AU2020220218B2 - Improvements in Shearing Combs - Google Patents

Abstract

A shearing comb (10) comprising a comb body (12) having forward (34) and rear surfaces (36), and a plurality of spaced apart teeth (14) formed integrally therewith and projecting forwardly from the forward surface (34), characterised in that the comb body (12) further comprises at least one groove (32) provided between adjacent teeth (14) and at least one lateral channel (44) extending across two or more adjacent said grooves (32), the or each groove (32) and the or each lateral channel (44) being provided in a bottom surface (26) of the comb body (12).

Description

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10 10 16 16 A 44 44 A 16 16

20 20

18 18 2020220218

14 14 34 34 30 30

32 32 32 32

42 24 24 42 42 12 12 42 24 24

26 26 38 38 38 38

40 A 22 A 22 40 22 22 40 40 36 36

Figure Figure 11

14 14

X X X (5 : 1)

44 44

44 44 28 28

28 28 26 26 26 26

A-A A-A Figure 2 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 3

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2020220218 21 Aug 2020

"Improvements inin Shearing "Improvements Combs" Shearing Combs"

Field of Field of the the Invention Invention

[0001] The

[0001] Thepresent present invention invention relates relates to atoshearing a shearing comb.comb. More particularly, More particularly, the the shearing comb shearing comb of the of the present present invention invention is intended is intended forwith for use useawith a shearing shearing hand hand piece and piece andcutter, cutter,for forshearing shearingsheep sheep or other or other animals. animals. It is It is intended intended that that the the featuresofof the features the shearing shearingcomb comb of the of the present present invention invention are that are such suchthe that the build-up build-up

of of lanolin lanolin or or other other waxy materialoriginating waxy material originating from from an an animal animal during during shearing shearing is is substantially minimised. substantially minimised.

Background Background

[0002] At

[0002] At present, present,the theshearing, shearing, crutching crutching and and trimming trimming of animal of animal wool wool and and hair is hair is mostcommonly most commonly achieved achieved using using either either an electric an electric or externally or externally driven driven shearingshearing

handpiece hand pieceutilising utilisingboth botha acomb comband and cutter cutter to cut to cut hairhair or wool or wool through through which which the the comb and comb and cutter cutter areare pushed. pushed. Theiscomb The comb is generally generally releasably releasably fixed to fixed relative relative to the shearing the shearinghand hand piece piece whilst whilst the the cutter cutter passes passes over over top surface a top asurface of the of theincomb comb in reciprocatingfashion. aa reciprocating fashion.Both Both the the cutter cutter and and comb comb are provided are provided with a plurality with a plurality of of teeth that teeth that perform performthe thecutting cuttingaction. action.

[0003] In

[0003] In typical typical use, use, aa shearer shearermoves moves the the handhand piece piece through through thefor the wool, wool, for example, such example, such that that a bottom a bottom surface surface ofcomb of the the comb rests rests on the on the animal's animal's skin, while skin, while

the cutter the cutter sweeps sweeps across across the the top top surface surface of comb, of the the comb, cutting cutting thefibres the wool wool fibres caught betweenthe caught between theteeth. teeth. However, However,such such an an arrangement arrangement typically typically resultsinin the results the build-up of build-up of aa waxy waxymaterial, material,such such as lanolin, as lanolin, on the on the bottom bottom surface surface of theof the comb comb that in that in operation restsagainst operation rests againstthe theanimal's animal's skin. skin. The The build-up build-up of lanolin of lanolin in this in this

area mayhinder area may hinder thethe ease ease of entry of entry and flow and flow ofcomb of the the comb throughthrough the woolthe wool fibres. fibres.

As such, As such,the thecomb comb requires requires periodic periodic cleaning cleaning to remove to remove any built-up any built-up lanolin lanolin in in order to maintain order to maintainananefficient efficientforward forward motion motion and and cutting cutting action. action. The periodic The periodic

cleaning cleaning of of shearing shearing combs is time-consuming combs is andinconvenient, time-consuming and inconvenient,thereby therebyreducing reducing the overall the overall productivity productivityof of sheep sheepshearing shearing operations. operations.

