U.S. patent number 3,794,050 [Application Number 05/251,748] was granted by the patent office on 1974-02-26 for power driven hair combing appliance.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Sunbeam Corporation. Invention is credited to George P. Gallanis, Ikuo I. Komatsu.
United States Patent |
3,794,050 |
Gallanis , et al. |
February 26, 1974 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
POWER DRIVEN HAIR COMBING APPLIANCE
Abstract
Apparatus for untangling hair including a pair of closely spaced
comb members which are reciprocated in an out of phase relationship
to create wave motion in hair for the purpose of untangling it. The
combs are detachably mounted with respect to the reciprocating
mechanism and are simple, molded plastic elements having guiding
and supporting portions which detachably secure to the
reciprocating mechanism. The teeth of the combs being thickened to
prevent oscillation or vibration and to permit the delivery of
substantial amounts of power in moving or flexing the locks of hair
by the reciprocating mechanism.
Inventors: |
Gallanis; George P.
(Westchester, IL), Komatsu; Ikuo I. (Glen Ellyn, IL) |
Assignee: |
Sunbeam Corporation (Chicago,
IL)
|
Family
ID: |
26264303 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/251,748 |
Filed: |
May 8, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/119.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D
24/007 (20130101); A45D 2200/207 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A45D
24/00 (20060101); A45d 024/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;132/11A,9,139,142,34R,11R ;310/15 ;128/32 ;74/574 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Mancene; Louis G.
Assistant Examiner: McNeill; Gregory E.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Clark; George R. Rose; Neil M.
Pacocha; John S.
Claims
What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent
of the United States is:
1. A power driven comb comprising an elongated housing which
encloses a motor and transmission means connected to reciprocate a
pair of comb support means, said housing being formed with a slot
in one wall thereof adjacent said comb support means, a pair of
comb members detachably secured to said support means and
positioned in closely spaced parallel relation to said slot, each
said comb member having widely spaced teeth to permit tangled hair
to enter the space between the teeth, each tooth throughout a
substantial portion of its length being of constant thickness in
the direction lengthwise of said comb member, said members being
reciprocated by said transmission means in an out of phase
relation, the teeth in each comb having edge portions lying along
the space between the combs which edge portions define longitudinal
planes spaced apart no more than .25 inches, said members being
reciprocated at a rate of more than 4,000 cycles per minute to
produce wave motion in said hair to untangle said hair and
reciprocated a distance no greater than the space between said
teeth.
2. A power driven comb comprising an elongated housing which
encloses a motor and transmission means connected to reciprocate a
pair of comb support means, said housing being formed with a slot
in one wall thereof adjacent said comb support means, a pair of
comb members detachably secured to said support means and
positioned in closely spaced parallel relation in said slot, said
members veing reciprocated by said transmission means in an out of
phase relation, said members being reciprocated at a rate of more
than 4,000 cycles per minute to produce wave motion in said hair to
untangle said hair, each said comb member each includes a shank
portion which supports teeth extending outwardly therefrom,
mounting sockets on said shank portions which releasably secure
said comb members to said transmission means, bearing and guide
means which are formed on said comb members and extend from said
shank portion in the opposite direction from said teeth to guide
said comb members in reciprocating movement and to support said
comb members against twisting about said shank portion, said
bearing and guide means being positioned within said housing and
having end portions in sliding engagement with spaced bearing
surfaces.
3. A power driven comb which includes a pair of counter
reciprocating combs adapted to untangle hair and to comb hair with
a minimum adverse effect to the curled or styled condition of the
hair comprising an elongated housing enclosing a motor and
transmission means, a pair of elongated comb members supported in
closely spaced relation in a slot formed in said housing, each said
comb member having widely spaced teeth to permit tangled hair to
enter the space between the teeth, said comb members having teeth
extending outwardly of said slot and mounting portions within said
housing extending in a direction opposite from said teeth, the
teeth in each comb having edge portions lying along the space
between the combs which edge portions define longitudinal planes
spaced apart no more than .25 inches, said transmission means being
connected to said combs to reciprocate them at a rate of in excess
of 4,000 cycles per minute with the stroke length of each comb
member being equal to or less than the space between the teeth
whereby said comb members produce a wave motion in said hair which
untangles the hair.
4. The power driven comb of claim 3 wherein said comb members are
reciprocated at a rate of between 6,000 and 9,000 cycles per
second, said stroke length being between .03 and .130 inches,
whereby said comb members produce a wave like action in the hair to
untangle it.
