GB2413980A

GB2413980A - Razor head

Info

Publication number: GB2413980A
Application number: GB0410578A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ian Stephen Bell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-05-12
Filing date: 2004-05-12
Publication date: 2005-11-16
Also published as: GB0410578D0

Abstract

A cutting head for a razor comprising: a support structure 6; at least one cutting blade 8 mounted on the support structure 6, the at least one cutting blade 8 having at least one cutting edge 10; wherein there is provided at least one high friction member on the support structure 16 which is located in front of the cutting edge 10 of the cutting blade 8. When the cutting head is in use, it slides over whilst frictionally engaging with the surface 20 of the skin of a user in order to stretch an area 24 of the skin being passed over by the cutting edge 10 of the cutting blade 8 to cut any protruding hairs in that area. To make the surface 20 in that area 24 of the skin flatter, there is provided a plurality of high friction members 26 located in at least one row, which may be straight, along a substantial portion of the length of the cutting edge 10 of the cutting blade 8. In addition, there is provided a low friction member or members which surround the blade on the razor head. Further embodiments include a razor head where the low and/or high friction members can slide pivot, twirl, rotate or any combination thereof.

Description

241 3980

RAZOR HEAD

The present invention relates to razors for shaving hair off skin, and in particular, to razors for shaving hair off the body, face and legs of a human, and more in particular, to a razor head for a razor.

A typical design of razor is shown in Figures I and 2 hereto which arc described in detail below.

One problem with shaving is that the surface of the skin is rarely flat, particularly on the face and neck. Wrinkles and lines develop as the skin ages. In addition, with age, the skin loses its youthful smooth texture and taughtness over the part of the body it covers. This makes it difficult to shave hair to remove it from the surface of the skin, for example, if the hair was growing out of the skin from a location within a crevice or a wrinkle.

Existing designs of razor try and reduce the friction between the razor head and the surface of the skin. This can be done by the use of shaving foam and lubrication strips mounted on the razor head. This allows the razor head to slide more easily over the surface of the skin. However, it does not assist in helping to cut hair located in difficult position such as the hair growing out of a crevice or a wrinkle in the skin.

Thcrelore, there is often provided a single high friction member on the razor head, across the full width of the razor head, ahead of the cutting edge of the blade in order to stretch the skin across which the cutting blade is travelling in order to assist in the cutting of the hairs in the area of skin being stretched.

It is understood that any part of a razor head which makes contact with the skin of a person will have some small amount of frictional engagement with the surface ol the skin. However, in existing designs of razor heads where there is no high friction member (and excluding the cutting edge of the blade), the friction is small causing minimal or no stretching of the skin as it is passed over the skin unless excessive pressure is placed on the razor head to push it against the surface of the skin to the extent that it is uncomfortable to the user. The application of such pressure is then likely to result in the cutting edge of the blades digging into and cutting the skin preventing them from performing their intended cutting action.

Therefore, the addition of a high friction member to the razor head which has a Efficiently high friction coefficient in relation to skin causes the skin to be stretched as it passes over the surface when a typical amount of pressure is applied to the razor head in order to push it against the surface of the skin whilst still being comfortable to the user and enabling the cutting edge of the blade to slide freely over the skin in order to perform a cutting action.

Ideally, the friction between the high friction member and the surface of the skin should not be reduced or is reduced only slightly when shaving foam or cream or the like is used in the shaving process. This enables the high friction member to operate when the user has applied shaving foam or the like to the surface of the skin prior to using the razor.

However, the high friction member often removes any shaving foam or gel or the like from the surface of the skin as it passes or slides over the skin. When the high lliction member extends across the whole width of the cutting edge of the blade, as it slides over the surface of the skin, it will remove the majority of any shaving foam or cream off the surface of the skin in its path, or push it to one side, before the blade engages with any hair. Thus the use of a high friction member counteracts the benefits gained by the use of shaving foam or gel or the like.

One of the functions of the shaving foam or cream is to keep the hair to be cut moist and to reduce the sensation felt by the user caused by the cutting of the hair. Therefore, its removal immediately prior to cutting will not impede the cutting action of the blade or the reduction in pain due to the use of the cream.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cutting head for a razor comprising: a support structure; at least one cutting blade mounted on the support structure, the at least one cutting blade having at least one cutting edge; wherein there is provided at least one high friction member on the support structure which is located in front of the cutting edge of the cuttmg blade and which, when the cutting head is in use, slides over whilst frictionally engaging with the surface of the skin of a user in order to stretch an area of the skin being passed over by the cutting edge of the cutting blade to cut any protruding hairs in that area, in order to make the surface in that area of the skin hatter characterized in that there is provided a plurality of high friction members located in at least one row along a substantial portion of the length of the cutting edge of the cutting blade.

