(19)
(11)EP 3 119 567 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
04.11.2020 Bulletin 2020/45

(21)Application number: 15764293.5

(22)Date of filing:  04.03.2015
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
B26B 21/52(2006.01)
B26B 21/22(2006.01)
(86)International application number:
PCT/US2015/018823
(87)International publication number:
WO 2015/142526 (24.09.2015 Gazette  2015/38)

(54)

SHAVING RAZOR INTERCONNECTION MECHANISM AND METHOD OF MAKING SIMPLIFIED INTERCONNECTION

RASIERKLINGENVERBINDUNGSMECHANISMUS UND VERFAHREN ZUR HERSTELLUNG EINER VEREINFACHTEN VERBINDUNG

MÉCANISME D'INTERCONNEXION DE RASOIR DE RASAGE ET PROCÉDÉ DE RÉALISATION D'UNE INTERCONNEXION SIMPLIFIÉE


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(30)Priority: 20.03.2014 US 201414221086

(43)Date of publication of application:
25.01.2017 Bulletin 2017/04

(73)Proprietor: Rolling Razor, Inc.
Marina del Rey, CA 90292 (US)

(72)Inventor:
  • CORESH, Alon Leon
    Marina Del Rey, California 90292 (US)

(74)Representative: KATZAROV S.A. 
Geneva Business Center 12 Avenue des Morgines
1213 Petit-Lancy
1213 Petit-Lancy (CH)


(56)References cited: : 
EP-A2- 1 531 030
WO-A1-2011/011237
WO-A2-97/37819
US-A1- 2009 193 600
WO-A1-97/09155
WO-A1-2014/075844
US-A1- 2005 172 493
US-A1- 2010 205 808
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    FIELD



    [0001] Embodiments of the invention relate to shaving handles. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to shaving razors with a simplified cartridge interconnection feature.

    BACKGROUND



    [0002] Many shaving razors with different handle formations exist. Some disposable razors without a replaceable blade cartridge have a molded handle welded to or formed as part of head into which one or more blades may be inserted. Such disposable razors are generally regarded as providing an inferior shave to razors with replaceable blade cartridges. The manner in which cartridges connect to the handle influences both manufacturing costs and shave quality. The existing razors generally use quite complex interconnection mechanisms typically involving numerous parts including springs, hooks, release buttons that are all discreetly formed and require separate manufacture and assembly. This increases the cost and complexity of the manufacturing process. A shaving razor according to the state of the art is known for example from US 2010/0205808 A1.

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS



    [0003] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that different references to "an" or "one" embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean at least one.

    Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a razor handle of one embodiment of the invention.

    Fig. 2 is a sectional exploded view of the razor of Figure 1.

    Fig. 3 is a sectional view illustrating the interconnection according to one embodiment of the invention.

    Fig. 4 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the razor handle.

    Fig. 5 is a cutaway view of a razor handle with the embodiment of Fig. 4.


    DETAILED DESCRIPTION



    [0004] Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a razor handle of one embodiment of the invention. A base member 102 is unitarily injection molded from a suitable thermoplastic. Suitable thermoplastics include resins having sufficient rigidity once cured to limit flexion of the handle such that good control of a razor cartridge attached thereto can be maintained. One suitable thermoplastic is glass-impregnated nylon with a glass content of 10-30% by weight of the mixture. This thermoplastic has been found to have suitable strength and rigidity characteristics to form a base layer for one embodiment of the instant invention.

    [0005] Base member 102 defines one or more interior pockets 116 to receive mass increasing members 106 that increase the weight of the handle and therefore improve the tactile sensation for a user. In one embodiment, the pockets 116 are sized such that the weights retain the weights in a pressure fit relation such that the wall or ends of the pockets exert a force on the weight 106 to retain it within the pocket. In one embodiment, the weights are inserted into the pockets after the base member 102 is injected and cured. In an alternative embodiment, the combined weights 106 and base 102 are formed by insert molding. While in the shown embodiment, three internal pockets 116 (and three weights 106) are present, other configurations of weights and pockets are within the scope and contemplation of the invention. Base member 102 also has formed as a part thereof, in the single molding operation, an interconnection feature 122 formed to engage a blade cartridge. Interconnection feature 122 is described in greater detail with respect to Figs. 2 and 3 below.

