SAFETY RAZORS AND BLADE UNITS THEREFOR

Description

[0001] This invention relates to safety razors and to blade units for incorporation in safety razors.

[0002] The instant invention aims at the provision of a safety razor having a high degree of "conformance", that is to say the ability to permit or constrain the skin-engaging elements of the razor to maintain optimum contact with the varying contours of the skin during a shaving operation.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 4,443,940 discloses a safety razor head adapted to permit rotation of an individual blade and attached guard member relative to a fixed frame during a shaving operation.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 4,586,255 discloses a safety razor head in which at least one blade unit may move vertically relative to a fixed frame during a shaving operation, but does not permit rotational motion of the individual blade unit.

[0005] According to the present invention there is provided a safety razor head with the features of claim 1. characterized in that said spring bears on said elongated base and bears upwardly at its ends to enable substantially vertical movement of said blade and integral guard, relative to the frame, under forces encountered during shaving and against the action of spring restoring forces, in directions generally perpendicular to a plane defined by the blade edge and a skin engaging surface of the guard portion, thus allowing the blade with integral guard, in use, to maintain optimum contact with the varying contours of the skin.

[0006] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention each said slot includes a recess having forward and rear abutment face for engaging a portion of the blade support to limit rotation of said support during shaving.

[0007] A safety razor head in accordance with the invention and some modifications thereof, will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figs. 1 and 2 are perspective views of an end portion of the head frame and of a blade unit, respectively;

Fig. 3 is a cross-section taken at the sectioning line in Figure 1, showing the blade units and a cap member in the normal positions of rest;

Fig. 4 corresponds with Fig. 3, and shows the parts in different relative positions;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic cross-section illustrating different positions of the cap and blade units in use;

Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a modified razor head frame and blade units; and

Fig. 7 is a cross-section of the head frame of Fig. 6, corresponding with Fig. 5.

[0008] The razor head shown in Figs. 1 to 4 comprises a metal or moulded plastics head frame 1 having an elongate base 2 and upstanding end walls 3 at opposite ends thereof. Only one end of the frame is shown in these Figs. the opposite end being a mirror image.

[0009] The head frame supports a cap member 4, two blade units 5 and three pairs of cantilever wire springs 6, whose inner ends (not shown) are secured to the medial portion of the elongate base.

[0010] Each blade unit 5 consists of a narrow blade 7, having a sharpened cutting edge 7A, and a blade support formed as an L-shaped metal stamping to provide a platform 9 and a guard portion providing a curved skin engaging guard surface 11 and a depending leg 12. The support has a slot 13 over most of its length to form a space between the platform 9 and the guard portion and the blade 7 is securely attached to the platform with its edge 7A projecting forwardly into that space, forwardly of the platform.

[0011] At its ends, the support 8 is formed with upwardly offset, projecting ears 14 which are abuttingly engaged from below by upstanding end portions 6A of the wire springs 6.

[0012] The cap member 4 consists of a channel shaped support 16 in which a cap moulding 17 is secured.

[0013] The cap member and blade units are captured at their ends in recesses formed in the end walls 3 of the head frame. More specifically, the ears 14 of the blade supports engage in narrow vertical slots 18 which also receive the vertical end portions 6A of the respective wire springs. Alongside each slot 18 is a shallower, wider recess 19 whose forward face 21 acts as a stop for the adjacent end of the respective leg 12.

[0014] Thus, each blade unit is guided for vertical movement in the head frame by engagement of its ears 14 in the slots 18. The springs 6 are pre-stressed so that in the normal, rest position, the blade units are held by the springs in their outermost positions, as shown in Fig. 3. The spring ends 6A are guided and constrained for vertical movement in their respective slots 18 and are pointed at their upper ends, where they engage the ears 14 so as to provide fulcrums, permitting rotational movement of the units about axes parallel with and close to the cutting-edges of the respective blades. As best illustrated in Fig. 4, this rotational movement is limited by engagement of the ends of the legs 12 with the rear faces of slots 18 and the forward faces 21 of recesses 19, respectively. The cap member 4, which is set behind the blade units in the shaving direction, is constrained and guided for vertical movement only, parallel with the corresponding movement of the blade units. The cap member is also urged to its outermost position by its respective wire springs 6, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0015] Fig. 4 shows the moving parts in their innermost positions, in which their springs 6 are "bottomed" against the base 2 of the frame.