5. The power driven comb of claim 3 wherein said slot extends
lengthwise of said housing and said comb teeth extend laterally of
said housing, said comb having a shank portion from which said
teeth extend, said mounting portions being formed on the side of
the shank portion opposite to the side from which said teeth
extend, each of said comb members being supported by a pair of
oscillating links pivoted to said housing adjacent said slot, said
transmission means being connected to one link of each said pair of
oscillating links to drive said comb members.
6. The power driven comb of claim 5 wherein said comb members are
detachably connected to said oscillating links, said transmission
means including a connecting rod pivotally connected to one of said
one link of each said pair and locating protuberances on said
housing on both sides of the oscillating links which are not
connected to said transmission means to position said last
mentioned links for assembly of said comb members thereto.
7. The power driven comb of claim 3 wherein said motor includes an
output shaft extending lengthwise of said housing and supporting on
its outer end an eccentric which drives a rocker member, said
rocker member being pivoted about an axis perpendicular to said
shaft and oscillated about said axis by said eccentric, a pair of
connecting rods each pivotally connected to said rocker member
along axis spaced above and below said rocker member axis whereby
rotation of said motor shaft reciprocates said connecting rods in
an out of phase relation, said connecting rods having their ends
remote from said rocker member connected to said comb members.
8. The power driven comb of claim 3 wherein said comb members are
supported by oscillating links which are pivotally connected to
said housing, said links having cylindrical bearings at their free
ends which are detachably received in bearing recesses in said comb
members.
9. The combing appliance of claim 8 wherein said housing comprises
a pair of channel shaped halves which abut along a central plane
through the axis of said housing, said motor is supported by rubber
rings which extend around the ends of said motor and are clamped
between the housing and the motor, axles for pivotally supporting
the links with respect to said housing, the ends of said axles
being received in spaced recesses in said housing halves.
10. The combing appliance of claim 9 wherein said comb members are
formed with guide legs which extend outwardly from said comb
members adjacent said sockets and engage said links adjacent to
their pivotal connection to said housing, said links having spaced
bearing surfaces between which the outer ends of said guide legs
are received and supported.
11. A power driven comb which includes a pair of counter
reciprocating combs adapted to untangle hair and to comb hair with
a minimum adverse effect to the curled or styled condition of the
hair comprising an elongated housing enclosing a motor and
transmission means, a pair of elongated comb members supported in
closely spaced relation in a slot formed in said housing, said comb
members having teeth extending outwardly of said slot and mounting
portions within said housing extending in a direction opposite from
said teeth, said transmission means being connected to said combs
to reciprocate them at a rate of in excess of 4,000 cycles per
minute with the stroke length of each comb member being equal to or
less than the space between the teeth, said comb members being
supported by oscillating links which are pivotally connected to
said housing, said links having cylindrical bearings at their free
ends which are detachably received in bearing recesses in said comb
members, said comb members include shank portions having spaced
sockets, said sockets comprise bearing recesses formed by outwardly
extending flexible legs, said links having cylindrical bearings at
the ends spaced from the pivotal connection to the housing, said
bearing being received in said sockets with said legs extending
around said bearings to retain said comb members assembled to said
links.
12. In a power driven combing appliance of the type having a pair
of parallel spaced counter reciprocating comb members, the
improvement comprising a frame having means for pivotally
supporting two pair of oscillating links on two spaced parallel
axes, each link having a pair of spaced parallel plates joined by
bearing means at either end, the bearing means at one end pivotally
supports each said link with respect to said housing, the bearing
means at the other end of each said link pivotally supports said
comb members with respect to said links, bearing means on said comb
members detachably engaging said bearing means on the other end of
said links, said comb members including guide legs adjacent the
bearing means on said comb members extending outwardly therefrom
into bearing engagement with said links between said plates.
13. The combination of claim 12 including a motor and transmission
supported on said frame and drivingly interconnected to said comb
members to reciprocate said comb members in an out of phase
relation, said transmission including a pair of connecting rods
having their driven ends connected to be reciprocated by said
motor, the driving ends of said connecting rods being connected to
engage the bearing means on said other ends of the links in one
pair of said links and said connecting rods driving in oscillating
motion said one pair of links.
14. The combination of claim 13 wherein said comb members have
shank portions formed with outwardly opening sockets which
detachably receive said bearing means on the other ends of said
links, said links in said one pair having the driving ends of said
connecting rods interposed between the link bearing means on the
said other ends and said sockets.