[0004] The

[0004] present invention The present invention is is ininsome some respects respects an an improvement of the improvement of the Applicant's Australian Applicant's Australian Patent Patent2013224692 titled "A 2013224692 titled "A Shearing Shearing Comb". Thesame Comb". The same problemisisdescribed problem described therein, therein, being being a reduction a reduction in overall in overall productivity productivity due due to theto the build-up of waxy material, inter alia, grease and lanolin on the comb body. The comb 17 Sep 2025 described in Australian Patent 2013224692 has channels provided on a bottom surface thereof and extending from the forward surface toward the rear surface. Whilst this arrangement aids in movement of any build-up rearwardly through the channels, build- up occurring toward a centre or mid-line of the comb is unable to migrate through the channels.

[0005] It is one object of the shearing comb of the present invention to overcome 2020220218

substantially the abovementioned problems of the prior art, or at least provide a useful alternative thereto.

[0006] Each document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, which means that it should be read and considered by the reader as part of this text. That the document, reference, patent application, or patent cited in this text is not repeated in this text is merely for reasons of conciseness.

[0007] Reference to cited material or information contained in the text should not be understood as a concession that the material or information was part of the common general knowledge or was known in Australia or any other country.

[0008] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Summary of the Invention

[0009] In accordance with the present invention there is provided a shearing comb comprising a comb body having forward and rear surfaces, and a plurality of spaced apart teeth formed integrally therewith and projecting forwardly from the forward surface, wherein the plurality of spaced apart teeth includes outer teeth and characterised in that the comb body further comprises a groove provided between respective pairs of adjacent teeth and at least one lateral channel, the or each lateral channel extending between the outer teeth and across two or more adjacent said grooves such that the ends of the lateral channel terminate in or at a groove adjacent the outer teeth, the or each groove and the or each lateral channel being provided in a bottom surface of the comb body.

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[0010] Preferably, the comb body further comprises a top surface, wherein the bottom 17 Sep 2025

surface of the comb body is in contact with an animal’s skin during shearing.

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2020220218 21 Aug 2020

[0011] The

[0011] Thecomb combbodybody preferably preferably further further comprises comprises a pair a pair of of positioning positioning and and pendulumholes, pendulum holes,wherein whereinthe theoror each eachlateral lateral channel provided between channel provided betweenadjacent adjacent groovesextends grooves extends rearwardly rearwardly but beyond but not not beyond the forwardmost the forwardmost point point of the of of pair the pair of pendulumholes. pendulum holes.

[0012] The

[0012] Theteeth teethare arepreferably preferably separated separated by a by a second second groove,groove, definingdefining a gullet.a gullet. Theforward The forwardsurface surface of of thethe comb comb body body is preferably is preferably defineddefined by the gullets by the gullets between between the teeth. the teeth.

[0013] The

[0013] Thecomb combbodybody preferably preferably further further comprises comprises a pair a pair of ofreceiving screw screw receiving recessesthat recesses thatproject projectforwardly forwardly thereinto thereinto from from the the rearrear surface. surface.

[0014] In

[0014] In one oneform, form,the thecomb comb bodybody further further comprises comprises at one at least least one longitudinal longitudinal

channel thatextends channel that extends from from the the forward forward surface surface towardtoward thesurface the rear rear surface of the of the

comb body,wherein comb body, whereinsaid saidatat least least one longitudinal channel one longitudinal channel being being disposed on aa disposed on

bottom surface bottom surface of of the the comb body. comb body.

[0015] Still

[0015] Still preferably, preferably, the the or or each longitudinalchannel each longitudinal channel extends extends rearwardly rearwardly beyondbeyond

forwardmost aa forwardmost point point of of thethe screw screw receiving receiving recess. recess.

[0016] Preferably,

[0016] Preferably,the theororeach each lateralchannel lateral channel is arranged is arranged so asso toas to intersect intersect a a longitudinal channel. longitudinal channel.

[0017] In

[0017] In one oneform formofofthe theinvention, invention, the the or or each each longitudinal longitudinal channel channel extends extends

betweenthe between theforward forward and andrear rear surfaces surfacesof of the the comb body.Preferably, comb body. Preferably,the the or or each each longitudinal channel longitudinal channelextends extends in ain straight a straight line line between between the forward the forward and and rear rear surfaces of the surfaces of the comb body. comb body.