    [0006] In one embodiment, elastomeric reinforcement 104 is over molded onto base member 102 in a second injection during manufacture. The elastomeric reinforcement 104 improves the tactile sensation experienced by a user holding the razor and supports the interconnection feature 122 to reduce the risk that it becomes permanently deformed during use. Additionally, the elastomeric reinforcement 104 provides additional retention of weights 106 within pockets 116. It is preferred that weights 106 pressure fit into pockets 116 so that the elastomeric reinforcement is not the sole retaining feature, but the pressure fit is not essential to all embodiments of the invention.

    [0007] A cartridge 108 includes a plurality of shaving blades that form part of a blade head. The blade head is coupled to an injection-molded yolk having a male member 118 extending therefrom. Male member 118 defines a recess 128 that can receive interconnection member 122. The shape and construction of the head can have myriad different forms, including those described in copending application Serial No. 13/173,911 or United States Patent No. 8,479,398. The cartridge interconnection features, the male member 118 with defined recess 128, are independent of the form of the head.

    [0008] Elastomeric reinforcement 104 is selected from a group of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE's) having favorable adhesive qualities relative to the thermoplastic selected for the base member. In one embodiment, the elastomer TC5PAZ available from Kraiburg TPE Corporation is selected. During manufacture, the TPE is injected at high temperature, which improves the bonding characteristics with the base member 102. In addition to the natural adhesion between elastomeric reinforcement 104 and base member 102, base member 102 may define interstitial voids into which the elastomeric resin flows during manufacture. The cured resin then further acts as an anchor within those interstitial voids to prevent delamination of the elastomeric reinforcement 104 from base member 102.

    [0009] Fig. 2 is a sectional exploded view of a razor of one embodiment of the invention. Base member 102 is shown with mass increasing members 106 residing in pockets therein. Additionally, a female receiver 232 defined by base member 102 can be seen. Female receiver 232 is dimensioned to receive male member 118 of blade cartridge 108. Interconnection member 112 includes a living hinge 212 and a tine 222. Living hinge 212 is manufactured to bias tine 222 into female receiver 232 such that when male member 118 is inserted into the female receiver 232, the tine 222 engages (seats within) recess 128.

    [0010] Elastomeric reinforcement 104 includes a living hinge reinforcement portion 214 that supports the interconnection member 112. Portion 214 increases the bias of living hinge 212 into female receiver 232. Portion 214 also reduces the risk that living hinge 212 will move beyond the elastic region of the underlying material into the plastic region resulting in permanent deformation. It has been found that this construction allows the living hinge to endure thousands of cycles without breakage.

    [0011] While in one embodiment, the living hinge 212 is supported by the elastomeric reinforcement portion 214, in other embodiments, other resilient members could be used. For example, a spring may reside in a spring housing that is molded as part of the base member. In one embodiment, the spring would reside forward of the living hinge and bias it toward the female receiver. In this context, "forward" of the living hinge is deemed to mean the direction closer to the head end of the handle. The spring hosing may be sealed with a snap fit cover. Generally, the selected resilient member, however constituted, exerts a bias force on the living hinge as described and also helps to prevent permanent deformation of the interconnection member.

    [0012] Fig. 3 is a sectional view illustrating the interconnection according to one embodiment of the invention. In this figure, elastomeric reinforcement member 104 is shown residing on base member 102. Interconnection feature 112 with its living hinge 212 can be seen with its tine 222 extending into female receiver 232. Interconnection reinforcement portion 214 is shown supporting living hinge 212 and the remainder of interconnection feature 112. When male member 118 of blade cartridge 108 is inserted into female receiver 232, living hinge 212 flexes to allow the leading edge of male member 118 to pass and then the bias force of living hinge 212 and reinforcement portion 214 bias the tine into engagement of recess 128. Blade cartridge 108 is then locked in place and ready for use. To remove the blade cartridge, the user need merely apply force to interconnection feature 112 to overcome the bias force of living hinge 212 and reinforcement portion 214 to release the cartridge 108.

    [0013] Fig. 4 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the razor handle. In this embodiment, base member 402 defines a single pocket 426 to receive mass increasing member 406, and pocket housing 436 provides additional structural support for weight 406. Weight 406 is pressure fit into pocket 426 after the molding of base layer 402. In one embodiment, weight 406 can be inserted directly into pocket 426 from the bottom side of member 402. After insertion, the elastomeric reinforcement layer 404 is over molded onto base member 402. Interconnection feature 412 of base member 402 is identical to the analogous feature described with reference to Figs. 1-3.