[0016] In use of the razor, the cap and blade units are able to conform closely to the differing contours of the skin areas being shaved by virtue of their being able to move, independently of each other and against the resilient restoring forces of their springs, according to the forces which they experience. This independence of motion is known in itself but, significantly, the blade units are also able to pivot freely in order to permit each unit to maintain close contact with the skin at both its cutting edge 7A and its skin engaging guard surface 11, thus preserving its optimum attitude in spite of variations in the contours of the skin surface. This is due to the fact that the pivotal axis of each unit is parallel with and just ahead of the sharpened edge of the blade.

[0017] In Fig. 5, the variations in skin contours are exaggerated to illustrate the way in which the moving parts of the razor accommodate undulations in the skin surface and in particular how the attitudes of the blade units are adjusted automatically to maintain the desired contact with the skin.

[0018] The translational movement of the units is described above as being "vertical". This, of course, assumes a specific attitude of the razor head. The sense of the requisite movement, regardless of the attitude of the razor, is transverse to a notional plane containing the blade edge and the skin engaging surface of the guard portion.

[0019] Because of the self-guarding nature of the blade units, it will generally be unnecessary to provide a separated guard member, but if one is provided, it can be mounted for translational movement, with a spring suspension, in the same manner as the cap member.

[0020] The razor could of course have a single blade unit or three or more if desired, but two units are presently regarded as optimal.

[0021] Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate a modified form of blade unit and head frame which are generally similar to the above described embodiment but with some structural modifications, principally as described below. Parts of the modified embodiment are given reference numerals increased by 100 compared with the numerals used for corresponding parts in the first embodiment.

[0022] The blade units 105 are virtually identical with those first described, save that the ears 114 are in the same plane as the guard portion rather than being upwardly offset. As a result the pivotal axis 'A' of the unit is set lower than in the first embodiment.

[0023] The moulded head frame 101 is of a different construction, being provided in known manner with depending legs 22 by which the frame is adapted for releasable mounting on the upper end of a razor handle with limited freedom to pivot, relative to the handle, about a longitudinal axis.

[0024] The upper surface of the base 102 is formed with an upstanding pip 102A destined to provide an integral rivet for securing a metallic spring member comprising a rectangular medial portion 106A having integral spring fingers 106 extending longitudinally away, and also upwardly from the plane of the portion 106A.

[0025] The rear wall of the frame 101 is formed with a channel to receive the cap moulding 117 in a fixed position.

[0026] In the end walls 103 of the frame, the slots 118 and recesses 119 are completely open from above and separate clips 123 are provided for retaining the blade units by their ears 114, to the frame.

[0027] The function and operation of the blade units is as described above.

Claims

1. A safety razor head comprising a frame (1,101) and at least one blade unit (5,105), each blade unit (5,105) comprising a blade (7,107) with a sharpened cutting edge (7A,107A) and a blade support (8,108) comprising a platform (9,109) to which the blade is attached with said cutting edge projecting forwardly of the platform, in the shaving direction, and tabs (14,114) formed at opposite ends of said support by which said blade unit is supported in said frame (1,101), the blade support of at least one blade unit further including an integral guard portion (11,111) spaced forwardly of the blade edge, said frame (1,101) comprising an elongated base (2,102) with upstanding walls (3,103) at opposite ends thereof, the inner face of each wall (3,103) having a slot (18,118) formed therein for receiving a respective tab (14,114) of said blade unit, the blade (7,107) and integral guard (11,111) being able to rotate about an axis parallel with and close to the blade edge (7A,107A), characterized in that said spring (6,106) is mounted on said elongated base, said spring (6,106) extending in longitudinal direction of the elongated base (2,102) and bearing upwardly at its ends (6A,106A) for contacting said tabs (14,114) at opposite ends of said blade unit in a manner to enable said blade (7,107) and integral guard (11,111) to rotate as well as to enable translational movement of said blade (7,107) and integral guard (13,113), relative to the frame, under forces encountered during shaving and against the action of the restoring forces of the spring (6,106), in a direction generally perpendicular to a plane defined by the blade edge (7A,107A) and a skin engaging surface of the guard portion (11,111), thus allowing the blade with integral guard, in use, to maintain optimum contact with the varying contours of the skin.

