[0001] The invention relates to a shaving head comprising a cutter having a cutting edge
for cutting hairs near the skin and a manipulator adapted to move the hairs to be
cut relative to the skin.
[0002] Such a shaving head is known from WO 95/29043. The known shaving head comprises a
razor blade and a manipulator arranged in advance of the razor blade. The manipulator
is adapted to pull hairs slightly out of the skin before they are severed by the razor
blade. A drawback of the known shaving head is that as the hair is being severed the
razor blade exerts a load on the hair root, as a result of which the skin around the
hair root deforms, which gives rise to an uncomfortable sensation.
[0003] It is an object of the invention to provide a shaving head of the type defined in
the opening paragraph, which mitigates the afore-mentioned drawback, thus providing
more shaving comfort. To this end the shaving head in accordance with the invention
is characterized in that the manipulator is adapted to move a hair along the cutting
edge while the hair is being cut by the cutting edge.
[0004] The load on a hair root depends on the force exerted on the hair by the shaving head.
In this respect a distinction is to be made between shear-type shaving heads by which
a hair is snipped off and knife-type shaving heads by which a hair is sliced off.
[0005] When a shear-type shaving head is used a hair is clamped between two edges which
are movable relative to one another and which are subsequently moved towards one another,
thereby subjecting the hair to shearing. Each of the edges exerts a substantial force
on the hair but these forces are directed oppositely, as a result of which the shaving
head exerts substantially no resultant force on the hair and the hair root is subjected
to hardly any load.
[0006] When a knife-type shaving head is used a hair is severed in that a sharp edge exerts
a force on the hair, without the hair being supported by the shaving head. When the
known shaving head is used the force exerted on a hair by the shaving head is at least
equal to the force required to move the cutting edge of the razor blade through the
hair. This force is comparatively large, as a result of which a substantial load is
exerted on the hair root.
[0007] The shaving head in accordance with the invention is a knife-type shaving head in
which a relative movement of the hairs along the cutting edge is performed during
cutting. As a result of this, the force required on a hair to move the cutting edge
through the hair is comparatively small and the load to which the hair root is subjected
is substantially smaller.
[0008] With the shaving head in accordance with the invention the hairs move past the cutting
edge with a higher speed than the skin so that there is a difference between the cutting
action of the cutting edge with respect to the skin and the cutting action of the
cutting edge with respect to the hairs. This is because at skin level hairs are movable
relative to the skin. Factors such as the implantation of the hairs in the skin, the
viscoelasticity of the skin and the frequency with which the hairs are moved can play
a part, individually but also in different combinations. Owing to said difference
in speed, the load exerted on the hair roots is reduced without an increased risk
of skin injury.
[0009] The measures in accordance with the invention also ensure that during shaving the
forces exerted on the cutting edge by the hairs in a direction transverse to the cutting
edge are substantially smaller than with the known shaving head, which reduces the
likelihood of deformation of the cutting edge. Moreover, a hair is brought into contact
with different parts of the cutting edge, as a result of which the forces spread over
a larger part of the cutting edge. This results in a more uniform wear of the cutting
edge. In addition, a less sharp cutting edge yet provides satisfactory shaving results
owing to the improved cutting action.
[0010] It is to be noted that US 4,118,863 discloses a hair trimmer having a movable blade
and a stationary blade. Both blades have teeth to sever hairs caught between a tooth
of the movable blade and a tooth of the stationary blade.
[0011] US 4,159,566 discloses a razor comb intended for hair styling by the individual.
The known razor comb comprises a razor having a cutting edge and covered at both sides
by a comb attachment. Different comb attachments of different lengths can be fitted
to trim the hair at different lengths. The razor is drivable by an electric drive
mechanism in a direction parallel to the cutting edge. The relative speeds of the
razor with respect to the hairs and the skin are in principle equal.
[0012] An embodiment of the shaving head in accordance with the invention is characterized
in that the manipulator is adapted to move hairs to and fro along the cutting edge.
By means of this measure it is achieved, inter alia, that the range of movement of
the hair relative to the skin is traversed several times during cutting of the hair,
thereby enhancing the afore-mentioned effects.