[0018] The

[0018] rear surface The rear surface of of the thecomb comb body preferably comprises body preferably cut-awayportions comprises cut-away portions and rearedge and rear edge portions. portions.

[0019] Preferably,

[0019] Preferably,the thecomb comb bodybody further further comprises comprises first of a firsta pair pairlongitudinal of longitudinal channels thatextend channels that extend from from the the forward forward surface surface to thetorear the surface rear surface formingforming a cut- a cut

away portiontherein. away portion therein.

[0020] The

[0020] Thefirst first pair pair of of longitudinal channelspreferably longitudinal channels preferably hashas eacheach channel channel located located

adjacent opposed adjacent opposed sides sides of the of the combcomb body. body. Each ofchannel Each channel of the the first pairfirst of pair of

longitudinal channels longitudinal channelspreferably preferably hashas a width a width that that is substantially is substantially identical identical to the to the

width between width betweenan an outer outer tooth tooth and and an adjacent an adjacent inner inner tooth. tooth.

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2020220218 21 Aug 2020

[0021] Preferably,

[0021] theororeach Preferably,the each channel lateralchannel lateral is arranged so asso is arranged toas to extend extend laterally laterally

betweeneach between each channel channel of a of a pair pair of longitudinal of longitudinal channels. channels.

[0022] In

[0022] In one oneform formofofthe theinvention, invention, the the comb comb body body further further comprises comprises a seconda second pair of pair of longitudinal longitudinal channels. channels.

[0023] The

[0023] Thesecond secondpairpair of longitudinal of longitudinal channels channels is preferably is preferably located located inwardly inwardly from from the first the first pair pairof oflongitudinal longitudinalchannels. channels.

[0024] Preferably,

[0024] Preferably,the thesecond second pairpair of longitudinal of longitudinal channels channels has channel has each each channel extending fromthethe extending from forward forward surface surface to respective to the the respective rear portion rear edge edge portion of the rear of the rear

surface. surface.

[0025] Still

[0025] Still preferably, preferably, each channelof of each channel thethe second second pairpair of longitudinal of longitudinal channels channels is is located adjacent located adjacenttotoa ascrew screw receiving receiving recess. recess.

[0026] Each

[0026] Eachchannel channel of the of the second second pairlongitudinal pair of of longitudinal channels channels preferably preferably has a has a width that width that is is substantially substantially identical identical to to the the width width between betweentwotwo adjacent adjacent innerinner teeth. teeth.

[0027] In

[0027] In accordance accordance with with thethe present present invention invention therethere is still is still further further provided provided a a shearing combcomprising shearing comb comprisinga acomb comb body body having having forward forward and and rearrear surfaces, surfaces, andand a a

plurality of plurality ofspaced apartteeth spaced apart teethformed formed integrally integrally therewith therewith and and projecting projecting forwardly forwardly

from the from theforward forwardsurface, surface, characterised characterised in that in that the the combcomb body further body further comprises comprises at at least one least channelthat one channel thatextends extends fromfrom the forward the forward surface surface toward toward the rearthe rear surface surface of of the comb the bodyand comb body andatatleast least one onegroove grooveextending laterally across extendinglaterally across the the comb body, comb body,

said at least said at least one onechannel channelandand saidsaid at least at least one one groove groove being being disposed disposed on a on a bottomsurface bottom surfaceof of the the comb comb bodybody thatiniscontact that is in contact with with an animal's an animal's skin skin during during shearing. shearing.