15. A comb member comprising an elongated shank portion having
spaced parallel teeth extending outwardly perpendicular to said
shank portion, said teeth being as wide as said shank portion
throughout the major portion of their length to provide strength
and rigidity and being tapered and rounded at the ends to
facilitate entry of the teeth into the hair, the side of said shank
portion opposite from said teeth having drive sockets at both ends
thereof to detachably engage a reciprocating drive mechanism, a
pair of guide arms extending from said shank portion in the
direction opposite from said teeth and each guide arms being
positioned adjacent one of said sockets, said guide arms having
bearing pads at their upper ends to slidably engage a bearing means
during reciprocation of said comb member and resist turning of said
member about said shank portion.
16. The comb member of claim 15 wherein sockets provide outwardly
facing recesses defined in part by resilient arms which flex to
permit a cylindrical bearing member to be forced into assembled
relation to said socket.
17. The comb member of claim 15 wherein said guide arms are of
lesser thickness than the socket defining portions of said comb
member except for said bearing pads which are the said width as
said socket defining portions.
18. A power driven comb comprising a housing having an opening in
one wall thereof, an electric motor mounted in said housing, a pair
of comb support means mounted in said housing adjacent said
opening, means for drivingly relating said motor and said comb
support means whereby energization of said motor causes
counter-reciprocation of said pair of comb support means at a rate
of at least 4,000 cycles per minute, a pair of combs each having a
plurality of teeth arranged in spaced parallel relationship with
the teeth projecting outwardly from said opening, and means
connecting each of said pair of combs to a different one of said
support means whereby said combs reciprocate with said comb support
means, the spacing of said comb teeth being greater than the
spacing between longitudinal planes defined by the portions of the
teeth of each comb which lie along the space between said combs
when connected to said comb support means, said means for drivingly
relating said motor and said comb support means producing a
reciprocating stroke of said combs no greater than said tooth
spacing.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are many problems encountered in the care of ladies' hair
which have not been satisfactorily solved by any of the devices and
appliances currently known in the art. At least a portion of the
female population has always utilized hair styles which involve
letting their hair grow to substantial lengths, often in excess of
18 to 24 inches. In order to make hair look well groomed and
properly styled, it is necessary that it be brushed and combed
frequently. Under normal circumstances, there may be no difficulty
in passing a comb through the hair when it has been only recently
combed and brushed and nothing significant has caused the hair to
become tangled.
Whenever a woman's long hair is washed, however, there is a
tendency for the hair to become quite tangled. A similar situation
can also occur when the hair has been wind blown or subjected to
some other tangling condition. Under such circumstances, it is time
consuming, difficult and even painful for a woman to comb out the
tangles in her hair. It is not unusual for combing of tangled hair
to take 10 to 15 minutes or more. It would be desirable, therefore,
if a device or appliance could be provided which would facilitate
the combing out of tangled hair so that the combing could be
performed more quickly with less pain, pulling and breaking of the
hair.
Another problem associated with the care of women's hair involves
maintaining the appearance of a highly styled condition. Thus,
after the woman or a beauty parlor has set the hair to produce a
plurality of curls arranged in an attractive fashion, it is
sometimes difficult to maintain this styled condition for any
reasonable length of time such as a week or 10 days. A woman will
tend to get the hair style in disarray or at least slightly tangled
while sleeping or involved in any other normal activities. It has
been found that any attempt to comb the hair under such conditions
will tend to straighten the hair or remove the curl which has been
set into it. This leaves the woman with a rather unsatisfactory
alternative of merely brushing the hair lightly to give it a more
orderly appearance but at the same time leaving the curls in a more
or less undamaged condition. It would be helpful, therefore, to
provide a means for combing out tangles in set hair which means
would leave undisturbed the set which had been given to the
hair.