The use of a plurality of high friction members allows some of the shaving gel or foam or the like to pass between the high friction members and engage with the blade. This allows the shaving gel or foam or the like to perform its function.

The high friction member may be moveable in relation to the support structure and/or the edge of the cutting blade. However, it is preferable that the position of the high friction member is fixed in relation to the edge of the cutting blade.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cutting head for a razor composing: a support structure; at least one cutting blade mounted on the support structure, the at least one cutting blade having at least one cutting edge; a low friction member located on a trailing edge ofthe support structure; charactersed in that there is further provided low friction members on the support structure on each side of the at least one cutting blade.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a cutting head for a razor comprising: a support structure; at least one cutting blade mounted on the support structure, the at least one cutting blade (8) having at least one cutting edge; at least one low friction member located on the support structure; characterized in that the low friction member is moveably mounted on the support structure.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cutting head for a razor comprising: a support structure; at least one cutting blade mounted on the support structure, the at least one cutting blade having at least one cutting edge; at least one high friction member located on the support structure; characterized In that the high friction member is moveably mounted on the support structure.

It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that the low friction member can, amongst other things, be mounted so that it can slide across the surface of the support structure, be moved mto and out of the support structure either to alter the amount by which it protrudes or to compensate for wear, and be latched in various positions relative to the support structure.

Five embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings of which: J:dgure I shows a side view of a prior art design of disposable razor; Figure 2 shows a view of the front of the razor head which lies against and moves over the skin of the person being shaved of the prior art design of disposable razor shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a view of the front of the razor head according to the present invention which lies against and slides over the skin of the person being shaved; Figure 4 shows a cross sectional view of the razor head in the direction indicated by Arrows C in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a close up of the high friction strip as shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the present invention wherein there is provide a plurality of high friction members; Figure 7 shows a third embodiment of the present invention where the lubrication strip surrounds the blades; and Figure 8 shows a fourth e nbodiment of the present invention where the lubrication strip is moveably mounted on the razor head.

Figures I and 2 show an existing design of razor. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the razor comprises a handle 2 attached to which is a razor head 4. The razor head 4 can rigidly fixed to the handle 2 or can be pivotally mounted on the handle 2 so that it pivots h1 a direction indicated by Arrow A in Figure 1.

Figure 2 shows the side 12 of the razor head 4 which is pressed against and pulled along the surface 20 ol the skin of the user when shaving.

The razor head 4 comprises a support structure 6 supported by which are two cutting blades 8. Each cutting blade 8 has a cutting edge 10 formed along one side of the cutting blade 8 which projects at an angle from the support structure 6 generally in the direction which the razor head 4 is intended to be pulled across the surface of the skin.

in the design of razor shown, the edge 1() of the blades 8 project forward of the support structure G. However, in alternative designs, they are slightly recessed so that the support structure 6 is located forward ofthe cutting edge 10.

The two cutting blades 8 are parallel to each other and are angled relative to the surface of the side 12 of the razor head 4. The edges 10 of the blades 8 are located within a plane which is parallel to the surface 12 of the razor head 4.

A lubrication strip 14 is located above the two blades 8 which passes over the surface of the skm after the blades 8 have passed over that same surface.

In use, the face 12 of razor head 4 is pulled in the direction of Arrow B over the surface of skin to be shaved. As it is pulled across the surface, the support structure 6 is engagement with and slides over the surface of the skin. The two blades 8 cut any hairs projecting Irom the surface of the skin as the edges 10 of the blades 8 pass over the skin. The lubrication strip 14 then passes over the surface where the blades 8 have cut the hairs.

The support structure and handle are made of moulded plastic.

Figures 3 shows the face 12 ol the razor head according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Where the same features are present In the first embodiment which are present is the prior art design shown in Figures I and 2, the same reference numbers have been used.

The razor head 4 comprises a support structure 6 mounted onto which are two blades 8, each with a cutting edge 10 In a similar manner to that of the prior art razor shown in Figures I and 2. A lubrication strip 14 is mounted on the face 12 of the razor head ul a similar manner as to the prior art design. However, the lubrication strip 14 has been extended so that it now extends along the sides of the surface 12 of the razor head, down the sides of the blades 8, as well as across the top as shown in Figure 3.

Tllough shown as a single strip 14 in Figure 3, it will be obvious to the reader that the additional parts of the lubrication strip 14 located down the sides of the face 12 can be separate individual lubrication strips.