[0013] An embodiment of the shaving head in accordance with the invention is characterized
in that the shaving head comprises a supporting surface for supporting the shaving
head on the skin, the shaving head comprises a frame, and the manipulator is movable
relative to the frame in a tangential direction along the cutting edge. This embodiment
has the advantage that the shaving head can be of simple construction. The hairs can
be moved along the cutting edge by moving the manipulator in the tangential direction
and bringing the manipulator into contact with the hairs.
[0014] An embodiment of the shaving head in accordance with the invention is characterized
in that the manipulator has recesses which extend near the cutting edge. A hair caught
in one of the recesses will be moved in the tangential direction to some degree. Since
the recesses extend near the cutting edge, for example disposed just underneath the
cutting edge viewed from the supporting surface, the hair will perform a movement
in the tangential direction at the instant that it contacts the cutting edge. The
manipulator can be constructed, for example, as a foil provided with the recesses.
[0015] An embodiment of the shaving head in accordance with the invention is characterized
in that in the tangential direction the recesses have a width between 100 and 400
micrometers. It has been found that in this range an optimum performance of the shaving
head in accordance with the invention is achieved for regular hair thicknesses.
[0016] An embodiment of the shaving head in accordance with the invention is characterized
in that the recesses are formed between teeth. As a result of the position of the
teeth, hairs which engage with the cutting edge will at least partly come into contact
with one or more teeth which move in the tangential direction. During this contact
the manipulator and the relevant hairs interengage properly, as a result of which
the hairs, when in contact, follow the movement of the manipulator and the relative
speed of the hairs with respect to the cutter is equal to the relative speed of the
manipulator with respect to the cutter.
[0017] An embodiment of the shaving head in accordance with the invention is characterized
in that the distance between the ends of the teeth and the cutting edge lies between
50 and 1000 micrometers. The teeth should not be too short because otherwise the hairs
will not be moved along in the tangential direction. Besides, in the case of too long
teeth the hairs tend to disengage from between the teeth, after which they are flattened
onto the skin by the teeth and are not severed or not severed properly. It has been
found that the hairs are severed properly when the dimensions are as mentioned above.
[0018] An embodiment of the shaving head in accordance with the invention is characterized
in that at the location of the cutting edge the teeth have a height smaller than 500
micrometers measured in a direction transverse to the supporting surface. It has been
found that owing to this measure the hairs are less likely to remain caught between
the teeth, which counteracts clogging of the recesses between teeth.
[0019] An embodiment of the shaving head in accordance with the invention is characterized
in that the manipulator is movable relative to the frame in a direction transverse
to the tangential direction. By means of this measure it is achieved that the friction
in the tangential direction between the manipulator and the skin is reduced, as a
result of which the skin moves less along the cutting edge and, consequently, the
risk of nicking of the skin is reduced. Moreover, this measure promotes the removal
of hair cuttings.
[0020] An embodiment of the shaving head in accordance with the invention is characterized
in that the cutting edge is disposed at the level of the supporting surface and the
manipulator forms at least a part of the supporting surface. As a result of this,
hairs which project only slightly from the skin surface are also moved, so that even
the roots of very short hairs are subjected to hardly any load. In addition, the cutter
and the manipulator act at the level of the skin surface, as a result of which a smooth
shave is obtained.
[0021] An embodiment of the shaving head in accordance with the invention is characterized
in that the shaving head is adapted to provide a weak transmission between the manipulator
and the skin. A weak transmission between the manipulator and the skin ensures that
the manipulator movement is transmitted to the skin to only a small extent, which
reduces the risk of the skin being nicked.
[0022] An embodiment of the shaving head in accordance with the invention is characterized
in that the manipulator is movable in a direction transverse to the supporting surface.
First of all, this reduces the transmission between the manipulator and the skin.
Secondly, it ensures that the skin is effectively held at some distance from the cutting
edge, which reduces the risk of nicking of the skin. The reduction of this transmission
ensures that the manipulator movement transmitted to the skin is weak, as a result
of which the skin is less likely to be moved in the tangential direction relative
to the cutter and, consequently, the risk of nicking of the skin is reduced.
