EP1203642A2

EP1203642A2 - Connector comprising pin with hollow portion and pin receptacle

Info

Publication number: EP1203642A2
Application number: EP01308952A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Paul Richard c/o Patents Department Dansreau; Thomas Anthony c/o Patents Department Follo
Original assignee: Warner Lambert Co LLC
Current assignee: Warner Lambert Co LLC
Priority date: 2000-10-23
Filing date: 2001-10-22
Publication date: 2002-05-08
Also published as: JP2002177670A; CA2356792A1; EP1203642A3; AU8142801A

Abstract

Shaving devices comprising at least two components (10, 50) which are joined together by at least one and preferably a plurality of snap fit connectors. The preferred connector comprises a pin (11, 13, 15) having a hollow center and an opening (20) along a substantial length of one side of the pin (11, 13, 15). The opposite side of the pin comprises a snap-tab (22) with a lower beveled section. The pins (11, 13) are inserted into corresponding receptacles (51, 53) comprising flared openings with slotted rims. Quick assembly connectors also comprise pins (11, 13, 15) comprising a hollow portion and a side opening (20) which is received within a corresponding receptacle (51, 53, 55).

Description

The present invention is directed to a novel, quick-assembly connector comprising a pin with a hollow portion and a side opening attached to a first element and a receptacle for receiving the pin attached to a second element. The pins of the present invention are particularly useful for assembling shaving devices such as razors.