Although there is no teaching in the prior art of an appliance
which would solve the problems discussed above, the United States
patent to Ferguson et al U.S. Pat. No. 3,272,023 discloses
apparatus having oppositely reciprocating spaced comb members for
the purpose of treating the hair and scalp. While the invention
herein disclosed utilizes spaced comb members, there are
significant differences in the arrangement of the combs, the manner
of reciprocation and the design of the combs which give rise to an
entirely different mode of operation than would have been present
in apparatus made in accordance with the teachings of the Ferguson
patent.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the invention, a pair of closely spaced
reciprocating combs are provided to accomplish the untangling and
combing of hair which has been tangled by washing, teasing or
otherwise tangled. The combs are positioned in close proximity so
that the hair extending between the teeth of the combs will be
turned or flexed thereby creating wave like motion in the strands
of hair. This wave length motion tends to untangle the hair in much
the same way as one might untangle string by shaking the strands of
string at a point spaced away from where the strands enter the
tangled area. It is also apparent that to perform the untangling
function satisfactorily, it is desirable to have the comb provide a
gentle tensioning of the hair toward the comb.
Applicants' tangle removing comb includes a slim housing which may
be easily grasped in the hand and which encloses a motor and means
driven by the motor for reciprocating the two combs in an out of
phase relationship. The combs themselves are molded plastic members
provided with guiding and support means and which also include
integrally molded resilient means detachably connecting the combs
to the reciprocating drive means. While it is, of course, important
that the combs be firmly supported during the reciprocating
thereof, it is also important that the combs be readily detachable
from the reciprocating drive mechanism so that they may be washed
and maintained in a sanitary condition. As will be explained in
greater detail, the rate of reciprocating of the comb as well as
the spacing of the teeth in each individual comb and the spacing
between the teeth in adjacent combs is important to achieve the
optimum results as far as the untangling of the hair is
concerned.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
power driven combing appliance having improved characteristics with
respect to removing tangles from the hair.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an
improved hair grooming appliance which permits the combing of
styled hair without eliminating the curl or set of the hair.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an
improved power driven comb having closely spaced counter
reciprocating combs which reciprocate in an out of phase
relationship to remove tangles from the hair.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an
improved combing appliance which includes two closely spaced
oppositely reciprocated combs arranged to create a wave-like action
in the hair to remove tangles.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved
hair combing appliance having a pair of readily removable combs
which are supported for reciprocation in an out of phase
relationship.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an
improved reciprocating comb which includes integrally formed guide
and support means and resilient means for detachably securing the
comb to a power drive means.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent as the following description proceeds and the features of
novelty which characterize the invention will be pointed out with
particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this
specification.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a power driven combing appliance
embodying our invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially on line
2--2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 3--3 of FIG.
2;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken
substantially on line 4--4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of one of the oscillating
links which supports the combs of the appliance;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken
substantially on line 6--6 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken substantially on line
7--7 of FIG. 5;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 4
but showing the comb reciprocating parts in an alternative
position;
FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on line 9--9
of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a side view of one of the combs shown detached from the
drive mechanism;
FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken on line 11--11 of FIG. 10;
FIGS. 12a, 12b and 12c are sketches showing the interrelationship
between two sets of comb teeth and the hair positioned between
them;
FIG. 13 is a sketch illustrating the wave action which is set up in
the hair by oscillating comb teeth;
FIGS. 14a, 14b and 14c are sketches similar to FIG. 12 but
illustrating the undesirable effects of excessive oscillation of
the combs relative to each other;
FIGS. 15a, 15b and 15c are sketches illustrating the action of
widely spaced comb teeth on the hair between the teeth; and
FIGS. 16a, 16b and 16c are sketches illustrating the action of a
single reciprocating comb.
Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 a portable
power driven combing appliance designated generally by reference
numeral 12. The appliance 12 is of such a size and weight that it
may be readily grasped and manipulated by one hand of the user. For
this purpose the appliance 12 is formed with a housing 13 one end
of which provides a gripping portion 14 as best shown in FIG. 1.
The half of the housing opposite from the gripping portion 18
provides a comb supporting portion 15. The housing itself is formed
by a pair of generally channel shaped housing halves 18 and 19.
The housing halves 18 and 19 are formed along their abutting edges
with steps or shoulders 18a and 19a as shown in FIG. 3 to provide a
smooth and even juncture along the abutting edges. The housing
halves 18 and 19 are also provided with inwardly extending bosses
18b and 19b respectively which receive assembly screws 20 for the
purpose of retaining the housing halves 18 and 19 in assembled
relationship. As was mentioned above, the gripping portion 14 of
the housing 13 is sufficiently small so that it may be conveniently
grasped in the hand of the user.