    [0014] Fig. 5 is a cutaway view of a razor handle with the embodiment of Fig. 4. Base layer 402 defines a weight pocket 426 and is molded as part of pocket cover 436. In this view, living hinge 512 and tine 522 of connection feature 412 can be seen. Elastomeric interconnection reinforcement portion 514 is also shown.

    [0015] The described embodiments provide a high performance razor with an easy to use and low cost interconnection for replaceable blade cartridges. The handle is manufactured by injection molding, the base layer insertion of the weights within the one or more weight pockets defined within the base layer followed by the over molding of an elastomeric reinforcement layer. The simplicity of this manufacturing process yields a highly cost efficient product.

    [0016] In the foregoing specification, the embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.


    Claims

    1. A handle for a shaving razor comprising:

    a unitary injection molded base member (102, 402) defining an interconnection member (122, 112) to detachably engage a counterpart interconnection member (118, 128) of a blade cartridge (108), the interconnection member (122) including a living hinge (212) and a tine (222); and

    a resilient reinforcement (104) coupled to the base member (102, 402), the resilient reinforcement (104) supporting the living hinge (212) to increase the structural stability of the interconnection member (122) of the base member (102, 402), characterized by the resilient reinforcement (104), when in use, further applying a force on the living hinge (212) biasing the tine (222) of interconnection member (122) into an engaged position.


     
    2. The handle for a shaving razor of claim 1 wherein the resilient reinforcement (104, 404) is an elastomeric reinforcement overlying the base member (102, 402).
     
    3. The handle for a shaving razor of claim 2 wherein the base member (102, 402) defines a void (116), further comprising: a mass increasing member (106) disposed within the void (116) and retained therein by the elastomeric reinforcement (104, 404).
     
    4. The handle for a shaving razor of claim 2 wherein the base member (102, 402) defines a plurality of interstices engaged by the elastomeric reinforcement (104, 404).
     
    5. The handle for a shaving razor of claim 1 wherein the interconnection member (112, 122) comprises: a tine (222) formed with a living hinge (212) as part of the base member (102, 402), the living hinge (212), when in use, elastically biasing the tine (222) into an engaged position.
     
    6. The handle for a shaving razor of claim 1 wherein the base member (102, 402) is formed of glass impregnated nylon.
     
    7. The handle for a shaving razor of claim 6 wherein the glass is in the range of 10% to 30% by weight of the mixture.
     
    8. The handle for a shaving razor of claim 2 wherein the elastomeric reinforcement (104, 404) is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer.
     
    9. The handle for a shaving razor of claim 2 wherein the base member is molded from a suitable thermoplastic and the elastomer bonds to the thermoplastic base member when cured.
     
    10. The handle for a shaving razor of claim 1 wherein the base member (102, 402) defines a female insertion space (232) to receive a male member (118) of a razor cartridge (108).
     
    11. A shaving razor comprising the handle of any one of claims 1-10 and a replaceable cartridge (108) containing at least one razor blade and a connection member (118) defining at least one indentation (128) aligned to receive the tine (222).
     
    12. A method of manufacturing a handle for a shaving razor comprising:
    injection molding a base member (102, 402), the base member (102, 402) defining at least one void (116, 426) and having a handle portion integrally formed with an interconnection member (112, 122) having a living hinge (212) and a tine (222), the interconnection member (112, 122) to detachably engage a counterpart interconnection member of a blade cartridge (108);

    reinforcing the base member (102, 402) with an elastomeric reinforcing layer (104, 404);

    wherein the living hinge (212) is molded to bias the tine (222) of the interconnection member (112, 122) into an engaged position, and

    wherein the elastomeric reinforcing layer applies a biasing force on the living hinge (212) to bias the tine (222) into the engaged position.


     
    13. The method of claim 12 further comprising: adding weight (106, 406) to the base member (102, 402).
     
    14. The method of claim 13 wherein adding weight comprises: inserting a mass increasing member (106, 406) into the void (116, 426) prior to overlaying.
     
    15. The method of claim 12 wherein reinforcing comprises: over molding the base member (102, 402) with elastomeric resin; and curing the resin.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Handgriff für einen Rasierer, umfassend:

    ein einstückiges spritzgegossenes Basiselement (102, 402), bei dem ein Verbindungselement (122, 112) ausgeprägt ist, um mit einem Gegenstück-Verbindungselement (118, 128) einer Klingenkartusche (108) in einen lösbaren Eingriff zu gelangen, wobei das Verbindungselement (122) ein Filmscharnier (212) und eine Zinke (222) aufweist; und

    eine elastische Verstärkung (104), die an das Basiselement (102, 402) gekoppelt ist, sodass die elastische Verstärkung (104) das Filmscharnier (212) stützt, um die strukturelle Stabilität des Verbindungselements (122) des Basiselements (102, 402) zu erhöhen,

    gekennzeichnet durch die elastische Verstärkung (104),

    die, bei Gebrauch, weiterhin eine Kraft auf das Filmscharnier (212) ausübt, sodass die Zinke (222) des Verbindungselements (122) in eine Eingriffstellung vorbelastet wird.