2. A safety razor head according to claim 1, characterized in that each said slot (18,18A) includes a recess (19,119) having forward (21) and rear abutment faces for engaging a portion (12,112) of the blade support to limit rotation of said support during shaving.

3. A safety razor head according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterized in that the blade support (8,108) is of generally L-shaped cross-section, having a first leg constituting the platform (9,109) and a second depending leg (12,112) spaced from the blade edge for limited rotation about said axis.

4. A safety razor head according to claim 3, characterized in that the guard surface is formed by a transitional portion between said first and second legs of said support.

5. A safety razor head according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each tab (14,114) is a projection extending beyond the respective end of the platform (9,109) for contact by end portions (6A,106A) of said spring (6,106).

6. A safety razor head according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said blade support (8,108) is formed as a unitary metal stamping.

Ansprüche

1. Sicherheitsrasiererkopf mit einem Rahmen (1, 101) und mindestens einer Klingeneinheit (5, 105), wobei jede Klingeneinheit (5, 105) eine Klinge (7, 107) mit geschärfter Schneidkante (7A, 107A) und einen Klingenträger (8, 108) aufweist, der eine Plattform (9, 109) aufweist, an der die Klinge so angebracht ist, daß die genannte Schneidkante von der Plattform nach vorne in die Rasierrichtung vorsteht, und mit Streifen (14, 114), die an entgegengesetzten Enden des genannten Trägers ausgebildet sind, durch die die genannte Klingeneinheit in dem genannten Rahmen (1, 101) getragen wird, wobei der Klingenträger der mindestens einen Klingeneinheit ferner ein integrales Schutzteilstück (11, 111) aufweist, das vor der Klingenschneide mit Zwischenabstand angeordnet ist, wobei der genannte Rahmen (1, 101) eine elongierte Basis (2, 102) mit aufrechten Wänden (3, 103) an entgegengesetzten Enden der Basis aufweist, wobei die Innenseite jeder Wand (3, 103) einen darin ausgebildeten Schlitz (18, 118) aufweist, der zur Aufnahme eines entsprechenden Streifens (14, 114) der genannten Klingeneinheit dient, wobei die Klinge (7, 107) und die integrale Schutzeinrichtung (11, 111) um eine Achse drehbar sind, die nahe der Klingenschneide (7A, 107A) und parallel zu dieser angeordnet ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß eine Feder (6, 106) an der genannten elongierten Basis angebracht ist, wobei sich die genannte Feder (6, 106) in die Längsrichtung der elongierten Basis (2, 102) erstreckt und an ihren Enden (6A, 106A) nach oben tragend wirkt, um die genannten Streifen (14, 114) an entgegengesetzten Enden der genannten Klingeneinheit zu berühren, so daß eine Rotation der genannten Klinge (7, 107) und der integralen Schutzeinrichtung (11, 111) ermöglicht wird sowie eine Translationsbewegung der genannten Klinge (7, 107) und der integralen Schutzeinrichtung (13, 113) relativ zu dem Rahmen, und zwar unter den während dem Rasieren auftretenden Kräften und gegen die Wirkung der Rückstellkräfte der Feder (6, 106) in eine Richtung, die allgemein senkrecht zu der durch die Klingenschneide (7A, 107A) und eine Hauteingriffsoberfläche des Schutzteilstücks (11, 111) definierten Ebene verläuft, wodurch ermöglicht wird, daß die Klinge samt der integralen Schutzeinrichtung während der Anwendung einen optimalen Kontakt mit den verschiedenen Konturen der Haut aufrecht erhalten können.

2. Sicherheitsrasiererkopf nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß jeder der genannten Schlitze (18, 18A) eine Vertiefung (19, 119) mit vorderen (21) und hinteren Anstoßflächen zum Eingriff mit einem Teilstück (12, 112) des Klingenträgers aufweist, um die Rotation des genannten Trägers während der Rasur einzuschränken.

3. Sicherheitsrasiererkopf nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Klingenträger (8, 108) einen allgemein L-förmigen Querschnitt aufweist, und zwar mit einem ersten Schenkel, der die Plattform (9, 109) bildet, und mit einem zweiten abhängigen Schenkel (12, 112), der eingeschränkt um die genannte Achse drehbar einen Abstand zu der Klingenschneide aufweist.