Brief Description Brief of the Description of the Drawings Drawings

[0028] The

[0028] shearing comb The shearing combofofthe the present present invention invention will willnow now be be described, described, by by way way

of of example only, with example only, with reference reference to totwo twoembodiments thereof and embodiments thereof and the the accompanying drawings, accompanying drawings, in inwhich:- which:

Figure 11 isis aa top Figure top plan planview viewofofa ashearing shearing comb comb in accordance in accordance with a with firsta first embodiment embodiment ofofthe thepresent presentinvention, invention, showing showingfirst first and and second grooves second grooves

formed therein formed therein between betweenadjacent adjacentteeth, teeth, the the second second groove grooveforming forminga agullet gullet between adjacentteeth, between adjacent teeth, and and aa lateral lateral channel channel formed betweenand formed between and extending across extending across adjacent adjacent first first grooves; grooves;

-5-

2020220218 21 2020 Figure 22isis aa cross-sectional Figure cross-sectionalview view along along lineline AA AA of the of the shearing shearing comb comb of of Figure 1;1; Figure

Aug Figure 33isis aa detail Figure viewofof section detail view sectionX Xshown shown in Figure in Figure 2, showing 2, showing

particularly particularly the profile of the profile of the lateralchannel; the lateral channel;

Figure 44 isis aa perspective Figure perspectiveview view of of thethe shearing shearing combcomb of Figure of Figure 1; 1;

Figure 55isis aa top Figure top plan planview viewofofa ashearing shearing comb comb in accordance in accordance with a with a second second embodimentofofthe embodiment thepresent presentinvention; invention;

Figure 66isis aa cross-sectional Figure cross-sectionalview view along along lineline AA AA of Figure of Figure 5; 5;

Figure 77isis aa detail Figure detail view viewofof section sectionX Xshown shown in Figure in Figure 6, showing 6, showing

particularly the particularly profile of the profile of the the lateral lateralchannel; and channel; and

Figure 88isis aa perspective Figure perspectiveview view of of thethe shearing shearing combcomb of Figure of Figure 5. 5.

Detailed Description Detailed Descriptionofofthe the Invention Invention

[0029] In

[0029] In Figures Figures1 1toto4 4there thereisisshown shown a shearing a shearing comb comb 10 in accordance 10 in accordance with a with a first embodiment first of the embodiment of the present present invention. invention. The The shearing shearing comb 10comprises comb 10 comprisesa a comb body comb body 12, 12, a plurality a plurality of of teeth teeth 14,14, wherein wherein the plurality the plurality of teeth of teeth 14 formed 14 are are formed integrally with integrally with the the body body 1212and and projecting projecting forwardly forwardly therefrom. therefrom. Outer Outer teeth teeth 16 are 16 are referred to referred to respectively respectivelyasasa atop-rider top-rider1818andand a bottom-rider a bottom-rider 20. comb 20. The Thebody comb body 12 has 12 hasa apair pairofofscrew screwreceiving receiving recesses recesses 22 provided 22 provided therein therein to aid to aid location location in in knownmanner known manneron on a shearing a shearing hand hand piece piece (not (not shown). shown). The The screw screw receiving receiving

recesses2222 recesses extend extend forwardly forwardly into into the the body body 12 afrom 12 from rear surface rear asurface to be described to be described

below. InInaddition, below. addition,there thereareare provided provided a pair a pair of positioning of positioning and and pendulum pendulum holes 24holes 24 in the in the comb body comb body 12 12 to facilitatelocation to facilitate location and and attachment attachment ofshearing of the the shearing comb comb 10 10 to aa pendulum to pendulum (not (not shown) shown) during during the grinding the grinding or sharpening or sharpening of the shearing of the shearing

comb 10. comb 10.

[0030] The

[0030] shearing comb The shearing comb1010further further has has aa "sheep "sheepside" side" or or bottom surface 26 bottom surface 26 and and "grinding side" a "grinding a side" oror top top surface surface28, 28,wherein wherein in use in use the the bottom bottom surface surface 26 26 is in is in contact with the contact with theanimal animal(not (not shown), shown), for for example, example, a sheep, a sheep, being Ashorn. being shorn. first A first

groove 32 groove 32 is is provided in the provided in thebody body comb 12 between comb 12 betweenadjacent adjacentteeth teeth14. 14. Furthermore, aa steep Furthermore, steep or or second groove3030isis formed second groove formedinin the the comb combbody body1212 betweenadjacent between adjacent teeth teeth 14 and 14 and defines defines a gullet. a gullet.