[0023] An embodiment of the shaving head in accordance with the invention is characterized
in that at its side which faces the supporting surface the manipulator comprises a
material which provides a low coefficient of friction with respect to the skin surface.
For example, a Teflon coating or any other coating which provides a low friction between
the manipulator and a skin is suitable for this purpose. Alternatively, the manipulator
can be made wholly or partly of a material having a low coefficient of friction with
respect to a skin.
[0024] An embodiment of the shaving head in accordance with the invention is characterized
in that the cutter and the manipulator are flexible in a direction transverse to the
supporting surface. By means of this measure it is achieved that the shaving head
is capable of following contours of the skin to some extent, as a result of which
less shaving movements are required.
[0025] An embodiment of the shaving head in accordance with the invention is characterized
in that the cutting edge has a serrated structure with serrations smaller than 100
micrometers. Such a knurled structure further facilitates the severing of hairs. This
measure is particularly suited for use in the shaving head in accordance with the
invention because the hairs are moved in the tangential direction with respect to
the cutting edge while the skin is hardly moved in the tangential direction with respect
to the cutting edge, as a result of which the risk of skin injury is small.
[0026] The invention also relates to a shaving apparatus having a shaving head in accordance
with the invention and a drive system for driving the manipulator. By means of such
a shaving apparatus the advantages as described above are obtained.
[0027] An embodiment of the shaving apparatus in accordance with the invention is characterized
in that the drive system is adapted to move the manipulator to and fro in the tangential
direction. As a result of this step, the hairs are moved to and fro, so that the range
of movement of the hair relative to the skin is traversed several times during cutting
of the hair and the force required to move the cutting edge through the hair is thus
further reduced.
[0028] An embodiment of the shaving apparatus in accordance with the invention is characterized
in that the drive system is adapted to drive the manipulator with an amplitude of
50 to 250 micrometers in the tangential direction. If the amplitude is too small it
appears that the hairs are not moved adequately. If the amplitude is too large the
hairs slip out of the recesses. It has been found that in said range satisfactory
shaving results and a high shaving comfort are obtained.
[0029] An embodiment of the shaving apparatus in accordance with the invention is characterized
in that the drive system is adapted to drive the manipulator with a frequency higher
than or equal to 100 Hz. It has been found that satisfactory results are obtained
already at 100 Hz. The viscoelasticity of the human skin is such that the skin appears
to be less compliant for frequencies above 30 Hz, so that it can be moved less easily
and the risk of nicking of the skin is further reduced at higher frequencies. Moreover,
it has been found that at 100 Hz and a normal speed of movement of the shaving head
over the skin the manipulator moves a hair to and fro about ten times during cutting.
At a frequency higher than 100 Hz the results improve because the cutting performance
improves further with the same amplitude of the manipulator. Besides, the shaving
head can be moved more rapidly over the skin at a higher frequency, yielding the same
result and comfort.
[0030] An embodiment of the shaving apparatus in accordance with the invention is characterized
in that the drive system comprises a piezoelectric element. A piezoelectric element
is particularly suitable for driving because the manipulator need only be moved with
a small amplitude. Owing to this measure less space is required for the drive system
and more freedom is obtained for an aesthetically pleasing design of the shaver.
[0031] An embodiment of the shaving apparatus in accordance with the invention is characterized
in that the mass of the oscillating parts is more than 10 times as small as the mass
of the shaving apparatus. This precludes a movement of the cutter relative to the
skin in the tangential direction as a result of reaction forces. Preferably, the shaving
apparatus comprises a counter-mass which is moved oppositely to the manipulator in
order to counteract reaction forces on the cutter.
[0032] The invention also relates to a shaving apparatus comprising a shaving head in accordance
with the invention and an applicator for applying an agent to the skin, which agent
reduces the transmission between the manipulator and the skin. By means of this measure
it is achieved that when the shaving head is repeatedly moved over a part of the skin
this part of the skin can each time be provided with a film of the agent. Thus, with
such a repeated application, the transmission between the skin and the manipulator
is kept under control, thereby minimizing the risk of skin injury. Even if the agent
is water, this provides a substantial reduction of the transmission between the skin
and the manipulator because the water forms a film between the manipulator and the
skin. In addition, special emulsions or water containing friction-reducing and or
skin-care additives may further improve the shaving comfort.