BACKGROUND

The manufacture of shaving devices such as razors often comprise assembling multiple components. For example, it has been known to use solid or hollow pins for locating components in assemblies. Pins have also been utilized to secure the assembled components by, for example, plastically deforming material to form a "rivet". Plastic deformation of this type can be accomplished by mechanical or chemical methods. For example, some pins have been deformed by press fitting and/or heating, while other pins have been adhesively bonded to their corresponding receptacles, e.g., bosses. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the step of plastically deforming a pin or adhesively bonding components add additional manufacturing operations which increase the time and cost of manufacture. Press fitting of plastic components has shortcomings due to the potential for creep, i.e., material deformation resulting from a continuously applied load. Adhesive bonding of plastic components has shortcomings due to the potential for brittle failure.
Snap fit connectors have also been previously used with assembled products such as razors. Snap fit connectors have used tabs with different orientations to resist assembly failure when loads are applied in different directions. Conventional thought with respect to snap fit connectors suggests that as the required length of the snap-tab increases, the snap-tab must be made stiffer in order to provide adequate holding.
Conventional snap-tabs function by allowing the snap feature to translate due to beam bending along the length of the snap-tab during installation and then return to its original form. With conventional snap-tabs, as pins get longer, the distal end of a pin will inherently become more resilient, i.e. require less force to translate, and were therefore more likely to disassemble undesirably.
It would therefore be desirable to provide a pin and receptacle connector which does not exhibit the shortcomings of these previously known connectors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention comprise at least one pin comprising a hollow portion and a side opening. This pin is received within a corresponding receptacle. Preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise shaving devices comprising at least two components which are joined together by a plurality of snap-fit connectors. In these embodiments, each of the preferred connectors comprises a pin having a hollow portion and an opening along a substantial length of one side of the pin. The opposite side of the pin comprises a snap-tab with a lower beveled section. These pins are inserted into corresponding receptacles preferably comprising flared openings with slotted rims. The configurations described herein makes use of geometric efficiencies of the cross-section to provide adequate holding. The flared openings of the receptacles and the beveled portion of the snap-tab facilitate alignment and insertion of the pin into the receptacle. Moreover, the hollow nature and the side opening of the pin provide a degree of resilience and geometric efficiency, in addition to reducing stress concentrations during the manufacturing process. The pin is allowed to compress, e.g., squeeze together, during installation and then return to its original form. The force applied during installation is different from the forces the parts will experience during use. The pins can therefore be designed to be stiff with respect to the applied forces during use but easily deformed during installation.
One preferred illustrated embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of connectors having side openings, at least two of which face different directions.
These and other embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail below with reference to the Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a razor of one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the top member of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the top member shown in Figure 1.
Figure 4 is another bottom perspective view of the top member of Figure 1.
Figures 5A and 5B are top perspective views of the bottom member shown in Figure 1 (without the handle).
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along lines 6-6 of Figure 5A.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Figure 5A.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view take along lines 8-8 of figure 5A.
Figure 9 is an exploded assembly view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10A is a cross-sectional view of a still further embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10B is an exploded view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 10A.
Figure 10C is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10D is an exploded view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 10C.
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the bottom of a pin of one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a razor of one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a razor of another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a razor of a still further embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative pin and receptacle arrangement of the present invention.
Figure 16 is a bottom perspective view of a pin of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 17 is a bottom perspective view of a pin of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 18 is a bottom perspective view of a pin of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 19 is a bottom view of a pin of the pin shown in Figure 16.
Figure 20-22 are bottom view of pins of alternative embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various embodiments of the present invention utilize connectors for connecting at least two components. The two components can be separately formed or can be physically connected, for example, with a hinge. In the preferred illustrated embodiments, the two components are components of a razor which also comprises an intermediate component.
The various embodiments of the present invention comprise at least one pin having a proximal end attached to a first member and a distal end spaced from the first member. The pin also comprises an exterior side surface and an interior surface between the proximal end and the distal end. The interior surface defines a hollow interior portion. An opening is provided along the side of the pin between the proximal end and the distal end. In preferred embodiments, the opening extends along a major portion of the pin, i.e. greater than 50% of the length of the pin, and most preferably extends along substantially the entire length of the pin.
One preferred illustrated embodiment of the present invention comprises a snap-tab disposed on an exterior side surface proximate the distal end of the pin.
The receptacle which receives the pin preferably comprises a tapered opening in order to facilitate alignment during assembly and may also comprise slots in the portion of the receptacle which first receives a portion of the pin. When a snap-tab is used on the pin, the receptacle also preferably comprises a recess for receiving the snap-tab and/or an engaging surface for engaging a surface of the snap-tab. The engaging surface of the receptacle and the snap-tab can be formed to prevent removal of the pin after engagement thereby providing a permanent connection. Alternatively, the engagement surfaces of the snap-tab and the corresponding engaging surface of the receptacle can be formed, e.g. relatively sloped, to permit disengagement of the pin from the receptacle.