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2020220218 21 Aug 2020

[0031] The

[0031] Theshearing shearing comb comb 10 further 10 further comprises comprises atone at least least one lateral lateral channel channel 44 44 formed between formed betweenand and extending extending across across adjacent adjacent grooves grooves 32.32. The The lateral lateral channel channel

44 extends 44 extends across across the the bottom bottom surface surface 26 26of of the the shearing comb1010between shearing comb betweenthethe

top-rider 18 top-rider 18 and andbottom-rider bottom-rider 20 20 teeth, teeth, such such thatthat lateral lateral endsends of lateral of the the lateral channel channel

44 terminate 44 terminateininororatatthe thefirst first groove groove 3232provided provided between between the respective the respective teeth teeth 18 18 and20, and 20,and andtheir theirimmediately immediately inwardly inwardly adjacent adjacent teeth teeth 14. 14.

[0032] The

[0032] lateral channel The lateral channel 44 44 extends extends rearwardly rearwardly but but not not beyond beyond the the forwardmost forwardmost

point of point of the pair of the pair of pendulum holes pendulum holes 24. 24. Asbest As is is best seen seen in Figures in Figures 2 and 2 and 3, the 3, the profile of profile of the the lateral lateralchannel 44isis that channel 44 that of of aa smooth smoothscalloped scalloped cut-away. cut-away.

[0033] The

[0033] Thelateral lateralchannel channel44 44 substantially substantially minimises minimises the buildup the buildup of material of material such such as grease,lanolin as grease, lanolinononthe thebottom bottom surface surface 26 across 26 and and across all teeth all teeth 14 of 14 of the the comb comb

body 12, body 12, thereby thereby facilitating facilitating thethe ease of of ease movement movement of ofthe theshearing shearingcomb comb 10 10 over over

the animal. the animal.

[0034] The

[0034] combbody The comb body1010further furthercomprises comprisesa aforward forwardsurface surface3434and anda arear rear surface surface 36. The forward 36. The forward surface surface 34 34 is is defined defined by by the the gullets gullets30 30formed formed between between

the teeth the teeth 14, 14, while whilethe therear rearsurface surface36 36 is is defined defined by the by the rearmost rearmost extent extent of theof the comb body1010and comb body andfurther furthercomprises comprisescut cutaway away portions3838and portions and rearedge rear edge portions portions

40. Each 40. Eachof of thethe lateralchannel lateral channel 44 extends 44 extends forwardly forwardly to a approximate to a point point approximate to the to the forward surface forward surface 34. Theshearing 34. The shearingcomb comb1010 furthercomprises further comprisesgenerally generallyopposing opposing sides 42. sides 42.

[0035] In

[0035] In Figures Figures5 5toto8 8there thereisisshown shown a shearing a shearing comb comb 46 in accordance 46 in accordance with a with a second embodiment second embodiment of of thethepresent presentinvention, invention,the theshearing shearing comb comb4646 being being in inmany many respectssimilar respects similartotothe theshearing shearingcomb comb 10, like 10, like numerals numerals denoting denoting like parts. like parts.

[0036] The

[0036] The bottom bottomsurface surface2626ofofthe the shearing shearing comb comb4646further further comprises comprisestwo two pairs of pairs oflongitudinal channels longitudinal channels48a 48a&&48b 48band and 52a & 52b, 52a & 52b, wherein the second wherein the pair second pair

of of channels 52a channels 52a andand 52b 52b is located is located inwardly inwardly fromfirst from the the first pair pair of channels of channels 48a 48a and 48b.Each and 48b. Each channel channel offirst of the the first pairpair of longitudinal of longitudinal channels channels 48a48band 48b 48a and

extends extends inina astraight straightline line from fromthe theforward forward surface surface 34 the 34 to to the cut away cut away portions portions 38 38 of of the rear surface the rear surface36. 36.Each Each channel channel of first of the the first pairpair of channels of channels 48a48b 48a and and is 48b is

located adjacent located adjacenttotoa arespective respective opposing opposing side side 42 of42 theofcomb the body comb 12.body 12. Furthermore,thethe Furthermore, width width of of each each channel channel offirst of the the first pairpair of channels of channels 48a48band 48a and 48b generally matches generally the width matches the width between betweenananouter outertooth tooth 16 16 and andananadjacent adjacentinner inner tooth 50. tooth 50.