[0033] An embodiment of the shaving apparatus in accordance with the invention is characterized
in that the applicator comprises a porous structure. Owing to this measure the skin
can be moistened by briefly holding the applicator, for example while attached to
the apparatus, under the tap before and, if desired, during shaving. The applicator
absorbs water when held under the tap and it releases the water again when brought
into contact with the skin owing to the capillary action of the spaces between the
applicator and the skin.
[0034] An embodiment of the shaving apparatus in accordance with the invention is characterized
in that the agent comprises a substance which can be taken up by water and which is
stored in the porous structure. This substance may include skin-care additives which
further improve the shaving comfort.
[0035] An embodiment of the shaving apparatus in accordance with the invention is characterized
in that the applicator takes the form of a roller. Owing to this measure the applicator
can roll over the skin during shaving so that the applicator does not hook behind
stubbles and each time another part of the applicator comes into contact with the
skin.
[0036] An embodiment of the shaving apparatus in accordance with the invention is characterized
in that said applicator comprises a reservoir for holding said agent and further comprises
dispenser means for applying the agent to the skin in a controlled amount. This measure
enables an agent in liquid form or in powder form to be applied to the skin during
shaving. The dispenser means may comprise, for example, a pump or a controllable valve.
[0037] The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example, with reference
to the drawings, in which
Figure 1 is a diagrammatical side view of a first embodiment of the shaving apparatus
in accordance with the invention,
Figure 2 and Figure 3 are sectional views showing a hair and the cooperation of the
shaving head in accordance with the invention with the hair,
Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the shaving apparatus
in accordance with the invention,
Figure 5 shows a part of a second embodiment of the shaving head in accordance with
the invention,
Figure 6 shows diagrammatically a third embodiment of the shaving apparatus in accordance
with the invention,
Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of the shaving apparatus
in accordance with the invention, and
Figure 8 shows a fifth embodiment of the shaving apparatus in accordance with the
invention.
[0038] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side view showing a first embodiment of the shaving apparatus
in accordance with the invention. The shaving apparatus 9 comprises a basic part 8
and a shaving head 1 in accordance with the invention. In use the shaving head 1 is
pressed against a skin surface 3 and is moved over the skin surface 3 in a shaving
direction y. The shaving head 1 serves for severing a hair 2 rooted in the skin 17.
The shaving head 1 comprises a frame 14 carrying a stationary cutter 5. The cutter
5 forms part of a supporting surface 4 for supporting the shaving head 1 on the skin
surface 3. the cutter 5 has a cutting edge 6 which, in or near the supporting surface
4, extends in a tangential direction x transverse to the shaving direction y. The
shaving head 1 further comprises a manipulator 10 adapted to move hairs which engage
the cutting edge 6 relative to the shaving head 1 in a direction parallel to the tangential
direction x. The manipulator 10 is movable relative to the cutter 5 in the tangential
direction x. The manipulator 10 further has recess 13 (see Fig. 4), in the present
case formed between teeth 11, for transmitting the movement of the manipulator 10
to the hair 2. The teeth 11 extend just before the cutting edge 6 in a direction transverse
to the tangential direction x. The teeth 11 are so positioned that, as a result of
the movement of the shaving head 1 in the shaving direction y, a hair 2 engages a
recess 13 between two teeth 11 before it contact the cutting edge 6 of the cutter
5. The shaving head 1 is adapted to produce an oscillating movement of the manipulator
10 by means of a guide 12. The basic part 8 comprises a drive system 30 for driving
the manipulator 10 in the tangential direction x. The drive system 30 is adapted to
drive the manipulator 10 in a reciprocating fashion with a frequency of 100 Hz. For
this purpose, the drive system 30 comprises an electric motor 31, which drives an
eccentric 32. The eccentric 32 engages a groove 15 in the manipulator 10, which groove
extends in the shaving direction y. In the tangential direction x the groove 15 accurately
fits around the eccentric 32, so that a rotary movement of the eccentric 32 is converted
into a reciprocating movement of the manipulator 10 in the tangential direction x.