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention in the form of a razor with a handle shown in phantom. This illustrated razor comprises a top portion 10, an intermediate portion 30, and a bottom portion 50. The illustrated bottom portion 50 comprises three receptacles which are generally internally and externally circular but can have any other configurations such as square, rectangular, other polygonal shapes, oval, etc.
The illustrated intermediate member 30 comprises holes corresponding to and aligned with the receptacles of bottom portion 50 so that the intermediate member 30 can be seated around these receptacles. The top component 10 comprises a corresponding plurality of pins designed for snap fit connection with the receptacles of bottom portion 50.
The positioning, shape and general configuration of the illustrated pins is shown in Figures 2-4. Each pin comprises a proximal end 12, a distal end 14, and an exterior surface 16. In this illustrated embodiment, the exterior surface 16 of each pin is generally round, however, the pins can have other external configurations such as oval, rectangular, square, or any other geometric or other shape. These pins also comprises an interior surface 18 defining a hollow portion and an opening 20 extending along the entire side of the pin between the proximal end 12 and distal end 14. The interior surface 18 of this illustrated embodiment is generally in the shape of a U-slot as best shown in Figure 11, however, other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention as discussed in further detail below.
The pins of the present invention are preferably formed of resilient or semi-resilient materials such as materials commonly used with an injection molding process. The receptacles of the present invention may be formed of resilient or semi-resilient materials, such as any materials commonly used with the injection molding process, or may be made from rigid materials such as metals used in machined, stamped, or die-cast processes. The longitudinal, lateral opening 20 of the pin in this illustrated embodiment extends entirely from the proximal end 12 to the distal end 14 but other pins of the present invention such as those shown in Figures 16-18 comprise openings which do not extend the entire length of the pin.
For example, Figure 16 illustrates a pin of one embodiment of the present invention wherein interior surface 118 extends for only a minor portion, i.e. less than 50% of the length of the pin. This illustrated embodiment comprises a slot which extends from distal end 112 for a length less than the length of snap-tap 122. It is also within the scope of the present invention to provide a slot extending more than the length of a snap-tab but only a minor portion of the length of the pin.
Figure 17 illustrates another pin of the present invention wherein a slot defined by internal surface 218 extends a major portion of the length of the pin but less than the entire length. Figure 18 illustrates a still further embodiment herein a slot defined by interior surface 318 extends less than the entire length of the pin, but extends from proximal end 312 to a position corresponding to the bottom of pin supports 328.
The pins illustrated in Figures 2-4 also comprise snap-tabs 22 having a lower beveled guiding surface 24 and an upper sloped engagement surface 26. From the present description, those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the beveled guiding surface 24 of the snap-tab 22 facilitates alignment and insertion of the pins into their corresponding receptacles.
The lateral openings 20 in each of the illustrated pins of the present invention provide an added degree of resiliency to the pin and allow the pin to compress as the pin is inserted into a receptacle. Once the pin has been inserted into the corresponding receptacle, the pin advantageously returns to its original configuration. As best shown in Figures 3 and 4, the openings 20 of the pins of this illustrated embodiment are advantageously oriented in different directions. While the two forward pins 11, 13 comprise openings 20 which face rearwardly, the rearward pin 15 comprises an opening 20 which faces forwardly. The openings of different pins are preferably, but not necessarily, positioned to face in different directions. For example, the openings can be offset by 60 , 90 , 120 , or 180 . Any combination of orientations that sufficiently react to the forces applied to the assembly during use is acceptable.
These pins of the present invention are also advantageously supported by one or more pin supports 28 which engage proximal portions of the exterior surface 16 of the pin. These pin supports 28 also allow material to more easily flow into the distal end 14 of the pin during manufacturing. The supports add stiffness to the geometry of the pin, and are used in conjunction with the pin cross-section and pin length to prevent the length of the pin from deflecting during use of the assembly. The supports also act to provide a bearing surface for the pin to engage against a bearing surface of the receptacle to ensure that a desired installation depth is maintained.
The intermediate component 30 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises two forward holes 31 and 33 and a rearward hole 35 which are adapted to fit snuggle around corresponding receptacles of bottom portion 50 in a manner described below. The intermediate component of this illustrated embodiment also advantageously comprises extensions which extend beyond the forward edge of top portion 10 and bottom portion 50 to engage a razor head (not shown). As used herein, the term "razor head" is meant to include cartridges adapted to be connected to a separate razor as well as the operative cutting portion of a disposable razor wherein the handle and cutting portion are formed as a single unit. From the present description, it will be appreciated that the advantages of the present invention can be realized without an intermediate member or with one or more intermediate members. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the intermediate member 30 comprises holes adapted to fit snuggly around the external surface of the receptacles of rear portion 50. Therefore, the intermediate member 30 does not actually engage a pin, however, one or more intermediate members could engage the lateral sides of a pin and could be provided with members which pass within the openings of a pin without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Figures 5A and 5B illustrate the lower portion 50 of the razor which comprises receptacles for receiving the pins of the upper portion and thereby securely supporting the intermediate portion 30. Though not illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B, the handle portion of the razor can be integrally formed or separately attachable to the lower portion 50. The handle portion could also be integrally formed or attachable to either the intermediate portion or the top portion. The illustrated lower portion 50 comprises three receptacles, two forward receptacles 51 and 53 and a rear receptacle 55. Each of these receptacles is positioned for alignment with the corresponding hole in the intermediate portion 30 and pin of top component 10. The illustrated receptacles are substantially round and comprise a generally round exterior surface 60. Base support sections 70 surround the exterior bases 60 of each of the receptacles to allow material to more easily flow into the receptacles 51, 53, 55 during manufacturing. The supports add stiffness to the geometry of the receptacles and also act to provide a bearing surface for the intermediate element.