Supported on the portion 15 of the housing 13 are a pair of closely
spaced combs 22 and 23. For the purpose of driving the combs 22 and
23 in a reciprocating motion, there is provided a motor 24 mounted
within the housing 13. While the motor 24 may be of any suitable
type in the preferred embodiment, a 120 volt DC permanent magnet
motor was used which had a nominal speed in the order of 8,500 r.
p. m. The motor 24 is connected to a suitable source of power by a
cord 25 which also has an on-off switch 26 connected in series with
one of the cord conductors and one of the motor terminals.
The motor 24 is supported within the housing 13 by means of molded
rubber rings or grommets 28 and 29 as is best shown in FIGS. 2 and
3. The motor 24 is drivingly connected to the combs 22 and 23 by a
transmission mechanism 30 which imparts a reciprocating motion to
the combs 22 and 23 and which is enclosed in the comb supporting
portion 15 of the housing 13. This drive mechanism 30 includes a
pair of connecting rods 32 and 33 each of which is connected at the
end most remote from motor 24 to a pivotally supported oscillating
link 35. The other end of each of the connecting rods 32 and 33 is
secured to a rocker member 36. The rocker member 36 is pivotally
supported by a pair of die cast arms 24a which extend outwardly
from the end of motor 24. The motor 24 includes an armature shaft
40 the exposed end of which extends outwardly between the arms 24a
and which supports a drive block 39. The drive block 39 as is best
shown in FIGS. 4 and 8 includes an eccentric or crank pin 41 which
extends outwardly in parallel space relation to the motor shaft 40.
In order to couple the crank pin 41 to the rocker member 36, there
is provided a yoke 42 which is pivotally supported in the rocker
member 36.
As is best illustrated by FIGS. 8 and 9, the rocker member 36
includes a pair of spaced parallel plate portions 36a which are
somewhat T-shaped as seen in FIG. 8. The plate portions 36a which
are connected by transversely extending body portion 36b are formed
with holes 36c as shown in FIG. 2 which holes are adapted to
receive integrally molded projections 32a and 33a formed on the
ends of connecting rods 32 and 33 respectively (FIGS. 8 and 9). The
projections 32a and 33a extend outwardly from hub portions 32b and
33b which extend between the plate portions 36a as illustrated in
FIGS. 8 and 9. Similarly, the yoke 42 as shown in FIG. 9 is formed
with integrally molded projections 42a which extend through
corresponding openings in the plate portions 36a to pivotally
support the yoke 42 with respect to the rocker member 36. Thus
prior to assembling the rocker member 36 to the die cast arms 24a,
the plate portions 36a are sprung apart to insert the hub portions
32b and 33b of the connecting rods 32 and 33 and to insert the yoke
42 into pivotal connection with the rocker member 36. Thereafter,
the rocker member 36 is inserted between the arms 24a and an axle
member 37 is inserted through the aligned openings in the plate
portions 36a and in the ends of arms 24a. As so assembled, the
rotation of the motor shaft 40 causes the drive block 39 to move
the crank pin 41 in a circular path while in engagement with a slot
42b formed in the yoke 42. Engagement of the pin 41 with the yoke
42 during its rotation by the shaft 40 causes the member 36 to rock
about its axle 37. As a consequence of this rocking movement, the
connecting rods 32 and 33 move in opposite directions and oscillate
the adjacent links 35 in opposite directions.
The housing 13 is formed in the area of the supporting portion 15
with an elongated slot 44 within which the combs 22 and 23 are
mounted for reciprocating movement. Each of the combs includes a
shank portion 45, teeth 46, integrally formed mounting sockets 47
and guide legs 48. The teeth 46 in the preferred embodiment are
about .080 inch thick and about .187 inches wide. The teeth are
made substantially wider than they are thick in order that they may
be strong enough to resist vibration and to transmit sufficient
power while still being thin enough to pass through the hair
easily. In the same connection the teeth are provided with heavy
body portions 46a which are in cross section almost rectangular
while the ends of the teeth are formed with rounded portions 46b
which are tapered at the edges and the ends to facilitate the entry
of the teeth into and through the hair. Near the root of the end
teeth on both combs there are provided projections 50 which are for
the purpose of facilitating insertion and removal of the combs from
their position mounted within the opening 44.
The links 35 are connected to the housing 13 at their upper ends by
means of pins 51 which are received within rubber bushings 52 (FIG.
3) which are received in recesses 54 formed integrally with the
housing halves 18 and 19. The links which are best shown in FIGS.