To power the motor 31 the basic part 8 comprises a battery 33 and a switch 34. Instead
of the rotary motor 31 it is possible to use a vibramotor, in which case the eccentric
32 can be dispensed with.
[0039] In the embodiment of the shaving head in accordance with the invention shown in Fig.
1 the cutter 5 and the manipulator 10 each form part of the supporting surface 4.
As a result of this, a hair 2 can be severed very close to the skin surface 3 and
a very short hair can also be moved to and fro in the tangential direction x by the
teeth 11 of the manipulator 10.
[0040] The teeth 11 are dimensioned in such a way that the distance d between the ends of
the teeth 11 and the cutting edge 6, measured in the shaving direction y, is approximately
250 micrometers. At the location of the cutting edge 6 in the direction z transverse
to the supporting surface 4 the teeth 11 have a dimension h of approximately 300 micrometers.
Owing to these dimensions hair cuttings readily fall out of the gaps between the teeth
11 and clogging of the gaps between the teeth 11 is avoided. The teeth 11 and the
cutter 5 are slightly flexible in the direction z, thereby enabling skin contours
to be followed to some extent.
[0041] Figure 2 and Figure 3 both show a sectional view of a hair 2 in a follicle 7 in a
skin 17. Figure 2 shows the hair 2 in a position in which one of the teeth 11 has
pressed the hair 2 in a direction opposite to the tangential direction x. The hair
2 is then wholly pressed against the left side of the follicle 7 in the skin 17. It
is clearly visible that the hair 2 has a clearance s in the follicle 7.
[0042] Figure 3 shows the hair 2 in a position in which the hair 2 is wholly pressed against
the right-hand side of the follicle 7 in the skin 17 by one of the teeth 11. It has
been found that the clearance s of the hair relative to the follicle 7 is of the order
of magnitude of some hundreds of micrometers. As a result, the hair 2 can be moved
to and fro by the teeth 11 with a comparatively high speed, while the skin 17 follows
the movement of the hair 2 only partly or not at all. The latter depends particularly
on the transmission between the teeth 11 and the skin surface 3 for movements in the
tangential direction x. This transmission can also be produced via the hair 2. However,
it has been found that if the drive system 30 (see Figure 1) is adapted to drive the
manipulator 10 with a frequency of 100 Hz and an amplitude between 50 and 250 micrometers
in the tangential direction x, this yields a weak transmission.
[0043] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the shaving apparatus
in accordance with the invention. The shaving apparatus 109 comprises a shaving head
101. The shaving head 101 comprises a manipulator 110 having teeth 111, the distance
w between the teeth 111 being approximately 250 micrometers. At their upper sides
the teeth 111 have a coating 21 for reducing the friction between the skin surface
3 (see Figure 1) and the manipulator 110. The shaving apparatus 109 comprises a basic
part 108, which accommodates a drive system for driving the manipulator 110. The drive
system comprises a piezoelectric element 35 driven by an oscillator 36. The oscillator
36 is energized by means of a battery 33 and a switch 34. At its lower side the piezoelectric
element is secured (not shown) in the basic part 108 and at its upper side it has
a projection 37 which engages a groove 15 in the manipulator 110 of the shaving head
101. When the oscillator 36 is energized the piezoelectric element 35 performs an
oscillating movement in the tangential direction x. This oscillating movement is transmitted
to the manipulator 110 via the projection 37 and the groove 15.
[0044] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a part of a second embodiment of the shaving
head in accordance with the invention. The shaving head 201 comprise a frame 214,
a manipulator 210 and a spacer, in the present case formed by ridges 23 for reducing
the contact area between the manipulator 210 and the skin (not shown). The ridges
23 are situated on the teeth 211 and extend in the tangential direction x. The shaving
head 201 further comprises a guide 212 for guiding the manipulator 210 relative to
the shaving head 201. The guide 212 is such that the manipulator 210 is movable in
the tangential direction x and is also movable in a direction 280 having a component
in the shaving direction y and a component in the direction z transverse to the supporting
surface 4. The cutter 205 has a cutting edge 206 with a serrated structure whose serrations
are shown to a highly enlarged scale and have a dimension t of approximately 40 micrometers.
