Electric shaver improvement
US4884338A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 18, 1988 |
| Grant date | Dec 5, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 18, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB26B19/141
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved cutter head design for powered shavers, resembling the blade configuration of reel type lawnmowers. Elongated blades are mounted at intervals around a rotatable cutter assembly, with the width of the blades oriented radially. The axis of blade rotation is parallel to the skin being shaved. A thin, semi-flexible perforated screen covers part of the cutter assembly. Hair inserted through the screen is cut by the rotating blades against the screen material. This design allowa a toric (barrel-like) head shape, unlike the current reciprocating or rotary types, which require straight or flat shapes, respectively. A toric shape, is convex on two axes, providing a better match for the difficult facial curves at the jaw/neck junction. Difficulty in that area is where many would-be electric shaver users give up and return to the use of razor blades. Self-cleaning and self-sharpening mechanisms are described, which are made practical by this design. These increase convenience, effectiveness, and cutter life. Rotary cutter motion provides smooth, quiet operation, and allows a shorter head than reciprocating types.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.