5, 6 and 7 resemble the links used in a bicycle chain each
comprising an inner plate 35a having an outwardly extending boss
35b formed with an opening to receive the pivot pin 51. Also
extending from the inner plate 35a is a projection 35c which
provides a bearing for the connecting rods 32 and 33 as far as the
link members closest to the motor 24 are concerned. If one
considers the sectional view of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, it will be noted
that there are two pairs of oscillating links 35. The oscillating
links positioned nearest to the motor 24 support the driving ends
of the connecting rods 32 and 33 as is best shown in FIGS. 4 and 6.
As may be seen in FIG. 4 the ends of the connecting rods 32 and 33
which engage the link projections 35c are somewhat L-shaped having
generally cylindrical portions 32c and 33c which have bearing holes
to receive the link projections 35c. The connecting rod portions
32c and 33c are positioned between inner plates 35a and outer
plates 35d which are received over the reduced diameter portions on
the outer ends of the projections 35c as shown in FIG. 6. The upper
ends of the outer plates 35d are notched at 35e (FIG. 5) to engage
the bosses 35b which have adjacent shouldered projections 35f. Each
of the projections 35f supports the outer plate 35d in spaced
parallel relation to the inner plate 35a and the outer ends of
projections 35f are heat staked over as shown at 35g in FIG. 6 to
retain the upper edges of the outer plate 35d assembled to the
remaining portions of the link 35. The reduced diameter ends of
each of the projections 35c which extend through outer plate 35d is
heat staked at 35h (FIG. 6) to retain the inner and outer plates
together.
The mounting sockets 47 are formed at either end of each of the
combs 22 and 23. These sockets are upwardly facing channel-like
recesses which are defined in part by flexible leg portions 47a.
The recess provided by each socket 47 defines a generally
cylindrical portion 47b which extends more than 180.degree. around
its axis so as to form a pocket within which a bearing 53 of the
oscillating link 35 may snap into and be retained. It should be
understood that the two links 35 positioned most remote from the
motor 24 include the bearings 53 which are received on projections
35c as shown in FIG. 5 and which snap into locking engagement with
the sockets 47 on the combs 22 and 23. The sockets 47 at the other
end of the combs 22 and 23 snap into engagement with the
cylindrical portions 32c and 33c formed on the connecting rods 32
and 33 respectively. The cylindrical portions 32c and 33c are of
the same outside diameter as the cylindrical portions 47b in the
sockets 47. To permit the bearings 53 and the cylindrical portions
32a and 33a of the connecting rods to snap into the sockets 47, the
legs 47a are provided with outwardly angled ends 47c as is best
shown in FIG. 10 to deflect the legs 47a outwardly as the bearings
53 or cylindrical portions 32c and 33c are snapped into engagement
with the sockets 47. The resilience of the plastic used in molding
the combs 22 and 23 is such that the legs 47a may be deflected for
easy assembly and disassembly of the combs from the drive mechanism
30 while at the same time holding the combs firmly during operation
of the combing appliance 12.
The projections 50 located at both ends of each of the combs 22 and
23 facilitate removal of the combs from their assembled position
with respect to drive mechanism 30. In addition, the projections 50
tend to block entry of foreign matter and debris through the
clearance openings between the combs 22 and 23 and the housing
portions defining the opening 44. When it is desired to remove one
of the combs, a finger may be inserted beneath one of the
projections 50 and a light prying force exerted outwardly of the
housing 13. This causes one end of the comb to be detached from its
oscillating link 35; continued rotation of the comb about the other
oscillating link 35 causes the attached end of the comb to engage
the housing 13 at the other projection 50 and further rotation
causes the comb to separate itself completely from the drive
mechanism 30 and its oscillating links 35.
Although the links 35 connected to connecting rods 32 and 33 are
maintained in a proper position for reassembly to combs 22 and 23,
the outer most links 35 are in no way connected to the transmission
30 after the combs 22 and 23 are removed. To maintain these outer
links properly positioned for assembly to the comb sockets 47,
there are provided locating projections 56 positioned on both sides
of the lower ends of the outer links 35 as is best shown in FIGS. 2
and 3. The projections 56 are spaced sufficiently to permit
oscillation of links 35 but sufficiently close together to locate
links 35 for assembly to combs 22 and 23.
From the above description it can be readily appreciated that as
the motor 24 rotates shaft 40 the connecting rods 32 and 33 cause
the adjacent driven links 35 to oscillate about their pivot pins
51. This motion of the inner oscillating links 35 causes the combs
22 and 23 to reciprocate as they are supported by the two pairs of
oscillating links 35.