As best shown in the cross-sectional views of Figures 6 and 7, the forward receptacles comprise a distal end which advantageously comprises an exterior tapered surface 64 and a beveled interior surface 66. The exterior tapered surface 64 facilitates the alignment and positioning of the hole 35 of the intermediate component 30 during assembly. Similarly, the beveled interior surface 66 facilitates the alignment and insertion of the pins into the receptacle. In this illustrated embodiment, the two forward receptacles comprise slotted rims having a plurality of slots 68. These slots in the rim of the receptacle allow clearance for the pin supports 28 while maximizing the amount of lead-in for alignment and insertion of the pins into the receptacle.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of receptacle 51 and shows the interior portion of the receptacle and engagement surface 69 which engages the corresponding engagement surface 26 of the snap-tab 22 of pins 11 and 13.
Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of rear receptacle 55 and illustrates a simpler design of a receptacle comprising a flush rim 56, beveled interior surface 57, and engagement surface 59.
Figures 9-10D illustrate alternative embodiments of the present invention wherein the elements which are connected by the connectors are illustrated as simple blocks. Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention without an intermediate component. According to this illustrated embodiment, element 110 comprising pin 115 is connected to element 111. In this illustrated embodiment, pin 115 comprises a snap tab with a lower beveled surface 124 and an engagement surface 126.
Figure 10A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention wherein an intermediate member 230 rests against the external surface of a receptacle 251 and is held in position by an element 210 comprising a pin 215 of the present invention. In this embodiment, intermediate component 230 does not contact pin 215 but is maintained in position on second component 251 by first component 210. Figure 10B is an exploded view of this embodiment of the present invention. The shape and geometry of pin 215 is generally round with a slot similar to that shown in Figure 18, but can be any geometry previously discussed with varying slot lengths, e.g., those shown in Figures 16 to 18.
Figures 10C and 10D illustrate a still further embodiment wherein pin 265 of first component 260 passes through intermediate member 280 and then into receptacle 291 of second component 290. In this embodiment, intermediate component 280 is positioned immediately around pin 265. Figure 10D is an exploded view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 10C.
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a pin of the type shown in the embodiment of Figure 1. The slot defined by interior surface 18 is substantially U-shaped. According to this embodiment of the present invention, the slot passes through the entire length of the attachment pin.
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of an attachment pin 315 comprising a downwardly sloped engagement surface 326 which is in surface-to-surface contact with abutment surface 369 of the corresponding receptacle. This surface-to-surface contact is designed to minimize unintentional slippage of the pin after the pin is positioned within the receptacle. If the relative angle between the exterior surface of the pin 315 and engagement surface 326 was sufficiently greater, for example, greater than 135 , then upward pressure on pin 315 would tend to cause relative movement between engagement surface 326 of the pin and surface 369 of the receptacle thereby permitting disengagement.
Figure 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein pin 415 comprises a substantially horizontal engagement surface 423 is positioned within a receptacle comprising a corresponding abutment surface 469. Since the surface-to-surface engagement between surface 423 and surface 469 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of pin 415, forces directed upwardly along the central axis of pin 415 will not tend to displace the pin flange.
A still further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 14 wherein pin 515 comprises a horizontal engagement surface 523 which is in line contact with the edge of an upwardly angled abutment surface 569.
Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein a top cover 610 of a razor comprising an integrally formed pin 615 is engaged with a handle portions 650 comprising a receptacle 640. According to this illustrated embodiment, the handle portion of the razor comprises a resilient member 660, formed for example of a rubber or rubber-like material. When top member 610 is engaged with handle portion 650 and pin 615 is inserted into receptacle 640, resilient portion 660 will yield slightly and then provide continuous upward pressure on top cover 610. This upward pressure provides a tighter fit. Moreover, according to this illustrated embodiment, assembly during manufacturing is simplified by the top surface 623 of the snap-tab which slopes downwardly relative to engagement surface 669 of receptacle 640. During assembly, the upper slope surface 623 will contact engagement surface 669 before pin 615 is inserted completely into receptacle 640. Therefore, if pin 615 was not inserted into receptacle fully, pin 615 will still engage receptacle 640 and maintain top cover 610 in engagement with handle portion 650.
Figure 19 is a bottom view of the pin shown in Figure 11 showing the generally U-shaped slot defined by interior surface 18. As illustrated in Figures 20 to 22, it is not necessary that the interior slot comprise a U-shaped opening. For example, a circular pin 615 can comprise a geometric shaped slot formed of linear segments 618, as in the embodiment of Figure 20. A circular pin 715 can also comprise a generally V-shaped slot defined by line segments 718 as shown in Figure 21 and be provided with a snap-tab 724. Furthermore, the entire pin need not have a generally circular or oval cross-section but can have another shape. As shown in Figure 22, a generally rectangular shaped pin 815 comprises a generally rectangular opening defined by interior sidewalls 818 and further comprises a snap-tab having a lower surface 824. These and other shapes can be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Additionally, while each of the snap-tabs of the illustrated embodiments are provided on an exterior surface of a pin, it is also possible to place a snap-tab on an interior surface of the pin provided that a corresponding engagement surface is received within the slot of the pin in order to engage the snap-tab located on the interior surface of the pin.