     
    2. Handgriff für einen Rasierer nach Anspruch 1, wobei die elastische Verstärkung (104, 404) eine elastomere Verstärkung ist, mit der das Basiselement (102, 402) überzogen ist.
     
    3. Handgriff für einen Rasierer nach Anspruch 2, wobei das Basiselement (102, 402) einen Hohlraum (116) umgrenzt, ferner umfassend: ein die Masse vergrößerndes Element (106), das innerhalb des Hohlraums (116) angeordnet ist und durch die elastomere Verstärkung (104, 404) darin zurückgehalten wird.
     
    4. Handgriff für einen Rasierer nach Anspruch 2, wobei das Basiselement (102, 402) mehrere Zwischenräume umgrenzt, in die die elastomere Verstärkung (104, 404) eingreift.
     
    5. Handgriff für einen Rasierer nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Verbindungselement (112, 122) umfasst: eine Zinke (222), die mit einem Filmscharnier (212) als Teil des Basiselements (102, 402) ausgebildet ist, wobei das Filmscharnier (212) bei Gebrauch die Zinke (222) elastisch in eine Eingriffstellung vorbelastet.
     
    6. Handgriff für einen Rasierer nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Basiselement (102, 402) aus glasdurchtränktem Nylon gebildet ist.
     
    7. Handgriff für einen Rasierer nach Anspruch 6, wobei das Glas im Bereich von 10 bis 30 Gew.-% der Mischung liegt.
     
    8. Handgriff für einen Rasierer nach Anspruch 2, wobei die elastische Verstärkung (104, 404) aus einem thermoplastischen Elastomer gebildet ist.
     
    9. Handgriff für einen Rasierer nach Anspruch 2, wobei das Basiselement aus einem geeigneten Thermoplast spritzgegossen ist und das Elastomer nach dem Aushärten fest mit dem thermoplastischen Basiselement verbunden ist.
     
    10. Handgriff für einen Rasierer nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Basiselement (102, 402) einen Einfügungsraum (232) zum Aufnehmen eines Einsteckelements (118) einer Rasiererkartusche (108) umgrenzt.
     
    11. Rasierer, umfassend den Handgriff nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 10 und eine austauschbare Kartusche (108), die mindestens eine Rasierklinge und ein Verbindungselement (118) aufweist, bei dem mindestens eine Vertiefung (128) ausgeprägt ist, die so ausgerichtet ist, dass sie die Zinke (222) aufnimmt.
     
    12. Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Handgriffs für einen Rasierer, umfassend:

    Spritzgießen eines Basiselements (102, 402), wobei das Basiselement (102, 402) mindestens einen Hohlraum (116, 426) umgrenzt und einen Handgriffabschnitt aufweist, der einstückig mit einem Verbindungselement (112, 122) gebildet wird, das ein Filmscharnier (212) und eine Zinke (222) aufweist, derart, dass das Verbindungselement (112, 122) mit einem Gegenstück-Verbindungselement einer Klingenkartusche (108) in einen lösbaren Eingriff gelangen kann;

    Verstärken des Basiselements (102, 402) mit einer elastomeren Verstärkungsschicht (104, 404);

    wobei das Filmscharnier (212) so spritzgegossen wird, dass es die Zinke (222) des Verbindungselements (112, 122) in eine Eingriffstellung vorbelastet, und

    wobei die elastomere Verstärkungsschicht eine Vorbelastungskraft auf das Filmscharnier (212) ausübt, um die Zinke (222) in die Eingriffstellung vorzubelasten.


     
    13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12, ferner umfassend: Hinzufügen von Gewicht (106, 406) zu dem Basiselement (102, 402) .
     
    14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 13, wobei das Hinzufügen von Gewicht umfasst: Einfügen eines die Masse vergrößernden Elements (106, 406) in den Hohlraum (116, 426) vor dem Überziehen.
     
    15. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12, wobei das Verstärken umfasst: Umspritzen des Basiselements (102, 402) mit elastomerem Harz und Aushärten des Harzes.
     