A strip 16 of friction material is attached to the face 12 of the support structure below the blades so that it passes over the surface of the skin prior to the blades 8 when the razor blade is in use. The width of the strip 16 of friction material is greater than that of the blades 8. This ensures that all of the skin over which the blades 8 pass is first passed over by the strip I G of friction material. !

Figure 4 shows a vertical cross section of the razor head 4 along the section indicated by Arrows C In Figure 3. Figure 5 shows a close up of the prosaic of the strip 16 of friction material.

The strip 16 of friction material comprises two ridges 18 which run the length of the strip 16 of friction material parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the strip 16. The strip 16 is made from rubber. Alternatively, any material which has a relatively high coctficent of friction with skin can be used.

In use, the face 12 of razor head is place against the surface 20 of the skin to be shaved and then pulled in the direction indicated by Arrow B. The strip 16 of friction material, the two blades 8 and the part of the lubrication strip 14 located at the top of the face 12 as shown in Figure 3 pass over the surface 2() of the skin in that order. As the strip 16 of friction material slides over the skin, it frictionally engages with the skin. As the skin can move in relation to the part of the body which it covers, the skin is dragged by the strip 16 of friction material, only sliding past it when sufficient pulling resistance is generated by the attachment of the skin to the body part. This results in the area 24 of skin immediately after the strip 16 of friction material (shown as the region 24 in Figure 4) being held taught. The two cutting blades 8 then pass over the taught section 24 of skin, cutting the hairs projecting from it. After the blades 8, the lubrication strip 14 passes over the skin.

As the skin is being held taught as the blades 8 pass over it, any hairs located in difficult positions such as in a crevice will be made more accessible to edge 10 of the cutting blades, thereby providing a closer shave.

By having a lubrication strip 14 pass over the skin after the blades, it minimizes the friction between the support structure 6 and the skin. By extending the lubrication strip 14 along the sides of the face, none of the support structure need come into contact with the surface 20 of the skin, resulting in a high friction strip ahead of the blades and a low friction surface everywhere else in engagement with the surface of the skin.

Usually, when a person shaves, a shaving foam or gel is used on the surface 20 of the skin. This provides two benefits. Firstly, it moistens the hair making it less painful to the user when shaving. Secondly it acts as a lubricant, allowing the head of a razor to slide more easily over the surface of the skin. The strip 16 of friction material according to the first embodiment of the present invention, scrapes the shaving foam and gel off the surface 20. The two ridges 18 assist in performing this function.

It Will be appreciated however that the shaving foam or gel need not be removed by the strip 16 of friction material so long as the strip 16 of friction material makes a good frictional contact with the skin as it passes over it.

A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 6. Where the same features are present in the second embodiment which were present is the first embodiment shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, the same reference numbers have been used.

The second embodiment is very similar to the first embodiment. However, the strip 16 of friction material in the first embodiment has been replaced by seven smaller sections 26 of frictional material located h1 a line below the blades 8. The profile of each of the sections 26 across the width of the sections is the same as that of the strip of friction material in the first embodiment. The sections 26 of frictional material act to stretch the skin behind it as the sections 26 pass over the skin in the same manner as the strip of friction material in the first embodiment. However, by having spaces between tile sections 26, shaving loam or gel can pass through the spaces and be left of the surface of the skin until the edges 10 of the blades 8 pass over that part ol the surface.

A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 7. Where the same features are present in the third embodiment which were present is the first embodiment shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, the same reference numbers have been used.

The third embodiment is very similar to the first embodiment. However, the lubrication strip 14 now completely surrounds the cutting blades 8 as shown in Figure 7. The skin is first stretched by the strip 16 of friction material prior to the lubrication strip 14 passmg over it. Then the blades 8 pass over the surface 20 cutting the hairs protruding from it. Finally, the lubrication strip 14 located behind the blades 8 pass over the surface 20 of the skin.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 8. Where the same features are present in the third embodiment which were present is the prior art shown in Figure 2, the same reference numbers have been used.

The fourth embodiment is the same as the prior art design except for the lubrication strip 14 which has been slideably mounted on the support structure 6. The lubrication strip 14 can slide between a first position 50 (shown by the solid lines) and a second position 52 (shown by the dashed hnes) by the user depending on their preference. The lubrication strip can be latched in either of the two positions 50. 52 to hold it in place.

The precise mechanism by which the lubrication strip 14 is slideably mounted onto the frame is not disclosed but such mechanisms would be obvious to a person skilled in the art once the concept is understood.

As an alternative or in addition, the lubrication strip 14 could be mounted so that it can he withdrawn into or projected further out from the support structure 6.

A fifth embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

The fifth embodiment is similar to the second embodiment of the present invention and comprises a razor head wherein the sections 26 of high frictional material are shdeably mounted on the support structure 6.