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[0037] Each

[0037] Eachchannel channelofofthe the second secondpair pair of of channels channels 52a 52aand and52b 52bextends extends from from

the forward the forwardsurface surface34 34 to to thethe rear rear edge edge portion portion 40 of40 ofrear the the rear surface surface 36. 36. Furthermore, each Furthermore, eachchannel channelofofthe the second secondpair pair of of channels channels 52a 52a and and52b 52bisis formed formed adjacent toaascrew adjacent to screw slot22.22. slot

[0038] The

[0038] Thelateral lateralchannel channel44 44 extends extends across across the bottom the bottom surfacesurface 26 26 of the of the shearing comb1010between shearing comb betweenthethe top-rider1818and top-rider andbottom-rider bottom-rider2020teeth, teeth, such such that that lateral ends lateral of the ends of the lateral lateral channel channel4444terminate terminate in or in or at at thethe respective respective channels channels

48aand 48a and48b48b of of thethe firstpair first pairofofchannels. channels.

[0039] In

[0039] In use, use, the the shearing shearing comb 10 and comb 10 andthe the shearing shearing comb comb4646ofofthe thepresent present invention provides invention provides lateral lateralchannel channel4444extending extendingbetween and across between and across adjacent adjacent grooves32,32,thereby grooves thereby allowing allowing reduction reduction of grease of grease build build up on up the on the bottom bottom side side 26 of 26 of the comb the combbody body 12 grease 12 as as grease is able is able to migrate to migrate laterally laterally acrossacross the thereby the comb, comb, thereby facilitating thethe facilitating ease of of ease movement movement of ofthe theshearing shearingcomb comb 46 46 over over the the animal animal when when

the cutter the cutter (not (not shown) shown)cuts cuts thethe wool wool fibre. fibre.

[0040] The

[0040] The two twopairs pairs of of channels 46a and channels 46a and46b, 46b,and and52a 52aand and52b 52b of of shearing shearing

comb comb 4646 of of thethe present present invention invention actfurther act to to further minimise minimise the buildup the buildup of lanolin of lanolin or or any otherwaxy any other waxy material material on the on the bottom bottom surface surface 26 of 26 the of thebody comb comb bodyis12inthat is in 12 that

contact with the contact with theskin skinofofthe theanimal animalwhen when the the shearing shearing comb comb 46 is in46use. is in use.

[0041] TheThe

[0041] Applicant Applicant envisages envisages thatfirst that the the first pair pair of longitudinal of longitudinal channels channels 48a 48a and 48bandand and 48b thethe second second pair pair 52a52b 52a and andact52b act to minimise to minimise the of the buildup buildup of material material

on the bottom on the bottomsurface surface 26 26 of the of the combcomb body body 12, in 12, in addition addition to the to the lateral lateral channel channel

44. The 44. Thelateral lateral channel channel 44 and longitudinal 44 and longitudinal channels channels 48a, 48a, 48b, 48b, 52a 52a and 52b work and 52b work togethertotomaximise together maximisethethe shedding shedding ofbuild of any any build up on up theon the bottom bottom surface surface 26 of the26 of the comb body12. comb body 12.Furthermore, Furthermore, thethe presence presence of of thethefirst first pair pair of ofchannels channels 48a 48a and and

48bfurther 48b furtherprovides providesthetheouter outer teeth teeth 16 with 16 with the the desired desired degree degree ofand of flex flex and movement movement at their at their tip,thereby tip, thereby optimising optimising the the entry entry and flow and flow of theofouter the outer teeth teeth 16 16 throughthe through thewool. wool.

[0042] It

[0042] It is isenvisaged thatthe envisaged that theprovision provisionof,of,and and location location of,of, thethe lateralchannel lateral channel 44 44 is such is that the such that the teeth teeth 1414are areable abletotoflex flexmore more relative relative to to thethe teeth teeth of of combs combs of of the the prior art, prior art, providing providing in in turn turn aa more harmonic more harmonic cutting cutting action action and and improving improving

performance. performance.

[0043] It

[0043] It is isfurther furtherenvisaged thatthe envisaged that theshearing shearing comb comb on present on the the present invention invention will will

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2020220218 21 Aug 2020 be suitable be for use suitable for usewith withshearing shearing handpieces handpieces and cutters and cutters available available in the in the art. art.