4. Sicherheitsrasiererkopf nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Schutzoberfläche durch ein Übergangsstück zwischen den genannten ersten und zweiten Schenkeln des genannten Trägers gebildet wird.

5. Sicherheitsrasiererkopf nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß es sich bei jedem Streifen (14, 114) um einen Vorsprung handelt, der sich über das entsprechende Ende der Plattform (9, 109) erstreckt, um in Kontakt mit den Endstücken (6A, 106A) der genannten Feder (6, 106) zu gelangen.

6. Sicherheitsrasiererkopf nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der genannte Klingenträger (8, 108) als unitäres Metallpreßteil ausgebildet ist.

Revendications

1. Tête de rasoir de sécurité comportant un bâti (1, 101) et au moins une unité de lame (5, 105), chaque unité de lame (5, 105) comprenant une lame (7, 107) à arête de coupe vive (7A, 107A) et un support de lame (8, 108) présentant une platine (9, 109) à laquelle la lame est attachée, ladite arête de coupe saillant en avant de la platine selon la direction du rasage, et des pattes (14) qui sont formées aux extrémités opposées dudit support et par lesquelles ladite unité de lame est supportée dans ledit bâti (1, 101), le support de lame d'au moins une unité de lame comprenant en outre une portion de garde (11, 111), solidaire, espacée, vers l'avant, de l'arête de lame, ledit bâti (1, 101) comprenant une base allongée (2, 102) avec des parois (3, 103) qui s'en dressent à ses extrémités opposées, chaque face intérieure de chaque paroi (3, 103) présentant une fente (18, 118) qui y est formée pour recevoir une patte respective (14, 114) de ladite unité de lame, la lame (7, 107) et la garde (11, 111), solidaire, pouvant tourner autour d'un axe parallèle à l'arête (7A, 107) de la lame et proche de cette arête, caractérisée par le fait que ledit ressort (6, 106) est monté sur ladite base allongée, ledit ressort (6, 106) s'étendant selon la direction longitudinale de la base allongée (2, 102) et appuyant vers le haut à ses extrémités (6A, 106A), pour venir en contact avec lesdites pattes (14, 114), aux extrémités opposées de ladite unité de lame, de façon à permettre à ladite lame (7, 107) et à la garde (11, 111, solidaire, de tourner pour permettre un mouvement de translation de ladite lame (7, 107) et de la garde (13, 113), solidaire, par rapport au bâti, sous l'action des forces rencontrées au cours du rasage et à l'encontre de l'action des forces de rappel du ressort (6, 106), selon une direction, de façon générale, perpendiculaire à un plan défini par l'arête (7A, 107A) de la lame et par une surface de la portion de garde (11, 111) qui vient en contact avec la peau, permettant ainsi à la lame, avec la garde solidaire, de maintenir, en service, un contact optimal avec les différents contours de la peau.

2. Tête de rasoir de sécurité selon la revendication 1, caractérisée par le fait que chaque dite fente (18, 18A) comporte un évidement (19, 119) présentant des faces de butée avant (21) et arrière pour qu'y viennent en prise une portion (12, 112) du support de la lame pour limiter la rotation dudit support au cours du rasage.

3. Tête de rasoir de sécurité selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, caractérisée par le fait que le support (8, 108) de la lame a une section de forme générale en L, présentant une première branche constituant la platine (9, 109) et une seconde branche, (12, 112), suspendue et espacée de l'arête de la lame pour limiter la rotation autour dudit axe.

4. Tête de rasoir de sécurité selon la revendication 3, caractérisée par le fait que la surface de garde est formée par une portion de transition entre ladite première et ladite seconde branches dudit support.

5. Tête de rasoir de sécurité selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisée par le fait que chaque patte (14, 114) est une saillie s'étendant au-delà de l'extrémité respective de la platine (9, 109) pour venir en contact avec des portions d'extrémité (6A, 106) dudit ressort (6, 106).

6. Tête de rasoir de sécurité selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisée par le fait que ledit support de lame (8, 108) est formé comme élément métallique estampé monobloc.

Drawing