Claims

A shaving device comprising a connector for connecting a first member (10) with a second member (50), said connector comprising:

a pin (11,13,15) comprising a proximal end (12) attached to a first member (10) of said shaving device and a distal end (14) spaced from said first member (10), said pin comprising an exterior side surface (16) and an interior surface (18) between said proximal end and said distal end, said interior surface defining a hollow interior portion comprising an opening (20) to said exterior side surface (16), said pins (11,13,15) also comprising an engagement surface (26);

a receptacle (51, 53, 55) for receiving said pin (11,13,15), said receptacle (51,53,55) attached to said second member (50), said receptacle (51, 53, 55) also comprising an abutment surface (59, 69) which engages said engagement surface (26) when said pin (11, 13, 15) is positioned in said receptacle (51, 53, 55).
A shaving device comprising a connector for connecting a first member (10) with a second member (50) according to claim 1 wherein said pin (11, 13, 15) is selected from a curved interior surface (18), a substantially U-shaped interior surface or a snap-tab (22).
A shaving device comprising a connector for connecting a first member (10) with a second member (50) according to claim 1 wherein said connector is a snap-fit connector.
A shaving device comprising a connector for connecting a first member (10) with a second member (50) according to claim 1 wherein said receptacle (51, 53, 55) is selected from a slotted upper rim, an exterior tapered surface (64) or a beveled interior surface (66).
A shaving device comprising a connector for connecting a first member (10) with a second member (50) according to claim 1 further comprising an intermediate member (30) disposed at least partially between said first member (10) and said second member (50).
A shaving device comprising a connector for connecting a first member (10) with a second member (50) according to claim 1 wherein said shaving device comprises a plurality of said connectors.
A shaving device comprising a connector for connecting a first member (10) with a second member (50) according to claim 1 wherein said hollow interior portion is selected from a substantially U-shaped cross-section, a substantially rectangular shaped cross-section, a substantially V-shaped cross-section.
A connector for connecting a first member (10) with a second member (50), said connector comprising:

a pin (11, 13, 15) comprising a proximal end (12) attached to a first member (10) and a distal end (14) spaced from said first member (10), said pin (11, 13, 15) comprising an exterior side surface (16) and an interior surface (18) between said proximal end (12) and said distal end (14), said interior surface (18) defining a hollow interior portion, said hollow interior portion comprising an opening to said exterior side surface (18), said pin also comprising an engagement surface (26);

a receptacle (51, 53, 55) for receiving said pin (11, 13, 15), said receptacle (51, 53, 55) attached to said second member (50), said receptacle (51, 53, 55) also comprising an abutment surface (59, 69) which engages said engagement surface (26) when said pin (11, 13, 15) is positioned in said receptacle (51, 53, 55).