As an alternative or in addition, the sections 26 could be mounted so that they can be withdrawn into or projected further out from the support structure 6.

It will be understood by the reader that the first, second and third embodiments of the razor head as described above could be made without the strip 16 of friction material or sections 26 of frictional material incorporated, the rest of the overall structure remaining the same.

Claims

I A cutting head for a razor comprising: a support structure (6); at least one cutting blade (8) mounted on the support structure (6), the at least one cutting blade (8) having at least one cutting edge (10); wherein there is provided at least one high friction member on the support structure (6) which is located in front ol the cutting edge (10) ol the cutting blade (8) and which, when the cutting head is In use, slides over whilst frictionally engaging with the surface (20) of the skin of a user in order to stretch an area (24) of the skin being passed over by the cutting edge ( 10) of the cutting blade (8) to cut any protruding hairs in that area, in order to make the surface (20) in that area (24) of the skin flatter characterized in that there is provided a plurality of high friction members (26) located In at least one row along a substantial portion of the length of the cutting edge ( 10) of the cutting blade (8).
2 A cutting head for a razor as claimed in claim I wherein the row is substantially straight.
3 A cutting head for a razor as claimed h1 either of claims I or 2 wherein the row is parallel to the cutting edge ol the cutting blade.
4 A cutting head for a razor as claimed in any of the previous claims wherein, in use, the skin located in the area (24)is stretched taught.
A cutting head for a razor as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein the high friction members (26) are integral with the support structure (6).
6 A cutting head for a razor as claimed in any one of claims I to 4 wherein the high friction members (26) are separate from but attached to the support structure (6).
7 A cutting head for a razor as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein the high friction members (26) comprises a plurality of ribs (18) which run substantially parallel to the cutting edge ( 10) of the blade (8).
8 A cutting head for a razor as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein, in use, the high friction members (26) remove any shaving foam or gel or the hke from the surface (20) of the skin in the areas where each high friction member (26) passes over the skin.
9 A cuttmg head for a razor as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein there is provided a low friction member (14) on the support structure which is located behind the cutting edge ( 10) of the cutting blade (8) and which, when the cutting head is in use, slides over the skin after the cutting edge (10) of the cutting blade (10).
A cutting head for a razor as claimed in claim 9 wherein there is further provided low friction members ( 14) on the support structure on each side of the cutting blade (8).
11 A cutting head tor a razor as claimed in claim 10 wherein all the low friction members (14) are interconnected.
12 A cutting head for a razor as claimed in either of claims 10 or I I wherein the blade (8) is completely surrounded by a number of low friction members or a single low friction member (14).
13 A cutting head for a razor as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein the majority of the parts of the cutting head, excluding the high friction members (26), which engage with the skin, are covered by a low friction material ( 14).
14 A cutting head for a razor as clanged in any one of the previous claims wherein all of the parts of the cutting head, excluding the high friction members (26), which engage with the skin, are covered by low friction material (14).
A cutting head tor a razor as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 14 wherein one or more of the low friction members and/or high friction members (26) is moveably mounted on the support frame.
16 A cutting head for a razor comprising: a support structure (6); at least one cutting blade (8) mounted on the support structure (6), the at least one cutting blade (8) having at least one cutting edge (10); a low friction member (14) located on a trailing edge ofthe support structure (6); characterized m that there is further provided low friction members (14) on the support structure (6) on each side of the at least one cutting blade (8).
17 A cutting head as claimed in claim 16 wherein all the low friction members (14) are interconnected.
18 A cutting head lor a razor as claimed m either of claims 16 or 17 wherein the blade (8) is completely surrounded by a number of low friction members or a single low friction member ( 14).
19 A cutting head for a razor as claimed m any one of claims 16 to 18 wherem one or more of the low friction members is moveably mounted on the support frame.
A cutting head for a razor comprising: a support structure (6); at least one cutting blade (8) mounted on the support structure (6), the at least one cutting blade (8) having at least one cutting edge (I O); at least one low friction member (14) located on the support structure (6); characterized in that the low friction member (14) is moveably mounted on the support structure (6).
21 A razor head for a razor blade wherein the low friction member can shde, pivot, twist or rotate, or any combination thereof, relative to the frame in any direction relative to the frame.
22 A cutting head for a razor comprising: a support structure (6); at least one cutting blade (8) mounted on the support structure (6), the at least one cutting blade (8) having at least one cutting edge (10); at least one high friction member located on the support structure (6); charactensed n1 that the high friction member is moveably mounted on the support structure (6).
23 A razor head for a razor blade wherein the high friction member can slide, pivot, twist or rotate, or any combination thereof, relative to the frame in any direction relative to the frame.