Since there is a substantial amount of transverse force exerted
against the combs 22 and 23 during the combing of tangled hair, it
is important that the combs 22 and 23 be provided with adequate
support to resist this action which would in effect pivot the comb
about the shank portion 45. In order to counteract this pivoting or
twisting motion, the shank portion 45 is supported and guided by
the lengthwise extending housing walls which define the edge of
opening 44. In addition, the guide legs 48 extend upwardly and
outwardly from the shank portion 45 of both of the combs 22 and 23
as shown in FIG. 10. The upper ends of the legs 48 are provided
with bearing pads 48a which are received between the inner plate
35a and the outer plate 35d as best shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. As
the combs 22 and 23 reciprocate through their full travel as
illustrated by comparing FIGS. 4 and 7, the bearing pads 48a
continue to be sandwiched between the inner and outer plates 35a
and 35d respectively of the oscillating links 35. By providing two
guide legs on each of the combs, adequate support of the combs
against any twisting about the shank portion is assured. The
sockets 47 and the guide legs 48 provide a simple but effective
means for detachably connecting the combs 22 and 23 with respect to
the drive mechanism 30 and housing 13.
Because of the substantial vibration forces associated with the
appliance 12, it is desirable to use foam rubber padding in the
housing portion 15 between the motor mounting ring 28 and the outer
end of the housing 13. This rubber padding lessens the noise which
would otherwise be generated by the parts vibrating within the
housing 13.
While there has been described above the structural details of the
preferred embodiment of the appliance 12, there has been no
discussion of the considerations involved in dimensioning the parts
so as to achieve the desired effect on the hair. The various
parameters such as the spacing apart of the combs, the stroke
length delivered by the drive mechanism 30 and the spacing of the
teeth 46 are all details which have a significant effect on
achieving the objecting of moving the hair in such a way that
tangles are eliminated as expeditiously as possible. The patent to
Ferguson U.S. Pat. No. 3,272,023 discloses an appliance having
counter reciprocating combs which obviously operate in a
considerably different manner than that contemplated by the instant
invention. Although there is no discussion in the Ferguson et al
patent of the dimensions of the comb, the spacing of the comb or
the speed of oscillation, there are some aspects which can be
readily observed. First, the combs of the Ferguson et al patent
appear to be spaced a substantial distance apart. This wide spacing
of the combs is undesirable since it eliminates the co-action
obtained by the two combs reciprocating in opposite directions to
create a type of wave motion in the hair. The action of widely
spaced combs is much like that of a single comb as shown in FIG. 16
wherein the comb teeth merely move the central portions back and
forth. As illustrated by the sketches of FIG. 15, the wide spacing
of the teeth as compared to the spacing shown in FIGS. 12 or 13
results in mere displacement of central portions of the hair
without producing the whip-like action which produces the wave
effect illustrated in FIG. 13. Secondly, the Ferguson et al patent
contemplates a substantial amount of oscillation or length of
stroke which would appear to be on the order of twice the spacing
of the comb teeth. As will be explained in greater detail, the
reciprocation of the combs in such a way that the teeth bypass the
teeth on the adjacent comb tends to cause the pair of combs to
produce a combined action in which the hair is fed through the comb
excessively producing a teasing type of action. This type of action
interferes with and hampers the proper creation of the wave effect
which tends to loosen the tangled hair. It is desirable to have the
combs designed and positioned so that a slight pulling effect or
action is achieved.
Referring to FIG. 12, there is shown a sequence of three sketches
which illustrate the relative positions of two pairs of comb teeth
and the hair which is acted upon by these two pairs of teeth. The
overall center-to-center spacing of the teeth in the preferred
embodiment is .25 inches while the spacing between the adjacent
combs is on the order of .065 inches. The strands of hair are shown
in FIG. 12 extending between the teeth 46. When the teeth of the
adjacent combs are in aligned relationship as in 12b, they are in
the center of their strokes. In 12a the comb teeth are shown in
their position of maximum displacement in one direction while in
12c the comb teeth are shown in their position of maximum
displacement in the other direction. The result of this cyclic
action is to mildly but repeatedly turn or twist a section of the
hair thus causing waves to be generated which pass down the hair
toward the tangled portions and tend to eliminate the tangles. FIG.
13 illustrates the whip-like or wave action which is produced in
the strands of hair between a series of teeth on adjacent combs.