[0044] Modifications

[0044] Modificationsandand variations variations such such as would as would be apparent be apparent to a to a skilled skilled addressee addressee areare considered considered to fall to fall within within the the scope scope ofpresent of the the present invention. invention.

Claims (24)

Claims 17 Sep 2025

1. A shearing comb comprising a comb body having forward and rear surfaces, and a plurality of spaced apart teeth formed integrally therewith and projecting forwardly from the forward surface, wherein the plurality of spaced apart teeth includes outer teeth and characterised in that the comb body further comprises a groove provided between respective pairs of adjacent 2020220218

teeth and at least one lateral channel, the or each lateral channel extending between the outer teeth and across two or more adjacent said grooves such that the ends of the lateral channel terminate in or at a groove adjacent the outer teeth, the or each groove and the or each lateral channel being provided in a bottom surface of the comb body.

2. A shearing comb according to claim 1, wherein the comb body comprises a top surface.

3. A shearing comb according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom surface of the comb body is in contact with an animal’s skin during shearing.

4. A shearing comb according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the comb body comprises a pair of positioning and pendulum holes.

5. A shearing comb according to claim 4, wherein the or each lateral channel provided between adjacent grooves extends rearwardly but not beyond the forwardmost point of the pair of pendulum holes.

6. A shearing comb according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the teeth are separated by a second grove, defining a gullet.

7. A shearing comb according to claim 6, wherein the forward surface of the comb body is defined by the gullets between the teeth.

8. A shearing comb according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the comb body further comprises a pair of screw receiving recesses that project forwardly thereinto from the rear surface.

9. A shearing comb according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the comb body further comprises at least one longitudinal channel that extends from the forward surface toward the rear surface of the comb body. 17 Sep 2025

10. A shearing comb according to claim 9, wherein said at least one longitudinal channel being disposed on a bottom surface of the comb body.

11. A shearing comb according to claims 9 or 10, wherein the or each longitudinal channel extends rearwardly beyond a forwardmost point of the screw receiving recess. 2020220218

12. A shearing comb according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each lateral channel is arranged so as to intersect a longitudinal channel.

13. A shearing comb according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the or each longitudinal channel extends between the forward and rear surfaces of the comb body.

14. A shearing comb according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the or each longitudinal channel extends in a straight line between the forward and rear surfaces of the comb body.

15. A shearing comb according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear surface of the comb body comprises cut-away portions and rear edge portions.

16. A shearing comb according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the comb body further comprises a first pair of longitudinal channels that extend from the forward surface to the rear surface forming a cut-away portion therein.

17. A shearing comb according to claim 16, wherein the first pair of longitudinal channels has each channel located adjacent opposed sides of the comb body.

18. A shearing comb according to claims 16 or 17, wherein each channel of the first pair of longitudinal channels has a width that is substantially identical to the width between an outer tooth and an adjacent inner tooth.

19. A shearing comb according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the or each lateral channel is arranged so as to extend laterally between each channel of a pair of longitudinal channels.

20. A shearing comb according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the comb 17 Sep 2025

body further comprises a second pair of longitudinal channels.

21. A shearing comb according to claim 20, wherein the second pair of longitudinal channels is located inwardly from the first pair of longitudinal channels.

22. A shearing comb according to claims 20 or 21, wherein the second pair of 2020220218

longitudinal channels has each channel extending from the forward surface to the respective rear edge portion of the rear surface.

23. A shearing comb according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein each channel of the second pair of longitudinal channels is located adjacent to a screw receiving recess.

24. A shearing comb according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein each channel of the second pair of longitudinal channels has a width that is substantially identical to the width between two adjacent inner teeth.

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10 10 16 16 A 44 44 A 16 16

20 20

18 18 2020220218

14 14 34 34 30 30

32 32 32 32

42 24 24 42 42 12 12 42 24 24

26 26 38 38 38 38

40 A 22 A 22 40 22 22 40 40 36 36

Figure Figure 11

14 14

X X X (5 : 1)

44 44

44 44 28 28

28 28 26 26 26 26

A-A A-A Figure 2 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 3