the slot 49 of the central shaft 47.

Said arms 53 are advantageously pivoted to the lateral shafts 19a, 21a and 19b, 21b, at corresponding pivot pins 55.

Referring to Fig.5, this shows an embodiment variant of the embodiment previously described with reference to Fig.4. In this embodiment variant, the central shaft 47 comprises a longitudinal extension extending centrally between the blades 3 la, 33a and 3 lb, 33b of both scissors of the tool 11. The longitudinal extension defines a corresponding central blade 57 for the corresponding scissors and can comprise one or both of the sharp longitudinal edges for cooperating with the sharp edges of the blades 3 la, 33a and 3 lb, 33b.

Referring to Fig.6, this shows an embodiment variant of the handle rings 17a, 17b of the tool 11 according to the invention. According to this embodiment variant, each handle ring 17a, 17b comprises a pair of concentric crowns 59,61 rotatably associated with each other. Each crown 59,61 is associated with a corresponding shaft 19a, 21a and 19b, 21b of either of the scissors of the tool 11. More precisely, a first ring 17a comprises a first crown 59 associated with a first shaft 19a or 21a of the first scissors 13a and a second crown 61 associated with a second shaft 19b or 21b, respectively, of the second scissors 13b, and the second ring 17b comprises a first crown 59 associated with a second shaft 21a of the first scissors 13a, and a second crown 61 associated with a first shaft 19b of the second scissors 13b. Referring again to the embodiment illustrated in Fig.6, balls 63 are arranged interposed between the crowns 59,61, said balls advantageously making smoother the mutual rotational movement of the two crowns 59,61.

Referring to Fig.7, this shows an embodiment of the tool according to the invention, wherein one 17a of the handle rings is provided with an appendix 65 for resting a finger of the hand of the user of the tool 11. The appendix 65 extends radially outside the ring 17a in a distal direction. The shape of the resting appendix can be varied according to the type and use of the tool and can further be customized in order to meet the needs of the end user. In addition, several appendices 65, even of different shapes, can be provided on a same handle ring. Both handle rings 17a, 17b can further be provided with said appendices 65.

The embodiments described above and illustrated in the annexed sheets of drawings have been provided merely by way of examples and the invention is susceptible to several modifications and variations that are within the reach of the person skilled in the art and fall within the scope of protection as defined by the appended claims.