This action results in the substantial movement of the hair well in
advance of the comb to produce the untangling before the teeth
arrive at a tangled area. This produces a quicker, less painful
combing of the hair. The overall action may be compared to the
manner in which one shakes a tangled piece of string to untangle
it.
In order to achieve the best results, it has been found that the
rate of reciprocation should be at least on the order of 4,000
cycles per minute. Increasing the speed of reciprocation to as high
as 10,000 cycles per minute produces acceptable results. A good
compromise speed which is obtainable at reasonable cost of
components with acceptance levels of vibration and noise is on the
order of 6,000 to 9,000 cycles per minute.
There are various aspects of the design of the combs 22 and 23
which should also be noted at this time. The combs are preferably
made of a tough plastic material such as nylon which may be
integrally molded in one piece. Because of the substantial
vibrations to which the comb is subjected as a consequence of the
reciprocating action, the comb teeth 46 are designed to be
considerably more rigid than are normal comb teeth. The upper
portions of the teeth 46a are in the preferred embodiment about
.080 inches in thickness and about .187 inches in width as viewed
lengthwise of the comb. The teeth are almost rectangular in cross
section being rounded slightly at the corners. It has been found
that nylon combs made of these dimensions provide sufficient
rigidity and strangth to perform the untangling functions. In order
to facilitate the entry of the fairly bulky teeth into the hair,
the ends are tapered and rounded as shown at 46b.
Tests have been run on combs having greater spacing of the teeth
than the .250 inch center-to-center distance described above and at
the same time using a greater stroke than the .060 stroke described
above. These tests indicated that increasing the stroke length and
teeth spacing did not detract from the untangling action as long as
the combination of tooth spacing and stroke length was not used
which would result in the teeth passing by each other
substantially. In this connection reference should be made to the
series of sketches FIG. 14a, FIG. 14b and FIG. 14c which illustrate
the manner in which the hair is affected when the closely spaced
reciprocating teeth pass by each other to any significant extent.
Sketch 14a shows the teeth in their aligned positions as a lock of
hair is received between a set of four teeth. As the combs are
reciprocated to the positions shown first in 14b and then in 14c,
the strands of hair have a tendency to be pulled lengthwise a
substantial extent into the gap between the combs. This action
might also be accompanied by some stretching of the hair. In any
event, any substantial lengthwise movement and stretching of the
hair tends to curl the hair creating a teasing type action. In
addition, loops of hair are produced which further tangle the hair.
This action hampers considerably the attempts at untangling and
actually tends to create more tangles under certain circumstances.
With the design parameters described above, the combs produce only
a slight pulling on the hair which aids in the untangling.
In considering the situations in which the passing of the teeth may
form loops which in turn result in tangling of the hair rather than
untangling, it is desirable to consider the angle of the
intermediate portion of the lock with the teeth in the position as
in FIG. 4c. In such a situation, if the central portion extends
parallel to the direction of travel of the combs, there is
invariably a tangling condition produced. In addition even when the
intermediate portion approaches this parallel situation, looping
and tangling may be produced depending on the type of hair and its
condition.
It has also been discovered that a single reciprocating comb as
shown in FIG. 16 or one which is shown in the Ferguson patent with
the adjacent combs spaced substantially apart are substantially
less effective in untangling the hair than are the combs
contemplated by the instant invention. Such arrangements are
ineffective in creating the wave conditions illustrated in FIG. 13.
As is illustrated by the sketches of FIG. 15, it appears that
widely spaced combs merely oscillate sections of hair and do not
turn the sections as shown in FIG. 12 to create the action which is
further illustrated in FIG. 13.
Because of the problems of consistently tangling hair in the same
manner, it is difficult to run tests which are repeatable and which
clearly establish the optimum design. However, on the basis of the
tests which have been run, it appears that the desired untangling
action can be achieved best when operating in a stroke range of
from 4,000 to 10,000 strokes per minute and using stroke lengths of
between .030 and .130 inches. In some conditions it may be possible
to allow the teeth to bypass each other to a slight extent and
still have little lengthwise movement of the hair into the comb and
still have the wave action required for the untangling of the hair.
While the combs should be spaced fairly close together, it appears
that a spacing up to .25 inches would be acceptable.
While there has been shown and described a particular embodiment of
the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the
art that various changes and modifications may be made without
departing from the invention in its broader aspects, and it is,
therefore, contemplated in the appended claims to cover all such
changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope
of the present invention.
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