[0045] Figure 6 shows diagrammatically a third embodiment of the shaving apparatus in accordance
with the invention. The shaving apparatus 209 comprises a basic part 8 as shown in
Figure 1 and a shaving head 201 in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention
as shown in Figure 5. The manipulator 210 has a recess 215 which fits tightly around
the eccentric 32. When the eccentric 32 is driven by a motor 31 the manipulator 210
follows the circular movement of the eccentric 32. As a result of this, the manipulator
performs both a reciprocating movement in the tangential direction x and a reciprocating
movement in the direction 280. The movement in the direction 280 has a component in
the direction z, so that the skin is held effectively at some distance from the cutting
edge 206. Moreover, this reduces the transmission between the manipulator 210 and
the skin. The movement in the direction 280 also has a component in the shaving direction
y. This promotes the removal of hair cuttings.
[0046] The mass of the manipulator 210 is approximately 20 times as small as the mass of
the shaving apparatus 209. This counteracts a movement of the cutter 205 in the tangential
direction x relative to the skin as a result of the reaction forces.
[0047] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the shaving apparatus in
accordance with the invention. The shaving apparatus 309 comprises a shaving head
301 and an applicator for applying an agent to the skin during shaving. The shaving
head 301 comprises a cutter 305 and a manipulator having teeth 311. The teeth 311
slightly converge towards their ends to promote the capture of hairs between the teeth
311. The shaving apparatus 309 comprises an applicator formed by a roller-shaped porous
element 322 arranged in a recess 320 in the shaving apparatus 309. The roller 322
can be moistened by holding the shaving apparatus 309 in a water jet. Preferably,
the roller 322 contains a substance which can be taken up by water and which has a
friction-reducing and/or skin-care effect. By pulling the shaving head 301 over the
skin in the shaving direction y the skin is moistened, as a result of which the transmission
between the teeth 311 and the skin is reduced.
[0048] Figure 8 shows a fifth embodiment of the shaving apparatus in accordance with the
invention. The shaving apparatus 409 comprises a shaving head 301 as shown in Figure
7. In addition, the shaving apparatus 409 comprises a reservoir 40 containing a liquid
agent for reducing the transmission between the manipulator and the skin. The shaving
apparatus 409 further comprises dispenser means, in the present case a pump 41 comprising
a push-button 44, an inlet tube 45 and a dispenser channel 42. By regularly pressing
the push-button 44 during shaving the agent is pumped from the reservoir 40 to outlet
apertures 43 near the shaving head 301 via the dispenser channel 42. Thus, the skin
is moistened with the agent and the transmission between the teeth 311 and the skin
is reduced.
[0049] It is to be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described
hereinbefore. For example, instead of recesses the manipulator can have a surface
with a high friction relative to the hairs. Alternatively, the manipulator can move
the hairs by imparting vibrations to the skin or the air just above the skin. If desired,
the hairs can be moved in the tangential direction by an electrostatic method. Moreover,
it is conceivable to drive the manipulator by means of a roller which is applied to
the skin and which is drivable by pulling the shaving apparatus over the skin. Furthermore,
the shaving head can be adapted for use with an exchangeable cutter, so that a cutter
can readily be replaced by a new cutter. Besides, the shaving head may comprise an
adjustment mechanism to adjust the distance between the shaving head and the supporting
surface.
1. A shaving head (1) comprising a cutter (5) having a cutting edge (6) for cutting hairs
(2) near the skin (17) and a manipulator (10) adapted to move the hairs to be cut
relative to the skin,
characterized in that the manipulator (10) is adapted to move a hair (2) along
the cutting edge (6) while the hair is being cut by the cutting edge.