    Revendications

    1. Manche pour rasoir de rasage comprenant :

    un élément de base moulé par injection unitaire (102, 402) définissant un élément d'interconnexion (122, 112) pour s'engager de manière détachable à un élément d'interconnexion homologue (118, 128) d'une cartouche de lames (108), l'élément d'interconnexion (122) comportant une articulation active (212) et une dent (222) ; et

    un élément de renforcement élastique (104) couplé à l'élément de base (102, 402), l'élément de renforcement élastique (104) supportant l'articulation active (212) pour augmenter la stabilité structurelle de l'élément d'interconnexion (122) de l'élément de base (102, 402), caractérisé en ce que

    l'élément de renforcement élastique (104), lors de l'utilisation, applique en outre une force sur l'articulation active (212) poussant la dent (222) de l'élément d'interconnexion (122) dans une position engagée.


     
    2. Manche pour rasoir de rasage de la revendication 1, dans lequel l'élément de renforcement élastique (104, 404) est un élément de renforcement élastomère superposé à l'élément de base (102, 402).
     
    3. Manche pour rasoir de rasage de la revendication 2, dans lequel l'élément de base (102, 402) définit un vide (116), comprenant en outre : un élément d'augmentation de masse (106) disposé à l'intérieur du vide (116) et retenu dans celui-ci par l'élément de renforcement élastomère (104, 404).
     
    4. Manche pour rasoir de rasage de la revendication 2 dans lequel l'élément de base (102, 402) définit une pluralité d'interstices engagés par l'élément de renforcement élastomère (104, 404).
     
    5. Manche pour rasoir de rasage de la revendication 1, dans lequel l'élément d'interconnexion (112, 122) comprend : une dent (222) formée d'une articulation active (212) faisant partie de l'élément de base (102, 402), l'articulation active (212), lors de l'utilisation, sollicite élastiquement la dent (222) dans une position engagée.
     
    6. Manche pour rasoir de rasage de la revendication 1, dans lequel l'élément de base (102, 402) est formé de nylon imprégné de verre.
     
    7. Manche pour rasoir de rasage de la revendication 6, dans lequel le verre est dans la plage allant de 10% à 30% en poids du mélange.
     
    8. Manche pour rasoir de rasage de la revendication 2 dans lequel l'élément de renforcement élastomère (104, 404) est formé d'un élastomère thermoplastique.
     
    9. Manche pour rasoir de rasage selon la revendication 2, dans lequel l'élément de base est moulé à partir d'un thermoplastique approprié et l'élastomère se lie à l'élément de base thermoplastique lorsqu'il est durci.
     
    10. Manche pour rasoir de rasage selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'élément de base (102, 402) définit un espace d'insertion femelle (232) pour recevoir un élément mâle (118) d'une cartouche de rasoir (108).
     
    11. Rasoir de rasage comprenant le manche de l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 10 et une cartouche remplaçable (108) contenant au moins une lame de rasoir et un élément de connexion (118) définissant au moins une indentation (128) alignée pour recevoir la dent (222).
     
    12. Procédé de fabrication d'un manche pour rasoir de rasage comprenant le fait :

    de mouler par injection un élément de base (102, 402), l'élément de base (102, 402) définissant au moins un vide (116, 426) et ayant une partie de manche formée d'un seul tenant avec un élément d'interconnexion (112, 122) ayant une articulation active (212) et une dent (222), l'élément d'interconnexion (112, 122) étant destiné à s'engager de manière amovible à un élément d'interconnexion homologue d'une cartouche de lames (108) ;

    de renforcer l'élément de base (102, 402) d'une couche de renforcement élastomère (104, 404) ;

    dans lequel l'articulation active (212) est moulée pour solliciter la dent (222) de l'élément d'interconnexion (112, 122) dans une position engagée, et

    dans lequel la couche de renforcement élastomère applique une force de sollicitation sur l'articulation active (212) pour solliciter la dent (222) dans la position engagée.


     
    13. Procédé de la revendication 12, comprenant en outre : l'ajout de poids (106, 406) à l'élément de base (102, 402).
     
    14. Procédé de la revendication 13, dans lequel l'ajout de poids comprend : l'insertion d'un élément d'augmentation de masse (106, 406) dans le vide (116, 426) avant la superposition.
     
    15. Procédé de la revendication 12, dans lequel le renforcement comprend le fait : de surmouler l'élément de base (102, 402) avec une résine élastomère ; et de durcir la résine.
     




    Drawing




















    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description