2. A shaving head (2) as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that the manipulator (10)
is adapted to move hairs (2) to and fro along the cutting edge (6).
3. A shaving head (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in
that the shaving head comprises a supporting surface (4) for supporting the shaving
head on the skin (17), the shaving head comprises a frame (14), and the manipulator
(10) is movable relative to the frame (14) in a tangential direction (x) along the
cutting edge (6).
4. A shaving head (101) as claimed in Claim 3, characterized in that the manipulator
has recesses (13) which extend near the cutting edge (6).
5. A shaving head (101) as claimed in Claim 4, characterized in that in the tangential
direction (x) the recesses (13) have a width (w) between 100 and 400 micrometers.
6. A shaving head (101) as claimed in Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the recesses
(13) are formed between teeth (111).
7. A shaving head (101) as claimed in Claim 6, characterized in that the distance (d)
between the ends of the teeth (11) and the cutting edge (6) lies between 50 and 1000
micrometers.
8. A shaving head (1) as claimed in Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that at the location
of the cutting edge (6) the teeth (11) have a height (h) smaller than 500 micrometers
measured in a direction (z) transverse to the supporting surface (4).
9. A shaving head (201) as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims 3 to 8, characterized
in that the manipulator (210) is movable relative to the frame (214) in a direction
(280) transverse to the tangential direction (x).
10. A shaving head (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims 3 to 9, characterized
in that the cutting edge (6) is disposed at the level of the supporting surface (4)
and the manipulator (10) forms at least a part of the supporting surface.
11. A shaving head as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims 3 to 10, characterized
in that the shaving head is adapted to provide a weak transmission between the manipulator
(10) and the skin (17).
12. A shaving head (201) as claimed in Claim 11, characterized in that the manipulator
(210) is movable in a direction (z) transverse to the supporting surface (4).
13. A shaving head (101) as claimed in Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that at its side
which faces the supporting surface (4) the manipulator (110) comprises a material
(21) which provides a low coefficient of friction with respect to the skin surface
(3).
14. A shaving head (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims 3 to 13, characterized
in that the cutter (5) and the manipulator (10) are flexible in a direction transverse
to the supporting surface (4).
15. A shaving head (201) as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, characterized
in that the cutting edge (6) has a serrated structure (206) with serrations smaller
than 100 micrometers.
16. A shaving apparatus comprising at least one shaving head (1) as claimed in any one
of the preceding Claims and a drive system (30) for driving the manipulator (10).
17. A shaving apparatus (9) as claimed in Claim 16, characterized in that the drive system
(30) is adapted to move the manipulator (10) to and fro in the tangential direction
(x).
18. A shaving apparatus (9) as claimed in Claim 17, characterized in that the drive system
(30) is adapted to drive the manipulator (10) with an amplitude of 50 to 250 micrometers
in the tangential direction (x).
19. A shaving apparatus (9) as claimed in Claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the drive
system (30) is adapted to drive the manipulator (10) with a frequency higher than
or equal to 100 Hz.
20. A shaving apparatus (109) as claimed in Claim 17, 18 or 19, characterized in that
the drive system comprises a piezoelectric element (35).
21. A shaving apparatus (209) as claimed in Claim 17, 18, 19 or 20, characterized in that
the mass of the oscillating parts (210) is more than 10 times as small as the mass
of the shaving apparatus.
22. A shaving apparatus (309; 409) as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims 16 to
21, comprising an applicator (322; 40-44) for applying an agent to the skin, which
agent reduces the transmission between the manipulator and the skin.
23. A shaving apparatus (309) as claimed in Claim 22, characterized in that the applicator
comprises a porous structure (322).
24. A shaving apparatus (309) as claimed in Claim 23, characterized in that the agent
comprises a substance which can be taken up by water and which is stored in the porous
structure (322).
25. A shaving apparatus (309) as claimed in Claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the
applicator (322) takes the form of a roller.
26. A shaving apparatus (409) as claimed in Claim 22, characterized in that said applicator
comprises a reservoir (40) for holding said agent and further comprises dispenser
means (41, 42) for applying the agent to the skin in a controlled amount.